0!1twar<l appearnnC'es. The heart is too deep to be penetrated by aid of occnsionnt ~1gns, for the same outward aC'tion may proceed from diverse internal motions. 2. Strong tendency in some persons to estimate others by the standard of their own C'XpC'rienC'e. The area of one man's life may be much broader than that of another. The form, therefore, of religion in the one may be far beyond the of the other. 3. The strong hold on some good men of conventiona modes of nfprecintion ~rnrship. Religion in some instances has b~en train~d to find outward expression for· ~tsel_f by rule, and henC'e wl!atever e_xpress10n deviates from the conventional type· 1s liable to be regarded ~nth 11usp1c1on. 4. In some cases men hold office in co.1_ne?tion with public worship whose sympathies are not broad enough for the ·:::~;et1es of character and want that come under their observation. l_ll. A NOBLE SELF-VINDICATION .. The "sorro:wful spirit" of the worshipper FJhrmks from the very thought of bemg counted vile and a defamer of the place she loved: The cruel pang of the accusation only developed the strength and beauty of her i:i1ety. The _depth of her sorrow and the utter absorption of her spirit in the one- long_mg of her ~1fe, coupled with a sense of her unworthiness to be used in the high sernce of Messiah, checked any tendency to anger and recrimination. True self- _,indication can dispense with passion. Its qualities are cairn self-possession even under cruel wrong, a gentleness of spirit which knows how to be firm, a respectful deference to authority when confronting it, a delicate reference to self and the pri,ate sorrows that may have occasioned the misapprehension, an abstention from all that would exasperate, and a plain and fearless assertion of innocence. The comfort of the misjudged lies much in the conviction that God knows all. Religion gains much when the injured exhibit the spirit inculcated and exemplified by Christ. It requires much grace to be a Christian indeed. The world is slow to practise what it always in its heart admires, when the misjudged vindicate themselves after the Saviour's example. IV . .A LIGHTENED HEA.nT. It was a morn of joy after the long night of sorrow, when, gi,ing a true interpretation to the official words of the high priest, Hannah rose from prayer and went her way. The free, joyful heart shone forth in the countenance, and gave ease to every common duty of life. When God makes us glad, new energy enters into our nature. Hence, true religion, bringing to men elasticity of spirit, increases a man's power as a citizen, improves his capacity for business, lends lustre to the home, and, in fact, becomes an important element in the material wealth of nations. .And what is most important is, the jo;:rwhich God g"ives is real, permanent, resting on foundations which abide amid all change. In so far as the really devout are concerned, the lightened heart is the result of-1. The relief natural to true prayer. Even when specific answers are not obtained, the believer is rested and relieved by laying the burden before the mercy-seat. 2. Clear indications of God's acceptance. These vary with the age and circumstances. The high priest was endowed under special conditions with the power of indicating the Divine approval. External channels may convey unmistakably the will of God. The immediate course of events may be seen to correspond to the request. God is at no loss to convey outward intimations that the prayer of faith is not in vain. 3. The inward witness may be given, clear and strong, when God has important ends to accomplish thereby. The Spirit of God is in direct contact with the human, and can make known a truth. Christ's people know his voice. As the Spirit moved St. Paul to go to definite places, so he moves the true heart to believe in coming answer to praye_r. Practical suggestions :-1. Much prayer may be offered when forms of worship are lacking in the sanctuary, in the city, on the open sea, and at daily toil. 2. E11- couragerne~t may be found in remembering that Gud understands our thoughts "afo1· off1 " and when words fail. 3. We should not estimate the value of prayer in others by what we can ascertain of it by our observation. 4. The guardians of pure worship liave much need of charity and a discriminating spirit. 5. Errors of judgment should be freely admitted when ascertained. 6. The quiet dignity of truth befit~ all acts_ of 11elf-defence. 7. The joy coming from God is the real strength and beautifier of hfo.
Vere. 19-28.-C()tl,jugal sympathy. The facts are-1. Hannah, having inde- pendently fixed the future of her offspring, reveals the vow to her husband. cu. 1. 9-28.] THE FIHST DOOK OF SAMUEL. 17