Human nature in its fourfold state ... In several practical discourses

Behold the joy and peace of the saints in their white robes. The joys arising from the view of past dangers, and of riches and honours gained at the very door of death, do most sensibly touch one's heart: and this will be an ingredient in the everlasting happiness of the saints, which could have had no place, in the heaven of innocent Adam, and his sinless offspring, supposing him to have stood Surely the glorified saints will not forget the entertainment they met with in the world: it will be for the glory of God to remember it, and also for the heightening of their joy. The Sicilian king, by birth the son of a potter, ⟨p. 298⟩acted a wise part, in that he would be served at his table, with earthen vessels: the which could not but put an additional sweetness in his meals, not to be relished by one born heir to the crown. Can ever meat be so sweet to any, as to the hungry man! Or can any have such a relish of plenty, as he who has been under pinching straits: The more difficulties the saints have passed through, in their way to heaven, the place will be the sweeter to them, when they come at it. Every happy stroke, struck in the spiritual warfare, will be a jewel in their crown of glory. Each victory obtained against sin, Satan and the world, will raise their triumphant joy the higher. The remembrance of the cross will sweeten the crown: and the memory of their travel through the wilderness, will put an additional verdure on the fields of glory; while they walk through them, minding the day, when they went mourning without the sun.

And now that they appear triumphing in white robes, it is a sign they have obtained an honourable place; such a peace as their enemies can disturb no more. So every thing peculiarly adapted to their militant condition is laid aside. The sword is laid down; and they betake themselves to the pen of a ready writer, to commemorate the praises of him, by whom they overcame. Public ordinances, preaching, sacraments, shall be honourably laid aside; there is no temple there, Rev. xxi▪ 22. Sometimes these were sweet to them: but the travellers being all got home, the inns, appointed for their entertainment by the way, are shut up; the candles are put out, when the sun is risen; and the tabernacle used in the wilderness is folded up, when the temple of glory is come in its room. Many of the saints duties will then be laid aside; as one gives his staff out of his hand, when he is come to the end of his journey. Praying shall then be turned to praising: and, there being no sin to confess, no wants to seek the supply of; confession and petition shall be swallowed up in everlasting thanksgiving. There will be no mourning, in heaven: they have sown in tears, the reaping time of joy is come, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes,