our "nnmee written in heaven" (Luke x. 20), and to be objects of a love from which nothing can separate us (Rom. viii. 38, 39). A judicious use of such reflec- tions nnd considerations is extremely important in spiritual culture. Men are deeply touched hy the thought of what God has done for them. A little religious retrospect would save many a man from yielding to violent impulses. The same result is secured by cherishing due regard to our lofty aspirations. Those who are to be raised to thrones will not do mean and wrongful deeds. Who can estimate tho influence of Christian anticipatiqns on present conduct? III. AN ILLUSTRATION OF DEEFENING FAITH IN MESSIANIC PURPOSES. Men like Doeg, Cush, and the Ziphites might combine and by slander seek to destroy faith in David's integrity, and so seem to put back the realisation of the purposes for which he had been anointed ; and the Psalms reveal how these things sometimes depressed his spirit. But all this time the more intelligent and devout saw clearly that he was the man to build up the kingdom, and Abigail, by this beautiful revelation of her confidence in his coming elevation to power, was only a revelation to him of ad- vancing faith. The strength thus brought to his heart reminds us of the comfort evidently conveyed to the Saviour's heart by Peters explicit avowal (Matt. xvi. 16, 17). And as time advances there will arise, as a cheering set-off to the scorners and detractors, superior minds bearing witness to the Divine truth and coming triumph of Christ's kingdom. Equally so will confirmations~ rise up of the call of the Christian to share in the higher service of the future. General lessons :-1. A wise man will bring his impulses to the light of religious truth and allow it to tone them down. 2. In cases of difficulty, where temper is concerned, a quiet, fervent spirit is of great importance. 3. To have a place in the Lamb's book of life is full compensation for the ills we may suffer at the hands of men. 4. It is beneath the dignity of a Ch1istian man to contend with the mean and base. 5. It is a sound maxim to suffer inconvenience rather than do anything that will tend to mar the enjoyment of the success we hope to win.
Vers. 32-35.-Restraining mercy. The facts are-1. David, recognising the hand of God, expresses his sense of his mercy and blesses Abigail for her advice. 2. He perceives, in the light of her remonstrance, the terrible evil of the passion that had swayed him. 3. Accepting her present, he dismisses her in peace. The success of Abigail's wise conduct was now assured in a good man being saved the guilt and shame of acting at variance with his professed trust in God ; and while duly honour- ing the instrument of deliverance, God's restraining mercy is fully brought into pro- minence. Notice- 1. RESTRAINING MERC:Y IS A FACT IN EVERY LIFE. This instance was con- spicuous, but Da,;d elsewhere acknowledges the constant keeping of bis God (P~. xix. 13; cxli. 9). We owe much to God for what we are not and do not, as also for what we are and do. " By the grace of God I am what I am" applies to preven- tion as well as endowment. Every man is conscious of carrying within him a power of evil in excess of what finds outlet in deeds, and its repression is due not only to lrnman wisdom and strength. The conditions of social life that check the develop- ment of inward sinfulness are of God as truly as the truth we cherish that we rna,· not sin against him (Ps. cxix. 11). The friends who counsel and warn, the orc!ir{- ance8 that tend to weaken the force of evil and nourish holine~s, are the agencies oE the same gracious God who endowed us with the helping conscience to which they appeal. If occasional providences, be they disasters or personal interventions, dra·.,· special attention to the unseen hand, they do not render the restraint at other times less real because they are more steady and gentle. There is a spirit that strives silently with man and holds him back from ruin. Il. OUR RECOGNITION OF RESTRAINING MERCY IS MORE PRO~OUNCED WHE~ WE HAVE PASSED THROUGH UNUSUAL Tl<:MPTATIONS. Temptations are common experience, but sometimes they come in "like a flood." The admission of God's kindly and constant restraint is an item of daily belief, attended with more or less grntitude; but .vhen the soul has been brought face to face with a terrible sin by the force of ~iolent impulses, and kept from committing it by what is called a narrow chan,·r, then the good l,1rnd of God is distinctly recognised. In the lull of the storm we see 48G THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL. [ea. xx,-. 1-4 l.
clearly the rocks on which character well-nigh made shipwreck. The light of truth reveals "·hither we were going, and the soul is aghast at the spectacle. In the lives of most there ha,·e been occasions when we were on the very verge of destruction or like Da,;d, were about to mar our consistency and usefulness by a sad transoTess'ion'. 0 The refined spirit of a Christian shrinking in horror at the very thouo·ht of what might ha Ye been cannot but say, " Blessed be the Lord God; 11 and where human instruments have been employed, a benediction falls on them for their kindly aid. These acts of recognition, so full of gratitude and joy, ai:~ but faint indications of' tha!- inexpressible joy and gratitude when, in survey of all life's dangers, the soul will praise the "mercy that endureth for ever." III. A PROPER RECOGNITION OF RESTRAINING MERCY IS ATTENDED WITH A CALM AND STEADY ATTENTION TO THE DUTIES OF OUR SPIRITUAL POSITION. David, as, chosen servant of God, quietly accepts the gift of Abigail, and, dismissing her, reverts- to the normal course of trusting in God and biding his time. He lived out his true character all the better for this narrow escape. It is the natural effect of mercy -when recognised, to render us more true to our holy calling in God's service. w;. go on our way with stronger determination to submit to his will, whatever it may· bring, and to live in closer fellowship with him. G~al lessons :-1. _I~ is g~od to pl_ace our stormy passions in the clear light of God s truth. 2. Our spmtual life acqmres more elevation and tone by occasionally reflecting on God's restraining mercy. 3. The sin of indulging in violent passions must not be overlooked in the deliverance from their overt expression. 4. From an experience of deliverance from fearful moral perils we may enlarge our knowledge of the possibilities of life, and find increased reasons for habitual watchfulness.