By and by we shall be called upon to part from our associations here; and it will seem to those who remain as though we had left them. But this is only an appearance. The Lord Jesus Christ went away from the bodily sight of His disciples to come nearer their hearts. Those who are planted in the likeness of His resurrection pass, similarly, from the immediate companionship of friends and associates only to become more intimately consociated with those whom they love here and there, to be more kind and sympathizing, to give more prompt help in times of need, to suggest comforting thoughts and in every possible way assist those who are remaining. They acknowledge that they can of themselves do no good thing, and therefore are happy and willing ministers in the good things of the Lord's kingdom.
Our life here is preparative for the continuous progress of life in the Spiritual World. The decay of physical power, painfully apparent in the later years of life, does not touch our spiritual faculties; though it may divert or thwart their manifestation through the accustomed channels. We are souls, and have bodies; though these latter age, we may remain young if we desire to do so, and use the right means to sustain our youthfulness. Though the outward man perish, the inward man is renewed day by day (2 Cor. iv. 16). The angels "go from strength to strength" (Psalm lxxxiv. 7): they have spiritual subjects which they desire to look into (1 Peter i. 12). If we acquire the love of growing wise for the sake of use while here, that love will never grow cold there.
In Heaven, the arts exist in their primary forms. Not only is this taught as a general principle, but we are directly told that Moses was caused to see, in the mount, the patterns of the tabernacle, and of all the instruments thereof (Exod. xxv. 9, 40). The Apostle also speaks of the patterns of things in the heavens (Heb. ix. 23). The great masters of music and song will there find ample
