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That retributory justice tracks our footsteps, is a doctrine as old as the race. It grows out of the conscience, and is confirmed by the experience of mankind. The Nemesis of the heathen, which was a mysterious pursuer of character, was only a personification of the doctrine. Misery grows out of sin, and happiness out of goodness.

I. THE LAW OF MORAL CAUSATION SHOWS THIS. Man's character is not the creation of a day or an hour, it is the result of past actions. When no change has taken place, like that of regeneration, the man's character to-day is the result of the whole of his past life, and will be, without such a renovation, the cause of the whole of his future. Character is a fruitful tree, it never ceases bearing, every branch is clustered, but the fruit is either misery or happiness, according to its own vital essence.

II. THE CONSTITUTION OF MORAL MIND SHOWS THIS. Moral mind has at least two faculties.

1. One to recall the past. The law of memory compels us to re-live our past lives.

2. One to feel the past. The past does not flit before us as shadows on the wall, as images on the glass, making no impression; it falls on conscience, it stirs it into feeling. The soul is compelled to shudder at a wicked past, whilst a virtuous past fills it with a quiet and ineffable delight.

III. THE TEACHING OF HOLY WRIT SHOWS THIS. The Bible assures us that God will render to every man according to his deeds (Joshua 7:20-26; Matthew 35.; Romans 2:6-10).

(D. Thomas, D. D.)

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KJV: Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.

WEB: Misfortune pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous.