A42350:70
The Christians labour and reward, or, A sermon, part of which was preached at…
The Christians labour and reward, or, A sermon, part of which was preached at the funeral of the Right Honourable the Lady Mary Vere, relict of Sir Horace Vere, Baron of Tilbury, on the 10th of January, 1671, at Castle Heviningham in Essex by William Gurnall ...
London: printed by J.M. for Ralph Smith, 1672
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
How much more admiringly may the Saint say; 'tis but a little, and that sorry service that I have done for my God on Earth; and lo I must live, yea, live with God; yea, with God everlastingly in Glory. Well may the Apostle say, That Christ shall come to be admired in all them that believe, 2 Thes. 2.10. How can it but make them admire, to see so infinite a Glory the reward of so poor a labour?
Object. But why should not the Christians Holy labour and Faithful service, bear the same proportion to his reward in Heaven, as the wicked mans sin doth to his punishment in Hell? this deserves that, why not that this? though the wicked mans sin be as little a time in committing, as the Saints Holy service is in performing; yet there is an infinite evil in his sin (that is, objective) because committed against an infinite God. And why should there not be the same reason for the Christians labour.
Answ. There is a vast difference betwixt these, the nature of Sin, and the nature of Good and Holy Actions. The evil of sin, bears proportion to the object, or person offended by it; as the object is higher, and more excellent, so the offence is greater. The same offence done to a King, is far greater, than that which is done to a mean Subject. Every sin therefore being committed against an infinite God, comes to be an infinite evil; and so deserves ⟨p. 82⟩an infinite punishment. But the valour and worth of a good and holy action, ariseth not from the excellency of the object, but of the subject, whose act it is. This made Christ his obedience meritorious, and satisfactory with God for us; because his person, who performed it, was so excellent, of infinite worth and dignity. And for the same reason, the Christians obedience can deserve nothing, his person being so mean and low, and performed to God, who is so infinitely great and glorious. Secondly, The Christians labour can deserve no reward at Gods hands, as sin doth punishment; because the service he doth is due debt; he owes it to his God, and even men do not use to reward those who pay them a debt; nay, not thank them: So saith our Saviour, Doth the Master thank his Servant, because he did that he commanded him? I trow not,