that he had obtained mercy of the Lord. Had we not been informed of this closing scene, we might have doubted how far the judgments of God might come upon him in the eternal world : but, with this knowledge of his latter end, we feel no doubt of his acceptance with God, and his exaltation to the realms of bliss.]
This whole history is very instructive : it teaches us,
1. The inefficacy of ordinances —
[As the Israelites idolized the ark, and looked to it as a saviour in the place of God, so do many look to the ordinances of religion, (as though there were in them a power to save,) instead of looking through them to the God of ordinances. But, though Paul should plant or Apollos water, it is God alone that can give the increase : and if we put the word, or ministers, or sacraments, or any thing else in the place of God, we shall find them to be a lamp without oil, and " a fountain sealed."]
2. The danger of presumption —
[The Israelites hoped for the divuie protection, though they humbled not themselves for their iniquities, nor even in earnest implored his help; yea, they shouted for joy as though a victory were already gained. But it is in vain to indulge such an hope as this. If we turn not from our sins, it is not possible but that we must be overtaken by the divine judg- ments. For the truth of this, God himself refers us to the history before us: " Go," says he, " and learn what I did to Shiloh, for the wickedness thereof*^."]
3. The necessity of walking in the fear of God —
[We know not how soon, or how suddenly, death may come upon us. Even if our lives be prolonged to an advanced age, we may yet be taken off without a moment's warning. How desirable then is it that all, and especially those who are drawing nigh to the time of childbirth, should stand ready for death and judgment! It is not necessary, nor indeed desirable, that we should be living under a servile dread of death ; but we should be " working out our salvation with fear and trembUng." We should be "trembling for the ark of God;" longing to hear of the victories of Christ in the world, and dreading to hear of the triumphs of his enemies. We should particularly " watch," to see the progress of his grace in our own souls, and fear lest by any means he should be dishonoured through us. If that be our frame of mind, we shall be accepted of God both in life and death: for the declaration of God himself is this, " Blessed is the man that feareth always."]
f" Compare Ps. Ixxviii. 58 — 04. with Jer. vii. 12.
287.] THE ARK RETURNED TO BETH-SHEMESH. Vol