August 5 — On the good Things of our Lord in the Land of the Living

Consider, first, that the things which are most apt to allure the children of this world, and to draw their affection after them are honours, riches and pleasures; but their error is, that the seek these things where they are not to be found, and suffer themselves to be imposed upon by' false appearances. True honours, true riches, and true pleasures, are not to be found in the broad road of the world, nor in the ways of sin; but are to be met with, together with all other good things, in the land of the living. Here all the inhabitants are advanced to the highest dignity, even to a fellowship with the living God, and a partnership with Jesus Christ in his throne. Here all are most noble and most renowned, most wise and most holy. Here all are of blood royal, children and heirs of the King of kings. All are kings and queens, crowned for ever with wreaths of immortal glory, and shining far more brightly than the sun. These are honours indeed, and truly worthy of the Christian’s ambition. And all these, O my soul, if thou pleasest, may be thine for ever.

Consider, secondly, the riches that flow in this happy land of promise, where the inhabitants want nothing, covet nothing, and enjoy all things. This beatitude of the saints is called in Scripture a kingdom; and such a kingdom indeed it is, to all those happy souls, as in plenty of all things, wealth, power, greatness, and endless duration, infinitely exceeds all the kingdoms of the world. It is likened to a treasure of immense value, which all the riches of the world are not worthy to purchase. For the riches of this kingdom are of a far superior kind to all earthly treasures: gold and precious stones are valued no more than dirt here, where the inhabitants have the stars under their feet. The great treasure of the blessed is the eternal possession of God himself, with all his riches. And, O my soul, what more can be desired?

Consider, thirdly, that this heavenly land flows also for ever with the milk and honey of pure and immortal delights, pleasures Md foys. For here all are eternally inebriated (according to me Psdmist) with the plenty of God!s house, and are made tc dpnk of the torrent of his pleasure: For here unth him is the Jfoflife, (Psalm xxxv.) yet, the great river of the water which proceeds from the throne of God and of m Lamb, to water all the streets of the heavenly Jerusagrowing upon its banks, with all the y o Us excellent fruits, Apoc, xxii. And this same is that torrent of pleasure, that eternally flows (bringing with if all these delicious fruits) into the souls of God’s servants, quite replen ishing them, and filling brim full all their powers, senses and faculties, with inconceivable delight. O, who would not gladly part with all the satisfactions this world can afford for such immortal pleasures as these!

Conclude to be no longer a slave to worldly toys, vain honours, false riches, and fading pleasures; but to turn away, without loss of time, from this Egypt, that can afford thee nothing but muddy water, incapable to quench thy thirst, and to bend thy course towards thy true country, where thou shall meet with all thou canst desire, and that for eternity.