xxxii. 20. _Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that
send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass._
Two explanations of this description of agricultural life. The first
refers it to the practice of literally sowing on the waters. In some
parts of the East, particularly in the sowing of rice, the time
chosen is when the rivers overflow their banks. Cattle are turned
into the wet land to tread it and prepare it for the seed, which is
then cast upon the water. It subsides into the ground and yields a
quick harvest. If this is the allusion, the corresponding passage
will be Eccles. xi. 1. The other explanation refers it to the sowing
of seed in soil that is well watered by its proximity to some river,
and to such a state of security that the oxen and asses may be turned
upon the land to feed at large, without fences to limit their
excursions. Either way the general idea is the same. It is the close
of the beautiful description of peaceful prosperity after the return
from captivity. The land would be cultivated in security, the
harvests gathered in peace; a splendid contrast to the desolation of
a country which has been the seat of war.
We apply the text to the privilege of labouring for the production of
a moral harvest in human souls by the teaching of the Gospel of Jesus
Christ. Here is--
I. AN ANALOGY BETWEEN THE MATERIAL AND THE SPIRITUAL HUSBANDRY. Our
present subject is not our own spiritual culture, although that is of
supreme importance and the primary qualification for the cultivation
of other souls. We are always sowing seed, and the fruit of which is
in our character and destiny, in time and eternity (Gal. vi. 7, 8).
The analogy between the moral and material husbandry is very obvious
(1 Cor. iii. 6-9, ix. 10, 11; James iii. 18; Matt. xiii. 3-32). This
is the great work committed to the Church. We are to tell the story
of God's love; to make known the ruin; to proclaim the salvation; to
persuade men.
Now, this supposes several things:--1. _Opportunity._ By the
restoration of Israel to their own land, they would have the
opportunity of which they had been long deprived. There have been
times when endeavours to teach God's Word was prohibited. In some
lands it is so still. There are persons who will not hear. There are
classes and circles, higher and lower, which are inaccessible to you.
None of us is responsible for sowing the seed when there is no
opportunity. But in so far as opportunity exists, or can be made, it
behoves all to avail themselves of it to the full extent of their
power. Mothers have the opportunity with their children.
Sunday-school teachers. Doors opening in heathen lands.
2. _Capacity._ To sow a field requires some knowledge of the kind of
work. City men would make sorry work. So the spiritual sowing
requires some capacity. Two mistakes may be made. There is the
mistake of those who think any kind of work will do; and of those who
estimate the requirements so highly and their own power so humbly
that they never venture anything. The latter deterrent operates
largely. It falls in with the love of ease. It is sometimes said that
the extension of popular education demands a higher class of
Sunday-school teachers, for instance, than sufficed some time ago.
Many Christians think their own education inadequate. It is a
mistake. If we cannot realise our ideal, let us do our best. Besides,
experience does not show that boys and girls are ahead of teachers of
average intelligence. And spiritual earnestness is a greater
qualification than even intellectual endowment. Capacity for
Christian work, like any other, perhaps more than any other,
increases by exercise. 3. _Interest._ He who would succeed must be
interested in his work. He who dislikes it or is indifferent to its
results will not do it well. Commonly what was undertaken merely as
an occupation, or for advantage, becomes a pleasure. The various
labours of the husbandman interest him. And this is essential to the
spiritual sower. There must be a disposition for the work. It
presents attractions only to such as are in sympathy with its great
ends. There must be a sincere belief of the truth, thorough
conviction of its necessity to man, and a benevolent desire for the
widest dissemination of its blessings. Working in this spirit, your
interest in it will constantly deepen. By the prospect of harvest you
will be animated. With the heart in the work and the love of Christ
in the heart, the sowing time will be full of spiritual interest.
4. _Diligence._ "All waters." This suggests earnestness, energy,
promptitude. Throw all your energy into this work. The husbandman
watches everything that bears on his husbandry. Business men spare no
pains in working out their arrangements. We must be equally diligent.