The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 215

:,cts ii. 29). The excision of the miraculous element mny be consistent for thosP, who exclude God from direct action in the educntion of mankind, hut it is nn illogical act whe11 done by believers in a personal II living God." The Bible is n ver)f,con- sistent book. (2) In so far as the Bible record is an education of mankind, it,: con- taining a faithful account of the visible signs of the past, causes those sigM tQ be a formative influence still. The visible manifestations during the ages covered by Biblical records not only made people then know and feel the reality of God'.s pre- sence and power 'to a degree that otherwise would not have been possible, but. thP,J cause the "ends of the earth" to be more thoroughly convinced of it. It takes rr,uch effort to shake men out of their indifference to the Unseen, to strengthen faith in an ever-rnling Power. The Bible comes to the aid of our reason and conscience, and by these recorded facts helps us to live as tl1ough we saw him who is invi~ihle. Those who object to the ·reality of miracles in the past because, forsooth, similar do not occur now, and are not needed, forget how much of their present faith in God is due to the combination of these ancient miracles with the spiritual element that abides. We may have a spiritual appreciation of the truth of Christianity which amply satis- fies us; .but that spiritual Christianity so appreciated is impossible apart from the stupendous " outward sign " of an Incarnation and Resurrection. (3) The facts con- sequent on tlie establishment of Christianity are outward si,gns which continue to furnish aid to faith. The indirect result, in the continued existence of the Jews as an essentially separate people, is impressive. The direct effects, in the salvation of souls, the pure, elevating spirit, and· the social ameliorations naturally flowing from Ohristianity, are sig-ns and wonders which indicate the mighty power of God. 3. Spiritual edU,Cation by outward signs -is very reasonable. This will be admitted so far as relates to our children, and also the formation of character by outward signs of pow.er. that are not miraculous. Therefore the controversy is limited to tbe reasonableness of the outward miraculous signs related in the Bible. Here observe, those who admit that the Incarnation, 11 God manifest in the flesh," was a reality, and not a figure of speech, have conceded the principle; and if it was the Divine intention by this miracle to save men in Christ, where is the difficulty of admitting that by miracle God wrought the way for Christ, and educated the world for the event? If the escape is sought in the supposed number of miracles in Old Testament times, then who is to tell God bow many he shall· work ? Where do wisdom and propriety begin and end? Let any one try and. settle what and how often God shall work. Moreover, it is all a delusion as to the vast number of miracles. Genesis covers at least 2800 years, and yet not over twenty-two miracles, or strictly open manifesta- tions, are recorded during that period, giving an average of one in 127 years. Further, what more reasonable than, e. g., this of the II thunder"? The people have had the truth, and reason has been appealed to; but they are weak, as history proves. God is the supreme Power, but they evidently need to be impressed, so that the lessons just given may abide. Fear thus produced will act with consciousness of moral truth and force of reason, and consequently it is an act of great mercy to render them this additional aid, just as it is an act of kindness to enforce lessons on children by an authority which they can appreciate. II. THERE ARE SPECIAL ENCOURAGEMENTS TO CONll'ORMITY TO Goo's WILL set forth by his prophets, justified by reason and conscience, and supported by outward signs. It is instructive to note how God's methods have respect to the whole man. Moral obligation is placed before the conscience (vers. 13-15), reason is appealed to (vers. 7-11), fear of disobedience is aroused by outward sign of supreme power, and now the hopes of the soul are to be sustained by appropriate considerations. Would that men who sneer at the Old Testament records had the heart to study its spiritual teaching I They would see how beautifully the terrible and the mild blend to meet the needs of the real man. The encouragement is threefold. 1. An asS'ltrance of God's great merC'/J. 11 Fear not." He II will not forsake his people." This "fear not" comes to the sinful soul still. It came with the angels' song over the plains of Bethlehem ; it was heard by the II little flock ; " and the conscience-smitten jailor heard the same: God II hath not forsaken" mankind. Not for what virtue he sees in perverse, ungrateful men, but" for his own sake'! he saves tlw penitent. As lsrnel had" for his own sake" been made his ·people, with prospeetive reference to the !216 TllE FlnSl' BOOK OF SAl\lUEL. [en. xn. 1-2~