The saints everlasting rest

Come away my soul then, stand not looking on that grave, nor turning those bones, not reading thy lesson in the dust: those lines will soon be wiped out: but lift up thy head and look to heaven, and read thy instructions in those fixed stars: or yet look higher than those eyes can see, into that foundation which standeth sure, and see thy name written in the books ⟨p. 390⟩of life. What if an angel should come from heaven and tell thee, that there is a mansion prepared for thee; that it shall certainly be thine own, and thou sha•t possess it for-ever; would not such a message make thee glad? and dost thou make light of the infallible word of promises which were delivered by the Spirit, and by the LORD himself?

What delight have I found in my private studies, especially when they have prospered to the increase of knowledge! Methinks I could bid the world farewell, and immure myself among my books, and look forth no more (were it a lawful course) but shut the door upon me, and among those divine souls employ myself in sweet content, and pity the rich and great ones that know not happiness. Sure then it is a high delight indeed, which in the lap of eternity is enjoyed!

If the queen of Sheba came from Ethiopia to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and see his glory; O how gladly should I pass from earth to heaven, to see the glory of that eternal majesty; and to attain myself that height of wisdom, in comparison of which the most learned on earth are but fools and idiots! If the heaven of glass which the Persian emperor framed, were so glorious a piece, and the heaven of silver which the emperor Ferdinand sent to the great Turk, because of their rare artificial representations and motions, what will the heaven of heavens be, which is not formed by the art of man, nor beautified like these childish toys, but it is the matchless palace of the great King, built by himself for the residence of his glory, and the perpetual entertainment of his beloved saints!