March 10

"And afterward receive me to glory." — Psalms 73:24.

THE thoughts, contemplations, and desires of the generality of mankind are bounded by time, and riveted to earth; but not so with the Christian: he pursues a nobler course, breathes in a purer atmosphere, and is allured to brighter worlds; and, adopting the sentiment of Asaph, he exclaims, "Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory." God ensures to his people

FUTURE GLORY. Let us remark

The prospect. "Glory." Heaven is often thus described by way of eminence. It is glory's native seat. Every object and association connected with it is glorious. The condition to which we shall be raised, the powers with which we shall be endowed, the visions we shall behold, the discoveries we shall make, the occupations in which we shall be engaged, and the company with whom we shall mingle, all will be glorious.

The introduction. "Thou shalt receive me." Believers are first received into a state of grace, and then into a state of glory. They are received as an act of sovereign love and mercy, received with the approving smiles of God, the shouts of angelic hosts, and the welcome of redeemed spirits.

The period. "Afterward." Why does not God take his people to glory immediately on their conversion? To answer his own wise ends and purposes. They are instrumental in carrying on his cause on earth. He works in them at conversion, and by them afterward. Remember, then, it is in God's time you are to be taken home; heaven will be delightful when you are best prepared for it: the child would pluck the apple while it is green, but its taste would be more agreeable if he would wait till it is ripe. Glory will be yours, after your work is done, your graces tried, and your patience perfected.

"These glories shine and pleasures roll, That charm, delight, transport — the soul; And every panting wish shall be Possest of boundless bliss in Thee."