The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-09-19
QUARTERLY REVIEW.
INTRODUCTION.

INTRODUCTION.
We glance backward and fix our part
ing gaze on the remarkable character of
David.-We have now. we think,
learned why David has fixed place in
world history; why he is one OF the few
who cannot be forgotten.--We have
not concealed nor palliated his moral
delinquencies. We have not conscious
ly obscured the Eternal Equity in our
estimate of the great Hebrew king.
But we have endeavored to consider
fairly his circumstances, and to remem.
Der the moral standard of the age in
which ne lived. We have not forgotten
that he did not enter upon his career
with such an inheritance of moral cap
ital as the later saints have possessed.
Benjamin Franklin was an electrician;
Thomas Edison is an electrician; yet we
cannot fairly compare the two electric
ians without taking into full account
the inheritance of each. Likewise we
cannot fairly estimate the character Of
David except we remember that his life
was set in an age when the general
world was in state OF barbarism. 1t
was not his fault that he was not born
in the modern ages. By no choice of
his own he fulfilled his career in an
early stage of the evolution of morals.
He is entitled to dispassionate judg-
ment according to his own inheritance
and environment.--We need not
however attempt to obscure the fact
that the real and final value of David's
career. as bequeathed to the ages, is it's
moral and spiritual contribution. 1t is
of minor consequence that he is inter-
esting as one who rose from humble life;
that he was the hero of many romantic
adventures; that he was skilful milit-
airy chieftain; that he was a great king
and made of his people a great nation;
that he was an ecclesiastic, and estab-
lished in his capital grand national
worship. This class of facts, however
fascinating it may be on the historic
page, does not give the warrant for max
ing David conspicuous in Sunday school
study. But we remember him as man
of God. We have, to be sure, unspeak-
able regret,-as he himself had in his
last days,-that his character is not
without dark and unmistakable moral
stains. But we remember him as one
who in his central life purpose was de-
voted to Jehovah. We recall his rapt
spiritual visions and his peerless wor-
shipful utterances. We remember of
his sins that they were insulated facts;
hey we're not repeated; they did not be-
:ome habits; and they were repented OF
nth agony, sincerity. frankness. humil
y, with faith in Divine Mercy which
d not disregard the Divine Justice.
ve come to feel, therefore that David's
no ineradicable part of his char
cter. The real David. when we take
the aggregate of his life into view, be-
comes to us holy man of God. AS a
sinner seeking Divine pardon and
spiritual restoration, he is for all sim
ners helpful example. To judge of
David without charity, even such char
ity as every one of us must crave for
himself,-will be, not to wrong him. for
he is now beyond harm from human GEN.
seriousness, but will be to wrong our
selves, by belittling our own SOULS
David" says DR.. Delayney, was true
believer, Jealous adorer of God,
teacher of his law and worship. an in
spirer of his praise; glorious example,
perpetual and inexhaustible fountain
of true piety; a consummate and un.
equalled hero; skilful and fortunate
captain. a steady patriot, wise ruler a
faithful, generous and magnanimous
friend, and what is yet rarer, a no less
generous and magnanimous enemy;
true penitent. divine musician, su
blime poet, an inspired prophet; by birth
a peasant, by merit prince; in youth
hero, in manhood monarch. and in age
a saint"