The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1915-03-24

by might, nor by power, but by my
spirit, saith Jehovah"
The birth Of Samson is next called
to mind. The great point OF that les
son was in the anxiety of his parents
to bring him up right. When they
found that son was to be born them
they inquired OF the Lord, Teach us
what we shall do unto the child that
shall be bOrn?" How shall we order
the child and how shall we do unto
him?" The prayer Of the parents of
Samson should be the prayer of every
parent. 1t is simply awful and sinful
for parents to feel no responsibility
for the character of their children.
Another great woman comes to
view, Ruth. The time came when she
must decide whether she would remain
as her heather ancestors or cast .her
lot and life with the people Of God.
Her sister chose to remain, but Ruth
gained Immortality of life by saying
to her mother-in-law "Thy people shall
be my people, and thy God my God"
She thus took the stand which is de-
manded of all who Would be known as
ON Goods side" Let every reader
take the stand of Ruth.
The birth of Samuel and the punish
ment of Eli now come before us. We
well remember how the mother of
Samuel dedicated his life to God be-
fore his birth, and how she kept the
vow. We likewise remember how Eli,
the head of the Jewish nation, was
degraded, fell dead because his sons
made themselves vile, and he re-
strained them mott Here again loom
ed up parental responsibility. In SO
many cases. the boys and girls go bad
despite all that can be done. but the
parents must leave no influence un.
used to keep them for God and blessed
eternal life.
Samuel as the victorious leader pre-
sents himself in view. Many OF the
people had fallen away from following
Cod and there was trouble. In time
they saw their condition and came to
Samuel asking advice to regain the
favor of God. Note what Samuel told
them: Prepare your hearts unto the
Lord, and serve Him only" First.
recognize ones lost condition and then
determine to go back to God. IT
means set purpose. not drifting on
aimlessly. This was certainly
strong lesson. I'm
The selection of Saul as king came
in a most recent lesson. We saw the
quiet, unassuming country boy have
his heart changed by God until he
prophesied like one Of the prophets,
took mastery leadership of Ills peo-
pie and remained so until pulled up
by power he forgot who made him
king and then fell ignobly in battle.
Over against Saul the father stood the
character of Jonathan, the son. Here
we found true nobility of character,
faithfulness to a friend and great faith
in God.
Certainly we have found the lex.
amples" spoken Of by Paul. We have
seen right living and faith in God and
His promises exalted and sin and
selfishness punished; have learned
that such persons as Samuel, Debor-
ah, Ruth, Jonathan are worthy of fol-
lowing after; that parents like those
of Samson we're right in seeking Gods
help for caring for their child. and
that Eli was held to responsibility for
his sons going wrong when he "fe-
strained them not" We saw what God
can accomplish with but few conse-
Grated men like the little band of Gid
con, and Jonathan and his armor bear
er. Above ali stands out Faith sin
God" and may all readers Of this col
umn have it so abundantly that saliva.
ton and victory, over evil may be
theirs.