But perhaps you will say, ' I do occasionally give them good advice.' What is that? Abraham did not satisfy himself with giving good advice to his children and his household, but " commanded them :" he maintained authority in his family, and exercised that authority for God. And thus should you do also. Eli could say to his sons, " Nay, my sons, this is no good report that I hear of you : ye make the Lord's people to transgress." He even went further, and reminded them of the day of judgment: " If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him : but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat for him ?" But was this all that his situation called for ? No : he should have " commanded them," and have thrust them out from the priestly office, if they did not obey his injunctions: and because he neglected to do this, God sent him a message that " made the ears of all that heard it to tingle." And some awful message shall you also have, if you neglect to employ for God the authority you have re- ceived from God : for " them that honour him he will honour ; and those who despise him shall be lightly esteemed™."]
3. In a way of encouragement —
[True it is, that though you may command, you cannot ensure obedience to your commands : and notwithstanding your utmost care, there may be much amiss among those who are under your control. In Abraham's family there was a mocking
m 1 Sam. ii. 22—3 >.