But here, again, men object. They will concede that, perhaps, there may be _something_ literal in this prophetical description; at any rate that it symbolizes faithfully and precisely the spiritual homage, the joy and adoration of souls which shall be in heaven. But they assert that it does not symbolize—that, in fact, it is in very contrast with all the state and feeling which belong to us poor wandering and afflicted pilgrims and prodigals on earth. My brethren, if there were no other argument in favour of maintaining or of restoring where it has fallen into decay such a ritual as I am advocating, this one objection would furnish a most cogent reason for it,—a very necessity; for what does it show but that men have lost the truth which this ritual embodies and expresses—namely, that while indeed _in the world_ they are still pilgrims, still prodigals distant from home, though sighing for and seeking that home, beholders of promises _afar off_, yet in the _Church_ they are _at home_, having _obtained_ the promises. The Church is the ark of salvation, which God has provided to keep us safe in the drowning of the world. It is the kingdom of heaven, whose King is now in the midst of it. It is the bosom of the Father whereon each penitent prodigal now rests accepted, the Everlasting arms whose felt embrace assures of present peace and joy. It is the wedding feast whereat all the friends of the King’s son are decked with glories and feasted with good things; nay, it is the Bride herself, adorned for the Bridegroom, the King’s daughter, all glorious and full of joy! What present comfort in the troubles of this lower life, what cheering in despondency, what stimulus in toilsome effort do we not miss, my brethren, by not realizing that in the Church we are come unto Mount Zion, unto the heavenly Jerusalem—unto the very throne, into the very presence, within the enfolding arms of the God who has saved us, Who loves to fill us full of peace, and joy, and benediction _now_. And, alas! what do we not in our blindness or misconception withhold from God—of that most reasonable, that greatly due, that loudly-demanded service—the perpetual sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving for the past mercies of our redemption, for our continual sustentation through the intercession of our Great High Priest, by the grace which He continually gives us; for the coming glory which, being promised, is sure on His part, and most certainly needs to be acknowledged with grateful, hearty, and adoring lives!