Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1889-08-09


Il Samuel, 1921.
LESSON CONNECTION.
Samuel privately appointed Saul be-
fore his departure, and special predicted
what should occur to him ON his
way home. On his return home Saul
did not mention what had taken place.
Some time after the people were called
together at Mizpeh, by Samuel, and
Saul was pointed out as the future king,
but he had hidden himself. The king
dom was established, but not fully, as
there were some who refused to accept
Saul as their king.
About this time Nahash, the Am
monte attacked Jabesh-Geteach, and
offered to make treaty with the peo-
pie on condition of putting out their
right eyes. A seven days respite was
asked and granted. Saul employed all
this time in arousing all Israel to their
relief, when he gave battle and utterly
routed the Ammonites, and gained n
decisive victory. 1t was then proposed
to put those to death who had refused
to acknowledge Saul as king, but Saul
would not consent.
Samuel then called on all Israel to
assemble at Gilgal, to renew the king
dom, when Saul was formally installed
as king, and great rejoicing of the peo-
pie. This brings us to our lesson, in
which Samuel on transferring the reins
of government to the new king, deliv-
cred farewell address to the assembled
nation, in which he reviews the past
for his own vindication, shows what
God had done for his people, and pro-
ceeds to give them advice and earnest
counsel for the future.
LESSON FACTS.
Time-Some after the last lesson,
probably n month or more.
Place-Gilgal, the site of the first
camping spot of the Israelites in Pales-
tine, after crossing the Jordan under
Joshua. 1t is situated between Jordan
and Jericho.
Saul-The new king, about 40 years
old. His home was at Gibeah, four
miles north of Jerusalem.
Samuel-About 20 years old. He
had served as judge 20 years. He lived
several years after this and continued
to be the moral and religious teacher
and adviser of the nation until his
death.
This lesson may be considered under
three heads, as follows:
l. A review of Samuel's relations to
the people. Awaiting himself of the
privilege of an honored old age, he
refers to his integrity of purpose in his
dealings with the people. His mind
goes far back to his childhood's hours.
Happy the man who has walked from
childhood to old age in the path of duty
His life 'shineth more and more unto
the perfect day" Samuel refers to
argument. There must always be Il
! life behind the words, practice behind
the profession, If one would have power
over others.
2. A review of the history of Gods
dealings. Samuel refers to the great
men in their history, their leaders and
deliverers. He reminds them of the
great national deliverances. He recalls
their past sins, their forgetfulness OF
God, their repentance, their answered
prayers. The Lord had been with
them even when they forsoOk him.
How the lesson of history repeats itself
down the ages God over-rules the
wickedness and folly of men and often
mitigates the worst consequences of sin,
bringing good out Of seeming evil, and
making even the wrath Of men topraise
him.
3. A promise for the future. God
had given the people the king they
desired They had sinncd but there
was II way of escape from the conse-
qucnces of their action. Obedience
and loyalty to God will be blessed. II
all depends on fidelity. ''If yc will fear
the Lord" "But If ye will not obey
the voice of the Lord, then
shall the hand of tho Lord bc against
you"
LESSON IMPRESSIONS.
Pelonbet gives these deductions rs
drawn from the lesson
The life of Samuel teaches patriotism !;
unsolhshness; noble character n
useful life; life wholly given to God
from childhood. These qualities will
make life II success.
The past is teacher OF the present.
Gods providence illustrates his writ
ten word,
Obedience TO God is the only way to
success.
The hope of a nation is in righteous
ness and religion.