Wise religious l,eadership. The narrative from vers. 13-19 desc~ibcs David's con- duct throughout the great processional march to Jerusalem. He was here· acting the part of leader of a great religious movement, and in his spiiit and deeds we see the couditioos of a wise religious leadership. •• 1. AnsoLUTE DEFER.E:S-CE TO TIIE AUTllORITY OF Gon. By comparing this account with the fuller record in 1 Chron. xv., it will be seen that David was most anxious that every step taken should be in accordance with the will of God. On the former occasion he seems to have left the people to follow the precedent set by the Philistines (1 Sam. vi. 7-9; cf. ver. 3), and we have seen with what sad consequences. 'rhe bitter experience of the past few months had, at all events, issued in the !lesir_e to pay deference to the revealed will of God in everything, aud no looger adopt the questionable methods of men. This feeling is the first prerequisite to all spiritual success. Leaders whose minds are charged with the feeling that God is supreme, and that his will enters into all things and is first of all to be considered, carry with their own actions and words a force of the highest character. Their work is Divine, and God should fill the whole area of their vision. In so far as the thought of God as supreme dominates our mental life do we ensure action on sound principles; and put force a~d determination into our words and deeds. IL M..u"'IFESTATION OF A sPmIT eurTAllLE TO THE ocoABION. Whether the ·wearing of the linen ephod meant the assumption, by inspiration of God, of prie~tly functions in combination with the kingly and prophetic-typical of him who is our Prophet, Priest, and King....;..or whether it was but a garment of royalty used on special sacred occasions, this is clear: that by it David manifested a spirit appropriate to a very holy and blessed occasion. He would have people see that this was a time of consecration to the Lord, a time for purity to be the clothiog of all, a time of exceptional sacredness. The impression on the people could not but be serious and elevating, Men who lead others have much in their power by virtue of the geineral spirit they manifest. 1t should always be in harmony with the occasion, indicating its special character, and bringing other minds into holy sympathy with the·end in view. • IIL ACKNOWLEDGMENTB OF GRATITUDE AND DEPENDENCE. There m_ust have been among the people some trepidation on the first movement of the_ ark, and it was ~ wise arrar:gement that, on clearing the house of Obed-Edom, sacrifice should be offered, expresBing gratitude for mercies vouchsafed, aod a sense of dependence on God for pardon and all needful g~- The same is tr_ue ~f the offerings a~ the end o~ the journey. It was characteristic of the leadership of Moses that he sought to cµ\t1vate th- sentiments in the minds of Israel all through the desert. We do wrong to our- selves and to God when we fail to recognize our obligations to him OD every stage of OH, VI, 1-23,] THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. 169
our life's courso. Thankfulness of heart for the pa.et, and trnstful submission for all things needed, are the two elements of e. cheery, earnest, and lowly service. 'The prencher, the missionary leader, the teacher, and parent, who knows how to foster these sentiments in others, is in e. fair way of carrying through any spiritual work that may be in hand (Phil. iv. 6, 7). IV. PnEVIBION FOR COMPLETENESS OJI' WORK, David not only sought to bring up the ark in o. manner agreeable to the will of God, and by such personal bearin" and 11pccie.l arrangements as should impress and elevate the people, but he looked on7 and, by preparing a tabernacle beforehand, secured a completion of the work befitting its nature, Many a good undertaking is left incomplete for want of tbis prevision. It is true ea.eh man should be intent on the work of the hour, but tbe work of each hour is to be regarded as having relations to all future time ; and so far as lies in our power we may anticipate the Guccess of the succeeding hours and prepare the crowning work. 'l'he architect provides for the cupola. while careful of the foundations. The statesman arranges for participation in wider privileges while educating the people up to them. The religious reformer looks on to the need of positive instruction and formation of ne1v institutions on newly recognized principles even before releasing the people from the supposed errors of the past. The evangelist who seeks to arouse the people and bring them up to a better life, if wise, will anticipate the result of his efforts by providing solid instruction. Church leaders who seek to conduct the Church through phases of faith aod practice, will forecast what is necessary when the present discipline has done its work. V. HELPFUL WORDS AND BROAD BlrMPATHIES. The people must have felt, when David stood up and. blessed them in the name of the Lord, and then sent them home with substantial tokens of his sympathy, that he was indeed a leader of whom they might well be proud. The right choice of words, and the deeds which express a. personal interest, are things which give a just and beneficial power over men. Human life is very dependent for its highest welfare on words fitly spoken and on deeds which symbolize affection and interest. A master of words that really convey blessing to human hearts is indeed a great man, a worthy leader. It is not by mere assertion of official authority, or performance of deeds strictly in accord with propriety and law, that hearts are won and characters moulded to a nobler type. The leader who can send his people home thankful for his existence and satisfied with the largeness of his heart, is wise in that he not only blesses men, but also renders them accessible in future to his influence.