XIV

A Meditation on the Joy which shall be where the Sheep shall be set on the Right Hand.

BUT while these are in woe, and for distress of spirit are uttering the lamentable groanings of their hearts, what thinkest thou will be the joy and exultation of those blessed ones, who shall be set at the right hand of God and hear that most blissful voice which shall say unto them, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.¹²⁸¹²⁸   Matt. xxv. 34. Then verily shall the voice of joy and health abide in the dwellings of the righteous.¹²⁹¹²⁹   Ps. cxviii. 15. Then shall the Lord lift up the head of the meek, who now refuse not to be counted vile and outcast for His sake. He shall heal the broken hearted, and console with everlasting joy them that weep for longing after Him in this earthly pilgrimage. Then shall be manifested their unspeakable reward, who for love of their Creator rejoice in the renunciation of their own wills. In that day shall a heavenly crown be set upon the heads of them that serve Him, and the glory of those that wait patiently for Him shall shine forth with splendour ineffable. There shall love enrich His faithful soldiers with the fellowship of angels, and purity of heart shall bless them that love Him with the blessed vision of their 89Creator.¹³⁰¹³⁰   See Matt. v. 8. Then shall that song be sung by all the elect: Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house; they will be alway praising Thee.¹³¹¹³¹   Ps. lxxxiv. 4. In which song of praise may He vouchsafe to make us partakers who with the Father and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth God, world without end. Amen.