ithout this, your preaching
will profit you nothing, even if others are saved by your eloquence.

* Matt. v. 19.

CHAPTER XIX.

THE GLORY OF THE VIRGINS AND RELIGIOUS.

Here are two other bright throngs that present themselves. They are
the holy Virgins and the Religious. Let us first contemplate the
bright glory of the virgins. I quote again from the Apocalypse: "And
I heard a great voice from heaven. . . . And the voice which I heard
was as the voice of harpers, harping upon their harps. And they sang
as it were a new canticle before the throne. . . . And no man could
say that canticle but those hundred and forty-four thousand. These
are they who were not defiled with women: for they are virgins. These
follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth."*

* Apoc. xiv.

These evidently form a distinct class in heaven. It is composed of
both men and women who never married, nor lost their virtue by actual
sin. I speak here of such as these, and not of any others. Hence, we
must exclude from this class all little children, who died before
they could be responsible for their deeds; for, though they all died
virgins, their virginity, which was a gift of nature, does not
deserve a "crown of justice." Wherefore, in this place we shall
consider the excellent glory of those only, who, having grown to the
age of discretion, led a life of purity, and died virgins. Evidently
these alone have purchased the glory promised to virgins. Many of
them led holy lives while living in the world--either with or without
vow; while the great majority were so enraptured with the beauty and
purity of Jesus, that they cheerfully gave up all the lawful
pleasures of the world, and consecrated themselves to Him by the vows
of poverty, chastity, and obedience. In this life of suffering and
self-denial they persevered unto the end.

Their day of trial and suffering is now over, and they are rewarded
with exceeding glory. Clad in their white robes, which denote the
spotless purity of their lives, they enjoy a peculiar and intimate
union with Jesus, their beloved Spouse. While on earth, they would
have no other spouse but Him. They consecrated themselves to Him, and
he accepted the noble sacrifice. By His grace he sanctified and
beautified them, and made them worthy of the special glory they now
enjoy. How beautiful they are! How glorious! They are the lilies of
heaven. In the words of the Holy Ghost, we may exclaim: "O how
beautiful is the chaste