never the less.—_Prepared for you_—God is the _Alpha_, as well as the _Omega_, of our blessedness. Eternal love hath laid the foundation. He prepared the kingdom for us, and then prepared us for the kingdom. This is the preparation of his counsel and decree; for the execution whereof Christ was yet to make a further preparation—_For you_—Not for believers only in general, who, without individual persons, are nobody; but for you personally.—_From the foundation of the world._—Not only from the promise after Adam's fall, but from eternity. [Footnote 113] Matthew xxv, 34. [Footnote 114] Ephesians ii, 15. [Footnote 115] Matthew xvi, 24. [Footnote 116] Numbers xxii, 6, xxiii, 20. [Footnote 117] John x, 30. [Footnote 118] Galatians iv, 1-7. [Footnote 119] James ii, 5. [Footnote 120] Romans viii, 17. [Footnote 121] Revelation xix, 16. xx, 6. § 11. Thus we have seen the Christian safely landed in paradise, and conveyed honorably to his rest. Now let us a little further, in the next chapter, view those mansions, consider their privileges, and see whether there be any glory like unto this glory. CHAP. III. The Excellencies of the Saint's Rest. § 1. The excellencies of the Saint's Rest are enumerated. § 2. (1.) It is the purchased possession. § 3, 4. (2.) A free gift. § 5. (3.) Peculiar to saints. § 6. (4.) An association with saints and angels. § 7. (5.) It derives its joys immediately from God himself. § 8. (6.) It will be seasonable. § 9. (7.) Suitable. § 10-12. (8.) Perfect, without sin and suffering. § 13. (9.) And everlasting. § 14. The chapter concludes with a serious address to the reader. § 1. Let us draw a little nearer, and see what further excellencies this rest affordeth. The Lord hide us _in the clefts of the rock, and cover us with the hands_ of indulgent grace, while we approach to take this view! This rest is excellent for being—a purchased possession;—a free gift;—peculiar to saints;—an association with saints and angels; yet deriving its joys immediately from God;—and because it will be a seasonable,—suitable,—perfect,—and eternal rest.