words in the so.me wo.y, but explo.in the tenn "water" difforently, of a natural I the text as unsound, and propose emenda- tions. None, however, that has as yet been wo.nt (Ewo.ld, Stanley) ; while many regard proposed is satisfactory.
HOMILETICS. Vere. 7-15.-Armed oppoa-itwn. Ridicule failing and the work progressing, the enemies of the Jews, more angry than ever, conspire to stop it by force of arms. We have here- I. ENEMIES WITHOUT. 1. Various (ver. 7). 2. Combined (ver. 8). 3. Angry (ver. 7). 4. Wily (ver. 11). 5. Ruthless ({bid.). 6. Determined to stop the work. II. DIFFICULTIES WITHIN. 1. The weariness and discouragement of the labourers (ver. 10). 2. Pressing and repeated messages to those of them who came from the country to return to their homes. Such seems the meaning of ver. 12. Their neigh- bours and friends, aware of the designs of the foe, were anxious for their safety and that of their families whom they had left behind. III. NEHEMIAH'S MEASURES. As difficulties thickened his courage rose, his capacity became more evident, and his ability to sway the many. Full of confidence and resolution, he inspired others with like feelings. 1. Prayer (ver. 9). 2. Setting a watch. 3. Subsequently a general arming (ver. 13). 4. Spirit-stirring address (ver. 14). IV. THEIR RESULTS (ver. 15). 1. Determent of the adversaries. 2. Resumption of the work. Lessons :-1. For national life. (1) Wars of defence are lawful when necessary, and should be waged bravely for the sake of homes, wives, and children. (2) Pre- paration for war is a security for peace. 2. For the religious life. (1) Christians must be prepared to fight as well as work. The enemies of their souls and of their Lord are various, nwnerous, and determined, and must be encountered. (2) Prayer, watchfulness, and courage must be combined in the Christian warfare (comp. Eph. vi. 10-18). (3) Faith in God and fear of him will conquer the fear of our adver- saries, human or diabolic. (4) Regard for the highest welfare of their families should inspire Christians in opposing the enemies of religion. Ver. 9.-Prayer an<l watchfulness. "Nevertheless we made our prayer !lllto God, and set a watch," &c. I. The Christian's PERILS. His enemies are-1. Numerous. Satan and his angels, his own corruptions, the world. 2. Diverse. Different in nature, and mode ot attack ; assuming different forms ; appealing in turn to every passion and principl<> of our nature. 3. Insidious. " The wiles of the devil." He can take the form of " an angel of light." Evil often appears as good. Danger lurks where we should least suspect it : in needful occupations, in lawful pleasures, in the society and influence of dearest friends. 4. Intent on our destruction. " Seeking whom he may devour." Our highest interests, our eternal well-being, a.re imperilled. II. The Christian's SAFEGUARDS. 1. Prayer. To him who is mightier tha.n our mightiest foes ; who has a. perfect knowledge of them, and of our weaknesses ; whose eye is ever upon them and us ; who loves us and desires our safety; who has promised help and victory to those who ea.II upon him. In his strength alone can we conquer. 2. Watchfulness. Habitual vigilance, for our foes ma.y spring upon us from unexpected quarters ; special watchfulness " over a.ga.inst them" ( as the last words of the text should be rendered). Where from experience we have learned tha.t our weakness and the enemy's strength lie. 3. The two combined. God will protect those who watch as well as pray. Prayer aids watching, and watching prayer. "Watch unto prayer." Prayer without watchfulness is presumption. Watchfulness without prayer, sinful self-confidence. Each without the other is sure to fail. Both together will insure deliverance.
Ver. 14.-Courage in the Cliristia.n war. "Be not ye afraid of them,'' &c. A Btirring battle-cry. Suituble in the Christian warfure. I. 'fm:;; CHURCH'S WARFARE. Each for himself and his family; all for the common 44 TIIE BOOK OF NEIIEMIAlI. [ea. 1v. 7-28.
good. Against the world, the flesh, and the devil, in all the fonns they assume: infidelity, heresy, ungodliness, wickedness of all kinds. The war is-1. Defensive. To_ pre~crve thel!1selves, and their households and_ Churches, fr?m spiritual and moral en). 2. O~e~s1:e, To sub«:lue the_world_to Chnst. Destroymg the errors and ems which prevail In 1t, and rescumg their vtctims. II. THE CHURCH'S LIABILITY TO FEAR. On account of the number, and power, and subtlety of her enemies, and the hardships and perils of the war. There is a fear which is good. "Happy is the man that feareth alway." But not the cmven fear which shuns the fight. III. THE CHURCH'S REMEDY AGAINST FEAR. 1. Remembrance of God. (1) His greatness. " Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world." He has all p~wer t? sustain his se7:"Vants, ~ve them the victory, a~d reward the _victors. (2) His tembleness. To his enemies to subdue them; to his professed fnends if they decline to do battle for him. "Fear him, ye saints, and you will then Have nothing else to fear." 2. Thought of the interests involved. As here, of brothers, sons, daughters, wives and houses. 3. Mutual encouragement. "Be not afraid," &c. '