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The barren fig trees doom. Or, A brief discourse wherein is set forth the…

Name: The barren fig trees doom. Or, A brief discourse wherein is set forth the…
Author: Samuel Willard

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]

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2. It shall be well also in respect of Gods glory. It shall be no grief to him, he shall never repent that he did spare the sinner, and ⟨p. 268⟩give him a farther time of trial, but be abundantly satisfied in it; we read Luk. 15. 9. There is joy in heaven: &c. and there is reason why God should take content in it, because it will bring him honour; the thing will be to him for a name, and a praise; this will appear if we consider,

:603p. 268¶1

1. That which God peculiarly designs by the Gospel, is the glory of his Grace. It is true, his justice is also greatly illustrated by it, in as much as sinners under it do aggravate their guilt, and bring the more fearful Judgments upon themselves: But the Gospel is properly a discovery of Christ in his great work of Redemption, and all this is for the riches of the glory of his grace, Eph. 1. 6. and where his grace is exalted, there God is greatly glorified, for he shall be praised in all his Saints, and his other perfections are magnified in and with this: his Justice in that way wherein he revealed his grace by Christ, and upon his satisfaction; his Holiness, in that he gets him an everlasting name and renown in this way, his power in that he is able to bring about this great salvation; his Wisdom in the contrivance of the way to accomplish it; hence therefore the whole treaty of the Gospel, that is held with Sinners, carries in it a demonstration of this Grace.

1. That which God peculiarly designs by the Gospel, is the glory of his Grace. It is true, his justice is also greatly illustrated by it, in as much as sinners under it do aggravate their guilt, and bring the more fearful Judgments upon themselves: But the Gospel is properly a discovery of Christ in his great work of Redemption, and all this is for the riches of the glory of his grace, Eph. 1. 6. and where his grace is exalted, there God is greatly glorified, for he shall be praised in all his Sai•ts, and his other perfections are magnified in and with this: his Justice in that way wherein he revealed his grace by Christ, and upon his satisfaction; his Holiness, in that he gets him an everlasting name and renown in this way, his power in that he is able to bring about this great salvation; his Wisdom in the contrivance of the way to accomplish it; hence therefore the whole treaty of the Gospel, that is held with Sinners, carries in it a demonstration of this Grace.

:604p. 268–269¶2

2. There is a more special and eminent ⟨p. 269⟩degree of glory that redounds to God by this. When a sinner who hath so obstinately withstood all endeavours that have been used with him; hath been for so many years growing harder and harder, and by all this laying in so much provocation, through the multiplied affronts that he hath offered to God, shall at last be brought over to him, and become a plant of renown in his vineyard; here are more illustrious discoveries of his grace in this one: he is a most admirable monument of mercy. As the mighty power of God is manifested, in the turning of an heart that hath been so long glued to his Idols, so his unchangeable love is here commended: If any thing could have made him to alter his design, so much, and so long continued provocation would have done it; Paul therefore speaking of himself, who was brought in after he had so long set himself against Christ, speaks of it with admiration, I Tim. 1. 16.

2. There is a more special and eminent ⟨p. 269⟩degree of glory that redounds to God by this. When a sinner who hath so obstinately withstood all endeavours that have been used with him; hath been for so many years growing harder and harder, and by all this laying in so much provocation, through the multiplied affronts that he hath offered to God, shall at last be brought over to him, and become a plant of renown in his vineyard; here are more illustrious discoveries of his grace in this one: he is a most admirable monument of mercy. As the mighty power of God is manifested, in the turning of an heart that hath been so long glewed to his Idols, so his unchangeable love is here commended: If any thing could have made him to alter his design, so much, and so long continued provocation would have done it; Paul therefore speaking of himself, who was brought in after he had so long set himself against Christ, speaks of it with admiration, I Tim. 1. 16.

:605p. 269–270¶3

3. Hence all the dishonour that he had before done unto God, giveth lustre unto this grace. Grace is properly a free favour bestowed upon another, which he had not merit of, nor could have challenged to himself of him that bestowed it, had he not done it of his own bounty, it had never been conferred; and there are two special enhancements of it, viz. the greatness of the favour bestowed, ⟨p. 270⟩and the great unworthiness of the Subject that participates in it: The more there may be said way he should not, the more there must needs appear of the condescendency of him that doth it. Now as it is sin that most of all speaks the unworthiness of men, so the more aggravations there are in it, the farther doth it set the man off from this, and renders him the more unworthy; and there can be nothing that more aggravates sin, than that a man should, under all the offers of mercy, and means of repentance, go on in a course of sin, notwithstanding all the strivings of the Spirit of God with him: this therefore is grace indeed: when Paul would exalt it, he tells us what he was before it came, I Tim. 1. 13. A Blasphemer, a Persecutor, and injurious.

3. Hence all the dishonour that he had before done unto God, giveth lustre unto this grace. Grace is properly a free favour bestowed upon another, which he had not merit of, nor could have challenged to himself of him that bestowed it, had he not done it of his own bounty, it had never been conferred; and there are two special enhaunements of it, viz. the greatness of the favour bestowed, ⟨p. 270⟩and the great unworthiness of the Subject that participates in it: The more there may be said way he should not, the more there must needs appear of the condescendency of him that doth it. Now as it is sin that most of all speaks the unworthiness of men, so the more aggravations there are in it, the farther doth it set the man off from this, and renders him the more unworthy; and there can be nothing that more aggravates sin, than that a man should, under all the offers of mercy, and means of repentance, go on in a course of sin, notwithstanding all the strivings of the Spirit of God with him: this therefore is grace indeed: when Paul would evalt it, he tells us what he was before it came,

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4. And the sinner is now made, not only a monument, but also an instrument of Gods Glory. As he before dishonoured him, so now he serves him; he bears fruit, and it is for God, and he is glorified by it, John 15. 8. and usually it comes to pass, that though he is born so much out of time, and so hath but a short opportunity allowed him wherein to glorify God in this life, as having spent the greatest part of his time in vanity; yet he is more deeply engaged than ordinary in Gods Service, and more strenuously endeavours to make up his lost way, and redeem the little ⟨p. 271⟩spot of time that is allowed him, being quickened thereunto by the thought of his former unprofitableness. What ha•e did Paul make in the work of Christ? he laboured more than all the rest of his Fellow Apostles; and tho' he came in after them, yet he came not behind t•e chief of them, and this is much to the glory of God.

4. And the sinner is now made, not only a monument, but also an instrument of Gods Glory. As he before dishonoured him, so now he serves him; he bears fruit, and it is for God, and he is glorified by it, John 15. 8. and usually it comes to pass, that though he is born so much out of time, and so hath but a short opportunity allowed him wherein to glorify God in this life, as having spent the greatest part of his time in vanity; yet he is more deeply engaged than ordinary in Gods Service, and more strenuously endeavours to make up his lost way, and redeem the little ⟨p. 271⟩spot of time that is allowed him, being quickned thereunto by the thought of his former unprofitableness. What ha•e did Paul make in the work of Christ? he laboured more than all the rest of his Fellow Apostles; and tho' he came in after them, yet he came not behind t•e chief of them, and this is much to the glory of God.

:607p. 271¶3

3. It shall be well in respect of Gods people; and those of them more especially who have been the deepest concerned for the sinner, and taken the most pains with him, For,

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1. They shall now reap the fruit of all their labours. They were a long time making of sad complaints, that they had laboured in vain, and were ever and anon almost ready to faint and despond, and to conclude, surely there will never any good be done upon this sinner, he is even grown altogether hopeless, all our pains have been thrown away upon him: but now their labour appears not to be lost, because they are brought in unto Christ; and it is a full recompense: although a man be at a great deal of expense, and use long patience about any design that his heart is deeply engaged in, and it be a great while before it comes to take effectually, yet if at length it be compassed, the man is not frustrated; now they can heartily glorify God in such as these are; Gal. 1. 23, ••.

1. They shall now reap the fruit of all their labours. They were a long time making of sad complaints, that they had laboured in vain, and were ever and anon almost ready to faint and despond, and to corclude, surely there will never any good be done upon this sinner, he is even grown altogether hopeless, all our pains have been thrown away upon him: but now their labour appears not to be lost, because they are brought in unto Christ; and it is a full recompense: although a man be at a great deal of expense, and use long patience about any design that his heart is deeply engaged in, and it be a great while before it comes to take effectually, yet if at length it be compassed, the man is not frustrated; now they can heartily glorifie God in such as these are; Gal. 1. 23, ••.

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•. The desires of their hearts are thus accomplished, and so their Joy is fulfilled. The great thing which they longed for, and which carried them forth in all their endeavours, for which they cheerfully attended all the duty lying on them, was the conversion of sinners; this was it that they waited to see, and cast many an earnest look for the discovery of it: and therefore when they do come to fee it, they cannot but rejoice, as a mother doth in a child, or a Conqueror that takes great Spoils, it makes them to forget all the labour and toil which they have bin at, and their hearts are comforted in it: all the grief which they were sinking under before, for fear of the issue, is now turned into joy, to see them brought home to Christ; their mourning over those perishing Souls is turned into a dance. They are glad on Gods account, that he shall have honour now by such an one, who before did nothing but dishonour him; they rejoice on the Sinners account, that he shall now obtain salvation, and be happy for ever in the favour of God; and they rejoice on their own account, to think what comfort they shall have in these in the day of Christ.

•. The desires of their hearts are thus accomplished, and so their Joy is fulfilled. The great thing which they longed for, and which carried them forth in all their endeavours, for which they chearfully attended all the duty lying on them, was the conversion of sinners; this was it that they waited to see, and cast many an earnest look for the discovery of it: and therefore when they do come to fee it, they cannot but rejoyce, as a mother doth in a child, or a Conqueror that takes great Spoils, it makes them to forget all the labour and toil which they have bin at, and their hearts are comforted in it: all the grief which they were sinking under before, for fear of the issue, is now turned into joy, to see them brought home to Christ; their mourning over those perishing Souls is turned into a dance. They are glad on Gods account, that he shall have honour now by such an one, who before did nothing but dishonour him; they rejoyce on the Sinners account, that he shall now obtain salvation, and be happy for ever in the favour of God; and they rejoyce on their own account, to think what comfort they shall have in these in the day of Christ.

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USE I.

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For Caution. Let none from hence presume to delay their returning unto God. There is an evil spirit in men naturally, that leads them to abuse the most precious Truths of the Word of God, and to turn the richest cordials into the most deadly poison. It may be there are some who hearing this Truth, do thereupon say in their hearts, if it be so, we will then allow our selves a while longer in our sinful courses, we will take a little more pleasure in the ways of our hearts, there is no such danger: if at last we bear fruit, we shall do well enough. If there be any that do nourish such an evil root of bitterness in them. I warn you in the name of God to beware to your selves, left it prove your utter destruction. I am sure such inferences lead to desperate conclusions; and if men once come to settle upon them, their condition is next to hopeless; let me therefore urge these two considerations upon such.

For Caution. Let none from hence presume to delay their returning unto God. There is an evil spirit in men naturally, that leads them to abuse the most precious Truths of the Word of God, and to turn the richest cordials into the most deadly poyson. It may be there are some who hearing this Truth, do thereupon say in their hearts, if it be so, we will then allow our selves a while longer in our sinful courses, we will take a little more pleasure in the ways of our hearts, there is no such danger: if at last we bear fruit, we shall do well enough. If there be any that do nourish such an evil root of bitterness in them. I warn you in the name of God to beware to your selves, left it prove your utter destruction. I am sure such inferences lead to desperate conclusions; and if men once come to settle upon them, their condition is next to hopeless; let me therefore urge these two considerations upon such.

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1. Though if you do bear fruit there is no danger of your final miscarrying, yet there is great danger whether you shall bear or no; if you were as sure of true Repentance at last, as you may be that God will certainly accept of you, if you do indeed turn to him, ⟨p. 274⟩the hazard would be taken off: but the Devil cheats you, by persuading you to draw unwarrantable conclusions from uncertain premises: be then advised to balance this consideration with these two on the other hand.

1. Though if you do bear fruit there is no danger of your final miscarrying, yet there is great danger whether you shall bear or no; if you were as sure of true Repentance at last, as you may be that God will certainly accept of you, if you do indeed turn to him, ⟨p. 274⟩the hazzard would be taken off: but the Devil cheats you, by perswading you to draw unwarrantable conclusions from uncertain premises: be then advised to ballance this consideration with these two on the other hand.

:613p. 274¶1

1. The God only can work this change in you. If it were in your power there were the more to be pleaded: If the sinner could turn himself when he pleased, he might be the more bold, but converting grace is the gift of God, if he doth not work it in you, you can never do it for your selves: you can as easily create a world, as put grace into your own hearts, whereby you may live to Gods glory. Now God offers this grace to you, ne now pleads with you about it, he saith, to day, if you will hear his voice; but he hath given you no assurances that he will take your time, or wait your leisure to do this work in and for you.

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2. That Gods day of grace is limited. It is true, he hath not told us how long he will lengthen it out to this or that sinner; but in general we are assured that it hath its fixed bounds beyond which it shall not pass, and that it is to some longer, to others shorter, as it pleaseth him: he hath said, Gen. 6. 3. My Spirit shall not always strive; and therefore hath given that advice to men, Isa. 55. 6. Seek the Lord while he may be found; call ⟨p. 275⟩upon him while he is near; and this is a solemn consideration; which every unprofitable soul under the Ordinances ought often to entertain his thoughts withal: and particularly in the end of every Sabbath; here is one day more of my season past and gone, I am one Sabbath nearer to the end of my day of grace, which if once it comes to be past, and Gods time be over, I am then beyond all hopes of recovery, and there will be no more possibility for ever of my returning to God: and now say, what comfort can you gather from your presumed supposition, when the Assumption must be, but I am not like to return for ever.

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2. If ever this work do truly pass upon you, it will then bitterly repent you of your delays; however you indulge a carnal mind, and corrupt heart with such presumptions for the present; if once the grace of God comes to be put into▪ you, and you be indeed made fruitful, this will embitter the reflection to your thoughts: Then will you wish that you had come in to God before, complain of your selves, lament all the lost time that cannot be recovered, cry out of your selves for fools and madmen that had such a price in your hands, and had so woefully neglected it: then will you see that all your former time was lost time, and say, Oh that I had been wise; how much might I have done for God? what ⟨p. 276⟩treasures might I have laid up to my self for eternity, whilst I grat•••ed my carnal lusts, and spent many for what is not bread? There is nothing that grieves […] a soul more, than that he hath lost his youth, and strength, and vigour from the Service of God? you have laid in enough for this Repentance already, beware that you do not by your delaying provide more for it.

2. If ever this work do truly pass upon you, it will then bitterly repent you of your delays; however you indulge a carnal mind, and corrupt heart with such presumptions for the present; if once the grace of God comes to be put into▪ you, and you be indeed made fruitful, this will embitter the reflection to your thoughts: Then will you wish that you had come in to God before, complain of your selves, lament all the lost time that cannot be recovered, cry out of your selves for fools and madmen that had such a price in your hands, and had so wofully neglected it: then will you see that all your former time was lost time, and say, Oh that I had been wise; how much might I have done for God? what ⟨p. 276⟩treamres might I have laid up to my self for eternity, whilst I grat•••ed my carnal lusts, and spent many for what is not bread? There is nothing that grieves 〈…〉 a soul more, than that he hath lost his youth, and strength, and vigour from the Service of God? you have laid in enough for this Repentance already, beware that you do not by your delaying provide more for it.

:616p. 276

USE. II.

:617p. 276–277

Let this serve to encourage such as have long lived barren in Gods vineyard. It is no new device or stratagem of Satan, that great enemy of Souls, when he can no longer nourish security in mens hearts, and thereby animate them in their delaying to entertain the calls of the Gospel; but they begin to have touches upon their hearts and their consciences reflect on them conviction of their sin and danger, and rouse them up to return and fleck after God in earnest, now to lay matter of discouragement before them, and drive them off from repentance, by persuading them that there is now no hope for them, it is too late, they have sinned beyond a pardon, such sinners as they have nothing now to expect but ruin, there is no mercy to be expected from God by them: and ⟨p. 277⟩thus from presumption he would precipitate them into desperation. This doctrine in hand, will speak a word of hope to any such, and help their sinking Souls with some thing to catch hold upon to support them, and to answer all their doubts and fears, which Satan and a misgiving heart are ready to oppress them withal; and there are these considerations which will stop the mouth of them all.

Let this serve to encourage such as have long lived barren in Gods vineyard. It is no new device or stratagem of Satan, that great enemy of Souls, when he can no longer nourish security in mens hearts, and thereby animate them in their delaying to entertain the calls of the Gospel; but they begin to have touches upon their hearts and their consciences reflect on them conviction of their sin and danger, and rouse them up to return and fleck after God in earnest, now to lay matter of discouragement before them, and drive them off from repentance, by perswading them that there is now no hope for them, it is too late, they have sinned beyond a pardon, such sinners as they have nothing now to expect but ruine, there is no mercy to be expected from God by them: and ⟨p. 277⟩thus from presumption he would precipitate them into desperation. This doctrine in hand, will speak a word of hope to any such, and help their sinking Souls with some thing to catch hold upon to support them, and to answer all their doubts and fears, which Satan and a misgiving heart are ready to oppress them withal; and there are these considerations which will stop the mouth of them all.

Reformers309

Puritans1,782

Westminster Assembly24

Evangelicals36

USE I.

USE. II.