disease l,as ended, and madness or mental disease has begun" (Trench). Sin not only disturbs the moral balance of the soul, but also disorders the whole nature of man. It is itself a kind of madness, from which the sinner needs to "come to himself" (Luke xv. 17). "Madness is in their hearts," &c. (Eccles. ix. 3; 2 Pet. ii. 6). IV. THE TENDENCY TO RAPID DETERIORATION. 1. In the case of the malady occasioned by sin there is no self-healing power in mnn, as in many bodily diseases, bnt it tends to become worse and worse. 2. Its fatal course may often be distinctly marked. "These attacks of madness gave place to hatred, which developed itself in full consciousness to a most deliberately-planned hostility" (Keil). His courag·e ga,e place to weakness and cowardice; general fear and suspicion fixed on a par- ticular object in envy and hatred, displayed at first privately, afterwards publicly, and becoming an all-absorbing passion. "The evil spirit that came upon him from or by permission of the Lord was the evil spirit of melancholy, jealousy, suspicion, hatred, envy, malice, and cruelty, that governed him all the after part of his life; to which he gave himself up, and sacrificed every consideration of honour, duty, and interest whatsoever" (Chandler). 3. It is, nevertheless, amenable to the remedial influences which God, in bis infinite mercy, has provided. "All cures were tried : philosophy talked long Of lofty reason's self-controlling power; He frowned, but spake not. Friendship's silver tongue Poured mild persuasions on his calmer hour: He wept ; alas ! it was a bootless shower As ever slaked the desert. Priests would call On Heaven for aid ; but then his brow would lower With treble gloom. Peace! Heaven is good to all; To all, he sighed, but one,-God hears no prayer for Saul At length one spake of Music" (Hankinson). -D.
Vers. 19, 20. (BETHLEHEM. )-Setting out in life. David, setting out from his father's house at Bethlehem to go to the court of S~ul at Gibeah (a distanc~ o~ about ten miles), presents a picture of many a youth leavmg h~me for _n~ore pubb? hfe-to l'nter a profession, learn a business, or occupy a responsible pos1tio~- Notice- !. THE PECULIAR CHARACTER of the step. 1. Some such step JS necessary.. A young man cannot always continue under the paternal ro?f· He must go forth mto the world be thrown on his own resources, and make lns own way. 2. Its nature nnd direction are commonly determined by his ability and tastes, and the us_e he makes of early advantages (ver. 18). 3. It is also great_ly influe~ced by the w1sh~e of others. David was sent for by Saul, and sent to him by h1A father. 4. It 1e ordered by Divine providence. This was plainly the case with David. An~ we are as truly the children of providence as he was. God has a purpose concemmg each c,f Ill!. "There's a Divinity that shapes our ends, Rough-hew them as we will." CH. XVI. 1-23.J THE FinST DOOK OF SAMUEL. 311