If we persevere in our exertions, we shall reap the fruit of our labour —
[There will be a harvest to all who labour in God's field. It may not come so soon as we would desire ; but it shall come, as the earthly harvests, " in due season." We must, how- ever, wait God's appointed time. If we faint, we shall lose all that we have before wrought"1: but if we continue patiently in well-doing, we shall succeed at last".]
Our prospects of the harvest may well encourage us to persevere, since it will be,
1. Certain —
[The husbandman endures many toils for an uncertain harvest : his hopes may be blasted in a variety of ways. But God has pledged himself, that his faithful servants shall be rewarded0: nor shall either men or devils prevent the accom- plishment of his promise1'.]
2. Glorious —
[What are all the harvests that ever were gathered since the creation of the world, in comparison of that which the Christian will reap? Shall we faint then with such a prospect in view ?]
3. Everlasting —
[However abundant our harvests here may be, we must renew the same process, in order to supply our returning wants : but when once we have reaped the heavenly harvest, we shall " rest from our labours" for evermore. If then a year of toil be considered as compensated by a transient supply, shall not an eternity of happiness be thought worth our care, during the short period of human life? Do any, that are now in glory, regret the pains they bestowed to get there ? Let us " be followers of them," and we shall soon participate their bliss q.]
m 2 John, ver. 8. Heb. x. 38. " Rom. ii. 7.
0 Heb. vi. 10. P Prov. xi. 18. <J Heb. vi. 12.