The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1915-02-19

~ 80 tAS
overran Israel pretty much at will.
All Israel, Gods people, soon knew
that God was speaking through this
new prophet.
l.. No Help at Ebenezer, ". I, 2. Eb'
ene2er was that place where Samuel
later set W the stones of Commemo-
ration Il Samuel 7:12). Here the ag-
gressive Philistines overcame and put
to rout the ~Israelites, Israel had
sinned and needed correction (chapter
7:3; Ps. 106; 40, AZ. When Gods peo-
pie neglect him they weaken them
selves and easily become the prey of
their enemies. Full often the church
of today stands defeated and dis
graced, nay even turns its back to the
enemy, because it harbors sin and
sinners in its ranks (Josh. 7:12).
II. Seeking Help, w. SO. If Israel
really desired to know the cause OF
their discontinue they did not need to
go far to seek it. The trouble was that
they were not willing to see and own
1t Il. Cor. 11:31). The reasoning
upon the part of these elders seems
to be, Why have we, Israelites, been
smitten by these Philistines who are
not Gods chosen people? 1t was
absurd and unjust for them to have
to suffer. We hear this same sort
Of reasoning today, whereas God would
have US probe deeper and search our
hearts, for II We regard iniquity in
our hearts the Lord will not hear US.
At Shiloh, Eli Is caring for the ark,
and with the fatalism and superstition
that will govern the ungodly, Israel
sends for 1t that 1t may save US"
". 81. The ark contained the tables
of the law and was the symbol Of the
presence of God Eek. 25:10-22). Their
trust was in the ark and not In the
God of the ark. Such is ever the dan
ger of Journalism in religion. To carry
the ark about Jericho trusting in Je-
hovah, was quite different from har-
boring the sons Of Eli, yet thinking
that God could not let the ark be
captured. The churches Of our land
are the saving salt, but IF the salt
hath lost its SAVIOUR" If Hophni and
Phinehas bear the ark, nothing but
defeat and disgrace can be expected,
though the enemy may tremble ". 81.
The Philistines were strong enough
to smite because of the weakness Of
Israel. They recognized the shouts
and remembered the mighty deeds Of
Jehovah, which exploits would have
been repeated had Israel truly turned
to God. There was good a for
the Philistines to fear. But God was
not on the side of Israel at that time.
The Philistines began to exhort them.
selves. Their call ". 81 was a good
one and was used later by Paul Il Cor.
1919. For them not to do anything
was to be captured by their former
slaves. If they fought, they could but
die. Such fatalistic courage would
have awaited but little, had God been
with his chosen people at that time.
~. The Lost Battle, w. 10-11. God
would not succor his chosen people,
nor defend the symbols of religion
when the spirit and heart Of that re.
ligion had departed FPS. 78:56-64).
The two reprobate sons of Eli we're
slain as a punishment for their sins
and in fullillment Of the word of God
(chapter 2:12; 3:13, 14). Their pun.
ishment came in connection with the
same holy service they had defiled.
These bad sons of a good father
abused their holy office, profaned the
sanctuary and brought the true re.
ligion into contempt with the people.
Eli was partly at fault but these
young men suffered the fate Of those
who hate knowledge" and will mot
choose the fear Of the Lord" and their
removal was a blessing for Israel
which somewhat compensated for It's
defeat. Doubtless the Philistines
boosted when they took the ark from
the people Of God, but chapters Ave
and six contain the record Of their
mistake.
". The Death Of Eli, w. 1918. The
aged Eli, now ninety-eight years old,
was anxiously awaiting news of the
battle, "for his heart trembled for the
ark of God" This anxiety was quite
unnecessary ". 13). God "a take
care of his ark. Eli had reason, how.
ever, to tremble for Israel and his
wicked sons. He is an illustration OF
those indulgent parents who refuse
to use discipline in. the care OF their
children. A lovable character cannot
atone for weakness nor will remon.
STRANGE, after habits are firmly fixed,
take the place of bringing up the
young children Alright. ELS sons were
In positions Of power, stepped In wick
edness. and his words were Intellectual
for they carried with them nc note OF
authority. It is the careless, shifty, IN.
sincere parent who has no of
the reality and authority Of God, of
the persistence and penalty Of sin,
that is a menace to the land.
The ark did not return to Shiloh.
After its various vicissitudes It found
an abiding place in the house Of Abin-
adab, whose son Eleazar was sancti-
fled to take charge OF 1t. Later II
was taken to Jerusalem, and in the
meantime Shiloh passed into obliyion.
Two bad boys from a cody home,
ruined not only themselves, but their
father and his family. and their home
town as well.
Tn, Golden Text. That we learn to
do by doing is a fundamental prin.
ciple in pedagogy. Mere human words
do not change character. Youth does
not acquire purity Of character by
listening to beautiful statements about
the virtues. Religion liz not O last re