N00458:328
The barren fig trees doom. Or, A brief discourse wherein is set forth the…
The barren fig trees doom. Or, A brief discourse wherein is set forth the woeful danger of all who abide unfruitful under Gospel privileges, and Gods husbandry. Being the substance of sixteen sermons preached on Christ's parable of the fig-tree. / By Samuel Willard, teacher of a church in Boston. ; [Four lines from Matthew]The barren fig trees doom. Or, A brief discourse wherein is set forth the woful danger of all who abide unfruitful under Gospel priviledges, and Gods husbandry. Being the substance of sixteen sermons preached on Christ's parable of the fig-tree. / By Samuel Willard, teacher of a church in Boston. ; [Four lines from Matthew]
Boston: printed by Benjamin Harris, 1691
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
1. In respect of total barrenness?
1. That mans natural barrenness cleaves to him so close, that no creature can remove it. They cannot bear, except they be changed, and there is no power in themselves, nor in any man or Angel to do it for them. It is a work of Divine Power to make any soul spiritually fruitful: the stock, and root and branches are dead; and as a dead tree cannot bear, so art cannot put life into it, a Miracle only can, Joh. 1. 13.
2. That hence the means, though proper as means, yet have their efficacy absolutely depending on him who hath made them means. Every man cannot wield Goliab•• Sword. The word indeed is compared to a two-edged Sword, but none can make it to cut by the Spirit: An Instrument is then serviceable, when one that is able and skilful applies it; the Word then converts, when the Spirit makes it a converting word. If God touch Lydia's heart, whilst Paul is Preaching; she shall yield to the call: if he puts quickening efficacy into it, men shall be quickened by it, else they remain dead in trespasses and sins, for all the endeavours of moral Instruments.
2. That hence the means, though proper as means, yet have their efficacy absoultely depending on him who hath made them means. Every man cannot wield Goliab•• Sword. The word indeed is compared to a two-edged Sword, but none can make it to cut by the Spirit: An Instrument is then serviceable, when one that is able and skillful applies it; the Word then converts, when the Spirit makes it a converting word. If God touch Lyda's heart, whilst Paul is Preaching; she shall yield to the call: if he puts quickning efficacy into it, men shall be quickned by it, else they remain dead in trespasses and sins, for all the endeavours of moral Instruments.