affections and thoughts; and hence we may conclude, that the composition will be more perfect as the variety is more extended, and especially as the compounding principles are in a due proportion to each other. We may therefore not only say, Be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves, but be strong as lions, playful as lambs, cheerful as larks, &c., &c.; and endeavour to unite in ourselves the distinct excellences of all the inferior creatures, which, when opened to and connected with their Divine Source, will all tend to increase the perfection of the life.
55. Jesus saith to His disciples, If ye loved Me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father. (John xiv. 28.) The reason is manifest, because, by going to the Father is meant the entering into a full and complete union with Him, in which case Jesus would not only be more present with His disciples than before, but would also be in a state to operate upon and bless them more fully. The same appears to be true respecting the external removal of other friends, as of this Divine Friend, whether the removal be effected by putting off the material body, or by any other means. If our friends are principled in heavenly good, we have cause to rejoice when, by the Divine Providence, external communication is done away, since by that means a more full and profitable internal communication is opened.
56. It is remarkable that air and water are given gratis to every one, whereas bread is only to be procured by labour, and at a price. In like manner, the
