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THE HAPPIÑESS
OF
SEPARATE
SPIRITS.
[DISC.
II.
various
relish
and inclination of
the
blessed,
but
it
is
such
a perfection
as
allows of
different degrees
even in
the
same
blessedness,
according
to the different capacities
of
spirits,
and their different
degrees
of
preparation.
The
word
perfection does
not
always
require
equality.
Hall
the
souls in
heaven
were
of
one
mould,
and
make,
and
inclination,
yet there
may
be
different
sizes
of
ca.,
pacity
even in
the
same genius,
and
a
different degree
of
preparation
for the same delights
and enjoyments;
therefore
though
all
the spirits
of
the
just
were uniform
in
their
natures and pleasures, and
all
perfect
:
yet
one
spirit
may possess more
happiness
and glory
than another,
because
it
is
more capacious
of
intellectual
blessings,
and
better
prepared
for
them.
So
when vessels
of
various
Size
are thrown into the
same ocean,
there
will
be
a
great
difference in
the quantity
of
the liquid
which they receives
though
all
might
be full
to the
brim,
and
all
made
of
the
richest
metal.
Now there
is
much
evidence
of
this
truth
in
the holy
scripture.
Our
Saviour intimates
such differences
of re-
wards
in several
of
his
expressions.
Mat.
xix. 28.
He
promised
the apostles,
that
they
shall sit
on
twelve
thrones,
judging
the
twelve
tribes
of
Israel.
And
it
is probable this may denote something
of
superior
ho-
hour
or
dignity above the
meanest
of
the
saints.
And
even
among the apostles
themselves he seems to
allow,
of
a difference; for though
he
would
not promise
James
and
John
to sit
next
to
him,
"
on his
right-hand
and his
left
in his
kingdom;"
Mat.
xx. 20,
&c
yet
he does
not
deny
that
there are
such
distinct
dignities,
but
says,
It
shall
be
given
to them
for
whom
it
is
prepared
of
his
Father,
ver.
3.
Again
our Lord says;
Mat.
x.
41, 42.
"he
that re-
ceives
a
prophet, and entertains
him as
a prophet,
shall
lave
a
prophet's reward
;
and
he
that
entertains
a
righte-
ous
man,
agreeable
to
his
character, and
fromareal
esteem
of
his
righteousness,
shall have
a righteous
man's
reward:
And
even
the meanest
sort
of
entertainment, a cup of
cold
water
given
to a
disciple,
for
the sake
of
his
cha
racter,
shall
not go without
some
reward.
Here
are
three sorts
of
degrees
of
reward mentioned, extending to
the
life
to come, as
well as to this
life: Now though
neither.
of
them can be merited' by
works,
but
all
are