Song of Solomon 7:13

The mandrakes, whose odor was supposed to stimulate love, give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, the reference being to the store-rooms for dried fruits and vegetables over the doors of the houses, new and old, which I have laid up for Thee, O my Beloved, for only the richest products will properly express the fullness of her affection for the King.

While the Church longs for the consummation of the heavenly marriage, she nevertheless does not neglect her work in this world. She wants the Bridegroom to go out with her into the wide world, to visit and observe the growth of the many congregations, to witness the results of her work. For this labor in the vineyard of the Lord is the true evidence of her love. In her mind there is no doubt that there are many sweet-smelling plants throughout the world, the elect of the Lord, whose souls He will gather as noble fruits of the Church's toil. Like excellent fruits these fruits are stored in the home of the Church, to be kept for the day when the work of the bride will be ended and the marriage of the Lamb will be celebrated.