556
Patriarchs and Prophets
sky was cloudless, and the air serene and mild. So violent a storm at
this season filled all hearts with fear. In humiliation the people now
confessed their sin—the very sin of which they had been guilty: “Pray
for thy servants unto the Lord thy God, that we die not: for we have
added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.”
Samuel did not leave the people in a state of discouragement, for
this would have prevented all effort for a better life. Satan would lead
them to look upon God as severe and unforgiving, and they would thus
be exposed to manifold temptations. God is merciful and forgiving,
ever desiring to show favor to His people when they will obey His
voice. “Fear not,” was the message of God by His servant: “ye have
done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the Lord,
but serve the Lord with all your heart; and turn ye not aside: for then
should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they
are vain. For the Lord will not forsake His people.”
Samuel said nothing of the slight which had been put upon himself;
he uttered no reproach for the ingratitude with which Israel had repaid
his lifelong devotion; but he assured them of his unceasing interest for
them: “God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray
for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: only fear
the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart: for consider how
great things He hath done for you. But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye
shall be consumed, both ye and your king.”
[616]