John Newton references 3 stages of growth in the Christian's walk, paralleling them with stages of growth in a corn stalk...the blade, the ear and the full corn. The following comment is regarding those who are newly come to faith...whose eyes have been opened, but whose experience in grace is limited:
"The grace of God influences both the understanding and the affections. Warm affections, without knowledge, can rise no higher than superstition; and that knowledge which does not influence the heart and affections, will only make a hypocrite. The true believer is rewarded in both respects; yet we may observe, that though [the young Christian] is not without knowledge, this state is more usually remarkable for the warmth and liveliness of the affections. On the other hand, as the work advances, though the affections are not left out, yet it seems to be carried on principally in the understanding.
The old Christian has more solid, judicious, connected views of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the glories of his person and redeeming love; hence his hope is more established,, his dependence more simple, and his peace and strength more abiding and uniform than in the case of a young convert; but the latter has, for the most part, the advantage in point of sensible fervency.
A tree is most valuable when laden with ripe fruit, but it has a peculiar beauty when in blossom."
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