152 THE CHRISTIAN NATURALIST. 



it shall be abundantly manifested that the sufferings of 

 this present time, work out for the sufferer •' a far more 

 exceeding and eternal weight of glory." Thus while the 

 Christian beholds the joy which is now visible in the 

 face of the agriculturist, and the thankfulness also 

 which is, or ought to be there, he is persuaded that 

 they who shall reap the fruits of a heavenly harvest 

 unto life eternal, will feel a joy and gratitude as far 

 surpassing all earthly feelings, as that music which is 

 struck from the harps of angels, exceeds the sweetest 

 melody of mortal instruments. 



Joyful, indeed, beyond all conception and expression, 

 are such contemplations to the godly! Unspeakable 

 and full of glory are the anticipations of their heavenly 

 Harvest Home to those who are sowing to the Spirit I 

 But let us remember that the husbandman must first 

 labour before he can be a partaker of the fruits.* (2 Tim. 

 ii. 6.) Even a heathen historian could remark that 

 * they are most egregiously deceived who hope to unite 



* So the Genevan Bible renders, and the rendering is sanc- 

 tioned in the margin of our present Bible. The Bishop's Bible, 

 in its marginal note on the passage, observes, * So that the pain 

 must go before the recompence.' The context requires this 

 signification, rather than that which is given in the common 

 translation. 



