The Morning Star ‎#86

86. The barren fig-tree

1 In the vineyard of the Master,
There was growing once a tree;
Thither came He, often hoping
That some fruit thereon might be,
Fruit, not blossom, went He seeking,
Only leaves thereon He found;
To His dresser, hear Him speaking,
Lo! it cumbereth the ground.

Chorus:
If the Master to our vineyard
Should this day come down,
Seeking, looking, asking for His own;
Ready for His eye are we?
Is there fruit upon our tree?
Will He bid the dresser cut it down?

2 But the dresser then made answer,
Leave it, Lord, another year;
I with care will tend and keep it
Till the bud and bloom appear;
Then, if ripened fruit be showing,
It is well, my Lord will own;
If but leaves are on it growing
After that, Lord, cut it down. [Chorus]

3 In the vineyard of my Master,
Oft my tree His patience tries;
Seeking fruit He often cometh,
Finding only useless leaves.
Let Thy dews of grace fall on me,
Till some fruits divine appear;
Let Thy patience rest upon me,
Try me, Lord, another year. [Chorus]

Text Information

• First Line: In the vineyard of the Master
• Title: The barren fig-tree
• Author: Mrs. M. B. C. Slade
• Refrain First Line: If the Master to our vineyard
• Publication Date: 1877
• Scripture:
  Luke 13:6-9
• Copyright: By permission of R. M. McIntosh, owner of copyright.

Tune Information

• Name: [In the vineyard of the Master]
• Composer: R. M. McIntosh
• Key: E♭ Major