Well now, these natural laws are valid in the spiritual world.  The rules of moral hygiene are summed up in our Lord’s prayer, “Lead us not into temptation,” that is to say, do not breathe the germ-laden air, and in St Paul’s precept, “Be strong in the Lord,” cultivate general spiritual health, safety lies in strength.  Good health is the best prophylactic.  There is no precaution so effective as being well.

Now what have we in this narrative?  When the prophet permitted Naaman to bow in the temple of Rimmon he did very right, say the chorus of commentators.  But the common-sense of mankind has taken a different view.  Bowing in the temple of Rimmon has become a byword and a reproach.  It signifies something which men feel is not quite right.  It was, in fact, an indulgence.  Still, perhaps it was wise not to force the new-born convert.  Perhaps it did Naaman no harm.  Possibly it did Elisha’s soul no injury to be so far complaisant towards idolatry.  But surely there was a germ of evil in the thing, and this germ found a nidus, found a nest in Gehazi’s soul, in which to hatch its evil brood.  It lighted on Gehazi at the psychological moment.  He had seen the gorgeous equipage.  He had gazed on the ingots of gold and the great bars of silver.  He had fingered the silks and brocades.  Elisha had waved them away.  To him they were as child’s trinkets.  But he had other resources than Gehazi, and when the cavalcade drew off, leaving nothing of its treasures behind, his longing grew into a fever of desire.  It was so mad of the master to let all that gold and silver go, and he so poor!  Gehazi had to bear the brunt of the poverty, and tax his five wits to make ends meet.  And to think that a gold mine had come to their very door and they had refused to let it in!

But it is too late now—­and yet why should it be too late?  The company moves slowly.  One could easily catch up with it.  But what to say?

Pilgrims sometimes knock at Elisha’s door.  Sons of the prophets from the college on Mount Ephraim often come to see the master.  There were two last week, or was it the week before?  Without doubt we shall have others soon, for they like to talk to the master.  They are miserably poor like ourselves, but they have good appetites.  Naaman would be delighted to leave something for them.  He would feel easier in his mind.  It would be a kindness to let him give something.  True, we have none of them in the house at this moment.  But we have had and we shall have.  If I say we have them now—­well, that will only be making a little bow in the temple of Rimmon.  Naaman means to do that.  Master allows him to do it.  We must not be too strict. “As the Lord liveth I will run after him and take somewhat of him!” Elisha was hurt, shamed, and angry.  The sin was great and terrible.  Yet, perhaps, had Gehazi met Elijah this would not have happened.  Had Elisha sounded the great Elijah-note, “if the Lord is God, follow Him, but if Rimmon, then follow him,” perhaps the germ of temptation would not have found Gehazi even quite such an easy prey,