Samuel was deeply moved when he heard of Saul’s failure, ‘‘and he cried unto the Lord all night.’’ Thus he was prepared to accost the sinful king. Mr. Finney tells of a minister who was so burdened with the souls of men that he could do but little preaching, his whole time and strength being given to prayer. It is only in that spirit that men like Samuel can undertake their solemn duty.

Saul’s response was very unsatisfactory. He began by laying the blame on the people, v. 21. He pretended that the object of sparing the cattle, etc., was to sacrifice them to God—a very hypocritical excuse, v. 22. Without any deep consciousness of sin, he lightly professed sorrow, and hoped to pacify Samuel by asking

that they might kneel together in worship, v. 25. When ‘the old prophet refused to let him off so easily, the only +hing that Saul eared for was that the elders should still honor him, v. 30. How hardened Saul had become! This was the beginning of the sin unto death.

(The questions on Sections 1-29, to be found on pp, 91 and 92, will serve as a review at this point.)