Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-14

INTRODUCTION.-'T book from
which We study today was doubtless writ
ten by the eminent prophet whose name 1t
bears, or under his direction. He begins
with brief account of his parents tCh.,
i:2). His mother, according to the spirit
of the women of the age Gen. Xvii:l6l.
regarded herself. greatly afflicted because
for a time childess och, i:.b. On one
of the annual visits to Shiloh Josh,
xvii:D. the national seat of government
and religion. she prayed earnestly for a
son och, I'D. promising to dedicate him
to God. Her prayer was answered. in
course of time Samuel was born. his
name signfying asked of God" Faith
full to her VOW she took him TO Eli. then
the priest and judge of Israel. with such
offerings as the law required Deut.,
xii:5-O. In presenting him she broke
forth (Ch., ii:1-1D in highly impassioncd
words prompted by the spirit of God.
At that time the sons of Eli were grossly
immoral, using the privilege of the sacred
office to crafty their unholy impulses
och. ii:22). bringing sorrow to their
father, who. though he demonstrated. did
not control them. This scandal called for
speedy reform in the administration of
religious ordinances.
MINISTRY.-When God undertakes
a great work he usually begins with a
little child and its mother. For proof note
the case of Moses, the liberator and law
giver (Ex., if:9); of John. the forerunner
duke, i:sO); of Jesus. the Christ Matt,
i:2D. and of Timothy, Paurs assistant
Oil Tim, iii:15). 1t is difficult to reform
a man-to transform the agent of Satan
into an instrument of righteousness. The
best men are grown psalm, i:3). Year
by year adding to their beauty and
strength they come at last posed and
symmetrical. to their place and work, able
to summon all their powers. And so Sam
uel, after a pious mothers care had done
its utmost, was put under further prepa-
ration for his career. to meet the needs of
the time. He had little duties to per-
form. such as trimming lamps and open
ing and closing doors. in one sense a
ministry for God. And yet, the work
signfied more to him than to any other.
1t gave opportunity to mediate and pray,
the two essentials in building true and
stable character Il Tim, iv:lDJ. Under the
influence of the sanctuary psalm
xxvii4. in the midst of its rich and in
structive symbolism, the boy might de-
velop into the great reformer.
VISION.-The time is not less i'm
portant than the place in the production
Of a man. When one appears with GER
tain abilities there must be need of him,
or he can do but little. Many men have
seemed to come too late or too early into
the worlds history to be largely useful
Even the advent of Christ was timed
Gal. iv:4. The season of Samuers ap-
pearance was opportune. Besides the
immortality among officials, already men
toned, another fact prepared for him,
there was no open vision" God had
promised to raise up men who should
speak for Him (Numb.. Xi:6), to whom
He would give His spirit. But many
years had passed without such men. After
the death Of Moses. only here and there
one had been so endued. and he gave only
an occasional message. Religion had de-
generated into Journalism. Good men,
saddened by prevailing wickedness, esteem
ed the word of the Lord as extreme ~
precious. and anxiously and prayerfuly
should obtain further knowledge of God,
and come with authority to his country
men. Their prayers were being answer
ed. When Hannah's son is ready, the
nation will be ready. When he speaks,
men will listen. He will be the man for
the time.
OCCASIONAL last the hour arrived
when God would make His first direct and
formal approach to Samuel. From the
first He had given those gentle influences
of the spirit which are granted to all men
Titus. HID. Now He proposes to make
a larger and fuller communication. The
boy. who had been a mere assistant to
Eli. must know what will Infinitely render
him a principal, acting without reference
to ELL We do not know SamuelS precise
age. It has been generally assumed that
he had reached his twelfth year luke,
ii:42). inasmuch as at that time an Israel
itish boy became a son of the law. The
night season was chosen for the Divine
approach, most impressive time, the
general auietness and the darkness being
favorable to the souls communion with
its Maker psalm. lxXvii:6). The lamp
of God, symbol of His presence was burn
ing in the tabernacle, according to the
ordinances of Moses LEV. xXiv:2-3). Eli
had lain down in his accustomed place.
The infirmity of age. indicated by failing
vision. was upon him. and he had there-
fore gone early to rest. In an adjoining
room Samuel had also found his couch
as usual. The old man and the little
child. the former servant near his end,
the new servant about to enter upon his
mission, alone at night in Gods house,
Such was the occasion when a new chap
ter was to be opened in the history of
Israel.
CALLING-While lying thus upon
his bed Samuel heard his name spoken.
Was it real voice? Did his ear catch the
a communication to the soul which had
another been near he could not have
heard? On this point there has been much
improbable discussion. 1t matters not
whether the word was addressed to the
inner or the outer ear. 1t is enough that
it was heard Once, twice, thrice Samuel,
was spoken, and afterward Samuel,
Samuel" twice uttered. as if to arouse
the more careful attention and secure the
more speedy, response. 1t was God who
spoke, calling His servant bringing for
ward a new worker in His kingdom. In
this way by direct appeal the mighty ones
of all ages have been set apart-Noah
(Gen., Wild. the patriarch of the flood;
Abram Gen. Xii:D. the father of the
faithful; Joshua Josh. I'D. the great
captain; the prophets Ger. f:0, and the
apostles (Acts. ix:5). Samuel, given in
answer to a mothers prayer and conse-
Grated before birth. is to be added to the
company of those who shall stand for
righteousness God selects His