al
perseverance! They now enter into their rest, which shall never more
be disturbed by toil or struggle. They now live a life of everlasting
rest, though not one of inactivity. For, as we have already seen, the
life of heaven is not one of inactivity, but one in which every
energy of mind and body has its full and free action. As our life in
heaven is a participation of the life of God himself, it must
resemble that Divine Life, which, while it is ineffable rest, is ever
active and operative in the creation, conservation, and government,
not only of our own world, but of those millions of other worlds that
shine above our heads. Nevertheless, this continual exercise of our
manifold faculties in heaven, does not, as in this world, generate
fatigue, weariness, or disgust; but is the never-failing source of
the highest and most rational pleasure.

* Apoc. xiv.

What a consoling thought this is for the poor! They labor much, and
for scanty wages, which, in many instances, scarcely suffice to keep
themselves and families from starvation. What a consolation also for
persons who have devoted themselves to God in religious communities!
By their vows they became poor for Christ's sake, and, like Him, they
labored much. The wear and tear of the religious life deprived many
of their health and strength; and yet they continue to labor as if
they were in full vigor. Their day of rest has come at last. Their
beloved Spouse has called them to himself, that they might rest from
their labors. The last words of the Church over them is a solemn
prayer for that heavenly rest: "Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord.
And let everlasting light shine upon them. May they rest in peace."
Here is the end of all labor, struggle, and fatigue. Here is the
beginning of a life of eternal, undisturbed repose.

3. The life of heaven is also one of intellectual pleasure. We saw,
in a former chapter, that man's intellect is filled to overflowing
with all knowledge in the vision of God. We must now say a few words
on the exquisite and pure pleasures which this knowledge produces.

Intellectual pleasures are, perhaps, the hast generally known of all
those which our nature can enjoy. For the great majority of the human
race is made up of the poor, who are compelled to spend their lives
in toiling for food and raiment. They are, in consequence, unable to
develop their mental faculties and to enjoy high intellectual
pleasures. And yet these pleasures are t