victory were entertained: but alas! what could be looked for, in such an enterprise? Eli, probably, had not been consulted, or not regarded, on that occasion; and it appears, that he was filled with terrible apprehensions for the consequence. Every thing dear depended on the contest. Their liberty, their religion, and their lives, were all at stake. What anxiety must have possessed those especially, who were concerned for the honour of God, when they saw the symbol of his favour to Israel exposed to the assaults of the Heathen! Such was Eli: he had much to fear for himself, much for his country, much for his children; but every other thought was swallowed up in his solicitude for the glory of God. He sat upon a seat by the wayside, watching: for his heart trembled for the ark of God.' At length the cry of distress was heard, upon the arrival of a messenger, who thus related to him the fatal event of the battle: Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people; and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken.'

What grievous tidings were these! to be informed of the slaughter of Israel, and especially of the destruction of hist sons, cut off in their sins. But it was the close of the melancholy account, which excited the keenest anguish. The ark of God was taken:' the Philistines thereby seemed to triumph over the God of Israel; and all the divine ordinances were removed to this add the painful reflection, that the whole had been brought about by his own neglect of duty. This was more than he could bear. When mention was made of the ark of God,' in the excess of his sorrow, unable to support himself, he fell backward, and he died,' having attained the age of ninety-eight years.

This was a death most awful, and yet it may be highly instructive. We perceive the strongest zeal for God, even in his last moments. In times of public calamity we fear for ourselves, for our families, and for our country. But who trembles for the ark of God? How many would be unaf fected, though the sanctuary should be profaned, and trodden down by an enemy? There are multitudes around us, whom any other profession would please, as well as that of Christianity. But we rejoice, that there are also those, who value the house, the word, and the ministry of God, above their

richest possessions; and who dread the loss of these blessings more than death itself. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem : they shall prosper that love thee.' Pray that, as a token for good,' our spiritual privileges may be continued: for the ark of God is the bulwark of the land.

Eli, we have seen, gave evidence of his piety, even in the manner of his departure. But it should not be forgotten, that he died by the judgement of God, and under strong marks of his displeasure. It is possible, then, that good men may close their life miserably, and even ignominiously, on account of past negligence, and as a punishment for their misconduct.

It is asked, Why should God chasten them so severely ? It may be replied, He is God, and will do what is right; and though for the present we may not discover the reasons of his dispensations, he will make them clear at the last. By such a tremendous visitation, beginning at his own sanctuary, he represents the odiousness of sin, in a convincing light; he warns his people to walk circumspectly, and proclaims an alarm to careless sinners, that they may consider their danger. For, if judgement begin at the house of God, what shall the end be of them that obey not the Gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?'

[ROBINSON.]

SERMON LXXXVII.

FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

CHARACTER OF SAMUEL.

1 SAM. xii. 3.- -Behold here I am: witness against me before the Lord and before his anointed.

[Text taken from the first Morning-Lesson for the Day.]

THE character, here exhibited, may, at the same time, humble us for our deficiencies, and excite us to greater activity in the service of God. Samuel will appear in an amiable light, on whatever part of his life we fix our attention: for we shall find him upright, meek, and devout, from his very childhood,

and discharging even to old age, with diligence and fidelity, the important offices which he sustained. Perhaps we may not be called to so conspicuous a station, or to such extensive usefulness, as he was; but if we be influenced by the same spirit, like him we shall be a public blessing in our place and generation.

Samuel was descended, by his father Elkanah, from the tribe of Levi, which was set apart for the work of the sanctuary. There were some circumstances attending his birth, which raised the expectation of his being an extraordinary person. He was a child of prayer, granted in answer to the fervent supplications of his pious mother, Hannah, and named Samuel, which is interpreted Asked of God,' in remembrance of the divine condescension to her requests. About three years old, he was presented to the Lord in his tabernacle at Shiloh, with much religious solemnity, and there left to be employed in his service, under the care and direction of Eli. In some way or other, he assisted in the offices of public worship, according to his abilities, constantly attended upon the aged priests, and observed their commands. With a superior understanding and much ardour of devotion, he was not forward or assuming, but meek and teachable, diligent in his appointed work, respectful and submissive in his deportment to his tutor, whom, for his infirmities and remissness in duty, he might have been tempted to despise. He was surrounded by bad examples, and from his situation necessarily connected with the sons of Eli, through whose profaneness men abhorred the offering of the Lord.' Yet, untainted by the general contagion, he appeared eminently holy; and while they were advancing from one degree of impiety to another, he grew on,' in knowledge, piety, and zeal, and the Lord was with him.’

At an early period, he received unequivocal marks of the approbation of heaven. While the young man was ready to attend to the call of Eli, by night as by day, the Lord condescended to address him by an audible voice, and to inform him of those tremendous judgements, which were soon to be executed on the family of that very person, to whom he ministered. Such a communication must have been considered as a peculiar honour put upon him; but he seems not to have been elated with it. He still maintained a constant regard to the

work of his station, performing the necessary services of the tabernacle; and so far was he from showing any contempt of Eli, for the heavy charge brought against him, that, through tenderness and veneration for his office, he was extremely unwilling to relate the substance of the vision. Yet his modest reserve gave way to a sense of duty; and, when pressed to it by his aged master, he was faithful and impartial in acquainting him with every circumstance in the divine threatenings.

How much have we to learn from this part of the example! Young persons, in particular, are requested seriously to contemplate the piety of Samuel, and they will be instructed from him to remember their Creator in the days of their youth. It is often supposed, that children are incapable of religion. But many cases, of indisputable authority, contradict the notion. Jeremiah, Daniel and his three compa nions, Timothy, and Samuel, were all eminent for a spirit of devotion at a tender age; and instances of a similar kind may also be produced in modern times. We should, therefore, be encouraged to apply to God for our infant offspring, bring them, as soon as may be, to his house, and dedicate them to him.

They can understand and retain some of the most important principles, in which they ought to be instructed, and they are susceptible of good impressions, at an earlier period than is commonly imagined. They should be taught to worship the Lord, as far as their faculties will permit; and while they are presented to him, his blessing may rest upon them, and engage their hearts to enter with ardour into his service.

Upon this subject we would bespeak the attention of chil dren. We refer you to Samuel for a proof, that your waiting on the Lord will be pleasing to him, and for a pattern of all those amiable tempers which will be your brightest ornament, and a sure source of happiness. Learn from the young prophet not only to be devout, but at the same time to be. humble, modest, and respectful in your behaviour towards your superiors, notwithstanding any defects you may perceive in their conduct... Be diligent in your place; and you will, probably, be raised to greater privileges, and increase in wisdom and in every good attainment, as you increase in stature and in years. This example will teach you a meek and

greatest seriousness. But the case was, Eli was content with reprimanding, when he ought to have done more. The sharpest language should not have sufficed him; but, by a vigorous exertion of his authority, he should have brought the criminals to justice. The restraint not only came too late, but it was, even then, weak and ineffectual. Through a foolish fondness for his children, he did not punish them; and thus it appeared, that he was not properly concerned for the honour of God, and for the interest of religion in his country.

We lament that even a good man should forget his place, and not faithfully employ the power committed to him. Yet, we fear, instances of this kind are frequent. How extensive is your duty, who are intrusted with the care of others, and are, in a measure, responsible for their conduct! Parents, ministers, and magistrates, the influence you possess is given you, not for your own sake, but for the direction and restraint of those, who are under you; and if it be not exercised with a supreme regard to the glory of God, he will require it at your hands. While you are remiss and negligent, you may be complimented, perhaps, as benevolent, candid, and indulgent; but you betray your trust, and may be accessary to the crimes and to the ruin of thousands.

The offence of Eli, and its awful consequences, are more clearly marked in the sequel. Sin is a contempt of God, and an opposition to his government: it overturns the order which he has established, and introduces confusion into the world. It is, therefore, the object of his abhorrence; and, by his righteous appointment for the vindication of his own authority, it draws after it, even here, a long train of the most tremendous calamities. Those, who are dearest to him, cannot wilfully violate a plain command, without feeling, most painfully, the effect of his displeasure; and their descendants are often brought into deepest distress, through their folly.

A prophet was sent with an express commission, as an immediate messenger from God, to reprove the judge and the high-priest of Israel. In that solemn address, pronounced as from the Lord himself, Eli was reminded of the distinguished favour conferred upon his family, and of their base ingratitude in abusing their privileges to the vilest purposes. He was charged as an accomplice in the iniquity of his sons, be