We live in troublesome times, in a troublesome world. But still we have much to be thankful for, notwithstanding all, and we have a blessed hope of things infinitely better in the world to come. I delight to think of those blessed scenes, and am persuaded that we all of us lose much for want of reverting to them more frequently. With heaven in our eye, how cheerfully are we enabled to march forward; how courageously do we charge through all opposing difficulties; how contemptuously do we look upon the things of time and sense! Here was the grand support of the Redeemer; “_For the joy which was set before him_ he endured the cross, and _despised_ the shame.”
I have lately been very much gratified by reading a piece of Dr. Watts’ on the Separate State. We are apt to form too spiritual notions of the world to come, and, consequently, having nothing upon which we can solidly ground our investigations, we lose much of the interest and delight which would otherwise be imparted. When the _literal_ meaning of Scripture seems to be absurd, we think we are fully justified in seeking other interpretations; but to reject the plain and obvious sense merely because it interferes with our pre-conceived notions of the subject, is, in my opinion, quite unwarrantable. We read of _cities_, _temples_, _altars_, _mansions_, _feasts_, _trees_, and _rivers_. And no doubt but many of our enjoyments will be exceedingly similar to those which _Adam_ enjoyed on earth, when in a state of innocence; and it is very probable that the employments which _engage us now_ will _fit us_ for similar _hereafter_. All our peculiarities of mind and disposition will have room for their full exercise: the traveller may be permitted to take excursions into distant worlds. The _philosopher_ may pursue, without limitation, the investigations of science and of art. _The soul which is enchanted with_ harmony, may, like David, be the leader of some celestial band; and the _divine_ will be delighted with fresh discoveries into the nature, the attributes, the perfections, of his God; while the other myriads of beings, each in their proper class and society, will be enjoying to the utmost of their capacity the blessings which are most calculated to administer to their delight.