the time of hope, was over ; the people stood face to face with the work they had undertaken; its difficulties were before them; they felt the poverty of their resources. But though the enthusiasm of the multitude was checked, it was not dfmnted ; the hope of the younger men overbore the depression of the elders ; the influence of their sacred festival sustained them; the popular feeling was wiser and more healtily than the despondency of the leaders. The work of preparation had been carried forward with spirit. Not more than a year, probably a good deal less (ver. 8), had elapsed since II the chi.~£ of the fathers" had come "to the ho~se of_ the Lord v.:h!ch is at Jerusalem" (eh. 11. 68), and much work had been accomplished m the orgamsmg of labour and the collection of materials for the building (ver. 7). Patriotism, wisdom, and piety had been manifested in their plans. The whole remnant of Israel was enlisted in the cause; this was the work, not only of those who had returned, but also of those whom the militarr leaders of Assyria and Chaldrea had not deemed of sufficient importance to carry away (cf. ver. 1 with 2 Kings xxiv. 14; xxv. 12). The daily sacrifices had been early re-established, that the courage of the people might be sustained by their faith in the God of Israel (vers. 3-6). Great careful- ness was manifested that all things should be done according to the law ; they were scrupulous in their obedience of God (vers. 2, 4, and eh. ii. 59, 61, 62). A beautiful simplicity and hope appear in the counsel of "the Tirshatha" (eh. ii. 63), the expect- ation that the LORD would again reveal his will for their practical guidance. The responsibility of all this action must have been felt by the II ancient men" "of the priests and Levites;" overstrained feeling may have been one reason of their weeping. Among the causes of their grief, notice these- !. THE DESPONDENCY WHICH IS NATURAL TO THE AGED. There was II great contrast between Solomon's temple and the ruins which were around them; between the glorious past of Israel and the scattered, demoralised condition of the nation now. But the greatest contrast was between the energies of their own youth and their present inability to rise to the demands of a great occasion. "We receive but what we give." Difficulties are a spur to a young man's courage ; the consciousness of power shows itself in the desire to struggle nnd to overcome. I!. THE PARTIAL AND INSUFFICIENT RESPONSE THAT HAD BEEN MADE TO THE DECREE OF CYRUS. "Forty and two thousnnd three hundred and threescore " was the number of II the whole congregation" thnt offered themselves for the return; and of these a large proportion were persons professionally engaged about the temple. " The priests and Levites" mourned that their readiness met with so small a response from the people. Some of the lenders of the nation, noble men bearing noble names, were there; but many also of small account, "n mixed multitude," like a great proportion of our modern emigrants, unable to succeed anywhere and eager for any change ( eh. ii. 68-63). The II great middle olnss" of Israel never returned. They continued "dispersed among the Gentiles." The feelings of the ancient men would probably exaggerate these facts. III. UNREADIN)!:BB TO DENY THEMSELVES FOR THE SAKE OF THE WORK FOR WHICH TH_EY HAD RETURNED MAY HAVE ALREADY APPEARED IN MANY. Only II some of the chief of the fathers offered freely" ( eh. ii. 68 ; cf. with the phrase " chief of the fathers" in our text). Zecharinh (eh. vii.) speaks of the greed which chnmcterised the nation during the captivity; Haggai first, and Malachi long afterwards, inclig- nnntly rebuked it in the men of the restoration (Hnggni i. 3, 4, 9; Mai. i. 6-10). The great grief of the old men, however natural, would hnve seriously hindered the work. The want of hope, and the selfishness which made many plead hopelessness as an excuse for abandoning their efforts, were the sins against which Zechnrinh and Haggai had to testify. The frank impulse which led the multitude to about for joy was wiser than the weeping. It anticipated the subsequent teaching of Nehemiah under similar circumstances (Neh. viii. 10), 11 The joy of the Lord is your strength." Lessons :-1. The mingled charader of all human work. We begin in enthusiasm and continue in depression. 'rhere is the contrast of the actual with the ideal ; the sen_se of accumulating difficulties; the consciousness of failing powers; the perception of imperfection in all human instrumentality. The work remains, though the feeling ch~nges ; remains to be done, remains when it is done. " Duty remains, and Go<l ab1deth ever." "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." 2. The advantage of 44 TlIE BOOlt OF EZRA. [c8. IV. 1-24.
fellowship in labour. Many weep and many shout aloud for joy • and this is well, for each can temper the emotion of, and furnish help to, the other.' " 'Tia held that sorrow makes us wise;" but happy ignorance is also blessed. Care is good and so is the occasional o~tburst of joy ~at _sweeps care away. Blend old and young to,gether ; the_ old with memory which 1s the nurse of g·reat purposes ; the young with the passion to make a future for themselves. 3. The cause that can bind true men in a fellQWship of labour. It is the cause of God ; the cause in which we can wo1:5~ip togeth~r. as well as work together. " They sang· together by course in pra1smg and g1vmg thanks unto the Lord ; " " all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid." A common faith in God and God's call harmonises all diversities of feeling.-M,.