The barren tree a sermon preached at Pauls cross October 26. 1623 /The barren tree a sermon preached at Pauls crosse October 26. 1623 /

Of these fearful Instances our Saviour makes this use; setting down a peremptory conclusion: Vel poenitendum, vel pereundum: Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. ⟨p. 3⟩Such vengeance is no way to be avoided, but by repentance. But here the Jews might flatter themselves; If we be greater sinners then they, how comes it to pass that we speed better then they? To this silent objection, Christ makes an Apologicall answer, verse 6. You are not spared because you are more righteous, but because God to you is more gracious. You deserve such or sorer Judgements; and the reason of this impunity is not to be looked for in your innocence, but in the Lords patience: nor because you are not worse to him, but because he is better to you: who offers you space and grace to amend, if (at least) at last you will bring forth the fruits of Repentance.

Of these fearefull Instances our Sauiour makes this vse; setting downe a peremptory conclusion: Vel poenitendum, vel pereundum: Except yee repent, yee shall all likewise perish. ⟨p. 3⟩Such vengeance is no way to bee auoyded, but by repentance. But here the Iewes might flatter themselues; If wee be greater sinners then they, how comes it to passe that wee speed better then they? To this silent obiection, Christ makes an Apologicall answere, verse 6. You are not spared because you are more righteous, but because God to you is more gracious. You deserue such or sorer Iudgements; and the reason of this impunitie is not to bee looked for in your innocence, but in the Lordes patience: nor because you are not worse to him, but because hee is better to you: who offers you space and grace to amend, if (at least) at last you will bring foorth the fruites of Repentance.

There be some terms in the Text; (as that the Vineyard is the Church, every Christian a Fig-tree, God the Owner, every Pastor a Dresser:) wherein your understandings may well prevent my discourse: these known and familiar things I take as granted of all hands.