III. HIS SUOCESSFUL APPEAL 'l'O THE PEOPLE. Notwithstanding the ruinous con- dition of the wall, and the feebleness of the Jews-I. He was confident and resolute him8elf. Assured that the work could be done, and prepared to do his part and more. 2: He infused his ~pirit into the people. (~) He appealed to all_ cla~ses: ru!ers, priests, nobles, workmg-men. The co-op~ratio!1 of all was essential. (2) His appeal was to all assembled together. Thus msunng tha enthusiasm g·enerated br _numbers. _(3) His ~ppeal was forcible. (~) Reminding them of the present con- d1twn of the city. Rumous, defenceless, excitmg contempt. ( b) Informing them of the fayo1;11'able t1;1m which a~airs had taken. God's k~nd interposition. The king's commission to him, and gracious words. (c) Summorung them to join him in build- ing the wall. (4) His appeal was successful. It roused them to-(a) Prompt and determined resolve. (b) Mutual incitement. (c) Confidence and courage. "So they strengthened their hands for the good work." Observe-I. The worth of competent leaders. T_he multitude helpless wit~out_them. One ~an, able and resolute, may turn "'eakness mto strength, and depression mto prosperity. In the work of Christ good leaders are of incalculable value. The advent of such often changes the whole aspect of things. 2. The duty of those who are fitted to be leaders. A great responsibility rests on them. Let them not decline the posts for which they are fitted on account of the expense or self-?enial involved in filling them. Let them study to lead well, not for the sake of their own honour, but for the glory of Christ and the good of their brethren. Let them lead by their example as well as their speeches · so that they can sa.v with Nehemiah, "Come,, and let us build," &c. 3. The duty ~f the people towards them. To recognise them, welcome them thankfully, co-operate with them heartily. If the people are weak without good leaders, these are equally weak with- out the people. But both uniting heartily, they may work wonders. IV. HIS TREATMENT OF ILL-DISPOSED NEIGHBOURS. 1. How they regarded his pro- ceedings. (1) With great displeasure and mortification (ver. 10). (2) With undis- guised contempt (ver. 19). "Will ye rebel against the king?" is perhaps to be viewed as ironical rather than as insinuating a serious charge. "Ye puny Jews, do you imagine you can defy the power of Persia to which you are subject ? " Otherwise we may add-(3) With misrepresentation. 2. How he dealt with them. (1) He addressed them serionsly, expressing his confidence in God; his determination, in common with his brethren, to proceed with the enterprise; his rejection of their unjnstiftable interference. (2) He just went• on with the work. Observe-I. Every good work will meet with opposition, if not with contempt. 2. Such oppo- sition is best met by trust in God, earnest resolution, and increased activity.
Ver. 10.-Seeking the welfare of the Chur~h. " There was a man come to seek !he welfare of the children of Israel." Thus, with some contempt, Sanballat and Tob1ah thought and spoke of the coming of Nehemiah to Palestine. But if meant as a sco:ff, it may be accepted as a eulogium: like" a friend of publicans and sinners." Nehe- miah is correctly described in the words. They set before us conduct to be imitated by citizens and statesmen in respect to the general community, by Christians in respect to the Church, and to the world at large. I. To SEEK THE WELFARE OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IS INCUMBENT ON ALL CHRISTIANS. The maintenance of religious ordinances, the spread of Christianity, the increase and prosperity of the Church, the benefit of its individual members, are the concern of every Christian, and ought not to be left to a few. The efforts of all are needed ; each can do something, and should do it heartily and cheerfully. The great motives to zeal apply to all, as really as to the few who feel their power. When the many can be described as those who with all their might " seek the welfare" of the Church and kingdom of God, a new era in the history of Christianity will begin. 1. How we should seek the welfare of the Church. By our exertions, gifts, prayers. 2. Why we are bound to do so. The nature of our religion, which is love ; the pur- pose of our calling as Christians-to be "lights in the world ; " the express com- mands of our Lord; the Divine examples and many human; the.blessings we have received from the gospel and the Church; the blessings we may impart; the noble- ness of the unselfish spirit and pursuits, and the increase they secure to the true wealth and blessedness of our OWil being-all are powerful reasons why we shonld Ott. II. 9-20.] THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH. 21