d them to deny
themselves even the most innocent pleasures of this world, and to
undergo sufferings, the bare recital of which makes our poor nature
shudder. They knew that "our present tribulation, which is momentary
and light, worketh for us above measure exceedingly an eternal weight
of glory."* Their meditations on eternal truths had convinced them
"that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be
compared with the glory to come, that shall be revealed in us."+

* 2 Cor. iv. 17. + Rom. viii. 18.

In the thirty-seventh chapter of her life, St. Theresa speaks thus:
"I would not lose, through any fault of mine, the least degree of
further enjoyment. I even go so far as to declare that, if the choice
were offered to me, whether I would rather remain subject to all the
afflictions of the world, even to the end of it, and then ascend, by
that means, to the possession of a little more glory in heaven; or
else, without any affliction at all, enjoy a little less glory, I
would most willingly accept of all the troubles and afflictions for a
little more enjoyment, that so I might understand a little more of
the greatness of God; because I see that he who understands more of
Him, loves and praises Him so much the more." Here is the ambition of
a great saint. It is not after crowns or sceptres, or the glory of
this world, that she sighs, but after a single degree of higher
enjoyment in heaven; and to obtain that, she is willing to remain
suffering in this wretched world till the end of time.

Let such be your ambition in the future. If not in so sublime a
degree, let it, at least, be directed only to the acquisition of
"treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where
thieves do not break through and steal."* Labor incessantly for that
"inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, that cannot fade, reserved in
heaven for you."+ "Be faithful until death," says our Lord Jesus
Christ, "and I will give thee the Crown of Life."**

* Matt. vi. 19. + 1 Pet. i. 4. ** Apoc. ii. 10.

***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HAPPINESS OF HEAVEN***

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