HOMILrnS DY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vers. 24-34. (GrnEAH.)-Anger. "Saul's anger was kindled ngainst Jonathan" ~ver. 30). "And Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger" (ver. 34). Anger 1s not necessarily sinful. "It is in itself, and in its original no more than indig- nation against injury and wickedness " (Butler, on 'Resent~ent '). But it is too frequently sinful because of the manner in which it is indulged. How different was the anger of Saul now from what it was on a former occasion (eh. xi. 6). Consider that- I. IT MAY BE UNINTENTIONALLY EXCITED (vers. 24-29). The reason which Jonathan gave why "David's place wa~ empty" was doubtless a mere pretext (ver. 12), harm- less as_ h~ thought, and.not des1g~ed to provoke wrath; but Saul saw through it at once, a~d his 1 anger was kmdled aga11;1st Jonathan" on account of it and his taking part with one whom be regarded as his enemy. Care should be exercised even when no hann is meant, to f~rn_ish no occasio~ for offence; especially in i~tercourse with those w~o are of _a~, 1rntable :i-nd pas~10nate temper, and to avoid "all appearance ( every kmd) of evil. Decept10n practised for a good end is not good and sometimes produces much mischief. ' II. IT IS OFTEN _UNRIGHT_EOUSLY _INDULG~D (ver?· 30-33), ae-1. When it springs from selfisliness and pnde, and 1s associated with malice and revenge. Saul's ang·er against Jonathan was the offspring of the envy toward II the son of Jesse" which slumbered in his bren.st, if indeed he had not now formed the deliberate purpose of putting him to death at the first opportunity. It is not said that" the evil spirit from Jehovah came upon him" again. Hatred of David had become the pervading spirit of his life, and it gave a colouring to everything. 11 Anger is an agitation of the mind that proceeds to the resolution of a revenge, the mind assenting to it" (Seneca, on •.Anger'). 2. When it is felt without just or adequate cause. The questions of Jonathan (ver. 32) did not, any more than the reason he had previously given, justify his father's wrath, and bis jealousy of David was groundless and wicked. "Who- soever is angry with bis brother without a cause," &c. (Matt. v. 22). 3. When it becomes excessive, and ceases to be under the control of right reason. " Be master of thine anger." 4. When it issues in bitter words, and violent and unjust acts. "·whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer," &c. (1 John iii. 15). He has within him the principle of murder, the germ from which the outward act naturally grows. " Cease from anger and forsake wrath " (Ps. xxxvii. 8). 11 Where envy and strife are there is confusion and every evil work'' (James iii. 16). 11 Sinful anger destroys our own peace of wind, hurts the.unity of spirit among brethren, blocks up the way to the Divine throne, exposes us to danger, makes work for bitter repentance, fires the minds of others, makes us unlike the meek and Jowly Jesus, causes us to resemble madmen and devils, and is cruel and murderous" (Fawcett, 'Essay on Anger'). III. IT C.A.."1 BE UNDLAMABLY ENTERTAINED (ver. 34). It may in certain circum- stances be a Christian virtue. But in order to this-1. It must be directed, out of love to righteoume88, against the wrong which is done or intended rather than against the wrong-doer, and be associated with sorrow for him and good-will toward him. " Resentment is not inconsistent with good-will. These contrary passions, thoug·h tl,ey may lessen, do not necessarily destroy each other. We may therefore love our enemv and yet have resentment against him for his injurious behaviour toward us" (Butler, on 'Forgiveness of Injuries'). 11 And when he had looked round about on 1hern "·ith anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts," &c. (Mark iii. 5). 2. It must befeltfrom love to others rather than ourselves, especially to those who lr,n God, and from zeal for hie honour. "He was grieved for David, because l,i, father had done him shame." 3. It must be kept under proper control. Jona~han <lid not retaliate. He II arose from the table," and went out; to fast, not to raise a rebellion against his futher, as Absalom did at a subsequent period. 4. It must.not l,r: si1;f!'ered to continue too long. "_Wise anger i~ I_ike fire f~o~ flint;_ ther~, 1s a greal ado to bring it out ; and when it does come, 1t 1s out agam 1mmed1ately (M. Henry). "Be ye angry and sin not; let not the sun go down upon your wrath, 11,:ithn give place to the devil." {)H, XX. 24-42.] THE FIIlST BOOK OF SA)IIUEL.
IV. IT MUST DE UNCEASINGLY GUARDED AGAINST and duly suppressed by the us• ,of proper meuns, such as consideration of the effects of sinful anger on others and on ourselves, of the allowance which ought to be made for others, of our own faults, -nnd of the patience and gentleness of Christ; the realisation of the presence and love of God; the cultivation of the opposite principles of humility, charity, and meekness ; and continual prayer for the Holy Spirit.-D.
Vera. 35-40. (THE STONE EzEL.)-An obedient lad. (A word to tr.e young.) Prince Jonathan went out into the country, by the stone Ezel, to practise archery on his famous bow (2 Sam. i. 18, 22), and took with him a lad, "a little lad " (ver. 35), to carry hi@ arrows and gather them up after they had been shot at the mark. This lad-1. Had learnt a great lesson, the first and most important lesson of life- obedience. He waR 11 young soldier, and had learnt a soldier's chief duty. "Children, abey your parents" (Epbes. vi. 1). "Servants, obey your masters" (Col. iii. 22). " Obey" your teachers (Hob. xiii. 17). " Obe1J magistrates" (Titus iii. 1). 2. Had learnt his lesson well. He did what he was told to do willingly, cheerfully, quickly (" make speed, haste, stay not "), fully, " without asking any questions." 3. Was very '11,Seful to his master. Though but a little lad, he could be of service to a prince and great hero. 4. Did a greater service than he was aware of. He was seen by David from bis hiding-place in the rock, and was useful to him as well as to Jonathan. "And the lad knew not anything" (ver. 39). In doing our duty One sees us whom we see not, and regards it as done to him. 5. Did not go unrewarded. He pleased his master, and would be more highly valued for this service and promoted to a higher position, for which it helped to prepare him. 6. Set a pattern of the kind of ser,ice we should render to God. "We ought to obey God" (Acts v. 29) above all. "·Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth."-D.