krrible results follow from the misinterprebtion of motives I Yea, wars in families, in the Church, in nations, and among indiviJuals !,ave arisen times without number from the fal8e construction our hearts put upon the motives and conduct of others. We may depend upon it that in all such cases the "charity that thinketh no evil" comes off beat in the end not only temporally but spiritually, besides obviating an amount of eVIl to ourselves and others of which we have not the smallest conception when we act unguardedly, or under the impulse of the moment.-W. Vers. 6-19.-Joab and .Abishai, and the battle between the Israelites and the allied armies of the .Ammonites and Syrians. One sin always leads to another, and the insult of Hanun's princes led on to a bloody war. No doubt the inconsiderate act of Hanun to David's messengers was regretted shortly after it was committed. But it was too late. It is a law of God's moral government that though the sin of our acts may be forgiven, the consequences of them must be reaped. " Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." A little time sufficed to make the princes of Hanun aware that sooner or later there would be a terrible reprisal. David felt the indignity keenly. Yet the retribution did not proceed from him, but from those who had so grossly insulted him. This is invariably the case. A dread of retribution and a guilty conscience go together. The inconsiderate act of a moment, it is for86een, will lead to consequences which must be averted; and so another is resolved on, and then follows a collapse or utter ruin. Thus it was here. The consequence of a momentary impulse are the destruction and ruin of a kingdom and nation. But notice, when the armies stood face to face with each other, Joab's conduct. The .Ammonites and the Syrians beset Israel behind and before. Juab was in straits. He evidently saw his danger. In the emergency he does his best, and then casts himself and his cause upon God. He asks not for victory. He does better. He makes the battle not a matter between the Ammonites and Israel, but between the Ammonites and God. He asks not for victory, but simply says, "Let the Lord do that which is good in his sight." This is faith of a high order. Herein he is an example for all believers. In every perplexity, difficulty, danger, or whatever the emergency may be, let us, as Joab did, devise the very best planR, use all means, and, having done all, leave the result calmly and confidently with God, feeling sure that whatever may be the result "all must be well." Such confidence will always sooner or later meet with its reward. And so it was here. Joab's faith and trust in God was crowned with a great victory.-W. Ver. 2.-Religious courtesy. True religion of necessity involves the culture of the beautiful, the gracious, the considerate, and the sympathetic in human character. Its plea is efiectively expressed by St. Paul: "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." This verse presents an instance of the courtesy which piety prompts. It is intended to point out that there was more in this matter than court for- mality; David bore a grateful sense of kindness shown him by Nahnsb, and found what seemed a most fittmg time for acknowledging it. Illustrations may be given of the practical importance of the "polite" in human sooiety; but better than formal politeness is the considerate courtesy of the good man. The counsel to nil Christians is," Be pitiful, be courteous." l. THE GOOD l'dAN IS 81!.NSITIVE TO KINDNESS THAT lrAY BE SHOWN ll!M. As David cherished the memory of the kindness of Nahash. Some people take things dono for them as their rights, and haughtily treat them as even below their rights. 'l'buso who are made sensible of the mercy of God to them in redemption, are always mado sensitive to human kindnesses, which seem to them shadows of the Divine. II. THE GOOD MAN 18 QUICK TO OBSERVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SHOWING KINDNESS. Knowiog how good it is to receive, ho is ever ready to give. '!'he sympathizing word is not restrained. The kindly ancl helpful deed is not postponed. 'l'he good man cherishes kind thoughts, but he will not rest without giving expression to them. Tho weak man tries to satisfy himself with cherishing good feelings. The large-hearted man is ever keenly observant, and nobly anxious, to find out the best forms and times for pressing good feeling into kindly word nncl deed. Our Ma8ter said, "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." Loyalty to truth is fully consistent with Christian courtesy, and with the most tcnJer C"onsideratcness for the feelings of othere.-R. T. 316 THE FIRST BOOK OF 'rHE CHRONICLES. [OH. :U, l-8,
Ver. 3.-The evil of the suspicious mind. Shown by the counsellors of Hanun. Observe the difficulty men find when they attempt to estimate motives; and the sacl tendency of depraved human nature to light upon, and to prefer, the evil motive as the explanation of conduct. These points may be readily illustrated by instances within the experience of every preacher. It may be shown that- I. THINGS MAY LOOK WELL WITHOUT BEING WELL, and that therefore- II. THERE IS ALWAYS NEED OF DUE CAUTION LEST WE SHOULD BE DECEIVED, But it should be carefully shown and impressed- III. THAT THE SUSPICIOUS HABIT OF MIND EASILY FANCIES TllERE IS EVIL IN WHAT WAS MEANT WELL. Then it may be shown that the suspicious habit is only a reflection of a man's own conscious untrustworthiness or badness. We suspect in others what we know there would have been in the act if we ourselves had done it. These mean and low-natured counsellors of Hanun measured David by the measure of their own meanness. They would have taken such an opportunity to spy out a neighbour's land; so they felt sure that David had a deceptive and hostile intention. When we do not go this len<>th, we sometimes assume evil by establishing some general principle, by which we f;rce an explanation to everything, without being prepared to allow exceptions in individual cases. The mischief of the suspicious temper in society and in the Church may be fully illustrated; especially its influence in starting jealousy and creating enmity, and separating "very friends." From the incident connected with the verse show how it may even lead to terrible miseries for many. Press that the suspicious temper grows on a man, dwarfing and crushing out the trustfulness which, toned by wisdom, is man's true dignity and blessedness, and the basis of good social relations.-R. T.