Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1852-11-17
SUNDAY RRADgRG.
David and Jonathan.
BY REV. EDWARD c. JONES.

How true friendship reines and sublimates
the feelings. What a charm it imparts to
society How it smooths our pathway to
the last resting place of humanity Wei
say true friendship, for alas, is not much o!
what it assumes the distinctive title, a mere
caricature of the genuine principle of devot-
edness? The hollow intercourse of fashion
able society bears no affinity, not even the
remotest, to that warmth of heart-the ex-
panslveness of feeling-that generous, self
sacrificing spirit which the son of imperial
Saul the first sovereign of the Jewish people,
invariably manifested for the prosecuted son
Of Jesse. David, we have no doubt, pos
sessed all those captivating traits which win
regard by the operation of a fixed law in
psychology, viz that the lovely and excel
lent will attract, the odious and repulsive
will act conversely. But was it not a little
singular that a young man who had been
raised in luxury, aud who was heir presump-
tive to the Jewish crown, should have formed
an alliance so intimate with the lowly musi-
clan who touched the harp-strings in his faith
er's presence? Yes, it is remarkable, when
we think how often talent and worth, and
Physical loveliness, are overlooked, sadly
deprecated, because their possessor. forsooth,
occupies a lowly position in the fabric of so
ciety. But Jonathan had not only a sound
discriminating Judgment; he had also that
magnanimity Of soul which is governed by
no silly usage in the selection Of the object
of its regard. Though born and bred in a
palace, he venerated the character Of the
shepherd boy Of Bethlehem, and clasped him
to his heart in a passionate embrace. When
Saul, actuated by a spirit of remorseIess
: malignity, was hunting David like a partridge
on the mountains, and the poor minstre
; was almost crushed by the manifestation o
such a cruel spirit by one to whom be look
u ed up with flial reverence, how constant ant
how true was jonathan to his exiled friend
= IN the friendly covenant. and seal it witt
! kisses and with scalding tears. Beautiful
- exempliication of steadfastness-beautifu
, illustration Of the tenderness Of genuine at
tachmcnt when it finds a place in the mani,
- bosom, and is allowed to put forth in full
and unrestricted development, It's blessed
fruits! We cannot think of the oath of f
u deity which they mutually took to keep tn
: chain Of friendship bright, without bein
III melted into tears. Jonathan fully realize
aS that bis friend was ultimately destined t
49, grace the regal diadem, and he was anxior
nc to secure the kindness Of David in behalf
X his rising family. Alas poor Jonatha,
'le how soon was he fatcd to fall in ~sanguinar
- fight, and leave his orphaned progeny to D;
oi vid's watchfd care. Poignant was tt
IN mental anguish of David when the sad eveI
IN took place. Overwhelming his emotion
10 when he heard or Mount GiIboa the con
~ panion of his youth was smitten down /
the Philistines in the full vigor Of his mai
illness. Oh, in what exquisitely touchir
inc syllables did he mourn the departure fro
this beautiful earth Of that tried friend vi
never swerved from ~loyafty-who was tn
lN as steel to all his interests-Who would ha'
SeS laid down his life to have rescued him fro
impending danger! His clegy on tn
"c- mournful occasion Is a masterpiece of I
III u thetic writing. # embodies deep feeling
lis' abounds in delicate touches of the genuir
OH beautiful in style, and is a brief compoul
Ky of heart-emotion. AS a model Of compo
ace ~" tionr it is Incompatible. Thy love for +
81 was wonderful-passing the love of womal
l am distressed for thee, my brother Jor
uc- than very pleasant hast thou been to m
an how are the mighty fallen, and the weapo
of war perished.' Oh, David never fore
that hour Of anguish-its remembrance v
leu burnt into every fibre Of his heart. Fl,
tne tenderly he sought out the offspring Of Jol
ner than-fed them at his regal table-and Il
ed them for the fathers sake. Search
'nS' records of ancient and modern history, a
GA where will you discover an instance Of St
nS devotedness? Does it not transcend
wiz narrative of Damon and Pythia, in true d
Ou' matte beauty? Yes, David and Jonath
~ two noble hearts were yours. We will stu
1lu' and profit by your characters. We will
PEI to evlnce the same steadfastness in our p
any sonal attachments-the same constancy
VIII our regards and never, till life's lat
Por hour, will be Danish from our bosoms the
~ membrance of the sterling character Of
9 a. friendship which subsiStcd until death,
l u tween the son ofSaul and the youngest b.
Oe of Jesse.
here