June 8

"Thy people also shall be all righteous; they shall inherit the land forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified." -- Isa. 1x. 21.

AMIDST the storms and tempests of life with which the Christian pilgrim is beset, how delightful is it for him to retire to the peaceful streams of that river which makes glad the city of God! Here he experiences a foretaste of those enjoyments which are in reserve for him in the heavenly paradise. Let us now contemplate heaven in

THE PERPETUITY OF ITS JOYS. "They shall inherit the land forever." Observe

The place of destination. "The land." The land of Canaan was typical of the heavenly state in many points of view. It is a joyful land. There is every thing to produce the highest pleasure and satisfaction — as they are free from sin, out of the reach of sorrow, and in close and uninterrupted communion with God. It is an extensive land. Here our enjoyments are limited and partial; there they shall be full and unbounded. It is a peaceful land. There universal harmony prevails, and the mind is calm and unruffled as the face of nature on a quiet summer's evening. It is a holy land. As there is no sorrow to disturb, so there is no sin to defile.

The manner of possession. "They shall inherit the land." They shall enter on it, not by natural right, but by gracious permission; by virtue of their adoption into the family of God. "If children, then heirs." They shall inherit it as they are chosen by the sovereign will of the Father, ransomed by the precious blood of the Son, and renewed by the gracious power of the Spirit.

The term of enjoyment. "Forever." It is an inheritance cemented by age, and enhanced by enjoyment. The most beautiful garland which the world can weave soon withers on the brow of him who wears it, and is fastened with a thread which is liable to break at every breeze; but eternity is the knot that binds the crown of life, that diadem of glory which fadeth not away.

THE DESIGN OF THE WHOLE. "That I may be glorified." But how is this the case? God is glorified

In the salvation of his Son. The name, character, government, and perfections of the Deity are glorified in the redemption of Christ.

In the work of grace. In the conversion of every sinner, and in the maturing of the graces in every believer, glory redounds to God.

In the eternal praises of his people. Where the heart has been opened by the power of God's grace, the mouth will be open in the celebration of his glory. Praise is the very employment of heaven; and glory to God will be the theme of every tongue, the feeling of every heart, and the burden of every song.