SEftM. `CL.] THE LIVING ABOVE THE DEAD. 183 jects, or occasions, or seasons proper to excite them. Therefore the saints above are not defective in any vir- tue or grace, though they have no actual exercise of se- veral of them in heaven. So God himself would not be in himself less merciful if he appeared in any province of his dominion where there was no creature in misery, and consequently no proper object for mercy. He is a God of infinite compassion and forgiveness still, though he has no immediatenew exercises of them in heaven, in a world where no sinners are : for sin and misery are the only proper occasions of forgiveness and mercy. Thus the saints in heaven are perfect in grace and holiness, even though there are no proper objects or occasions, for this holiness or this grace to manifest itself in such peculiar instances as I have been describing in this dis- course. Objection II. How can it be said, that a living Christian has any advantage above the dead ? Is not 'heaven better than earth? And upon that account, is not death often represented to us under most pleasing colours in the gospel, as it is an escape from the sins and sorrows ofthis present state, and as it conveys us into the world of blessed spirits, where there are infinite advan= tages above any thing to be enjoyed in this life ? Answer. Though the living saint has some advantages which the dead cannot partake of, yet it is very true, that the honours, the pleasures, the joys, the perfections, and the advantages of heaven, when "summed up toge- ther, are far more and greater, and are infinitely prefer- able to those on earth ; but they are not all of the same kind. When we compare the state of grace and the state ofglory together, we may boldly say, the state of glory bas vastly the preference; and St. Paul himself thought so, Phil. i. 21, 23. To be dissolved, and to be with Christ, is far better" than to dwell in this sinful world. He asserts it, that death would be his own gain ; yet still be allows there are some advantages of this life, which death would deprive him of; for, says he, " for me to live in the flesh, will be for the honour of Christ in his churches; and I shall have this fruit of my life, even the furtherance of your . faith and joy ;" verses 22, 25. Whenwe are encouraging Christians to live above the fear of death, we represent to them all the glories and.
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