On the Fruitless Fig-Tree

The Fig-tree, tho' it flourish'd, did afford No Fruit, as was expected by the Lord Therefore 'twas curs'd, did wither and decay No Fruit producing from that very Day. But unto Mankind, O most gracious Lord! Great are the Mercies, which thou dost afford Tho slothfully they hide, sometimes deny The Talents given by thy Majesty; Thou dost not in thine Indignation thus Pass so severe a Sentence upon us; Altho' we, of our selves, so barren be, And oft more fruitless than that blooming Tree, Thou prun'st us, & with sweet refreshing Show'rs Art pleas'd oft to renew our weakned Pow'rs: Yea, long thou spar'st us; and at length, who proves Fruitful, thou cherishest, and freely loves. But if thy great Fortbalance, Lord, should be As 'twere frustrated by a fruitless Tree, Thou justly may'st the Vine-dresser require To cut it down, and cast it into th' Fire: Tho' there was frequent Intercession made, As when the Dressers of the Vineyard said, Lord, let us try it yet another Year, And then, if any Fruit thereon appear, 'Tis well Forbearance hath thereto been shewn; If otherwise, 'tis Time to cut it down. When thus the Lord hath long Time Fruit expected From Men, and yet is carelesly rejected: Tho' waiting still, he's pleas'd to condescend Line upon Line, with Patience, to extend; And Precept upon Precept, did dispence; And likewise promis'd a sure Recompence Of durable Reward, eternal Joy, To those that, ceasing from Iniquity, Would unto his most sacred Will resign Themselves, and all: Then would he with Divine Sweet Heavenly Show'rs bedew, & always bless. Them, that they might be Trees of Righteousness But if such should resist, they'll come to be Like Heath i'th Desart, or the fruitless Tree: And if against them the Decree be seal'd, To cut them down, how can it be repeal'd? Ah! prize the present Day of Visitation, And dare not to provoke his Indignation; That thro' Distillings of his Heavenly Love, You fertile Plants unto his Praise may prove.