Here Is Heaven! This "word of Jesus" represents the future state of the glorified to consist not in locality, but in character; the essence of its bliss is the full vision and fruition of God. Our attention is called from all vague and indefinite theories about the _circumstantials_ of future happiness. The one grand object of contemplation--the "glory which excelleth," is _the sight of God Himself_! The one grand practical lesson enforced on His people, is the cultivation of that purity of heart without which none could _see_, or (even could we suppose it possible to be admitted to _see_ Him) none could _enjoy_ God! "The kingdom of Heaven cometh not with observation ... the kingdom of God is _within_ you." Reader, hast thou attained any of this heart-purity and heart-preparation? It has been beautifully said that "the openings of the streets of heaven are on earth." Even here we may enjoy, in the possession of holiness, some foretaste of coming bliss. Who has not felt that the happiest moments of their lives were those of close walking with God--nearness to the mercy-seat--when self was surrendered, and the eye was directed to the glory of Jesus, with most single, unwavering, undivided aim? What will Heaven be, but the entire surrender of the soul to Him, without any bias to evil, without the fear of corruption within echoing to temptation without; every thought brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ; no contrariety to His mind; all in blessed unison with His will; the whole _being_ impregnated with holiness--the intellect purified and ennobled, consecrating all its powers to His service--memory, a holy repository of pure and hallowed recollections--the affections, without one competing rival, purged from all the dross of earthliness--the love of God, the one supreme animating passion--the glory of God, the motive principle interfused through every thought, and feeling, and action of the life immortal; in one word, the heart a pellucid fountain; no sediment to dim its purity, "no angel of sorrow" to come and trouble the pool! The long night of life over, and _this_ the glory of the eternal morrow which succeeds it! "I shall be satisfied when I awake, with _Thy_ likeness."