sceptres of earth
can bestow. Let those whose lives are consecrated to the task of
teaching young hearts to love God, of recalling the wanderer to the
paths of his duty, of battling with the errors of worldly wisdom and
the passions of the depraved human heart,--let them gather from this
book not only the motives which will be powerful over the souls of
men, but also the strength and courage which they themselves need in
their toils for the good of their neighbor. In a word, let all study
this precious volume:--Catholics and Protestants, the learned and the
ignorant, the old and the young, the innocent youth still arrayed in
the spotless garment of his baptismal purity, and the unhappy sinner
who has grown old in wickedness and whose soul has lost almost all
hope of peace;--there is instruction for all, comfort and joy,
encouragement and hope for all if they will but make a proper use of
such means as God has given them, and live here without forgetting
that they are destined for a glorious hereafter.

We have but a word to add in regard to the present edition:--several
alterations and improvements have been introduced into the work by
the Author, which enhance its value and render it more deserving the
patronage it has already received.

THE PUBLISHERS. BALTIMORE, June 17, 1871.

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.

Many books, owing to their special character, are designed for only a
small circle of readers. But topics involving general and vital
interests deservedly claim the attention of all persons. Such is the
subject of the present work--"The Happiness of Heaven." For who is he
that, believing in the existence of that blessed abode, does not hope
eventually to arrive there?

What sublime descriptions do not the Holy Scriptures give us of the
blessed City of God! Her wails are built of jasper-stone; but the
City itself is of pure and shining gold, like to clear crystal glass.
And the foundations of the City are adorned with all manner of
precious stones. Her gates are pearls. The very streets are
transparent as glass. This glorious City has no need of the sun or of
the moon to shine in her; for the glory of God is her light.

In the midst of her sits the Ancient of days: His garments are white
as snow: His throne is like flames of fire. Thousands and thousands
minister unto him, and ten thousand times a hundred thousand stand
before Him. A river of life-giving water, as clear as crystal, whose
banks are a