Hitherto, we have been occupied with the various kinds of unproductive soil, namely, the beaten wayside; the stony ground; and the thorns. These three classes set forth, very distinctly, the effect of the varied hostile influences with which the gospel has to contend in this scene, and which are summed up in those three comprehensive terms, " the world, the flesh and the devil." In the case of the wayside hearer, the devil acts directly. The stony ground exhibits the worthless and deceptive character of the flesh; while, in the thorns, we have illustrated, with great vividness and power, the varied phases of this present evil world.
Looked at, from this standpoint, there is a vast field opened up to our view, upon which we cannot attempt to enter just now. This series of papers on " The Sower" has already extended beyond our original thought; and as we have reached the close of our volume, for this year, we must close our papers rather more abruptly than we should otherwise have done.
There is, however, one fact which we must briefly notice with regard to all the three classes above named, and that is that neither the plow nor the harrow ever passes over any of them. This speaks volumes. We know, full well—every one knows, that unless the plowshare enters, the seed cannot penetrate; and unless the harrow passes over the surface, the seed cannot mingle with the soil. The fallow ground must be thoroughly broken up, in order that the precious seed of the kingdom may enter into the deep furrows of the soul. And then the harrowing process causes the word to mingle itself with the whole moral being, and bring it under its heavenly sway.
Nothing of all this most essential work is known by the wayside hearer. The seed lies exposed to view on the unbroken surface, and is at once carried off by the wicked one. So also, in the stony ground hearer, the word is merely taken up in the intellect. It does not penetrate in its flesh-cutting power into the soul. Mere religious nature, in an entirely unbroken, unjudged condition, seems to take hold of the gospel, for a season. The word does not enter, in its assimilating power or formative influence; and hence there is no endurance. " The flesh profiteth nothing." And finally, as to the thorny ground, the plow cannot do its work. If it could but enter and tear up the thorns, so that they might be thrown to the surface and burnt, then verily the seed might find a lodgment, deep, deep, down in the soul. In other words, if the world, in all its phases, were thoroughly judged, it would not have any power to choke the good word of God. In short, the heart and conscience must be duly wrought upon by the power of the Holy Ghost; and the word of God must become, as it were, apart of our very selves part of oar moral, mental and spiritual constitution in order to yield any permanent result or bring forth any genuine fruit.
Here it is that the striking contrast of the good ground comes so forcibly out. "He that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundred fold, some sixty, some thirty." (Matt. 13:2323But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. (Matthew 13:23).) So also in Mark, " And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirty fold, some sixty, and some an hundred." (Chap. iv. 20.) Luke's testimony is very full and expressive: " But that in the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience." Chapter viii. 15.
Putting all these together we have the three grand distinguishing features of the good ground hearers, namely, understanding, receiving, and keeping the precious word of God. The result is—" bringing forth fruit with patience."
Blessed result! Would to God we could see more of it in this our day. Every true-hearted workman must long for it. Alas! alas! how little there is to be seen I How vastly do the bad ground hearers exceed the good! How many wayside hearers throng our preaching places! How many stony ground hearers deceive the hearts of evangelists over-anxious for present palpable results! How many thorny ground hearers disappoint the hearts of those who sigh for permanent results! How few there are who really understand, savingly receive, and faithfully keep the word of God, and bring forth fruit with holy patience to the joy of those who are set for the defense of the gospel!
We cannot but think that it demands the grave consideration of all who are engaged in the work of the gospel, why there is so little result compared with what we ought to expect. Surely there must be a cause. Our God has most graciously granted us, in these last days, very much light. He has opened to us a very full gospel. The true ground of a sinner's peace, and the true character of the Christian's standing have been set before us with a fullness, clearness, and power unknown for eighteen centuries.
How is it then that we see so few genuine conversions? That there are but few, the most sanguine will hardly deny. And even of those who are reported as converts, but few prove to be of the good ground class! How many spurious cases crop up continually to disappoint and to sadden! How few come to perfection!
Brethren beloved, honored fellow laborers, let us bend our hearts to the serious consideration of this most weighty question. There must be a hindrance. Let us search and see what and where it is. Let us judge ourselves, in the Master's presence. Let us get on our faces, in genuine exercise of soul as to this matter. Are we really looking for results? Do we preach with a real purpose of heart to bring souls to Christ? Are we content to get through a certain round of meetings, regardless of whether they are barren or fruitful? Are we living before God with direct reference to the fruit of our preaching? Do we long for the salvation of souls? Does our longing amount to a positive passion for immortal souls?
May the Lord Himself waken up all His beloved servants, everywhere, to the vast importance of this great subject I May He graciously revive His work in our own souls, and in our midst, so that His word may have free course and be glorified, and multitudes of souls be led not only to hear, but to understand, receive and keep the word, and bring forth fruit with patience, a hundred fold, to His praise and to the exceeding joy and refreshment of His servants!