from caring for sheep to care for his brethren on the battle-field. Leavino- out of ,-iew the moral condition of Israel nnd its consequences as dwelt on in the last s<'ction, we may regard the army of Saul as being engaged in the service of the Ji,·ing God (vers. 26, 36), virtually against the foes of the kingdom of the Messiah. DaYid's visit to the army with provisions and messages relating to the welfnre of his soldier-brothers, therefore, brings out the relation tJrnt should subsist between those· engaged in open conflict in the service of God and such as are not called to serve in that form. l. The EXIGENCIES OF THE CHURCH REQUIRE SOME TO BE SPECIALLY ENGAGED IN OPEN CONFLICT WITH SIN. The circumstances of Israel necessitated just then that some of God's people should devote themselves to the campaign as soldiers. Com- bination under the guidance of skill would effect what isolated private effort could not touch. In the Christian economy every true follower of Christ is a soldier, fol- lowing the lead of the Captain of our salvation. Nevertheles~, the circumstances in which Christians find themselves demand that some should be more emphatically fighting men, to undertake, in combination with others, arduous work which can never- be done by Christians in a private and isolated capacity. Hence we have men, separated from varioas occupations, consecrating all their time and energies not merely in defence of the gospel, but in making war upon the manifold evils which obstruct the triumph of Christ. These sustain a relation to others, whose time is- otherwise employed on purely personal pursuits, similar to that of the army at Elah to the Jesses and Davids engaged in domestic and rural occupations. Il. The CONFLICT THU~ OPENLY MAINTAINED INVOLVES THE INTERESTS AND CLAIMS THE" ~UPPORT OF ALL. Obviously every one in Israel was concerned in the issue of the conflict with the Philistines. All that free people hold precious was at stake. If it was in the power of non-combatants to render aid, clearly it ought to be forthcoming. In a higher and wider sense is it true that the business of Christ's soldiers at home and abroad is the business of tl1e entire body of believers, irrespective of age, position, or ability. The Church is one body, and the sufferings or pleasures of one member are of moment to all the members. The feeling which suggests that certain efforts to save men are no concern but to those engaged in them is unintelligent and unchristian. The call to hold forth the word of truth is to the one body of the faithful. Our sympathy with Christ's mission is real only as we identify our hopes, and aspirations, and endeavours with those of all who have the"same mind." •Conse- quently, every consideration of humanity, of brotherly regard, of love for Christ, and joy in his advancing conquests, should stimulate aid to those on the high places of the field. Ill. THERE ARE AVAILABLE MEANS BY WHICH EVERY ONE MAY RENDER SUBSTAN- TIAL AID IN THIS WARFARE. Jesse's forethought and David's readij1ess contributed to the strength and encouragement of the absent warriors. Likewise every one in Israel could aid in the conflict by contributions of food and clothing, and by cherished sympathy and prayer. In modern nations every member of the community renders assistance in war, by payment of taxes, combination of counsel, deep and variously- ei:pressed sympathy, and that quota from each one which makes up the sum of ~upport to be found in public opinion. The means by which the scattered members of CJ,rist's Church can fulfil their duty to their brethren devoted entirely to the campaign again~t sin a~e varied and effective_. _1. By l?yally bearing thf co~mon ca~ise on the heart. Tl11s may become a habit 1f we will but make an mtelhgenl study of what is due from us. Its value to the distant and near soldiers of the cross is clear to the spiritual eye. Moral natures are knit together by subtle bonds. 2. By s:pefi,al acu; and seasons of prayer. Emphasis given to our_general sympathy by spec1o.l pleading with God on behalf of his faithful servants 1s the all-powerful means of taking our share in the one great conflict. Even the greatest o~ apostles felt that he would do his work better if friends would but respond to ]us appeal, " Brethren, pray for us." This is an aid which may be rendered by young and old, Lale and weak, the rich and poor. Only eternity will_ reveal how ~uc~, among the many concurring causes that issue at last in the full triumph of C_hnst, JS due to t~a prayers even of the helpless invalids, and poor, unheard-of ~arnts that ~":ell 1D oottage homes. 3. Moral and material support. We may seize opportunities foI" OB. XVII, 1-19.] THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL. 321
assuring our brethren, whose hearts are often faint and weary, that we do carry their cures and sorrows, and do regard their work as ours. We rob devoted men of strength when we are chary of letting them know our deep interest in them. The material support is also within the reach of most. To devote a portion of .our means to Chnst's cause is a great privilege. Had the Church devoted half on Chris- tian enterprise that has been devoted to questionable self-indulgences, the joys of men and angels would ere this have been doubled. General leasons:-1. We should encourage by example and personal influence in y~ung people an intelligent interest in all Christian work because it is Christian. 2. Where true love exists, ingenuity will devise means of cheering those engaged in arduous service. 3. The spiritual unity of the Church may thus be largely realised, notwithstanding diversity of organisations.