Sermon 13

I proceed to the consideration of the reason of the Vine-Dresser's request; under which he obliges himself to his farther and more endeavors with it for its help to bear; till I shall dig about it, and dung it. The two expressions here used do signify two known pieces of husbandry that are wont to be employed about trees, to make them to bear: they that are skillful gardeners when they see a tree to fail in point of fruitfulness, are wont to dig about the roots, and lay them bare for a while, and afterwards to apply dung to them, and to cover them again, as a proper expedient to attain their end by; and these metaphors do signify the improvement of all suitable and proper means with sinners, to bring them to repentance, and new obedience. Not that God's servants have not been doing of this before, for men are not to be judged truly faithful, that neglect to urge and press the truths of the Word upon sinners, and endeavors to prevail with them to come to God, and believe in Christ: but it intimates that they will persist in it; and that this consideration quickens them to more earnestness, and diligence in it; and it may also design a more particular and personal application to such: and herein we are made to understand.

What is the efficacy of the discovery of God's anger ready to fall upon sinners in the heart of his servants, namely, to rouse them up to a more earnest pursuit of their work, and for that end, to desire a farther respite to be given.

What is the reason why God is pleased to stop the execution of his threatenings after he has denounced them, namely, that sinners may have more endeavors, and more sedulous, used with them for their conversion; hence.