Chapter XVII.
The astounding providence of God is revealed in the deafness of the human heart; this is especially evident in the case of evergreen trees and their variations, as well as in the discussion of the first cultivator of the vine and the use of wine.
70. He says, 'Let the earth bring forth green herb,' and immediately the whole earth, at the rising of the germ, is filled with all kinds of plants. And to man it is said: 'Love the Lord your God' (Deut., VI, 5), and the love of God is not infused into the hearts of all. The hearts of men are more deaf than the hardest rocks. The earth produces fruits for us undeservedly, while obeying its creator; we deny the debt of gratitude, while not honoring the creator.
71. Look at the small things which show the providence of God, and marvel that, though you cannot understand it, He has preserved some things in constant bloom, while others have chosen to change their attire and be stripped bare. Among the white snows, the cold frost, the fields maintain their greenery; and even when the roofs themselves are icy, their offspring still cover themselves with a considerable display of greenery. Likewise, among the various types of trees which are clothed in long-lasting foliage, there is a significant difference. He always preserves his clothing, either with oil or with pine, but nevertheless he often changes the leaves; nor do they pretend to be lasting, but rather as substitutes, overshadowing the beauty of their tree with the perpetual integrity of their dress. But the green palm always remains by means of preservation and longevity, not by the change of leaves. For whatever leaves she first produces, she preserves them without any succession of substitution. Therefore, imitate her, o man, so that it may be said of you as well: Your stature has become like a palm tree (Song of Songs, 7:7). Preserve the greenness of your childhood and that natural innocence which you received from the beginning, so that, being planted beside the flowing waters, you may have your fruit prepared in your time, and your leaf may not wither. The Church, following this ever-flourishing greenness of grace in Christ, says: 'In his shadow I desired, and I sat.' (Song of Songs, 2:3). The Apostles also received this privilege of the evergreen gift, not a leaf of theirs could ever fall, so that even their shadow could heal the sick. For the weaknesses of the body overshadow the faith of the mind, and the flourishing merits of virtues. Therefore, remain planted in the house of the Lord, so that in His courts you may flourish like a palm, and let the grace of the Church ascend in you, and let the fragrance of your nostrils be like apples, and your mouth like the best wine (Song of Songs, 7:9), so that you may be intoxicated in Christ.
72. This verse reminds us to repeat what has been almost forgotten, because we have said that the vine also sprouted by the command of the Lord, which we later learned was planted by Noah after the flood (Gen., IX, 20). So you see, Noah was a farmer of the land, and he planted the vine, and drank from its wine, and fell asleep. Therefore, Noah is not the creator of the vine, but of the planting. For he could not have planted it unless he had found it already generated. Therefore, the worshipper, not the creator, is the source of vice. But God, who knew that wine consumed in moderation would bring health and increase wisdom, and that excessive consumption would lead to vices, created the substance and left its abundance to human discretion. This way, the moderation of nature would serve as a lesson in sobriety, and the harmful consequences of excess would be attributed to human choice. In fact, even Noah himself became intoxicated and fell asleep as a result of wine. And so, through wine, the deformity that arose from the flood became evident to glory: but the Lord also reserved his grace in it, so that he might convert its fruit for our salvation, and through it forgiveness of sins might come to us. Therefore pious Isaac said: The smell of Jacob, the smell of a field full, that is, the natural smell (Gen., XXVII, 27). For what is sweeter than a full countryside? What is more pleasant than the smell of the vine? What is more pleasing than the blossom of the bean? Although whoever with great intelligence has said before us: The Patriarch did not anoint the vine or the fig tree, but he emitted the grace of virtues; nevertheless, I will accept the simple and sincere fragrance of the earth itself as a blessing, which no deceit has composed, but the truth of heavenly indulgence has poured out. Finally, among the most sacred blessings, it is included that the Lord may grant us the power of wine, oil, and grain from the dew of heaven: to whom is honor, praise, and glory, perpetuity from age to age, now and forever, and for all ages of ages. Amen.
Book Four. Of the Work of the Fourth Day.