2. Let us press forward more earnestly after the happiness reserved for us —
[Who can conceive the blessedness of that state to which we are hastening ? If " eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor heart conceived the things which are enjoyed by God's people in this present world," how much less can any just conception be formed of their future state? If the possession of" the first-fruits be so glorious, what must the harvest be ! If the privilege of being God's children be so delightful now, that the very hope of it raises us above all the joys or sorrows of this present world, what shall the full manifestation of it be when all the interests of time and sense are for ever passed away ? Let us then survey more and more the blessedness of heaven, where we shall behold face to face that Saviour who died for us, and be with him for ever, possessing, according to their capacity, all the fulness of his beauty, his felicity, and his glory. Dear brethren, let this prospect swallow up every inferior consideration, and animate us to run with ever in- creasing diligence the race that is set before us. Let us " forget all that is behind, and reach forward to that which is before, and press on with all imaginable ardour for the prize of our high calling in Christ Jesus." And, in the desire of that full blessedness, let us cry continually with the beloved Apostle, " Come, Lord, and take me to thyself; yea, come, Lord Jesus, come quickly."]
300