JOYFUL ANTICIPATION OF A

FUTURE LIFE.

THE hour, O Lord, is at hand, in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat; the earth also, and the works that are therein, shall be burned up. Nevertheless we, according to thy promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.*

The fashion of this world passeth away; but blessed be the name of God, that, when all present things have been dissolved, those who have been ransomed from sin shall come unto mount Zion,to the heavenly Jerusalem,―to the general assembly of the church of the first-born,-to Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant,-to an innumerable company of saints, and to God the Judge of all.† There shall be no more need of the sun, neither

*Psalm iii. 10-13.

+ Heb. xii. 23.

of the light of the moon; but the Lamb, that is in the midst of the throne, shall feed us, and lead us to living fountains; and God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes.*

Now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face,-now we know in part, but then shall we know, even as we are known. This corruptible shall put on incorruption, and this mortal shall be clothed with immortality.+

The last enemy that shall be destroyed is Death; then shall the Son deliver up the kingdom to the Father, and God shall be all, and in all.‡

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive blessing, and honour, and glory, and power,-for he hath redeemed us unto God, and made us kings and priests unto God for ever.§

Halleluiah, for the Lord God omnipotent reign

eth. Amen, and amen.||