The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 339

have upon Christians in this respect. Jesns very Rolemnly warns acrainst "offendincr," 0 others, even the least, by doing or saying what would lead them into sin or hinder th~ir salvation (Matt. xviii. 6, 7). He repeatedly teaches his disciples that he gave them light in order that they might "shine before men," and so lead them to glorify G,,d (Matt. v. 14-16; Mark iv. 21, 22). St. Paul commends the Phi!ippians for their "fellowship in furtherance of the gospel," 11nd mges them to "strive" on its behalf (Phil. i. 6, 27, Revised Version). St. Peter enjoins that" as every man bath received the gift," he should use it for the good of others, in teaching and ministerincr (1 Pet. iv. 10, 11). And in general, the cause of Christ is committed to his disciples, that they may sustain and extend it both by active service and by pecuniary gifts. To the discharge of this duty by others we owe our own Christian privileges and character. If we disregard it, we display ingratitude, unfaithfulness to our Lord, insensibility to his great love to ourselves. Unconcern as to the salvation of men is natural enoucrh in men of the world, but "no such thing ought to be" found amongst Christians. " Finally, in the absence of specific precepts, we may settle many a doubt as to our duty by considering whether the act or habit in question is suitable and becoming in those who profess themselves earnest disciples of Jesus Christ; whether it is in har- mony with his spirit and character, and conducive, or at least not hostile, to our spiritual benefit, or that of others.-G. W. Ver. 13.-Fools in Israel. Sad as was the case of the injured Tamar, that of her wicked brother was sadder still. She was outraged, but innocent; he was " as one of the fools in Israel." I. W10KED MEN ARE "FOOLS." The term is often used in Holy Scripture as syno- nymous with "godless," "lawless,"" sinful;" especially in the Book of Proverbs, where piety and holiness are designated "wisdom." The folly of sinners appears in that : 1. Their life is opposed to right reason. 'l'o wisdom, as recognizable by the intellect and moral sense, and as revealed in the Sacred Word. They reject the guidance of " the only wise God "-the Infinite and All-perfect Wisdom. This is true, not only of gross and brutal sinners like Amnon, but of the most refined and intellectual. Either they know not how to live, or, worse, will not live according to their knowledge. Of many in our day we may use the words of St. Paul (Rom. i. 22), "Professing them- selves to be wise, they became fools." 2. They act contrary to their own well-being. They reject the greatest blessings for this life and the next; and choose for themselves degradation, destruction, and misery. They sell their souls for transient gain or pleasure, or surrender them to destruction because they are too proud to learn or to accept salvation as a free gift of God to the undeserving. 3. They are in many instances tlte subjects of strange and fatal delusions. Believing them~elves Christians, though destitute of the most essential characteristics of Christ's true disciples; imagin- ing themselves safe for eternity because of their devotion to ritual observances and dutiful submission to their priests, although they continue in their sins. II. SuoH FOOLS ARE TO BE FOUND EVEN "IN lsRAEL." In the most enlightened com- munities; in Christian congregations; in the purest Churches. III. FooLs "IN ISRAEL" ARE THE WORST FOOLS, The most guilty, the most hopeless of the class. Because of: 1. The light which sltines there. Revealing God, truth, duty, sin and holiness, life and death. They "rebel against the light" (Job x..xiv. 13), either by ignoring it, or bating and consciously rejecting it. 2. The influences enjoyed there. From the examples of good men; from the institutions and life of the Church; from the presence and operation of the Holy Spirit. 3. The privileges accessible there. The friendship of Christ and Christians ; approach with assurance to the throne of grace in prayer for all needful Divine guidance and strength. ~- The ~onvictions pr~d1!ced there. Living "in Israel," it is scarcely possible to escape 1mp:ess1ons ~nd conv1ct101;1s which especially bring wisdom within reach, nod render contmuance m fol_ly am~ _sm the more deplorable. They furnish opportunities of repentance and salvat10n wo.1ch, bein"' necrlected, greatly increase guilt. 5. The heavier doom incurred there. By thos~ that is to whom the advantacres there enjoyed become occasions of greater sin. 'fo them bel~og the "many strip~" (Luke xii. 47) and the "sorer punishment" (Heb. x. 29). Let each of us, then, be concerned not to be "as one oi the fool, in fsrael."-G.W.  THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL.