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No Generation Gap, July 13
And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli.
1 Samuel 3:1
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Young as he was when brought to minister in the tabernacle, Samuel had even
then duties to perform in the service of God, according to his capacity. These
were at first very humble, and not always pleasant; but they were performed to the
best of his ability, and with a willing heart....
If children were taught to regard the humble round of everyday duties as
the course marked out for them by the Lord, as a school in which they were to
be trained to render faithful and efficient service, how much more pleasant and
honorable would their work appear. To perform every duty as unto the Lord,
throws a charm around the humblest employment and links the workers on earth
with the holy beings who do God’s will in heaven.
The life of Samuel from early childhood had been a life of piety and devotion.
He had been placed under the care of Eli in his youth, and the loveliness of his
character drew forth the warm affection of the aged priest. He was kind, generous,
diligent, obedient, and respectful. The contrast between the course of the youth
Samuel and that of the priest’s own sons was very marked, and Eli found rest and
comfort and blessing in the presence of his charge. It was a singular thing that
between Eli, the chief magistrate of the nation, and the simple child so warm a
friendship should exist. Samuel was helpful and affectionate, and no father ever
loved his child more tenderly than did Eli this youth. As the infirmities of age
came upon Eli, he felt more keenly the disheartening, reckless, profligate course
of his own sons, and he turned to Samuel for comfort and support.
How touching to see youth and old age relying one upon the other, the youth
looking up to the aged for counsel and wisdom, the aged looking to the youth for
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help and sympathy. This is as it should be. God would have the young possess
such qualifications of character that they shall find delight in the friendship of the
old, that they may be united in the endearing bonds of affection to those who are
approaching the borders of the grave.
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