The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1915-05-06
In the Religious World
When Kings Son and Kings Rival Loved
seed and thy seed. forever
A KINGS Too-ReAdy Spear

Il
In the absence OF King saul, the
two friends agreed that upon his re
turn. Jonathan would ascertain the
real sentiments OF the king toward
David. determining whether the lat
| ter Was 20 be permanently n fugitiVe
from the court Noble son that he
VAS, Jonathan could not believe that
his father designed evil 10 his friend
The test agreed upon vas that David
should absent himself from formal
ceremonial: the kings words would
then reveal his purpose.
Hard beyond most mems endur.
ance was the test which Jonathan
had 10 undergo. For he must make
choice between father and friend
Sometimes one Is called upon 20 re
nounce all ties for the sake OF love
and Jonathan, when his hour struck.
adhered 10 his friend, Discovering
that the king proposed staying la.
vid. be began 90 plead the cause OF
his hearts beloved. To such heights
does love inspire the soul. Profound
indeed Was that answer made by one
asked the secret OF his success II
had a friend"
Throwing. or az least hrandishing.
his spear at his son. saul showed
how thoroughly jealousy had mad
dened him II led him 10 put 10
shame. and threaten the life OF his
own son. As love HITS. so hate de-
bases. Jonathan was ennoSled by
his friendship. Saul was demeaned
By his jealousy.
specifically, Jonathan might seem
10 be bit soft in giving up his
prtncely rights for his more loyal
friendship. That be was man OF
spirit as we'll as OF sentiment Is
shown by his conduct on this occa
sion lie arose from the table in
nercs anger" Like all great souls.
he had capacity for indignation,
God pity the man or the people who
ceases 10 be able 10 grow angry over
injustice such has lost also the aoil-
i,y for a great loyalty Give me the
person with hot passion; who dares
be nobly indiscreet. who has not a
ledger or a counting machine for
soul: but. who. like the Master OF
Love. dares WELD the whip Of small
cords upon all protaners OF right,
eousness. Social justice will never
come TO our world until lot o;
jellyash folk learn how 10 grow an
cry.
A Friend Rather Than q Throne
Life Offers no Joy like friend.
crted the poet Splendid Jonathan
chose a friend above a throne. lie
knew the justice OF David's cause.
and he foresaw that the sceptre
would one day come into his hand
No petty thoughts OF what be him
self was losing troubled him he
only. covenanted with David that
whatsoever should come 10 pass. bis
friend would remain friend 20 him
self and also his descendants--a
compact which David fulfilled In the
case OF Mephibosheth.
/ A stra;egem. which Is told NJ
length in the lesson text. has been
agreed upon by David and Jonathan.
The former hid himself in a field.
and the prince. with a lad 10 carry
7 his weapons. went forth ostensioly
I to archery practice. II he babe the
boy 20 farther 10 look for the arrow.
! Il meant that David should nee
This was the signal which the scene
At the royal table compelled iona
than TO give. David was an OUTLAW
Opportunity was afforded the two
! friends for a farewell Interview. II
vas a tender, emotional. affecting
scene, In which these heroic soldiers
wept on each others breast There
we're three parties 10 these VOWS OF
friendship-David Jonathan and Je-
hovah. For human love IL made
sure and sacred when IL Ia cemented
by the greater love OF God,
The message OF the lesson lies on
\ the surface. To be a friend. which
il more important than 70 have a
friends lifGe highest attainment.
n we miss this, We miss a means OF
soul culture as we'll as the dearest
prize that earth can bestov. Even
as God helps us 10 our earthly loves.
so our earthly loves help us TO know
God. God IL love. and he that abid-
eth in love abideth In God"