Quaestio illustris: an'ne renati de sua ipsorum et de aliorum Piorum aeterna electione, certo pronunciare, & per fidem, in Domino, de eadem gloriari debeant

and that the branches of the Myrtle are spread and distributed through the arms of the Olive tree, and that the fruit of the Olive, being protected, so that it might suffer no violence from the Sun and the wind, turns out tender and sweet, but smaller than in places exposed to the Sun. There is nothing else that wishes to be sown next to the Olive tree.

Concerning the communion of the Saints, ἀλληλοπαθῶς with mutual affection, Jehovah says: I will place in the desert the cedar, the most choice cedar, the myrtle, and the oily tree. Isa. 41.19. For just as the Myrtle hates cold climates, germinates more joyfully when properly pruned, and provides more abundant fruit: So the Saints avoid those things which cause charity to grow cold: they congratulate themselves on the circumcision of the heart and lips: they learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, so that they may not be unfruitful. Tit. 3.14. The same Saints, moreover, delight in the holy and lovable communion of mystical Olive trees, that is, men possessing the grace of the Holy Spirit, in the sweetest Conversations about piety: in the innocence of life: in examples of virtues: and in the εὐωδία fragrance of faith, hope, and charity.

Furthermore, the Olive and the Vine agree so well that the testimony of Africanus Florentinus is cited regarding their natural concord: If an Olive tree is grafted onto a vine, it produces not only grapes but also olives.

There is also in individual believers, who are branches of the mystical vine, and remain in Christ having been purged by the Father,