Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1907-09-19

The king sat silently ana disconso-
late far into the night. and when at
last he sought his couch II was only
10 find his troubled thoughts merg-
ing into the most distressing dreams.
so that little rest or refreshing came
to him. And the DAYS which followed
brought little relief. for the unexpiaIn-
cd mystery does not contribute to
ones peace Of mind Day after day.
yea. night after night ere slumber
came to his weary. tiresi brain. he
went over and over again the sad Incl
dents Of Uzzah's death. lie tried to
analyze his own purposes and desires
In brslgiug up the ark. He searched
his heart for answer TO the many
questions which arose.
He did not doubt God He did not
feel rebellious against him. But he
did want to understand it all II seem
ed as though he never again could
come into close and loving touch with
him again. His longing was after God.
and yet how dare he approach unto
him or come near To the sacred en-
blems Of lsraers worship. or bring
them to their proper place in the
royal city II such fate as came to
Uzzah awaited him or others in Is
rael2
He thought that the presence Of
ark in Jerusalem would bring the
blessing and favor Of God. but how
could he now hope for such thing
when on the very journey thither the
ark brings death to those in whose
care it was placed
How all Israel had rung with the
joy Of bringing up the ark. ami now
in wisat reproach must he be- held be-
cause his plans had ended In such
disappointment and tragedy Thus
the days passed in trosbled thought.
| The weeks grew TO be- a month and
then the month stretched to two and
still no relief came 10 poor King
/ David
So It was when the third month
was drawing to n close Weary with
the struggle and the questionings
| which filled his heart David resolved
| that he would send for the Prophet
| Nathan. who in the course OF his
ministry through Israel had come to
| Jerusalem.
What think you concerning this
natter questioned David when the
man OF God had come into his pres
ence. Il fear to brinE up the ark.
| and yet cannot he content while II
abides not in the tabernacle where
the word of the Lord which came unto
Moses declared * should be placed
But since the Lord smste Uzzah all
the nation fears the ark as some ter
rible thing which will bring them
hurt
But thinkest thon that the judg.
ment of the Lord rests upon any who
deserve 1t not" replied Nathan
"Knowest thou not that God must
punish violation of the command
concerning the touching Of the ark ?
II plague came to the PhilIstines be
cause they kept the ok a trophy to
their gods. knowing not God neither
his law how much more should iudg-
ment he on Levite who. instructed
as he is concerning the things of the
tabernacle. puts forth the presump-
tuous hand and thinketh to save the
emblem OF Divine presence from dis
aster2''
But there seemed danger that the
ark would fall. for the oxen shook r.
and Uzzah thoughtlessly put forth his
hand to stay it," David responded
quickly
Yea" solemnly said the prophet.
but thou must not forget that those
to whom God commits his sacred
trust must heed the commands OF the
Lord concerning them"
Then thou thinkest that there is
. nothing TO fear in the presence OF the
ark" David asked eagerly
Nathan opened his mouth TO reply,
; when the entrance OF a servant an.
nouncing the arrival Of a delegation
to see the king cut short his words.
as they cried. ioyfully. almost before
they had made their obeisance.
Let the kings heart rejoice. for
blessing has come to the house Of
Obededom since the ark came into his
care
Thou hast thy answer TO thy ques
, ton" Nathan exclaimed. turning Ia
the king Go thou and n1ng the
, ark thither"
, So David went and brought up the
, ark of God from the house OF Obededom
/ unto the city OF David with gladness