HOMILIES BY VA.RIO US AUTHORS. Ver. 1.-(JERUSALEM.) .A.faithful reprovei· of sin. "And Jehovah sent Nathan to David." The sin of David could not be hid. It was known to bis servants (eh. xi. 4) and to Joab; it must have been surmised by many from his hasty marri&.11:e; and now it was fully manifest (eh. xi. 27). About a year bad elapsed. "What a year for David to have spent I What a joyless, sunless, godle11s year! Were God's words still sweet to bis taste ? Were they still the rejoicing of his heart? or had he come to bate the threatening of the Law?" (J. Wright). At length Nathan (eh. vii. 3) cam-.an example of a faithful reprover (Ps. cxli. 5; Prov. xxvii. 6; 1 Sam. i. 13; ii 22). Consider- !. lhs DIVINE 0OMMIBSION. He came, not because he was sent for by David, nor because be was prompted by natural reason or impulse ( eh. vii. 3), but in obedience to the word of the Lord (ver. 7), and in fulfilment of his prophetic calling. " It was the true mission of the prophets, as champions of the oppressed in the conrts of kings; it was the true prophetic spirit that spoke throngh Nathan's mouth" (Stanley). 1. Reproof should be administered only according to the w1,'ll of God. It is not for every one to assume the office of reprover (Ps. l. 16); nor to administer reproof to every one who may deserve it, especially when holding a position of authority. In this matter men are apt to run before they Kre sent. The duty is a relative one, and demands careful consideration before it is undertaken. 2. The will of God concerning the administration of reproof is indicated in variooa ways ; such as the authority given to parents, magistrates, pastors, and teachers-" reprove, rebuke," etc. (2 Tim. iv. 2; v. 1); the teachings of the Divine Word; the guidance of the Divine Spirit. 3. When the will of God is clearly made known, it should be humbly, readily, and diligently obeyed; both when it requires his servants to testify his favour (eh. vii. 4, 25) and his displeasure ( eh. xi. 27). II. HIS CONSUMMATE WISDOM. In nothing are wisdom and prudence more needed than in reproof. If giveu unwisely it is likely to excite opposition, produce equivoca- tion, repel and harden.. "A word fitly spoken,'' etc. (Prov. xxv. 11, 12). It should be given: 1. At a proper time-when the proof of wrong-doing admits of no den.iaL THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. [OH, XU. 1-81.
name for hia child, a special sign of full restoration. Thu11 the occa.,ional doubts sug- gest.ed by the evil one, the possible distrust of the prophet in Israel and those under him, 11.Ild the sneen, of the profane, are all anticipated by the love that slumbera not and thRt cares most t.enderly and minutely for Rll the need of the reconciled ones, " How excellent is thy lovincr-kindness, 0 God I" (Pa. xxxvi. 7); "He is rich in mercy and plenteous in redemption!' '