“The Sower Went Forth to Sow”
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and the Life. Let these be the themes of Christ’s ministers. Present
the truth as it is in Jesus. Make plain the requirements of the law and
the gospel. Tell the people of Christ’s life of self-denial and sacrifice;
of His humiliation and death; of His resurrection and ascension; of
His intercession for them in the courts of God; of His promise, “I will
come again, and receive you unto Myself.”
John 14:3
.
Instead of discussing erroneous theories, or seeking to combat the
opponents of the gospel, follow the example of Christ. Let fresh truths
from God’s treasure house flash into life. “Preach the word.” “Sow
beside all waters.” “Be instant in season, out of season.” “He that hath
My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What is the chaff to the
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wheat? saith the Lord.” “Every word of God is pure.... Add thou not
unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.”
2
Timothy 4:2
;
Isaiah 32:20
;
Jeremiah 23:28
;
Proverbs 30:5, 6
.
“The sower soweth the word.” Here is presented the great principle
which should underlie all educational work. “The seed is the word
of God.” But in too many schools of our day God’s word is set aside.
Other subjects occupy the mind. The study of infidel authors holds
a large place in the educational system. Skeptical sentiments are
interwoven in the matter placed in school books. Scientific research
becomes misleading, because its discoveries are misinterpreted and
perverted. The word of God is compared with the supposed teachings
of science, and is made to appear uncertain and untrustworthy. Thus
the seeds of doubt are planted in the minds of the youth, and in time of
temptation they spring up. When faith in God’s word is lost, the soul
has no guide, no safeguard. The youth are drawn into paths which lead
away from God and from everlasting life.
To this cause may in great degree be attributed the widespread
iniquity in our world today. When the word of God is set aside, its
power to restrain the evil passions of the natural heart is rejected. Men
sow to the flesh, and of the flesh they reap corruption.
And here, too, is the great cause of mental weakness and ineffi-
ciency. In turning from God’s word to feed on the writings of unin-
spired men, the mind becomes dwarfed and cheapened. It is not
brought in contact with deep, broad principles of eternal truth. The
understanding adapts itself to the comprehension of the things with
which it is familiar, and in this devotion to finite things it is weakened,
its power is contracted, and after a time it becomes unable to expand.