EXILE
There is a sense in which, so long as we are here, we are absent from the Lord; and
one great saint used to say upon his birthday that he had been so many years in
banishment from the Lord: to abide in this lowland country, so far from the ivory
palaces, is a banishment at the very best. 1136.571
I am looking for my heritage in the world to come. Now, my brethren, the Lord does
not try many of you in that manner. He keeps you on short commons, embitters your
bread, and mingles wormwood with your cup. Why is this? Why, because you are not
to have your portion here. You once half thought you might have two heavens, but
you were deceived. 1430.475