Vers. 36--38.-(HEDRON.) .Acceptance with the people. "And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them," etc. (ver. 36). David's conduct not only freed him fr_,!m suspicion, but also won the confidence and affection of "all the people" (1 S,un. XII. 3-5). L THE CONDUCT OF ONE IN AUTHORITY IS CAREFULLY OBSERVED BY THE PEOPLE. Because of: 1. His elevated position, which (like a mountain-peak) attracts their atten- tion, ancl exposes him to their constant gaze. 2. His responsible position, which leads them to compare his actions with the principles according to which he ought to rule. 3. His influentuil position, which makes them watchful of his course, out of concern for th,·ir own interests. II. ACCEPTANCE WITH THE PEOPLE JS AN OBJECT WORTHY OF BEING DILIGENTLY SOUGHT. It is not the highest object, and ought not to be sought supremely. Truth and justice are of greater worth than popularity. The praise of God must be loved more than the praise of men (John xii. 43). But it should not be neglected or despised because : 1. It conduces to his safety and happiness. 2. It renders his measures les~ likely to be suspected and opposed; enables him to effect his purposes for their good; increases the measure of his usefulness. 3. It aids him in his endeavours to promote the glory of the supreme Ruler. • Ill. THERE 16 NO WAY TO SECURE IT YORE EFFECTUAL THAN TllE EXHIBITION OP AN uPRIGHT AND GENEROUS SPIRIT. 1. Other ways are uncertain and variable, like the changing moods of the people. 2. This appeals to what is noblest and most permanent in them, and secures the sympathies of the most reliable men. 3. ~t also obtams the favour and help of God, who disposes their hearts to approve, submit, and obey. IV. ITS .ATTATh"MENT 16 HONOURABLE AND BENEFICIAL TO THE PEOPLE THEMSELVES. 1. It shows a readiness to be pleased, and a disposition to admire genuine excellence. 2. It confirms his devotion to their welfare, and encourages him to persevere ~ well- doing. 3. It tends to their improvement in virtue, and thus contribute.s to their peace a.p.d unity, power and prosperity. CoNCLUSION. What has been said applies to other relations besides that of ruler and subject. "A good name is better than precious ointment" (Eccles. vii. 1) or "great riches" (Prov. xxii. 1); "Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification" (Rom. xv. 2 ; l Cor. x. 33 ; Titus ii. 9); "Whatsoever things are of good, report, think on these things" (Phil iv. 8).-D. Ver. 38.-(HEBRON.) The fall of a prince and, a great man. The world is some- times startled by the fall of an eminent man in a sudden ancl violent manner-like that of the Czar of Russia or the President of the United ~tates. Here.is the epitaph oC such a man. Reflect: 1. How uncertain is the continuance of human life! Thie familiar but little-heeded truth is set forth in an impressive manner by such an event, teaching that no station is exempt from the approach of death, no safeguards effectual against it. "Death is come up into our windows, and is entered into our palaces" (Jer. ix. 24). 2. How unstable is the foundation of earthly greatness! It is built upon the sand, and in a moment crumbles into dust. Goodness alone (the essence of true greatness) endures and goes with the soul into "everlasting habitations." 3. How deplorable is the loss of superior excellence ! The world is made J)Oorer by its removal 4. How dreadful is the prevalence of diabolical wickedness I One a1Jsassln11i- tion begets another. And at times there is a.broad in society a. spirit of law~C/ssness, recklessness, and ungodliness, which is full of peril, and calls for the eames,t erorts and prayers of good men that it may be overoome. 6. How mysterious are the. ways of Divine Providence, in permitting the innocent to perish, the godless to succeed, the guilty to be spared! 6. How often is evil overruled for the promotion of beneficent CH, III, 1-3D.] THE SECOND IlOOK OF SAMUEL.
ends (eh. iv. 1; v. 1) I 7. How profitable is the remembrance of a noble-minded man! "Know ye not," etc.? "He being dead, yet speaketh."-D.