168 BATTLES OF THE BIBLE.

Jonathan and his armour-bearer could not kill many of
them.

Grandfather. They killed each other, for the terror
that had taken possession of them made them unable to
distinguish friends from foes. The watchmen of Saul’s
little army looked out upon their enemies, and saw, to
their surprise, that great multitude melting away and
beating down one another. Saul and his people were
emboldened by this sight. They went forth to the
battle, and all the Israelites who had hid themselves
ventured now to shew their faces in broad daylight, and
marched against the fleeing foe. Other Israelites were
there before them—those who had deserted their coun-
try’s interests in the time of its greatest danger, and
who had joined themselves to the camp of the enemy
——even they turned their hands against the Philistines
now when they saw them already smitten. Whichever
side they might fight on they could bring little honour
to it. The king was very desirous that now when his
subjects had begun to fight, they should continue all
that day to pursue their enemies, and allow nothing to
interrupt them. That this point might be gained, he
said, “ Cursed be the man that eateth any food until
evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies.”

Marianne. Was it right of Saul to wish a curse upon
the people, grandfather ?

Grandfather. It was not right; we ought to bless,
and curse not. It was cruel in Saul to lay such a com-
mand upon the people, for it weakened them, and made
them unable to pursue their enemies.