episode? We are admonished to speak our own minds concerning it. What earthly reason can any one give for the recording of such a revolting story, except perhaps, to give vent to a sex perversion? Can any element of this story inspire strength of character, or of duty to our fellow-men, or of anything that will elevate the moral life of man?

I do not wish to dwell longer upon this story; but in passing, let me leave this thought with you. Think of a story for a child to read at Sunday School, or anywhere else, where a woman is of so little worth that she is given to a mob of sensual beasts "to do (to her) what seemeth good unto them," with the consequence that she is abused to death!

CHAPTER IX.

KING DAVID OF ISRAEL AND HIS WIVES.

We now come to the story of David, King of the Jews, Conqueror of Goliath, Man after God's own heart, and the most infamous character in the long list of reprobates with which the Bible acquaints us.

When I first read the history, or life story, of this man as recorded in the Bible, I was tempted to write exclusively about him, but I realized it would be a task that would prevent the completion of my book and for that reason will leave it for a future time. I assure you he offers fit material for a special study, and after I have recorded those portions which come within the scope of my subject you will not need much additional evidence of his viciousness to convince you of the correctness of my estimate of this malignant rascal, whose character has been extolled from the lips of almost every preacher of every denomination of the western world.

Around the character of this man is woven the fable of his conquest over the giant of the Philistines, Goliath. As children, we were

told how David, with his sling, destroyed the giant who was equipped with an armored protection that could withstand an army of Israelites. It is always the negative and destructive things of life that the Bible teaches us to revere; and what makes it so much more pernicious is the hypocritical assurance that "it is the Lord's will."

David was to accomplish great and heroic feats because the Lord was on his side and gave him invisible support.

For pure, unadulterated gibberish concerning the "Lord" and his silly conversations and influences, you are requested to take your Bible in hand, turn to the first book of Samuel, and read the effusions you will find therein. Just as the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors is related to us in our childhood, and arouses our curiosity, and prompts us to become more acquainted with his life, so the story of David and Goliath prompts us to inquire for more details concerning David's life.

It is this instilled interest which we receive in our childhood which makes the character of David such a vicious influence. Especially since, despite his unscrupulousness and despicableness, "God" was ever ready and willing, like a menial

servant, not only to protect him, but to give him more power. I do not know of a more pernicious and harmful character study than that of David. King of the Jews, as related in the first and second books of Samuel, as revealed through the "divine word of an Ever-Living God."

Ministers of all denominations plead for another David to lead them in a great spiritual revival. Let us examine the moral side of his life to determine whether or not the people of our day really want another David. I venture to say, were such a character living among us to-day, he would be the object of bitter denunciation and contempt. David's first matrimonial venture is indeed of interest to us, and the method by which he secured his wife is of additional import. Since he had so many wives, the method by which he secured them is of more than ordinary interest. In fact, I might say, that his "courtships" were exceedingly spicy. Debutantes especially should be interested in the amorous adventures of this gallant and debonair Israelite. Previous to the reign of David, Saul was King of the Jews. During his kingship, Saul was quite jealous of David, because the people proclaimed David as "the slayer of ten-thou

sands" and Saul merely as "the slayer of only thousands."

As the Bible describes this episode so flawlessly let me quote it. Samuel 1, Chapter 18, Verses 6-8.

6 And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of music.

7 And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.

8 And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?

The conquering hero returns and receives the plaudits of the multitude. That the King should be jealous of his general, is for the moment not our concern. We are interested in the King's jealousy only as it reveals the method he uses to satisfy his revenge. It may be permissible at this moment to say a word in passing regarding the Bible as a Great War Book. Its pages abound with battles and the devastation wrought by the conquerors is an inspiration to modern war