First The Blade

For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt came out.

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.