The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 86

Thy ever-smiling face to see, And serve the cause of such a Friend 1" (Dod<lridge). III. LISTENING 'IO THE MASTER'S DIRECTIONS. "Speak." "I am waiting to hear thy con,mands, and desire to know thy will." " What saith my Lord unto his servant?" (Josh. v. 14). "What wilt thou have me to do?" (Acts ix. 6). His directions aro given by-1. His word, in the law and the gospel. 2. Hi11 providence, in the various events of life, affording fresh opportunities, bringing new responsibilities, indicating special methods of service. 11 New occasions teach new duties." "There are so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification " (1 Cor. xiv. 10). 3. His Spirit; teaching the meaning and application of the word, sug- gesting thoughts and activities in accordance with bis revealed will, filling the heart with holy and benevolent impulses. "It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God" (John vi. 45). "Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters" (watching with the utmost attention for every indication of their will), 11 so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God " (Ps. lxxxv. 8; cxxiii. 2 ; Hab. ii. 1). IV. READINESS FOR THE MASTER'S WORK. "Thy servant heareth;" stands ready to obey-I. Whatever thou mayest direct. 2. With my utmost strength. 3. Promptl.11; without delay. "When it pleased God to reveal bis Son in me, immediately I con- ferred not with flesh and blood, but went" (Gal. i. 1&---17). When Ledyard (whose life was the first of many sacrificed to African discovery) closed with the proposal -0f the Association for Promoting the Discovery of the Inland Parts of Africa to undertake a journey in that region, and was asked how soon he would be ready to set out, he replied, 11 To-morrow morning." The like promptitude should be exhibited by every "good and faithful servant."-D. Ver. 13.-Parental restraint. "And he restrained them not." The parental rela- tion was universally regarded in ancient times as one which involved a closer identity between parents and children, and a more absolute authority on the part of the former over the latter, than would now be deemed just. This fact explains many occurrences in the sacred history. It also makes more apparent the inexcusable con- duct of Eli in omitting to restrain his sons from their evil way. To every head of a family, however, belongs a certain measure of authority, and he is responsible for it~ exercise in II commanding his children and bis household" (Gen. xviii. 19) to do what is right, and restraining them from doing what is wrong. Concerning PARE~TA.L RESTRAINT, observe that- I. !Ts NEED IS URGENT. 1. Because of tho strong tendency to evil which exists in children. However it may be accounted for or explained, there can be no doubt of the fact. If it be simply, as some say, a desire of self-gratification, and dislike of everything that hinders it-self-will, it is necessary that it should be checked; for those who are trained to deny themselves in very early life, and submit to the will of their parents, are far more likely than others to accept and submit to the will of God when they beQome conscious of it. 11 In order to form the minds of children, the first thing to be done is to conquer their will and bring them to an obe- dient temper. This is the only strong and rational foundation of a religious educa- tion, without which both precept and example will be ineffectual. As self-will i8 the root of all sin and misery, so whatever cherishes this in children insures their after wretchedness and irreligion; whatever checks and mortifies it promotes their future happiness and piety" (The mother of the Wesleys). 2. Because of the evil examples by which they are surrounded, and which act so powerfully on their susceptibility tL• impression and their propensity to imitation. 3. Because of the manifold temptatio11s to which they are exposed. However guarded, they cannot be altogether kept from their influence. II. ITs ODLIGATION IS IMPERATIVE. 1. It fa obviously a part of parental dut,11. 2. It is often enjoined in the word of God (Deut. xxi. 15-21 ; Prov. xix. 18; xxiii 13, 14; xxix. 15, 17). 3. It is clearly adapted to accomplish beneficial results (Prov. xxii. 6). It is thus II duty which parents owe not only to their children, but also to the great Parent of all, who, by the manner in which he deals with his earthly chil,lrcn, uas himself set them an ex11mplo. 1 SAM, ct  82 THE J<'IRST BOOK OF SAMUEL. [ea. m. 1-21.