the language-and it is not the only instance of such a mode of phraseology to be found in the writings of the evangelist Luke-to be applicable to the Lord Jesus Christ. Taking this to be its meaning, it follows that, when his people who possess abundant riches consecrate them to holy purposes; when they, from love to him and a regard to his authority, bestow them to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to relieve the oppressed, they, in so doing, secure his approbation. And when he comes to judge the world, he will say unto them :-" Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, verily, I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." : All this is in perfect harmony with what is said in other parts of scripture respecting our Lord Jesus Christ preparing everlasting habitations for his people, and of his receiving them into these habitations when they leave this world. In my Father's house are many mansions: If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." But though mansions are prepared for them all, some shall reach them and "be saved so as by fire," whilst others shall obtain possession of them more triumphantly—“An entrance shall be ministered unto them abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." The unostentatious deeds of the devoted christian who daily visits the abodes of the poor, the helpless, and the dying, to supply their wants and soothe their sorrows, may be but little known in this world, or may, perhaps, be altogether unnoticed; but they will be made known, to the honour of them who performed them, at the great day when the hidden things of darkness shall be brought to light. And can it be conceived that such individuals as Howard and other illustrious benefactors of the human race will enjoy no more abundant reward, and experience no emotions of a higher order, than those of the niggardly, penurious christian, whose bowels of compassion could hardly be moved by any appeal to his charity and sympathies, however powerful? If he who gives a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple to a follower of Jesus, shall in nowise lose his reward, how much more glorious will his reward be, whose property was consecrated to the highest ends, and whose life was one continued act of beneficence, than that of the person who cared little about the cry of distress, and who seldom, by his bounty and kindness, made the widow's heart to sing for joy? Sixthly, Those who are instrumental in promoting the spiritual welfare of others will enjoy peculiar honours. The prophet Daniel seems to refer to this subject when he says, "They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." And the apostle Paul, when speaking of those whom he was the means of bringing to the knowledge of the truth, uses language which corroborates this statement :-"For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy." When a person has spent almost the whole of his life in the service of satan, and is made a subject of saving grace upon his deathbed, his disembodied spirit is, through divine mercy, received into the heavenly kingdom; but not having been instrumental in promoting the spiritual good of his fellow-creatures, he cannot enjoy the reward which follows such services. Being removed from the earth immediately after his conversion, he has no opportunity of performing the duties which might be made the means of converting others. The thief who was crucified beside the Saviour departed in these circum, stances. he After he was suspended upon the cross, joined with the multitude in mocking and insulting the Sufferer who was expiring at his side. But before the vital spark was extinguished, divine mercy was extended to him. His heart was penetrated by the love of God; and with sentiments of genuine contrition, he addressed the dying Redeemer :— Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." Nor was his prayer presented in vain ; for his guilty fears were dissipated by the gracious answer :-' -"Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise." But how different must his feelings have been from those of the apostle Paul when he entered the heavenly world! From that place he doubtless looked back with joy upon his past labours and sufferings; and how greatly was his happiness increased by seeing many around him there who were brought to the knowledge of Jesus by his instrumentality? And whilst they all ascribe their salvation to the Lamb that was slain, they will be so many gems in the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give him at the great day. On the same principle, it is reasonable to conclude that the circumstances of those who die in infancy will be different from the circumstances of those who spend a long series of years in the service of Christ, and who through much tribulation enter the kingdom of heaven. The former, who bade a final adieu to this vale of tears ere they could actively glorify the Redeemer or had tasted the cup of human woe, are in finitely happier than we can conceive; but the latter experience more elevated pleasure from seeing, in the presence of God, their spiritual children sharing with them the joys of immortality. The former shall, when Christ comes again, receive crowns of glory; but they will not shine with such resplendent lustre as the crowns of those who have turned many to righteousness. Whilst the one class" shall shine as the brightness of the firmament," the other class shall shine as the stars for ever and ever." The future happiness of christians is thus connected with their present character and attainments, as an encouragement to them to run with patience the race which is set before them. This arrangement is calculated to have the happiest effect upon beings in a state of probation, inasmuch as it is a powerful motive to holy obedience, and is capable of bringing into vigorous exercise all the virtues of the christian character. We cannot conceive of a principle more equitable than that upon which it is formed, because works alone can indicate the state of a man's mind, and develope the ruling passion of his soul. From its nature, however, it is a principle on which the divine Being alone can proceed with safety in fixing the destinies of men. He, by the glance of his all-seeing eye, can penetrate the hidden springs of action which lie concealed from human observation; and can fully bring out to view the moral qualities of every deed. He could do so without a formal investigation of |