DAVID, still menaced by his pitiless foe, fled to Achish, king of Gath, of the Philistines, and Achish gave to David the country town of Ziklag, where a temporary quiet was afforded to him. Seasons of rest are generally short to those who would act for God, especially to those who are chosen of God to lead out in holy warfare; and so it proved in this case; for David, on returning to Ziklag after a short absence, found the place in ashes, and desolate. The Amalekites had, during the absence of David and his little army, burned the town and carried captive the families of David and his soldiers; and now grief and disappointment filled their hearts. Some blamed their leader (David) and talked of taking his life; but David, calm and fearless, "encouraged himself in God," and inquired of God through Abiathar the priest (who had been driven by the cruelty and tyranny of Saul to seek an asylum with David) whether he should pursue his enemies. David did not move by impulse, though pressed by his reckless, disappointed soldiers, and threatened by the worst of them, but coolly and calmly waited for the answer of God. Pursue, overtake, recover all, was the reply. David did so, and after a rapid march overtook the enemy, routed them with great slaughter, recovered all, and took great spoil. It happened that in the heat and fatigue of pursuit, some two hundred of David's men (out of his six hundred) becoming faint and weary, had stayed behind in the way by the brook Bosor, and guarded the stuff (baggage) by the consent of David. Returning triumphant and laden with spoil, the vast stores of the conquered army, some of the worst of David's soldiers taunted those whose strength failed, who had been left with the "stuff" at the brook Bosor, and claimed that those only should share the spoils who took active part in the battle. David instantly detected the injustice of such a decision, and with wisdom and firmness decided that "as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike." Application: There is almost a mania with some to go into the thickest of the battle: nay, some wish to lead on the heat almost as soon as they come into the work of the Lord; and no doubt some are called and chosen for this very work. But there must be a working church at home, on the farm, in the shop, and at the anvil. In all the departments of business, Christianity must be represented and exemplified; and talent can be consecrated here, and will be, by the people of God. It is a mistake to suppose that because a brother has fine talents, and ardent devotion to truth, and can talk, pray, sing, and exhort, with edification to all, that he must of course preach the message. I do think the young novice would often be better off with a little caution in this matter. I have no fear of discouraging those whom God has94called into this important work. God will sustain and lead out such; but the object of this article is to help outburden those who are weighed down with false burdens, and are grieved because they cannot take the responsible position of messengers. In an army there are many places of trust, and much labor to be done; but all the men of talent cannot be colonels and captains, or majors and generals; but talent is needed in the ranks, and for subordinate posts. Paul enumerates the different gifts: apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, gifts of healing, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Then he expostulates. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? &c., &c. I pray that men may be raised up to proclaim the message, men of God, chosen by him; and also I as fervently pray that incompetent men may be prevented from taking this responsible place. As it was in the days of David, some must abide with the stuff, and such, if faithful, will share the rich rewards of the righteous. We all need especial direction of God, especially the ardent and impulsive, lest we, being too hasty, or beyond this, presumptuous, fall into Satan's snare; or on the other hand, lest want of success, or lack of encouragement, bring on discouragement and a state of gloomy inaction, perhaps ending in despair and murmuring thoughts. Gideon knew, when the miracles of the fleece had been wrought, see Judges vi, 36-40, that God had called him to do a mighty work, and David was strengthened by the success he had in his conflict with the lion and the bear, to press forward amid difficulties. But while there were but few such as David and Paul, there have been many a Philemon and Onesimus, many a Lydia, many a Dorcas. We have no account that Cornelius ever became an apostle, or Jason, or Aquila, or Mnason, or Aristarchus, or Rufus, or Gaius, yet each was himself—natural, unaffected, quiet, zealous, useful, strong in the faith. Amen.