he is, and we shall be like him. The circumstances of the heavenly state, if I may so speak, are hidden from us; but this which constitutes the essence of it, we can form some faint apprehension of from our present experience. All that deserves the name of happiness here, consists of such conceptions of Jesus, and such measures of conformity to him, as are attainable while in a mortal and defiled nature. But we see him only as in a glass, darkly and in part, but when that which is perfect arrives, that which is in part shall be done away. We shall be all eye, all ear, all activity, in the communications of his love, and in the celebration of his praise. Here we are almost upon a level with worms; there we shall rise to an equality with angels. In some respects our privilege will be superior to theirs. Angels cannot sing the song of the redeemed, nor claim so near a relation to Him that sitteth upon. the throne. Are not these things worth dying for? I congratulate you, madam; you have almost finished. your course; and he who has enabled you to keep the faith, and to fight the good fight, will shortly give you the conqueror's crown, prepared for you, and for all who love his appearing. They are many crowns, and yet one. The blessings of the other world are not like the wealth of this world, which is diminished in proportion to the numbers among whom it is divided. There each one shall possess the whole; as here we enjoy the light of the sun, though millions enjoy it with us, as fully as we could if there were none upon earth but ourselves to see it. You will likewise soon be removed from all evil. You are going where pain, and sickness, and sorrow, and temptation, and sin have no place.— Where your eyes and your heart will be no more grieved with the wickedness of the world, where no one will ask you with a taunt, What is thy beloved more than another beloved? In a word, where death shall be swallowed up in life, and where the miserable effects of our fall from God, shall be no more perceived, than we can perceive a stone that is sunk in the midst of the mighty ocean. I do not ask nor expect you to write an answer. I see you too weak, to wish to impose such a task upon you. I only beg that while you stay below, you will remember me and mine in prayer. Mrs. N- sends her affectionate remem brance with mine. Believe me to be, Your sincere friend, and obliged servant. |