Difference between revisions of "Meditation XCIX."

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Meditation XCIX.

THE SPIRITS OF JUST MEN MADE PERFECT.

Lying off Normandy, June, 1758.

Many are the enjoyments of the heavenly bliss, many are the delights of the higher house; and the sweet society and company is no small part of the happiness of the redeemed. Where sobriety is fashionable, we too little esteem the saints, these excellent ones of the earth. But when we are among the blackest sons of vice, we learn to compute otherwise, and clearly see the worth of the saints. Accordingly, it is one branch of the blessedness of believers, that they shall be brought "to the spirits of just men."

But, as even the godly are apt to be involved in contention, debates, and strife, and to have corruption breaking out now and then in them, which has often happened among dear brethren, and in the church of Christ, to the grief of many a heart, therefore it is added, "to the spirits of just men made perfect."

Now, if the company of sinners, such as I live among, be so disagreeable, how pleasant will the fellowship of these sanctified ones be—in the presence of the great Master of the heavenly family! Here sinners are, alas! everywhere most numerous; but then and there, not one sinner shall stand in the great congregation, not one wicked person in the assembly of the just.

And as man, being a social creature, delights in company and converse with one another (so says the proverb, "As iron sharpens iron, so the face of a man his friend,") will not the saints kindle in their love to God, from the love of one another, by a sacred emulation who shall love him most, who has loved them with an everlasting and unchanging love? Hence am I instructed in this world whom to choose as members of my friends; and what value to put on those who are pious; since, amidst all his failings, still "the righteous is more excellent than his neighbor."

Meditation C.

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