THE HAPPINESS OF SEPARATE SPIRITS. 395 of souls, though with much more success in the last than in the first. Now,though all ,the spirits in heaven enjoy the general happiness. of the love of God and Christ, and the plea- surable review of providence ; yet. inay we not,suppose these spirits have some special circumstances of sacred pleasure, suited to their labours and studies in their state of trial on earth ? .Por the church on earth is but a train- ing-school for the church on high, and as it were a tiring room in which we are Brest in proper habits for our ap- pearance and our places in that bright assembly. But some will reprove nie here,' and say, what must none but ministers,' and authors, and learned men have their distinguished rewards and- glories in the world of spirits? May not artificers, and traders, and pious women be; fitted by their character and conduct on earth for pe- culiar stations and employments in heaven ? Yes doubtless, their zeal for. the honour ofGod, their fervent love to Christ, their patience under long trials, and the variety of their graces exercised according to, their stationson earth,. may renderAhem peculiarly fitted for special rewards on . high : The wisdom of God will not be at a loss to find out distinguishing pleasures tò recompense them all; though where the very station and, business of this life is such as makes a nearer approach to the blessedness . and business of heaven, it is much easier for us to.guess at the nature of that future recom{ pence.. Let me ask my own soul then., "soul what art thou busy about? What is thy chief employment during thy present state of trial.? I hope thou art not making pro- vision' for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof; for then thou art fit for no place in heaven, the doors will. be for ever shut against thee. But what,special works of the spirit art thou engaged in ? : Dost thou redeem., what hours thou art able from the necessary businesses of life, to do more immediate service.for God, to converse with things heavenly ?:. Art thou seeking to gain a proper, rneetness for the sublimer employments of that upper world,, and a. relish of the most refiined. pleasures ?" But I proceed to the second particular: II. The perfection of the spirits above, not only ad- mits of a rich variety .Q f.entertainments, according to the
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