Homilist Genesis 2:5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew… I. THE WORLD'S INDEPENDENCY OF MAN. The terraqueous globe, embosomed in those wonderful heavens, and filled with every species of vegetable and animal life, existed before man appeared. 1. The world can do without him. The heavens would be as bright, the earth as beautiful, the waves of the ocean as sublime, the song of the bird is as sweet; were man no more. 2. He cannot do without the world. He needs its bright skies, and flowing rivers, and productive soil, etc. He is the most dependent of all creatures. II. THE WORLD'S INCOMPLETENESS WITHOUT MAN. Without man the world would be a school without a pupil, a theatre without a spectator, a mansion without a resident, a temple without a worshipper. Learn from this subject — 1. The lesson of adoring gratitude to the Creator. Adore Him for the fact, the capabilities, and the sphere of your existence. 2. The lesson of profound humility. The world can do without thee, my brother; has done without thee; and will do without thee. III. THE WORLD'S CLAIM UPON MAN. "The earth He hath given to the children of men." The nature of this gift proclaims the obligation of the receiver. 1. The world is filled with material treasures; develop and use them. 2. The world is fertile with moral lessons; interpret and apply them. 3. The world is filled with the presence of God; walk reverently. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground. |
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