back from following the Lord, and, when sent to destroy the Amalekites, disobeyed the commandment of the Lord. The Amalekites had long been Israel's enemies; and the time was now come when God's determination to "put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven" (Exod. xvii. 14) should be carried into execution. "Now go," said He therefore to Saul," and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass." (1 Sam. xv. 3.) Saul went and smote the Amalekites; but, instead of destroying them utterly, he spared Agag their King, and the best of their property, and destroyed only what was vile and refuse.

This was a flagrant breach of the Divine command; and was indicative, moreover, of a proud and stubborn mind. Hence Samuel was sent to denounce his conduct, and to proclaim the fact that his kingdom should be given to one of another mind. At first Saul attempted to lay the blame of his conduct on the people, and then to excuse himself on the ground that the best of the flocks had been

spared for sacrifice.

But the plea was inadmissible. "Hath the Lord," said Samuel, “as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry." Let no one think that he may commit sin with impunity because he intends afterwards to repent and pray. A regard to the rites and ceremonies of religion will never be accepted in the stead of obedience to the express commands of Heaven. This was the lesson which was taught to Saul; and it is a lesson which we too must not fail to learn.

Saul repented, but the decree had gone forth that his kingdom should be taken from him; and though he continued to reign until after the death of Samuel, that decree was ultimately confirmed. A battle took place between the Philistines and the Israelites, in which of the latter were slain, and among them three of the sons of Saul. And Saul himself was in the field, "and the archers hit

many

him; and he was sore wounded of the archers." (1 Sam. xxxi. 3.) The wound, however, was not instantly fatal; but, fearing lest the Philistines should come upon him, and thrust him through, he took a sword, fell upon its point, and died.

What is the great lesson that the history of Saul, thus briefly sketched, should teach? It is the necessity of cultivating a lowly spirit in whatever station of life we may be placed. Should the providence of God raise any youth to dignity and honour, let him not forget his former position,-let him not be exalted in his own esteem. It is this that proves the ruin of many. Little in their own sight when first they are called into public life, they afterwards allow pride and vanity to rise up within their breasts; and just as the roots of a noxious plant which is permitted to grow upon a lofty wall insinuate themselves into it until it totters and falls, so do these passions prove their ruin, and from the elevation they have gained they are suddenly thrown down. "When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom." (Prov. xi. 2.)

London R. Needham, Printer, Paternoster-Row.

"Not from the camp, but from the tented field,

Israel's avenger to her rescue sprung.

Hands, which the shepherd's crook were wont to wield,
He, unto whom the shields of earth belong,

First taught to spoil the lion of his prey,
Then roll a nation's dire reproach away."

ANON.

LONDON:

PUBLISHED BY J. MASON, 14, CITY-ROAD;
SOLD AT 66, PATERNOSTER-ROW.