labourer ; but if we regularly persevere in duty, our labour will be light and easy''. Let us then be thankful that the invitation is sent us at this late hour; and let the account once given of the Jews now be realized amongst US'" — ]
That this invitation may not be slighted as others have been, we observe,
III. To every one that will labour in earnest, the Gospel promises a suitable reward —
We must not suppose that the same reward will be given to all persons —
[The Jews had borne the burthen of the ceremonial law ; and the Gentiles, though delivered from that yoke, are made fully equal with them. This is the circumstance referred to in the parable, and which so offended the Jews^ But to us there will be given a recompence according to our works *. Not that the reward will be bestowed for any 7nerit that is in us". The happiness of heaven will be altogether the gift of God for Christ's sake'': nevertheless God of his infinite goodness will reward us in proportion to our labour 5".]
To every one will be given '' whatsoever is right," and equitable —
[If none shall have room to boast, so none shall have reason to repine. The lowest degrees of happiness shall in- finitely exceed any thing we could claim. Every vessel too shaU be full ; though all have not the same dimensions. The word of God is pledged that not the smallest service shall be unrewarded^. We may rest assured therefore that we shall find his promise true^]
Address —
1. To loiterers —
[What readiness would you not shew if a great earthly recompence were tendered you ! And will you draw back when all the glory of heaven is offered you ? Would the devils and damned spirits regard the overtures of mercy as you have done ? O think, how soon " the night is coming in which no man can work !" Think, how awful will be the doom of the wicked and slothful servant ! and instantly begin the Lord's work, that you may at last receive his wages.]
2. To labourers —
<J Matt. xi. 30. ' Luke xvi. 16. ^ ver. 11, 15.
t 2 Cor. V. 10. " Rom. iii. 27. iv. 4, 5. and xi. 6.
^ Rom. vi. 23. y 1 Cor. iii. 8.
2 1 Cor. XV. 58. Matt. x. 42. ^ Prov. xi, 18.