January 17

“And it came to pass in an evening-tide that David arose from oy his bed, and walked upon the roof rf the king’a house.” — 2 Samuel xi. 2.

that hour David saw IJathsheba. We are never out of the reach of temptation. Both at home and abroad, we are liable to meet with allurements to evil; the morning opens with peril, and the shades of evening find ua still in jeopardy. They are well kept whom God keeps, but woe unto those who go forth into the world, or even dare to walk their own house unarmed. Those who think themselves secure, are more exposed to danger than any others. The armor-bearer of Sin is Self-confidence, David should have been engaged in fighting the Lord’.s battles; instead of which he tarried at Jerusalem, and gave himself up to luxurious repose, for he arose from his bed at even-tide. Idleness and luxurj’ are the devil’s jackals, and find him abundant prey. In stagnant waters noxious creatures swarm, and neglected soil soon yields a dense tangle of weeds and briers. Oh, for the constraining love of Jesus to keep us active and useful! When see the King of Israel sluggishly leaving his couch at the close of the day, and falling at once into temptation, let me take warning, and set holy watchfulness to guard the door.

Is it possible that the king had mounted hiy housetop for retirement and devotion? if so, what a caution is given us to count no place, however secret, a sanctuary from sin While our hearts are so like a tinder-box, and sparks so plentiful, we had need use all diligence in all places to prevent a blaze. Satan can climb house-tops, and enter closets, and even if we could shut out that foul fiend, our own corruptions arc enough to work our ruin unless grace prevent. Reader, beware of evening temptations. Be not secure. The sun is down but sin is up. We need a A’atchman for the night, as well as a guardian for the day. Oh blessed Spirit, keep lu from all evil this night. Amen.