HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vere. 36, 37. (AJJ..LON.)-Drawing near to God. Of the fallen house of Eli, one at least, Ahiah (Ahimelech-ch. xxi. 1), the grandson of Phinehas, appears to have been a faithful servant of God. When the people, having ended their pursuit of the Philistines and satit,fied their hunger, rested around their gleaming camp-fires, and Saul proposed a nocturnal expedition against the enemy so as "not to leave a man of them," he devoutly and courageously interposed with the words, "Let us draw near hither unto God." He had already witnessed the effects of the king's rash- ness, feared its further results, and felt that "it was dangerous to undertake anything without asking counsel of God" (see ver. 19). His language is sug- gestive of- I. THE EXERCISE OF A RELIGIOUS PEOPLE in prayer. It is-1. A possibility. For God is "nigh at hand, and not afar off" (Deut. iv. 7; Ps. cxlv. 18; Jer. xxiii. 23). He has provided a way of access-an altar (Heh. xiii. 10), a sacrifice, and a high priest (Heh. vii. 19; x. 20-22; Ephes. ii. 18). The throne of God is not only a throne of glory and of judgment, but also a throne of grace. "The Lamb is in the midst of the throne." 2. A privilege. What higher privilege or honour can be conferred than to hold intercourse with so glorious a Being? What greater benefit than his fellowship, counsel, and aid? (Ps. lxxiii. 28). 3. An obligation, arising out of his relationship to men, and indicated by his word, by conscience, and the deepest needs and impulses of the soul. "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you" (James iv. 8; Ps. xliii. 4). "Ye people, pour out your heart before him" (Fe. )xii. 8). II. THE VOCATION OF A FAITHFUL MINISTER with respect to this exercise. It is- ]. To bear a fearless testimony concerning it before the people: setting forth the supreme claims of God upon their homage, reminding them of their ,vant, reproving their forgetfulness, and teaching them the good and right way (eh. xii. 23), 2. To exhibit a devotional spirit in his intercourse with them. He who exhorts others to pray should be himself a man of prayer, and speak to them by his example as well as by bis words. Exhortation to them is often less beneficial than intercession for them. "We will give ourselves continually to prayer" (Acts vi. 4). 3. To invite them to sincere union with him in seeking the face of God. "Let 1is draw near." "Let us pray "-not merely with the lips or in outward form, not regarding iniquity in the heart; but humbly and sincerely, with one accord, with a true heart, and in full assurance of faith (Ps. !xvi. 18; 1 Tim. ii. 8). Ill. THE INFLUENCE OF TIMELY INTERVENTION on the part of a good man. "Tlie:i, (when both king und people were about to set forth without seeking Divine counsel) said the priest," &c.; and he did not speak in vain (ver. 37). Such advice and prayer are generally effectual-I. In restraining from the pursuit of a wrong course-a doubtful or dangerous enterprise, de,·otion to worldly objects, following selfish and revengeful inclinations, &c. A single " word in season " sometimes pre- vents much mischief. 2. In constraining to the performance of neglected duty. The inquiry which Saul had broken off was now formally resumed, though not on his part in a right spirit. 3. In obtaining the possession of needful good. It is not always what is sought. There may be delay or refusal in granting a definite answer ; but the experience thereby gaine<l is itself beneficial, and the necessary condition o-f obtaining the highest good. IV. THE INSTRUCTIVENESS fJF UNANSWERED PRAYER. "He answered him not that day" (eh. xxviii. 6, 15). The silence of God is significant. It indicates-I. 1'he presence of sin, which hinders the communications of Heaven, as a cloud intercepts the beams of the sun (Isa. )ix. 2; Lam. iii. 44; Hosea v. 15; James iv. 2, 3). 2. Thd duty of its discovery, by means of diligent inquiry and self-examination (Josh. vii. 13 ; Ps. cxxxix. 23, 24 ; Lam. iii. 40). 3. The necessity of humiliation, removing "the accursed thing," and turning to God with full purpose of heart, so that he may cause his face to shine upon us. "Praying will either make a man leave off sinning or sinning will make him leave off praying." In the former case his path is upward into the light, in the latter it is downward into darkness and despair.-ll. THE FIHST BOOK OF SAMUEL. [ CH. XIV. 36-52,
Ver. 45. (AJALON.)-Rernonstrance witli i·ulers. The obedience which subjects o~·c to the commands of a rul~r is not absolute, b~t limited by their obligation to a lngher law. \\Then he dctermmes on measures winch are not good they have a rig·ht to remonstrate, and are sometimes bound to do so. Concerning the remonstrance of the people with Saul ( after yielding notable obedience in other tliings-vers. 26, 34 1 36), observe that it was- I. JusT; in opposition to aII: unreasonable, arbitrl!'ry, and cruel decision (ver. 44), in -<lefence of the mnocent, and impelled by " an enlightened conscience and generous enthusiasm." I_I. DE"~OUT; recognisi'!g the hand of God in the victory of Jonathan, testifying their gr11:t1tt1de for _the deliverance wrought through him, and obeying a higher will, ·thereby indicated, m preference to that of the king. _III.. ~ESOLUTE; w~il~t stating the gro_un~ of their determination, manifesting· a ·"'1spos1t1on to carry it mto effect, and bmdmg themselves by a united and solemn i•ath to do so. • IV. SuccESSFUL. They prevailed, Jonat\ian _was resc_ued, a great crime was pre- ~ented, and Saul was checked and warned m his despotw career. When the people romonstrate in the same manner they may expect the same success.-D.