Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1903-11-12
A WICKED SON..
International Sunday School Lesson
for Nov. 8 Is "David's Grief Over
AbsaIom." N Sam. 10. 24-32,

ApSdiOWy " 0dNIs, 10, Gf-o6s
The conspiracy of Prince Absalom
against his father, King David, the
fight of the latter from Jerusalem, the
death of Absalom after defeat in bat
tie, and finally David's lament over
his son. formone of the saddest pictures
in the old testament. The careless and
debonair prince, vain of his beauty
and sacrificing all finer instincts to his
selfish ambition, and the noble old
king, bowed in spirit, heart-brCken
n yearning for his migrate sons well
fare and love, form a striking study in
contrasts.
Absalom, so we learned a week ago.
had organized a revolt against David
with IL view to Wrestling the kingdom of
Israel from him. The foolish and un-
thinking masses, deceived by his
smooth ways. followed his leadership.
AT first, Absalom apparently held the
winning side, and had battle been
Joined at once the story might have
had a different ending. David. how
ever. had adroitly sent a friend to sit
In Absalom's councils and to cOnfound
the sagacious leadership of Ahitophel.
Thus delay was secured and the kings
odd guard" the tried soldiers who
had been by his side in a score of bat
ties, together with the loyal and law
abiding people, and powerful recruits
AiVblt QOl lGliACA AL w AlS " "a
standard.
The exit from Jerusalem, in haste
n disgrace. with Il foul-mouthed ad-
versary hurting curses upon David, was
! a pathetic spectacle. Yet in his hour
of temporary defeat the king, though
weighed down by sorrow, manifested a
noble dignity and submission to his lot
possible only to a great and chastened
soul. The analogy between King Da-
vid and King Lear, as Shakespeare por-
trays the latter, is suggestive. Both
could cry, Sharper than a serpent's
tooth it is to nave a thankless child"
WAITING AT THE GATE.
After a delay which Absalom would
have permitted had he been as
shrewd as he was INSCRIPTIONS. the
two armies met in battle. David had
desired to lead his forces in person, but
his people prevailed upon him to remain
behind in the city of Mahanaim. His
last word to the commanders in charge Of
the army was Deal gently for my
sake with the young man." His fathers
o was stronger than any other sem
timent.
Then David stationed himself at the
gate of the city to await tidings. He
could not be content to rest in a house,
or to go about his ordinary business.
He must get as near to the news of
battle as possible less because OF his
interest in the battle than Of his inter-
est in his Maynard son. His attitude
was one of age waiting and yearn-
ing. His old heart was sore for his
sons love. Sorrow upon sorrow, all
due to his own sin. as he was perfectly
aware, had crowded upon him: now he
was praying sthat his beautiful Abb
SALON might be spared and restored to
him. He cherished no hate against
the young man for his rebellion; it was
all a fathers y%earning, compassionate
love.
In his Impotence, the king sent the
Waterman upstairs to the roof to watch
for the messengers. Perhaps as the
curious onlookers watched David's in
terest they thought hat his anxiety
was due to concern for the safety of
his throne. which hung upon the out
come of the battle. news of which they
all awaited. Little understood they the
greatness and tenderness of that
bruised heart. Absalom, his son, meant
more to him than all the world besides.
As has been illustrated in hundreds of
instances, men have spent their all to
! a " the lives Of their children. For
many days past a wealthy Philadel-
! phian has been devoting all his time
and skill and all the resources that his
fortune can command to a search fol
his son, who a disappeared in the
r! mountains of Tennessee. Parent love
is the strongest human passion and
nearest to the divine.