Jasper County Democrat, Volume 18, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 June 1915 — “THOU ART THE MAN!” [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

“THOU ART THE MAN!”

i Samuel 11:1 to 12 Cl.—June 6. The Honesty of the Bible—Temptation! of Prosperity—King David’s Terrible Sins—The Prophet Nathan’s Parable. The King’s Sense of Justice —Condemned by His Own Word—His Penitence —Forgiven, but Punished. "Create in me a clean heart, O God!”—Psalm 51:10. CHE Bible is unlike any other book. It is most honest, most candid. The one most approved as a man after God’s own heart is, when he sins, most severely condemned and most heavily punished. We are surprised that one who manifested so many noble traits should also have manifested suen weaknesses as those condemned in this lesson—adultery and murder. We think of David the youth, his reverence for God, his faith, his loyalty, his trials, his difficulties; and we wonder how he could become so changed, The secret is apparent. It is easier to lire a wholly consecrated life Jn poverty than when surrounded by wealth and the pleasures of the court. We may be sure, however, that King David did not get into so sinful a condition of mind and

heart suddenly. The narrative shows that the matter must have gone on for months, gradually reaching a culmination. Nor would it be fair to assume that the king’s heart was as wrong as his conduct Rather we must assume, from subsequent

manifestations, that his heart was still loyal to God and the principles of righteousness, hut somehow his llesh had become very much alive. He had before him the unfavorable examples of other kings. Ilis relationship with God had made him keen of intellect, and this keenness was all the more effective in the evil course.

A Courageous Servant of God. David first coveted his neighbor's wife. He did not rebuke this sinful condition of mind, but allowed it to proceed until be stole bis neighbor's wife. Her husband was in the war, a faithful servant. The emergency seemed to call for his death to protect the king from shame. King David's conscience was surely asleep when lie ordered his general to put Uriah in an exposed place in the battle field and then to command a retreat, leaving those most exposed to be killed. The plan carried out. It cost the life of not only the defrauded husband but several others. We can scarcely imagine how one of King David’s loyalty to principle could have arranged such a plan or have had any peace under these circumstances. But Uriah was dead; his wife was made David's wife, and shortly their child was horn. Then appeared the Prophet Nathan before the king. Wisely bringing his reproof in the form of a parable, he told of a poor man who had but one ewe lamb and of how a wealthy neighbor had defrauded him of it. King David's sense of justice was outraged; and he declared that the culprit must restore four fold and also be put to death. Then the Prophet, pointing to the king, declared, “Thou art the man!” and promptly drove home the lesson, it required courage; but whoever has a message from the Lord must have the courage to deliver it—as wisely as possible, of course, but faithfully. Instantly King David's conscience was quickened. lie saw his own conduct from the standpoint of the Divine haw of righteousness, truth, kindness, mercy. Indeed, under that Law. both the adultery and the murder were punishable- by death. lie Instantly acknowledged his sin, and prayed, fasted and mourned. Meantime the Prophet, by Divine direction, informed him that because of his repentance the Lord would not cause liis death nor withdraw all His loving kindnesses; but that, nevertheless, the child of his sin should not live and that the king himself would in after time suffer severe punishments for his transgression. Here we perceive a principle of the Divine Government respecting those in covenant relationship with' God. Jus- | tice would be required: but to the repentant soul the Lord's favor would.

nevertheless, still be granted. Many Christians have had experiences along this line. God does not continue to treat them as sinners; but. accepting their heart conditions, lie forgives them in that sense of the word; yet, true to His arrangement, "Whatsoever

a man soweth, that shall be also reap." In this Divine arrangement the sinner is encouraged to accept Divine forgiveness and to reform his life, even though he bear s6me severe penalty—perhaps to his tomb. The Psalm of Repentance. Very many Christians have been encouraged by the Fifty-first Psalm. Its honest acknowledgement of sin assures us that King David was overtaken in some kind of fog which for months obscured liis mental vision. Earth-born clouds and fleshly weaknesses arose like ;a great veil between his soul and the Lord. The lesson applies to all who have been in covenant relationship with God. It is important that we keep, close accounts with Him, and go daily to the ThrOne of Heavenly Grace to obtain mercy add find help for future times of need.

Quits Business, at 102. ' ! Believing tha; the hustle of presj ent-dav business competition was | getting to be too much for a man of : his years, Bennett Brittin, who will . celebrate his one hundred and second birthday next month, said today he is going to retire and devote the n-ivianidfcr of his days. to recreation. Hi ;; jieela ration was made in the ! resence of a group of buyers attending the auction sale of his cigar store; effects at Clinton avenue and ; est Fourth street, where he had been in business for the last twentythree years; wr. Britten moved about the room repeatedly remarking that he was not quitting because he could not take care of the place, but because younger men kept moving into the neighborhood and taking his trade awry by business methods he had never learned.—Plainfield (X. J.) Cor, New York Sun.

Nathan Reproving King David.

The Prophet Nathan.