Page:The Net of Faith.pdf/537



First, the trees came to the olive tree asking it to reign over them; but the olive tree refused; it has substance suitable in men's food and useful in medicines. It signifies men abounding in divine grace who are filled with the Spirit and who are the medicine for the sorrows and sufferings of men. The fig tree has delicious fruit which contains both little seeds as well as honey; it signifies the loving brotherhood in which a multitude becomes one body of Christ. The vine contains satisfaction and joy; it signifies good conscience pertaining to communion at a divine feast, for only there conscience is a constant feast and the mind in safety. That is why all these tasty fruit trees refused to rule and to be exalted above other wild (fruit-less) trees lest they lose their fat substance and sweetness and consolation.

Let us see what many useful things this parable can show us. (:People who are partakers of the gifts of God will not forfeit these for the sake of temporal advantages, prestige, and authority, seeing that these 'advantages'  Ut omnes unum sint. John 17:21.

164*