ment? To this, many would answer, In another state of existence; and they would, perhaps, very unfortunately, adduce our text as proof of this idea. But let us observe, for a moment, what the text says. "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." You will notice the similitude here used. The sinner is compared to the farmer who sows and reaps. Now, when we sow seed in a field, do we not expect to reap the harvest in the same field where we sow the seed? Most assuredly. If, then, man sows to sin in this life, he must in this life expect to reap the harvest, which is "corruption." Is not this plain? You all know that you would consider a man beside himself, who should sow a field of grain in NewHampshire, and expect to reap the harvest in Maine. They are equally unwise, who, having sown to the flesh in this life, are looking for the harvest in eternity. As true as man has sown to sin here, so true it is that here he must reap the harvest, and receive his wages. And, what is more, the very nature of the harvest is abundant confirmation of this fact. What is it? "Corruption." This is the harvest, the fruits of sin, and what every sinner must reap. But then it must be reaped in this life; for the Apostle assures us, that all who are raised from the dead are raised in incorruption." Of course, then, man cannot, in another life, reap the harvest of sin, for there he will be beyond the power of temptation -- beyond the shafts of sorrow, and the arrows of death, 66 Let it be borne in mind, then, that the harvest must be reaped in the field where the seed is sown. It is here that man sows to the flesh, and it is here that he must reap corruption. We all know this we see it. We find those who have strayed from the path of rectitude and virtue, who were drinking at the polluted waters of vice, and roaming amid the wilds of sin we see them strangers to happines and peace, the victims of sorrow, and the subjects of cruel fears and tormenting reflections. The fires of guilt have been kindled in their bosoms, and are burning to the lowest hell. Let all, then, avoid the paths of vice, the allurements of sin, and go not in the way of evil men. Let all who would act the part of wisdom, and promote their own happiness, choose virtue for their guide, companion, and friend. The reward is certain her blessings are abundant. "For," says the text, "He that soweth to the spirit, shall of the spirit reap life everlasting." To sow to the spirit, is to cultivate the religious faculties-to refine and elevate the affections to chasten and purify the feelings and to give strength and beauty to virtue. And the harvest which we shall reap, will be everlasting life. This harvest is to be reaped, too, in the same field where we sow the seed. It is here that the seed is sown, and here that we must reap the harvest of "everlasting life." "He that believeth on the Son, hath everlasting life" he possesses it here. He who has cultivated an acquaintance with the perfections and character of God, and who is living in obedience to his commands - such a one has sown the seeds, and is reaping the harvest of everlasting life. - The reward of virtue is just as certain as the punishment of vice. If to do wrong is to be miserable, to do right is to be happy. Look at the man who pursues a virtuous course of conduct whose life is in accordance with the precepts of the gospel and who is at peace with himself, his conscience, and his God. What joy and delight are his! His countenance beams with the placid serenity of heaven his breast burns with holy rapture his bosom thrills with the fondest hopes -and his spirit feasts upon pleasures that are lasting and sweet. The bright sun of virtue sheds its radiant beams upon his pathway, and a halo of immortal glory encircles his brow. There is a beauty, a power, a divinity, in virtue. Its peace is like a river, its joys are like those which flow in the paradise of God. Its hopes are founded upon the Rock of ages, and will forever pour light and consolation upon a dying world. In virtue may be found all that is great and good—all that is exalted in time, or glorious upon the records of eternity. "It is God's empire, and from his throne of thrones he will defend it." It is the companion of angels, the corner-stone of the universe, and the greatest glory of man! Pollute our earth, if you must, with the streams of vice-let anarchy, and misrule, and oppression, rear their naked forms; but let virtue remain let her power be exerted, and her influence felt, and our world is safe! When all the proud monuments which nature and art have reared, shall crumble into dust when all the beauties of earth shall lie faded in death when the vigilant sentinels of the skies shall no longer be faithful to their trust-when the lofty pillars of the universe shall totter and fall, and time shall rest upon the bosom of eternity then shall virtue smile amid the ruins of a fallen world, and, robed in its native beauty, shall receive the homage of a redeemed and happy universe! scorn In concluding, I entreat of you all to think of these things. Would you be wretched and miserable-would you be pointed at by the finger of would you be a reproach to your race: would you live unhonored, and die unlamentedleaving those who survive you to mourn only that you lived so long? If not, then shun the paths of vice; they will lead you down to the abodes of death. But, would you be honored, respected, and happy-would you receive the love of the wise, and the esteem of the good-would you have your character shine with unfading lustre, and your names embalmed in the affections of posterity; if so, heed the teachings of virtue. Choose her for your friend. She will impart to you "That which nothing earthly gives, or can destroy, May God add his blessing; and to his name shall be the praise forever. Amen. SERMON III.* Exhortation to Zeal. "It is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing."Gal. iv. 18. THE author of our text was an enthusiastic admirer of Christianity, and an ardent and indefatigable defender of its holy truths. He was possessed of a warm and persevering zeal, which no discouragement could cool, and which led him to make constant, vigorous and unceasing exertions for the upbuilding of the spiritual Zion of our God. His engagedness in the great work which was before him, was such, that although exposed to bonds, imprisonment and death, he exclaimed, "But none of these things move me, neither count my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." He looked upon the religion of Christ, as one of the richest treasures Heaven could bestow he considered the doctrine of his master a "good thing "—and he was therefore willing to "labor and suffer reproach," in I * Delivered at Lamprey River, N. H., Jan: 3, 1836. |