N00458:482
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.
4. This loathness and grief of theirs puts them upon studying and endeavouring all they may to prevent it. For that is the very nature and use of this affection; and it is very prevalent in the souls of Gods people. ⟨p. 207⟩Such an one will now entertain himself with these thoughts: Is there nothing that I may do to save this soul? may I be no ways instrumental of good to him, that so he may not go down to the pit? are there no endeavours that may be used with or for him, that may, by the blessing of God, prove beneficial to him? he is willing and desirous to do his utmost, and omit nothing that comes within his reach, that may be serviceable to this purpose. This made Paul to be so laborious, if by any means he might save men.
4. This lothness and grief of theirs puts them upon studying and endeavouring all they may to prevent it. For that is the very nature and use of this affection; and it is very prevalent in the souls of Gods people. ⟨p. 207⟩Such an one will now entertain himself with these thoughts: Is there nothing that I may do to save this soul? may I be no ways instrumental of good to him, that so he may not go down to the pit? are there no endeavours that may be used with or for him, that may, by the blessing of God, prove beneficial to him? he is willing and desirous to do his utmost, and omit nothing that comes within his reach, that may be serviceable to this purpose. This made Paul to be so laborious, if by any means he might save men.
5. This makes them to go to God and plead with him, that he would spare them a little longer. They are not without hope that if they might have a little more time allowed them, they might at length be persuaded to mind the things of their peace? to be sure they know, that if they are once cut down by the hand of Gods vengeance, there will then be no more opportunity for them for ever, that all hopes are then gone, that then the day of grace is done: but whilst there is life and means, there is hope: and this makes them to pray hard for them, and follow the Throne of Grace in their behalf: and the more their danger is, the greater importunity it urgeth them unto: This made Samuel so restlessly importunate for Saul.