"See, I have set before thee this day _life and good_ and _death and evil_." Thus it is ever in the government of God. The two things are inseparably linked together. Let no man dare to snap the link. God "will render to every man according to his deeds; to them who, by patient continuance in well-doing, seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon _every soul of man that doeth evil_, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; but glory, honor, and peace to _every man that worketh good_, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: _for there is no respect of persons with God_." (Rom. ii. 6-11.) The apostle does not, in this great practical passage, go into the question of power; he simply states the broad fact--a fact applicable at all times and under all dispensations--government, law, and Christianity; it ever holds good that "God will render to every man according to his deeds." This is of the very last possible importance. May we ever bear it in mind. It may perhaps be said, Are not Christians under grace? Yes, thank God; but does this weaken, in the smallest degree, the grand governmental principle stated above? Nay, it strengthens and confirms it immensely. But again, some may feel disposed to say, Can any unconverted person do good? We reply, This question is not raised in the scripture just quoted. Every one taught of God knows and feels and owns that not one atom of "good" has ever been done in this world but by the grace of God; that man left to himself will do evil only--evil continually. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights." All this is most blessedly true, and thankfully owned by every pious soul, but it leaves wholly untouched the fact set forth in Deuteronomy xxx. and confirmed by Romans ii, that _life and good_, _death and evil_, are bound together by an inseparable link. May we never forget it. May it ever abide in the remembrance of the thoughts of our hearts.