for eternity; but we must gather these fruits in time, without which we
cannot possess them in eternity. The Church is the most prudent and
thoughtful of mothers; the ecclesiastical year is an immense and
magnificent garden, in which all those fruits for eternity are gathered
together, that we may make use of them in time. Each year contains
sufficient to supply the wants of all; but woe be to that careless or
dishonest gardener who allows any of the fruit committed to his care to
perish; if he fails to turn to a proper account those graces which
would restore health to the sick; strength to the weak, or furnish food
to the hungry! When the Day of Judgment arrives, the Master of the
garden will demand a strict account, not only of every tree, but also
of all the fruit produced in the garden.



CHAPTER LX.

The Eve of the Resurrection.



Towards the close of the Sabbath-day, John came to see the holy
women. He endeavoured to give some consolation, but could not restrain
his own tears, and only remained a short time with them. They had
likewise a short visit from Peter and James the Greater, after which
they retired to their cells, and gave free vent to grief, sitting upon
ashes, and veiling themselves even more closely.

The prayer of the Blessed Virgin was unceasing. She ever kept her
eyes fixed interiorly on Jesus, and was perfectly consumed by her