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The text implies a very elevated principle, that we should spend our days on earth as the days are spent by angels and the spirits of the just in heaven. And, without doubt, men might be incomparably happier than they are, if they would. There is no hindrance in God; there is no obstacle in the Divine arrangements; but man destroys his own well-being, and is ofttimes miserable, amid all the opportunities of the sweetest peace and the deepest joy, and when he might have days of heaven upon the earth.

I. WHAT ARE THE DAYS OF HEAVEN? "No night there."

1. In heaven they see the face of God. Manifestations of the excellence and glory of the Divine perfections: satisfying, felicitous, transforming.

2. In heaven they glorify Christ and celebrate His praise.

3. In heaven they are full of knowledge.

4. Full of love.

5. Prompt and perfect in obedience.Their delight is in doing God's will; they dwell together in perfect unity. And from this state of mind and nature unmingled satisfaction flows, like waters from a fountain. Deep and ineffable happiness is realised. The pulsations of their joy produce no exhaustion, but forever increase in pleasantness and power.

II. THE POSSIBILITY OF THIS, AND THE DUTY OF ATTEMPTING TO MAKE OUR DAYS LIKE THE DAYS OF HEAVEN, WHILST WE ARE UPON EARTH.

1. And, first, I would refer to the elements of happiness which have been already specified. Respecting the spiritual sight of the Deity, our Lord affirms, "Blessed are the pure in heart," etc. "The world seeth Me no more, but ye see Me." "I will manifest Myself to you, as I do not unto the world." If you delight in the complacency of God, be sure that His favour will be opened upon you as the sun shining in his strength. Then, as to glorifying and praising Christ; do we not now say, "Unto Him that loved us," etc.? And have we not love in exercise? Are we not ready to do the will of God? Do we not dwell in peace? When the light and fire of the Holy Ghost is given; when our best passions are kindled, when we are filled with the celestial communications and communion, there is a near resemblance of heaven upon the earth.

2. Let me appeal to some passages of Scripture which convey the same truth. The Gospel dispensation is the reign of heaven. It is the ascendency of holiness in the heart and mind. The kingdom of God is within you, and it consists of righteousness and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

3. Let us advert to some of the recorded experiences of good men on the subject. It has been said, "Grace is glory in the bud, and religion in the soul is the glory of the soul." "A timorous faith will bring a man safely to heaven, but a strong and vigorous faith will bring heaven to us now." And I was startled by this sentiment: "It is better to be here than in heaven." Yes, so long as it shall please God it is so, and to think the contrary shows insubmissiveness to His will and discontent with His providential arrangements.

III. HOW MAY THEY BE SECURED TO US?

1. Receive the Gospel. Christ is our life; if He and the Father come and abide in our souls, heaven is begun.

2. Settle the possibility of it in your own mind.

3. Observe the ordinances of Christ.

4. Avoid all known causes of disquietude.

5. Maintain your self-possession. Cultivate tranquility of spirit.

6. Take care of your thoughts.

7. Take care of your tongue.

8. Take care of your conscience.

9. Do not harass yourself concerning the future.

10. Study to be quiet, and to attend to your own business.

11. Do good every day to someone, either by example, instruction, or generosity.

(James Stratten.)

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KJV: And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

WEB: You shall teach them your children, talking of them, when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.