The tree is known by its fruit

“The tree is known by its fruit.”
Mat_12:22-37
Mat_12:22
It would seem that the devil had special licence to do his worst among men during the days of our Lord’s sojourn upon earth. Thus was he the more gloriously defeated by the Son of God in many pitched battles between the two champions.
Mat_12:23
They spoke honestly, but their leaders were prejudiced, and refused to see what was clear enough to the most ordinary understandings. It is a dreadful thing to be so warped by. education as to refuse to admit what is plain to all.
Mat_12:27-29
For some of the sons of the Pharisees pretended to be able to heal possessed persons.
Mat_12:30
Let this always be remembered, and let each one ask himself, “Am I with Christ?” If not, remember you are against him. Can you bear this?
Mat_12:31-32
A terrible doom which fell upon these Pharisees and destroyed them. How careful we ought to be to render all reverence and obedience to the Holy Spirit, lest by grieving him away we should be left to final perdition! While the Spirit of God still continues to strive with us we have not committed this deadly sin.
Mat_12:33
Nothing will suffice but a change of nature. The very root and sap of the soul must be renewed by grace.
Mat_12:35
That which is in comes out. The stream declares the character of the fountain.
Mat_12:36-37
This makes common talk a solemn matter. Who among us can bear such a test? Let us fly to the blood of Jesus for cleansing from sins of the tongue, and to the Spirit of God to bridle that unruly member.

Sovereign of heaven! thine empire spreads
O’er all the world on high,
And at thy frown the infernal powers
In wild confusion fly.

Like lightning, from his glittering throne
The great arch-traitor fell,
Driven with enormous ruin down
To infamy and hell.

Permitted now to range at large,
And traverse earth and air,
O’er captive human souls he reigns,
And boasts his kingdom there.

Yet thence thy grace can drive him our,
With one almighty word;
O send thy potent sceptre forth,
And reign victorious, Lord!