December 9.-David's Friend, Jonathan.-I SAMUEL XX. 32-42.

The Malice of Saul.-The wicked feeling which Saul had against David grew stronger and stronger day by day. So also did Jonathan's love for him. Our lesson to-day is a pleasant story of how the friendship of Jonathan was set over against the hatred of Saul. In many ways both Jonathan's love and Saul's malice were shown. Once, by speaking good words of David, and showing what great things he had done, Jonathan got his father, Saul, to set aside his bad feeling and to let David come back again as before. Soon after this there was war again. David went forth to the fight, and slew many of the enemy, and drove the others away. 66 When he came back the evil spirit was upon Saul, and David played sweetly upon his harp to soothe him, and set him right, yet Saul in a rage, cast a javelin, or sharp spear, that was in his hand at him, and David fled for his life, and escaped again. Then Saul sent messengers to David's house to watch for him, and to slay him. David's wife was the daughter of Saul, and she to save her husband deceived her father. He was angry at this. Yet it was his own deceit and sin which had brought others into wrong-doing. This is what sin ever does. After this David fled and escaped, and went to his friend Samuel, and "told him all that Saul had done to him." Here for a time he was safe, for though Saul sent again and again to take him, and even came himself, God took care of David, so that no harm came to him.

The Two Friends.-After a time David thought it well to go to Jonathan and to talk with him about this sad matter. Jonathan was full of love for his friend, and of grief for his distress. He thought his father would surely let him know of his intention to do harm to David. But how could they know this? Jonathan would gladly do anything by which to find out whether his father did really intend to put David to death. He spoke of his love for David. He seemed to be sure that the day would come when God would bring David to honour and power, but that he should not live to see it. And he made David say in solemn words that he would show kindness to the children and house of Jonathan, in the days to come, for the love they bore each other. How precious is the love of good friends. It is a gift from God. Let us thank Him for such love as we have, and cherish it in all good ways. Jonathan and David talked of a plan by which they might find out what they wished to know. King Saul expected David to be at a kind of feast with him the next day. They agreed that David should not be "there, but that Jonathan should make an excuse for him. Then he would be able to judge by what his father would say and do, whether it would be safe for David to return, or whether it would be better for him to flee away. But how should Jonathan let David know? He said David should hide in the field, and that he would come out and shoot some arrows as he often did, and send a lad to fetch them, and David was to know by what Jonathan should say to the lad what he was to do.

The Parting-The next day Jonathan found by his father's anger that he was determined to kill David. In his rage and fury he even tried to kill Jonathan himself, for speaking in David's behalf. With a sad heart Jonathan went forth to let David know. (Read verses 35-38.) How prettily the story is told. In the morning the king's son went out to the field, and "the little lad" with him, bearing his master's bow and arrows. David was hiding behind a great "stone,"

or rock, in the field. None knew, not even "the lad," the sorrowful and anxious thoughts that Jonathan felt as he shot his arrows from the bow, or that were in the mind of David as he eagerly waited in his hiding-place. When David heard Jonathan's words he knew that his life was in danger. What did Jonathan call out to the lad? (ver. 41.) And now the two friends were alone. Their grief and their love were strong upon them both, so that these strong men wept like children. Then after loving and earnest words they parted. "Jonathan went into the city," and David hasted away to find a place of safety.

December 16.-David Sparing His Enemy.-1 SAMUEL XXIV. 1-17.

David's Escape.-David had many escapes from his enemy, Saul. He was hunted from place to place, fleeing in fear of his life. Those who were friendly to him and showed him kindness were cruelly put to death. He had to put his father and mother for safety among strangers, far from their home. As soon as he found what seemed to be a place of safety, some one told Saul, who came or sent against him, and he had to hasten away. So in the wilderness, or in strongholds in the mountains, or hidden in the forest, he was in sore straits. "And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand." David was brave, and wise, and strong in many ways, but it was not his courage, or wisdom, or strength that kept him. He knew this well, and spoke of it in after years. He said, "The Lord was my stay." In what part of the Bible may we read what David thought and said about that? Once when "David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life," he hid himself in a wood. Jonathan heard where he was, and "arose and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God." In that hurried and hidden meeting these two friends "took sweet counsel together," and gave each other words of comfort and of hope.

Saul in a Cave.-(Read verses 1, 2). Just before this, Saul had nearly come upon David in "the wilderness of Maon." He and his men were on the side of a mountain, and Saul and his men were on the other. They spread themselves round the foot of the mountain expecting David could not escape this time. He was in great danger, but "the Lord delivered him not into the hands of Saul," For just then Saul heard that his enemies, the Philistines, were come into the land, and he had to take his men away to fight them. But now he returned, and again "went to seek David." Where did he seek him? Note the great number of men Saul had with him (verses 3, 4). Describe the great caves in the hills of that land. As Saul lay a short distance within, David and his men were hid in the dark "sides of the cave." Saul did not know his danger. Some of David's men urged their master to let them put him to death. It seemed that the Lord had indeed delivered him into his hand. David arose, and going softly to Saul, as he lay asleep, he cut off the skirt of his robe. How easy it would have been by one stroke of sword or spear to have put an end to his life, and so have rid himself for ever from fear of his enemy. But David did not do this. He was even grieved with himself for cutting the garment of Saul, and would let none of his men even disturb the sleep of Saul. So "Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way," not knowing that anyone had been near him.

Saul's Shame.-(Read ver. 8.) How astonished Saul was to hear David's voice calling "after him," and to see him as he looked back. David spoke tender and yet reproachful words. He told Saul how he had spared his life when he might have slain him as others wished, and showed the skirt of the robe which he had

cut off. He called upon the Lord to judge between them, and to deliver him, and asked why Saul so wrongly sought his life. Saul was ashamed of what he had done as he heard David's words (ver. 16). There was enough that was good left in Saul to make him feel how wrong he was, and to make him sorry for it. He saw how much better David had acted than he had done, and in presence of all the people spoke with shame of his own evil deeds. He said he knew that David would one day be king, and even asked him that he would not when that day came destroy his name out of his father's house. "And Saul went home, but David and his men got them up unto the hold." David knew who had delivered him, and he said, "Thou hast delivered me from the violent man." December 23.-Death of Saul and Jonathan.-I SAMUEL XXXI. I-13.

Forsaken by God.-Long years had passed away since Saul was made king. God, who had chosen him, had put His Spirit upon him, and while he obeyed the commandments of God, and did that which was right in His sight, all went well with him. God made him wise and strong, and Samuel, the prophet, helped too. But very soon he disobeyed God. What did he refuse to do? How did he try to excuse himself? Then "God departed from him." Why did

God leave him? How dreadful is the state of those whom God leaves to themselves. After that all went ill with Saul. We have seen how sadly sin got the mastery over him in his way with David, and his enemies too were now too strong for him. The great foes of the Israelites were the Philistines. They lived not far away, and often came against them. They were strong and fierce, and for many, many years had done much harm to Israel. They had come up to war against them once more. "And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled." He "enquired of the Lord, but the Lord answered him not." This was what made him so greatly afraid. In a strange way, however, Saul got to know that the Lord would deliver Israel into the hands of the Philistines, and that he himself must die (chap. xxviii. 19).

As

The Hour of Peril.-(Read verses 1-3). Saul had no heart to enter into the fight. His strength and his courage were gone, for he knew that God had left him. Yet he must go forth at the head of his army to fight. His three sons went with him. One of them was Jonathan, the loving friend of David. the fight went on, "the Philistines followed hard upon Saul, and upon his sons." They saw that they might now put an end to the life of the king of Israel, and of his sons, and they pressed sore upon them. Soon the three young men were slain. Sad sight, indeed, for their father. And now "the battle went sore against Saul."

The Death of Saul (ver. 4).-Saul lay wounded and helpless on the hill-side. Either the Philistines had drawn away from that part of the battle-field for a time, or Saul's men kept them off while their king lay dying. He knew that the time of death was near, and he feared lest the Philistines should come and "abuse" him. What did he do? As his armour-bearer would not "thrust him through," "Saul took a sword and fell upon it," and died. How sad the end of such a man! Chosen by God to be the first king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, beloved by his people, best of all, upon whom "the Spirit of God" had come; now forsaken by God, and slain by his own hand, and his three sons with him. How dreadful is the evil wrought by sin (ver. 6). The men of Israel filed in haste from the

battle-field when they saw this, and as the sad news spread, terror filled the hearts of the Israelites, and they too fled from their homes, "and the Philistines came and dwelt in them." Yet the Lord did not utterly forsake His people. Soon after the death of Saul, David took his place as king, and reigned for many years in glory and great prosperity.

December 30.-Review of Lessons.

[These questions of revision do not follow the exact chronological order of the lessons, but rather the incidents connected with the several persons. But any other course can easily be adopted according to the discretion of the teacher.]

We have had lessons this quarter about Eli, and Samuel, and Saul, and David, and Jonathan.-Who was Eli? Where did he live? What mistake did he make? What message was brought him in his old age? Where did he receive it, and how? From what place did it come? About whom did it tell him? What part of it troubled him most? Why was he so troubled? What mistake had the Israelites made? What mistake did the Philistines make? How did Eli die?

Who was the next judge of Israel? What do we first hear about Samuel? What was he besides being judge? Who were the great enemies of Israel in Samuel's day? Why did he gather the Israelites at Mizpeh! What did he do there? Why did he set up the stone? What did he call it? What does the word Ebenezer mean? Why did the people of Israel ask for a king? What did Samuel say about it? Why was he grieved at their asking for a king? What did he say the king would do? What did he do in his difficulty? What did the Lord say? Who was the first king of Israel? By whom was he chosen? What is said about him? What did the people say when they saw him? How was he made fit for his great work? What warning did Samuel give Saul and the people? What were they to do to get God's blessing? What message was sent by God to Saul about Amalek? What mistake did he make? What excuse did he offer? What did Samuel say to him? Why did the Lord reject Saul? What difference did that make to him? What became of Agag? Why did Saul hate David? How did he show his hatred? What sins did he commit in this? How did he try to put David to death? Where did he go to seek him? Where did Saul die? Who died with him? How did he die? Why was he left alone in his trouble? Who was the second king of Israel? Who chose him as king? Who was sent to anoint him? What mistake did Samuel make? What did God say about this? Where did David first see Saul? Why had he come to the battle-field? Who was angry about it? What did David say? What did he say to Saul about Goliath? How did he slay him? What did the people say about this? What happened to David because of this? What danger did he fall into? How did he escape? How did he treat his enemy, Saul? Why would he not kill him? Who was David's great friend?

Who was Jonathan? How did he show his love for David? What plan did he take to show David his danger? Where, and how did Jonathan die?

"Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men." Luke ii. 14.

FIRST CATECHISM LESSONS.

DECEMBER 2.-Sec. vii. 5. May children have the blessing of the Lord Jesus? When children were brought to Him, He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them and blessed them.

How may

We have learnt that Jesus cared for children. He showed it by what He said and by what He felt-for "He was once a child Himself." And He showed children, too, how to grow wise and good. "He was a pattern to children." But is there not something more than this which they may have from Him to help them to be happy and good? Yes; "children may have His blessing." we be sure of this? By what He Himself did to children. Children were once brought to Him. Their friends were anxious that He should touch them, and speak to them, and bless them. But He was busy speaking to many people. Crowds had gathered round Him, all eagerly listening to what He said; was it likely that He would be willing to stop and do for these children what their friends wished? The disciples thought He would not, and forbad those who brought them. But what did Jesus say and do? Our answer tells us. Say those precious words again. Think of them every day; of the tender loving care which the Lord Jesus has for little children. Does any neglected little one think himself forgotten by Jesus? It may seem so-but it is not so. He loves every one. died to save every one. He will receive and will bless each one that comes to Him-now and evermore.

He

DECEMBER 9.-Sec. vii. 6. Does the Lord Jesus listen to children? He

was pleased with the children who cried Hosanna in the temple.

7. May children know the Scriptures? Yes; for Timothy knew the Holy Scriptures from a child.

Jesus blesses little children: but will He listen to them if they speak to Him? or praise Him? Yes. How can we be sure of this? Because when upon earth He did it. A crowd of people once went with Jesus into the temple at Jerusalem. They had brought Him there with songs and shouts of "Hosanna." Among them were little children, who lifted up their voices and sang, "Hosanna to the Son of David.” The proud Priests and Scribes and Pharisees were angry and said to Jesus, "Hearest Thou what these children say?" Jesus said, "Yea." He heard them, and he told these angry men what their Scriptures said, that God could bring perfect praise from the mouth of the youngest child. So the Lord Jesus got sweet and precious teaching for children from the harsh and bitter words of these evil men. Speak to Him in prayer and praise, He will listen, for He is pleased to hear the voice of children when they cry to Him.

How do we know all these things about Jesus? They are taught us in "the Scriptures." Jesus bids us "Search the Scriptures," for they "testify" or teach of Him. But may children know the Scriptures? Again we learn this by something which was done. Repeat the words of the answer-Timothy, "a child," knew them. What he did other children may do. How are they to be known? Just as other books are known. They must be read, or what is in them must be learnt from others. Many books are good to be known, but this is the best book, the Book of books. Know "the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation."

December 16.—Sec. vii.

8.

What did the Lord say about children before He went up to heaven? He said to Peter, "Feed My lambs."

9. May children receive the Holy Ghost? Yes; for God has promised to pour out His Spirit upon all flesh, and His blessing upon the offspring of His people.

Every word of Jesus was precious, for He spake as "never man spake.". But His last words were especially precious. Those who heard them eagerly treasured them up, as the last words of friends are always treasured. Now just before Jesus