THE SUFFERINGS of THIS PRESENT LIFE
By James Smith 1860

Cheer up Christian, every day you are much nearer to your eternal home! Never was the end of the journey so near as it is now; never were there so many troubles behind you, and so few before you, as there are now. It is all up hill until you reach the celestial city—of course, you will find it more or less difficult unto the end of the journey.

But,

When you arrive home,
when you enter into the holy city,
when you see your precious Lord Jesus,
when you enjoy the presence of God
–then all will be well, and well forever!

You will be in your Father’s house–your holy, happy home! You shall lack nothing, nor will your desires remain ungratified. There will be . . .

No toil there,
no crosses or burdens to carry there,
no foes within nor foes without to face there,
no tears or pains there,
no conflicts to endure there.

Five minutes with Jesus–and then what shall you think of all your earthly temptations, toils, trials, and troubles? One hour in Heaven, with the certainty of being forever holy, and forever happy and full of joy–what will all your earthly tribulations and afflictions be then?

Then, then, shall you understand the Apostle Paul when he says-

“I consider that the sufferings of this present life are not worth being compared with the glory that is about to be conferred on us!” Romans 8:1