The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 471

personal influence of the greatest man of the age henceforth would cease. We cannot say whether a good man's activity of spirit no longer operates as a power on men after his death-probably it does if there be any truth in the conservation and per- sistence of spiritual forces; but so far as survivors are concerned they are uncon- scious of it, and, on the other hand, are henceforth more open to the action of other visible influences. We lose much when good men die; yet we g·ain something. The whole life becomes more impressive in death than during its continuance. The gem1inal good sown in the heart by silent goodness and actual effort is quickened around the grave into healthy growth, The sobering, elevating influence of a sainted memory is a permanent treasure. Many have to bless God for the death of his saints. Heaven becomes more real to those whose beloved ones have gone before, and the levities of life are subdued by the thought of our temporary separation from the "general assembly." IV. That THE REALITY AND EXTENT OF A GOOD :MAN'S INFLUENCE OVER OTHERS IB BROUGHT OUT IN DEATH MORE THAN IN LIFE, The public homage paid to Samuel was the nation's response to his life's appeal to the heart and consci!'nce. Like Elijah, he no doubt often deplored the degeneracy of the age, and questioned whether he was -doing any substantial good. This doubt is the common experience of all God's serrnnts. They cannot see the incidence of the rays of light as they silently fall on the dull heart of the people, though in theory they know that every ray performs its part in the great spiritual economy of the universe. But the subjects of holy influence do receive in some degree all that comes forth from a consecrated life, and it often requires the removal of a good man from this world to make manifest how strong a bold he bas had on the thought and feeling of others. There are many instances of this in all grades of society. Churches and families reveal the power of a character when that character ceases to exercise its wonted energies. This should induce calmuess and confidence in all who strive to bless the world by a de"Voted life. Those who exercise moral power are not always the best judges of its force and extent. God mercifully keeps from our view some of the good we are <loing, lest we fall into the snare of the devil. V. That MAN'S CONSCIOUSNESS OF THE SACREDNESS AND MYSTERY OF HUMAN EXISTENCE, "·hen aroused, is SUPREME OVER EVERY THOUGHT AND FEELING. All Israel, embracing Saul, David, the prophets, and the slanderers and conspirato1·s at the court, assembled around the grave of Samuel and wept. The strifes and rivalries of parties, the deadly feuds and cruel animosities of life, the most urgent of human passions, "·ere for the time set aside under the influence of that deep, all-mastering feeling iliat human existence on earth is a sacred mystery. The holiest and most honoured are seen to succumb to the strong band which carries off the most worthless. Each asks. Is this the end? Is there nothing beyond ? If there is, what? Thus it is 11,an;s reflectiveness, awakened by the death of the great, which causes him to recog- ni~e at the same time both his littleness and his greatness. The solemnity of having a rational existence comes on all in presence of death. That we are made for some- tliing far above what now engages our attention is forced on the spirit, and our con- nection with an invisible sphere and final tribunal rises into awful distinctness. This frequently-recurring sense of the sacredness and mystery of existence is a check on sinful tendencies, and furnishes occasions for the application of the gospel to the hearts of men. Gospel truth learnt in early years will often assert its power in men as, leaving awhile the contentions and sins of life, they stand by the open grave. Insult to the living. The question arises, Why is it that this narrative of Nabal's churlishness occupies so prominent a place in the sacred records, seeing that so adventurous a li!'e as that of David must have abounded in striking incident? Among, then, the topics suggested by the account of the churlish man's insult we may notice- !. THE PRINCIPLE ON WHICH EVENTS ARE RECORDED IN SCRIPTURE. Is this principle ascertainable? Can ar,y liypothesis concerning it be verified by an induction of facts? Granting an affirmative reply to these questions, do we here get a harmony of Scripture superior to tlwt of liti,ral agreement in details? Now, in dealing with such questions we have to be guided by a few broad facts, such as, the order of Providence a1no11g men is subs~n-ient to the working out of the redemptive purpose  OB. XXV. 1---44.] THE FIRST BOOK OF SA;\IUEL. 481