We are confident, that is, by the Holy Spirit comfortably assured of. better state. They who have the earnest of the Spirit may be confident of their future glorious state.

Or, we are confident; that is, we are of good courage, fearing neither death nor danger in the way of our duty, knowing that whilst we are at home here in the body, that is, whilst sojourning in the body as pilgrims and strangers, we are absent from the Lord; that is, we are detained from the blessed sight and enjoyment of God, and kept out of the possession of that happiness which makes heaven. Here the apostle plainly intimates, that whilst we remain in the body, we are detained from our happiness; and that as soon as we leave the body, we shall be admitted to our happiness.

Learn, 1. That. Christian is not in his own proper home whilst he sojourneth in the body, and lives in his earthly tabernacle here below. His birth and parentage are from heaven, his treasure and inheritance in heaven, his kindred, and relations, and best friends are there, and there shall he longest abide.

Learn, 2. That the true reason why the saints count themselves here not at home, is because they are absent from the Lord whilst present in the body: Whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord.

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Old Testament