(Act8 ni. H), that it is likely to bloom out in a fitting public profession. It Is "with the heart man believeth unto righteousnes~," and then" with the mouth confession is mnde unto salvation" (Rom. x. 10). As the ark received the tables of the Law, so the heart 0f man is to be the depository oft-he Divine commandments. II. Goo's WORDS ARE TO BE KF.PT BEFORE OUR OWN EYES AND THE EYES OF OTHERS. This seems to be the idea about the frontlets between the eyes-in this way others had the words displayed for their benefit; whereas the placing them upon the hand was for the indi,·idual's own memorial (cf. Isa.. xlix. 16). So the person heartily interested in God's Word will make arrangements to remind himself continually of it, and also to keep it before the minds of others. Religion thus becomes not only a constant personal experience, but a constant public profession. Ill. Goo's WORDS ARE TO BE THE STAPLE OF HOME TRAINING. The children are tn be taught them at home, when the "home school" is gathered together. God's wnrds are also to be the staple of conversation when parents and children are enjoying i heir saunters together. And the first thought of the morning and the last at night ,!ioul<l be of God's commandments. In this way the indoctrination of the risin" generation is to be secured. Well woulci it be for us still if these old J-ewish rule~ were l'ractised. IY. 'fm: HOUSEFIOL~ IS TO MAKE PUBLIC PROFESSION OF RELIGION AS WELL AB THE I~DIVID0AL. Some individuals content themselves with a personal concern in religion, and are willing to be members of e. household which does not collectively identify itself with God. But the Jew was to write God's commandments on the doorposts and on tbe gates of his house. The household was thus to be God's. The fact is that households need conversion just as individuals do. There is as much difference between a religious household and e. worldly one as there is between a converted and an un- con vertcd individual. The direction given consequently to the Jews covered the household as well as the person, and was thus perfect. ' · THE RESULT OF SUCH FAITHFULNESS WILL BE COMPLETE SUCCESS. The Lord engages to drive out the nations from before them, even though they be greater and mightier than Israel. He will make the obedient ones resistless. He will make the fear of them to fall like a nightmare on their enemies, and not one of them will be able to stand before them. And surely all thls is but a type of the success which still waits upon God's obedient people. Not, of course, that temporal success is the form of success desired or granted now. Many of God's people continue poor, but they succeed in life nevertheless. \\'hen they have 1;1"9.Ce to show a contented spirit amid their limited resources, they succeed in demc-:istrating that God is all-sufficient, and are the best testimony to the reality of religion before men. When the saints can sing with Habakkuk, ".Although the fig tree shall not blossom," etc., "yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation" (Bab. iii. 17, 18), they have really prospered in all life's essentials. It is thus in various ways the Lord fulfils his covenant engagements, and makes all that his people do to prosper (Ps. i. 3). Obedience is consequently the charter of success. But we leave to our loving Father to determine what our success will be. We do not insist on its assuming the form of gold and silver, venison and champagne. The success of self-conquest, the success of beincr0 public benefactors, the success of serving our generation by the will of God ere we fall on 6leep,-tbis is better far than ·the success of invading hol!ts with the laurels dipped in gore.
"Not fruitless is thy toil If thou my cross wouldst bear: I do but ask thy willing heart, To gr.1ve my image there.
"For ee.ch net ve.inly cast, Stronger thine arm will p10'8: The trie.l of thy patient hope lf witqess of thy love. (ill, :u. 1-82.] THE BOOK or DEUTERONOMY. 213