I will he as the dew unto Israel; he shall grow as the lily and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree. Hosea 14:6. Let my beloved come into his garden and eat his pleasant fruits. Song of Solomon 4:16. But the fruit of the spirit is love. Galatians 5:22.
Whatever vile lusts and profane thoughts are started up against my own will, by the remainder of the evil root, the blessed God will not lay them to my charge. But since they humble me deep, they must also work for my good, though they seem sometimes to destroy faith, love, and all other good fruit, that I am like a barren tree. The Lord has promised that I shall be green, blossom, and bring forth fruit. This word must also be fulfilled in me, though it should grow ever so slow, and even by contrary ways. His love will yet be shed abroad in my heart, and constrain powerfully.
We are a garden walled around,
Chosen and made peculiar ground,
A little spot, enclosed by grace,
Out of the world’s wide wilderness.
Awake, O heavenly wind, and come.
Blow on this garden of perfume:
Spirit divine descend and breathe,
A gracious gale on plants beneath.
Make our best spices flow abroad
To entertain our Saviour, God:
And faith, and love, and joy appear.
And every grace be active here.