"Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries?" James 3:12
There is only one answer to the question; of course, the fig tree can do nothing of the kind. It would be quite contrary to its nature, and hence, the apostle argues that Christians ought to act according to their nature. If we are indeed the children of God, we should act as his children, and always act as his children. We are not consistent if at one time we speak as heirs of heaven should speak, and at another time speak as the heirs of wrath speak. James truly tells us that a fountain cannot at the same time pour forth sweet water and bitter, salt water and fresh; and he therefore rightly argues that from the same mouth there must not proceed blessing and cursing, there must be a consistency of conduct in those who are the Lord's.
He was converted to Christ at the age of 16 and immediately began preaching. He preached in the streets and in the fields before he was 21. In his first church, he began with 100 members. It grew until he was preaching to 10,000 people in the Surrey Music Hall. His church, the Metropolitan Tabernacle, seated 6,000 people. He withdrew from every movement among English Baptists which tended to criticize the Authorized Version 1611 in any way.
Before his death, he published more than 2,000 sermons and 49 volumes of commentaries, sayings, anecdotes, illustrations, and devotions.
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