Olney Hymns (1840)/Book 1/Hymn 103

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103.
The Barren Fig-Tree.—Luke, xiii, 6—9.

1 The church a garden is,
In which believers stand
 ​Like ornamental trees
Planted by God's own hand!
His Spirit waters all their roots,
And every branch abounds with fruits.

2 But other trees there are
In this enclosure grow,
Which, though they promise fair,
Have only leaves to show:
No fruits of grace are on them found,
They stand but cumberers of the ground.

3 The under gardener grieves,
In vain his strength he spends,
For heaps of useless leaves
Afford him small amends:
He hears the Lord his will make known,
To cut the barren fig-trees down.

4 How difficult his post,
What pangs his bowels move,
To find his wishes cross'd,
His labours useless prove!
His last relief is earnest prayer,
"Lord, spare them yet another year.

5 "Spare them, and let me try
What further means may do;
I'll fresh manure apply,
My digging I'll renew:
Who knows but yet they fruit may yield?
If not—'tis just, they must be fell'd."

6 If under means of grace
No gracious fruits appear,
It is a dreadful case,
Though God may long forbear:
At length he'll strike the threaten'd blow,[1]
And lay the barren fig-tree low.

  1. ↑ Book ii, Hymn 26.
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