HAPPINESS OF SEPARATE SPIRITS. World, and such presidencies over 'some parts of our world, ott of their own. Do we not real of Gabriel and Michael, and their management of the affairs of Persia, and Greece, and Judah, in the book of Daniel? And it is an intimation of the same hierachy, when some superior angel led on a multitudeof the heavenly host to sing an hymn of praise at Bethlehem, when the Son of God was born there; Luke ii. 9, 13. Now if angels are thus dignified, may not human spirits unbodied have the same office? Our Saviour, when he rewards ,the faithful servant that had gained tenpounds, bids him take authority over tencities ; andhe that had gainedfive, had five cities under his government ; Luke xix. 17, &c. So that this is not a mere random thought, or a wild invention of fancy, but patronised by the word of God. Among the pleasures and engagements of the upper world, there shall be always something new and entertaining ;: for the works and the dominions of God are vast beyond all our comprehension. And what aperpetual change, what a glorious but improving rotation of businesses and joys shall succeed one another through the ages of eternity, we shall never know till we.come among them. This thought leadsmeta the last particu- lar, viz. 1V. The perfection which the blessed spirits enjoy, gives room for large additions and continual improvement. Their knowledge and their joy may be called perfect, because there is nomixture of error or sorrow with it; and because it is sufficient every moment for the satisfaction of present desires, without an uneasiness of mind. But it may be doubted whether any crea: ture ever was, or ever will be so perfect, that it is not capable of addition or growth in any excellency or enjoyment. Theman Christ Jesus, in his present glorified state, has not such a perfection as this. He waits daily to see his Father's promises fulfilled to him; he waits till all things are put under him, and his enemies be made his actualfootstool: But we know that all things are not yet put under him; Heb. ii. S. that is, all the nations are not yet subject to his spiritual kingdom, nor become obedient to his gospel. As fast as his kingdom grows on earth, so fast hishonours and his joys arise ; and he waits still for the complete union of all his members to himselfthe sacred head : He waits for the morning of the resurrection, when he shall be glorified in the bright and general assembly ofhis saints, and ad- mired in all them that believe; 2 Thess. i. 10. O that illustrious and magnificent appearance ! That shining hour ofjubilee, when the bodies ofmillions of saints shall awake out of the dust, and be released from their long dark prison When they shall encompats and adore Jesus their Saviour and theirGod, and acknowledge their new life and immortal state to
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=