nd unending "while of eternity!"--to be _for ever with the
Lord_--the same unchanged and unchanging Saviour!

"A little while, and ye _shall_ see me!" Would that the eye of faith
might be kept more intently fixed on "that glorious appearing!" How the
world, with its guilty fascinations, tries to dim and obscure this
blessed hope! How the heart is prone to throw out its fibres here, and
get them rooted in some perishable object! Reader! seek to dwell more
habitually on this the grand consummation of all thy dearest wishes.
"Stand on the edge of your nest, pluming your wings for flight." Like
the mother of Sisera, be looking for the expected chariot.

"HE IS FAITHFUL THAT PROMISED."

28TH DAY.

"Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said"--

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."--Matt. v.
8.

The Beatific Vision.

Here Is Heaven! This "word of Jesus" represents the future state of the
glorified to consist not in locality, but in character; the essence of
its bliss is the full vision and fruition of God. Our attention is
called from all vague and indefinite theories about the
_circumstantials_ of future happiness. The one grand object of
contemplation--the "glory which excelleth," is _the sight of God
Himself_! The one grand practical lesson enforced on His people, is the
cultivation of that purity of heart without which none could _see_, or
(even could we suppose it possible to be admitted to _see_ Him) none
could _enjoy_ God! "The kingdom of Heaven cometh not with observation
... the kingdom of God is _within_ you."

Reader, hast thou attained any of this heart-purity and
heart-preparation? It has been beautifully said that "the openings of
the streets of heaven are on earth." Even here we may enjoy, in the
possession of holiness, some foretaste of coming bliss. Who has not felt
that the happiest moments of their lives were those of close walking
with God--nearness to the mercy-seat--when self was surrendered, and the
eye was directed to the glory of Jesus, with most single, unwavering,
undivided aim? What will Heaven be, but the entire surrender of the soul
to Him, without any bias to evil, without the fear of corruption within
echoing to temptation without; every thought brought into captivity to
the obedience of Christ; no contrariety to His mind; all in blessed
unison with His will; the whole _being_ impregnated with holiness--the
intellect purified and ennobled