select-~- k~ng was consist_~!1t with the fact tl_111t God was displeased with their request (~11. nu. 1 ; cf. Hosea xm. 11 ). The s?lution of the apparent discrepancy lies in the c1rcmnstance that God does not leave Ins people to the full bent of their own heart. •He mercifully regarded their conditi_on_, and governed their tendencies in such a way us to make the best of a _bad case. Th~s ~s true, more or less, of all men not yet judicially abandoned. There 1s a force of enl 111 men enough to destroy them speedily but for the restraining po"·er of ~ad.. The n~ental operations of sinners are governed by an unscen hand, and oftc1: d1recte~ to their advantage, when, otherwise, evil would ensue. Tlie_re liave been ages in ~he !iistory of the Church wheii conspicuously 1mliallowed desire.s and worldly a.spirations have not been left to work ruin, but liave been clta.stened, controlled, dii·ected to objects better than they, left to themselves, would have chosen. The age of Constantine would have been more calamitous for religion had not the Head of the Church governed rising tendencies and provided moderating influences. 11. Goo's CARE IN MEETING MAN's WEAKNESS. Not any man would suit Israel as king at that time. There were conditions in the state of the people which needed to be wisely met. The people were impressible by the outward physical aspect of things; they required a leader of social position to command respect; and their own hankering after likeness to other nations rendered it important that their king should have some moral character; at the same tirue, being their choice, he must be a representative of the weaknesses and wisdom of the age. Hence the care of God in directing Samuel to Saul, a man of commanding appearance (ver. 2), of wealthy family (vers. 1-3), of quiet, plodding, God-fearing disposition,-as seen in occupation, in his concern for his fatl,er, and in his deference to the prophet,--,and yet of no deep, intelligent piety. This Divine care is no novelty in history. 1. It is constant-coextensive with the history of the race. Even fallen Adam was cared for in temporal things. The order of Prondence, the adaptation of hiA Word to varying exigencies of life, the appoint- ments in his Church for the perfecting of the saints, are only some instances of a care that ne,er faileth. 2. It is secret. Israel little knew, while those asses were wander- ing from home, that their God was caring so wisely and tenderly for them. Silent as the light is the voice that orders our path; more subtle than either is the hand that· guards our spirit. By day and night his hand leads, even to the uttermost parts of the earth. 3. It is beyond all desert. Even when Israel was in spirit rejecting him he eared for them. " How shall I give thee up? " is the feeling· of the Father's heart. He rewards us "not according to our iniquities." The daily mercies of God are more than can be numbered, and they come because he delighteth in mercy, not because we earn them by obedience and love. III. Gon's LEADING BY UNKNOWN WAYS. While restraining and regulating Israel's tendencies, an unseen hand is leading the son of Kish by a way he knew not. In the straying of asses and in the following their track we first see natural events; but behind and in them all we soon learn to see God gently leading Saul from a quiet, rural life to undertake a gTeat and honourable responsibility. It is not strange for God to lead by unknown paths those whom he chooses for his service. Abraham did not know the full meaning of the secret impulse to leave Ur of the Chaldees. Joseph's imprisonment was not man's sole doing. Egyptians in the court of Phnraoh saw not the hand guiding Moses into a knowledge of their legislation and their learn- ing. Likewise is it true in the bringing of men to a knowledge of Ghrist. M_any ll -simple circumstance has broug~t a _wanderer to a greater than S_amuel._ . And. 1~ the -Christian life we are led by c1rcU1tous, untrodden paths to duties, pr1V1leges, Joys, and eternal rest. God is Guide and Counsellor-by monitions of conscience, by word -0f truth, by voice of friends, by barred pathways of lif_e, by yearnings_ created within, by events great and small. • General lessons :-1. Let us have faith in God's mastery over al! tbe.t is in man. 2. Let us believe that he will provide for his people suitably to their need. 3. Let us keep our heart and eye open to the guidance of the unseen Power, and not despise events that seem trifling in themselves.
Vera. 11-17.-Man'a acci.dents God:a ordinations. The facts are-1. On entering the city Saul inquires for the seer, and is informed that he is present for a special ·CH. IX, 1-27.] THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL. 168