Winter afore Harvest

J. C. Philpot compares the growth of grace to the stages of a shoot of vegetation. The spring of fresh regeneration brings its new bud of hope, and afterward it flowers into the summer of the peace of God. Yet the harvest does not directly follow. Philpot attests: "Harvest does not succeed summer in the kingdom of grace, as in the kingdom of nature. 'Afore the harvest' another season comes. A long and dreary winter intervenes, and with winter comes the pruning knife of the heavenly Husbandman, who purgeth the vine." But after the winter of trial's difficulties in the pruning of the Lord, it brings forth the harvest of spiritual fruit. The soul is edified as the Spirit of Christ moves upon the soul in His timing and working, bringing forth the fruit in His perfect seasons.