John 4:36

A second reason pressing this duty, is taken from the profit following on this work, which is both a free reward in their own persons, and the reward of being instrumental to save others, as 1 Tim. 4.16. The effect of both which, is the joint joy of the Prophets as Sowers, and of them as Reapers, as is after explained: wherein there is an allusion to the joy of Reapers in harvest, and their feasts after it was gathered in, Isa. 9.3. Whence learn, 1. Albeit faithful Ministers deserve nothing at Gods hand, and albeit they lie under much contempt in the world, yet beside what reward of honourable maintenance is due for their encouragement, they shall not want an eternal reward from God; for, he that reapeth, receiveth wages. 2. Albeit such as are brought in to Christ by the Ministrie, may seem many times to be called to encounter many stormes; yet when they are ripe for Gods barne, they shall be brought unto eternal life, where they will be at quiet; for, the fruit is gathered unto life eternal. 3. The service of God, and his blessing upon it, is reward enough of it self; And particularly, faithful Ministers have a promise, that they shall be blessed with fruit in their labours, and it is reward enough that they are honoured to be instrumental in the salvation of any; for, it is a promise and a part of the wages, he gathereth fruit unto eternal life. 4. As there is joy in heaven at the Conversion of a sinner, and there will be unspeakable joy at the perfecting of the Congregation of the first-born; so faithful Ministers have allowance of joy in the bringing in of soules, which will be compleated in the day of Christ: for, here, the end of their labour is to rejoyce. 5 Gods allowance of joy is so free, that none who labour faithfully, are secluded from it, whatever their success be, and so, full that all may share in it, without envie at one anothers happiness and successe; for, both he that soweth, and he that reapeth rejoyce together.