A harmony upon the the three Evangelists, Matthew, Mark and Luke with the commentary…A harmonie vpon the the three Euangelists, Matthew, Mark and Luke with the commentarie…

36 And he which reapeth, receiveth a reward. He proveth by another argument how diligent we ought to be in the work of the Lord: namely because there is a large and a glorious reward laid up for our labour▪ ⟨p. 99⟩For he promiseth fruit, and that no corruptible or frail fruit. Although that which he addeth concerning fruit may be expounded two manner of ways: either that it may be a declaration of the higher (and so should be utter one & the self same thing in divers words) or else that he may commend their diligence who do increase the kingdom of God: as he will repeat chap. 15. 16. I have chosen you that you may go, & bring fruit, & that your fruit may remain. And truly both these things ought greatly to encourage the ministers of the word, that they do never faint under their labour, whilst that they hear that there is prepared for them in heaven a crown of glory, & do know also that the fruit of their harvest shall not only be precious before god, but also eternal. To this end is there mention made of reward every where in the scripture, & not to the end that the merits of works may be esteemed thereby. For who is he who being throughly tried, shall not rather be found worthy to be punished for sluggishness, then rewarded for diligence? Therefore there shall nothing remain for the best labourers, save only to fly humbly to crave pardon. But the Lord who dealeth fatherly with us, to the end he may amend our sluggishness, & better encourage us being otherwise but faint hearted, vouchsafeth to repay unto us a free reward. Furthermore, this is so far from overthrowing the righteousness of faith, that it doth rather establish the same. For from whence cometh it that God findeth in us any thing that is worthy of reward, save only because he hath endowed us with his spirit? And we know that the spirit is the earnest and pledge of our adoption. Secondly, how cometh it to pass that God doth give so great honour unto unperfect & corrupt works, save only because after that he hath reconciled us unto himself freely, by not imputing the vices which cleave unto our works, he accepteth them contrary to our desert? The sum of this place is, that the labour and pains which the Apostles do take, ought not to seem grievous unto them, seeing that they know that it is so profitable for themselves & fruitful for the church of Christ.

36 And he which reapeth, receiueth a reward. He proueth by another argugument how diligent we ought to be in the work of the Lord: namely because there is a large and a glorious reward laide vp for our labour