24 THE HABITATION

THE HABITATION "My people will live in peaceful habitations, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest." Isaiah 32:18

Here on earth, many of the Lord’s people have but a poor cottage, some a mere hovel, and some have been obliged to hide themselves from persecution in dens and caves of the earth! How many deep needs and ungratified desires—we may now have! But in Heaven, the poorest saint will have a mansion—a magnificent dwelling-place; in comparison with which the most imperial palaces of earth will look poor and beggarly! The dignity of our nature will be raised to the exact resemblance of Jesus! No wish for an alteration will ever arise, no desire for a change will ever be felt!

Look around you, aged Christian, at your inconveniences, at the many causes of discomfort; they will soon be left behind you, and you will inhabit a mansion especially prepared for you by Jesus!

Look around at your present poor habitation; and then look UP—and remember that you will soon be in a mansion; a mansion to which the most splendid of earthly palaces will bear no more resemblance, than the light of the glow-worm does—to the light of the sun at noon.

Blessed, thrice blessed Jesus—what great love you have for me! Not only to die for my sins and quicken my soul; but to go and prepare a mansion for me—a mansion in your Father’s house!

Believer, no longer complain of your lot; no longer think your trials heavy, or your privations great; it is but a little while—and your beloved Lord will call to you, saying, "Come up hither—and enter into the joy of your Lord!" What joy is that! What tongue can tell, what heart can conceive, what the joy of the Lord is! But, however pure its nature, however exquisite its sweetness, however vast its degree—it will be ours, and ours very soon! Joy of Jesus! you are my portion after death—and then forever!

"He led them forth by the right way—that they might go to a city of habitation." Psalms 107:7