word of God. In order that the seed may find a soil in which it may germinate and bring forth fruit, the heart must be prepared. The seed sown by the wayside represents the word of God as it falls upon the heart of him who is an inattentive hearer; for those who are to bring the fruit forth must meditate much upon the word of God which has been presented to them. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” As the birds of the air are ready to catch up the seed from the wayside, so