The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-07-18
THE sUNDAY-sCHooL LESSON.
I Samuel xii, 13-25-July 10, 1903
Samuel's Farewell Address.


The Greek nation, five hundred years later.
presents some points of analogy to the Hebrew
at this period. In both instances there was
somewhat loose federation of independent tribes
who found community in the identity Of their
religious ideas and customs, as well as their
periis from mutual enemies. Samuel was the
Hebrew Aristides. He breathed the spirit OF
Hottest patriotism. He prepared the way in the
most disinterested manner for the Capitalization
of power in chief ruler. The need of this
was imperative, for the federation Of the twelve
tribal Hebrew republics was on the point of dis
solution. The book Of Judges closes with the
very significant saying, Every man did what
was right in his own eyes, Social disunion
could not be better described. And the cause Of
1t is affirmed in the connection: There
was no king in Israel"
Those pitfuI days in Hebrew history
The curtain palace Of God, the tabernacle, was
removed. His golden throne. the ark. was Sc
questered. These visible conditions were SYM
bolical of the inward state of the nations heart
God was dethroned, His worship suspended. Is
rael not only captive to Philistia, but worse:
and, incredible 1t may seem, Israel was cap
tive to the lords many and gods many Of Philis-
tia. 1t a crude and cruel age. Modes OF
warfare were most barbaric. Morality was re-
laxed and social corruption complete.
Hope centered around one person. He was
known to all Israel because of his continuous
residence in the tabernacle at Shiloh Worship
from every quarter had seen him there on
their repeated visits to the sanctuary. The very
continuity of his service gave him prestige Hav-
ing never wavered himself. he was qualified to
call others to steadfastness Since Joshua's day
there had been such lofty personality among
the Hebrews Yet he was no man for military
exploits. The weapons of his warfare not
b.
timent of his people. not in an instant. but by
a continuous and faithful ministry Of twenty
years. The raline quality of his own character
the light of his example went forth to change
the corrupt and dark conditions of society. His
own character made his ministry a transcendent
success No word he spoke failed. 1t Is very
significantly said, "All Israel, from Dan to Beer
sheba knew that Samuel was established to be
a prophet"
Samuel was an innovator. He did what seemed
to be required without reference to precedent.
For example. when the priesthood was eclipsed
and practically dsbanded he performed the
function of priest. though not belonging to the
tribe order. He offered sacrifice and medi-
tated for penitent people. He the founder
Of an entirely new order, that Of prophet. He
organized colleges where those new servants of
the state might be trained in the lyric and must
cal arts, in the use of which the religious and
patriotic emotions Of the people might be slim
ulated. John Stuart Mill affirms the prophetic
order to have been an inestimably precious in
stitution 1t was q counterpoise to despotism
and Journalism
But Samuers most distinguished service to the
state was his peaceful Inauguration of a mon
archy, around which the chaotic fragments of
the nation might find some cohesion. He did for
Israel what Bismarck did for Germany in our
day. Both made the throne what the Iron Chan
cellor called il, not the ornamental cupola but
the central pillar.
THE TEACHERS LANTERN.
The institution Of judgeship In Israel must not
be considered failure because it was finally
discarded. 1t survived four hundred and sixty
years. Three hundred of these were peaceful
years. in which large liberty was enjoyed and
justice regularly administered.
Among Samuers various functions that OF In
tercessor is beautiful and significant Like
with God for erring people. Samuel is named
among the intercessors in Psalm xcix, g.
That the historic books covering this great
epoch had common sources to draw upon is evil
ly named. Il Chron. xxx. 2s.) The verbal
identity OF several paragraphs in Samuel and
Chronicles indicates that they were copied from
the manuscript. The common notion that
the name attached to book of the Bible indi-
Gates that the person its author is now dis
carded.
Among all '.farewells' which constitute dis
| At NJ Ca Ire nat