the man who lived near to God, and realized that God was near to him. Hence it is that we find Elisha saying, " Fea\· not: for they that be with us are mol'IJ than they that be with them." So it bas been with God's true servants in all ages. They have realized that God's presence was with them, and in the strength of that one idea they have surmounted the ~eatest difficulties, braved the most terrible dangers, met fear- lessly the most overwhelming opposition, and accomplished tasks that to the worldly eye seemed almost incredible. Look at .Abraham. He went forth from hie native land," not knowing whither he went." And why? Because he knew that God was with him. Look at Nehemiah. An exile from his native land, he undertook the wonderful enterprise of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He had plenty of opposi- tion. But be went on with hie work in spite of the ridicule and attacks of Sanballal. and his companions. And what was the secret of his determination and perseverance? You have it in his answer to Sanballat, "The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build." This year (1888) is the anniversary of two great events in British history-two great deliverances which illustrate in a mar- vellous way God's presence with his people. It is the three hundredth anniversary of the defeat of the Spanish Armada, which took place in 1588. Yet it was not English ships or English power that really turned away that invasion from our shores; but the winds and waves of him who holdeth the sea in the hollow of his hand. It is also the two hundredth anniversary of the revolution of 1688. And while we should never use such anniversaries as the occasion of displaying a vindictive or unchristian spirit towards those who differ from us, yet in the interests of truth, in the interests of true Anglicanism, in the interests of civil and religious liberty, it is most desirable that these two great events should be rightly and piously commemorated. Oue thing they illustrate very clearly, and that is, that however dark the prospects of God's people seem to be, and however overwhelming seem the forces arrayed against them,he is able to banish every cloud and to give them the victory over all their enemies. "God is our Refuge and our Strength, In straits a present Aid: Therefore, although the earth remove, We will not be afraid." One or two practical applications. 1. It is well to be on Gorl's ~de. In a time oI danger or of trouble, a great many people expect God to be on their side, who have never taken any pains to show themselves on bis side. If you want to have the unspeakable advantage of God's presence with you in your time of difficulty or danger, the most important question you could now ask yourself is, "Am I on God's side?" 2. A word to those who are God's people. Undertake great things/or God. Remember that you have unlimited resources at your command. vVe should be ashamed of how little we are attempting to do for God, when we have the inexhaustible treasury of Divine grace to help us. 3. Never suffer yourself to be daunted or depressed by diffi- culties. The greater the difficulties, the greater should be the determination of the Christian. "Let courage rise with danger." Luther sang his most stirring songs of praise and hope and courage iu the darkest moments of his life. Those who have Gud with them can afford to sing amid the darkness.-0. H. I.
Vers. 17-23.-Eyes closed, and eyes opened. I. EYES OLOSEn. 1. The young man's eyes were closed. He did not see the horses and chariots of fire that were round about Elisha. He did not realize that deliverance was at hand. How many like him are blind to the power of God, to the providences of God I How many are quick to see an)'.th_ing that concerns their temporal advantage, but slow to see that which concerns their immortal souls I How many see no beauty in Christ I 2. Tlie Syrians' eyes were closed. This was a judicial act of God in response to Elisha's prayer. So there is a spiritual judicial blindness. "Seeing they shall see, but not perceive ; hearing th(•y shall hear, but shall not understand." It is a spiritual law which has its analogies in the natural world. If we neglect to use auy of our bodily powers, the power itseH is soon lost. Similarly, mental or spiritual powers, if neglected, will soon become uselt'SS. Let us be careful that we use the privileges and opportunities and talents which God has given us, lest they be taken frow us 11,ltogethcr. "'l'o him that hath shull be given," 134 THE SECOND BOOK OF THE KINGS. [au. v1. 1- 83.