The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1908-08-26

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Life. l Sam. 26:l7-25.
A study of the lesson for this day
will show that far back, over one
thousand years before Christ was
born. one of the leading commands
of His Sermon on the Mount, was
given practically demonstration. 1t
was this: Love your enemies; do
good to them who hate you. - Our
lesson of last week. where we learn
ed of the friendship of Jonathan in
warning David of Saul's deadly
hatred for him, has prepared US for
the lesson of TODAY. Those who have
read in the bilbe about the life of
David prior to becoming king will
know that Saul sought his life. chas-
ing him about in the mountains. and
trying to spy out his hiding places.
Saul even went SO far as to kill
priest who had given David food when
he was in desperate need of something
to eat. With this in mind let US
look at the lesson verses.
There are two recorded instances
when David spared the life of Saul.
One is found in the oath chapter of
Sam. and the other in the 26 chapter,
the lesson of this date. In the first
instance David had sought hiding
from Saul in huge cave. when what
should happen. but that Saul should
come and lay himself for sleep near
the mouth of the cave. The soldiers
with David, whispered to him, that
thus had God put his enemy in his
power.
David refused to do any violence to
the sleeping king. He did cut off
part of his garment to show him that
he could have killed him if he had so
wished. The lesson of this date re-
cords how when Saul was sleeping,
David and servant, went to the
PROSTATE king. took the cruise Of
water near him, and his spear. At
this time David was urged by his men
to take the life of Saul, when in his
power to do so.
After the securing of the spear.
David from safe distance had talk
with Saul. and told him that he was
innocent of desiring to do him harm.
Saul was overcome by this conduct on
the part Of David and said he had
sinned. played the fool and erred ex
ceedingly. He ended up by blessing
David and turning back from follow
ing him with evil intent.
There are few commands in the
bible which so go counter to the
nature of man, as the one to love his
enemies and d. good to those who
hate him. In rare cases the natura;
man, with no knowledge of the teach
ings of the bible has been magnani-
nous and done good to his arch
enemy. but the usual way, of Staying.
when the offending one is in helpless
condition. is usually followed. The
religion of Jesus is the religion of
love. and to be true christians we
must follow lines of conduct inspired
by love. The great Apostle Paul
says in Romans IL: 81. "Be not over
come of evil, hut overcome evil with
good. and this should be the feel
ing and aim of every follower of
Jesus. Ones bitterest enemy can be
made friend by display of love.
Hatred and desire for revenge does
not give true happiness. The men
and women you most admire are not
those living to punish their enemies,
but rather those who shed sunshine
and love on their daily paths. We
hope that the study of this lesson
will result in new determination to
guide the life by rules of love, for all
known that haterd. revenge malice,
must be distasteful to God and those
who indulge in these cannot be in His
full favor.