'l'here is, therefore, no poRsibility of resistiog his judgmente. 6. The teaching.~ of expe- rience. 'fhe penalties which follow violations of natural law. The results of wrong- dolog upon body, mind, circumstances. The penalties ioflicted by society on those who practise certain forms of wickedness. Il. THE BATIBFAOTION WITH WHICH THIS CERTAINTY IB BOMETIMEB REGARDED BY THE BIGn·mous. According to the Revised Version the words are a. wish, a prayer; but even e.ccording to the Authorized Version they are uttered with evident satisfac- tion. David desired that justice should be executed on Joa.b; and, feeling bis own inability to execute it, was relieved by the assurance he felt that it would nut therefore /ail of execution. Would such a feeling be wrong in a Christian ? St. Pa.ul did not think so. "Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward [or, 'will reward'] him according to his works" (2 Tim. iv. 14, where there are two readings, as here two renderings). In the case of powerful villains injuring and tram- pling down the wea.k, but who cannot be reached by human justice, can any one doubt that the feeling of confidence that the justice of God can and will reach them is a. proper feeling to cherish, although it should be associated with the desire that they may, if possible, be converted? In the case of impenitent sinners in general, it is the known purpose of God to punish them according to their works. Shall his children disapprove his conduct, or only silently submit; or not rather acquiesce, approve, and, at times at least, cherish complacency? Does not the prayer divinely taught to them, "Thy will be done," apply to this part of his will? They bear the image·of God's righteousness as well as loving-kindness. They have strong regard for his character and honour, as well as for the happiness of his creatures. They cannot but desire that all rebellion against him should be put down by the power of his love on the hearts of the rebels, if it may be; if not, by the severe measu~e~, of :fiis justice. In the case of serious wrong done to ourselves, we are doubtless 0 suppress all emotions of revenge, and to pray for and be ready to forgive the wrong-d,Qer; yet the above-cited expre~on of St. Paul shows that, in certain circumstance_s, we '.may remit the offender to Di:rine justice; and in another place (Rom. :xii, 19) h.e gives this as a rey.son for not a,:,,enging ourselves: "It is written, Vengeanc.e ·is mine; I will repay, sa.ith the Lord." ,-..The love which is so characteristic of Christianity is not, then, incompatible with hatred of sin and the desire that sin should, be punished. 'l'he two are identical when the punish- ment is desired that the sinner may :be led thereby to repeotance-.· They are not incompatible, when, the persistence and impenitence of the sinner'b'eing supposed", love for others and zeal for- th'inaw· a.Ii.d government of God prod_a_cli' at least acquiescence in, his judgments. It should be observed, however, that such emotions as we have been speaking of are to form but a small pa.rt of the inner life of the Christian. Indig- nation against evil, and desire for its punishment, need rather to be _restrained and guided, than inculcated and cherished. The sentiments towards others which should ordinarily predominate are those of pure and direct benevolence. Yet let sinners lay to heart that, unless they repent and seek salvation through Christ, God will certainly render to them according to their wickedness. "Be sure your sin will find you out." "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out."-G. W.
EXPOSITION. foot of his murder threw grave suspicions on CHAPTER IV. Do.vid. Harl he now attacked Israel, the Ver. 1.-When Saul's son heard that chiefs would most probably have stood Abner was dead. 'fhe news of Abner's loyally by Saul's house. But he did nothing, deo.th must have ho.d a doubly depressing and his innocence slowly but gradually wa~ effect upon Ishbosheth: for ho learned, not made clear. They were thus iu a. state of only tho.t the mainstay of his kingdom wo.s suspense, and waiting till some brave man ~lain, but that even he, in despair of a suc- aroso to lead them to a. decision. Unfor- cessful isauo, had been engaged iu treason- tunately, a fresh crime threw everything o.blti negotiutions with his rival. All the back into hopeless confusion. Israelites were troubled. Their trouble was Ver. 2.-Saul's son had two men aapta.ills caused rather by uncertainty tho.u by fear. of bands. The bnnrls !llentioue(l 'IYere light- Abuer's phrns had fallen through, ancl the o.rmed troops, usl'cl iu fornys, such as that 100 '1'HE SEOOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. [clt. IV, 1-12,