of Gibeah because of their non-appreciation of their true posit.ion were the occasion, ~f a rem~1:kable <lisp,J,ay of courage _am! energy on the part of Saul, and that because _the. Spmt ~f God came upon lum. Whatever the precise nature of this higher gift, its practical effect 'W[U! to draw out all that was in the man and the king1 and to• enable the powers already bestowed to act for the benefit of Israel. It perfe cted all else done for Saul. There is a relatwn of dependence in tlie blessings God bestows on ~.&. Some come to full development only when allied with another, which therefore may be called a higher good. The physical energy for defeat of Ami'non lay i~ Israel. The gift of Saul turned it all into victory. The same relation is seen amongst. us; e. g. material wealth is a _boon not. to be despised, often the gift of God ; but for its full development and enJoyment 1t needs another gift-health of body and generosity o~ ~p!rit. Grea~ mental abilities are of Go-d; the additional gift of a devout, lowly spmt msures their rnost perfect use. Home adorned and enriched by all that wealth, art, and domestic affection can contribute is a precious .blessing; yet its joys are more full and varied, its affection11 more Eure, and its sorrows more endurable, when the higher blessing of personal religion is supreme there. The external privileges of religion, free use of the word of God, instruction and care of pious parents, associations of the sanctuary, entreaties-'of pastors and friends, are among the greatest mercies enjoyed by men ; yet even these are raised to their highest value only when the Holy Spirit comes down, like "upper and nether "lprings" to water the "south land." III. Gon SOMETIMES EFFECTS HIS PURPOSES AMONG MEN BY INDIRECT ACTION UPON THEM. In the accoruplishment of Divine purposes, in the physical, mental, or spiritual spheres, a variety of combinations are often requisite. To the deliverance of J abesh-Gilead it was needful to arouse the people as well as the king. It was by the tremendous energy of the king, aroused by the direct action of the Spirit of God, that their instant co-operation was secured. The law of indirect action widely pre- 'l'ails. That the Eternal is in direct, constant, energetic contact with each being is certain. He "upholds all things by the word of his power." Yet, if language may be so used to indicate a mystery, the import of his energy on men is not always. immediate. The energy of one spirit acting on another is, so to speak, a refraction of a force originally in God, and coloured by the character of the medium through which it passes. There are many illustrations of the general truth of indirect action. 1. In the sphere of mind much is accomplished by powerful intellects affecting a few with their ideas and feelings, who,. being more in contact with the masses, give forth the truth or the emotion tinged by their own peculiarities. 2. In the sphere of spirit, religiously considered, a large proportion of what we call influence is of this. character. Not only do superior Christians act on a wide area by means of the few who come under their personal attention, but much of the action of God on the· world i11 through bis people. His light is not seen by many except mediately in the beautiful lives of the holy. His love acts on the hard heart of man through the- compassion he directly produces in the followers of Christ. Men see by holy deeds and spiritual achievements that " God is with-" his people, and are thus influenced by God to submit to his blessed sway. General lessons :-1. It behoves every one to search and see what talents, and means of becoming holy, and of advancing Christ's kingdom, lie unused. 2. It should be a matter of serious inquiry bow much of our wailing and fear are the result of a guilty forgetfulness or distrust of God's readiness to bless our endeavours. 3. If~& are in possession of valuable blessings, and they do not yield _all the j_oy and_ satlS- faction reasonably to be looked for, we should find out what 1s that higher gift not yet sought from God. 4. The Church and the Christian have need to inquire how much of the non-success of endeavour is due to lack of receptivity for the highest gift of all, the rich outpouring of the Holy Spirit. 6. Every one should so live us to, be a fit and perfect vehicle for the transmission of the healing, saving power of God on mankind.
Vera. 12-15.-The concurrence of hmnan and Divine action. The facts arc-;-1. On the completion of the victory over the Ammonites, the supporters of Saul desire the punisliment by death of the "men of Belia!" who bad reviled him. 2. Saul, mi:. XI. 1-15.] THE Fm-rr BOOK OF SAMUEL. 203