Page:Heaven Revealed.djvu/329

 in its own way. And they are wants and faculties of the soul, and must therefore exist so long as the soul exists. And if these faculties do not find their chief gratification in prayer and sacred song here, neither will they there. If this would not be useful as an occupation on earth, what reason is there for believing it would be in heaven? If it would not promote men's happiness here, why should it be the chief source of happiness there? And if those who should make it their sole occupation on earth would be regarded as insane, what, then (if it be the chief employment of the angels), would heaven be but a vast assemblage of lunatics?

Similar remarks will apply with even more force to the other ideas which Christians have entertained about life in heaven. In the light of to-day, they are all seen to be most unreasonable and absurd. Not one of them will stand the test of a rational examination. Sitting upon thrones, feasting daintily with the patriarchs, walking idly in golden streets, dwelling luxuriously in palaces of regal splendor—none of these things can confer real happiness, because none of them can adequately supply the soul's varied wants. And if it is desirable to have correct views on the subject, it is to the same extent desirable that some further revelation respecting it be vouchsafed.

Turn now to the disclosures made through Swedenborg; and see if they are as unreasonable as the beliefs which have hitherto prevailed. He tells us first, that there are innumerable occupations in heaven, every one there having some useful work to do, for which he is constitutionally fitted, and which he takes delight in