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The fig (what species is immaterial) is frequently 
alluded to in this portion of the sacred volume. The 
curse denounced against the barren fig-tree is too 
striking an event to be passed unnoticed. In reference 
to it, Hartwell Horne, in his Introduction to the Critical 
Study of the Scriptures, has the following remark: — “ It 
is a well-known fact that the fruit of these prolific trees 
always precedes the leaves; consequently, when Jesus 
Christ saw one of them in full vigour having leaves , he 
might, according to the common course of nature, very 
justly look for fruit , and haply find some boccores or 
early figs, if not some winter figs upon it.” 
Besides the immediate inference which our blessed 
Saviour himself pointed out to his wondering disciples 
from this circumstance, namely, the power of faith, it 
seems capable of affording another lesson. Does it not 
intimate the danger of a false and fruitless profession ? 
“ Every branch,” says our Lord, “ in me that beareth 
not fruit he taketh away.” 
