,transcriber's ,notes ,italic text enclosed with underscores4 ,smallcaps replaced by ,,all ,,caps4 ,tables require a monospace font in order to align properly4 ,more notes appear at the end of the file4 ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ,illustration3 ,emma and her ,grandmamma4 ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ,,the ,,little ,,child',s ,,book ,,of ,,divinity2 ,,or1 ,,grandmamma',s ,,stories ,,about ,,bible ,,doctrines4 ,,by ,,the ,,author ,,of 8,,morning ,,and ,,night ,,watches10 8,,faithful ,,promiser10 c4 c4 8,from a child thou hast known the holy ,scriptures1 which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in ,christ ,jesus40#b ,tim4 iii4 #ae4 8,and all thy children shall be taught of the ,lord2 and great shall be the peace of thy children40,isa4 liv4 #ac4 ,,second ,,edition4 ,,london3 ,,james ,,nisbet ,,and ,,co41 #ba ,,berners ,,street4 ,,mdccclv4 ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ,,edinburgh3 ,,printed ,,by ,,ballantyne ,,and ,,company1 ,,paul',s ,,work4 ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ,,contents ,,page ,,introduction #c ,,first ,,night #d ,,second ,,night #ab ,,third ,,night #bj ,,fourth ,,night #cj ,,fifth ,,night #dj ,,sixth ,,night #dh ,,seventh ,,night #eg ,,eighth ,,night #ff ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ,,the ,,little ,,child',s ,,book ,,of ,,divinity4 ,,little ,emma was one ,sabbath evening alone in the room with her grandmamma4 ,good old ,mrs ,allan 7for that was her grandmother's name7 was seated in her armchair1 beside a blazing winter fire4 ,a small table was before her1 with a ,bible and a pair of spectacles lying upon it4 ,emma came jumping up upon her grandmamma's knee1 and kissed her1 and said-- 8,dear grandmamma1 there is much in that large ,bible ,i do not understand2 ,i should like so much to know all it tells about4 ,when ,i was at church this forenoon1 ,i heard ,mr ,r41 our clergyman1 speak to the people about what he called #8doctrines2' and when he was telling about them1 there were many things the people liked to hear which were too difficult for me4 ,do you think you could tell me about them in very simple words1 and make them plain to me8 ,i will promise to be very attentive to all that you say40 8,i shall be truly happy10 said the other1 looking with a kindly smile on her little grandchild1 8to do what you ask me4 ,and if you will come to me for a few minutes every ,sabbath night1 ,i will try to explain these ,bible doctrines to you as simply as ,i can40 ,so saying1 she put aside her spectacles1 and drawing her chair closer by the fire1 with her arm round little ,emma's neck1 began as follows3-- ,,first ,,night4 ,sidenote3 ,of the ,being of ,god4 8,there was a time1 my dear child1 far1 far back in eternity1 when no one lived but the ,great ,god1 when no angel waved his wing1 and no star glittered in the sky4 8,this everliving ,god did not need angels or worlds to make ,him happy4 ,he was quite glorious without them4 8,this great ,being was one ,god2 but there were three persons in the ,godhead--,god the ,father1 ,god the ,son1 and ,god the ,holy ,ghost4 ,of these1 there was none higher or greater than the other2 they were all equal in power and in glory4 ,sidenote3 ,of the ,creation of all things4 8,this ,great ,god resolved on making angels and worlds2 and ,he just said1 #8,i wish them to be1' and they were all made by the word of ,his power4 ,and it was not a few that ,he made1 but a very great many4 ,he made large armies of angels2 and such a number of stars and worlds1 that they cannot be counted4 ,sidenote3 ,of our ,world4 8,among these crowded worlds which you see in the dark sky at night1 there was a very little one--so little1 as scarcely to be seen or noticed amid those around it4 8,this little star was called #8the ,earth2' and ,god loved it very much1 and the ,three ,persons in the ,godhead resolved to do something very wonderful with regard to it4 ,god put a happy and holy creature into it1 called ,man2 and ,he made him after ,his own image1 and placed him in a beautiful garden4 ,sidenote3 ,of the ,covenant of ,works4 8,while there1 ,god entered with man into what is called a ,covenant of ,works40 8,what does a covenant mean80 inquired ,emma4 8,i shall tell you1 my child10 said her grandmamma4 8,it is an agreement1 or bargain1 between two people4 ,in the garden of ,eden1 the two parties were ,god and ,adam2 their covenant or agreement was this2--,god said to ,adam1 #8,if you do what ,i ask you1 you shall live and be happy4 ,if you disobey me1 you must 8surely die40' ,sidenote3 ,of the ,fall4 8,god told him not to eat of the fruit of one of the trees in the garden2 but though ,adam had all the rest of the trees in ,eden to eat of1 he forgot ,god's command1 and took of the forbidden one2 and he was driven out of his happy home1 and became a lost and ruined creature40 8,how sad for poor ,adam10 said ,emma1 8to be banished from his beautiful garden60 8,yes10 said the other2 8and sadder still to be banished from his ,god1 with nothing before him but certain death60 8,but how was it1 grandmamma10 inquired ,emma1 8that ,adam did not die all at once8 ,how did he continue to live after ,god had said that1 if he disobeyed ,him1 he should #8surely die'80 8,i was just going to explain this to you1 my dear10 said ,mrs ,allan4 8,our first parents could not have lived for one moment after their #8,fall1' if it had not been for another and more glorious covenant the ,bible tells us of40 8,and what was the name of that covenant80 inquired ,emma1 eagerly4 8,it was called the ,covenant of ,grace10 replied her grandmother4 8,i shall try1 my dear child10 continued she1 patting her grandchild on the head1 8to make this very great and glorious subject as simple as ,i can to you2 and after you hear me1 you will1 perhaps1 be able to explain it to others40 ,little ,emma was again very attentive1 and her grandmamma proceeded3 ,sidenote3 ,of the ,parties in the ,covenant of ,grace4 8,i want to see1 before ,i begin1 if my little scholar remembers what ,i have just been telling her1--who the two parties were in the ,covenant of ,works80 8,god and ,adam10 replied ,emma4 8,yes1 dear1 you are right4 ,and in this new covenant or agreement ,i am going to speak about1 there were two parties also4 ,do you think you could tell me who they were80 8,was it ,god and ,adam again80 inquired the little girl4 8,no1 my child10 said the old lady4 8,man1 having broken the first covenant1 could no longer enter into terms with ,god4 ,there was some one who came in the place of guilty man4 ,can you tell me who this was80 8,it was the ,lord ,jesus ,christ10 said ,emma4 8,quite correct10 replied her grandmother4 8,god was angry with man1 and could no longer speak with him4 ,but ,jesus said1 #8,i will come in the room of those lost sinners1 and speak to ,god for them4' ,so ,god and ,jesus made a covenant together4 ,it was as if ,jesus said to ,god1 #8,o my ,father1 if ,thou wilt pardon these poor sinners1 ,i will leave my glorious throne1 and come down to the earth1 and die for them1 and wash their guilty souls in my precious blood4' ,and then ,god promised1 and said1 #8,i will pardon them6 ,they deserve nothing but wrath2 but1 for the sake of what ,thou art to do and suffer1 as their ,redeemer1 ,i will shew them 8,grace40' ,hence this new covenant between ,god and ,jesus was called #8the ,covenant of ,grace4'0 8,i should like to hear more10 said ,emma1 8about this glorious ,being who loved man so much as to die for him4 ,why is ,he called by the name of ,redeemer80 ,sidenote3 ,of the ,person of the ,redeemer4 8,jesus is called #8,redeemer1' because ,he #8buys back' the lost souls of men4 ,no one but ,god1 in our nature1 could do this4 ,if the highest angel in heaven had tried to save us1 he could not4 ,jesus ,christ was both ,god and man4 ,he had lived from all eternity #8with ,god1 and was ,god4' ,he took upon ,him our nature1 and was born a little babe in the stable of ,bethlehem4 ,how sweet for little children to think that ,jesus was once himself a little child60 ,sidenote3 ,of the ,humiliation of ,christ4 8,how wonderful60 said ,emma1 8for the great ,god of heaven to come down to dwell with man on the earth--to be called the #8,man of ,sorrows'--to be poor and hated1 and have #8nowhere to lay ,his head1' till ,he laid it on the ,cross1 and there died a cruel death60 8,wonderful indeed10 replied her grandmamma4 8,can you tell me1 my dear child1 what became of ,jesus after ,he died80 ,sidenote3 ,of ,his ,resurrection and ,exaltation4 8,yes10 answered ,emma2 8,i think ,he was laid in a grave in the middle of a garden in ,jerusalem4 ,a stone was put at the mouth of it1 and soldiers were made to watch it4 ,but after lying dead three days1 ,he rolled away the stone1 and came forth alive40 8,you are right1 my child10 said ,mrs ,allan4 8,by this1 ,god the ,father shewed that ,he had accepted the work of ,his dear ,son--that the wages of sin were all paid1 and that ,his holy law was satisfied and honoured4 ,after remaining forty days on the earth1 ,jesus went up among rejoicing angels to heaven40 8,and where is the ,lord ,jesus now80 inquired ,emma4 ,sidenote3 ,of the ,intercession of ,christ4 8,he who once was #8despised and rejected of men1'0 said her grandmother1 8is seated on a very glorious throne in the skies1 where blessed spirits without number adore ,him4 ,but ,he has not forgotten poor sinners on earth4 ,he is engaged in praying to ,god for them2 and whatever ,he asks on their behalf1 ,his ,father is ready to give2 for ,him ,he #8heareth always4'0 ,sidenote3 ,of the ,second ,coming of ,christ4 8,and is there not a day of awful glory drawing near10 said ,emma1 8when ,jesus shall appear in the clouds of the sky1 seated on a #8great white throne'8 ,how dreadful to be found1 on that great day1 on the left hand of the ,judge6 ,will there be no chance of ,his being merciful to these miserable wicked1 and of making another #8covenant of grace' with them80 8,no1 no2 impossible1 my child60 replied her grandmother4 8,god's holiness1 and righteousness1 and justice1 and truth1 could not admit of mercy then4 ,jesus is now seated on a throne of ,grace1 and entreats sinners to come to ,him and be saved4 ,but when once seated on ,his throne of ,judgment1 the time of grace is at an end4 ,those who there seek ,him for the first time will never find ,him4 ,god has said1 #8,then shall they call on me1 but ,i will not answer4'0 8,i should like you10 said ,emma1 8to tell me what you mean by #8seeking ,jesus4' ,i fear ,i may never yet have sought ,him in earnest40 8,i shall be happy1 my dear child1 to explain this and many other things to you2 but as it would take me too long tonight1 ,i shall wait till next ,sabbath1 when1 if ,god spare me1 ,i will speak to you about some more of these solemn truths4 ,i am old1 and must soon stand before that great throne2 but ,i have long sought and found ,jesus the ,saviour1 and ,i am not afraid to meet ,jesus the ,judge60 ,the little child knelt down on her grandmother's lap1 to offer up her evening prayer4 ,the aged ,christian entreated earnestly that ,jesus would early give her an interest in ,his 8covenant of grace10 that she might be found at last on ,his right hand1 at the great day1 an heir of glory6 ,,second ,,night4 ,sabbath evening again returned2 and when the shutters were closed1 and fresh wood had been piled on the fire1 little ,emma climbed on her grandmamma's knee1 and asked her to explain some more 8,scripture doctrines40 8,i shall do so with pleasure1 my child10 said ,mrs ,allan2 8and ,i must ask you to give me tonight your close attention1 as ,i am going to speak to you about some very important and precious truths40 ,emma thanked her for her great kindness1 in being at so much pains to instruct her2 and her grandmamma thus began3-- ,sidenote3 ,of ,justification4 8,you will remember1 my dear1 that the ,bible tells us we are all condemned by nature--in a lost and ruined state4 ,in order to make us understand what this state is1 it represents1-- ,sidenote3 ,the ,judge4 8,god as a great ,judge1 #8of purer eyes than to behold iniquity1' and who cannot look upon sin4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,prisoner4 8,it represents the sinner as standing at ,his bar1 called to answer for his many thousand transgressions4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,witnesses4 8,and1 as in a court of earthly justice witnesses are brought in to condemn the prisoner1 so ,satan accuses the sinner--his own heart accuses him--,god's ,law1 which he has broken1 accuses him40 8,and what more80 said ,emma4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,sentence4 8,these all10 said her grandmother1 8pronounce the sinner #8guilty'--the ,holy ,judge passes upon him a sentence of condemnation4 ,oh6 how dreadful to think1 that1 if #8out of ,christ1' we are at this moment in a condemned state6 ,we have not to wait till a day of judgment to have the sentence pronounced upon us4 ,the ,bible tells us we are #8condemned already1' and that #8the wrath of ,god abideth upon us4' ,we are1 as it were1 shut up in a condemned cell2 the kindness and clemency of our ,judge alone delaying the execution of the awful sentence60 8,but is there no hope10 said little ,emma1 8for the poor sinner8 ,must he die in that state of condemnation and misery80 ,sidenote3 ,god's ,method of ,mercy4 8,no1 dear child10 replied her grandmamma4 8,god is willing1 for ,christ's sake1 to #8justify' us40 8,but what do you mean by that word80 said ,emma4 8,listen to me10 said the other1 8and ,i will endeavour to explain4 ,i have already told you that the sinner1 standing in the courtroom of justice1 with the chains of condemnation fastened round him1 cannot answer a word for himself2 his #8mouth is stopped1' and he has become #8guilty before ,god4' ,sidenote3 ,the ,advocate4 8,but1 in the midst of that courtroom1 there is one who stands up to #8answer' for him6--it is the #8,advocate with the ,father1 ,jesus ,christ the righteous4' 8,god the ,judge asks1 #8,sinner6 can you say anything to justify yourself8' ,the sinner says1 #8,enter not into judgment with thy servant1 ,o ,god6 for in ,thy sight no flesh living can be justified4' ,sidenote3 ,the ,grounds of ,pardon4 8,god is about to execute the awful sentence2 but ,jesus1 his advocate1 stands up1 and says1 #8,i have suffered1 8the ,just for the unjust20 ,i have obeyed the law the sinner should have obeyed2 ,i have been 8made sin for him20 ,i have paid with my own blood the price of his redemption6' ,sidenote3 ,the ,acquittal4 8,the ,great ,judge says1 #8,it is enough6 ,take the chains of condemnation off him4 ,i pronounce him1 for the sake of what ,jesus has done and suffered1 8not guilty60 ,let him go out of the courtroom a 8justified man20 for 8there is no condemnation to them that are in ,christ ,jesus40'0 8,do you mean to say1 grandmamma10 said ,emma1 8that ,god thus graciously pardons all the iniquities of the sinner for the sake of ,jesus80 ,sidenote3 ,two parts of ,justification4 ,sidenote3 #a4 ,forgiveness of ,sin4 8,yes1 my child2 it is an amazing thought4 ,but1 on account of what the ,lord ,jesus ,christ has done1 in pouring out ,his precious blood1 this great and holy ,judge looks upon the sinner as if he had never sinned at all6 ,he is1 in the eye of law1 #8justified'--considered #8just4' ,jesus is said to be #8wounded for his transgressions1 and bruised for his iniquities4' ,like the scapegoat under the ,jewish law1 ,god #8has laid upon ,christ the iniquities of us all4' ,these ,he has carried away into a land of forgetfulness1 where they can never more be found60 8,this is a wonderful doctrine indeed60 said little ,emma1 8and0 8,stay1 my child10 interrupted her grandmamma1 8,i have not yet told you the most wondrous part of it3-- ,sidenote3 #b4 ,acceptance as ,righteous in ,god's sight4 8,in justifying sinners1 ,god does more than merely pardon them4 ,he not only reckons the sinner as #8not guilty1' but1 for ,jesus' sake1 ,he counts him as positively righteous4 ,all the righteousness of ,christ--,his obedience1 and patience1 and love1 and resignation1 and forgiveness of injuries1 and all the holy things of ,his holy life1--are put down to the sinner's account2 and a holy ,god actually counts as if they had all been done by the sinner himself4 ,this is what is called ,christ's imputed righteousness40 8,surely10 said ,emma1 8this explains the meaning of that verse ,i was reading to you this morning in ,isaiah--#8,he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation2 ,he hath covered me with a robe of righteousness'80 8,yes2 you are right1 my dear4 ,the holy life1 and virtues1 and obedience of ,jesus1 are spoken of as a bright shining robe or garment1 in which the poor sinner clothes himself4 ,by nature1 in his condemned state1 he is black with sin2 and his language is1 #8,o ,lord1 look not on me1 because ,i am black2' but when he puts this imputed garment on1 he can say1 #8,o ,lord1 look upon me1 for ,i am all bright and shining with a ,saviour's righteousness6'0 8,how kind is ,god10 exclaimed ,emma1 8to do all this for vile sinners60 ,sidenote3 ,justification all of ,grace4 8,yes1 my child2 well may justification be called #8an act of ,god's free grace2' for man has no part in it4 ,he deserves nothing at ,god's hand but wrath1 and vengeance1 and condemnation4 ,he might have been sent away trembling from ,his bar1 crying out1 #8,it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living ,god6' ,his justification proceeds from free sovereign mercy2 and through all eternity his confession will be1 #8,by the grace of ,god1 ,i am what ,i am4'0 8,i fear ,i may be wearying you10 said ,emma2 8but ,i have just one other question to ask you about this glorious doctrine--how can ,i be justified1 and get the great ,god thus to pardon and accept ,,me80 ,sidenote3 ,received by ,faith4 8,that is a very proper question10 replied her grandmamma1 8and ,i am happy to think ,i can give you a simple and easy answer4 ,you are justified #8by faith2' by believing that ,god is able and willing to receive you--that ,jesus has shed ,his precious blood for you--that ,he died for you on earth1 and now lives and pleads for you in heaven4 #8,he that believeth on the ,son of ,god hath life4' #8,believe in the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 and thou shalt be saved4' #8,therefore being justified by faith1 we have peace with ,god4' 8,this glorious subject of ,justification10 continued she1 8has occupied us so long1 that it will be better not to speak of any other doctrine tonight4 ,if spared till another ,sabbath evening1 ,i shall do so4 ,i would have you1 my child1 think very much about this most precious ,bible truth--,how a sinner is justified before ,god4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,article of a ,standing and ,falling ,church4 8,luther1 the great father of the ,reformation1 said1 that a church could not stand for a moment without this doctrine4 ,like a house without a foundation1 it would fall to pieces4 ,and an older saint than ,luther--the apostle ,paul--had his mind so full of it1 that you cannot read his writings1 and understand them1 without keeping this blessed doctrine constantly in view40 8,oh how peaceful1 and safe1 and joyous10 exclaimed ,emma1 8must the justified sinner be60 8,yes1 truly10 replied her grandmother4 8,he has nothing to fear4 ,on the great day of judgment1 however many his enemies and accusers may be1 he can look around him on all of them1 and exclaim1 with the great apostle1 #8,who shall lay anything to the charge of ,god's elect8 ,it is ,,god ,,that ,,justifieth2 who is he that condemneth8' ,here is a beautiful verse of a hymn ,i should like you to learn by heart10 she added1 repeating twice over to little ,emma the following lines3-- 8#8,jesus6 ,thy blood and righteousness ,my beauty are1 my glorious dress1 ',mid flaming worlds1 in these array'd1 ,with joy ,i shall lift up my head6'0 ,,third ,,night4 8,are you ready now80 said little ,emma1 coming skipping into her grandmother's room4 8,i have just finished learning my verses in ,romans1 and ,i so weary to hear about some more ,scripture doctrines40 8,i am quite ready10 said her grandmamma2 8but it would make me happy1 before ,i begin1 to hear you repeat whatever verses you have been committing to memory tonight40 ,so saying1 ,emma stood by her grandmother's chair1 and1 without a mistake1 repeated from the #ajth to the #aeth verse of the eighth chapter of ,romans4 ,the last one was this1 8,ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear2 but ye have received the spirit of adoption1 whereby we cry1 ,abba1 ,father60 8,i am happy1 my dear child10 said old ,mrs ,allan1 8that these have been your verses tonight1 as they refer to the very subject ,i should like now to speak to you about4 8,you remember what ,i explained to you last ,sabbath80 8,yes1 grandmamma10 said ,emma4 8,it was about ,justification4 ,god the ,great ,judge trying the sinner at ,his bar1 and sending him away freely forgiven for the sake of ,christ40 ,sidenote3 ,of ,adoption4 8,you are right1 my dear2 and we are now going to speak about ,adoption4 ,i wonder if you know what that is40 8,oh1 no4 ,i have often wondered what that word can mean1 and ,i long to hear from you40 ,sidenote3 ,difference between ,justification and ,adoption4 8,well1 then1 my child1 as in ,justification ,god acts as a ,judge1 so in ,adoption ,god acts as a ,father40 8,how ,i should like to hear about this1 grandmamma6 ,there is something terrible about the thought of a ,judge2 but there is nothing but love and joy in the thought of a ,father60 ,sidenote3 ,of our ,state by ,nature4 8,it is true1 my dear10 said her grandmother2 8but by nature none of us are in the family of ,god2 we are called #8children of wrath2' #8children of the devil2' #8enemies6' ,god puts a very solemn and striking question about us--#8,how shall ,i set thee among the children8' ,he sees that we are such poor miserable sinners1 that if ,he had dealt with us as we have deserved for our sins1 we should have been for ever #8children of wrath6'0 8,what1 then1 could have made ,god adopt us into ,his family80 said little ,emma4 ,sidenote3 ,difference between ,man's ,adoption and ,god's4 8,this1 my child10 replied the other1 8is the thing in which ,god's ,adoption differs from man's4 ,when a man takes a little orphan child into his house1 and is kind to it1 and brings it up as his own1 it is because of something attractive1 and lovely1 and engaging in the child4 ,i knew an old gentleman who saw a lovely little boy with golden locks1 and he was so struck with his beauty1 he would never part with him1 but brought him up as his own son4 ,but how different is it with us and ,god6 ,the ,bible represents sinners as lying all filthy and vile in the open field2 so vile1 that none would look at them1 #8all passed them by6' ,but ,god came1 lifted them up1 and said unto them1 #8,live6' #8,i will be a ,father unto you1 and ye shall be my sons and daughters4' ,what1 my dear ,emma1 would you call this act of ,god in ,adoption80 ,sidenote3 ,adoption all of ,grace4 8,oh1 ,i would say10 said her little hearer1 8that it is the same as with ,justification4 ,it is an #8act of ,god's free grace'--that is to say1 that there was nothing about us to make ,god love us1 or be kind to us1 and that it was all of ,his own great and wonderful kindness and mercy in ,christ ,jesus60 8,you are right1 my darling2 and do you remember the name of an aged disciple of ,jesus who delighted more than all the rest to speak of ,god's love8 ,and perhaps you remember1 too1 what he says about this adopting love of ,god80 8,oh1 yes10 said ,emma2 8,i think that will be the text ,mr ,r4 was preaching from last month3--#8,behold what manner of love the ,father hath bestowed upon us1 that we should be called the sons of ,god6' ,but1 dear ,sidenote3 ,when ,adoption takes place4 grandmamma10 continued she1 8you told me last ,sabbath that ,justification takes place in this world1 whenever the sinner believes in ,jesus4 ,it cannot surely be that this great honour of being children of ,god1 and adopted into ,his family1 can begin on earth80 8,yes1 dear child1 it does10 said her grandmother4 8,justification and ,adoption are just different names for one great act4 ,god1 as ,i said1 is represented in the one as a ,judge1 in the other as a ,father4 ,i don't know if ,mr ,r4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,apostle ,john's ,testimony4 took the next verse in that beautiful chapter along with his text4 ,if he did so1 it will tell you when the believer is adopted1 and can call ,god his ,father40 ,little ,emma quickly turned up her ,bible1 and read as follows3--8,beloved1 now are we the sons of ,god60 8,you see1 my child10 continued the old lady1 8when this act of fatherly love takes place2 it is #8now2' and if my dear little ,emma loves the ,lord ,jesus1 she can now look up to the ,great ,god1 and say1 #8,he is my ,father2' and to ,jesus1 and say1 #8,he is my ,elder ,brother6'0 8,how kind in ,god10 said ,emma1 with the tear in her eye1 8to love sinners so much1 and deal with them so tenderly6 ,i think this1 too1 explains my favourite story in the gospel--does it not1 grandmamma80 ,sidenote3 ,our ,lord's ,parable about ,adoption4 8,i remember now what your favourite is10 said the other1 after thinking a moment2 8it is the ,prodigal ,son2 and you are very right2 there is no portion of the ,bible which speaks more beautifully of ,god's adopting love4 ,you remember1 at the very same moment that ,god forgave the ,prodigal1 ,he ordered #8the ring to be put on his finger' 7the ring of adoption72 and ,he calls him1 #8,this1 my son6'0 8,oh6 ,i shall love to read that parable more than ever10 said ,emma4 8,i don't think any earthly father would have been so kind to an ungrateful son4 ,but you often tell me that #8,god's ways are not as man's ways2' and it is surely so in this4 ,sidenote3 ,evidences of ,adoption4 8,but how can ,i know1 dear grandmamma1 whether ,i am a child of ,god8 ,i would feel as if ,i was richer and happier than the richest in the world1 and greater than earthly kings or queens1 if ,i could be sure that the ,great ,god was my ,father1 and that ,i was ,his child40 8,that is a very natural question1 my dear1 and ,i shall do what ,i can to answer you4 ,let me ask you another question4 ,what are your feelings towards your earthly parents80 ,sidenote3 ,love of ,god4 8,i love them10 said ,emma1 8very much2 ,i try to do what they bid me1 and ,i am always unhappy when ,i do anything that vexes or hurts them40 ,sidenote3 ,hatred of ,sin4 8,it is the very same1 my dear10 said her grandmother1 8with the children of ,god4 ,if you are really a child of ,god1 you will love ,him1 and try to do all ,his will1 and be unhappy whenever you sin against ,him or displease ,him40 8,i will tell you another thing1 grandmamma10 interrupted the little girl2 8,i am never happy when ,i am far away from my father1 or when my father is far away from me4 ,sometimes he has to go away for many days to a distance1 and ,i so weary for his coming back4 ,i think and speak of him all the day long2 and once ,i remember1 when ,i was a week away at aunt ,fanny's1 ,i so longed to get back again to be with him40 ,sidenote3 ,filial ,nearness4 8,well1 dear child1 you have just given another mark by which you may know if you are a child of ,god4 ,do you love your ,heavenly ,father's presence8 ,do you love prayer1 ,sidenote3 ,prayer4 which brings you always near ,him8 and are you always unhappy when you forget prayer1 which drives you away from ,god2 or commit sin1 which drives ,god away from you80 8,oh1 yes1 dear grandmamma1 ,i think ,i can say ,i am2 but then1 ,i often sin1 and ,i fear0 8,stop1 my dear child10 said the old lady4 8,remember1 it is a great cause of grief to the true child of ,god1 that the power of sin is so strong in his heart1 and that the devil is so often tempting him40 8,but10 exclaimed ,emma1 8does not the ,bible say1 #8,we cannot sin1 because we are born of ,god'80 ,sidenote3 ,how the ,child of ,god 8cannot sin40 8,yes1 my child1 you are correct2 but ,i must tell you the real meaning of that verse1 so that you may not be cast down by supposing it asks what you cannot give4 ,that verse means1 that ,god's children cannot go on in a course of sin4 ,they cannot love sin1 and continue in sin2 but it does not mean that their lives are so perfectly holy that they never can know what it is to have a bad heart and wicked thought4 ,alas6 this never can be1 till the adopted children of ,god get safe into their ,father's house in heaven60 8,oh6 how ,i wish10 said ,emma1 8,i could love this kind ,heavenly ,father more than ,i have ever yet done2 and hate sin more and more every day6,i am afraid1 dear grandmamma1 ,i tire you with my questions2 but ,i have just one more to ask tonight1 and then ,i shall go to bed4 ,you often speak of it being our duty to #8fear ,god4' ,now1 how should we fear a ,god that you have just been telling me to love80 ,sidenote3 ,what it is to 8fear0 ,god in ,adoption4 8,i do not wonder1 my child1 at your question4 ,but there are two kinds of fear2 the wicked #8fear' ,god as an awful ,judge2 they fear ,him--that is1 they are afraid of ,him1 and tremble to think of ,his hatred of sin1 and ,his judgment day4 ,but the children of ,god #8fear' their ,heavenly ,father in another sense2 they #8fear' to offend ,him4 ,it is because they love ,him so very much1 that they are afraid of doing anything that would displease ,him4 ,the wicked man's fear is what the ,bible calls #8the fear that hath torment4' ,the other is the fear1 and reverence1 and godly awe of #8perfect love4' 8,goodnight1 then1 my dear10 said the kind old lady1 kissing her little scholar4 8,i love you much as an earthly parent2 but your ,heavenly ,father loves you more4 ,when you go down on your knees to pray to ,him tonight1 think of that sweet verse in ,jer4 iii4 #d1 #8,my ,father6 thou art the guide of my youth6' 8,you will not know all the wonders of the subject ,i have been speaking about tonight till the gracious ,heavenly ,father who adopts you opens to you the gates of ,his own palace in glory1 and when1 taking you by the hand1 and shewing you all the unsearchable riches which ,jesus has purchased for you1 ,he will say1 #8,my child6 thou art ever with me2 and all that ,i have ,,is ,,thine6'0 ,,fourth ,,night4 8,i fear ,i weary you1 grandmamma10 said little ,emma1 as she opened the roomdoor on the following ,sabbath1 and resumed her accustomed seat by the good old lady's side--8,i fear ,i weary you1 coming so often to hear your nice explanations of ,bible doctrines2 but you have already enabled me to understand a great deal ,i never knew before1 and have made my ,sabbath evenings so happy60 8,i assure you1 you have made me happy too1 my dear child10 said ,mrs ,allan1 wiping the tear that was rolling down her withered cheek4 8,i can truly say1 ,i have no greater joy than to talk to you about these glorious truths4 ,i will soon be in that silent place10 continued she1 pointing1 as she was closing her shutters for the night1 to the churchyard1 on which the moon was then shining2 8but it makes me happy to think1 that when you can hear my voice no more1 you will remember1 with joy1 the ,sabbath evenings we have spent together4 ,happy1 dear ,emma1 will it be10 her face brightening as she spoke1 8if we meet to speak of these blessed truths in the better ,sabbath in heaven60 ,emma was about to reply1 when her grandmother took her by the hand1 and said1 with a kindly smile1 8,well1 dearest1 and what would you have me talk to you about tonight80 8,you are the proper judge10 replied her little scholar1 8as to what will best follow after the two beautiful doctrines you have last explained to me1 of ,justification and ,adoption4 ,the other day ,i came to a difficult word in a book1 which1 ,sidenote3 ,of ,regeneration4 if it would not be out of place1 ,i should like to know something about4 ,the word was ,regeneration1 and0 8,stay1 my dear10 interrupted her grandmother2 8that is the very subject ,i was thinking of4 ,you could not have named a better2 and if you will give me all your attention1 ,i shall try to open up this great doctrine to you as simply as ,i can4 8,do you remember what ,i told you about ,justification8--,what ,god does to the sinner when ,he justifies and adopts him80 ,sidenote3 ,difference between ,justification1 8,he changes his state10 replied ,emma4 8,he brings him from a state of wrath to a state of grace1--from a state of condemnation to a state of pardon40 8,you have given me just the answer ,i wanted10 said her grandmother--8that it is a change of state or condition4 ,in ,justification1 from being a rebel1 the sinner is pardoned by ,sidenote3 ,adoption1 his ,sovereign4 ,in ,adoption1 from being a prodigal1 he is received back into his ,father's lost home4 ,now1 dear10 continued she1 8did ,i say that in these there is produced also any change in character80 8,i don't think so10 replied ,emma4 8,you are right2 and you will instantly see how well it is that ,i should speak to ,sidenote3 ,and ,regeneration4 you about ,regeneration tonight1 which is the very word which tells about this great change of character or mind1 which is as necessary to salvation1 as the great change of state and condition of which ,i have already spoken4 ,what is your own idea1 my dear child1 as to the meaning of ,regeneration80 8,indeed1 grandmamma10 replied ,emma1 8it is such a long and difficult word1 that ,i am ashamed to tell1 though ,i have often heard it mentioned in ,mr ,r's sermon1 ,i never understood it aright40 8,you should never be ashamed1 my dear1 to ask those older than yourself to explain ,bible difficulties to you4 ,many grow up to be big people1 in great ignorance1 owing to this false shame40 8,is it the same1 grandmamma10 said ,emma1 8as ,repentance8 ,i think ,i understand that word better40 ,sidenote3 ,bible ,terms about ,regeneration4 8,yes1 my child1 there are many words in the ,bible used to denote this same great change1 and which you must often hear ministers speaking about4 #8,the new birth'--being #8born again'--#8,conversion'--#8,repentance'-- #8,regeneration2' but the meaning of them all may be summed up in this1--the necessity of a new heart1 produced by the ,holy ,spirit1 who turns the old heart from the service of sin to the service of ,god40 ,sidenote3 ,necessity of ,regeneration4 8,but must every one have this entire change of heart before he can be saved80 8,yes1 dearest1 it is a doctrine many don't like to believe1 or to hear about1 because they think it makes the way to heaven too strait and narrow2 but do you remember anything ,jesus said about it1 when ,he was speaking to inquiring ,nicodemus80 ,sidenote3 ,what ,jesus says of it4 8,oh1 yes10 said ,emma1 8you have put me in mind of the verse now--#8,except a man be born again1 he cannot see the kingdom of ,god4'0 8,you are quite correct10 replied the old lady4 8,that same blessed ,saviour never spoke an unkind word1 and ,he would never have uttered this1 unless it was a solemn truth1 #8,marvel not that ,i said unto you1 ,ye must be born again4'0 8,but if the sinner10 asked ,emma1 8is justified in the sight of ,god1 and ,god calls him #8not guilty1' and pardons him1 and says of him there is no condemnation1 what more does he require1 in order to be saved80 ,sidenote3 ,a ,change of ,state and a ,change of ,heart must go together4 8,a great deal more10 replied her grandmother4 8,let me ask you10 said she to ,emma1 8two questions1 which may help to explain the matter to you4 ,if a king pardoned a rebel1 and if that rebel still hated his sovereign1 and sought to kill him1 would it be safe for the king to receive the ungrateful rebel into his palace80 8,no60 replied ,emma4 8,or1 if a father received back a prodigal son2 but if that son continued prodigal as ever1 breaking1 with fresh sin1 his poor old father's heart1 and corrupting his other brothers1 could that father permit him to live in his house80 8,no1 surely10 still replied ,emma4 8,well1 dearest1 what would require to be done to make it safe for the king to keep company with the rebel he had pardoned2 and the father to take the son to live with him in his own household80 8,if they had changed and better hearts10 said ,emma4 8,you have just given again the answer ,i wanted10 said her grandmother4 8,i want you to see it is the same with the sinner4 ,god the ,king has pardoned the sinnerrebel4 ,god the ,father has adopted the sinnerprodigal2 but ,he never could receive him into ,his glorious palace of heaven1 unless what80 ,sidenote3 ,change of ,heart in ,regeneration needed for ,heaven4 8,oh1 unless his heart is changed10 exclaimed ,emma4 8,i understand it now4 ,he must have a holy heart1--a heart to love ,god and hate sin4 ,i see quite well he could not get into heaven with an unchanged heart60 8,yes1 my dear child10 said the other 7happy that her little granddaughter was now able to see the meaning of ,regeneration72 8and even if the sinner could get into heaven with his sinful1 unchanged1 unconverted heart1 could he be happy80 ,sidenote3 ,heaven a place for holy ,hearts4 8,i don't think10 said ,emma1 8he could2 he would be miserable in that holy place1 amid holy angels and a holy ,god4 ,i see quite well now the truth of what ,jesus says1 #8,except ye be converted1 ye cannot enter in the kingdom of heaven4' 8,but10 continued little ,emma1 getting more interested in the subject1 8,i should like much to know how1 and when1 and where we are regenerated1 and get this new mind40 ,sidenote3 ,the ,agent in ,regeneration4 8,like every other thing in salvation10 replied the old lady1 8this great change of heart and life is the work of ,god2 and though all the glorious ,trinity are engaged in producing it1 it is more especially brought about by the agency of the third person in the blessed ,godhead--the ,holy ,ghost40 8,but how do you know when it takes place80 continued ,emma4 8,are we aware of the time when the ,holy ,spirit works this great change80 ,sidenote3 ,the ,method of ,regeneration4 8,no10 replied her grandmother4 8,you remember how simply and beautifully ,jesus speaks of this to one who was asking about it1 and wondering about it1 like you4 ,that1 just as you cannot tell where the wind comes from--you hear it blowing1 but cannot tell from where--#8so is every one that is born of the ,spirit4' ,that new birth1 or change1 is wrought silently in the soul4 ,it is like the little dewdrops that sparkle in the morning sun1 which gather unseen and unnoticed during the night2 or like the ,temple of ,jerusalem of old1 which was built without any noise of #8hammer1 or axe1 or any tool of iron2'--it rose without din or observation2 and this is the case with every renewed heart when it becomes a #8temple of the ,holy ,ghost4'0 8,then it takes a long time1 grandmamma1 before a sinner's heart can be changed80 ,sidenote3 ,various ,modes of ,operation4 8,the ,spirit of ,god1 my child1 acts how1 and where1 and when ,he pleases4 ,he sometimes converts and renews1 in a moment1 as ,he did the thief on the cross and the jailer of ,philippi1 or the thousands at ,pentecost4 ,sometimes ,he does it gradually 7or by degrees71 as in the case of ,nicodemus2 and sometimes1 as ,i trust1 my dear ,emma1 is the case with you1 ,he sanctifies from infancy1 changes the young heart1 as ,he did in the case of ,timothy1 and ,samuel1 and ,jeremiah40 ,sidenote3 ,am ,i ,regenerated8 8,oh6 ,i am happy to hear you say so10 replied ,emma1 8for ,i was beginning to fear that ,i had never felt the ,holy ,spirit changing my heart1 and that ,i must surely be yet unregenerated and unsaved4 ,such a thought would be very awful to me40 8,i trust1 my dear child10 said her grandmother1 8,i have good reason to believe that ,god1 by ,his grace and ,spirit1 has #8turned you from darkness to light1' and given you a heart to love ,him and serve ,him4 ,i wish that many little children would have such a ,sidenote3 ,awful ,importance of ,regeneration4 fear as you speak of4 ,i wish many1 too1 would remember that one little word ,,must1 and who says it1 #8,ye ,,must be born again6'0 8,dear grandmamma10 said ,emma1 8,i must pray more than ,i ever have done for a clean heart4 ,i fear1 till you have been explaining this to me1 ,i have thought too much about my sins being washed in ,jesus' blood1 and too little about my heart being changed and made holy by ,jesus' ,spirit4 ,i see that ,i need both1 and will try and pray for both40 8,it is a good resolution1 my dearest10 said the other2 8and the ,great ,god1 for your encouragement in asking for a change of heart1 gives you in ,his own blessed ,bible both a prayer ,sidenote3 ,a ,prayer for it1 and its ,answer4 and an answer4 ,give me your ,bible10 continued she1 8and1 as ,i feel unable to speak more tonight1 ,i will mark the two places to which ,i refer1 and you can take them with you to your own room1 and read them to yourself40 ,the good old lady kissed her little grandchild1 putting two pieces of paper at what she had so marked4 ,emma1 saying 8,goodnight10 ran upstairs with her ,bible in her hand1 and1 having shut her door1 read to herself1 before she knelt down to her evening prayer1 these two verses3-- ,the ,prayer4--8,create in me a clean heart1 ,o ,god2 renew a right spirit within me0 7,ps4 li4 #aj74 ,the ,answer4--8,a new heart also will ,i give you1 and a right spirit will ,i put within you2 and ,i will take away the stony heart out of your flesh1 and ,i will give you an heart of flesh0 7,ezek4 xxxvi4 #bf74 ,,fifth ,,night4 8,i am now ready for you10 said old ,mrs ,allan1 as little ,emma was waiting anxiously for the time when she might again seat herself by her grandmother's chair4 8,what am ,i to tell you about tonight80 8,i have been thinking10 replied ,emma1 8if you have no more to explain about the great work in the soul of the believer1 that ,i should like to hear more of that glorious ,being to whom the sinner owes all the precious blessings you have been telling me of40 ,sidenote3 ,of the ,person1 ,offices1 and ,work of ,christ4 8,i shall gladly do so1 my dear child4 ,it is a delightful subject to converse upon the ,person1 ,offices1 and ,work of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 who1 though ,he was rich1 yet for our sakes ,he became poor40 8,i shall hear attentively10 said ,emma1 8what you have to say1 as there is much about the ,person of ,jesus ,i do not rightly understand4 ,he is called ,sidenote3 ,christ the ,son of ,god and ,son of ,man4 both #8,son of ,god' and #8,son of ,man4' ,i often wonder how this can be40 8,this1 my child10 replied her grandmother1 8is the great mystery of godliness1 #8,god manifest in the flesh1'--but it is a glorious mystery2 and happy shall ,i be to speak to you upon it4 ,sidenote3 ,son of ,god4 8,the ,lord ,jesus ,christ is the eternal ,son of ,god4 ,he was #8with ,god1 and was ,god4' ,before this world1 or any worlds were made1 ,he dwelt from everlasting with the ,father4 ,he is equal with ,him in power and in glory4 ,if ,he had been an angel1 or an archangel1 ,he could not have saved us1 for the highest archangel is only a creature--and one created being cannot atone for the sin of another4 ,in one word1 if ,jesus had not been ,god1 ,he could not have been the ,saviour of man40 ,sidenote3 ,son of ,man4 8,but is he not spoken of10 said ,emma1 8also as the ,son of ,man80 8,yes1 my dear2 and ,i must add1 if ,he had not been man1 ,he could not have saved us4 ,as our surety1 it was necessary for ,him to suffer and die in the nature which had sinned--and besides1 you know1 that as ,god1 ,he could not have suffered1 because the ,divine nature is a spiritual one4 ,therefore it is that ,he says1 #8,a body hast thou prepared ,me4'0 8,i think1 too10 said ,emma1 8it is a blessed thought that our great ,redeemer was a man4 ,if ,he had been ,god only1 ,he could not have felt for us in the way ,he can do as the #8,son of ,man4'0 8,you are right1 my dear child4 ,this is one of the most delightful thoughts about the person of ,jesus1 that ,he is our #8elder brother1' and not ashamed to call us #8brethren4' ,he can say to all of us1 #8,i know your sorrows1' for ,he was ,himself #8the ,man of ,sorrows1' and felt them all40 ,sidenote3 ,titles of ,jesus4 8,would you explain to me10 said the young inquirer1 8the meaning of some more of the names of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ80 ,sidenote3 ,immanuel4 8,he is called10 said her grandmamma1 8by that beautiful word1 which tells that ,he is both ,god and man1 #8,immanuel1' which means1 #8,god with us4' ,sidenote3 ,jesus4 8,then ,he is called #8,jesus1' because ,he #8saves' ,his people--the word ,jesus meaning #8,saviour4' ,sidenote3 ,messiah1 ,christ4 8,then ,he is called #8,messiah1' and #8,christ1' because ,he is the anointed of ,god--both words meaning #8anointed4' ,as kings1 in ancient times1 had anointing oil poured upon their heads when they were set apart to their royal office1 so our blessed ,saviour had the anointing oil of the ,holy ,spirit poured upon ,him1 to qualify ,him for ,his offices as mediator40 8,the ,offices of ,jesus2 dear grandmamma1 ,i have often heard these spoken of4 ,will you kindly explain to me what they mean80 ,sidenote3 ,the ,offices of ,christ4 8,the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 my dear child1 stands in different relations1 and performs different acts with regard to the ,church ,he has redeemed with ,his precious blood4 ,i shall mention to you the three under which ,he is most frequently referred to4 ,sidenote3 ,prophet4 8,jesus is the ,prophet of ,his ,church4 ,he is her great ,teacher4 ,by means of ,his precious ,word1 and the influences of ,his ,spirit1 ,he makes known to us ,his own will1 and the will of ,god for our salvation4 ,sidenote3 ,priest4 8,jesus is the ,priest of ,his ,church4 ,a priest1 you know1 in former times1 offered sacrifices on the altar4 ,jesus is called the #8,great ,high ,priest of our profession4' ,he was ,himself both the ,priest and the ,victim1 for #8,he gave ,himself for us2' and just as the ,jewish high priest of old went into the holy of holies and sprinkled on the mercyseat the blood of the slain sacrifice1 and prayed to ,god for the people1 so ,jesus has carried the merits of ,his own blood into heaven1 and1 as our ,high ,priest1 is there pleading our cause at ,god's right hand4 ,you remember1 too1 the high priest of old1 after being within the vail1 came out to bless the waiting people4 ,so ,jesus1 our ,great ,high ,priest1 will1 at ,his second coming in glory1 bless ,his assembled ,church1 saying1 #8,come1 ye blessed of my ,father1 inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world4' ,sidenote3 ,king4 8,jesus also is ,king of ,his ,church1 the ruler in it1 and ruler over it4 ,he protects it from its enemies2 and though often1 like the bush which ,moses saw in the wilderness1 it burns with fire1 ,he will prevent it from ever being consumed4 ,he will continue to reign over it as ,king1 until all enemies be put under ,his feet40 8,what a wonderful and complete ,saviour1 grandmamma60 exclaimed ,emma4 8,jesus is so great1 and yet so compassionate6 ,i feel as if ,i can adore ,him as ,god1 and yet love ,him as a brother40 8,true1 most true1 my dear child2 ,he is all you need--the very ,saviour you do need4 ,it is a wonderful thought1 ,his ,godhead and ,his ,manhood6 ,as ,god1 angels and seraphs worshipped ,him4 ,as ,man1 little children smiled in ,his arms60 8,i love to think of ,him1 too10 said ,emma1 8as my ,high ,priest in heaven4 ,it does ,sidenote3 ,christ's ,intercessory ,work4 not make me afraid to approach the ,great ,god1 when ,i have so kind a ,saviour to intercede for me40 8,you are right1 my dear10 said the other2 8there is no thought more pleasing and delightful1 than that we have in glory #8a ,prince' that has #8power with ,god1' and must #8prevail4' ,the ,apostle ,paul rejoiced much in this truth4 ,it gave him #8boldness1' as he calls it1 to approach the throne of grace4 ,and the ,apostle ,john1 in his vision on the ,isle of ,patmos1 beheld ,jesus as the ,angel of the ,covenant1 with a #8censer' in ,his hand4 ,his people on earth put all their prayers into this censer1 and a fragrant cloud ascends from it before the throne40 8,what is the meaning of that80 asked ,emma4 8,it tells us1 my child10 said her grandmother1 8that the believer's poor1 imperfect prayers1 when sprinkled and made fragrant with the incense of ,christ's adorable merits1 ascend with acceptance into the ear of ,god ,himself4 ,god hears the poorest and unworthiest of ,his saints1 for the sake of the work and merits of ,jesus40 8,i can now well understand10 said ,emma1 8how the ,apostle ,paul could say with such a grateful heart1 #8,thanks be to ,god for ,his unspeakable gift6'0 8,yes10 replied the other1 8it is unspeakable--and the more you know of ,jesus1 the more wonders will you discover in ,his person1 and the more glories in ,his work4 ,oh6 seek to love him more and more every day4 ,let it be your constant wish1 and desire1 and prayer--how can ,i do enough for this ,saviour who has done so much1 so very much for me8 8,but ,i can say no more tonight4 ,may this blessed ,saviour1 my dear child1 be yours--yours now1 and yours for ever60 ,,sixth ,,night4 8,it is a long time10 said ,emma1 running to her grandmother's side1 8since you were last able to tell me those nice things about ,bible doctrines4 ,i have been longing much for you to be able to speak to me again about them40 8,i feel better and stronger now10 said old ,mrs ,allan1 who had been for many weeks laid aside1 8and ,i am as happy as my little ,emma can be1 to find myself once more in my old oaken chair1 with her at my knee40 8,thank you1 grandmamma10 said she1 clinging affectionately to her withered hand2 8and what are you going to speak to me about tonight80 8,our last conversation1 my child1 if ,i remember well1 was on the intercessory work of the ,lord ,jesus4 ,i think you would like to hear me speak of the final great act of ,his mediatorial reign1 when ,he will come at the ,sidenote3 ,the ,resurrection and ,judgment4 resurrection to judge the world40 8,oh1 yes60 said ,emma2 8,i should like much to hear of that awfully glorious day4 ,i often tremble when ,i think about it40 8,it has no terrors1 my child1 to ,god's own people4 ,it is to them a very joyful day--the happiest of all their lives2 for then they shall be brought to the full enjoyment of ,god for ever40 ,sidenote3 ,souls of ,believers at ,death4 8,but1 dear grandmamma1 ,i thought1 when believers die1 they go to heaven at the very moment of death2 that the angels of ,god are waiting by their pillows to carry them into ,jesus' bosom40 8,true--most true1 my child10 replied the aged lady2 8the moment the saint closes his eyes on this world1 he opens them in heaven4 ,the souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness1 and do immediately pass into glory4 ,you perhaps remember some of the things the ,apostle ,paul said in the prospect of death80 8,yes10 said ,emma2 8#8,having a desire to depart1 and to be with ,christ1 which is far better2' #8,willing rather to be absent from the body1 and to be present with the ,lord4' ,i remember1 too1 of ,stephen1 when his wicked murderers were stoning him1 how he cried out1 #8,lord ,jesus1 receive my spirit4'0 8,quite right1 my dear2 and that other saying of the ,saviour to the poor thief on the cross is more to the point still1 when ,he said to him1 #8,verily ,i say unto thee1 ,today shalt thou be with me in paradise4'0 8,but then1 from all these verses10 said ,emma1 8is not heaven begun at the hour of death80 8,it is1 my child10 replied her grandmother4 8,i have already told you that1 at the moment of death1 the soul of the saint is made perfectly holy1 and happy too1 beyond what we can now conceive2 but its state of final and complete glorification will not take place until the day of judgment40 8,what is it10 said the little inquirer1 8which will then add to its state of glory and blessedness80 ,sidenote3 ,the ,bodies of ,believers4 8,you know1 my dear10 was the reply1 8that the body of the believer is not taken to heaven at the hour of death4 ,it is laid in the tomb4 ,you remember too well that sad day when your little brother was laid in his grave in the churchyard4 ,his happy spirit1 ,i believe1 is now in heaven1 joyful in the presence and love of ,god2 but his full state of glory and blessedness will not be complete until his body is raised again on the resurrection morning4 ,perhaps ,i should tell ,sidenote3 ,purchased by ,christ4 you that the body1 as well as the soul1 is part of the purchase of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,every particle of the saints' dust is redeemed by ,his blood4 ,the ,apostle speaks of #8our bodies and our spirits' as #8not our own1' but #8bought with a price4'0 8,but how can this be80 inquired ,emma2 8do you mean that the bodies of those who have been buried for ages will come all to life again1 and the soul be once more united to these80 ,sidenote3 ,raised from the ,grave4 8,yes1 my dear1 it is indeed a wonderful thought4 ,but what cannot the power of ,god do8 ,he has said that ,he will raise us up at the last day4 ,do you remember any of the words of ,jesus about this80 ,emma thought a little1 and at last turned up her ,bible to the verses1 and read them3 8,marvel not at this2 for the hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear ,his voice1 and shall come forth2 they that have done good1 unto the resurrection of life2 and they that have done evil1 unto the resurrection of damnation40 8,but how10 continued she1 when she had finished1 and once more repeating her question of surprise--8how1 grandmamma1 can this be8--does not the dead body crumble into dust8 ,how can the particles that have for hundreds and thousands of years been mixed with the earth come together again80 8,god can do anything1 ,i answer once more10 was the reply of the other4 8,we should always remember that what is impossible with man1 is possible with ,god4 ,we are not without examples1 my child1 in the natural world1 of the wondrous changes which the power of ,god can produce in smaller ,sidenote3 ,the ,doctrine of the ,resurrection probable from ,analogy4 things2 and this shews us 7from what is called analogy7 that we have no right to question the doctrine ,i am now speaking about1 however strange and apparently impossible it may seem to be40 8,what instances1 grandmamma10 said ,emma1 8may ,i ask1 do you refer to in the outer world8 ,i should like to understand better what you mean40 8,i like to hear you asking for more information1 dear ,emma1 and ,i shall try to give it to you4 ,well1 then1 ,i know you have often seen the bright and beautiful butterfly with its golden wings and rings of silver4 ,can you believe that that lovely insect was once a little grub or caterpillar8 ,i see you are astonished1 my dear1 at what ,i now say2 but it is the case4 ,during winter1 these little worms lie in what is called a chrysalis state4 ,during this time there is nothing in the least beautiful about them--,i would say rather the reverse2 but all at once1 when the summer sun shines out1 the little insect bursts its coating1 and is changed into a lovely butterfly or moth1 with expanded wings1 flying up into the blue sky1 or ranging at large amid the garden flowers40 8,oh how wonderful is this60 exclaimed ,emma2 8and ,i see now1 grandmamma1 what you mean4 ,this little creature teaches me to understand how the same mighty power of ,god1 that changes the caterpillar into a butterfly1 can bring about the still more wonderful change in raising our vile bodies from the grave40 8,you are right1 my child10 said her grandmother4 8,i am glad you have understood me2 and if ,i had time1 ,i might give you other instances of a similar kind4 ,you have seen1 for example1 the farmer put the little grains of seed into the ground2 could you ever have expected that the small pickles thrown into the earth would spring up into the rich fields of yellow corn you have seen waving at harvest time80 8,oh no10 replied ,emma2 8,i have often thought how curious this is1 and also that the little annual seed ,i sow in my own gardenplot should spring up such lovely flowers4 ,the seed looks so small and withered like1 and the flowers are so beautiful in colour1 and have such a sweet smell40 8,well1 my dear1 does not ,god give us proofs in these smaller things of what ,he can do in greater things4 ,the body laid in the grave is like the seed laid in the ground1 #8it is sown in dishonour1 it is raised in glory4' ,i should like you10 continued the old lady1 8to take your ,bible and read all that striking and beautiful passage of the ,apostle ,paul on ,sidenote3 ,testimony of ,st ,paul4 this subject40 ,emma immediately opened to the #aeth chapter of #ast ,corinthians1 #db;d verse1 and read aloud as follows3--8,it is sown in corruption1 it is raised in incorruption3 it is sown in dishonour1 it is raised in glory3 it is sown in weakness1 it is raised in power3 it is sown a natural body1 it is raised a spiritual body4 ,there is a natural body1 and there is a spiritual body4444 ,behold1 ,i shew you a mystery2 we shall not all sleep1 but we shall all be changed1 in a moment1 in the twinkling of an eye1 at the last trump 7for the trumpet shall sound72 and the dead shall be raised incorruptible1 and we shall be changed4 ,for this corruptible must put on incorruption1 and this mortal must put on immortality4 ,so when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption1 and this mortal shall have put on immortality1 then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written1 ,death is swallowed up in victory40 8,what a wonderful scene that will be60 said ,emma1 as she closed her ,bible4 8,dear grandmamma1 can you tell me when it will take place80 ,sidenote3 ,when the ,resurrection will be4 8,no1 my child10 replied she2 8the ,bible tells us that #8,of that day and hour knoweth no man2 no1 not even the angels that are in heaven4' ,god seems purposely to keep us in the dark about the time of the coming of ,jesus1 that we may be always ready for it4 ,it matters little how long or how short it may be1 provided we are now living as we would wish we had done when we hear the trumpet sounding40 8,and what sort of bodies10 said ,emma1 8will they be that will then rise from the graves80 8,all that ,i can tell you10 replied her grandmother1 8is1 that they will be glorious ,sidenote3 ,glory of the ,resurrection ,body4 bodies1 fashioned like unto ,christ's glorified body4 ,they will be no more subject to decay1 and weakness1 and disease1 and death4 ,it is said of them1 #8,they shall be like ,him' 7like ,jesus71 and also1 #8,neither shall they die any more4' ,and surely no blessedness can be greater than this--to be like ,jesus1 and never to die40 8,oh1 grandmamma60 exclaimed ,emma1 8,i feel as if ,i would not be afraid to go to the grave1 after all that you have been now telling me40 8,true1 my child1 the lowliest grave in yonder churchyard1 if it be the grave of a true believer1 is holy ground4 ,perhaps angels are watching over it1 and ,jesus himself counts its dust precious4 ,the grave of the wicked is a prison house1 where they are detained in captivity until the day of awful vengeance2 but the grave of the saint is a casket holding a precious jewel4 ,it is a bed of rest1 where he gently and peacefully #8sleeps' till awakened on the happy morning of immortality4 8,but ,i must here1 my dear1 pause for tonight4 ,we have been speaking so much about this wondrous doctrine of the body's resurrection as to render it necessary that ,i should wait till another ,sabbath to speak as ,i promised about the day of judgment40 ,,seventh ,,night4 8,you promised1 grandmamma10 said little ,emma1 as she found herself once more seated by the old oaken chair1 8to tell me tonight ,sidenote3 ,the ,last ,judgment4 about the ,day of ,judgment4 ,i long to hear you speak about so solemn a subject4 ,there is much about it ,i do not understand40 8,it is1 my child10 replied the other1 8a solemn subject4 ,it will be a dreadful day to the wicked2 but it will be a happy day to all ,god's dear children--the happiest day in their lives40 8,tell me1 then1 dear grandmamma1 all that the ,bible tells us about it4 ,i shall promise to listen with great attention40 ,sidenote3 ,what it is4 8,the ,judgment10 answered the other1 8is that great transaction which is to take place at the end of the world1 when every man1 and woman1 and child1 that ever lived1 will be brought to trial before ,god's #8great white throne4' ,a trumpet will sound over their graves4 ,as ,i told you last ,sabbath1 the mouldering dust will come to life again1 and the dead1 small and great1 will stand before ,god40 8,what a wonderful and awful thought60 exclaimed ,emma2 8but do you mean to say that all will be there1 without any exception80 8,all6--all60 replied the aged lady1 8from ,adam to the last inhabitant of the world4 ,there will be those who lived before the flood1 and since the flood4 ,patriarchs1 and ,prophets1 and ,apostles--,jews and ,gentiles--,pagans and ,christians--rich and poor--young and old--learned and unlearned--kings and beggars--not one will be wanting2 and more still1 you and ,i will be there4 ,our eyes will look on that vast crowd40 8,and tell me10 continued ,emma1 deeply impressed with the thought1 8who is the ,sidenote3 ,the ,judge4 ,judge that will be seated on the throne you speak of8 and what will ,he do80 8,if you refer1 my child10 said her grandmother1 8to the seventeenth chapter of ,acts1 thirtyfirst verse1 you will there read who is set apart as ,judge of the world40 ,emma turned up the passage in her ,bible1 and read as follows3-- 8,for ,he hath appointed a day in the which ,he will judge the world in righteousness by that ,man whom ,he hath ordained2 whereof ,he hath given assurance unto all men1 in that ,he hath raised ,him from the dead40 8,oh1 ,i see now60 she exclaimed1 as she closed her ,bible2 8it is the ,lord ,jesus ,christ who is to be ,judge4 ,it makes me glad to think of this2 for if ,i love and serve ,him now1 ,i will not be afraid to meet ,him then4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,throne4 ,but why is it said that ,he is to be seated on a white throne8--will it really be so80 8,i cannot tell10 replied the other1 8what the outward marks of majesty will be in which ,he will appear1 although1 doubtless1 these will be very great2 for it is said that ,he will come #8in ,his glory1' and that ,he is to have #8all ,his holy angels with ,him4' ,but ,he is spoken of as seated on a great white throne1 to denote ,his awful purity and holiness2 that ,he will give on that day every one his due4 ,his mercy will not interfere with the exercise of justice and holiness1 and sinners will not escape unpunished40 8,i think ,i now remember1 dear grandmamma10 said ,emma1 8of reading in that same chapter in ,revelation which speaks of the throne of the ,judge1 that ,he is to have ,sidenote3 ,the ,books4 some books lying open before ,him40 8,yes1 my child1 you are right2 #8the books1' we are told1 are to be #8opened4' ,what these books may be we cannot tell2 but perhaps they may be the books of the ,law and the ,gospel--the books of ,conscience1 and ,memory1 and ,privilege2 and especially the ,great ,book of ,remembrance1 in which all ,sidenote3 ,the ,book of ,remembrance4 our words1 and deeds1 and actions1 are preserved4 ,all that every individual has ever done will be found recorded in it4 ,many will wonder when they come to see how faithful the pen of ,god has been in writing down all2--heart sins1 and tongue sins1 and life sins4 ,i fear not a few suppose that there are many trifling faults 7or1 as they call them1 #8little sins'7 which they imagine ,god does not think it worth while to take notice of4 ,they will find every one of them recorded4 ,they may have forgotten them long ago2 but they will all be brought to light again on that ,great ,day40 8,if this10 exclaimed ,emma1 8be indeed the case1 who is there but must tremble at the thought of that day80 8,the wicked1 my child10 continued her grandmother1 8will and must be afraid to think of it4 ,all who have not known the salvation of ,jesus1 and fled to ,his precious blood1 must be covered then with confusion and shame4 ,they will then be led to see1 what they never saw before1 what an evil thing sin is1 and what a holy being ,god is4 ,but ,his own people will have nothing to fear4 ,they can say now1 in the words of the beautiful hymn-- #8,bold shall ,i stand on that great day2 ,for who aught to my charge can lay1 ,while by ,thy blood absolved ,i am ,from sin's tremendous guilt and shame8' ,yes1 dear ,emma1 they will be able to look up with joy in the face of their ,judge1 and say1 #8,it is ,god that justifieth1 who is he that condemneth8'0 8,but what6 ,do you mean1 grandmamma1 that ,god does not take account of the sins of the righteous80 8,no1 no1 my child2 every one of their sins is written down as well as those of the wicked--dreadful pages of guilt1 too1 that might well overwhelm them with wrath and condemnation40 8,how1 then10 continued ,emma1 8can it be different with them from the others8 ,how can ,god pass over their many sins80 8,he does not--,he could not1 my child10 replied the aged lady1 8pass any sins over4 ,but you may have heard of another book which ,sidenote3 ,the ,book of ,life4 ,god will have before ,him on that day4 ,it is the ,book of ,life4 ,there the names of all the redeemed are written4 ,none who are written therein can be lost6 ,it is as if the great ,judge took ,his pen and drew it through every page of recorded sins1 marking them all out with the blood of the ,lamb of ,god40 8,but10 asked ,emma1 8will it not make the believer very sad and sorrowful on that day to see such an awful record of sins8 ,it will be enough1 surely1 to bring floods of tears to his eyes40 8,i do not wonder at your saying so1 my dear2 but ,i think the thought of his sins will be lost in a still more wondrous and amazing one--,i mean in thinking of the work of ,jesus1 that could take so many sins away1 making them all forgiven and forgotten1 and blotted out for ever40 8,oh that my name1 dear grandmamma1 were safely written there6 ,i feel as if ,i never could be for another hour happy or joyful until ,i felt sure that my name was in the ,book of ,life60 8,you have1 my dear child1 all the assurance necessary1 if you are now believing in the ,lord ,jesus--trusting in ,his merits--seeking to love ,him--to do what ,he commands--and avoid what displeases ,him4 ,of such ,he says 7,rev4 iii4 #e71 #8,i will not blot out his name out of the ,book of ,life2 but ,i will confess his name before my ,father and before ,his angels4'0 8,but tell me further10 said ,emma1 8how will the work of judgment proceed80 8,jesus1 my child1 after the books have been opened1 and the vast multitude have been brought before ,him1 will go on to pronounce sentence upon each4 ,it will be a solemn scene4 ,we read that #8,he will ,sidenote3 ,the ,awards4 separate the righteous from the wicked as a shepherd divideth the sheep from the goats4' ,in this world the good and the bad1 the #8tares and the wheat1' are mixed up together4 ,we cannot tell the holy from the unholy2 but ,jesus knows them all2 and on that day ,he will parcel all mankind into these two great classes4 ,in one or other every human being must be placed40 8,on whom will ,he pronounce sentence first80 inquired ,emma4 8,he will address the righteous first10 said her grandmother4 8,it will not1 indeed1 be with them a day of wrath4 ,believers1 at the time of their justification 7as ,i explained to you on a former evening71 were dismissed with the sentence of #8not guilty' pronounced upon them4 ,they are brought before ,god's throne1 that there they may be #8openly acknowledged'--receive a public acquittal before men and angels--and listen to that happy1 happy sentence1 #8,come1 ye blessed of my ,father1 inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world4'0 8,i can well imagine their joy10 said ,emma2 8but what next80 8,it will be a sadly different scene1 my child4 ,let the words of ,jesus himself tell you of it--you will find them in the #beth chapter of ,matthew1 #dast verse40 ,emma again turned to the passage1 and read1 8,then shall ,he say also to them on the left hand1 ,depart1 ye cursed1 into everlasting fire1 prepared for the devil and his angels40 8,after this10 continued the aged lady1 8we read no more about the doings of that great day4 ,the court is dissolved--the trial over4 ,we see the golden gates of heaven open to receive happy saints and angels2 and the miserable wicked sink down to the regions of despair6 ,this solemn day terminates the kingdom of grace on earth4 ,the kingdom of glory is then completed4 ,the elect are gathered into it from the four quarters of heaven4 ,they #8enter into the joy of their ,lord4' ,but this ,i must reserve speaking to you about1 if ,god spare me1 till another ,sabbath40 ,,eighth ,,night4 ,spring once more returned with its green fields and bright sky4 ,the little birds were beginning to raise their earliest notes1 as if telling one another how happy they were that winter1 with its snow and its storms1 was again over1 and that the fresh buds were beginning again to appear4 ,the small1 oldfashioned lamp1 too1 which was filled every ,saturday1 so as to be ready for the ,sabbath evening1 was1 from the long twilight1 no longer required4 ,as the last rays of the setting sun were falling through the latticed window1 ,emma was found once more at her grandmother's side4 8,i think1 my dear10 said the latter1 laying aside her spectacles1 and drawing her grandchild nearer her--8,i think ,i left off speaking last ,sabbath when we were just beginning to talk of the most wondrous and glorious of all ,bible subjects40 8,oh yes10 replied ,emma1 8you had told me about the doings of the great ,day of ,judgment1 and you were commencing to ,sidenote3 ,of ,heaven4 speak about the glories of heaven1 when you thought it would be better to wait till now40 8,truly1 my child10 said her grandmother1 8,i would require rather to wait till that heaven itself begins1 in order to give you any idea of its happiness4 ,we are told that #8eye hath not seen1 nor ear heard1 neither have entered into the heart of man1 the things which ,god hath prepared for them that love ,him4'0 8,i was reading a little ago1 when sitting at the window10 said ,emma1 8the description of this glorious heaven given us in the last chapters of the ,bible1 where it is said to be a ,sidenote3 ,how described in ,revelation4 great city1 with streets of gold like transparent glass1 walls of jasper1 and foundations of precious stones4 ,and here1 too1 is another beautiful verse1 grandmamma10 continued she1 as her eyes glanced over the #bast chapter of ,revelation3 8#8,and the city had no need of the sun1 neither of the moon1 to shine in it2 for the glory of ,god did lighten it1 and the ,lamb is the light thereof4' ,and here yet another lovely description10 she added1 8,i love so to read it3 #8,and he shewed me a pure river of water of life1 clear as crystal1 proceeding out of the throne of ,god and of the ,lamb4 ,in the midst of the street of it1 and on either side of the river1 was there the tree of life1 which bare twelve manner of fruits1 and yielded her fruit every month3 and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations4'0 8,i have not interrupted you1 my dear child1 in reading these beautiful verses10 said the aged lady2 8they give us a bright and glowing picture of happiness and glory1 which our minds can in no other way conceive40 ,sidenote3 ,to be understood figuratively4 8,but will there indeed be golden streets1 and crystal walls1 and all these precious stones that are here spoken of80 inquired ,emma4 8,there will be far greater magnificence1 and far purer happiness10 replied her grandmother1 8than all the gold and gems this world could give4 ,these are just figures or emblems employed by ,god in ,his ,word to convey to us some idea of the vast glory of heaven4 ,no earthly words1 or thoughts1 or language1 could describe this2 and therefore1 as men consider gold and precious stones the most costly and valuable things in the world1 they are used as pictures to give us some feeble representation of heavenly blessedness40 8,what1 then1 dear grandmamma1 will heaven really be8 ,what kind of a place is it8 and how are the righteous employed when they get there80 ,sidenote3 ,the ,scenery of ,heaven4 8,i cannot tell10 replied the other1 8what character of scenery there will be in heaven1 nor in what particular spot in the universe this happy place is prepared4 ,the ,bible does not gratify our curiosity about this4 ,for anything that is known to the contrary1 there may be much there that we love and admire in this world4 ,there may be beautiful skies1 and clear rivers1 and gushing fountains1 and lovely flowers1 and sweet music4 ,but still1 as ,i have said already1 regarding all these the ,bible says nothing40 8,what1 then1 will heaven consist in1 grandmamma80 inquired ,emma4 ,sidenote3 ,negative and ,positive ,blessedness4 8,i was just going to say1 my child1 that there are many things we know will not be there1 and many things we know will be there4 ,does little ,emma think she could tell me any of the things we have in this world that we shall not have in heaven80 8,oh yes10 replied the little girl1 8,i think ,i know4 ,we shall have no sin there1 and no sorrow there1 and no death there40 ,sidenote3 ,negative4 8,quite right1 my child10 said her grandmother4 8,this is a world of sin1 and therefore it has become a world of pain1 and sickness1 and sorrow1 and death2 but in heaven all these will be unknown4 ,i thought ,i saw you1 my dear1 but yesterday seated in the churchyard on little ,robert's tomb2 and when you came home1 ,i observed by your eyes that you had been weeping for the loss of your little brother4 ,in that happy heaven ,i am speaking of there will be no graves and no tears1 for there will be no sin and no death to cause them40 8,but then1 dear grandmamma1 will there be no other joys in heaven80 ,sidenote3 ,positive4 8,yes1 yes1 my child10 replied the aged lady2 8,i have only spoken to you of what is not in heaven4 ,i have yet to tell you what is there4 ,can little ,emma answer this question too1 as well as the last80 8,i shall meet all my dear friends there10 said ,emma--8my father and mother1 who were both taken from me when ,i was so young1 and little ,robert1 and you too1 grandmamma1 who have so kindly led me on in the way to that happy place1 and told me often how ,i am to get there40 8,my dear child10 said her grandmother1 8all that you have said about meeting departed friends there is true4 ,all who are the friends of ,jesus will meet in that happy home4 ,i believe it to be true10 she repeated1 the tear filling her eye as she spoke4 8,parents will know their children1 and children their parents2 and brothers and sisters will meet never to part any more4 ,but this is but a very small portion of the joy of heaven4 ,can you not think of a far greater joy in that bright world than even the meeting of the dearest earthly friends80 8,oh yes10 replied ,emma1 8we shall meet ,god6--we shall see ,jesus face to face6 ,sidenote3 ,vision of ,god4 ,this will be the greatest1 surely1 of all the glories of heaven--to dwell for ever with ,god1 and discover more of ,his grace and love60 8,yes1 truly1 my child10 said the other2 8this is to heaven what the sun is to the universe4 ,all the other glories we can speak of are only1 by comparison1 like the light of the stars to that sun1 or like little streams to the great ocean4 ,we shall #8see ,god2' and what1 perhaps1 is more wondrous still1 we shall be like ,god4 ,along with the holy angels1 we shall have no higher delight than doing ,his will4 ,we shall feel that in ,his presence #8there is fulness of joy4'0 8,but shall we indeed see ,god80 inquired ,emma2 8the thought seems so wondrous4 ,how can this be80 ,sidenote3 ,how ,god will be ,manifested4 8,here again1 dear child10 replied her grandmother1 8we must not try to be wise beyond what the ,bible has told us2 for it is there said1 that #8,he dwells in light that is inaccessible and full of glory1 whom no eye hath seen1 neither can see4' ,that there will be some bright and glorious manifestation of ,his presence ,i cannot doubt2 but what the ,sidenote3 ,the ,presence of ,jesus in the midst of the ,redeemed4 nature of this will be ,i cannot tell4 ,this we know1 however1 with certainty1 that ,jesus1 our blessed ,redeemer1 in ,his glorified human nature1 will be seen and adored by the countless multitudes of ,his ransomed people40 8,i saw10 said ,emma1 8a verse immediately following the words ,i a little ago read1 which speaks of this4 ,here it is3 #8,and they shall see ,his face1 and ,his name shall be in their foreheads4'0 8,yes1 my child2 and you may perhaps remember some other passages which tell the same blessed truth4 ,do you remember what made ,john so happy in the prospect of heaven80 8,oh yes10 replied ,emma1 8,i recollect now4 ,he says with such joy1 #8,we know that1 when ,he shall appear1 we shall be like ,him2 for we shall see ,him as ,he is4'0 8,quite right1 dearest10 said her grandmother2 8,i shall just remind you of one more4 ,it is the ,saviour's own last prayer for ,his people--#8,father1 ,i will that they also whom ,thou hast given me be with me where ,i am1 that they may behold my glory4' ,do you remember the name by which ,jesus is spoken of again and again in the book of ,revelation1 describing to us how ,he now appears in glory80 8,yes10 replied ,emma2 8,i have often been struck with the title there given to ,him4 ,he is called #8the ,lamb that was slain4' ,i often wonder why ,he should be called so1 now that ,he is in heaven1 seated on ,his throne1 with all ,his sufferings at an end40 8,it is1 my dear child10 answered the aged lady1 8a very precious name4 ,it tells that ,he continues1 and will continue1 to wear ,his glorified human nature there1 and that1 too1 through all eternity4 ,it tells us also that the redeemed will never cease to remember that it was to the shedding of ,his precious blood that they owe every gem of their crowns40 8,and doubtless10 said ,emma1 8the happy company of the saints will for ever delight to think more and more of the love of ,jesus80 ,sidenote3 ,their ,contemplation of ,christ's ,love4 8,you are right10 said the other4 8,it will assuredly be one of the greatest joys in heaven to comprehend with all saints what is the height and depth1 and length and breadth1 and to know the love of ,christ1 which passeth knowledge4 ,they will ever be trying to know more and more of this love2 but they will never be able to understand all its meaning40 8,i daresay1 too1 much that we cannot now understand will be cleared up80 said ,emma4 8,yes1 my dear10 replied her grandmother2 8,god's wisdom and faithfulness will then be as fully revealed as ,his love4 ,there is much that takes place on earth which is perplexing ,sidenote3 ,providences ,explained in ,heaven4 to us--what we call #8dark dealings1'--as1 for example1 when good and useful lives are taken away1 and evil and worthless lives are spared2 but ,jesus1 you remember1 said1 #8,what thou knowest not now1 thou shalt know hereafter4' ,i believe we shall then not only #8know1' but see1 that #8all things have been working together for good to them that love ,god4' ,sore trials and afflictions will then call forth loud songs of praise2 and it will be made manifest that the ,judge of all the earth had done right40 8,and will all these blessed saints10 inquired ,emma1 8be equally holy and happy80 8,they will all1 my dear1 be holy10 said the old lady1 8for #8without holiness no one could see ,god1' far less enjoy ,him2 and they will all1 too1 be happy--not one tear will be in their bright faces4 ,but ,i believe1 too1 that some ,sidenote3 ,degrees of ,bliss in ,heaven4 will be happier than others4 ,all will be like vessels full to the brim with glory and happiness2 but some vessels will be larger than others1 and able1 therefore1 to contain more happiness4 ,we read that they shall differ #8as one star in the firmament differs from another star in glory4' ,some stars are of a larger size than others2 some are nearer the sun than others3 so those who have lived nearer ,jesus on earth1 and loved ,him with larger hearts1 will be nearer ,him in heaven4 ,while all1 therefore1 who are believers will be happy1 those will be happiest who are walking closest with ,god now4 ,if you will turn to the twelfth chapter of ,daniel1 you will find there a striking verse1 telling of different degrees of coming happiness4 ,here it is10 continued the old lady1 pointing her little grandchild to the third verse3 8#8,they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament2 and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever4'0 8,oh6 what a glorious1 happy prospect1 dear grandmamma6 ,would that ,i could feel sure of being one even of these feeblest stars60 ,sidenote3 ,how ,heaven is ,obtained4 8,there is but one way1 my child10 replied the other1 8of joining that bright company of which we have been speaking4 ,it is the blood of ,jesus alone that can open these glorious gates4 ,but that blood has opened them1 and keeps them open still1 to the chief of sinners4 ,that blessed ,redeemer seems still to stand at the gate of heaven1 and say1 #8,i am the door3 by me if any man enter in1 he shall be saved4' 8,but ,i feel1 my dear ,emma1 that my strength is failing1 and ,i am unable to speak more to you this evening4 ,give me your ,bible1 and ,i shall double down the leaf at my favourite description of the joys of heaven40 ,she accordingly took her little grandchild's ,bible1 and putting a mark with her aged finger at the seventh chapter of ,revelation1 thirteenth verse1 returned it to her again1 saying1 8,should you1 my child1 be with me at my dying hour1 when my tongue is too feeble to speak1 remember to read to me that sweet passage4 ,i have often wished that ,i might have some one to read to me these words when ,i pass through the ,dark ,valley40 ,sidenote3 ,conclusion4 ,little did ,emma suppose that the words which now fell upon her ear would so soon come true4 ,a few weeks only passed by1 when her grandmother was laid upon a bed of sickness and pain1 which soon proved a bed of death4 ,the aged saint bore up under her sufferings with calmness and fortitude4 ,she was kept in perfect peace1 for her mind was stayed on ,god4 ,her dear little grandchild was her faithful companion during her last hours4 ,the night before her death1 when she was fast sinking1 and her lips getting paler and paler1 ,emma remembered faithfully the request made to her4 ,the tear started to her eye as she opened her ,bible1 and saw the leaf still folded down4 ,she read it with a trembling voice4 ,the poor old sufferer was able to do no more than clasp her withered hands as the happy sentences fell on her ears4 ,when she had fallen asleep in ,jesus1 and was laid in the churchyard which she had so often looked to from her window1 ,emma delighted to go with her ,bible in her hand1 and1 sitting on the green turf which covered her grave1 to read the wellknown passage3 8,and one of the elders answered1 saying unto me1 ,what are these which are arrayed in white robes8 and whence came they8 ,and ,i said unto him1 ,sir1 thou knowest4 ,and he said to me1 ,these are they which came out of great tribulation1 and have washed their robes1 and made them white in the blood of the ,lamb4 ,therefore are they before the throne of ,god1 and serve ,him day and night in ,his temple3 and ,he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them4 ,they shall hunger no more1 neither thirst any more2 neither shall the sun light on them1 nor any heat4 ,for the ,lamb1 which is in the midst of the throne1 shall feed them1 and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters2 and ,god shall wipe away all tears from their eyes40 ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ,transcriber's ,notes ,a ,table of ,contents has been added for convenience4 ,in the caption for the frontispiece1 8,grandmama0 has been changed to 8,grandmamma0 to make it consistent with the rest of the project4 ,on page #df1 8in0 has been corrected to 8on0 at 8vision on the ,isle of ,patmos40 ,obvious punctuation errors have been silently corrected4