PS x -ft ?v«^#%v#^4rev^ ui Class (,&£& /&' S Book __2^_iw . jL Copyright N° .- COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. SiiSSFfei j*v*"^5£^^k ; /l" V ^^ |f?Q^ ^jn ^Gffr jmPO*^ *^>-J ajf kfc IjfeSr ®£§ i^r ^zfei -iy •0\?>j^^ / ^^ ^L^Sftji vJZ^BaA laisu"^ fuj^A^L-i** /WflL^-S ^nTflS A rr: 9. Saxtrr ^gfir, Authur uf ttic "CTragir Sratlj nf tbr &rueu Surnrb (Shuaf. aub uaruma JIurma. fllarcfatrr, fHaaaarljuartta. in yA J Copyright, 1916 By D. BAXTER HYDE 4 6 < . Published bs the 11 A \/ ^ '") t Q I C Pearson The Printer Author MA I i^£l SjIO Worcester, Massachusetts CI.A433084 Jntrniurtnrg. The history of King David never ceases to charm and fascinate. It is a striking fact that, in the rough, warrior age of the early history of Israel, there should live a man whose moral conflicts and spiritual exaltations should profoundly move and influence human life for nearly thirty centuries. While we grant that this man "after God's own heart" shared with the men of his day their crude moralities and their coarser conceptions of what we consider life's finer and more delicate refinements, nevertheless, we cannot fail to recognize in this kingly soul so much of passionate love for righteousness, so manifest a desire to know and do the will of God, and so much also of the finest and noblest elements of the higher manhood, that deservedly he stands today as one of the great and heroic figures of human history. From the springs of his deep, reli- gious experiences and high, spiritual aspirations there flowed songs of exquisite beauty and enduring power. The man who gave to the world the twenty-third psalm, for that reason if for no other, merits an enduring place of highest honor and deepest affection in humanity's book of remembrance. Dr. Edward P. Drew. Autljnr's Notes, This poem is but a fraction of a greater work (written under another title) us yet, incomplete. Where such words, as:— "Job," "The Kingly Bard," "Kingly Poet," and kindred names occur, they have the •ame comparative relation to the words: — "Job The Less," "the Lesser Name," "name The Less," &c, as Virgil does to Dante in his DIVINE COMEDY. I could not in this lesser work or extract, obliterate ALL mention of these names without doing violence to many beautiful lines. I have been inspired to write these lines, first and chiefly by HIM who hath decked Himself WITH MAGE8TY AND EXCELLENCY; and arrayed Himself WITH GLOKY AND BEAUTY; by HIM who TELLETH THE NUMBER OF THE STARS, AND CALLETB THEM ALL BY THEIR NAMES, and knoweth the time of their beginnings. Secondly: — I have been inspired by the study <>f THE BOOK, wbicb for beauty. even as literature, none other can compare. The three heroes whose quota- tions I have hinted at have been my guiding stars in writting these lines, particularly the IMMORTAL BARD, of whom Jehovah hath said: THERE is NONE LIKE HIM IN Tin: EARTH. And third: — The inspiration I have received from my Pastor, who lias so kimiiy favored me by writing a ten Introductory lines, had do small share in directing my thoughts. Trusting that at least a part <>f the readers of this little volume may catch something of the inspira- tion I have received, I send it on its way, and subscribe myself, Your friend, THE A1THOU. For sale at the bookstores or sent post paid ou receipt of price. Address D. BAXTER HYDE 35 Westminster Street, Worcester. Massachusetts. To tickle the lancij, hut wins applause: To touch the heart, may) create a soul — /)g Baxter. TIME- The twenty-third Psalm was composed during the midnight hours following David's anointing by Samuel, 1063 B. C, when he was 15 or 16 years of age. PLACE- Bethlehem Judah, upon the roof of his father's house, beneath the stars. (Some scholars place the writing of this Psalm later in David's life.) •f Uatrifo iFrnm 6>I)pppf0tt» (In cTitrnnp Part First Prologue, Composing His Immortal Psalm, Kills a Lion, Rescues a Lamb (Job begins the story) + + /-tf OME now, my friend, we'll go to Bethlehem, %^L The little town beloved of all the world — A little town but in remembrance great. 'Twas here that Boaz wed beautiful Ruth ; And here her beautiful grandson was born ; And here in pastures green the shepherd boy Did lead his flocks, and lion slew, and bear. 'Twas in the little town of Bethlehem That Samuel came to offer sacrifice, And sit he would not until David come hither. ^.n^iH I**"^** 'Arise, anoint him; 'tis he' saith the Lord, 'Till Shiloh come, his scepter shall not depart.' 'And thou Bethlehem land of Judah, Art in no wise least among the princess of Judah; For out of thee shall come forth a governor, Who shall be shepherd of my people Israel.' warrior-king, how shall we thy victories muse ? Sagacious statesman, how esteem thy worth? Thy great transgression, how shall we bemoan? In thy profound repentance how rejoice? And matchless poet, sweetest singer, how Our love express for thine inspiring songs? friend of God, let us thy soul behold, And ours keep time with thine immortal strains. Countenance fair and boy of ruddy cheeks, We see thee on the hill-slopes with thy flocks; We note thy tender care and watchful eye As thou dost lead them in the pastures green And o'er rough places to the waters still." Abruptly pausing, and with thoughtful mien, i i, ^The Kingly Bard, at length again resumed. "The story of the Shepherd's Psalm I must To you relate : It was a starlit night , And all was still. The moon was soaring high. Ere this to Ramah, Samuel had returned. The sun to Bethlehem's hills had said i goodnight. The sands of time were near the midnight hour, And David to his couch upon the roof J Had gone to rest, but not to sleep, — Ah, no ! r His couch upon the southeast corner spread, — Scant was the cov'ring and ope to the sky, Ilis soul was throbbing with a holy zeal, [ To holy music his spirit attuned, j For he was now the Lord's anointed one. More than angelic wonder was his vision ; — No aery ladder stretched from earth to heaven With angels coming in a cloudless night; — But God, Jehovah, speaking to his soul, j The same that spake to Samuel when a child, j (/) See Author's notes. I Said: 'David! David!' 'What is it my Lord?' The Lord replied : ' What wouldst thou have, my child?' And David said: 'Speak thou to me Lord As Thou didst speak to Moses in the Mount. And give me wisdom to be Israel's king.' (For David, who was of the kin of Boas, Well knew the promise made to Abraham) Then spake Jehovah saying: — 'Seest thou Yonder bright star in th' east?' 'Yea Lord/ said David. ' Thou art the scepter that will rise from out The East and smite the four corners of Moab ; And seest thou yonder distant hill Whose ramparts glisten in the moon's pale glare? Thou wilt at length be the anointed king, And on that hill will be thy dwelling place. King Saul will seek to take away thy life, But do thou then possess thy soul in peace; But put thou not thy trust in th' arm of flesh, ■*»■ " * * 4 LO Jehovah only is thy strength and song. Obey my voice and thou my face shalt see. A Star will yet arise from out of Judah Whose light shall never set or fade away; And He will rule the world in righteousness.' Then the Lord into David's soul did breathe And thenceforth he became A MAN OF GOD. Til sing a song unto the Lord,' said David, 'And unto the Lord will I perform my vows. This song shall be the key note of my life' " : — '* "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. My sheep do hear my voice and follow me. So will I ever hear Jehovah's voice, Azid no good thing from me will he withhold. — lie maketh me to lie down in green pastures. I find the greenest pastures for my sheep. The Lord, my wants, He ever will supply. — Be leadeth me beside the still waters. Where I can drink of never failing springs And bathe my soul in the River of Life. — 11 1 , »«-*W.-^.«»^.»l^. » '«» -■■ ^. ■■■^.■■•^■■■^■■■■^.■■^■■-^■■■^■■■^■■■^■■■^ M -^l*- He restoreth my soul. If stray I should aud wander far away, / My Shepherd, in His arms will bring me back, And wash me clean and bind up all my wounds ; Then never shall I want to stray again. — He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Idolatry and sin on every hand! Temptations strong without and fears within! How can I keep the path except He leadeth mel Yea, though I walk through the valley ot the shadow of death. — Robbers and thieves may sometimes seek my life In hidden places where the darkness lies, — I will fear no evil for thou art with me, Though many foes beset me round about, I will not fear, since God my Shepherd is. — Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. And in His Majesty will I abide, And in His shadow will I put my trust. — ; 12 » ) > 1 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. When Jehovah doth prepare the feast, The enemy in fear will flee away. — Thou anointest my head with oil. blessed day of all my life is this! For I am now th' anointed of the Lord, And Samuel placed his hand upon my head. — My cup runneth over. Far more than all my dreams have come to pass. For now the Lord hath spoken to my soul. And I the youngest of my father's sons, Anointed to be king of all the tribes. — Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. When God is near I need naught else beside, And I will ever hear my Shepherd's call, But I will follow not the stranger's voice; The stranger careth never for the sheep. — And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever'. L3 .11 ^11 ^ll^fc II ^ «l ^ II ^ H^ II ■^l !!■» »f —f £*——■—■ Next day did David play upon the harp. Then as a moment of silence ensued, Said I:— "Did God truly talk with David?" ''Assuredly He did," my friend replied. "He who hath given us the power of speech. Can surely talk with His created sons. Ah, yes! full well you know he can and does; And often has the list'ner been new-born, And his life's work rejoicing found its birth. Verily God is near, will ye not hear? This would be heaven indeed if ALL would hear. But let us follow David with his harp : He rose before the eyelids of the morning Were fully awakened, and to God gave thanks. The joy that floods his soul I cannot tongue. Nine pairs of eyes on him were focalized As all were seated for the morning meal — Some eyes that wore a pleasant smile of blue, But more that swayed in lines of streaky white. The elder said, — (Eliab was his name.) 14 'You need not feel so proud, you oily head!' 'Nine jugs have we in store below,' said Shammah (The third), 'all full of sweeter oil than yours!' 'What a fine fire red hair and oil would make!' Added Abinadab, with wicked glance. This was the first installment of the cross That David bore on this first birthday morn; Bui do revengeful bursts <>f angry words From David's lips escaped like flaming fire. No swonls a clashing in battle array. The soul of David, Godlike and Berene, Was clad in armor of Omnipotei ■ His brothers foiled in this their firsl defeat, To their Intrenchments in Bilence withdrew. In David dwelt a KINGLY soul, though not Seated as yet upon an earthly throne. With a farewell to father and to mother. With harp upon his arm and erook in hand. Buoyant in spirit, to the fields he went. His plans were laid, — in a well-known retreat, is *h «^i» if~ To temper his newborn song to the harp, In manner that immortalized his name, Yet, how unconscious of this last was he ! He met his servant with a kind salute, Who quickly told his story of the night, As nothing rare had chanced to intervene. They soon do part with mutual farewells. David alone with his beloved sheep that know Their names, and each come running at his call. David alone? NO, NO! TEN THOUSAND NOS! It seemed as if the everlasting hills Uprooted from their base leap forth to praise Their Creator in one grand chorus of song ; And multitudinous angels from the skies, Hands clasped in hands, white robed, circled round To temper the terrestrial halleluiahs With sweeter mixture of celestial strains; And the song birds from every branch and twig Spring forth, grace noting the ascending praise ; While nature, all inspiring stood abreast. 16 'Ye Mists and Exhalations that now rise From hill or steaming lake, dusky or gray, Till the Sun paint your fleecy skirts with gold, In honor to the world's great Author rise.' Quickly the morning hours have slipped away. Almost unconsciously he finds himself In the retreat made sacred by his songs, For many an hour he's spent upon the harp Which to the Lord he now has dedicated. One fair ideal led our harper on. Ear, sound, voice, soul must all combine to make The sweetest music ever heard in Bethlehem. And so he plays, trying this strain and that, Adjusting voice and chord to find the best. (An unrecorded secret, let me whisper : This is the song, when brought to its perfection, Will drive the evil spirit from the king Saul.) This is the shady nook where oft the sheep At noon lie down to slumber unafraid. But look! the sheep all standing, coddling round ■^ ll^ll^fc H ^fcl -A 17 >fo*-WM» Are circling David closer step by step. Their eyes how tender ! Mark their tuneful ears, Extended nostrils, rapt attention giving! With outstretched neck, the leader softly touches The sounding string — a bark, tremulous stampede A LION A LION ! he's away with a LAMB ! David a-bounding to his feet with crook In hand, gives chase along the steep incline. He overtakes : with one Achillian blow, The hickory crook, the toughest ever grown On Bethlehem's hills, he lands upon the head Of the intrepid beast. The lion stung. Dropping the lamb whirls with uplifted paws On his antagonist with fierce assault. David with left, and Herculeon strength His beard he grips and hurls him to the ground ; His right, with blow on blow resounding whack Such as no beast of prey can long withstand. -* 18 The lion stretched upon the ground, lay. dead. David unscarred. tenderly lifts the bleeding Lamb in his arms and takes it to the fold." When the Immortal Bard had told his story Of that most beautiful of all the psalms. And also of the lion and the lamb ; — I venture to remark: "Perhaps Isaiah Had in mind this story when be said: — 'He will feed his flocks like a sh< phi rd t ht will gather the lambs in his arms and carry tin m in Ills bosom.' " "No doubt," my friend replied, "and David's Lord Also, when He said: — 'I am the good Shepherd:' The Shepherd giveth his life for the she. -p. There is a thread of gold in David's life, Keep watch of that pure thread of gold, — keep watch!" w Part Second Bird Incident, Plays before Saul, Slays the Giant, Love of Jonathan, Wooes Michal #> fjjjj ONTH followed month with joy increasing ever. ^X^> David living in God with sweet accord, Fast grew in body and athletic strength. His faith in God firm and fixed as a rock, He soon became a mighty valiant man, And with his harp and sling surpassing all; Prudent and comely, and pure as the sky. One day when at play with his harp and sling, A bird of beauty chanced to fly o'er head, Quick, as the light the stone flew forth and tore Off its wing, unimpeded in its flight. The bird came falling, dying. David caught It tenderly and watched its last faint twitch. David was smitten at heart, and mid tears 20 He said : ' Lord, I have taken the life Of one of thy defenceless little birds, Forgive me Lord, and I will never sin The like again.' He ever kept his pledge. You see, my friend, the strongest men are oft More tender than those made in softer mould. A message Jesse receives from the king: — What may it be ? He breaks the seal and reads : — 'Send me David thy son who is with the sheep.' A boy of David 's type could not be long Installed with sheep. His fame went forth throughout The towns and to the army of the king. David with harp in hand goes forth to play Before the king whom God hath left alone. No punishment so great as, 'LEFT ALONE.' When man is left alone he's in depair. David played the songs that he had often played, But Saul gave little heed to what was sung. Till David whispered in the ear of God. i ■ ^ii ■ i i ~*~«* Y Then with beauty and power which seemed divine, He sung with voice and harp the ' Shepherd 's Psalm, ' Which stirred the charred embers of his dying soul, And forth appeared a dim and feeble light That drove the evil spirit from the king. David returned to feed his father's sheep, And write the sweetest psalms were ever sung, And wait till duty called him hence again. Not very long did David have to wait. With Israel, Philistines were at war. And in the army were his brothers, three. A valley lay between the hostile camps. A giant Philistine 'leven feet in height, With helm of brass upon his head, and armed With coat of mail, 'five thousand shekels weight. ' 'His spears was like a weaver's beam', — the head, 'Six hundred shekels of iron', its weight. 22 ~ — f 'And he had greaves of brass upon his legs.' A bodyguard with shield before him went. This was the proud Philistine's boast — he cried: 'THE ARMIES OF KING SAUL DO I DEFY! SELECT A MAN THAT HE MAY FIGHT WITH ME! IF I AM SLAIN, WE YOUR SERVANTS WILL BE! IF I AM VICTOR YOU OUR SLAVES SHALL BET For forty days Goliath made his boast. Dismayed was Saul, and all liis men afraid. 'Twas on the morn of the fortieth day That Jesse said to David: 'Go and Bee Thy breth'ren how they fart*, and bring me word.' David came early to the battlefield, As the armed hosts were ^ r <>ing forth to fight. He heard the fortieth-day Philistine's boast. David's soul was stirred. He to the soldiers said : — 'What meaneth this that no man dares to fight With this Philistine giant! By the power Of God I'll smite him e're the sun goes down.' 23 Eliab, fearing lest the courageous youth Should prove in deed his word and win renown, Knowing full well the temper of the lad, And, since the strange anointing by the prophet, Jealous lest he win the king's reward, Upon him turned with sarcasm and rage: Why earnest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness ? I know thy pride and the naughtiness of thy heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. AndDavidsaid: WHAT HAVE I NOW DONE? IS THERE NOT A CAUSE? 1 ' Turning with unruffled purpose, and fixed [n mind, he asked the captains of the matter, And they confirmed the truth of what he'd heard. Said David : ' Give me an order from the king, And by the power of God I'll lay him low.' An agent of JEHOVAH to the camp Had come. The captains felt his mighty power, And quickly went with David to the king. The king received him gladly; proffered him ■ M ^11 ^ M ^ II ■Wfcll^ W ^fcO'^ H ^fcll^ll^ M ^ II ^ »^ II Ji 24 •f His sword and all the arras at his command ; And so did Jonathan, the son of Saul, Whose soul leaped forth to meet a kindred soul, For Jonathan's was love at sight the first. And in him found a pearl of greatest price. The armor of the king, did he decline Most gracefully. With sling, and stone, and staff, And clad in armor of Omnipotence, And with the blessing of the king, he goes To meet the Terror of a trembling host. Five stone were chosen with the greatest care, And carefully examined was his sling. Saul's army now is breathing in suspense. As David from the Royal Court comes forth — He's coming ! See how ruddy and how fair! His arms and legs are bare, his face and form, An Apollo for beauty and for grace ; His locks are glist'ning life to burnished gold; 25 ►^•^3, •*•— — «f Modest as Esther in the royal court, Fairest type of great David's greater Sou. See, with what calm assurance down the mountain He takes his course: Ten thousand eyes behold Him, and a nation lieth at his feet. He quickly passes the dividing line. — Listen! It is the giant's powerful voice Echoing up the hillsides far and wide, As he comes onward with disdainful strides. Am I a dog that thou contest to me with staves ? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. Come to me and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air and to the beasts of the field!' (The giant lifts his helmet in disdain.) David replies: 'Thou cometh to me with a sword and with a spear and with a shield; but I come to thee in the name of the LORD OF HOSTS, THE GOD OF THE ARMIES OF ISRAEL, whom thou has defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thy head from thee; and I will give 26 •f the carcasses of the hosts of the Philistine this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth man know that there is a God inlsraeV " "The giant comes on and David draws Dear; Quick as a flash of li«rl)1 did David sling A stone which into the giant's forehead sunk. To earth he fell with face upon the ground; His armor bearer at the sij^lit did fl< And David rail and stood upon his foe And drew the mighty sword front out its sheath And with a stroke cut off the gianl a head. (No sword had David save that of his foe. When tin' Philistines saw their champion i\<'<\<\. They all did take to flighl in wild retreat. From [area! a mighty shout went up; They chased and slew them to the gates of Gath. Saul took the hero to his home and thought To do him honor and make of him a son. Now Jonathan the son of Saul and heir Apparent to his father's throne, loved David n With love that far surpassed the love of women. Then Jonathan a covenant did make Because their souls were closely knit in love. And Jonathan took off his princely robe And gave to David his beloved friend ; His garments also, 'even to his sword, And to his bow, and to his girdle, ' all. And Saul made David captain-in-command. When David came from victorious war, The women came from all the cities singing, And dancing joyfully to meet the king, With tabrets, and with instruments of music. And as the women came, on half did sing : — ' King Saul hath slain his thousands of the foe. ' The other half did answer thus in song : — 'But David, he hath his ten thousands slain.' And Saul was sore displeased and very wroth. And Saul eyed David from that day and forward. Next day his soul was in the toils of sin, But David out of pity for the king, 28 "K And fearing not the danger of his life. Did play upon his harp as he was wont. 'Now is my chance to smite him to the wall.' Said Saul, and threw at him his javelin. But David with an eye upon the king Sin-crazed, dodged qu i«*kl \- tin- intended blow, And thus did save himself not once but twit-.'. David was very wise in all his ways. And much set by and loved by all the people, The more the people loved, the more the hate Of Saul. And Saul said, 'DAVID I WILL SLAV.' The war is on, the spectators are we : Satan and Saul, versus the Lord and David. Is there a doubt as to which side will win? History ever well may tell the story, ETERNITY the glory will reveal. Saul turned a traitor to his truest friend. But in his first attempt to slay his foiled; Lays a series of plans to take his life. First makes his daughter a tool of revenge. 29 * h» - ^-'» Failing in Merab, takes his second born. Now Michal, the more beautiful of the twain, Loved David. David also did love Michal : And were it not for the curse of the age — Wives more in number than the hills of Rome — Would have proved ever true as at the first. Saul taking the advantage of his love. Said : ' Give me a hundred heads for a dowry Of the Philistines, and Michal is thine. ' And all this, hoping David might be slain. Now there was constant war between the hosts Of the Philistines and the Israelites ; And David valiant ever in the fight, Soon won a vict'ry o'er his constant foe. Doubling the number calld for by the king ; And thus did Michal, David's wife become." ''Time fails me to complete a single strain Of David 's exile : — wandering in caves, In wilderness, and mountain fastnesses, An-hungered and a-thirst ; no safe retreat, 30 Or pillow for a night to rest upon, Chased by the army like a beast of prey Out of his own dear and beloved land, A stranger midst an idolatrous foe ; — And yet in this long decade of the years. Keeping his soul unspoiled, Berene, and pure, Keeping his faith in the Lord through it all, Although commander of an 'outlaw' band; Twice sparing his pursuing for e'en though He lay with guard asleep beneath hi-- fe< I ; Though hungry and in son distress, QO sheep Wen' ever missing found from Mahal's fold; But like a Avail of fire by day and night Were David's men to shield them from all harm. He who can hold an outlaw band in duck At such a time as this, can surely rule A nation well; as WELL becomes a king." 51 *b»-*-«* Part Third Exile, Picture of Jonathan and David in the Wood, Death of Saul and Jonathan. tt^ij UT what a friend was Jonathan, the son %[■ Of Saul, the sin-crazed and persuing king. Were I an artist I would paint the picture Of Jonathan and David in the wood, Renewing covenant again. See them Clasped in- each other's arms as first they meet — Tears, joyful and sad, running down together As heart to heart doth speak in love's embrace. For these are souls profound, and God is at The helm, and Friend is strengthening David's hand. 'Keep faith my David and thou shalt be king, And I at thy right hand shall sit, my lord. And all our joys together we will share. 32 * i i i ^■■■^ m ^i i T Now let us sit a little while beneath The oak that standeth there, for I have less Than one short hour to stay, and spies are on My track. You see in what disguise I come. Should father learn all this, my head might have To pay the price: Then where would be your friend?' At this did David throw his arms around His neck, and looking steadfast Into those Soul eyes still wet with glist'ning love tears, said : — 'My dearest brother, friend, this shall not be, Though 1 and all my men are slain for thee.' 'There, lets be calm,' said Jonathan, 'for I Have many things to tell, and news from home. Sit here upon this mossy mound, my love. Here is a letter form thy sire, and this. From the good prophet who anointed thee.' 'And hast thou not a word from my dear MichalT' Said David, with an anxious look and voice. 'There have been many strange and cruel things 33 *h «-^-'» Done at my father's court,' said Jonathan, 'My sister Michal has not proven true. She was much flattered at the court because So beautiful to look upon, 'tis said. The king gave her to Falti, son of Laish.' At this was David's soul in an eclipse, Dark clouds rolled in upon his troubled soul And a sharp pain shot through his wounded heart. At length recovering himself he said : — 'I had thought Michal would prove ever true. I loved the girl with all my heart and soul — A lover's dream of a beautiful queen — And for thy sake I loved her all the more. And once you know she saved my life from death, And bravely faced her father's cruel wrath. MY GOD! are all my friends deserting me?' Jonathan drew him closely to himself Most tenderly and said : — ' My Dave, you know Of one true heart that daily risks his life, And gives up all his princely hopes for thee, **-"— -*-" 34 I From henceforth I will be your bride, my lord. Then David saw a rainbow through his tears, And like a little child embraced his friend. And after this did David's strength return. 'Now tell me of the king, his court, and troops,' Said David: and he told him all and kept Back naught from him his heart desired to know. 'My brothers, are they ever with the king?' 'Yes,' Jonathan replied, 'they still remain With Captain Abner near Jerusalem. ' 'I wish they might be stationed in command Where 1 would not meet them by chance as £o< 'A worthy thought, I will at once attend To this; so have no fears, I have it planned.' And Jonathan returned unto his house. And David in good cheer sought out his men." "Shall we a moment pause upon Gilboa's Bloody field?— Saul and his three sons are slain. And what will David say? Will he rejoice? And how will David mourn for Jonathan? 35 ' >l ^ II ■^ II ^ II ^ I ■^11 ^ll^fcl We now perchance may find the secret springs Of David's soul unlike most other men's, And why he spared the king when in the cave, And slew him not when in the field asleep ; But took his sword and friendly gave it back. Thus flows his grief as in The Book we read:" — Thy glory, Israel, is slain upon thy high places! How are the mighty fallen ! Tell it not in Gath, Publish it not in the streets of Ashkelon ; Lest the daughter of the Philistines rejoice, Lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph. Ye mountains of Gilboa, Let there be no dew nor rain upon you, neither fields of offerings : For there the shield of the mighty was viley cast away, The shield of Saul, not anointed with oil. From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, The bow of Jonathan turned not back, And the sword of Saul returned not empty. jfj l^ll^ll ^ll^ll ^ U ^fcll ^ H ^l l ^11 ^11 ^ H ^W^II 35 Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their Uvea And in their death they were not divided : They were swifter than eagles, They were stronger than lions. Ye daughters of Israels, weep over Saul, Who clothed you in scarlet delicately, Who put ornaments of gold upon your apparel. How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan is slain upon thy high places. I am distressed for thee my brother Jonathan : Very pleasant hast thou been unto me : Thy love to me was wonderful, Passing the love of women. How are the mighty fallen, And the weapons of war perished! Then Job The Less, thus to his poet guide : "Why now should David mourn for Saul who hath For ten years sought his life to take it away? One fain would think to see him grieve, that Saul Was equally a friend with Jonathan." 3? t The Kingly Bard with kindly glance replied : ' ' Ah me ! full well you know, my Job The Less, If I must thus pronounce your name in full, Though I confess it does look seeming strange, But since you will it, you shall have your wish. I know you ask not for your own self's sake But for those who perchance may read these lines. For them I hope to make my answer plain. No malice carried David in his heart, But rather pity for the wayward king. David knew he was to come after Saul, Neither was it for him to hasten the time ; Jehovah, he could fully trust for this. Here lay the secret of his matchless power, And here the greatness of the king to be. Jehovah was a Living God, no myth. He lived in times advanced a thousand years. The spirit of the Christ was truly his. Dost thou not know this is the Bridegroom's wooing ? — 33 A wooing down the centuries of time. Gently ringing the wires in every soul Installed, to make the world a paradise — Perhaps I should have said a wireless wooing Between the Prince of Heaven and men of earth. — But never mind. You catch my meaning, sure." 39 r - .— .- .- - l >| fc i - fc i r- fc ii -a n-fc ii -^ i> -^ ii -^ r — > rr _ > Ir _ > (r _ M < r _ > tl _ ^ t l _^ n _ a n ^ tt n _ , ,- 9 _„- t i, - , „ - , „ 54 t~ 1 And cleaved unto Ishbosheth, son of Saul ; And Abner was his Commander-in-chief. And there were seven years of civil war Between the house of Saul and house of David. But David ever waxed stronger and stronger. And the house of Saul did wax weaker and weaker Till Abner gave his pledge for terms of peace. And David said, 'Thou shalt not sec my face Except thou dost return unto me Miehal, Saul's daughter, whom I purchased with a price.' Miehal returned ; but oh ! how changed in heart From the once guileless girl when first she met The war-crowned hero in the flush of youth, Bearing the trophy of a giant foe. Love is most often blind, and oft 'tis well, But when the vail is lifted scars appear. David still loved the ideal of his youth, And cherished it through the exile of years. To make her queen was his one fond desire." 55 Here the Immortal Bard a moment paused, And with benignant aspect smiling said — "Where shall we stop in this our kingly story? — For I must other things relate ere long. ' ' The lesser name with lifted brows replied : — 4 'Tell me the secret spur of David's soul, Then to our hero we will say, farewell." And he in turn with thoughtful mein replied : "David was living the life of faith in God, Before his vision centuries unrolled. By faith he saw the Star of Bethlehem, And by that Star he safely steered his bark. When, for a moment, he, the darkness pierced, His bark was stranded on the rocks of sin, But saved by grace of God's redeeming Love. The birth of his IMMORTAL PSALM was ever In sight. The Voice that spake he ne'er forgot. To lead a nation Godward was his aim. On Zion's Hill to build for Isr'el's king An house, was his ambition and design. 56 i ^m ^» ir jf And, more than all, after having subdued His foes, to build a temple for his Lord. All this he did the temple building save. And even this, he planned for Solomon." (Jdb The Less, concludes) 11 '0 Warrior-king, how shall we thy victories muse?' Allied with God thou in thy youth with sling And stone didst save thy country from her foes. Thy fascinating power an outlaw band In check didst hold, — thy country ne'er despoil. Thou overcamest all thy foes, till prate Did reign throughout thy borders everywhere. 'Sagacious statesman, how esteem thy worth?' Thou wast possessed of Patience born of God. When as a roe upon tlu> mountain chased, Thou wouldst not slay thy sleeping foe — An antitype of thy Master and Lord. As king of Judah thou didst win back Isra'el As much by kindness as by war, till peace Did reign throughout thy borders everywhere. Thy 'great transgression.' how shall we bemoan? 57 David, wherefore art thou fallen thus? How couldst thou sin against the Lord thy God? Thou art forgiven, repentant soul. Thou shalt not die, God's grace will rescue thee. He hears thy prayer: Against Thee, Thee only have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight. As the hart panteth after the water -brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God. Sincere was his repentance; so profound It is forever in our hearts embalmed. His Shepherd took him in His arms and bound Up all his wounds, and he was whole again. (Let him that never sinned, first cast the stone.) 'And, matchless poet! sweetest singer! how, Our love express for thine inspiring songs? friend of God let us thy soul behold, And ours keep time with thine immortal strains.' No words of mine can lend a luster to Thy songs, as to thy music still I list. Though long have been thy harp strings laid aside, I ^11 ^ W ^i II ^11^ — -^H^ II -^ 1 1^ 11^ 11^ 58 r The music of thy soul is in the air, Growing the sweeter on the roll of time. Ten thousand times ten thousand loyal hearts The world around, in every clime and tongue, Are beating with the music of thy psalms. From sea to sea they come to join the throng; From age to age their numbers ever swelling; — All marching to the New Jerusalem, The home of David and King David's Lord." Lift up your head, ye gates ; And be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors ; And the KING OF GLORY shall come in. Who is the KING OF GLORY? The Lord Strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, ye gates; Even lift them up, ye everlasting doors: And the KING OF GLORY shall come in. Who is this KING OF GLORY? The Lord of hoast, HE is the KING OF GLORY. Selah. | !> l ^ II ^ ■ ^ II ^ 11^ 11^ H^ II ^ II ^i II ^ ■ ^ H ^fcW^fc H -^ W^>. II ^ M ^ II ^ ■ ^ H ^ II ^ II ^1. I»^ II ^W 1 ^ Ufc Hlill 016 235 028 6 fc