cause he had not been active to prevent it. He was condemned forhonouring them more than God,' because, through a foolish regard to their interest or reputation, he had not degraded them from their office, but had suffered them to bring the house and ordinances of God into contempt. It was, therefore, declared to be the Lord's fixed determination to spoil them of their glory, of which the fond father had been so tender. He was told, that, in consequence of that profaneness which had prevailed through his remissness, he should be witness to the desolation of the sanctuary, and to a terrible destruction, both of the people in general, and of his own household in particular;—that he should soon be deprived of that power, which he had neglected to use according to the duties of his station;-that his posterity should be reduced to the most abject condition, and die in the flower of their age; and that his two children, whom he had spared, should by one awful visitation be cut off together.

What effect was produced in Eli by these tremendous denunciations we are not informed. Probably, he had lost all control over his wicked sons, or was grown too infirm to make the necessary exertions. It should seem, at least, that no amendment took place; and it is thought, that some years had elapsed, during which the divine judgements were de layed; and perhaps a hope of impunity might be entertained. At length, however, the same declarations of vengeance were repeated, and young Samuel was commissioned to reprove the aged priest. [1 Sam. iii. 1, &c.] The Lord appeared to the child, and expressed his firm resolution to execute the sen tence, which he had already pronounced upon Eli and his house, and which no sacrifice or mediation would be able to avert or mitigate. The sin of the old man was, in this prediction, clearly described; and it was alleged as the principal cause of those heavy calamities which should soon ensue, that his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.'

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And here let us pause, that we may attend to the warning which his example suggests. A particular kindness, we allow, is due to children, for they have an indisputable claim to a large share of our affections. But, if we resign our authority to them, and permit them to follow their own devices without restraint, we are admonished by this history, that we shall provoke God, betray his cause, strengthen the hands of the

wicked, and bring a curse upon ourselves. Let us call the attention of indulgent parents. How are your houses governed? Are not your sons, or your daughters, making themselves vile?' Examine their conduct, and their tempers. Are not you answerable for their ignorance, ambition, extravagance, and profaneness? Have you done all in your power to prevent, or to correct, those abuses in them, which are an offence to the church of God? Are you not partakers of Eli's guilt, because you restrained them not?' Do you believe the depravity of our nature; and do you not therein perceive the necessity of something more than instruction and advice? The vicious inclinations and vain schemes of young people must be opposed and repressed; and you are intrusted with authority for that very purpose.-Are you aware of the destructive consequences of sin, both here and for ever? Surely, then, you will exert your utmost strength to preserve, or to rescue those, who are committed to your care. Otherwise talk not of your love to them: for to leave them to their own management, is cruelty of the most horrid kind. By indulging their folly and vanity, you will most effectually defeat your own plans for their advancement in life. Probably, through your fondness, they may be reduced to infamy and distress; and reproach and misery may be entailed upon your posterity for ages yet to come. Nay, did you consult only your present comfort, you would have your children in subjection.' For so long as their violence of temper is unrestrained, your houses must be full of strife and confusion. But more than this, the curse of God will follow them: and could your eyes behold all that sin and wretchedness, which may arise from your weakness and negligence, it would be more than your hearts could endure.

But, while we censure the misconduct of Eli, we must vindicate his integrity; for there are circumstances in this history, which discover an unfeigned piety. It must have mortified the aged priest, not only to hear the denunciations of God against himself and his family, but to receive the tremendous sentence by the mouth of young Samuel, to whom the divine revelations were then made in preference to him. Yet we are struck with his meek deportment in that most afflicting situation. We perceive no risings of envy, anger, or impatience; but, on the contrary, an unreserved submission to God, and a

perfect acquiescence in the wisdom, justice, and goodness, of his severest dispensations. He appears to have been suitably affected under a conviction of his guilt, and as a true penitent to have cast himself at the feet of his offended God, not daring to request a mitigation of the punishment. He said, "It is the Lord; let him do what seemeth him good.'

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::. Such an entire resignation we consider as a very favourable mark. Thus Aaron, in a situation somewhat similar, when his two sons were slain in their impiety by fire from the Lord, discovered the same meekness of temper: He held his peace. [Lev. x. 3.J-So likewise, the pious Hezekiah, when threatened with the heavy judgements of God, replied,' Good is the word of the Lord." [2 Kings xx. 19.] Let these, then, be proposed as patterns of patience, humility, and faith, to them who are suffering any grievous calamities through the displeasure of a holy God. But do we perceive no peevishness and anger in persons so circumstanced? Do we hear from them no loud complaints, no bitter accusations against the Lord? We would ask them, From whom does your affliction proceed? Does it become you to quarrel with his appointment? Or can you not account for this treatment? Has there been nothing in your spirit or conduct to merit it? O consider in whose hands you are! Submit to his authority; acknowledge his justice; be encouraged to hope in his mercy, and to depend upon his faithfulness in Christ Jesus. He says, Be still; and know that I am God.' [Psalm xlvi. 10.] From a remembrance of your sinfulness, let your mouths be stopped, while, like Job, you abhor yourselves, and repent in dust and ashes.'

We hasten to the close of this history, which is most affecting. Some time after the denunciation of wrath against Eli, there was war between the Israelites and the Philistines, and the enemies of the Lord's people were permitted to prevail. [1 Sam. iv. 1, &c.] Confounded by this defeat, the elders of Israel, with a mixture of ignorance and presumption, proposed that the ark of God should be sent for into the camp; like all other hypocrites, trusting to the outward token of the Lord's presence, instead of humbling themselves before him in penitence and prayer. The impious sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, with an insolent profaneness, conducted the ark to the field of battle. The most confident expectations of

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 Phinchas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken.'

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What grievous tidings were these! to be informed of the slaughter of Israel, and especially of the destruction of his 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 unaffected, 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.]

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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,