SONGS OF ZION.

SONGS OF ZION,

UHEER AND GUIDE PILGRIMS ON THEIR WAY TO TRE

HEAVENLY JERUSALEM.

1. THE BARREN FIG-TREE.

WITH a vineyard's sunny bound
An ample fig-tree shelter found,

Enjoying sun and showers-
The boughs were graceful to the view,
With spreading leaves of deep-green liae,

And gaily blushing flowers.
When round the vintage season came,
This blooming fig was still the same

As promising and fair;
But though the leaves were broad and green
No precious fruit was to be seen,

Because no fruit was there.
“ For three long years,” the master cried,
" Fruit on this tree to find I've tried,

But all in vain my toil;
Ungrateful tree! the axe's blow
Shall lay thy leafy honours low:

Why cumbers it the soil ?"
"Ah! let it stand just one year more,"
The dresser said, “till all my store

Of rural arts I've shown:
é bout the massy roots I'll dig;
And if it bear, we've gained the fig,-

If not, then cut it down."
How many years hast thou, my heart,
Acted the barren fig-tree's part,

Leafy, and fresh, and fair,
Enjoying heavenly dews of grace,
And sunny smiles from God's own face !--

But where the fruit? ab! where?