denmed of the Lord. It is a weighty saying of St. James, '' So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of Kberiy." (1 Cor. xi. 31. James ii. 12.)
We see, for another thing, in this parable, th certain rmmrdofall irue Christiam. Our Lord tells us that those who are found to have been faithful servants shall receiye hoDOtur and dignity. Each shall receire a reward pro- portioned to his diligence. One shall be placed " oyer ten eities,'' and another " oyer five."
The people of God receive little apparent recompense in this present time. Their names are often cast out as evil. They enter the kingdom of God through much tribulation. Their good things are not in this world. The gain of godli- ness does not consist in earthly rewards, but in inward peace, and hope, and joy in believing. But they shall have an abundant recompense one day. They shall receive wages far exceeding anything they have done for Christ. They shall find, to their amazement, that for everything Hney have done and borne for their Master, their Master will pay them a hundred-fold.
Let us often look forward to the good things which are yet to come. The " sufferings of this present time are not w^orthy to be compared with the glory which shall be re- pealed." (Bom. viii. 18.) Let the thought of that glory cheer us in every time of need, and sustain us in eveiy dark hour. Many, no doubt, are ^' the a£9ictions of the r^bteous." One great receipt for bearing them patiently is to ^* have respect, like Moses, to the recompense of the rewraid." (Psalm xzxiv. 19. Heb. xi. 26.)
TVe see, lastly, in this parable, the certain exposure of aU ^Mih^l ChriMcm at thelMtda^. We ate told of