Fourthly, they had remarkable _desires_. They wished to find David, to dwell with him, and have him for their leader and captain. And David himself was a fugitive, hunted by Saul--poor, powerless, and hidden away in a cave in a mountain, where, probably, it was very difficult to find him. So there are some (only a few compared with the number of the people of the land, like David's four hundred) whose hearts are set on finding Jesus. They wish to be near Him always. He (like David) is difficult to find. He must be usually searched for "as for hid treasures" (Prov. ii. 4), but when found, He becomes their Captain.

Fifthly, these men had a remarkable _reception_. They had no good characters--nothing to recommend them--but they were received. So Jesus also "receiveth sinners and eateth with them." As the Pharisees despised Jesus for keeping such company, so Saul and his servants despised David.

Jesus says, "Him that _cometh to Me_ I will in no wise cast out."

The reception of the four hundred was also remarkable because they were _uninvited_. But here the type fails. Jesus _has_ invited those who "come" to Him (see Matt. xi. 28).

Sixthly, the men made remarkable _soldiers_. Their doings are recorded in 2 Samuel xxiii., and the doings and victories of the good soldiers of Jesus Christ are to be found in Hebrews xi. David's soldiers did not live _idle_ lives in the cave, nor do Christ's soldiers have peace always. They have to "fight the good fight of faith" with "the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of G.o.d," and the bow of _prayer_. They fight, however, with their Captain's eye upon them (see Psa. x.x.xiv. 15).

Lastly, they were remarkably _rewarded_. When David came to the throne, they were put in positions of honour. The visible reward of Christ's followers is yet to come (Dan. vii. 22, 27; Matt. xix. 28; Luke xxii.

29, 30). He has promised also to give them "manifold more in _this present time_," as well as "life everlasting" (Luke xviii. 28-30).

The prizes were then distributed by the Pastor, and after a concluding word of prayer, this encouraging meeting was brought to a close.

E. M.

THE WISE AND FOOLISH BUILDERS.

(MATTHEW vii. 24-29.)

This is a wilderness of sand, With driving winds on every hand; How many build their houses here, Nor seem the coming storm to fear!

There is a sure Foundation-Stone; May I be builded thereupon!

Then shall I stand the last dread shock, Safe on the Everlasting Rock.

BIBLE ENIGMA.

The name of a river.

A place where all Jews were commanded to depart from.

A king to whom the children of Israel sent a present.

What did Abimelech take with him when he went up Mount Zalmon?

What did the Lord say the strong shall be as?

A mighty man of valour.

One of David's children.

Name one of Jacob's sons.

A brother of Tubal.

One of the cities which the children of Reuben built.

A mountain.

What did Jesus say a disciple should be called?

That which was to be burned always.

A place where David dwelt.

One of the cities which the children of Gad built.

Of what tribe was Hiram?

What did the Lord say should not cease while the earth remaineth?

The name of a thing declared to be a mocker (spell it backwards).

One who slew, in the valley of salt, eighteen thousand.

That which remains to the people of G.o.d.

A place where the children of Israel provoked the Lord to wrath.

A wicked king.

The place where the father of Gideon dwelt.

One whom the Lord blessed.

A bird that found no rest save in one place.

The initials and finals will form a prayer.

ALICE COLE.

_Basingstoke._

THE law of love requires us to sacrifice our own comfort to promote the happiness of others.--_Albert Barnes._

OUR BIBLE CLa.s.s.