The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-10-17
International SundaySchool
 Lesson
Fourth Quarter. Lesson HI. sHmue
 ix. October IS, 1908.
DAyID.s KINDNESS TO JoNATHAN's
 SON.

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 That David appreciated the immortal friendship of Jonathan Is evident from his pathetic eIegy at his death, and high praise of the heroes who had rescued his corpse from dishonor. But the terms of his oath could not be dis charged by panegyrtc, however noble. Jonathan had bound him to eontin- uance to his survivors of the kindness shown himself while yet alive. This was strict equity. based upon the gem erous surrender of imperial rights Jonathan had made for David's sake.
 Tn the midst of all his cares and en- terprises. the suppression of sedition. foreign conquest, unification of the nation. ecclesiastical organization. David kept his eye on his oath 10 Jonathan as on his polar star. This Is no subordinate Incident no romantic by-play. It is the fulfillment of a noble purpose cherished for years.
 Up to this moment Davids throne has not heen secure enough to- admit the recognition of lineal descendant of the rival house of Saul. In current Oriental policy. the bringing of the heir of a fallen dynasty to any con spiciousness would be simply to marx him for assassination. Protestation to the contrary would simply confirm the opinion that that was the thing desired. In that crude civilization. the deed could scarcely be prevented. David had already had experience enough to warm htm of the danger. as in the killing of Abner by Jacob. Ish bosheth by Rechab, and Baanah and Ammon by Absalom'
 Now, at length. his throne Is suffic- iently secure. his policy and character well enough understood, society order Iy enough for him to carry out his pur- pose without peril to the State or the, person whom he designed to honor; and it is the joy of his royal anu generous heart to do so.
 So, at length, there Is an imperial inquisition for a descendant of the fallen house of Saul. Nor Is the in- formation withheld that the inquiry Is made on account of Jonathan. The king will fain show the kindness which Providence has made possible by giv- ing such stability to his own throne. An old retainer Of Saul Is found in the person of ziba. If any one can give the desired information, he can. By means of him the cripple son of Jonathan is discovered under the hos pitable roof of Machir, a prince of Manasseh. in Lo-debar, beyond the Jordan.
 What must have been Meph ibosheth's apprehensions when he received his summons to the court and presence of the king! However much they may have attempted to ailay his fears--= knowing what the average Oriental despot would do under similar circum- stances, he must have felt that his life was in his hand as he took his journey to Jerusalem. No wonder he fell on his face in the kings presence. It was more than merely Eastern obeisance. No doubt there was abiect fear in his face. David's kindly "Fear not" came none too soon.
 By royal decree, Mephibosheth is made a prince of the realm. Ills conn fortable and independent maintenance is provided for by the restoration of his ancestral estateA In spite of his ob sequious protest, he is made a per manent and houored attache at the court. Thus David right royalty ful- filled his VOW.
 The Teachers Lantern.
 Here was something brand-new in the statecraft of that day. This one