The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-07-11

nized the power OF God and tho prophetic
character OF Samuel, and. what was most
sins. Then came their confession, full and
free. and they requested Samuel to inter-
cede with God in their behalf. They even
felt that they were unworthy to plead their
own case at the throne of mercy, that an
advocate was demanded. one who mas access
to God. 1t was the same spirit that ami
zion is recognized under this dispensation.
ESJo1NED coURsEUerses 20 and 2l)
a sin and is sorry for it? The answer is
very plain. ne must abandon the evil which
he has practiced. That is all he can do. He
wrought must remain forever. even though
pardon has been obtained. But the future
need not be stained with similar transgres-
sion. Let the evil man forsake his way and
turn unto God. lisa. ". ~ And SO. on
this occasion. when the people desired in
tercess!on, Samuel gave them wholesome
directed them not to fear, as if some judg-
ment was suspended over their heads. Their
confessions had averted the punishment u
moved the guilt, and the God of all grace
received back TO his favor those who had
broken his law. Oh, what words of cheer
the troubled soul to rest and enable it again
with confidence to begin the service Of God.
And that is just what Samuel enjoined upon
the people. Forgetting the past, they were
urged at once to cOnSecrate themselves to
a life of obedience.
PROMISED CARE-Verses % and %
looks beyond the earthly, the human and
the temporal to find a support that is
more enduring and trustworthy. AT times
this disposition may be overcome by the
many attractive things in life. but more or
less frequently and distinctly It will assert
itself. 1t is strongest when the soul be
comes conscious of ill-desert, for then the
penalty is feared and there Is desire to
avert it. Samuel understood all this, He
knew that the men who had ciamored Tor
King who might defend them against
enemies would be apprehensive when they
perceived the wickedness OF their course.
that they would realize their danger and
seek better protection than Saul could
give. 1t was therefore with great wisdom
and calmness that. having awakened psnl-
teEce, he now attempted to fix their faith IN
God. and to assure them that his protect
ing care would be over them Psalm xcrv.
14) They were still the Lords people. He
to trust r1s cast h them 6 Sr 1 81
Samuel promised to offer his prayers for
them. There was thus double reason ior
hope-the faithfuiness of God and the inter-
REoUTRED WAY-lyerses "a and 25.J In
the Sixteenth Century John Agricola taught sEi
under the gospel. and he became the leader
of party known ever after in Theological
literature as Antinomians: They claimed
from the necessity of good works and
virtuous life. There seem to have been men
of this class in the time of the Apostle
Paul. who opposed them by urging that for
[Rom. vi. II 1t is probable that those OF
Israel who heard SamuePs words formed
| such an opinion. They may have reasoned
| in this way: I'VE sinned and repented. God
| forSave and promised to care for US as
| His own. Therefore sin is not so serious a
matter. We not required to lead hoty
| lives. If we sin again and again, he Will
as often forgive and receive US. That
would be logical to some minds. But Samuel
| put in a caveat here, "Only fear the Lord
| and serve him" This was required because
| of Gods goodness. the. way of life sus-
| slider what he has done and then know what
| we should do
| CLOSING THOUGHTS. Freedom of
| choice is the glory and peril of man. He
is expected and required to determine what
| is best and proper for him under all cir
| cumstances. and within certain limits he Is
| allowed what he desires 9. Frequently this
| choice is opposed to the public welfare ana
| to the will of God, and centuries after the
| evil results appear in the lives of fniividu-
| ais and in the fortunes of nations. J. AT
| such times man of wisdom and of prayer
| is of inca!culable value who serves his coun-
| try with no sinister motive. who gives ad-
! vice and invokes divine clemency and help.
| L. One man SO engaged becomes the savior
| of a nation. By turning its thoughts
| toward the wrong that has been done he Sc
| cures penitence, and by promising better
| things for the future he awakens hope and
| faith 5. Pardon for the past does not war
| rant continued evil, but obliges one to lead
| a new life. The remembrance of the bless,
| ing received prompts to thankfulness and
| obedience. G. The whole gospel scheme Is
| unfolded in outline under the historic rep
! resentation of israel-sinfulness, repentance,
/ forgiveness, protection, holiness. are as
clearly taught as in the time of the apostle