The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 259

hostility. 'fo have returned civility for civility could have done them no harm, and would have P.revented the severe retribution for their barbarity which followed. 2. In its effects. (1) On those who a.re guilty of it. It deprives them of the happine~s and other good which they would gain from kindness exercised towards them, were it duly appreciated and acknowledged; and of the benefit which it would impart in the way of example and influence. It strengthens the bad dispositions and habits from which it springs. It prompts to conduct (a.s in this case) which may work incalculable mischief. (2) On those towards whom it is indulged. Inflicting pain, producing resentment, and perhaps active revenge, and discouraging them in the practice of virtues which are liable to be ao maligned. (3) On others. Infecting with unjust suspicions some who would not otherwise cherish them; encouraging disbelief in genuine goodness, and thus loosening the bonds of mutual coufidence by which society is held together; disinclining also from good deeds, and so lessening the amount of goodness in the world. III. How r.r SHOULD AFFECT us. 1. It sh()'U,1,d not surprise us. Considering what men are, we should regard it as quite possible that any good we may do will be mis- i-epresented, or at least fail to be duly appreciated and acknowledged even by those whose benefit we seek. 2. It ahould not deter us from doing good. The great motives for good deeds abide the same. They are quite independent of human appreciation. They should be our chief motives, the hope of approval or suitable return from men occupying a very subordinate position. Let us study and labour to be accepted of God (2 Cor. v. 9), and be content with his approval, let men think what they may. 3. If men misrepresent our conduct, let us e:cercise charity towards fhem, hoping, if we cannot confidently believe, that they have sinned through ignorance or inconsideration rather than ill will. If compelled to vindicate ourselves, let us do it with meekness. We should also reflect whether we have given any occasion in the manner of our conduct for misunderstanding of its real quality; and avoid the error in foture. And, if we are really reproached for that which is good, without jnst occasion, let us be mindful that we are fellow-sufferers with our Lord and many of the best men of all ages. 4. Let us. be watchful against every temptati011, to depreciate and misrepresent the good which is practised by others.-G. W. Vere, 11, 12.-0o-operation, courage, and resignation. Joab here appears at bis best. A great occasion, involving great petil for the army and the kingdom, calls forth, not only his eminent military qualities, but sentiments of piety and religious patriotism worthy of David himself. He presents an example worthy of imitation by commanders of armies; but we take his words as adapted to guide and animate the soldiers of Christ in their warfare against error and sin. They call attention to three duties incumbent upon individual Christians, the several bands of each division of the Christian army, and the several divisions themselves. I. MUTUAL HELP. (Ver. 11.) The servants of Christ are engaged in the endeavour tc, conquer the world for him, and, in pursuing it, have to fight against enemies ot various kinds. In this warfare they ought to cheerfully co-operate, and, as opportunity may arise, help each other. Much mutual assistance they cannot but render, however any might desire to confine the benefits of their activity to their own party. Every hymn-book testifies to this. No individual or section can do good work without helping others. But there should be more of conscious and hearty co-operation. 1. Why it should be so. (1) The cause is one-the ea.use of Christ our King, the defence and extension of his kingdom, the cause of truth and righteousness and human salvation, (2) Christians are comrades in the same army. They should cherish the feeling of brotherhood, realize that they are fighting against common foes, and be glad to encournge and help each other. 'fhe success of any is the success of all, and should be so regarded; the failure of any should be a trouble to all; and, if any can aid theil' brethren to turn threatening defeat into victory, their aid should be cheerfully afforded and joyfully accepted. (3) The need is urgent. The spiritual necessities of men, the special needs in particular cases. The field is extensive; the opposing forces numerous, powerful, and incessantly vigilant and active. The utmost exertions of all are required. 'l'o hold back, to refllse co-operation with fellow-soldiers because they belong not to our regiment or division of the army, to observe with vleasure the failure of auv of them,  THE SECOND l300X -OF SAMUEL,