in thu evil course. He speaks of all this iniquity as being patent to the observer. Sometimes," vice, provoked to shame, borrows the colour of a virtuous deed;" bnt in this instance there was no attempt at concealment or disguise, and no sense of shame, "Spoiling and ,iolence m·e befoi·e me" (ver. 3). II. AN EARlIEST HEART YEARNING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND IMPATIENT OF DELAY. The life of piety is undoubtedly tho happy life (Ps. i. 1). Still, it is not always sunshine, even with the good. 'l'here are times in their experience when the sky becomes overcast, and when they become depressed and sad' at heart. Although possessing "the firstfruits of the Spirit," the pledge and the eRrnest of the enjoyment at length of a fulness of blessing, they often "groan within themselves" (Rom. viii. 23). And a very large ingredient in the cup of sorrow the good have to drink is that occasioned by beholding the blighting effects of sin. As they witness men unprincipled in their dealings, impure in their speech, dishonourable in their transactions, and as the.v note the pernicious influence and effects of such conduct, their hearts are rendered sad, and they are constrained to loni:: ardently for the time when sin shall be completely vanquished, when it shall be banished from this fair uni verse of God, and when there shall come in all its perfection the reign of truth and righteousness, peace and love. This spirit runs through the prophet's mournful strain ( vers. 2-4). We recognize it also in the words of David, "Oh let the wicked- ness of the wicked!" etc. (Ps. vii 9), and of Jeremiah (xiv. 8, 9), and impelled by it many are crying to-day, "Why is his chariot so long in coming? Why tarry the wheels of his chariot?" III. AN EARNEST HEART DIRECTING ITS IMPASSIONED APPEAL TO GOD IN PRAYER, (Ver. 2.) The ~eer did not question the Divine rectitude, but his spirit was perturbed at the delay, and. he yearned with a holy impatience for the vindication of the honour of his God. And under such conditions no course is so commendable as that of pouring our plaint into the ear of Infinite Love. Prayer at such seasons will be found helpful: 1. In tranquillizing the spirit, quieting and subduing agitation, and imparting a sense of restfulness and peace. 2. In linking our human weakness to God's almighty strength, and thus fitting us for renewed service to him. "Toil, pain, doubt, terror, difficulty,-all retreat before the recognition of a great life-purpose wrought out in entire dependence upon Heaven." 3. In causing light to shine through the dark cloud of mystery, helping us to understand the Divine plan (Ps. lxxiii, 16, etc.), and so preparing the way for our exchanging the mournful elegy for the rapturous melody of thankful and adoring pra.ise.-S. D. H.
Vers. 5-11.-The Divine working against evi'l, and its doers. We ha.ve expressed here God's response to the impassioned appeal addressed to him by his serva.nt. There is much that is suggestive in these words as bearing upon the Divine working against those who practise sin and who persist in its commission. Note- I. THAT GoD IS NOT INDIFFERENT WITH RESPECT TO PREVAILING UNGODLINESS. The seer had asked," How long?" (ver. 2). He was impatient of delay. But whilst there is this lingering on the part of God, so that "judgment against an evil work is not executed speedily" (Eccles. viiL 11), this is owing to the Divine long-suffering a.nd patience, and does not arise from indifference and unconcern being cherished by the Most High in reference to iniquity. Wrong-doing is ever before him, is closely observed by him. It is the source of displeasure to him who is perfect in purity, and the requital of it will assuredly be experienced by transgressors. '!'bough it may tarry, it will surely come. "I will work a work," etc. (ver. 5). lL THAT Gon, IN THE OBDEB OF 1118 PROVIDENCE, IN EXECUTING ms JUDGMENTB, OVEBBULEB THE ACTIONS OF EVIL MEN, AND CA.USES THESE TO FULFIL IHS RlGHTE0UB- !lESS. The verses contain a wonderfully graphic account of the Chaldeans who were to be the instruments of the Divine chastisement of Judah (compare with them Isa. xiv. 6, 16, 17), and whilst in reading them, so vivid is ~he portr~yal, that w~ seem to see the Chaldean hor11emen sweeping through the land hke the simoom, causmg death and desolation to follow in their track, we also have presented to us certain traits most clea.rly indicative of their gross wickedness. (1) Their proud ambition to poRsess the dwelling-places that were n,Jt theirs (ver. 6); (2) their fierceness and cruelty (ver. 7); (3) their self-sufficiency (ver. 7); (4) their scorn and contemot (ver. 10) and their OJI, I. 1-17.] THE BOOK OF HABAKKUK. 13