Now all the preaching, praying, watching, and labor thou hast been
at, in thy endeavoring to catch men from Satan to God, shall be
rewarded with spangling glory. Not a soul thou hast converted to the
Lord Jesus, not a soul thou hast comforted, strengthened, or helped
by thy wholesome counsel, admonition, and comfortable speech, but it
shall stick as a pearl in that crown which the Lord the righteous
Judge shall give thee at that day; that is, if thou doest it
willingly, delighting to lift up the name of God among men; if thou
doest it with love, and longing after the salvation of sinners:
otherwise thou wilt have only thy labor for thy pains, and no more.
If I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, a
dispensation of the gospel is committed to my charge.
But if thou do it graciously, then a reward followeth; "for what is
our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye," says
Paul, "in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For
ye are our glory and joy."
Let him therefore that Christ has put into his harvest, take comfort
in the midst of all his sorrows; and know that God acknowledges that
he that converteth a sinner from the error of his way, doth even
save that soul from death, and covereth a multitude of sins.
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