y, nor
learning, nor any other endowment, can replace virtue, while it alone
can, to a great extent, supply all other deficiencies. Hence it is,
that when depraved persons are in the society of the good, they feel
compelled to be guarded in their words and actions. They must put on
an exterior appearance, at hast, of virtue, well knowing that
otherwise their presence would be extremely offensive, and calculated
to mar the pleasures of others.

When we meet with one who is evidently a man of God, one whose every
word is instinct with the spirit of God, whose whole exterior
betokens the intimate union of his soul with God, in whose very
countenance the beauty of angelical purity shines forth, we deem it a
happiness to spend a few moments in his society. The pleasures
enjoyed in his company are not only exquisite--they are also
sanctifying. If that is so in this world, where all holiness is
imperfect, what shall we say of the pleasures of heavenly society?
Holiness is an essential attribute of every inhabitant of heaven.
They are all pure; for none else can see God. They are all made
partakers of the Divine Nature in a far higher degree than is
attainable in this world, and consequently they are all clothed with
the spotless purity of God himself. Not only are they all pure, but
they are, moreover, totally free from those natural defects of
character, which, in this world, make many holy persons unamiable,
and even repulsive. As nature is not destroyed, but perfected by
glory, our natural character will not be destroyed by our union with
God. But whatever is faulty in it, or offensive to others, will
disappear, leaving it amiable and perfect in its own kind. Hence, our
social intercourse with the saints will ever be the source of the
purest pleasures.

2. Learning, in those with whom we associate, is another source of
pleasure. We can sit for hours listening to the interesting
conversation of a learned man, even if he lacks virtue, and only
wears its exterior appearance. In such a man's society we drink in,
as it were, torrents of pleasures, which are among the most rational
we can enjoy in this world. If these pleasures are so exquisite here
below, where, after all, the wisest know so little, what shall we say
of those same pleasures in heaven? There all are learned, all are
filled with knowledge, though all do not possess it in the same
degree. Nevertheless, each one's knowledge will be a source of
pleasure to others