3. _Heaven surpasses the lost Eden_.

(1) Garden--City.

The perfection of association--the _nations_ of the saved. Here 'we

mortal millions live alone,' even when united with dearest. Like

Egyptian monks of old, each dwelling in his own cave, though all were a

community.

(2) The richer experience.

The memory of past sorrows which are understood at last.

Heaven's bliss in contrast with earthly joys.

Sinlessness of those who have been sinners will be more intensely

lustrous for its dark background in the past. Redeemed men will be

brighter than angels.

The impossibility of a fall.

Death behind us.

The former things shall no more come to mind, being lost in blaze of

present transcendent experience, but yet shall be remembered as having

led to that perfect state.

Christ not only repairs the 'tabernacle which was fallen,' but builds a

fairer temple. He brings 'a statelier Eden,' and makes us dwell for

ever in a Garden City.

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