Chap. XLVII That All Grievious Things Are to Be Endured for Life Everlasting
1. Son, be not dismayed with the labours which thou hast undertaken for me; neither let the tribulations which befal thee quite cast thee down; but let my promise strengthen thee, and comfort thee in all events.
I am sufficient to reward thee beyond all measure.
Thou shalt not labour here long, nor shalt thou be always oppressed with sorrows.
Wait a little while, and thou shalt see a speedy end of all thy evils.
The hour will come when labour and trouble shall be no more.
All is little and short which passeth away with time.
2. Mind what thou art about; labour faithfully in my vineyard; I will be thy reward.
Write, read, sing, sigh, keep silence, pray, bear thy crosses manfully: eternal life is worthy of all these, and greater combats.
Peace shall come in one day, which is known to the Lord: and it shall not be day, nor night, viz. such as is at present, but everlasting light, infinite brightness, steadfast peace, and secure rest.
Thou shalt not then say, Who shall deliver me from the body of this death, (Romans vii.) nor shalt thou cry out, Wo to me for that my sojourning is prolonged. (Psalms cxix.) For death shall be no more; but never failing health, no anxiety, but blessed delight, and a society sweet and lovely.
[USCCB: Psalms cxx. 6. “Too long did I live among those who hated peace.”]
3. Oh! if thou hadst seen the everlasting crowns of the saints in heaven, and in how great glory they now triumph, who appeared contemptible heretofore to this world, and in a manner unworthy even of life, doubtless thou wouldst immediately cast thyself down to the very earth, and wouldst rather seek to be under the feet of all, than to have command so much as over one.
Neither wouldst thou covet the pleasant days of this life, but wouldst rather be glad to suffer tribulation for God’s sake, and esteem it thy greatest gain to be reputed as nothing amongst men.
4. Ah! if thou didst but relish these things, and didst suffer them to penetrate deeply thy heart, how wouldst thou dare so much as once to complain!
Are not all painful labours to be endured for everlasting life?
It is no small matter to lose or to gain the kingdom of God.
Lift up therefore thy face to heaven. Behold I, and all my saints with me, who in this world have had a great conflict, do now rejoice, are comforted now, are now secure, are now at rest, and for all eternity shall abide with me in the kingdom of my Father.