Ver. 3.-The good stimulated to a truer life. It is a truth admitting of abundant illustration, that even in the most degenerate times God has had a people to show forth his praise. He has not left himself without witnesses. Whilst in this prophet's day there was "the remnant of Baal" (eh. i. 4), there was also" the remnant of the house of Judah" (eh. ii. 7), "the remnant of Israel," that did no iniquity nor uttered lies (eh. iii. 13). "The meek of the earth" clothed with humility and working righteousness (ver. 3). l. TRUE PIETY INFLUENOES BOTH THE CHARACTER AND CONDUCT OF ITS SUBJECTS, It is an inward grace, manifesting itself outwardly in holy excellence and holy living. 1. Humility is the token referred to as indicating its influence upon the character. "Ye meek of the earth." Meekness is power tempered with gentleness-it is the soul restraining, holding back its own power. (1) It manifests itself towards God. Ho has marked out to man the true way of life ; but man has the power to decline to pursue this course. " The meek of the earth" are such as, although conscious of this power, yield themselves up in passive obedience to God, to receive the impress of his Spirit, and to be moulded at his will. (2) And it manifests itself towards man. The possessor of this heavenly grace, in his intercourse with his fellow-men, lays aside all parade and show and ostentation ; whilst under wrong, in patience be possesses his soul, and although be may have the power to revenge the wrong done, he holds back this power, ruling his spirit, and proving himself mightier than he who taketh a city. 2. Rectitude i9 the token referred to as indicating the influence of true piety upon the conduct. "Which have wrought his judgment" (ver. 3). It prompts to obedience to God's revealed Law-to righteousness of life-obedience rendered by a heart thoroughly loyal to God and to righteousness, and which, becoming the very habit of the soul, is rendered easy and pleasant. I!. THE GROWTH OF THE SOUL IN HOLY CHARACTER AND CONDUCT IS GBADU.U.. The reiterated counsels and exhortations addressed to the good by prophets and apostles indicate that the goal had not been reached. Such are to "go on unto perfection" (Heb. vi. 1), to seek to be continually advancing, ever to be aiming after e. purer and holier life. "Nearer, my God, to thee.'' "Not as though I had already attained," er.,:. (Phil. iii. 12). Ill. THIS PROGRESS IS TO BE SECURED AS THE RESULT OF DIVINl!l DISCIPLINE AND PERSONAL ENDEAVOUR. 1. Divi'fle discipline. In the time of national calamity described by this prophet, and ere long to befall his land, the good as well as the evil would suffer-the sorowful experience would be passed through by all, whilst the Divine discipline thus designed to rouse the indifferent was intended also to purify the good, and to contribute to the perfecting in them the Divine character and life. And such being ever the gracious intention of God, let the good circumstanced thus sing- " Great Master, touch us with thy skilful hand, Let not the music that is in us die; Great Sculptor, hew aud polish us, nor let Hidden o.nd lost thy form within us lie. Spare not thy stroke ; do with us as thou wilt; Let there be nought unfinished, broken, marr'd; Complete thy purpose, that we mo.y become Thy perfect image, 0 our God und Lord I" 2. Personal endeavour. 'l'he seer here stimulated the good to persevering effort so BI! to attain unto a truer life, "Seek ye the Lord; " "seek righteousness; " "seek meek- 32 THE BOOK OF ZEPHA.NlA.H. [OH, lI, 1-15.
ness." By earnest prRyer, by ea.Im reflection and meditation, and by holy service, ml\n is to co-opernte with God with a view to his own spiritual growth. "Work out your own sl\lvation with fear and trembling," etc. (Phil. ii. 12). lV. THEY WHO THUS PROGRESS IN THE DIVINE LIFE SHALL BE RENDERED SE0URE IN THE DAY oF CONFLICT AND JUDGMENT. "It may be ye shall be hid," etc. (ver. 3). The " may be" was not intended to express uncertainty with reference to their security, but rather to keep them from becoming too confident and self-reliant. They who continue in the love and service of God cannot but be secure, for their safety le amply guaranteed (lsa.. xxvi. 20; Ps. xxxi. 20; Isa.. xxxii. 2).