14. PREPARATION FOR HEAVEN.
14. PREPARATION FOR HEAVEN.
Were I to go abroad, with all my substance, and spend the remainder of my days in another land—would not some things gain my attention?
1. I would study the language of the country, that I might converse with the inhabitants in their own dialect.
2. I would get all the knowledge I could of the laws, liberties etc. of those among whom I were to take up my fixed abode.
3. I would use my utmost endeavor to contract acquaintances, and establish a friendship with the men of the place.
4. If possible, would get recommended to the favor and protection of the ruler of the land.
Alas, then! am I less provident for heaven than I would be for earth?
You inhabitants of the heavenly Canaan, how will you stare at me, if I enter your assembly an utter stranger to your songs? My trifling discourse, and carnal converse, will sound and smell of hell, in the courts of heaven! Oh! am I to converse through eternity in the language of love, and yet not know a letter below?
Am I to be under the laws of your scepter, O King of saints! and not know that God is love! O! now to be searching into the privileges of that land which I am to inhabit, not for the short time—but for eternity itself; where I shall see the King in his beauty, and share of the divine fullness of my exalted Head.
Would I be acquainted with the glorified church, and all the angels of light (and, you happy ones, I hope to join you soon)—then only in our employment we contract acquaintance, for while we worship at the same throne, and behold the same amiable Being, faith and vision having like effects, we are companions in love, and associates in work! and are assimilated to the glorious object we behold!
Since in the smiles of your countenance I shall find my eternal heaven, how should I esteem your favor above life, and ardently breathe after communion with you below! I may dwell in any country here, and neither know nor be known by the king; but this cannot be in your land, O Immanuel! for unless I know and am known personally to the King, I can never enter into that glorious place!