[2.] Now it is not full. There is a defect both in the pipe and the vessel ; we cannot contain all that he is able to give out, nor can the means convey it to us. The means are as narrow conduits from the fountain, or as creeks from the sea. The fountain could send forth more water, but the pipe or conduit can convey no more. The sea could pour a greater flood, but the creek can receive no more. When God dispenseth himself by means, either in a way of punishment or blessing, he doth not give out himself in that fulness and latitude a.s when he is all in all. In punishing the wicked here, he punisheth us by a creature. A giant striking with a straw cannot put forth his strength with it. So in blessing, no creature nor ordinance can convey all the goodness of God to us. Therefore now we have an imperfect power against sin, imperfect peace and comfort in our consciences, an imperfect love to God ; but when our communion is immediate, then will it be full. We converse with Christ without let and impediment, and he maketh out himself to us in a ^eater latitude and fulness than now.
[3.] Our communion with Christ is often interrupted ; but in glory we shall enjoy his company for ever, and shall have constant and near fellowship : 1 Thes. iv. 17, ' We shall be ever with the Lord.' That day is never darkened with cloud or night ; we shall meet, and never part more ; all distance is gone, and weakness is gone, and we shall everlastingly abide before his throne.
2. Why God's children count themselves not at home till they are admitted into this perpetual society with Christ.
[1.] Because this is the blessedness which is promised to them.
10 SERMONS UPON 2 CORINTHIANS Y. [SeR. IX.
And therefore they expect it, and thirst after it : John xii. 26, ' Where I am, there shall my servant be.' It is our duty to follow him where- ever he leadeth us here, and it is our happiness to be with him for ever hereafter. We often look upon the happiness of heaven, as it freeth us from all pains and torments. No, the chiefest part is to be with Christ. Our glory and happiness consists much in being in his corn- pan}'. So when he maketh his last will and testament : John xvii. 24, ' Father, I will that those whom thou hast given me may be where I am, and behold my glory.' That is it ; he prayeth they may be brought safe there, and be happy for evermore.
[2.] This is that which is highly prized by them, to be where Christ is. Why is this so much prized by true christians ?
(1.) Out of thankfulness to Christ's delighting in our presence. Therefore much more should we delight in his. He longed for the society of men before the creation of the world: Prov. viii. 31, ' I rejoiced in the habitable parts of the earth, and my delights were with the sons of men.' Christ delighted in all the creatures, as they were the effects of his wisdom, and goodness, and power ; but chiefly in men, as they were the objects of his grace, capable of Grod's image and favour. Thus he longed for the company of men before the world was. When the world was once made, he delighted to appear in human shape before his incarnation ; as Gen. xviii., a man appeared to Abraham, and he is called Jehovah ; and Zech. i. 10, 11, ' And the man that stood among the myrtle-trees, answered and said, Tliese are they whom the Lord hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth.' As if he would try how it would fit him to become bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh. When the fulness of time was come, John i. 4, ' the AYord was made flesh, and dwelt among us' as long as it was necessary. When he departed, he had a mind of retm'ning ; before he went away, and removed his bodily presence from us, his heart was upon meeting and fellowship again, and getting his people to him : John xiv. 2, ' In my Father's house are many mansions ; I go to prepare a place for you ; I will come again, and receive you to myself, that where I am you maj' be also.' Until the time that the meeting cometh, he vouchsafeth his powerful presence to us : Mat. xxviii. 20, ' Lo, I am with you to the end of the world.' He would never have gone from us if our necessities did not require it ; it was necessary that he should die for our sins. That nothing might hinder our believing and coming to him, it was necessary that he should go to heaven. If our happiness had lain here, he would have been with us here ; but it doth not, it is reserved for us in the heavens; therefore he must go there to prepare a place for us. Before he went he desired we might be there where he is ; as if he could not take content in heaven till he hath his faithful with him. Now he is gone away, he will tarry no longer than our aA'airs require. To have our souls with him, that doth not content him, till he come and fetch our bodies also, that we may follow him in our whole person, and then we and he shall never part, when all the elect shall meet in one common rendezvous and congregation. Now shall not all this breed a reciprocal affection in us ?