Again, how often it happens that a fine physical constitution, health, strength, and vigor, are given to the worldling, and are denied to the child of God.  The possession of worldly good is greatly enhanced in value, by a fine capability of enjoying it.  When therefore we see wealth joined, with health, and luxury in all the surroundings and appointments combined with taste to appreciate them and a full flow of blood to enjoy them, or access to wide and influential circles, in politics and fashion, given to one who is well fitted by personal qualities to move in them,—­when we see a happy adaptation existing between the man and his good fortune, as we call it,—­we see not only the “good things,” but the “good things” in their gayest and most attractive forms and colors.  And how often is all this observed in the instance of the natural man; and how often is there little or none of this in the instance of the spiritual man.  We by no means imply, that it is impossible for the possessor of this world’s goods to love mercy, to do justly, and to walk humbly; and we are well aware that under the garb of poverty and toil there may beat a murmuring and rebellious heart.  But we think that from generation to generation, in this imperfect and probationary world, it will be found to be a fact, that when merely earthly and physical good is allotted in large amounts by the providence of God; that when great incomes and ample means of luxury are given; in the majority of instances they are given to the enemies of God, and not to His dear children.  So the Psalmist seems to have thought.  “I was envious,”—­he says,—­“when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.  For there are no bands in their death; but their strength is firm.  They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.  Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.  Their eyes stand out with fatness; they have more than heart could wish.  Behold these are the ungodly who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.  Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.  For all day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning” (Ps. lxxiii).  And it should be carefully noticed, that the Psalmist, even after further reflection, does not alter his statement respecting the relative positions of the godly and the ungodly in this world.  He sees no reason to correct his estimate, upon this point.  He lets it stand.  So far as this merely physical existence is concerned, the wicked man has the advantage.  It is only when the Psalmist looks beyond this life, that he sees the compensation, and the balancing again of the scales of eternal right and justice.  “When I thought to know this,”—­when I reflected upon this inequality, and apparent injustice, in the treatment of the friends and the enemies of God,—­“it was too painful for me, until I went into the sanctuary of God,”—­until