persecution does not parch it, nor do the storms of adversity destroy it. No, the godly looks through ordinances to the God of ordinances, and the trials of this life, only make him go more boldly to a throne of grace, to obtain help in time of need; so his leaf, or his profession, does not wither, and the fruit follows, it comes in its season." Such people are blessed, says the Psalmist, and whatsoever they do shall prosper. We are ready to exclaim, Surely this is a mistake. Are not losses and crosses the portion of the godly in many cases? True, replies the searcher of divine truth, if we only look at the present, but God would have us look into eternity. He may afflict the body to benefit the soul, the present light affliction is to work a far more exceeding weight of glory, the present loss is to lead to future gain; and such are the blessings of trial, even in this life, that with St. Paul we may say, 'We know that all things work together for good to them that love God,' so that, when with the Patriarch Jacob, we are ready to exclaim, 'All these things are against me,' they may be the very turning-point of our happiness and prosperity. The godly are watched over by a special Providence, and what they do the Lord makes it to prosper. Even their unintentional mistakes are over-ruled for good, when the desire has been to act rightly, for the soul prospers even by that humbling, which keeps the body low, while Almighty strength is given to meet every affliction. Are we among the godly? We may have Christian parents, Christian friends, a Christian name, and Christian privileges, but do we shrink from our own Christian profession at the Lord's Table, from fear of man? If so, our leaf will not be green, I mean our profession will not be that fresh, healthy, sincere proof that the heart is right. The fear of man bringeth a snare.' Oh! let us look away from man, and let us look to God. We need not fear making a profession, for if we are sincere in our desire to serve Him, He will meet us with a blessing, and while, with joy, we 'draw water from the wells of salvation,' our fruit will be unto holiness, and the end will be everlasting life. 6 Wednesday Evening. PSALM i. BLESSED is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season: his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. THE UNGODLY CONSIDERED. May the Holy Spirit turn us from sin, and give us the blessing of the righteous. IN the morning we studied the character of the righteous, now let us turn to the latter portion of this psalm. What a contrast is the ungodly! They are worthless in God's sight. They make a show; indeed, they often seem to take the lead before the godly. Like the chaff which is so much seen when the corn is being winnowed, that the grain is scarcely noticed. But what comes of the chaff? The wind driveth it away;' and just so will it be with the ungodly at the last day. They will not be able to stand in the judgment. 'They would not accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour in this world, so they will not have Him to plead their cause in the next world. Depart from me, I never knew you,' are the words they will hear addressed to them. 6 They never asked in prayer for God's Holy Spirit to fit them for heaven, so there is no other place for them but the fire, which never shall be quenched. Those who are not prepared for heaven when they live, can never expect to live in heaven when they die. Oh! how solemn are the words, 'The ungodly shall perish!' But let us look at the end of the righteous, "The Lord knows the way of the righteous.' He knows every wish to do right, every effort to check what is wrong. He knows every desire to submit to His will, every struggle against besetting sin. He knows every wish of the heart, for He understands the thoughts afar off, and discerns the least germ of good. He also knows every trial of station. He knows all circumstances, and the affliction in mind, body, or estate. Yes, 'the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous,' and He approves of the way. He also knows the end of the way; for at the last great Day, when we shall all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ, to give account of the deeds done in the body, will every humble follower of the Lord Jesus, hear this joyful sentence pronounced, 'Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.' This is the end of the righteous. Let us each decide for ourselves to which class we belong. Are we among the godly or the ungodly? Let us ponder it alone, and let us each pray, Lord Jesus, save me, or I shall perish. Make me holy by Thy Spirit's help, for I wish to be blessed. |