Page:The Last Judgement and Second Coming of the Lord Illustrated.djvu/195

 and leaving heaven without its resting-place; this, too, would put a stop to that government, of "the increase" of which it is said there shall be no end. Moreover it is written that "the righteous is an everlasting foundation;" how then shall the foundation be destroyed?

These considerations, then, point very decidedly towards the conclusion at which we aim. We learn from them not only that the Divine purpose in the creation of humanity was to provide inhabitants for heaven, but they also show us that mankind must be perpetuated, or that heaven would lose its basis; and, consequently, its inhabitants would be deprived of those enjoyments which arise out of their contributing to the spiritual necessities of men. "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation?"' What affliction is experienced by a united household when one who has been beloved is snatched away, and towards whom, therefore, no further affection can be displayed: one of the employments of love is thus interrupted; and so heaven would be brought into distress if mankind were to cease; an object of love would be taken from the angels, and so their uses and delights would be diminished; but as this cannot be imagined, it is clear that the preservation of men is requisite for the continuation of angelic enjoyment.

All that God has created is with a view to the existence of spiritual life; who cannot see that such an immense provision of means must be proportionate to some suitable end? And what end is more conformable to the Divine character than that of providing for the creation of an unlimited number of human beings, to be impressed with the love and knowledge of their Maker?

Every one who believes in the existence of heaven, also