Ver. 28.-Evil prosperity. I. TEMPORAL PROSPERITY KAY BE ATTAINED APART FROM ¥ORAL GOODNESS. It is not found in experience that the old Jewish ideal is realizable in which the righteous a.11 prosper, md the wicked are all in adversity (Job xxxvi. 11, 12). Bad men often grow rich and flourish in external success (Ps. lxxiii. 3). 1. This is no proof of the weakness of moral and spiritual forces in the economy of lire, ( l) because physical prosperity is ma.de to depend largely on physical causes; (2) because energy of will a.nd intellectual ability may exist apart from moral worth, and may secure temporal success; (3) because adversity is not regarded by God as a supreme evil, nor prosperity as a supreme good-both are subservient to higher aims; ( 4) because justice and right have not scope in this world to effect their ultimate triumph. 2. This should wa.m ns from the emmeous conclusions (1) that our prosperity is a proof of our goodness; and (2) that it is an evidence of G<H£s favou,r. JL \\'HE!\ TEMPORAL PROSPERITY IS ENJOYED WITHOUT MORAL GOODNESS, IT IS LIKELY TU BE A CURSE TO THE OWNER OF IT. 1. .All the higher uses of prosperity will be neg1£cted. These are to lift np our hearts to God and his love; to give leisure from care for the service of God; and to bestow talents for the good of mankind. If the higher uses of prosperity are neglected, the prosperity can only degrade us. 2, We arc likely to become unduly satisfied with ourselves. Dust glitters like gold in the sunlight; and worthless people a.re tempted to think themselves of great value when the sun of prosperity shines upon them. Hence groundless pride, vanity and blind- ness, poverty of soul, guilt of sin, and danger of ruin. 3. _We a.re inclined to set our heart on temporal comfortB. This danger always follows prosperity. It may be miti- gated by right spiritual tl:onghts of the wants of the soul which no earthly possessions can satisfy, and by the infinitely more precious heavenly treasures. Where such thoughts are not cherished the danger is great. 4. We are inclined to 011er-estimate the capacities of earthly riches, to suppose that they can secure the future from harm. 5. If we have becrun t-0 walk in evil ways we shall be hardened and hastened in them by the· nbsence ~f needful checks, md under the influence of foolish feelings of triumphant success. Ver. 32 (last cla.nse).-Strength in the knowledge of God. I. BPIBITUAL STRENGTH. 1. Spiritual strength must be distinguished (1) from physical power, aa in the case of Samson, who had very little strength of soul; (2) from intellectual energy which can solve mysteries of thought, and construct lofty arguments, but cannot resist temptation and accomplish spiritual ~ork; and (3) from strength of human will-such as is manifested by a Napoleon-whwh may exist apart from moral self-control and capacity for the higher_efforts ?f life. 2. Spiritual stre~gth _is strengt~ ?I the inner aiid 1,ig!ter nature. It 1s capacity of the character and will, ra.tSerl to spmtual energy, tc, resis, evil and to do good. It implies (1) self-control (1 Cor. ix. 27); (2) power to re;,ist e!.:lerna.l influences of fashion and of tyranny, of seduction and of terror (Neh. vi. 9); (3; ca1,acity and energy for doing spiritual work, i.e. for overcoming the evil in the worl<l and EcXtending the good, as in reaching the conscience of men, convincing of sin, a.n<l 1•ers:ia.di1,g them to be reconciled to God (2 Cor. v. 20). It is SP,cn in moral courage, patieucc, iwa} liild periievering activity in God's service. on. x,. 1-46.) 'l'HE BOOK OF DANrnL. 327
II. TnE BouncE OF' SPIRITUAL STRENGTH. 1. It is derived from, God. It is not Innate, nor acquired by our own efforts, nor attained by any worldly means. It is given to us in our natural weakness (Isa. xl. 29), when we aro most conscious of this and distrustful of ourselves (2 Cor. xii. 10), and in response to prayer (Pa. cxxxviii. 3). 2, The knowledgt of God is a condition for the receiving of spiritual strength. (1) This Is necessary that we may have understanding and faith to ask strength of Gorl. (2) It is necessary as a means for attaining the strength; because ideas of the greatness goodness, and might of God are bracing and invigorating. (3) It is necessary as ~ morn! condition. If we seek to know God, he will give us strength, but if we are neglectful of this duty, it is not right that God should honour us with such favour. 3. Union with God in living sympathy is the direct means for receiving this strength. The people referred to in the text know God a.~ their God. This appropriatim of God secures to us his strength. III. 'l'HE USE OF BPmITUAL BTBEN&Tll. It is the Divine aid for the needs of life. We often pray for relief of the burden and release from the task. God leaves the burden and task undiminished, but gives strength by which to do and bear. This method of help involves less disarrangement of the order of the outside world, and is for us a nobler and more fruitful blessing. Thus when we seek peace through relaxation and eBSe, God gives it in inspiration and energy (2 Cor. xii. 8, 9). 1. It is needed for tho resistance of temptatim. Temptation is too strong for our unaided powers. Jn God's strength we are conquerors (1 Cor. x. 13). 2. It is useful for the endurance of trouble. The necessary trouble mu8t be gone through in any case. But spiritual strength is essential to patient, calm, unmurmuring endurance (Phil. iv. 13). 3. It is helpful for active service. We often fail in work for want of .energy of souL Divine strength brings zeal, capacity, and successful activity (2 Chron. xv. 7). 4. It is needful for growth of the spiritual nature. .A.s we a.re strong in soul we can know more of Divine truth, and enlarge and elevate the life of the inner man. This growth is the result of the working out of indwelling spiritual energy (Luke i. 80).