The Carlisle independent., 1915-05-06


 tmes-Prov. 17:17.
 l. There is perhaps no narrative in all history or literature which so perfect ly illustrates the conditions of friend ship as this which is before us Jon athan was every inch man; affection ate, sweet and tender, deeply pious and withal loyal to both duty and friends. His rights, as the kings son, he gladly set aside for David, whom he loved as his own' soul" (ch. 1S:3; 2o:1O. Jonathan is a great type of the surrendered life (ch. 23:1O.
 l. David's Danger, w. 32-35. Three times in the previous chapter (vv 5, 14, 30) We read that David behaved himself wisely" Saul eyed David" (v. 19) and his jealous anger grew as he gave vent to his hate Jonathan's desires for David drew the anger of Saul (20:30), but it only put him more upon his guard and made him more de- termined, if possible, to save both David and Saul.
 Following David's escape 1S:1S) he consulted Jonathan regarding his safety (20.1-1O). They renewed their covenant and swore fealty to each other and to those of. their house. holds (yv. HID. It is standing re- buke that Christians treat so lightly their covenants with the church and with the world. David was safe at Naioth d9:1S-24, for each company sent after him, and Saul himself, were hindered by the Spirit of Jehavah from carrying out Sauls foul designs. This seemed for the moment to humble Saul (20:1; Ps. 97:D. Jonathan, though great and mighty, was not strong enough to deliver his friend from the renewed wrath of his father. Vain is the help of man." Our help is in the Lord" Jonathan showed his true friendship in that he told the ex- act state of affairs to David (v. 10).
 When Saul became convinced that Jonathan was taking David's part, he tried to kill Jonathan and reviled the mother who bore him (v. 30). In his loss of self-control Saul allowed David to escape. Even so, sin overshoots it's mark. The contrast is a dark one to contemplate.
 II. David Delivered, w. 35-42. Jon- athan did not revile again (v 34) when insulted and assailed by his father and his manifestation of just anger tfor his mother was reviled) was quite different from that of his father Any attempt to reconcile Saul to Da- vid (v. 34) was useless exposure to danger and for Jonathan to be seen with his friend would imperil his own life. This explains the expedient of shooting arrows in the field. Jonathan shot his arrows beyond" i. e., David must go beyond" and out of the reach of Saul. David trusted Jonathans fidel- ity (v. 23) when the test came, though Jonathan might have good reason for playing him false in order to promote his own interests.
 Dismissipg the boy, Jonathan drew near to David's hiding place, to the south of the stone Ezel (v. Al R. V.), where most touching parting took place between these two friends. First of all David bowed tremendously
 
 ground, perhaps to show his unshaken loyalty to Jonathan as the kings son. This was but for moment; as men of the East and friends, they rushed to each others arms and wept for long time. These were the manly tears of two brave men not afraid to show their love and emotions It has been hot ch0 accompanied David as Gods elect (Heb. 13:13), but we feel that duty bade him to remain by the side of his sin-stricken father.
 The Lessons of the Lesson True friendship costs. Gods love gave to the world his Son. Jonathan's friend ship for David was costly, but was given gladly, not grudgingly. True friendship neither forgets duty nor neglects it's desire towards the object of its love. It is not governed emotion ally, yet it disregards all other ties, if they are wrong Not even a father or mother should lead us to wrong a friend. When David came into power ne remembered the everlasting cove nant made with Jonathan (II Sam 3:3). Our "Son Of David" has made similar covenant with us (Acts 16:31; 2:39). True friendship is of slow growth, but is not easily killed, chilled by reverses, nor frozen by ad- Versity (Prov. 1S:24. True friendship IS unselfish. It gives and does not seek.
 True friendship Is founded upon re- igion and the best friend, the ideal friend. is Jesus Christ.