simple period of the "·orld;" an<l they allege that these cannot be reproduced in the, Bophisticated society of modern times. There is something in this though it is not absol11tely true. The tone of "In Memoriam" may be too intens~ for most of u~ hut it is not incomprehensible. That is a rare and lofty friendship which prefer~ another in honour a_bove ourseh·es. From the early dnys of David's promotion-. Jonathan nug11rcd lns advancement to the throne, and took generous delight in the prospect. He still retained and openly expressed the same feeling. David would be king, and he, his friend and brother, would share his joy and stand at his right hand. It was not to be so. Bnt we see David, when established on the throne looking, if we may so speak, for Jonathan. "And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the honse of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?" (2 Sam. ix. 1 ). 2. By lifting kis thoughts to God. It was not' possible or proper f~r Jonathan to levy troops and lead them to the help of his friend against the king his father. But he did what he could, and did the best thing possible in such a case, when he animated the faith, and hope of David in the promise and providence of God. He referred to the Divine purpose as no secret, but revealed, and known to Saul himself, though he struggled against it. The counsel of the Lord must stand. How could David doubt it? But David did sometimes doubt and fear and, he is not alone in the weakness. Sarah had the promise of God that her son. should be Abraham's heir and successor, and yet she was uneasy lest he should be dis- possessed or hurt by the son of Hagar. Jacob at Bethel got a promise that he and· his posterity ~rnuld possess the land on which he lay, yet when he returned to it he was q,1ite alarmed lest Esau should destroy his family and himself. And so also- many persons who have eternal life in the gospel and in tlie sure provision of grace hy Christ Jesus grow faint and raise foreboding questions: What if God forget me? \\"hat if I perish after all? The best thing that a friend can do for such n doubter is to show him that God cannot lie and cannot be defeated. For his name's sake he will do as he has said. So one may strengthen the weak hands of another in God. III. THOUGHTS SUGGESTED BY THE MEETING IN THE WOOD. 1. The value of an. earl.11 friendship in the fear of God. It is in youth that the strongest friendships are formed, and permit interchanges of criticism and correction that are not so palat- able when years have increased our reserve, and perhaps our obstinacy. This is especially true of the moral and religious aspect and use of friendship. Old meri, even when they are on terms of cordial personal regard, do not easily exchange spiritual con- fidences. But young friends can do so ; and never do they put the bond between them to better use than when they warn each other of moral risks and snares, and encourage· one another to trust in God. 2. The great part which secondarv personages in his- tory may play. David takes a primary or front place in sacred story; but he wa1:1 much indebted to the kindly help of others who take a less conspicuous rank-e. g., Jonathan encouraging him in the wood, and Abigail tuming him back from hasty bloodshedding. Again we pass on in thought to the Apostle Paul, who fills a very high place in the Christian annals, but was much helped by men and women in quite a secondary position. Himself tells us so, joyfully acknowledging his obligation to- such as Aquila and Priscilla, Mary, Urbane, Timothy, Epaphroditus, John Mark, Luke, and Aristarchus. These Christians did direct work for the Lord; but perhaps did their best piece of service wl1en they helped Paul, and encouraged his hand in God. So is it at all times with the greatest men in both Church and State. They owe much to others who are far less known than themselves, if known ati all. A sympathetic wife, a faithful friend, a humble helper, quite incapable of taking the conspicuous position or doing the public work, supplies a strengthening, restoring element in hours of discouragement or weariness, and so does much to preserve a notable career from failure. In fact every great man draws up into his thought and work the cogitations of many minds, the desire of many hearts, the faith or fortitude of many spirits; and the efforts and sym_pathies of many combine in the results which are associated with his name. 3. The unce1·tctinty tliat friends wlw part will meet again on earth. "They two made a covenant befo~e th~ Lord," an_d parted, little knowing that each was taking the last look of luB fncnd. Then· thoughts were of days t,J come. when they should not need to meet by stealth. They would be nlways together by and by-take counsel together fight Bide by side CB, XXIV. 1-22.] THE FIRST BOOK OF SA:\WEL. 4:W
agninst the enemies of lsrael,-do exploits for their nation, and re-establish the wor- 11hip of Jehovnh nnd the honour of his sanctuary. The elevation of one would be- the elevntion of both; and the spirit of jealousy which now darkened the court and th<l kingdom would give place to generous confidence and love. So they pro- posed; but God disposed otherwiRe. Jonathan never saw David again. Death broke their "fair companionship," and the elevation of David was bedewed with: tender sorrow for his friend, "the comrade of his choice, the human-hearted man he loved." There is one Friend, only one, from whom we cannot be severed. Oh, what a l!'riend we have in Jesus I especially helpful to us in cloudy days and seasons of distress. He comes to us when we are in the wood, perplexed, embarrassed, cast down. Let us tell all our straits and misgivings to him. This Friend will never die. And not even our death can break the friendship or separate us from the love of Christ.-F.
EXPOSITION.
DAVID IN THE WILDERNESS OF ENGEDI (CH. XXl!l, 29-XXlV ,).