works for men in forms ndnpted to their mental and spiritual condition. \Vhether the thunder whieh discomfited the Philistines was a special exertion of Divine power out of the ordinary .:ourse of atmospheric changes, or a coincidence brought about by him who, in the primary settlement of nature, foresees his own relations to his people, nnd harmonises physical and moral lines, the result abides. God fights for those who fight for righteousness. Providence does not always favour the search nfter wealth, or pleasure, or ease, but it does always favour the Christian in his con- flict with sin. A " besom of destruction II is being formed for use against the forces of evil. Never in the history of the world has a ease arisen in which defea.t has come on any soul that bas sincerely trusted in God and conformed to his require- ments. They that" trust in the Lord are as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved." The battle is not to the strong, but to those who are under the cover of the Almighty hand. Ill. The GROUNDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT, WHEN FAIRLY BROUGHT BEFORE THI!: Ml:("!>, OPERATE IN TWO WAYS. 1. Retrospectively. The retrospective survey, which bring., the mind in view of facts bearing on the future, also awakens gratitude for what ha~ been already accomplished. It was with no formal thankfulness that Samuel inscribed "Ebenezer;" and the poor wayward people, whose sins bad borne such bitter fruit, caught his spirit as they reflected on the mercy that was proved, by recent events, not to be clean gone for ever. Sinful hearts, when penitent, love to look back on even the slightest sign of God's love and care. The development of gratitude itself is the introduction of a new and helpful power in the sore conflict with sin and sorrow. If only men would consider, by careful retrospection, what God has done for them I Men too often dwell on their own deeds and failings, an,l so nourish despondency. 11 Be ye thankful II is apostolic exhortation. And, despite all defections, blunders, and disasters of the Church, bow tenderly and wisely he has Jed, chastened, and worked with the people called after bis holy name. Powerful reasons still exist for the contendiug hosts to raise their cheerful, grate- ful II Ebenezer." 2. Prospectively. 11 Hitherto II is relative. There is a future term in the thought; and its use, as the result of a survey of grounds of encouragement, means that the heart is bracing itself for new exertions. Samuel would work on, devising in cheerful spirit new means of further raising the people, while they would avail themselves of ·his assistance to regain lost joys and honours. A higher tone, a more vigorous effort, would mark the coming years. Practical lessons :-1. It is very usC'ful in private, domestic, and Church life occasionally to take a solemn review, with appropriate religious exercise, of progress made, and of what God has done for us. 2. We should study more carefully the formative power of a frequent consideration of the mercies of God. 3. When engaged in actual religious work and worship to which God has clearly called us, we may be certain that our general interests will not be allowed to suffer from the hand of enemies, seen or unseen. 4. If we honour God to the extent of our spiritual attainments, power will come for doing him "'ill greater honour.
Vere. 13-17.-First-jruits of repentance. The facts are-1. Israel enjoy £re" dom from the oppression of the Philistines and regain lost cities. 2. Their restless ancestral enemy the Amorite is quiet. 3. Samuel quietly and happily attends to his civil functions. 4. Ramah, the home of Samuel, is blessed with an altar to Jehon,h. The mention of these suggestive facts immediately after the referenco to the call tu ··epentance and its response exhibit the natural results of the efforts of prophet anri )eople. A fruitful theme is given. . • I. In RELATION TO lSIIAEL THESE FRUITS WERE MOST lllIPORTANT; just such as a nation might well prize. An active, powerful foe was held in restraint. Territory a11d cities were restored to the government and general influence of a true man ot' God. Their fathers' foe, who disputed the march of Joshua, and ever lay as a savage beast by their side, was controlled by an unseen hand. An orderly and beneficent civil administration, diligently maintained on religious principles, wa~ enjoyed by the various districts, and the residence of the ruler of the people was conspicuously a centre of religiuus influence. Blessed fruits of national repentance ! When will nntions learn the clenr lessons of this precious book of God? 1 SAll. I: 130 THE FIHST BOOK OF SAMUEL. [ Cll. VII. 1-17.