The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1889-08-29
g. The cOaOquy.


1t Is clear Jonathan was not taking the
part of villain against the wishes of Saul.
David was worthy of Jonathan's great love.
The attitude ofSaul was utterly wicked, vicious,
murderous without reason. The collOquy de-
velops this fact
First David appealed to his innocency. He
was not conscious of any wrong doing warrant
ing Saups inhuman treatment of him. And
yet David was in fear of his life de wanted
Jonathan frankly to tell him whether or not
he were guilty, and If guilty. Wherein Jons-
than returned reply. He did not touch the
question of Dayid's character, but tried 10
assure David that he was mistaken in supposing
Saul was in pursuit of his life. 1t is not likely
Jonathan knew of the state of things at Ramah
making it necessary for David to lice. Saul
had promised Jonathan he would not harm
David without consulting Jonathan. Q9: 6.)
He pledged his son that David should not be
slain. Jonathan believed his father
Secondly. David told Jonathan not to trust
his father too much when his father talked
about David. Practically David said: Saul
knows that you. Jonathan, love me. He would
not tell you if he were going to kill me. He
would feel sure you would apprise me of any
danger. cannot rely on your statement that
your father promised you would not be HARM
cd. feel in momentary danger. feel there
is but step between mo and DEATH (V. 81
l have just fed from tie wrath of your father"
Hearing David through, Jonathan pledged to
David his service in any way he desired. Let
mo know your pleasure" he said.
Thirdly. David asked favor from Jona-
than. The next day would see the new moon.
The Hebrews celebrated the beginning OF each
month with two festive days. The royal fam
lily Joined in the celebration. il was family
feast All members Of each homo made il q
point to be present. David was sOn-in-law of
Saul, and lived at the palace. Hisahsence would
be noticed. And yet he was afraid to appear in
the presence of the angry, crazed, Saul. He
was also afraid not to be present at said feast,
lest Saul would find pretense for still greater
rage. David invented u plausible pretext for
absence, and urged Saul to present it in explana-
ton of his absence III Jonathan seemed to take
it kindly David purposed returning to the pal
ace on the third day, but IL Saul was angry at
David's going to Bethlehem it would be only
an additional reason for David seeking escape.
David was anxious to know how Saul would
take his absence. A special yearly feast like
that to be kept by Jesse's family Nv. 81 might
with some reason take precedence of the merely
monthly festivity. Saul entered heartily into
David's plans. The sequel shows what arrange
ments were made. (Read the chapter through
out.)
q. Suggestions
i. Il is we'll for US TO sea ourselves as others
see u.s. We may we'll distrust our opinion of
our conduct. Hence utility of kind mutual
suggestion. tV1)
3. 1t is we'll so TO live that you can appeal to
others as to your words, acts, etc. being proper.
3. There should be confidence between father
and son. (V. 2; St. John. Is: 49,
4. Life is very uncertain. ". 81 We should
make most of Ii for ourselves and our asso-
ciates.
5. Maintain festal days, family reunions and
the like.
8. Keep covenants inviolate.
z. Be true friends. Despise treaehery. Do
not abandon friends when they fall into
straits.A@