The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1918-05-30
SAUL

different atmosphere than ordinary men-even to
live in different world. King The very word has
some magic quality that holds attention and
thralls our minds by the glamour and romance
fancies picture. Yet, wthal, kings have been, and
are. just men, Wise and foolish; strong and weak
kind and cruel every attribute of human character is
manifest in their lives.
History is filled with kings. In the Bible
many kings mentioned; some but briefly, and
others with many details and facts. Among these
Saul occupies position and plays small
part. His life, from first mention to last, is filled
with happenings that lend themselves as apt themes
for tales of daring cowardice; wisdom supiditv
humility or arrogance; and as examples of the
end that follows every betrayal of trust and ustfu
pursuit of passion and hate. But there stands
incident in the life of King Saul that holds for
each of moral that. faithfully followed will lead
such earnest ones to the higher happier walks of
life.
Saul had a wonderful opportunity thrust upon
him. The children of Israel had possessed them
selves of the land of Canaan and had lived there
joying its bounties-and we'll the cares, RESPONSE
biltes and vicssitudes that attend living anywhere
at any time. Until Saul appears in their history
they had been governed by Seers, Prophets and
Judges; but by the close of Samueps life they grew
that we also may be like other natons.'
"Give us king!" The personal teaching and
guidance of Divine love not sufficient. They
needed new experience. So runneth human nature
forever and ever Now Saul was the Of
of the mighty of the tribe of Benjamin. We
are told that he was comely fellow He stood
head taller than any of the people and not among all
the children of Israel goodly person found.
MI
ton and beauty and given by birth an honored po-
sition in the society of his people, who was now to
receive the greatest honor God nation could offer
man. He was to be made King! King over all
Israel! Their first King!
While concerned with the simple, ordinary
work of seeking his fathers lost stock this opportun-
ity came to him. He turned aside to ask advice of
the Prophet Samuel concerning the matter. Samu-
ell assured him concerning the stock and then in
structed him what he must do to gain the notice and
favor of the people. These instructions Saul faith
fully followed and in due time chosen and pro-
claimed King. He began his reign auspciously by
delivering his people from the and threats of
a hostile neighbor.
Here was Saul's great opportunity. What he
might do with the right to rule rich land and
a mighty nation But he was too small for the job
God, dspleased with His chosen people, yet sought
through Saul, still to guide and influence them for
their own good. But Saul failed Him-failed the
people-failed himself.
We find the King and his armies deied by Col
iath the champion of the Phstines We see Dav-
id come to the camp and with his fearless. youth
full confidence his sole and his ready sling
his only weapon 90 out against Goliath and
quish him. The lad is made officer in the Kings
army and surely gave good account of himself for
when the fighting returned from the battlefield
we are given the picture of the coming out
of the cities to welcome their men with song and
Dance singing in their joy Saul has slain his thou
sands and David his ten thousands"
Saul could have proved his worth as a ruler by
showing delight and appreciation for the service
David had rendered the King and the people. But
instead Davd's life was endangered because of the
envy and wrath of the King. Saul sought to kill
David first by cunning and then by force. By
offer of his daughter in marriage he thought to send
David to his death and Davids valorious escape in
creased the Kings wrath and envy and he became
| Davd's enemy continually"
Saul attempted David's life with his own hand.
| Then we find him pursuing the youth with armed
| force. There time when Saul spent by his
marchngs and searchings lay asleep at night. Dav-
id beholdlng him thus helpless and delivered into his
hand sought not his Kings life but instead cut off
part of the royal robe that he might show Saul that
in David's heart no evil thought harbored for
| the King
Once again was Saul given into the hands and
power of David. The King lay sleeping another
time his guards away and his spear standing in the
ground at his side. David with a companion found
| him 80, and the King would have died then and