* Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book and laid it up before the Lord. (1 Samuel, x. 25.) It is plain, the word manner signifies the constitution of the government, or the conditiom on which Saul was to be king, namely, according to justice and law; and this is meant in frequent expressions, by going in and out before them, referring to justice being executed in the gates, and peace and war; the king was to lead them in one, and direct in the other. This manner of the kingdom was told to all the people, and that implied, that the consent of the people was requisite to make him king, without which, though Samuel had anointed him, he was not owned by the Israelites, bnt went about his private affairs till after the victory over the Ammonites. Then the manner of the kingdom was written in a book--a token of its being a compact between Saul and the people; and Samuel's laying it up before the Lord, is equivalent to an oath recorded on both sides; for it was there as a witness between the king and the people, and served both as their oath of allegiance, and his oath of government.--All this being done, what followed? All the people went to Gilgal, and there they (mark the word) made Saul king.--(l Samuel,i. 15.) {156} Then mark the needful steps to make him King, How sacred ends, concurring means must bring; Not Samuel's ointment, not the mighty lot, Could make him King, nor force his title out. The people like not his mechanic race, They see no greatness in his youthful face:-- "Is this the monarch shall our foes destroy, Does heaven design to rule us by a _boy_?" The flouting Rabbies cry! "We scorn to own, A man that has no merit for a crown. Our King must lead the glorious tribes to fight, And chase the thousands of the Ammonite: His pers'nal valour must our triumphs bring, 'Tis such a man we want, and such a King." Away they go, reject his government, Not Heav'n's high choice could force their due consent! Samuel submits, adjourns the strong debate, Suspends the King he offered to create; Owns _their dislike's a high material thing, That their Consent alone could make him King!_ Why did not God displeasure then express, Resent the slight, and punish their excess; Extort obedience by express command, And crown his choice by his immediate hand; Destroy the Rebels with his blasting breath, And punish early treason with their death; With mighty thunders his new King proclaim, And force the trembling tribes to do the same?