Homilist Acts 3:25-26 You are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham… The life of Samuel manifests — I. A HOLY CHILDHOOD Four things conduced to this. 1. A mother's prayers. 2. Dedication to God. 3. A Divine message. 4. Acceptance of the heavenly call. II. A NOBLE MANHOOD. 1. He was a champion for God. God's service is ennobling. 2. He was an instrument of God. (1) An instrument of defence to the people. (2) An instrument of vengeance, soul, etc. (3) An instrument of instruction. 3. He was a king maker and governor. III. A USEFUL END. The great man often does as much in his death as in his life. Samuel, in the solemn moments of his end — 1. Vindicated his life. Not in egotism, but as an example. 2. Reasoned with and admonished the people. He urged them to serve the Lord. IV. A HAPPY DEATH. He had served God in life. God honoured him in death, and he went to his reward. Here we see the steps to happiness. Mothers, much of your child's future rests on you. Childhood, how important is your training! A useful life and a happy death follow this. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. |
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