best to serve 0111· Master nnd our fellows, o.nd are naturally looking to those who are bound in the aame holy bonds with ourselves, more especially to those who are as "prophets " or "prophetesses " in our ranks, or to those who are as " nobles " amongst us, to stand by our side and aid us in our toil, and when, instead of succour, we find them undermining our influence, we are tempted to despair, so keen is the trial of our faith, Yet we may win- 11. THE VICTORY OF 'rHE BRAVE AND TRUE (vers. 11, 15, 16). Here we have-1. The/act of success. The wall was built: it was "finished in fifty and two days'' (ver. 15). Neither open threats nor secret plots weakened the strength or lessened tho labour of the busy workmen, and the good work was accomplished. 2. A power- ful incentive leading to vi,ctory. Nehemiah made an excelJent appeal to himself. He considered who he was, and what was worthy and unworthy of the post he held. "Should such a man as I flee?" (ver. 11). 3. The fruits of vu:t,,yry (ver. 16). The enemy and all the heathen "were much cast down in their own eyes," and they "perceived that this work was wrought of our God." Their humiliation was an excellent thing for them, and the name of God being glorified was a source of joy and gratulation to the good. There is victory to be won under the fiercest tempta- tion if we only be true to all we know. Let us, in the dark hour of the trial of faith-1. Consider what is worthy of the position we hold. Should such as we are --missionaries, ministers, evangelists, teachers, leaders, members of the Church of Christ-flee from the post of duty or danger? "Put on the gospel armour, and, watchiD.g unto prayer, Where duty calls, or danger, be never wanting there." The "guard" in hi,s army "dies, but does not surrender." 2. Consider what will redound to the glory of Christ. If only we hold on, "faint yet pursuing," fighting till the day is won, the enemy will be humiliated, and his holy name be honoured. Our once crucified Saviour shall be "exalted and extolled, and be very high " (Isa. lii. 13).-C. Vera. 1&----19.-The good work jini,shed in spite of man by the power of Goel. I. A great MANIFESTATION OF DIVINE POWER is a great casting down of God's enemies. 1. There is real weakness in all sin. " In their own eyes " defeat meant shame and confusion ; but the true heart never doubts that its cause is right, even when success is delayed. 2. The world will perceive GocCs hand. When the finished work is before them they will not dare to deny who has accomplished it. Therefore we should hasten it on, and be more eager to bring it to completion. 3. The great facts of Divine grace spread their message not only among the enemies of the Church, but among the heathen, who have been sitting in darkness. A revived zeal and energy in God's people will have 11 mighty effect in casting down the imaginations which exalt themselves against the name of Christ. II. The best preparation of the true Church ag11inst discouragements, both from without and from within, is to know that ITS WALLS ARE DUILT UP, AND ITS GATES IN THEIR PLACES. 1. That will put a stop to the corrupting intercourse between the Church and the world. 2. It will help the people of God to know their tru.~ leaders. The nobles were traitors ; but henceforth men after the example of Nehemiah will be the defenders of Judah. 3. In the sight of the finished work the hearts of God's people are strong. In the best sense success makes success. "Tobiah's letters" will do no harm, for there are the walls speaking in the name of God, " epistles written by the Spirit of God, known and read of all men." Let the world trust as it may in its devices, we rejoice in "the walls of Jerusalem," which are "salvation," and" her gates"" praise."-R.
EXPOSITION. 1-5). The wall and gate-towers being com- CHAPTER VII. pletod, nothing remained bnt to hang the CoMrLETION OF THE \\'OUK, AND ARDAN GE• doors in the gateways, and to arrange fur IIENTS FOil GUARDING THE GATES (eh. vii. the guard of the gates and the general 7'2 THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH. [ctt. Vil. 1-6.