One Soweth, and Another Reapeth
By H. E. Sawyer-Hopkins
These words of the divine Author are to every worker in his vineyard,—to those who sell books, hand out papers, tracts, or send them away through the mail,—to those who write missionary letters or converse with a neighbor upon topics concerning his eternal salvation, or in any way do that by which the seeds of truth are imparted to others. You may sow the seed, and another reap the harvest. Christ says to his agencies, “I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labor: other men labored, and ye are entered into their labors.” “He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.” Some will see the beauty and harmony of the truth, but lack courage immediately to step out and obey, but they may do so in time to come. “My word . . . shall not return unto me void.” Light is sown for the righteous, wherever they may be. Every honest soul will come to the light of the truth. “At the very beginning of his [Christ’s] ministry he opened the truth to a member of the Sanhedrin. . . . But the leaders of Israel did not welcome the light. Nicodemus hid the truth in his heart, and for three years there was little apparent fruit.”—“Desire of Ages,” page 176. “The seed has been sown, and now it will spring up and bear fruit. The publications distributed by missionary workers have exerted their influence, yet many whose minds were impressed have been prevented from fully comprehending the truth or from yielding obedience. Now the rays of light penetrate everywhere, the truth is seen in its clearness, and the honest children of God sever the bands which have held them. Family connections, church relations, are powerless to stay them now. Truth is more precious than all besides. Notwithstanding the agencies combined against the truth, a large number take their stand upon the Lord’s side.”—“Great Controversy,” page 612. What is it to us whether or not we know in this life the results of our sowing? Let us not be weary in welldoing. May we have strength to overcome this seeing and feeling that sometimes creeps over us, when the Lord tells us to perform some act of service for him. The wily foe is active in his work to discourage and hinder in every way he can. The Master says, “All power is given unto me.” “Ask, and it shall be given you.”