How hearts will be opened to view, we know not.  Perhaps when the veil of flesh is removed, minds may possess an intuitive knowledge of each other—­be able to look into one another, as while in the body, they look into themselves.  Here, this is mercifully prevented; but may be no longer necessary in another state of existence.  It may be requisite, to that investigation of characters which we are taught to expect at Christ’s coming.  For it is the language of the text, and other Scriptures, that every impediment to the complete knowledge of each other, will then be done away; that no person’s character will longer remain problematical. The hidden works of darkness will be brought to light, and the counsels of the hearts made manifest.

Astonishing scenes of wickedness will then, no doubt, be disclosed.  Probably each one will discover things in himself which he had not suspected—­depravity, unfairness, disingenuity, the bare suspicion of which by others, would be resented as affrontive.

When the prophet forewarned Hazael of the cruelties which he would exercise when he should be king of Syria, his nature seemed to revolt —­he could not suspect himself capable of such enormities.  “But what! is thy servant a dog?” But all was verified when he had ascended the throne!

But though a world of hidden iniquity will appear when the counsels of the hearts shall be made manifest.  Good things will also be opened to view which had till that day been concealed—­yea,

III.  Some things commendable will be found in all, Then shall every man have praise of God.

All are sinners.  “There is none good but one, that is God.”  Some “are sinners exceedingly.”  Some will continue such till they shall have time no longer—­die as they have lived, and be sentenced to “have their part in the lake of fire—­which is the second death.”

But though numbers of this description will be found when the Lord comes, it is presumed that there will be none among them in whom there wilt be nothing commendable—­who will never have done a praise worthy action.

When “every work is brought into judgment and every secret thing, whether it be good or evil,” every thing commendable which hath been done by the wicked, will come into the reckoning.  Nothing will be overlooked, because done by sinners.  The prejudices inherent in mankind often render them blind to what is commendable in an enemy, and cause them to magnify his failings; but not so the Deity.  God is perfect.  “The way of man will he render unto him,” whatever may be his general character.

The saints are not equal in virtue and the attainments of grace.  Therefore the differences which will be made among them.  When they shall stand before the Judge, their whole probation, with all its circumstances, will be reviewed, and every praise worthy purpose, desire and action will be considered and rewarded.  On the other hand, every neglect of duty and every deviation from it will come into the account and make deduction from the weight of glory reserved for them.