Watching Over Our Own Houses
By J. Clarke
"And Every one to be Over Against his own House." Neh. vii, 3. THE 70 years of Israel's captivity had expired: the call had gone forth to the exiled Jews to leave the land of their oppressors, and captors, and to return to their beloved home. Many had returned, while many others remained in Babylon: having their treasures there, their hearts were there. Those who had returned, had by great labors and amid self-denials and discouragements, hardships and privations, rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, and now great watchfulness was necessary in order to retain the city, and protect it from restless, vigorous, and cruel enemies, who sought the extermination of the Jews. Every effort had been made by enemies to hinder the building of the walls of Jerusalem; and now that the ruins were in part repaired, and the city began to resume its ancient glory and splendor, nothing could satisfy the rage of their foes who hated God, and his people, and his law. The peril of the city was enhanced by the fact, that few people had returned to the city, which was large, and most of the houses were yet in ruins, and it was in this state of things that Nehemiah commanded to set a watch upon the walls, and every one to watch over against (or opposite) his own house. In this Nehemiah displayed wisdom and foresight, and a profound knowledge of the laws which govern the human mind; he thus too, made the very best disposition of his scanty force, on the principle,114that mankind do naturally guard their individual interests more faithfully than those of another. Here is the point for us to notice in the application. This is a time of peril, when there is much to be done, and few to do it, and enemies lurk on every hand, seen and unseen, to seduce, to draw aside, and to overthrow, while on the other, many stand ready to flee from spiritual Babylon, when the call shall be fully pressed upon them. While messengers are sent forth like Paul to sound the gospel to remote and distant places, it is plain that the great majority of the church are to remain at home, and to honor God here as opportunity shall present. Here we are to build, and watch for ourselves and others; at home over against our own houses, this, this is the duty of those who remain at home, to keep the ground already gained, to nurse the crop already sown, to feed the flock already in the field, to keep at bay the prowling wolf and beasts of prey. While many are called to forego the endearments of home, to part with dearest earthly friends and to go forth and breast the opposition of a heartless, reckless world, to endure scoffs and jeers and privations which would daunt the stoutest Christless heart; the great majority of the church are permitted to remain at home, and to enjoy all the social and domestic endearments of home and friends. But because we are permitted to abide in our own place, let us not suppose we have nothing to do. Oh no. We must watch for souls, watch lest we or our brother or sister languish and faint by the way. Keep watch upon the wall opposite our own house. Yes, begin at home. Keep first thine own heart with all diligence, make all right there; strive, agonize, until a blessing falls upon thine own heart. Abide long in thy closet, even until the full blessing is felt, and then diffuse a holy influence from day to day upon all around. Thus be thy brother's keeper; thus feed the flock; thus save companions and children, brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers and associates. You are the light of the world! Oh let the light shine. Ye are the salt of the earth. Let the salt diffuse its savor; draw around the sweet influence of the Holy Spirit. Give the Lord no rest until you gain the victory. Have you, through false shame, neglected duties? Go to-day, take up the cross, whatever it may be, or to whom it may be due. Be a bright example of probity and sincerity, and while your cheerful smile shall win, and your open hand and heart make your way, let faithfulness and truth make abundance of foes from the world around. Let us be careful to be above reproach in dealings with the world. Let us not be censorious, or earnest, or fretful, or passionate, or light, or trifling, but be an example of believers in all things. Let us be just right at home; let our neighbors feel that we have their good at heart, so that they will patiently hear the last message of God to man, and so shall we inherit the kingdom of God.