Page:Sermons preached in the African Protestant Episcopal Church of St. Thomas', Philadelphia.djvu/171

misery—all would like at last, after they have shook off this mortal coil, to escape the damnation of hell, and enter upon an endless career of happiness in heaven. But this cannot be, there must be a previous fitness, a preparation in order to participate in the happiness of the saints in light. Otherwise, heaven itself would be a hell. The imperfect happiness that falls to the lot of mortals here on earth, flows from congeniality of mind, sentiment and affection. And the same law prevails among the society of the blessed. The inhabitants of that glorious region are all holy—they have one common centre of attraction—they all harmonize in adoring, worshipping, and praising Him who is God over all blessed forever. Place an unholy being in sight of the tree of life that is in the midst of the Paradise of God, and of those fountains of living waters to which the redeemed of the Lord are led, and let him hear that great multitude which no man can