ions which formerly disturbed
our peace, no longer exist in our glorified bodies. We enjoy perfect
peace with our neighbor; for conflicting interests, envies, and
jealousies, which gave rise to dissensions and enmities, have not
found and never will find their way into heaven. We also have peace
from the devil, who no longer "goeth about like a roaring lion,
seeking whom he may devour." He has found no admittance into the
kingdom of peace. We also have peace from our past life; for the sins
which so often made us tremble, are washed away in the blood of
Jesus, and are, therefore, no longer a source of trouble. The
remembrance of them rather intensifies our love for the God of mercy
and therefore increases our happiness. We now, also, have peace from
our future. That awful future was formerly shrouded in impenetrable
darkness, and often filled us with gloomy forebodings. But now the
judgment is over; we have heard the consoling sentence: "Come ye,
blessed of my Father, possess the kingdom prepared for you, from the
foundation of the world." We now gaze undismayed into that bright
outspread eternity, wherein we see nothing that can ever disturb our
peace. The wish and prayer of St. Paul, expressed to the first
Christians, is now completely fulfilled in us: "And the peace of God
which surpasseth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in
Christ Jesus."*

* Phil. iv. 7.

This, then, is the first feature of heavenly life, and, as is
evident, this peace is absolutely necessary to enjoy the life itself,
and whatever else of happiness is in store for the children of God.

2. The life of heaven is one of rest. St. John says: "And I heard a
voice from heaven, saying to me, Write: Blessed are they that die in
the Lord. From henceforth now, saith the Spirit, that they may rest
from their labors."* This is one of the most captivating features of
heavenly life for the poor, and for all others who labored much in
this world. It also gives the most exquisite consolation to those
who, on account of peculiar difficulties in the practice of virtue,
have been fatigued and wearied almost unto death. Their whole
spiritual life was one of continual labor and struggle, which at
times so disheartened them, that they felt strongly tempted to give
up all further attempt at Christian perfection, and to seek
consolation and rest in the pleasures of this world. Oh, how happy
they now are! How grateful to God, who gave them the grace of fin