euch willing order and subordinfltion, which cannot be secured because of the pride, eelf-will, jeulouey, &c. of those wao should co-operate. 4. With religious services (var. 1). The high priest and hie fellow-priests led the way, and "sanctified" (dedicated) their work to God; most likely having regard, in this solemn act of piety, to the whole work. The account is instructive, as showing how much may be done by even a feeble people when united, zealous, and willing each to do the part allotted to him, and offering all to God in dependence on bis aid and blessing. II. THE RE0ORD, May be of use as-1. An example. The names and works of those who have done good service to the nation, the city, or the Church should be commemorated-(1) For the glory of God, whose product and gift good and use- ful men are. (2) For the honour of the workers. (3) AF! an illustration of great principles. Their nature, operation, worth (comp. Heb. xi.). (4) As a stimulus and encouragement to others. The young should be familiarised with the names and deeds of the noblest men and women, and the principles which formed their cha- racter, that they may imbibe their spirit and imitate their nobleness. Hence the value of history and biography, whether sacred or ordinary. 2. A reminder. There is a record of good men and good deeds in another book-the memory of God (Heh. vi. 10), a record which is-(1) Exact. Excluding many who receive honour from men, but including all who have served God and their brethren with ~incere piety and love. Only the few can be mentioned by name in human records ; but all are "in the book of life " (Phil. iv. 3). Many who are of little account here stand high there. • And small services as well as great find a place in that record (Matt. x. 42). (2) Indelible. No names or deeds registered there drop out, or are erased, or fade away. (3) To be published. At the great day, when many who are now obscure and thinking little of themselves will become famous. (4) To be the guide in con- ferring rewards. Every man according to his works (comp. Luke xix. 15-19 ; 2 Cor. ix. 6). The thought of this record should-(1) Incite us to active and devoted s!:-rvice, leading us to do our part, and do it well, aspiring to "honourable mention" in the Divine record and at the last day. (2) Encourage us under undeserved neglect, misrepresentation, or censure. So Nehemiah again and again beseeches God to remember his good deeds, as if despairing of due estimation or recompense from men. (3) Nourish joyful expectation. Another record is kept, of evil-doers and their works, and all hypocritical pretenders to Christian zeal and faithfulness. This also will be published. Hence "some will rise to shame and everlasting contempt'' (Dan. xii. 2; comp. 1 Cor. iv. 5).
Ver. 5.-lndifference in high places. "But their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord." Nehemiah, or other human ruler, is supposed by some to be meant by "their Lord." Better, as our translators evidently understood it, "God." The word translated "work" means the work of a servant=" service." I. THE WORK OF THE CHURCH IS THE LORD'S SERVICE. All work is to be so regarded, and cannot be done rightly otherwise. But the work of the Church is emphatically the service of God ; whether the directly spiritual ( evangelisation, instruction of Christians and their children), or the provision and maintenance of whatever is need- ful for it (ministers, teachers, buildings, &c.), or charitable aid to the poor. I. God bas redeemed and constituted his Church for these very ends. "Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price," &c. (1 Cor. vi. 20). 2. He bas committed the work to his people. 3. He has given them directions for its fulfilment. 4. Hence loyalty to him requires them to do it. And only those who have faith and love towards him can do it truly and acceptably. We may judge of any work by this test: Can it be described as "the service of the Lord"? Much which goes by that name is misnamed, either because it is not of his appointment, or is not done in the spirit of love and obedience to him. II. This service CALLS FOR STRENUOUS EXERTION. Like that of draught-oxen "putting their necks" to their work. The Christian's work is worthy of earnest effort, and cannot be well done without it. His "Lord" bas a right to·expect it. III. SOME WHO PROFESS TO BE SERVANTS OF Goo DECLINE THIS PART OF HIS SERVICE. Even amid general enthusiasm they remain unmoved. I. The causes of their refusal. May ho a total want of the piety they profess ; or the dominance of indifference, 32 THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH. LCH. III. 1-32.
selfishness, indolence, or pride (towards God, or those who would be their fellow• labourers). 2. Its guilt. To refuse to take part in a common work is (1) injuHtioe to ?thers, who have thus an undue burden cast upon them; and (2) rebellion agamst God. 3. Its consequences. Loss of great honour and blessing, now and here~fter. Punishment for unfaithfulness (Matt. x..xv. 26-30). I\'. Suen NEGLECT IS OFTEN FOUND AMONGST THOSE WHO SHOULD DE LEADERS OB' OTH~RS. " The nobles." The hig~er and ri~her classes have special gifts for the service of the Lord ; but also special temptations to neglect it, from their position, education, habits of luxury and self-~ndulgence, sense of superiority, &c. ; and too often they succumb to such temptations. They are reminded here that, however exalted they may be above their fellow-men, God is "their Lord," their Owner and Master, and has a right to their service equally with that of their social inferiors. The example of these should stimulate them. And great as their earthly dignity may be, it is not comparable to the honour of being hwnble and devoted servants of God. V. Prnus ZEAL AND LABOUR ON THE PART OF THE COMMON PEOPLE IS THE MORE COMMENDABLE WHEN THEY ARE DEPRIVED OF THE CO-OPERATION OF THEIR NATURAL LEADERS. "The Tekoites," instead of imitating their nobles, repaired two lengths of the wall (see ver. 27). The middle and lower classes not unfrequently outstrip in godly and benevolent works the gTeat of the earth, and make up in a measure for their indifference It ie not well, however, to waste time in reflecting upon others. Let each consider whether he is taking his own part in workR of piety and charity, according to the measure of his ability and opportunities. "Every one of ue shall give account of himself to God."