THE HABITATION

 

NOVEMBER 7

THE HABITATION

"My people shall dwell in a peaceable 

  habitation, and in sure dwellings, 

    and in quiet resting places;" 
                                           Isaiah 32:18

 
Here many of the Lord's people have 

  but a poor cottage,
  some a mere hovel, and
  some have been obliged to hide themselves
  from persecution in dens and caves of the earth;
  how many wants are felt,
  wishes indulged,
  and desires ungratified below.
 
But in Heaven, 

  the poorest saint will have a mansion,
  a magnificent dwelling-place,
  in comparison with which the imperial palaces of earth
  will look poor and mean.

The dignity of our nature, when raised to
  the exact resemblance of Jesus, will be consulted,
  and no wish for an alteration will ever arise,
   no desire for a change will ever be felt.
 
 
Look around thee, aged Christian, 

  at thy inconveniences,
  at the many causes of discomfort;
  they will soon be left behind thee, and
  thou wilt inhabit a mansion prepared by Jesus.
 
Look at all thy comforts, 

  at the provision made to satisfy thee;
  and then look up, and
  remember that you will soon be in a mansion;
  a mansion to which the most splendid of 

  earthly palaces will bear no more resemblance,
  then the light of the glow-worm at evening does 

    to the light of the sun at noon.
 
Blessed, thrice blessed Jesus,
 what love is thine!
Not only to die for our sins, quicken my souls,
  And make us happy in time,
  but to go and prepare a mansion for us,
   a mansion in thy Father's house!
 
 
Believer, no longer complain of thy lot;
   no more think thy trials heavy,
   or thy privations great;
   it is but a little while,
   and thy beloved Lord will call to thee, saying, 

"Come up hither, and enter into the joy of thy Lord."

What joy is that!
  What tongue can tell,
  what heart can conceive,
  what the joy of the Lord is!

But, however pure it’s nature,
  however exquisite its sweetness,
  however vast its degree,
  it will be ours, and ours very soon!

Joy of Jesus! thou art my portion after death,
 and then for ever!

"He led them forth by the right way, 

that they might go to a city of habitation."

                                      Psalm 107:7

 JAMES SMITH 1869