Chap. 16.] EXEMPLIFIED. 259 those lines will soon be wiped out. But lift up thy head and look to heaven, and see thy name written in golden letters in the book of life of the Lamb that was slain.' What if an angel should tell thee, that there is a mansion in heaven prepared for thee, that it shall certainly be thine for ever ; would not such a message make thee glad'? And dost thou make light of the infallible Word of Promise, whichwas de- livered by the Spirit, and even by the Son himself ? Sup- pose thou hadst seen a fiery chariot come for thee, and fetch thee up to heaven, like Elijah ; would not this rejoice thee ? But thy Lord assures thee, that the soul of a Lazarus hath a convoy of angels to carry it into Abraham's bosom. Shall a drunkard be so merry among his cups, or the glutton in his delicious fare, and shall not I rejoice, who must shortly be in heaven ? Can meat and drink delight me when I hunger and thirst ? Can I find pleasure in walks and gardens, and convenient dwellings ? Can beautiful objects delight my eyes ; or grateful odors my smell ; or melodymy ears ? and shall not the forethought of celestial bliss delight me ? Me- thinks among my books I could employ myself in sweet content, and bid the world farewell, and pity the rich and great that know not this happiness ; what thpnwill my hap- piness in heaven be, where_my knowledge will be perfect ! If ' the queen of Sheba came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon,' and see his glory ; how cheerfully should I pass from earth to heaven, to the glory of the eternal majesty, and attain the height of wisdom, compared with which the most learned on earth are but fools and idiots ! What if God had made me comman- der of the earth ; what if I could ' remove mountains, heal diseases with a word or a touch, or cast out devils,' should I not rejoice in such privileges and honors as these, and shall I not much more rejoice that my name is written in heaven? I cannot here enjoy my parents, or my near and beloved friends, without some delight ; especially, when I did freely let out my affection to my friend, how sweet was that exercise of my love ! O what will it, then, be to live in the perpetual love of God ! ' for brethren to dwell together in unity here, how good and how pleasant it is !' To see a family live in love; husband and wife, parents, children, and servants, doing all in love to oneanother ; to see a town live together in love, without any envyings, brawlings, or con-
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