It need not, however, be any matter of regret to us, that we are not to expect this reward; since, on our dismission from the body, we shall instantly be in Paradise ; and at the day of resurrection, we shall have our bodies raised to a participation of our bliss.]
3. Made him a most distinguished monument to the whole world, of the love he bears to those who seek communion with him —
[We know but little of the state of those who are gone into the invisible world, though we believe, from the word of God, that they are completely happy. But here is an evidence to our very senses, that none shall be suffered to " seek God's face in vain." Who, after beholding such an interposition of the Deity, such an honour conferred on a " man of like passions with ourselves," can doubt one moment of the acceptance which all shall find, who serve their God in sincerity and truth b?
* 1 Cor. xv. 55. y 1 Tim. vi. 16. z 1 Cor. xiii. 12.
8 Exod. xxxiii. 23. b Isai. lxiv. 5.
In this view then we may consider his reward as an earnest of ours. We shall not be left without many expressions of God's love even in this world, if we endeavour to walk closely with him. But, whether our present state be more or less joyous, we are sure that in the eternal world we shall not lose our reward. We need only to consider the exalted condition of this distinguished saint and we may see in him the blessed- ness reserved for us.]
Infer,
1 . What an honourable character is the Christian !
[We consider those as honourable who associate with great men on earth : but the Christian has higher company than earthly monarchs ; he walks with God himself; and God is not ashamed to call him his friend0. In some sense, the Christian is already translated into God's kingdom d, and ad- mitted into the heavenly Zion, and joined to the society of glorified saints and angels e.
Let every one then walk worthy of this high calling ; and, in a dignified contempt of all inferior objects, endeavour to attain this sublime privilege in its highest perfection.]
2. What a happy character is the Christian !
[His singularity may bring upon him much odium and persecution. But what need he to regard the frowns of men, who enjoys fellowship with God? One smile from his almighty Friend is sufficient to counterbalance all the indignities that can possibly be cast upon him. Yet, after all, Ins happiness in this world is but as the drop before the shower. When he has filled up the measure of his obedience, God takes him to himself; a band of angels are sent to bear .his spirit to the regions of the blest. It must not be said of the Christian, " He dies;" but merely, that " God translates him" from a world of sin and misery, to a world of blessedness and glory. " Such honour have all his saints ; " God grant it may be ours for ever and ever! Amen.]
c Heb. xi. 1G. James ii. 23. John xv. 15. d Col. i. 13. e Heb. xii. 22, 23.