An empty Vine, and brings forth fruit to her self

An empty Vine, and brings forth fruit to her self.

This is very strange, Empty, and yet bring forth fruit; If she brings forth fruit, how empty? Yes, it may very well stand together, she brings forth fruit to her self, but she is empty in regard of any fruit she brings forth to me, but yet she has juyce and sap enough, to bring forth fruit to her self. Oh! how many people that are barren towards God, and have no abilities to do any thing for God, but when they come to themselves to do any thing, Oh how active and stirring are they? But when you put them upon any duty for God then they are weak and unable, & the like: but if it was in a matter that concern'd themselves there they have spirit enough & to much a great deal; If parents have children that sin against God, they are not sensible at all, but if they do any thing against themselves, Oh! how do their spirits rise, and what rage is there in the family? The truth is, were our hearts as they should be, if we have no strength for God we should have none for our selves, yes, we would even reason so, when as we complain, Oh! that we are weak in our memories, and are not able to resist temptation, and we can do nothing for God, we should take a holy revenge upon our selves and say, Certainly if I can do nothing for God, I will do nothing for my self neither, If I cannot rejoyce in God I will not rejoyce in my self, and if I cannot take care for God I will not take care for my self; to be barren to God and fruitful to our selves, this is a great disproportion.