Chapter 18. The First Inference drawn from the Proposition.
house unto my name, you did well that it was in your heart." Intentional goodness is recorded, and shall add to our crown!
What a good and generous God we serve! Who would ever change such a master! It were, one would think, enough that God should give us wages for our work (especially seeing that he was the one who gave us the ability to work). But what a marvel it this—that God should applaud us with a "Well done!" Think how sweet it will be to hear such a word from God—how amazing and ravishing, when he shall say openly, "These are the servants of the most high God! These are those who feared to sin! These are those who have wept in secret for that which it was not in their power to perform! These are those who have kept their garments pure—who have valued my favor above life—who rather choose to honor me than humor men! These are those who were willing to wash off the stains from the face of religion with their blood, and to make my crown flourish, though it were in their ashes! Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord!" Thus shall it be done to those whom God delights to honor!
These are those glorious things which are to come! I have led you to the top of the mount, and given you a prospect of heaven! I have shown you just a glimpse. I shall say of this glory of heaven, as once the queen of Sheba said of Solomon's pomp and magnificence, "The half of it has not been told!"
Chapter 18.
The First Inference drawn from the Proposition.
It shows us what a high valuation and esteem we should set upon the godly. They are, we see, men "greatly in favor with God," as the angel once proclaimed to Daniel, and they are invested with glorious privileges. They are of a heavenly descent, born of the Spirit;