In the Gospel of Matthew (21:19) it is recorded of Christ Jesus: "When he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away."
It will be noted in the text that the fig tree was in leaf. When a fig tree is in that state, it should bear fruit. Hence, when no fruit was found upon the leafy tree, quite justly it was condemned as barren.
Like the leafy fig tree without fruit, words without works are barren. In "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 126) Mary Baker Eddy, the beloved Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, makes this pertinent statement: "Works, more than words, should characterize Christian Scientists." Unless the fruits of spiritual understanding are shown in good works, such understanding withers away. The command of Christ Jesus and of Christian Science is (Matt. 10:8), "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils."
