Meditation CIV.
Meditation CIV.
INFINITE AND ETERNAL PROPERTIES OF THE BLISS ABOVE.
Jan. 4, 1761.
Had I but one moment's glance of the glorious sun, which, while I began to gaze, were concealed, never to be seen again, such a view would only kindle an anxious curiosity—but not satisfy one longing desire. Even so, a passing glimpse of the celestial glory would only set on edge—but never satisfy the holy appetite of the heaven-born soul. There is an immortality in my soul, and there is an eternity in my portion. Vast are the demands of the renewed mind, such as the whole creation cannot satisfy; but in God's sacred super-abundance, in his infinite fullness, there is enough and to spare.
What divine harmony in all respects takes place above! God, the enjoyment of whom is paradise and bliss—is infinite—and every faculty of the soul is capacitated, in the highest degree, to enjoy much of God; and our divine communion and fellowship also is eternal. What keeps the worldling in perpetual anguish—but because his portion here is neither complete nor permanent?
Yes, what would the bliss above be, if either infinity or eternity could be separated from it? For what would avail the possession of crowns and kingdoms, nay, of more substantial bliss—if but for a moment? and what would perpetuity itself profit, if spent but in gazing on a glow-worm, or enjoying a temporary good?
But it is otherwise here; for when wafted to the higher house, to the heaven of heavens, I shall find myself in the midst of ineffable glories, and plunged among infinite beatitudes, and all the unbounded emanations of a Deity, whose every perfection may through endless ages employ the whole multitude of glorified admirers. But while his eternal excellencies captivate my ravished powers, and all his goodness passes before me, how would my finite mind be pained that I can comprehend so little of this almighty all, if not comforted on the other hand with this—that I shall go on, and grow in knowing God through eternity!
O eternity, eternity! how much shall my soul know of God before ten thousand years are spent! and yet these cannot diminish the eternal duration one moment! And, as my portion, even after all that I shall have seen, adored, and enjoyed—will remain full and overflowing, being infinite. Just so, the time of possession, communion, and enjoyment—even after ages of bliss are elapsed—will always continue the same, being eternal.
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