[Verse 8,] VERS. 8. But other seed fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundred fold, and some sixtie fold, and some thirty fold.
Carthusian (s. pag. 118.) saith, that they are virgins, who bring forth an hundred fold; wid∣dowes, who bring forth sixtie fold, and married people, who bring forth thirty fold: But hee confesseth, that this is not generally true of per∣sons, but rather of the states of virginity, wid∣dow-hood, and matrimony; and therefore I will not meddle with his exposition; especially, because it is altogether unwarranted by Scrip∣ture, and onely the fruit of a humane braine: yea, because if the Scripture doe compare one estate with another, it is not in regard of the estate simply, but of the times and seasons: But principally I passe by the refutation of this ex∣position, because it is fully answered by Masculus, s. fol. 363. b. initio, &c. And by Amesius, Bellarm. enerv. tom. 2. pag. 161.
Whether shal al the Saints have a like measure, [Quest.] and degree of glory in the kingdome of heaven, or an unequall according to the measure of their fruits?
All shall not have an equall measure, [Answ.] and de∣gree of glory; and that first, because God will crowne his owne workes and gifts in his chil∣dren, and that as they are in all; but they are unequally in all; as appeares by these places, Matth. 5.18, and this verse, and 25.4.
Secondly, the Scripture teacheth us, that those who instruct others, shall excell others in glo∣ry, Daniel 12.3. And therefore all shall not bee glorious, in one and the same measure.
Thirdly, it is said, that the Apostles shal have a singular degree of glory, Matth. 19.28. And therefore some shall excell others in glory.
Fourthly, in hell there are divers degrees of punishment, Matthew 11.22. according to the quality of sinnes: And therefore in heaven shall be divers degrees of glory, according to the degree, and measure of grace.
Fifthly, it is said, Revelat. 14.13. Blessed are the dead, which die in the Lord; for they rest from their la∣bours, and their workes follow them. Now, why doe their workes follow them? Because they shall be judged, and rewarded (although not for their workes, yet, according to their workes, Roman. 2.2.6. And therefore, as there are degrees of grace, and divers measures of obedience, so shall there be degrees of glory.
Sixthly, in the world to come we shall be like unto the Angels. Matth. 22.30. But there are degrees of Angels, as shall be else where shewed: There∣fore also degrees of glory in the Saints.
Seventhly, St. Paul testifieth his assurance of a peculiar Crowne which he knowes is laid up for him in Heaven. 1 Thessal. 2.18. By which is im∣plyed that one degree of glory doth not abide all.
Eightly, these and the like places teach and confirme this truth, that there are degrees of glo∣ry in Heaven. Matth. 20.27, and 1 Corinth. 15.14. and 2 Corinth. 9.6. &c.
Ninthly, these degrees of glory shal be given, not for our merits, or the dignity of our persons, or the worthinesse of our workes; but of grace, ac∣cording to our duties, obedience and sufferings, which God will graciously reward.
Tenthly, the glory of all the Saints in heaven shall be perfect in its degree (for every vessel shall