§. 222. Of Samuel's crosses.
IT could not be but that Samuel living and ruling in such evil times as he 〈◊〉〈◊〉, should meet with many crosses. Among them two are most observable. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the beginning, the other toward the end of his government.
〈◊〉〈◊〉 began with one of the most lamentable Tragedies that had befallen* 1.1 〈◊〉〈◊〉 State, since they were setled in Canaan. Israel was twice smitten before their 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Once about 4000 men were slain, and at another time 3000 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Ark of God was taken, and the Priests that carried it were slain. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dismal was this news, as old Ely, who then was Judge, and whom Samuel 〈◊〉〈◊〉, at the first news thereof, fell from off his seat backward, and brake his 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Such an enterance into the government could not be, but a heavy crosse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, who was their governour.
The other cross about the end of his goverment was his rejection: aggre∣•…•…* 1.2 by the quarrel which was picked to coll•…•…ur the same: that it was his sons 〈◊〉〈◊〉 governing, 1 Sam. 8. 5.
To reject him whom God had chosen and setled for a Judge over his people, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not be but an heavy crosse to that good old man, and that two wayes;
1. In regard of himself, who was much disgraced hereby.
2. In regard of the people, who herein manifested a tumultuous minde against God, and provoked him to give him a King in anger, Hos. 13. 1•…•….
〈◊〉〈◊〉 that they should lay the cause thereof on him, and his Sons must needs 〈◊〉〈◊〉 more pierce his Soul: therefore it is said that it pleased him, 1 Sam. 8. 6.
True it is, that his Sons were corrupt Judges, but must the Father be rejected 〈◊〉〈◊〉: this was a remedy worse than the malady.
Though it be said that he made his Sons Iudges over Israel; yet doth not that phrase intend, that he gave over the whole government to them, much lesse that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 justified them in their male-government. The people might have made their complaint to him for redress; vvhich if he had refused, or neglected to do, they might have had some more colour for what they did.
The advantage vvhich the people took at Samuels Sons ill government, shew∣eth what pious Parents may suffer for their impious Children. This was before manifested in Elies case.