58. And surely this is but right. For
in a contest there is much labour needed—and after the contest
victory falls to some, to others disgrace. Is the palm ever given
or the crown granted before the course is finished? Paul writes
well; He says: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished
my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a
crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give
me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love
His appearing.” 2 Tim. iv. 7, 8. “In that
day,” he says, He will give it—not here. Here he
fought, in labours, in dangers, in shipwrecks, like a good wrestler;
for he knew how that “through much tribulation we must enter into
the kingdom of God.” Acts xiv. 22. Therefore no one
can receive a reward, unless he has striven lawfully; nor is the
victory a glorious one, unless the contest also has been
toilsome.