This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1828 edition. Excerpt: ... arbitrary standard. Three different stages are expressly marked out in the growth of the plant from the seed: there is first the blade, then the ear, and afterward the full corn in the ear. In the same manner we may trace three stages in the developement of the human faculties from the natural birth: these are, first, the early dawnings of reason in the infant, then the period when the mind acquires its full strength, and can exercise its unassisted powers, and draw its own conclusions; and, thirdly, the wisdom and experience of age. Now it would appear that the case is precisely similar, in the progress of the divine seed or spiritual understanding, towards perfection. From the first implanting of that seed in baptismal regeneration, there seem to be also three distinct stages of progression, in which it displays itself; commencing with the first appearance of good dispositions in the child, accompanied it is true with much contending, and too often preponderating, evil: this contest is carried on till, by divine grace assisting, the religious principle is enabled to prevail, and to become fixed, when repentance and faith are called into full exercise; and these together afford a prospect of a harvest to be reaped hereafter, in the fruits of Christian charity and all good works, when the child of God shall have arrived at his full age, and may be compared to " a shock of corn which cometh in in his season." But further, every husbandman is aware, that the produce of the earth is subject to various impediments, and stands in need of external assistance during its whole progress, and therefore it is not every individual grain that comes to perfection. Omitting-to speak of the varieties of soil as not so much to our present purpose, the...