fisc. rx.] NO PAIN AMONG THE BLESSED. 493 thewisest philosopher to inform you by all his learned language. Yet that I may proceed regularly, I would just give you this short description of it. " Pain is an uneasy perception of the soul, occasioned by some indis- position of the body to which it is united ;" whether this arise from some disorder or malady in the flesh itself, or from some injury received from without by wounds, bruises, or any thing of the like kind. Now this sort of uneasy sensation is not to be found or feared in heaven.. In order tò make our present meditations on this part of the blessedness of heaven useful and joyful to us while we are here on earth, let us enquire: I. What are the evils or grand inconveniences that ge- nerally flow from the pains we suffer here and as wego we shall survey the satisfactions which arise by our free- dom from them all in heaven. II. Whatjust and convincing proofs may be given that there are no such uneasy sensations to be felt inheaven, 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 shew 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 dis- cipline which we fee: while we are here, in order to shew there is no need of such discipline to teach us those les- sons in heaven. Let us address ourselves to make thew four enquiries in 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 be released from all these evils and inconveni- ences." 1. " Pain has a natural tendency to make the mind sorrowful as well as the body uneasy." Our souls are so nearly united to flesh and blood, that it is not possible for the mind topossess 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 ; vet they really take
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