194 



Thus lias the Gospel- revelation improved the know- 

 ledge of mankind, in these important points. And it 

 has no less improved our knowledge, iu the grand 

 article of future rewards and punishments. 



As to rewards, 1. Whereas all, that was before ex- 

 pected in the other world, was sensual pleasures for 

 the body, and pleasing contemplation for the soul. 

 Now we learn the joys of heaven to be of a sort, 

 whereof nature can give us no conception : we shall 

 be as the angels of God in heaven. 



2. The resurrection of the same body, is a point 

 entirely new, of which Christ's rising with the same 

 body assures us. That this body will be changed, is 

 likewise entirely new ; that this change shall be 

 effected in a moment ; that the dead in Christ shall 

 rise first; that their change shall be into tfce likeness 

 of Christ's glorious body : all which particulars are 

 beyond whatever could have been suggested, by the 

 mere understanding of /nan. 



Another instance of Revelation, entirely new with 

 respect to these rewards, is, that of living for ever in 

 the immediate presence of God, the fountain of all 

 happiness. \Ve are now informed, that we shall see 

 God, as he is, face to face, in whose presence is ful- 

 ness of joy 5 that we shall le where he u, shall lehold 

 his glory, and shall shine forth as the sun in the 

 kingdom of our Father. This is a strain, no imagina- 

 tion, merely human, could ever reaeli or aspire to. 

 We rnav add, that whatever the wisest heathens 



