hesitating tone, RB though doubtful whether he ha.a any meesa.ge to deliver. He Jin~ glorious certa.inties to announce, an authoritative message to declare; and, with. confidont and unwavering trust, should go forth and publish the bright realities of oqr faith. 3. This revelation is made very real to the inner consciO'USne.,s of the tear,her. "'l'he word of the Lord that came to Micah," "which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem." It was an inward experience with the prophet, a ileep inwrought conviction. 'l'he word of the Lord took possession of his very soul, and became part and parcel of his very being, touching, quickening, inspiring bis whole nature. The circumstances of his nation, too, were vividly presented to him, and the events to be fulfilled were as real as though they had already taken place or were transpiring before his eyes. "Which he sa.w." The eame expression is used with reference to Amoe (i.1) a.nd Habakkuk (i. 1). So still: "That which we ha.ve heard," etc. (.John i. 1-3). A deeper experimental acquaintance with the trnth to be proclaimed woulcl impart to the heralds of it a holier earnestness, and would clothe them with mighty energy and irresistible power. "Let your heart take in by ite secret veins that which comes pure from Heaven in showers of blessing: so shall its issues, so far as your influence extends, contribute to fertilize the wilderness" (Arnot). And the heart must ~ in sympathy with those to whom the truth is to be communicated. The circum- stances of his nation pressed upon the heart of Micah. So Ezekiel (iii. 15) anrl Paul (Rom. x. 1). George Fox said, "I prayed to God that he would baptize my heart into the sense of all condition,, so that I might be able to enter into the needs and sorrows of all." II. TRUE SPIRITUAL TEACHERS HA.VE OFTEN BEEN RAISED Ul' A.ND P:lEI' ..\.P.i'D FOR T-HEIR WORK IN' RETIRED A.ND OBSCURE PLACES. " The word of the Loi cl that came to Micah the Morasthite." Many of the Hebrew prophets sprang from humble anJ retired localities. Elkosh, Gath-hepber, Tishbe, Abel-Meholah, Anathotb, Moresheth-Gath,- bciw comparatively insignificant and unknown these places appear! and yet out of them respectively came Nahum, Jonah, Elijah, Elisha, Jeremiah, and Micah. Country life bas its special advantages by'way of preparing the mind and heart for holy service. It affords a better opportunity for getting the spirit affected with the power and goodness of God as expressed in his works; for scenes of natural beauty are continually unfolded to the view, and of which the citizen is deprived. "God made the country, man the town." Quiet retirement, too, is more available, securing thus facilities for meditation, reflection, and heart-communion. There is so much less to distract and divert the attention than is presented amidst life in the great centres. Yet he who lives in retirement, if designed for prominent service, will not fail, even in his remoteness from the activities of city life, to inform himself concerning the character of the age in which he lives; and to keep himself abreast with it, but will be observant of "the signs of the times,'' and will familiarize himself with these, even as Micah, away in Moresheth- Gath, was familiar with the moral and spiritual condition of his people, and with the doings of kings and nobles, prophets and priests. It is often a source of discourage- ·ment to some engaged in service to God that they are called upon to work in very retired spheres, and they ardently long for more scope and wider influence. It sho11ld be no slight consolation to such that their spheres, though retired, may nevertheless afford them far-reaching power for good. Perchance under their care may be those whom God bas designed for very influential service, and that through their ministry these are being prepared for their life-work; and that in due course, leaving the village and going forth to their mission in city or town, at home or it may be in some far-off land, they will carry with them holy influences which have been exerted upon ·them by one who may never be known to fame, but whose "witness shall be in heaven, and whose record shall be on high." II!. TRUE SPIRITUAL TEACHERS Wil.L AD.A.PI' THEMSELVES TO THE AGE THEY A.RE TO BEEK TO INFLUENCE. "The word . . . in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah," An examination of the period indicates that it was an age: 1. Thoroughly corrupt. Nobles, priests, prophets, had alike corrupted their way. Micah denounced with holy boldness the sins of the times (eh. ii, 1, 2, 7-11; iii. 1-4, 5, 7). 2. Manifestly formal. In sublime diction Micah enforced the spirituality of genuine worship and the practical cha.meter of sincere piety (eh. vi. 6-8). 3. Utterly unpatriotic. With loyal spirit he recalled the past of their national history, which 8 THE BOOK OF MIOAH, [on, 1, 1-18.
F-bould have stirred their boarts anew (ob. il 12; vi. 4, 6; vii, 14, 16, 20). 4, &eting in darkness. The cup of iniquity was fast filling. The fate of Samaria was sealed, Jerusalem also was rCl!orved for dosolation, But whilst declaring tho coming judg- ments, Micah also declared the Divine mel'Cly to the penitent (eh. vii. 18), and, whilst announcing the approaching ruin, be looked beyond the gathering darkness and the fall- ing shadows, and saw by faith •• the mighty Child" appearing in the obscure village of Bethlehem in an age to come, and who should prove himself "a Shepherd more royal even than David," and who should usher in "a peace even more universal than that of Solomon" (eh. v. 2). And so did this distinguished seer adapt himself to the age he was commissioned to serve. And in like manner, he who would work successfully in the present day must fully consider the nature of the times, and the special needs of men. Failure does not always arise from want of ability, but often from lack of adaptation. The thing done is good enough in itself, but is not suited to the occasion. There is a Hindu proverb, "The chariot is weak at sea, and the ship on land." In no respect did the Divine Master, the great Prophet of the Church, more thoroughly excel all other instructors than in the marvellous suitn.bility of all his methods and utterances to the deepest needs of those amongst whom he laboured. Learn : 1. To depend upon God for the teaching of his Spirit, and to receive the truth from him. 2. To gather up strength in retirement for future service, 3, To seek to be inspired with holy courage, so as to declare all the counsel of God. 4. To strengthen your hearts amidst present difficulties and darkness by the prospect of that full and complete salvation which shall be accomplished by Christ,