Matthew Poole and continuators on Luke 13:9

9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that, thou shalt cut it down.

This Parable very [illegible: 1 letter]itly cohereth with the preceding discourse, there he had let his hearers know; that tho God spareth some Sinners, and hath a longer patience with them, then others, tho they be every whit as great transgressors, in expectation still that they should bring forth fruit; yet if they answer not the means which God useth with them to bring them to repentance, they shall not be spared long, but vengeance shall overtake them also. Those who think that this Parable concerned not the Jews only, but all Mankind, or more especially those who are in the pale of the Church, judge well, provided that they allow it to have been spoken with a primary reference to that Nation, amongst whom Christ had now been Preaching and Working Miracles three years, and expected the fruits of Repentance, and Reformation from them in vain. I do not think it any prejudice to this, that the Vinedresser begged but for one year longer, whereas after this Christ had patience with them forty years, before they were destroyed, for one year may not be intended strictly, (tho the three years be) but to signify some little time more, that the Apostles might use all probable means to reclaim them, and make them more fruitful. Grotius thinks the term of three years is used, because every figtree (not wholly barren) brought forth fruit one year in three, which notion (if true) of that plant is valuable, but may be of ill consequence, if any should thence conclude, that Mens days of Grace exceed not three years; yet thus much is observable, that when God sends a faithful Minister to a place, the greatest success and blessing of their Ministry is within a few of their first years in a place. The Parable doubtless extendeth much further than to the People of the Jews, and learns us all these lessons. 1. That where God plants any one within the pale of his Church, he looks▪ he or she should bring forth the fruits of Repentance and Faith. 2. That many are so planted, yet bring forth no fruit. 3. That there is a determined time beyond which God will not bear with barren Souls. 4. That barren Souls a[illegible: 1 letter]e not only useless, but also spoil others [non-Latin text not transcribed], they make the soil unprofitable, a quench coal spoils the fire. 5. That faithful Ministers, will be very earnest with God to spare even barren Souls. 6. That it is their work and duty to use all probable means to make barren Souls fruitful. I will dig about it, and dung it. 7. That a bearing fruit at last will save Souls from ruin, and destruction. 8. That without it, every Soul tho standing in Gods vineyard, will at last perish eternally.