[Dedication to the Original Edition.]

ΤΟ

THE REV. DR. CHALMERS,

THE FOLLOWING PAGES ARE,

WITH SINCERE RESPECT AND ESTEEM,

INSCRIBED BY

THE AUTHOR.

CONTENTS.

PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION.

INTRODUCTION TO THE ORIGINAL EDITION

The First Period.

MORNING FIRST.

LESSON.-1 Samuel, xiii. and xiv.

p. ix

1

Character of Jonathan-Saul's Excuse-The "Seer's" Rebuke-History

of David-A Mirror of Human Nature-Valour of Jonathan-The King's

rash Curse-The People interfere-Saul's stormy Pilgrimage

MORNING SECOND.

LESSON.-1 Samuel, xv. and xvi.

p. 3

The Doom of Amalek-Agag-The Prophet's Confirmation-Conse-

quences of Disobedience-Genuine and spurious Sensibility-Bethlehem

-Samuel's Mission The Shepherd-king- David summoned -- Early

Proficiency of the Psalmist

-

P. 13

MORNING THIRD.

LESSON.-1 Samuel, xvii.

The Combat with Goliath-Conjectures-David's Errand to the Camp

-The Challenge-David's Answer to Saul-His Faith-The Conflict-

Its Lesson

MORNING FOURTH.

LESSON.-1 Samuel, xviii. and xix.

p. 23

Jonathan's Covenant with David-The "Daughters of Israel" rejoice

-Saul's Frenzy-Merab promised to David-Jonathan's Friendship-

Saul's Wrath-David takes Refuge at Ramah-The Spirit of Persecution

-Impenitence

MORNING FIFTH.

LESSON.-1 Samuel, xx. and xxi.

p. 32

Proclamation of the new Moon-Jonathan and David in the Field-

Expedient of the three Arrows-Saul's Bitterness towards David - A

Picture of Friendship-On the Foundation of Friendship-The Ark at

Kirjath-jearim-David at Gath-His Privation and Danger-The Motto

of Christian Warfare.

.

MORNING SIXTH.

LESSON.-1 Samuel, xxii. and xxiii.

p. 42

The Cave of Adullam-A Clue to the Retreat in Moab-Saul's Com-

plaint to the Benjamites-His Ferocity and Contempt for the Altar-

Ahimelech-The Massacre-David guided by the Ephod-Interview be-

tween David and Jonathan-The Message to Saul.

p. 53

vi

CONTENTS.

MORNING SEVENTH.

LESSON.-1 Samuel, xxiv. and xxvi.

David's Forbearance at the Cave of Engedi-Saul's Prayer and Ac-

knowledgment-David's generous Promise-The Ziphites again seek to

betray him--Abishai and the Trophies-The Call to Abner-Saul's Reply

-David in Exile-His Example-His Conviction

MORNING EIGHTH.

LESSON.-1 Samuel, xxv.

p. 63

Summary of the History of Samuel-David in the Wilderness of Paran

-Churlish Nabal's happy Lot-David's courteous Message-Nabal's rude

Reply-Abigail's Present-Her Address to David-Traits of David's

Character-The Proposal to Abigail-The Acceptance.

MORNING NINTH.

LESSON.-1 Samuel, xxvii. xxix. and xxx.

p. 72

David at Ziklag-Sinful Evasion-The Predicament-Deliverance-

The Spoilers of Ziklag-The four Hundred strong Men-Interest of the

History of David-Divine Assurance to the Penitent

MORNING TENTH.

LESSON.-1 Samuel, xxviii. and xxxi.

p. 83

Ancient Necromancy-Saul seeks a Sorceress-The unlooked-for Vi-

sion-The solemn Warning-Divination-Fulfilment of the Prediction-

The End of Saul

p. 92

MORNING ELEVENTH.

LESSON.-2 Samuel, i. and ii.

David's Grief for Jonathan-The Lamentation-Its pathetic Character

-Simplicity and Sublimity of David's Words-Hebron-Abner sets up

Ishbosheth-The Fate of Asahel-David's Struggles

MORNING TWELFTH.

LESSON.-2 Samuel, iii. and iv.

p. 100

Quarrel between Ishbosheth and Abner-Joab's Treachery-Abner

slain-Jewish Customs-The "House of Mourning"-The disappointed

Traitors-David's Mark of Reprobation-A Contrast

LESSON.-1 Chronicles, xi. (to ver. 9) xii. (from 23d ver.) and xiii.

Covenant with the Elders-The Banquet at Hebron-David crowned

-Conquest of Jerusalem-The Removal of the Ark-Uzza's Rashness-

David's penitent Sacrifice-Prosperity of Obed-Edom .

MORNING FOURTEENTH.

LESSON.-1 Chronicles, xv.; Psalm, lxviii.; 1 Chronicles, xvi.

p. 116

A Parallel for the Christian-David scorned by Saul's Daughter-The

"Prayer in removing the Ark"-Expressions of Gratitude and Rever-

ence-Grandeur of the Composition-Prophetic Glimpses-Festal Sacri-

fices.

MORNING FIFTEENTH.

LESSON.-1 Chronicles, xvii.; 2 Samuel, ix. and x.

Nathan the Prophet-The glorious Promise-Jewish Devotional Cus-
toms-Thoughts on the Character of David-His Kindness to Mephibo-