the quickening power of the Holy Spirit, by which all these shall pass away, ;,nd I\ restored life shall result. II. The CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE INSTRUMENTS in working out God's will are, BO FAR AS PERSONS ARE CONCERNED, WELL ASCERTAINED, There is great udvantuge in having the child-life of Samuel sketched in contrast with the habits and principles of those no longer worthy to be the instruments for doing the highest work in the world. The qualities in Samuel that fitted J,im for his work were purity of life, deep love for God and his sanctuary, personal consecration to any service in which it might please God to employ him, and the humility that disdains not even menial work if God would thus have it. These qualities are really embraced in the one supreme quality-conformity of will to the Divine will. In this respect all human instruments are alike when thoroughly effective. In so far as it is our "meat and drink" to do the Father's will, our nature becomes a fit channel for the Divine energy to work through for spiritual ends. The failure of moral agents lies in the condition of the will. The power of Christian life in prayer, in work, in silent influence, is in proportion as the consecration takes the form of, "Not my will, but tliine be done." Ill. The EFFECTIYENJo:HS OF THE INSTRUMENTS used lies essentially in THE POWER WHICH WORKS THROUGH THEM. The excellent qualities of Samuel no doubt exercised a power appropriate to tl,eir own nature; but the real work he did was more than the- mere natural influence of what he was. It was God who worked, not only within him to will and to do, but also with and by him. Everywhere in Scripture stress is laid on the unseen energy of God acting on the visible and invisible elements of things, and at last bringing all into subjection. The reality of the Divine power in the human instrument is often conspicuous. The child Samuel did not secure of himself the submission of the people or the deference of Eli. God wrought on their spirits and made thein willing to take him as prophet. Saul was the stronger man, but God used David to slay Goliath. God, in the case of apostles, had chosen the "weak things of the world to confound the mighty." His grace was sufficient for them. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit." General lessons :-1. There is the most perfect ground for confidence that agencies will be found for doing any work really essential to the salvation of men. 2. It is important for all so to live and labour that they may be available for any service requisite in seasons of trial. 3. The fitness of each Christian for doing greatest possible good in the world rests with his own diligent self-culture and entireness of consecration. 4. It is essentially necessary that in all effort God be recognised as the Author of all good.
Call to higher service. The service of God is very wide and varied. Every true heart may find some employment therein. "They serve who wait," as also those- who simply exhibit a holy life. The weary Christian invalid conveys many an impressive lesson to the strong and vigorous. The patient endurance of adversity- may do more good than the enjoyment of prosperity. In making distinctions in the· value of service rendered, we are not always in a position to pass perfect judgment. In one respect a lowly Christian may be "greater than John the Baptist." In reference to public functions there are gradati•ms, and in this respect Samuel was called to a higher form of service. I. There ARE CALLS TO A SERVICE RELATIVELY HIGIIER. In the estimation of , Hannah and Eli, the early occupation of Samuel in the tabernacle was the initiatory stage of a life-work. Except so far as a pure, simple life in rrmtrast with vileness can teach, Samuel's service was confined to attendance on the venerable high priest: The position for which he was finally called was more conspicuous, of wider influence, and involving the display of superior qualities. The narrative relating the call to· thiR higher service is a record in spirit of what has often transpired in the co11rss of history, and is beinr, realised every day. Abraham, Moses, and D11vi,l served God, each in his own restricted sphere, when they obeyed the Divine call. As Christ once summoned fishermen to lea,·e their occupation to be fishers of men, so now others hear his voice urging them to leave the ship, the desk, the farm, to d., his will in preaching the gospel. To the attentive ear of the ,le\'011t there are frequ~n, 72 THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL. [CH. III. 1-21.