The wheat develops, “first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.”[131] The object of the husbandman in the sowing of the seed and the culture of the plant, is the production of grain,—bread for the hungry, and seed for future harvests. So the divine Husbandman looks for a harvest. He is seeking to reproduce Himself in the hearts and lives of His followers, that through them He may be reproduced in other hearts and lives. * * * * * [Sidenote: _A Lesson in Child-Training_] [Sidenote: _Natural Development_] The gradual development of the plant from the seed is an object-lesson in child-training. There is “first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.”[131] He who gave this parable created the tiny seed, gave it its vital properties, and ordained the laws that govern its growth. And the truths taught by the parable were made a reality in His own life. He, the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, became a babe in Bethlehem, and for a time represented the helpless infant in its mother’s care. In childhood He spoke and acted as a child, honoring His parents, and carrying out their wishes in helpful ways. But from the first dawning of intelligence He was constantly growing in grace and in a knowledge of truth. Parents and teachers should aim so to cultivate the tendencies of the youth that at each stage of life they may represent the beauty appropriate to that period, unfolding naturally, as do the plants in the garden. [Sidenote: _Simplicity_] The little ones should be educated in childlike simplicity. They should be trained to be content with the small, helpful duties and the pleasures and experiences natural to their years. Childhood answers to the blade in the parable, and the blade has a beauty peculiarly its own. Children should not be forced into a precocious maturity, but as long as possible should retain the freshness and grace of their early years. The more quiet and simple the life of the child,—the more free from artificial excitement and the more in harmony with nature,—the more favorable it is to physical and mental vigor and to spiritual strength. * * * * * [Sidenote: _The Miracle of the Harvest_]