Free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1888-1908, 1907-09-14

himself concerning them? and what
was the city which they held that he
should desire it? So he reasoned,
and sought for satisfaction in the
| things which he had obtained
But within the inner chambers of
his heart there were voices whisper
ing words Of condemnation. While
| there remained a spot within his
realm which he had not conquered
was he really king? While there was
a people who dared to cast defiance
in his face and repeatedly annoy and
| distress the people whom he as king
had sworn to protect and cherish was
he performing his duty? Could he re-
tain the respect. and confidence Of his
people and his army if he failed to
master the Jebusites and gain posses
sion OF their stronghold? Such were
the Questionings which troubled
him from within; and from without
there came the fresh protests of the
people Of judah whose possessions
were near to Jerusalem.
What use for US to plant our vine
yards and to SOW our fields If these
Jebusites are to descend upon US in
the night and take away the fruits
OF our toll? And when we pursue
them they find refuge within their
stronghold and cast ridicule upon US
from the walls"
Such was the last bitter complaint,
and David found himself asking the
question whether he could turn a deaf
ear to their pleadings? Could he re-
fuse to put forth effort to help? To
be sure it seemed like difficult task,
but ought he not try? But the failures
Of the nations about to conquer the
place gave him little confidence that
he would prove more successful in
any attempt he might put forth.
But you can try" came the clear
voice Of conscience from within. "Vic-
tory belongs to the Lord, and he will
not fail the one who putteth his trust
in him. he added half aloud to him.
self.
Yes" continued David to himself,
as the reused confidence within made
him see more clearly his duty in the
matter. Eyes, it is a reproach upon
David that such stronghold should re-
main unconquered. What an ideal
place that would be for the placing
of the tabernacle of the Lord, that
God might have his dwelling place
there. If God has given US the land
did he not wish and expect that we
would take this place, as we1I?"
One noble thing about David was
that as soon as he saw his duty clear
ly he did not delay action. For him
to come face to face with an issue and
realize that it must be met if he re-
NAMED true to God and to his nation,
was all that was necessary to bring
him into action. For this reason
that very night orders went out to
the army to be prepared for an early
start upon the morrow, when they
would go up against Jerusalem.
The order created some little dis
satisfaction, but this was quickly dis
PEELED whehn David himself appeared
clad in his armor and declared his
purpose to lead the army in the diff
cult and dangerous task which lay be-
fore it. But as they came beneath
the steep, lofty precipices with which
nature had surrounded the place they
sought by every device to scale some
point and gain admittance to the
place, they realized more forcibly
than ever what task lay before
them. And to add to their discom-
fort, the lame and the blind of the
Jebusites were gathered upon the
walls and nailed upon them, saying:
Except We take the lame and the
blind We cannot come in hither"
Then we will take the lame and
the blind" David muttered under his
breath. 1.-THE seeming impossible shall
become possible with Gods help The
enemy itself has told US the way we
shall enter the city.
And with that determination taken,
David ceased the efforts at scaling the
walls and directed his men to search
the secret underground aqueduct
|, which supplied the city with water,
saying unto them:
whatsoever getteth- up to the gut
ter and smiteth the Jebusites and
the lame and the blind, that are hated
of David's soul, shall be chief and
captain.
And thus encouraged, the ascent of
the precipice was made and the gate
of the city quickly opened, so that
David entered in triumph the place
whoch had def1ed him.
And David dwelt in the fort and
called it the city of David, and as
he sat contemplating the victory from
the heighths of the city. he ex-
claimed:
Il never knew before that Judah
and the land of Israel were so fair.
What would the kingdom have been
without this splendid placer"