to the whole assembled universe that there is an equity in his proceedings, and that the destinies of all exactly correspond with their moral characters. The labours of love, in which the righteous had abounded, are here produced ; and those whom Christ here speaks of as " his brethren," are ready to attest the truth of his assertions. On the other hand, the neglect imputed to the others is obvious: and though they attempt to extenuate their guilt, it is brought home to them in the completest manner ; nor have they one word to utter in arrest of judg- ment. Thus is the righteousness of God made manifest; "he is justified in what he speaks, and clear in the judgment which he passes™,"]
3. As a measure of our reward —
[We must not imagine that men are saved on account of any merit of their own. It is not possible that their works of love should ever purchase so great a reward as will then be given them. Indeed, the surprise which they express, "When saw we thee, &c. ? " clearly shews, that they had not founded their hopes upon their own works : they had been redeemed to God by the precious blood of Christ; and in Christ they had trusted as the only Saviour of the world : but God is pleased to notice the works which they had done for his sake, and to bestow on them " a reward of grace :" nor is even a cup of cold water, which had been given to a disciple for his sake, suffered to pass without an appropriate reward. Hence we see that the more we abound in works of charity, the more exalted will be our happiness in heaven : whilst, on the other hand, the more means and opportunities of doing good we have neglected, the heavier will be our condemnation to all eternity.]
We would further improve this subject — 1. For our instruction in general —
[If such be the particular objects to be inquired into, how little prepared are most of us to meet our God ! The generality think it sufficient if they do not occasion sorrow, though they never exert themselves diligently to relieve'it: but let it be known and peculiarly marked, that the omission of these duties is of itself sufficient to condemn us ; and that the sentence of condemnation that is here denounced against the wicked, refers, not to any thing which they have done, but to what they have left undone. I know, indeed, that all have not the same abihty, or the same opportunity to relieve their afflicted neighbours: but have we availed ourselves of the opportunities that have been afforded us? If we have, though our efforts have been few and weak, they shall be accepted;
^ Ps. li. 4.