2. In their condition^ —
[To such a tree as has been before described, the ungodly bear no resemblance : their root is lixed in the world : their fruit is no other than "grapes of Sodom and clusters of Go- morrha." But there is an apjDropriate comparison for them also ; " they are like the chaff which the wind driveth away." Truly, they are as light and worthless as chaff. No solid prin- ciple of piety is found in them ; nor is there any thing in their character which God approves. To a superficial observer they may appear like wheat : but the fan or sieve will soon discover how empty and unsubstantial they are: or, if they continue mixed with the wheat in this world, the separation will speedily and infalHbly take place in the world to come. The Judge of quick and dead will come, even He, of whom it is said, " His fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire''." Amongst the wheat, not an atom of chaff will then be found ; nor amongst the chaff, one grain of wheat ''. This, divested of metaphor, is plainly declared in the psalm before us ; " The ungodly shall not stand in the judg- ment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous^." Ah! what an immense difference is here in the conditions of the two parties ! the one approved of their God, and made partakers of everlasting felicity ; the other, abhorred of him, and plunged into everlasting perdition^!]
Address —
1. To young people —
[To you it appears but a small matter whom you choose for your associates. But, if you consider how much we are influenced by the sentiments and examples of others, and what awful consequences will follow from the conduct we pursue, we shall see the necessity of selecting those only for our friends, who, we have reason to believe, are the friends of God. Let not then the rank or talents of men, and still less their gaiety and dissipation, attract your regards ; but let the piety of their hearts and the holiness of their lives, be their highest recom- mendation to your friendship. As our blessed Lord " was not of the world, so neither must ye be:" but you must " come out from among them, and be separate," and choose for your companions " the excellent of the earth, and such as excel in virtue, s"]
2. To those who profess godliness —
^ Nor in the " blessedness^'' of the saints have they any part or lot. •= Matt. iii. 12. ^ Amos ix. 9. e yer. 5. f ver. C.
g Prov. iv. 14, 15. Jam. iv. 4. 2 Cor. vi. 14—17.