wor~ for God wliile '!ny known S'in i,s '?®ing its _deadly shade upon us. Are you seekmg to do sornethmg for God ? begm by plucking out the right eye that offends by throwing down the altar of the false god within you. Lay the axe to the root of the tree, _and at any risk or c:ost clear Y?urself_ of complicity with sin. Then you may begm your work. Agam, be bold in a right cause; do not quail before risk and danger, because no great work was ever done without it; and if our work is of G:od, <la?gcrs wil! fade away before his Almi_ghty help. God can brush away the difficulties and hmdrances that threaten us, hke cobwebs. Again remember that nothiug creates enthusiasm and attracts companions so much as co~rage and daring. The timid may work single-handed all their lives ; but a leader "bold and brave" never lacks followers. There is excitement in bold action, and courage commands confidence. Beyond a doubt "the boldness of Peter and John" (Acts iv. 13) was one of t~e things that_ belpc:d t~ build up th_e Church in those days of danger and persecution. St. Pauls unfhnchmg courage m the face of Jews and Gentiles was a great power in bis missionary work. The fearless attitude of Luther and of the English Reformers before all the power of Pope and priests and the civil sword breathed a spirit of untameable resolution into the hearts of their followers. And so it always has been, and always will be. Boldness of action springing from deep con- viction of truth is the surest presage of success. Let us learn to be courageous in e"<"ery good thing ; not flinching from dangers, or shirking consequences, or hang- ing back iu cowardly delay, when once our judgment is clear of what is right to be done. Then may we hope to lead others and to stir up many to help in the g·ood cause of truth and righteousness. Enthusiasm, decision, and courage, coupled with a sound mind, are among the great wants of our day.
HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vers. 25---30. - The .first work. The training of Gideon has now fairly com- menced, and it is not allowed to lag. There is no interval between command and execution. The growth of Gideon's spiritual character is gradual, and there is a beautiful fitness in each step ; but it is also rapid and decisive. I. IT IS A RELIGIOUS WORK OF INDIVIDUAL AND NATIONAL·CONSEQUENCE. An idola- trous altar to be razed, an altar to the trne God to be reared. The p,lan of the altar of Baal was different from that of the altar of Jehovah, and could not be mistaken for it. The whole neighbourhood knew. How many such substitutions are taking place every day-the symbol of wickedness and unbelief givin_g _Place Jo. that of faith. Our works are our true words to men. Much of the Chnstrnn religion con- E>ists in witnessing. There cannot be too marked a contrast, if it be real. A religiouR revolution of the most radical description took place. The whole question of reli~on was once more raised, and settled otherwise. II. IT w AS A COMPLETE WOBK. Not only destruction, but construction ; negative and positive. .A.11 true witnessing should be such. Negative_ criticis':1 me.rely is mischievous. It is not enough to declare ourselves by abstention A.nd maction, _or by rebuke and captious judgment; we must do the works of God. We must build as well as destroy. III. IT WAB A TEST OF BIB SINCERITY. 1. It committed Gideon. There could be no drawing back. It was a challenge to the whole people. The hill-top was seen from afar. 2. It required energy. No slight task even as a manual labour. Organisation, leadership, vigorous and timely effort were necessary. 3 .. Courage was demanded. .A. new beginning, a great reform, had to be made.. Difficult to take the initiative. Many reasons could have been found for conformity to est!lb- lished usages. The most rancorous hatred would be at once aroused. Only high faith and clear, Heaven-informed purpose could have secured bis-success. III. IT WAS A PERSONAL, IMMEDIATE, AND DOMESTIO WORK. Joasb, infirm as his faith in Baal was, was responsible for the erection and maintenance of the altar of Daal. The worship was popular, and be patronised it. That had to be publicly retracted. How near at hand was the field of Gideon'e first work I His own life bad to be openly changed ; bis home had tu witness hie zeal for God. There are many who profess to be at a loss for somethiug by which to testify their love for God and (JI!, VI. 25-82.] THE BOOK OF JUDGE!'!. C9
righteousness. Let them do righteously, love mercy, and walk humbly before God and there will soon be disturbance and persecution. Our own homes are to be tb~ scenes of our first obedience. What have we done there? And although, apparently a day intel'Vened between the vision and the work of demolition, yet no time was lost~ The first fitting opportunity is sought and utilised, and the interval is"occupied with the necessary preparations. So God expects prompt obedience from all bis children. The amok~ of that new altar-bow much it signified I Are we yet hie? Let us lose no time in giving our hearts to him. What is our record? Let our deeds speak for us. Time is short.-M. Vere. 29, 30.-Who hath done this thing 1 A frequent inquiry. A natmal curiosity-to trace up to causes ; a religious rancour-to visit punishment npon the author. I. THE WORLD TAKES NOTE OF THE ACTIONS AND LIVES OF THE RIGHTEOUS. The effects of religion are ever an astonishment, a delight or a vexation. There is some- thing in them that piques curiosity and rouses interest. Men tried to explain Christ. Religious questions ever the most keenly discussed. I!, Tmi; REASON OF THIS IS IN THE VITAL IMPORTANCE OF THE QUESTIONS INVOLVED. Temporal convenience and interests are compromised. The craftsmen of Ephesus. Life and death eternal depend upoq our conduct here. Christians are a reproof to the unfruitful works of darkness. III. IT IS WELL WHEN OUR DEEDS ARE INQUIRED ABOUT THAT THEY SHOULD BE GOOD, AND NOT EVIL. The detective usually tracks the criminal. How much better eo to act that we shall not fear when men discover our works. So act that whrn revelation comes "they may be ashamed who falsely accuse our good conversation in Christ." To our own Master we stand or fall. In that day we shall not heed the judgments of men.-M.