II0MILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Ver. 22.-Diggi,n[(, wells of salvation. "And he removed from thence, and digged another well. ' Historically, an instance of a meek and quiet spirit in con- tact with the world. ,vells precious. Often formed with much labour. Herds- men of Gerar took what Isaac had digged. Twice he yielded for the sake of peace. Then l?e digged another, and for it they st~ove !lot: His example ( cf. Matt. v. 39 ; 1 Cor. v1. 7). But we may also observe a typical s1gmficance. Wells,fountains sources of " living wnter" (Isa. xii. 3 ; Zech. xiii. 1) connected with spiritual blessi~gs ( cf. 1 Cor. x. 4 with John iv. 14, and vii. 39). I. ISAAC DIGGED, to find "the gift of God" (common Eastern name for water). The gift is from God alone (Isa. xliv. 3 ; Zech. xii. 10). His will to bless appears through the whole Bible-in the first formation of man, and in care for the salvation of sinners (Luke xix. 10). But many, though thirsty, do not seek living water. They have not peace. Separation from God brings unrest (Isa. lvii. 20). But the cause is not believed, and the way of comfort not loved. Many try all ways to find peace except the right one. They will follow preachers, or take up systems, or join associations. Bat Christ's word is "Come unto me." Again, many will not dig ; content merely to wish. God who bestows the gift has appointed means (Matt. xi. 12). These do not really desire a work of grace in their souls. Want to be made safe, not to be renewed ; to be delivered from fear, bat not disturbed just now. Hence do not search their Bibles (Ps. cxix. 130), or pray for the Holy Spirit (Ezek. xxxvii. 9), or care for the salvation of others (1 John iii. 17). It is God's will- we should dig. He may send a blessing unsought. But usually he works through means. The Bible, prayer, the Lord's table, Christian converse, Christian work (Prov. xi. 25), all are as wells, means for getting the water of life; nothing in themselves, yet rnade effectual where the blessing is desired. IL HINDRAN'CES. Let none expect to possess wells of salvation without. They fonn the trial of faith (1 Pet. i. 7). From those who love not God. A Christian member of a worldly family, or cast among careless associates, meets many hin- drances. They may be open or veiled ; in opposition or in mistaken kindness. And time for prayer is intruded on, and work for God is hindered, and a constant opposing influence is felt to chill the love of God. Or the hindrance may be from within. In prayer the mind overpowered by intrusive thoughts ; besetting sins constantly gaining the victory ; our spirits not in harmony with the "still email voice." Remember it is God's will through trial to give victory (1 Cor. x. 13). Amalek fought against Israel (Exod. xvii.) as the herdsmen strove against Isaac, but the way of victory was the same in both instances-trust and perseverance. Ill. DIGGED ANOTHER WELL (Gal. vi. 9). Will the Lord fail his people though surrounded by hindrances? le some means of grace debarred ? Is some line of Christian work, some way of Christian progress, closed against thee ? Dig another well. Seek and pray for other channels in which to consecrate thy life. Perhaps tlie real foe hindering thee was self-will, and God has helped thee to put down self. Jesus cried, 11 Come unto me and drink." Whatever be the well, he is the source of its spring. Make it clear to your own heart that you are pressing to him. Tell God that it is indeed so. Then in some fonn or other the prayer, 11 Spring up, 0 well," sbnll have an abundant !lnswer.-M.
EXPOSITION. Yer. 23. -And he (viz., Isaac) went up Ver. 24,-And the Lord appeared unto from thence (Rehoboth, where latteJ'ly ho him the samo night (i. e. tho night of his l,ad been encamped) to Beer-sheba-a former arrival at Beersheba), and said (in a dream residence of Auraham (eh. xxL 33), situated or vision), I (tho pronoun is emphatic) aru '' near lhe water-shed between the Mediter- the God (tho Elohim) of Abraham thy fathor ranean and the Salt Sea" (Murphy), hence (the language is oxprcssi vo not alone of tho approaclieJ. from tlw low-lying wa<ly by an covenant relationship which subsistcu be- a.ecenl tween Jehovah and the p1ttriarch while the OH, XXVI. 23-3b.] 'l'HE DOOK OF GENESIS. 331