The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 385

II. WASTED INFLUEN~ES. _Saul's SJ?irit and condu?t at this_ time_ were evidence that all the efforts to brmg him to a nght state of mmd were m vain. During hie career Providence had wrought through trouble and joy, prophet and people, threat- ening and e_ncouragement, and lately through the wise and gentle persuasions of hie eldest son and the awe-inspiring presence of the prophetic company (eh. xix. 21- 24). But it all proved to be as the " morning cloud and early dew." Indeed, tht coarse language and foul abuse and increased violence on this occasion remind us of the unclean spirit returning with other spirits to make the last state worse than the first (Matt. xii. 45). This necessarily raises the thought of the extent and lessons of the wasted influences of life. That vast and varied influences are brought to bear on human beings, which, so far as we can trace in this life, do not issue in their legitimate results is obvious. " Seed on stony ground " is a fact in the moral as in the physical world. "How often would I have gathered thee I" is repeated by hundreds of parents and teachers after the example of the sorrowing Lord. The bitter tears of broken-hearted parents and the lamentations of our true Jeremiahs over degenerate nationalities raise the question of Why such wasted energy for good? It does not, indeed, follow that all is lost which seems to be lost on the imme- diate object. The waste of life which Butler refers to in his 'Analogy' is, we know, not really such in the economy of the universe. And so even the fruitless expendi- ture of moral influence on our reckless souls is wrought up into useful expenditure, for moral instruction and maintenance of justice, in the whole circle of moral exist- ence. Our Saviour's appeals issued in rejection by the Pharisees, but the two together will form an element in the discipline and instruction of untold ages which will be highly useful. It suggests thought us to the mystery of the human will, and the relation of present to future existence. It suggests inquiries for all Christian workers-whether their methods are wisest, are sustained in a right spirit, and are sufficiently varied in kind. It brings grave questions to the conscience of those who enjoy privileges-as to what account they will render, and whether they shall ever be more than awful monuments in the universe for the warning of other beings. III. MUFFLED THOUGHTS. "Saul spake not anything that day: for he thought" (ver. 26). As the monarch sat at the head of his table the guests saw his stately form and heard bis ,oice when he conversed on the ordinary topics of the day; but also II he thought "-thoughts of David, his past honours, his possible future, his absence to-day, and his appearance on the morrow, and then bis speedy death, passed swifter than lightning through the dark mind, indicating their existence in the low, muffled tones which only the ear of God could discern. Thought is con- stantly tending to expression in words, and there are gradations in its movement.. From simple definiteness of existence up to loud exclamations, Saul's thoughts, like muffled bells, were ringing within in subdued tones, their language bell!g distinct to himself and to God. It is often forgotten that thought is language in the world of mind ; and it is 11 solemn fact that our real life lies in the thoughts we allow to pass through our mind. Many are under the delusion that what is said audibly and done visibly constitutes the material of which character is built and on which judgment will one day be pronounced. We are spiritual, invisible beings. And while thus our thoughts are the real forms of our life, it is worthy of remark that not one thousandth part of what we think ever finds expression in distinct, audible tones. The vast preponderance of our thoughts beat in muffled tones because we dare not or cannot utter them. What God must hear beating in the hearts of men daily I It was muffled thought which Christ detected saying, "This man blasphemeth" (Matt. ix. 3; Luke vi. 7, 8), and which said, "There is no God." The same is true of the "groaning of the prisoner'' which cometh up before God, und the dumb prayers of the childten of God all over the earth. "Keep thy heart with all diligence." IV. CONFLICTING INTEIIESTS. Jonathan appears to have been an authority with his father in all matters pertaining to the court and government (vers. 2, 27). The muffled thoughts which all along had muttered vengeance against David now found audible and violent expression in the abu~e poured ?n. Jor)athan and the villan~us attempt on his life. He set before Jonathan as co11l11ctmg mterests, between wluch he was to make u choice, his friendship for David and ltis succession to the kingdom.  THE FIRST BOOK OJ<' SAMUEL. [cH. XX, 2-1-42'