have in them a moral element; to the actions of every inrlividnal soul (for each soul stands before him in its separate personality, bearing its own burden of responsibility and of sin, and is deult with by him as though there were no other) ; and to every one of its actions, however apparently insignificant, though it cannot be really such because of its relation to God, und its bearing upon character and destiny. V. EXERCISED WITH A VIEW TO REWARDING EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS WORKS. It is not useless and ineffective; but is attended with important consequences (Jer. xvii. 10). This _life is not simply one of probation; it is also, in part, one of retribution. The approbation or disapprobation of God is always followed by corresponding effects in the mind and heart and conscience of men, and often by startling providential occurrences; as when it was said, "Thou art weighed in the balances, and a1t found wanting" (Dan. v. 27, 30) ; "The world's history is the world's judgment;" and, "We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ" (Rom. xiv. 12; 2 Cor. v. 10). Application :-1. "Let a man examine himself." 2. Seek forgiveness of the sins that are past. 3. "Walk before me, and be thon perfect."-D. Ver. 9. (SHILOH.)-God's guardianship of liissaints. "He will keep the feet of his saints." ,vho are his saints? 1. The term is sometimes used as one of reproach, by persons who are destitute of religious life, concerning those who bear the Christian name. Pointing to the inconsistency of.some of the latter, they would thereby fain persuade themselves and others that there is no such thing as true godliness to be found in the world, There are, doubtless, many who "profess to know God, but in works deny him." But there would be no counterfeit money unless there were some genuine coin. 2. The word is also used to designate those who have been "canon- ised;" and who, having gone into heaven, are supposed to have influence with God in the granting of petitions presented on earth. But such a use of it is unscriptural, and the doctrine is false and injurious. 3. The saints of God are those who have been accepted by him through faith in Christ, who do his will and walk in the way to heaven. Their way, indeed, is often difficult and painful, like the uneven, intri- ·cate, and stony paths of Palestine, and beset by numerous dangers. But, for their consolation and encourag·ement, it is promised that " he that keepeth Israel " will "keep their feet" firm and safe, so that they may not fall and perish. The promise is directly of preservation from temporal calamity, but it may be regarded as including also preservation from spiritual failure and destruction. Consider- !. THE DANGER FROM WHICH HE WILL KEEP TlIEM, 1. From wandering out of tlie way. Obscurity may gather over it. Other ways may appear plainer, easier, and more pleasant, and tempt them to leave it. Or they may seem more direct and shorter than the circuitous and wearisome path they have to pursue. But kept by him they will not go astray. 2. From stumblinl) in tlie way. "It must needs be that offences ( or occasions of stumbling') come." Some of them consist of-( l) The difficulties of Divine revelation: 11 things hard to be understood." (2) The mysteries of Divine providence, which have led many to say, "As for me," &c. (Ps. lxxiii. 2). (3) Direct solicitations to evil. (4) 11 Afflictions and persecutions that arise for the word, whereby many are offended." But i; great peace have they that love thy law, and nothing shall cause them to stumble" (Pa. cxix. 165). 3. From fttiling to reach the end of tlte way. Some start with bright hopes which are not afterwurd::i altogether fulfilled in their experience: storms gather, enemies threaten, severe con- flict must be waged; and they become weary and desponding, and ready to halt. "But the righteous shall hold on his way" (Job xvii. 19; Isa. xl. 31). II. THE MANNER IN WHICH HE WILL KEEP THEM. By-1. Providing means of help for them : the word, which is an instrument of guidance, refreshment, and defence ; prayer; the fellowsliip of those who are travelling in the same way; the ministra- tion of angels (Ps. xci. 11; Heh. i. 14). 2. Watching over tliem at every step. They nre not alone ; but he is with them; nnd they are II kept by the power of God" (1 Pet. i. 5). 3. Imparting grace and strengtli to them according to their need. 11 As thy day," &c. It matters not how great the need if II the supply of the Spirit" (Phil. i. 19) be equal to it. And, 11 My grace," he says, 11 is sufficient for thee." III. THE CERTAINTY WITH WHICH HE WILL KEEP THEM. 1. He has a special 38 THE FIRST llOOK OF SAi\lUEL. [en. II; 1-10.
y,11fere,<t in them, for they are "his saints," "the portion of his inheritance." 2. H_e has already done much for them, which is an earnest of continued preservation. 8. He has high p1trposes to accomplish in them and throug·h them. And, 4. He has solemnly l?'OmMed "never to leave .them" (Heh. xiii. 5), and "he is faithful that promised (Heh. x. 23). L Rely upon the promise. 2. Presume not upon your security,· nor think that without fulfilling his commandments you can receive his promises, 3. Use 'the appointed means of grace with all diligence.-D.