SAMUEL

the

PROPHET

SAM

UE

PROPHET

THE

BY

F.

B.

B.A

MEYER,
AUTHOR

OF

PAUL:

Servant

PROPHET

THE
SAVED

of Jesus
OF

Christ

HOPE

KEPT

AND

etc., etc

LONDON:

MORGAN

AND

OFFICE

Clje (Eljristtan

OF

12,

PATERNOSTER

And

may

be

SCOTT

Ordered

BUILDINGS,
of

any

Bookseller

E.C

F.

By

EACH

THE

VOLUME

Prince

JOSEPH

The

JOSHUA

JOHN

THE
I
Ten
In

And

Priest

and

Volumes

King.
his

of

Power.

Prophet.

Jesus

Handsome

Walnut

B.

"

MEYER,

SCOTT,
be

Ordered

24s.

List

post free

Christ.
Oak

Case,

Illustrated

l"e sent

may

of
in

Polished

MORGAN

Psalmist,
Secret

Servant

F.

LONDON

Promise.

BAPTIST.

complete

will

God.
of

the

And

JEREMIAH

of

Exalted.

Land

the

Faith.

of

God.

Hated"

Shepherd,

ELIJAH

above

with

Servant

And

DAVID:

Obedience

Beloved"

MOSES

The

Or,

ISRAEL:

The

6d.

SERIES.

ABRAHAM

PAUL

2s.

BOARDS,

CLOTH

IN

"BIOGRAPHICAL"

B.A.

MEYER,

B.

6d.

of Works

net.

by

application.

Paternoster
of

22s.

net.

B.A.,
on

12,

Case,

any

Buildings,

Bookseller,

E.G.

kWO

in

sentences

significance
He

them

gave

,/ "All

judges

and

of

Acts

the

Samuel

Samuel

that

them

"

career

Until

Samuel

sitions

indicate

this

that

connecting-link,

"

where

place

The
those

to

ning

who

tide."

mysticism.

people's

history.

Hebrew

life

would

epochs

two

is

amid

dwelling
and

play

to

upon
was

specially

Time's

"

great

part

of

Clairvaux

was

without

his

faults,

Samuel

have

been

dreamy
best

in

his

king-

the

to

stun

the

and

king-maker

in

apart

in

helpful

"loud

politician

Bernard

Samuel
with

not

"

to

seem

this

that
like

Stanley's

Dean

to

book
express

Jewish

Middle
in

was

early

Church,"

local

colouring,

make

an

and

Many

accurate

necessarily

of

distinct

Rev.
writers

other

the

Prophet,

and

with

/3.

need

;
to

J. Deane's

W.
have

which

the

obligation

supplied

presentation
Saul

told

often

special

my

Saul."

to

fulfil

may

and

deavoured
the

live

recluse,

He

does

therefore,

trust,

me

bridge,

history.

His

"

but

that,

Ages,

between

Prophet

statesman

as

What

to

no

called

was

breaker.

but

was

Both

he

sense,

the

called

He

hinge,

prepo

met."

seas

Samuel

are

was

meeting-place

two

of

study

life

great

20.

iii. 24.

suggestive

"

"

after."

followed

these

Samuel

from

xiii.

ACTS

ACTS

"

the

prove

Samuel's

Prophet."

the

and

Apostles

of

importance

until

from

prophets

the

the

King.

have
of

en

Samuel

Contents.

PAGE

I.

II.

III.

IV.

V.

VI.

AN

AGE

WOMAN'S

THE

YOUNG

VISION

THE

WORK

THE

STONE

XI.

THE

FAITH

48

HELP

OF

53

DISAPPOINTMENT

VOICE

60

CIRCUMSTANCES

OF

71

OCCASION

As

33

44

OF

GREAT

27

RECONSTRUCTION

OF

VIII.

21

MISFORTUNE

ON

VICTORY

14

GOD

OF

MISFORTUNE

THE

HEART

OF

LEVITE

THE

X.

ANGUISH

VII.

IX.

TRANSITION

OF

SERVES
77

XII.

XIII.

INNER

OUTER

AND

FORSAKEN?

CONFLICTS

84

NEVER!
93

XIV.

XV.

XVI.

XVII.

XVIII.

XIX.

XX.

XXI.

XXII.

XXIII.

XXIV.

XXV.

NOT

CEASING

THE

CAUSE

"Two

"

SlN

THOUSAND

UNDER

THE

SUPREME

"CRUEL

GREAT

AN

109

TO

FLIGHT"

116

TEST

123

COLLOQUY
SPIRIT

FROM

BRINGETH

SIN

ENDOR

DOWNFALL

TEN

EVIL

THE

SAUL'S

OF

REMARKABLE

"AN

101

PUTTING

FAILURE

PRAYER

IN

FORTH

OF

JEALOUSY

AS

THE

130

THE

LORD"

138

DEATH"

147

155

GRAVE"

l6l

SUNSET

AND

170

GILBOA

178

EPILOGUE

188
.
.

SAMUEL

PROPHET.

THE

I.

transition.

of
(i

The

old

And

God

Lest

one

"

order

i.)

SAMUEL

changeth,

fulfils

yielding

Himself

good

in

to

new,

ways,

many

should

custom

place

the

corrupt

world."
TEXNYSOX.

"

S~^\

whom
of

end

the

Such
old

the

days

of

tions

of

interlude

Hitherto

but

founder,

however,

the

was

office
was

It

the

being
it

And

the

In

new.

were

begins.

The
of

days

stood
not

Priesthood

High
in

recognised

Aaron

other

system

between

the

its

Moses,

beginning

when

i.e.,

"

of

another.
direction

every

in

thus

was

typical

also

story

by

the

thus

of

the

institu

replaced

was

the

"

at

the
the

Samuel

is

and

those

Judges

King.

the

authority

the

to

Church,

narrative

our

David

place

come"

are

to-day.

themselves."

things

when

divine
of

giving

ages
the

position

our

Levitical

the

the

and

age

Primitive

the

heavenly
time

is

order

one

is

of

ends

the

first

for

the

destined

Hebrew

could

there
of

been

had

whole

be

to

of

supreme

Commonwealth.
of

course

unbroken

an

the

no

line

Israel.

culminate

of
The

in

the

To
successor

priests.
Mosaic
rule

No
era,

of

the

^.n 3Ve

Priest, who

has

with

the

and

ruler.

been

combined

seldom

Too

the

often

for the

polity was

that

fresh

this book

which

sweet

pastoral story, has

line.

nothing
the

whither

At

back

time

towards
and

veiled

from

all

towards

movement

can

of

in whose

Luther

calls

ful, the

the prophetic,
priestly,
and

fect symmetry

I.

THE

takes

up

strong
Book

of

Canaan
were

far from

Saxons

under

Philistines
which

was

of

affords

the

held

; but

as

we

vantage-ground

was

slowly moving
under

David

profounder

yet

Proper Man,"

as

Wonder

as

royal, blend

cry

it

STRONG

Give

"

us

in

was

in

per

the

MAN.
men

subdued

their

; but

if

of

which

days

they remained

Norman

five

Nearly

kings.

cities.

known

proudly

Every

"

age

ever

the

startlingglimpses.

some

early

afterwards

David.

but

"

the

that

the

or

Judah,

forward

fitlyknown

and

that

priesthood.

conquered, but the ancient

being

by Jebusites, was
days

the

been

had

FOR

needed,

Judges

"

of

of

the

the

was

nature,

NEED

urges
was

man

tribe

kingdom
of

of

Book

beauty.

URGENT
and

it

that

the

Hebrew

Aaron

apparent

from

revelation

the

Him,

not

there

eyes

the

moving

was

see

of

with

the

was

goal

establishment

the

with

circumstances

all the

on

its

the

climax

connection

no

of

evident

the

purpose

accomplished fact,we

of

make

to

was

by the conjunction

spoken concerning

was

Divine
the

is

deals

expressly

It

Evidently
look

closing verses

genealogy, which

The

Priest

is connected

now.

which

the

repression of

development

in the

occurs

near

Ruth, with

of

has

Churchman

the

The

leader

great

King.

suggestion

his

and

mankind.

aspirations of

constitute

reign of the

warped by bigotry,tyranny,

functions

sacerdotal

the

specialqualificationsthat

nobler
way

transition.

of

as

defiant
all

the

The

much

In

the

as

South,

mountain

Mount
so

inhabitants
the
the

fortress,

Zion, garrisoned
far

forward

sea-coast,

and

as

the

all

the

flljcgisctplhteof "rinl.
in

strongholds
hands

of

the

the

rich

plain

Canaanites.

The

remained

independent

of

and

Egypt,

the

given

northern

nations
the

Waters

Joshua had
of

left those
to

known

the

the

Samson,

of David.

become

large land,

which

where

we

Are

not

these

and

our

we

by

know

children

absence

grow

than

had

the

firmation

days

of

in the

son

Of

from

we

vessel

may

lees.
learn

; that

we

healthier

and

possible.

attack

aggravated

was

The

government.

this there
not

wars

our

God

into the hands

Eli sprang,
of

been

10).

where

we

nobler

central

strong

chafe

know

to

exposure

Phinehas.
fact that

into

are

to settle on

and

otherwise

evidentlyfallen

Eleazar, the eldest

B

up

anything

There

us, that

into expe

pouring

in

; xviii. 7,

come

and

allowed

ourselves

may

of

priesthood had
from

to be

Israel this incessant

the

fret

security,

secure

of

R.v.

of these.

annoyance

hoped

may

in

want

no

clearlypermitted to try

style of character
In

was

lacking

race,

dwelt

ii.23-iii.1-3,

peace

from

we

have

earthly disciplinewe

for

of

Israel might
discipline,

would

there

should

Jephthah,

molluscous

the counterpart

are

where

; that

war

where

our

freedom

vessel

and

of

the

it not

Had

tribes,we

Barak,

not

at

war,

Zidonians, quiet and

(Judges

looked

expected
to

in

often

riences

this

the

place

that is in the earth

How

Without

They

of

manner

them

warlike
of

had

as

nothing thereof."

Gideon,

muscle.

teach

the

hastily,

out

many

as

gave

So

"

suzerainty.

even

these

effeminate

an

and

the

after

of

heard

or

backbone

of

On

mighty

probably only

to

King

the

those

of

...

knew

presence

have

never

Canaan,

Gezer

Queen.

driving them

by them,

beforetime

as

for

of

wars

least such
been

Israel

the

in the great battle of

Israelite

nations, without

prove

...

remains

which

the

of

kingdom

Solomon's

to

overthrown
but

Merom,

in

were

conquered by

was

the

were

Esdraelon,
little

dowry

allegiance to

Lord

have

as

frontier

which

nominal

till it

of

is

from

Aaron, in which

of

weaklings

strikingcon
the

the

house

of

succession

jVn JUjc of Cransttion.

10

ought
younger

the

been

have

to

Ithamar.

son,

unable

cope

they

to

been

had

Israel.

stirringdeed

of

his

position

weakness

crepitude and
time

From

"

"And

prophet."

with

the

hand

of their enemies

Lord

was

the

Lord

that

oppressed

because

transient

the

else

than

vexed

The

of

lightin

the

hero

of

called

it into

Deborah

being.

of

for

Samson,
south

the

of

in

Only

the
with

the

case

R.v.

however,

stormy

instance,
whilst

country,

them

xiii. 20,

was,

and

of the

out

At

age.

only recognised within

Gideon, did

and

judge

judges,

up

reason

(Acts

that dark

office ceased

the

cases

many

of

for it repented

judge;

"

as

up

them

by

them

reign

was

power

of the

groaning

pre-eminently the captain

was

as

their

and

gleam

days

4).

them

saved

de

until Samuel

judges

and

when

senile

his

raised

raised

Lord

judge,

adjacent tribes.

and

In

the

of

them

furthest, his

the

the

supreme

; xxiv.

been

them

gave

all the

Judges ii. 18, R.V.).

very

He

when

then

had

prophets

expedient.

temporary
the

time

to

the

some

give ; though,

vi. 4-15

(i Chron.

of

forces

done

to

pitifulin

is

he

him,

to

the

him

that

evinced

who

one

life,had

could

fellow-countrymen

time

the

marshal

raised

them

proved
of

any

young

which

prowess

introduced

are

his

in

of

field and

the

Eli,

Perhaps

in favour

take

to

had

disorders

the

the

probability that

strong

of

family

the

branch

elder

with

aside

set

faculty enough

we

the

of

so

is

There

representatives

selves

from

continued, but

his

own

little

was

Jephthah

trans-Jordanictribes.
special crisis

the

of

two

conspicuous

three,

or

service

lead

that
such
to

lifelongprimacy.
Thus

the

anarchy

and

no

was

external

in

of

danger

attack.

With

no

by

desolation

hostile
there

nations
was

of the

pressure

no

right in

from

Canaanites

his

own

eyes";

every

"The

there

was

within, and

from

without, its borders

king in Israel, but

internal

principleof cohesion,

no
acknowledged leader, what
rallying-point,

resist the

was

nation

?
man

children

"

In

did
of

of the

those
that

to

days
which

Israel

did

31 Hcto (Drier
evil in the

sight of

unto

the

and

emphatically, are

The

Lord."

Lord

the

the

three

(i

in the

times

of

pictures

of

the

; of

It

was

To

best

the

from

king

was

the

of the

demanded

without

citement, which

man

the

any

who

NEED

WAS

costs

mankind.
never

David
of God
life must

is of

The

be

the

is

souls

to

be

be

one

sore

avail

that

of

are

the

agony

the

on

the
to
ex

giftsto
into

look

discover

the

anything,
soul-

any

through the toils and

of

and

men

its birth ?
salvation

women,

which

That

and

help

saving themselves
If the

if the

; if the

the

greatest
we

we

the

race.

man

change.

discovery,

of

set

one

great

so

God's

can

to

first

without

disentangled from

long

of

almost

come

afflictions

the whole

over

age

Whether

the pangs
small

allegiance

from

"

not

the

people

his

MET.

did

in

by

blood-shedding

saviours
bear

must

the

that

we

of

make

shall see,

beneficent

any

to

pre-eminently strong

temporal sphere,

vigilsand

nothing

unity ;

to

of

order

new

maintain

judge

travail.

sufferingswere

whose

last

revolution, and

awakening revival,which
tears, the

wildness

judges permanent
and

conducted

reform,

great

national

superbly supplied,as

through

or
spiritual

the

naturallyaccompanies

THE

come

the

Ruth,

of

attack.

to

of their fathers ; to carry

task that
was

How

Micah,

introduce

resuscitate

to

of

prophet Samuel,

II.

family of Saul

Danites, supply graphic

rule of the

the time

want

another,

achieve

and

God

the

the

of exposure

therefore, to

assert

to

nation

and

licence, and

kingship ;

of Israel

"

wild

aspects

office of

of

stories of
the

find, for

deity,occurring

disunion, independence, and

the

necessary,

things.

of

book.

whole
We

Phoenician

The

34).

33,

the

weak.

very

members

of

extermination

the

time

Baal,

names

viii. 30,

Chron.

and

of

name

of

keynotes
were

cried

of Israel

repeated frequently

sentences,

religiousties,moreover,

instance, the

children

"; "The

three

These

Crjmrjs.

of

temple

Gospel

Jewish

is

of

will

raised,

of the grace

tradition,Paul's

Reformation

is

to

be

JVtt JUje 0f transition.

12

rendered

possible

Jerome
coveries

Edison

Faraday, and
rious
be

like

men

be

few

Some
of
the

miles

of

town

Pilate

the

Ramahs,

body

of

there

recalls
who

focus

Towards
a

the

family resided
his

and

two

Margaret).
therefore
That

he

law,
the
as

which

at

ix.

and

upper

of

the

this

give

to

wives,
He

wives

two

did

not

and

formerly lived

in

belong

to

not

was

forbid

that

Paradise

(Mark

tribe

but

considerable
district

whole

city

im

and

it became

the

years.

Judah,
a

Levite,

was

(Joshua xxi. 20).

of

the

Levitical

carefullyregulated
with

women

x.

13).

and

and

men

ix.

Ephraim,

would

of

Sam.

(Pearl or

home-life

gradually bring

city,

lower

mountain

of

violation

polygamy,

two

Peninnah

marriage-law,penetrating the

originalinstitution

of

in Southern

career

(Grace)

to

begged

consisting of Elkanah,

Hannah

had

as

it interest

for centuries

of Samson's

history
the
a

of

to

In

as

Elkanah, named

man

name

5).

known

means

(i
after-story

his

was

Ramah

considered
had

an

been

given

situated

who

came

confines

was

also

was

ancestor

an

life,but

close

must

the

Testament
he

in the

who

born

the national

of

It

Ramathaim

have

Sam.

Hannah

Benjamin,

which

of

have

willing

contempt.

on

only during his lifetime,when

not

portance,

be

must

Jerusalem,

probably

name

to

are

pilgrim souls,

of

people,

New

Lord.

to

to

be

to

into

is made

vi. 35 ;

was

and

were

the

and

importance,

child

Ephraim

from

appears

(i Chron.

of

the

labo

spirit.

the north

passed

reference

Zophim
Zuph,

has

town

as

which

of

the

Arimathea,

to

to

his

to

i,

van

and

religioustruths

Simeon

Ramathaim-Zophim.

and

Ramah,

Charles

given

sorrowful

territories

the

if great

or

be

could
of

woman

Galileo, Gal

like

ostracism, misrepresentation, and

Samuel

Before

great scientific dis

priceless heirloom

the

as

years

Baxter, Bunyan,

undergo

to

; if

stake

and

Huss

John

spend sleeplessnights

must

days through long

enunciated,

the

at

like

men

established, men

be

to

are

Europe,

burnt

be

must

for

4-9).

such

back

ideals
to

the

^airiour

is

It
his

home

ever

had

because
been

misery.

The

strife,
lot

Peninnah,

of

all

subject

the
occasion

confined

to

to

offer

the

unto

the

lot

of

sacrificial

Then

it

in

poor

the

then

it

even

by

ii.
the

that

was

the
sword

was

5-8).
saviour

the

of

the
the

that

consciousness
But

out

of

her

of

sat

of

of

this

country

and

her

soul

Elkanah's

were

to

soul

be

fell

could

not

joy

victims

born.

the

and

pierced
the
be

affection
of

the

remainder.

was

unto

to

at

the

near

the

Hannah

dunghill,

fond

soul-travail

went

which

the

on

the

not

climax

daughters,

feast

drew

was

was

and

Jehovah

her

be

household

portions

upon

should

its

sacrifice,

to

in

taunts

reached
the

almost

pain

The

have

sons

and

it

bitter

grief.

that

was

Lord,

hunger

that

the

to

Apart

an

and

to

fell

childless.

but

offering

it

then

her

needy

the

dust

all

child

was

many

retired

they

brought,

after

yearly

the

after

when,

feast,

had

they

for

and

custom,

the

witness

rival,

her

bickering

still

to

seems

Lord

to

with

sarcasm

Hebrew

the

according

compelled

was

but

filled

poignant

most

Ramah,

to

when,
up

the

of

i)

xxx.

biting

of

with

condition

(Gen.

what

but,

fraught

was

desolate

affliction

made
the

her

into

wife

been

child

as

Hannah

whilst

else,

tolerable

was

augmented

was

second

had

step

Ramah

at

13

childlessness;

the

cause,

house

which

from

by

the

brought

Hannah's

of

Country.

the

Elkanah

that

supposed

of

her

as

grave

appeased
(i.
life

5,
and

8;

II.

31 Woman's

JUtgmslj
(i

Unanswered

"

the

Nor
She
And

she

storms

before

quails

the

cries

It

stands

has

be

shall

Rock

undaunted,

thundershock.
heard

'

done

unanswered,

the

on

loudest

Omnipotence
'

be

cannot

firmly planted

were

wildest

knows

15.)

i.

Faith

yet ?

feet

Her
Amid

SAMUEL

0f

her

prayer,
somewhere."

sometime,

BROWNING.

WE

infer

may

for
she

proves,

song

with

conceptions

fusion

an

her,

her

noblest

ebbing prosperity
Frail

foundation.

hope
her
a

people

support

pensated
his

as

own,

narily

and

one,

should

On

razor

one

if

schemes

thirty and

of

no

earliest

be

should

occasion,

years,

would

be

to

to

to

the
her

the

ever

while

achieved

Lord

come

the

all

the

upon
feast

his
was

save

into

his

presence

be

com

him

accept

which

through

ordi

Levites

between

service

only

even

nature

not

if

not

might

would

channel

Lord's
son,

she

of

to

enduring

might

she

Lord

the

be

might

fifty,but
given

deprived

only the

desire

an

ardent

her

be

to

were

him

use

but

con

resuscitate

on

she

was,

Deborah,

it

set

Moses.

and

should

and

she

of

passionate

only breathe

consecrated

were

ages

and

his

or

thousandfold

redemptive

his

Jael

could

from

nation,

the

noble

thrilling

was

anarchy

who

son,

only

splendid

songs

the

for

her

most

soul

the

with

that

if she

What

child.

and

if she

in

woman

emulate

to

of

grief

longed

self

her

inspired

of

she

the

the

the

As

with

and

not

were

sorrow.

people

that

agony

around

enshrine

her

of

hopes

with

rival,

saturated

and

Stricken

her

barrenness,

Hannah's

was

traditions
the

Hannah's

of

provocation
reasons

the

that

she

days

might
of

flowing

his

the

have

life,

locks.

proceeding

at

3V flraycr att"
Shiloh, it seemed

after her

longer, and

no

from

fasting,save

of

court

outer

had

which

gate of

she

"And

She

did

that

it

her

become

prayer

and

"

an

Divine,

//

"

groanings
based

was

Jehovah
it

whom
spirit,
down

from

words

wards

Hers

the

which

which

ratified

trial,

us

to

Orientals

to

to

dire

(Num.

vain

his

of

secret

repetitions,
need

with

with

could

not

She

of

the

convey

appealed

Hosts,"

asked

She

holy spiritswho

by
xxx.

the

6-15),

that

or

she

to

circled

anguish.

silence

infant

an

Him

She

consent

did

to

though

as

into existence

summon

affliction and

Elkanah

advances

uttered."

call child.
of

she
not

was

human

speech

title, Jehovah

Him

voice

of
spirit,

for God.

name

new

for

(ver.26)

many

not

were

be

cannot

myriads

her

of

her

spiritwith

of

speech,

might

she

his throne, to
in

to

cup

of

satisfaction, of the

no

new

her

know

to

"

under

despise.

made

come

God.

on

nothing

were

had

with

requires

as

not

it becomes

but

had

she

that

interchange

supply, of hunger

will

Eli's seat

lipsmoved,

; her

heart-fellowshipwith
such

the

unto

burnt-offerings,

custom

beside

stood

life,and

Divine

is the

It

she

indicates

This

the

those

prayed," and

the

at

its issue.

as

heart

her

in

heard.

but

she

rab

Priest.

High

prayed

out

of salvation.

heart-prayer.

audibly, but

the

God

held

she

wall,

stone

with

went

credit

may

for

had

hundred

three

we

low

cup

that

if

heart, which
but

draped

were

or

soul, and

of

Others

God,

told

was

spake
in

chide

not

are

study

bitterness

glory

furniture, which

throne

or

the

to

its ancient

two

she

"

returned

curtains

was,

by

seat

broken

the

might

We

pray

structure

sore."

wept

with

she

in

of

previous

the

was

was

and

Lord,

//

of

Most

sacred

tradition, surrounded

binical

but

other

the

simple

this

; and

years

and

and

herself

drunk

and

up

few

restrain

eaten

rose

Tabernacle.

wreck

the

she

"

15

could

had

people

Probably only

Ark

the

escaped

tears

the

departed.

around

Hannah

though

as

Issue.

its

not

look
round

vowed
after
want

JL ^toman's

this inestimable
of

God

boon

and

that

of
JUujuisrj

for

her

herself

merely, but

should

son

be

intoxicatingdrink,

his

contact

undefiled

body

//

definiteprayer.

was

man-child."

them

launch

achieve

be

contented

those

with whom

cally

into

themselves
for

to

is

There

of

of

Hannington,

on

he

//

could

bitterlyto
tell Him

the
to

repent
our

Often

other.
pour

side

out

all

apologizing,not
unequivocal

of

he

unusual

this

to

We

or,

of
the
our

if

the

of

the

us

of

matter

soul,
over

When

mar

have

set

individuals,

life of
the
the

towards

I have

our

what

God.

cause

to

ended,

is

if

reason

God,

from
if

we

out

we

clear

we

Him

dared

ourselves,

demanded

the heart

my

pour

have

hide

out

be

We

defending

his

that

notes

often

to

University,

it would

be

Bishop

diary of

poured

example.

would
not

are

definitelyfor

pray

seeking

case,

bless

would

they

at

good

commit

we

too

are

who

in

friends, and

glossing

confession.

"

reserve.

Hannah's

follow

pre

saints

in the

drawings

Ah, how

what

entering specifi

tell

him

led

chamber

to

as

God

is recorded

was

they

their behalf.

known

had

confidential

to

secrets

audience

salvation

the

that

professing children

when

accrued,

It

Lord."

often

wonder

obtain

to

our

specialgoal.

no

Experienced

any.

without

the

God's

of

many

simultaneously Hannington
of

prayer

more

thither

instance

almost

before

soul

our

was

air,and

perfectgifton

day

conscious

was

at

questioned

were

Uganda.

certain

friend ; and

the

handmaid

So

aimed

are

for
definitely

fellow-clergyman, who
that

thine

prayed."

of

have

notable

unto

his

dead.

intercessoryprayer

and

good

some

of

pray

unshorn,

connected, without

are

which

results

vellous

his locks

asking generallythat

case

art

from

leaving God's

gone

we

the

in the

versed

or

they

with

often

Give

many

nonplussed if,on

giftthey had

cious

the

they

How

morning,

any

with

aimlesslyin

nothing.

would
on

this child

For

"

"

miscarry because

prayers
We

by

glory

Nazarite

birth,abstaining from

for the

not

and

breaking, when

17
its frail

machinery

its cords

anxiety,when
then,

as

unable

seems

strained

are

remember

you

sustain

to

point of snapping,

the

to

things,pour

these

of its

weight

the

in

soul

out

your

to

pass,

(Psa. xlii. 4).

you
It

claim

can

Lord

the

It

his

signs of
would

she

that

Therein

spiritand
his

of

temper
and

had

from
official,

whom

the

drunk

"No,"

she

neither

wine

on

her

burden.

God

merciful
She

nor

had
c

; and

she

She

content

realized, even

Burden-bearer
entered

strong drink, but

had

misapprehension
was

into

you

had
the

heard

to

sight
been

into

the

mere

concealed.

with

great meek

think.

not

poured
suffered

have
out
so

add
seriously

it,with all the rest,

before

spiritof

best

not

already

cast

and

the

the

had

have

could

thee."

the

after

were

as

"How

inabilityof

God

purposes

rather

from

with

do.

heard,

rebuke,

judged

unjust reproach

Lord."

She

the

of

of

not

to

not

thy wine

ex

audible

drunken, and

degenerated

said, "it is

that this last

much

mind

Divine

the

the

spiritunto

my

to

answered

Eli

he

an

was

the

in

probably

wont

sympathise

time.
the

He

ness.

and

clearly

voice

away

given

was

the

Him.

Hannah

Put

in

were

her with

on

proof

to

revealed

been

understand

to

eyes,

had

in

drunken

another

priesthood

of

be

thou

her

she

coarsely broke

rudely and

while

His

and

sorrow,

souls

was

was

was

prayers

burdened

lips moved,

her

her

out

Eli

she

though

excessive

pour

high priestthought
wilt

than

sanctuary.

first his attention

her

other

many

so

since

long

or

when

other

boon.

the

to

Hannah,

At

by the

the

do

cannot

its coveted

entrance

all around.

arrested

But

the

by

to

as

received

that

place at

different

voice,

she

speaking, but

we

us

she

as

that either

Not
much

our
on

attracted

was

pected

burden

prayer

in

notice

came

Lord."

for

heard

It

Him.

was

seated

be

to

lays some

before

wait

the

praying before

continued
we

"

persevering prayer.

was

Eli

replied,that the

answered

the

prayer,

her

prayer.

which

not

of Heart.
JVnguisIj

3V tSEoman'a

asks, but

only

words, which,

takes.

She

than

more

All

"

ask

for,believe that

them"
"

in peace,
hast

thou
on

xi. 24,

(Mark

Go

and

the
and

her

kept

find

servant

did

and

way,

eat, and

often

Too

burdened

Lord,

in

hearts.

if

or

been

has

have

failed

to

abandon

have

failed

to

leave

that

oil of

for

joy

no

Could

day

next
rose

up

the

Lord,

and

But

what

had

borne

And

with

an

Let

thy

she

"

said,

the

sad."

more

no

with

sad

taken

it back

again.

the

and

We

exchange.

no

of

hands

instead

the

on

weights, anxieties, and

the

and

faces

burden

our

her

went

woman
was

have

in

sins ;

Almighty

our

beauty for ashes, the

of

garment

was

made

pray,

fixed

the

woman

in that

glad

face

with

such

had

praise for

the

stronger

workings

upon

load,

our

God,

our

lightened chcur.
their

for

she

last brief
she

of

make
her

of

sorrow.

In

holy shrine
which

this

trust

prayer

and

had

change

his

can

faith

(ver.23).
we

have

must

great

secret,

by her unquestioning

before

she
differently

the home

so

And

in Ramah."

Peninnah

sorrow.

confidant

How

visit to the

entered

to

worshipped

their house
!

was

"

home.

return

to

came

happened

the

was

cast

morning early,and

altered

what

Elkanah

we

returned, and

what

but

kneel, and

rise with

herself

wondered

but

was

in

associated

The

filled

cast

we

receive

while

Then

been

so,

them

we

E'en

they

understanding,

prayer
not

shower

prevailed, and

had

countenance

from

mourning,

heaviness.

spiritof

The

all

So

our

might

we

she

interchange, and

There

Friend,

summer

like

thy sight.

done

have

we

fallen

that

have

Eli,

of

words

thy petitionthat

And

We

and

pray

Israel grant

heart.

her

of

secret

shall have

ye

the

ever

passeth

return

we

them, and

Before

knew

she

and

grace

ye

had

Him,"

mind

things whatsoever

of

God, which

of

peace

R.V.).

land,

the

received

the God

of

asked

parched

have

ye

others, disclose

any

prevailingsupplication,

wonderful

those

anticipated

trace

19

the

harvest

in years

sown

greatly suffered
of

notes

could

hope

in

save

indefinable
not

where
do

to

be

the

these

into

the

she

was

"

The

the

of

secret

that

Hannah

had

that

which

But

which
year,
and

abode

would

bare

enter

last the

presented

to

the

time

"
"

at

soprano
but

"

It

may

lot for

your

to

pray,

to

to

fit you

lead

be

was

made

her

to

when
.

she

joy

time

the

his heart

in

his

the

of

yearly sacrifice

his

when

The

the

child

permitted
the

parents

(2

Chron.

child

of

set

out

vow

vow."

weaned,
his

be
xxxi.

on

his

of

should

went

it would

was

to

name

he

as

; and

completion

Lord

the

had

Lord."

special expression
until

soul.

secret

called

him

asked

unto

and

were

the

Blessed

performance

and

on

you

be

to

faith.

her

to

had

new

good,

world.

there

Ramah

arrived

from

yearly sacrifice,and

the

of

even

peace,

the

some

children

the Lord.

What

"

reply,

been

has

how

son,

his

it

to

house

countries

heart."

her

faith,and

I have

probably
Levite

when
to

At

made

Hannah

his friend's

your

her,

Lord

added

in

as

an

does

moisture.

break

God

had

the

unto

tender

heaven

the trainer of

which

believed, for

Elkanah

had

he

asked

according

remembered

he

Egypt

and

gives

Sorrow
of

all

of

delicacyand

with

you

childlike

promises

offer
that

seem

"

teach

to

to

good

to

will of

the

to

blue

rainless

I would

Samuel, saying, Because

up

The

prayer.

heart-hunger,the disappointed hopes,

about, that she

The

The

pricelessgiftto

some

Lord

come

soul.

in

her,

necessary,

of the

her

hand.

long sharp pain,

fell out

It

woman's

waiting,the holding

of

parent

infinite

singing?

with

years,

been

have

had

abandonment

of the

dust,

sings superbly,"was

do

many

silent

the

of her

"She

if I had

submission

is saturated

atmosphere

vocalist.

such

out

with

the

to

beautiful

think

you

that

sorrowful

so

the

the

touched

beauty

seem

poured

who

one

God, of the simple desire for his kingdom

this

by

suffering. Only

chastened

from

as

righteousness,are
ness

have

resignation,of

God, of appeal

of

be

third

enrolled

16).
openly

their solemn

20

journey
full of

with

their child.

in

the

beggar

throne

of

like her

is the
with

outburst

finished.

the

here,"

she

associate

we

suffered
God

certain
; here

her

the

had

tears

overarch

the

Take

Only
or

suffer

dying

of

dost

of

enemy.

seed,

shall

or

the

Travail

in

for

coming

the
other

some

live

abide

thy Lord's

Thou

woe.

They

by

prayed, and

dark

the

will

of
dear

shalt

his

for

again

come

and

weep,

sheaves

with

as

where

should

for

spirit!
no

wrong

world, for

lost

thyself
the

Bear

life !

And

bring thee

if

again

hast

stood

in

from

the

land

the
of

bearing precious
come

them.

Exercise

will

thou

sorrow

sorrowful

thee

He

it

loured

had

we

was

skies

kingdom

to

time,

forth

blue

souls !

for

had

God, and

of

Here

furrows,

clouds

of

woman

closely

And

the

doubtless, doubtless, DOUBTLESS

rejoicing,bringing their

stood

life ; here

she

the

that

joy, where

that go

it all

spots.

new

over

wave

birth

soul,

of

had

How

How

Hannah.

Suffer for his Church,

certain

with

with

lavishly;

to

child

was

she

that

woman

rejoicewhere

joy should

in garments

tread

drapery
the

wilt

thus

man

sight,where

this

to

spot where

very

Magnificat,

Ramah

from

by thee here."

I stood

was

so

the

song,

petition."

should

according
!

men

weight

to

of

fallen

cause

thou

thou

she

heart, thou

sinful

as

It

Her

fervently.

the

resolved

we

in

so

am

experiences

speak.

harvest

prayed

my
"

words,

befittingthat

that

me

Rock

no

was

the

Lord.

Eli ; "for

to

given

those

we

said

inherit

to

simply overflowing

was

again

"I

God.

her

salvation.

journey

was

memory

hath

Notice

the

in

there

modelled
cup

memorable

sanctuary

her

Lord

not

whose

poignantly and

so

on

heard

the

The

suffered

thee

soul

his

heart

Her

exalted

that

Lord

our

loving-kindnessof

Presently

rushed

of

learnt

as

now

was

sorrow.

dunghill

the

rejoicedin

she

of

from

heart

of

spiritwas

had

the mother

the

her

She

and

mother's

formerly been

lifted

was

God,

The

Lord;

glory.

which

on

of Heart.
SViujuisfc

praise as it had

rejoiced
The

Roman's

again with

III.

SAMUEL

(r

Be

'

'

still ! sad
But

To

full

Wait

!
will

Dead

desert

through
down

come

in

with

place

iii. ).

passionate

no

of

of

searching
and

"

! lift thou

the

spread

the

God

soul

ii. and

thy

the

being

All-seeing

dark

misgiving,

pity,

and

light,

and

cry,

bare
:

eye

blank

fill the

despair,

dry

vernal

life, and

air."
C.

J.

STANLEY

DEAN

tells
Luther

moments,

chapters
which

ness

formed

students

of

the

the

the

figure of this

the

or

in

to

year,

which

she

when

his

came

Indeed,
arrested

linen

his

him

husband

her

ruder

the

been

brought

mother

tender

life.

with

early

the
to

have

age

girded

with

up

with

stormy

every

little child

little robe

the

his

gentler

these

counterpoise

of

in

his

on

Samuel

of

occasional

Scriptures

dwell

to

Books

enterprises

and

passions

by

of

used

in

that,

us

SHAIRP.

ephod,

from

year

offer

to

the

yearly sacrifice.
With
mother

been

satisfy

to

hard
Hannah

precious

the

house

sow

in

the

three

as

the

surely
office

his

sons

thought

those

Other
and

two

of

irrepressible desire

that

so

for

soil

receptive

continual

at

childish

harvest.

manhood's

and,

of

memory

with

almost

natural

solaced

was

the

her

him

leave

to

and

anticipated

have

must

transient

but

passionate

what

longings.

It

tender

age

years,

prattle, and
his

daughters

inspiration,

little
must

she

also,
grew

have
three

as

he

filled
able

heart

the

seeds

were

born

to

up

been

at

in
a

was

had

been

had

brother,
have

too

There

when

tender

children,

their

an

all

must

deprivation.

her

early

of

visit,

annual

the

to

of

her;

her

knees,

his

sacred

subject

of

Ijounij
livelyand
woman's
when

suffer

they

threaten

complaint
she

Him

and

reverent,

but

revile

the

would

soldiers

THE

merely, but
from

displayed
observant
habits

ness

or

their

to

of the

ground

their

plumage

wear

the

"

priest

sins around
old
gave
a

link

old
and

and
the

of

slept

his

innocent
the

him, attracted

"

were

that

he

his

and

between

as

the

the

by

they

see

the

gentle

indifference,

daily pre

are

colour

the

mottled

the

plovers change
children

spring,so

character

behaviour,

and

of

was

Eli

sleep unconscious

of

the

attachment

of

the

and

Lord

endearing

being prepared

people,

the

SINS

before

the

unto

growing

the

of

AND
sons

on

or

affection

reverent

splendid peace

Eli

winter

minister

new

in

busy

quickly-

children

which

gar

characters

and

religionor

take

did

SACRILEGE

THE
sons

the

the

for them.

weave

God

the

for

child

between

"woven

conversation, and

they lie,and
the

evidences

many

the

their

with

or

themselves

array

their mother's

which

by his

man

of

stillmake

young

What

fish

As

match

tones,

the

"And

as

which

ennobling

of manner,

which

on

robes

and

temper

and

reverence

gaze.

loom

before

their words

coarseness

to

heart
was

seam,"

holy and

day

unconsciously

sented

Peaceful,

Son,

Mothers

the

daily devotion.

refinement

her

for

"

on

their

to

rudeness, the

or

not

"

by

by

of their

shape

without

MOTHER.

day

eyes,

imitate, and

the

OF

for their children

needles

their

tear.

INFLUENCE

ments

the

not

and

mother's

in

made

and

throughout

top

they

themselves

robe, which

pattern which, probably, Mary

from

when

judgeth righteously.

little

the

at

the

all those

again,

not

loving thoughts rilled the

wrought

vindicated

assuredly vindicate

commit

who

had

Jehovah

reviled

are

not,

to

will

He

as

wrongs,

who,

interest !

perennial

mediator

turbulent

ways,
to

and

become

between

days of

the

Samson

reign of Solomon.
OF

Belial

ELI'S

SONS.

"

Now

(worthlessness)
; they

the

knew

j$ht.

and

Lord,

the

not

(ii. 12,

priest to take

his

as

of the

of the

the
peace-offerings,

the

to

his

and

and
It

as
befitting,

was

ministered
the

about

should
The

blood

the altar

upon

internal

of the

fire.

by

sumed

who,

iii. 1 6,

The

of

with

their
Eli's

Not

satisfied

their

servant

three

teeth

sacred

the

claimed
"

So

as

they

the

their

after
in his

for

hand,

with

while

did

their

Shiloh

the

and

the

God,

away

feast.

portion, they

sent

flesh-hook

of

boiling for

was

into the

all the

unto

God,

rapacious greed-

with

priest's
perquisitewhatever
in

of

con

performed,
to

the meat

meal, he thrust his trident

the

was

legally allotted

and

food

others, carrying

retiringgroup,

the

burn

always

joyfulsacrificial

in

13).

the

was

the

altar

sprinkling of

but

presented

way

stepped

with

rite

and

made

the

of

accepted worshipper (Lev.

solemn

portion for
sons

it,as

the
ix.

Cor.

(i

which

things

upon

eaten,

on

the

waved

worshippers

them

Here

with

this

After

17).

fed

they

the

the second

never

was

flame

priest'sportion was
group

It

speak, ate

to

so

fat.

about

(Deut. xii. 12).

waited

the altar

sons,

maid-servants,

of

eat

peace-offeringwas

round

handed

was

it, that

states

they which

of every

first act

his

gates

things should

portion with

their

have

his

Apostle

that

coin, the

by himself, his
and

within

the

the

rightshoulder

animal

of the

consumed

was

and

breast

men-servants

sacred

and

Temple,

ing

that

Levite

in

of fees

"

people

only of the latter being burned

fat

be

offerer,to

the

authorized

Moses

instead

remainder

the

daughters, his

the

of

the

and
sin-offerings,

the altar, whilst

back

law

portion,and

whole

on

priestsfrom

the

The

marg.}.

R.V.,

of

the due

nor

23

cauldron, and

brought

was

Israelites

that

up.

came

thither."
But
to

this did

even

insist that

them,
should
tion ;

but
be
nor

not

after the

before

the

supplied
would

long satisfythem.

breast

and

remainder
with

they burn

raw

the

shoulder
had

meat

They

went

on

had

been

been

put

to

from

the

offerer's por

fat,which

was

the

handed

boil, they

essential

24

whole

part of the
must

This

final touch

to

take

I will take

as

what

I choose

men

young
abhorred

was

offeringof

the

It becomes

searching whether
which

by

heard

have

wrongly,

which

religion, to

fessingChristians
in their

evasive

kept,

never

in their
and

of

were

liable to

fretful,so

rightly or

men,

making

God

I have

heard

places

of

of

which

worship

and

things

too

their absence
Not

content

from

the

Rightly

their

their

pro

debts,
that

I have

highheard

misstatements
moral
or

was

refusal

enter

which
which

with

resented.
of

in

Molech.

distinctions

dislike

of

sense

wrongly, refusing to

their

were

touchy

so

permit.

pew

so

careless

which

class

or

Christian

the

Chemosh

as

family

house

own

doctrinal

our

business

from

strong

the

our

promises

their

the

excuse

many

with

of

the

into

stranger'sadmission
these

cruel

as

and

with

to

Name

holy

servants,

in

revolted

because

maintained,

were

and

not

rightly or

men,

that

thoughtless and

things
would

Father

our

in

wrongly, turning

doctrine

Christian

doing

attached, because

profuse

do

of the world

men

men

Christ, are

begin

once

work-people

on

of

forswearing

please, so

to

the

heart-

proceed

men

so

difficult

so

of

and

dilatoryin paying

so

or

for

Lord,

arrangements.

were

excuses,

demands

minded

thence

of

they

sin

anxiety

may

ecclesiastical

and

statements

now,

the

to abhor

men

We

habits, and

and

characters

me

And

the

servants

cause

called.

are

we

ruthless

it

much

with

the

abetting things which

or

before

the

Lord."

the

as

we,

"

afterwards

give

shall

proceed

you

was

till

wait

"

fat,and

Nay,"

force."

inquire

to

us

"

great

very

long-suffering

before

the

Burn

you

by

satisfied.

were

the

presented

but

"

priest,

worship

least," they said,

will."

you

the

of

answer

At

the

demands

aroused

depredations.

much

as

their

been

portion has

lawless

your

"

for which

one

have

to

seems

exasperation.

to

Lord's

the

wait, until

needs

pers

people

and
sacrifice,

the

For

Gospel

of prayer.

extortionate

greed, Hophni

and

lUsponsibilitij.
Phinehas
the woods

and

time

from

vineyards

of the

vestures

they did

heard

of

instead

of

tented

himself
do

Why

such

ye

that

ment

He

them

not.

Even

supposing they

had

by

him

High

as

highest authority in
he
the

God

the

house

but

now

honour

be

of
the

Me

had

no

people

to

trans

he

com

restrained

restrained

not

disregarded

good

terrible

the

vile,and

but

the

con

them,

unto

for it is

Lord's

themselves

Priest, embodying
the

realm.

them.

reproof

of their

deposed.

Lord
will

honour,

and

he

Therefore

"

indeed

that

walk

it far

saith,Be

as

from

Me

that

the

so

the

thy

before

they

did

for this weak

And

thy father,should

said

He

Judge makes

Israel, saith,I said

of

"

he

priest;

aged

sons,

my

the

reproved,

and

condemned

was

the sanctuary

hardly have defied their depositioninsisted

father,they could
on

Nay,

Divine

made

sons

were

stringentthreats, he

rebuke,

make

; ye

this the
his

mild

things?

I hear

On

gress."

with

that

people (ii.23), but

all the

from

doings

the

to

disapproval and

strong

that

report

evil

were

who

women

offices about

addressed

were

their

sacred

labour.

female

Remonstrances

the

of their own,

the

astray

heathen

abandoned

So

wives

had

lead

to

with

sullied

they
line.

perform the various

to

demanded

that

Aaron's

though they

scruple

not

appointed

priestsof

men,

young

had

before

never

rites had

Licentious

associated

been

amid

of heathenism

excesses

Shiloh.

of

immemorial

festivals,but

these

vilest

perpetratedthe

25

laxity
Lord,
and

house
for

me

ever

; for them

despise

that
shall

Me

lightlyesteemed."
THE

NEED

serious

the
own

Our

FAMILY

OF

inquiryfor

Church
families.
weakness

and

those

who

before

the

We

in

are

held

take

This

"

suggests

very

prominent positionin

world, but

who

responsible for

restrainingthem

evitablyfollowed, not
D

TRAINING.

is

neglect their
our

sin, which

children.
will be

only by their punishment, but by

in
our

26

"{jC
Better

own.

allow
a

reproach
for

to

his

his
of

the

not

begun

ing

children

from

the

chastisement

membering
God's

that

not

all,

let

children

give

He

will
or

prayers,
second

the

hour

over

As

put

my

Spirit

that

is

in

thy mouth,

the

mouth

seed,
John

v.

child

seal
upon

not

in

like

word

and

depart
nor

and

by

for

ever"

God

stole

of

the

thy mouth,

(Isa.

summer
"

true

which

mouth

their

of

date

dawn

of

cannot

the

out

of

travail

hearts

as

and

tears

the

God

this

children.

the

who

God

and

little

of

words

in

young

love

my

out

death

the

of

re

that

who

godly parents,

and

our

those

of

because

of

is trained

of

forget

formed

that

thee,

thy seed,

henceforth

6).

to

nothing

eased

to

of

had
train

begin

say

nnto

to

faith,

early boyhood

shall

of

from

in

not

care

is old.

he

is

conversion,

my

heart

Christ

the

sin

the

will

rule

Eli

distinctly affirms

unrighteous

overlook

take

to

not

observation

all, applicable

be

how

conversion

the

who

and

earliest

it when

Apostle

those

not

till

of

my

sky,

to

time

offspring.

The

is, above

description
Surely

seek

us

life for

us

from

gravity,

and

the

from

and

could

man

to

lightened

who

depart

God.

to

be

child

the

will

way

Above

will

well

may

parent

careful

of

wise

Probably

months,

strain

early

12).

wise

earliest

their

all

know

iii. 4,

The

early enough.

If

and

qualifica

the

was

with

not

Tim.

(i

essential

one

than

themselves

to

children.

could

world

the

Church

subjection,

surely

God

that

and

house

and

misery

up

primitive

in

of

and

of

well, he

house

years

the

children

house

grow

Remember

in

rule

Church

the

in

to

you.

office

wholesome

keep

less

children

your

tion

do

fjoung fdrite.

of

"

have
nor

thy

lix. 21,

My
put

out

of

seed's

and

IV.

of
(i

Oh

"

!
A

give

Samuel's

me

and
Thee

That

faith,

resigned
life and

in

read

may

Truths

mind,

unmurmuring

sweet

Obedient
To

iii. )

SAMUEL

that

death

with

hidden

are

child-like
from

eyes

the

wise."
BURNS.

J. D.

is

IT

child

the

licence

ringing

amid

on

Hannah

between
sons

the

said,

crash

the

like

which

there

evident

an

innocence

peal

of

that

he

of

progress

and

the
bells

sweet

bring him,

abide

for

appear

may

and

Lord,

the

to

storm.

will

.1

"
.

before

of

in

gentle

it is

references

during

those

his

"

various

the
recur

especially

Eli's

of

they

as

is intended

contrast

notice

to

Samuel

narrative,

the

wild

touching

very

she

"And

ever."

him

brought
child

"

but

Samuel

Eli

Now

unto

sons

all

favour

with

said,

Behold,

ears

Samuel

of his

of

every
grew,

words

the

And

the

and

Lord,

will

that

one

and

fall

do

the
to

he

the

child

with

thing

in

was

ground.

Lord,

Israel,
it
with

shall

at

sons

and

and

did
in

was

Lord

the

which

the

child."

his
on,

the

not

tingle.

him,

the

being

"And

men."

to

Priest."

the

that

grew

and

And

they knew

Samuel

"

Eli

all

heard

also

heareth

Lord

men

before the

old, and

both

the
And

did

the

is lent

he

before

Lord

Shiloh

there."

Lord

wicked

were

liveth

he

as

ministered

Israel.

Lord

the

the

the

Eli

very

was

of

long

As

unto

of

the

house

worshipped

minister

did

Now

Lord

he

And

Lord.

"

"

young"

was

child

the

unto

in

let

none

"{jc Vision

28

life

His

blameless

unbroken

all his

that

series.

into

lapses

able

was

unsullied

the

which

no

the

in
life

long

in

people

consciousness

of

strong in its facultyof administra

life

beautiful

the

"

royal

of

state

the

blamelessly pure, towering

of

an

deeds

his

of

of

his

attested

tion, wise in steeringthe nation

peak

end

in

rectitude.

was

into

lawless

verdict

the

to

breaks

nor

gaps

Towards

purpose

together

selfishness;no

age.

words,

no

of

record

righteousness. One

were

appeal

to

memorable

It

There

lawless

unbroken

one

threading them

years,

sensualityor

wild,

he

been

and
purity,integrity,

through

ran

have

to

seems

of

judges

kings,unimpeachably just,but
above

valleysbeneath

contemporaries like

his

the

which

on
glisteningchrysolite,

while all the

the rule of the

from

sunlightplays,

wrapped in scudding clouds

are

sweeping rain.

and

Samuel

not

was

long future, and

eloquence

contribution

only

it

the

the

by

was

We

the

shake

never

radiant

the

pass

these

the

soul
shall

thy servants,

beauty

of

is

the

his

the

remain

be

the

in

which

of the

years

"

and

that

and

Lord

"

embodied.

is

thy glory unto

our

God

Let

time
and

reach

also

sacred
to

which

unblemished

an

the

thy

their

be upon

things

unimpaired and

arrayed, and
stainlessly
be

will

Covenant

our

remain

shall

Lord

our

Ark

eyes

coming

that the

familiar

property within

one

our

the

as

removed,

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29

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30
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31

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and

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God.

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lie down

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to
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it

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thy soul

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shall say,

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will

for He

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God.

thou

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32
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34

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bringingus

were

been

con

have

to

servant

the

and

seems

Samuel,

scorpion-whipsof

the

on

mastery

ill-

to

as

commenced

No

even

spiritof

been

has

turned

an

was

Moses

by

them

recognise the
have

Such

of

none

; not

to

Jehovah, seems
flaming out of
insults,and

be

should

this occasion.

on

counsel

were

first it

the

issued

were

campaign

put in force
ask

directions

distinct

ducted

from

that

be endured

gallingto

too

was

Israel

by

badly-managed campaign.

and

Very
way

certain

commenced

was

war

of Philistia

yoke

it is almost

starred

the

and

ever

be,

of account.V
that

that

He
an

can

arrest

"
II. THE

ARK,

gnrr of Disaster.

evening of

that disastrous

council

war

of

be

must

almost

their

the

"

Covenant

come

of

defeat
with

their relations

smitten

the Lord

hath

us

which

happy expedient by
Him

with

sides

take

to

them

fetch,"they cried, the

us

the

Lord

us, and

among

their

that

Ark

"

Let

of

held

Israel

"

compel

foes.

of

the

On

"

that
conscious
They were
their reckoning,and
suddenly

of

themselves

they might

may

Wherefore

out

in

failure

Philistines ?

left Him

bethought

of

the

elders

evident

was

some
"

had

against

to

They said,

to-day before

they

It

RESCUE.

THE

TO

the

day

(ver.3).

attributed

Jehovah.

GOD,

NOT

BUT

37

save

of

out

it

that

hand

of the

out

us

Shiloh,

of

our

enemies."
remembered

They
Ark

had

fled
Its

down.

fallen

of

Jericho

going forth,in the words

the scattering
and
meant

of

tKeTTgreat
lawgiver,had always

do

the

material

help depended

which

symbol,

they should

fulfil. It

depend

charm,

in

much

was

or

The

in

manly

arrival

Ark
to
one

Eli had
the

able
else

the

"

but

in

the

to

sustain

had

any

had
a

due

the

and
should

amulet

consecrated

instead

course,

sons

exultant

of

wafer

exercising

his

by

as

its custo

Eli

shouts

heart

yielded too

successful

of

borne

of

the

"

and

often

protest

misgivings,for

trembled

when

; and

the

the

entire

it

allow

unwillingto

most

enclosure""
he

prayer.

evidentlybeen

sacred

of

presence

understand

to

the

his person,

Ark,

with

God's

spiritualconditions,

and

themselves

accompanied by

of God"
be

faith and

of

the

on

though a high Sacramentarian

from
trial on wearing some

upon

received

dians, was

set

realize that

not

carryinga piece of

casket

Levites,and

leave

as

even

golden

himself

have

not

moral

on

for deliverance

or

host.

but

Surely it

of Jehovah's foes.
flight

again. They did

same

present

very

had

that

Jordan had

of the

the waters

which

in

scenes

walls

would

the

wonderful

; how

played a part
it,and

before

the

for

to

the

long
probably no
too

Ark

of

the

IHisforhtttEon

38

of the

Covenant
with

soon

that the

shouted

all Israel

camp,

earth

Philistines,
by

the

as

into

came

great shout, so

As

Lord

Ittisfortunc.

again."

rang

of their scouts,

means

were

of this exuberant
outburst, they
acquainted with the cause
were
correspondinglydepressed, for they, too, identified the
of the

presence

which

of

had

Neither
which

these

"

!"

us

It

was

"

unto

that

materialistic

foes.

It must

be

of the

symbol

of the

gods

strange

and

demonstrated

the

the abominations

and

of

not

been

such

the

heathen

precedents, the

and

the

the

Lord

will not

hear

deities

victories.
their

to

have

yourselves like
The
extreme.

his

issue
"

of

that

Israel

tent, and

was

there

on

is pure

heart,

my

as

conflict
"

they

day

smitten, and
a

with

the

very

the

been
Cor.

to

xvi.

ye

they

great

fled

of

quit

be

not

Quit

you.

13).

disastrous

was

of

words

strong, and

Be

have

fight (see i
terrible

to

were

against

Philistines,that
"

was

they

but

deeds

to

long succession

one

ears.

ye

and

men

the

that

blood,

in

their

Hebrews,

the

to

reliance

stirred themselves

and

to

men,

the

as

holy

heart

the

they believed

Israel

ringing in

yourselves like
servants

led

They advanced

leaders

their

me."

seem

had

and

of the

regard iniquityin

only against flesh

which

asseveration

vain, unless

If I

desperate valour, because

fight,not

to

"

clean.

Philistines

The
of

hands

alike in

given

constantly and

were

words, the quoting of venerable

are

be

tenaciouslycherished,

The

emblems,

thing

possession

mere

shamelesslypursued (vii.
3, 4).
sacred

Woe

"

valueless,so long

were

the

Hebrews

on

"

us

should

answer

was

Ashtaroth

considerations

given.

the

the

Egyptians."

the

be

that

Covenant

with

minds

shall deliver

conceptionsof

Ark,

the

could

hath

decisive

their

moral

Who

us

of

advent

smote

God

for there

they cried,

necessary

these

to

that

co-operationof

Woe

in

idea of those

they any

heretofore.

the

associated

mighty gods

alone the

unto

with

Israel

always been

had

hand

of

God

in

every

for
slaughter,

the
man

there

"rh f

(fellof

ground

been

have

must

faith ; but
two

Ark

slain.

were

with

of

of

their

of

symbol

taken, and

was

the

foretold,and

Samuel

had

the

the Hebrews

as

the

God

Thus

the Ark

Around
corpses,

defence

vain, for the

in

of Eli

sons

heaped
the

fought desperatelyin

39

footmen."

thirtythousand

Israel

alum.

thus it befell.
afternoon

That
dust

his

upon

Benjamite, with his

head, bore the tidingsto
the

villagesthat lay all along

Shiloh

and,

he

as

wail

groups,

that

arose

"

land.

the

When

the

man

citycried

out."

On

outburst

of

in

day

of

The

old

man,

be seated

to

He

had

the noise

What

the

usual

the

presence

of

the
no

matter,

out, with

are

an

to

his

least

"

to

air,and

without

the

appeal
?

the

old

man

the

"

the

At

who

he

the
of

received

help,

the

into

"

there

people, and

God

is taken."

the

tidingsin

hath

thy

How

silence.

in

went

he

with

blurted
"

been
two

the

and

was,

High Priest,

same

warning or preface,and

and
Philistines,

Ark

when

for

burst

have

tellingEli

inquiryof
?

himself

anxiouslyinquiredof

he

appears

slaughteramong

dead, and
The

in the

was

thoroughfare.

asperityof the harsh words,

climax
of dread awfulness
ever-rising

is fled before

great

news

the

city,deprived

soften the

to

care

son

hinder

Levites, and, perhaps, of Samuel,

little group,

eager

my

bad

arose,

messenger

the

to

piercing

caused

the main

noise of this tumult

the

the

anxious, had

facingon

respond

to

meaneth

moment

answer

tumult

it,all

apparently of its God

and

his throne,

priestsand

waiting as
"

Eli,blind

entire

told

to

the

on

High

the

arose

there

was

sped

of the

city,and

of the victorious army

on

of

attendant

what

he

of

any,

to

expectant
as

City

stillevening air

the

forebodingthat

was

into the

came

its warriors,and

one

volume

in the

there

as

lamentation, for

march

immediate

its climax
far

so
capital,

in

grew

and

road

open
and

eager

and

rent

hamlets

the

ascending and

passed through

onwards, until it reached

Priest,the

clothes

sons

The

Israel
also

also

three

4"

first shots
he

hit

made

backward

and

he

of

which

she

born.

It

With

the

up

uttered
was

she was,

and

devotion

to

But

Go

my

at

centre

relics

the

name

be

the

in

city,which

And

delivered

his

And

his

into the

gave

his

was

Fire

devoured

And

their maidens

And

wroth

their

their widows

Name,

And

years

be

to

name

my

it for the

"unto

wickedness
the

had

further

been

guessed

the
from

"

captivity,

also unto

the

the

sword,

men,

young

made

Philistine

the

Divine

men

his inheritance

were

priestsfell by

these

of

adversary'shand.

over

with

And

Their

strength into

people

removal

Shiloh,

placed among

tent

and

tent

overflowingflood.

an

hundred

the

haste

years

worship,may

of

loyal

subsequent

I caused

that

in her

sacred

R.V.).

12,

was

soul

True

before

the

Psalmist

the

the tabernacle

glory

The

I did to

life and

of

In

cityas

was

Ark

the

frantic

the

of

i).

he

In

effected

for three

The

He

xxi.

; sorrow

when

Hannah

them.

what

widow

of all that

remnants

(Jer.vii.

he

moment

Shiloh, where

see

Israel"

which

the

still befell.

deserted

national

was

of God

house

single word

the

departed.

Jeremiah, in

was

patheticwords

at

Phinehas

of

child,prematurely

she

most

hardly

in

her

classed with

(i Sam.

says

forsook

that

sorrow

the

and
first,

of the

of

brake

his neck

wife

the

off his

fell from

gate, and

situation

died

and

was

on

people

He

the

concealed

Nob

now,"

fate of the

the

to

name

place which

dwell

of

glory had

away

burst

ye

last gasp

troubles

at

were

invasion

the

the

bore

precious

of

worthy

furniture,and

they

her

had

it the

worse

Israelites

of the

but

sorely;

so

God, he

of

indeed

sorrow

taken, for with

my

as

Ark

"when

mortally; but

not

side

horror

her father-in-law

needed

"

the

the

by

died."

gathered

its

severely,but

mention

seat

that

him

not

praisedin

the

marriage song

sword,
no

lamentation.

(Psa. Ixxviii. 60,

K.V.,

"c.

III. THE

AWFUL

historymore
the

Jfeljobalj.

anb

NAME

GOD.

OF

closelyconcerns

surrounding nations

the

This

"

growing

the

to

as

41

of

the

illumination

of

part

of the God

true

nature

the

Spiritof

Israel.

of

There
inform

was

other

no

as
people of Philistia,

the

than

that which

bore

the Ark

He

Dagon

been

idea

in

in Philistia God

and

and
idolaters,

They would

have

resist the conclusions

on

forced

ing mornings, they

and

of

severed

arms

which

Jehovah, and
left intact

was

That

ended.

from

it

with

controversy
broke

out

and

removed,
country
We

way

of

not

these

it may

suppose,

convincing them

that

so

before

only part

of

city to

of

which

destructive

have
course,

souls,but

been
that

figure

this

He

was

had

"tumours"

the

Ark

vermin

on

was

the

deposited.
God

that there

of his real nature

the

that

of

the

the head

the

that

plague

not

follow

two

on

occasion

God, and

terrible

visitation

untutored

when,

second

the

they could

still clearer

of

act

successive

districts where
must

towards

the

them,

each

on

be made

might

"

opposed

the fish's tail with which

was

coincidence, but

no

; but

prophet.

image prostrate

body,

the

of
who

any

them

the

on

blinded

these

message

Dagon

his

found

to

sphere. They would

stoned
of

suits Himself

He

own

the

and

his

glory to another, nor

in their

scouted

now

unapproachable

conceptions of

impressed by

this

before,so

materialistic
them

have

cherish

to

therefore

universal,national adoration

emblem

allowed

lonely and

his

They

it would

But

images,and

meets

been

have

not

his

give

cannot

graven

crude

over

Egypt, centuries

reveal

must

He

praiseto

as

they been
in

power,

Temple of Dagon
though they had not
its tutelarydeity,and

superiorto Jehovah.

perpetuity. As

and

the

to

It seemed

great disaster had

could

God

in the present instance.

Israel,but

over

was

supremacy.

to his holiness

the battle-field

triumph.

only triumphed
that

adopted

from

in exuberant

the

in which

way

and

had
was

no
no

love
other

prerogatives.

4Htsfartun"

42

The

ordained, not only to punish the

Egypt were
Pharaoh
made
pride and obstinacy with which
but that the Egyptians
strong againstthe Almighty
of

plagues

sins

of

himself

"

"

be forced

might

of

Heaven,

with

of their crops,

greater than

all local

superiorto

was

What
with

With

man

is in the

pose

been

have

to

the

tions and

cept

men

The

diseased

eyes.

days

incredulous

which

stration

written

nicated
not

by

the

and

accompanied
by

the

means

the

milch

be

of

to

and

their

the

to

sug

Epistles

doubt, have

; but

be

could

himself

understood

the

and

of demon

correction, and

of

weak

side

method
had

be

must

loved, just as

since

instruction,
they were

progress

it

line,pre

on

to the

He

hands

have

shatteringof

of the

had

use

language that
whom

of God

man

for this pur

ignorance

appreciateand
could

and

grossest concep

tempered

his

the

earlydays, when

must

of

the

win

to

of what

the

Line

condescending

some

such

overthrow

taken

made

those

by

be

learning and

by

them

understand

which

tion

to

in

methods

only begotten

But

exposed

could

their

for

who

consummate

John, they would, without

of

like those

The

of men,

Philistines

If the

gested.

Lord

he

"

adopt

must

Thomas,

being

Being

desires

has

times

children

the

our

No

lightmust

God

by

understood
in after

The

He

darkened

were

precept
at."

the

heaven

were

the great

The

men.

his Son

of

winked

Dagon,

cry unto

they

longing He

Him."

basest morals

upon

of

this is of the Divine

which

declared

spoken

of

hearts

by

of his Love.

Son

hath

Father, He

Dagon

of all

revelation

unapproachable

glimpse.

gods.

devotion

allegianceand

to

that

infinite

an

them

"

of

smitten, and

were

realized

revelation

sublime

they

caused

though they

by

the great God

was

prostrated form

which

by

He

again they caught

instance,the

this

(ver. 12), as
dealt

and

now

painful disease

devastation

"

recognisethat

to

whom

in
Similarly,
the

^Risforfune.

on

been

commu

they could
reached

idol,the plagues

ark, and

the

direc

kine, which, whilst lowing for their

J9tmft -Retribution.
littleones,
which

their sacred

bore

led them

inhabitants

could

in

handling the

into the

and

Ark

been

It had

perished
before

the

all the

people He

reverence

due

The

Him

to

of the sanctuary, which

they were

(Num.

i. 50, 51 ; iv. 5,

taken

this

on

Beth-shemesh

said,

God

"

When,

reverentlyborne
three

some

shemesh,
had

been

and

his

on

distant

which

the crops

of

is

Oh, do

to

whom

God

not

hath

Propitiationfor
the

Ark

of the

and
fitting

stand

set

with

forth for

hiding the

of the
a

priests

the

the

of Law

of

men

this

holy
been

had
the

woods,

in the sun,

and

pity of

him
at

and

Abinadab

of

befell his house

was

Divine

the

that is of

humble

his word.
of

of sons,

Covenant

mercy-seat

sprinkledwith

Tables

Levites

reverent

before

and

open

your

only, but
who

which

blood, and

beneath.

heart,

craven

and
propitiation,

sins,i.e.,the

Covenant,

the

as

custody

the dread

devotion

and

the Ark

our

vessels

great valley of Beth-

the

love

with

and

the

the

God,

goldening

to

dwell

Jehovah

loyallove

receive

to

hand, the Ark

that trembleth

and

fear

not

but with the

heart

of

to

were

tender

the

willingto

lowly heart,

nigh Him,

came

priesthood,

the

extorted

the

from

them

of Aaron

sons

the city of
Kirjath-jearim,

to

To

swift retribution which

The

Eleazar, the blessingthat

son

two

ir

priests,

to

more

be shown

other

carefullyentrusted

nature, who
and

the

holiness

the

on

He

glorified
(Lev. x. 3).

is able

miles

indication

an

much

irreverence

Who

"

that

the

to

by
transportation

16-30).
of

act

be

for

up

and

carefullyveiled by

of the awful

acknowledgment
Lord

how

must

were

before

followed

forbidden

in all that

would

learn

to

of his presence.

inaugurationto

be sanctified

would

had

curiosityand

emblem

sacred

of their

day

Beth-shemesh.

wanton

they did, was

as

road
straight

holy God,

asserted, when
distinctly

on

that God

was

high priesthimself;

the

even

towards

manifest

to

the

along

of that frontier town

God

permit them

not

reverence

pry

that

lesson

stern

their home

from

the
Similarly,

by

burden

43

Him
is the

covers

exactly

VI.

(i

SAMUEL

Be

"

Man,

Brother

my

keep

And
That

so,

vision

Thy
The

life's

as

still and

! hold

soul's

thy

window

large

clear

be

breath
from

pure

watch

to

along
of

lights

"

death

WHILST

in

were

the
As

soon

as

begins

to

and

tissues,

in

physical life,so
that

natures

continents
the

is

of

previous
this, like

order

her

the

habitable
this

To

directly

interior

quiet
zealous
must

and

to

have
of

waste

ocean

to

build

in

twenty

which

by

indeed,
earth

the
the

The

subsided

from
from

his

midst

of

able

to

which,

followed
invasion

triumphant

occupancy

fatherland,

opposition

that

its first

the
thus

was

years

Philistine

Aphek.

subjected.

when

new

existence.

man's

He

gentle

bridging

work,

who,

in

is

rearing

Blessed

Almighty,

retired

it

of

weltering

toils for
and

work
of

the

Israel.

unobtrusive

been

of

somewhat

supervision
have

for

damaged

As

revolution, and

void, began

devoted
field

portions

and

and

the

renew

Divine

to

Nature

always holy and

are

the

himself

broken,

temple.

engulfed.

the

places

the

have

outburst,

of

Samuel

on

to

seems

form

the

been

work

the

of

from

had

land

without

was

with

torrent

to

chapter

last

reconstruction.

bones

our

ruined

spiritual,there

charged

are

roaring

the

over

the

the

of

reparative forces

rebuild

so

or

BROWNING.

giving

was

work

lacerated,

her

out

pour

noble

and

is

flesh

our

Samuel

progress,

great

in

described

events

"

B.

E.

the

wrong

issueth,

appointment

may

strong

thy sobbing

consummation

sunset

2.)

vii.

to

free

of

the

pursue

his

from

the

otherwise,

he

Rational "nit|r.
He

have

to

seems

taken
with

intimatelyassociated
headquarters,where
where

names

God

the

"

God," and
Amid

the

had

assistance

able

was

piety in

to

life.
religious
time

great

so

thingswhich

the

be

may

overturn,

why

God

religionis

true

destined

as

gold

from

the

us

say

with

Samuel,

Father.
of

Let

and

heard

nothing to

knew

Samuel
realized

be

before

Divine

the

recovered

whelmed.

against the
each

tribe

in heaven

compare

that there
Israel's sad

ideal

realized.

from
It

was

the

useless

inroads
was

saying,

content

of

the
with

In

love

with

it all

lustre,

meanwhile,

let

is my

Jehovah

with

which

is

there

objectswhich

two

in

could
The

of

isolated

be

must

remedied

national

which

think

be

or

unity must

it had

been

holding

neighbouring people
an

destruc
of

out

of

earth.

First

to

and

will

theories

seen

the

unto.

"

in undiminished

condition

anarchy

eternal,

all,to the unchanging love

or

were

time

made, that
and

unseen

is God

with

us

devout

are

menaced

emerge

great

permits from

have

we

Jehovah

loves

the

so

preserve

Him

"

fast,above

hold

us

and

eagerlysought

more

purifyingfurnace.

Father, who

our

to

which

nevertheless

ruthlesslyquestioned; but

creeds

Father."

been

had

thingsthat

rudely assailed; churches

inspiration
tion; ancient

is

Jehovah

place

one

shaken, the

overturn

overturn,

to

is

have

we

age

and

the

clearlydefined

more

this present

In

be

cannot

"

Samuel

years,

God,

shaking of

in

feasts,which

Probably this

walk

life in
religious

Ark

former

with

walk

to

sons.

another, with the discontinu

in

rites and

were

two

is my

"Jehovah

the

of the Tabernacle

and

piety and
"

of the

his

were

of

being Joel

"

so

prophets, and

of the
the father

one

general disturbance
nurtured, with

Here

days.

their father's

Abiah

other

of the sacred

an

to

of the

name

of the

been

remnants
ance

became

suggestiveof

are

in Ramah,

gathered to him,

men

young

married, and

also he

Their

he

his earliest

into the earliest of the schools

formed

with

abode

his

up

45

so

the

over

land

long

as

existence,repelling

"rje (itork

46
its

own

of

its neighbours and

be

enemies

for

animated

one,

independence
in

one

chosen

is

of the

Ephraim
common

world, and

with

with

Him

statingthe
Secondly

be put

must

make

who

love

The

the

rottingaway

This

was

had

been

the

all your

Ashtaroth

hearts

unto

of

witness

mocking

believe

men

Jesus, and

and

our

forsaken

to

Baal

and

shameless

evident

was

religioncould

of

deities,whose

orgies of
it

God

the

Shrines

And

of

heart

into the nation's

Foul

the very

method

own.

Philistine

and

to

united

are

though their

till

the

save

that

people

the ancient

evils for which

destroyed.

Samuel's

all the .house

with

before

make

to

their mutual

of

face

eaten

rife.
of

Ephraim

vexes

the

Lord

land.

everywhere

impotent before

spectacleto

in his stead.

widespread revival

Canaanites

your

let

divisions

sad

people had

the

her

widely from

Phoenician

covered

impurity were

and

of

glory

points of agreement,

evils that had

worshipped

Ashtoreth

able

the

differ

may

images

Lord

of its

; but

The

Judah

in

living Head,

for the

unto

and

profitout

the

magnify

away.

were

and

It is

be

never

their fathers

from

proud

mission

age.

render

enemies

their

The

and

Judah,

to

truth

own

Christians

all those
as

our

envies

shall

learned

bear

bane,

beween

we

in

rivalries.

and

divisions

have

her

are

recriminations

only

distinctive

own

less desirable

Church

their

we

fulfil its

must

its future

for

tribe be

each

assertingthe independence

no

her foes.

the

enthusiasm

common

Israel

large.

at

country

condition

the

to

people.

This

and

the

of

integrity.Let

and
idiosyncrasy,
all be

time, but indifferent

by

and

llcranstnution.

of

opportunity.

of

Israel,saying, If ye do

heart, then
from
the

among

Lord,

put away
you,

and

and

serve

spake

Samuel

"And

return

the

strange

prepare
Him

unto

the

gods

(or direct)

only."

Men

be long
There
permanently without God.
may
carelessness,of unholiness, and sinful
periods of irreligious
which
the counterparts of the Baalim
are
self-indulgence,
cannot

live

of

and

Ashtaroth
flow

lament

prepared

Samuel
the

on

to

Jer.

xv.

in, for his hour

addition,
in

moderating,

and

he

that

softening

strength

goodness
back

rent

recollections
He

"

also

was

wrought

such

man

of

the

his

efforts,

all

and

blameless

work

jarring counsels
who

have

the

It

guiding,
of

is

men

into

up

grown

and

humbly

can

and

and

youth,
their

to

thankfully

look

childhood,

with

and

pure
Samuel's

certainly

conscience
to

came

the

repu

of

the

was

it

6;

qualifications.

special

national

Kirjath-jearim,that

years

of

practicalsagacity,and

"

on

xcix.

Psa.

the

breach

and

called

early beginnings of purity and

age,

or

upon

of

result
in

middle

through
sudden

no

who

those

; of

is known

S, 9;

eminent

those

the

from

that

man

be

God

come.

he

7,

be

will

Israel
of

He

themselves

particular privilege of

natural

was

all

sen-ant

has

will

there

of prayer.

ix. 6,

Sam.

said

truly

man

; but

Scripture,as

of

pages

In
"

been

the

strike

47

; and

the

Let

God.

(i

life

and

ebb

an

after

Name

i).

tation

been

has

subsequent

Divine

nature-worship

old

pre-eminently

was

the

has

the

there

where

presently
then

of

prater.

time

house

long

was

appeals

that,

it

; for

the

as

abode

Ark

the

lamented

Israel

of

his

by

while

pass,

lot.

happy

so

peaceful

twenty

was

the

after

Lord."
Notice
is the

is the

widespread

did

two

restoration

there

"

those

put

only."
God

in

the

midst

known."

of

phrases
the

national

Baalim

Would

that

time
of

the

and

and

there
land

years.

unity

which

Then

"

!
In

"

be

midst

served

similar

Lord,
of

the

"

there

the Lord

followed

was

and

Revive,

the

after

children

the

Ashtaroth,

might

of Israel

house

; lamented

repentance,

reformation

away

our

lost

all the

by

of

Israel

the

Lord

turning
thy
years

unto

work

make

in

VII.

ftljt "irt0rtJ
(i

'

Oh

'

When

vii.

back

us

vanished
the

with

back

The

the

hearts

hands

of

more

of

yore,

Faith

fire

filled

was

fervid

zeal,

and

believe

that

1-14.)

once

days

world

Bring

The

SAMUEL

bring

The

of

steel,
build."

and

LONGFELLOW.

ATER

twenty
had

Samuel

before

one

after

their

"

Israel

of

In

each

other,
Lord

the

be

is also
In

false
of
were

the

gods

their

the

fathers

from

cast
to

an

after

wheel

the

(verse
drawn

were

in

centre

with

2,

R.V.,

hub.

the

those

all

house

towards

heart-life,

our

them

yearning

all

Jehovah

feel

to

made

distinct
that

us

they

of

both

had
a

tells

friendship

probably

we

which

From
to

end

and

serve

their
in

to

return

Ashtaroth,

end

which
was

God

of

desire

toil,

If
must

we

whom

to

best.

people
and

"

centre

into

and

Israel.

there

to

exhortations

of

brought

is

first and

innumerable

urging

spokes

drawn

verses

house

the

as

and

writer

unobtrusive

to

unity,

together
drawn

and

people

old

sacred

being

Jesus

inevitably
He

enemies,

drawn

was

tnarg.).

the

The

Jehovah.

quiet

his

led

manifest

and

of

years

Him

groves

traversed

he

Jehovah

direct

pedestals,
the

end

their

and

the

to

hearts

On

only.
and

every

vicious

valleys.

of

substance

delivered

Samuel

to
to

the

have

to

the

put

all

country,
away

to

the

the

hand

orgies

the

God
idols
were

31 gag
I. THE

of Confession.

CONVOCATION

MIZPEH.

AT

moned
The

the great

of

Day

The

Atonement.

duced.

addition,

In

Jehovah.

Water

Feast

nearly

its course,

run

it

Temple,

bring thence

With

shall

joy
Whether

the

that solemn

originof

water

tears

so

they

that

could

they
not

the whole
of

were

be

as

by

of the

out

life of

of

wells

Samuel

flowing
the

pouring

of

water

was

say.

out

from

type of the

the
nation

may

as

have

the

have

of
the

pouring

floods

implied that they

of penitence and

heaviness

of

realized

spilton

water

But

up.

been

their

their

grief to

evil of the

the accumulated

people

gathered

their fathers.
G

the

wilderness,and

free from

it must
signified,

Samuel,

of

desired

that the

or

Isaiah's

chanted

service,the

Temple

their full hearts

forth from

their land

years ;

was

it is generallyassumed

though

forth of water

pouring

; that

wash

the

Holy Spirit(John vii. 37-39).

of the

poured

the case,

the

rock in the

choir

the

to

poured out
morning sacrifice,

of the

in

scene

the

choir, and

Levite

; this

water

forth

go

in

procession,it is impossibleto

memorial

was

The

in

used

smitten
out

been

have

may

draw

ye

this

salvation."

as

the

white-vestured

the

the

at

celebrated

to
priests

golden vessel

intro

was

great festival had

being

was

altar,at the hour

all around
"

in

rite

afterwards

as

that

for the

custom

water

the foot of the

words,

Lord,

Siloam, accompanied by

of

Spring

the

was

it

as

before

neighbouring well,and

the

their

confessed

novel

Whenever

Tabernacles.

of

that,

at

themselves

somewhat

before

out

people

humbled

brought from

was

solemnly poured

Such

movement

sins,afflicted their souls, and

while

The

"

sum
public demonstration, and Samuel
all Israel to Mizpeh.
the law enjoined on
devoted
to fasting,
as
day was

last demanded

at

49

utter

the

whatever

past

helplessness,

ground,
it may

which
have

when
strikingspectacle,
of his countrymen,
brought
representative
back
God
to true
to the
loyal allegiance
It was
for his manhood's
a worthy act
a

very

of
flftetfictorji

50

prime,and
outburst

Oh,
put

we

of

acclamation, he

who

shall
the

away

impaired !
Church

induce

professingChurch of God to
her testimony is now
things by which

evil

hear

in

of

things,which

would

not

raffles,full-dress
fancy-fairs,

would

come

"

We

the

sinned

THE

unmistakable

life,and
Israel"

fear

lords

(ver.7).

great army

of Israel.

There

his

heel

the

wolves

soldiers

ing,after
stand

"

panic

of

and

there

experiences
but

the
the

that

He

What

could

How

could

the

of

Lord

our

will

save

us

out

Aphek

hand

down

subjection as
in the

beneath
the

Philistines

like
prison-house,

was

of

Samson

be

arise

do

the

against

just reviv

not
to

with
to

cry

Samuel,

Philistines."
Thou

have

did Israel ; thou

another

would

years,

Cease

of the

tyrant sins,which

to

against such

do

anarchy

reason

beneath

us," the people said

of the

against

must

sheep

which
life,

Ah, soul ! this is the only hope for thee.

ground

God

timid

"

as

multitudes

the

trampled

bitter foes ?

for

God

and

it

national

up

every

peasants

the national

these

of

be

unarmed

discouragement

onset

was

hope

one

could

What

conqueror.

this great

contingents of

spread through

fear

did,

upon

went

part the

every

appeared

looked

Philistines

the

people's help,or they would

of

unto

From

terrible

the

renewed.

to

of

God

Israel

returningspiritof

the

assembled,

were

that

of

What

of

tidingsof

who
Philistines,

the

and

damp

The

"

such

spiritual

children

confess,as
"

Lord

FAITH.

OF

sign

the

"

and

Mizpeh

soirees,

they thrive.

if the

result

againstthe

reached

which

the

the

fungi indicate

in

blessed

VICTORY

convocation
an

of

the

other

many

corruption of

the

army

another

to

have

II.

an

and

concerts,

atmosphere
be

with

buildings connected

indicate

life,
as
as
certainly
unwholesome

sudden

appointed judge (ver.6).

was

dances, theatricals,
comic
like

that,as by

the

Sometimes

we

learn

surprisedto

not

are

shorn

hast

held
hast

been

thee

in

groaned

of his locks.

^Joinerof
There

seems

moral

life is

to

those

of

the

infected

which

of God

name

where

is

withheld

soul

never

then, however

and

thee

souls

in

the

The

of

power

Samuel's

they felt

them

would

only Samuel
They knew
would

not

But

pray,

that he

there
to

Divine

to
entirely

God

denotes

your

Lord

peace.

known

in the

days

of

believe in them

If

their liberties.

of

count

deliverance.

on

that

entreated

he

God.

would

the

Israel

be

must

also

the

wholeness

soul, and
spirit,

"

have

us

be.

be
Philistines,

wholly yielded

absolutelyand
in the

body

"

in

the

If

you

are

sure

before

enough simply

Failure

heart-life.

Lord,

the

consecration

give ourselves

be

must

be

to

It is not

deliverance.

There

failure in

of

sucking

to
burnt-offering

There

must

we

took

He

pray.

whole

desire

will.

sin ;

by

overcome

the

yieldingourselves

ever

to

and

God,

already

Knox

John

they might

than

as

be faith and

can

put away

the

those of

more

offered it

and

the

was

prayers

their

faith,the

and

prayed ; they now

had

did

symbolizing thus
to

save

cease.

Samuel

lamb,

be

to

of

Word

the

people had come

the palladium

The

Mary.

will

bathe

they might hold their

and

throughout the land, like

Queen

believing

would

of unwavering prayer
spirit

fightfor them,

would

of

purifying waters

cultivate the

and

that the Lord

overwhelmed

and

only the tempted

If

forgiveness

of thine enemies.

of the hand

out

clear of

obstacles,tempta

the

thee, know

sins that beset

tions,and

penitent

be

many

the

; receive

the

from

days

self-confidence

all your

out

pour

the

stand

and

away,

Jesus died

before the Cross

which

these

thy

analogous

in

nation

Hebrew

the

Only put

Judges.

evils

permission of

the

51

deliverance, because

of

hope

or

impaired by

; in the

them

help

no

|Jraijer.

that there

offering,
be

to

walk

what

always

perpetually
is

flaw

in

inner consecration.

While

the

smoke

of this

was
offering

risingin

the

calm

"IjE Uictorg of

52

air,and

the

of

eyes

figure of Samuel, who,

thousands

of

tens

Levitical

rightsin superseding the

his

function

risingto heaven,
Can

Israel.

nor

voice

the

mountains.
Israel

flung

at

themselves

strippingthe

and
flight,

tells of

the

that

irresistible

with

an

so

there

either fell
that

of the

This

the

grieve
out

beneath

and

his
be

of

more

have

than
to

do

horrors

of

ranks

their feet,

the

chasms

not

from
us

called.

the

would

put

the

too.

The

through

unclean

than

take

foes, so

that

the

evils

that
come

thing, and

flesh,the Spirit

would

that

If

us.

ourselves

Lord

Him

came

Bethcar, the

the

away

would

we

of

story for

all filthiness of the

conquerors
more

whole

touching

againstour

nothing

Philistines

the

now

behalf

our

of

fortress

of

God

separate,

interpose for

fightingon

away

safety. They

some

own

Spirit,if only

cleansingourselves
would

it is

great message

Holy

the

Josephus

the

in

men

cast

under

stand

to

when

their

of

Vineyards, as

Church

the

them."

shadow

is the

trembled

earth, or into

the

through

destroyed their

place whereon

no

helplessto

the

God

ground

pursuit only stayed

beneath

only

was

opened

The

Well

the

earthquake ;

that

"

onslaught.

was

Down

were

to

day

sky

rolled

Samuel,

added

that

on

of their weapons.
that

of God

The

which

no

thundered

flying foe.

arms

dead

circumstance

another

them."

the

upon

had

voice

of God)

signal from

mountain

Lord

peal after peal

steep they sped, catching up

in

The

discomfited

tempest,

Then

"

were

against

which

the

suddenly

the voice

(Hebrew,

with

suddenly black

But

help

the

up

crowd

prophet.

and
Philistines,

the

upon

of

of the

great thunder

the

resist ?

to

creeping

defenceless

this solemn

battle

to

near

the

within

was

Divine

for

drew

them

see

encircling the
power

answered
with

not

you

slopes, and

might

Philistines

the

Lord,

priestsin

piercing cries

his

while

; and

of the

prophet

as

fixed upon

were

deliver
we

loveth

spoil.

should
us,

us,

be
and

VIII.

Stonw

of

(i SAMUEL
And

"

all evil

Shattering
past
clash'd

And

broke

vii.

the

realms,

I rode,

this

all ;

in

and

them

made

and
and

hordes,

Pagan

through

of

everywhere,

Pagan

with

12.)

strength

customs

through

And
And

Came

in

l^lp.

them

bore

the

of

strength

mine

down

this

victor."
TENNYSON.

"

^HEN

"

and

Mizpeh
of

stone

suffered

had
the
of

victory

the

the

of

scene

his

was

cities

within

which

restored

to

Amorites,
their

Philistines

Israel,
had

from

mentary,"

says

"

Hebrew

the

reigns
kings.

Israel
of

the

story

had

been

the
of
The

the

nation
David

petty

during

in

"

Eben-ezer
of

Solomon

very

found

abstain

it

from

Ellicott's
no

Com
mere

spiritin Israel,

lifetime
and

had

were

The

was

new

the

jealousies

Israel

Gath.

and

the

of

alienated

The

Canaanites,

Spence,

sign

and

the

during

hand

from

unto

country

more

days.

Samuel

at

success

was

with

the

The

taken

with
Dean

As

This

solitaryvictory, but

all his

even

part

no

Israel.

had

side

to

(verse 14).

and

which

in

came

of

Ekron

taken

advantage

animated

Lord

capture

that

was,

supremacy

Philistines

hostilities

which

the

to

plain

the

upon

border

the

the

the

who

this

the

which

upon

led

Philistines

The

against

which

Samuel's

moment

judgeship

Lord

told

hath

established.

was

to

be

defeat

spot

(the

Eben-ezer

Hitherto

wonderful

should

that

From

How

it

between

it

set

called

same

defeat

great

(iv. i).

Ark

the

was

the

and

Shen,

and

stone,

help) saying,

This

us."

helped

took

Samuel

of

of

Samuel,

the

disappeared

great
and

"bc JStottt of Help.

54

great national

had

given place

old

idol-worship of Canaan, which

Lord

care

and

of

What

will

learned

how

to

of

be

to

the

the

are

that

religionof

pure

the

only through

only

the

by

new

not

much

so

acknowledge
the

politician,

affairs,but he

of

man

God, and

his

by

of

the

as

the

close

undisputed

an

will

men

and

open

prays

that

so

palladium

be found

through these

strewn

which

pointed out

are

last home

the

of

himself, and

who

has

character

and

liberties

national

his

his

hold

days, and
on

pilgrim;
with

"

confession

which

of

undying

with

every

and

interest.

his way

Italy;whereas
thousands

that

he

is

older

is with

he will

of

the

permanent

has

every

transience

slighta

so

sojourner
of

capable

glens and
countries

and

rocks,

is for

of

investing

barren
It

rivers.

the
the

this

world
tourist

Scotland, Germany

or

haste, without

of miles

associate

to

that
difficulty

through England

"

Britons.

he

is but

deep, rushing
It

Wales

his part of the

interest wild

spot in the

singleones

because
littleness,

on

such

approved alike his

has

his

he

the

to

life,with

his consciousness

greatness, because

that

through

greatness

Help,"

lands, from

endeavoured

this he

his

caves

make

In

earth, on

halo

reason

his

the

darksome

teems

is

endeavour

has

man

of

in Northern

ancient

and

history of

nature.

littleness and
such

world,

northern

traveller

Druids

Stone

"

Stonehenge,

the

to

the

the
of

monuments

of

those

as

the

Throughout

monoliths

such

many

circles

or

swept away

Levi, but

not

can

soul

with

walk

It

city is

the

venerable

can

the

nation

every

measure

while

The

unity.

existence.
There

of

the

give

to

intercession
and

do

intellect,
or

of

great

the tribe of

his times,

saviour

man

the

degraded

established,not

was

prayer

over

the

desire for

prophets."

but

supremacy
that

Hosts

cannot

heaven,

in

people,

guardianshipof

of the

order

chosen

the

among

the

practisedit,was

alitywhich
from

to

hesitation

Canada

or

the

or

halting,
Western

Ifessons
States.

How

of

(Bnraurarjemcnt.

different,for

instance, is

travellingthrough the New

England
and
Each
Wisconsin.
through Dakota
is

one

fragrantwith

At
one

the foot of

only recalls

this stone

lessons

two

or

his

life-work,had
Him

around

Luke

xix.

might

SITE.

chapter,that
"

and
in

Here
the

the

the

of

from

back

but

before

in

Philistines

taken

fourth
this

on

battle,

to

Philistines

had

pitched

the

Ark

of

Ashdod"

unto

of
the

the

chosen

of valour

beneath

In

this

ill-formed
race,

line

whose
and

place
was

glory.

thickest ; there
had

done

vain.

in

and
years

Israel's

fallen like

the

been

had

but
flight,

day of Gideon

the wolf.

slain

twenty

feet of

fighthad raged around the

re-taken,and taken again.

Phinehas.

again

of

Flodden

raised

he

present

Philistines

and

the

shameful

been

trampled

taken and

there

children

the

fought

was

the

the
fiercest,

Hebrews

point,desperate deeds

made,

27

witnessed

told,in

Eben-ezer

field, the

been

yonder

it was

fell,and

of

the stones

had

Samuel, when

have

Vallombrosa,

combatants

Israel

it from

must

fatal

fighthad

in

as

end

(Joshua xxiv.

are

Philistines

gathered around

corpses

God,

We

Aphek
against the

out

Now

that

on

leaves

that

which

ground

on

Eben-ezer, and

this stone,

before

said

learn

voices.

and

ears

cry out

the

i).

who

named

of

reared, at the

Lord

our

expected to

they brought

v.

Many

went

"

Aphek."

(iv.i

he

great battle of

beside

pitched
and

of the

to
little,

have

stones

disaster.

and

the

Israel

God,

; and

It stood

"

terrible defeat

spot.

mile

race.

lingerfor

which

stone

be

travelling

to

square

vanished

us

For

heard

States

of

40).

I. ITS
a

let

more.

Joshua said that the

interest

the

interestingreminiscence

some

past, whilst the other

55

to

There

Ark
At

this

Hophni

broken, and

Jephthah, fled

of

back

turn

brief stand

forefathers

the

turned

like

was

the
not

sheep

"Ije j$t0ttE of

56

But, notwithstandingall this,and

with

associated
in
of

turn,

which

the

were

and

people

result

of

be

We, too, may

fields which

again we

have
be

to

meant

foes
Our

repulsed.

banners

our

solemn

spite of

heart.

all

stand,for
been

overthrown

shall

tread

which

saw

mature

fulness

Eben-ezer

battle

of

his

shall

be

the

the

people
from

looked

What

"

which

of

shall
have
You
rocks

in

eddies

spring and

good

cheer

The

field of

very

story this

the

back

the

and

to

the

stone

the

fatal

of

back

with
on

its

the

the

dealingsof
twenty

scene

ocean,

of

God

of

of

lead

their fathers

of

God

to

years

been

had

of fronded

crown

many

the

Samuel

mighty

had

stone

work, like that

unseen

bottom

on

prophet

homeward

islet emerges
It

you

The

swirl

green

the

on

It looked

people.

quiet,unobtrusive,
insects

of

take

you

joy.

of autumn

the young

raised

of

songs

Yet

conqueror.

unfolded, of the wonderful

were

patientwork, by
ing

leaves

RETROSPECT.

tell,if all
with

withered

Be

overpowered,

fallen

We

Aphek.

ITS

II.

than

more

meant

pieces.

stand"; where

you

fields with

summer.

have

you

very

of

in

We

resolution

besettingsin.

our

the

to

We

holy

shivered

conflict,

blood.

yield.

kept, that

and

Again

and

us

battle

dashed

adversary, and

our

to make

shall behold

you

been

did

were

shall be

you

the

be

this for

in mortal

dust

we

place where

is able

those

around

of

by

very

God

"

in

efforts,
by

our

the

At

rolled

erected

hour

very

peace
have

they

overthrown

in

defeat.

by

our

part

help.

this

hopes

should

vow

carried into effect ; but

been

of

the

stone

is contained

yield again,but

to

never

that that

in

Divine

the

was

shame, which,

the

was

sadly marked

the

met

and

ground

have

there

traversing at

been

have

spot

deep transgressionon

eloquently of

so

disgrace and

livingencouragement

What

only

of

priesthood,yet

spoke

all !

the memories

the

though

the

"

coral

till presently

palms.
iconoclasm

as,

foohttujgfuh.
from

Dan

to

away

of

the

Baalim

and

groves

down

back

of
that

on

Mizpeh, when

water

sin

of

and

penitence.
back

It looked

which
offering,

intercession.

Above

when,

moment,

Lord

"

Israel, the
before

Israel."

battle

to

great thunder

well

the

upon

they were

had

against
smitten

engraved slabs

as

and

eyes

brief hour

the wrongs

of
it

ears,

forgetthe mad onslaughtof the men

foes,to avenge
fleeingand panic-stricken

their

on

that memorable

on

and

of

piercing cry

near

stone

heart, as

henceforth

would

surelynever
Israel

them,

If that

its old

drew

with

discomfited

within

memory

Philistines

back

burnt-

the

be

to

Samuel's

to

thundered

and
Philistines,
down

and

all,it looked

the

as

Israel's resolve

God,

to

offeringof

the

to
specially,

declared

wholly devoted

one

cutting

in confession

Lord

the

general putting

It looked

altars.

of all Israel at

before

out

been

Ashtaroth, the

of

convocation

poured

humble

and

overthrow

memorable
was

Beersheba, there had

57

of

in

oppressionsof twenty long

and

years.

Has

anything like

defeat

took

being any
failed,so
heart

resolve

to

If

I cherished

holy will.

fully.
permitted to quote
to

the incessant

for

my

heart

as

you

pouring out
the

There

was

the

scene

at

experience,I
so
life,
long

alien to God's

and

heart-stirring

addresses,produced but

temporary

when

were

solemn
holy living,

small

But

reverses.

idols,and

own

my

which

and

else.

is the

failure of my

conventions,helpfulbooks
result.

of your

of

which

those

of
probability

no

God, the putting away

thingsin

Rules

is

there

your

Him

bear witness

must

soul,like

will be defeated

you

On

last failure and

your

there

me,

will fail ; unless

before

be

of the

life?

your

long monotony

defeated,so

you

follow

may

in the

break

been

have

of your

as

acts

place at Mizpeh, believe

you

have

no

place in
If since

depend.
been

there have

there
As

will

much

answer

this taken

Mizpeh

amendment,
had

been

but

very
little

reflected in

"rje %tam

58
the inner mirror

spot marked

very
You

keep

cannot

old

one

long

as

the

moth

crack

have

stood

on

reader

my

of

house,

your

keep diphtheriafrom
drains

will

home,

Eben-ezer

of

of

Mizpeh

sin,all complicitywith
so

as

box,

or

your

stone

watch-tower

Only

long

so

emitting the poison of

is

raise your

the

this.

ponder

neglected cupboard

some

never

Christ.

of

Let
out

in the

will

all known
eyes

in

cannot

You

until you

the

defeat.

You

one

sewer-gas.

away

by

the

victorytook place on

soul, then

blanket, stored

is full of it.
so

of the

Help.

at

is

what
his

even

and

put

grievous in

keeping

power

avail.
You

say that you

the

as

deadly

serpent

folds

creeper

has

threatens

and
life,
How

can

fascination

to

do

cannot

Are

will,like
is

there

glad

one

be

cannot

you

and

should,
almost

of

may

Naomi

"Sit

as

take

"

would,

you

pray

doubt

not

moment
we

resource

Him

or

it to

to

it

it ?

apart from

What

you

be made

willing?

happens

that

and

will

that you

Him
be

not

the

Then

resents.

Christ,tell

undertake

to

that
as

you

difficult and

your

desperate case.

Do

he

historyof the soul

tough piece of iron, resists

strong

so

only question is,

The

in the

enough

your

Physician is willing

willing

you

of

tree

deliverance

will do.

Are

The

sons.

has

live

Great

and

you

in its deadly embrace.

cannot

rescue

or,

the

which

that

the

his

and

death

feel you

yourself,He

willing ?

you

Often

for

it to

yourself of

your

thing clingsto

Laocoon

point where

interposefor

evil

itself around

crush

you

is the

that

Ah,

that

around
wound

to

rid

you

The

cannot.

our

press
gave

to
to

the

result.

III.

takes

and

when

heart

the

consolation

our

Ruth

in

...

INSCRIPTION.

"
"

Hitherto

hath

has

which

moment
man

give at

we

He

once

memorable

for the
daughter;
finished the thing this day."

ITS

what

givingit ;

still,
my

have

He

taken
the

it,

good

her

life :

rest

until

of

will not

the

the Lord

helped

Our
us."
it had

also

ward.

seemed

have

twenty

been

glorious victory,unless
and

could

to

finish

to

build

He

He
what

He

without

have

of

have

carrying it
As

we

to

crowd

we

may

to

on

us,

emboldened
His

love

He'll

leave

Each

sweet

through life,if

faith you

will derive

will claim

begun
and

to

the

help

both

will have

you

"

with

say

to

that

erect

will

be

back

for

ever

the
stone

deep
Lord

work
to

the

sigh

margin

glory

helped."

of

land

of
our

to

help

to

The
of

the

cost

erect

our

of

our

"

quite through.

me

if

God,

if

grace,
of

raise

only

you

He

has

of

help

stones

therefore, obtained
this

river.

day, testifying
that

stone

As

shall

saying

once
"

set

our

enter

up

more,

Hitherto

shall

we

turn

we

pilgrimage, and

perfected satisfaction,

only by

all that

these

unto

eternity,we
God,

threaten,

think

for

last
the

trust

Having,

"

to

sink

to

crowning

I stand

great."

the

Would

in review

grace

and

God,

the

begun

counting

to

me

only

occasions

worship

of

Him

is from

on

and

will

you

Apostle,

on

finish

Newton

I have

the

and

small

help;

have

difficulties

with

good pleasure

continuance

this

in

responsibilities begin

last in trouble

from

he

careful

be
new

Eben-czer
his

results

being prepared

without

us

sing

at

me

will

He

so

present

very

abilityto

past forbids

in time

unforeseen

to

Confirms

All

his

when

and

fresh

or

back

as

that

so

seen,

such

secure

Would

campaign

to

without

commenced?

conclusion

stones,

be

much

so

through life,let

go

Eben-ezer

done

on

well

as

helped,

been

had

calculatingon

entered

have

we

witnessed, culminating

He

had

has

impossible

had

years

as

forward

God

As

say,

59

retrospect,

It looked

to

It would

those

had

stone

prospect.

It

help.
as

if the

Surely

(Bbcn-c^crs.

on

great

with
hath

the

IX.

"

(teat

Disapp0inttmttt

(i
'

who

They

'

Can

have

From

calmly

learnt

have

pain's

their

steeped

anguish

every
who

They

vii., viii. )

SAMUEL

dark

to

well

souls
bear

in

Prayer

pray

aright

draw

up

delight."
HOUGHTON.

THE

and

easy

enough

not

appear

against
let
arms

"

how

of

I.

His

Divine
was

so

of

dear

happy

wherever

representative
but

the

of

and

messenger

him,

BEFEL.

his

he

During

the

Samuel

fellow-country
in

the

as

at

Thence

of

was

the

Reign

Theocracy,

and

Hebrews.

the

minister

he

went

strove

Divine
of

the

Ramah,

Samuel

came,

agent

it

old

Aphek,

belief

know

were

years.

and

of

hearts

profound

home

of

"

in

all devout

see

integrity.

up

we

to

now

disappoint

as

of

the

in

world

are

keen

glorious victory

and

childhood's
and

of

his

fast

which

to

We

turn

counsels;

our

against

the

that

King,

headquarters

journeys,

he

build

something
the

said

be

may

face

DISAPPOINTMENT

followed
to

the

in

tide

the

refuse

defence

does

really are

we

approved.

still held

he

THE

himself

which

the

himself

that

is

metal

least

at

Job,

that

men

his

bore

the

on

and

it is

fruition,

Let

faces

is with

stream

into

what

But

their

stand

true

our

How

years

of

then

flowing

ripening

are

and

disappointment

conditions.

avert
to

the

best.

our

such

men

driven

This

said

set

let

Samuel

ment.

at

under

us;

be

us

be

to

When

plans

our

is

character

failure.

apparent
us,

of

test

supreme

the

on

to

King.
Lord

of

scene

itinerating
only

act

Who
of

Hosts

as

was

JVn InspiringConception.
With

all the

of his character

and

that

were

insisted

he

speech

force

the

to
Jehovah, owing allegiance

Him

direction in times of

of battle.

but
officials,

laws, but

those

ful and

musical

that

the

for

learning.
between

The

which

their office

resuscitation
other

some

in the law

men

should

they

had

but

had

God

Samuel
one

imbue

by

the minds

conceptionsof
it

must

than

have

the

by
been

from

time

the

Samuel

(x.3-5

the

in

his heart.

of

his

Divine

was

Kingship ;

young

constant

and

of whom

house

of

We

Elijah and
had

they

Kings ii.).

he had
institutions,
his

with

countrymen

interpret

the

on

; xix. 23, 24;

It

be

lightwhat

sites,where

these

that

in secret.

days

same

up

to

midst

ears

of

hope

should

tell in the

to

their

flourishingin

these

who

the

for

existence.

into

be fitted

should

had

clear

was

darkness, to proclaim

built
laboriously

purpose

it better

men,

stand

sons

the

It

of

purpose

encourage

of

to

his

the

order

apparently on

some

realize

called

who

his

seats

right to

and

be

whispered to

schools

Eli

must

time

these

forfeited its

people,and

in the

instituted

As

the

his

of

priestlyorder.

God,

fro

of
interpretation

institution

people.

an

arise from

these
"

the

of

to

heard

tops what

wise

entirelyto

demanded

holy oracles

been

of

and

to

he instituted the schools

as

to
instituted,

was

beauti

heareth."

the

religiousbody

times

trained

were

his

and

of

lips,like a
constantly being breathed,

Samuel's

abjectlyand

too

Elisha

upon

priesthood had

Jehovah

failed

find

Israel,still

was

went

no

code

no

It

he

attribute

must

we

and

in his mind

To

Him.

days

King

was

messages

from

thy servant

prophets.

times

the

of

objectwas

same

the

The

His

in

deliverance

as

refrain,the words

The

the

uttered

emanated

land

Speak, Lord,

of

who

receivingfrom

Jehovah

"

subjects of

the

alone, and

king

no

inspiringconception;

throughout
"

those

Him

of his

eloquence

and
perplexity,

needed

They

people

61

and

eager
his

how

ardent

to
inspiration

desire

sublime

own

would

?
disciples

them

to

he

do

And

to live in

62

JC

and

of

his

saint in one,

They
and

young

needed

and

prevailed in
it their

counted
But

the

old, he

was

act

the

domestic

the

to

adviser

of

in the

of

for

him, and

the

extreme

he

walked

the

took

bribes,and

King,
his

the

South

be

to

but

ways,

make

for

"Behold,
make

now

the
thou
us

disastrous

Looked
much

at

old, and

from

into

Eastern

frontier

It showed

the

Ammonite

to

on

The

experi

failure.

They

lucre, and

Ramah,

the

there

the

in

said

thy

ways

nations."
was

pushing

were

(xiii.
3, 5) ;

country

dangerous neighbour on the

fear that disintegration
was
on

Samuel's

the request shattered

appreciateand

not

Philistines

of

people

that his ideal

arrange

standpoint,there

The

that

urge

permanent

walk

human

was

to

authority. They

sons

of

and
representative

of

like all the

us

heart

(xi.i);

hand,

him

people

the

the

might again separate

other

him

"all the elders

and

at

his

thy

the request.

the

the

Samuel

king to judge

Nahash

on

to

perpetuation of

to warrant

their outposts

heavy

too

after

aside

turned

satisfactoryand

more

art
a

to

perverted judgment."

popular assembly,came

ments

became

assist

country.

the catastrophe ;
precipitated
kind
a
Israel,"who evidentlyformed

should

have

to

continue

became
to

sons

This

he

him.

with

seems

and
justice,

unseen

appointed

in his

they

people in their national and

of administeringthe govern
burden

frontiers of

not

and

his

proved, however,

ment

wrestled

Samuel

As

sons.

administer

The

name

high purpose

his

failureof

less able

affairs.

his

realize

22) ;

all

to

mightilyhe
21,

high

cityby

was

associated

be

to

his

own

he

accessible

; viii. 10,

highesthonour

faihtreto

in his

was

(ver.9); how

(vii.
17

prayer

befallen,
through

as

respected he

his assistance

loftiness

of
inspiration

felt the

how

states

was

for the

they revered

(ix.12, 13);

old

who

illustrious man,

whom

how

saw

who

ment,

is appointment.

character,whilst they

ideals.

"

"

with this great and

contact
man

(great

was

too

the

death.

prophet'shopes.

loftyand

maintain.

But,

for
spiritual

They

could

not

Stttiirersal
failure.
believe

in the

only
and

symbols

universal

always craving
children
may

of

and

see

and

Hence

become

that

mountain

in

or

This

be

read

its churches

which

gates

; the

voices

of

tongue
into
for

"

of the

appeal

in
to

the

people;
Yet

saints,before

the

themselves; the
foot

by golden
the exquisite

mingleswith

everything that

this

earliest

it recited

common

service

in

Athanasius, Cyril,

cross

boys in renderingthe
can

the

spiritual
worship.

the

this fact is

was

the tongue

men

of the reader

bass

deep

spiritand

where

picturesof
and

is

God

"in

to

worship."

to

Church

on

off from

is shut

of Holies

Holy

in

days

candles

burn

women

tendency

that

its earliest

the

full of

are

believe

of

insisted

images, and

eschewed

they may

debate, whether

Scripturesin

the

the

which

gods

the Church

"

Like

prostrate them

may

country

It is

man.

us

shows

to

national

From

Chrysostom.
and

Make

ought
in

written

was

of

visible.

they

into the

enter

heart

worshipped

Jerusalem men

chapter

prayers

which

must

to

outward

something which

It is hard

Its
illustrated.
strikingly
product of Apostolicdays
and

"

spiritual
worship

He

truth ; it is easier

the

cry,

demand

materialistic.

and
Spirit,

of

and

their

before

all

the

have

must

royalty.

sensuous

us," men

handle,

selves.

the

for

they

failure

Israel, with

before

go

of

splendour

is the

This

invisible ;

63

almost

an

the

unknown
is called

sense

requisition. Apparently the people love to have it so,

they stand in dense crowds on the spacious pavements,

and
genuflections
and

the

the

where

eye

ennoble
man

common

"

has

is

those

in

I did not

rebels and

levels of

out

for

Name

I turned

with

from

on

God,

these

ear

something

dailyexperience.

more

of

ornate

people,

to

and

conceptions that
nature

profuse

God's

the

allure,or

that the

wonder

cries

to

centred

great

Divine

gatheringsof

other

to

nothing

thought

splendour is

As

obeisance.

splendidsymbols

in which

the

of

invocation

following each

attract;

the

only

elevate
the

and

ordinary

suited

to

the

Q,

64
combat

To

before

For

us.

and

minarets

to

the

of

into

the

"

It

tured

The

it

and

the

by

had

and

sun

clear that

of his cherished
circumstances

it would

Kingdom

could

be

these

bitter

broken

of

hearts and

heavy laden
how

By
read

fail

"

many

Women

set

Refuge

streets

"

summer,

it
for

one

young

an

ideal lifeof love and

to

should
the

the

in

his

not

great

nations

soul, nur
frustrated ;

was

realization

the

impossibleto imagine
givingit effect. If it failed

would

unto

hearts

Divine
away.

for the

made

labour

one

for

safeguard

all that
the

the

pass

never

assured

disappointed ones
whose

king

was

lives,for

prayed

The

rejectedhim

be

never

us

of

and

all
are

Lord."
words

these

blessedness,but

as

who

on

they
are

be

may

filled

were

marriage-daywith high and buoyant hope,

of

"

grasp

level

of every
could

whom

"

He

to

circumstances, he
the

festal

in their climb

"

wrecked

Samuel

that

"

arisen

which

may

the

entirely unless, indeed,

up,

we

not

had

they

the

to

favourable

risingand

the

prayer.

failed

had

dream, since

more

of

had

there

in Israel

Harbour

that

that

but

city,whose

they said,Give

fallen

hope

one

dew

was

Under

; not

DISAPPOINTMENT.

much

They

gone

firstborn,with

of

rejected God

them.

conception, and

hour

HIS

so

has

touched,

other

of the

when

ascend,

equally
fellow-worshippers
of angels,the spirits
of just

hosts

BORE

not

was

over

but

each

at

self,but that they had

around.

Zion

the rays

Church

SAMUEL

judge us."
King

be

can

surely, whose

Solomon,

thing displeasedSamuel

be

that

thither

Lord

heavenly Jerusalem

contact

How

II.

the

"

the
perfect,

come

we

the

catch

city as

numerous

made

men

where

worshippersthat jostledeach

Temple

and

real

day

of

crowds

might

certainly" Mount

but

each

hearts

mount

monuments

setting sun,
walk

not

us,

less

not

mount

and

Hebrews

the

these, the Epistleto

minds

our

is appointment.

continually dwell,

there

and

desires like

written,that

was

("r*at

their

dreamed

mourning

J$gtnpatljtT.
gttrine
over

the withered

able

sense

such

thingsby
society,to mould

of

and

trust

in

fashion

the

effect

to

business,to

State

Ministers

their sacred

visions
saw
calling,
consecration, tenderness, shepherd-care,and
paternal

who,
of

the

on

threshold

solicitude,which
reflected in
of

face

is

There

no

Samuel's

by

There

There

is

help for

less.

To

tell God

peace

; and

the

he

there

the

Lord

inaudible

sweet

to

everthingby

III.

in the
i

Lord.

Go

as

road

sobs

the

be

comfort

along the

his servant.

the

prayer

be

it will be

to

choke

and

com-

his

whom

one

He

so

at

The

"

heart.

Be

careful

known

unto

God

Unlike

mouth,
for

with
supplication,

and

low
words

first.

be bitter in the

may

always does,

soft and

there.

notions

our

requests be made

but

and

; and

Divine

DIVINE

cried
answer

ANSWER
to

it

the
was

AND

to

may
the

they

the peace

passeth all understanding shall guard

your thoughtsin Christ Jesus."

THE

as

nothing,but
thanksgiving,

that

Samuel

When

suggested

for the

be far

may

voice may

; but

quite chime
prophet'sroll,they

hearts

that

seeth,knoweth,

you

answered
The

not

God

can

the

unto

comfort

to

Father

the

in with

of

Whither

comforteth.

be almost

let your

sur

hearts ?

tell,where

cannot

his love

will,answer.

will be

prayed

helpless,and

you

Through

Then

and

for broken

everythingis

where

utterance,

mother

do?

to

stirs the

everything. Weep your tears out at his

bind and
understand, can
sympathize,can
in Gilead; there is a Physician there.
is Balm

heal.

forteth.

of wind

questionsbut

these

to

picturesof foliage

tell

He

the

such

is there

resort

feet.

can

breath

a
are

action, when

and

Him,

to

when

What

answer

the

vanished, as

lakes

water!

What

of

have

deep

the

they go

in

that meant

lives,to succeed

and

irrecover

promises,the
Men

peace

their

great

lead

the broken

vows,

65

your

ENCOURAGEMENT."
his

Lord

about

made

clear that

sore

trouble,

the cherished

Jl (great g

66

of

ideal

he

must

"hearken

time

same

his

discovering that God

have

"They
It is

and

when

the

The

very

to

present

exposing Him
It

sin.
There

to

has

is

received

when

do

Cross.

tenderness
It

seems

that fulness
that

be

the

world

element

as

of human

true

"

the
must

if the
aroma

have

men

self-sacrifice

by

till Christ

Cross

of

of tender
in

Him

and

proved

without

Him
of

human

modern

writer

cowardice

all the

Christ

has

sympathy

"

go

delicacyof
of

lived and

exhaled
how

They

outgrowth
had

have

not

the

died,

impossible." Now,

was

his

loved

tenderness.

idea, and

sympathy

been

and

his

his shadow

account

perceptiblyan

though,

when

this could

sufferingon

not

He

under

within

reign

Did

self-sacrifice

his

extent

same

his

disciplesforsook
of

phrase
account

on

not

shelter

to

large an

is

the

city,which

the

chosen

Him

saying that crueltyand

also

into

enter

Grace.

yearning love, and

different sides of the

Christian

to

refuse

his

beautifullysaid

common

own.

rejectedMe."

will count

Spirit of

excessive

been

together,so
are

so

his

griefwhich

hearts, which

abandonment

of his

that the

than

sufferingto God,

own

his

when

tenderness

been

"

not

pain and

Surely none

the
his

believed

ing wings,and
fled ?

Confidant,

Holy Spirit.

patriotdevotion, refused

with

king.

greatlymitigatedby

is summoned

man

human

rejectionby
do
despite to

brethren

to

and

infinitely
greater

attributes

of his

Jesus suffer

Friend

was

in the awful

God

which

extravagant

and

Sufferingof God.

The

subordinate

and
Fellow-Sufferer,

was

when

his tender

bring on

his

abdicate

rejected thee, but they have

not

fellowshipwith

his

heart

great honour

prophet's mind

purpose,

Almighty

sorrow

was

of the Divine

sorrow

his

The

their voice."

unto

the

high

abandoned.

the

on

become

to

therefore,"said

Now,

At

step down

be

to

in

his

renounce

position,and
"

have

borne

impression was

distinct
that

would

lifetime

is appointment.

through

strong

Holy Nature,

if

and

this
how

67

31 ^oknttt protest.
have

acutely He must
vineyard cast Him
surfer

that

alone; they
that God

taught us

sorrowed, loved, as human

which
depths of intensity
Thou

who

Bear

Thou

Our

guilt,our

Bear

The

rebellion

demands

of

men,

the

pressed beneath

was

the

as

cannot

we

God,

my
Thee.

groaning

is

waggon

sin

pressed

NOBLE

part based

the

of

request

TOWARDS

crisis

people

for

PEOPLE

THE

had

as

now

doubt, in

king was,

no

seemed

to

In

Hannah's

xvii, 14, which

Deut.

on

such

BEHAVIOUR

notice.

our

The

arisen.

anticipate
song,

prophecy of the day

Jehovah should give strengthto his king and exalt
horn of his anointed
(i Sam. ii. 10). But the present

also, there
when
the

had

undue

instead

of

God,

God,

these
he

that

to

would
in such

be

after

man

set

seekingto

ascertain

their hearts.

protested solemnly to

demanded
a

of

with

the

circumstances, and

through them

king

prematurely, and

Samuel
Instead

haste.

they had

which

Under

on

mind ;
people had made up their own
consultingthe aged prophet,they dictated the

of

policyon

unmistakable

an

sprung

passion and

mind

and

been

been

request had

of

that God

SAMUEL'S

IV.

the

says

its sheaves.

beneath

just

find us, for

us

prophet

and

and

"

helplessmisery.

our

only canst, O God,

who

Thou

Seek

shame,

load

our

it be

load

load, whatever

our

yearned,
heightsand

but that He

bear

all burdens

hast borne

He

Divine.

indeed

are

the
not

Father.

do, only with

fathers

of

did

He

the

saw

impassive;

not

was

Him

saw

keepers

But

Him.

slew

and

out

the

when

suffered

in his stature

and

the

the

the

own

bearing,in

was

express direction

deputation of elders,

people, showing

reign. It
a spirit
as

God's

with

the

of the

manner

impossible that

characterized

the

heart.

wanted

They

his martial

prowess

king

people could
one

and

who,

deeds,

JV (great ^Ji

68

be

should
This

much

was

God,
God

done

and

familiar

destined

labour
and

royal

in

the

wives

of

aries and

to

taxation

while

the

would

other

confiscated
be

flocks

hard-earned

money

indulgence of
lead

imposed

and

people

to

the

be

to

of

because
the Lord

answer

protest and
"

The

departed
see

you

in that

in man,

and

their

king slain,their

fortunes

reduced

Lord

in the

the

to

; and

the

their

see

self-

kind

this

to

that
you

its
be

day,
; and

however,

unto

will have

we

from

in

day."
were,

; but

land, and

would

chosen

hearken

to

heavy

awoke

taken

out

cry

remonstrance

people refused

trusted

heart

to

shall

ye shall have

they said,Nay

They

national

which

experienceof
rashly

so

of

pleasures and

the nation

as

lands,

pasture lands

still and

the

on

brief

step

of the

the

for

and

system

the

stand

outcry,
the

produce

to

palace.

king

will not

us."

destined

have

luxuries

covered

irreparable."Ye

; and

Samuel

would

; but

your

Samuel's
in vain.

which

confection-

olivcyards,farms
the

on

daughters

demand

caprice.

herds

universal

minister

the

From

elaborate

squandered

grievous mistake
found

their

at

men

unremunerated

exact

would

people they

of

Kings

of the

court

their lands.

and

the

were

service of the young

the

They

state.

extrava

fighttheir battles,and

weapons,

the

would

leanness

life,which

in the

reappear

tillageof

would

the

on

sends

royalty in neighbouring coun

of

enforce

bakemeats,

be

that

happens

Oriental

All the

human

royal appetite. A7ineyardsand

would

it

request, but

foresaw.

would

They

their

they desired,

as

often

to

(Psa.cvi. 15).

fabricate their

to

And

! how

our

prodigalityof

tries,were

to

Ah
to

accompaniment

Israel.

code.

them.

according

character, obedience

than

Mosaic

that Samuel

Dangers
gance

the

unto

souls

our

them

to

neighbouring monarchs.

with

compare

more

gives us

into

to

loyaltyto

or

it was

so

worthy

arm

in the
land

lowest

of

alike

the voice
a

king

of

over

flesh; their

sequel they
over-run,

and

possibleebb.

were

the

Samuel's IHagttnnimitiT.
Does
reduce
order

the

make

lust of

thy

be the

Man

whom

He

and

eyes,

hath

steed,a

foal

remarkable

to

his crown,

the

line of his

This

is

Ewald

who,

in

Samuel

existingsystem
eagerness

"

the

of

further

build up

an

his

structure

had

to

their
with
them.

which

lay

remark

of

who

force

his

of

to

efforts in this

of

will,but

own

and

great
after

all the force and

better form

personalsuffering."

life,and
to

well

direction,and

existing

Only slowly,

realize that

to

the

into

on

vitalize the

his hands.

awoke

history

character

initiate

then

sought

ready

in

men

previous form

much

Samuel

were

great

set

he

must

himself

to

organization. In doing this he

previous convictions, and do violence

entirelynew

sacrifice
better

his

judgment

that he

be

reed

for

could

necessity,with

and

against his wishes, he

abandon

to

he

summons,

against their

of the

his power,

few

the

the

to

best

sheer

by

first

convinced

which
institutions,

had

broken

not

the Divine

happiestresults,amid
During the early years of

and

the

do

to

one

of their nature;

maturity of

does

He

people had made

up
assembly, and set himself

terminate
at

Saviour.

own

is

energy,

wards, when

thee.

Calvary,

the

to

critical times,

inimitable

and

thoughts.
the
remarkable, and
justifies

very

"

of

sceptre is the

of thorns

that

saw

thy flesh,the
Let thy King

Man

Prince

appetite

nor

life !

bring to

His

magnanimity

the

be

sense

the

thine

sight of

lust of

chosen,

from, but

this in obedience

did

with

the

unity and

to

the

pride of thy

exalted

dismissed

mind, he

along

the

of

shall

who

one

nature

; let not

heed

enrich.

Samuel

When

"

after

ears

hath

exact

impoverish,but

He

thine

God

whom

will not

his

for

king

choose

selection ; take

the

He

lest thou

hearing of

the

or

for

out

cry

passions of thy
conflicting

beware

"

eyes,

heart

thy

69

had

been

second, where

he

had

at

such

he

had

the
pull down
pains to establish

to

been

an

very
; he

unchallenged

"

7"

first.

tive,
the

when

But
he

new

age

the

just

impossible

was

of

the

its

most

become

greater

or

doubt

the

possible

without

"if

career

following

century

all

that

so

boasts

visible

the

but

be

can

im

far

more

which

of
him

to

are

been

have

greatness

back

goes

deeds

still there

conspicuous,

less

has

which

age.

would

glory

from

out

Church,

Samuel's,

of

borders

the

stepped

David's

than

blaze

within

it

that

found

of the

of

organizer

he

Free

Churches

Samuel's

influential

the

greatest

David's

efficient

sought

alterna

no

was

Scotland,

of

dazzling

there

when

he

Ewald,

more

that

and

build

to

continues

"And,"

devoted

Church

began
of

one

that

what

secure

Established

realized

Chalmers,

Dr.

as

to

pale, and

no

he

once

became

"1is appointment.

(Smtt

the

its

as

real

author."
There

are

search

to

the

have

suffered

and

want

something

we

us

and

courtesy
others

why

"

claims
let
way

At

; let

adapt

as

us

else,

times
that
for

care

all

the

that

the

blood

best

cement

the

and

grace
of

the

new

our

is

care

we

order;

grit that

handiwork.

we

to

leading

heroism

can

by

us

for

ourselves
us

command,

will, by God's

right
been

have

we

let

our

press

which

nay,

for

way

Samuel's

over

self-sacrifice

our

of

flock

than

more

to

will

God's

that

grudging

make

refuse

remember

us

They

realize

it with
we

and

loved,

us.

We
do

to

rights

let

from

turn

which

us,

have

we

should

Why

of

some

more.

tempted

our

such

ourselves

for, suddenly

are

renounce

of

whom

people

ill grace.

an

lives

the

something

and

and

overseers

with

The

sacrificed

acknowledge

us

placed

the

quick.

abdicate,

must

in

crises

supreme

let

us

it

expedite
knowing
blessing,

be

X.

of
SAMUEL

(i

'

! thou

Yes

'

well

dost

inward

Thine

Of

aids

ix., x.)

build

to

faith.

to

answers,

All

Circumstances.

mount

for

the

about
stalwart

invading

oppose

needful,

are

fence

guard

doubt.

strife is hard."
COLERIDGE.

"

7HOSO

shall

he

even

of

and

wise

is

understand
In

Lord."

the

of

sums

up

his

five

track

of

the

pilgrim-host,

languishing

in

depression,

the

the

arid

and

all

this

work

to

all

In

It
and

than

the

purity

the

was

group

man

young

though
tradition

spring
dawn

emerged

"

is in

God

he

did

is

there

of
was

no

before

the

the

not

states, who

prisoner

sick

from

long
from

crew

from

things, if carefully
that

assurance

and

God

is in

causing

all

Eastern

ascent

on

comprising

one,

it ; and

afterwards

who
a

attained

which

the

when

Ramah

12,

26).

14,

aged

seer;

king-elect,

herdsman,
such

clearness

sky,

the

was

clearly

lives.

our

exquisite

in the

goodly,"

realize

how

city gate (vers. u,

the

from

show
of

With

steep

illustrative of

more

which

us,

breaking
the

passage

day.

remarkable
and

the

smiling paradise

circumstances

the

descended

men

stood, and
The

of

all these

and

psalmist

perfect plan.

chapters

the

was

three

of

storm-tossed

of
"

testimony

his

out

Scripture

mightily

and

the

the

(Psa. cvii.). The

permitting, directing, controlling,

events

things

life

things,

loving-kindness

experience

of

these

words

recovery

wilderness

their

these

evolution

the

parched

yield

observed,

the

deliverance

the

human

chains, the

breakers,

angry

an

tableaux

his

observe

will

an

Doeg,

so

unhappy

f"ljzWaitz

72
but
notoriety,
his

on

the

be

the

at

of

end

on

may

cause

thee

(i)

"

The

Take

of

asses

valuable

too

were

hear

to

the

now

said

not

down

Saul, Bid thy

this

servant

time, that

of God."

LED

THAT

lose.

might
going

were

still at

left

inaugurateda

TO

UP

Kish

"And

with

INCIDENT.

THIS

Kish, Saul's father,were

to

been

lost.

said

they

Saul,his

to

thee, and

But

son,

arise,go seek

asses."

the

when

But

they

Shalisha, but

through the
he

and

"

And

and

of

land

them

Shalim,
the

land

she-asses

Yes, but

they

kingdom

on

thee

promote
for

do

(2) By
seekers

of

furrow

common

God's

found

thought of

tracks

faithful

shall

He

drive

we

of them

in

the
the

call thee

hid

them

not;

this

in

of

no

purpose.

Let

them

will

what

for the

only,

presently come
God

little,and
Do

stray !

their worth

for

thou

will

hast

to

highestservice

depends

treasure

plough

to

them

faithful in much.

be

findingof

which

with

Be

what

of

consumed

but all

seeking,not

who

man

to

and

God,
the

Often

worth

are

the

because

but

Well,

land

traveller,asking many

"

Lost

hill

Benjamites, but they

were

in

search,

the

they passed

they found

of the

stopping every
questions,scrutinizing
every trail
fruitless

far their

the

then

there

days

how

passed through

not

and

Three

not."

them

he

passed through

they found

passed through

found

they littlerealized

them.

Ephraim,

of

country

left home

lead

would

search

the

they

to

thou

of the servants

one

front, that he

As

Word

CIRCUMSTANCES

I. THE

"

stand

but

us,

had

transaction,which

city,Samuel

the

before

pass

solemn

in attendance

servant

city gate

in

on

life of Saul.

in the

epoch

new

the

sent

was

the

to

simply a

When

son.

servant

witness

time

at that

was

master's

behind,

of Cirtutnatanaa.

on

lowly labour

the

care

along

the

chance,

the

dailytoil.

providence,which
land

some

call

themselves

in the

his father's

possibleanxietyarrested

of

Joseph,

and
the

there

steps

gibine $lan.
of the young
lest my

farmer, and

father

for us."

leave

This

trait in Saul's
for

the

of

those

would
great cities,

stringsstretched
with

who

are

to

even

intermittent

commendable

from

would

What

he

effect of

silver which

in the

discovered

was

their

pocket, as

gift

Seer, the

the

to

of whom

in the

the

encounter

the

asses

to

came

Clearly

designing mind

if it

believe that
a

hair cannot

the

from
K

the

express

precise positionwhere

hear the word

But

with

high place,
street, and

so

they

sign

many
should

them, the

go,

and

seat

prophet.

happened by
been
wrought
of

purpose
he

The

in all these

was

have

not

like

of the

separate detail had

every

the

could

They

hand

its
hill,"

fact that Samuel

which

the way

of

made

sunshine.

were

"

the instruction

evidently a Divine

stances

into

by

on

in the main

place that awaited

the

portionprepared by
How

three

piece

men

feast in the

found

were

pointed them

posts that

to

himself

Samuel

set

was

the
inquiries,

made

the

two

intense

the

his way

on

with

tidingsthat

till they

they

city,and

was

the

glisteningin

houses

maidens

thre"e

of the servant's

bottom

for the gate of the little city,"which

white

so

without

months

or

are

thought of

have

our

that often

welfare

tidings?
(3) Having arranged for the offeringof

weeks

in

of the heart
eyes

the

feared

and

home

considerate

Saul

cares

men

young

breaking,and the
the tidingsof their

who

man

our

away

little more

his father.

on

all

that

thought

is likeliest to be

him

to

nearest

tears, because

scanty and

days

be

whole,

return,

us

take

and

good

the

Would

men.

and

asses,

On

especiallythose

women,

brim

indicated

character.

feelingsof

ruler

good

for the

let

and

"

said, Come,

he

caring

remark

73

might

circum
chance.
out

in

driving Saul
still and

stand

of the Lord.

was

so

as

much

with

circumstances,must

be

said of all circumstances

may

fall to the

tree, apart

these

ground

from

from

God,

can

head,

our
we

say

or

of

not

we

If

sparrow

anything,

"l)" 3J0:"

74

it is

that

let it be

trivial

too

that

granted

tion of evil men,

will of

will in them

for

our

others

which

God's

purpose

ran

murderers

on

all those

of

Divine

is

He

fateful

the

awful

opened

eyes

before

his

always

leads

road

it

is

slept at

not

path,

the

vacant

was

the

into

to

perish

the

destination

quick

the

to

eye, the

thingsthat

unexpected

an

He

plan.

pockets
who

had

the
the

ready

the

to

road

ear, and

hath

take

flashed

his

leads

never

exposure

which

has

prepared path
waiting portion.

quagmire, or
of

of

scenes

coin in the

Father

God

and

handwriting,and

and

child

in

much

as

emotion.

of

the

that

powerful

memorable

beheld

And

seat

say

more

is still

Divine

him.

the

everywhere

though angels

as

long, but

moorland
a

chart

the

on

cannot

we

those

on

singleevent

is

He

Father's

the

direct

obedient

leads

him

the

cold.

leads,and
the obedient

prepared for

them

Him.

INCIDENT
Samuel's

prophet

purpose,

betrayers

that

herself

to

be

heart, to detect

II. THE

his

to

only awaits

that love

read

of

always

of the

God

that

lot,as

our

deeds

here, or

admit

all part of

are

eyes

the

on

The

than

sending.

forgottenthat strayingasses,

may

trustful and

There

since

in

as

direct

marked

not

Calvary with evident

may

direction

out

and

creation

be

its absence,

The

was

God's

trace

his

was

in the street, the presence

encounter

the

of

and

it never

Let

that

must

we

when

days

There

the

by

us

ennoblement,

of

wicked

so
infinitely,

same

now,

Gethsemane

or

days

circumstance

every

Lord.

present there

more

than

then

through the
our

much

as

may

evidently

are

Providence;

and

same,

we

instiga

the

at

reach

to

and
discipline

own

of

happen

permitted

are

Even

plan ?

Divine

the

incidents

many

therefore

those

and

into

come

yet they

and

God,

to

of (KimtmstntueB.

which

or

house

had

SAUL'S
that

like

ANOINTING.

night,and

prepared his

burnt

FIRST

couch

on

there

clear flame

in

the

with
his

"

Saul

housetop.
a

special

heart;

for

75
when
who
"

house

the

communed

his

with

longed

poured into
fears, of
seemed

the

the

have

may
some

Divine

might

the

lived in

had

flocks

but
try-side,
He

"

woods.

end

the

dawn

Samuel

I may

that

Up,

by

called

send

of the

thee

citythe

oil,and

poured

to

servant

took

from

it upon

the

beneath

his

touch, giving him

signated

the

king, and

fealty.
thee
It
he
"

be

to
was

had

it

"Is

the

ished

hour
as

he

strong
the

heart;

new

such

no

of

The

the

did

on

there

the

was

change

birth,or
field of

he

the

an

descent

and

the

as

hath

vial
bent

which

of

at
two

head

token

de

his

own

anointed

"

wonder

does

no

sleeping

the

"

that

Samuel," it

from

chronicle

radical
new

go

of

Lord

No

to

that

young

in

in Saul's life.

back

welfare.

anointing

the

in

coun

of his breast the

out

great hour
his

probably

housetop,saying,

on,

conversion,
at

sent

"that

awoke

breath

on

his inheritance

heart.1'
a

the

kissing him

not," said he,

turned

received

leaves

prince over

another

the

Then

was

the

out

talk of the

national

on

away."

work

soil,who

in the

the

Saul

would

sphere,interested

stirred the

had

sons.

longing

skill,Samuel

before

Samuel

and

of the

of

his

ears

threads

crops,

thoughts

together,Samuel

stood
of

few

failure of his

juncture, who

this

son

and

Probably

young

circumscribed

narrow,

awoke
the

told

careful

of the young

with

was

nounced

with

Thus,

herds, in vines

and

he

those

tangled

and

hopes

that

of the

at

have

may

frustrated, of fears

realized.

appear

He

story of his

the

being

frayed and

pattern.

profound sympathy in

been

whispered into

and

day,

housetop."

rejection,and

own

sleepingsoul

the

of

man,

young
the

of

events

with

had

point

the

to

up

patrioticlongings.

and

that

one

gather up

the

on

listeningear

hopes

on

stole

strange

stir his soul

to

the story of his

that

Saul

passionate

own

He

the

pondering

was

He

quiet,he

was

not

say

when

was

that

with
he

saving regenerationor
as

comes

would

Gilboa.

over
never

But

he

the

soul

have

per

had

new

"lj" ftaicz of (Kircumatanaa.

76
aims,
of

become

had

everything

mark

us

but

another,

impenetrable
only

the

on

the

cloud

into

the

III.
are

of

railway,
is

the

of

we

to

tell

that

us

"

words,
It

ing
must

not

his
hear

they

all

great

We

will

in

the

stand

or

knock
at

the

Is

that

Peter

the

see

of
door

seek

this in the

sheet

the

three

the

to

if the
those

are

it

names

which

obstacles,

and

hear

let down

for

corroboration

from

him

voice

speak

heaven

from
sent

men

the

way

should

which

by

is meant
"

of

immense

an

circumstances
what

subsequent

the

see

will, it is

this

enquiring

corrobor-

the

questions arise,as they

God's

not

we

right train,

difficulties

mountains

my

enough

decisions
trace

right.

make

of

again

the

them,

corroborating

with

meet

heart,

line

and

sun,

travelling by

is in

So, when

by

been

When

"

on

of

eternity.

for

count

If, in

through

has
the

FOLLOWED.

one

slab

dissolved

work

time-tables,

list.

the

has

rain

some

beneath
a

work

sped before

sure

whether

hurry

the

are

I will

was

to

we

be

certainly

confronted

are

are

reassurance

may

THAT

the

we

in

we

whether

as

consult

stations, as

will when

there

has

make

may

questions

mentioned

are

; but

The

have

to

by

ideal

presage

you

possible

fresh

circumstances.

to

and

away,

arrested

rock.

dew

to

we

outward

comfort

the

that

path,

one

seed

CIRCUMSTANCES

God's

ation

the

seemed
See

THE

on

of

surface, but

sky.

sense,

passed

be

to

unchangeable

which

In

is

It

"

inspired by

and

had

things

heart

new

rapid sprouting

the

resolves.

distinction.

and

mind,

stronger

and

significance

new.

this
not

and

importance

deepest, old

the

not

Let

the

determinations

life, new

though

of

conceptions

new

Cornelius,

(Acts x.).
of

chapter.

he

circumstance.

In

XL

JVs (Drrasion
SAMUEL

(i
There

"

lies
e'en

For

desert

no

that

Laboured

With

of

the

in

thee

in

of

life ;

barrenest

faith

doth

seem,

hope,

and

rich

and

harvests,

heavenly

land

that

tract

7.)

x.

shall

teem

rife."

gatherings

KEMBLE.

led

CIRCUMSTANCES
nation

of

special

and

momentous

All

"

place.

(i) First, by
two

his

that

father

was

the

of

and

other

but

would

family,

the

others

kingdom

This
called

is

sign
to

it be

of

give
the

case

that

to

at

wholly

they

are

for

the

and

relieved

himself

to

without

found
and
the

"

son?

my

will

devote

them

claim, but

their

hearts

love

of

his

like,

of

men

father

he

must

to

those

who

service

for

and

leave

to

Gibeah.

inestimable

themselves

be

could

and

taking

was

henceforth

field, to

them

of

Divine

the

waiting, and

estates

still of

I do

be

to

home-ties,

have

the

of

attend

was

The

always

care

shall

prophet

found,

and

asses,

the

Benjamin,

of

been

had

the

What

the

could

being prepared.

were

If

the

of

Asses

Others

border

asses

was

and

work.

higher

him

for

"

he

that
farm

the

interposition.

the

brow

day."

that

pass

the

significant evidence

very

care

to

in

care

saying,

son,

each

accuracy

came

so

corroborate

to

unfailing precision

that

left the

their

on

carry

old

tomb,

say

It indicated

choice.
of

to

had

his

for

thought
This

him

met

men

Rachel's

to

the

signs

those

desig

secret

circumstances,

destined

were

with

and

as

unerring

and

anticipated them,
took

significant

With

act.

king;

as

impression,

Divine

the

Saul

Samuel's

to

up

value
to

needed

direct
at

home,

to

feel
God.

provide

3V

78
for

the

maintenance

child,they have

which

The

the

Apostle

he

wherein

he

"

each

has

which

given

"

will

sage

received

Saul

in

come

found."

abide

with

(2) Next,
and

is

of which
on

Abraham

that his cloud

will

or

kind

Saul

been

Jacob, had

an

un

speaking
follow.

to

bewilderment

three

met

are

(the situation

Tabor

terebinth,of

pilgrimageto Bethel, which,

and

be

us

filled with

mes

asses

voice has been

beckoning

forward,

went

oak,

the

is

the

from

the

of

days

the

by

hallowed

going

men

most

associations.

sacred
These

to the
votive-offerings

and

him

with

thee

; and

their

What

imply

Divine

was

nation

even

God

would

First

two

of the

which

was

arise towards

hid

in

the

be

this

the

act

pressed home
whom
one

on

they
who

had

might

God.
also !

respect and

king whom

unto

loaves,as though

he

Almighty

saluted

they

greeting,Peace

with

compel

they would,

kids,three loaves,

ordinary wayfarer,but

no

homage

to

three

"

Spirit,that

lay
significance
that

with

conviction

inner

encountered
share

Eastern

presented him
the

by

them

invariable

the

an

shrine

said

(or skin, taarg.}of wine.

bottle

obeying

Samuel

carrying,as

were

men

their

the

that

let the
slacken

to

long delay
"The

absolutelyunknown),

sacred

of

his hand

another:

or

that the Lord's

he

as

near

awe,

Cor.

unmistakable

lipsof Samuel,

Without

form

one

assurance

heart,and

the

that
man,

(i

God"

and

clear

the

at

circumstance

Any

mistakable
to

let each

Brethren,

call,as

of circumstances.

hold

that
to

in

abide

man

and patiently
for
recipientwait trustfully
the

honourable

of great unsettlement

Let

called."

was

duty

certainlyis

most

or

R.V.).

God

that

time

called, therein

was

vii. 20, 24,

When

in

gave

disciples.

callingwherein

all such

to

message

wife

sacred

no

Corinthian

as

sisters,of

or

"

discharge.
the

aged parents

from
that
rightto withdraw
holyobligation until God givesthem an

that

"

of

He

it not

Did
reverence

had

of

chosen,

JC ^Hcmornblc lesson.
and

that

there should
sustain

required to
that

he

need

the

he

kingdom

the

on

established
income
the

be

clothed,since,if he sought

his

all thingsbesides
righteousness,

and
added

and

doubt

no

be

will be

if he

only

repent, his bread

to

be sure,
head

the

; first the

angels will
eat

bury it with
hands

the

of

lesson
had

this

on

come

and

meet,

been
he
as

in the

matter

with

he

came

to

for

it was,

there

was

when

and

shekel;
was

when

his

of

case

Stephen

He
life,

reason

shall

water

over

and

then the

that

he

may
will

Moses,

by

or

carried

was

gave
The

Apostles.
which

demand

the

to

memorable

tax-collector

take

in obedience

take

to

up

opened

and

give
to

the

the

meet

in his purse

thou

Go

hast

to

the

the
his

unto

could

Peter

it.

with

Master

money

no

hook, and

thou

that

in the

as

well able

"

purpose.
a

de

in death

life,and

would

have

of his labour

application;but,
or

available

house

sea," said

the

Master,

fish that firstcometh

mouth,
them

Saviour's

not

Doubtless, if the

"

been

cast

woman,

in

no

broods

cloud

plying his craft,there

anxiety out of the produce

have

and

his

still been

would

for the

and

the

body

Lord's

to

Peter

need

no

Moses

as

those

call,he will have

provide bread

as

men,

to

had

fisherman

to

on

great lamentations.

occasion

one

and

to

hands,

own

devout

amid

his grave
On

his

boat

the

widow

for his

care

of

source

blamed,

be

may

out

well-

leaving a

the

commanded

will

God

be

or

first

steps

lucrative

given him,

then

ravens,

be

some

will fall where

manna

eat

trackless,
inhospitabledesert; but
be

shall

who

God

casting himself

God's

to

true

assurance

should

stepping from
; he

for

the

to

on

of
may

givingup

blamed,

him

on

an

he

what

servant

He

to

seem

may

Was

obedience.

of

business

; he

pendent

It

should

about

heaving,changefulwaters

was

"

anxious

will befall each

path

it not

were

be

of God

This, too,

supplieswhich

of the

royal state

be
certainly

would

lack

no

his

not

drink, or how

be

79

thou
for

Me

call that

shalt

and
Peter

up;

find

thee."
had

JU (Suasion

8o

given

his

up

own

recognisedthat
that

.incumbent

need

you

forth

go

forget;

all other

you

said, "for

He

Christ's

legitimatedues.

God

who

Do

and

the

employ

other

have

and

column,

by

reared
Hard

the

They
and

down

coming

and

fervour

ecstasy

fell under

holy rapture

he

passed

him

over

he

had

which

he

which

had

had

sympathy
known

never

with

before.

vibrated

never

pressions,the
"

The

sense

of

Spiritof

prophesied among
This

established.

had

The

afflatus of

and

as

spell.

So

to

prophetic
their
had

change
his

divine

Chords

before, began

from

these

psaltery,

beheld

Saul

great

his

connected

men

young

brief absence

his

sightof

home,

raptures

within his soul,

answer

in strange

im
to spiritual
Yearnings after God, susceptibility

unison.

soul.

its

during

now

them,

erection,

victory.

high placewith

harp.

garrison,
"

within

Samuel

the

upon

was

of

which

from

timbrel,a pipe,and

that

school

prophetic

were

band

to

stands, probably

famous

some

probably almost

encountered

Saul

preferred

the

where

Philistines

commemorate

to

fact,which

translated

word

sentence,
of the

thinking it

him, have

to

garrison

was

Saul

to

of the

the

this spot, and

by

home,
with

them

there

announce

meaning

monument,"

or

"the

on

wealthy, but

commentators,

known

well

rendered

that

other

would

so

If

taxes, and

hope

the

of

the

unrighteous

the

your

doles

in

"

note

R.v.

; but

Samuel

been

have

must

be

pay

set

toil,was
thee."

and

"

came

Philistines there

unlikely that

not

the

on

to

needs,

richlyall thingsto enjoy.

the hill of God
to
(Gibeah,R.V.,

giveth us

Saul
(3) Finally,
marg.). The A.V.
of

Me

Him

surely trust

may

the

Himself

will not

errands,He

Lord

his

by

met

the

and

identified

He

uncertaintyof riches,"or
on

been

have

when

on

livelihood

of providingfor
responsibility

Himself.

on

common

to

the

otherwise

would

of

means

remarkable

the

God

and

unseen
came

eternal, filled his

mightilyupon

him,

and

he

them."

assertion

need

not

astonish

us.

It is

JV (Blorioua
by

no

means

find

to

uncommon

81

$ribiU0e.

temporarily and

men

who
impressions,
spasmodicallyaffected by strong religious
their
not
are
permanently and
savingly delivered from
former
of life. It is possibleto
worldly or selfish manner
be enlightened,to taste of the heavenly gift,
to be a
par
taker

of the

the world
drunk
and

Holy Ghost,

to

of the

rain and

bear

yet

and

come,

be solemnized

to

moistened

and

thistles.

thorns

the powers

land

yet fall away.

been

by

with

the

Seed

of

have

may

gentledew,
spring up

may

depth of earth, and yet wither

Simon
was
deeply wrought on by all he saw and
away.
felt during Philip's
visit to Samaria, but the Apostle declared
quickly where

that he

still "in

was

is

there

no

the

gallof

bitterness

bond

the

and

of

iniquity."
what

But

influence
sion.

the

He

filled

suddenly and

stantlysensible
in

on

come

on

whom

He

successive
us,

permanent
to

us

we

of the

Minor,

fillus, and

early

of power
may

that

so

and

not

only

but

be

the

were
as
holy infillings,

Asia

posses

in the

came

waves

that

so

superficial

and

mightilyfor specialwork,

highlands of

the

on

In

come

may

of us,

may

those

Church.

grace

verts

in each

God

did with

transient

only a

was

Spiritof
He

of

days

Saul

become,

may

The

abide, as

to

be

con

first con

we

be

may

Stephen. (Compare Acts iv. 8 ;

xiii.52 ; vi. 5 ; note the change of tenses,eic.}
calls us to specialservice He
Whenever
God
provides a
how
the
specialanointingof the Holy Spirit. Remember
Lord
Moses, saying, See, I have called by
spake unto
permanently full,as

was

"

Bezaleel

name

the

the

Spiritof God,

knowledge,

and

universallytrue.
be

the

claim

in all
As

Uri ; and

of

manner

as
certainly

But

and step

out

we

must

without
on

the

I have

filled him

with

in

wisdom, and

appropriateit ;

that it is ours,
L

in

equipment.

and

of

son

understanding,and
workmanship." This

there
look

is the
up

call,there
for

feelingit,we

it,we
must

predestinedpath.

in
is
will

must

reckon
It is in

JU "rraston

82

the

of obedience

act

of the

fullyaware

for the

equipped
Master

all his

of

...

transformation

him

the

also among

Saul

of

cuted,
Word.

joined

when

or

Bunyan

One

"

and

Newton

Samuel, the father of these blessed

the first tremor

he

the

of the
reason.

been

not

exalted

for

place, probably
the

comprehend
which

meditation

with
?

movements

Thee

bade

guest,

he

served

(ver.7).

sanctified

in

Only

him

Thou

common

evil,making
same

their

them

spiritfrom
shower

and

might
events

whom

can

of life,

moments

awe-stricken

and

must

for the

room

occasion

as

exercise of

circumstances
them

use

for

may

good

be
or

stepping-stonesor stumbling-blocks.The

circumstances
lesson

we

To

circumstance

The

Divinely contrived, but

hours.

high

understand.

always

sense.

he

crowding

astonished

in each
is

that

the

supreme

canst

his

act

There

the

the

to

up

prayer,

the recent

dismissed

Samuel

and

Saul

passed,and

went

of
significance

Holy God,

most

unto

Ere

himself,he

within
transpired

had

turn,

of

full

had

of excitement

regained full mastery

and

perse

"

When

but

Is Saul

!
wonder, then, if he partake of his gifts

What

we

he

beginning to

were

and

"

had

divined

Has

"

and

ministers

Samuel

in effect

said

the

stiras when

he

became

with

that

all that

another,

Christians,whom

people,however,

be

him,

great

as

may

they

amazed

to

one

It made

interview

he

circulate,and

people."

the

of the older

of Saul's

Rumours

the

they said

and

prophets

Tarsus

Spirit upon
farmer

Christ

servant, whom

my

my

in the young

beforetime;

that

so

thank

Spiritof

the

Behold

"

them,

I have
uphold.
put
shall bring forth judgment to

knew

that

servants,

This

and

suddenly

of the present age, and

demands

say of each

may

become

we

possession. Oh,

mightilyon

come

may

that

may

transmits

his friend and

produce

to

come

his

all ; but

flowers and

in

answer

neighbour.
com

one

In
; in

one

man

very
case,

receives
different
the

another, weeds

sun

and

feat

poppies.

The

Divine

the

necessity

and

after, and

of

the

Lord

for

the

of
We

it is useless

long

should

own

sanctified
him

To
white
a

air

judgment
sent

me."

left

was

him

from

it

him,

first

the

and

when

of

house

half

asleep,

necessary

; but

so

so

soon

he

that

decision

the

on

was

led

and

act

we

that

told

the

to

went

dreamland,

to

for

achieved

through

and

the

overcometh,
is

it be
we

is

he

or

they that

are

we

Apostle

revived

fate

given

angel

bewildered,

had

glass.

giftof righteousness

prison,

carefully watched

be

through

May
that

in

of

look

Only

God's

thing, he

light

we

it is

do.

the

of

as

when

departed

was

long

the

dazed

walking

which

judgment

hands,

that

he

pane

creatures

we

his

then

which

need

was

of

his

understanding.

that

stone,

shines.

the

the

as

consider,

; but

and

from

led

sharp morning
to

the

unless

grace

Peter

trance,

able

"

of

considered

So

the

as

will

the

abundant

clear

night when

streets, and

had

he

of

visitant

second

that

before

looks
what

an

through

So

freely given

memorable

that

living in

life

automatons.

it,and

in life.

Mary.

of

cattle, nor

be

reign

Peter

ascertain

through

as

it will

celestial

and

not

are

deliverance

the

to

order

obviate

not

that

prudence,

judgment,

our

driven

abundance

On

lives does

our

regimen

the

shining

the

receive

the

be

We

use

shall

of

dumb,

guidance,
must

in

always

not

chance.

of

upzvards, in

may

are

exercise

the

exercise

God

of

guidance

is.

is

There

for

83

Ketoartr.

may

surely

the

which

be

just, because

Urim

the

happy

our

able
I

Master

promises
and

Shekinah

privilege to
to

seek

say
not

with
my

to

give

Thummin

stone

and

light glows
receive
our

own

it

Lord,

at
"

will, but

his

My
his

XII.

Ittiur

(i
if He

What

"

Conflicts.

attfc (Du"r

hath

in

try'd

By

tribulations,

I shall

first

things adverse,

and

state

injuries, insults,

and

Contempts,

that

decreed

humble

Be

xi.)

SAMUEL

and

scorns,

violence

and

snares

"

MILTON.

eleventh

THE

the

first

selection,

his

before

forth

nations,

and

there
he

that

is

This
Within

the

the

great

delivered

the

door

sick

of

and

of his

men

are

that

heart

and

of

another,

slave

if you

heart

of

would

you

with
upon

the

known

inward

outward

Nahash.

fight.
sin

and

fight,which

themselves.

been

great

to

fight,that

read

American

that, full often,

combat,

with

Clarkson,

permitted

the

If,

familiar

known

had

been

had

Garrison,

have
the

or

latter,

outward

the

inner

for
had

you

inner

is another

with

the

always

prison evangelist,

the

weary

is

there

the

the

fightwith

waging

the

the

in

to

fight there

themselves,

suggestion

secrets

the

the

the

was

was

conquered

in

erect

There

symptom

no

surrounding

himself, against

for

had

within

with

philanthropist"
was

world,

the

Howard,
who

so

wage

the

use

probably

stood

beneath

; there

made

he

; he

looked

fight.

for Israel
Saul

justified

once

of

and

have

of another

made

was

king.

that

eyes

himself

fight

must

for

that

was

always

of

and

because

carried

the

darkness

they

it was

It at

detraction

of

It

Saul, taking place

of

people,

own

man

Saul

fight

and

which

eye,

to

that

voice

the

record

is the

previous

of

chapter,

fight

himself;

inch

reign

inauguration.

his

of

eyes

every
this

his

victory.

great

of the

act

silenced

and

surface, there
outward

after

the

as

in

But

public

month

records

verse

and

closed

he

might

each
the
turn

JV Double Victory.
his

attention

thought and

heard

the

would

be

soldier of Christ

Lord

my

to

it is

Yet

side

on

againstthe
inward
he

by side;
evil of

aloof
"

confine

morbid

let

two

for

God

weighed against the

all carry
side

in

to

Two

Saul's

I.
He

"

other

hand,

outward

SAUL'S

Mizpeh,

you

Surely
as

the

that

common

only to
might grow

were

we

of

failure

these
that

that

just in proportion as

be

that

two

if he

if he

did, in his heart, that

vision

of

field

know

victories

let the

Let

without, and

the

depressed.

outward

man

should

about

the

we
conflict,

together,and

this

lie upon

Saul's inward
first,

fightand
INWARD

new

where

chapter

fightand

we

go

on

conquers

fails within

we

able

are

we

shall

over

full

are

of

secondly,

conquest.

AND

VICTORY.

temptation to pride. Samuel,

kingdom,
so

which

conquest

FIGHT, CONFLICT,

the subtle

constitute the
at

"

did, againstthe Ammonites.

he

fought

own

suppose

and

consciousness

It is

Saul

as

thoughts

interest

sin

experience.

will conquer

overcome,
as

the

let every

will fail without.

come,

awful

inner

our

by side,and

within, he
he

in

of my

nothing

arrogant, and

common

on

go

solid

only conflicting

knew

inward

the

to

those

win

we

if,on

had

conflicts

were

man

become

the

not

conflict,
so

two

and
dispirited
self-centred,

and

No,

world, and

from

ourselves

if

for

the

whereas

temptation

these

all that

us

saying:

outward

It

rule of the Home-land."

the

he might
fight,

stood

that

for

good

had

Perhaps

temper."

relinquishthe
to

sand
shifting

great soldiers

these

to

all attention

bend

go

better

be

it would

of the

"

battle for

the

fight,if only

irresolute

heard

have

even

himself

win

to

have

would

you

ills,if only

outward

instead
and

vacillatingnature
might

and

this inward

on,

; and

to
saying bitterly

conquer,

these

wage

stand

to

to

me

against

perpetuallyto
ground

for

easy

himself

to

85

great

called

defeat

great national
and

(i)

"

eager

to

assembly

victory had

been

86

inner

recorded

in earlier

Israelites

by

tribe of
then

his

from

God's

was

flowed

his

If

Saul

ever

And

appealed

to

stood

it

discovered

This

modesty

hiding

natural

traits

be

once

upon

to

him

Milan.

at

when

who,
of

sermon

in another

Kirk

burden.

Those

yieldingbefore
better
are

God

that
the

humble

who
than

such

to

they

whom

turn
assume

after

again
to

his

to

time, they
that

admiration

our

as

that he
who

of

preach

more

than

John

Living

that

hours

was

themselves

might
thrust

as

assume

one

was

quickly

some

and

be

It reminds

also
to

but

cannot

the

famous

possible
led

are,

who
exalts.

who

by

blessed

high positions,

of self-assumption,fail ;
proud spirit

themselves,

God

when

Thummim,

and

us

Shotts, travelled
only

front, and

second

which
responsibility

chosen

was

ordinary

everywhere

Ambrose,

It reminds
he

o'

the

all

for him

character

of

moment

city of Alexandria

and

direction,and

Spiritof

they

evade

sought

stone,

the

left the

kingly

of

baggage-waggons.

the

Saul's

had

However,

for the

Urim

among

of

bishop ;

elected

looked

the

oil

he

crown.

for the

his unobtrusiveness.

by

Athanasius, who

not

the

was

extremely beautiful,and

was

greatlyenhanced
of

of

that

the

to

He

presented himself

and

only when,

was

above

stood

have

They

Samuel

possessed

shoulders

candidate

direction

the

was

the

forth

found.

anointing

the

was

Matrites,

lot indicated

be

to

lot

the

First the

of the

with

him, that

be found.

to

not

he

master

king

prayer

clan

not

that

might

to

the

was

and

unrivalled

the

in vain.

of

; that

man

have

might

was

he

ambition

people as
he

head

elect their

left to God.

conversation

standing head

presence,

allowed

he

designated king ;

over

men.

previous

the

ultimatelythe

and

; but

to

multitudes

After

lot.

taken, then

was

of Kish

son

proceeded

through

family of Kish,

Saul, the

teeming

disposing of it was

the

Benjamin

the

knew

God

to

cast, and

was

their

In

days.

gathered there, and

appeal

an

(Konflkta.

nntr "uter

generally think

deprecate notorietyand

but

others
show

"

Jt Strong temptation.
There

(2)

Amid

vindictiveness.
which

save

adulation
What

"

us

that

voices

marred

was

that

acid ?

that

he

chapter,
"his

that

forth

well

in hand.

He

held

To

The

to

let it be

trampled

Hebrew,

The

striking.
tended

"

He

not

to

deep into

his

It is

deaf

to

as
was

fret

Jabesh-gilead,

but

of

hold

the

to

he

had

been

to

though

as

did hear

He

he

when
to

your

as

"

deaf

though

he

"

had

word

; every

made

he

were

as

though

he

detraction,deaf

to

unkind

and

can

man

charitable

speeches,and treat them as though they had

to God, leaving with
spoken, turning from man

been

his
him

vindication,believingthat
a

chance,

vindicatingthe
If Saul

had

as

He

true

prowess
to

sooner

certainly
gave

most

listened

God

and

these

temper
men

and

or

Saul

later will
a

more

pre

struck

act

let

it in the

to

the

"

let

to

not

you,

hold

A.V.,

phrase,

not

peace,

to

himself

that

from

of

capable

he held

case

was

same

suggested by

soul,but

slander, deaf

in this

was

your

It

ground.
margin, is still

hear.

great power

; but

examines

foot in anger,

irritation and

of

He

snatched

or

his heart

of

cry

hold

to

"

Saul.

told

are

one

rest

of

heart

English phrase

more

taken

under

we

but in this

is

all the

vindictiveness.

of the

old

criticism

of

trampled beneath

and

greatly."

the

use

fascinatingit

it go, not

midst

heard

againstwrong,

his peace.

more

it be

he

kindled

was

anger

flaming

the

when

the

crowd.

the

by

penetratedto

for
pusillanimous,

was

this

spoil all

to

the

stung

of

of

voices
shall

vinegar turned

embers

smouldering

his feet the

!"

sentence

desire for revenge,

the

King

felt that the clamour

one

have
have

the

How

us

not

the
of

must

poison must

conquered

not

by

drop

voices

These

adder's

he

the

has

to

the

enough

before

who

him

were
"

is

assailed
save

whispered,

strewn

is there

spite,so

The

be

may

God

there

voice

such

public man

of kind
and

nomination,

One

"

shouts,

Belial,who

of

detractors, men

the

his

applauded

man

temptation which

the strong

was

87

deaf.
were
un

not

God

give

chance,

of

of his soul.

noticed

them, he

Inner
have

might
for

if,on

he

drifted into

the

might

been

done

better

quer

the

(3)
been

than

of
spirit

There

the

"

He

been

token

of

God's

choice

Israel ;
the

number

young

men,

had

thronged

rejoicinghad
scious

of

being
his

and

in

he

when

again in

drove

God

would

These

afterwards

blasted

which

betrayed

suicide

humble

; he

it with

God

the

; how

the

; but at

door

of

he

this time

him

of

con

to

back

was

ostentation

to

his rustic

already his.

was

became

or

and

of his life at

; he

do

We

and

died

was

career

twice he

not

hurled

morose

the death

least,he remained

of
spirit

put

his

moody

murderer

the

soul.

which

once

wondering

step forth into

to

trulygreat

than

heart of

vindicate

for him

insanityby

more

; that

he

return

loyal

songs
was

chivalryand

the

befallen,and

royaltywhich

put his foot upon

to

to

the

whole
plough, and for one
the fields,
meditatingmuch

had

the

frenzied

David

his

across

elements

; the

javelinat

that he

oxen

of

the

were

forgetGilboa
his

hand

open

manifestation

the

of

the

enough

be

by

; he

temptation

every

to

land ;

with

yet, when

; and

noble

was

him

in

amid

fired

were

him

him

the

of

king

have
assem

by

forth

his home

to

rally about

to

strange chance

the

him

con

Gibeah.

to

indicated

path, and

his

the

kissed

stood

hearts

about

fatherland

he

life ; he took

on

whose

Gibeah, in spiteof

excess,

month

able

had

to

he must

Mizpeh

and

acknowledged

accompanied

strength of
again

he

have

not

When

Sign after sign had

people's clamour,
enthusiasm,

which

from

to

as

self-restraint.

of
spirit

returned

of

it,he

so

deaf, and

were

designated by Samuel,
for

noticed

could

ostentation.

temptation to

homage.

of

he

temptation by

more

dispersed he

was

had

one

had

He

people.
the

by

imputation

and
tyrannically,

act

though

as

revenge

was

plied

blage

to act

the

other, he

of his

their slander,

over

to

open

to

perplexingposition,

passed

the

goaded

and

had

if,on

large number

he

himself

; whereas

have

alienate

laid

"onflkfs.

awkward

an

hand,

one

have

cowardice

might

nnfc Outer

revenge

his foot

and
upon

left
that

petitionfor IMp-

"
love

of ostentation

do

his

to

take

that

dailywork,
the helm

tempts

all,settinghimself

us

waiting until

and

of the

We

state.

89

God

cannot

to

summoned

him

but admire

this

greatly.
You, too,
amiable
soul

the

possessed

awful

through

and

they will

Ghost

Holy

conscious

conflict

of

the transcendent

come

character

your

established

II.

and

back

came

the

story

growth of
indwellingof the

drew

told how,

that

who,

the

hundred

of God.

Saul

evening, as
low

wail of distress
its

known
what

he asked

Gibeah

"

hard

of

pressed by the

before, had

years

it

Then

Jordan, in the land

Gilead, the cityof Jabesh-gileadwas

Ammonites,

Son

people that they weep

across

may

nature, but the

populace makes
to

near

One

"

Eastern

aileth the

What
was

he

as

there

nature

Saviour, that
ever-glorious

field,he heard
the

in and

it that

to

amiable

own

CONFLICT.

which

panic by
anguish ; and
"

the

See

world.

be the wild

permanent

from

and

meant.

the

OUTWARD

THE

many

virtues of your

the natural

life of the

not

may

of

presence

strengthened by the power of the

be able ultimatelyto withstand
not

traits of your

the

of the

traits,but unless

natural

be

be

may

been

had
never
disastrouslydefeated by Jephthah, but who
relinquishedtheir claim to the land. Under Nahash, the
around
king,they had gathered in overwhelming numbers
the

beleagueredcity.

extricate
alone

themselves, but

had

of Nahash
then

came,

Its citizens had

been
; and

the

extracted
if at

right eye

because

the

left eye

from

the

make

their best

week

of

would

man

him

no

respite

deliverance
be

put out,

useless for purposes

of course,

to

clemency

contemptuous

of that week

of every

was,

One

vain.

the end

which, undoubtedly,would
war,

in

tried

always covered

of

by

the shield.
to Gibeah, of Benjamin,
despairthe messengers came
because
in the days of the judges Jabesh-gilead
had refused

In

ifnttcr anfc "titsr

9"

join in

to

had

and

their

the

given

hour

of

who

felt

had

But

if it

as

help.

but

had

they

threatened

to

Then

the

suddenly

man

who
of

mightilyupon

Saul

the

the

Lord

God

time

the

you,

will

God

of

will

you

will work

also

in

them

land.

us,

the

old

with

you
forward

for

war

by

the

and

people

mission

do

and

of

such

of the

works

on

those

obeyed

the

undisciplined mob

Sir Walter

as

way,

used

shalled
fall upon
sent

to

coming,

them,
the

but

to

Jabesh-gileadto
and

They

Saul, in

directingthem
Ammonites

their

hearts

in

by
the

tell
were

He

them,

cut

Scott
the

summon

tells
clans

fierycross.

royalsummons.
;

you,

piecesthrough

Similarlythe entire people throughout the whole

Israel

would

the foe.

sent

chieftains

Spirit

overwhelming

bullocks, slew

messengers

on,

grace

the

otherwise

what

on

his

the

also,when

He

as

the

"

easilybeset

so

almost

an

to

came

that

battle,if by

life

your

God

still further

sins which

the

power

for Israel."

inward

upon
in

some

Highland

day

became

learn

we

; and

great salvation
in the

Spiritof

on
"

people

laid hold

In

The

them.

altogethernew

little further

come

the

"

that

the

on

pieces,and by

the

out

not

them,

of

himself

conquered
the

you

InstantlySaul

help

told

upon

on

could

are

absolutely impossible;

be

would

they

midst

the

an

"

will

he

had

trample

bear

and

power,

if

"

hopeless despondency.

true

come

help

uprisingof

fell

will be

for

the

wrought

If you
of

Lord

in this awful

Gibeah, and

of

living in

that

in

aware

claim

was

close

We

"

those

the

between

the

hope

in his heart.

of

Saul

no

blood-tie

people of Gibeah despaired. It

impossiblein that short space to send

were

effectual

fear

of

againstthe Benjaminites,
its daughters in marriage to

therefore, a

was,

they

would

seemed

hundred

and
Jabesh-gilead

they

help

four

There

sons.

people

of extermination

war

(Konflirts.

the
three

of

power

different

morning.
the

at

were

people

glad. Then,

of

firstbut

God,
routes

message

that
as

land

an

mar

to
was

help was
the morning

91

broke

the

over

different

quiet hills

sides

hosts.

Saul

were

Israel ; and

the rout

two

men

and

an

world

auspiciousbeginning for

the

If so, there
"

the

fight

that there

with

to

recreation,which

your

rightwith
not

self from

conditions

the

circumstances

skin, and
habit

of

break

great

woman,
own

father
from

to

you

was

was

man's

life.

thing

to

that she

quick,sensitive

has

people

and

that

offend

; to

Get

deliver your

cost

sin.

to

you

do.

not, handle

taste

habit

habits

be

bind

if

our

like

our

; for
are

of

the

That

you.

and

strong and

vain, or

passed on

nature, that you

to

has

you
cannot

power

is the

It may

passed

vehement

proud, or

it

narcotism;

against heredity.

passionateman,
a

of

fellowshipwhich

of

; it may

that

is the battle

your

fighthis lonely fightagainst

bonds

his ancestors,

mother
and

the

fightin

Thirdly,there

your

books,

any

circle

on

bad

where

not,

At

always

source

"

second

that

to

your

must

impurityand immorality nothing but

can

perhaps

got

the

reminded

constant

first

; touch

inner

of

Gird

quite wise

house

is the

be of alcoholism

of God

that your

is

clothes,our

our

has

man

every

it may

be

may

like

are

the

sin

are

man

of life that tempt

is

there

Secondly,

It is

be separate.

and

out

come

friendshipor

circumstances

your

victory,

fight. First,there is,of

which

That

curse.

noontide,

the

the

We

those
literature,

that

of

men

reign.

new

constantly causing

are

the

self-mastery.

that

sleeping

wonderful

was

that

to

from

yourselffrom

been

has

the

business

that

of

onset

of circumstances.

remove

renounce

extricate

be

rightlyso.

that

to

feet; hardly

victoryover

circles

these, and

temptation;

their

good fightof faith."

circle

give up

to

such

must

several

are

the outer

course,

live;

win

not

you

the

complete that, by

so

It

to

begin

left

upon

to

sprang

resist the

to

was

army

together.

selves

unable

not

were

Would

part

his

launched

Panic-stricken,they

awake, they

three

valleysof Gilead, from

and

be
on,

desires ;

quick-tempered
something
keep

calm

of her
and

Inner

still,cannot
deaf.

hold

Every

the

know

them

between

battle

Him

and

thus

you

them,

and

Die

your

outward

grace

of

have

died

inner

of yourself

do, temptations

self

which

the

flowers

the

and
life

are

to

power

Ammon,

blood

as

which

that

nothing

of

the

Ammon.

is life

not

good

must

fight

your

men

of faith

then

will
;

be

lay

left
hold

the

the

on

your

out

of

agony

applause
confessed

fight, and

our

And

Christ.

of

is

Ah,

!
in

the

to

with

inner

down

What

compared

fight

fight

possessions

must

an

sprinkled

is

the

you

yield,

trampled

success

two

that

you

with

face

lonely

heart

the

by

when

not

that

when

done,

to

compared

you

we

loving

indeed.

things

the

is

Thus

Ah,
the

all

victory

yourself?

are

Ah,

that

habit, when

of

face

your

to

What
of

crown

Fight, fight, fight

life

of

and

come

become

that

know

spell

you

crucify.

conflict.

is the

failure

the

There

which

grass

you

inward

What

the

and

you

acting

others

for

said

to

must

you

whilst

ward

then

die

In

adjusted,

the

through

only

come.

is

are

of Christ

second.

arrest

have

this

all

"

and

them,

first Adam,

the

to

which

and

grave

you

the

to

you

broken

heredity

to

not

sward,

which

have

you

meet

all, die

circumstances

citadel

wrestle

them

risen

the

put

of

consider

them,

entail,

the

all, when

God

inherited,

has

God

let

have

you

into

after

Then,

of

them

to

break

may

he

were

you

number

certain

Enumerate
name

inheritance

awful

life which

the

because

yourself

to

in

died.

that

his

if

as

seem

with

meet

harder.

; then

you

to

Conflicts.

cannot

peace,

has

in

predispositions
make

your

one

Outer

anfc

win

in

Ammon,

together.
upon

the

XIII.

(i SAM.
For

"

the

praise thy

Thou

that

Through
Now

the

the

neither

hast

hard

I too

of this

passion

I give Thee

name,

these

that

For

and

glory

22.)

xii.

failed

hours

me

sake

called

"

victory overpriced
have

elected

"

the

of

Saul's

sacrificed

"

nation
On

that

the

the

great

it

event

designated

confirmation

the

by
and

Saul
and
that
last

I.

auspi

his

hand

of

the

of

at

the

SAMUEL'S

; he

the

entire

his

people

to

was

reign,

chose

judges,

and

RESIGNATION.

Amid

these

the

crowned
its

people
He

lay down

to

first of

the

ratification
this

"

An

end

; and

and

great

as

cere

peace-

this

his office
the

had

Gilgal ;

at

rejoiced together with

God

the

first Passover

king.

After

people.

thank-offerings before
Samuel

be

of

people

past

Saul

crown

his

of

the

circum

of

act

celebrated.
of

to

Mizpeh

the

the

after

night
commemo

there, too, the

memories
near

first

stones

There

been

had

inauguration

the

moment

Jabesh-

an

in

the

cleansing

; and

and

far

for

great

still visible.

and

from

offerings

be

to

news

convocation

great

twelve

performed,

memorials

mony,

the

Promise

of

Land

was

the
of

kingdom

encamped

and

wilderness

the

of

had

were

been

gathered
been

Jordan,

had

neglect

the
a

with

deliverance
Samuel

to

summoned

Israel

spot

rating that
cision

appeared

KING.

Gilgal.

at

crossing

the

"

HAMILTON

ringing

was

in

confirming

he

therefore

and

in

for

moment

land

exploit
it

gilead,
cious

whole

partaken,

H.

7HILST

Christ

forsaken

nor

with

of thy passion

world's

midnight

thanks,

was

the

judge

"

prophets.
must

come

to

the

JForsaken?

94
and

longest
Book

of

"

his

his

Before

innocence

long sleep will

hands
them

best,and

This

down

to

final

Samuel

his

Israel,and, pointing to

old

and

grey-headed,and

Eastern
hood

lands

his

sake

own

stood, he

had
and

the

anxious

was

sake

tion of the blamelessness

"

tested

Whose

have

ox

front

have

bribe,

that

doing ?

"

cried

"

I taken

should

I
And

hast

anything from
But
the
and

the

people by
the

heaven,

king
"

again, from

oath, as

God

to

king,that
the

lips of

witness
what

came

old

comforted, and

the

was

very

appointed

God
Moses

the

who
and

you

he

vindica
pro

oppressed

you.

con

man

any

even

sandal,

as

his mis

from

consent,
taken

oppressed,nor

in

Aaron."

the

sight of

very

against
have

God

this

you

said

one

of

God
to

day,

and

And

unanimous

is witness."

people out

bind

hand

is true."

added, "Yes, God

our

to

said,liftinghis

"

response,

brought

wanted

people,with

all the

shout, there
man

for

therefore

Can

; he

content

and, therefore,he

I call

his anointed

not

was

solemn

and

unanimous

defrauded, nor

boy

my

people

eyes

one

am

(as in

behalf

nor

whose

He

mine

people, with

not

man

the

"

men

hand."

our

old

on

do.

to

you

career,

his hand

away

known

the

of

flock)from

you,

from

turn

all the

Thou

taken

his

ass

their

able

was

before

career.

Whose

spirits

locks, he said,

from

his

of

their

have

audience

God,

defrauded

not

having

as

me

of

before

clean."

walked

obtain

to

who

unblemished

an

the

who

extend

to

of God

white

I have

been

able

vast

shepherd precedes

His

up."

the

sleep,and

are

the grace

before

they

those

least

protestation

people." Yes,
are

are

before
at

by

Standing bare-headed
of

award,

say, "These

is what

last

Samuel's

in

made

the

happy

the

their hearts

bare

and

and

all,and

their

receive

to

God

to

come

they lay their heads

enter

this event

long sleep Samuel

before

of the

the author

and
ministry,

Ecclesiasticus,
reverting to

life,
says
of

successful

most

The

is witness:

Egypt, and

^
that all

Oh,
and

publicmen

our

it may

be

office

have

and

and

DESIGNATED

HE

whose

man

hands

single,and

is

you

essay

to

set

their latter

and

their

thoughts

your

fathers

the

back

Moab,
the

you
when

of

the

cried

to

bondage

the

of

threatened

upon

my

Why

was

and

now

in

the

it is

own

In

eye.

of

mass

nation, that

then

of

horizon

neglected?

carried
:

And

When
under
and

in

when

in

oppressed first by

were

invasion

He

their

Jehovah,

deliverance.

natural

between

effect,said

unto

great convocation

your

the

it,before

Egyptians,and

cried

appointing a king. Why

prayer

his

by

deliverance,and

the
filling

is

holding

to

you

for

of

be

your

dense

procedure.

and
Philistines,
God

; and

wrong

from

that

great

it that

difference

Egypt, and,

Judges

by

Ammonites,

instead

ago,

the

was

brother's

your

crimes

method

up

of

done

to

with

the

raised

days

sore

were.

you

Sisera,then

now,

the

oppressionof Pharaoh,
He

they

the

or

It

"

is extracted

show

to

in

were

gracious answer
the

they
to

in

their

that

permitted to

See

from

up

had

is

clean

pleaded

as

himself

SIN.

they

mote

hold

to

them

see

First,he

high

is that nation

necessities

the

beam

the

the

dared

they might
former

that

remove

people, and

been

complicity with bribery

misdoing.

particularshe

several

have

PEOPLE'S

are

sincere critic of others'

eye

judgment-seatof God,

who

all

where

them

own

of

records

HIS

show

opportunityto

the

pure-hearted. Happy

distress of their fatherland

II.

when

privategain, but

for

free from
are
public men
from
making profitout of

whose

those

acted

or

clean-handed

were

the

clean-handed

as

prostitutedtheir high position for

not

emolument,

own

before

that

discovered

! that

was

rehearsed

are

95

to-day were

Samuel

pure-heartedas

their actions

JUcorfc.

fJIamdcss

the
it

Nahash, the King of

with

have

Is it

; but

came

thunder-clouds,

for prayer,

resort

of

people

you

three
not

you

insist

deteriorated
hundred

because

years
you

are

^Forsaken?

96
prayerless that

ings?

this is

In

Must

not

from

ancient

your

moor

great sin.

always take

we

impetuously,
before

constantlywait

that, instead

care
"

impulsivelyand
should

drifted

have

you

|lcbcr !

will do

We

that

God

this

of

that," we

or

would

He

saying

appoint a

deliverer ?

Secondly,

in his

reading upon

past

the

try

successive

Sisera,and

them

under

way

of deliverance

"

you

taroth
any

have

alternative

deliver

the

it

it clear that

made

monarchy,
tion

but

turn

the

not

of

which

other

other

presence

been

the

Ash-

invent, will

can

In

you

king,nor

your

you

as

and

words, he

absence

or

singlenessof purpose,

had

hand, that,

Baalim

to

government

was

said

He

forget God,

consequences."

the want

Jehovah,

to

of

people,

catastrophes no

them, neither

to

argued

his

them.

the

not, if you

admitted

of course,

such

on

if you

turned

from

you

tell you

had

befallen

shall make

and

mode

had

and

therefore,as

; and

readingupon

king or

have

you

as

troubles, they

king who

forgotten Him,

have

such

same

longer possible; but

whether

coun

oppressed them,

power

king. Samuel,

put the

not

demand

You

their

befallen

had

afflictions which

successive
did

which

their

from

necessityof having

but he

their

On

people, he put a new

side,they pointed out

surrounding nations,had

other

brought

the

the

the Moabites,
Ammonites, the Philistines,

and

the

history.

catastrophes

the

how

"

with

dealing

and

and

cause

of

devo

of

root

all their troubles.

Thirdly, he indicated
failed to

said
from

"

send
Look

has

Did

not

marg.),Gideon

your

of

He

did
raise

and

not

up

myself?

He

the
man

never

Even

He

apart

prestigeof Royal
to

help you

raise up

Jephthah
See

had

wanted.

was

history.

past

up

that God

man

kings,with

always raised
"

people

when

man

upon

Consider

emergency.

R.V.,

back

hereditaryline

an

descent, God

Aaron

them

the

to

how

and

Moses
Barak

in

an

and

(see

perpetuallyin

^Faithfulness.

's
the

dark

man

that

and

instead

Him

of

Lastly, he

said

deteriorated

to

the visible and

and

behind

veil of

thin

Christ,waitingever
sticks

his

people how

the

the

in

lamps

of the

the

eternal

shadow,
crowned

golden candle

righthand.

his

It

III.

SAMUEL'S

office to
leader

ASSURANCE.

the

failure and

sweetness,

chosen

Lord

The

"

sink,like

them

will not

Lord

ideal ;

ancient

for

How
the
N

refrain

forsake

his

his

of

of

these

may

childlike

time.

For

They

was

instance,in Exodus

and

their

inimitable
for his

heart,and

your

soul.

have

but

by

let
The

lost their

from

drifted

used

his

to

may

confidence

with

people

his great Name's

this argument
perpetually

old

his

words

have

stand

shepherd

with

say

music, into

people !

people,for

to

on

forsake

not

they

moment

moorings
forsake

cannot

will

Oh, take

sake."

great Name's

went

show

over

dealt

having

people, and

he
deterioration,

handed

be the

to

was

unbelief.

and

Having

"

henceforth

Saul, who
of

atheism
practical

was

to

the old true

drifted from

had

they

look

We

air is filled with

The

the

in

stars

faith ?

whilst

was

of the

Patron

stands

sense,

trim

of faith into

ing ground

of

to

hold

to

controversy

been

Him."

on

lapse of

same

for

God

thing,a noble thing,a rightthing,for Samuel

brave
to

and

only

forgetthe invisible.

anxiety,clamour,
the

rested

have

have

have

You

and

have

invisible

flesh,but

Leader,

for

greatly

you

whereas
royalty,

new

the

all liable to the

not

we

have

forgotten the
of

"

faith ;

your

Eternal.

the

Head,

true

should

You

of

power

the idea of

under
sheltering
your King, your

Are

in

king,but have
magnified the arm

mighty

gotten the

failed

Him

waited

you

the

you

trusted

aforetime

done

countrymen,

have

have

; you

My

sent

king,have

visible

nation.

"

you

had

has
have

not

you

urgent for

He

as

God

prayer,

Could

being so

for you,

demanded

to

answer

needed.

was

do

to

Lord

in

hour,

97

the

their
Lord

sake.

the

holy men

xxxii. 12, where

JForsalum?

98
God

talks of

the

calf and

golden

Moses

dares

"

Thou

Lord,

will say,

'

to

He

hand.'

in

And
of

men

the
what

Thou

Name.

if Thou

in God's

later

says

; and

for my

I cut

thee

own

sake, will I do
? and

not

these

xx.

for my

wrought

it ; for how
I not

remarkable

the

God's

name

is God's

character.

no

to

old

prophet

We

his

from
own

say?

earth

Thou

this land

as

bush

The

put
"

on

is not

Himself

He

all

and
iniquity,

gave

possession."

I refrain

Name

my

give to

for thee

be

pro

another."

words

repeated thrice

are

it should
whom

not

by

be pro

they

is bound

He

will I

sake, for mine

own

should

speaking
sake

Name's

to

"

say

The

It hath

God

were."

his

self-

flame

of

consumed

for

for us, that

purifyunto

This

assurance

pleased
his

hides

alongsidewith these, those

sins,and

my

mine

people."

will.

He

history of the

people.

went

his

you

because

may

Apostle
us

make

the

nations, among

his

forsake

not

fuel.

this,

wilt Thou

what

give us

their

sake, that

Name's

sightof

loves

fail like

and

in

on

For

in the

to

And

praise will

faned

Lord

the

before

ground

thy people

For

"

off."

glorywill

my

Ezek.

The

the

failest to

name,

that

respect

!"

before

fled

Heaven

"

anger

In

put his

had

promised."

defer mine

faned

He

had

say ?

Before

was

will the Philistines

people,Isaiah,dealingwith

them

He

if

What

in Isa. xlviii.9, n,

chosen

in ; his power

upon

God,

my

of Canaan

discredited

hast

Then

say

credit is at stake

Israel

himself

Egyptians say

thy great

wilt stand

"

"

will the nations

for

to

threw

dances,

dost, the Egyptians

which

to

Thy

vii. 9, when

cried,

and

it.

do

not

Joshua

will the

What
do

canst

if Thou

that

accomplish

made

Presence, and

bring them

to

they had

garlands and

Divine

it,for

able

not

to

it with

the

do

not

Ai, Joshua

Ark

into

go

was

Thou

people,when

worshipped

canst

sufficient

not

his

castingaway

lister !

his love

the

reasons.

requires

its maintenance.

words
He

Himself

of

the great

might redeem
a
people for

appliesto

men

"

(Unfailing~$abe.

's

(1) As

individuals.

not

choose

you

He

will not

forsake

best.

has

He

not

that there

but

because

can

because

Some

just now

there

his.

be

//

men

to

and

daughters.

have

we

has

We

the

seed

will not

of

the

people amongst

whom

charge againsthis
after sin had

could

had

reached

attempted

He

had

would

It would

be

then

the

also be

on

is

changed.

begun

dare

in the heart

He

has

it,and
man,

is

life ; there

his love

set

stand

God

(2)
Because

As

to

his

will not
a

hell would
able

universe

the

the chosen

and
with

God
be

would

be

that

He
that

perform

to

it

that

would

boast

"

his

the

At

news

and

us,

bargain
Why

necessary
He

before

took

could

rock,

the

throne

would

in
must

we
on

God

all worlds.

He
count

; there

the

sees

service

go

of

reel to

may

who

our

be

which

work

why

it,

blessed

and
God

the

up

that

is

That

immutability.
He

of space

surrender

man.

that

it,loved

clothed

forsake

Church.

sons

but

"

also

imputationupon

nothing
upon

of

rest

that it ceased
infinite,

We
have no
positiveclaim
being saved.
Him
attractiveness
native beauty nor
to
no

inner

us

cost.

not

of

dwell

power

eternitywould
the mighty vault

God

of

height of outrage,

was

you

ourselves

there

did,

of

palace

destruction.
has

and

shake, and

Heaven

an

He

Him,

against Him

we

His

in
spirits

spread through

He

fickle,the

sin.

grace,

his

us

mixed

not

was

certain

than

more

sinful soul, cleansed

and

lost

counted

not

There

to
over

for the

impugned,

it

love that

abound

not

If He

people.

your

any
the

make

sinned
have

his

forsake

that
from

to

may

we

of

explain to

reason

Him

have

failed

may

chosen

pleased

grieved his Holy Spirit;

no

been

may

He

day
is

beauty, and

or

by adoption and
attract
to specially

you

did

He

you.

have

you

his child

would.

why

at,

guess

because

you

forsake

goodness

your

anything in

was

but

of

you

made

He

his reason,

will not

God

99

through
O

but

"

with

soul

of

thee.
could

people was

not

God

forsake

the type of what

He

Israel ?

desired

^Forsaken ?

ioo

nation

every

become

to

building up

on

and

He

had

its level.

to

What

be

to

to

failures

altered.

But

sinful

till she

realize

into

As

let

her

her

cannot

forsake

world.

that

(4)

As

it be

though
and

sin.

and

of

the

tears

myriads
of

it is yet

the

untarnished
universe

degraded

day

we

shall

Paradise, and
of

Lord

for
to

used

and

pioneers

the

it is

No,

it.

of

entire

the

through
do

cannot

Greece

and

been

religionwill

of

to

shine

with

glisteningin
of

his great Name's

a

the

The

Lord

people

with

unto

and

Himself."

over

robes

forsake

it hath

some

shone

in the white

an

all the

to

earth,and

will not

sake, because

Son
with

world

lightthat

walking

men
"

fallen
our

his

breathed, and

ever

specimen
a

tyranny

bedewed

been

the

forsake

cannot

of

its sister stars

be

do

world, reeking

blood

the

have

amidst

can

truth.

you

that

it is to

God

her

with

It has

souls

this

impurity,with

and

saints.

the children

make

cannot

blessed

has

forsake

saturated

noblest

God
see

God

debased

great revival

driftingon

doing.

cannot

cannot

his

of

purity,love, and

people
the

been

what

race.

later

He

blasphemy

beauty ;

of

sake

purifyher

and

Rome

civilization

God

destined

is

of

spite of

in

away

go

and

way

ought

that

first love.

our

with

It has

cannot

have

World.

country

Alfred, who

or

to

his

she

There

perfectBride.

become

He

Name's

He

could

in her

will refine

He

the

nations

Church.

her

cast

whom

sooner

back

bring us

in

Christian

his

of

true

immoral

people

of

and

For

certain

the

days

missionary

become

follow

to

the

be

as
irreligion,

and

permit
since

Our

cannot

his ideal and

go

broken

be

not

bring other

to

inconsistencies

God

needs

must

Israel,how

world

may

and

Nation.

to

the

He

might

Israel

imperfections.

materialism

afford

his type

abandoned

of Israel

many

all her

(3)

had

therefore

through

regenerate

true

was

be

may

work

If God

hoped

have

; and

Israel,that

to

|leher

his

pleased

XIV.

Crasing
(i SAMUEL
O,

"

who

tell how

can

which

the

silent

nights

and

days

The

sacrifice

world,

ye

hearts

praise,

his

to

through

patient

!
still in

know

not

altars

are

ascends

prayer

is offered
do

xii. 16-25.)

many

From

in

and

secret

but

them,

alone

He

own."

his

help

can

A.

IN

all

Samuel's

closing
leader

his

place

the

of

in the

much

character

which

he

had

aside

of

Israel's

he

his

very

much

his

from

lower, and

Naturally

sympathy,

since

his strong

suppressed

the

start

to

with

the

selecting a king

less

personal suffering, bridging

the

old
We

order
cannot

assembled
without
in

whole

the

before

He

age,

as

the

Lord

seems

record

to

be

God

the

utmost

care,

the

over

King.

for

did

it had

regard

and,

gulf

step

setting

path

new

his

with

regime

to

in

have

the

great

allusions

have

been
as

prayer

to

of

between

convocation,

Gilgal,to ratifySaul's

at

repeated

appears

mighty

career

the

the

noticing

of

new.

from

turn

prayer.

his

and

history,

antipathies, and

on

chosen,
of

to

having

personal

nation

in

it difficult

it seemed
in

glory

greatest

young,

appreciation

inaugurate

and

judge

indeed

found

the

than

died

he

and
our

he

and

the

as

Had

country,

premiership,

no

best

nation.
his

of

finer

nothing

action

public

Hebrew

less.

down

But

his

annals

been

have

would

of

scene

is

there

career

PROCTER.

in

been

to

Samuel's

the

John

election,
power
Knox

His

statesmanship.
in

bathed

the

of

spirit of

supplication.
As

Reynolds

boy,
has

with

hands

depicted

him,

meekly
he

asked

clasped,
God

to

as

Sir

Joshua

speak,

whilst

"lot

102

his

ear

In

quick and

was

the Book

of the

that

those

in
(Eeasiruj

call

attent

God's

on

answered

(xcix.6).

wonderful

power

when

he

the

his

for

of

long, piercingcry

perilshis intercessions
their battles his
vii.

him,
into

come

intense

I.

cries

man

light,and

ordinary and

not

how

lifted up, yet

In
the

default

noiseless

some

far it has

dentials
without
small

God
to

again with

back

incidents

the

of the

Divine

of the

of the
and

not"

see

so

the

startlingand

voice is

that thou
not

that

heaven-sent

enough.

properlyaccredited.
We

must

have

the

world

is

hand

in

asks

for

speaking.

messenger,
I

do

presence

is

God

extraordinarythat
art

the

(Acts

men

the

faculty of detectingGod's

to

in the

flowers

the

prove

our

slumbering woods,

prophet, "thy
(Isa.xxvi. n, R.V.).

to

If

noiselessly

ordinaryprovidence of life,man

cries

doubt

that

blinded, and

are

in

source

God

footprintsacross

said

"Lord,"

the

providence, in

of

carpetingof

soul

every

sign,and

discern

kiss the

the

The

"

In

from

air,in dews

summer

eyes

RAIN.

vision.
spiritual

common

they

he

wandered
in

blinded

phenomena
startling

"Bring,"

in

able

authentication.

ideal, it would

the

But

by day.

day

between

AND

its divine

the traces

see

their

In

thinking were

THUNDER

garnitureof spring,and

17).

road"

reflected them

and zephyrs that gently

alight,

xiv.

knew

victory (i Sam.

generation seeks

perverse

morning lightand
in the

Lord.

them

open

for Divine

become

realized

nature

their

of God's

FOR

out

and

seeking it proves
of

Israel

All

deliverance,and

he

PRAYER

crooked

intercessoryprayer

been

"an

thoughts

the

to

burning desire.

and

of

alludes

the

secured

was

been

prophet of

had

his heart ; and

SAMUEL'S

heart
age

that

so

the

prayers

in

people (xv. i).

had

8; viii. 6). There

and

exercised

among

having

as

prophet Jeremiah

he

whispers.

chief

as

and

name,

The

which

pleaded

is mentioned

he

Psalms

his lowest

catch

to

may
The

"cre
know

still,

hurricane,

JUttljEtttication.
the

the bolt

fire,and

that

God

the

from

speaks by thee, and

blue.

Then

103

that the word

know

shall

we

thy lipsis

from

true."

Samuel
Divine

knew

corroboration

content

are

on

the

at

the

time

Abraham,
Thou

of

the

have

in

done

appealed
Samuel's

of

these

moment,

one

of

and

his

God,

to

heart

at

penaltiesthat

they should

and

pressingthem
under

was

things at

their

words

his

sins,

follow

home

and

will do

Lord

to-day?
wickedness

Lord,

and

the

the

be viewed
claims.

of

June,
of

as

in

was

his

confronted
the
he

; now

and

heavy

yearned

see

ye

it

He

perceive and
have

done

thing, which

wheat-harvest

not

and

he

announcement,

this great
Is

that

thoughts
the

Lord,

may

heart.

on

these

eyes.

shall

see

in the

send

that

your

sight of

the

king."
rain is almost
a

than

the middle

unknown

thunderstorm, coming

aged prophet,was
other

in

surrendered
; had

wheat-harvest, lastingfrom

occurrence

the call of the

that

successors

announced

of

the

unto

is great which

middle

the

your

rain, that ye

asking you

in

During
to

will call

and

thunder

before

his

had

appeal with

and

and

voice, asseveratinghis words,

and
Now, therefore, stand still,

the

He
successor

influence

the

that

Thus,

of

of

day

expressed what

conscience

on

God

this

word"

disobedience

on

another

hear

known

noblest

pass

sacrifice that

thy servant,

am

thy

the

introduced

his address

concluded

to

said, Lord

it be

this great hour.

must

that

that

they are

came

evening

and

Israel,let

it

And

the

near,

Israel,and

people with

It

offeringof

persistent

that

assured

some

servants

amid

years

"

came

trusted

God's

purpose.

all

and
prerogatives,

"

the

prophet

God

supreme

his

Divine

for

perhaps longed

through long

Isaac, and

art

he

apathy,if only they are

line of the

Elijah

and

of his words.

work

to

resistance and

this,

the

too

Divine

in
as

of

May

Palestine,
it did

unusual
startlingly

authentication

of

at
to

his

flot Ceasing

104

be

It may

supposed that
parallel,belonging to

out

story

; but

the

it

sympathetic with man

her beauty or terror
because
hides

Almighty

positionthat

than

shores

our

liberties

when
of

the

supposition that
memorable

fact

that

which

there

are

every

true

Barnabas

the

his grace

"

for

Lord,

; and

when

Gospel
salvation
God

also

according
We

confirmed

when

his

to

than

armed

the

his

Holy
Him."
came

the

to

thunder

witnesses,"cried
Ghost,
"

not

with

primitivesaints
whom

Our

God

Gospel,"

unto

Holy Ghost,

the

you

in word

and

in much

speaking

the

unto

word

Hebrews

heralds

of

great

the

word,

signs and
the

ii. 3,

witness

of

It

4).

the

of God

this that

was

given
the

to

so

them

Holy

all,and

irresistible power.
and

won

Holy Ghost,

3 ; Heb.

"

the

God's

heard

servant

of

the

of

giftsof

Apostles,

hath
wrote

and

with

Samuel.

to

was

midnight
Paul

that

faithful

midday

at

When

message

for the

of

dogma

on

early

(Acts xiv.

the

blas

for the

Iconium,

in

them

thankful

voice is

whose
Spirit,

"

the

on

authentication

rely.

witness,both

will

too

blackest

the

miracles,and

own

be

cannot

more,

divers

save

the

Epistleto

the

by

bearing them

with

of

that

says

the

account

we

testimony

of the

experience

over

menaced

the Vatican

may

gave

writer

the

he

was

ders, and

the

can

long time

He

"

that swept

how,

of Divine

of God
a

can

protested against the

pall of

sup

servants,

Spain

afternoon

methods

servant

generalizesthe

"

the

which
the

on

his

And

Papacy,

with

other

abode

boldly in

are

the

on

suddenly invested
But

of

of

was
announced,
Papal Infallibility

was

"

itself

Heaven

pretensionsof

phemous
the

save

appeal

England

suppose,

the veil beneath

proud Armada

Protestant

is much

Nature

How,

the

Testament

sometimes

we

Himself.

Old

so.

is but

answered

of

for the fact of the terrifictempest

account

we

God

be

altogetherwith

is

realms

to

more

the

incident

this

think

cannot

in

"

is also
that

We
the

obey

greatest Apostle of all,

only, but
assurance"

also in power,

(i Thess.

and

in

i. 5).

gearing
I

May

if my

ask

Holy Spiritis
bear

his
of

name

to

every

Jesus, and

that

and

ness,

judgment
in the

stand

not

God

(i Cor.

ii. 1-4

This

but
faithfully,

we

Divine

communion
do

in

natural

and

not

voices

will

by

Oh,
and

preaching.

We

speak

look
sufficiently

not

do

we

of

be,

and

our

thunder

the

things
pas

Father, glorifythy name,"

"

both

"

Whilst

that

some

thundered," others

It

nor

the

let the

Only

glorifyit again."
"

for

heaven, saying, I have

from

that

that

God.

earn

understand

not

conviction

truths

as

say

God,

Holy Spirit

the

heart

will

God, give us

our

shalt

send

thunder

II. SAMUEL'S
loud

They
him
Lord

"

answer

and

in

the

will

say,

for

the

them.

they

felt

"

aged

on

intercession

people.
Jehovah
seer

calmed

we

thunder,"

Pray

for

Touched

of

their behalf.

on

servants

die

we

thy

seemed

their

with
to

indicate

that

prerogativeas

appeal, and

them

the

unto

the

corroborate

fears,urged

entreated

and

not";
to

their ancient

only desired
their

thy

by

rain,the people

their property, and

the word

longer worthy

no

chosen
that

laid

of

when

Terrified

"

of

torrents

thy God," they said, "that

emphasis they

place

secret

INTERCESSIONS.

for their lives and

pray

that

rain.

Samuel's

secure

in prayer

power

UNCEASING

to

feared
to

such

thunder-peals and

urgent

were

the

the

come

may

Thou

pray

dent

of

power

angel spake" (John xii. 28, 29).

"An

the

in the

should

the

do

world, with

glorifiedit,and

the

hearers

our

fellowshipof the Comforter;

their souls,as
hear his voice thrilling

speak are
longing of our

stand

sin,righteous

givingthem

our

Co-witness

we

sionate

and

in the

spoken

of

the

prepared to

and

hearers

which

but

man,

that

"

8).

xv.

of

the

the

of

witness

; Acts

the faith of

that

is

is

will convict

He

is the fatal lack

estlyand
rely on

so

He

which

word

true

wisdom

bearing them

to-day,that

Church

105

realize this

fellow-servants

in the

witness

(Kit
tineas.

never

confi

his
to

word,
turn

io6

in forager.
fiat (Kenshtjj

aside

vain

to

assured

idols,which

them
with

ended

that
the

the

Lord

would

strikingwords

that I should

forbid

neither

could

sin

forsake

not

"Moreover,

against the

deliver,

profitnor
for

as

in

Lord

them, and
God

me,

ceasing to pray

for you."
realized

Samuel
The

plane.

much

is

labour).
when

that

fervent

The

the

brethren

Colosse

at

himself

to

physical
been

often

but the

(To

con

is to

pray

words

says

it was,

Therefore

longer help

no

and

deeds, he

fervently for

his

betook
all in

them

(Col. iv. 12).

prayer

As

Thou

And

wouldst

prayer,

Itself with

Samuel

could

he

done.

had

and

years,

it

ship, made
rounds

into

energy

heat

became

saints

God's

The

Thee

work

be

another
;

the

were

his

limitations

but

that

he

should

of

became

water

his

his

kingdom

able

was

method

energiesfor

imposed by

of the

he

taught,

one.

exert

impossible

inspired and

substitution

aforetime;

as

by

it done

have

longer

no

the

by

if all be wrought

shall be prayer,

Work

as

could

laboured

and

prayer,

spiritual

righteous man,"

working."

his

by

has

pray) ;

laborare

of

Epaphras

good

is to

est

prayer

the

in action in the

labour

in its

much

in

spiritual.It

Orare

truer,

availeth

"

James,

"

the

(To

est orare

action

was

exert

we

in

prayer

said, Laborare

prayer

which

energy

sphere becomes
verse

that

advancing

for his

make

to

people,

his

translate

helpfulness.
The

steam.

equivalent,henceforward,

judgeyearly

all that

The

light
of

prayers

to battalions

of

soldiers.
the

What
the
the

to

the

eye, the

bicycleto

the

foot,

to
telephone to the voice,and the steam-driven machine
hand, in enlargingand increasinghuman
power,
prayer

is to
of

telescope is

the

God

which

;
are

soul, because
it touches

eternal

it links

springs

in their

us

that

duration

with
unloose

and

the

mighty

power

spiritualforces
universal

in their

of
is he

"Mighty

scope.

with

how

soul

man,

wilt thou

not

eternal

powers,

which

of

of the
touch

labour

the

learned

to

How

great

with

the

satisfied

reaching,awaits
Samuel
thwart

thee

viewed

Let

do

key-boards

prayer

sin

us

so

be

to

seems

and

of prayer

; but

time

in every

true
"

words.

ourselves, or

that

besotted

that
a

And

prayer

fountain

hills.

spirit

when

the

Prayer is

pray.

of

movement

the

limitations,and

own

that

Therefore,
be put in

cannot

intercession

with

for

it prompts

others, is

violence

order.

to

do

and

Prayerlessnessis
demoralized

when, in

and

groanings

will rise
from

as

unseen

Prayer is the

cleansingin
our

the blood

naturallyand

depths

response

fed

to

only

not

to

us

and

nature, but

to

answer

again brought nigh by

are

it is the
our

in the

always

whether
instinct,

requiresconfession

Cross.

remains

to

it is not

Probably

grieve the Holy Spiritof God,

Divine

the

of

to

instinct

The

pray.

begin to

we

is much

spiritmaketh

this

thwart

nature,

there

forbid,"he

God

into the infinite.

them

within

arose

be uttered."

cannot

To

prayer,

The

to

recognise

beyond

to

ceasingto pray."

other, and

us,

him

with another, that, logic or

petition;

We

reach

"

in

saint who
or

than

to

sin.

of

say

the

therefore

attempt

and

furthest-

For

which

prayer

they want

stirs within

spiritGod-ward.

be

to

natural

instinct.

againstHim

nature
spiritual

that

Divine

as

may

only

some

more

the

of

part of ourselves.

it is

constant,

the

the highest and

spiritual,

recognise,we
logic,men
pray, and

no

Why,

I should

that

God."

loss it is for thee

and

promptings towards
be nothing short
would

"

has

he

key-board
to thy
respond instantly

would

the

his soul

said,

the

107

prayer;

energiesof

mistake

in

mighty

lay thy fingerson

lower

when
intellectual,

is

who

grayer.

pray

noblest

our

to
an

sin

against

indication

is in itself
the

for

blood

of

sin,
the

we
lowly supplications,

of

Christ,we

freely in
from

of the soul

to

the

our

shall find
hearts

as

everlasting

God, the

return

io8

|X0t "eaaitt0

tide

from

receive

in showers

Samuel

longer
had

entrusted

be

at

least

as

Moses

treachery

but

he

to

his

the

on

the

in strong

cryings

blue

for

flesh, who

were

according

to

tained

adoption,

the

giving

of

promises.

the

and

with

their

would

failure

people,

chapter

his

the

service

seemed

he

victory

which

been

have

and

great

Often,

when

the

people

to

his heart
ideal

only

save

both
record

must

we

due

the

had

his

God

to

per

and

though

realize

to

kinsmen

God,

Paul,

appeals

must

of

as

soul

his

covenants,

oppressed

Saul

of

it

aside,

whom

in his heart.

have

the

and

brethren,

to

Apostle

strenuous

more

next

our

it must

out

and

and

hills that

the

on

pour

land,

nation

gone

Israelites,to

the

the

the

The

the

and

king
in

tyranny,

his

sorrow

overran

break.

elicited

like

continual

Philistines

the

and

no

of the

have

Lord

our

glory, and

the

law,

Often,

heaviness

and

he

must

Galilee,

tears

and

the

as

of

could

extending them,

and

conserving
Often

waters

we

highest ends,

for the

and

Mount,

engirdled

the

hands

interests

the

felt that

his intercessions.

by

He

trusteeship.

fail in

to

what

vapour

rain.

heavenly
as

in

back

sending

prayer

judge,

as

been

would

of

viewed

act

the

Him,

to

us

grayer.

in

his

to

eager

entreaties.
is

This

question

for the

reckon

may

Holy

knees

them

to

to

God

"

"

fathers

and

in

He
of

have

this

is

bring

are

of

persevering

would

awake,

and

told

day

present

us.

do

of

as

the

and

with

one

is whether

the

whole

weight

The

copy.

Church

to

let

me

heaven-moving

in the

ancient

great things like

her

ask

appeal

days,

those

the

another

on

any,

she
of

power

entirely contingent

to

words

one

all

may

manifestation

possible

old,

we

in the

new

these

join
that

Is it
If

generations
our

Church

on

Spirit;

question,

which

model

of

in the
which

XV.

Cause

haul's

of
(i

xiii.

SAMUEL

Bide

"

with

Watch
Sit

in

the

meek

be

gate,

Smiling
O

thou

whom

to

Bide

thy time
of

race

the

14.)

13,

thou

the

eyes
and

Bctonfall.

crime,

and

pride

heathen's

jest,

self-possest,

and
is

pledged

thou

the

victor's

victor's

sway

day."
H.

N.

chapter
contains

he

father

of

people

chosen
see

royal

though,

"

it

fatherland
"

against

so

gather

us

much

do

to

it is full

David,

of

after

his

way,

Saul

and

it becomes

may

avoid

foundered.

the

for

said,

"

had

the

ceased
us

rocks

It
to

be

carefully
on

to

which

man

of

God's

his

to

permanence
bulwark

without,

people,
Turning
sought
clear

after

inquire
this

the
shall

we

the

and

only because

is, therefore,
a

the

within.

hath

"

as

permanent

not

ourselves.

Lord

would

prosperity

from

corruption

The

kings.

he

But,

elements

Israel's

of

of

after-history of

augured

story,

it

Israel, but

of

whole

the

line

since
revealed

that

different.

history

heart."

own

or

of

doubt

enemy

this

instruction

Samuel

the

around

with

the

lacked

of

which

monarch

becoming

of

incident

no

kingdom

disintegration

of

Let

and

invasions

the

cancer

first, his

tragedy,

founder

is

been

have

evidently

continuity,

and

and

race,

the

first

the

great

the

there

test,

might
at

of

be

to

only

not

of

story

history

this

stood

been,

have

the
unfitness

Saul's
Had

is the

J.

good

from

because
Saul

Him

that,

God's

the

but

it has

own

reason,

ship

in

to

man

some

heart,"
that

split

we

and

0f Anil's

"JJE Cause

no

will remark

You
of

this

gohmfall.

chapter which

that the

tells the

history

tragedy the overcastingof a bright morning, the

spoilingof a fair and beautiful promise also contains the
"

"

story of the unutterable

been

had
We

in

in
of

them

fatherland

in

deed,

some

who

of

the

spiritof

though they
the

could

again

of

We

than

more

been

had

to

crush

out

the

ence,

of

which

the

coronation

Jonathan

described

as

the

upon
; it

decayed

the

whole

seemed

stand

as

against

induced

to

flock

sheep against a

of

of

We

sand

the

as

host

exist

national

exploitsof

the

overhear

can

the

panic-stricken

some

exaggeration

the

vast

all parts, in

and

Saul

of

the

from

towards

(ver.5) by

Saul

with

in

whole

proof
verse

land

of

which

abject fear,
is

the

on

Philistines

in

of

hapless misery

the
there

was

Israel,and

no

the

smith

Hebrews

of

the

sea

found
had

people

historyof

calamity,more

reignedaround

this hour.

Saul

the

absolute
and

chosen

to

take
of
for

people were

hopelessnessand

throughout the

is

throughout

the smithies
to
agriculturedown
order that they might be sharpened

in the

Never
dire

19

of

of

implements

at

those

trembling(ver.7).

down

(ver.3).

Philistines

the

further

adduced

than

while

in multitude.

shore

more

to

who,

messenger,

use.

in

forsook

Jonathan,

gathered

movement

symptoms

were

tidings brought

the

and

numbers

of the

informed

also

are

order

Jordan,

pits;

wolves.

which
Philistines,

of

be

in

him

hid

they

and

and

settled

had
spirit

Philistines,any

pack

Saul

old national
never

people

Philistines.

extremity;

followed

had

the

of

rocks

the
its

of

with

royal army,

fearfulness

; the

people

hour

yet associated

were

nucleus

the

chosen

distressed,that

were

crossed

even

the

6, that the people of Israel

ver.

thickets,in

and

caves

which

to

invasion

another

strait,that they

themselves

their

by

reduced

told, for instance,in

are

were

distress

their
the

their
there

despair,

entire country

Haul's ^jJltatahc.
this

At

juncture

troops, such
taken
the

crossed

therefore

hosts

at

camps

; whilst

in the

observation
Whilst

day

marked

across

and

corner

be asked

It may

the

Jordan

wait there

day

his eyes ?

Ah

must

we

chap.

after
!

back

turn

his life would

offer

had

thee, and

I. SAUL'S

before

show

not

policy,and
vant,

and

that

to

hide

or
fugitive,

story

did

which

understand

he told him

thee what

This

"

he

stood
two

"

"

thou

prophecy

will

shall

the

fulfil

go

down

down

come

unto

sacrifice sacrifices

tarry, till I

of

come

shalt do."

uttered

command,
the

on

Samuel

the crisis of

that

Thou

thou

shalt

In

inspiredrecord.

in the

Gilgal

he

did

Why

evaporated before
to

"

make

not

of

threshold

and
things,

each

three

years

his

of them

vast

consti

test.

supreme

at

days

MISTAKE.

First,whether
gerent

man

Philistines.

arrived.

now

seven

Saul, as

to

him

opportunities,involved
tuted

This

as

Gilgal; and, behold, I

and
to
burnt-offerings,

:
peace-offerings

unto

Gilgal,every

at

his army

two

or

crown,

overtake

to

me

thee, to

for the

which

of

before

page

post of

up

8, in that early morning interview,when

x.

designatedSaul
ment

day, whilst

thereby hangs

his

pitched

time, Saul

desperate effort against the

one

Philistine

hills.

such

at

level

Philistine hosts.
remained

of the

why,

have

of his host.

the

the

the

Jonathan, kept

son,

had

Israel

upon
of

to

seems

his soldiers

either

hole

some

Saul

diminution

the

the assault

to

of
vicinity

with

Saul

stole away,

in

exposed

his heroic

after

There

Joshua.

have

to

Gilgal,where

site of

performed

was

moment,

any

ancient

the

Jordan under

the

land, and

positionon

and

Michmash,

from

were,

his

withdrawn

have

to

seems

circumcision

of

act

they

as

his

up

Saul

in

as

he

was

absolute

God's

prepared

to

monarch

determining

acting on his own

receivingthe marching

act

but
initiative,
orders

of

as

as

his

God's

vice
own

ser

his life through the

"ljc Okutse

H2

prophet's lips;
whom

been

whether

Second,
put

acting as

not

there had

the

curb

was

this

Haul's

of

could

his

upon

but

autocrat,

an

Divine

delegationof

he

gotonfall.

control

his

impulse, and

to

one

as

authority.

impetuous

hold

nature,

himself

in

well

hand.
It
made

him

which

embargo

wait

after

day

his chosen

advisers

and

and

him

do

urge

pointed

be

wiped

pointed

the

hand

than

of prey
But

the

Samuel

of the
He

expiry of

Ramah

half

time

beneath
on

the

peace-offeringcould

that

"

the

had

God

where

time

people

he

have

Philistine

take

much

"

"

hehad
Samuel

Ah,

made

end

an

of

the

Philistines'
bird

the

days,

seven

but

scattered

were

brief space

wait

could

lines.
offer

posted, Bring hither

offerings." And
peace

do

more.

no

forgotten the appoint

(because to

been

and

appointed;

that within

seem

must

had

He
a

his
had

from

way
waited

till

and
burnt-offering

further
the

then

longer),and

spoiled the whole, by his inabilityto delay

still lingered by
he
said to the priest,who
site

have

not

as

you,

tarried

He

Samuel

Gilgal,and

not

would

up

the

interceptedin making

hour

an

said,Rise

told

day.

allotted

been

have

not

Might they

down

pounce

it would

the

through

within

die

to

after

that Samuel

had

or

to

Then

thought

ment,

set

not

came

him."

from

to

day

the

according to

better

tremblingdove

waited

he

have

Michmash,

at

Might they

invasion

how
him

not

quickly,his paternal estate

the

them

they

encamped

storm

acted

were

allow

on

hosts

that

around

come

Might

dwindling hosts,and

it

something ;

of

before

out

to

he

would

him

imagine

not

you

something?

cloud

unless

how,

warriors

laid upon

had

Can

day.

Philistine

the

to

gatheringlike
him

to

Samuel

; and

ancient

worshipped and the Tabernacle

burnt
offeringto me, and the

it

came

to

pass

that

as

soon

as

behold,
offeringthe burnt-offering,

came."
if

only

some

sentry

standingon

pinnacle of

rock

tJokc.

Inner
could
the

have

form

might
But

looked

of

the

have

there

tion

and

that

he

was

no

him

arrest

his

of

wait

not

fail

not

the

gether wanting.

He

careful

devotion

of Israel ; therefore

undoing

his

shown
that

He

maintain

faith

an

alto

was

become,

would

successors

moni

the
was

to

and

he

coming!"

faith

absolute

was

his

was,

It

seen

camp,

is

heart.

in

spiritof
he

As

the

nothing but

"

own

for God

deceive.

nor

rite,but

the

to

remonstrance

outward

to

the
one

adjacent valleyand

to
drawing nearer
king, crying,"Samuel

man

warned

could

would

old

the

into

over

113

could

kingdom

not

continue.
The

whelming
is the

will

who
the

to

diminishing

obey

and

of

God

he

God, will stand

almost

who
letter,

and

amid

the

disaster

see

even

heart

will wait

to stand

received

not

over

is after God's

will dare

army,

has

with

us

the

to

who

dwindling

to

who

man

last moment,

imminent, but, because

orders

back

comes

is,that the

force

man

for God

that

lesson

one

marching

until presentlyGod
still,

him

sets

free.
How

their past
what
"

to

bade

and

recall moments

can
life,

do.

inner voice

An

wait

them

and

voice

act

performed, betraying the

rash

one

ineffectiveness

of

the

has

we

have

have

and

Samuel
hard

perish!
Why

are

resolve.

When

And
ye

just

till he
He

arose,

fearful,O

irrevocable

heart, the

the

was

Samuel

over,

"

woe

comes

all

still,

obedience,

one

of

the

reproached ourselves, saying, Oh,

is

wait

voices, loud

that

so

weakness

I did

always
to

act

spoken, the

word

that God

as

commanding

other

many

to

only thought

acted

but

know

not

of absolute
faith,of resignation,

of

silenced, the

if I had

; but

they review

as

they did

still,
sweet,

them

was

come,

who,

are

when

"

trust

strident,summoned

small

there

people
religious

many

at

does

the

I would

near,

so

why

could

not

rebuked

"

Master,
the

of little faith ?

God

it is

Master,

storm,
"

not

I wait ?

; but

last moment

come.

and
ye

me

was

and
hath

"

so

we

said,
not

given us
of

of fear,but
spirit

the

becomes

God

were

wide

an

orbit.

His

unto

the

is

day

as

us

is

love,

of

power,

processes

around

sweep

but

years,

so

is

He

millennium.

the

spring,as

though

as

seems

and

shall

He

as

the

morning,

rain,as

the

latter rain that watereth

sure

the

as

it

thousand

the

morning, as

forth

going

mighty

God's

One

the

as

spiritof

the

and
waiting,

of

weary

slow.

so

coming

come

so

gohmfall.

self-restraint.

and
self-discipline
Man

"

of haul's

"!JE Cause

n4

earth."

II.

SAUL'S

tion

to

will

come

the

favour

DISINGENUOUS

Samuel.

offered

of

the

of my

wrested

from

voice
His

of

before

by saying, They
all prone

are

word
have

refused

to

life

toppling down

our

folly,we

had

to

do

uttered,and

been

has

have

obey,

and

upon

us,

and

have
or

to

sceptre

the

was

imperious

fast upon

sought

me."

to

excuse

earrings;

I cast

When

tone.

same

proud

act

the

seen

consuming

I forced

want

this calf."

"

it

the

obey

said, Circumstances
I did

it,and

the

not

The

strippedthe people

out

in the

He

help myself;

not

their

me

came

speak

to

; I did

enemies, and

gave

there

into the fire,and

We
rash

their

and

God

to

Aaron's, who

"

himself
them

of

us

insincere.

tell you

fell thick

that

misfortunes

speech reminds

naked

we

the

intreated

not

:
practically

could

I had

and

grasp,

my

I
I

coming.

were

Philistines

"

said

hand

my

explana

myself therefore,and

; he

lot forced

I have

surely was

reluctant, but

most

was

Philistines

the

forced

circumstances

on

circumstances

it,I

Lord.

Saul's

myself,the

Gilgal,and

to

That
burnt-offering."

the

laid the blame

do

me

upon

Notice

"

I said to

"

said

He

down

PLEA.

done

; when

house

in the

of

my

our

flames

compelled

myself;

the

of

me

hand

was

forced."
O

soul

greater than
Thou

of

man,

thou

art

things; greater

art meant

to

be

God's

greater than

than

the mob

crowned

and

circumstances

of evil counsellors.

enthroned

king

115
and

rule

to

all other

be

to

lest

shall

not

ruled

it should

be

said

chosen

will."

In

after

man

in

this
"

years

unto

me,

Wait,

wait

beating,

tumultuous

rolling that

stones

God

stand

coming
as

would

we

not

the

up

moment

too

messenger

is timed

failed, the

steps

"

The

God
the

is

Lord
;

for God

allotted

And

at

to

He

for

sowing,

rapturous

reproach

Oh

bliss,that
of the

past

blue

skies

shall
!

who

i,

heart

and

hope

as

He

its

only
and

Wait

moment

not

"

God's

has

almost

vanished.

almost

will

is

speedy

late.

heart

for

servant

soul,wait, wait

wait, my

stop

more

quite so

too

the

2).

would

the

out

feet

my

purposes,

to

when

after

also

set

His

be

not

in

inclined

stopped.

moment

all my

be

upon

before,

moment.

there

comes,

Divine

be

behind,

appointed

and

when

harvest

!"

be

the

will arrive

not

have

manner

up

now

salvation.

gone,

hand

cannot

he

come

almost

act

steps may

but

soon,

mar

his

them, but

have

me

thine

Let

To

never

see

; his

pass

He

thy pulse register no

shall

still,and

Lord, and

leisure.

disappoint the highest hopes,

set

spake

goings" (Psa. xl.

emotion

of

waves

and

heart

miry clay, and

my

Lord's

thy

the

to

brought

He

"

perform

Listen

all

to

answer

being prepared

the

of the

out

In

"

shall

own

cry.

established

thou

feverish

its

God's

my

pit,and
and

rock

Rouse

yoke.

God, said

was

haste.

patiently for

heard

and

of

lad

make

after

I waited

THIS.

name

the

not

man

horrible

upon

the

resist

to

also, that thy kingdom

heart, who

home

believe, and

an

thee

TO

the

own

my

Jesse's

which

of

of

under

ALTERNATIVE

THE

this,Samuel, speaking

in

thee

only,and

God

continue.

MARK

could

obey

to

bring

to

attempts

thee,

III.

not

make

will
for

be

laughter

clouds,

thee

and

for

tears,

long days

forget the

shame

of

and

XVI.

flitting ton

f Ijousanft to

(i SAMUEL

Oh

"

! I have

God

My

to

me

hath

Fearless

of

say

is in

trust

soul

My

day,

single word,

a.

helping
'

the

seen

with

When,

xiv.

the

quelled
all that

Lord

'

thousand

could

foes,

oppose."
COWPER.

r UST

./

two

their

hearts, and

what

may

Jonathan
of

him

of

that

righted

that

From

and

so

from
north

the

character

the

of

of

Conceive

by steep
goats
The

walls

could

ridge

pendicular
"

approach

of

shining,"

find
on

the

crag

because

the

high

cliffs
each

north,
into

three

it reflects

of

he

human

knew
on

valley, twelve
Central

about
either

on

pass,

which

claims

Him
which

contrast.

other

footing, and

with

spoke true,

bright background

chalky formation,
a

soldier

pure,

yet

as

almost

may

Mediterranean.

the

narrow

very

of

lived

defile, and

the

Jerusalem,

precipitous,and

He

hill-countryof
of

We

Bayard,

noble

the

this

sorry

bank,

into

head

the

sea-board

the

to

as

guiding-star,

anticipated some

chivalry.

Christ, though

is but

up

God, who

of

to

serves

Jordan

leads

length,

faithful

in

patriotism

their

as

Hebrew

the

of

glow

reproach.

was

his father

of

God

Christian

was

followed

His

in

knight

without

wrong,

love, and
not.

he

the

effect

not

true

with

trust

traits of

and

fear

out

they

was

noblest

the

say

men,

young

all

to

day

on

which

an

called

the

full

very

touching.
either

only

unscalable

was

due

become

side

rises above

knolls,

miles

eight miles

protected

almost

in

Palestine,
Two

almost

on

miles

side

the

by

wild
man.

almost

per

Bozez,

light

of

or

the

JVn tjcroic(Episode.
Eastern

; whilst that

sun

was

known

the

shade.

Michmash

Philistines

lay above
such

the

it was,

as

watch

to

the

How

of

have

been,
to

are

I.

had

that

result

the

no

might

episode which

we

He

forsaken

perform

not

the

only

waited

into full communion

of

of
for

with

the
some

the

Saul, on

other

hand, had

things.

The

great past failed

aged by

what

met

Divine

no

tion, which

It is of
and

his eye
to

power

promise
of

his choice,

promised,

He

chosen

Israel

the

Almighty
by

land

his

in

was

Philistine

these

believingsoul

to

enter

deliver

current, and

be secured.

would

had

of

not

mighty

its

glorious

impossible to

Had

Was

was

prompted

in

people

covenant.

He

was

him

to

the

purpose

invasion

the

hordes, and

disgrace which

the

his countrymen.

to

his ancient

Surely

with

and

It seemed

had

God

heritage?
conflict

attached

PURPOSE."

DIVINE

THE

from

could

heart

heroic

inaction

deliverance.

withdrawn

mouth

Jordan
have

we

profound faith in God, and

Spiritto an act which issued

by

Divine

suppose

he

other

what

guess

INTO

the

at

situation

victory and

ance

each

for the

ENTERED

chafed

also

the

and

we

been

the

plains of

hostile force.

the

can

his army,

removed

had

the

watched

nor

it not

JONATHAN

animated

or

armies

the

there

recount.

whole

by

the

knowing,

Jonathan
the

of

former, and

Saul

withdrawing from

movements

long

means

thither

latter,and

constantly in

as

of Geba
the little village

; whilst

encamped

were

the

crowned

yards distant,

few

south, a

acacia," being

the

"

Seneh,

as

the

on

117

of

rouse

to

speak

ear

from

himself

deliverance.

Samuel

had

tomb,

seemed

the utmost

and

perception

no

shut

importance

flesh fail before

the

him
in

lay

like
up

this

to

night,

to

the

on

of
stone

these

Discour

hold

sentence

pronounced,
to

him.

morning

to

The

to

of

deposi
the

on

despair.

mortal

giant wrongs

when
life,

that

assert

4""hm

"8

to Jligljt."
flitting""n ^irousattfr

themselves

such as the
againstthe well-beingof mankind
the mania
for betting and
drink-traffic,
gambling, impurity,

and

"

insensate

the

Philistines

by the blood
have

been

of

deliverance

works

into

moment

ally their

earth, which

II.

HE

establish

to

channels.

hand, and
that

them,
known.

sensitive

healthy
said
us

in

the

grey

the

the

With

in all
dawn

of

young

to

is

facts,and
is

He

as

ever

in the

judgment

INSTRUMENT.

who

to

his

retina

of

nerve

; and

man

that

Philistines'

beautiful

eye

mighty

bore

whilst their comrades

are

or
light,

to

day

his armour,

garrison,that
two

power
to

who

it fell upon

modesty

the
probability

the

chooses

He

souls

the
"

for

the

heavenly vision.

the

blessed

those

on

grace

insensible

not

are

and

other.

make

should

outlook

the

on

the

into

us

tides shall flow

Divine
ever

God

"

calls

He

his power
on

disobedient

the

to

over

; and

as

the

unto

side."
"

God

muscle

go

other
father

to

them

they

one

was

God,

AN

that the

God

He

are

impulse,nor

Jonathan

let

them

Happy

Divine

he

transmit

by

of

means.

will receive

believingsouls,who
one

these eternal

AS

human
so

discouraged

by preciousblood.

redeemed

through

human

be

righteousnessand

fellowshipwith Himself,
through

above

HIMSELF

YIELDED

works

always

been

has

full

Happy are they who,

the depressionof the

march

the

of the

potency

fail nor

livingfellowshipwith
with

that cannot

prophecy. The
might destroy the

He

realized.

themselves

weakness

forth

going

that

Cross

accomplish that
the

was

will not

He

been

has

Jonathan, raise

Cross

manifested

devil ; and

of the

and

power

pur

the

on

Surely

realize and

to

the

has been

until that purpose

like

The

pledged
which

achieved

Redeemer.

world's

the

are

Divine

the

to

away

redemption

in vain.

are

of

of Man

Son

the

look

to

"

in the

shed

might

Divine

time

our

disclosed

as

pose,

of

absorption in pleasure,which

"he

is

told

slippedaway
were

as

the
that

Come,
on

not

the

his

silently

still wrapped

$"umttt)crc"
in slumber.
the

ardent

some

clue

work

intimation

The

spiritof
the

in

the

many

by

or

Notice

His

in

hope, and from

things. All that he

vehicle

through

work.

This

is

world

two

dare

have

for time

Yield

which

God

who
wants

of human

peace
have

must

have

and

elect

by

the

to

these

his

his

soul, but

had

sensible
to

the

to

depend

show

to

face of

the

hundreds

There

He

wants

obscure

achieve
no

the

more.

speciallyappeal
is about

such

are

the

to

wrongs

to

break, foes

to

quell;

and

true

pure,

of

the

but

flesh,

It matters

not

his

armour-

as

if

great deliverance.

vision

Divine
the

more

Wilberforce,

domination

or

them

shall I

What

disposal.

on

our

Almighty

surrender

to

words.

Jonathan,

through them He will

Saul, the chosen
king, had
not

the

bearer ;

was

the

instruments, clean

from

our

great

expect

Carey, and

happiness that

they be high-bornas

He

led

tyranniesHe
right,

agents and

might

; not

historygoes

impulse.

and

"

read

and

Him

to

George Miiller,and
God

God

going forth of God through

speciallydistinguishedby

fail to tell of

would

may

of

humble

strength,but

our

All

the

centred

the

souls, who

been

have

absolutelyresignedto

faith.

by

had

was

be

transformed

been

not

faithful,delivered

and

will

expected great

to

was

not

"

have

achieved

yourselvesto

men

young

gave

save

He

It is false to say that

them.

been

he

despairturns

three

Livingstone,and

and

to

; in Him

deliveringgrace

absolutelyto the Divine

"

thrilled

greatest faith in

the

Lord

wants

out-standingtalents,but
say ?

Lord

the

to

gracious help

the

or

individuals,who
selves

that

emphasis.

aspired to

God

that the movements

He

Lord

the side of great battalions.

on

that

the

be

himself,and

in absolute

which

thingsand

he

laid the

his

which

is what

but

"

which

It may

for the

waited

soul

all his

armies

prince,of

restraint

no

Jonathan

possiblefaith

weakness,

purpose

few."

where

smallest
God.

is

119

Divine

young

words,

for us, for there

of

"

(Soft.

to

voice

and

no

such

speaking

of
interposition

in

the

"

"fcm

i2o

Cutting fa

"rjousan6

priest(vers.19 and 36) ; he spoke and

victorydepended wholly on the efforts
might put

forth ; and

refreshment

the

as

in

wild

short

that

of

honey

because

they put

be in their hands

Throughout

to

the

dered

God

judgment

own

III.
FAIL

JONATHAN

HIM.

Faith

"

call unto

have

the

Thus

by

able

are

we

assictance

the

those

this

lips?

senseless

reallyhin
the

of

oblivious

instruments

might

their

to

of his noble

GOD,

is the

indomitable

whole

son

that

"

inflict his

to

ordinary

of

physical

laws

three.

intellectual;whilst

and

aid of the
the

accomplish

of

energieswhich
as

This

have

we

are

eternal.

better,

and
results,
as

much

greater than

is greater
electricity

was

the

in

we,

and
spiritual

same

said,

have

we

we

which

forces

and

organ

NOT

DID

by which

As

men.

their

to

steam.

GOD

AND

power

of

range

ordinarily employed,

horse-power or

himself

human

that

time, but

save

fall

invading hosts.

call -in the

addition,may

it be

would

people

honey

heart

key-boards to

two

employ

They

to

ON

lives

the

might yield,he

in
especially

RECKONED

help a

our

outside

they

the

on

men

simple

such

of the rods

wild

and

the

working through

was

his

and

of

woods

ends

showed

animated

thought that

he

use

of his

the

meant

was

that

the

though

as

interposition.Could

the

day,

the full result,Saul

one

are

forth

convey

whole

adjuration,which

the

deliverance

God's

acted

forbiddingthe

forfeited the full results of God's

supposed

to

of

secret

than

Jonathan's

success.

they ascended

As

the

agreed

on

indeed

in the

not

way

sign
The

faith

steep

heart

the
cliff-side,

should

which

line of the

fail them.
of

the

Divine
of

eagerly longs

man

for

indicate

will,and

was

of the advanced

some

graciouslygranted
outposts, which

they

God

sign
misled
in the

that

by

on

the

it is not
wreckers'

mocking

ridiculed the idea

were

would

in its first venture

or
being
followinga will-o'-the-wisp,

lights. This

that
that

men

young

voices

that

the

Ijcafwt-gitrctt
Hebrews
should
"

in

succeed

the Hebrews

hid

and

his

will show

we

the

the holes where

of

of

said,Come

thing (or we

like

should

acquaintance)."
the heaven-givensign,and
This was

had

they

garrisonanswered

the

armour-bearer,and
you

Behold," they said,

crags.

men

though they

even

"

forth out
and

and

(ver.n),

feared

scalingthe

come

themselves

Jonathan

be

to

were

12

up

to

to

make

us,

your

ance

that the

hand

of Israel

Divine
But

"

only

successful

as

ye

the
appropriates

condition of
all-important
often overlooked, All things

one

"

so

"

them

(Mark

God

on

the top the two

reached

into the

ask for,believe that ye have

soul that reckons

The

they

and

pray

ye shall have

them, and

is

assur

receive of Him."

ask, we

we

fulfil the

which

prayer,

whatsoever

faith the soul

Whatsoever

we

them

already delivered

(ver.10). By

answer.

it is

had

Lord

the

conveyed

received

R.V.).

xi. 24,

be ashamed.

cannot

When

Benjaminitesused

young

their

measured
their
slingswith such precisionthat twenty men
lengthon the ground, and a tremblingfrom God, a heaven
sent
panic,spread from them back on the main army behind,
of spoilers
and to the bands
returningfrom their nightraids.

Philistines could

The

absolutely alone.

were

precursors

of

suddenly,in
being in

also turned

selves in the

how

Without

away.
Q

that
the

was

that

acquiescent
silently
; and

at

Gibeah,

the multitude

delay

hard

he

man's

had

been

in their

when

beheld
to

was

great discom

after them

swayed

sword

very

all who

Saul

hurled

were

desperate men, and

suspected his neighbourof

Hebrews

fled,followed

faced them

and

"every

there

againstthem

his outlook

sion,and

resolute

who

though they

as

of Ephraim,
hill-country

the Philistines
From

seemed

panic,each man
league against him;

Philistines,or

they

that the two

the

Meanwhile,

fiture."

know
It

of

host

againsthis fellow,so
the

not

and

himself

had

allied

to

rule, even
hid them

they heard

that

in battle.
the wild confu

fro,and
with

melted

his soldiers

"fttoo

122

the

on

the

futtht0

ftljousanti
to

fen

down
fled,in headlong precipitancy,

flyingfoe, who

Lower

in

Beth-horon,

the

by
that

order

the

in their rear, and

rose

flyinghost

warriors

the

dyed

of

highways

deliver his

The

unwise

terrible

first,in

and, secondly,in
without

worse,

when

God,

Divine

the

it,and

the

proper

Oracle

fears in

picionsand

separation of

the

blood.

dumb.

was

where

he

his

which

expiation.

would

have

but in the

people

Jonathan

stood

that

before

his

in his
the

Shall

tion

Israel ?

shall

not

hath

wrought

one

comfiture
was

not

He

had

due

to

life,but he

with

God

head
this

was

to

missed

the

fall to

day."

be enshrouded

sin,

heart,

own

Finallyhe

the

and

objects of

while

was

Lord

to

the

sacrifice

indignantly,

the

ground,

Saul

two
was

salva

liveth,there

Ah, the

greatest

of
it

cried

those

already enwrapping
moroseness

the

As

aught in Jonathan.

jealousy,the

as

that

wrought this great

hath

surely lay between

the

it,in his

They

forbid !

of his

was

for

prepared even

was

him.

saved

hair

only

not

look

so

crying for

was

him.

people

Saul

God

most

not

around

the

Jonathan die, who

in

did

sus

afterwards

sin

some

of

wrath.

moody

people

He

stood

and
displeasure,

But

that

dark

the

became

soul

assuredlyfound

Divine
son

with

Still

silenced

sin had

Some

the

counsel

asked

Saul

in, and

troops,

spoilsof

densely enveloped, realized

discovery and

the

of
the

already touched

monarch,

had

eating of

closed

day

did

Thus

king againstfood

exhaustion

the famished

the

the

the

so

Jonathan's faith.

to

the

of

had

they

blood.

hearts'

answer

prohibitionof

sequel ;

day,

in

people

their

the

thousands

and

land, which

the

which

so
joined the pursuit,

greatlyreduced,

was

grievouslyoppressed, with
God

Philistine frontier

through

town

the

then

and

Upper

the

gain

to

valleyof Aijalon. Every

fugitivespassed

"

the

long valley,past Beth-aven, past

for

cause

of

men

; but

alone

to

in the

temper, in which
yet day.

dis
it

blame.

opportunity of

himself

he

his

unbelief,
his

sun

XVII.

JFaihtru Slntor
(i
1 '

SAMUEL

Mortal

! if life smile

Think,

Who

All

shall

and

find

thou

Heaven

from

once

befriend

dare

Thy

thee,

on

to

thou

26.)

xv.

thy mind,

to

did
Thee

So

tlj*

forego

best,

descend

His

at

thine

"

Hell

to

call

dear

all."
K.EBLE.

shores

the

ON

lie

the

been

Jordan

towards

the

line

which

God

which
the
of

sea

his

of

death.

of

failed
their

the
final

to

of

first

the

that

and

by

the

now

pages

that

and

down

failures

work

the
purpose

away
This
had

befel.

acclaim

of

his

writers

to

is that

as

tools

chapter
indeed

history
early
forth

his

fatherland,
describe

from

gives

as

been

life

was

in

the
as

became

having

rejected

in

hands

of

the
the

with

people

life, been

their

of

his

stood

for

sacred

his

who

he,

the

of
of

bright promise

marvellous

cast

the

to

life amid

high

borne

such

among

have

Israel.

and

whom

which

creation,

and

roots

as

lives

of

us

their

in

Galilee
; and

gorge

remind

the

by

of

give shade,

purpose

have

carried

uplands

they

salt,

which

trees

remarkable

fruit

turn

the

Artificer.

which

the

shores

of

to

rejection, which

time, but

of

up

king

mission, and
great

from

with

encrusted

and

roots,

Conspicuous

his

do

their

bear

torn

that

those
of

noble

original

over-cast,

likely

many

flow

to

impossible

morning

of

desolate

been

soon

one

its

planted

lamenting

out
so

those

have

is

Sea,

depression

Saul, the
It

Dead

from

in

fulfilled

not

the

trunks
torn

rapid

they

of

story

threatened

of

his

afore

^FailureSltttor trjc Supreme

124

I. THE
"

TEST

Go

"

OF

smite

and

they have,

and

them

and

SUMMONS

COMMAND.

AND

that

utterly destroy all

and

Amalek,

spare

infant

woman,

DIVINE

THE

slay both

but

not;

suckling,ox

and

and

man

and

camel

sheep,

ass."

This

command

vened
and

from

incident

the

those

during

given

was

had

handful

of

had

also

the

of

and

South,
whatever

find

the

runners

beyond

his

table
he

that

and

beginning to

was

both

in

with

the

It

it

as
warm

kings of

enforce

often

to

comes

days

summer

we

are

is oftenest

subjected,not

ordeal,

to

its supreme

munity

from

easy,

smooth

not, the
You

"

be
Son
will

on

paths

days

of

your

of Man

in

his

vie,

to

army,

entered

his

life,
the

of

corruptionand

prosperitythat

the

soul

realizingthe significanceof
If of

guard ; for, at
comes

notice,also, that

to

have

such

to

supreme

time

as

the

im

had

difficult have

call you

this

you

circumstances

your

once

were

late

of

that

prosperity. In

in dread

test.

that

and

Canaan.

on

of

able

and

test

we

circumstances
was

state

most

if
specialadversity,
if

evident

kingdom

Saul

bordered

days

been

bodyguard

The

supreme

in

us

it is in the

contagion,and

been

that

had

state, for

adverse

his

the
In

himself, Abner,
by

such

that the

and
on

is also

It

for

respect, and

the lands

this time

at

was
so

amid

he

arms

law.

magnificence of

the

his

considerable

was

He

the North.

on

surrounded

inaugurated

been

him

his will

that

Zobah

of

reserved

was

his uncle.

East, againstEdom

highest hopes.

was

properly

against Moab

wars

directed

had

gathered around

the

on

he

royal

Jonathan
had

Ammon

direction

had

by Abner,

led

en

followed

had

great army,

successful

very

marvellous

who

men

to

against the kings

victorious
that he

and

armed,

waged

children

increased

previous chapter ;

with

met

inter

had

years

in the

Saul

him, trembling,had

disciplinedand

narrated

years

The

couragement.

after several

have

become
ye think

his bar.
test

gave

him

Sln"cr tbc gait.

final chance

God

had

should
his
this

the past.
At Gilgal,
retrieving
years before,
that his kingdom
him
by the lipsof Samuel

of

told

continue

not

; but

last command

it seemed

of

that

fortunes

retrievingthe

though

as

him

give

to

seemed

had

an

mistake,

failure and

his former

out

of

sentence

no

put into his life

was

opportunityof wiping
and

been

had

there

and
depositionor rejection,

own

125

be

to

absolutelysacrificed.
God
and

often

to

comes

when

us

apparentlyirretrievable

mistake.

made

have

we

sad

some

givesus yet another

He

opportunityof reversingthe past, as when our Lord said to

his disciplesin the Garden
of the Olive-press
:
Sleep on
"

take

and

now,

"Arise, let
would

be

us

tion

Divine
of

Amalekites

the

often

ban

used

the

that, in the

child,and

the

precious metals

fires of

rendered
of

absolute

for

be

to

kept,

There

had

the earliest

been

days.

feud
"

that which

againsthim in
(ver.2, R.V.).

placingunder

altar,and
because
until He

6).

called
he

said

had

will

You
it

wiped

to

he

had

Lord
the

under

was

woman,

would

With

the

was

and

Lord

only
the

such
of

name

came

"

the

Moses
Lord

have

reproach of

he
out

up

that

Israel

from

of hosts, I have

Israel,how

remember
"

out

etc.).

Amalek

Jehovah-nissi

that the

Centuries

when

way,

It

the

heaven.

saith the
did

word

destroyed,and

21,

under

between

Thus

utterly

It is the

city,man,

destruction

Amalek

the

"

be

xxxi.

from

out

"

being passed through

after

and

wiped

devoted

beasts, must

the very

extermina

translated

devote.

Joshua
"

of the

devastation

Amalek

word

purification(Num.

absolute

15,

the

for

Book

case

and

marked

the

opportunity

sufferings.

sin-infected cities of the Canaanites.

the

stood

in

his

fresh

involved

better

be

though

fellowshipin

command

destroy,"would
so

of

adding,

afterwards

moment

going," as

be afforded

The

"

rest

your

war

his

set

himself

of

Egypt

reared

banner

my
with

"

an
"

Amalek,

people (Ex. xvii.

passed, and this ancient

threat

had

^failureSinter

ia6

remained

unfulfilled until this

given,

was

At
of

"

Go

first it

seems

that
A

we

as

with

told in

his sword

cruel

very

were

southern

of

frontier

therefore, for

as

Son

Saviour
of

the

as

It

safety of

the

nation

when

the

and

that the

judgment

that

relegatedto

final

the nations

world
Nineveh

stood

But

there, and

day.

One

after

The

been

and

Amalekites

weighed

sentence

had

inflict it.

marily and
the

they

absolute

natural

been

in
been
But

another

his

for

single

altogether

historyof

the

Christ's

bar.

before

and

there, Greece

standing there

to

award

solemn

the

which

destruction

will

"

has

irretrievable.
had
his

before

stood

balances, and

pronounced,
remember

suddenly
process

will call to

is to be

are

had

passed into

have

in

the

stood

nations
has

witness

to

suppose,

standing

other

doubt,

tongue, and

and

nations

the

separates them

are

Throughout

there, Babylon

stood

and

day.

have

Rome

depart ;

of the

glory,while

Ages

cannot

we

; and

discourse, the

his

we

the

their

judgment-seat

words, without

kindred, people

his awards.

moment,

of

King

the

upon

arrested.

He

event, which

imposing

bar

These

goats.

these

were

raids

last wonderful

and

day,

announce

his

up

Him,

the

33

childless.

people, that

chosen

gathered before

that great

to

in his

us

very

ver.

women

permanently
sets

absolutelynecessary,

was

of

some

every

God

of

from

robbers

of

throne

from

also

the

hand

sinners

made

the

sheep

portend

been

be

sits upon

are

other

were

learn

often

Judah.

tells

Man

nations

We

this act

demanded

constantly making

in this world

our

18,

ver.

had

injure should

to

Even

the

the command

now

the

on

rapacious tribe

and

Amalekites,who

power

but

aggravated type.

Agag

and

Amalek."

Saul
are

hour,

terrible that God

very
from

Amalekites,
and

smite

and

obedience

black

tljc Supreme

found

and

Saul

that Saul

that which
of

the

decay ;

of

God, had

wanting.

Their

called

upon

was

only doing

was

otherwise
for God

bar

would
has

so

sum

follow

in

constituted

hritljllEScrbc.

"befcietue
that when

us

sin

we

against the

of

laws

truth,purity,and

in

righteousness,decay immediately

sets

law.

attacked

If Amalek

had

hosts, the vices that

people
of

the

nation.

infected

with

of families

evils that

the

generations they die out, having

propagation;

and

nation.

may

We

is true

what

infer that

of

ordinance.

and

surrounding peoples

for the

by

infected

her

brought
II.

to

But

his

raised

thousand

frontier ; and

came

they

in

the

to

men,

the

to

Kenites

that

and

herds, the whole

of

may

have

; and

in

Amalek,
become
stroke

one

of
be

should

the

down

to

he
from
and

the

southern

Hebron.
or

which

After
and

wady,

lying

having
"

children

with

the

was

awful

an

Agag,

of

fleeing

the

and

flocks

solitude.

triumph, reared

Carmel,

sacred

choice

to

rid of its inhabitants,and

silence of
with

of

to

Shur, the

to

even

exception
the

the

pursued

Havilah

from

oasis of
the

When

footmen

on

in

us

"

country

returned, flushed

came

of

city of Amalek,

of

escaped, and

deathlike

the

victory in

then

so

peaceful,friendlypeople
carried the cityby assault, put

Amalekites

few

Saul

self-

Judah, Benjamin,

chief

south

and

women,

great wall of Egypt

to

for

have

thousand

dry water-course,

some

of the

reduced

of

story is told

The

"

it,at Telaim,

depart, the attackingarmy

remnants

five

mercy

of the nation

of

men

lay,probably,a little to the

sword

would

which

hundred

two

around

the

therefore

people spared Agag."

the

Simeon, gathered

given notice

power

better
infinitely

was

RESERVE.

and

Saul

ten

in ambush

that in

us,

the

was

existence

WITH

standard,

Israel,and

great cities,

end.

an

OBEDIENCE
"

ver.

the

axe

consumption

our

that by
deterioration,

slow

executioner's

the

lost

of the

heart

familyis equally

there

this Divine

It

in

his

and

Saul

and

rife among

are

inevitable

an

by

undoing

utter

is said

It

by

in the

already at work

were

led to the

have

must

been

never

127

near

site of

to

monument

Hebron

Gilgal,that

; and

he

might

ttttttortfrcSupreme
JFailurc

128

sacrifice

to

of

and

sheep

into his

the

goats, of

"

best

of the

the

lambs,

he

Saul

and

the

and

and

the vast

and

camels, which

and

the

plunder

had

people had

and

oxen,

the

of

fallen

been

loth

and

the

people spared Agag,

of the

all that

and
failings,

good, and would

everythingthat was vile and

; but

destroy them

oxen

which

sheep

divide

perhaps

and

hands,

destroy.

to

and

Lord,

fet.

utterly

not

was

refuse,they

destroyed utterly."
this

Whether

greed, as

to
ver.

he

24,

rather

reserve

feared

light is

siderable

thou

in

people,in

The

he

"

greed

flew

the

con

startling
"Why

says,
same

ex

told that the

are

the

upon

and

the

work,

at

of

; but

spoil,and

passionatevehemence

Saul

were

we

in

says

their voice

the

employing

same

all the bulwarks

boilingcurrents

when

19,

hunger,

characterised

Surely rapacityand

by

xiv. 32, where

blood.

the

he

decide

incident

ver.

spoil?

ravenous

have

to

seems

the

concerned,

was

because, as

cannot

the
in

Saul

as

people,obeying

we

on

chapter

their

with

even

God,

Samuel

fly upon

pression as
ate

of

the

thrown

by

expressionused
didst

thwart

to

the voice

than

or
likely,

most

appears

far

due, so

was

of

men

and

Israel.
their

before

principleand

conscience

swept away.

were

prepared

there

"

choicest

stay

be

when

hand

our

quite prepared
but

money,

thingswhich

clearlyand

are

self-indulgenceswhich
Skin

perament.

give

for

his

fully renounce

that which

for

life
"

his

are

skin;

only

the

voices
the

altar.
us

to

bid
We

nothing
"

but

that, and

all else.

There

he

our

the
tem

will he

will

is

our

; the
not

hath

man

us
are

missionarycause

all that

him

refuse

that

to
peculiarly
fascinating

yea,

certain

line and

the

are

the best and

disgracefully
wrong,

spare

claim

"

costs

We

to

as

soft
on

all.

us

up

draw

is

children,to

our

for

soon

to

Isaac

our

as

we

listen

give up

to

not

touched,
We

compliance.

this

commands

Just

stay.

we

begin to

Divine

the

obey

to

point,and
further

in
significance

is great

There

cheer

always

j$ummnrir tfcngeattCE.
with

tendency
and

sacrifice

But

the

Bible,

from

the

stock

of

Agag

all of

of

tains

case?

and

excuses,

in

part of the

price,and

the

lesson.

forbearing to
causing
of

that which

dulgences

will

foreseeing
destroy
Agag
Divine

bring
risk

the

without

comes

of

runs

to

assassin, dye the

our

in

is to

be

failures,

us

Saul

perished, on

our
are

read.

crown,

If
or

Sam.

con

sacrifice
back

we

undoing.

ourselves,

spare

The

love

own

to

stricken

are

sward

with

which

is transferred

our

the hand
in

of

with

God,
us

inflict the
down

by

life-blood,and
to

to

; but

peace

forbear

we

presentlywe

our

be

may

cherished

incurring, pleads
of

i-io).

decipher

can

Our

field of
i.

foot, which

part with.

delicately;

green

(2

certainlyperish by

the enemies

and

to

the

least instructed

The

to

that

Sapphira kept

Amalekite

an

shall

about
we

and

key

find manifold

you

prepared

are

righthand

we

; but

one

the

off.

may

the

mercy

sentence,

despoiled of

that

refused

we

save

you

cut

were

offend,

to

us

off

cut

palliateour

For

exists

Agag

spare

and

Ananias

fact !
who

He

to

heart,

which

hand

remarkable

propensity,which

sin, for which

learn

startlingto

Gilboa, by the

sin.

favourite

willingto give Christ

are

your

Thus

else.

What

evil

exonerate

You

everything
It is

root

retain

to

of meat,

morsel

having

surelyequivalentto sparing some

cherished

most

your

flesh ;

besettingsin.

cupboard

every

for the

permissible.

spare

for that

our

Is this your

to

us

air,sold his birthright. To

ourselves, to

to

condone

to

stands

self-gratification
; and

for

us,

merciful
and

stand

must

God,

permit

this story is

of

plausibleindulgence, some

evil,some

us,

will

He

Esau, who, for

the

is

of Amalek

best

with

bargain

spoil.

Amalek
of

steaming fragrantlyin
the

of the

deeper reading

Throughout
sprung

make

to

us

will,if only

best

the

even

an

of

his

all to

and

Agag

spare

best

the

129

another.

the
are

XVIII.

(i SAMUEL
choice

Thy

"

'Twas

fitter

The

flesh,

Beneath

Thy

sense

upon

For

ever

world

the

it !

take

"

nerve

Thou

Spirit

of

Heaven

the

to

spirit's play

the

of

Out

refuse

flesh

intimation
the

secret

God

came

I have

that

set

Glut

'tis thine

:
"

B.

Saul

be

to

"

he

for

night,

of
It

in
when

repenteth

Me

back

turned

hath

performed

not

made

was

dead

said,

and

king,

hath

and

obedience

in the

him

to

near

up

lapsed

Samuel

of

ear

following Me,

from

Saul's

of

shut

art

R.

AN

attest

subserve

should

spirit
than

didst

Thou

earth

was

12-35.)

xv.

command

my

ments."

requires

God
results

are

repented
fact, God

cannot

is

be

always

it, and

to

as

seem

due

being

us

his

though

for

life

to

us

is

his

desired

the
our

changed

course

affected

his

purpose

ourselves, because, whereas

purpose,

now,

by

disobedience

of

matter

Man

the

may

Almighty
wind

The

direction,

same

reverse

method.

other

to

As

but

or

purpose

purpose.

plan,

powerfully

so

had

God

his

some

it, it will waft

our

to

by

the

possible

then

of

out

it

only.

fails the

that
his

changed

change

or

when

and

appearance

steadily in

blowing

yield

we

with

repent

will achieve

Workman

as

in

is

working

the

frustrate

may

this

but

had

He

though

as

"

obedience

literal

and

haven
and

go
it

that
"

formerly

long

as

the
we

or

unbelief,

or

when

but

it

against
would

change
moved
we

are

steadily resisting it.

Does

God

ever

come

to

you

at

night,

the

world

lufcignntton.
is

quiet,and

God

can

failure

trust

with

his

chosen

of

confidence,
"

he

who

had

who

been

people, had
true

are

door

usefulness

of

chosen

how

much

"

friends,who, when
take

no

less

service

hope

so

God,

and

that

we

reckless
evil

and

rest

by

He

cried

unto

lover

long as
should

rather

How

perish.

have

courses

cast

him

the

active

debarred

him

from

self with

the

thought,that

does

cease

her

not

prayers

may

passionsby
Samuel
him

from

to

the

on

pray

which

which

the

Gilgal,the
versions

as

either

figureof

site of the
us,

of

than

accursed

leading a

now

when

or

his

sickness, and
him

and

he

cottage his mother

that

secretlyhopes

vehemence

of

the

fiery

is driven.

where,

informs

lone

some

fifteen miles

some

was

bed

before

pursuitsof life,comforts

him,

his soul

Carmel,
which

for

son

is

There
case

still hours,

against the

avail

travelled

monument,
or

to

on

in

many

us,

price

most

our

be

or

human

within

is the

night."

to

work

at

up

should

his

all

Lord

another.

bear

they

life,in
profligate

and

the

of

of careless

act

some

This

friend

in front

wide

afford

can

and

that

plead

the

deterioration

soul

one

when

Friend, and

rest.

Those
his

outraged;

the Divine

no

one

indignant when

set

barred

they see

that

are

sanctions,

his mark.

grace

and

give God

"

solemn

feel

had

He

to

owe

we

Him.

gloriousdeliverances

such

his

and

which

is shut

servant

such

but

cannot

wilful disobedience.

Ah,

with

achieve

frustrated

are

purposes

God

to

with

I do ?

seriouslymissed

so

watch

his

with

We
deeply moved.
righteousindignation that

fair to

them

was

appointed

bidden

the

over

sorrow

to

that which

"
"

them

to

whom

they

are

honouring

servants,

angry

Happy

profound

own

of Samuel

"

was

had

for his

his

Abraham

faithful soul

told

and

from

secrets

appealing

and

Shall I hide
The

his

tell you

I31

we

ancient
the

have

shaped
hand

king

to

was

find
seen,

Saul, following
Saul

in the form

of

up

hand,

graved (R.V.,marg.),

shrine,where,
was

set

engaged

as

in

one

of

offering

JV

i32

sacrifices

Itcmarhabk

Jehovah

to

and

this

there

remarkable

most

colloquytook place.
SAUL.

It

"

"

Lord

and, with

;
"

added,

Lord."

have

how

blinding us
desired

such

at

"

under
is

enable

damnable

by day

SAMUEL."
the

mistakable

It

indication

of flocks

is

and

untoward

incident

oxen

remember

impress
from
the

herds,

me

every

and

the

kind

taint of tobacco

of

the

open

entire

to

of
the

sheep

he

and

the

un

great multi

prophet'sear.

just

place, so

whilst

that

bleat

with

laden

as

that

is

man

some

such

the

lowing

belie his words.

and
sanctification,

his breath

foe than

in darkness.

idol,giving unmistakable
on

to

arrow

protestationsof goodness,
the

of

one

Nothing
Judas, who

sin

professor of religionwho

his

of

morals.

walketh

when,

takes

and
lips,

advantage,

times, the

to

tell ;

off their

mean

presence

truly

references

sheep began

wafted

bleatingof
a

with

of

wind,

near

was

suddenly

once

of

occurrence

in his

loud

breath
of the

unfortunate

an

becoming
of the

the

his

unwary

Better

that
pestilence

that moment

low.

to

kiss.

from

the

he

cannot

life with

It is the

Better, a dozen

the

than
At

oxen

tude

with

Master

as

It reminds

take

high code

Arthur's*

appear

Lord,"

put

to

this.

than

assassin.

secret

flieth

of

to

user

to

sound.

ugly

an

that dis

whether

or

"

prophet,we

of the

their

the appearance

betrayed his
the

the

intended

are

sin

the

really

not

did young

our

the

of

did

and

and
failure,

be thou

of

demeanour,

for it is certain

"

interlard their business

and

more

his

thou

commandment

of

to deceive

has

in

Hubert

as

enormity
his

as

Blessed

which
religion,

guard,

eyes,

over

so

who

deteriorated

the

be

with

him

meet

Blessed

blinded

was

our

moment,

certain

out

to

son,

that

had

gloss

to

obedient
but

Saul

puts

the

performed

far he

obedience

"

lips,

to

complacency

great

Whether

know

his

phrase upon

unctuous

king,who, seeing the

the

him, advanced

towards

prophet coming
an

by

commenced

was

desired

to

deliverance

evidence, by

spoke, that

he

31 Retrospect.
had

been

not

said

it my

smoking

business

God

convict

not

may

Christian

people are

and
ciples,
selves.

entire

his

taint

choice

the

and

oxen

of

sheep

hear

The

"

the

word

"

they

of

to

the

oxen,

laid upon

the

blame

word

not

upon

thy
It

He

origin,and
He

throne, and
him

royal

of

prophet by

God

and

it

the

the

the

sheep and

thy God."

; and

and

from

the

the

backslider
Samuel

Notice

emphasis

rest

have

we

contemptibleto lay
an

was

which

excuse

how

his

he

how

had

the

what

shrunk

the station

reminded

would

him

how

to

the

been

Lord

have

hath

said

to

prophet went

back

to

from

God

had

been

Almighty King
reminded

given him,

and

his

undertaking the great

which
he

been

had
insignificant

authority,requiring that

charge had

probably

interruptedhim, saying,

Saul how

designatedvicegerent. He
tinct

best

the faithful old

Then

reminded

of
responsibility

to

people,

them

Lord

unroyal

was

I will tell thee

night."

the past.

him.

bleating
which

oxen

the

thy

"

the

The

"

and

this

"

speaking, but

on

"Stay,
me

With

be allowed.

SAMUEL.
gone

unto

conciliate

to

utterlydestroyed."
could

of

of

presence

this

brought

people spared the

sacrifice

subtle effort

have

They

"

for the

the

alert,

by laying emphasis

himself

excused

king

Amalekites;
the

the

reserved.

meaneth

lowing

the

and

ears,

the

assert

"

SAUL.
on

mine

in

which

to

on

been

had

What

"

irony the prophet said,

sad

more

detected

which

sheep

his way

of

out

went

man

his breath

on

business,

our

concerning

and

deliverance,I naturallywas

in the

and

our

this

when

But

It is

general prin
agreed,to lay down
hearers
to
apply them for them

not

leave

to

universally.

men

clearly forbidden,

not

matters

on

felt

never

indulgences concerning which

denounce

to

have

smoking.

about

singleword

I had

of tobacco.

kind

rank

rather

*33

had
raised

of Israel had
he

should

him

also

that the

summoned
up

to

the

delegated
act

that

as
a

his
dis

responsibility

3V -Remarkable

134
of

determining

from

his

himself, as

issued

had

his

the

greed

He

had

his prey,

upon

action

Divine

the

to

flown
and

had

into

had

spoil as

dis

of

act

an

evil in the

done

who

spite of all,Saul

the

upon

transferred

Being,

In

him

hurry

to

been

had

destruction.

of

his

obedience.

of

agent,

mandate

allowed

lion

line

hungry

sightof

the

Lord.
SAUL.
have

The

"

obeyed

voice of the

the

that the

Lord

sent

Amalek,

and

have

people took

the

devoted

the

of the

was

would
He
meant

Gilgal;
that

he

or

had

would

of

wait

the

Lord
"

for

into

have

mentally

resolved

and

chief

of

God

in

have

judged

disobedience."

thinking that

that

them,

But

little while, you

spoils now

sacrifice

king of

thy

You

of apparent

act

my

the

the

oxen,

said,

the way

gone

Amalekites.

and

unto

complicated position into

the

the

Yea, I

have

these

might

would

he

sacrifice
he

excuse

brought Agag,

cajoled himself

have

sacrifice

to

and

spoil,sheep

If you

issue

even

may

"

poor

Lord,

have

though

as

the

see

his

utterlydestroyed

wrongfully.

me

and

me,

things, to

It

Gilgal."

reiterated

king

he

had

he

reached

there

and

then

relieve himself

so

which

he

found

of

himself

drifting.
SAMUEL.
uttered

In

"

of

the

Bible, a

to

the

same

centuries
blessed

the

of

one

to

answer

greatest

in the

repeated in

Lord

his

gave

of the

and
be

to

hearken

wishful

than

for him

to

sacrifice,there could
at

least,he

had

the

"

assent

"

disobeyed

unmistakably,the

whole

in

forms, and
Hath

fat of rams."

no

seed-germ

the

Lord
in

to

his

than

to

doubt

that

God's

positivecommand

attitude

of

his

soul

which

our

as

great

that

was

the

sacrifice,

Saul

intention
to

much

obeying

Whatever

up

of

subsequent

to

obey is better

to

messenger

earlier books

the

sacrifices,
as

infer,as

be

is the

different

Behold,

Lord

in

prophets, which

and
delight in burnt-offerings

voice

God's

remark,

sentences

which

sentence

purpose
was

this last

might

offer 'the

moment,
;

and,

towards

"
disobedience
of

his

will and

enormity of

the

Rebellion

is

"

stubbornness

veil

aside, the

sin which

had

equally vile

is

good

; but

men

between

in God's

them

and

held

searching

God's

authority as
sentence

of

the word

of the

the

the

"

Lord,

He

hath

thou

Because

also

him

his

final

the

hast

rejectedthee

with
of

majesty

representative,
pronounced

deposition,saying,

been

had

king

looking at

prophet, in

of

choose

nothing to

and

sins

These

the contempt

to

was

sin of -which

the

eyes,

witchcraft,and

of

up

sightthere

the

by saying :

teraphim."

the

guilty. Then, facingthe monarch,

his

sin

the

showed

man

committed

the

as

universally
reprobatedand

were

old

been

idolatryand

as

135

againstGod's.

way

tearingthe

Then,

"

the assertion

rebellion,
which, in fact,were

and

own

irjee!
Ijatljtlqectefc

orb

rejected

from

being

king."
SAUL.

In

"

precipiceon

which

penitent,but

of

the

he

"

for I have

voice.

again with

utter

those

them

with

sequences

words,

beloved

rather

he

than

said,as

"

I may

of

sin,but
his

the

that

father's

eyes.

in the accent
sinned."

he

Samuel

he

had

the

he

tears

the

might

avert

power

Jehovah,

and

obeyed

their

sin, and

my

with

feared

the

the

sinned

which

men

prodigal said
feared

the

con

in

its heinousness

saw

face,and
that

and

Lord."

The

because

not

Saul, however,

sin ; and

though

"

people, and

worship the

have

voice
faltering

of

of

leading men

I have

thee, pardon

pray

great difference

expressionof
the

that

me,

the

I feared

; afraid

himself

commandment

therefore,I

is

if his

between

coolness

or

in his hand

ensue

the

keep

to

"

Now

There

might

of

not

cry

cost

any

of the

hatinghis sin,

not

cringed before Samuel, saying,

because

justice
;
at

the brink
the

with

empire

the

transgressedthe

words

; and

eager

which

break

any

prophet

turn

and

consequences

detected

thy

result ;

brow

his

on

crown

stood

fugitivefrom

its

dreading

but

he

realized

king

the

moment

that

the

stood

in

consequences
the
of

sentence,

the

keys

to

JV-Hemarhaljle

i36
and

open
"

unloose,

Pardon

knew

The

"

that his

prophet saw
with

go

fear that in

losinghim

the

and

seized

with

strong masterful

When

the

Samuel

hath

rent

hath

given

thou."

the

is

it

and

asked

have

received

for
Even

we

results

sinned"; but his

real

"Yet

there

he

The
back.

honour

as
as

take

are

king repeated

meaning
me

now

was

well with

the

the

before

people, and

cannot

we

"

in the

the

with

was

I have

following

elders

inner
he

be

cannot

sentence,

again
His

lives,

be reversed.

disclosed

people,and before Israel,and turn

worship Jehovah thy God."
may
stillto stand

which

to

have

our

steps that

settled,never

kingdom

would
in

moments

are

we

he

man

accepted

his

monarch

thou

God's

at

been

have

had

Israel

called

himself

positionsfrom

assume

the

words:

be

thrown

would

him,

when

Again

"

Saul

from

But

moments,

; when

had

though

passed

retraced ; when

SAUL.

which

cannot

tears."

pardon, he

pardon.

irrevocable

retreat

him

is irrevocable.

lips and

and

turn

to

strengthof

that the

with

moment

forgiven.

might

his

and
bitterly

that

at

feet and

of

out

day,

than

effort

; his sentence

Lord

The

is better

the sentence

reverse

rent.

opportunityof changing his mind, though

no

shalt seek
Even

would

repent

nor

is gone

There

Saul's

"

so

back

draw

this

that

thine

said,"Remember

he

lie

not

word

he

though

said,

thee

from

did

prophet, it

the

tear, he

then, referringto

pronounced,
will

the

kingdom of Israel
to a
neighbour of

it

of

forward

he

as

if to restrain and

as

heard

anguish,in

sprung

cloak, and

retreatingfigure
felt and

And
as

grasp,

to

his best friend

have

to

skirt of Samuel's

the

himself

back,

he

about

his

extremityof
might lose at once

king

that the

turned

he

the

respect of the nation,seems

and

to

Saul, in

Then

away.

and

words,

He

subterfuge.

genuine,but

not

his

the

through

penitence was

deceivinghim

was

forgiveness,

refuse

to

or

sin."

my

SAMUEL.

pardon

to

me,

of

my

that

thought

was

prepared

to

137

make

confession

any

Samuel

Finally
become
no

itself

might

knelt

idea

of the

take

side

by

darkest

was

the

his

side

before

the

there

old

is

Agag

in

pieces

of

holy

zeal

that

we

provision for

not

Amalek

God

May

Whensoever

help

us

God

our

us

absolute

obedience.

mand.

If you
in

sculptor

at

God's
dare

circumspectly
God

all,we

may
may

make
not

Father

obey

hand.

and

become

most

of

death

righteous
reach,

the

of

flesh
"

Apostle,

lusts

and

this
the

to

is

Then

emblem

"

; and

it."

his

the

"cheer

of

of

into

puts

supreme

Make

thereof."

you

it

the

obey,
are

To

tragic story.

possible

in

of

us,

cannot

be

not

our

upon
com

instru

an

true,

Let

use.

each

hinges

you

is

into

test

fit to

not

chisel

still

castaways.

this

Everything

wisely, redeeming
the

Here

spared

fear

deeply

cannot

If

keep

not

of

Him.

you

obey,

not

be

quarter

no

words

read

If

do

give

Lord

Here

quarter.

no

to

cost

any

the

two

him

to

within

lay

The

king

paroxysm

that

the

the

to

some

pre

day.

bitterness

me

was

servant.

came

flesh, to fulfil the

give

lives,let

ment

the

must

we

of

the

would

he

for

will

reminded

are

Agag

Surely the

before

of

faithful

that

might

kingdom

contrast

Agag,

and

sword

hewed
the

what

chosen

with

the

successor

brightness

reason

strengthened

elders

stayed therefore.

doubt

no

indignation, seized

his

the

"

the

king, lest

; but

presence,

advanced,

there

"

Samuel,

and

Samuel's

people generallymight

summoned

without

he

the

God

the

man

his

to

fully,"hoping
as

there

that

of the

He

place.

rejected ;

Amalekites,

passed

that

its fall before

to

night ;

last

saying,

of

price

as

him,

deposition

totter

to

was

At

with

stayed

disaffected,and

have

pared

wrong-doing

friendship.

apparent

not

of

us

the
walk

opportunity, that
and

that, above

XIX.

44

"n

Spirit

CM
(i

'

'

Canst

thou

not

Pluck

from

the

Raze
And

with

Cleanse

to

memory

mind

sorrow,

of

oblivious
of

brain,

the

antidote

perilous stuff

that

heart

the

upon

diseas'd,

rooted

stuff 'd bosom

weighs

14.)

13,

troubles

sweet

some

the

Which

minister

written

the

out

xvi.

SAMUEL

tfc "0r"."

from

"

SHAKESPEARE.

ALL

first order
contrast

to

forth

set

in

excels
the

In

deep
of

chaos

void,

whilst

the

end

and

storm

those

to

with

crowns

contrast

Bride

tumult

of

with

the

the

Lamb,

face

brought
much
The

of

to

same

feature

the

chant

of

the

Bible

with

the

greatest

may

be

attributed

is

stamped

on

this

to

this

division

all

upwards

in

their
In

song.

there

prepared

possible

pro

from

victory

you

at

multitude,

Babylon,

above,

from

through

borne

everlasting

the

Church

Jerusalem

of

palms

creation

Also,

as,

white-robed

and

are

the

literary

contrast,

we

of

background

beauty.
as

of

world,

where

the

even

force

the

apostate

face

great

brows

peace

All

its interest

and

spaces

perfect

marriage.

her

of

their

on

in

hands,

again

heavenly

order

Book,

great

have

we

of

without

face

is the

background,
upon

Bible

as

the

over

; and

cosmos

The

described

void

of

force

laying emphasis.

of

is

the

background

object.

was

the

as

the

the

world

darkness

across

this

of

duction,
the

the

against that,

arises

radiant

and

the

dark

striking method

chapter

light,leaping

of

this

first

and

of

be

of

are

of

themselves

should

there

beautiful

use

very
and

form,

that

"

works

whose

poets

availed

have

some

its

and

painters

great

is
as

the

for

constantly

are

contrasts,

and

source.

of the

Book.

of Contrast.
In

the

opening chapters, against

unbridled
indulgence of the Book
especially
against the dissolute and
of Eli's

sons

beneath

the

open

more

and

passion,amid
the

exquisitebecause

the

to

the

upliftedfrom

heart
the

the

"

sheep

trast

of Saul's
of
and

God's
and

Judges,

and

behaviour
the

sons

the

Book

from

"

con

contrast

This

law

artistic

the

its lofty,its

altogether apart from

standpoint

the

Against

great from

"

own

following

anointing.

David's

this

his

againstthe

Samuel, and

have

thunder

after

man

Israel.

of

the

earth, the curtain

called

boy

driftingas

sky

the

on
"

is

Saul

end

the

here, at

lurid

king

have

you

And

the

shepherd

wildness, licence,

dark

that

beautiful

pervades

human

from

own

rejectionyou

contrast

the

abominable

the

it is evident

be the

of Eli's

of

lightningflashes

young
to

and

of

it unfolds.

rocks, whilst

bolts fall and

is

which

Book, where

wreck

licence

clasped hands, engaged in prayer

sky. The
beauty of the child's piety is

the

of

wild

with

Samuel,

young

the

background, is the kneelingfigureof

the

as

139

transcendent, its Divine, origin.

will notice

We

afternoon

the

DAWN

OF

Lord"

for

terrible and
made

Saul

committed
which

Spiritof
sons

of

was

stunned

take

Jesse

FAIR

no

which

would

discover

and

might

the fatal

to

pray.
but

prayer,

to

Bethlehem,
the

new

The

to

avenge

himself

was

seemed
and

as

had

concerning
summons

The

to action.

and

the

he

But

among

the

Samuel

king.

by the request, and suggested that

whisper of such a proceeding,he would

measures

cried

arrest

choice,

to

anoint

It

death, and

is unto

go

false zeal.

"Samuel

"

avail.

not

encouragement

Samuel

of his sin.

consequences

therefore,not

bade

of

Saul, if haply he

already made
sin

gleams

darkened

the

promise ;

PROMISE.

had

was,

God

fair

lurid

prayer

have

we

of

that

the

of the hour

heard

imminent

aware

though

dawn

the
and, finally,

I. THE
unto

the

if Saul
at

the
by inflicting

once

death

"

^Vn (Biril Spirit from

140

Spiritof

the

penalty.

But

long horn

of oil in

other.

he

Thus
of

country

lyingalong the slope

immortal

he

had

Boaz

he

consternation

was

prophet visitingthem
asked

They

the

was

if he

laconic
"

between

the

food, Samuel

the
house

of

mighty

the

of

the

notice of the
One
the

valour

after another

and

might

be

God's

Counsellor

told

ties of the

after

son

with
the

manly frame,

heart

the

him

king.

passed
and

could

the

boy

the

hills,the colour
in

purityand
of

new

the

the

his

in

the

Bethlehemite,

thus, in the

and

the

attract

before

Jesse passed
in their

towering
of them

one

his

Almighty
this

not

was

his selection.
but

might
the

his

inaugurationof

he

he

God's

holy

the

better

eyes
old

And

and

was
was

accepted

exercises

until

quickly from

ruddy cheeks,

blue

before

be

coming

anon,

to

one,

probably,because

beautiful
stood

interim

But

come

with

and,

mounting

wind,

elapse

must

that any

determine

least,he

truth,David

age,

to

felt that

summoned

was

once

choice, but that the royalquali

proceed

not

at

was

appearance

; all had

Samuel

the

waving

alone

"Peaceably!"

the

them

supposed

the scales of

sheep.

He

he

of

sons

that outward

were

announcement.

king began.

as

upon

great

preparationof

designated monarch.

son

youngest

career

looked

he

the

see

unlikely to

manner

filled

the

the

wealth

the stalwart

as

weigh in

to

Court, David's

prophet,and

time

spend

to

of

and
in

home,

stature

so

adjourned

not

of the

were

time

some

villagechieftain,Jesse

man

privacy of

as

sacrifice and

the

offeringof

to

previous

; but

which,

elders

sacrificial feast

offered

Bethlehem

halo

peaceably.

hill-

dew.

as

unusual

so

come

reply.

victim

the

prepared

the

without

had

The

stillfresh

was

the

broken

of

foot

Ruth.

little town

it

heifer with

villageof

the

hill,at

courted

the

entered

the

taking his

go,

the

across

to

the

of

him

leadinga

way

came

story of their love

When
with

his

made

Judea, until

long before,

bade

God

hand, and

one

tlje

his

hair

flashing with
man,

the

dawn

time, the keystone

I41

of the great fabric of Hebrew

whom

God

loved.

man

took

the

bright

unction, as
seemed

the

sign and

seal

Spiritof

God

the

he

came

As

that

upon

in the power

work,

be the

to

people, and
You
in

royalt) within
Himself.

his

as

upon

unction

you
from

"The

anointed

II.

the

You
God
of

that

so

the

unto

might

go

that

of the

the

soul,

forth,saying,

and

me,

receive

and

Oh,

true

shall

Holy Ghost

might

is upon

Lord

he

God's

king

might seek

you

day

that

God, you

to

anointingoil

AFTERNOON.

with

Lord

He

hath

had

he

drawn

from

had

David,

departed
that

extinct,but

which

been

him.

of

that

the

prepared
It is

we

are

; there

the

told

Saul."

that the
"

that
That

of

special facultyand

and

Spiritof

The

Spirit

does

not

Saul

had

power

by

was

with

that the work

which

kinglywork

abundantly sure

manhood,

promise ;

religiouslife
for his

with

life.

it is said

from

all the

youth

wrecked

morning

have

Here

that, whereas

upon

necessarilymean

Here

prime.

meridian

overcast

We

"

Saul.

into

passed

descended

become

that

indicate

Himself!

true

the

semblance, nothing

the

One

is the

the

will notice

the

that

his great life-

priest and

that you

Holy

you,

OVERCAST

has

there

told

temple.

heart

moment

Would

upon

; afternoon

which

outward

it

me."

AN

David

the

meet

to

your
as

this

at

the

Spirit of

bare
son,

Holy Spiritof God, who

might be shed

holy

him,

are

Solomon's

on

anointed

it, so
filling

circumstances

if you

Oh, that

descend
an

; but

revealed

and

the outward

nothing in

surroundings or

your

the

life from

Holy Spiritto

inauguratorof

have

we

young

old

it

singerof Israel,the shepherd of

sweet

the

may

stand

of the

for

grace,

forward, bathing it, permeating

went

with

Almighty accompanied
inward

man

capsule, poured

beneath.

God

all,the

around, the

stood

them

the

by

above

"

locks, drenching
bent

boy

though

as

oil,broke

of

young

brethren

his

As

the horn

monarchy

"

"n

142

does

man

of

his

in this world

giftswith

which

endowment

which

decline; when
when

morality;
of

God

which

power,

Bible
pass
to

common

to

aroma

air.

So

order

had

his

the

warming
life.

all the

also

the

spiritual
sphere

inner

holy of

is left for each

the

Some, by
receive
is

the

said
evil

"

"

holies
to

of

not

choose

the
to

of

enemies

of

grace

and

blessed

whilst

the

some

; but

as

resemble

Judas,

Spiritof
him."

God
In

filled

of the

"

or

worse

by

moral

of

yielding

which

cases

the
forms

the

into

the

years

go

on

"

it

bestow,
of

to

since

from
men

him,

of

it is
and

appear

spiritof

it

it is

whom

Saul, of whom

departed
many

mind,

their natures

can

the

will be inhabited.

he
spirit

into him

life of

yet, occupied

as

led to open

are

the

first born

being is not,

of

whole

power

giftthat God

others

entered

and

of
spirits,

are

our

medium

quickening

demon

which

opening

is the

who

yet tenanted

God,

of

purifyingthe

we

our

by

tenanted, occupied, and

even

which

long exposed

his

alternative

awful

When

shrine

troubled
spirit

possibly

been

energy,

body

or
spirits,

is full.

Satan

Then

mystic

and
dissipated,

mysteriouspower

virtue,the

the

evil

most

Himself;

affirmed

be

subdue

to

heart, elevatingand

to

world, the

that

way

special enduement

Spiritof God,

Holy

have

We

ourselves

it is

him

soul, and
filling
spirit,

the

lost

the

have

communicating
God

Saul

deteriorate

religionand

then

has

scent

for

the will and

"

to

God

character

the

as

unction, and

seems

when

enabled

we

the

to

called

spiritual

"

between

disobedience

of

those

him, but

begins to

from
definitely

turns

by

kingdom.

Secondly,
nature

long

so

force

Spiritof

the

by

divorce

Spiritof God,

the

which

power

is

forefathers

our

as

away

soul

paths

calls the

all these

the character

there

the

to

behind

the

endowed

have

is retained

which

but when

or
intellect,

is communicated

specialoffice,and
is maintained

his

may

and

|?0r"."

trje

wrought only by

of

God

something beyond

and

is not

brilliance

genius, the

natural

by

(Biril Spirit from

evil ;

an

to

be

and

drunkenness,

of

143
lustful passion,

possessionby
insane, it

of

some

be wise

would

with

deal

to

jealoustemper, are to be attributed to

of the
demon
spirit. In the treatment

and

tormented

the

nature

palaces occupied by legions of

commanded

to

said

an

of

Satan

by

the

led

was

of
discipline

When,

He

dreaded

for

evil heart.
there

The

repeated in
to

III.
Sam.

xxi. 2, you
the
of

Judah)."

Saul

some

was

that

the

other

way.

evil

an

must

Our

Lord

him

the

to

necessary

"

from

spirit

the
had

Saul

as

Holy Spirit,
of

working

was

his

own

of

In

the

solemn

of

be

not

disobedience, there

of

path

words,
God

and
after

thrice

"

him

gave

(Rom. i. 24, 26, 28).

GLEAMS

OF

this
"

"

The

Israel

(now
had

OVERCAST

AN

Israel,but of the

slay them

be

to

should

we

chapter of Romans,

have

of

evil,

spiritual
help was removed,
prevent Satan enteringhim, as in

Gibeonites

the children
to

that

leave

of

us

31).

of the

to

first

LURID

children

sought

read

reprobatemind

THE

called

in

Judas.

the

that

but

come

we

guard

entered

he

xxii.

ask

to

us

the

nothing to

was

days

it but

allows

gracious influences

and

good

He

that,

the

nothing

and

He

troubled

tempted

believe

Saul,

definitelychosen

and

the

as

wilderness,to be tempted

path,

life should

troubled

refused

but

the

taught

be

cannot

; Luke

i. 6-12

therefore, we

"

Lord

"

"

the Lord

from
spirit

man,

any

(Job

that

along

"

tenants, whom

unclean

God

Spiritinto

devil ; and

led

He

tempteth

tempted

evil

"

that

here.
interpretation

neither

up"

did,

To

is the

the

Lord

our

as

and

that,in
interpretthis arightwe must remember
speech,the Almighty is sometimes
strong, terse Hebrew
And
He
to do what
surely such
permits to be done.

Saul.
the

this in mind,

forth.

go

It is affirmed

bear

perhaps to

king

the

unto

in his zeal to the

smartingunder

"

of

children

Samuel's

were

the

them

In

"

is,David

that

Gibeonites

remnant

sworn

"

SKY.

not

of

Amorites
:

and

Saul

of Israel and

words, writhing

^.n

"

144

under

the

(Biril Spirit from

of

sentence

tlje
his soul

and
deposition,

the divine verdict,so

neutralize,if possible,
the
he

favour

of God.

failed in

had

the

choice

by

excessive

of

to

citate

succeed

him

to

do

told

not

old

destroy all
because
had

sworn

had

lived

and

had

the

in
had

for

in

Saul

God

that

resus

Israel
"

days

his

witches,

and

exterminated
Saul

turned

out

it
from

his hand

in them

generallycasts
sought

of the nation.
have

"

that

of

xxi.

the

libertyand
remember

sons,

and

his

left there

8). Secondly, there

law

against necro

land

that

of his

and
women,

these

xxii.

(Ex.

againstthem.

very

the old

spiteof

tree, and

for at the end

these

laid ruthless

commanded

was

But

brought righteous

drastic

aside his pretences

one

in

Rizpah's

upon

very

Joshua

centuries,

respect their

act,

(2 Sam.

the

excepted,

house, for you

hanged

statute-book

the

be

Joshua, and

to

act

an

on

them

when

Gibeonites, therefore,

seems

to

to

seem

of Israel for many

Saul

them

after

still believed

man

with

integralpart

an

grandsons,were

be

Therefore

told

Gibeonites, how

should

they

covenant

set-off to this ruthless

and

should

that

children

bound

until the rain rotted

mancers

lost

unexpected

that

The

land.

peaceablepeople ; and,

exterminated

retribution

on

his

Promise, they should

of

(Josh.ix.). The
the

these

Land

the

almost

which

covenant

he

the

of

made

amongst
become

five

not,

not

which

enacted

one

securing

them

to

upon

was

The

people

his false zeal

own

him.

to

they

as

he

God

he
it

give

commandments

such

two

were

succeeded

how,

kept

something

should

and

command,

of Israel entered

life,he

back

in

Why

keep

children

hands

had

failed in what

not

to

well,that

should

why

directions,win

he

occurred

ever,

but

"

do, why should

there

have

other

in

Allowing

some

Now

himself

had

obedience

in

zeal

had

God

spoilfor

the

it
; he

call to obedience

distinct

one

still

to

as

Saul knew

true, and

was

that he

inheritance
him

It

stirred

was

In

18).

his heart

when
life,

appears
and

as

he

is,

availed

31 Jalse
himself

of her

and

God,

to

exterminate
But

his edicts

His

time

this

brought

gorgeous

from

the

took

Israel

Jehovah, and

While

on

lurid

zeal

more

enervated

Saul's

is not

they have

establish

their

own,

famous

while

he

in

God

was

the

xxii. 3,

Acts
Do

not

we

God's

And

this in

know

has

endeavoured

We

zeal,but

ated

; it is
T

He

neighbours.

this outburst

was

of
and

more

Take,

for

instance,two

which

Apostle

are

says, of

almost

Israel,that

accordingto knowledge.
and
righteousness,
seekingto
to the
not
subjectthemselves
not

other,the

the

our

of that still

case

experience?

own

the condemnation
to
to

have

of

whisper comfort

redeem

my

plunged

cause

into

neutralize the result of failure.

is

4).

fallen under

zeal."

the

Benjaminite,Saul's namesake, who tells us that,

kicking againstthe pricks,he had a zeal for
persecution of the Church
(Rom. x. 2, 3 ;

has

will endeavour

the

they did

righteousnessof God."
more

of his

Testament,

God, but

being ignorant of

For

24).

Baal.

becoming

was

case.

in which

zeal for

heart

own

New

the
one

i.

of

name

in imitation

isolated

an

from

was

evil.

and

parallel. The

the

partlyby

God, his

for

was

arrayed

gold (2 Sam.

and

hand, therefore,there

one

There

from

worship with the recognitionof

naming his sons, partlyfrom the

concubines

the

examples
"

scarlet

his

David.

to

his court, for he

in

Baal

from

himself

to

in

of

appears

of

greatlyincreased ; he wore
turban, like other kings, which

luxury

admixture

name

to

in his

rottenness

was

was

field of Gilboa

of

of

daughters
Jehovah

began

he

of his sentence,

forth,there

went

royal state

great increase

subtle

his zeal for

to show

them.

as

heart.

the reversal

extort

MS

order, however,

In

help.

Ztd.

it is strange fire ;

some

conscience, the
to

itself

one

heart

by saying,

"

by an extravagance
compensating work

It is

it is

When

zeal,but it is false

I
of
to

; it

zeal, but it is self-origin

zeal,but it is only for self and

not

for

God;

it is

"n

"

146

it

but

zeal,

is

the

for

zeal
it

form

external

Spirit

(Ehil

is

the

for

the

of

zeal

forir."

tfce

letter,

the

not

from

for

tradition,
is

who

man

the

eaten

up

"

by

devoured

and
for

souls

the
This

is

the

it

from

man

mirror

the

of

in

himself

is

the

Book

the

is

it

and

God,

timeless

the

the

Book

experience

the

is

Book

that

seeing

always
have

that

those

of

is

man

own

it

the

is

away

our

because

it

because

soul,

behold

we

God,

of

get

can

man

which

in

mirror

the

No

ourselves.

of

Bible

The
of

is

is

of

Son

the

made.

story

Here

faces.
Book

has

He

for

love

passionate

preceded

him.
Let

bends

over

have

is

kindle
be

purifying
Him.

put
our

loves

in

upon

out,
nature,

those

to

it

bury

its

heart-altars

which

and

too,

fulfil

his

shall

making

Him
And

dead.

fire

always
us

is

there
blot

to

burn

living

zeal

which

for

pardon
out

the

may

of

to

but

commands;
:

that

disobeyed;

have

wounds
Ask

us

over

yearns

We,

flowing

Seek

our

and

us.

failed

have

that

heart

face

dear

that

to

moment

that

to

that

dead

the

Let

heart.

loving

Ghost

God

forgiveness

that

past.

to-day

short;

come

there

never

of

Christ

the

in

us

for

Saul

from

turn

us

his

sacrifices

the

Holy
shall

glory,
unto

fortlj

bringing
(i

'

'

We
And

dream
for

In

shall

thousand

that

weeds

careless

ne'er

we

hand,
them

see

their

years
the

mar

12.)

xviii.

with

seeds

scatter

But

SAMUEL

land,

more

fruit

appears

store."

healthful

or

KEBLK.

has

NEVER

words

there
which

in

told

by

that

historian
its

early suggestions

grew

hastens

monarch

to

guilty
which

all !

in

The

gradually

sently

entire

the

befel

It
under
time

moody

the

one

the

other

tells
of

his

shepherd

his

Edomite

by
"

in

prowess

adjunct
of

that

his
the

the

to

given

servants

of

intro
and

as

minstrel

his presence

court.

severe

"

the

first

inconsistent.

rendered

and

depression

and

of

the

God-forsaken

royal palace
which

war,

Saul's

effect

the

pre

smarting

for

mutually

not

are

entering

frequent

more

suggested

they

water,

that

was

David

the

to

law.

land.

Saul

are

of

so

the

deposition,

the

finally

are

in

letting

while

accounts

Divine

the

embankment,

time,

young

attacks

become

this

we

which

by

point

one

inundates

Two

indispensable
The

the

waters

of

but

of

is

path.

monarch,

The

of

are

steps

of

in

like

that

passion, hurrying

another

the

away

About

his

of

sin

the

than

sooner

successive

offend

who

sentence

crossed

duction

eats

flood

Samuel's

after

the

spiritof evil, than

headlong

family

No

the

to

the

into

first

thus.

of

us

they

Saul.

of

describes

James

fateful

her

yield

breach

one

it is that

true

and

to

tell

How

an

begun
to

the

Apostle

life-history of

the
had

he

sin

illustration

truer

the

of

genealogy
furnished

been

tradition
music

and

despondency

by

says,

should

last

at

be

it

Doeg

tried

on

was

the
the

"J5"in bringing fortlj

148
diseased

poor

spiritfrom

brain.

"

Behold

troubleth

God

which

thee

; let our

before

lord

thee, to seek

servants,

is

cunning player on the harp; and it shall come

the evil spiritfrom
is upon
God
thee, that

when

play with

his

the

Instantly

often

village

may

even

have

Rabbi.

The

skilful in

He

were

playing. Already
valour, in the

with

robbers

skilful in

was

in
of

the

air and

though
Arctic

winter

down

to

southern

rich and

The

who

exercise

his

reign,like

was

of

with

that

the

disregarded, and

unction
into

of

flock.

abiding

and

fair

and

living

taken

oxygen

gas,

lain

from

its moorings,and

under

the

seems

happens

spark is

from
as

or

spellof

the

drifted

genial touch
burst

should

to

greatly pleased the

him

outlook

for

of

forth

to

sheep.

making

Eastern

him

send
Such
up

a
a

monarchs,

which
he

present

could
of

the

in

marked

despatched

David, his

summons

king,
and

promisingyouths;

unquestioned autocracy

Jesse

main

It

long

seeds

as

growth.

that of other
to

summons

the

jar

buried

all the

on

which

and, beneath

seas,

luxuriant

always

the

had

descriptiongiven
was

into

be loosed

could

David

was

speech. Manly
port.

when

as
traits,

very

He

his father's
in

same

the

he

and

out

and

be known

which

the

"

brought

which

tropicsummer,

into

servants

plunged

island

an

to

shall

in their native

to

come

eloquent

happened

his natural

prominence

the

had

he

feet of the

the

integrityof

and

pass,

part of the

same

Jesse

at

countenance

Spirithad

Holy

common

his

all God's

to

measure

of

had

he

the

judgment,

that

though

the

him

to

of the young

one

border-skirmishes

for

beauty characterized
as

by

from

with

sat

who

man

suggestion;

the

son

possessed of
shepherd was
for the king.
most
captivating

young

which
qualities

tained

with

the

met

out

well."

mentioned

was

had

of

in

fell

name

country, and

man

shalt be

had, perhaps, come

who

"

thou

king

presentlyDavid's
men,

and

hand,

evil

an

command

now

thy

are

"

now," they said,

son,

who

not

produce

be
of

floutfr.
gairifc's
his

farm, the old

tread
"

And

David

loved

him
of

one

with
"

greatly."

the

then

fits of

evil

and

the evil

of

with

his

all the

in the

beside

the

another

at

with
the

rattle

became
and

of

dying

down

scape

bathed

sough

of the wind

heavens

Of
And

into

the

the

the

wild

strong
the

joy

rending

the

in

of

boughs
the

lion

border

of maidens

sweeping

rock

hunt

would

poet

life :

of young

to

rock

cool

silver shock

of the bear,
in his lair.

the
told

firmament

up

the
the

over

spheres, as

nectar

is couched

heard

have

fir-tree ; the
the

land

summer

young

pure

"

the

the

spent itself,

had

the

and

the

hail, until you

the

or

leaping from

from

strain of

voices

of

of

God

pool's living water

sultriness showing

of

trees,

music

the

the

of the

sang

repel

could

you

drinking the

was

elements

Sometimes

of

he

to

cadences

the

glory of

joys of living!

plunge

the

Now

the

anon

pelt

the

through

handiwork.

rehearse

music

fury of

exorcise

fighttheir lovers, crowned

told of the risingstorm,

the

the

peace.

declared

his

The

in

and

meadows,

clans

though the

as

minstrel

the

being gathered
and
again of the

there

the

wonderful

scattered,browsing on

moment

from

were

harp

well.

how

wells ;

were

thunder, the

that the

aware

was

Oh,

they

it seemed

the

sheep

the

refreshed, and

and

despair,

took

with

tame

by

him," David,

was

us,

he

overcast

and

when

to

of the

one

welcoming back
victory. Again,

were

the

music, summoning

foray ;

he

royalbrow

waters

At

grass.

was

was

scene

his art

the

which

over

Saul

depicted for

mantled

sky

upon

and

him,

spell of

brimming

tender

martial

of

has

overtaken

of age,

that

so

valleyswhere

lands

pasture
the

hand,

imagination,the

depressionthat
scenes

was

eighteen years

Browning

luxuriance
strove

God

spirit
departed from

Robert

the

was

God-forsakenness

of

spiritfrom

with

played

when

melancholy,

probably about

Saul

whenever

clouds

heavy
the

And

him, and

before

stood

Saul, and

to

came

his

when

despatched his Benjamin to begin to

and
intricate paths of royal favour.

man

difficult

the

149

^in

"

15"

And

the

meal

And

the

locusts' flesh steeped in the pitcher ! the full draught

And

the

sheep

in the

the

How

good is man's
the

It is

water

famous

the

of

him, amid
this very

Perhaps
due

probably

brain

that

he

his

long

long they had

the

Philistine

at

for

the

on

could

and

had
open,

centre

mountain

in this way

ceased

of

to

favour.

royal

It

the

was

king's
he

had

hosts

were

by

borne

longer

at

place

the
there.

three

remarkable

torrent, which

Judah,

the

and

The

miles

of

the

yoke,

which

and

or

is full of

the

valleys,tillthe
valleyof

of

the

their

pitched

bloody

Blood,"

so

encounters

It is divided

trench, formed

foaming

series

It rolled

valley,or wady,

long.

ravine,

never

Canaan,

the

Boundary

dark

had

restrained.

be

gathered together in
to

into closer

last,after

borders

poured through

"

about

; and

southern

belonged
Ephes-dammim,

and

the

having discarded

which

taken

David

and

tell,but

cannot

we

Philistines

The

no

called, probably, from

which

was

alike his armour-bearer

become

meekly

and
frontiers,

Terebinth,
camp

raids

invasion

of

his

less

court

striplingwhom

the

brought Saul

Hebrews

forays and

across

had

less and

condition

tragicalcontact.

more

tide

who

period elapsed

forgiven the
of

and

of

part of the disease.

was

disordered

series of events

another

so

the

music

the

have

for

Spain,

physician (xvi.22).

How

and

fickleness

to

suitors

many

of

at

almost

may

greatly

was

PhilipV.

of

David

which

attendance

king

the

with

insanity became

well-nigh forgot

greatlyloved,
and

the

joy.

moods

case

David's

tell

well.

in

ever

melancholy by

fits of

; and

for

of wine,

employ

fit to

dark

in the

for

how

senses

king's
fixed

softlyand

so

spell of music

the

the

need

greatly relaxed

the

bulrushes

where

living!

mere

gold-dust divine,

with

over

warbling

go

soul, and

His

player.

frequent ;

to

that

of

yellowed

river-channel

afterwards

cured

was

think

the

relieve

successful, as
who

dried

life,the

heart, and

to

dates

wont

was

probable

sought

rich

the

"

That

All

for

bringing foritj

water

is broad
in the

by
in

the

fini)

winter, though dry in

gorge

channel,

or

sides, and

with

the

for

issue

each

other

long,

so

the

that

so

in

wide,

151
of

presence

this

steep vertical

with

feet,that protracted

twelve

or

fortydays, neither

for

involved

hazard

of ten

the

was

feet

twenty

depth

It

summer.

some

JFaitlj.

hosts

lay watching
daring to face the

two

of them

its

crossingthe valleyand

ravine,in the

face of the other.

The
Life

of David

ill-fated and
When

the

to

in

clothed

he

and

dismayed
that

he

might

of

sinews

of his power,

Obedience

chapter, the
but

man

and
fight,

turns

thousand, and
disobedience
the

dust.

up

two

that

so

All that

blasphemy
promises

to

of

the

of

In

of

become

to

he

to

any

the
other.

posture of

to

do

as

you
the

driven

in

the

chase

! beware

of

faintness

into

leaf chases

the

the face of the

hold

out

the

for

the

hero

the

can

flight. Oh

do, in

make

in the

Hebrews,

One

of

challenge,and

as

valiant

the

would

was

severed

the

trembling and

he

he

believe ;

introduces

was

as

It is said

stood

same

waxes

of aliens.

put thousands

could

pro

was

Though

weak

perpetually interchanged.

are

armies
flight

Saul

side

Israel to

had

Epistleto

sound

mail,

his

battle,Saul

as

able

are

faith in God,

Goliath,

what

of

disobedience

the

words

have

which

heart,

!
fugitive

take

obey.

can

troops,

girtat

(xvii.n).

you

forth, and

brightcopper

aspects of the

two

are

the

of his soldiers.

any

he had

obey,

you

as

believe,you
Let

faith

and
:

and

it concerns

his earlier life had

simple faith, his

the

Hebrew

armies

gage

belongs to

strode

sword

the

the

up

in

king, and

chosen

fourth

take

"greatly afraid"

was

soul

to

panic-strickenas

God's

the

with

and

spear,

of

greaves

boldly challenged

worthy

man

as

lines of the

helmet, jerkin,and

when

Goliath

it here

on

the

near

come

handling a mighty
duce

touch

only

we

with

haplessSaul.
giganticPhilistine champion

dared

even

and

the combat

full story of

most

who

braggart
lavish
would

proud Gittite bite

the

J^ittbringing fortrj g

"

i52

David
finally,

When,

glowing with

soul

nation

to

Philistine
other

"

than

that

and

David's

narrative

bear
the

as

Lord

The

Whom
The

shall

Lord

Of whom

to

such

the

king.

could
new

not

which

nature

Divine

elude

David
the

Abner,
youth

trusted

young

Philistine in his
"

was,

to

Saul
Philistine,

this scion."

blood

that

with

the

of

the

success

this
Caleb

stock
man

man

young

best of Hebrew

It is thus

those
in

of

must

is the
when

head

of the

It
the

youth

to

And

"

on

or

said

son

questionthe king put

"

; the

Whose

"

is."
stripling

"

; the

of

great organ

believer.

returned

thou

thou,

he

altogether

avails itself of

his army,
the

one

blinded, and

legionsof angels, wait

the

meet

enigma

an

faith opens

beset

the

son

the

were

were

Saul

be in his veins

did

he

like

champion

great line of ancestry

them

on

"

stops in the

captainof

art

lion

life,

hands, and

around

hand,

son

the

salvation,

for his
thought to account
heredity. Surely,"thought he,

though
of

Whose

himself:

idea that

no

Inquire whose

presentlythe

with

of

he

his heart

touches

forth

went

point

looked

believer in God

other

squadrons

The

sinewy strength;

of my

afraid

prerogativeswhich,

harnessed
As

I be

of

had

of power,

sources

Saul

my

strength

the

eyes
He

see.

light and

is the

of

The

of

(xvii.
33), or

I fear ?

shall

boasts

But

of power

spoke of the great

37). Already
wrought (xvii.

saying to

is my

idea

conflicts

as

had

Jehovah

against this

go

usage

him.

on

meaning

psalmistwas

young

no

his successful

David's
which

had

long

and
superioragility

result of

deliverances
the

of

to

(xvii.38, 39).

mail

entirelylost

was

fathom

not

of

able

He
of

came

coats

not

art

him."

which

helmets

and

Thou

fightwith

to

endeavoured

Saul
fightthe Philistine,

to

him.

dissuade

to

alone

go

his

presence,

avowing his determi

faith,and

heroic

an

his

into

brought

was

to
was

of

Joshua

this world

as

ground

comes

have

him

must

yielded
tries to

of

gart
and

compute

reckon

analyzingthe
for him.

for the soul

On

the

Saul

has
that

David

set

changed, for
forth

wholly
of

ground

of the
nation.

Saul

of

this

occasion,as

Saul

wisely." Out

self

and

Whithersoever

account

be

can

or

do

return

The

war.

Gibeah,

to

harp

; and

was

he

as

ex

went

the

hereditaryfoes of
to the stability
more
necessary
the darlingof the
increasingly

became

he

his

part, for the sword

more

throne, as
"

of

men

expeditions against

Israel,he became

God

always

Him.

trusts

the

over

is

He

tryingto

what

expediency,after

the most

his

on

and

success

conceptionof

no

153

child of faith.

of his

elements

He

the

up

icnlousii.

behaved

him, he

sent

him

popularityoriginatedthe great

sin of Saul's life.

On

one

decisive

final and

some

troops

around

and
and

music

the

women,

before

the

of their

David

crowded

were

from
returning

the Philistines

victoryover

tnarg.},the people

see

and

to

in

dressed

them

meet

was

the refrain

they

his

soul

hath

And

David

was

set

sang

ode. of

re-

victory,

slain his thousands,

Saul

his ten

thousands.

with

smitten

Instantlythe king was

All

the

advancing columns, singingto the

tambourines
and
instruments.
three-stringed

they performed the usual sacred dance

"answering one to another," an
sponsively,
this

and

attire,danced

gay

As

of which

(ver.6,

on

fire with

the dart
the

of

thought

jealousy.
that

not

Samuel
had
improbably David was the neighbour of whom
to the
spoken as being the divinelydesignatedsuccessor
was
even
now
passing from his hand.
kingdom, which
if this brightyoung
What
soldier,with the lightof God on
and the love of the people already gathered to his
his life,

person,
and
have
11

was

to

dispossesshim

"

sayingdispleasedhim ;
than the kingdom ?
more

the

And

and

Saul
he

said

was
:

very

What

wroth,
can

he

"

And
u

Saul

eyed

David

from

that

day and forward."

All

fortlj

love

the
him

turned

turned

charmed

force

his

over

nature

stood

it

Let

least

his

time

his

gracious

to

of

interposition,

salvation.
sins

sumptuous
I

be

Christ

to

"

upright,

transgression."

let

his

first

in

them

with

not

shall

like

the

air

deadly

and
it

for

thy
have

be

servant

and

the

the

attempt

idea

no

mur

avoided

"

of

the

fire.
of

sin,

around

when

disease.

faith

Then

dominion

over

innocent

from

is

securing
in

also

the
like

us,

deliverance,

exercise

you

David

having

spear

state,

twice,

but

beginnings

float

as

the

endeavouring

imputing

soul

back

Keep

and

air

doubt

no

royal

but

once,

which

murderous
up

him,

whole

spirit,
of

his

before

the

brooding
his

caught

of

Not

malignant

of

turn

emblem

in

to

he

frenzy,

its

than

more

deed

been

had

evil

an

human

of

though

to

do

towards

incident,

as

illness, and

the

begins

germ

of

through

burning

care

with
the

to

on

malady.

king's

was

which

after

sitting

was

twice,"

the

malady,

seemed

the

as

quivered

take

the

shall

who

to

or

his

fit

David

suggestion

microbe

mad

milk

open

him

him

that

us

it

swept

presence

life

jealousy

of

in

away

his

his

on

and

weapon
of

out

day

The

back

thrown

beside
at

charm

derous

the

suddenly

Raving

hurled

came

wrongs,

him

old

him,
on

fancied

possessed

that

and

were

hatred.

His

from

entertained

had

he

bitterness.

and

sour.

away

wonted

that

gall

to

kindness

to

admiration

and

the

grace

from

me

the

pre
;

then

great

XXI.

i\\ of
SAMUKL

(i
All

"

selfish

Have

They

souls, whate'er

still

Love

He,

feel

bosom

he

and

they feign,

lot ;

Liberty

and

"

whose

He

slavish

of

boast

Of

xviii.)

in vain

"

it not

alone,

Thee

with

glows

"

!
"

is free."
COWPER.

the

AIONG
the

the

delineations
is

than

after

morrow,

his

the

of

the

an

evil

TO

of

Israel.

the

aroused

first

learn

we

the

upon

In

"

On

David,

towards

graphic

DEVIL.

which

the

history,

possible.

mightily

came

of

in its

king

THE

women,

"

spirit

first

the

briefest

the

was

song

terrible

DOOR

THE

walls

the

all

of

"

dis

have

And

on

feeling of jealousy

heart
"

that

the

of

jealousy

that

race.

life,and

to

is

sins
crimes

our

portraiture

interval

the

case

human

frescoed

true

OPENS

JEALOUSY

Saul's

in

this

of

are

absolutely

more

colouring,

I.

annals

it,which

of

of

blackest

the

of

parent

graced

none

terrible

most

ill-fated

monarch.

is

There

impenetrable

an

Providence

of

which

spirits

God

called

heavenly

places"

known

the

as

This
God

evil

"
"

hypothesis

between
the

tenant

therefore

that

of

God

the

around

the

is said

case,
can

of

only

permitted

be

it to

us,

the

evil

and

are

wickedness

of

R.V.),whilst

power

and

souls

atmosphere

Saul's

which

believe, built by the

we

human

vi. 12,

(Eph.

spirit,in

as

spiritual hosts

"the

prince

phrase

wall,

air
to

their

in

leader
ii.

(Eph.

have

and

is

2).

"

been

interpreted
come,

the

on

that

from
the
this

"!JE j^ht of

156

tragicresult transpiredin
fixtures of the universe.
God
law

cannot

of

him

save

If

obey

like

you

with

tampers

man

the inevitable

from

it will

fire,and

of the immutable

direct pursuance

results.

will

and

When

their enemy
"

and

be

must

what

we

wafts

forward

you

in its

II.

With

the
the

With

the

He

"

only

sightof

in

Saul's

daughter, was
soul

over

Besides
how
"

Saul

the

the

All

of

all who

all the

of

this,the
afraid of

almost

of universal
loved

Judah
for

who

one

into
Lord
sacred

David,

and

promotion

people," but

him.

"

Michal,

in the
with

Saul's

have

must

of that pure

bright

with it.

contact

evidently

chronicle
because

good

him

There

them

was

also

loved

and

the influence

was

with

out

went

Jonathan

to

of him.

enamoured

women;

spellin

came

and

was

his

and

tenderlyattached
a

With

"

affection

war,

servants"; while

of

throne

Israel

the court

him,

love

pure

all,the people forgot their ancient

sight of

the

the

common

men

sent

constantly the
was

them

Saul

something

been

this

In

to

over

passing

love

"

Thyself froward.

GOOD.

OWN

leapt into

had

affection.

whithersoever
not

becomes

Thyself perfect ;

Thyself

wilt show

ITS

only they, but

set

was

wilt show

DEFEATS

accessible
Not

on

it beneficently

merciful

Thyself

wilt show

froward, Thou

the

(ver.16).

feuds.

Thou

pure,

wilt show
Thou

perfect man,

David

and

so

was

merciful, Thou

with

singlebound,
David"

one,

says

progress

your

to be

be, depends

wind, and

againstit,and

fury.

turns

God,"

shall

He

with the

Go

; go

JEALOUSY

homage

; what

us

"

your

deadly cost.

With

And

to

Him."

to

He
Holy Spirit,

the

vex

fightsagainst them.

something

are

ruinous

and

rebel

men

devour

merciless

homes, with

and

palaces, treasures,

towers,

this is

"

his will and

appointment ; but it is also

appointment that, if you disobey it,it will
God's

the

Obey

dutiful slave

soul,

his

touches

the Lord

him.

with

Note

that note
zvas

with

him

"

"

(ver.12);
knew

wisely in

all his ways,

all his

with

was

in

awe

vants

of

Saul,

Under
been

for Saul

tingfranklythat
he

might

have

fortunes.

It

choice, but
himself

dom.

have

his

of

could

instead

of

curb

to

easy

of the

case

considerations
not

with

so

jealous

of

is

potter, who

up

having destroyed
prosecute
peace

the
been

of

the

happiness and
the

the

of

which

; the

success

prosperityof
of

and

king
more

passion
it broke

of his life.

soul, it is often
introduction

of

of

the

this

passion,the

of

Palissythe

act

of

his

home,

furniture,in

of
he
of

great

some

some

jealousy;

loved
the

after

order

consumed.

was

it

to

The

enterprise
;

one

service

who
of

has
God

high respect if only the

extinguished I have seen these,and

long, happy

passionis resisted

and

his mad

the

boards

atom

fortunes

personal prestige
; but

repeat

very

every

unwittingcause

the prospect

to

king

rendered

court

the

shrine

the

At

design by

the home

have

flame,until

by

self-interest and

waning

the
his

the house

them

king

easier,nothing

consumed

prepared

tore

been

higherpassions of

jealousy.

soul

to

burst into

restrain

and

made

this,Saul allowed

in irresistible fury,and
In the

service

the

the Divine

identified
could

that

infliction of the

have

who

one

have

sometimes

and

have

inestimable

Nothing

smoulder

to

and

his

reverse

the

could

Nothing

and

politic. But

Jehovah,

rehabilitation of

have
Admit

designated successor,

postponed

familywith

ser

judiciousit would

evidently impossibleto

might

all the

by (ver.30).

set

of

in

Saul

Jesse to himself!

of

for the

popular than

more

those

out

much

was

son

his

was

sentence.

conspicuous

is

name

the

David

was

he

inevitable

to

he

used

and

saw

that

so

wisely than

more

enjoying the specialfavour

was

and

(ver.15) ;

bind

much

wisely,so

very

that his

to

Saul

(ver.28). Moreover,

David"

circumstances, how

these

And

"

wisely,or prospered (ver.5) ; wisely

of him
so

(ver. 14) ;

with

(ver.14);

stood

"

him

was

himself

ways

himself

behaved

that the Lord

behaved

he

157

"David

the Lord

and

31 ^eatroging|Jaasiott.

years

of
"

of

nt

than

more

these,sacrificed because

demanded

jealousyhas

its revenge.

III.

JEALOUSY

EXECUTING

it

you

do

and

sometimes

know

not

of

bludgeon, that

fells to

such

"

Trace

of his

imputed

He

fore, with
minstrel
Then

historybefore

knew

the

to

that

who

sought
sought

peril,
by incitinghim
in border

warfare.

For

elder

daughter,Merab,
than
which
religion,
no
this devout

Behold,
wife

battles."

that

then, with

the

Saul

the hand

of the

The

stratagem

and

too

without
younger

least,was

likelyto

and

mine

to

one

daughter, who
the

his
of

appeal

said to

David,

give thee to
fightthe Lord's

will I

and

sacred

the

the

evil-haunted
be

nature

him,

upon

writer

thoughts

secret

it seemed

proof;

reallyloved
or

him

potent with

more

royalpurpose,

guerdon

the

battle,

but

"

let

him."

upon

further

the

extreme

field of

Saul

us

hand

failed,but

realize the

being put
made

dark

Philistines be
had

be

for me,

there

javelin at

added

; her

to

and

promised

And

recites

that
not

mind,

the

he

was

"

be

would

malady.

on

could

the

life with his

deed

unsparing hand,

veil,and

said, Let

this

Merab

with

meshes

positionsof

bribe

soul.

valiant

thou

his

into

motive

daughter

passing in

were

for

be

And

aside

draws

"

elder

only

to

chivalrous

and

my

and

fine

the

deeds

the

to inflict his own

his

of

him

valiant

to

ground

murderous

away

throw

to

the

First Saul, under

launched

charm

that

fine

so

take David's

the

twice

to

or

us.

to

protean.

jealousy employs.

condition

deranged

impunity,

he

which

methods

OF

till afterwards

the victim

leads

malady, attempts

hand.

own

the

are

this in the

excuse

and

poison cup,

The

is

edge
struck

blow.

is

shape

been

have

subtle stratagem, which

doom

Its

"

METHODS

OF

whose
stiletto,

you
the

murderous

PURPOSE.

the

uses

INVENTIVE

VERY

FELL

ITS

Sometimes

one

is

too
to

and

David,

prize to

insidious,

be abandoned

Michal, Saul's
at

this

allure

the

time,
young

at

JPnileiJ.

trjat

unsuspectingwarrior
The

evidence

sure

by

fallen

in-law

and

conversation

attached

him

enrol

to

of unusual

believed
alliance

It

the

on

and

his

first to

Not
of

the

On

his

him

the

palace wall
home,

own

they
with

and

is it with

it seemed

failed,and

should

such

; and

slayDavid
force

as

finallyto

again

that

afterwards

who

woman,

to

influence

jealousy.
may

jealousof

when

becomes

person

is

another

it stood

pursued him,

Samuel's

in

home

enumerate

insinuations,all

his

wife is jealous

affections ; when

or of
assistant,

his

friend

all the

unkind

the wrong

"

any
elder

an

neighbour ;

it becomes

which
almost

all
suggestions,

constructions

on

the

conduct, all the

looks, through

which

the

its spleen.

vent

JEALOUSY
GOD.

of
absolutelyguiltless

perversionof words, actions,and

will

When

jealous of the influence

obtaining over

impossibleto

be

the husband's

minister becomes

AGAINST

really

servants

the

otherwise

attempt

IV.

sincerely

(seechap. xix.).

another

soul

hand, his

one

plot had

the

javelinat

quiveringin
Naioth

be

to

desire,with

to

all his servants, that

hurled

concentrated.

providenceof God, David was possessed

life,that Saul spoke to Jonathan his son,

charmed
to

seemed

on

the
king delighted in David, and wanted
other,"Saul thought to make David fall by

after

only

was

soul

young

of the Philistines."

though, through
of

the

being

was

have

must

adroitness.

and

genuine earnestness,
family. Clearly,he was playinga game

in his

that the

hand

the

attention

and

David,

to

courtiers

the

Saul

servants,

becoming the king'ssonand open

hint,suggestion,

many

much

so

of these

of

honour

of

between

career

his

To

the

doughty foes had

only stipulated
dowry which

the

was

with the Philistines.

encounters

hundred

hand

the theme

was

whose

that

David's

required;

was

fresh

to

159

"

OF

It

was

THE

INNOCENT

remarkably so

is

UNABLE

with David.

TO

AVAIL

Saul

was

"JJE j^ittcf

160

bent

alluringhim

on

sition,however,
the
set

over

he

is

the

from

Philistines,he

slays

is much

name

slay him,

own

drives

knit.

was

The

good.

curses

If

would

is

The

of

and

If

man

He

had

He

hath

His
And

for

life

young

are

them.

their

that

will

will

He

peril,will

his

murderous

to

take

met.

Davids

raise up

with

this,

certainlyreturn

Michals

cause

overpower
the

will

be

as

malignant

destined

leave

not

their

of

perilcan

the

story

the

to

Jonathans
to

ward

on

the
to

off the

mysterious spell

bands, and

will stillthe

avenger.
is

God

his

out

launched

such

seem

may

will

Saul.

influences
spiritual

enemy

to

digs privilya pit,

Saul

in life which
Lord

of

molesting blow,
of

that

ponder

who

thus

Nemesis

mercies
them

which

with

the

uselessness

the

see

It is not

evil-doer.

warn

Jonathan

for ill turns

hand

roost.

would

injure those

to

place.

There

cruel

to

only jealouspeople

attempts

the

his

that

so

friendship,and

soul

on

whole

falls himself.

he

surely they
their

home

twin

hurled

on

two,

closer

king,

fightthe

to

urges

is meant

that
are

return

came

which

into

that

which

to

of the

cause

Everything

weapons

boomerangs
The

the

but

If Saul

son

own

the

is

; if

sent

people, the

is sent

hundred

one

his

plead

to

not

the

If he

is

he

proximity of

If he

by (ver.30).

set

he

forces him

(xviii.
13, 15).

him

loves

his rival.

wherever

before

out

interpo

and became
foiled,

was

prospers

in and

go

intent

immediate

the

God's

Through

popularityto

he

of war,

men

separated

nation

murderous

stillgreater

permitted to

and

the

each

of the

cause

his ruin.

to

righteous judge,
turn

bent
also

mischief

not,

he

his bow

and

prepared

shall

his violence

made

it

for him

the

return

shall

his sword

will whet

upon
come

his
down

ready,
of death.

instruments

own

upon

head,
his

own

pate.

(PsA. vii, 11-13,

16, R.V.)

XXII.

"Cn"l

tljt "Bnrf"."

as
(i SAMUEL

'Tis

greatly

And

ask

And

how

"

Their

wise

them

talk

to

what

Spirit

And

smiles

walks

news.

call

deceased,
frowns."

Fury

welcome

Experience

day

or

heaven

to

more

men

every

Angel,

an

borne

what

of

hours

past

our

they bore

have

form

answers

The

with

report

they might

27.)

xx,

YOUNG.

has

scruples',

yEALOUSY
the

violate

it will

bonds

itself

attaches

forbear

will

feed

to

civilization

house

has

kindled,

often,

the

of

movement

it

husband,

wife, child,
is

life.

human

twain

the

of

and
in

become

the

race

case,

was

Michal,

told

it

to

Saul, and
wife.
x

It

was

the

is ruthless

of

of

home,

restraint

to

murder

the

of

which

its

rather,

shoulders,

which

it

Christian

of

look, the

peace

the

fuel for

When

on

be

to

to

which

God.

the

furtive

by
the

suggestive
in

has

one

institutions

sacred

most

by

knitting

the
; and

from

perennially
due,
his

pleased
the

foot

reverence

sacred

shrug

the

one

arrangement.

Jiesitate

nothing

is

under

him, and

burst

as

of

he
a

spirit

loved
gave
new

to

with

flowers,
a

Saul's

David;
her

our

springs

with

Such

God,

of

union

world

young.

daughter,

of

that

children, sowing the

blessed

making
David's

of

one

not

friend.

or

Originated

spirit,the
dower

destroy

may

home

The

under

finger, the

question,

there

is too

the

the

worship

proceeds

suspicions, by

whispered

Her

and

and

nothing

least,

at

kinship,

the

"

will

relationship

the

upon

and

it

that

Not

flame.

to

passion

this

once

trample

and

sanctities.

revered

most

friendship

of

no

to

home,
own

they
David

spring-tide

to

62

"dtel

those

two

evaded

his

be

to

his

sanctityof
sent

least my

thither

preservedin

Set

me

me

on

Deliver
And

the

the workers

from

the

from

me

mighty gather

Not

for

her

knew

warned

she

newly-formed

the

is

one

said

the

in the

to

for

my

well

to

escape,

window.

trust

not

women

with

her

It

his

clemency

of

death, and

do

due

was

for

hands

own

rendered

not

sin, O Lord.

imminence

the
will

what

home

the

her

to

those

letting
that

desolate, and

of

homes

the

sanctuary

to

tell Samuel
grave

my
"

included

are

shows

the

the
the

that

of

suspicionwhich

soul,that Saul's attempts

on

fall

together.
into

the

pass

Father's house,"
and

amongst

his life were

them

break

of

that
was

we

may

jealousywill
the turn

importance
the

ruthlesslyas

as

in

of
stability

forecourt,we

mansions

many

of Saul

the

of

abiding-place."In

are

case

hastened

its

as

"

that human

taking,and
his

slay him

togetheragainst me

too

of

was

our

as

precinctsof

David

on

the

Lord,

our

But

soul

my

generallythe guarantee

of God

suppose

the

home

From

other.
house

and

quenched.
sanctuary of religiousworship is next
home, if not superior. They stand or

The

The

will respect the

its hearth

lightof
to

for

father

him

from

down

him,

themselves

(and

they love !)aided

him

home,

bloodthirstymen.

husband

her

woman-wit

with

his

of iniquity,

nor
transgression,

my

Michal

securityof

imprisoned singerthe plaintive

his Psalms
(lix.
R.V.).

of

one

For, lo, they lie in wait

The

David

when

from mine enemies, O my God ;

highfrom them that rise up against me.

me

save

Yet

father-in-law

watch

to

from
morning, eliciting

Deliver

fled to the

affection,

other's

daughter's love, the madly-jealousmonarch

messengers

strains

each

sadly alienated.

and
javelin,

saying to himself,At

in

happy

"

afterwards

though
had

lives

young

tlje(Brabe."

as

not

?
down

the home.

thingswere
forcingitself
not

the result

163
of

disordered

For

brain, but

securitySamuel

greater

perhaps woven
young

men

of osiers

bands

of

wrath

it

to

for Samuel

Naioth, but

off to
the

place ; and,

time

in

which

how

his

of

said, "While
sank

woman

at

sons

another

it,of

her

mother

dropped

went

home

with

were

the

Divine

and

at

as
as

were

yet

between
of

Edwards,

affectation

by

an

upon

these

but

the

lost

her

senses

the
the

of

his

outcome

was

second

of

trance,

without
of

One

in

young

she called
the

moment,

Bold

next

yet

blasphem

cried

and

young

was
a

it

six per

or

was

mother

joy.

whom

Bristol
five

being

sometimes

aloud

strewed

for
on

Quaker

bystandersagainstthese

strange

as

dead

men.

hypocrisy, was
The

phenomena
down

for

lips."

sunken

went

he reached

scandal,as

agony,

hand, while

unseen

two

and

did

as

were

he

kind

great

vehem

him

ever

at

the

with

the

night.

at

scores

the

in

evening.

insensible

once,

told

common

daughter, full

admonishing

was

down

case

her

mercy,

ground

scenes

and

to

came

John Wesley,

the

in the

instantlysei/.ed

ers

who

down

he

royal robes

life of

daughter'sconduct

who

days

singularincident

irritated

was

In after

before

in violent agony,

meeting

himself.

one

all that

preaching on

down

lady,whose

this

hot

ground

and

in the

scenes

an

in
finally,

down

his

the

on

of

in

; and

When

of

day

read

cannot

reminded

the

divested

life,lay

of

successive

three

with peremptory

asked

stricken

was

lasted all that

We

is

came

David.

and

number

spiritual
power

forced

David

arrest

in Sechu, and
well,or cistern,
ence

booths,

prophetic office,and
of

Saul

assembly

messengers

of

cluster

electricity.
charged with spiritual

distinctly
remembered,

was

to

for the

their failure to return,

at

him

will.

murderous

and

(calledNaioth),where

seemed

this sacred

Into

led

the fullest manifestation

which

atmosphere

wicked

being trained

were

livingin

were

of

lay

under
a

the

himself

words

of

difference, of
in

the

Wesley

change

struck

reproach
course,

result.
and

of heart

In

the

Jonathan
and

life,

"

164

together with
cloud

early

Whatever

the

mental,
than

before
of

noblest

of the

his.

In

age,

have

or

magnitude.
behaviour.

youth

of

the

his

him, for

of David
friend

father,the

of

reasons

laid

It

prepared to

was

on

was

the

second

seat

was

empty.

shone

of

the

an

have

must

Jonathan the

reason

the

first

his

adorned

characterized

people

who

his
saved

once

ideal of the maidens

well

as

of

in

and

friendship,

bind

everythingto

his father

paternalpride.

But

weight with Saul,whilst jealousy

other

scale.

He

his funeral

eagle, stronger
festival that

as

on

this

might be, as

him

his

elegy,"lovelyand
than

of
spirit

lion ; but
revenge.

vent

new

of

itself.

the
It

previous one, David's

of
the son
as
derisively
lowly birth,and ignoring
the king
the royal family,

the

Speaking of him
though accentuatinghis
bound

court

courage

chosen

was

chivalry,

of

star

raged within Saul's heart,revealed

and

one

in the

Whether

sacrifice it all to the

day,

cause

was

age of

up

universallyacknow

as

the

was

no

monthly

that
relationship

asked

had

than

was

Jesse,"as

romantic

by

the

trulyprincelysoul

rank.

eloquentlyexpressedit in

volcano, which

the

A
most

policyas

heavy in

the

the

pride dry

true
time, wise in statesmanship,

pleasant,"swifter
Saul

Jonathan

beauty

darling

considerations

these

contortions.

foremost

strong in resolution,there
to

become

intrepiddaring and

his

reallyworse

jealousy,and

easily,and

and

The

his life from

it

"

threatened

jealousy next

of the

even

Grace

whilst

person,

left him

latter

and

he
battlefield,

the

on

the

was

father's love

wider

stood

ledged right,in

it

and

types of manhood.

any

would

he

of

fares of

and

deeper

the

as

Jonathan.

son

the volcanic

even

his

for

fountains

very

experience was

probably

evanescent,

him

life of his noble

the

morning dew, which

goeth away.
of the experience,whether
physical,

"

and

religiousexperi

exalted

and

Saul,

spiritualand

or

it found

The

the

nature

transient

was

of

case

and

tlje(Brnhe."

as

blessed

very

the

In

ence.

Cruel

to

of his

"

absence;

and

when

he

Slttf0utttie"Suspicions.
received

the

agreed,he

answer

fell into

that
vilest epithets
scorn

the

on

Eastern

an

mother

hurling his javelinat

mollifyhis
tions.

Of

law

were

with

the worst

this time

high priest,presided

removed

evasive

Goliath,and

by an

such

incident
he

counsel
spiritual

encamped
with

march

once

slay him.

It

public service

seemed
set

were

long as

as

months

his hated

aside

and

after

rival,that

troops,

all

he

composed

demands

the

accounted

of his soul

the vengeance

afford.

tribe,to capture and

own

though

could

of

of

dust

as

the

in the

unappeased.

was

promulgationand execution of law, the hearingof suits,

in his
all were
of no
account
defences of the kingdom
"

estimation
In

the

until this
heat

(and jealousy

of
so

his

spirithe

often

takes

all his servants

that

cared

no

one

David's

for

fulfilled.

was

purpose

one

cence),that
of

of his

sword

height" (R.V.,marg.}

the

"on

received

was

ephod

his household

Benjamites,men

king'sson-in-

David

the

as

the

in Ahimelech's

reported to Saul, some

was

was

relics of

bread, with the

at

the

to

Ahim-

where

of the

and
reply,

might

The

by

followingchap

the

hastyadvent

Gibeah, waiting for tidingsof

so

ended

on

interfered

Nob,

to

over

above

balance

insisted

"

possiblesugges

suspicionsexcited

The

and

of trusted

his

had

illustration in the

an

the unescorted

wards, as

who

son,

deference, supplied with

The

to-day vents

execution, and

and

fled
fugitive

sanctuary.

by

the

his hate

objectof

his noble

this there is

elech, the
ancient

with

Jonathan
who

"

previously

wrath.

(xxi.).The

mind

use,

to
jealousy is also responsive

But

ter

abused

can

of the
arrest

friends had

the two

grievousrage,

immediate

David's

which

on

165

vent

gave
on

were

the
in

that

of

tone

complaint

injuredinno

conspiracyagainsthim,

him, that Jonathan

conspiracy,and

the

to

each

was

was

at

the bottom

cherishing the

hope of his speedy downfall in order to receive possessions

of
and promotions as the price of treachery from the hand
of Jesse. It was
the son
an
unjust and injurioustaunt.

"

66

Well

might

often

"

set

the

Cruel

hell."

here
amuck, striking

runs

of all that is most

love.

Amid

affirm

Apostle James

fire of

on

tljc

as

It

precious and
silence

that

followed

reproaches,Doeg

narrated

what

he

when

he

for

nacle

had

witnessed

happened

Ahimelech's

Doeg's malicious
suspicions from
brief

house
Eli

Gibeah

accused

heed

the

whole

him

that

similar
he

had

with

servingthe royal

tried

to

made

the

stem

up

before

he

malign

nature

was

afflatus of

The

"

and

as

his

evil

all

but

herdsmen, had

Doeg,
no

such

the

the

had

He

of

being constantly

had

frequentlymade

he

might

have

Thou

to

come

been

had

shalt

well

Yielding

which

to

as

have

king'smind

The

defence.

and
spirit,
susceptibleas it

and

high
king

faithful

most

as

and

But

surely must

"

give

would

behalf, believingthat in this

his

thy father's
royal bodyguard shrank

sentence;

him

will.

Naioth, he said,

thou

the

of

one

began

David

with

innocently.

swellingof Jordan.

unholy impulse,which
some

it quite

on

on

terms

what

done

of

the house

dynasty, and

had

commissions,
God

father's

expostulations.The

he

as

his

connivance

of

mild

done

after

unmeasured

In

not

was

summons,

high priestof

and

looked

secret

inquiriesof

was

elech

them

David

servants,

entrusted

of

though

of, he had

accounted

always

the

Nob

all

and

king.

of

Ahimelech's

to

accused

of the

had

rite,and

priests
;

peremptory

of his throne

priest pleaded

Saul's

once

the

to

; and

presence

for the overthrow

no

courtiers

all the males

i.e.,

into the

Saul

at

the Taber

at

king'sson-in-law.
diverted the king's

the

to

that fateful

on

other

or

interval,brought Ahimelech

"

"

statement

his

far distant from

a

attentions

seen

detained

be

to

undeserved

these

had

ablution

ceremonial

some

disregard

loyalty and

in human

true

the

day

jealousy

there,with absolute

and

is

tongue

Mad

here.

so

was

the

that

was

to

him

an

from

his disordered
to

the

spiritual

surely die, Ahim

house."
from

Edomite,

executing the
a

awful

foreigner,with

compunctions, but

forthwith

his

fell on

31 gastrtrfclg
gecft.
who
unresisting
priests,

the

until

their

white

robes

It

mangled

was

which

have

must

foundations

of

libertywas

safe

What

of

Jealousy

the

with

dumb-

felt that

life nor
in

enthroned

the

their

thought should
habit,and

the

become

set

in

lead

habits

who
Spirit,

bottomless

powerful eddies

these

to

These

remorse.

the

to

the

to

congeal

that blessed

drift unwarned

the

destiny!

strong

of

remonstrances
to

yield to

not

in the

pit.
hurry

current.

in

hearkened
that

spared his

Goat, amid

surprisedand

which

his voice

generositywhich
had

enemy,"

And,

ravines

Dead

Sea,

Lord's

followers

he

day
when

and

been

had

said,

"

"

in

reward
"

thee

natural

let him

good

that

those

rude

border

"

go

If

on

generosity

well

pent-up

for that thou

days,

find

man

away

Saul

days,

in earlier
a

put

restraining

the

out

him

to

royal oath

refusing to
by

poured

father

the Fountain

near

touched

restrained.

will he

his

anointed, and

wept, and

long been

for

fore the Lord

this

eager

cave,

wild

wholly unexampled

was

lifted up

the

againstthe

his hand

life in the

the

of

shores

death

to

his

rendered, he

(xix.1-7).

not

western

forth

had

be put

Wild

the

David

that

pledged

David

When

reminded

Jonathan

relented, and
attentively,

should

he

the

earlier stage,

an

pricelessservices

the

of

me

the

to

subjectto

very

was

When,

but

tidingsof

neither

that

should

we

however, subject to

is,

soul

no

that

evil,lest

character

are

scourges

his

the

have

must

men

frenzywas

is here

repeated acts

character, and

of

blood.

nation

loosed, and

such

while

warning

act, and

ing

good

societywere

first intrusion

Saul

All

their

breast.

monarch's

allows

whole

staggeredthe

horror.

foundering

their hearts'

dastardly deed,

and

cowardly

with

after another,

one

piled in heaps, and

were

corpses

saturated

were

butchered

were

167

his

Where

hast done

unto

(xxiv.16-22).

again he

came

in search

of David

and

pitched

"

168

his camp

again, through David's

and

from

the

needed

"

I will
have

no

do

more

of air

be

that

(xx.

for

14,

and

thou

thee

; and

shalt be

that also

never

might

than

Philistines

of

the

was

be, but

to

the

than

me

"

these terrible
well

were

that

long

so

David,

known

Jonathan's
the

as

in

from

more

It

God, and

throne.
never.

not

the

Saul

was

in

on

to

came

said

I shall be

"

Fear

find

thee,

next

unto

knoweth."

affected
was

Lord

Ziph, urged

father, shall

father

my

one

Ziphites,Jonathan

Israel,and

was.

enthroned

of

assured
the

every

of

son

when

later,while

ravines

hand

over

even

come

And

the

his

Saul

his father

succeed

of

Saul, my

king

trust

land

time would

treacherous

of

to

for

his threat

out

31).

life amid

hand

mightily

to Jonathan.
family,and especially

the

30,

the

do

daring

not

surmises

Saul's

enemies

15,

Jonathan, then,
David

might exclaim,

had
ground, the heir-apparent

strengthened
the

the

or

nothing better

established,

he knew

seeking David's
his madness
by
him, and

be

the

off the

cut

He

David

duration,

in heart

shalt both

thou

is

blurted

not

upon

his friend that

not,

fool, and

R.V.).

doubt,
had

would

Jesse lived

earth

into

of his

Saul

ever

kingdom

for

soul,awaitingthe

of jealousy is clearlyset forth in

cure

all the members

would

its flames.

There

escape

chapters. Without
Before

the

change

in his

David;

son

xxvi. 25, xxvii. i,

the

But

thou, my

should

Sam.

(i

rekindle

to

said in his heart

David,

of brief

was

permanent

any

surely prevail." But

shalt

him,

before

say

son

my

played

remorse

fire still smouldered

The

least breath

his

case,

produce

to

purpose.

"

I have

to

as

have

not

exceedingly (xxvi.21).

failed

and

harm.

thee

But, alas,in every

"Blessed

; return,

spared

was

would

far

so

hills,

"

erred

and

went

sinned

I have

which

spear,

thrust, Saul

second

the southern

on

clemency, his life

the

plunge of

fatal

all his camp

to

tire (Srabe."

as

ridge of Hachilah,

the

on

Cruel

by

certain

Respected
But

the

choice

that

he

and

loved

not

of

would

cloud

he
of

ftfoeCure
jealousyever
its shadow
had

cast

own

soul."

with

Insist

we

it at

lovingthe

on

passion.

You

confronts

you

you

love, is like bidding a lame

you

must

between
distinguish

love

more,

but

arise

unholy

which
difficulty

complain that

and

; but

of love.

emotion

the

bid

to

Granted

walk.

man

to

soul.

of your

felt the

have

his

as

the fell

over

energy

You

love

Perfect

brood

that is the very

love.

cannot

you

not

all the

reply that

cast

David

he loved

you

love, or

peace.

less to

of whom

one

may
"

from

with

and

once,

"

told that

it to grow

allow

his

of

jealousy do

to

of his

heaven

pure

are

tempted

are

passion,or
deal

hate

169

Jfcalonsj.

crystallake

the

out

If you

the

darkened
on

of

the latter,but
impossible for you to command
quite possible to practisethe former, since love consists
but in the doing; not
in emo
primarily,not in the feeling,
It may

be

tions,but in strong
Find

beginning to
and
a

jealous.

lips,and utter
find yourselfon

you

out

to

of your

aloofness.
to

enter

which

feel

the

that life is torn

of your

and

rent

that

acts,

to utter
cross

He

also

that

who

prepared to

has

work

generous

with

heartily. Go
all,avoid

led

and

near

try

close

yourselfto

God

you

Do

love.

temptations by

; cultivate

with

some

other's company

present

peace,

good pleasure.

kind

Whenever

Above

and

of your

of his

do

to

way

kindness.

Holy Spirittakes part

is

were

they

instead.

promptly and

act

that his

fect deliverance

before

words

good, hatred

friendship,and always offer

sacrifice. Believe
as
a living
that

do

you

tempted

are

and
anxieties,trials,

the

and

alert to

you

yourselfin

Throw

into

out

confer

to

whom

point of speaking contemptuously

kindly,but

way

the

on

kindly ones

evil with

Overcome

wait

Be

arrest

the

service.

concerning

Whenever

some

judging harshly,go

deed.
not

feel

speak kind words.

depreciatingremark,

your

or

individual

the

out

of self-denial and

acts

does

hear

againstthe
you

in you

to
to

God
you,

enemy

desire
will and

per

do

XXIII.

Jlmtsst
(i SAMUEL

Life

'

'

is only

Towards

To

is

proceedeth
Life

when

sweetest

divine

more

it

deeper

truer,

when

bright

Love

Human

i.)

x.\v.

and

above

it leadeth

perfect Love."
A.

AT

world,
his

he

had

great

the

king
his

the

the

and

people

and

calamity,
on

themselves

together,

Scripture
which

that

mourning

universally

death

the
each
of

and

The

another

individual

the
He

was

man

or

love

event

Dan

in

impression

made

on

the

the

but

his

the

continued
that

his

native

own

regarding
that

dear

contemporaries

was

becoming

righteous
very

of

with

esteem

as

to

record

rites with

not

him."

concern

in

be

gathered

the

to

sleep

north

buried

by

days,

account

far

Israel

buried

was

respect

felt to

the

and

stranger,
He

of

between

and

was

"all

funeral

many

that

on

Though

blessed

that

the

and

was

concerned.
and

to

tidings sped through

proved

him,

him

for

nature,

kindly

for

solemnity.

they wept
of

the

him, and

were

conduct

to

lost

excellence,

made

was

shown

and

splendour

moral

borne

was

breach

significant paragraph

regarded,

was

the

frontier,

lamented

and

of

upon

from

southern

this

His

"

he

place,

the

adds

Josephus

that

so

Beersheba

fallen

beloved,

his

to

this

as

retirement, partly because

finally, the

had

far

fully ripe.

corn

never

when,
he

giveth

had

he

PROCTER.

so

and

because

partly

that

God

national

of
in

years

himself,

end,

concerned

was

shock

last

and

age,

country

which

as

his

to

came

least,

at

grave,

spent

his

of

Samuel

length

A.

in

as

which

man,
to

it

and

God."

lingered,

as

3V "tan

is referred

ix.

Chron.

that

in the sacred

to

elaborate

xxvi.

Chron.

the treasures
erected

by

in the

Chron.

Jer.xv.

and

he

the

to accumulate

ultimately

was

son.

passing reference

of

Solomon.

began

mighty

of

to

some

instituted.

he

the

i, commemorate

fragranceof

perpetualintercessions.
iii. 24,

Acts
landmark
of his

furnished

xi. 32, 33
in the

of
of

power
of

overthrow

have

counted

exclaimed

courses

it

on

one

he
the

by

one

in

wrought

fail

faith
.

tell

to

me

wrought

Lord

had

LIFE.

HIS

it

Though

"

been

have

must

Samuel's

fraughtwith

blessedness.

of prayer.

man

his

for

Philistines

the

sleepless night did

committed

one,

Whether
of

againstthe
whom

and

would

through

OF

pre-eminently a

his evil

by

one

perpetualresort.

king

history

."
.

of true

from

filled

lived

time

The

arduous

an

the elements

the

in the

long galleryof time, the

have

who

BLESSEDNESS

was

was

"

Samuel

righteousness

He

conspicuous

work

been

have

who

faith.
.

I. THE

in the

of which
those

...

career

his life and

places him

walls

statues

the

by

what

people.

niches
the

indicate

xiii. 20,

and

was

Heb.

sin

David's

Feast, which

Passover

service

of the Lord

House

contains

18

xcix. 6, and

Psa.

the

reign of

xxxv.

memorable

his

which

for the

David

that

28, asserts

27,

foundations

laid the

Levites

perfectedby

was

again he

and

Again

he

that

organizationof

which

sanctuary

171

record.

suggests

22

^rager.

his sun-down.

afterglow,
long after

an

of

he

"

sin

he

memorable
in
he
set

national

up,

or

occasion,

in tears
and

interests

to
as

his

king ;

for

of

for
and

whose

; he

pray

"God

pray

his

was

recovery
to

had.

ceasing to
spend

the

or

ceased

never

if

people

This

"

Saul

would

forbid," he
that

you."
prayers

hands

should

Many

for the
he

preciouscharge.

had

" toat

T72

It has yet to be seen,

until

veil of

the

benefited

likelythat

the

shall

we

whether
eternityis lifted,

by

most

probably

and

our

and

men

intercessions

world

It is

have

who

women

and
petual supplications

the

labours.

or

prayers

know

never

has
than

more

poured

out

per

have, like Epaphras,

These
have resembled
effectively.
mighty
mountains, commercing with the skies,down whose slopesthe

wrought

most

have

perennialstreams

poured, wreathed

carryingthe qualityof

and

All

books,

with

compared
closet.
The

The

exiles !

of

of missionaries
the

of

prayers

buried
God

alive in

uttered, should

which

heart's

the

of

words
their

in

the world

these

But

James
An

the

R.V.,

energy

prayer,

in the

indestructible

universe,an
God, but

from

whom,
Let

seek
Let
of

and
us

union

pray

so

our

men

thingsare wrought by
purpose.

was

He

his

and

may

also
could

searchingscrutiny(i

prayer

than

court

Sam.

without
xii. 3).

much

holy soul,

working

power,

call upon

of

not

force

apart

Let

his

in the

us

name.

thought
"

Samuel.

this world

characterized

In

deeds.

life advances.

in those

un

of the

out

the

shelter themselves

Saul

those

of
mighty energies,
all things.
are

whom

who

were

what

availed

of

own

to

those

among

intercessions,
as

Samuel

with

have
from

unit

as
especially

more,

live that

they

been

becomes

which

through whom,

be enrolled

to
us

in

have

passes

striving
mightilyin

heaven,
of God

ear

groans,

they

as

epic equal

prayers

16,

v.

from
any

into

pour

working.

Can

martyrs

but
forget,

may

them
!

the

tyrants have

whom

drop
make

of

sighs,the

angel, catching them

written words
fulness

The

down

in

of the Waldenses

some

would

liturgythey

whom

tame

prayed

prayers

prayers
!

plains.

and

dry

book

sufferingmen,

dungeons,
If

never

The

vapour,

soil into the

The

Covenanters

inarticulate cries of

the

unwritten

great

prayers

prayers

The

the

mountain

the

eloquent writer,are

an

says

in rainbow

dreams

More
of."

by great singlenessof

flinching the
From

those

most

earlydays

Samuel's
when,
with

as

Eli's

evil of

Israel,his had

been

absorbing concern.
devotion

ungrudging
them

life.

The
him

led

in

of

another

fellow-countrymen ; but
him

desired
of

God's

sustain

to

nature,

he

which
the

the age

It

had

could

the

reverence

veneration.

And

it

The
to

attribute

must

eye
be

full of

O
The

Oh,

to

to

was

other

oblivious

of

reckoned

as

from

singlenessof

people,and

hast

attracted

their

character

that

divine

purpose.

if the whole

missed, but

body is

Sir Galahad
the

one

humility,

true

not

highest virtue, mother

not

the

purpose

possessed.

hast

God

successor

Holy Grail,because

of the

Thou

glory of

gifts

his life*

humbly stepped down

Percivale

thoughtest of thy

be

they

the

of

best

this trait of his

Thou

As

law

the

secure

of his

vision

them

son,

to

his

beheld, the golden

the

his

that

discovered

humilityand

light. Sir

failed in what

only

tightlyto

more

perception of
singlein its intention

be

must

had

his

of power.

that arrested

we

griefof

sorest

the inner

become

afford,and

this beautiful

was

withdraw

must

qualitiesof a naturallynoble
with equanimity. But again his

himself

set

place

supreme

all-

with

himself

it requiredall
position,

the shock

unselfishness,which

conquered;

his

all the

and

grace,

he

been

his land

him

when
his

give up

to

he

befallen

bound

irreproachable

spent

the

was

had

and

God,

had

find that

to

which

troubles

imagination of

had

people
he

these

; and

favour

nearer

his

of

For

the

on

of stainless and

career

struck

house,

interests

The

honour.

from

J73

contrasted
child,the vision of his childlike purity,

the

Ifumiliig.

lost

all ;

of them

prowess

thyself

to

save

and

thy sins

thyself,

Galahad.

absorbed

so

in

the

in

salvation

consuming passion
of

others, that

ourselves, willingto take the second

of

no

account,

to

retire from

the

we

for the

be

may

place,to
blaze of

be

light

3V (Breat Sunset.

i?4
that falls

the

on

where
cloister,

the

clock-chimes,
the

Samuel
land

State.

of the
his

incidence

sun

from

and

Do

resulted
in

something

in

is

others

will

less efficient way

same

and

that they
deftly,

the

story of the

plots

his

of

those

to

one

they

who, instead

right and
the

We

Till

have

In this

As
the

first of
first

his

with the
Samuel

the

days

splendour

the

precious

the

of Solomon's

of

it is not

to

our

built

of

his

desperate need,

I like

beautiful
ends

extreme

that

led

were

strife,

sleep in

our

hand,

pleasant land.

and

green

in

settlement

from

his

people the

be

wondered

Palestine

his unblemished

"

all beside

and

the

character,

fellowship

boyish days to his old age,

most
profound veneration ;
at

personality

between

connecting link

the

his

when

do

Jerusalem

everythingto him, though

majesty

to

quickly

more

strength,by his evident

Israel

from

won

the

criticise

rightthan

so

mental

sword

reign,by

and

sympathy
God

our

from

cease

prophets,as
of

which

the garden
criticising

own

the

into

work

example.

our

great

same.

shall

we

his

left to

will not
Nor

of

To

much

doing, so

are

led to follow

are

man

do

established.

settingthem

neighbours,made

his

on

by

one

thing as

of

schools

people.

the

waste

itineraries,

united

and

Don't

be

day

one

the

owed

his

of

convocations,formed

life.

your

the

on

justicein

consolidated

the whole

When

others,but put a piece of solid

criticising
is rising
around
on
great fabric which
us, and
Jerusalem

and

solstice !

in

new

by

their

the

indicates

shadows

expended
of

the

by

lay the foundations

to

he

care

people in

the

construct.

prophets,his administration
the

is marked

days

of

twilightof

and

solstice to

careful to

time

The

policy which

the

the

also

appeals to

time

the

he began
disorganized,

was

new

and

was

of

progress

of the

progress

retirement

the

to

stage

he

that
was

one

of

unable

them
to

who

"

appreciate

in the

supreme

hour

had

deserted

him,

of

his

turned

"

Crossing

trjc

|!or."

for

help to the great prophet,though

for

"

considerable

Bring me
II.

step

; not

but

BLESSED

of

through

the

shadow

Him."

condition
who

into other
be

the

and

cares

from

This

livingin

are

for
living,

of

sense

whom

Those

death

into

or

all live unto

the

term,

other

the loosing
signifies

that

it may

harbour

the

the

to

on

broad

to

of

return
:

ship

to

"Why
He
is

bosom

of the

its

from

that it may

thought caught by Tennyson,

exact

life.

"

harbour, but

reach

which

from

woe,

the

and

in

those

are

existence

up ?

is

has passed
spirit

the

mortal

the

God

remaining

if summoned
itself,

bring me

"

call dead

we

activities for weal

to

passed

describes death.
Apostle Paul
departure (2 Tim. iv. 6). His word

his

is the

the

should

We

moment,

abiding-place,

other side.

earthlytabernacle,but

how

of

of the

of this
responsibilities

moorings, not
out

in

effort to tear

an

Remember

nautical

dead,

disquietedme,

thou

speaks

but

and

scenes

for

the

on

state, but

dead.

are

who,

passed through

and

it would

hast

are

off their

They put

cried,

and

an

tunnel, but

the

dead,

of deadness.

died,

None

those

is not
; not

passage

existence

of the

None

as

of

vivid

Death

"

gulf.

departed

God

the

not

over

the

of
intensity

withdrawn

earthly scenes,

DEATH.

chamber, but

bridge

speak

from

been

had

he

Samuel."

up

His

time

175

go

ocean.

when

he

sings:
and

Sunset
And
And

may

hope
When

To

another

recall this
of

the

be

I put

out

from

Hood
to

may
see

my

I have

sonnet

noble

for

call

there

though

The
I

clear

one

When

For

evening star,

to

out

me

moaning

no

bourne

our

Pilot

is to

the

of

time

bar

sea.

bear

crossed

of

and

place

far,

me

face
the

be

to

face

bar.

reminded
irresistibly

conceptions of

death

given by

of
this

jt

76

great Christian

exactlyin keeping with

describingthe passingof Arthur

in

thought
"

poet

from

Moved

That,

her

With

is death.

stagnant

waters

width

and

carol

cold

plume,

of the

the flood

of the

the

of

ocean

deaths

of two

loved, a friend of mine

has

of

soul

the

from

harbour,

eternity,where

desire

the

that

knowing

two,

is far less than

that of

the
to

on

there

The

from

I hear

The

wait

To

the

how

Remember

the

of the

is

luminous

for the

signal
is

knew

Harte,

break

see

it

Christ
away

so

strait

of this mortal

with

be

life

"

outgoing ship
in

is in

who

man

clouds

portals I

o'er dark

comfort

His
And

the

of the sailors

song

I think

So

the

departing to

of Bret

poem

blessedness

the

gates'glowing

And

both

we

apposite,because

and

of

lo, in the distance

But

whom

men,

quoted

exceedinglybeautiful

exactly expresses
betwixt

takes

opportunity to explore to the furthest

thought,and to attain to the golden shores of

Speaking
is

swan,

space,

isles.

which

"

death,

moving out
containingwalls

of

blessed

and

and

sail

full-breasted

her

ere

and

oar

some

Apostle's

webs."

and

coast-lines of
the

wild

It is

great bosom

barge with

brink, like

pure

swarthy

This

the

the

the

flutinga

Ruffles

the

so

said he, and

"So

J$mtsEt.

dmat

in the

bay

glee.

footprintsthat

bore

Galilee,
to

go

the shore,

to

waitingfor

ship

that

the

Apostle Peter

me.

describes death.

Speak

the very word

which
had
been
ing of his death, he uses
of Transfigura
employed in the conversation on the Mount
and
Moses
Elijahspake with the Master of the
tion,when
which
He
to accomplish at Jerusalem. "After
decease
was
my

is exodos.
occurs

to

(Luke

decease"

the

There

in the

ix. 31 ;

is

whole

going out

Death, under

i.

Peter

15). The Greek

placein which that

other

only

one

New

Testament,

people from
conception,is

the

going out,

word

reference

Egypt (Heb.

of the

this

when

word

not

xi.
a

is

22).

coming

in.

It

begins.

If it

opens

the way

pain,and
of the

soul

Let

will be

unconscious

as

needs

but

lyingall

the midst

With

the

act

of death

of

the

Life."

He

dim

the

hesitating
guess-work.
men

in the country

both

they slew, hanging

also
the

third

the

people,

God,
rose

day,

to

from

the

has

to

that

Even

"

in

eternity.

that

eat

be

and

life and
not

are

now

of

supposition,or
is

there
He
all
in

life

beyond

risen.

was

"

Jerusalem,
God

raised

chosen

were

with

drink

He

whom

manifest, not

made

We

things which

Him

tree.

that

because

prepare
world

kindred
now

priests,and

Name,

of

We

and

up
all

to

before

Him

after

of
He

dead."

with

company
ments.

did

lives ; and

In

to

witnesses

who

brought

Jews, and

on

Him

gave

unto

us,

gone

house.

his

but

even

Yes, He
He

and

and

them, "of

Him

perfect.

death,

after

of the

made

Resurrection

knmv

of

one

innumerable

the

Gospel.

of the

streets

the

His

Him

died) into

title,

surmise,

We

saw

witnesses,"says

did

"

the

light of

death, because

with

In

mortal

our

we

walking the

of just men
spirits

abolished

has

day of

the

mingling

justlyclaims

Lord

been

immortality to lightthrough

are

of

has

heaven

that

(long before

come

been

had

and

angels

had

we

find

surprisedto

Sion, had

of Mount

hosts

to

It

shell,the withdrawing

throughout

us,

that

Jerusalem,

left

birth.

of

of that

as

probably

soul is

the

most

frail

the

be

shall

New

the

die.

around

pilgrimage,and

The

to

cracking of

probabilitywe

been

development

curtain, the slackening of the golden cord of life.

the thin
all

of

the

the

where

unrestrained.

dread

not

us

world

J77

slavery and

life of

the

ends, it ends
into

geatlj.

of

Conception

the

lives

He

mansions
we

for

shall

suppose

his

do

shall

Moses

Samuel

among

them

solemn

troops,

and

in

us

see

we
spirits,

shall

we

and

the

face
his

Aaron
that

sweet

live also.
Father's

command
are

call

in

and,

among
his

upon

societies

"

of

XXIV.

anb
(i SAMUEL

Earth

fades

Before

God's

"

xxviii.

Heaven

shall

When

stand

me

next

the

's close

moment

hand

at

has

lay

to

heart

whole

13).

x.

on

first, last time,

the
leave

His

breaks

throne

man

CHRON.

before

bare

his

..."

Maker.

R.

had

YEARS

Goliath

headlong
of

men

the

the

cities

wealthy

market

for

of

Nile

the

volved

their

right

merchandise

impose

by

up

the
of

time

as

the

entertained

Hastily
marched

of

miles

half

Mount

the

northwards,
Gilboa,

fro

the

of

"

Philistine
which

route,

chariots

formed

of

at

and

Jezreel,
rich

the

vast

the

cities

trade-route

in

taxation

the

hence

invasion,

desire

and

cavalry,

for
and

about

three
in

celebrated
so

to

therefore,

favourable

Shunem,

the

on

was

who

woman

between

after

hospitably

Elisha.

prophet

gathering

and

of

was

north

abode

valuable

Philistine

the

great

over

and

by

the

revenge

link

furnished

that

to

supremacy

Valley

very
to

sea-coast

strongly-fortified camp
and

hold

fled
of

onset

necessary

produce,

tides

The

keys.

evolutions

the

to

the

and
To

the

Philistine

was

brought
had

planned

now

Euphrates

transported

its

poured

wares

was

had

Philistines

the

the

of

sling

before

the

which

Valley.

the

hold

re-establish

Esdraelon,

of

plain

invasion

new

and

and

ground,

Ephes-dammim

at

Israel.

disgrace,

that

the

to

David's

since

passed

B.

what

forces

he

and

pitched

his

four

miles

distant

could
camp
from

collect,
the

on

the

Saul

slopes

invading

Despair.

's
and

army,

the

on

risingfrom

the

level

and

hills shoot
feet

scrub

of

oak

spring at least,are
The
him

sight of

He

contrasted

tines with

the

trembled
have

brought him,
presence

black

canopy

stricken

He

perceiveHim

that

of

to

could

is not

Him

I cannot

which

God,

longer

ness

of

of

inquiredof

assail

fession

many
of

Lord,

"

neither

long despised
he

by dreams,

regard iniquityin

nor

my

"

the

"

of

right

the
It

to

was

that

the

by Urim,

nor

heart,the Lord

are

purposes,
true

that

he

time, after the

or

con

patient waitingfor

frantic

Lord

the

dark

of the

repentance

will,no
and

follow

to

is

first

no

was

of

"

resisted,no

rulers

It

men.

probably the
there

and

mysterious

for

only abjectterror
read

cannot

work, but

8).

left

was

spirits

submission

to
hardly surprising

on

xxiii.

(Job

I go

which
are
now
we
tragedies,
The
attributed.
restraining
grace

sons

for

Himself

hideth
"

terror-

of

; but

years

sin,no

his direction

the

his

doth

He

the

rift in

no

backward, but
where

of

sense

another, "Behold

with

; and

who,

"

was

the

overshadowed

that

hand,

so

evil

those

the

There

him, and

this world"

permitted to
lapse of

had

with

promptings

since
possible,

Him

be

must

he

strove

might

; He
see

Philis

the

faith

say

left

courage.

which

there

the

on

narrate,

Saul's
of

courage

now

this that the terrible series

about

arrayed against

was

heart

despair

behold

cannot

Palestine."

"his

withdrawn.

He

in

slingsof Israel,and

not

was

of

soul.

flowers,which,

accoutrements

heroic

The

was

forward, but

hand,

and

spears

greatly."

God's

complete

of the

six hundred

or

completely paralyzed

the

rise

only growths, spots

which

great force

have

to

seems

summits

and

wanting in

never

the

thorns

slopes of

heights,which

low

their

"

the

to

five hundred

barren

and

plains

"Green

these, the many

mountain

and

lead

into

abruptlysome

up

bleak, white,

"

time

Behind

stony.

Kishon

the

of

Gilboa, swellingafter
bare

Plain.

of the Great

south

179

despair.

answered

him

by prophets."
will not

hear

It is

not,
"If

me."

(Bn")0r antr (Bilboa.

i8o

I. ENDOR.
"

had

Saul

wizards,
of

one

of

out

those

conscious
which

the

arts

was

miles

two

fore,of

of those

one

the

scendants

old

and

other

that,

is

became
set-

as

guiltily

was

sins into

the

strong outward

some

scale, or

crimes

which

he

had

he

act,
to

sop

an

punished,

thus
had

to

recourse

the

from

sought

appealed

heaven

to

do

we

that her

hand
of

her

at

have

the

root

to

been

and

who

in

have
heart

of

dead.

was

with

collusion

the

come

from

more

than

belief that

our

in

all

necromancers

This

their call.

to

It

By ventrilo

to

If there

the

who

woman

the

de

simulated

seemed

answered
of

old

doubt

affirm

failed

had

baseless.
no

bidding.

and
spiritualists,
at

she

there

these, the

an

souls

were

those

hesitate

not

demons

claims

rear,

Manasseh

amongst

the

up

the

little villageof Endor.

Canaanites, was

bring

to

and

in

"

which

population;

appearance
world

Shunem

lay the

army"

sleightof

voice and

and

for

atone

abolish,and

to

spots from

able

be

likelyenough

ages

he

extremity he

from

of the ancient

professed to
quism

north

Philistine

the

expel

the

this in

clear,however, that he had

dire

help for

he

which

other

the

striven

when

the

About

is

in the

of

own

had

of hell the

in vain

to

he

to

It became

his

in

done

or
good Spirit,

betrayed,by

abhorrence

that

very

mouth

It

been

make-weight

heartfelt

seeing

seek

men

conscience.

uneasy
no

often

seen,

and
spirits,

have

moments,
God's

of
strivings

have

as

lucid

may

of passion of
strivings

so

they

He

have

we

familiar

that had

land."

strange

wild
"

intended

those

the

of the

the

previous period,as

some

put away

conscious
off to

At

"

modern

of

phenomena

spiritualism.
cloaked

and

trusty companions

whom

Heavily
and

Amasa,

crossed
of Little

the

Saul

set

Hermon,

tradition

forth

plain,made
and

by

disguised,accompanied

in

the

detour

arrived

has

identified

early hours
round

safelyat

of

the eastern
the

witch's

as

the

two

Abner

night,

shoulder

dwelling.

"

The

door

dark

opened

weirdness

lightof
unable

of

her

whomsoever

with
he

snare

an

oath, which
that

at

was

off those

cut

to
life,

befall

Lord

cause

this

to

me

hoarse

Saul

familiar

shall

spirits
a

"

with

he

touch

that

whom

God

no

of

his

punishment

requested.

punishment happen

no

hath

layest thou

then

her

what

doing

she

been

have

must

whisper,as

of

one

to

"

As

the

thee

for

coals

her
of

his faithful

interfered,sending back

even

the

article
to

appear

visitation.
At

the

"

of

wretched

in

woman

woman

credit

that

recognisedSaul

life,she

cried

Saul, saying,"Why

with

hast

thou

the

witch

securingso

she

had
have

the world

might

not

wonderful

Samuel."

saw

moment

of

from

servant

voice,

to

seems

the

on

low

before

But

that

death, so

the

have

The

same

to have

her

distance, the

the Almighty
preparations,

her

completed

"

adjurations.

and

in

little startled,
when

brazier,muttering incantations

passes

beyond

incantations,perhaps dropping a powder

the

making

not

bring

she should

whom

by his
paralyzed and awestruck
king said, Bring me up Samuel."

surroundings,the
Retiring from him to

began

asked

woman

weird

for

what

have

that

die ?

satisfaction

give him

denying, and

reassured, the

; but

seems

up

thing."

Thus
up

bring

strangelyimplicatedthe

for

liveth,there

who

man

perilousher

how

; wherefore

land

moment

her

quite

was

should

knowest

the king assured

kinglyprerogative,
should

glimmering

woman

she

to

Behold, thou

of the

out

the

name.

"

for my

With
he

hath

the

haggard

the

that

request

suggesting that

life :

he

wizards

and

and

her

how

done,

of

hesitated,reminding him

professionwas,
cost

by

smoke, the

features

the

should

first she

might

with

181

house, and amid

the

to

revealed
interior,

the

recognise the

accosted

Samuel."

up
them

admit

to

brazier,choked

to

At

|5rin0me

she
also.

loud

recognised Samuel,
Startled and

voice, and

deceived

me?"

she

frightened
spake

unto

Perhaps in

182

(Ettfcorattfc

her excited

condition

of

soul, she

supernatural insightwhich
there
vivid

in

something

was

and

real, that

prophet

the

king

in his eagerness

the

mantle

which

it befel,she

"

cried,

tones

he

Again

art

drawn

dread

that

by

gone

hour

to

perhaps
dropped

; or

had

and

near,

startlingly

figure. But however

and in horror-stricken
disguise,

his face and

his

through
Thou

in years

had

veiled

saw

in

that

perhaps

or

so

appearance

led

was

king as

and

clah-voyance;

Samuel's

she

connect

call

we

with

endowed

was

!"

Saul

reassured

asked

her, and

had

she

what

her

seen.

"

if from

arisingas
Pressed

of the

out

Saul

by
she

minutely, for

him, she

said,

robe."

the

Very touching

and

prophet

speak

to

of

with

old

an

perceivedit was
and

and

witch,

the

Lord

the

of

awful

confidant,
Do

agony.

turned

to

Jehovah

faith, he

of

multitude
but

there

Samuel

awestruck
had

to whom

with

would

was

held

to

be

did

not

filled his

wait

that

such

to

even

with
spirit

be
in

sentences

his former

then, Saul had

if,even

answered

compassions

sign of

no

king

been

have

presently

remorsefullyin his

turned
that

without

permitted the
and Elijah
Moses

decease

of confession

tears

of the Divine
was

think

not

you

he

and

the

simplicity
according to the

Assuredly

change

he would

unrest,

other
so

much

of temper.

questioned, but sadly told

the

he

that

conversation

God

afterwards

Saul, as

and

Samuel,

that it
that

covered

man

obeisance."

made

think

to

veiled

himself, was

accomplished at Jerusalem. It is likelythat these

were
actuallyinterchanged between the king and
friend and

more

appearance

as

was
thrilling

with

our

his

resembles

ground,

the

speak

to

He

disposed

am

medium

the

"

Saul

to

followed.

earth."

chamber

same

"And

his face

bowed

replied,

she

beholding a mysterious form, which,

was

in the

from

God-like,"

describe

to

though present
with

and

majesticbeing, august

"A

life his
so

the

misdoings

that he

could

183

returningto speak to him once

disquietedme to bring me up ?

forbear

not

hast

Saul's

from

answer

war

answereth

me

and

by

dreams
make

known

But

from

the

It

the

evading

fact

by

that

and

God

is

the

by prophets,

fair

ask

to

of

the

There

Himself

was

was

his realm

and

direct instructions

the

sin which
all his

he

reap

issued

descending avalanche.
he

as

had

revealed

that

into

the

hand

and

his

sons

would

Lord

the

of the
should

also

have

had

host

sacked, and

the land

left to the fate which

days

knew

well

Little wonder

weak
the

his

with

of

events

the

She
him

by

the

besought him
she

nature

awful

pleaded

to

that

on

stay
he

or

must

therefore,
him
Saul

morrow

the

world

of

annihilated,the camp
the

completely
of

conquered

Her

the

By

she had

that

of

the
some

trust

she

claim

already

previousday
him

smitten

was

on

full

; and

terrible strain.

nature

lay

was

unnerved

witch

woman's

He

the

under

the

horror
eat.

afraid.

fastingthrough

collapsed

pity.

and

The

king fell straightwayhis

sore

was

night had

callous

compunction
aroused

the

and

system

nervous

Even

earth,and

watching

to

expect.

it that the

was

the

length upon

to

had

sown,

the

Hebrew

those

which

It was,

on

spirits
; the

be

with

could

passed into

would

begun

Israel also with

deliver

and
Philistines,

of

the last touch

lie.

must

side

Amalek.

hour,

he

As

he

fallen,so

this

at

gain

no

the

on

to

perpetrated had put

now

the

his disobedience

to

with respect

transgressions.Nothing,

the

avert

had

due

were

of

servant

reign had
against the king,whose
promise. The multipliedmisfortunes

befallen him

thou

words

no

David, and
such

that

thee,

came

Master.

God

departed

I shall do."

prophet

useless

was

denied

was

the

distressed ;

called

what

me

lips of

hope.

or

help which
in

unto

have

sore

neither

more,

no

am

despair.
againstme,

therefore

mayest

comfort

"

of

that

was

Philistines make

me,

nor

Why

"

thou

for the

"

more.

thoroughly
king'ssoul.

was

the
had
on

with

reposed

his mercy,

in
to

(Bn"or

184
be

expended

morsel
that

of

for

not

bread,"

thou

mayest

(Silboa.

an"

her, but

him.

for

she

pleaded,

have

strength

"

before

when

Let

"

thee

thou

set

me

and

goest

eat,

thy

on

way."
first he

At

rise

again from

manhood

the

voice.

he

So

from

arose

Did

he

once

or

step, he

love

of

how

had

gone

down

hanging
whole
of

of his

stood

overhead.

met

previouscareer
whole

the

so

in clear

outline

his

the

bed."

as

he sat

torrent

the

But, step by
the

and

ran

drowning

of

in

the

the

moment

have

must

vision of the
the

over

man,

his past

mental

figuresstole through

his

of

Philistines, not

before him

panorama

the

the sun-lit summits

from

passes

before

happy days

Then, after hastilypartaking of the calf and

cakes, the three

the

prepare

people ?

with

As

to

of the

the black

valley,where

rocks

time,

he

first

overthrow

the

the dark

to

the

the

twice ; and
saw

upon

hasted

woman

their

unto

passed before his mind,

the

reign ; Jabesh-gilead
;

sat

his

together with

hearkened

earth, and

remember

not

he

never

gloryof

all the

his servants,

; and

the

have

must

which

But

"

he would

though

as

on

him

divan, whilst

that

meal

mud-floor

constrained

memories

What

It seemed

lay stretched.

the woman,

on

refused.

king.

unleavened

darkness, back

to

camp.

II.

the

On

GILBOA."

alteration in the

dispositionof

Philistines

moved

their camp

; while

towards

took

of

Gilboa, and

of

Jezreel(xxix.i).
Presently

desperate
mailed

battle

efforts

troops that

routed, and
noted

the

by

up

to
were

fled from

the

joined.

withstand

opposed
before

the

the
to

the

In

from

the

spiteof

onset

fountain

the

slopesof

most

heavily-

them, the Hebrews

It is

of

heights

the

of

The

west

the

spring or

Philistines.

historian that the lower

slight

some

little to

descended

positionnear

was

was

respectivehosts.

the

Aphek,

Israelites

the

there

morrow

were

expressly

Gilboa

were

tljc geatljof "aul.

covered

the

by

mountain
Saul

and

"(

of the

the blood

The

bow

And

the

around

"

him

; the

The

"

knew

it seemed

thy

him

"

Philistines

his

rivers

concen

amid

towered

helmet, the

royal

Philistines followed

"The
the

strewn

in

quenched

was

on

arm.

sword

him

overtook

archers

by

him,

of the archers."

reason

if he

He

was

said- Saul

Then

his armour-bearer

me

and

come

to

through therewith
thrust me
through and

thrust

and

uncircumcised

these

crown

lay

capturedwhilst his life

Exposed to ignominy, tortured to death,
death
far preferable
that immediate
were

fate.

Draw

to

such

to

of his army

Melchi-

and

....

fate awaited

what

againstSaul."

sore

flower
Israel

greatlydistressed

was

yet in him.

was

went

Abinadab,

and

Saul,

upon
he

empty.

lordlyfigurewhich

that

on

mighty,

and

Jonathan

fugitives the royal

bracelet flashingon
his
and

not

Then, leavingall others, the

the

hard

to

back,

battle

chivalryof

their attack

trated

the fat of the

not

returned

The

of Saul."

sons

of blood.

desperate efforts

most

slain, from

of Saul

sword

in vain.

was

shua, the

the

of Jonathan turned

Philistines slew

The

the

"

From

it

bedewed

marg.}.

R.V.,

made

Jonathan
day :

retrieve the

But

(xxxi.i,

pastures

hearts' blood

whose

wounded,

185

lest

make

of me."

mock

armour-bearer

The
sacred

of his

person

firmlyin

the

dared

king ;

earth, fell

lift up

not

againstthe

Saul, placing his sword-hilt

so

pierced his

point,which

the

upon

his hand

heart.
narrative

The

successful

once

which

race

give

Amalekite

the

suggests that the effort

David

which

him

Stand,
A

the

I pray

; and

he
last

was

he

to

seems

once

have

bidden

finishingstroke.

thee, over

me,

and

his

take

to

afterwards

gave

life

utterly to
"

slay me

He

said

; for

not

was

this

asked

to
at

child of

destroy,to
unto

me

anguish hath

86

(Bnttor sn"

taken

hold

of

; because

me

be, however,

may
win

David's

that all this

favour

; for

bearer

saw

that

Saul

sword,

and

died

with

day

of Gilboa

The

died, and

set

his three

that

men,
to

and

his

the

left the

and

the

was

"

He

fled; and

it

he

fell,and
One

brave

nobly

in

to

into

had

Saul

the

to

him

made

haste

to

their

It
the
life.

for

took

iv.

victory,

that caused

nurse

(2 Sam.

fled

land.

crippled him
of
tidingscame

she

to

come

the

affixed

the

Saul

and

up

and

flee,that

4).

hues

of

aid in the

terrible

that

Jabesh-gileadcould

of

men

be

up

Gibeah

to

relieved the sombre

The

and

armour,

triumph through

all parts of

his

"

of Saul

bodies

heads,

followed

the

lame

all his

neighbourhood, and

which

as

pass,

Saul

"

tidings spread,the people

the

and
Jezreel,

deed

his

the Philistines

finallyto

bands

when

became

he

armour-

Chase.

day

next

their

approach

old

came

to

the

findingthe

the

sword

their

of

catastrophe.
how

As

Mephibosheth

out

The

carried

Roving

fire and

Jonathan

intended

armour-bearer, and

and

villagesin

five years

was

his

and

be

to

Jordan.

to

It

fell upon

Chevy

and
principalcities,

tidingsof

accident

likewise

veritable

was

sons,

and

carried

he

in me."

him.

Beth-shan.

towns

the

across

that when

they despatched

of their
of

told

dead,

stripthe dead,

to

sons,

walls

are

was

decapitatedcorpses,
streets

we

fabrication

was

day together."

same

work

life is yet whole

my

not

forget

early days of

reign; and they resolved, at least,to retrieve the royal

had
Philistine
malice
body from the ignominy to which
his

exposed

it.

down

night,took
sons

from

the

Jabesh, burnt
which

this

tree

them

in

tragic close

morning

the

therefore

men

body

of

without

to

conceal

Jabesh,"and
to

them
the

clouds.

reign

which

had

all

went

of

his

reverently back

to

mutilation

to

them

with

lamented

and

bodies

the

hideous

subjected,buried

been

arose,

Saul, and

temple walls, bore

they had

tamarisk

valiant

The

under

"the

unfeignedgrief

been

once

as

It

is

Judas,

awful

an

the

to

dreadful

into

too,

which
to

wicked
may
had

we

evil

of

has

their

degrading

to

in

be

blast

Apostle,

the
are

if

is

whose

them

after
mandment

they

the

of

the

entangled
them
not

to

have

for

than
have

and

therein
the

and

it,

the
to

turn

them."

soul

awhile,

of

Saviour

in

for

of
back

the

cave

Such

the

"

ever

For

world

if

through

Christ,
latter

it had

been

righteousness,
the

the

of

the

from

into

before

Jesus

overcome,

begun

words

the

vow

relapsed

for

resume

has

carried

darkness

if

to

help

the

of

on

he

the

realized

proscribed

in

way

love

again

had

beginning

known

unto

has

pollutions

Lord

known

delivered

of

the

them

clouds

worst

felt

irreligion

whom,

the

for

seeking

he

water;

escaped

knowledge

Saul

class

tempest,

have

with

like

without

of

years

liable

having

allowed

soul, but

this

is reserved

again

after

people
are

his

and

was.

having

invade

acted,

gradually

and

against

appetites,

fall

he

as

too,

man,

again

to

has

his

not

"

the

they

worse

for

has

about

wells

of

his

tendencies,

earnest

are

it

of

himself

set

allows

enchantress,

men

after

and

slave

sway

If

his

may

evil

We

was

at

we

habits,

tabooed.

undoing.

our

of

things,

to

yet

as

it

that

horrified

overcome

religiously

apathy

the

resort

but

former

moral

of

been

temperance,

their

have

feel

are

we

and

Saul

as

We

infatuation

be

and

awhile

man

God.

did

his

ways,

to

after

persists,

man

he

as

at

covetousness,

money,

of

do

to

once

back

step

187

anting.

striving against

marvel

we

his

We,

end

of

when

thing

thing

temerity

tSKori

holy

they

end

is

better

than,
com

XXV.

(2 SAMUEL
He

"

who

did

In

shall

the

weakness

my

flesh, that

Face

like

like
Thou

to

shall

the

the

weak.

most

that

strength

I seek

I cry

and

I find

love
like

that

and

be

this

hand

the

open

thee

See

of

Song

the

thee

receives

by, for

loved

of

gates
Christ

the

mourned

pathetic

very

singer

had

his

to

stand

passing

ever

celebrating

more,
"

years,

Thy

How

glory,
the

are

Saul

and

the

glory

and

fallen

Jonathan

title of

which

seemed

of

though

which

had

upon

his

of

powers

is

Gilboa,

as

the

of

the

David's

the

fallen

king

minstrel-shepherd

and,
once

King.

thy high places

lovely

were

with

mania

was

Israel, is slain

mighty

is the

experiences

he

B.

tragedy

It

jealous

"

that

the

rough

the

recent

over

for

over

the

through

Man

life

new

elegy

inspiring.

and

forgotten

lot

Bow,"

beautiful

touchingly
muse

it O

R.

'""T^HE

for

be
face

my

throw
to

most

me,

Hand

Shall

bear

I seek

it shall

etc.)

19,

stand
in

Godhead

the

Saul
A

shall

most,

strongest
'Tis

i.

and

pleasant

in

their

lives,
And

It

in

makes

their

us

like

that.

and

iniquities

It

death

they

think

of

reminds
will

the
us

were

love
that

remember

not

of
God
no

divided."

God
has
more."

to

hear

said,

"

Here

David

sing

Their

sins

at

least,

JV.Solemn
long

before

Christian

the

things,believed

all

never

around

memory

the

what

been

had

consider
that

feared

lest

selected
fair

to

use

and

out

to

by

with

for

with

Immortal

own

was

thoughts
and

tempted

voked

God
heart

this

the

that

misery !

pray
"

Saul

in

man

fair and

of

I should

none

despair; and

the

pray, and

of others

City,and
reins

and

I cannot

he
He

has
has

Word

left me;

may

shun

the

cause

as

joy

even

neck

of

the

and

; I have

me

my

good

is gone;

He

I have

Well,"
repent."
to watch
help me

was,

I left off to

the

to

come

once

; but

"

God

The

cage.

then

had

upon

the

and
grieved the Spirit,

devil,and

of the

pages

iron

an

get thither

; I laid the

begin

and

had,

cast

professor,both
flourishing

eyes

Celestial

I have

that

could

watch, and

we

is

and

career

midnight

againstthe lightof

is fearful !
to

No

than

the

in the

the

to anger,

that

and

be sober

of God;

ness

of

once

eyes

lusts ; I sinned

and

thought

his

from

God.

our

thought,fair for

watch

"

men.

befall us, unless

Dreamer,"

said, "I

my

foot of

bade

who

lost its savour,

has

once

were

aside

on
forget that representation

cannot

the

who

cast

were

he

whom

among
;

those

of

one

holy purpose,

last

at

absolute

more

fate may

humbly

in mine

who

under

classed

high and

some

solemn

in

close

We

at

though Saul

fairer,brighterprospects

walk

man

as

salt which

as

very

Saul, the first king of Israel

were

to

It is thus

unworthy.

of

finallybe

it,but

service

yet such

God

be trodden

could

"

should

refused

them, and

in

Apostle speaks,and

the

he

realize

is

us

thought only of

which

and

base

been

to

of which

castaways

beautiful

think

seems

departed ;

and

that had

also would

always

It

noble

aught

we

It

of the

of its idealism

halo

the

cast

all

things,endured

all

things,hoped

all

bore

that

love

was

era,

failed ; which

things,and

l89

Cljougbt.

so

pro

hardened

said

Christian,

and

be

of

this

sober,
man's

i9"

those

But

they

are

who

least liable to

are

be

never

guiltyof treadingthe

found

But, deeper than

reign appeals

to

with

Morning,

rule

over

his

his fall not

points

there

Satan

the
;

gerents

fall

is

fallen

both

God's

over

dragged

many

legacy and

Saul, this

favour
heart

which

can

of

another

of

their

in

left

both

the
be

never

above

vice

were

disobedient,wilful,

were

train,and

of these

king, and

the

both

in

the

over

favoured

were

of

brightand

each

primal estate,

And

David's

Saul

Both

both

Son

entail of

an

kingdom,
In

which
the

was

of

case

Satan, it is that

of

case

as

woe

the sentence

incurred

kingdom.

their

in

and

but

removed,

for

abideth

ever

That

gatheringto

Cave

the

infusion

of

his

and

great army,

that generous

and

strikingcontrast
incessant
the

realm

heroic

own

noble
to

what

are

empire

of

moulded
that

the

these

character

of

pursuitby
but

stood

his

the

time

and
out

the

into

them

land

in such

adversary ;

crowned

in

were

and
discipline

careful

which
disposition

persecution and
"

by

of all who

David
spirit,

the

won

of Adullam

until

desperate circumstances,

between

their

in their

of

In

set.

high promise ;

memento.

was

Kingdom

with

might

estate, and

retinue

been

analogy

heritage;

in the

springingup

had

fell from

deposition in

of

he

it

blighting influence

seems

vicegerentto

high

his

noble

archangel.

began
both

their

down

Saul's

He

(or,as

God's

as

fell from

cast

close

proud;

and

who

which

over

of

Lucifer,the

once

was

appointed

was

spirits,but

entire realm

this present age

"),who

heritage;

beneath

God

interest.

profoundest

only dragged

beautiful

most

who

of

Son

dispensational
aspect

prince of

be called, " the world

will

himself, who

of

afresh.

all,the

us

represent the

the

it.

lowly distrust

in

feet,or crucifyingHim

to

into such a case

falling
It is the disciplewho

fearful of

most

are

Lord, is it I?

says,

his

who

that

prince of

striking
analogies,which

have

gibittepurpose.
their

highestcounterpart
who

Man,
to the

from

his cradle

the

in

only

historyof

his grave

to

frustrate the

the

holy
of

Divine

purpose

his

and

; the

It has

King

be

and

only

an

of

"

of

Lord

our

reignof

Saul

concealed.

are

of its great

antagonist

the universe
was

also there

field of Gilboa

been

be

to

the

fought, and

sound

re

voices,

of many

multitudes, saying,

vast

this

of

his

world

become

are

Christ,and

whereby

He

which

we

shall

for

be

cannot

God

serve

may

godly fear

and

sow

reduced

our

these

kings

the

which

shall

never

be almost

would

its

under

might despairof

be

empire

of

grace,

reverence

detect the formation

thereof

his

the eyes

is

God

our

fire."

plate, unless

has

to

receivinga kingdom

have

acceptably,with

to

manifested

the

of

hidden

now

not

heard

and

to

ever."

we,
us

is

shattered,never

kingdoms

though

is destined

been

shout

The

stand,

kingdom

fight has

be

the

Similarlythe

of God

overthrow

have
there

and

let

destined

last

tumultuous

"Wherefore

The

The

darkness

ever

consuming

are

proportionsof

that

kingdoms

moved,

His

men.

king upon

declare

to

must

Son

there

the

reign for

The

Armageddon, just as

Hallelujah !

the

Lord

our

For

constructed, shall
as

of

thwart

to

his

coronation.

its establishment.

when

of

powers

it.

of

yet "to come."

is to

to

; his followers

full

precede

must

regard

do

set

forth

came

and

oppose

men

in mystery
men

He

enthronement
with

could

plan,yet Jehovah

Zion, and

be the crowned

of

Divine

hill of

decree

and

Son

and

and

demons

the

always subjected

was

oppositionof Satan !
Notwithstanding all that Saul's malice
hatred

191

rough cuticle

rind

and

of the luscious fruit of David's

eternal seed
the

God
be

of

the

over

condition

world, did

left to

bitter to contem

too

we

to
not

Heaven

which

the

we
Similarly,
Trinityof Evil

that in the

shall

set

people ;

shall

but

could

kingdom,

know

destroyed, nor

another

world.

we

up
the

days

of

kingdom

sovereignty

it shall break

in

^-n (Epilogue.

192

pieces and
for

ever

"

is

(seeDaniel

Samuel

between

all these

consume

the

Samson

the

two

transitional

and

it shall stand

ii.44).

prophet
the

"

thus

judge
in the
deep significance

with

kingdoms,

books

of

period,every

practically
bridges the gulf
David

and
fact

that

the
his

Scripturewhich
event

of which

king :
name

there

is identified

describe
was

and

this great

affected

by

influence.

London

MORGAN

AND

SCOTT,

12,

Paternoster

Buildings, E.G.

his