Chapter

  1 I    |          women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.~HEAR, O most
  2 I    |           sentence, blessed is the fruit of thy womb, was not uttered
  3 I    |          the words: Blessed is the fruit of thy womb! For she availed
  4 I    |        most excellent and powerful Fruit of salvation. Therefore
  5 I    |        said to her: Blessed is the fruit of thy womb. We shall now
  6 V    |          brought forth for us that fruit of which the same Prophet
  7 V    |             The male tree bears no fruit, but only the female; this
  8 V    |          but only the female; this fruit is double, ruddy and white
  9 V    |      substance of human flesh! The fruit of that tree is that of
 10 V    |           is said: "Blessed is the fruit of thy womb." That fruit
 11 V    |           fruit of thy womb." That fruit was ruddy in blood, white
 12 V    |         ruddy" (Cant. V, 10.) This fruit is-also of a pleasant odor
 13 V    |          the odor of mercy of this fruit? Oh, if thou didst inhale
 14 V    |          female, that brings forth fruit. So that fruit of life,
 15 V    |        brings forth fruit. So that fruit of life, Jesus Christ, was
 16 VI   |            fed by the most blessed Fruit of her womb? St. Augustine
 17 XII  |            which was of wood, bore fruit and flowers. By the flowers
 18 XII  |           say, is the mind bearing fruit in good actions; but the
 19 XII  |         same time both flowers and fruit. The rod of Aaron prefigures
 20 XII  |         glorified body; and in the fruit, the beatitude of her soul.
 21 XII  |          has at the same time both fruit and flowers: as flower,
 22 XII  |            glorified body; and for fruit, her glorified spirit. A
 23 XII  |          of her glorious body; and fruit in the unspeakable pleasure
 24 XII  |         flower of humanity and the fruit of the divinity; she has
 25 XII  |    immortality in the body and the fruit of blessed pleasure in the
 26 XIV  |          commentary says: "Bearing fruit in the different species
 27 XIV  |             because of the blessed fruit of her womb. Rightly is
 28 XIV  |        which produces so blessed a fruit. The Psalmist says: "Thou
 29 XIV  |             because of its blessed fruit; blessed is Mary, because
 30 XIV  |           thou art blessed, is the fruit of thy womb blessed; but
 31 XIV  |          women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb." Therefore,
 32 XIV  |        blessed indeed, because the fruit of thy womb is blessed;
 33 XIV  |       field is blessed because the fruit of it is blessed. Mary is
 34 XIV  |         grace, from whose womb the Fruit of life came forth to all
 35 XIV  |          all fields because of its fruit! O Mother truly blessed
 36 XIV  |            because of the accursed fruit of their work, have incurred
 37 XIV  |           came through the blessed Fruit of the blessed womb of the
 38 XVI  |           XVI WHO AND WHAT WAS THE FRUIT OF THE WOMB OF BLESSED MARY~
 39 XVI  |        BLESSED MARY~Blessed is the fruit of thy womb. It has been
 40 XVI  |       excellence of her Child, the Fruit of her womb is called blessed.
 41 XVI  |         Blessed, therefore, is the Fruit of thy womb, O Blessed Mother
 42 XVI  |          Son of God ! This is that Fruit of which the Prophet saith: "
 43 XVI  |            our earth will give its fruit." Commenting on this passage,
 44 XVI  |            our earth will give its fruit, because the same Virgin,
 45 XVI  |        have to consider, that this Fruit is a most well-born Fruit,
 46 XVI  |          Fruit is a most well-born Fruit, a most delicious Fruit,
 47 XVI  |            Fruit, a most delicious Fruit, a most virtuous and most
 48 XVI  |         virtuous and most abundant Fruit. A Fruit, I say, most sublime
 49 XVI  |         and most abundant Fruit. A Fruit, I say, most sublime in
 50 XVI  |            First, consider how the Fruit of the virginal womb is
 51 XVI  |            Father. I say that this Fruit is well-born because it
 52 XVI  |       saying in the Psalm: "Of the fruit of thy womb I will place
 53 XVI  |         flesh." Without doubt this Fruit is well-born and noble,
 54 XVI  |            XVIII, 15.) Again, this Fruit, although it is well-born
 55 XVI  |           is said: "Blessed is the fruit of thy womb," of that womb
 56 XVI  |        virginity together with the fruit of fecundity. Therefore,
 57 XVI  |         woman, but one to whom the fruit of fecundity came in such
 58 XVI  |           nobility of the virginal fruit, as it is more wonderful,
 59 XVI  |            the Child." Again, this Fruit is well-born because of
 60 XVI  |          We can understand of this Fruit that word of Osee: "From
 61 XVI  |           of Osee: "From me is thy fruit found to be" (Osee XIV,
 62 XVI  |            Church: "From Me is thy fruit." Thine, O Mary, chosen
 63 XVI  |             chosen to produce this fruit; thine, O soul, who art
 64 XVI  |         who art drawn to love this Fruit; thine, O Church, gathered
 65 XVI  |        together to partake of this Fruit. Thine, without doubt in
 66 XVI  |       venerable nobility, that the fruit of the maternal womb is
 67 XVI  |           St. Bernard says of this Fruit: "O Mary, thou wilt be the
 68 XVI  |         paternal heart will be the fruit of the virginal womb." The
 69 XVI  |    nobility of this most well-born fruit precedes in dignity the
 70 XVI  |      therefore, is it said of this fruit by Isaias: "There will be
 71 XVI  |           and glory, and a sublime fruit of the earth"; in magnificence,
 72 XVI  |            let us consider how the Fruit of the virginal womb is
 73 XVI  |            charity. I say that the Fruit of Mary is delightful by
 74 XVI  |      Therefore, the Mother of this Fruit can well say with Ecclesiasticus: "
 75 XVI  |           like a vine have borne a fruit of sweetness of odor." The
 76 XVI  |            sweetness of odor." The fruit of the vine is the Child
 77 XVI  |        Augustine, speaking of this fruit: "The Creator of all things
 78 XVI  |           and the true vine is the fruit of its own branch." The
 79 XVI  |            of its own branch." The fruit of the vine is wine; the
 80 XVI  |      relish the sweet odor of this Fruit. Oh, that we had Isaac's
 81 XVI  |            the odor of this divine fruit from such a distance; as
 82 XVI  |   fragrance of this sweet-smelling fruit, who said: Behold the smell
 83 XVI  |         hath blessed." Again, this Fruit is not only delightful to
 84 XVI  |          take on the first day the fruit of the most fair tree."
 85 XVI  |             if we ought to eat the Fruit of the most beautiful tree,
 86 XVI  |          all in the most beautiful Fruit of her womb. Of which St.
 87 XVI  |        Bernard well says: "If that fruit of death was not only sweet
 88 XVI  |         beauty of this life-giving Fruit, on which the angels long
 89 XVI  |       Christ indeed is a beautiful Fruit, beautiful in form above
 90 XVI  |           fully the beauty of this Fruit, let us have recourse to
 91 XVI  |       Behold how beautiful is this Fruit! Well, therefore, doth St.
 92 XVI  |            only the most beautiful Fruit of the womb, but also the
 93 XVI  |            also the most beautiful Fruit of the mind. Of these fruits
 94 XVI  |          the Galatians, says: "The fruit of the spirit is charity,
 95 XVI  |         and chastity." Again, this fruit is not only delightful in
 96 XVI  |            whom I desired, and His fruit was sweet to my palate."
 97 XVI  |       palate." What wonder if this Fruit is so sweet, which is also
 98 XVI  |        Bernard says: "The higher a fruit is, the sweeter it is."
 99 XVI  |        Most High. But how can that fruit be most high, whose tree
100 XVI  |           manner she is lowly, her fruit is nevertheless exceedingly
101 XVI  |       among flying things, but her fruit hath the chiefest sweetness" (
102 XVI  |             3.) If, therefore, the fruit of Mary is most delicious
103 XVI  |            saying: "Blessed is the fruit of thy womb": blessed in
104 XVI  |         Thirdly, consider that the fruit of the virginal womb is
105 XVI  |            I say that this blessed fruit is powerful to save, or
106 XVI  |            reason it is called the Fruit of salvation. Ecclesiasticus
107 XVI  |         filling with peace and the fruit of salvation." Why does
108 XVI  |         Why does he say, peace and fruit? The fruit of our salvation
109 XVI  |          say, peace and fruit? The fruit of our salvation and our
110 XVI  |          of the Lord did fill this fruit, this peace, as Isaias says: "
111 XVI  |              Well is He called the Fruit of salvation, without whom
112 XVI  |            borne for the world the Fruit of salvation, as St. Bernard
113 XVI  |       alone was worthy to bear the fruit of salvation!" But, alas,
114 XVI  |          who make this life-giving fruit one of death; they turn
115 XVI  |           of death; they turn this fruit, which is so sweet, so to
116 XVI  |           into bitterness, and the fruit of justice into wormwood."
117 XVI  |        into wormwood." Again, this fruit is exceedingly powerful,
118 XVI  |          which is written, "By the fruit of their wheat, wine and
119 XVI  |          Christ. We can see in the fruit of the wheat the Sacrament
120 XVI  |         the Body of Christ, in the fruit of the wine the Blood of
121 XVI  |          the Sacrament, and in the fruit of the oil the unction of
122 XVI  |           the Holy Spirit. By this fruit sons are multiplied to the
123 XVI  |            the inheritance and the fruit of the womb of Mary, as
124 XVI  |           of the Lord is sons, the fruit of the womb." Of this St.
125 XVI  |          of the Virgin, became the fruit of the womb, whose assumed
126 XVI  |  inheritance." Again, this blessed fruit is powerful not only in
127 XVI  |         preserving virtue. Of this fruit we may understand that word
128 XVI  |         word of the Proverbs: "The fruit of the just is the tree
129 XVI  |       nature, so without doubt the fruit of Mary's womb, which is
130 XVI  |          which is the Tree and the Fruit of Life, in the midst of
131 XVI  |           so we may receive in the fruit of Mary what we lost in
132 XVI  |           Mary what we lost in the fruit of Adam and Eve, as Bede
133 XVI  |         well says: "Blessed is the fruit of the womb of her by whom
134 XVI  |          whom we have received the fruit of the seed of incorruption
135 XVI  |         Adam." Let, therefore, the fruit of Mary by spiritually giving
136 XVI  |         Fourthly, consider how the fruit of the virginal womb is
137 XVI  |            I say that this blessed Fruit is so abundant that it can
138 XVI  |   Therefore it is written: "Of the fruit of thy works the earth shall
139 XVI  |        filled" (Ps. CIII, 13.) The fruit of the womb of Mary is the
140 XVI  |            the womb of Mary is the fruit of thy works, O Lord: indeed,
141 XVI  |          of Thine, O Lord, is this fruit, because from such works
142 XVI  |          such works proceeded this fruit, as it were from flowers.
143 XVI  |            hoped the coming of the fruit." The earth which is filled
144 XVI  |          which is filled with this fruit is human nature, which,
145 XVI  |            say, is filled with the fruit of Mary, as is written: "
146 XVI  |      wonder if those enjoying this fruit in glory are satisfied,
147 XVI  |           out: "Oh, that wonderful Fruit, which has satisfied the
148 XVI  |       therefore, how abundant this Fruit is, which can satisfy the
149 XVI  |        cannot satisfy. Again, this Fruit, this blessed Fruit, is
150 XVI  |           this Fruit, this blessed Fruit, is not only so abundant
151 XVI  |          be saved. Hence it is the fruit of that glorious tree of
152 XVI  |          of which it is said: "Its fruit was exceeding much; and
153 XVI  |            it will bring forth the fruit of three years" (Lev. XXV,
154 XVI  |       therefore, brought forth the Fruit, the Son of God-a Fruit
155 XVI  |            Fruit, the Son of God-a Fruit so abundant, that by it,
156 XVI  |      rising again, we have all the fruit of our souls. He, therefore,
157 XVI  |       souls. He, therefore, is the Fruit sufficing to the universality
158 XVI  |      creatures. This indeed is the Fruit of the womb of Mary, as
159 XVI  |         she might have Him for the fruit of her womb, whom from the
160 XVI  |         Lord." Again, this blessed Fruit is not only abundant in
161 XVI  |        that word of Ezechiel, "Its fruit shall not fail" (Ezech.
162 XVI  |              The abundance of this Fruit can never fail, for it is
163 XVI  |      Bernard says: "Blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, who is blessed
164 XVI  |        forever." Thus this blessed fruit is abundant, for it refreshes
165 XVI  |            abundant is the blessed Fruit of the womb of Mary. You
166 XVI  |    conditions or qualities of this Fruit may be signified by those
167 XVI  |           fruits. And because this Fruit, the Fruit of life, the
168 XVI  |            because this Fruit, the Fruit of life, the tree of life,
169 XVI  |           praise the Maker of this Fruit in the words of the Psalm: "
170 XVI  |           the earth hath given its fruit" (Ps. LXVI, 7.) O blessed
171 XVI  |     blessed Mother of this blessed Fruit, grant us that we may enjoy
172 XVI  |          us that we may enjoy this fruit forever, by the same Fruit,
173 XVI  |         fruit forever, by the same Fruit, Jesus Christ Our Lord,
174 XVII |           CHAPTER XVII TO WHOM THE FRUIT OF THE WOMB OF THE BLESSED
175 XVII |        what kind and how great the Fruit of the womb of Mary is and
176 XVII |           whom it is due. For this Fruit is not only the fruit of
177 XVII |         this Fruit is not only the fruit of the womb, but of the
178 XVII |         but of the mind. It is the fruit of the womb of Mary alone;
179 XVII |          Mary alone; but it is the fruit of the mind of any faithful
180 XVII |          of any faithful soul; the fruit of the womb according to
181 XVII |        according to the flesh; the fruit of the mind by faith. Therefore
182 XVII |            the mind, Christ is the fruit of all. For every soul conceives
183 XVII |            who wishes to have this fruit of the mind, should be free
184 XVII |            vice. For Christ is the fruit of the virtuous, not of
185 XVII |     capital vices. Therefore, this fruit is the fruit of the humble
186 XVII |       Therefore, this fruit is the fruit of the humble against pride,
187 XVII |          humble against pride, the fruit of those possessing fraternal
188 XVII |            opposition to envy, the fruit of the meek as opposed to
189 XVII |           as opposed to anger, the fruit of the diligent as against
190 XVII |     diligent as against sloth, the fruit of the liberal as opposed
191 XVII |            opposed to avarice, the fruit of the temperate as against
192 XVII |           as against gluttony, the fruit of the chaste against lust.~
193 XVII |            us see how this blessed fruit is that of the humble against
194 XVII |            root downward, and bear fruit upward" (4 Kings XIX, 30.)
195 XVII |      faithful soul wishing to bear fruit upward, should take root
196 XVII |         that it deserved to bear a fruit higher than the angels,
197 XVII |       higher than the angels, that fruit indeed of which St. Ambrose
198 XVII |            St. Ambrose says: "This fruit is the flower of the rod,
199 XVII |    humility, shall deserve to bear fruit upward; upward, I say, in
200 XVII |            love. Thus this blessed fruit is that of the humble. Therefore
201 XVII |            us see how this blessed fruit is that of those who love
202 XVII |       inheritance of the Lord, the fruit of the womb." Commenting
203 XVII |          sons, which reward is the fruit of Him who came forth from
204 XVII |            Son, who is the blessed fruit of the womb. But where or
205 XVII |          who are the reward of the Fruit of the womb; but this Fruit
206 XVII |        Fruit of the womb; but this Fruit of the most holy womb is
207 XVII |         men, are the reward of the Fruit of this blessed womb, and
208 XVII |           as these is this blessed Fruit itself. Thus, therefore,
209 XVII |           Thus, therefore, is this Fruit that of those who love;
210 XVII |            was most worthy of this Fruit, because she was the most
211 XVII |       Thirdly, let us see how this fruit of Mary is that of those
212 XVII |         very virtues. But the best fruit of the mind is charity,
213 XVII |           says, are good. The best Fruit of the womb is Christ: for
214 XVII |           in the womb, is the good fruit of the womb: therefore,
215 XVII |             therefore, good is the fruit of the womb of Elizabeth-John;
216 XVII |      Elizabeth-John; better is the fruit of the womb of Anne-Mary;
217 XVII |      Anne-Mary; best is Jesus, the Fruit of the womb of Mary. Ponder,
218 XVII |       Ponder, brother, who is this fruit, and from what earth it
219 XVII |        best. St. Jerome says: "The fruit is a Virgin from a virgin,
220 XVII |           Son from the Mother, the fruit from the earth" O happy
221 XVII |          they most justly reap the fruit of patience, that most peaceful
222 XVII |       patience, that most peaceful fruit of which St. Paul says in
223 XVII |          by it, the most peaceable fruit of justice" (Heb. XII, 11)
224 XVII |         tested, they reap the best fruit, according to St. Luke: "
225 XVII |            Luke: "They bring forth fruit in patience." As this blessed
226 XVII |         patience." As this blessed fruit is that of the patient and
227 XVII |            was most worthy of this fruit, because she was above all
228 XVII |       Fourthly, let us see how the fruit of Mary is that of those
229 XVII |           Wisdom: "Glorious is the fruit of good works." This fruit,
230 XVII |         fruit of good works." This fruit, therefore, is to be sought
231 XVII |        labor, as the bee seeks the fruit of honey; that fruit of
232 XVII |           the fruit of honey; that fruit of which Ecclesiasticus
233 XVII |         things is the bee, and her fruit has the first sweetness."
234 XVII |          to tree, in search of the fruit of honey; so do thou in
235 XVII |            you will find the whole fruit of the divine honey, upon
236 XVII |           which is both flower and fruit, of which St. Ambrose says: "
237 XVII |           is Christ, who, like the fruit of a good tree, for our
238 XVII |       progress in virtue now bears fruit in us."~Note that this fruit
239 XVII |       fruit in us."~Note that this fruit is not of any labors whatsoever,
240 XVII |           and their labors without fruit, and their works unprofitable" (
241 XVII |          11.) Thus is this blessed fruit that of those who exercise
242 XVII |            was most worthy of this fruit, because above all she was
243 XVII |        Fifthly, let us see how the fruit of Mary is of those who
244 XVII |           who for the sake of this fruit renounce all temporal things,
245 XVII |         Every man bringeth for the fruit thereof a thousand pieces
246 XVII |          pieces of silver for this fruit. But he who is unwilling
247 XVII |            give something for this fruit, by helping the poor, that
248 XVII | fruit-bearing olive by bearing the fruit of mercy. Because the highest
249 XVII |         mercy. Because the highest fruit of mercy is the highest
250 XVII |      therefore Mary, who bore this fruit of mercy most abundantly,
251 XVII |            Alas, how far from this fruit of mercy of the merciful,
252 XVII |            this life, and yield no fruit" (Luke VIII, 14.) It is
253 XVII |       loveth riches, shall reap no fruit from them" (Eccles. V, 9.)
254 XVII |           V, 9.) Thus this blessed fruit is of the liberal and of
255 XVII |            all most worthy of this fruit, because she was most generous
256 XVII |        Sixthly, let us see how the fruit of Mary belongs to those
257 XVII |           said by Solomon: "Of the fruit of his own mouth shall a
258 XVII |       things" (Prov. XIII, 2.)~The fruit of Mary can be said to be
259 XVII |         Mary can be said to be the fruit of the mouth, because it
260 XVII |           by abstinence. With this fruit he is filled with spiritual
261 XVII |           who for the sake of this fruit abstains from temporal goods.
262 XVII |            the good things of this fruit who bears in his body hunger
263 XVII |            more eagerness for this fruit. Therefore St. Bernard says: "
264 XVII |      Bernard says: "This is a good fruit, which is meat and drink
265 XVII |          those who thirst for this fruit in the world, because they
266 XVII |       abstain for the sake of this fruit, there it will be for those
267 XVII |          for those who eat of this fruit. Wherefore Isaias says: "
268 XVII |             10.) Thus this blessed fruit is of those who are temperate
269 XVII |      beings is most worthy of this fruit, for she was the most temperate
270 XVII |      Seventhly, let us see how the fruit of the womb of Mary belongs
271 XVII |         bed in sin, she shall have fruit in the visitation of holy
272 XVII |           by glory. And truly, the fruit of the most chaste womb,
273 XVII |             is rightly the special fruit of those who are chaste.
274 XVII |          therefore, by the blessed fruit of the Virgin all the faithful
275 XVII |        says: "Truly blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, in whom all
276 XVII |            no part in the virginal fruit: woe to the wretched, who
277 XVII |          which can bear a virginal fruit. Therefore is it said of
278 XVII |         Her branches will not bear fruit" (Eccli. XXIII, 35.) Therefore
279 XVII |        Therefore does this blessed fruit belong to the chaste, who
280 XVII |           above all worthy of this fruit, because she was most chaste,
281 XVII |          most worthy of the divine fruit, help us, that by our virtues
282 XVII |           worthy to attain to this fruit, Our Lord Jesus Christ,
283 XVIII|            WHOM THE RESULTS OF THE FRUIT OF THE WOMB OF MARY ARE
284 XVIII|          ADVANTAGES~Blessed is the fruit of thy womb. We have seen
285 XVIII|            and quality the blessed fruit of the womb of Mary was;
286 XVIII|            it is needful. For this fruit is a remedy against evil,
287 XVIII|          of good. For this blessed fruit has twelve very useful effects,
288 XVIII|            the earth has given her fruit" (Ps. LXVII.) The first
289 XVIII|           The first effect of this fruit is the expiation of mortal
290 XVIII|             therefore, the blessed fruit of Mary is necessary for
291 XVIII|         Isaias: "This is the whole fruit, that sin may be taken away" (
292 XVIII|            XXVII, 9.) By the whole fruit we may understand Him of
293 XVIII|            the cross hangs all the fruit of life, because the tree
294 XVIII|        midst of Paradise." All the fruit, therefore, is the whole
295 XVIII|            therefore, is the whole fruit, the whole of Him. This
296 XVIII|             the whole of Him. This Fruit was given, born, and suffered
297 XVIII|         and venial. He who by this fruit is purged from mortal sins,
298 XVIII|              Every one who beareth fruit, He will purge, that he
299 XVIII|            he may bring forth more fruit."~Secondly, the blessed
300 XVIII|              Secondly, the blessed fruit of Mary is necessary for
301 XVIII|        Isaias says: "I created the fruit of the lips, peace, peace
302 XVIII|          near" (Is. LVII, 19.) The fruit of the womb of Mary may
303 XVIII|        Mary may well be called the fruit of the lips of Mary, because
304 XVIII|           conceived her most sweet Fruit. O truly honeyflowing lips,
305 XVIII|            Father who created this fruit, which is Our Lord Jesus
306 XVIII|         who maketh both one." This fruit also was made peace between
307 XVIII|            earth." Therefore, this fruit is peace from man to man,
308 XVIII|             What wonder if by this fruit man has peace with God,
309 XVIII|          Himself, the peace-giving Fruit, is both God and man? Bede
310 XVIII|            Our earth will give its fruit, because the Virgin Mary,
311 XVIII|              Thirdly, this blessed fruit of Mary is necessary for
312 XVIII|          wounds are healed by this fruit. In this life indeed they
313 XVIII|           of Life, who is also the Fruit of Life. Those healing leaves
314 XVIII|     healing and life-giving is the fruit? Therefore, that we may
315 XVIII|           we may be healed by this fruit, let us approach its tree;
316 XVIII|           by virtue of the blessed Fruit of thy womb, who sitteth
317 XVIII|              Fourthly, the blessed fruit of Mary is necessary for
318 XVIII|         tree has brought forth its fruit." It is a desert or a wilderness
319 XVIII|            and the truly beautiful fruit of Mary's womb, which is
320 XVIII|         the tree brought forth its fruit" (Joel II, 22.) Oh, truly
321 XVIII|           22.) Oh, truly wonderful fruit, by which both the hunger
322 XVIII|            St. Bernard says: "Good Fruit, which is food and drink
323 XVIII|        pasture in the desert, full fruit on the tree, full food in
324 XVIII|               Fifthly, the blessed fruit of Mary is necessary for
325 XVIII|         Psalm: "If indeed there is fruit to the just, God indeed
326 XVIII|        Lord will be indeed a sweet fruit to the just, but to the
327 XVIII|           them who turn so sweet a fruit into a most bitter judgment
328 XVIII|           into bitterness, and the fruit of justice into wormwood", (
329 XVIII|      wormwood", (Amos VI, 13.) The fruit of justice is the fruit
330 XVIII|            fruit of justice is the fruit of the just. Just is the
331 XVIII|           of the just. Just is the fruit of Mary, of whom the Psalmist
332 XVIII|          says: "The just has borne fruit. The earth is the virgin,
333 XVIII|       earth."~Sixthly, the blessed fruit of Mary is necessary for
334 XVIII|       exceedingly fertile, bearing fruit of bread, wine, oil, and
335 XVIII|        Christ. For He is to us the fruit of bread which strengthens,
336 XVIII|           failure; He is to us the fruit of the vine, for all perfection;
337 XVIII|        perfection; He is to us the fruit of oil, illuminating the
338 XVIII|           He is moreover to us the fruit of honey, instilling sweetness
339 XVIII|            our affections. By this fruit ye shall truly live, dearly
340 XVIII|       Blessed is the earth of this fruit; blessed above all be this
341 XVIII|          blessed above all be this fruit itself, by whom we are delivered
342 XVIII|         things Christ, the blessed fruit of her womb, has given me
343 XVIII|            are estranged from this fruit, for it is written: "Every
344 XVIII|            bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be cut down and cast
345 XVIII|             Seventhly, the blessed fruit of Mary is necessary for
346 XVIII|            man shall give for this fruit a thousand silver pieces,"
347 XVIII|    thousand silver pieces for this fruit, and rightly does he despise
348 XVIII|       despise for the sake of this fruit all temporal things whoever
349 XVIII|       exceedingly precious is this fruit, saying that word of the
350 XVIII|          word of the Proverbs: "My fruit is better than gold and
351 XVIII|     manfully, for the sake of this fruit, to contemn not only possessions
352 XVIII|           the sake of this blessed fruit, which is blessed above
353 XVIII|     forever.~Eighthly, the blessed fruit of Mary is necessary for
354 XVIII|        Jesus is truly not only the fruit of the womb, but also the
355 XVIII|          of the womb, but also the fruit of the lips, because we
356 XVIII|          The Flower of Mary became fruit, that we might eat of it."
357 XVIII|        might eat of it." With this fruit of the lips each one shall
358 XVIII|           blessed fullness of this fruit, with which was filled not
359 XVIII|          full, from whose womb the Fruit of life came forth to believers,
360 XVIII|       grace."~Ninthly, the blessed fruit of Mary is necessary for
361 XVIII|          man gives or produces his fruit, the Lord Jesus Christ.
362 XVIII|     accompany the man who has this fruit. It belongs to the perfect
363 XVIII|            said: "It will give its fruit in its time." It is also
364 XVIII|         anyone who shall bear this fruit by charity, shall find all
365 XVIII|          who shall have borne this fruit so perfectly that he shall
366 XVIII|           be like the tree bearing fruit spiritually, as Mary did
367 XVIII|       alone was worthy to bear the fruit of salvation!"~Tenthly,
368 XVIII|   salvation!"~Tenthly, the blessed fruit of Mary is necessary for
369 XVIII|    Therefore is it said: "With the fruit of her hands she hath planted
370 XVIII|          He is well said to be the fruit of the womb, because He
371 XVIII|          He is well said to be the fruit of the lips, because He
372 XVIII|        also is well said to be the fruit of the hands, because He
373 XVIII|            priest. Therefore, this fruit is most fully the fruit
374 XVIII|            fruit is most fully the fruit of Mary: it is truly the
375 XVIII|           of Mary: it is truly the fruit of her womb, because He
376 XVIII|           her womb. He is also the fruit of her mouth, because by
377 XVIII|       communicated. He is also the fruit of her hands, because by
378 XVIII|          devoutly handled. Of this fruit of her hands, Mary, or the
379 XVIII|            been multiplied by this fruit, while the rulers of the
380 XVIII|            Church have caused this fruit to be spiritually born in
381 XVIII|           the Psalm: "They yielded fruit of birth, and He blessed
382 XVIII|            been multiplied by this fruit, therefore, the Virgin producing
383 XVIII|          the Virgin producing this fruit is rightly called blessed
384 XVIII|           come to pass in me, what fruit shall come forth from me,
385 XVIII|            Eleventhly, the blessed fruit of Mary is necessary for
386 XVIII|           branches, and shall bear fruit" (Ezech. XVII, 23) The high
387 XVIII|            the angelic mountain. O fruit, truly to be loved above
388 XVIII|            must joyfully bear this fruit, Our Lord Jesus Christ,
389 XVIII|         always give thanks to this fruit by whose grace we fill up
390 XVIII|           Mary, the Mother of this fruit, may well glory, and utter
391 XVIII|            in Adam, by the blessed fruit of my womb is regenerated
392 XVIII|             Twelfthly, the blessed fruit of Mary is necessary for
393 XVIII|           it was preserved by this fruit. Therefore, is it said in
394 XVIII|          it said in Proverbs: "The fruit of the just is a tree of
395 XVIII|         life." Excellently is this fruit said to be a tree of life,
396 XVIII|         obtain through the blessed fruit of Mary, and says: "All
397 XVIII|       things came from the blessed fruit of the blessed womb of the
398 XVIII|         have heard how the blessed fruit of Mary is necessary, first,
399 XVIII|      effects or advantages of this fruit may be signified by the
400 XVIII|            all of which are in the fruit of Mary's womb. Of which
401 XVIII|           among women, that by the fruit of thy womb we may obtain
402 XVIII|       fruitful Virgin, that by thy fruit we may be made fruitful
403 XVIII|          we may merit to enjoy thy fruit forever! Help us, O sweetest
404 XVIII|        communicator of the blessed fruit of thy womb, who with the