THE  FUTURE  STATE.  485

and  veil  themselves  in  humility,  before  the  omni*
potence  of  the  Godhead,  but  the  graces  and  mercies
by  which  that  omnipotence  is  softened,  may  equally
inspire  them  with  the  holy  and  purifying  emotions
of  gratitude  and  love;  and,  in  the  language  of  Til^'
lotson,  they  «hall  be  replenished  by  the  vision  with
a  higher  and  more  satisfying  beatitude,  and  ^^  shall
^^  take  in  all  that  light,  and  joy,  and  happiness,  which
^'  flow  perpetually  from  the  presence  of  God."

That  we  may  better  appreciate  the  nature  of  this
promise,  let  us  recollect  that  God  is  the  fountain  of
light,  of  life,  and  of  felicity.  Of  all  created  and
sentient  beings  the  happiness  is,  at  best,  but  a  feeble
and  dependent  stream,  and  often  embittered  and
darkened  by  misery.  But  God,  whose  beatitude
can  be  impaired  by  no  external  cause,  must  neces-
sarily possess  in  himself  all  the  principles  of  eternal
and  imperturbable  blessedness^.  In  his  presence,  as
it  has  been  said,  '^  is  the  fullness  of  joy,  and  at  his
"  right  hand  are  pleasures  for  evermore."  Whatever
of  real  and  satisfying  good  is  participated  by  men  or
angels,  is  derived  from  his  will ;  and,  as  he  closes
or  opens  his  hand,  all  things  living  suffer  or  rejoice.
