Ver. 18.-Mutual encouragement. "And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for the good work." Narrates the effect produced on all classes at Jerusalem by Nehemiah's address. I. WHAT MOVED THEM. 1. There was e. plain need for energetic and united action, 2. They had a good leader, Competent, resolute, courageous, generous, devoted, self-denying; and withal having authority. 3. There were many encouragements and helps. 4. In all, the will and favourable providence of God seemed manifest. II. To WHAT IT LED THEM. 1. Ardent enthusiasm. 2. Resolute determination. 3. Mutual exhortation. '' Let us rise up and build." 4. Confidence and courage. 5. All combining to impart vigour for the work. "They strengthened their hands," braced themselves "for the good work." Note throughout that Christians have similar in- centives to their work, and should be similarly affected by them. There is sadder and more wide-spread ruin to move our hearts; we have a Divine leader; the word, the grace, and the providence of God combine to urge and encourage us. Let us " provoke•: one another "to love and good works," and give oureelviis to them with unanimous zeal, resolution, and confidence; thus II strengthening our hands for the good work."
Ver. 20.-.Assurance of Divine co-operation. "The God of heaven, he will prosper us," &c. Nehemiah's reply to opponents who wished to deter him from the work he was undertaking. J. WHEN WE MAY CHERISH THE ASSURANCE OF DIVINE AID AND BLESSING IN OUR ENDEAVOURS. In general when our endeavours are in accordance with the will of God-in the line of hie plans and purposes. And this is the case when-I. The work is good. 2. The Divine call to it is clear. This is ascertainable from (1) the word of God, its revelations, commands, promises. (2) The grace of God, producing desire and willingness in our hearts ; or in some cases placing us in such relation tQ his Church as gives us the right to act. (3) The providence of God, giving ability, opportunity, and facilities. 3. Our motives are pure and Christian, 4. _Our methods right. Being according to the directions and in harmony with the spirit of Christ. 5. The blessing of God is relied upon and earnestly sought, II. THE EFFECTS WBJCH SUCH ASSURANCE WJLL PRODUCE, 1. Confidence of success. Notwithstanding difficulties, misrepresentation, contempt, opposition (see ver. 19), and occaBional desponding thoughts. 2. Stre11uous exertion. "Tlierefore," &c., not, "Therefore we need not work, or may be lax in our endeavours." Confidence which thus operates is preswr.ption. God will do most when me:q. do their be1:1t. CIJ, II, 9-20.] THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH. 23