banish tl1t, dC'rnal C'nergy from all participation in human affairs i' Do 11ot lhc-se eve_nts _with their _issue stand out as. a mi_crocosm o~ the great converg·ing· li11es ""·l11ch III the far-rl1stant future are to issue m one glonons resultant-the realisation of a holy will through the free and independent action of created wills? III. The RECOGNITION OF Gov's ACTION COMES OUT IN THE RESULT. The Divine 11ction is silent, unobserved, often unknown while in prncess. Samuel saw it as ~ reality when Saul stood before him. The story of the asses and of the search then had another meaning. Men see not one half of the realities of life. The true real. world is the unseen. The great transactions are wrought in the inner man. We are· often led by a hand we do not see, and drawn on by a sweet influence we cannot define. Only the more spiritual, saintly souls discern God. But as Samuel saw what God had been doing, so we at last come to see what God hath wrought. That will be- a wondrous recognition of the all-working Spirit when a vast redeemed race shall in "eview of life's chequered course, sing the new song, and exclaim with deep signifi- cance, "Not unto us, 0 Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory." IV. The D_rnNE REASON FOR THE EXERCISE OF THIS SILENT POWER. The compassion of God for h1~ wayward people (ver. 16) was the spring of the particular direction he gave on tlus day to the course of Saul and Samuel. Every small series of events affecting individuals and families is, so far as relates to the action of God in them governed by some Divine reason. Though trouble be brought on, the reason is stili one of mercy. The retributions· of Providence are in mercy to the universe he- ii:overns. And it may certainly be said of the sum-total of events, that when the great result shall be attained, it will he known then, if not before, that all was the expression of a compassion which sought to eave the erring world from its own miseries. General lessons :-1. The perfect government of God is secured by his mastery of every detail in tl1e action and willing of his creatures. 2. There is consolation for his people in the fact that he directetb the spirit of man, and can subdue all things to himself. 3. It is blessed to go forth daily with the assurance that God works with us, in us, and for us, and will therefore perfect that which concerneth us.
Vers. 18-24.-Shadows of coming events. The facts are-1. Saul, on accosting !3amuel, is invited to stay with him, is assured of the safety of the asses, and is caused to know that great honour is in store for him. 2. Saul, taken by surprise, desires to have further explanations of the language used. 3. Samuel entertains Saul with all the honours due to a distinguished guest. The position of Samuel was one of rela- tive advantage, for Saul was ignorant of the Divine intent, while he knew the pur- pose of God. The course taken by Samuel was as follows :-First he intimated to Saul that it would be well to accept his proffered hospitality, as he had o. communi- cation to make which would draw out his interest (ver. 19). Then he relieves his care about his father's property, and awakens more curiosity by the further intimo.- tion that the choice things of Israel were in reserve for him and his father's house. To prevent hasty explanations, he next induces him to take bis place in an entertain- me.nt as chief guest ; thus by a significant act preparing him o.nd the people for some- thing more definite. .And with all the kindliness and courtesy due to distinction, he threw a gleam of light on the strange proceeding by reminding him that though his presence there seemed accidental, it was not quite so, as he was the person for whom the dish of honour had been reserved (ver. 24). Thus was the nomination of Saul as the king shadowed forth. In all this the prophet acted in his official capacity as representative of God. May we not see here how God prepares us for disclosures of his will? !. The FULL TRUTH Goo WOULD HA VE UB KNOW 18 BROKEN UP AND MADE CLEAR DY DEGREES. The prophet here was slightly opening the veil before the eyes of San!; he was qualifying his sight for dazzling splendour. And that is just what all the prophets of God have done and are doing for us. They intimate to us that there are great truths in reserve, and so speak to us by the way as to indicate in dim outlin& what some day will stand out in eternal clearness. The figures, the types, the allu- 11ions to the "unspeakable," the reminders that we are but disciples, children-all are foreshe.dowin,l!"e of great realities on which the mind will in future gaze. "We know -on. 1x. 1-27.J TI-rn FIRST BOOK OF s.,,rcEL. 11.if,