The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1920-07-22

ably paid tribute. A mere puppett king
under Abner's direction there was little
constructive work attempted even if it
had been permitted. But a shadowy
government existed and there was
! splendid loyalty to the memory of that
| first monarch. So far had he justified
the undertaking that there was no
whisper anywhere of change in the
form of government the kingdom idea
was established never to be removed.
But the fabric grew more and more
| frayed toward west and south where 1t
| touched Philistia and Judah. For in
judah David was enthroned. The &C.
knowledged and faithful yassal of Ach-
ish of Gath was doubtless encouraged
by his over lord to assume control in
Judah. There must have been some
nerve-rackiDg moments for David as he
led his men toward Gilboa for it is NOR
ally certain that he would never have
contributed to Saul's defeat. Deliver
ed from the dilemma he used the time
to save the homes of his men, to make
famous ruling about the division of
booty and to cOnciliate the Judahite
chieftains by regal gifts. Then he took
his men back home, sat up house-keep-
ing in Hebron and received the homage
of the leaders of that southland. They
anointed him King and two little princi-
palities began to function and to strive
for the mastery in the land. Tho he
knew now the meaning of Samueis
visit to the Bethlehem boy that early
call must wait the confirmation of the
peoples will for David was essentially
democratic. And Gods will must al
ways wait upon the acceptance of the
people before 1t becomes fact in the
world of life. God certainly did not
wish slavery but not until the world
was ready could it be abolished. God
! certainly abhors war as the means of
settlement of national affairs but His
will must tarry until man is ready to
adopt 1t. This is the urgency of Chris
tian missions that the world may be
made ready to adopt the plan of God
for its life
THE MARCH TO THE THRONE.
make every knock boost is the
advice of one of the successful. David
managed to accomplish this seemingly
impossible thing as Joseph had done
before. Knocked by his brothers he
found himself boosted into the court
circle where he became the familiar
figure among all the leaders of Israel.
huOIhGu ny Sdul ilC lOuuu lllc
friendship with the princely Jonathan.
ment he took refuge with the common
alton added to his strong democratic
standing of their problems and discov-
cred their possibility for furnishing
fighting leaders. Knocked by the Phil.
ictinn fhnnorolc hn fo,,nA hin,ealf
lieved from his perplexIng position,
and able to rescue his own family.
Knocked by Nabal he opened the door
to love and the support of Caleb's fight
ing clan. A favorite of Jehovah he
seems but there is never favoritelsm IN
the level scales of God. David was
alert to seize opportunity and turn it to
the advantage of the cause for which
he stroye. Sensitive to God he accept
ed HIS guidance first of all and built
his entire life upon a religious basis.
Shall go up?" was the first question
asked and while today the sacred lot
would be discredited means of learn
ing the will of the Infinite yet it served
in its day to put God in the transaction.
When the Elders anointed him it was
before the altar in Hebran and in every
action David sought to carry out what
| he believed was the will of God. f. R.
| Havergal explained her life by saying,
II never said No to God" David
might have used the same expression.
Fine courtesy and tact are revealed
in his treatment of the men of Jabesh-
Gilead who dared the wrath of the vic
tors in burying the bodies of Saul and
his sons in the day of their despisng.
He always insisted that he was not the
enemy of Saul but his friend and loyal
lover and his generous nature made the
| statement a fact We do not deride
the moon when it is eclipsed nor did
David pay out but homage to the men,
ory of the splendid soul that had thrall-
ed the Imagination of the farmer boy
fresh from the flock. Grip the boy and
you hold the man. Diplomacy may af-
ter all be the sympathetic understand
ing of the other fellows position and
acting accordingly. Certainly the dirge,
the message, the grief over Abner, the
punishment meted out to the slayers of
Saul's house were fine bits of diplomacy
but it was not shrewd policy that did it
but David's own big -heartedness. Pol
icy may have directed some of his love
affairs which bound powerful factions
to his interests but womanhood had not
been touched by the SCARED hands of
the Christ.
And always there was the superb
self control that enabled him to bring
every atom of his energy into submits
sion to his will. He conquered himself
and in consequence mastered Saul, op-
position, and circumstances and after
years of patient waiting stopped to the
position of Israel's greatest King.