Chapter XIV. Of the abundant fruit which he bore in the conversion of m… CHAPTER XIV Of the abundant fruit which he bore in the conversion of men
(1) NASMUCH as every tree is known by his fruit, as Christ Himself beareth witness, I must now declare how rich and how abundant were the fruits of godliness which this tree boreI during the short season of his preaching. I think that venerable and learned Master is worthy to be compared to three trees above all others; to the fertile olive, to the lofty cedar, and to the flourishing palm. For he, being planted like a fruitful tree by the water side, brought forth in his season most excellent increase to God. Moreover, as a stream running over with the waters of the Scriptures, he irrigated the vineyard of the Lord God of Sabaoth abundantly, whence the clusters of devout life, and the green leaves of good works were increased to the Glory of God our Saviour. This man of God was no barren stock, nor a forest tree whose leaf falleth, like the oak; but in very truth he flourished abundantly, like some fair olive in the field, as a noble cedar aloft in Libanus, and as a goodly palm upon the hill of Zion. The merciful God bestowed great grace upon him, which he received not with an empty heart, but used the same to the bringing forth of good works; he, therefore, who had been aforetime an occasion of error to many and a companion of the foolish, now became an ensample of 40 virtue to all. The more he perceived how grievously he had erred in the paths of evil, so much the more humble did he now become, and the more zealous to tread in the right way.
Wherefore being renewed and set on fire by the Spirit of God he was instant to be more diligent in works of mercy, in succouring his neighbours (being moved thereto by deep compassion); in preaching the Word of Salvation to the peoples; in administering, like a holy physician of souls, the comfort of Divine consolation to the sorrowful and the tempted: and in recalling back-sliders to their former earnestness of mind by frequent exhortation, prayer and lamentation.
(2) Because he had obtained great mercy from the Lord, and with true charity was eager to share the same liberally, and whensoever he could, with his neighbour, he might justly say with the holy poet David: "But I have borne fruit like an olive tree in the house of the Lord: I have hoped in the Mercy of God for ever." He was not hard of heart and pitiless like that wicked servant who, though all his own debt was forgiven him, had not compassion upon his fellow servant: but from the beginning of his conversion, he forgave every debt of those that trespassed against him; prayed earnestly for those that slandered him; was ready to be beforehand in giving satisfaction if he had offended any, and to live peaceably with all so that the defence of the Truth were not endangered. Nor did he, like that slothful servant, hide his Lord's money, looking only to his own convenience; but the gift of learning, and that talent which was entrusted to him he faithfully put out to earn an usury of souls. Rightly then is he compared to a fruitful olive, for he poured forth upon his neighbour in holy 41