heaven more. That they sought, "by faith," all the while, accounting themselves but "strangers and pilgrims" upon the earth. When a Believer's mind becomes loosened from this world, he aspires after a "better country-that is, a heavenly." We see that this world is called " a country;" while yonder, it is designated "My Father's house;" "a city;" "a kingdom;" "a purchased possession;" and "many mansions," Compared to these, Canaan was altogether poor and limited. This world is also contracted. What is it when compared with the residence of Jehovah? Only those who have passed through the "waters of sin," where the soul cries out as David did, "All Thy waves and Thy billows are gone over me!" know how precious that rest will be, which remains in their Father's house. At times, this thought becomes to the Believer a something too great to bear. Robert Hall, during his last illness, suf To fered much from pain in the head, and he was heard to murmur,"Oh! Gabriel, bind not the crown so tightly on my brow; it presses me to agony!" Still it is the dazzling glory of the vision that allures the Christian onwards. In the glimpse he obtains, he sees already the place of God's feet made glorious. He beholds where there shall be rest for the "one flock," under One Shepherd. secure that rest must be the chief object of all strivings now. In one sense it is well if present scenes discontent us; if the weary way harass and afflict us; for, only on reaching our home will the toil of the journey cease, and the sounds of war be hushed for ever! Christ, our Mediator before the throne, is the golden link, between the present and the future; and the ways He takes with His own true followers are various, but sure, binding them eternally to Himself. XVII. Rest for the Affections. "THIS is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it."-PSALM CXxxii. 14. "They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."-GALATIANS v. 24. BEYOND the parting and the meeting Beyond the farewell and the greeting, I shall be soon. Love, rest, and home! Sweet hope! Lord, tarry not, but come. SEVENTEENTH DAY. IMMANUEL is the supreme object of the Believer's love. He has taken Christ's name. He has professed his faith in Christ's finished work. He is guided and comforted by Christ's revelation. The world, which once he loved, he has now renounced; and his affections, which were once divided between the creature and his Saviour, are now fixed only upon Christ, the Rock of Ages. The teachings of Divine Truth have now wrought effectually with the soul of the Believer; and since "old things have passed away," his most cherished enjoyments spring from the same source,—the Word of God. "Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: Thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness." But the true ground for rejoicing in the tabernacles of the righteous, is the certainty that Jesus is now entered "within the veil," and is become the soul's Forerunner and Advocate there. He is gone to prepare a place for us! This is the "rest" his faith lays hold of; and this is the "rest" his hope is waiting for. Bunyan says, “Faith cometh by hearing; hope, by experience. Faith hath respect to the truth of the Word; hope, to its fulfilment. Faith lays hold of that end of the promise which is nearest to us, even in the Divine Book; hope, of that end of the promise which is fastened to the mercy-seat within the veil. Faith fights for doctrine; hope for reward. Faith is founded on what is in the Bible; hope, for what is in heaven." While heaven is prepared for the Believer, he also must be prepared for heaven. The work of the Atoning Sacrifice was to redeem man. That work is all finished now. But the work that Jesus lives to carry on in heaven, is, to make ready for the day of His appearing and to prepare His redeemed ones for His |