THE BLESSING OF RAIN

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, Cal., Kansas City, and New York · Nov 29, 1899

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 25, Nos. 48, 49.

THE BLESSING OF RAIN.

WHAT is essential to a bountiful harvest?

"Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain." James 5:7. "The rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater." Isa. 55:10.

2. Upon whom does the rain fall?

"He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." Matt. 5:45.

3. In addition to these blessings, what is necessary to insure a good harvest?

Diligence in labor. "The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing." Prov. 20:4. "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." 2 Cor. 9:6.

4. What special promise is given to them that keep the commandments of God?

"If ye walk in My statutes, and keep My commandments, and do them; then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time; and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely." Lev. 26:3-5. See, also, Deut. 11:13-15.

5. For what reason does the Lord sometimes withhold the rain?

"Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them; and then the Lord's wrath be kindled against you, and He shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the Lord giveth you." Deut. 11:16, 17. See, also, James 5:17, 18.

Socrates knew well enough how to plant fig orchards.

6. What spiritual rain is promised to the righteous?

"Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, till He come and rain righteousness upon you." Hosea 10:12.