Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 3:9-10

"and think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And even now the axe lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire." — Matthew 3:9-10 (ASV)

And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees:

No mere pruning and trimming work did John come to do; he was the handler of a sharp axe that was to fell every worthless tree.