is coming; we shall have, when we are in heaven, greater pleasures and delights than all that you could desire or wish for on earth. And much more earnestly shall I say that, if they try to lead me into something contrary to the will of God. Eyes, I shall say, why should you wish to see what you may not have? Keep your curiosity for something better and more beautiful; in heaven I will gratify you to the top of your bent. Ears, why should you wish to hear conversation or stories that will disturb my conscience? Wait a while; there is something better coining; something far more agreeable in heaven that will delight you forever. Excessive eating and drinking, you are not permitted me! I will keep my appetite for a better feast; in heaven my taste shall be fully gratified. Away with all impure, carnal lusts! I do not wish even to think of you! Everything shall be banished and renounced once for all that could give the least occasion to you! Better, purer, holier, and immense joys await me in my heavenly country; these I will seek in prosperity and adversity; for them I will strive with all my might; for their sake I will cheerfully bear every cross and suffering, as long as and in whatever degree it pleases God. With the assured hope of possessing them one day I will console myself for the present in this vale of tears, until I shall enjoy them in the land of the living in heaven. Amen.
FIFTIETH SERMON.
ON THE HAPPY SOCIETY OF THE ELECT IN HEAVEN.
Subject.
The joys of the elect shall be greatly increased by the delightful society that is to be found in the kingdom of heaven alone and nowhere else.—Preached on the feast of St. John Baptist.
Text.
Et congratulabantur ei.—Luke i. 58.
“And they congratulated with her.”
Introduction.
Truly does this day bring to our minds a most pleasant and joyful meeting. Zachary, Elizabeth, that holy and God-fearing
