interrupt these desires, but never overcome them. And considering the opposition to our desires, from the contrary principles in our nature, and from the weakness of our graces, together with our continued distance from the end, our tendency to that end must be laborious, and with all our might.—All these things are presupposed, in order to a Christian's obtaining an interest in heavenly rest. [Footnote 2] Matthew ix, 12. [Footnote 3] 2 Corinthians iii, 5. [Footnote 4] John xv, 5. [Footnote 5] Matthew vii, 13. [Footnote 6] Luke xiii, 24. [Footnote 7] Matthew xi, 12. [Footnote 8] Galatians iii, 3. [Footnote 9] Matthew xxiv, 13. [Footnote 10] Matthew vi, 21. § 4. Now we have ascended these steps into the outward court, may we look within the vail? May we shew what this rest contains, as well as what it presupposes? Alas, how little know I of that glory! The glimpse which Paul had, contained what could not, or must not, be uttered. Had he spoke the things of heaven in the language of heaven, and none understood that language, what the better? The Lord reveal to me what I may reveal to you! The Lord open some light, and shew both you and me our inheritance! Not as to Balaam only, whose eyes were opened to see the goodliness of Jacob's tents, and Israel's tabernacles, where he had no portion, and from whence must come his own destruction! Not as to Moses, who had only a discovery, instead of possession, and saw the land which he never entered! But as the pearl was revealed to the merchant in the gospel, who rested not till he had sold all he had, and bought it! And as heaven was opened to blessed Stephen, which he was shortly to enter, and the glory shewed him which should be his own possession!—The things contained in heavenly rest are such as these;—a ceasing from means of grace;—a perfect freedom from all evils;—the highest degree of the saint's personal perfection, both of body and soul;—the nearest enjoyment of God the chief good; and a sweet and constant action of all the powers of body and soul in this enjoyment of God. § 5. (1.) One thing contained in heavenly rest is, the ceasing from means of grace. When we have obtained the haven, we have done sailing. When the workman receives his wages, it is implied he has done his work. When we are at our journey's end, we have done with the way. _Whether prophecies, they shall fail; whether tongues, they shall cease; whether knowledge it_ also, so far as it had the nature of means, _shall vanish away_.[11] There shall be no more prayer, because no more necessity, but the full enjoyment of what we prayed for. Neither shall we need to fast and weep, and watch any more, being out of the reach of sin and temptations. Preaching is done; the ministry of man ceaseth; sacraments become useless; the laborers are called in, because the harvest is gathered, the tares burned, and the work finished; the unregenerate past hope, and the saints past fear, for ever. [Footnote 11] 1 Corinthians xiii, 8.