the redeemed in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so to be ever with the Lord?

Look then to the centre of the soul, for he who speaks with the still small voice is there, (being the most inward,) if we would but regard it! That we may not be of the number of those, who have received the mark of the beast, that were to be cast into the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone, but of those who drink of that river which is pure and clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and the Lamb. Where there will be no need of candle, neither light of the sun, for the Lord God giveth them light, and they shall reign for ever and ever. (1)

This is that eternal and spiritual land of peace which Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, with all the glorified spirits inhabit, and where we also shall gain an entrance and

(1) Rev. 22. 1-5.

be partakers of their bliss, if we go on from conquering to conquer, till faith be swallowed up of victory. Come then all that are athirst, and take of the water of life freely, for he that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I will, says the Almighty, be his God, and he shall be my son. (m)

(m) Rev. 21. 7.

D

Chapter XF.

IF the soul now begins to see a greater necessity for a complete death and a perfect conformity to the Cross of Christ, let not the hindering things of time intercept its way, but be willing to count all things loss for the excellency of him, of whom the Apostle said, I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ. (n) That we may enter upon a strict enquiry into our heart, and search it as with the candle of the Lord, that every thing that is impure may be done away, purging out all the old leaven, that we may be made a new lump. (o) Seeing there is no safety in

(n) Phil. 3. 8.

(0) 1 Cor. 5. 7.

anything, save in the cross, let us flee to it, that the enemy may not gain any access or influence over us; but let us die daily to the evil which still exists in us. For "if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death; we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection." (p)

And though discouragements may at times arise through the subtlety of the enemy, yet if we are favoured to persevere in this true path of self-denial, taking up our daily cross, we shall partake of the divine presence shining in our hearts, invigorating and refreshing us, as the dew of Hermon, which descended upon the mountains of Zion; and as the showers upon the tender grass, strengthening and supporting the drooping spirits. It is good, says the Prophet Jeremiah, "that we should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord." (q)

(P) Rom. 6.5.

(q) Lam. 3. 26.

It is in this state of holy dependance that we shall know his will concerning us, that we may delight to do it, and bring all our own will to the subjection of this cross, for without him we can do nothing; refuse not him then that speaketh from heaven. But let us come to mount Sion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. To the general assembly of the church of the first born which are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, which speaketh better things than that of Abel. Seeing we also are encompassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and run with patience the race that is set before us, looking up to him who is the author and finisher of our faith.

Let us proceed cheerfully in the strait way of resignation, striving against sin,