every claim we are his, and his only, and to withhold from him aught that is ours is an infringement upon his rights, His demand is a jnst and unvarying one: "My son, give me thine heart." 2. It is evidence of ingratitude towards Ghrist. When the Lord Jesus undertook our redemption, he did not leave his work half finished, for he did not undertake it with half a heart, with a divided purpose, a distracted love. Shall we give a divided heart to him who gave himself for us? 3. It is disastrous in its effect upon those who witness its exhibition. How many young minds have been preju- diced against religion by the double-heartedness of its professors! And what mis- chief ha.~ been wrought in society by such a spectacle I How often has it shaken the confidence and deterred the progress of inquirers into Christianity! 4. It is deteriorating to the character of those who are tempted into it. What more con- temptible than vacillation? "A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways." 'l'he longer the habit is persevered in, the more mischievous are its consequences to its victim. He cannot but sink in his own esteem and lose the strength which is imparted by self-respect. LESSONS, 1. Remind those of double heart of the fearful danger to which this sin exposes them. 2. Warn Christians against the temptations of sin and the world. 3. Encourage the young to give their whole heart to their God and Saviour.-T. Ver. 38.-Union, Too often the counsels of Israel were divided, and their true interest frustrated by party spirit, by envy, by faction. The occasion before us was one of national harmony and co-operation, To make David king tbo people were Qf one heart. A lesson this as to the spirit and the attitude becoming in the Church or Christ. I. THE FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIAN UNITY. The unity to be desired is not nominal or formal, but real. This unity consists of: 1. Submission to one Lord. As Israel did homage and rendered obedience to one king, David, so we, as Christians, aro bound to be subject to the authority of our rightful Prince, even Christ, David's Son and David's Lord. 2. .Acknowledgment of one faith. 'I'he unity of the faith is real. All who are Christ's receive the truth of Christ, and hoid it fast for his sake. A common principle, a common sympathy, a common aim, impart unity to those who cherish them. 3. Reception of one baptism. The same Spirit descends, in copioua showers, upon all the followers of Jesus Christ, making them partakers of the same purity and the same spiritual life. II. THE PROOFS AND SIGNS OF UNITY, Unity consists in one attitude towards Heaven, but it declares itself by certain palpable manifestations amongst Christians. Especially mutual love, confidence, and helpfulness, and common sacrifices of prayer and praise, and common labours for the world's enlightenment and salvation. III. THE nLESSED RESULTS OF UNITY, These are: 1. Happiness. Discord is fruitful of misery; harmony of felicity and joy. A united Church is a happy Church. 2. Strength. L'union fait la force. Israel under David was powerful, because all were of one mind and heart. So in the Church of the living God. A united Church is II strong Church. Its enemies cannot reproach or despise it. 3. Efficiency. Christ, the great I-lend and High Priest of the Church, saw this. Hence tho lnnguago of his prayer : " '!'hat they all may be one .. , that the world may know th11t thou hast sent me." Oh that the whole world were" of one heart" in aclmowledgiug Jesus as King of kings, in crowning him Lord of all 1-T.
Ver. 40.-" Joy in Israel." Arter the reign of Saul, with all its caprice, violence, and irreligiousness, it was with something more than a feeling of relief that Israel welcomed the accession of his successor. The unity of the people was manifested in the large and representative assembly that gathered together at Hebron, and the cordial sympathy of the absent in the presents and tribute forwarded from all parts of the land, The feasting was prolonged for three days; for the tables were abun- dantly furnished by the contributions of the several tribes, even from those in the northern districts of Palestine. Let us regard the "joy in Israel" as emblematic of that which pervades Christendom in the acknowledgment of Christ's Divine and regal authority. L TUE OCCASION of this joy. It is the sovereignty of the Messiah. "I have set my 18G TIIE FIRS'!' BOOK OF THE CllRONICU!S. Ccrr. :xtr. 1-40~
King upon my holy hill of Zion." Christ is the rightful King of humanity, He is the acknowledged and actual King of his ransomed Church. "He shall reicrn until he bath put ~very enemy under his feet." Surely a race, distracted by lawlessness and rebellion, may well rejoice when assured that a King so mighty and so wise ascends his rightful throne. II. THE SUl3JECTS of this joy. "Let_ Israel be ~l~d_." They who own Jesus as King a!e the prope~ pers?ns to offer. t~e ~cnfices_ of re101c1Dg. How many are the admoni- t10ns we find ID Scripture to re101ce ID the reign of Immanuel I " Let all the children of Judah be joyful in their king I" With shouts of acclaim and songs of welcome do Christ's people exalt him to the throne of their loyal hearts. III. THE MANIFESTATIONS of this joy. Joy is not wont to be silent. The elders nnd chief captains of Israel held high festival because David accepted the crown. And Christ's true subjects cannot do oth_er _than speak forth his praise and celebrate his exploits. IV. THE RESULTS of this Joy._ If we feel the_ gladness which Christ's kingship is fitted to awaken, we shall find 1t easy to submit and to obey; we shall learn that " the joy of the Lord is our strength ; " we shall have some earnest of the hicrher and immortal joy which shall fill the courts of heaven. " LESSONS. 1. A rebuke to gloomy Christians. Your faith, if you have any must be feeble indeed if joy is a strange emotion t-0 your heart. 2. An encoura;ement to i·ejoicing Christians to turn their joy into motive power, that they may aid in the culture of holiness and in the achievements of Christian service.-'!'.