Watts - BX5200 .W3 1813 v.7

180 THE WORLD TO COME. I. What are the evils or grand inconveniences that generally flow from the pains we suffer here ; and as we go we shall sur- vey the satisfactions which -arise by our freedom from them all in heaven.H. What just and convincing proofs may be given that there are no such uneasy sensations tò be felt in heaven, or to be feared after this life III. What are the chief reasons-or designs of the blessed God in sending pain on his creatures in this world ; and at the same time I shall skew that pain is banished from the heavenly state, because God has no such designs remaining to be accomplished in that world. IV. What lessons we may ,learn from the painful discipline which we feel while we are bere, in order to shew there is no need of such discipline to teach us those lessons in heaven. Let us address ourselves to make these four enquiriesin their order. SECTION I.First. " What are the evils which flow from . pain, and usually attend it in this life ; and all along as we go we shall take a short view of the heavenly state, where we shall take a short view of the heavenly state, where we shall be re- leased from all these evils and inconveniences." 1. " Pain has a natural tendency to snake the.mind sorrow- ful as well as the body uneasy," Our souls are so nearly united to flesh and blood, that it is not possible for the mind to possess perfect happiness and ease, while the body is exposed to so many occasions of pain. It is granted, that natural courage and strength of heart may prevail in some persons to bear up their spirits under long and intense pains of the flesh ; yet they really take away so much of the ease and pleasure of life, while any of us lie under the acute sensations of them. Pain will make us confess that we are flesh and blood, and force us sometimes to cry out and groan. Even a stoic in spite of all the pride of his, philosophy, will sometimes be forced by a sigh or a groan, to confess himself a man. What are the greatest part ofthe groans and outcries, that are heard all around this our globe of earth, but the edicts of pain, either felt or feared. But in heaven, where there is no pain, there shall be no sighing or groaning, nor any more crying, as my text expresses. There shall be nothing to make the flesh or the spirit uneasy, and to break the eternal thread of peace and pleasure that rttns through the whole duration of the saints : Not one painful mo- ment to interrupt the everlasting felicity of that state. When we have done with earth and mortality, we have done also with sick -, cress and anguish of nature, and with all sorrow and vexation . for ever. There are no groans in the heavenly world to break. in upon the harmony of the harps and the songs of the blessed; no sighs, no outcries, no anguish there to disturb the music and the joy of the inhabitants. And though the soul shall be united, to the body new- raised from the dead to dwell for ever in union,

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