Nothing but that is regarded by him in this world —
[The external ordinances of religion are not only worth- less, but even hateful, in his sight, if destitute of solid piety11. On the other hand, the smallest particle of genuine goodness is not overlooked by himx. Even the semblance of it has some- times been rewarded by him, in order that he might shew to mankind how great a value he has for it, where it really exists y. One single disposition is declared by him to be of great price in his sight z. The purposes which have never been realized in act, are highly commended by hima. And wherever he sees a person labouring to do his will, he invariably reveals to him his love in a more abundant measure b, and communicates to him his richest blessings0.]
Nothing but that will be regarded by him in the world to come —
[When we shall stand at the judgment-seat of Christ, the inquiry will be, not, what we have professed, but what we have done d : and a Gentile who has served God according to the light that he enjoyed, will be preferred before the Chris- tian, who has not made a suitable improvement of his superior advantages®. Apparently trivial occurrences will be noticed in that day ; and rewards will be dispensed, not according to the greatness and splendour of our actions, but according to their intrinsic qualities, and to the principle evinced by themf. We must not indeed imagine that there is any merit in our poor services, for there is imperfection in them all ; and, " if we had done all that is commanded us, we should be only unprofitable servants :" but God delights in holiness ; and wherever he beholds it, he will, of his own grace and mercy, bestow upon it a proportionate reward, exalting those to the highest thrones in glory, who have made the greatest improve- ment of the talents committed to themg.
There will be no distinction made, except what is grounded on the different degrees of conformity to the Divine image which the different individuals have attained. God will not respect the circumcised more than the uncircumcised, or the rich and learned more than the poor and illiterate. In all persons equally the image of Christ will be sought for ; and the pos- session, or want of it, will determine their eternal state : " Christ will then be, as he now is, all, and in all.'5]
We conclude with inquiring, Who amongst you is like-minded zvith God ?
u Isai. i. 11 — 16. x 1 Kings xiv. 13. y 1 Kings xxi. 29.
z 1 Pet. iii. 4. a 1 Kings vih. 18. b John xiv. 23.
K Isai. lviii. 10, 11. d Matt. vii. 21 — 23. and xxv. 31 — 46.
« Rom. ii. 25—27. f Matt. x. 42. k Matt, xxv. 19—23.