For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
Ver. 12. In a glass, &c.] SeeNumbers 12:8 .
But then face to face] i.e. Distinctly, Clearly, immediately, beatifically. And surely, if Lipsius thought when he did but read Seneca that he was even upon Olympus' top, above mortality and human things; what a case shall we be in, when we shall behold Christ in his glory, and consider that every vein in that blessed body bled to bring us to bliss! If the mathematics alone are so delectable, that men think it sweet to live and die in those studies; what shall we think of heaven's happiness, which we shall one day clearly apprehend, but not fully comprehend?
Now I know in part] The present tense in grammar is accompanied with the imperfect; the perfect with the plusquam perfectum pluperfect. And such is the condition of our present and future happiness.
Even as I am known] We shall know the creatures by knowing God; as God now knows all his works by knowing himself.