The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-12-13

I once more, and tod him what to say if
ca!ed a fourth time. God intends in
this way to teach Samuel reverence for
authority. as Jesus did, Matt. viii:l.)
Again came the summons. Speak, Lord,
thy servant heareth," was the answer
IN that one sentence Samuel recognized
the person who spoke, and acknowledged
his readiness to serve. and made it pos
sible for God to do with him accord
ing to his pleasure
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS seventh verse Of
our lesson sheds light on the corduct OF
Samuel. The marginal rendering is q
better expression than the original: Thus
did Samuel before he knew the Lord and
before the word of the Lord was re-
vealed unto him. This accounts for his
three visits to Eli, and explains why he
did not recognize the voice-he did not
know God. But, by implication. the verse
shows SaInuel's state after that night
personal acquaintance with Jehovah, a
higher state than that enjoyed by most
men, even the righteous. That state can
not be described. but it was evidently one
Of great blessednesS John xvii: 81. It
was undoubtedly the plan of the Almighty
to bring the entire race into such init
macy with Himself Adam began thus
Genesis ii: 16). but fell away by trans
erosion Genesis iii: 81. Subsequently, as
the centuries passed. here and there men
returned and knew their Maker. Among
the more iilustrious of these were Eroch
Genesis V: 22} and .SbraIl Games ii: 81
IF the olden time. Such were the writers
4 Scripture. This direct knowledge OF
God prepared q man 20 bring purifying
md eleyating influences TO his fellow
men.
JUDGMEN.T-Now THAT Samuel has
heard, recognized and answered the call,
what VIII God say TO him? Or, rather,
-
municateds in the course of the wears
4 sam. iii: 2D, what Will God say frst?o
Is it prudent 10 trust weighty subjects
0 a child? If he knows God is he pre-
pared to receive such messages? When
he divine enters the human il purifies
md expands. y child with God is wiser
han a man without Him (Eccl. iv: Isl
ii that night God made known 20 Samuel
is proposed judgments upon the house
Of Eli, His purpose to remove the priest
hood from his family. He also disclosed
the reason for this purpose. the notori-
Gus immortality of Ellis sons. Why tell
this to SamUel2 1t was Very timely
lesson for the boy. He needed to know
that Gods ministers must be holy CLeE. |
xxi: s., that Hophni and Phtncas were |
rejected on account of their sins. and he |
needed above all TO adjust his own con- |
duct ard character. not according 20 the I
loose practices then prevailing ont &C
God had set up Moreover. although there |
is no record to that effect. Samuel had I
reason TO infer that his promotion would /
follow ELS rejection.
TEACHING-Of the many instructive |
points in the lesson we have room only /
tor the following l. The religion Of a
3eope is dependent upon its ministers
'Jer. <: 31l. Their character and exam
ne are most potent. Liceatfnusness in
hem is n public calamity. Holiness to
he Lord shouId be their MOTTO CT.x.
xiii: 3Gl. . Fathers are responsible for
heir sons. many OF whom become way
ward and fiji the land with mourning be-
'ause unrestrained and unframed. Eli is
n example OF parental failure worthy OF
tudy. 3. \ pious mother is Gods best
lift 10 man. a generation or z nation.
Ter PRAYERS bring down showers Of bless
ogs. She transmits herself to her off
Drng and lives in them. TIE worid
'eadS more Hannans. No woman need
IaSire lareer mission than hers. 4. The
'ones Of better DAVIS center in the chill
ran 4 hov-de=iraf before birth well
nned a birth nlIrturad after birth con
aora-ad r. God. trained in Gods horsa.
allied by Gods voice instructed in Gods
'urnosa-7fl mako a man who con ne
rsed for Gods glory. All a'ore the cen
r'ries the infir~n and the irCor1netent Who
ill give way for the prepared youth who
ucceeds.