Of Judgment and the punishment of Sins
God is patient, says St. Augustine, because He is eternal. But after the days of patience shall come the day of justice; terrible, inevitable day, when all flesh shall appear before the king of eternity, in order to render an account of their works, and even of their thoughts. Transport yourself in spirit to that formidable moment; see how the dust of the tombs is stirred, and how the dead from all quarters rush to the feet of the Sovereign Judge. Then all secrets are brought to light, the conscience has no longer any darkness, and each one awaits in silence the fate which is to be allotted to him forever. The two cities separate; the great sentence is pronounced; it opens heaven to the just, and falls upon sinners with all the weight of eternal reprobation, Surrounded by the faithful angels and by the brilliant body of the elect, Jesus Christ reascends to His glory. Satan seizes his prey and drags it into the abyss. All is consummated for ever. There remain now but the joys of heaven and the despair of hell. Whilst you are still on the earth the choice between those future abiding places is left to you choose then; but remember there can be no repentance beyond the grave.
~Thomas à Kempis–Imitation of Christ Bk I, Ch XXIV reflection.
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