T,evitical view of Hebrew history. 2. The reader should be on the watch for gleams of light amidst the sombre catalogues of lsraelitish names. (3) Sympathy should be elicited by the presentation of the Divine side of both biography and history.-'!'. On tl1efirst nine chapters-Genealogies. Most readers of the Scriptures shrink from perusing the lengthy genealogical tables which constitute so large a part of the Books of Numbers and of Chronicles. It is difficult to feel any interest in persons of whom we know nothing but the name. The listg of Hebrew names constitute dry and un- attractive reading. Yet, as every man amongst ourselves who has a distin"'uished pedigree takes pleasure in tracing his own descent by means of "the family tree" which he has in his possession, so it is reasonable to suppose that the Jews regarded their recorded genealogies with pleasure and pride. 'l'here are, however, reasons why we also should contemplate these family records with interest. I. 'fhere are GENERAL REASONS why genealogies should be recorded and preserved, 1. Family life is ordained by God. Revelation teaches us that the family is a Divine institution, and society can only prosper and retain stability when fixed upon this basis. 2. Family feeling is consequently natural and Divine. The relationships of the household are bound up with deep, tender, and beneficial sentiments. 3. Family recollections and records are of human interest and moral advantage. When the father tells the story of his boy hood to his son, the grandfather to his grandson, there is a natural interest felt, and a wholesome feeling of family life and community developed. 4. In many instances family history is nn important part of national history. The story of the reigning family in a monarchical country, and of families distinguished for hereditary ability and patriotism in all countries, can scarcely be omitted from the chronicles of a nation. 5. The federal family feeling is contributive to the religious life. "One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts." II. There are SPECIAL REASONS why the genealogies of the Jews should be preserved. The fact that they have been thought worthy of so prominent a place in the canonical Scriptures is indicative of their importance to the national and religious life of the Hebrew people. 1. In some instances these genealogies evince the faithfulness of God in the fulfilment of prophecy. This is especially the case with regard to the character ancl functions of the several tribes of Israel. 2. In some instances these tables indicate the functions of families in the nation and in the service of the sanctuary. Thus the tribe of Judah is pointed out as the monarchical, the tribe of Levi as the ministerial tribe, and the family of Aaron as the priestly family. 3. One especial purpose of Hebrew genealogy was to provide that the descent of the Messiah should be duly traced, and that the predictions of Scripture should be thus obviously fulfilled. Tlie genealogies of the Evangelists should be read in connection with those of the books of the Old 'l'estament. The Son of David, the descendant of Abraham, is thus shown tu be the Son of God and the Saviour of mankind.-'!'. Ver. 10.-.A mighty one. In the early history of the world and in the early history of most nations there arise, out of the dimness, great gigantic figures. \Ve know little of such; but they impress the imagination, and their names suggest great qualities and memorable deeds. Such a figure is Nimrod, of whom wo reud that " hu Legan to bo mighty upon the earth." I. Observe an instance of the NATURAL INEQUALITY OF MAN WITH M.-1.N, Many are forgotten; one is remembered; and he who is remembered is, in some respects, su- perior to his fellows. This inequality is divinely ordered, and, on the whole, must bo admitted to contribute to the welfare of society. The respects in which men am great and distinguished are very various. Some are admired for their bodily powers, their daring; others for their wi~dom; others, again, for their sanctity. II. Observe MEN'S NATURAL TENDENCY TO DO HOMAGE TO GREATNESS, This often takes the form of "hero-worship,'' to use the expression of one of our most intl.u~ntial thinkers and writers. The disposition to hero-worship is neither an nmuixcd good nur an unmixed evil. III. Consitler TRE CONSF.QUEN'r RESPONSIDILITY OF POWER AND ORF.ATNESS. \Vhen usod for au evil ~nd, l'uwer is iu,lec,1 a curse. 'l'he selfish, thu amuitiuu:;, tho cruel, 8 THE FlllST IlOOK OF THE CHRONICLES. [en. 1. 1-M.
nre a scourge to humanity. On the other hand, n wide range of influence is the means of the usefulness of those who are alike good and great. 'l'he more the talents, the more serious the reckoning at last with the Lord and Judge. History largely con- sist.8 of the records of the achievements of the mighty. What au account must some suc·h ha ,;e to render at the last ! APPLICAT~o:i,. 1. . Se_c that the greatness you admire be true greatness, moral grandeur, spmtual dignity. 2. \Vhether your endowments be lavish or slender seek to use aright what a wise Providence has entrusted to your care.-'1'. '