The first item inspected by the Lord and the servant is the mother tree. The record states that it was producing fruit but the fruit was of all different kinds, and apparently, none of it was any good. This is an accurate description of Christianity during the latter part of the Apostasy. The Reformation had produced a myriad of different churches all claiming the truth. They spread the word and converted many, producing a lot of fruit. Unfortunately, their works were not recognized by the Lord, for their hearts are far from me, and they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof (JS-Hist 1:19). They had a form of godliness, they were producing fruit, but the fruit did not taste good to the Lord.