themselves, and think only of him, till they will do anything for
him, sacrifice anything for him, as Jonathan did for David.

For remember, that Jonathan had cause to hate and envy David rather
than love him; and that he would have hated him if there had been
any touch of meanness or selfishness in his heart. Gradually he
learnt, as all Israel learnt, that Samuel had anointed David to be
king, and that he, Jonathan, was in danger of not succeeding after
Saul's death. David stood between him and the kingdom. And yet he
did not envy David--did not join his father for a moment in plotting
his ruin. He would oppose his father, secretly indeed, and
respectfully; but still, he would be true to David, though he had to
bear insults and threats of death.

And mark here one element in Jonathan's great friendship. Jonathan
is a pious man, as well as a righteous one. He believes the Lord's
messages that he has chosen David to be king, and he submits; seeing
that it is just and right, and that David is worthy of the honour,
though it be to the hurt of himself and of his children after him.
It is the Lord's will; and he, instead of repining against it, must
carry it out as far as he is concerned. Yes; those who are most
true to their fellow-men are always those who are true to God; for
the same spirit of God which makes them fear God makes them also
love their neighbour.

When David escapes from Saul to Samuel, it is Jonathan who does all
he can to save him. The two friends meet secretly in the field.

'And Jonathan said unto David, O Lord God of Israel, when I have
sounded my father about to-morrow any time, or the third day, and,