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Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthode. y errata )d io nt ne pelure, igon d n 1 2 3 32X 1 2 3 4 5 6 SOWING AND REAPING. SOWING IN TIME, " REAPING IN ETERNITY. BY JOHN G. MARSHALL. 1 ' HALIFAX, N. S. RINTED BY WM. MACNAB, 11 PRINCE STREET. 1871. : f'li X •N SOWING AND REAPING, &C. *'Be not deceived, God is not mocked : for wliatsoever a raaTi soweth, il.ut shall he ulao reap, for lie ttiat sdwi'tli til Ills fl'jili, f^iiaii, of tlif ttush reap corruption; but lie that soweth to the spirit, shall of the spirit nap life everlasting.— Galatians, vi, 7, 8. the fli'st ch )r th( ipti it te lause ot tneso passages oi i evident, that persons possessing the inspired revelations of our holy religion, may be so deceived as to its true nature and designs, as to fail of securing its promised salvation and eternal life, llenco the necessity for the warning and exhortation here given, — "Bo not deceived '' Of all the subjects on which the human mind may be exercised, religion is the one on which it is natuially the most liable to be involved in ruinous deception. This liability is owing to the native '.ncapacity to ascertain, and truly judge of spiritual and eternal realities; and is one of the fatal consequences of the first transgression; and like all its other results, has been transmitted, and universally prevails. In secular designs or affairs, there is seldom such liability to decep- tion. Those engaged in them know their nature, and the purposes or effects they will accomplish. But naturally it is not the same in religion. Without a divine revelation, man in the most advanced state of his intellect and attainments, never did, and never can discover the true character of the author of his being, his relations and responsibilities to him, and the nature of the worship aiid service which will be appropriate and most accep- table. It is the teijtimony of scripture, — "The world by wisdom knew not God." Moreover, there is not only ignorance in the natural understanding as regards spiritual objects and things, but what is equally, or even more dangerous and delusive, there is the deceitfulness of the unrenewed heart. This, by inspired truth, is declared to be "deceitful above all things;" (Jer. xvii, 9) and the description is applird universally, and as to all ages and conditions of man's natural history. The following are further declarations of scripture, to the same effect: — *"They hold fast deceit." — "'A deceived heart hath turned him aside, that •Jeremiah, viii.,5.— Isaiali, xliVi 20,— Galatians, vi, 3.— Samuel, i, 26.— Revelations, ii, 17. . n F'< he cannot deliv^er his soni, nor say, is there not a lie in my right hand." — "It" a man think himself to be something, whon ho is nothing, ho dooeiveih himscll'." — 'If any man among you seem to bo religious, and bridlotli not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's reli.!4ion is vain." Our Lord said of tho whole church of the Laodiceans : "Thou saj'ost 1 am rich, and increased with goods, an.d have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretclied and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." They were each and aW deceived, and knew not their own low and miserable character and condition . There are in scripture, numerous cautions and warnings against being deceived on religious subjects. The highly inspired Paul says, — "Let no man deceive idmself;" and uses the terms, "deceitful lusts," and " deceivable of unrighteousness." In the subsequent portions of the text, there are two opposite descriptions of character and conduct set forth ; and the final and eternal results as to each. There is the person who '• soweth to the flesh," and shall reap the harvest of " corruption," or as iy meant, the "second death," — everlasting punishment; and the other who " soweth to the spirit," and "• shall of the spirit, reap life everlasting," Li the previous chapter the same contrasts are shown in the words, — " If ye live after the flesh ye shall die ; but if ye through the spirit do mortify the deeds of tne body, ye shall live." The figurative language of solving and reaping, is strictly appropriate, and well adapted to illustrate and make deep and abiding impressions regarding the whole subject. To now means following the pursuits, and transacting the concerns of natural life ; and to reap, signifies punishment or enjoyment in another world. What gives the most awful solemnity and importance to the announcements of the text, is, that the great and omniscient God, the final judge and dispenser of reward and punishment, is intently looking on, and cannot be deceived ; and will not be ^'mocked" with any pretended, instead of real services. According to tho order in the text, attention may first be given to ascertain who they are, who may be said to be " sowing to the flesh;" and next in describing the various modes and forms in which they perform the work. By " sowing to the flesh," is here m m cvidoiitly nioaiit, making- it llic primary or cliif^f coiicorn and omployi.'ont of life to secure proaent enjoyment and happi- ness in tlioso occupations, scenes and courses, wiiicli minister' gratification to tiie bodily, or sensual passions and appc^iites. There ar(» many particulars, and groat varieties comprcliendfid in the sensual desires for enjoyment, and in carrying tiiom into elfect. They are also various in different persons In scripture they are all appropriately comprised under the terms — "the lust of the flesh, tlie lust of the eye, and the pride of life." The ''lust of the flesh " mav be considered here, under tiie limited meaning of seeking the desired enjoyment, chiefly in eating and drinking. There always have been, and still are such persons in christian communities, and even christiaTi churches. They are persons, who, according to a common saying, do not " eat to live," but as a chief desin? and end, live to " eat and drink." There are more of such persons than arc generally supposed. They look forward with joyous anticipation to the choice and varied dishes, and the old fragrant mellow liquors; not being willing to "put a knife to the throat," as to the one; and not fearing the 6?ye of the "Serpent," or the sting of the "Adder" as to the other. Some of these in elderly life, give open evidence of the fond indulgence in the misshapen bodily form and irregular proportions, or the red and blossomed visage ; and frequently in both these conspicuous appearances. On others in youthful or middle life, the dangerous and humiliating marks are just becom. ing visible. Yet most, or all of such sensualists are respectable members of society, and many, or all of them, members of churches. They come under the Apostle Jude's description, — *' Walk after their own ungodly lusts, sensual, having not the spirit. They are not of those who find "godliness profitable unto allthings, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." These keep the bodily appetites in subjection to religion and reason, and thus experience the truthof the inspired maxim ; while the others, by exclusively seeking sensual enjoy- ments in the life that now is, are generally even here, in one way or the other, painfull^'' disappointed ; and having neglected to desire and secure the future enjoyments are eternally ruined. Of those indulging in mere criminal modes of sensuality, in courses 4 f i^~.^ of profligacy, it is sufficicMit niorcly to refer to tlio scriptures, wliicli (locl.'irc, that they shall have their portion in " ilio lake which burnetii with fire, and in th«^ depths of hell." Now ix few words concerninj^ thos(; who are seeking etijoyrncnt or hai)pine8S in indulging in the " lust" or desire "of the eye." There are many forirls and varieties in this mode of enjoyment. It cannot be snj)po.«ed that by this scripture expression, it is intended to censure or disapprove of gratifying the eye in viewing and admiring the grand and beau/ifiil in natural objects and scenery. These may, and should be viewed with ail miration and delight, as displays of the wisdom, the power, and other perfections of their glorious and beneficent Creator, and should ever lead the observer tt) look up to Ilim with reverence, adora- tion and love; but it may here be appropriately remarked, that the gratification of the eye, even on lawful objects, may be inordiiialehj indulged, in collecting from various countriet-., and arranging great varieties of natural productions and objects, and numerous and costly pictures, merely for regaling the eye, and at an expense of time and money, which should have been emi»loyed for promoting purposes of religion, morality and benevolence. The lust or desire of the eye, or what is cmpiiatically called "sight seeing," which indubitably the text includes and condemns ; and which it is here intended to describe as " sowing to the flesh," consists in seeking that mode of gratificatitn in theatrical scenes and performances, exhibitions and feats o' legerdemain or necro" mancy, performances in dancing, or on the rope, or the horse, ludicrous tricks and scenes, the circus, the hors-erace, the boat race, and most especially, and worst ol' all, representations of scripture characters and events, by persons and scenery. All these, and many similar modes of gratifying the eye which might be mentioned, are manifestly "sowing to the flesh," and living after its merely selfish and sensual desires. Yet all who indulge in them profess Christianity ; and some, or even many of them are members of evangelical churches. Where will they find any valid authority or excuse for their vain and corrupting conduct? Not in the .scriptures, in which they profess to believe. These in their letter and spirit, utterly condemn them. Another mode of "sowing to the fiesh," is called in scripture, .^ o '' und "the pride of life." This alwo iR a vorj oomproheusivo torm, iiicluflinf^ iimnorons variotioa qf gratificatioti to tlio ungoflly and worldly mind. Tliore is tho pride of exalted or nuporior socia' rank, or olTicial station, and the proud and ambitious doHires and efforts to obtain thorn ; often accompanied with the most unfaith- ful, dishonorable, and treacherous acts. With some there is a hanj^hty supercilious conduct towards those in inferior or humble stations Thore is tho pride of riches, larg(» possessions ol worldly substanco, and this often with members of cliurches, notwithstanding the cotnmand «)f their professed Lord, — " Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth." The anxieties and labors for obtaining and permanently securing these are almost nniversally prevalent in the i)resent age, and therefore is one of (he most signal, as well as ruinous modes of "sowing to the Hesli," and indulging in " the pride of life." It induces and exhil)its its pernicious inllnenee in numerous displays of vanity; the extended and costl}' mansion, with its superahun- dance and varieties of expensive decorations and ftirniture, — the high priced plate, picture--, ornaments, a«)ossession of (\artlily riches. How different are all those vanities, as also their votaries, from the character and conduct of that truly wise, great and good man, the Kev. John Wesley, who, wiion reijuested by letter from a government ofScial to give for taxation, a list of his plate, answered that he had "two silver spoons at Bristol, iind that he did not intend to have any more plate, while there were so many poor in the latid who wanted bread." There are always poor and distressed in every land, whose wants and sufferings, both s(!ripture and common humanity call on the wealthy to relieve, instead of "sowing to the flesh,'' in displays of pride and vanity as just described. Giving and receiving sumptuous and expensive enteriainments is another mode of "sowing to the flet. ," and exhibiting " the pride of life" scripturally forbidden and condemned Kind and suitable hospii- tality to christian brethren and strangers, is strictly enjoined by scripture; but with equal precision and force itis commanded by our Lord himself: " WHien thou makest a dinner, or a supper, call I ' not thy frieiulb, nor tliy lirctlnon, lu-ither thy kiriHmoii, nor thy rich neighbors, lest they uisu bid theo ii^iiiii, iuid a rcMiompoiiHO bo niailc thoo ; but whuii thou ruai* chosen his portion, or ^ood thitigs on the earth, when death transferred him to the other world he found himself "in hell, tormented in llame," and entreating in vain for the slightest reliel'. What an awl'ul warning and admo- nition to all the rich, the sumptuous and lu.Kurious. For their benefit throughout all ages, the narrative has, in divine mercy been permanently recorded. Another very prevalent mode of "sowing to the flesh," is reading fictitious taU.'S and narratives, viM-y fitly classed under the general term romances', the numbers and varieties of which now 80 greatly abound. This fascinating em[)l<)yment, besides its sinful waste of tinie, so strictly prohibited in scripture, tends directly to weaken and degrade the rational ptnvers, an» 9 holy Christianity. Another mudo of Howinjf to tho floHh [a indiil- ginj,^ in ^umk.'h and HportH, tlie variotioH of which aro 8o nninoronn. Having than hricHy (IcHcrilxMl soino of tho prin<.'i[)al inodcH of " Howing to the ticsh," tho next rtuhjoct in tiio text for consider- ation and remark, is tiio harvest reapeil from all such sowing' It in doHcriheil in the text l)y tho one rejmlsive, imt cornprciienHivo term, '•(M)rrnption." This word do<'s not kerti mean the decompo- sition jiid corruption t)f tho boily, for tlieso taice phice aft(!r (leath, in tin,' boili(?H (jf the rig'hteoiis, tlie same as in those of the siMisua! any his constant en 12 evermore." The most lofty human mind or imagination, cannot reach to the conception of the sublime and rapturous enjoyments of the '];lorious mansions and scenes of that heavenly region ; for God Himself lias declared in Ilis word, that " eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive the things which He hath laid ; p for them that love Him," and have faithfully served Him in this earthly state. Such will be the everlasting portion and reward of those, who while here in an ungodly and tempting world, have continued to sow to the Spirit. They did not profanely mock their God with merely formal and heartless services, but faithfully and diligently sowed the good seed, to and for the Divine Spirit; and they are not deceived, but reap a harvest immeasurably beyond their highest conceptions. Not so with the others, the sowers to the flesh. Their fleshly propensities and gratifications deceived, and in the end utterly ruined them. In the language of inspired truth, — ''in the day they made their plants to grow, and in the morning made their seed to flourish, but the harvest was a heap in the day of grief and of desparate sorrow." Those of them v/ho had been members of churches, were like the man who intruded into the hall of the marriage feast, without the requisite garment, — the holiness es^en. tial for admission to Heaven — and who was expelled into outer darkness and deepest distress ; and like the foolish virgins, who suffered their lamps to go out, and not having taken any oil in their vessels, the door was finally shut against them, and their cries for admittance were utterly unavailing. According, there- fore, as the present life has been, so will be tlie eternal state. Whether the solving be to the flesh, or to the spirit, so will the eternal reaping be, — misery for the former, and happiness for the latter. But many will say, probably all which is here written is in accor dance with scripture truth, but are people generally, or even members of churches to have no amuscmeiits or diversions ; are they to be always thinking and striving about the salvation of their souls. To all this may readily be answered, what all must admit, that both as to time and eternity, the subject of religion is, to every human being, of the very deepest importance, aud ife.' m ^^ 13 ought to engage his chief and most earnest consideration and eflorts. If professing Christianity, he will also acknowledge that the scriptures of the book we call the Bible, especially the New Testament portion of it, form the ordy sure and perfect standard for the belief and conduct of all who profess that only valid and pure religion. Now let the caviller as to this standard, and opponent of what he calls pharisaic or puritanical strictness, look through the sacred books, to discover an authority or permission for any of the carnal and worldly diversions and practices, previously mentioned in this discourse, or any others of a merely sensual description. He will look in vain. He will not find in those sacred and binding oracles, even the words, amusements, divemions, or recreations. The only passages looking the least in that direction, are these ; " Is any merry, let him sing psalms , speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs ; singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord," But these exercises will not at all suit these "sowers of the flesh." They will be willing to take the music singly, but it may well be presumed, will readily dispense with the psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Some other kind of songs, sonnets, duets, or solos, will please them better. One of England's pious and most gifted Bards, has said of the divinely wise and liberal .Paul : " commend me to a quip, or merry turn, in all he ever wrote, and I consent you take it for your text, and preach from thence till sides and benches fail." But although the sower to the flesh will not find a single passage of scripture to sanction his sensual diversions and amuse- ments, he will find very many informing him, that like all the rest of mankind, he is by nature corrupt and depraved, held under sin, and in consequence exposed to Divine wrath and punishment, from a just and holy God. He will see in those inspired records, that he is, while in that natural state, called a "child of wrath ; ' and that in order to escape from that dreadful condition, and obtain mercy from his ofi'ended God, and acceptance to His favor, he must earnestly and anxiously seek for Divine grace, to enable him truly to repent ; must turn from his evil ways, be renewed in heart and mind through divine operations ; believe with his heart in the remedy graciously provided for his pardon and resto- ■' ' ■ "« r''*' 1- i'-r 1^ i- h fl i 14 ration to the Divine favor, through the atoning suftering3 atul death of the Lamb of Go'l — the Lord Josus Christ. Being thus, and only thus, reconciled to God and become a christian, he must " walk circumspectly " in the christian course, as described and enjoined in the scriptures ; must take the whole spiritual armour divinely provided, and therein offered for his use; must constantly "watch and pray, that he does not enter into temptation, redeem time " for good purposes oidy ; "fight the good fight of faith ; abstain from all appearance of evil; must " not be slothful in business ;" but be "fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;" be " patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer;" be upright and honest in all the transactions of life; doing "good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith;" thus endeavoring to " work out his own salvation," while a gracious " God worketh in him, to will and to do of Ilis good pleasure ;" and ever giving " all diligence to make his calling and election sure." If he bears in mind, and obeys all these inspired precepts and exhortations, as he i under the most solemn responsibilities to do, he will inevitably find that he will have no time to spare for any merely sensual diversions or amusements. Now my reader, if you arc one who pleads for such diversions, and iwdulges in them, whether you are a member of a church, or merely one of a congregation, do not begin to say, what is the use of arraying all these texts for my perusal ? 1 believe they are all contained in the scriptures, and therefore all they declare is true. But the personally important question is, are you earnestly regarding them, and endeavoring to act in accordance with them ? These are the purposes for which they have been given, and not merely forming parts of a religious scheme or system for exami- nation and belief, or as branches of scriptural knowledge. You profess a belief in chriNtianity as a Divine revelation contained in the scriptures ; and these are as fully binding on you, as they were on those to whom they were first given ; for they declare^ that " whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning," and "for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." The Divine Judge, who will assign to all their eternal state, either of happiness or misery, according to their doings on this earth, has Himself declared : " He that receiveth 15 I em ? not ;xanii- You led in tliev not my words, hath one that judgeth him, the word tliat I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." (John, xii, 48.) Yon, a profossor of Christianity, yet a " sower of the tiesli," and pleading for its vain diversions, have the whole of that word in your house, and you hear it read and explained by its ministers, you cannot therefore escape the awful responsibility you are under, to diligently search and obey it. Your soul's everlasting destiny, either of happiness or misery, is suspended on your obedience or neglect. That word has been given, to be as "a lamp" to your "feet," and "a light" to your "path;" and again you are solemnly directed -'to the law and testimony," for instruction and guidance. These inspired oracles, '"'rm the only standard, by which all who have possessed them will be eternally judged ; and not by any starrdard, or flexible course which each individual may form for himself: nor by the traditions, or accom- modating creeds and maxims of men, however exalted they may be in human estimatiun, and however specious and plausible their interpretations and systems may appear. The whole Christian levelatiou is of the most spiritual character, and requires and enjoins continual watchfulness, and most earnest and persevering efforts, to secure a holy preparation for reaping the harvest of "everlasting life," promised in the text. Let all take heed to the waming with which the text commence, " Be not deceived." There need not be any deception or mistake, for if the sacred scriptures are duly regarded and consulted, it will be seen that they clearly show, that for the lovers of worldly pleasures, who have refused self-denial, and persevered in sowing to their fleshly lusts and desires, the harvest reaping must be, "the worm that dieth not, and the fire that shall never be quenched." But of those who have continued sowing to the spirit, have avoided all ungodly and worldly lusts, and obtained th6 wedding garment of holiness, the same inspired oracles declare, — " Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, even so saith the spirit, for they rest from their labors, and their works do follow them." Their harvest will bo, as immutably promised, ''life ever lasting, pleasures for evermore." ,♦*