1Sa 3 | MHCC | e4.org | 1-10 The call which Divine grace designs shall be made effectual; will be repeated till it is so, till we come to the call. Eli, perceiving that it was the voice of God that Samuel heard, instructed him what to say. Though it was a disgrace to Eli, for God's call to be directed to Samuel, yet he told him how to meet it. Thus the elder should do their utmost to assist and improve the younger that are rising up. Let us never fail to teach those who are coming after us, even such as will soon be preferred before us, #Joh 1:30|. Good words should be put into children's mouths betimes, by which they may be prepared to learn Divine things, and be trained up to regard them.

‏ 1 Samuel 3

* The word of the Lord first revealed to Samuel. (1-10) God

tells Samuel the destruction of Eli's house. (11-18) Samuel

established to be a prophet. (19-21)

1-10 The call which Divine grace designs shall be made

effectual; will be repeated till it is so, till we come to the

call. Eli, perceiving that it was the voice of God that Samuel

heard, instructed him what to say. Though it was a disgrace to

Eli, for God's call to be directed to Samuel, yet he told him

how to meet it. Thus the elder should do their utmost to assist

and improve the younger that are rising up. Let us never fail to

teach those who are coming after us, even such as will soon be

preferred before us, #Joh 1:30|. Good words should be put into

children's mouths betimes, by which they may be prepared to

learn Divine things, and be trained up to regard them. 11-18 What a great deal of guilt and corruption is there in us,

concerning which we may say, It is the iniquity which our own

heart knoweth; we are conscious to ourselves of it! Those who do

not restrain the sins of others, when it is in their power to do

it, make themselves partakers of the guilt, and will be charged

as joining in it. In his remarkable answer to this awful

sentence, Eli acknowledged that the Lord had a right to do as he

saw good, being assured that he would do nothing wrong. The

meekness, patience, and humility contained in those words, show

that he was truly repentant; he accepted the punishment of his

sin. 19-21 All increase in wisdom and grace, is owing to the

presence of God with us. God will graciously repeat his visits

to those who receive them aright. Early piety will be the

greatest honour of young people. Those who honour God he will

honour. Let young people consider the piety of Samuel, and from

him they will learn to remember their Creator in the days of

their youth. Young children are capable of religion. Samuel is a

proof that their waiting upon the Lord will be pleasing to him.

He is a pattern of all those amiable tempers, which are the

brightest ornament of youth, and a sure source of happiness.