Homage imd obedience should be freely rendered where they are justly claimed and truly deserved. Observe the qualities and exploits of these sons of Gad who gathered to David and offered him their swords. They were men of might, bold as lions, swift :is eagles; men skilful in the use of their weapons, apt for war, brave in danger," good at need ; " men whose deeds were in the lips of a nation, memorable and. unforgotten. We may discern in the qualities of these valiant Gadites the qualities which (mutatis mutandis) should characterize Christians as the solqiers of Christ and combatants in the "holy war." l. THE SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS ARE DEVOTEDLY ATTACHED TO THEIR CoMJ4ANDER. As the Gadites "separated themselves unto David," so Christians are drawn by the Divine Spirit to the standard.of Immanuel. It is distinctive of Christianity that it involves personal attachment and allegiance to the Redeemer. Christ is "the Captain of our salvation." To him we owe our loyalty; at his summons we draw the spiritual sword ; in his cause we fight. !I. THE SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS ARE DIVINELY QUALIFIED FOR TlIE CONFLICT. Their heavenly Leader alike provides them with weapons and breathes courage into their souls. When he enlists them in his spiritual host, he disciplines and trains them for the warfare. He imparts those moral qualities of endurance and boldness, 11romptness and devotion, by which alone they can be qualified to "fight the good fight of faith." Ill. THE SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS ARE EXPECTED, DY DIVINE AID, TO ACHIEVE GREAT EXPLOITS. The enemy is indeed formidable, his opposition is fierce. "We wrestle with principalities and powers." Within and without we encounter a foe whose craft and power we must not under-estimate. Yet have the soldiers of Christ no reason for discouragement. The weapons of their warfare, though not carnal, are mighty. Their Leader has conquered, and has taken his seat upon his victorious throne; and thence he inspirits, directs, and helps them. 'l'he giant forms and mighty forces of error and ignorance, of superstition and infidelity, of vice, crime, and sin, are all destined to give way before the onset of the spiritual forces of Immanuel. It is a "holy war" to which Christians are summoned. Certain victory awaits the faithful combatant. CoNCLUDING APPEAL. Christ calls upon every hearer of the gospel to enlist under his banner. "The Son of God goes forth to war, A kingly crown to gain; His blood-red banner streams afar: Who follows in his train ? " T. "\'er. 18.-Luyatty. It was the suspicion and the adjuration of David that called forth this passionate language of devotion and loyalty on the part of Ama~ni, the spokesman of the men of Benjamin and Judah. When these men came forward, offering their swords to the valiant son of Jesse, he appears to have suspected them of treacherous designs. If language could prove their sincerity, the language recorded in the text must have had this effect: "Thiue are we, David, and on thy side, •.• peace be unto thee and ... to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee." It is remarkable that this uttc;ance is declared to have been prompted by "the Spirit," i.e. of God himself, who is the Author of truth, sincerity, and fidelity. If we take this language as appro- priate, when addressed by Christians to their Divine Lord, it brings before our minds the nature and obligation of Christian loyalty. I. CHRISTUNS RECOGNIZE IN THEIR SAVIOUR THE "HELP OF TIIE Lonn." This is the literal meaning of the name "Jesus," i.e. "the Help or Salvation of Jehovah." David's Son and David's Lord is " mighty to save;" in him the Lord has indeed "laid help upon One who is mighty." II. CHBISTUNB ACKNOWLEDGE THE ROYAL AUTHORITY OF CHRIST. He was King, even when here upon earth in his humiliation, even when crowned with thorns, when his sceptre was a reed, when he wore the purple robe laid over his shoulders in mockery. How much more manifestly is he King, now that he is in glory I Every loyal subject of the Laid Christ delights to acknow)11<lge hiR 110vereignty, to do him homage, to ulTer him t.ribute, to oLey his wilL olt, x.u. 1-40.J TilE F'IRST BOOK OF TilE CtiTIONICUS. 183
llf, CHRISTIANS OFFER TO CHRIST THF.IR HEARTS AND THEIR SERVICE. "Thine are we." Such is the exclamation of the true soldiers of the cross. 1,Ve are bis by every boncl. He bas a right to our love, our life, our all. Let him be enthroned in our spirits; let him rule in our life; let his love inspire our devotion ; let his law direct our active service. !V. CHIIIBTIANS DESIDE AND PRAY FOR THE PROSPERITY OF CHRIST'S CAUSE. "Peace," said the Benjamite to David," Peace be unto thee, and ... to thine helpers!" If our hearts are given to Christ, nothing will be so clear to us as the progress of his kingdom, tbe prosperity of his cause, the honour of his gracious Name. "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem." "Prayer also shall be made for him continually, and daily shall he be praised."-T,