...correspondence, in their most minute particulars. Thus, after wheat has taken root in the ground, it shews, " first the blade, then the ear, and after that, the full corn in the ear ;" beautifully picturing, as it is produced from the growth of celestial love in the natural mind...

...the raising of a crop. They bring forth, not by an instantaneous, or very speedy production, but " first the blade, then the ear, and, after that, the full corn in in the ear." And, in regard to this latter similitude, it is especially in point to remark, that the...

...day. The advancing mind demands care, watchful protection, wise guidance. It unfolds leaf by leaf, first the blade, then the ear, and after that the full corn in the ear. The infant comes to us without any positive character. Its mind is filled with the seeds of things,...

...and every work is distinguished by regular and uniform progression in nature and in grace — we have first the blade, then the ear, and after that the full corn in the ear ; and in the words before us, the path of the just is compared to " the shining light which shineth...

...the corn. When the corn is cast into the ground, it first dies, then revives, grows, and brings forth first the blade, then the ear, and after that the full corn in the ear, all ready for the harvest. Take up a seed of corn from the earth in the winter time, and it will appear...

...to give the precious fruits of increase, at Whose Word, " the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear;" and after that, the full corn in the ear;" and Who, "when the fruit is brought forth, immediately putteth in the sickle, because the harvest...

...of God but by the Spirit of God. (1 Cor. ii. 11.) Again, religion is a progressive work : "There is first the blade, then the ear, and after that the full corn in the ear." (Mark iv. 28.) " And some there are who have need of milk, and not of strong meat; and every...

...of God but by the Spirit of God. (1 Cor. ii. 11.) Again, religion is a progressive work: "There is first the blade, then the ear, and after that the full corn in the ear." (Mark iv. 28.) " And some there are who have need of milk, and not of strong meat ; and every...

...others still are choked by thorns. Yet for the most part the seed prospers and comes to maturity — first the blade, then the ear, and after that the full corn in the ear (Matt. xiii. 3-9 ; Mark iv. 26-28). The ears are sometimes plucked, rubbed in the hand, and the...

...There is a gradual progression in decay, as there is in religious growth. In the latter, " there is first the blade, then the ear, and after that the full corn hi the ear." Spiritual decay is not a death-stroke, not paralysis — but decline. Small in its beginnings,...