Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1900-07-25


0-Comment by Rev. 8. II. Doyle.
ToyIc--Cumberers Of the ground.-Lake xiii.
-
THE PARABLE.
This is the parable of the barren fig
tree. a man planted a fig tree in his
garden. After waiting the proper
length of tine he came and sought
fruit on II, but found none. Three sue
cessive years the result was the same.
Then he ordered the vine dresser to
cut 1t down. which was very natural.
Why should it cumber the ground?
Why should it occupy space and be
burden to the soil if it was unpro-
ductive? But the vine dresser was in
terested in the tree He had cared for
it and tended it and pleaded that it
might have one more chance, and then.
If after special care and attention II
did not bear fruit, he would acquieSce
N its destruction.
TIVE INTERPRETATION.
The occasion of this parable explains
fl. 1t was spoken by Christ to teach
the Jews that unless they repented
they would perish. Plate had slain
Galileans at worship and mingled
their blood with the blood of their sac
rifices. A tower had fallen upon Is In
Sloan and killed them. The Jews
thought that this was evidence that
these people had sinned. and as no such
calamities came upon them they drew
the false conclusion that they stood
well with God. Jesus disabuses their
minds of such belief. He tells them
plainly that unless they repent they
shall likewise perish. God has extend
ed the day OF mercy. but suspension is
not pardon. Forbearance does not
mean Indifference. Delay does not de-
crease the certainty of punishment IL
during the delay they do not repent.
These surroundings furnish the key to
the parable. The fig tree represents
the Jews The vineyard represents
the special privileges given to the
Jews. The coming Of the lord OF the
vineyard Is the divine expectation of
fruit among his chosen people. Being
found frultless. sentence OF destruction
Is passed upon the nation. By the in
tercession of Christ. the vine dresser,
the sentence Is postponed. But il avail
ed nothing. The Jews did not repent,
and at the end Of their last probation
Jerusalem was destroyed, their special
privileges were taken from them and
offered to the geatiles.
This parable has number of most
solemn lessons for all to whom God
has given special privileges. God ex.
poets fruit in proportion to our oppor
tunities and abilities. Barrenness.
where there should be fruitfulness, is
not to be tolerated II was not with
the Jews, the chosen people of God.
Much less will II be with US. The man
who should be fruitful In Christian
character and life and is not is
cumberer. He not only is barren, but
a burden TO the vineyard. Unless he
repents he will be cut down sooner or
later. God Is merciful, bong suffering
and forbearing, but let us not misun.
derstand His forbearance. Every tree,
as wen as every branch that beareth
not fruit. Is cast forth and withered To
whom much is given much shall be re-
quired. Let us be fruit bearers and not
cumberers.
TILE PRAYER MEETING.
Let the leader explain the parable
and then have voluntary discussion
Of the topic.
BIBLE READINGS.
Prov. Vi, Gil; X, 10: xiv, 1854:
Feel. tx, 10: Math. iii, lilo; VII, 10; XIV,
1880: John XIV, lie; l Cor. x. 81; II
Pet Iii, liz.