The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-01-05
For the Central Presbyterian.
According to their Works.

While 1t IS distinctly stated in the
Scriptures that we are not to be rewarded
for our works, yet it is clearly revealed
that our reward will be according to- that
is, in proportion to our faithtulness. This
ought to be enough to disprc We the doc
trine held by so many, that in heaven all
will be upon perfect equality, and en-
Joy the same amount of blessedness-
Looking at the distinctions or casts in
this world as often, perhaps usually, I'M
just, and knowing that all wrongs will be
kept out of the better land, they conclude
that there will be no difference in the
degrees of exaltation of the redeemed.
But this reasoning leaves out of view the
fact tina &where distinctions are based
upon merit they are right. While the
number OF. dollars a man can command
ought not to entitle him to high posi-
ton in the Church, or even in society,
there may be other grounds on which he
is really entitled to higher place in the
respect and affection of his fellow-men.
Because we usually base our distinctions
on unjust grounds, it does not follow that
we should have none. A man who is
more industrious, honorable, devout, than
honor, and even the aOorld will generally
accord it to him. The fact that one is a
consistent member of the church-ius
consistent enough to retain his place in
twill not secure for him all the respect
that is paid to those who are eminently
plous. In the same way it is true that
one who has just sufficient grace in his
heart to be allowed to pass through the
pearly gates, will not enjoy the felicities
of heaven to the same degree that those
will who have been faithful in much.
Unlike the distinctions which men make,
the differences in heaven will be based
upon just grounds, yet they will exist
As we enjoy religion in this life in pro-
portion to our love for God and our de-
votion to the interest of His kingdom, so
in the presence of our Redeemer, when
our Christian characters shall have been
perfected, we shall enjoy Him in pro-
portion to our previous faithfulness. All
shall be full Of happiness, but some will
be capable of holding more than others
The Scriptures are full enough Of proofs
that there will be differences in the re-
wards of Gods people. Only one pas
sage, the parable of the laborers in the
vineyard, is used to prove the opposite
view, and by giving to it an interpreted
ton which can be shown to be erroneous,
Independent of it's bearing on this sub
ject. We are told in several places that
we are to be Judged according to our
a0orkS. 1t is also revealed that we are
not saved in any sense By our qOorks 1t
is obvious then, that while our justifca-
ton or condemnation is not directly con
nected with our works, but depends upon
our Migrating into Christ, the degree Of
our reward or punishment is proportional
to our works. The apostles understood
that there would be places of special
honor in Ohrist's kingdom. When two
of the brethren asked for such places,
they were not told that there should be
no such honor, but it was intimated that
it could be obtained only by such a bap-
tism as the Saviour was about to submit
to, and it was told them that it would be
given to them for whom it was prepared
by the Father One man received au.
thority over fve cities, another, ever ten.
The faithful apostles were told that they
should sit upon thrones, Judging the
twelve tribes Of Israel We cannot ex-
pect to be so highly exalted as the apos-
ties and martyrs, yet occupying different
noaitiSf,S ACCORDING m our zoo 1,,bon ,,,o