The Palatka news and advertiser., 1917-02-23


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which Samuel had performed at Beth
lehem. Had it been known it is not
possible he could have been Of the
kings household, or that his life could
have been safe for day. One or two
reconciiations were made between
Saul and David, but they could not
last. The king took away his wife
and gave her to another man. And
at last David fled to the hills and be-
came the captain Of Il band Of outlaws
and finally sought shelter among the
Phillistincs, the enemies Of his king
and nation.
A single incident in the career OF
Saul will illustrate the fury and fe-
rocity Of his character that had now
become ungovernable. David had
once sought food and arms Of Anime
lcch, the high priest at Mob, and the
priest had not only given of the con-
secrated bread, but had also given
him the sword of Goliah which was
laid up behind the Ephod. When
Saul heard of this, his anger was
great against the priest, and he or
dcred his guards to stay them. Doeg
the Edomite, alone obeyed, and in a
single day slew eighty-four priests.
Abiathar only escaped. The city of
Mob also was given up to massacre;
men, women, children, and all beasts
were put to death. They felt the
fury and vengence of King Saul.
Then Samuel died.
From this darkness and defeat
gathered about the house of Saul.
And this is where we see the proud,
strong man, once the friend of Israel,
overcome with paroxisms of madness,
no longer capable of chosing wisely,
making rash attempts upon the life of
his own son, the noble Jonathan, fight
ing fercely at every enemy, and al
ways fearing the fate which was COM
ing upon him. Samuel had forsaken
him and was now dead; he had slain
the priests; the voice Of Jehovah he
could not hear in his own soul, for
it was filled with furies; and nowhere
could he look for counsel. He sought
in his dreams, and he asked Of the
magic Urin, and he tried the prophets,
but none gave him such answer as he
wished.
Then he sought "woman of OBJ"
The presence of these necrom2nccrs
o. witches, or wise woman, among the
Israelites shows we'll the profound ig-
norance and credulity which possess
ed their minds. Saul had once or
dered them all to be destroyed, and
now he sought "The Woman Endor"
"a wizard. 1t was the night be-
fore The battle and the Phillistines
lay in camp before him. His soul was
dark within him. What was to be his
fate tomorrow? Disguised, in the
he sought the woman ard
swore to her-for she feared a snare
that she should die. She asked
him: "Whom shall I bring up to
vou?" Bring me up Samuel. She
gave cry, and said to him, "Thou
mast deceived me. I saw gods as
cending out of the earth. He ask !
ed "What is his FORM" An old
nan cometh up and he is covered |
With mantle.
Then Saul bowed himself to the !
ground for he feared the spirit of
Samuel. He heard a voice out of |
he depth, "Why hast thou disquiet-
ID me?" T am so distressed" said
he king, "for the Phillistines make
var against me and Jehovah is de-
parted from me and answers me no
more" "Why ask of me-" said the
,oice, "secing Jehovah is departed
rom thee and is become thy enemy?
lie hath done to thee as he said, and
as given the kingdom to David and
e will deliver thee to the Phillis-
ines, and tomorrow thou shalt be
With me, thou and thy son." Then
aul, the strong man, fell upon the
arth and tainted with despair. For
is fate was sealed.
| should like to say few things
UOuI Ihe STORY. Even IL all nap
ened exactly as reported, there is ,
very indication that it was a sim
lie dcception on the part of the wo-
ian. She knew of the Phillistincs'
trength. She alone is reported to
ave seen Samuel and she could
asilv have made his voice, for
he had the arts of a ventriloquist.
Ie may therefore dismiss the the
ry of diabolism from our minds.
ut Saul believed what he had
card and we may well understand {
lat his strength was departed from ,
i'm. He was no longer a leader,
ing of men. He had lost faith in
imself and his strength became
eakness. His soldiers the next
~ broke and fled before the enemy.
othing could save them. Jona-
IAN, Abinavah, and Malchishua,
IS sons fought like lions and were
lied in the front of the battle.