The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 168

in part." It is true elw Bible is all we need for salvation, and containR more spiritual truth than elsewhere to be found ; but in one sense it is to men a treasure, and we are only fitted to receive out of it a dim intimation of the truth, as Saul was fitted <mly to receive from the mind of the prophet a portion of what weis there for him. The process by whuh God's truth was given to the world-by allusion, dim prophecy type, historical examples foreshadowing the Christ, till at last the full announcemei, -came-is another illustration of the gentleness and wisdom wherewith Gori Ji,,, "spoken " to men. II. The FULL HONOURS Goo HAS IN RESERVE FOR HIS PEOPLE ARE GRADUALLY llEYEALJ•:J -Saul wondered what distinction was awaiting him. He felt unworthy of such la11- guage as that used by the prophet. His wonder was not satisfied at once. Men have been known to die under the sudden declarations of bliss awaiting them. Equally so God has in reserve for all who are one with Christ a crown, a glory, an honour, which though we know by name, we know not in reality. "We know not what we shall •be." There is a joy and glory unspeakable. There are things which an apostle could not utter. Future realities are only dimly shadowed forth by earthly words ·and symbols. A full vision of coming hon9urs might paralyse the strongest frame. General lessons :-1. Deep interest in the welfare of the Church of God will sup- ~ress all feelings of personal jealousy. 2. A good man will enter heartily into new 'lllethods recognised by God, even though at first they were distressing to hie own heart. 3. The qualities of gentleness and courtesy towards God's servants have the highest sanction, and do much to facilitate private and public business. 4. The keen- -est sense of unworthiness is that experienced when God confers on us the choice honours and treasures of his kingdom. 5. The transition to the full glory of the future will be natural and easy in so far as we avail ourselves of the shadowings forth of the reality contained in God's word. Vers. 25-27.-lnterest in public affairs. The facts are-1. After the public inti- mation of Saul's coming distinction Samuel converses with him in private. 2. On sendin&' him away on the next day Samuel will have no one present at the moment <if partmg. Saul is passive. Samuel is still the most important. As yet all had been public. Enough had been said to call up from Saul's heart feelings and aspira- tions which in his quiet life had lain dormant (ver. 19). He now felt that God had 8omething for him to do in Israel, and his heart revealed sentiments answering to the flhadowed honour. It was fit, therefore, to commence privately on topics connected with the condition and prospects of Israel. The invitation to the privacy of the house-top for this purpose was thus in keeping with Samuel's wise procedure, and a good illustration of his deep interest in the public welfare. The most probable ex- planation of the conduct of Samuel certainly is, that his concern for the welfare of the nation and of the coming king irresistibly prompted him to converse on the wants of the age, and the responsibilities of Saul's new position a~ a chosen servant. I. IT IB THE DUTY OF A RELIGIOUS MAN, AND IN KEEPING WITH HIS CHARACT~It AND PROFESSION, 'l'O TAKE A DEEP INTEREST IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS. Samuel's interest in affairs was, it is true, official, as head of the state, but the official acts hud their l'oot in a deep personal longing for the prosperity of Israel. "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem." "They shall prosper that love thee," was the feeling which every true descendant of Abraham was supposed to entertain. The best days of lsmel's history show that the pious were proud of their country, its institutions, its rulers, its laws, and the order and purity of its administration. 1. The state claim8 our interest. (1) The law of benevolence supports this claim. Every man in the state is our neigh- bour; his comfort and peace and safety depend on the administration of affairs·; we can only reach the individuals by doing our part to render affairs useful to all. (2) The principles of religion are appluable to state affairs. Faith in Christ and repent- ance toward God are not the whole of practical religion, though they are the spring and support of many other feelings and principles. Righteousness, pnrity, supreme regard for the Unseen, kindliness and generosity, unselfishness and truth, can find expression in laws, in commercial arrangementR, am! in foreign and domestic policy. Loyalty to these religious principles requires that we see that they are recugnised everywhere. (3) The adaptation of Christianity lo the entire life of man is one of  166 THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL. [en. IX. 1-27.