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I. THE PRESENT APPEARANCES OF THINGS ARE APT TO MAKE WRONG IMPRESSIONS ON OUR MINDS, RESPECTING GOD'S DEALINGS WITH MANKIND. Though we may see the wicked in prosperity and the righteous in affliction, we should ever keep in mind, that prosperity is no sign of God's favour, and that affliction is no necessary sign of His displeasure; and therefore, amidst the changes and vicissitudes of life, let us be on our guard against false and hasty reasonings, with regard to God's dealings with mankind.

II. A DAY WILL COME, WHEN THE TRUTH WILL BE SEEN AND ACKNOWLEDGED BY ALL, that "verily there is a reward for the righteous; doubtless there is a God that judgeth the earth." While we reflect upon these things, as certain and true, it is most important to inquire particularly into the nature of this judgment, and of this reward. The Bible gives us full instruction in this matter. It tells us, that "the eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good"; and that God "will render to every one according to his works."

(J. S. Pratt.)

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KJV: The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

WEB: The righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance. He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked;