The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-09-26
THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL LESSON.
Third Quarter-LessOn XIII-Septem-
her %, 19O3-Review.

On the background of the narrative four ex-
ceedingly interesting figures appear in clearcut
outline. Each is unlike the others. All stand
for distinct, but different IDEAS. Each helps to
an understanding of the other. Altogether, aside
from religion this ancient literature makes ex-
ceedingly interesting reading. The quickly
ing scenes give vivid views of life three thou
sand years ago. But as the fundamental princi-
pies of human life are the everywhere and
always we have here striking illustrations of the
rise progress and end of right and wrong ideals
of life
Samuel is a towering personality in Hebrew his
tory. great man and patriot. His whole
career lifts him above suspicion Of self-seeking.
He has the incidental attractiveness of one In
whose person one line closes and another be-
gins. He was last of judges. first of prophets.
1t was under Samuel that the form of govern
ment changed. The theocracy became a mon
archy That most unique form Of government in
the history of the world had maintained for
four hundred years. God was King. The taber-
nacle his palace. The wings of the cherubim
were his throne. But the people wanted
change They had perhaps been ridiculed by
their neighbors as headless nation They
coveted also the pomp and circumstances of
royalty. Then too, they were FESTIVE under tho
rule of the theocracy which held them the
highest ideals of personal and civic righteous
nations" The outcome of samuels wise and
patriotic service a monarchy like, yet I'M
like that of surrounding nations The ultimate
deposit from the fervent heat of this bloodless
revolution was a theocratic monarchy. God rul-
ing yet. but through kings of his selection
and limited by terms which he had prescribed.
Samuel effected this constitutional change with
the master hand of statesman, and for this
cause would deserve place in the gallery Of
immortal patriots.
Saul is one the weirdest characters in his
tory. He had an heroic physique-gigantic stat
ure. rudy countenance. piercing eye. and at
start ingenious spirit. He quickly developed
capacity for kingship. He could keep his own
counsel. He knew how to ignore the discourtesy
of a recalctrant minority. RE went back TO a
bucolic life biding his time and the opportunity
to show his generalshp and valor and use his
Office for the deliverance of the people. The
cause and growth of his madness makes a study
in psychology. Browning describes Saul in
word as gigantic and blacklist OF ALL The
final rejection of Saul not an arbitrary piece
of caprice on the part of Providence 1t was
Just as necessary the expulsion from the
orchestra of the musician who will not observe
the directors baton. Saul Indignantly persisted
In striking false notes and spelling the harmony
of a Divine symphony. He repeatedly ad-
monished and given opportunities, but he
was bent striking such notes as he pleased.
The bloody denouement came at length in the
irretrievable defeat at Mount Gilboa, when the
spectral words uttered in the cave at Endor
had their fulhllment History, profane nor
sacred contains a more awful instance of con-
scious, inveterats assertion OF human selfhood
against a declared purpose of the Almighty
Thus ever. the hammer broke. the anvil re-
manned.
David is one OF the widest characters OF his
tory. He stretches over whole octave OF pos
sble human experiences. This constitutes his
perennial fascination. 1t is as IL all the hopes
and fears. defeats and triumphs Of all human
lives, were poured into this one life. That makes
him an all-mens mate and fellow The biogra-
rhy of this myriad-sided man is accompanied by
the immortal Psalms. He learned in suffering
what he taught in song. David certainly
Gods man for that hour OF Hebrew history. The
kingly Office was matched by a kngly character
The manifold and imperative exactions OF a posi-
ton. which has not precise parallel in history
were met by versatile character. developed and
Injured to meet those exactions. David could
person lead 10 battle. He could both make law
and administer II. He could maintain the deli
cate equilibrium between the recluse and the
man OF affairs. With a master hand he changed
the whole face of Hebrew history. Like a series
of startling pictures the incidents OF David's
career follow each other in the sacred narrative:
the shepherd boys encounter with the giant;
the Jealous and murderous attempt OF the mad
king upon the life OF his armor- bearer; the i'm