alain, and ita blood sprinkled nbout the altar, a portion of it was burnt in the sacred fire, 1rn<l the rest reserved for food. "The thank or praise offering was tl,e expres- sion of tl,e worshipper's feelings of adoring gratitude on account of having received some spontaneous tokens of the Lord's goodness. This was the highest form (of the peace offering), as hero the grace of God shone prominently forth" (Fairbairn, 'Typology'). 2. It was attended by numerous guests-thirty persons-distinguished in some way from others, and specially invited by Samuel. "The participation by the offerer and his friends-this family feast upon the saerifice-may be regarded as the most distinctive characteristic of the peace offering. It der,oted that tlie offerer was admitted to a state of near fellowship and enjoyment with God, sharer! part and part with Jehovah and his priests, had a standing in his house and a seat at bis-table. It was, therefore, the symbol of established friendship with God, anrl near .communion with him in the blessings of his kingdom; and was associated in the minds of the worshippers with feelings of peculiar joy and gladness" (Fairbairn). 3., lt required the presence of Samuel himself in Qrder that the guests might properly partake thereof. "The blessing of the sacrifice must mean the asking of a blessing upon the food before the •meal. This was done at every common meal, and much more ·at ·a solemn festival like this. The present, however, is the only rec!Yrded example of the custom" (Kitto). "It refers to the thanksgiving and prayer offered before the sacrificial meal" (Keil). Now this feast may be regarded as a fore- shadowing.of ,the Lord's Supper. A greater than Samuel is the Master of the feast (Matt. xxvi. 18; John xiii. 13, 14). Our Lord has provided it by the sacrifice of nimself- of -which the ancient sacrifices were a type, and the Holy Supper is a .memorial.. And he himself comes to preside at his own table. As his guests- I. ·WE AWAIT BIB PRESENCE. «The people will not eat until he come,'' His pre- sence is.-1. Necessary to the feast. The bread and wine are not simply memorials, they are also symbols ; and in order to partake of them aright we must "discern the Lord's body." " Without me ye can do nothing." 2. Promised hy himself. "There am I in the midst of them" (Matt. xviii. 20). "I will see you again, and your ]1eart shall rejoice" (John xvi. 22). "Lo, I am with you alway" (Matt. xxviii. 20). The sacred ordinance itself is a permanent assurance of his presence. 3. Realised in the heart. We look not for his real presence in the material emblems, but in the believing heart. 11 I in them" (John xvii. 26; xiv. 21; Ephes. iii. 17). In a different spirit from that in which· the words were originally spoken, we ask, 11 What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?" (John xi. 56). We await his coming with reverence and humility, contrition, and faith, and ardent desire. 0 that he may appear to each of us, saying, 11 Peace be unto you," an:'! be "known in breaking of bread." "Blessed are they that wait for him" (Isa. x.x.x. 8; John XX. 29). II. WE DESIRE HIS BLESSING. 11 He doth bless the sacrifice," and in doing so he also doth bless hi& guests. 1. As of old, when he often gave thanks before the meal (Matt. xiv. 19; xv. 36; Mark xiv. 22; Luke xxiv. 30; John vi. 23; 1 Cor. xi. 24). 2. As the ever-living Intercessor, representiP g his people, and rendering their .prayers and praises acceptable to God. "I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the Church will I si11g praises unto thee" (Heb. ii. 12). 3. As when he went away, still stretching forth his hands in benediction toward his disciples, and enabling them to be "continually praising and blessing God" (Luke xxiv. 51-53). "Stretch forth, 0 Lord, in blessing toward us thy, hnncls, that were nailed for our redemption to the bitter cross I " III. \VE PARTAKE OF ms PROVi!!JON. "And afterwards they eat that be bidden." \Ve do not merely look upon the emblems of his body and blood, but we eat and drink, and thereby signify-I. Our participation in the benefits of his death-for- giveness, peace, and righteousness. 2. Our fellowship with him in his sufferings and death, his spirit and life, his strength: and joy (John vi. 53). "An<l truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ" (1 John i. 3). 3. And our union and communion with each other, through fellowship with him, in love and gladness. 11 For we being mnny are one bread, and one body" (1 Cor. x. 17). Let us, then," rejoice before the Lord." The cup is II a cup of blessing" (thanksgiving). 'l'he service 1s intended to be a service of joy-joy in the Lord; in the contemplation 172 THE FIRST BOOK Olt' SAMGEL. [cH, IX, 1-27,
of his glorious character, in the reception of his manifold benefits nnd in the antici- pat.ion of "the marriage supper of the Lamb. "-D. '