the work to which he hacl committed himself and the people. P8ychr,logically it can be proved thot all emotion affects more or less the steadiness of intellectual perception. :Mornlly it is a matter of experience that an emotion of anger, distrust, or annoyar,ce nlways interferes wjth a clear perceptfon of spiritual truth. Plato was riabt in affinn- ing that the voiis unaffected by the storms of passion and seme alone ea~ see reality. 'l'he god of this world, by engaging and exciting feelings, blinds the minds of men, sc.. that they see not the glory which shines in the face of Christ. David's fear of the ark, his dread lest something should happen (ver. 9), was contrary to all he bad folt before. Hitherto the ark had been to him the symbol of that blessed presence which bad brought joy and comfort to his heart--a. reminder of the mercy which endureth for ever. It was not possible to see this preciollll truth through the mists of unholy feeling that had been permitted to rise in bis soul. And this shrinking from what had once been reverently regarded as the spring of purest joy and satisfaction at once weakened the resolve he had formed to bring the blessed symbol to his seat of government and give it there the honour due. Duty gave way to the disgust and disappointment and foolish apprehensions generated by his own proud will. The correlative trutLd are clear, namely, in so far as we are lowly and absolutely acquiescent in the Divine will is our spirit calm and clear and strong in its recognition of highest spiritual trnth, and in so far as _this truth is perceived the path of duty is steadily followed. None knew the truth and -pursued the path of duty as Christ, because none were so pun, and calm and one in will with the Father. Herein is a lesson to teachers and taught; to those who meet with trouble and those who move on in joyful -procession. Ill. FAITH AND. LOVE EXERCISED IN A TIME OF RELIGIOUS BACKSLIDCIG ARli: ABUNDAN'fLY REWARDED. David's piety was now at fault; he had slipped backwards in the path of godliness; his conduct was an unjust reflection on Providence and on the ·holy symbol that shadowed forth the presence of the people's real Protector and Friend. Had men followed his example or caught his temper, they would have shrunk from the ark as from the source of death ; and it would have been left in an obscurity and neglect equal to that of Kirjath-jearim. But all this serves as a. foil to set forth, in striking beauty, :the conduct of Obed-Edom, who, not dreading with slavish fear the Holy One of Israel, but, doubtless, in a quiet way, proud of the privilege, welcomed the ark to his house. Whether he first sought the honour, or whether this was the nearest Levite's house, we know not. In any case we can imagine, from the tenor of the narrative, how with careful haste the house was cleansed and prepared for its holv guest; the best and fairest chamber made, if it might be, yet more meet for such high honour; the_ Levite and his sons purified, that they might fitly bear in the ark to its destined place, venturing, perhaps, as they bore it along, to utter or think of the ancient words," Return, 0 Lorrl, unto the many thousands of Israel!" Honoured, happy Ohed-Edom ! What faith in God l what love for the blessed presence! Did sleep fall upon him that first night ? Was there not a joy that would make " songs in the night"? 'l'he bliss, later on, of Zacchreus was in a sense forestalled by Obed-Edom. 'fhe reality of the faith and love, and its continued manifestation in various forms of reverential interest, is proved by the rich blessing that came upon him and all belonging to him. 'l'he house became the abode of the higher forms of religious sentiment which in themseives are choicest treasures. Honour fell upon parents, and children felt the blessed charm. Servants began to feel, as never before, that their services were more than attentions pa.id to man. Providence smiled on field and vineyard. Men saw that somehow this home was now blessed above all homes. What lessons here for all! Who would dread with slavish fear the Christ, the Manifestation of the glory of the l<'ather? Who would not welcome him as chief, most cherished Guest? ·who would not sub- ordinate all the arrangements of home life that he may be duly honoured there? 'Nho would not rejoice that the Holy One does condescend to dwell thus with man, and brighten the fairest scenes of home life? Blessings abound where he is welcome Guest. No foar of flashing fire to destroy. 'l'o faith and love there is only mercy and peace.
.. 0 happy house, O home supremely blest, Where thou, Lord Jesus Christ, art entertained As the most welcome C1Illl beloved Guest, With true deyotion and with love u11feigued; 156 THE SEOOND BOOK OF BAMttEL. [en. vr.1-118.
Where a.11 hearts beat in unison with thine; Where eyes grow brighror as they look on theer Where all are ready, e.t the slightest sign, To do thy will, and do it heartily I" GEl<"ll:BAL LESSONS, 1. Times of religious excitement may arise ii" the natural pro• grees of religion, but they obviously are not to be regarded as a normal condition of thought and feeling, and they may, by their absorption of one class of feelings, lay us open to peculiar temptations. 2. In every season of apparent and real prosperity in religion we ought to exercise self-control in prospect of the possibility of events arising through the imperfection of men which, from their nature, mar our joy. 3. Secret murmuring against what Providence ordains is a sin to which all are very prone, a.nd therefore it is important to watch against it very closely, especially as it does more damage to our inner life than is often supposed. 4. We ought to ponder carefully the enormous injury done, both by our loss of personal influence and the force of example, when we, out of a feeling of sudden disappointment, throw aside solemn duties. 5. Those who render service to the cause of God in times of urgency may be sure that a rich blessing will come that will cause them to forget any temporary inconvenience experienced.