either from God or man, was to expose themselves unne- cessarily to the utmost peril, and in reality to tempt God. Doubtless a contempt of danger is a great virtue in a soldier ; but it may be unduly exercised : and we are persuaded that, before men put their lives in jeopardy, they should inquire, whether the occasion be sufficiently important to demand it, or, at least, whether they be called to it in the way of duty.]
3. As piously suppressed —
[When the water was brought to him, he refused to drink of it ; and, with a mixture of shame and gratitude, poured it out as a drink-offering unto the Lord. To him it appeared, that the drinking of it would be like drinking the blood of his most faithful servants : and therefore, much as he had desired it before, he would on no account gratify his appetite at such an expense. This argued true love to those who had served him at so great a risk, and genuine piety towards God, whose merciful kindness he thus gratefully acknowledged. But how Httle of such self-denial is there in the world ! how few, when a desired gratification is within their reach, will abstain from the indvdgence of it, from the consideration of the evils which may accrue to the object that administers to their
delight ! If however we condemn David for cherishing
such a wish, we cannot but applaud the forbearance he exer- cised in reference to it, when it was obtained.]
Let us now contemplate,
IL The lessons to be learned from it —
1. Hov\r strong a principle is love!
[Love dictated the measure wliich these soldiers took : whilst therefore we disapprove the act, we must admire the principle from which it proceeded. It is a principle " strong as death;" nor can "many waters quench it." It is a prin- ciple also by which, not soldiers only, but persons in every situation and relation of life should be actuated : and how happy would it be for the world, if it operated universally in its full extent ! How happy if, in our social and domestic circles, the only contest was, who should shew^ most love, and exert himself in the most self-denying way for the good of others ! This is the spirit which God himself approves^; and the Lord grant it may increase and abound amongst us more and more^!]
2. How should we delight to exercise love towards our Lord Jesus Christ in particular!
[He is " the Captain of our salvation," and " of all the
e Heb. X. 21. f 1 Thess. iii. 12.