The sentence pronounced at the Last Judgment will be one of perfect justice. Every little circumstance will be taken into account; inherited charater, natural disposition, fierce passions, favorable or unfavorable circumstances, early training, opportunities of grace, sacraments, temptations, everything. All who are lost will confess that they have been treated with perfect justice, that it was their own fault, that it was they who condemned themselves to eternal separation from God.

The sentence will be not only just but merciful. All the lost will acknowledge that their punishment is less than they deserved. They will recognize an element of mercy, and will be forced amid their despair and hatred of God, amid their curses and blasphemies, to confess that they have been leniently dealt with in comparison with their sins.

The sentence will be irrevocable. Even at the Particular Judgment the soul will know its final destiny. But at the General Judgment the sentence will be confirmed and ratified in the presence of the holy Angels and the assembled crowd. How strange is it then that in view of this we take so little trouble to secure a favorable sentence!

Pray that to you may be addressed the gracious words: "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy Lord."