TAE SAINT'S REST. 25 when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child ; but when I became a man, I put away child- ish things. For now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then shall I know even as also I am known. "(k) Marvel not therefore, Christian, how it can be "life eternal to know God and Jesus Christ.(/) To enjoy God and Christ, is eternal life ; and the soul's enjoying is in knowing. They that savour only of earth, and con- sult with flesh, think it a poor happiness to know God. "But we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness; and we know that the Son of God is cone, and hath given us an under- standing that we may know him that is true; and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life."(m) 11. The memory will not be idle, or useless, in this blessed work. From that height the saint can . look behind him, and before him. And to compare past with present things, must needs raise in the bless- ed soul an inconceivable esteem and sense of its con- dition. To stand on that mount, whence he can see the wilderness and Canaan both at once; to stand in heaven and look back on earth, and weigh them to- gether in the balance of a comparing sense and judg- ment, how must it needs transport the soul, and make it cry out, Is this the purchase that cost so dear as the blood of Christ ? No wonder. O blessed price ! and thrice blessed love, that invented and condescended! Is this the end of believing? Is this the end of the Spirit's workings? Have the galés of grace blown me into such an harbour ") Is it hither that Christ hath allured my soul? O blessed way, and thrice blessed end? Is this the glory which the scriptures spoke of, and ministers preached of so much ? I see the gospel is indeed good tidings, even tidings of peace and good things, tidings of great joy to all nations ! Is my (k) I Cor. xiii. 8.-12. (l) John xvii. S. (m) 1 John v. 19, £0> 1 D
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