The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 44

alfn.ire we sometimes meet with B similar beginning of prosperity. In so far as the pu.~sn.ge before us affords tenchiog on this subject, observe- I. 'l'nE BEGINNING OF PROSPERITY IS A TIME OF PECULIAR DANGF.B. In reading the narrn.tive of David's trials on the one side, and of his prosperous circumstances on the other, we foe\ at once that in so far as his religions life is concerned there was far more hope of him under the former. 'fhe spiritual uses of adversity are very valuable, while on the other hand the spiritual dangers of prosperity are subtile and manifold. And likewise the transition from the one to the ot.her is a time of peculiar danger. For David the occasion for dependence on God was not so obvious; and the demand for action would lay him open to mistakes and sacrifices of principle new in his experience. The dangers of such a time may perhaps be su=arized thus. There arises a new and fascinating diversion of thought and feeling from God; a corresponding absorption of mental energy in the externals of life. The self-cnlture which consists in the watchful and constrained subordination of every feeling and motive to the will of God become.q somewhat relaxed. The free play of a much greater variety of feeling, passing out toward the attractive objects present in an opening success, lays us open to the insinuating flatteries of events, and the consequent encouragement to substitute expediency for stem principle. 'l'he presence or the prospect of a. more abundaRt supply of material comforts cannot but give vitality to whatever of la.tent power there may be in the lusts of the flesh. The conscious elevation which a.waits us is sure to appeal to that deeply seated human pride which, when developed, looks on others with more or less of disdain, and in proportion as the human lot is now or prospectively free from care does the heart ea.re less for the blessings of a future life. The youth passing from the restraints and discipline of years into the wider sphere of life, and so enjoying the first taste of freedom and of manly dignity, stands in a. slippery place. Churches passing from the trials of persecution into the ease of toleration cannot be sure of the old fidelity. Nations springing into prominence may contract habits of indulgence and arrogance in strange contrast with their former self-control and devotion to duty. Private Christiane when emerging from the struggles of their early convictions may cease to watch and pray as heretofore, and eoon lose the vigour of their former faith. II. '!'HE MORAL STRENGTH ACQUIBED DIJBING SEASONS OF PREPARATION WILL SHOW ITSELF IN CONTINUED DEPENDENCE ON THE GUIDA.NOE AND BLESSING OF GOD. Unquestionably David was a. much stronger man, as a. consequence of the protracted trials of past years, than he would have been had there been no waiting for the realization of hopes enkindled by the promise of God (1 Sam. xvi. 13). In the spiritual sphere, as in the material, reserves of force are gathered, by the action of special laws, in view of a demand to be made at a. later stage of development. David in the wilderness and caves, Paul in the retirement of Arabia. (Ga.I. i. 17, 18), other good men during seasons of discipline and culture, fulfilled the Divine law of acquisition of moral power prior to expenditure. And the reality of this acquisition in the case of David appeared at once in the promptitude with which, under all the distracting and diverting influence of a sudden elevation to importance, he acknowledges his need of the guid.'\nce and blessing of God. There is a natural necessity, not identical with true godliness, which causes men to tum to God in their troubles. It is the instinct of a genuine piety alooe which prompts towards God when troubles cease and success begins. It is a blessed omen when men, on the dawning of their prosperity, and when flushed with the prospect of realizing long-cherished hopes, go straight, to God, and in prayer both acknowledge his goo~ness and eeek his special help for the occasion. Thus the subtile temptations and penis of the new circumstances are met by a wise use of that spiritual strength which had been stored a.midst the trying influences of adversity or deferred hope. No doubt the apostles during their early ministry, on and after the Day of Pentecost, were giving o?t _so~e of the spiritual power gathered into their nature during the three years of d1sc1phne and restraint under their visible Lord; in like manner men who go forth to successful encounter with evil owe much to the spirit trained to honour uod in all things. Ifl. THE HOPE OF OOJIUNG PROSPERITY, WHEN MODERATED BY PIETY, INDUCES CAUTION AND CONSIDERATION FOR OTHERS. Not ooly is continuous prosperity very perilous to man's higher life, but the prospect of it, after a season of trial, is likely to be charged with elements of danger which only B well-nourished piety can neutralize. David  THE SEOOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. [cu. n. 1-32.