ii:,tro<l,1ction of the M_essinh an<l the future edl)Cation of the.world, so in the redemp- twn wrong-ht by Christ every man on earth 1s embraced m n covenant of mercy, s<'aled with the "bloo<l that cleanseth from all sin." To know that God is merciful and gra_cious, that all his terrible displa;vs of power are in love, tJ1is brings cheer to the entire race of nrnn. If only despisers of the gospel knew the richness of its mer?Y for all men, they would surely not seek to hind.er its acceptance by this sor- rowmg w~rld. 2. The pra.11~r and symp:ithy of ~hefaitlifnl. Samuel assures Israel that he will bear them on Ins heart.. His affection for then~ and his spiritual duty to them were such that not to contmue to pray would be sm (ver. 23). This en- couragement has every one who is called on to conform to the will of God. The Church plea~s "!or all m_en." The penitent and struggling are especially on the heart of Gods faithful children. In thousands of homes daily prayer is made for persons never seen and unknown by name. 3. Cominuous instruction. As long as Samuel lived he would teach them "~he good and the right way.'' No doubt, like the Apostle Peter, he would also devise means so that they should have his wise words "af~er" his "decease.''. It requires" line upon line, precept upon precept,'' to keep men m the safe and blessed pathway; and how fully is this secured to us in the "lively oracles'' I By the written word, by the suggestions of the Holy Spirit by the wise counsel of friends, God teaches us the way in which we should go. W~ are not left to wander at our will, or to follow the contradictory voices of men. There is "a sure word of prophecy which shineth as a light in a dark place." General lessons :-1. A study of the signs of God's presence in human affairs will prove a salutary restraint on sinful tendencies. 2. It becomes the true Christian to manifest tender sympathy for men who are spiritually weak and erring. 3. Great influence is gained over men when we can convince them that, though they are very sinful, God is merciful and waiting to bless. 4. The element of fear in religion, to be healthful, must be supplemented by that of hope and confidence.
HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS Vers. 1-25. (Gn.GAL.)-Samuel's admonitwns to Israel. 1. The occasion of his ndmonitions was the full recognition of the first king of Israel ·by the national as- sembly, and his retirement from the more active duties of his office as judge. He was not mortified at parting with power, nor did he wish to reverse the change which had been effected. He cheerfully acquiescecl in the will of God, and cordially united with the people in giving honour to the" Lord's anointed" (vers. 3, 5). Yet he might not allow them to suppose that there was nothing blameworthy in their desire for a king, as they were apt to do, or enter upon their new career in perilous self-complacency, without warning them of the rocks ahead. He spoke not merely as judge, but also as a prophet and" faithful priest" (ver. 19). 2. The form which they assumed is varied. They consist generally of a dialogue between bim and the elders ; partly of an apology, or defence of his official conduct_; partly o! a narration o! the dealings of God with Israel ; and p:utly of exhortations, warmngs, and promises closely con• nected together. The whole may be conceived of as a judicial scene occurring before the invisible Judge, in which Samuel, having vindicated himself as against the people, sets forth their sin against God, who himself confirms his words in the thun- derstorm (Job :x:xxviii. 1 ), which leads them to confess their transgression and seek the intercession of the prophet, who consoles and admonishes them, and assures them of his continued help. The language is direct and rugged and full of force. 3. The main subject is the course of sinful perversity which Israel had pursued in desiring a king ; the chief aim to produc~ a humble_ an~ _penite_nt state _of mind, and lead to the maintenance of a proper relat10n to the mv1s1ble Kmg. His former words may be compared (eh. iii. 11-14; vii. 3-6; viii. 10-18; x. 17-19); a\so the words of Moses (Num. xvi. 25-30; Deut. xxix. ), and of Joshua (Josh. xx1v.). He speaks of tli,d,r course as- I. ADOPTED WITHOUT SUFFICIENT llF:ASON (vers. 3-6) in the light of his just admin- istration. He sets himself, as it were, before the tribunal of the invisible Judge, and l.,efore the king,-himself, "old and grey-headed," on the one hand, Israel on tha OH, XII. 1-25.) THE FIRST BOOK OF SA:\IUEL. 217