See How The Fruitless Fig Tree Stands

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See how the fruitless fig tree stands

Author: Joseph Harbottle
Tune: ST. PAUL (Chalmers' Collection)
Published in 11 hymnals

Printable scores: PDF, Noteworthy Composer
Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

1 See how the fruitless fig tree stands
Beneath the owner’s frown;
The axe is lifted in his hands,
To cut the cumberer down.

2 "Year after year I come," he cries,
"And still no fruit is shown;
I see but empty leaves arise;
Then cut the cumberer down."

3 "The axe of death at one sharp stroke,
Shall make my justice known;
Each bough shall tremble at the shock
Which cuts the cumberer down."

4 Sinner, beware—the axe of death
Is raised, and aimed at thee;
Awhile thy Maker spares thy breath;
Beware, O barren tree!

Source: The Cyber Hymnal #8965

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Author: Joseph Harbottle

Harbottle, Joseph, was born at Tottlebank, near Ulverston, Sept. 25, 1798. In 1819 he joined the Baptist Church at Tottlebank (of which his father was the pastor), and shortly afterwards began to preach. In 1822 he went to reside with Dr. Steadman, President of the Baptist College at Horton, near Bradford, and for a time was teacher of classics in that institution. He subsequently became Pastor at Accrington, and in 1841 one of the Tutors of a small Baptist College in that town. At Accrington and Oswaldtwistle, in the neighbourhood, he continued to minister until his death, Jan. 19, 1864. Mr. Harbottle wrote several hymns. One appeared in the Comprehensive Rippon (1844), "See how the fruitless figtree stands" (Invitation). Another, “Farew… Go to person page >

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