the question of the Sadducees was put on the carnal level of thought, but answered on the spiritual; for the heavenly marriage is the union of heart and mind, of affection and thought, of will and understanding. If this union be not commenced here, by doing what is good and believing what is true so far as these are known, it never can be commenced at all. This is the "marriage" of which the Lord spoke when He said, in parable, "They which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage" (Luke xx. 35).
We must not suppose—although we shall assuredly meet, if we desire it, with our kinsfolk and acquaintance—that merely natural relationships will subsist there, as here. The law on this subject was declared by the Lord, when He was told that His mother and His brethren stood without, desiring to speak with Him. "And He answered them, saying, Who is My mother, or My brethren? And He looked round about on them which sat about Him, and said. Behold My mother and My brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is My brother, and My sister, and mother" (Mark iii. 33-35). If, then, there has been a heavenly quality in our relationship, or in our friendship, reunion will be grantes us in the Spiritual World. But, on the other hand, friendship has been merely of the earth, earthy, it will contain no element of endurance, and though we may—if we wish it—meet those with whom we have been connected by worldly ties, we shall not desire the continuance of these ties. Angels cannot be yoked together with unbelievers (2 Cor. vi. 14).
In the Spiritual World, no one need be lonely. The joys of companionship, however, spring from the love of usefulness. No one can love God unless he love his brother also (1 John iv. 20, 21). Love must go forth into action. It must declare its presence by words and deeds of kindness. Heavenly society will call into play every talent we
