[It is not by speculative notions that you are to judge of your state, but by your spirit, your temper, your whole conduct and conversation. " The tree must be known by its fruit." Now, as the ungodly form a perfect contrast with the godly, so let your sj)irit and conduct be a perfect contrast with theirs. Are the ungodly following the course of this world, and minding only the things of the flesh? Let it be said of you, " They ARE NOT so:" " their conversation is in heaven ; " their delight is altogether in spiritual things ; and " their fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ." In a word, endeavour to be as different from the ungodly world around you, as a verdant and fruitful tree is from one which is withered and dead ; and know, that, if you are looking to the Lord Jesus Christ for fresh supplies of his Spirit and grace, you shall receive from him such rich communications as shall be abundantly sufficient for you^ ]
^ Hos. xiv. 4 — 7.
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Ps. ii. 1 — 12. Why do the heathen rage, a7id the people imagine a vain thing ? The kings of the earth set them- selves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his Anointed, saying, Let us break their hands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh : the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his ivrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I ivill declare the decree : the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my So7i ; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shall break them with a rod of iron ; thou shall dash them in pieces like a potter s vessel. Be ivise now therefore, 0 ye kings ; be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice ivith trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
THIS psalm, in its primary sense, relates to David : it declares the opposition which should be made to his establishment on the throne of Israel, and the final subjugation of all his enemies : both of which