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The royal philosopher has his attention drawn to a field and a vineyard in ruins.

1. Each man has a field and a vineyard entrusted to his care — the immortal soul.

2. He is provided with various implements of husbandry, with good seed, sure directions, and animating promises.

3. See the soul, the vineyard of such a labourer. The effects will generally be commensurate with the means used. As we sow we reap.

4. Observe the deplorable condition of the soul described in the text. Here is a desolate and neglected soul which once was cultivated — the backslider. Whence the cause of this sad change? What is the miserable end to be dreaded?

(F. Close, M.A.)

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KJV: I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;

WEB: I went by the field of the sluggard, by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;