The L'Anse sentinel., 1907-12-21

pause he added: 'sl woald rather
study books than learn trade.y +, !
Nathan the prophet looked earnest
ly into the thoughtful eyes Of the boy
before him. He was almost II. the
age at which every Hebrew boy was
taught a trade. and even now the
prophet was planning the future Of
the young man before him. Not AL
the kings sons had learned trades,
but Nathan felt that even though he
was kings son. II would be better
for Solomon that he be given the
training common to Hebrew lads. The
care over and discipline Of the young
boy had fallen into Nathan's hands.
He 10 was who had been first to
speak over the little life the benedicr
tion and blessing of the Lord. and
when he had given him the uame 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
fiuences 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 a. though he
would look to the soul within and
read its 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 tc
speak. He had learned to love this
man of God as a father, and in many
respects there were closer bonds Of
union between them than existed be-
tween him and his own father, King
David
"Jedidiah," at last softly spoke the
prophet, "knowest thou the thing that
thou askest?"
Yea. that Imay possess the learn.
ing Of Egypt"
"Nay, rather thou art asking for tho
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% '}'
NAY. but cannot thy heart content
itself with what thy nation can give
thee?"
"And have I not been. content, but
should 1t remain content when there
is more beyond?"
The prophet did not naake- reply and
the boy went on after moments
pause:
"The Egyptian said that az son of
king would have special advan.
tages and privileges. You'll ask IA.
ther, won't you? And want you to
go with me; \ wouldn't want to bs
separated from you," and, the boy put
his hand affectionately upon the
others arm.
The, heart of the prophet was
touched. and a tear giistened in his
eye as he said: 4
Leave me now, Jedidiah, will
give thee answer later"
what would be the result" he
he asked himself. as he sat alone, If
the boy should 60 into Egypt?
Would the boy come back less ON
Israelite and follower Of the true
God? Would God be pleased at his
going?" Such were the flood Of
questions which surged through the
heart of Nathan. Had not the lad
spoken truly when he had said that II
was not disloyalty to God to de-
sire knowledge?" He would speak to
David, he finally resolved. King
David should decide.
"You didn't tell me when to come
back" apologetically spoke Solomon
as he entered the room Of the prophet
that evening, so I camo back to-
night" u
"Thou art determined to go?"
mot determined" replied Solomon
respectfully, "for will. abide BY thy
decision, and that Of my father, the
king. But do want to Co." @
The prophet placed both his hands
upon the shoulders OF the young lad
and locking him squarely In the eye
with tender, earnest gaze, he said.
slowly, as though he would measure
each word and note its eftact:
And thou ahalt~