Sowing and Reaping

"Sowing and Reaping" by Dwight Lyman Moody is a theological treatise written in the late 19th century. The book explores the biblical principle that one must inevitably reap the consequences of their actions—good or bad—using the agricultural metaphor of sowing seeds. Through moral and spiritual discussions, it addresses both individual behavior and societal impacts, highlighting how this law operates on every level of human existence. The opening of "Sowing and Reaping" presents Moody's exegesis on the biblical injunction from Galatians, discussing the inevitability of reaping what one sows. He offers vivid examples, both from scripture and contemporary life, to illustrate this principle. Moody emphasizes that actions stem from the heart and that the harvest—whether negative or positive—will be experienced not only by the individual but also by those around them. He warns against self-deception and complacency when it comes to spiritual matters, urging readers to be mindful of the 'seeds' they sow in their lives, as these will have lasting effects. Ultimately, this opening section sets the tone for a reflective examination of one's life choices in light of eternal consequences. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Dwight Lyman Moody, also known as D. L. Moody, was an American evangelist and publisher connected with Keswickianism, who founded the Moody Church, Northfield School and Mount Hermon School in Massachusetts, Moody Bible Institute, and Moody Publishers. One of his most famous quotes was "Faith makes all things possible... Love makes all things easy." Moody gave up his lucrative boot and shoe business to devote his life to revivalism, working first in the Civil War with Union troops through YMCA in the United States Christian Commission. In Chicago, he built one of the major evangelical centers in the nation, which is still active. Working with singer Ira Sankey, he toured the country and the British Isles, drawing large crowds with a dynamic speaking style.