hnving no clenr proof of his paternity, have received the tribal name in that relation. A foundling, with II shnmefu mystery lying behind hi~ life. 2. In the behaviour of men towards him. Those who were his brethren according to the flesh acted a most unbrotherly p1trt. Either from selfishness or a false feeling of shame, they expelled him from his father's house, closing the door of peaceful, honourable toil, and com- pelling him to resort to a career of bloodshed and irregularity. The very men who might, any of them, have committed a like sin to that of Jephthan's father are forward to rid themselves of its results. The world judges of men rather from their. misfortunes than from their personal misdeeds. And where nature bas been unkind, "man's inhumanity to man" is only the more signal. A social stigma is worse to bear up against than many of the greatest calamities which do not involve it. 3. In tlieforce of his circumstances as they arose. He is compelled to take up his abode in a far off border town, near to Ammon, the hereditary enemy of Israel, and surrounded by the conditions of a desert life, where be had to be " a law unto himself." A life of guerilla warfare, with its comparatively loose morale, is thrust upon him. Men of like misfortune and disposition, all more or less compromised with their tribes or nations, gather about him, and look to Lim for direction and initiative. But- II. NEVERTHELESS, THEY DO NOT DETERMINE DESTINY. Ile has somehow managed to preserve a measure of morality and religious observance, even in that wilderness Rtronghold. The worship of Jehovah is maintained, and the heart of the chieftain beats true to all the traditions of Israel. His personal influence and warlike prowess are at its service. His greatest exploits are not those of the private marauder, but of the patriot. It is character alone that determines destiny, and character is in our own keeping. One is continually meeting with such people-people who in difficult eircumstances are yet kept on the whole pure and faithful. Such were "they of Cresar's household." And- 111. IF RIGHTLY ENCOUNTERED THEY MAY REDOUND TO ADVANTAGE AND HONOUR. In the hour of Israel's need, repentant and humble, its elders approach the outlaw whom they bad expelled. The man himself is not prepared for the singular conversion. He questions them suspiciously, nay, with all his magnanimity, reminds them of their different behaviour in years gone by. They admit all ; but they are too humbled to make evasion and to conceal their real motive. He is master of the situation. His whole previous training and reputation now stand him in good stead, and he understands a little of God's dealings with him. The Bible is full of instances of men who have gained power and fame through the overcoming of difficulties. Time and God are on the side of them who, notwithstanding temptation, a.re found faithful. And is there not One who outshines all others in this? "The stone which the builders rejected is become the head stone of the corner." His career is our incentive and example (Phil. ii. 5-11). Have not all rejected Christ? In our need let us go to him, a nobler than Jephthah.-M. Vera. 4-11.-Magnanimity of patriotism. In the behnviour of Jephthah on this occnsion we have a noble illustration of the blending of the religious and the patriotic spirit. I. PERSONAL WRONGS ARI! FORGIVEN. He might hnve brooded over them, sulked, and rejoiced over the elders in their trouble. But be felt that bis country's distress was not a time or occasion for revenging the contumely and wrong that were past. This is the true spirit of the patriot. The individual is lost in the commonwealth. II. Hrs COUNTRY'S NEED 1B GENEROUSLY RESPONDED TO. What nn opportunity for an unprincipled, irreligious man I He might have turned Israel's loss to his own gnin. III. IIrs OWN FORTUNES ARE LOST SHlHT OF IN THE GREATRR AMUITION OF BEING THE SAVIOUR OF ms COUNTRY. Rank he does not value. He refuses leadership until it is shown that he is the Divinely revealed lender. He gi1·es all the honour to Jehovah. From that moment he wns at the service of his people, and the unselfish "servant of Jehovah." Men are found who will behave thus for earthly fatherlands and tempJral attachments. Often the human tie and the Divine conflict. Jephthab was serving God nnd country at once, The Christian will serve his friends 1111d his country b?st 124 TRE BOOK OF JUDGES. [CH. XI. 1-28.
\iy serving God first. How dear should the Church and kingdom of God on Mrth be to us I All other considerations should be lost eight of in the zeal for our Master's glory.-M.
Ver. 11.-Recognition of God in f!OSUions of honour and responsibility. How many would have at once swollen with eelf-conceit I &c. It is a test of the inner life of Jephthah. \Ve may all be more or less tested in this way. I. HE ENTERED UPON HIS GREAT TASK WITH A SENSE 01!' SOLEMN RESPONSIDILITY TO Goo. Mizpah was the reminder of an ancient covenant, a.ud its associations are honoured. II. HI!: MADE PUBLIC CONFESSION OF JEHOVAH. III. HE LOOKED TO JEHOVAH FOR GUIDANCE AND HELP.-M.