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 we 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]

Source: The Gospel Awakening: a collection of original and selected "hymns and spiritual songs" for the use in gospel meetings everywhere #173