The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-12-14


(These lessons constitute the Sunday
school extension department of the above
named society All who study them are re-
quested TO send their names. postoffice adj
dress and denomination. mentioning this
paper. 10 the author at Washington, D. c..
CONTEXT.-Last lesson closed with David
standing on the dead body of Goliath.
whose head he held in one hand, whose
sword he grasped with the other hand
Pleased with this exhibition of bravery,
Saul took him into his service. David's
manner and spirit won the heart of Jona-
than, SauVs son, and the affection was re-
turned end a covenant made. (Ch. xviii, 3D.
Jonathan gave his garments, sword, bow
and girdle 10 his new-made friend. who
went out afterward at the Kings direction
and gained victories. On returning, he was
greeted with shouts by the women. These
demonstrations awakened the jealousy Of
Saul who, on several occasions. m
David's life. Even the Kings daughter was
given in marriage. after a snare had been
laid. (Ch. xviii, ~ Matters came at last
MO a desperate state, and David felt that
there was but a step between him and
death. (Ch. Xxx 81 He opened his heart TO
Jonathan, who remained steadfast, not
w~ithstanding his fathers ensnity, and they
devised a plan by which to test the real
purpose of the King and to determine
what course to pursue. 5 As'a
MEDIATOR.-It was agreed that on a
certain feast occasion David should return
to his fathers house with Jonathan's ap-
prevail. AS 1t was customary for the Kings
family to assemble at such times. SauIs
disposition might be judged as he noticed
the absence. 1t occurred as, was anticipated.
Jonathan answered his fathers questions.
SauIs anger was instantly kindled against
on n term erns a of great intimacy anaa affec Desn
which fact had given ground for hope OF
successful intercession. tCh. Xxx. p He EN-,
Jonathan OF duplicity, declared that the
friendship for David would result in his
evident hat he had knowledge of the tact
that the son of Jesse had oeen anointed by
Samuel. He then demanded that David be
shoufd he aP be s pat e i asa5S, M %.Ioanfnan
prov. xiv. II. ID. like a true mediator.
"What hath he doney" BY asking. for she
made an appeal TO the sense Of justice.
which Is, to some extent, in every heart.
hoping TO turn aside the wrath of she
King, as he had previously done. och.
PASSIoN.-The questions had just the
ceived that his son had confidence In David,
that he desired to shield him. and would
even prevent his fathers designs. The
evil spirit that had controlled him since
his rejection now wrought nightly. and
swept across his soul with tremendous
force. luke TX. 49, A storm OF ungov-
the King cast Ii with murderous force
to slnite Jonathan. The atrocity of such
an attempt seems TO some persons totally
incredible. and yet IT bears no proportion
TO his subsequent impious and most bar
barous murder of the priests, their wives
and children (Ch. xxi. 1l-l9), because the
nf4>r nm a1SAa-n rrhff ~ nrrn0 rr0E
the result of sudden and furious rage.
Rising quickly from the table,. Jonathan
escaped. his heart beating with Indignation
what was in store for his friend, but also
the deplorable state into which his father
mad al a ,b hlnd i,v OF d es h,s no msehei5'
destined to end in his destruction. (Ch-
XXI, g.
his pledge with David. AT the appointed
time next morning, having absented him
self from his father meanwhile, he went
out TO the field. accompanied by a lad.
bring 1t, crying, rs Ii not beyond thee?
Make speed, haste. stay, not" This was
concealed himself in the field, might know
of Saups evil purpose and secure himself
by retirement. The people OF the East, as
best suited their ardent nature, were ac-
tions, sometimes by actions accompanied
by words. Dob Ii, 12) This procedure, how
ever, WIS IOl WnOIiy DCCddcC VI S1Ch GUS
tom. When Jonathan and David made this
arrangement, three days before (Ch. Xxx,
20, 2D, they did not know that they could
meet alone in the field. and they desired a
method Of communication which might be
understood by them, but be uniptelligfble
to any others who might be within hear,
ing distance. When two hearts are Joined
in friendship. they frequently have secrets
and seek modes of confidential intercourse.
ws GRE p Tn feld 50 pe, Occurred b that so NO s ons
arrows to the lad (who understood not the
significance of what had transpired, and
dismissing him. Jonathan advanced. and
greeting was prolonged and cordial.
David's conduct united all the respect and
most endeared affection and glowing graft
tude. He fell on his face to the ground,
an act Of respect bestowed upon a
(Gen. Kill. &c. And this he did thrice. COM
plotting the duty of reverence. as the rab-
bis claim, although Jacob exceeded this.
(Gen xxxiii, 3D. When the two met they
embraced and kissed each other. This was
no unusual practice in those lays (Gen.
Xviii. 10). the simplicity of manner among
men leading them to conduct now common
only among women. Whether the people
OF the West have gained by maintaining
more reserve is a matter of some uncer-
tainty. In this instance, looking back
ward and considering all the circumstances,
no one can fail to admire the unrestrained
expression of David and Jonathan. each
SORROW.-There was more than love in
that greeting. Mingled with II and intensi-
flying 1t was sorrow. There is no affection
prov. xvii. 10. and grief makes one hungry
for that which love has to bestow- JON
athan's sorrow was partly for his father,
but chiefly for David, whom he admired
and loved for his excellent qualities and for
his undoubted future as the servant OF Co..
But David's sorrow, while II may have been
tinged by regret for the King, was chiefly
due to his own misfortunes. He considered
himself an exile. destined to wander from
place TO place, at every omen exposed to
the Kings wrath. He must leave mis- wife
and children, and he must be excluded from
an hour of sore trial to one who for a few
years before had been anointed King. How
strange to him must have appeared the
ways Of Providence. And so the two. In
s%orrowful affection. folded in each others
embrace, weeping together (Acts Xxx, 80
until David exceeded"
COMFORT.-Jonathan first gained control
of his emotions and sought 10 strengthen
the heart of his friend. When the fountain
OF tears has been opened the mind Is clearer
Changes the son of the King may utter
what the trembling heart of the prosecuted
will receive like cordial. For as much as
we have sworn, both Of US, in the name or
the Lord" Jonathan began, recalling that
covenant which they had MADE at their
ing IT.. BY this II appeared that they were
bound together because of their loyalty TO
God. Their friendship was rooted In plety.
III Pet. /. 22) No other would have endured
the strain. Jonathan proceeded; The LORD
be between me and thee and between my
seed and thy seed forever In the most
solemn manner he assumes and enjoins a
perpetual obligation, he to be DAVID friend,
David to be his friend. that relation TO be
extended to their posterity, ~Lt1esseH an1