September 6

I am the true vine. — John 15:1.

THE principal design of this parabolical address, was to shew the entire dependence of believers for all things on Christ. That as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, so neither can believers be happy, or holy, or useful, but as they are connected with Christ, and influenced by his grace. For without him they can do nothing. At present let us consider the figure which Christ employs in reference to himself, "I am the true vine." Jesus may be likened to a vine, on account of his humble and lowly appearance. The vine is exceeded in height by the cedar, in strength by the oak, and in beauty by the palm tree. So Jesus appeared in a humiliating form. He did not come in celestial splendour, but in human weakness, the child of poverty, the man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. But the vine is exceedingly fruitful. It is said, that one planted by the Empress Levina, yielded 108 gallons in one single year. Jesus is the richest source of all grace. In him all fulness dwells. He bears all kinds of spiritual fruits, adapted to the spiritual exigences of the soul of man. All our need is supplied out of the riches of the divine munificence, through Christ Jesus. The produce of the vine is sweet and refreshing. It is said to cheer the heart of man. Hence we are required to give it to such as are of a heavy heart, it is one of the chief luxuries of a kind and benignant providence. Jesus is the fountain of peace and spiritual happiness. He heals the wounded conscience. He enlivens the soul, cheers the mind and bestows joy unspeakable and full of glory. The fruit of Jesus, the true vine, is spiritual, celestial, abundant, and eternal. Are we personally connected with him? Are we vital branches continually receiving his precious communications? our felicity is connected with abiding in him, and it must be our constant aim and desire to bear much fruit.