The Souls comfortable enjoyment of Christ. [ 1175]
IT were a great grace,* 1.1 and such as would minister much comfort to a Cour∣tier, lying sick at home of the gowt, to have the Prince not onely to send to him, but in person also to visite him; but much more comfort and joy would it be to him to be able, being recovered, to repair to the Court, and there enjoy his Prince's presence, with such pleasures and favours as the place may afford: How much more then in this case is it a grace and a comfort, that God vouchsa∣feth to visit us here by his Spirit; sometimes more familiarly and feelingly, but alwaies so effectually; as thereby to support us even in the greatest of extremity; but how much more exceedingly, shall our joy and comfort be encreased, when being freed from all infirmities, we shall be taken home to him, that we may enjoy him for evermore? As that Courtier having assurance given him of reco∣very by such a time, would exceedingly rejoyce to think of the joy of that day, and count every day a week, if not a year to it, wherein he should, being reco∣vered, return to the Court, and be welcom'd thither in solemn manner by all his Friends there, and by the Prince in a more especiall manner; So well may the faithful Soul, not a little joy to fore-think with it self, what a joyfull hour that shall be unto it, wherein by Death parted from the body, it shall solemnly be pr••sented before the face of I••sus Christ, and entring into the Heavenly place, shall be welcom'd thither by the whole Court of Heaven, the blessed Saints and Angels.