e his own honor and interest, either in
this world, or in that which is to come.

The _fruit_ which his people bring forth is that on which Christ chiefly
insists, as a test of Christian character. "Every good tree bringeth
forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit." He
compares himself to a vine, and his followers to branches; and informs
them that every branch which beareth not fruit shall be taken away. In
the passage quoted from the first Psalm, the righteous is said to bring
forth fruit _in his season_. And in the 92d Psalm and 14th verse, it is
said, "They shall still bring forth fruit _in their old age_; they shall
_be fat and flourishing_;" thus exhibiting a constancy of fruit-bearing,
and an uninterrupted growth, even down to old age.

But, it becomes a matter of serious inquiry to know what is meant by
bringing forth fruit _in his season_. The apostle Paul says, "The fruit
of the Spirit is in _all_ goodness, and righteousness, and truth."
Hence, we conclude, that bringing forth fruit _in season_ must be
carrying out the principles of the gospel into every part of our
conduct. In another place, the same apostle informs us more particularly
what are the fruits of the Spirit: "The fruit of the Spirit is love,
joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness,
temperance." Let us, then, carry out these principles, and see what
influence they will have upon the Christian character. _Love_ is
something that can be _felt_. It is an outgoing of heart towards the
object loved, and a feeling of union with it. When we have a strong
affection for a friend, it is because we see in him something that is
lovely. We love his society, and delight to think of him when he is
absent. Our minds are continually upon the lovely traits of his
character. So ought we to love God. The ground of this love should be
the infinite purity, excellence, and beauty of his moral perfections,
independent of our relations to him. He is infinite loveliness in
himself. There is such a thing as feeling this love in exercise. In the
Song of Solomon, love is said to be "_strong as death_." Surely, this is
no faint imagery. Is it possible for a person to exercise a feeling "as
strong as death," and yet not be sensible of it? Love takes hold of
every faculty of soul and body. It must, then, be no very dull feeling.
Again; the warmth and the settled and abiding nature of love are
represented by such strong language as