to a given point success in war arottses more thoroughly the energies of the defeat~J. The acquisition of Geba made Israel more than ever detestable to the Philistines, and developed their resources. 'I'he same effect was produced by the triumphs of Pentecost (Acts iv.). Subsequently rulers took counsel, being afrnid "whereunto this would grow" (Acts v. 24), unless more severe measures were taken to suppress it. It was the necessarily aggressive spirit of Christianity, combined with its grow- ing influence, that aroused the fierce, persecuting spirit of ancient Rome. The more a pure Christianity is urged on men, the more do evil passions arise in resistance. It is probable that there are seasons when the "principalities and powers" of the unseen world combine in all fierceness to arouse human antago:r,ism to the gospel. The bitter hostility and outspoken defiance of the present day are in instructive coexistence with Christian efforts and triumphs surpassing in range any recorded in history. • IV. HOPE OF FINAL VICTORY DEPENDS MORE ON OUR FAITH IN Goo THAN ON THE WEAKNESS OF nm· FOE. The followers of Saul became disheartened when they heard of the tremendous efforts of the Philistines. As Peter on the sea looked away from Christ at the ,vcives, and began to sink, so these-men lost hope when, forgetting the "mighty God of Jacob," they fixed attention on the forces of the enemy. It was not a question of few or many Philistines, but of faith in their God. The faint- heartedness of Israel finds its counterpart in modern times. The vast area over which evil reigns, the desperate vices that enchain thousands, the extent to which society is impregnated with principles alien to the gospel, the utter absorption of millions in matters purely material, the fierce assaults made on the supernatural character of Christianity, and the growing positiveness and intellectual licence of many who fight u11der the stolen banner of "science "-these signs of power are brooded over, and the heart sinks for fear. This / aint-hectrtedness is as irrational as it is sinful. Is Christ a living Saviour? Is he the Lord of all l It is a simple question of fact. If not, then our Christianity is a delusion; we are without hope in the world, and life is an insoluble, awfol, heart-piercing enigma. But i/ he is, then who are men, or what are their resources? 'I'hey are but creiltures of a day, and their strength perishes. He must reign. On his own head bis' crown shall flourish. General lessons :-1. Every Christian should inquire how far he, in loyalty to Christ and full conviction of his triumph, is doing his part in the common work of the Church. 2. It is a matter of inquiry how far we may be impeding the progress of Christianity by compromising with the world in hope of lessening antagonism. a. It should guide our conduct to remember that the severest holiness of life, blended with the tenderest love, has ever accomplished the most enduring spiritual work. 4. It will tend to nourish faith in the sufficiency of God if we, by thought and prayerfulness, habituate ourselves to actual fellowship with him.
Vera. 8-16.-Represe:ntative temptations. The facts are-1. Saul, waiting at Gilgal for Samuel, gives orders for the observance of sacrificial worship. 2. Towards the close of the ceremony, und before the full time was expired, Samuel makes his appearance. 3. In reply to Samuel's remonstrance, Saul assigns the reasons for his conduct-the discouragement of the people, the non-arrival of Samuel, and the threatening attitude of the foe. 4. Samuel charges Saul with having failed to keep the commandment of God, und declures that his family shall not succeed to the throne. 6. Samuel retires to Gibeuh, whither Saul und his son also go with th°"ir followers. Whether the uppointment to meet ut Gilgal was that mentioned in eh. x. 8, or a subsequent arrangement, does not affect the fact that, in view of measures to be taken conjointly, Saul had been distinctly commanded by God, through the prophet, to wait seven days till Samuel came. Evidently it was u distinct under- standing that in the coming effort to rid the land of the Philistines the spiritual power, represented by the prophet of God, was to be prominent. Thus would the "manner of the kingdom" (eh. x. 25) be recognised, and Israel's ruler, though a king-, would still be the agent for working out a spirituul desti11y. It was of immense importance that, having a king like unto other nutions, Israel and the monarch should still be made to feel that, not the form of government, but the blessing of Goel granted in am1wer to prayer, and on due recognition of the spiritual institutions, was 232 THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL. [cu. xm. 1--23.