Yer. 2.-Volunteers. ".And the people blessed all the men that willingly offered themselves,'' &c. .A large part of the work done for the good of the community is done by volunteers-men and women who "willingly offer themselves" to do what in the abstract bas no more claim on them than on others; and do it gratuitously. This is especially seen in the various departments of service in connection with religion and charity. Church officers, Sunday-school teachers, visitors of the poor, &c. A.mount and value of their labours. Imagine them to cease I Notice- l. WHENCE VOLUNTARY DEVOTEMENT TO PARTICULAR CHRISTIAN SERVICES SPRINGS. It may, doubtless, arise in some cases from unworthy motives; but we speak of true Christian willingness as directed towards this or that branch of service. 1. Earnest piety e.nd benevolence in general (see on eh. iii. 20). Without which no service is truly Christian. 2. Felt aptitude e.nd ability for the work chosen. Well is it when this feeling is not e. delusion, and the willing are really the able ; well also when the able are the willing, and so the work is not left to pious incompetence. 3. Special inclina- tion for it. Which may arise from the congenial nature of the work, or the associations to which it introduces, or the special opportunities it is believed to afford for getting e.s well as doing good. II. THE BEWABD OF THOSE WHO DISPLAY IT. 1. The commendation of others. "The people blessed," &c. The expectation of this should not be a principal motive, if only to prevent disappointment. For though a measure of it is usual, it is not alwa)'ll bestowed; and the opposite treatment is possible. Some who will do nothing themselves occupy themselves in reflections on those who are employed in good works. Others, however, will commend ; some from hearty appreciation-the appre- ciation of gratitude from those who receive benefit, of sympathy from those of like mind, who are themselves at work, or who would, but cannot, devote themselves to such service, o.nd rejoice that others both can and will. Commendations of less value will perhaps come from another quarter, i. e. from some who are too selfish or indolent to do their part, but feel more at ease in their negligence from knowing that others are generous and active. To praise them is felt as all but equivalent to co- operating with them, and it is a great deal cheaper. If commendation from others is altogether wanting, there will be-2. The pleasure of doing good, That satisfac- tion which springs from a sense of doing our duty, that delight which is inseparable from the exercise of benevolent affections, and that which arises from the perception of good done. 3. Personal benefit. Growth in goodness and nobleness. Increased likeness to Chri6t and to God. 4. The Divine commendation and recompense.
Ver. 16.-Church officer,. "The oversight of the outward business of the house c.f. God.'' What this business was in and about the temple. What it ia in Chr.i.stino on. xt. 1-36.) THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH.
Churches: care of the buildings, management of the finances, &c. The "over- sight" is now exercisetl by church-wartlens, deacons, treasurers, &c., according to the customs of each Church. I. 'l'rm POSITION WHICH THIS "OUTWARD BUSINESS" OCCUPIES. 1. It is subordinate to the spiritual. For the sake of the latter it fllists, and in order to its promotion should always be managed. 2. It is e.'/Sential to the spiritual. As in this world the body to tho action of the soul, or food and raiment to piety and virtue. Preachers must be fed and clothed and housed ; congregations cannot meet at stated times without buildings, nor in comfort unless the buildings are cared for and money spent on them. Neglect of the outward will tell unfavourably on spiritual life and growth. Due care for it is promotive of these, as it enables ministers to preach, and congre- gations to hear and worship, with undisturbed minds. Very useful and honourable, then, is their office who have" the oversight of the outward business of the house of God." II. THE QUALITIES REQUIRED I!'0R THE DUE DISCHARGE 01!' ITS DUTIES. Besides the uprightness required in every kind of business. 1. Devoted love for the house of God. Awakening the desire to do all that is possible to secure the due order and the effectiveness of its services, and producing the conviction that it is an honour to be employed even in its humblest ministrations (see Ps. Ixx.xiv. 10). Such love will make the officers of a Church examples to others (as they should be) of generosity and activity. 2. Sympathy with, and kindly regard for, those engaged in spiritual ministrations. Arising from a high esteem of their work as well as their character, and impelling to every effort to facilitate their labours, and secure them such honourable and sufficient maintenance as will free them from all anxiety about worldly matters, and enable them to give themselves with undivided heart to their work. Inducing also care to maintain a good understanding between the pastor and the flock, and preserve the former from annoyance and needless interruption. 3. Diligence and fidelity in their work. The contrast between the style in which men holding office in the Church transact their own business, and that in which they transact the business of God's house, is often very striking and discreditable. 4. The capacity for leading and stimulating their fellow-worshippers. There is often in a congregation much latent ability, and willingness too, to serve the Church by gift or labour, which need only to be called forth. Oae man with the power to call them forth may totally change for the better the condition of affairs. 5. Withal, indisposition to magnify their office unduly, or go beyond its bounds (see Rom. xii. 3 seq.). Finally, ministers and congregations enjoying the services of such officers have much reason for thankfulness and pre.ise.