182 BATTLES OF THE BIBLE.

Grandfather. Ab, but we can be quite as envious
about very little things, and the smaller our temptations
are, the greater is the sin of yielding to them. If Saul
is a warning to us, Jonathan gives us a noble example
of how we ought to love one another. According to
human ideas it would not seem natural that the son of
Saul could feel kindly towards one who he knew was to
wear the crown to which he stood heir. But Jonathan’s
was a more lofty spirit; he was above all petty jealousy.

Marianne. I think Jonathan was one of the best peo-
ple I ever heard of.

Grandfather. He certainly was a very faultless cha-
racter ; there is nothing told of him that is not to his
praise. His father, enraged at his steady friendship to
David, tried to put David to death.

George. Did David fight any more battles while Saul
was on the throne ?

Grandfather. Yes, when he was in the forest of Hareth,
in the land belonging to Judah, it was told him that the
Philistines had gone up against Keilah, and were robbing
the thrashing floors. David inquired of the Lord if he
should go and smite the Philistines. The Lord told him
to go. But David’s men objected. They thought that
they encountered dangers enough as they were, with-
out increasing them by going against the Philistines.

George. How many men had he ?

Grandfather. About four hundred had collected round
him. When they refused to accompany him to Keilah,
he inquired of the Lord again. The reply of his God