The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1918-10-31
JONATHAN

some coveted prize as penalty tor the abuse OF
natures rigid laws. No mortal not single one may
pass from birth death without paying full price for
all that life reluctantly yields for every abuse OF
her confidence and privileges. For she is jealous
steward. keeping charge with scrupulous over
her treasures be they material of the heart and
mind or, rarest of all, of mans immortal spirit. She
bestows gifts upon none beggar and prince equal
in her eyes; the who her price receives full
measure for his payment, others do without.
Folks are aware, in general way. of this cash in
advance rule of life. Every one knows that if we
would eat we must work. If we desire some part of
the uxuries and pleasures that abound in the world,
again must work. If we aspire to position and
and favor among men, than ever, work and pre-
paraton required But, for unknown
reason, we look upon many of lifes
without any payment. Among these happiness
and contentment esteem and respect love and friend
ships some of the rarest jewels the wealth that life
guards we ask as gifts. Why we should refuse the
price that is set upon them is inexphcabe. They
worth any price but in every instance life asks
of than is in his power TO pay, always her
prices just and equitable Let consider friend
ship and see how these statements are
Searching the history of the ages we encouSter,
here and there friendships that renew faith in
mankind and afford glimpse of the sublimity to
which platonic affection rise. The first fact that
engages attention is the rarely of such incidents.
Centuries and centuries separate the few such friend
ships that the world has been privileged to witness
1t is because of this singular characteristic of these
perfect friendships that they loom large amid the
endless multitude of human events. They verit-
able beacons all humanity warnings of the dangers
that enguf those who ignore the rich possibilities of
- Al
is possible attain in this world; for such friend
ships truly bits of heaven the home of perfection.
given to the weary world for few fleeing moments.
Between Jonathan and David such friendship
isted No affection more beautiful than existed be-
tween these two be found in the annals that
reveal the feelings, ambitions and deeds of
There of those infrequent touches of perfect
ion the world is privileged to know. kings son,
heir to the throne of Israeli who enjoyed all the pre-
negatives of such position, gave his hearts deepest,
truest affection to humble shepherd lad his faith
er's court For his comeness, his bravery and fear
lessness his spirit Jonathan must have loved David
for the lad had nought else to recommend him.
While Jonathan had more, even than the distinct
ion of being the kings He an idol, hero,
in the eyes of the peoples having their most reverent
respect and most ardent worship. And we'll he de-
served it ALL The Israetes beset by the
Philstines and it seemed that their old enemy
harass and af1ict them still But Jonathan only
with his bearer and his implicit trust in the
Jehovah of his people, went forth against the power
full host of the Philistines. Through his bravery and
Divine help he started among the soldiers of
the enemy and gave great victory to Israel that day.
| A victory that threatened Jonathans life. Saul
| had charged the people with an OATH that who
| should eat any food that day would surely die.
Jonathan had not heard his fathers Words So re-
turning from the battle faint and wearied he had par
taken of some wild honey Saul would have kept
his oath and killed the gallant warrior but the people
irterfered and would not permit any harm to
| the one who had served them 80 we'll. Such were
the position and esteem held by Jonathan among the
| Israeltes
1t was not passing fancy he had for David. He
loved him as he loved his own SOUL" Nor did he
love him because of any benefit he might receive from
the lad There was possible chance of that
| David was hated and hunted by the king and was
not sure of his life much less any worldly position
possession. He could give the kings nothing but
his affection But that all that Jonathan desired.
For it he willing to risk his very life even the
displeasure and anger of his father. He was ready
and willing to pay the price required for Davids
love- and he paid it, serving the hunted youth by
means that lay in his power. And David's love- was
his reward. He asked naught but that David would
show him and his house kindness forever.
So he went about his duties as a kings and a
valiant warrior giving to David whatever of comfort
and aid and warning it in his power to bestow.
Sauls hatred Of Jonathan's friend vexed him that
he turned his own hand against his and sought
kill him. Jonathan paid the price. asis always true