most tempted, and most accustomed, to commit, that is the evil against which we must most watchfully guard^ and from which
we must most resolutely depart On the other hand, we
must be occupied in doing good. The doing of good should be the great business of life : first, the doing good to our own house- hold ; then to all our neighbours; then to the Church of God at large. The devising of good, and the executing of good, and the uniting with others in the good devised by them, and the stirring up all around us to do good according to their oppor- tunities and ability ; this is a life worthy of a Christian, and ne- cessarily flowing from the fear of God. If we truly fear God, we shall " abhor that which is evil, and cleave (be glued) to that which is good," and " be fruitful in all the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God."]
3. In our whole spirit and temper —
[A peaceful, loving spirit will characterize every Child of God. " God is love ;" and all his Children will resemble him in this glorious attribute. True it is, that it is not always pos- sible to be at peace, because some are so wicked and unreasonable that they will take occasion even from our very peacefulness to injure us the more. Hence St. Paul says, " If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." Whether we succeed or not, our constant aim and effort must be for peace. For the preservation of it we should account no sacrifice too great : and we should be as studious to promote it amongst others, as to preserve it with ourselves. If we see an unkind spirit prevailing any where, we should endeavour to extinguish the fire, and not, by countenancing it, add fuel to the flame. The evil of contention is so great, that no one who possesses heavenly wisdom will engage in it himself, or encourage it in others''. If we fear the Lord indeed, our constant labour will be to " keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."]
Whilst explaining thus wherein the fear of the Lord consists, the Psalmist points out,
II. The importance of cultivating it in our own hearts — As for those who had no concern about their souls, he did not expect them to hearken to such self- denying lessons as he endeavoured to inculcate: but to those who desired true happiness in this world and the next, he gave the advice which we have already considered''. To enforce his advice, he assured them of,
." 1. God's
, '' Jam. iii, 13 — 18. * ver. 12.