after the appointment of a king had been ratified and confirmed. Then indeed he appealed to them, whether he had not con- ducted himself towards them with the most unblemished inte- grity^ But past services were of Uttle account with
persons so infatuated and self-willed as that people were at this time. But further, it was also a direct and open rejection of God himself. This was the construction which God himself put upon it^. And how Httle he deserved this treatment at their hands, Samuel shewed them, by recounting to them the mercies which he had vouchsafed unto their nation, from its first existence even to thdt days.
But they were deaf to every statement that he could make, and insensible to every feeling that should have actuated their minds : for who can convince those who are determined not to be convinced? " Nay; but we will^," is but a poor answer from those who are taught what God willeth. It is indeed the answer of sinners in general : but all who make such a reply, will hear of it again from God himself.]
What we are to think of their conduct, will further appear from,
II. The reproof administered —
Such wickedness as this could not pass unreproved. Samuel therefore " solemnly protested against them," as God had commanded' ; and then proceeded to deal with them in that way which he conceived to be most conducive to their amendment :
1. He desired a judgment from God, with a view to their humiliation —
[There was not at that time any appearance of a storm, nor was the wheat harvest a season when storms often occurred. But he requested of God to manifest his displeasure by a sud- den tempest: and immediately the thunders rolled, the rain descended in torrents, and the indignation of the Lord was clearly shewn; insomuch that " the people greatly feared both the Lord and Samuel." Thus was the desired eflTect produced: the people saw that they had sinned ; and entreated the inter- cession of Samuel, that they might not be punished according to their deserts. How different is the voice of God from that of man ! that will convince the most obstinate, and soften the most obdurate : and, sooner or later, they who will not yield
e 1 Sam. xii. 2 — 5. ^ 1 Sam. viii, 7.
e 1 Sam. x. 17—19. and xii. 7—11.
^ 1 Sam. viii. 19. and xii. 12. ' 1 Sam. viii. 9.
170 1 SAMUEL, XII. lG—23. [293.
to the remonstrances of God's servants, shall be spoken to in a way which they can neither gainsay nor resist.]
2. He proclaimed mercy from God with a view to their encouragement —
[There was notliing vindictive in the conduct of Samuel: he lamented that the people should act so wickedly, and that God should be so dishonoured ; but he willingly sacrificed his own interests, and cheerfully resigned the power which had been committed to him. He saw how agitated the people were ; and gladly embraced the opportunity of pouring balm into their wounds. He bade them "not fear;" for though they had sinned greatly, God would not utterly cast them off; and though there was nothing in them to induce him to shew mercy, he would be merciful to them " for his great blame's sake." It was not for any merit of theirs that God had ever made them his people, but purely of his own sovereign will and pleasure : and, to shew them '*' the immutability of his counsel," he would still continue his favours to them, notwithstanding this great transgression. They must however turn unto him, and cleave unto him, and no longer look unto the creature for deliverance ; for on no other terms would he acknowledge them as his people, or vouchsafe unto them the blessings which he had reserved for them. As far as depended on himself, Samuel assured them, that he would harbour no resentment for the indignity offered him, but would continue to pray for them to his dying hour. Thus admirably did he temper severity with kindness, and soften fidelity with love.]