November 21

PART II.—John 5:20.

HEAVENLY felicity is sometimes represented as consisting in delightful visions. Of these visions, Jesus is invariably the object which is to be beheld. Job anticipated seeing God, his living Redeemer. The Psalmist speaks of awaking in his likeness, and being satisfied. Isaiah predicts that we shall "see the King in his beauty." The apostle says, "we shall see him as he is."

"There we shall see his face,

And never never sin;

And from the rivers of his grace

Drink endless pleasures in."

Yes, eternal ages will be spent in gazing upon the uncreated beauties of the Lamb who sitteth upon the throne for ever and ever. The service of heaven is the service of the Lamb. Before him all the hosts of heaven fall, and worship, and adore. His name forms the theme of all their anthems of praise; and in the resplendent rays of his glorious countenance they bask with infinite delight. If heaven is Paradise, then Jesus is the tree of life, in the midst thereof. Is it a temple; then he is the glory of it. Is it a world of light and splendour; that light is not derived from the sun or moon; for the "Lamb is the light thereof." The enjoyment of eternal life, is the enjoyment of Christ. The full possession of his glorious image, and the rich effusions of his love and favor. As he is the sum of bliss, so his immutability will render it unchangeable, and his own eternity will be the date of their felicity. They shall live with him, see him, and be like him, and enjoy him for ever. Because he lives, they shall live also. By receiving Christ now, we receive the promise, the pledge, and the first fruits of eternal life. For "Jesus is the true God and eternal life."