intrusted with that important charge, should be most fervent and unceasing in their applications to God, that he would sanctify by his Spirit those whom he has committed to their care. Together with their ardent prayers, they should use all suitable means, information, admonition and correction; nor ever remit their diligence and attention. In dependance on the promises of God, they may expect, that their labours of love shall not be in vain. Some awful cases, indeed, like that before us, have occurred, which are permitted, probably, in order that none may presume upon their own piety, and that the work of conversion may more evidently appear to be of God. But most commonly, where the children of good men are sons of Belial, and know not the Lord,' something or other has been wrong or defective in the conduct of the parents. This very censure we are compelled to pass upon Eli.

His two sons were guilty of the most flagrant abuses of the service of the tabernacle, and, through their shameless violations of their office, they brought religion into contempt. They were haughty and imperious in their carriage; and, for the gratification of their own sensual appetites, with violent and rapacious hands they seized on any part of the sacrifices, which they chose. The consequence was, what might have been apprehended; the divine ordinances were neglected, despised, and hated; and men were confirmed and hardened in their profaneness, while they beheld these enormities in the sanctuary. But where was Eli,-the father, the high-priest, the judge? Could he be acquainted with these abominations, committed in the very house of God? And did he not interpose his authority for the prevention of them? Did he not reprove, repress, and punish? It is obvious, that it was incumbent upon him to vindicate the honour of religion, though it had been by the degradation of his own sons. Here we discover a disgraceful neglect of duty. Though he did not countenance these horrid practices, he was timid, inactive, and averse to trouble; and probably having been accustomed to indulge his children from their youth, he had resigned all his authority to them. At length, however, he was roused from his stupor: the abuses were so public, the outcry against them so general, and their fatal effects through the land so glaring, that he could no longer be silent. He admonished, he reprehended, the offenders, and that too with words of the

greatest seriousness. But the case was, Eli was content with reprimanding, when he ought to have done more. The sharpest language should not have sufficed him; but, by a vigorous exertion of his authority, he should have brought the criminals to justice. The restraint not only came too late, but it was, even then, weak and ineffectual. Through a foolish fondness for his children, he did not punish them; and thus it appeared, that he was not properly concerned for the honour of God, and for the interest of religion in his country.

We lament that even a good man should forget his place, and not faithfully employ the power committed to him. Yet, we fear, instances of this kind are frequent. How extensive is your duty, who are intrusted with the care of others, and are, in a measure, responsible for their conduct! Parents, ministers, and magistrates, the influence you possess is given you, not for your own sake, but for the direction and restraint of those, who are under you; and if it be not exercised with a supreme regard to the glory of God, he will require it at your hands. While you are remiss and negligent, you may be complimented, perhaps, as benevolent, candid, and indulgent; but you betray your trust, and may be accessary to the crimes and to the ruin of thousands.

The offence of Eli, and its awful consequences, are more clearly marked in the sequel. Sin is a contempt of God, and an opposition to his government: it overturns the order which he has established, and introduces confusion into the world. It is, therefore, the object of his abhorrence; and, by his righteous appointment for the vindication of his own autho rity, it draws after it, even here, a long train of the most tremendous calamities. Those, who are dearest to him, cannot wilfully violate a plain command, without feeling, most painfully, the effect of his displeasure; and their descendants are often brought into deepest distress, through their folly.

A prophet was sent with an express commission, as an immediate messenger from God, to reprove the judge and the high-priest of Israel. In that solemn address, pronounced as from the Lord himself, Eli was reminded of the distinguished favour conferred upon his family, and of their base ingratitude in abusing their privileges to the vilest purposes. He was charged as an accomplice in the iniquity of his sons, be

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.'

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.

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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.'

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.]-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