The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-12-19
THE yUNDAY-sCHOOL LESSON.
For December %. Fourth Quarterly
Review by the Reverend Doctor
j. r.. Gilbert,

FOREWoRD-Thc Lessons of the quar-
ter have been in six biblical books, one
only from the New Testament. three
seven from the historical books OF III
Samuel. l Kings and I Chronicles. One
lesson has been for Christmas and one
on Temperance. three on religious expert
ence. and all the others on events in the
lives OF David and of his son. Solomon.
This is a very interesting variety. partly
concrete. partly abstract. some of 1t
highly instructive. Throughout the entire
three months there has been occasion to
notice that human nature In by-sone GEN.
turtles Was the same it is to-day.
brings up the ark. Gil Sam. vi. 1-l2). The
good purpose of the King was thwarted
by the carelessness and irreverence of his
subordinates. Uzzah. who thrust out his
hand to steady the ark. is a good repre-
sentative OF those who. for lack of proper
regard to sacred things. involve them
selves and others III trouble. The instant
death of the offender shows how zealously
God cares for his own institutions. The
resting in the house of Obed-edom and
the blessing which followed teach the
worth OF the divine ordinances to those
David's second attempt with the ark
marked his persevering faith.
SECOND-October II. Gods Covenant
completes his career at death. Every one
begins work and transmits it to those
who come after. Hence men ought to toll
with reference 10 the future. and leave
conditions favorable to the continuance
OF good enterprises. As he came near the
end OF life David was made TO know that
this was Gods plan concerning him. He
wa Was not permitted to construct the tenn
covenant was made that included his son
as temple-builder. And SO the man Of
many battles. who had liberated his peo-
Pile from all enemies. was permitted to
survive his decease and hope for greater
things.
THIRD LEssoN-October 49, David's
Confession. Psalm II. LID Little men
they seldom acknowledge them. 1t il the
part OF a great man to know that it is
human to err. and that it IS noble to be
display such admirable eaualities as those
that appeared In this psalm. wherein he
describes all the experiences through
which he had passed under conviction of
which to find deliverance from his pain.
he who confesscs and humbles himself
excites the divine pity and begins
process OF spiritual cleansing
FOURTH LESSON. October % Dav:d's
JOY over Forgiveness-tPsalm xxxii, The
Ia VS. of spiritual life. clearly set forth in
I MS experience of David. show to men of
All lands and centuries how peace may lie
found by those oppressed with sin. Silence
In time of conviction Only increases the |
burden; Confession awakens divine pity |
and brings pardon Then follow in rapid
Ing place in temptation and trouble and |
rejoicing because of assured security. The |
blessing obtained by one in this way will |
encourage others to seek and find the |
same
FIFTH LESSON. November I. David |
and Absalom--QI Sam. XIV. 1-12) Every
violation =, Of Gods law brings its own pun
put eventually the trans&ressor must suf-
er With unerring certainty the penalty
VIII come. God is not Knocked. WIatsO-
ever man soweth. that shall he also
cap. The lesson of the day reveals the
OF polvgamy, practicsd In the
lrcient world by Kings and other rnen in
Ugh station. Notwithstanding his nlcty.
David patterned after other monarchs and
multiplied wives. These were taken from
ifrerent countries. Their sons were natur-
lily destitute of fraternal and hlial feel
hief. The story Of Absalom shows how
)avid's domestic life failed.
SMITH LESSON. November s. David's
;rief Over Absalom-GI Sam. xviii. q
raws out the tenderest expressions of II
ond father. 1t is wonderful that David
ould retain proper regard for the mem.
ers OF his numerous household. It might
ave been expected that he would be desti-
ute of that affection which n husband
ught 10 possess toward his companion.
egard would be diminished. But this WON
erful man displays the wealth of his emo
Ional nature in his grief. Absalom. the
ebel. from whom he had fed. was 4 son
till, whom he cherished with utmost ten
erness. evidently increased by his wick
tiness.
SEVENTH LESSON-November. 15 'Da-
ids trust in God psalm xiii. This may
ave been written in his. early life. before,
ne sins that marred his peace. hut. If ]
1t is the result of experience.
avid here first makes his youthful voca-
on the medium OF instructiq Borrow
g figures of speech from hisshabits as a |
iepherd. The watch-care which he had
yer his flock is made to Represent Gods
astures. are emblems Of the 1ouIs COM 1
,rts. The feast. another figure intro
iced. is like that illustration dbed by our
avior in the PARABLE also by THE Reye- !
tor.
EIGHTH ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS O. The
irse of strong drink prov. xx, L; xiii. I
81. 29-3a) See what fearful experiences y