Yers. 12-28.-The model diplomatut. I. THE PROFOUND SAGACITY AND SENSE 01!' INTERNATIONAL COURTESIES AND OBLIGATIONS DISPLAYED BY JEPHTHAH. An historical sit:e is chosen, which had significance to all the nations neighbouring upon it. At M1zpah hnd Jacob and Laban made solemn covenant. To their descendant nations the place could not but possess a religious interest. It was a distinct advantage therefore, to take up his head-quarters there. All bis soul is possessed by the old ~sociatione of the place. It appears even in his language (vere. 10, 11). This per- sistent reference to the place was a guarantee of good faith and brotherly feeling. He spen.ks of the gods of Ammon and Israel from a neutral point of view. II. His APPEAL TO HISTORY. It is sacred history, with the seal of God upon it. He recounts the details of the conquest by Israel, so far as they a.re relevant; shows that their own land is held by that title, and asks why for 300 years Israel's occupancy of the disputed territory had not been contested. The example of Balak, who saw that it would be destruction for him to contend with Israel, and forbore, is quoted aptly. The geographical limits are carefully indicated. Ill. ALL THIS WAS WORTH WHILE, even with a heathen adversary. It stated the case upon broad, intelligible grounds; it raised no irrelevant questions, but was con- ciliatory; anci there was no attempt at compromise. It is a moral gain when a point in dispute is thus clearly and dispassionately argued. It did not avert war, but it justified it. .And Israel were strengthened and encouraged. The people could grasp the outlines of this great claim. They could go forward with confidence that their ea.use was righteonR, and therefore the cause of God. Disputes between individuals and nations should be settled-(!) upon common grounds and associations ; (2) courteously and kindly; (3) with careful regard to facts; and (4) God should be the great Witness.-M. Ver. 7.-The friend in need. I. THE VALUE OF A TRUE FRIEND IS BEEN IN THE TIME OI!' ADVERSITY. Jephthah was hated by the elders of Israel in prosperous times, but when trouble came he was discovered to be their best friend. The wise man will endeavour to cultivate the friendship of the good and great. It is foolish to let valued friends pass away from us through negligence or slight offence. There are few forms of earthly riches more valuable than that of a treasury of friendahips. We may be careless of this in circumstances of ease; but if so, trouble will reveal our mistake. Christ is a Friend who sticketh closer than a. brother, too often neg- lected in prosperity, l;mt found to be the one needed Helper in the hour of darkness (Isa. xxxii. 2). II. THE BEST FRIEND 1B NOT ALWAYS THE MOST POPULAR. He may be poor, un- pretending, eccentric, or dull. It is foolish to choose our friends by the super~cia.l attractions of social amusement. The boon companion may prove a shallow friend. Sterling qualities of fidelity, self-denying devotion, &c. are not always accompanied by brilliant conversational gifts and such other pleasing characteristics as shine in festive scenes. Christ, the best of friends, was despised and rejected of men. It mny be that the very excellency of the friend is the ea.use of his unpopularity. He will not lend himself to low pursuits, and so is considered morose; he refuses to flatter our weakness,-perhaps bravely and disinterestedly rebukes our fa.ults,-and is therefore thought censorioll8 and offensive; he aim~ at raising us to what is worthy CR. xr: 29-40.] THE BOOK OF JUDGES. 125
of our efforts, and ie voted " a bore." The time of trouble will destroy this unjust estimate, but it would be more wise and generous in us to value our friends at all times for their beet qualities, even though the sobriety of them may appear dull. III. THE TI\UE FRIEND WILL NOT REFUSE HELP IN NEED, ALTHOUGH HE MAY HAVE RECEIVED UNWORTHY TREATMENT IN PROSPEROUS TIMES. Jcphthah naturally reproaches the elders of Israel, but he is too noble to refuse to come to their help. True friend- ship is generous, unselfish, and forgiving. It does not stand " on its rights," "on its dignity." It ie more concerned with the welfare of those in whom it is interested than with their deserts. The patriot will not let his country suffer because he is per- sonally piqued at the conduct of its leaders. The Christian should learn not to injure the cause of Christ through the pride and offence which the wrong conduct of re- sponsible persons in the Church may excite. Israel is larger than the elders of Israel. The Church is greater than her doctors and ministers. Jephthah is a type of Christ, who does not refuse to help us though we have rejected him in the past.-A.