their own ; honesty, thorough sincerity, "ae the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart." III. THE DUTY 01' MASTERS (Ephes. vi. 9; Col. iv. 1 ). 1. Equity; giving to them "that which is just and equal," and imposing upon them no unnecessary burdens (Mai. iii. 5; James v. 4). 2. Consideratwn, respect, courtesy, kindness, seeking their physical, moral, 11nd spiritual welfare. "Thou shalt not rule over thy servant with rigour" (Levit. xxv. 43). And a mere money payment is not all that a fellow- creature is entitled to expect, or an adequate compensation for his services. 3. Con. sistency; acting in accordance with their position, reproving wrong-doing, setting a good example, exercising their authority and influence as a trust committed to them by God and in obedience to hie will. Those who expect to receive honour must seek to make themselves worthy of it. Let Doth learn-1. To be Iese observant of the faults of others than of their own. 2. To be more concerned about fulfilling their duties than insisting on their righta. 3. To look for their chief reward in the approbation of God.-D. Vere. 14-42. (CARMEL.)-A.bigail. Of her family and early life nothing is re- corded, When first mentioned she was the wife of the wealthy and churlish Nabal. It was an ill-assorted union, probably due (like most Oriental marriages) to parental arrangement. She was distinguished by a beautiful countenance and form, and (what is not always associated therewith) by a beautiful mind and character, em- bodying the ideal of womanhood (Prov. xxxi. 10-31). "Where do we find in all the heathen world a woman comparable with Abigail, the daughter of the wilder- ness? " She was a woman of-1. Superior intelligence, practical wisdom, prudence, tact, and good management. "Of good understanding" (ver. 3). The part she took in the affairs of her husband is evident from the servants telling her of the, threatening danger (ver. 17), and her apology (ver. 25). Her discretion was also shown in her reserve (ver. 19). 2. Prompt decision, energy, and activity. "Abigail made haste," &c. (ver. 18). Not a moment was lost, and she was promptly obeyed. 3. Unaffected humility, meekness, modesty, and self-devotion. "She fell before David on her face," &c. (vflrs. 23, 41). Her meekness and patience must have been greatly tried by the temper of Nabal, and Lad doubtless previously averted many a disaster. 4. Noble generosity and sacrifice. "Two hundred loaves," &c. (ver. 18). She felt that no sncrifice was too great to ~ave her husband and his household. "David's men and David felt that these were not the gifts of a sordid calculation, but the offerings of a generous heart. And it won them, their gratitude, their enthu- siasm, their unfeigned homage" (Robertson). 5. Conciliatory, Jaitliful, eloq1tent speech, and pacifying, beneficent influence (vers. 24-31). Having taken the blame upon herself (as intercessor), and referred to her husband" with that union of play- fulness and seriousness which above all things turns away wrath" (Stanley), she directed the thoughts of David to God, by the !endings of whose pro\'iclence she had been sent to divert him from his purpose, utters the wish that he tow hom vengeance belongs would avenge him, humbly begs the acceptance of her offering for his young men, and beseeches his forgiveness. Then (assuming her prayer to be granted) she assures him of the brilliant future that awaited him, inasmuch as he would fulfil the purposes of Jehovah, and not his own; that, should any one seek to do him harm, Jehovah would preserve him in safety, and punish his adversaries; and that when he should be "ruler over Israel" it would be a source of comfort, and not of trouble, to him that he had not shed blood ell uselessly, nor taken vengeance into his own hand. Finally she says, 11 And Jehovah will do good to my lord, and thou wilt remember thine handmaid" (for good)-" remember the things which I have spoken" (Dathe). No dissuasions from revenge could be more effective. " When a world of men Could not prevail with all their oratory, Yet hath a woman's kindness overruled." "Doubtless she had not studied eloquence in the schools, but the Spirit of God alone made her such nn orntor. God put wisdom into her heart, and it flowed out in wise discourse" (Roos). 6. Exalted piety; faith in the righteousness and goodness of 494 [en. XXV. 1-«.
G::icl, his on:rrnling: provi?~nce, :in1 the esta~llis?1me_nt of_ his kingdom (see the song of Hannah), dc,·ot1on, spmtnal ms1g-ht, mamfested 111 tins appeal, and in her who!.3 ('onduct (Pro,-. xxxi. 26, 30). It is not surprising that, after the death of Nabal "David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife" (ver. 89).-D: