DAVID'S TROUBLES by J. Clarke.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 1, 1862

DAVID'S TROUBLES.

By J. Clarke.

FROM his earliest youth David was tried in the furnace of affliction : slighted by his father (as is evident from the relation in 1 Sam. xvi), afterward persecuted by Saul, who had been a patron and father ; deserted by those whom he had hazarded his life to benefit ; sometimes hiding in mountain caves, or taking refuge among foreign nations from his furious enemy. King Saul, impelled by Satan, turned the whole force of his power and influence against this innocent, heroic David, his son-in-law, and ally.

Doubtless Saul was surrounded with sympathizers who longed to destroy David; and who added calumny to reproach.

These trials were severe, and appearances were against the cause of David, yet he waited patiently for the Lord, and was not disappointed. Time more than realized his hopes. One by one his trials were endured and removed ; and at each step he was advanced in faith and holiness.

What must have been the faith that held, and clothed, and fed, four or five hundred faithful soldiers in the barren, rocky mountains of Judea, watched by hireling spies, and pursued by Saul and his powerful army! Still David, courageous, enterprising but humble, just but merciful, yielding yet firm for the right, disarms his deadly foes while he awes unjust and interested friends. He presses on. Obstacles and difficulties are removed or overcome. In the face of terrible opposition he holds his throne and kingdom, and finally, victorious over two conspiracies, dies with

the happy conviction upon his mind that he has the favor and approbation of God, and that on the whole his life has been pleasing to God, and beneficial to his subjects. He dies beholding his son Solomon upon the throne, by his voluntary act of abdication as the decrepitude of age mildly spoke of coming dissolution.

His trials had proved his faith. His sins had humbled him. Pardons had softened his heart, and now he had only to make his will, rich in faith, and hope, and bequests, and plans, as taught of God, for the future welfare of his people and the church. J. CLARKE.