2 Example. Maxim. The Lord commanding by his Sub∣stitute ought to be obeyed.

THe Lord put a period to the Kingdom of Saul for a fact that might seem war∣rantable by strong probabilities. Saul was commanded by Samuel not to offer Sacrifice before his return. Let us see the reasons that moved Saul to transgress this precept. Samuel was scarce departed, but the Philistins swarming in number like the sands of the Sea, encamped themselves close by Saul. The Souldiers of Saul being very few, were struck with such terror at the sight of them that they began to run away by whole troops. The Philistines taking the advantage both of. time and place, drew out into the field, and were upon the point of giving battel. Saul, who had hitherto been quiet out of respect Page  56 to the precept, began now to rouse himself, but withal stood perplexed and dubious what to resolve on. At length he cast the matter into the scales of probability, and discoursed thus. To decline the fight is not possible: to fight, without first having appeased the face of the Lord by sacrifice, is temerarious, and perhaps impious: To expect Samuel is imprudence, seeing no man knows where he is, nor when he will come. All delayes are dangerous. because the present state requires action not deliberation, for the enemy stands in battel array ready to force me. Besides, some of my Souldiers are fled, others look the same way. and all the rest refuse to draw sword, unless they may be sure of the Lords protection. Because being few in number, it is madness to oppose a vast multitude, un∣less they have the Lords favour to shel•er them, which is onely to be got by sacrifice. So that all things considered it is necessary to offer Sacrifice. Necessity turned the bal∣lance, and made it very probable that the precept did not urge in this pressing case of necessity. Saul therefore offered Sacrifice, protesting that he did it with pure intention to appease the face of the Lord, and that he retained still a desire to observe the Com∣mand, but could not resist necessity. One would think, that in these circumstances Saul Page  57 might have been held blameless. But because no circumstance could sufficiently authorize him to desert this principle: The Lord is to be obeyed when he commands by his Substitute. Sa∣muel gave him a sharp check, and told him: Thou hast done foolishly, 1 Kin. 13.13. that is, without sense, wit or brains. Because obe∣dience being better than sacrifice, ch. 15.22. all reasons that oppose the obligation of obey∣ing a command given by a lawful Superior, are so far from carrying with them a •uffici∣ent probability to ground a prudent action, that they are all vain, foolish, and none at all. And they may cost a Subject the loss of Hea∣ven, as it cost Saul the loss of his Crown and Kingdom.