_The time was long, for it was twenty years._ AN ABSENT GOD Well might it be said, “The time was long.” Twenty hours, without Thy presence, are long indeed, and cloud the brightest day, and veil the loveliest scenes. How should you like to be twenty years away from your beloved father or mother? Wo... [ Continue Reading ]
_And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the Lord with all your hearts._ SAMUEL THE JUDGE For more than twenty years the Philistines had held undisputed sway over the greater part of the territory of Israel. Shechem and Shiloh, the ancient sanctuaries of worship... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Philistines went up against Israel._ THE HOLY WAR The revival of religion has ever had a most important bearing as social and political improvement. The return of man to God restores him to his brother. Restoration to the earnest and hearty performance of spiritual duties towards God leads to... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the Lord our God for us._ THE CRY FOR MEDIATION I. Mediation sought. The Israelites, unarmed, undefended, are in great dismay. They turn to Samuel and implore his continued intercession. 1. Times of humiliation for sin and of refor... [ Continue Reading ]
_And Samuel took a stone._ THE EVERLASTING MEMORIAL How few of Egypt’s modern inhabitants know who built those works of wonder that still draw crowds of travellers! It might be said, in the words of one who longed for posthumous fame, and had done much to merit it, but who knew what had been the ex... [ Continue Reading ]
_And Samuel judged Israel all the darts of his life._ THE PROPHET JUDGE In the hopeful emergency of Israel’s lamenting after Jehovah, “Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel;” and the clear, bright word, and the wise act of that and subsequent days, show him to us as worthy to be a prophet of th... [ Continue Reading ]