No part of Scripture can be overlooked, we know, without loss. And if a wrong principle is imbibed,-as, for instance, that it is selfish and legal to think of rewards,-the scriptures on that subject are robbed of their power for us, in some measure at least. Not altogether so, for we are happily inconsistent often with our own theories; but in some degree we must be losers if in any way we are unprepared to submit, take heed to, and profit by every side of Scripture.

But we do not suppose that any really deny that rewards are mentioned in Scripture. They are too prominently mentioned to be overlooked, but is it not a line of truth that has been a good deal slighted amongst us? and are not many under law against using and profiting by such scriptures at all rather than in danger of a wrong use of them? I think we shall see that the danger of wrongly using them is less than that of slighting them altogether.

Now, when once we have known grace in the soul, there is no longer confusion as to the place that belongs to good works before God. I need not dwell upon that point for those for whom this is specially written. Not to win heaven and glory and escape judgment do we serve (a hard bondage that!), but to please Him and to obey Him in all things who has chosen us. But nevertheless we must acknowledge on every side there is danger, and so here,-that in our service, self-sufficiency, self-seeking, and assumption creep in and turn the heart from simplicity; and hence the jealousy, no doubt, of many lest the dwelling upon rewards should serve to develop this too natural tendency.

But when we look more carefully at the subject, what presents itself? In the first place, and above all, as already necessarily suggested, Scripture has spoken-God has spoken, and it is for us to submit, not to be wise above what is written. The Lord has not feared (if we may use that term,) to hold forth rewards; we, then, need not hesitate to be heartily occupied with them,-nay, we are bound to be so, as a matter of obedience, as well as of liberty and joy.

And in the second place, when we consider the exercises of the heart natural to us in this connection, is it not comparing ourselves with ourselves and with others, walking in the sight of men, and seeking honor from them, that is our constant snare, rather than the thought of rewards in the day of Christ? Indeed, it at once occurs to the mind that the thought of reward from the Lord is that which indeed truly corrects the other tendency, and puts to flight selfishness, assumption, legalism, and all the sadly common and evil tendencies that so readily spring in our foolish hearts when walking before men. Let it be a small thing to us to be judged of men and of man's day, for we are seeking reward from Christ. What will His "Well done!" be in that day. What will it be to have His approval, the holy and the true One, who says, "I know thy works"? But it may be said, "All will agree that we are to seek His approval." Yes, but let it be definitely before the heart that rewards are held forth, and encouragement to seek to win them. Let their character be what they may, they are to be considered as such, and to be sought for as such. Consider the effect of this doctrine upon us at any time,-to make it definite, say to-day,-I have been occupied with service (and our whole life is that, of course,) this morning, and the scripture comes to mind, " The Lord will reward His servants," "knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord." (Eph. 6:8.) What is the effect upon me? Very often I would be checked by the thought, and the heart would confess that the service had not been so much for the Lord as in some subtle way for myself, or, what is perhaps very common with us, in a mere cold and legal round of daily doing;-sadly common and truly sad condition! so dishonoring to Christ, and so different from the patient joy of true service! Or, I might be found doing something that the thought of reward from the Lord would cause to appear in its true color, and show it to be something that I ought to have done with if I would seek His approbation and not the satisfaction of self-will or the approval of others as unspiritual as myself; "for if a man strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned except he strive lawfully "-a solemn while sweetly solemn scripture to test many and all of our doings! It will be a sharp pruning-knife in that day, and it is meant to be such for our own use now, in the soberness and simplicity of honest and God-fearing self-judgment.

But if our service is found to be truly to the Lord, as far as we have light to judge, then the heart is truly gladdened and preciously encouraged in the way; and the knowledge that He has "eyes as a flame of fire" is welcome to the deeper instincts of the heart; and the thought of receiving from Him the " white stone," and the new name written in it known only to the receiver,-what can we say about it? Shall we say we are not to be occupied with rewards after such a promise? What can we do but bow our hearts and seek grace to honestly and joyfully respond to such a solemnizing and heart-filling encouragement from the One whose side was pierced?

Is it not clear, then, that the thought or truth of definite rewards, whatever our tendency to misuse every truth, (and may we be always on our guard,) -nevertheless, is it not clear that this truth is emphatically one that really guards against the very legalism and assumption that a superficial consideration might lead us to think it would produce.

The twenty-third chapter of second Samuel presents a striking illustration of this subject of differing rewards in the names and deeds of those recorded in the roll of honor of David's mighty men. Even the differences between those who all greatly excelled is carefully noted. There were three mighty men who broke through the host of the Philistines for David's sake. They had had a previous training and previous victories, and now they join with one mind to take their lives in their hands for their master. It was "keeping his words," for he had but breathed a desire, and they sprang forward to fulfill it. It was intimacy with their master that enabled them to know his desire, and love led on to service. But note what follows. "And Abishai, the brother of Joab, . . . was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three. Was he not most honorable of three? therefore he was their captain:howbeit he attained not unto the first three. And Benaiah, . . . had the name among three mighty men. He was more honorable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three."

How precious the love and grace that so carefully notes the devotedness of poor failing followers ! Devoted to the master who was their shelter when, discontented and in debt, they had fled to him for refuge and consolation.

But Abishai, though having honorable mention beyond many, yet attained not to the first three. Perhaps no scripture presents in a more striking way the truth of rewards and distinctions of rewards in the day of Christ, the true David. Love -devotedness to David was of course the motive that led to these mighty deeds; but the Scripture bids us know-keep in mind-that for every good thing that a man doeth, that shall he receive of the Lord. " But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done; and there is no respect of persons." But the Lord's estimate will be different from man's, and much that has a name to-day will have none in the day of Christ. Joab, who commanded David's armies in the victory over Absalom while David was an outcast from Jerusalem, gained no reward from David in the day of his return to his throne and power; but the king kissed Barzillai (2 Sam. 19:39), an aged and infirm man who loved David, and had provided sustenance for him in the day of his rejection.

Let the thought of His love and of His reward encourage and sustain us in the path of willing obedience and diligence of spirit. Self-indulgence, unholiness, covering of sin, serving selfish interests, running unsent, seeking great things before men abroad but ourselves a stumbling-block at home, mere routine of work without heart, will all appear such then, but every deed of love, however little noted now, will have its reward. E.S.L.