II. Tm: FOLLY OF FAITHLESS NEGLECT, of which it is a confession. "How hav1J I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; and have not obeyed the vnice of my teachers, nor inclined _mine ear to ~hem that instructed me I " (Prov. v. 12, 13). "How many who have despised the advice of a father or a mother, and grieved their parents by opposition and disobedience, long bitterly to bring them back when they have gone down to the grave, that they may have the benefit of the counsel which they once slighted nnd scorned I 1£ they could go to the necromancer in the hour of their distress, it would not be,' Bring me up the companion who cheered me in my gaieties, who was with me at the revel and the dance and the public show; ' but, 'B1ing me up the father with his gray hairs, who solemnly told me that the way uf transgressors was hard; or the mother who with weeping eyes and broken voice admonished me against sinful indulgences.' . . . And yet, if yon neglc<.;t the Lord and continue to resist the strivings of bis Spirit, so that at length he departs from you as be departed from Saul, what would it avail that the grave could give up its inhabitant--if the parent, the friend, or the minister should return at your bidding?" (H. Melvill). III. THE WORTHLESSNESS OF PIOUS WISHES in those who persist in transgression. Saul was deeply humbled. His self-will and pride were broken down into pitiable abasement, and he seemed willing to receive and obey the counsel which he had previously slighted. Yet his motive was doubtless the same as in inquiring of the Lord (vers. 1-6); he looked upon Samuel as more merciful than the Lord, relied npon him to effect a change in the Divine purpose (eh. xv. 29), and expected his aid at the very moment he was committing a capital offence. He was more blinded and self-deceived than ever. Men often abase themselves deeply in affliction while they remain wholly destitute of the spirit of obedience. "Let no man deceive himself." What rnlue can there be in a religious desire which is combined with the violation of the plainest religious duty? IV. THE USELESSNESS OF EXTRAORDINARY COMMUNICATIONS, such as have been rnme- times desired from the dead. Saul had what to him was the fulfilment of his desire; but he was told only what he already knew or feared, be was not led to repentance and faith, and sank into despair. Is it supposed that benefit would be derived from the reappearance and counsel of the departed? Consider that--1. The light "·hich might be brought would only be a confirmation of the truth which has been already revealed. If even future events, as, e. g., the time of death, should be declared, the knowledge thereof would probably be useless and injurious. Should death be dis- tant, it would be a strong temptation to sloth and continued sin ; should it be very near, whilst it might arouse some to make preparation £or it simply from a selfish dread of threatening evil, it would lead others to feel that it was too late to avert the danger, and resign themselves to reckless indulgence or blank despair (see eh. xx. 3). 2. Those who are not improved by existing inducements to faith and obedience would be proof against such as might be thereby presented, and would in most cases be hardened in sin (John xii. 10). "If they he11r not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead" (Luke xvi. 31). 3. God has given to men the knowledge and inducements which are best adapted to their probationary condition and sufficient £or every practical purpose, and has wisely -determined that no more sh11ll be afforded. "He that is unjust," &c. (Rev. xxii. 11). "As no additional dissuasions from sin and inducements to holiness would be pre- sented, they who, notwithstanding these disclosures, remained impenitent and unbe- lieving must continue in irreclaimable wickedness." "Say not in thine heart," &r. (Rom. x. 6-11 ). Crave not £or "secret things "-the mysterious, the supernatural, the miraculous, the speculative, the impossible. "If thou sholt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God bath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."-D.
Vers. 12-20. (ENDOR.)-The sentence o/ re_jection confirmed. "And Jehovr\ hath done for himself, as he spake by me ' (ver. 17). 1. The narrative of Saul's interview with the sorceress is g-raphic, but brief, incomplete, and in many respects as might: be expected, indefinite. Whether on his request, '' Pring· me up ic::amuel,'1 she employed her illicit art is not expressly stated, nor "·hrll,er .iny supernatural 636 THE FIRST BOOK OF SAlllUEL. [CR. XXVIII. 1-~5-.