of tlim~ Ng(J,rd. Like the three heroes whose exploit is here recorded, Like Mary In her lavish anointing of her Lord (John xii. 8). Warm love prompts to generous deeds and gifts. There is need of these in the service of Christ; and if ardent love to him were more oommon, they would be mol"e frequent. Love should, however, submit to the guidance of wisdom, lest it become wasteful or injurious, Our Lord will accept mistaken offerings, but it is well that the offerings should themselves be such as he can approve. One safeguard against mistake Is the remembrance that he desires no display of love which is fantastic or useless, no self-denial or daring which answers no propor- tionat.e end in the advancement of bis kingdom and the promotion of the good either of our own souls or of our fellow-men. There is abundant room for e.11 possible gene- rosity, self-denial, e.nd bravery in the practical service of Christ and man; to expend ,hese in fruitless ways is to expose our works to condemnation, however gdOd and acceptable may be our motives. We are to serve God with our reason as well .as our feelings. II. 'l'HE REASONABLENESS AND RIGHTNESS OF BUOH LOVE, Because of: 1. His self- Merifici,ng love/or them. "The love of Christ constraineth us" (2 Cor. v. 14) is their BUfficient answer to any who allege that they a.re II beside themselves" (2 Cor. v. 13). His love requires and justifies the utmost consecration to him of heart and life. 2. Bis sn}unctions. He claims from all who follow him that they should love him more than their nee.rest relations, more than their own life (Matt. x. 37; Luke xiv. 26), and that, in serving him, they sho1.;Jd be fearless of death (Lake xii. 4). 3. His e-xample. Of love to the Father, and complete devotedness to his will and glory (John xiv. 31; iv. 34; Matt. xxvi. 39, 42; John xii. 27, 28). 4. The effects of such love. In purifying and ennobling the character of those who cherish it, and promoting through them the well-being of mankind. It is love for all excellence, stimulates to its pursuit and greatly aids its attainment. It is the inspiration and support of the highest and most persistent bene- volence; for he who is loved is the Incarnation of Divine holiness and love, and the great Friend and Benefactor of the human race, and the return h1t asks for his love to us is not a barren, sentimental devotion, but practical obedience (Jonn xiv. 15, 21, 23), and especially e. fruitful love to onr brethren (John xv. 12-14; 1 John iii. 16-18), whom he teaches us to regard as being himself (Matt. xxv. 35-45), Love to Jesus Christ has been, and still is, the strongest motive-power in the world in favour ofall godliness and goodness. 5. Its rewards. Love to Christ is not mercenary, and makes no stipu- lation for recompense. It is its own reward. Yet in the midst of a cold and unbelieving world it needs all supports. These are to be found in the assuranc~ of the approval and affection of Christ himself, and of the Father (John xiv. 21, 23; xvi. 27), and the pros- pect of sharing the glory and joy of Christ for ever (John x~. 24; 2 Tim. iv. _8; Matt. :xi:x. 29; Jas. i. 12; ii 5). On the other hand, to be destitute of love t.o Christ is to be lOl!t (1 Cor. :z:vi. 22).-G. W.
EXPOSITION. tion, yet trial and temptation are by God's CHAPTER XXIV. ordinance for man's good. Man falls only Ver. 1.-And a.gain the anger of J'ehova.h when the temptation gives the opportunity wu lcindled agaiut llre.eL It is probable for the outbreak of thet which already wes that this chapter once stood in intimate at work within (Je.s. i. 14). If the previous oon.nection with oh. xxi., and thet the wa.tch over the heart has been careful and famine therein described was followed by earnest, then the temptation is e. stepping- a pestilence, of which the blame largely stone to a nobler e.od more pure godliness ; rested upon David, thongh the sin punished and if a man fall, yet even so he learns by by it wa.s fully shared by the people. In outward proof what was secretly ruining Baying that David was woved of Jehovah his soul, and may by its menifeete.tion be to number Israel e.nd Judah, the writer led to repentance. There were festering in acknowledges the great truth that !ill action, David's heart e. thirst for war, and pride in both good and evil, ie of God. "Shall there his victories; e. growing ambition, and, as be Hil in a. city, and Jehovah bath not done its necessary result, a disregard of the rights it'!" (Amoe iii. 6). While we are taught of other nations. 'fhe so.rue passions were to pray that we mo.y uot be led into tewpt.'1• gaiuing a daily increasing influence over CH, XXIV, 1-25,] THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. 596