David expressed himself with so much humility and propriety, that Jonathan, Saul's son, who heard him, conceived a great affection for him; it is said that his soul was knit to that of David, and he loved him as his own soul; and as a proof of his great regard, he made David a present of his robe, his sword, and his girdle.

This great friendship of Jonathan never ceased towards David, and showed itself in many circumstances which afterwards occurred; but though Jonathan's love never ceased towards David, Saul was soon displeased with him; for when the women came out to meet Saul on a rejoicing day, they sung to their music, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands;" this excited his wrath, and induced him to say, What can we have more but the

66

kingdom?" From this time Saul became

jealous of David, and the evil spirit again seizing him, and he endeavoured more than once to smite him with his javelin; but David escaped from him.

They that give way to wrath and envy, as Saul did, do indeed “give place to the devil," (Ephesians iv. 27.) "Submit yourselves to God: resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you: cleanse your hands, ye sinners, and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded." (James iv. 7, 8.) It was a base return that Saul made for David's great services to him and his country; but when vile and ungovernable tempers get possession of the soul, they are hurried into every sin; therefore we have daily need to look up to the Lord, praying that our hearts may be kept holy, and from the power of sin and Satan.

I.SAMUEL XXIV.

The skirt of the King's robe he held aloft; Which in the cave he had cut off Shewd it to Saul on rising from the cave; To prove, that his life he wish'd to save.

DAVID SPARES SAUL'S LIFE.

BEFORE CHRIST 1057 YEARS.

Saul within a cave to take rest,

Where while he sleeps, by cares opprest,
David approaches, yet forbears

Revenge, and Heaven's anointed spares.

THE hatred of Saul towards David was so great, that he left no means untried to cut him off; but that God who intended to place David on the throne of Israel, would not suffer his purposes to be defeated by the rage of a wicked man; his gracious providence therefore preserved his servant until the time came for Saul to be slain.

Saul had promised to give his daughter to wife to the man that should slay Goliath; this was, therefore, David's right, but Saul gave her to another, which was an act of great injustice; he afterwards offered Da