the double-minded hypocrite brings forth no fruit. The pomegranate apple
is exceedingly beautiful and delicious; and so the real fruits of
Christianity are full of beauty and loveliness. Again, the church is
said to lay up for Christ all manner of pleasant fruit, new and old.
But, _backsliding_ Israel is called an empty vine, bringing forth fruit
_unto himself_. Here we may distinguish between the _apparent_ good
fruits of the hypocrite and those of the real Christian. The latter
does everything for Christ. He really desires the glory of God, and the
advancement of Christ's Kingdom; and this is his ruling motive in all
his conduct. But the former, though he may do many things good in
themselves, yet does them all with selfish motives. His ruling desire is
to gratify himself, and to promote 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