The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1918-06-06
DAVID

The days of David drew nigh, that he should
die" For forty years he had reigned over Israel.
Before he had assembled the throne he had been at
tached to the court and army of King Saul. From
the day when the Prophet. Samuel. sent by God to
the house Of Jesse, called the youth from keeping
his fathers sheep and Amounted him for the Lords
service-from that day Davids life active in
some manner of service to the people of Israel.
But now he was to go the way of all the
earth:' he was to die. His son, Solomon, had been
Amounted, proclaimed King-placed upon IsraePs
throne and accepted as ruler by the people with
much Joy. Not only this, but Solomon was Gods
choice for this great Stewardship as had been his
father before him. The promise of the Lord had
been given to David that his son should rule and
that he would counsel and guide him and make of
this people mighty nation. picture that must
have been source of comfort and qualification to
David
1t is not difficult to understand Davd's concern
about the people he had ruled and served. The
very position he had occupied in their lives and af
fairs made their welfare most vital in his thought
How natural, them that he should call the young
King before him and offer Solomon counsel and in
struction concerning the duties of a King and the
needs of the people. This prerogative coming
more from DaVlOS experiences III living -tHaH ITom
any right his royalty conferred.
There could not have been any phase of exis-
tence possible to man that David had not known.
His had been strewn path to the throne of Is
rael nor had his regal position been Of and
comfort. He was chosen by God. yes, but he had
no other way to fulfill this choice than by the de-
vious ways humanity offered.
The youngest of large family, his place in
this home was keeping the focks Then we find him
serving at the court of his King armour bearer
and musician. Later he faces the mighty Goliath
and by his courage and great service becomes
youthful hero in the eyes of the people, He is the
subject of nations songs and praise and is given
honor and responsibilities Then he is hated and
hunted by the King and exlled from his country
The King dies and David turns to take the throne
that was ordained to be his But Divine will
could not establish his Kingdom without strife and
and death. II took seven years of fighting be-
fore David overcame his enemies and assembled the
throne to rule over all Israel.
Davids difficulties did not end with his &C
quiring throne and kingdom. He had this peo-
pie 10 Judge and to rule and this nation to protect
He needed armies and these he made. Enemy
nations attacked the people and these he met and de-
feated. The glory and right of God needed re-estab
lishment in the hearts and lives of the people and
this he accomplished. He walked before the nation
as a godly man and just King and brought it to
peace and prosperity. Honors and favors he
ceived from other rulers and nations. But he
foolish as we'll as wise. weak as we'll as strong-a
man of the EARTH he sinned. He permitted his luss
and passions and avarice lead him to shameful and
ignominious deeds For these his people suffered
distress and death and he was visited by Gods dis
pleasure and felt the relentless hand of sorrow and
bereavement
Surely it was as much duty as it was right
that he draw from rich and vast experience
and counsel his son. Such charge as he would
give must indeed be full worthy of keeping and emu
lation Yet David did not offer a multitude of alb
stract theories and precepts bring forth
his own past as the example his should follow.
He must have viewed his life. it's purpose, it's out
come and considered the of it all this counsel
he offered Solomon: BE thou strong, and shew
thyself man."
King or peasant. here is wisdom, indeed, for
man to consider. What better part than this
any one play in life? What effort of human is
there that requires more moral courage, spiritual
character and physical fitness than being just man?
Is there sorrow, trouble, hurt, failure, any
regrettable incident in life that any human knows
which has it's birth in that moment when he fail
ed in being man.? None. Absolutely none. Be
circumstances what they may and conditions they
will we may stand amidst them all, impregnabe and
confident if never leave off acting mans part.
Others may court the false feetng pleasures of
sual delight avaricous contentment. temporal praise
and fame while ignoring the seeming, TO them. more
exacting ways of moral recttude, spiritual freedom
and physical perfection. Let them! But