N00458:81
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
Sermon 2 › Doctrine 2: DOCTRINE II. ALL visible Professors are Fig-trees planted in Gods Vineyard.
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.
There are some figs are ripe and it for use before others, and all the time of Harvo•t, there are some ready for use every day, till the bearing time be over; hence we read of the First ripe Figs, Hos, 9. 10. Thus God would have Professors to be bringing forth of their fruits every day, during the whole season of their serving him, i, e. all their lives long, Psal, 1, 3. Bringeth forth fruit in his season, They should begin, and hold on in the service of God, be always doing something which may be for his Honour, and the good of their own ⟨p. 24⟩Souls, and not be weary of it as long as they live, Psal. 92. 14. They shall still bring forth fruit in Old-age.
6. The Fig-tree easily parts with its fruits when they are ripe, for the use of such as come to gather them. A little wind, or an easy shaking of the Tree, makes them to fall, Nahum. 3. 12. If they be shaken, they shall fall into the month of the eater.
6. The Fig-tree easily parts with its fruits when they are ripe, for the use of such as come to gather them. A little wind, or an easie shaking of the Tree, makes them to fall, Nahu•. 3. 12. If they be shaken, they shall fall into the month of the eater.
Thus should Professors be ready for every good work: they should be ripe and forward for any thing wherein they may serve God; and profit others: as soon as the wind blows; the Spirit of God suggests to them, they ought to attend him, and put forth to acts of piety: when ever they find an occasion of doing any thing for God, they should not be hard to be brought to do it; but do it with all forwardness and Cheerfulness of mind.