Classic Poem

PARABLE XIX

The Barren Fig-Tree.

This parable he then did add—
A man within his vineyard had
A fig-tree set, when he was bound
In search of fruit, but none he found;
Then to his dresser thus he spake—
Lo! three years I my journey take
In quest of fruit from off this tree,
And not a single fig I see—
Then cut it down, for nothing worth,
Why should it load the useful earth?
But he reply'd—Lord, I implore,
Forbear it also one year more,
'Till I shall dig about the root,
And dung it still in hopes of fruit,
Which, if it should my labour crown,
'Tis well; if not, then cut it down.
?God's sov'reign justice must decree
To cut off, as an useless tree,
Each sinful man—but mercy pleads,
And hope, thro' Jesus Christ, she feeds.
Another and another year—
Perhaps the wretch, thro' love or fear,
Himself to grace may recommend,
And be accepted in the end.