1. From the variety and kinds of Trees and the fruits thereof. He observes the diversity, and choice of Christians, and of their graces shadowed out in that Cant. 4.13. Thy plants are an Orchard of Pomegranates, with pleasant fruits, Camphire with Spikenard, Spikenard and Saffron, Calamus and Cinnamon, with all Trees of Frankincense, Myrrh and Aloes., with all the chief spices. Here's Christs Orchard; every Tree a Saint, and every Saint variety of sweet tasting and sweet smelling graces. Ah Lord, says the Husbandman, what plenty is here for me, but what scarcity have I for thee? What a brave sight is a fair Orchard with well-ordered Trees, and each filled with fruit? How much fairer a sight is a congregation of fruit-bearing Saints, that bear the fruits and Spices that God loves? What delight doth the Husbandman take in his Orchard; and O what delight would your God take, to walk with you in your houses, and to walk among us here in this house, if every Seat here were filled with a row of fruitful ⟨p. 165⟩Trees! he would pluck our ripe fruits and graces, and take them to Heaven with him: he would prune and purge us, that we might bring forth more fruit. And what, must young Trees and others, that bear nothing, be cast into the fire? Nay the Husbandman waits upon them with patience, and suffers many a Tree that bears nothing grow in hopes; but if no industry or patience will cure them, then up they go, and to the fire. And so doth God bear with young ones in hopes, and looks for little service from little ones, and fences and waters many a Tree, that yet brings no fruit; but this is in hope, that their after-diligence will pay for all. But if a man promise little, he comes as Luk. 13.7. Behold these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig-tree, and find none, cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? How near thou hast been to stocking up, none knows but God and Christ, who hath diverted the blow many a long day. But if no course will make them fruitful, then the axe is laid to the root of the Tree, and every Tree that bringeth not forth fruit, shall be hewn, down and cast into the fire. They which are not good for fruit, shall be good for fuel. By the leaning of the Tree, he knows which way it will fall; and by the leaning of his own heart towards Heaven, he trusts it will fall thither.
1. From the variety and kinds of Trees and the fruits thereof. He observes the diversity, and choice of Christians, and of their graces shadow'd out in that Cant. 4.13. Thy plants are an Orchard of Pomgranates, with pleasant fruits, Camphire with Spikenard, Spikenard and Saffron, Calamus and Cynamon, with all Trecs of Frankincense, Myrrh and Aloes., with all the cheif spices. Here's Christs Orchard; every Tree a Saint, and every Saint variety of sweet tasting and sweet smelling graces. Ah Lord, sayes the Husbandman, what plenty is here for me, but what scarcity have I for thee? What a brave sight is a fair Orchard with well-ordered Trees, and each filled with fruit? How much fairer a sight is a congregation of fruit-bearing Saints, that bear the fruits and Spices that God loves? What delight doth the Husbandman take in his Orchard; and O what delight would your God take, to walk with you in your houses, and to walk among us here in this house, if every Seat here were filled with a row of fruitfull ⟨p. 165⟩Trees! he would pluck our ripe fruits and graces, and take them to Heaven with him: he would prune and purge us, that we might bring forth more fruit. And what, must young Trees and others, that bear nothing, be cast into the fire? Nay the Husbandman waits upon them with patience, and suffers many a Tree that beares nothing grow in hopes; but if no industry or patience will cure them, then up they go, and to the fire. And so doth God bear with young ones in hopes, and looks for little service from little ones, and fences and waters many a Tree, that yet brings no fruit; but this is in hope, that their after-diligence will pay for all. But if a man promise little, he comes as Luk. 13.7. Behold these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig-tree, and find none, cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? How near thou hast been to stocking up, none knows but God and Christ, who hath diverted the blow many a long day. But if no course will make them fruitful, then the ax is laid to the root of the Tree, and every Tree that bringeth not forth fruit, shall be hewn, down and cast into the fire. They which are not good for fruit, shall be good for fuell. By the leaning of the Tree, he knowes which way it will fall; and by the leaning of his own heart towards Heaven, he trusts it will fall thither.
