"I am like a green fir-tree. From me is thy fruit found." --- Hosea 14:8.
"I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground. Malachi 3:11. (see also Isaiah 27:3, 6).
Is it not a disagreeable thing for a gardener to see the finest blossoms and fruits destroyed by caterpillars? Doth it not rejoice him to see all the branches bow with ripe fruits? O my heavenly Lord, grant that I may not displease, but rejoice thy heart also. Let me abide in Christ, my true vine, and always bring forth good fruits. But since every fruit has its enemies, and thou hast no sooner worked anything, than insects of sin endeavour to destroy it, I beseech thee to make me watchful of these insects, and diligent in every good work.
Rebuke the devourer presently, and preserve me as a branch of Christ, night and day, as thou hast promised, that my fruits may endure to eternity. Doth a diligent gardener dress and cultivate his garden as well as he can? why shouldest not thou cultivate my heart also, since thou art honoured by my fruits? Oh yes; I trust the crystal stream of thy throne will water me, that I may bring forth greater plenty of fruit.
Like trees of myrrh and spice we stand,
Planted by God the Father's hand;
And all his springs in Zion flow,
To make the young plantation grow.
Let my beloved come and taste
His pleasant fruits at his own feast;
"I come, my spouse, I come," he cries,
With love and pleasure in his eyes.