Page:The Faith as Unfolded by Many Prophets.djvu/126

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118

ed, what bliss is prepared for those who love God.' The Gospel leaves every man free thus to imagine what are the rewards of heaven, for it is certain that no assurance is given there by which we may know what shall be done.

How then hast thou learned that the blessed shall differ one from another in glory, like the lights of heaven?

Because not only has Paul declared this, but there are many assurances that as men sow they shall reap, and that according to their deeds they shall be rewarded. I know, therefore, that the most faithful and pure shall be the most happy: but wherein their happiness shall consist we are nowhere told.

Then all Christians believe not alike concerning the happiness for which they hope? It is thus with the Faithful; some of whom delight themselves with the expectation of the fruits and waters of life, and others of the splendor of the dwellings, and others of the sports which no evil accidents shall interrupt; while there are yet others (among whom I am one) who believe that all these enjoyments shall be forgotten in the higher bliss of beholding the face of God morning and evening[1]. This is surely

  1. Prelim. Dissert. p, 100.