Mi,qhty men. The account here of the heroes who figured in the course of Davirl's life is supplementary to the general history, and, while intended to set forth incidents in his career, is also most probably designed to give a place of honour iri the national records to those whose strength and valour contributed to establish the kingdom. There are deeds of mighty men recorded in the annals of tbe Church, and we may note- I. THAT A PLAOE OF HONOUR 18 IN RESERVE FOR THOSE WHO RENDER HIGH SERVICE, Because of great service these men were honoured with a place in the record which is to bo road by all mankind. In subduing the world to Christ there is scope for great energies and efforts. Those who by prayer, self-denial, holy living, written or spoken words, or other means and weapons, go forth daily in the name of Christ and achieve great things, will be honoured in the esteem of the coming ages and in the esteem of Christ. While all good men shall shine as with the brightness of the firmament, these shall shine forth more distinctly as the "stars " for ever and ever (Dan. xii. 3; 1 Cor. xv. 41). II. THAT THE GROUND OF TEE HONOUR LIEB IN THEIR OVERCOMING MuCH EVIL. These men smote gigantic foes. They contributed to the stability and splendour of David's reign by sweeping away the evils which would have checked the progress of bis wise and just methods of government. The honour of Christian soldiers lies in ridding the world of gigantic evils, the preliminary step to the perfection of good. Those who smite the greatest evils or a multitude of the most pervasive sins, confer unspeakable benefits on mankind, and clear the way for the positive development of those holy principles which are the glory of the kingdom of Christ. The riddance of sin and the introduction of holiness are concurrent acts in Christian warfare. Some men are marvellous warriors as compared with others. •III. THAT THE SPmIT WHICH RENDERS SUCH TRIUMPHS POSSIBLE IS THAT OF DEVOTION TO THE KING. These men followed David, were under bis guidance, caught his spirit, sought to establish his supremacy, and hence were nerved by a definite inspiring purpose. Consecration to Christ is the key to our victories. Wherever there is true devotion to him, and in proportion to its depth, there will be great deeds done in his name. Hence the apostolic allusions to :fighting the good fight under the leadership of the great Captain of our salvation.
<Jhrisfs tribute to <Jhristian devotion. The exclamation of David, " Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem I" was probably the natural unpremeditated outcome of an intense feeling of thirst when hemmed in by the Philistines. There is no evidence that it wa.s a pretext to draw forth some special proof of devotion to himself. The incidental knowledge acquired of bis actual need, nevertheless, developed in the hearts of these brave men a determination to obtain drink for him, even at the risk of their own lives. Where true loyalty exists there is no waiting for formal commands. The refusal of the king to drink what they so nobly obtained, doubtless, at first, :filled them with surprise, and possibly caused annoyance. But the generous sentiment expressed-that he valued their generous devotion so highly that he could not at such a risk indulge in any personal satisfaction, deeming the offering too costly for mortal e.cceptance---this must have removed all disappointment, and strengthened the bond of allegiance. Here we may see a parable setting forth Christ.'s tribute to the devotion of his followers. L THE HIGHEST DEVOTION RISKS ALL FOR CHRIST. AB these men went forth, risking J;fe for their king, so the truest devotion leads men to risk all for Christ. There are forms of devotion in which little is given up, e.nd much reserve is me.de. The stories of the rich young man in the gospel e.nd of the going :first to prove the purchased oxen exhibit e. profession of attachment too frequent in Christendom. The Apostle Peter co.me nearer the truth of the case when he declared that he and others had " left all " to follow Christ. The mind to forsake, if need be, father and mother, houses and land, and to give up life, is stated to be the condition of the acceptable service. Wherever there is a real appreciation of who Christ is, what we are, what his vast mercy to UIJ is, and the infinite claims of his love upon heart and life, devotion to him becomes so complete e.nd absorbing that pain, loss, e.nd possibly death among the heathen al'8 faced with composure when they stand between the soul and the advancing of hia interests. 11, SAMUEL, 2 l' 578 THE SECOND DOOK OF SAMUEL, [en. xxm. 1-80.