N00458:516
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.
A. It is certain that desires have their motives, and rational desires are moved rationally. Now when Christs Messengers see the eminent danger that is over the heads of sinners, and the axe of Divine vengeance ready to cut them down; as humane pity cannot but stir in them the bowels of compassion; so there is not a little in this consideration to raise these desires in them to greater measures of ardency: and that in a double respect, viz. both with respect to themselves, and referring to those for whom these desires are:
A. It is certain that desires have their motives, and rational desires are moved rationally. Now when Christs Messengers see the eminent danger that is over the heads of sinners, and the ax of Divine vengeance ready to cut them down; as humane pity cannot but stir in them the bowels of compassion; so there is not a little in this consideration to raise these desires in them to greater measures of ardency: and that in a double respect, viz. both with respect to themselves, and referring to those for whom these desires are:
1. In regard of themselves. There is a ⟨p. 224⟩self-interest which Gods Ministers have in this affair, which stimulates these desires in them; and we may take a brief distinct account of it in these things.
1. They are sensible of the awful charge of souls lying upon them, and the solemn account they must be called unto for them. ••••re is no man that is duly qualified for the work of Christ in the Gospel, who hath not his heart affected with the frequent consideration of this; who doth not often think with himself, God hath put these souls under my watch, and made it my duty to give them faithful warning from him, of their misery and danger, and the duty which is required of them; and hath enjoined me to be instant with them, in season, and out of season: to observe their state, and case, and accommodate counsels to them accordingly, and to be very earnest with them for their good; to deal with them plainly, and to with-hold no necessary and seasonable Truth from them. They often ponder on that as spoken to them,