Vers. 1-19.-.Anexample of successful act,itoity for God. A great practical reform- ation carried out by a religious ruler on the highest religious principles, and by the strength of religious character. No more difficult task than to deal successfully with such circumstances in which men's selfish interests were involved, and the monied classes would be against reform. Nehemiah, by his wisdom, boldness, and simple-minded appeal to God, achieved a marvellous success. Notice- I. The direct appeal to great MORAL AND RELIGIOUS PRINCIPLES. We cannot do better than bring men face to face with conscience. 1. Humani,ty. 2. Patriotism. They are brethren. 3. Fear of God, who is no respecter of persons. The Jews all professed to be fearers of Goa. All civil law and common life were based upon the Divine law. That which was manifestly displeasing to God could not be legally right. We acknowledge the same principle. All human law rests on the word of God. We cannot directly appeal to the letter of Scripture in dealing with ungodly men, but we may use it to make the law of nature clearer. 4. The universal con- acience. 11 I set a great assembly against them." No wrong-doers can withstand the appeal to the common sentiment of right. Educate the moral sentiment of societyJ and it becomes a protection against the self-will of individuals. Vox populi shoulel be voz Dei. In a truly progressive society it will be more and more so. The great lead ere of thought and action should not be afraid of making their appeal to great assemblies, in Nehemiah's spirit. II. AN EXAMPLE OF WISE METHOD. Much depends on method in every eucceeeful reformation. 1. The mean, used were moral. Remonstrance, persuasion, appeal to the heart and conscience. No violence. No craft. No resort to mere worldly expediency. No compromise of religious position. No truckling to rich men. 2. Personal character was brought to bear upon those whose conduct must be changed. Nehemiah's moral indignation had great influence. Hie bold challenge of the wrong- doing. His appeal to his own example and that of others. Hie tender interest in the poor, and imploring earnestness in their cause. 3. While acting as a ruler, and with a ruler's authority, the public feeling is enlisted in support of reform. It is a great matter to enlist the sympathy of the majority. 4. In all practical measures and social reformations we should endeavour to uni,te the two forces of religious and civil law. " I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise." With solemn appeal to God, and in the presence of all the congregation, who" said Amen, and praised the Lord," Nehemiah bound the lll rong-doers to carry out their word. III. An illustration of the BENEFICIAL EFFECT of decisive and speedy reform when effected on religious principles and by wise methods. 1. .Liberation of human energy both for the Church and for the state. What could the people do when they were s~ oppressed? How could they work with men who treated them eo cruelly? All real reformation is the setting free of power for the future. We must not look at temporary inconveniences, but at permanent benefits. 2. The value of great moral and political precedenu. Bu_ch a? instance of heroic championship _in the cause of God a1,d humanity becomes an mestimable treasure for future generat10ne. What OH, V 14-19.] THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH. 57
power there is in the histories of all grcflt reformations I 3. We cannot doubt that, under the g.uidance of the Spirit of Gorl, the moral and social work which Nehemiah nccomplished was intended to prepare the way for that more directly religious work which followed. All true reformation is a preparation for advancement. John the Baptist heralds the kingdom of God. 4. An immense service to the cause of righteousness when governors and statesmen identify their names with great move- ments for the lifting up of the people. Their self-sacrifice, their faithfulness, their victory become part of God's word. God thinks upon them for good, and will make the world think of them. The best monument to a great man is " what he bas done for the people. 11-R.