CHAPTER III.

Of the relative worth of the divine excellences which have already been noticed, and of those which are yet to be enumerated, it is somewhat difficult to speak. Whether love, or holiness, or intelligence, should take the precedence in the arrangement, however, is quite immaterial. Like as eternity is ofttimes shadowed forth, and not inaptly, by a circle, so the assemblage of graces on which it is here presumed to offer a few remarks, may be considered as commingling and uniting, so as to form one perfect whole, after a similar manner. At best, heavenly things are only to be designated and illustrated by such comparatively poor objects as earth places at our disposal; and, therefore, in treating of infinite perfection-which to finite minds, at least, consists of many details— some order and arrangement is to be observed. The very necessity of the case requires a begin

ning and an end. The defectiveness of language, and the finite conceptions of the human mind, impose such obligations; and, therefore, of the relative importance or excellence of the several virtues or qualities of mind of which it is proposed to treat, no particular notice need be taken. They will briefly be discussed in such order as occurs to the mind of the writer, and are to be regarded as the fragment of a whole, or as an attempt at shadowing forth that perfection which is otherwise indescribable.

To use the language of earth, not only one of the most illustrious but of the most specific features of heaven, will indisputably be perfect holiness. Without holiness, it has been expressly and most emphatically declared, no man shall see the Lord. Consequently, the negation of all evil dispositions which was before stated as constituting a body of divine knowledge with regard to the future world of which we were possessed, strictly applies to that affection of the mind which infers an utter rejection of every impurity, and an innate delight in all that is good.—What the sovereign Disposer of the universe has laid down as an imperative condition, on no account whatever to be violated, will most assuredly be exacted, and must, from an equal necessity, be right, and just, and good.

To know that nothing unholy can enter into

the New Jerusalem, neither anything that defileth, or that maketh a lie, of itself forms a pledge of infinite comfort and satisfaction. And of a negative character although it be in some respects, that is, in regard to our not understanding the extent of perfect holiness; yet the certainty that whatever militates in the slightest proportion against that degree thereof with which we are acquainted, shall be for ever excluded from heaven's confines, is an assurance of the most significant and comprehensive character. Though the tares and the wheat in this world derive a common benefit from the ordinances of an all-bounteous Giver; refreshing showers and the light of heaven falling equally on the just and on the unjust; yet this equalizing dispensation and commingling of the good with the wicked shall not last for ever. The bad example of the one, and the holy influences of the other, that is, their mutual influences, in due season, will certainly come to a perpetual end, and a final division and eternal separation be made. "In the time of harvest," says the eternal Word, "I will say to the reapers, gather together, first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn." And again the Spirit saith, "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still."

The very circumstance of holiness militating in the most formidable manner with the whole catalogue of earthly corruptions, would seem to entitle this cardinal excellence to the precedence which has here been given to it. To none other of the divine perfections is earth's clime more adverse, or its enmity more unequivocally displayed; every imagination of man's heart being alike evil and unholy. There may be the outward appearance of love and joy, and many other praiseworthy emotions; but this is one which appertains to the very heart and its issues-which human wickedness cannot counterfeit, and which reigns alone in the affections, modelled after his spirit, whose name is love, and whose very essence is holiness. "Out of the heart," saith the Scripture," proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies." In short, from the corrupt source of an unsanctified or unholy heart flow all the mischiefs which distract communities, or embitter the happiness of individuals. To the sovereign arbiter of both, alone belongeth holiness now, although, when that period shall have arrived of which we are writing, holiness shall universally prevail. In the bright regions of eternal day, instead of every imagination of man's heart being only evil continually, as now, every feeling of his renovated nature shall vibrate

and respond to that holiness which shall pervade and surround the whole family of created beings, no less than their ever-blessed Creator.

Together with holiness, the beatitude of the new creation will be exhibited amid a fervency of love unknown to any other clime, save that of heaven. The cold affinities and lukewarm affections of earth's inhabitants towards heavenly things, will all be exchanged for that embodied expression of love, which, as it can only emanate from the Father of spirits, so will it now, under that supreme and ever-present influence, expand into all its indigenous grandeur and eminencereceiving and giving back, in never-intermitting supplies, those exalted charities which grace began, and glory consummated. Nor intelligence nor good-will will then be overcast, or shrouded with the discordances which now perplex and mar the fairest, loveliest, and most valuable of earth's scenes, but all will be unanimity, and peace, and joy.

How few the hearts are, that truly beat in unison upon earth, it is melancholy to reflect. Yet amid the multitude of failures-failures resulting from unnumbered imperfections-some few there are can tell how sweet that cup is, connubial bliss when pure bestows,-can estimate the exalted joys which spring from fond affection. To live,