Division of labour in doing good. From vers. 15-22 we have a record of the courl!6 adopted by the secret friends of David after that Absalom had heard the counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai. Jerusalem was the scene of an evil and a good combination; and as the drift of Scripture is to record the accomplishment of the Divine purposes in the history of the Hebrew people, we have here a more detailed record of the individuals and work of the good combination than of the evil. The work these four faithful ones had in hand was very clearly defined and most persistently pursued. With a wisdom and skill highly creditable to all concerned, the perilous yet immensely important service was carried out on the principle of the division of labour, which obtains in modern times in the best-conducted spheres of activity. Although we may not see here parallels to all the work we have to do for Christ, we may notice features which are also found in well-directed Christian co-operation, and which it behoves us to reproduce in all we do. l. THERE IS SCOPE FOR VARIETY IN THE NATURE OF THE WORK TO BE DONE. The work to be done, stated in general terms, was to advance the interests of the anointed • king. The circumstances in which this genera.I aim was to be carried out necessitated varied conduct and action, both of which must be included in the service rendered, since conduct often produces great effects. There was obviously scope for influences around the person of Absa.lom-subtle assaults on the very seat of mischief and wrong; for reticent watchfulness in order to take advantage of any movements adverse to David; for fleet runners to convey to him tidings of importance, and for assistance to them when engaged in their perilous undertaking. The work of Hushai in the counsel chamber, of Za.dok and Abiathar in the centre of public influence and information, of their sons outside the city, of the wench passing unsuspected for a country walk, and of the hospitable housewife of Ba.hurim, was in each case different, but all parts of one service. We are engaged in advancing the interests of the Anointed One against the combinations of spiritual wickedness in high places, and, while the service is one, there is great variety in the nature of the work to be done. There is scope for wise, shrewd men, who know how to confront and confound the enemy in high places; for quiet, consistent characters, watching with patient concern over the holiest of functions, and ea.ger to use any new light that may hasten on the triumph of the King of Zion; for vigorous young men, true as steel, accustomed to hardness, prepared to enter on dangerous work in missionary lands, or among the snares and evils of our modem civilization; little ones, acting as links in the great cha.in of moral influence; and sympathetic helpers, who can feed the hungry, shelter the oppressed and fearful, and frustrate the designs of the cruel. The Christian Church is recognizing more than ever this division of labour, and each one who does a part towards brinl!:in~ on the triumph of Christ is an important worker in the most blessed of all undertakings. II. THERE IS SCOPE FOR VARIETY IN THE QUALITIES EMPLOYED. In the service rendered in and near Jerusalem we see room for the exercise of discrimination of human character, prudence in adoption of methods, a shrewd consideration of the assailable points in the enemy's position (see previous homily, division IV.), courage, self-possession in counteracting the influence of the most powerful of a.r.ta.gonists, reticence in council, and fidelity in redeeming pledges made (eh. xv. 35), promptiturle in action, and ingenuity in rendering a.id in times of danO'er. The interests of David were promoted by a few persons, but the promotion of them called forth very diverse moral and in_tellectual qualities. On a small scale we see here a picture of what is true of the promotion of the interests of the Eternal King of Zion. The work is so wide and cornp\icatecl, an<l. the agencies so numerous, that there is not a native talent, not an acquired gift, not a. shade 424 TllE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. [ott. :X.\ftl. 1-29.
or good influence, but H may find soope in hie Name. It will be found that, 118 In building e. temple, all the powers of body and mind find scope, e.nd all the influences of ,mn and e.ir are requisite, so, in raising up t.be vast superstructure of Christ's kingdom, there is room for the constant exercise of all the qualities possessed by humankind not under t.he domination of sin. The wisdom of the wise, the sanctity of the holy, the enthusiasm of the young, the gentleness of the maid, and the pity and sympathy of thl' faithful villager, all can be used up as occasion offers. III. Goo RAISES UP INSTRUME:KTS FOR THIS SERVICE AS OCOABION REQUIRES. Was it necessary that the powerful influence of Ahithophel should be counteracted? A Hushai is raised up. Must discreet and influential men be retained on David's side? Zadok and Abi11.thar are forthcoming. Are links of communication necessary between the friends of the king and himself? The two young men have their hearts inclined aright. Are the spies of the enemy to be eluded? A girl is found to carry II message, and a kindly woman to offer shelter. The solution of these facts is assuredly indicated in the assertion that God had "appointed to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel." He raises up his servants to do his will, little as they know the working of his mighty power within them. So it has always been, and will be in the future. Abraham was raised up to Jay the foundation of national life for Israel; Moses to lead the people to the promised land; Elijah and seven thousand to protest against the worship of Baal ; the little girl to speak in the house of N AA.man the Syrian; Nehemiah and his coadjutors to restore the walls of the city; apostles endowed "with power from on high" to inaugurate the new order of things; and Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles, as one "born out of due time." We need never fear but that, in answer to prayer, God will ever do these things for bis people. There will be wise men, saintly men, men of vigour and enterprise, maidens to win their way for Christ, and kindly souls to feed the hungry and shelter the distressed. GE?-"ERAL LEsso~s. 1. In a.11 our Christian organizations we should strive to be influenced by the remembrance that the enterprise is one with that of other organiza- tion~; that the interests at stake are most momentous; and th~.t every power and faculty and influence of the community of the faithful should find some scope for exercise. 2. Person:illy we should cultivate our best talents with a view to lay them at the service of our ELemal King. 3. We should take heed and never despise services "•hicb seem inferior to our own, or the full bearing of which we cannot at •the time trace. 4. We should be patient, and allow time for influences to operate.