Sermon 3

And he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.

We have been considering of the subject of the parable; that which follows to be observed is,

2. The barrenness of the fig-tree taken notice of by the Owner; and here are two things to be observed.

1. The husbandman's peculiar inspection which he had upon this plant, He came and sought fruit thereon. [He came,] that is, to this particular tree. Motion is attributed to God after the manner of men, for he is every where by his infinite omnipresence; but it intimates a peculiar observation, [seeking] this world is also accommodated to human understanding; seeking, properly implies an enquiring after something that one is at a loss about; but God knows what every one is, and will do: but it intends both a curious inspection and a rational expectation. The word is sometimes used for earnest desiring, yes importunately requiring a thing [⟨◊⟩] God requires it, and well may he observe whether they do answer this injunction of his. [Fruit thereon,] fig-trees are planted for bearing, and visible professors are put into the Church that they may have opportunity for serving God: and well may it be expected that every thing should answer its end.

2. The husbandman's disappointment, or missing of his expectation; he found none. Notwithstanding his best care in seeking, he could not find one fig upon the tree; and this inferrs, that there was none, for if there had been any, he would have discovered it: God to be sure, who is omniscient, cannot but see and know whether there be any thing done by the professor that is truly good.

There are three observations which we may gather, and briefly improve from this passage.