(First Book of Samuel.)
JONATHAN lov’d Jesse’s son
With a love exceeding;
Own’d that like him there was none
Fit to take the leading.
Overcome with gen’rous glow,
Robe and dress did he bestow,
With his girdle, sword, and bow,
On the victor o’er the foe;
Of himself unheeding.
So he kept him from the hate
Saul, his father, bore him,
And with friendship, true and great,
Threw his shelter o’er him.
Oft with risk he met his Mend,
Would his tears with David’s blend;
Or a warning message send,
So that he might not be penn’d
In the snares before him.
Yet with all his noble love,
Woman’s love excelling,
Ne’er with David did he rove,
From his father’s dwelling.
In Adullam’s honor’d cave
He his presence never gave;
To his house and tribe a slave,
With his sire he met his grave,
War together quelling.
Are there not, within the camp,
Neath the cross’s banner,
Jonathans, whom kindred damp,
After this same manner?
Christ they love, devoid of art,
Truly love Him, self apart;
Yet they never fairly start,
Him to follow, firm of heart,
With a loud hosanna!
T.