The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 177

efficiency to order. While the lovers of order and good taste are exclusively indulging their preferences, multitudes may be left uncared for and untouched. When, therefore, by_ means which a.re thought objectionable, they are attracted and benefited, the objectors may properly be asked to find nnd employ better methods which shall answer the same end; and meanwhile to bear with, yea, thank God for, those who are rloirw a good work in a manner which they cannot wholly approve. On the other h~nd~ those who love and employ excitement and freedom may well be warned le8t they frustrate their aim to save men by using means inconsidtent with that reverence and thoughtfulness which are essential to true religion, and lest they unjustly condemn their fellow-Christians who pursue their ends by calmer methods. There are room and need for variety of modes of worship and activity with one spirit and aim. Let us not condemn those who, in the Ne.me of Jesus, a.re really casting out evil spirits, and bringing men to a right mind, though they do not follow with us (Luke ix. 49, 50). II. DAVID'S REPLY, It was severe, and likely, as it was doubtless meant, to sting. Notice: 1. His defence. That what he had done he had done for Jehovah. (1) Him who in himself was worthy of all possible honour and public praise and confession. (2) Him who had chosen and exalted him, in the place of Saul and his house, to be ruler over his people. Piety and gratitude combined to impel him to rejoice before the Lord on an occasion so remarkable and auspicious. All of us have similar reasons for honouring God to the utmost of our power. In view of them, the most ardent zeal for the worship of God and the promotion of his kingdom is justified, and cold and measured service stands condemned. 2. His determined resolve. To do as he had done, Yea, to surpass his recent displays of zeal for the Lord. If this was accounted vile, he would be viler still; if this were to lower himself, he would sink lower still. Similar should be the effect upon us of the reproach which fervent piety may subject us to. If, indeed, objection be made to some of the ways by which we show it, we should reconsider them, especially when the objection comes from Christian brethren; but undeserved reproach should stimulate us to greater devotedness and more resolute determination. 3. His assurance of hooO'Ur. From "the maidservants" of whom Michal had spoken so disparagingly. He virtually appealed from her ju~oment to theirs. What just foundation is there for satisfaction in the approval of the humbler classes? (1) 'l'hey may be more capable of right judgment in matters of religion than many who are above them in worldly condition, and even in general education and intelligence. They may have more spiritual susceptibility and fewer prejndices. They may feel more their ignorance, and be more humble and teachable. They at least know what does them good, which is the end of all religious ministrations. Hence they are often right when their scorners are wrong. Our Lord was accepted and listened to gladly by many of the common people, while few of the upper and the learned classes received him; and he rejoiced and thanked his Father that, while the truths he taught were hidden from " the wise and understanding," they were revealed unto "babes" (Luke x. 21). And in the early Churches St. P11.ul tells us that there were "not many wise after the flesh, or mighty, or noble;" but that these were put to shame by the weak and despised (1 Cor. i. 26-28). (2) The goon of the humbler classes is to be sought. To secure this end they must be interested, and their approval won ; and he who can, without unworthy arts, succeed in winning them so as to lead them to Christ, may well rejoice and be thankful. David's language may be in substance adopted by preachers who are despised because approved and followed by tha common people; while the ministry or Church which fails to lay hold of them ought to mourn and reconsider its spirit and methods. To conclude: 1. It is an unhappy thing when me.11 and wife differ radically in matters of religion. It deprives them of the unspeakable benefits of mutual sympathy and helpfulness. rt is the occasion of dispute and unhappiness, if not settled alienation. It hinders very seriously the religious and moral education of the children. Let these things be thought of befote the irrevocable steps are taken which bind two lives together. 2. There are worse faults in relation to religion than vulgarity, undue excitement, or eccentricity. These may be in some degree injurious, but indifference tir hostility is futal.-G. W.  1S2 THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL, [oH, vn. 1-29,