The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-12-25
FOURTH QUARTERLY REVIEW.

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FOREWo r D.--Thc lessons OF the quar-
ter have been IN six Biblical books, ono
orly fron7tlle New Testament, three from
the Psalms. ono from Proverbs. and
seven from tic historical books OF n SAM
|.,clI Kings and T Chronicles. One lesson
has been for Christmas and one OH tenn
Sperance, three on religious experience,
and all tie iot hers OH events In tho lives
rsDayid and OF his son. Solomon. This
Is d very interesting variety. partly con-
crete, partly abstract. some OF 1t ethical
much OF 1t practical. and all OF It highly
Instructive. Throughout the entire three
months there has been occasion TO notice
thatShuman nature In by-gonc centuries
was the Same II Is to-day 5#
FIRST ON.-October dtli.-Darid
Brings lip the Ark. II Sam, .vi:1-12 The
good purpose OF the king WAS thwarted
BY the carelcssness and perseverance = OF
his subordinates. Uzzuh, who thrust out
his hand TO steady the ark, Is a good
representative OF those who. for lack OF
proper regard to sacred things, involve
themselves and others In trouble, The IN
slant death Of the offender shows how
zealously God cares for His own instl-
tutions. The resting in tho house OF
Obed-ctlom ana the blessing which fol-
lowed teach the worth OF tho Divine or
dinances to those who are permitted TO
receive them. David's second attempt
with tho ark marked his persevering
faith.
SECOND. October 11th.-God's Cove
nnnt with David QI Sam, vii:i-lG) No
man completes his career a t death Every
one begins n work and transmits 1t 10
those who come after. Hence, men ought
| to toll withreference to the future, and
leave conditions favorable to the CON
ttinuance Of good enterprises. AS he
came near the end of his life David was
made to know that this was Gods plan
concerning him. IIo was not permitted
to construct tile temple. on which his
heart was set, but q covenant was made
that included his son as q temple-builder.
And SO the man Of many battles, VINO
had liberated his people from oil enemies,
was permitted to survive his dcccasc
and hope for greater things. y
| THIRD gIESSON.-Octobcr 1Str,--D1-
vids Confession. psalm, li:1-1D Little
men never feel their faults or, II they do,
they seldom acknowledge them. 1t Is the
part of great man to know that It Is
human to err, and that 1T is noble TO
be pantcnt.@ BY no act Of his life did
David dIsplaysuch admirable Qualities
as those that appeared In his psalm,
wherein lie describes all the experiences
through which no had passed under con-
victon OF sin. This was the way. tho
only way, by which to find deiverunce
from Ills pain. Hc who confesscs and
humbles himself excitcs the Divine pity
and begins u process OF spiritual CLEANS
ing. LIZ Is i HI
FOURTH L,EssON.--O October 18th
Davld's Joy Over forgiveness, psalm
xxxii.) The laws of spiritual ifo clearly
set forth In this experience, Of David.
show to men Of all lands and centuries
how peace may be found by those OPP
pressed with sin. Silence In time Of con-
yiction only Increases the burden. Con-
fcsslon awakons Divine pity and brings
pardon. Then follow III rapid succession
tho confidence Of God as a hiding plaza
in temptation and trouble and rejoicing,
because or assured security The blessing
obtained BY one In his way Will en-
courage others to seek ana find the
snme. 5
FIFTH LESSON November LIST. David
and Absalom. III Sam. Ky: 1-la) Every
violation Of Gods law brings Its own
punishment. This may be delayed for
n lime, hut eventually the transgrcssor
penalty will come God lsGnot Knocked,
Whatsoever il man soweth that shall
lie also reap The lesson OF the day rcTi
vcus the consequences OF polygamy,
pr;lcticed in the ancient world by kings
ANA other men in high station. Not
Wthstandlng MS plely, DuNld Patte'neu
after other monarfhs and multiplied
wives. These were taken from different
countries, Their sons were naturally
destitute OF fratcrnal and filial feeling
Moved by ambition they plotted mischief,
The story or Absalom shows how Davlds
| domestic life failed,
SMITH LESS NJ November Stll, Dn-f
yids Grief over Absalom. Gil Sam, xviii:
2s-35) Tho untimely death Of way
ward son draws out tho tenderest on
pressons of u fond father, II Is won
deriul that David could retain proper
regard for the members OF his numerous
household. It might have been expected
that he would be destitute OF that af-
Icction which a husband ought to pos
sess toward Ills companion, and that, as
n consequence, the fathery regard would
be diminished. But this wonderful man
displays the wealth Of his emotional ma
turo in Ills grief. Absalom, the rebel,
from whom lle had fled, was a son still,
whom he cherished with 2utmost tenders
ness. evidently increased BY his wicked
liest.
| SEVENTH I,lTsSON November 18th.
pavlh's Trust In God, psalm X&ii)
This may hlye been written In his early
a ,1g