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

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, Rev. xxi. 4. No need of mortification there; and self-examination is then at an end. They will not need to watch any more; the danger is over. Patience has had its perfect work, and there is no use for it there. Faith is turned into sight, and hope is swallowed up in the ocean of sensible and full enjoyment. All the rebels are subdued, the saints quietly set on their throne: and so the forces, needful in the time of the spiritual warfare, are disbanded; and they carry on their triumph in profoundest peace.

Lastly, White garments were worn, on festival days, in token of joy. And so shall the saints be clothed in white raiment; for they shall keep an everlasting sabbath to the Lord, Heb. iv. 9. There remaineth therefore a rest (or keeping of a sabbath) to the people of God. The sabbath, in the esteem of saints, is the queen of days: and they shall have an endless sabbatism in the kingdom of heaven; so shall their garments be always white. They will have an eternal rest, with an uninterrupted joy: