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THE REWARD OF

hearts; that they may go with us into the world, as a talisman against its distractions and temptations. And what earthly language, what mortal eloquence, can add anything to these words of the only begotten of the Father? ye shall have treasure in heaven. What imagination can picture their meaning? The heirs of an earthly inheritance love to look forward to the time when all shall be theirs. For a while indeed, they are under tutors and governors, but they cannot forget that they are lords of all. After their example let us too exalt our thoughts and hopes; let us labour and meditate and pray that we may have some glimpse beforehand, of the glory of that treasure which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor heart of man conceived. And then let us remember, that this treasure is increased by every act of self-denial which we willingly choose that we may have more to give to Christ and to our brethren. Such is His unspeakable mercy who "waits to be gracious unto us," and desires and seeks occasions to reward and bless us. For so it is written; "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully; and God is able to make all grace abound towards you, that ye having always all sufficiency in all things, may abound unto every good work (as it is written he hath dispersed abroad, he hath given to the poor, his righteousness remaineth for ever). Now He that ministereth seed to the