Again, with respect to a discharge of the ordinary duties of life, there may be much real, though little seeming difference, in the characters of many, with whom we are daily acquainted. Punctuality and diligence, though always commendable and useful for the public good, may be, in as far as the person himself is concerned, of little value in the sight of God; our acceptableness with God, in this matter, depends upon the principle and the view and the spirit, with which the business of life is conducted: it may be carried on merely for the sake of self-interest; of gain, reputation, and pleasure; without any religious feeling or purpose whatever, without a single prayer offered up for heavenly assistance and blessing, without a word of thanksgiving or acknowledgment: or, on the other hand, we may proceed to our daily employments and pursuits, “strong in the Lord and in the power of His might;” imploring and depending upon His grace; “doing whatever we do for His glory;” active and diligent and faithful, from a sense of love and duty to Him, for the sake of obeying the law of our blessed Redeemer, and thus bringing forth the fruit of faith unto perfection; “living soberly, righteously and godly in this _present_ world,” {302a} with the continual hope and expectation of a glorious world to come. Now, whether industry be the work of religious principle, or whether it arise merely from selfish and earthly views, _we_ are often unable to decide: but God knoweth all the thoughts of man; and therefore can assign, to every action and habit and pursuit, its true origin and its due reward; and many persons, it will be found at last, who have gone forth together unto their labour, who have been engaged in the same occupations, have toiled together as companions in life, will be separated when the day of full inquiry comes; the one, having “sown unto the spirit,” shall be _taken_ to enjoy the fruit of life everlasting; the other, having “sown unto the flesh,” shall be _left_ to “reap corruption.” {302b}