Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1907-12-19

pause he added: Il would rather
study books than learn a trade"
Nathan the prophet looked earnest-
ly into the thoughtful eyes OF the boy
before him. He was almost 70, the
age at which every Hebrew boy was
taught trade, and even now the
prophet was planning the future of
the young man before him Not all
the kings sons had learned trades.
but Nathan felt that even though he
was kings son, It would be better
for Solomon that he he given the
training common to Hebrew lads. The
care over and discipline of the young
boy had fallen into Nathan's hands.
He Il was who had been first to
speak over the little life the benedic-
ton and blessing Of the Lord. and
when he had given him the name of
Jedidiah he realized better than any
one else that he was indeed the be
loved of the Lord" and that the Lord
had destined him as the future king
of Israel For this reason conster-
nation filed his heart as he heard the
words of the young lad He had
wanted to hold him under Jewish in
huences and training, and here he
was with longing eyes looking toward
Egypt as the goal of his ambition.
For some few minutes the prophet did
not answer, the meantime keeping his
eyes upon the boys face as though he
would look TO the soul within and
read it's every secret.
The open, frank, clear eye did not
finch before the searching gaze. but
instead the boy stood quietly and
deferentially waiting for Nathan to
speak. He had learned to love this
man of God as a father, and in many
respects there We're closer bonds of
union between them than existed be-
| tween him and his own father, King
David.
'Jedidah.' at last softly spoke the
| prophet, "knowest thou the thing that
thou askest?"
Yea that l may possess the learn
ing of Egypt"
Nay, rather thou art asking for the
right to forget thy God and thy peo-
pie"
The face Of the boy flushed Grim
son. but his eyes did not falter as they
looked into the older mans face and
he said:
But is It disloyal to God or to my
nation to desire Knowledge"
May, but cannot thy heart content
itself with what thy nation can give
thee?"
And have I not been content, but
should it remain content when there
Is more beyond?"
The prophet did not make reply and
the boy went on after O moment
pause:
The Egyptian said that as son o!
a king l would have special advan.
tages and privileges. You'll ask ia
Their, won't you? And want you To
go with me; l wouldn't want to be
} separated from you" and the boy put
} his hand affectionately upon the
, others arm.
, The heart Of the prophet was
} touched. and tear glistened In his
} eye as he said:
, Leave me now. Jedidiah, l viii
give thee answer later"
, What would be the result" he
} he asked himself, as he sat alone, 81
, the boy should go into Egypt
, Would the boy come back less al
, Israelite and follower of the tru,
, God? Would God be pleased at hi!
, going?" Such were the flood o
, questions which surged through tn,
, heart of Nathan. Had not the Lar
spoken truly when he had said that 1
was not disloyalty to God to de
sire knowledge?' He would speak t
, David, he finally resolved KIM
David should decide.
You didn't tell me when to com,
back" alphabetically spoke Solomon
as he entered the room OF the prophe
that evening, so came back to
) night"
Thou art determined to go?"
Not determined" replied Solomon
respectfully, for / will abide by tn
decision, and that OF my father, tn
; king. But do want to CO."
!, The prophet placed both his hand
upon the shoulders of the young i, la
and looking him squarely in the ey
with tender, earnest gaze, he sale
slowly, as though he would measur
/ each word and note its effect:
! And thou shalt"