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 con template 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 wis dom and in every good attainment, as you increase in stature. and in years. This example will teach you a meek and

obedient regard to the call of God; so that, in whatever way his commands be made known, you will say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth.' Samuel will remind you, that if you be favoured above many of your equals, or even preferred to some of longer standing in the church of God, you ought not to be conceited and overbearing, or to despise any, though justly set aside for their negligence. But your modesty, and your tender concern for others, must not tempt you to be unfaithful to them. Your duty to God may require you to do that, which is very painful to your own feelings; nor should fear, or partiality to your friends, induce you to conceal any one circumstance, which it is incumbent upon you to declare to them.

From that period Samuel continued to receive such divine communications, as fully proved to the whole kingdom of Israel, that he was established to be a prophet of the Lord.' Yet he lived in a time of extreme degeneracy. He saw the ark of God carried into an enemy's land, and Shiloh deprived of the public ministrations of religion, with which it had been favoured three hundred years. But at last, all the house of Israel,' being brought to a deep sense of their loss, lamented after the Lord;' and earnestly wished for the restoration of. their former privileges. This was the very effect which Samuel had endeavoured to produce; he seized the opportunity of pressing the matter upon their consciences, that they should evidence their sincerity by an immediate renunciation of idolatry, and a solemn dedication of themselves to the true God. A general congregation was called together at Mizpeh, that they might enter into an express engagement to serve the Lord alone, and might seek his blessing, by sacrifice, fasting, and prayer.

When the people were assembled, agreeably to his wishes, he conducted their devotions. He was then also acknowledged as their supreme civil magistrate, and from that time, at least, presided over them as their judge. But in the midst of these religious transactions, they were suddenly attacked by their adversaries the Philistines, and filled with terror. Their very distress, however, convinced them of the worth of Samuel, and of the advantage of relying wholly on the Lord. While he appeared as their mediator, with a burntoffering and with earnest supplication, deliverance was vouch

safed to them, and in such a way as to prove, that their salvation was of God. The Philistines, confounded by a most remarkable storm of thunder from heaven, fell an easy prey to the Israelites. The memory of this very signal victory was preserved by a monument, which Samuel erected, and to which he gave the significant title of Ebenezer, saying, • Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.'

Under his care and government, the Israelites were secure and prosperous. During his administration, their enemies no more dared to renew their hostilities. As a judge, he conducted their civil affairs with fidelity and diligence, and by regular circuits executed justice, and preserved good order through the land. And as the minister of religion, in the place of his stated residence, he called them to the worship of the true God: for there he built an altar,' at which, doubtless, public ordinances were celebrated, though Shiloh was deserted.

We are constrained to acknowledge, that a character like Samuel must be a blessing to any nation, and merits universal regard. Yet we observe from this instance, that the best of men, with the most eminent abilities, as well as zeal and integrity, may seem to labour in vain, during a long season, for the advancement of truth and righteousness. But, even in such dark and distressing times, let them not remit their diligence; as spiritual husbandmen, they should still sow in hope.' Let them water their seed with much prayer to God, and it shall not be lost. They themselves may live to see it spring up, and produce a glorious harvest; or if not, posterity may reap the benefit. Their work is with the Lord; and they may cheerfully expect, that, in answer to their fervent petitions, he will arise to plead his own cause.-But reformation is not the concern of governors alone: it is the duty and interest of all to promote it. And were individuals, though of less extensive power and in private life, to unite their endeavours for this purpose, very much might be done. What should be your conduct, who have children and servants under your control? Will you not be chargeable with their ignorance and profaneness? If you fear that your pains would be lost, you should try at least, whether something might not be effected. Whatever be the event, it is incumbent upon

you to perform your part: instruct, exhort, warn, reprove, and punish, as the case may demand; and then leave the consequence with God.

Samuel, at an advanced age, was much tried and distressed. On account of his own infirmities, he had taken his two sons to be his assistants in the government. (1 Sam. viii. 1, &c.) But these were very unlike their father, having no fear of God or concern for the general good. Some of the most excellent characters have had the extreme calamity of seeing their children, unmindful of all their instructions, prayers, and examples, turn out dissolute and abandoned, even after having discovered very promising signs of real religion.—The Lord is not accountable to us for the disposal of his favours. But from his general providence and the gracious declarations of his word, you have reason to look for his blessing upon your offspring, while you are faithfully discharging your duties. And though you should seem to gain no advantage with them for the present, they may hereafter remember your admonitions and entreaties to good purpose, and may be recovered to God, when you are sleeping in the dust. At any rate, you must exert your utmost endeavours, and then be satisfied under this persuasion, that The Judge of all the earth will surely do right.'

The people petitioned, that a king might be set over them with the same pomp as in other countries. They had some cause for complaint; but their request, probably, arose from a discontented spirit, and discovered much ingratitude towards Samuel. He considered it as a contempt put upon himself; but instead of reproaching them, he made known his distress unto the Lord. The prophet, however, was reminded, that Israel had rejected, not him only, but the God of heaven, by whose immediate appointment and continual direction their polity had been conducted. He was therefore instructed to yield to their desires, after having solemnly protested against their plan, and warned them of the consequences.

This history may teach us not to depend upon human favour. For we observe, that men of the first abilities, of eminent piety, and of extensive usefulness, may live to be neglected, and be set aside by the very persons, who have derived singular advantages from their labours. But let those,