Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1889-09-13
The SUNDAY SCHOOL, i,
International Lcsson-Sopt. Is.
LESSON XII Samuel 2i:4-l7.

TITLE-David Sparing Saul.
Notwithstanding OF the Obedient.
LESSON ouTLINE-i. David's Forbearnnce,
VS.. as. 2. David's appeal, VS.. 9-l5. g. David's
Victory, VS.. 1917.
GOLDEN TEXT-Be not overcome with evil,
but overcome evil with good.-Romans 1921.
CENTRALTRUT only way TO overcome
evil is with good.
LESSON CONNECTION.
The method by which Jonathan made
known the anger and purpose of Saul
follows the last lesson, and the succe d..
ing chapters up to the present lesson
describe how Saul pursued David, intent
on killing him. There Is the fugitive's
visit to Mob; his interview with
Abimelech; his flight to Gath; his
feigned madness; his departure to the
cave of Adullam, near Bethlehem,
where he has gathered four thousand
sympathizers, debtors and malcontents
David removes his parents to Nizpeh in
Moab, and then returns to the land of
and on being informed by Doeg the
Edomite of what had occurred at Mob,
causes the priests to he slain and the
city to be sacked, Abiathar alone es-
Gaping to David. David then went to
the rescue OF Keilah, city on the
Philistine frontier, but left the place
when Saul sought 10 besiege him there.
He next took refuge in the wilderness
of Ziph, in the southern part of Judah;
Saul sought him there; Jonathan
warned David; the inhabitants in formed
Saul Of David's whereabouts; but the
Philistines invaded the country and this
ended Saul's pursuit, David retiring to
Engedi, the scene Of the present lesson.
Time-PrObably year or two after
the events of the last Lesson, some ewhere
about B. G. 1861, or 1865.
Persons-David, Saul, David's fol
lowers.
Places-The cave is in the vicinity of
Enge di, about the middle of the west
shore Of the Dead Sea, wild, rugged
region. Another place mentioned is Il
locality without the cave.
Incidents-David is urged to kill Saul.
Cuts off Saul's robe, and then regrets
the act. Checks his men. Follows
Saul. Holds conference with Saul, re-
sulting in Saul's repentance.
LESSON SUGGESTIONS.
or the seven years in which David
was an outlaw, there is but one incident
in Bible record. The main incidents Of
this time should be carefully studied, SO
as to obtain thorough understanding
ofsthe lesson. David learned many VAL
liable lessons from his trying expert
ences,
1t was during the second or third
year of this period that David, hiding
in cave high up in rocky cliff west
of the Dead Sea, found one day that
his would-be murderer was completely
in his power. Here was his opportunity
The use he made OF 1t points valuable
lessons for us to-day.
/. The Interpretation of Pro Sidence
It seemed almost as If God had brought
saul to David. that he might put an end
to his life. So argu d the worldly ad-
visers Of David. But he did not intel =
pret providence merely according to
self interest. There was a higher law
to which he yielded obedience.
"There is constant danger in survey
ing the universe froui the top of the
pronoun i. The tendency to interpret
the will OF God to our neighbours hurt
and to our own personal benefit is some
times too strong to be resisted. Only
constant prayer and humility will pre-.
vent us from lightly and wickedly ap-
aud loss Of our fellOwm-n. Let us
Bible.-Rev. W. L. Griliis.
2. Self Control. With what perfect
mastery over self David overcame the
evil suggeslsons, secured the skirt of
Saurs robe as a proof Of The fact that
he had been III his power, aud with due
respect and reverence, addressed his
Master, the Lord b annointed," in such
touching words that the proud king
wept. THE first lesson in manliness is
TO resist the impulses of mere passion
and to train the brute instinct to be
servant of the reason"
lie that is slow To anger is better than
the mighty and he that ruleth his
spirit than lie that takelh CITY,"
8. Magnanimi,y. That which shines
out with greatest lustre from The incl
dent before us is the greatness of soul
displayed by David. Saul recognized IT,,
as does every man whose own wickedness
stands rebLked before a noble generous
deed. Does 1t not lift the mind up 10 the
source of all greatness, to Him who Is
kind 10 the unthankful and the evil,
and who has not dealt with us after
our sins or rewarded us according lu
our iniquities?
ILLUSTRATION.
A certain farmer was so cross and
disagreeable that every one disliked him.
After time good farmer Green came
TO live near him, and soon learned OF
his character. ''l1l very soon kill him !"
said Farmer Green. His neighbor took
every opportunity TO trouble him, but
Mr.. Green WAS good .natured through
all annoyance. One day Mr.. Green's
oxen stuck fast in bog, but his neigh
Dor on being appealed TO would give
him no assistance. Not long after the
ill-natured farmers team was stuck 10
the bog, when farmer Green haStened
To his aid and insisted on helping him
even against his will. That evening
the cross man confessed to his wife that
farmer Green had killed him as he had
said. And in the morning he went to
ask his forgiveness - Selected.