031. A King Demanded—Prayer Of Samuel.
A King Demanded—Prayer Of Samuel.
Thus far, the people of Israel had been under the special government of God, who had employed Moses, Joshua, and the Judges, to superintend their affairs. They had experienced great vicissitudes; but, from one calamity they had been exempted: no man had tyrannized over them. Not a tax had ever been imposed, to administer to the pomp and pleasures of a king, or to support the extravagance of a court. But the people were no longer satisfied with such simplicity. They aspired to be like other nations. They coveted a king, and the splendors which would gather around him. To Samuel, therefore, the elders repair, and represent that he is becoming advanced, (old servants are often cast off,) and that his sons do not walk in his ways: “therefore,” said they, “give us a king to judge us.”
They do not solicit the advice of this old and tried friend; nor do they request him to ask counsel of God, who had borne them “as on eagle’s wings;” and who, for their preservation, had enlisted the elements: hail lightning, and tempest. No such humble and befitting requests as these, but a stern and bold demand: “Give us a king.”—We will have one.
Samuel listened to the demand. But what must have been his surprise and displeasure! He might have felt for himself—for how could he avoid perceiving the neglect involved in the design?—but more did he feel for the honor of God, which, to the reproach of the nation, was insulted. Besides, how ungrateful in a people, to cast off one who had been their benefactor, as well as their sovereign! Samuel was perplexed, and, for a time, doubtful, as to the part he should act. But we soon find him, at a throne of grace, spreading the case before God. And, though he knew full well how sad the consequence, should God decide that they should have their choice, he had no demurrer to make. The result is not to our present purpose; and, therefore, we leave the narrative—deriving, from the course pursued by Samuel, in a case of great perplexity and trial, the good rule, namely: in all seasons of trouble and perplexity, to repair to God, and spread the case before him.
“Casting all thy cares upon him,” says an apostle, and one richly experienced in these matters, “for he careth for thee.” Whatever concerns the child of God, concerns God himself. Whatever troubles him may be said to trouble God. In all their afflictions, he was afflicted. Is it temporal trouble, or spiritual trouble? Trouble experienced by the minister—the missionary—the magistrate? by parent, child, citizen? by the rich man, or the poor man? The bond, or the free? The appropriate place for each and everyone is the footstool. And there are many reasons why it is so. Two only, however, can be specified.
1. Troubles, especially those of an unavoidable nature, can be told to God more freely and fully than to the dearest friend on earth.
2. Troubles, which admit of a remedy, can be best remedied by God. By a single change of circumstances, which are always under the control of his providence, he can alleviate our sorrows; remove our troubles and perplexities, and improve, and even make happy and joyful our condition. Is the faithful minister of Jesus Christ likely to be cast off by a people, to whom he has long preached, and in whose service he has spent the vigor of his days? Let him spread his case before God, and suffer him to order his affairs. I once knew a clergyman, who, on the eve of being dismissed, (nearly his entire flock were even anxious to bid him “farewell,”) carried his case to God; and, having done so, preached a discourse to his people, which, by the blessing of God, in a single day, quelled all tumult; harmonized all minds, and led to an interesting revival of religion: and there, among that people, did that minister spend his days. And, when death came, and closed his lips, many a tongue spoke his praise, and many an eye wept his departure. Is a wife in trouble? Let her also go to a prayer-hearing God. The writer once knew a pious woman, who was desirous of honoring her Divine Master by a public profession of religion, but was prohibited by her husband. For a time, she yielded to his wishes and authority. At length, however, feeling the claims of the gospel to be paramount to those even of a husband, she kindly, yet firmly, made known her determination. The announcement gave birth to great irritation on his part. He talked loud, lordly, cruelly, and left her for a neighboring town. Soon after his departure, she retired to her closet, and spent the entire day in humble, fervent, affectionate pleading with God for that husband.
During his absence, as it afterwards proved, he was restless, agitated, distressed. Conscience upbraided him. A painful struggle, between his sense of right and his prejudices, tortured his mind. Towards evening, he returned; and, on entering the house, ascertained that his wife had kept her closet during the day. He ascended the stairs; softly made his way to the door of her chamber, and gently knocked. It was opened by one whose face was radiant with light and joy, that day gathered in communion with God. Her husband stood before her, a subdued and speechless man. He gently took her by the arm, and, at length, in tones of kindness, inquired—it was all he could say, and that only in a whisper—“My dear wife, will you pray for me?” Let it suffice to add, that prayer brought that rude, ill-tempered husband back; prayer humbled him; prayer made him all that a pious and affectionate wife could wish. Oh, it is well to carry such troubles to our Heavenly Father, who has said, and never forgets what He has said, “Call upon me in the day of trouble, and I will answer thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”