Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1876-02-17
&eadiua for the Sabbath.
CONDUCTED BY
REV. ROBERT LATHAM.
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THE BARREN FIG.TREE, Luke 20 : 60.

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THE BARREN FIG.TREE, Luke % F.: SO.
Every reader of the Bible must be struck
with its simplicity. This feature of the sacred
scriptures commends itself to every one. The
Bible is written in language which can be un-
derstood by child. Still, it furnishes food
for the strongest minds. The parable Of the
barren fgtree is an example of the power of
imparting instruction by illustrating divine
truth by the objects of everyday life. The
6g-tree is chosen to represent man. This is a
figure frequently used in the Bible. Good
men are often compared to fruitful trees,
whilst bad men are compared, as in the pres
ent instance, to barren trees.
In this parable there are many things wor'
thy of our careful study. The first thing to
which We may, with profit, direct our thoughts
is the locality in which the barren fig tree was
planted. 1t was not planted in the fissure OF
rock, where the roots could find no soil from
which to gather nourishment for the trunk.
Neither was it planted in some poor neglected
spot. The choicest place was selected for it.
1t was planted in the vineyard. 1t had no
excuse for its barrenness. 1t was reasonable
that the owner of the vineyard and planter OF
the 6g-tree, should expect not only some fruit,
but much fruit.
This is designed to impress upon our minds
the fact that God has in creation, providence
and grace, so situated all men that they are
inexcusable. No man oan say, God has 80
placed me that can dono good. Men place
themselves in circumstances that it is impossi-
BILE for them to do anything good; but God
cannot be charged with what men do. God
not only surrounds men by circumstances,
which renders it possible for them to do some
good but every man is 80 situated in this
world that he may, if he only will, do much
good both for himself and his fellow.men.
The next thing which, in the parable, de-
mands our attention, is Gods forbearance with
the human family, as illustrated by the visits
of the owner of the vineyard, to the 6g.tree,
in search of fruit. For three years he had
gone to it in search of fruit, and to his disap.
pointmeut found none The three years de.
note the three periods in mans earthly exis-
tence. Childhood, mature years and old age
are no doubt denoted by the three years. God
makes no calculations for our being idle. He
expects us to begin to work for him in child
hood, and to continue to work 80 long as we
are in the flesh. The idle man may serve
Satan we'll, but he cannot serve God at all.
The wonder is that the owner of the vineyard
spared the barren 6g-tree so long 1t is far
greater wonder that God spares the sinner.
The fact that God permits sinners to live, is a
proof of a gracious dispensation.
Another thing in this parable which should
arrest our attention, is the reason that is as
signed for giving the order to cut it down.
The tree is not charged with bearing bad fruit,
but with barrenness. 1t is, beyond all con.
troversy, sin to violate Gods law. 1t is a
sin to break the law; but it is no less sin
not to obey the law. If it were possible for
an individual to do no harm never to say OF
do anything forbidden by the law of God
but at.the same time to do nothing that is en-
Joined by the law of God, that individual
would be great sinner. He would be bar.
rem 6g-tree, and for his barrenness he would
be cut down. Sins Of commission, in the
eyes of men, appear to be more heinous than
sins of omission but God makes no difference.
1t is evident, from the parable of the bar.
rem 6g.tree. that God gives US time and space
to repent He is long-suffering and slow to
wrath. He gives ms warning before the fatal
blow is struck which sewers US from the con.
fines of hope. "Let it alone, this year" bis
mercy pleads. The day of merciful vista
ton, however, will pass. If it brings forth
no fruit within this year it will be cut down, is
the agreement made between the owner Of the
vineyard and the vinedresser. There is a
bound beyond which no man dare 60. God
is long.suffering and slow to wrath, but bis
anger will be kindled some time He will rise
in his majesty and drive the impenitent sim
ner away.