MOUNT EPHRAIM PROHIB BITIONISTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2122, 22 February 1908, Page 3

MOUNT EPHRAIM PROHIB BITIONISTS.

“Likewise all the men oi Israeli which had hid themselves in MountEphraim, when they heard that tho Philistines Hod, even they also 1 olknved hard after them in tho battle.” —J. Samuel, xiv. 22. The above words are as suggestive as they arc quaint. In previous chapter it is recorded that owing to the Philistines attacking them with an unexpectedly strong force, many of the Israelites ran away, and left Jonathan with a comparatively -un-iil army with which to engage the enemy. However, disappointed and depressed ns he was with the cowardice of his own people, lie valiantly went forth in the name of his God, and with the loyal remnant of his army gained a glorious victory over the Philistines. Then, when the deserters hiding in the caves and -thickets heard that the enemy was in full (light, they came out, and, with a show of courage, joined their brave comrades in the pursuit. This Is true to nature to-day. In all spheres of life there are many followers of these cowardly Israelites, who will hide in a safe place, whilst their comrades are fighting their enemies, but are quite willing to use their conserved energy in PURSUING THE VANQIJISHEI). For instance, in our conflict with the Liquor Philistines who are raiding our land, desolating and impoverishing it, there are many who, whilst professing to belong to our Temperance forces, are content to he passive, hiding themselves away in some Mount Ephraim. But when tho battle is practically over, and the enemy is in full retreat, thoso who have deserted us in the thick of tho fight will rush out from their hidingplaces of snug retirement, and, with great shouting, will help us to plant our flag uiKin the heights of a_ free and sober country, They wil join us at the finish in order to make the victory more impressive. Fearing that any or our enemies should escape, they who refused to FACE them will, as Samuel quaintly puts it, “follow hard AFTER them.” Yes, they vyill follow HARD after tlicin. Having conserved their energy in safe retirement whilst their comrades were expending theirs in the throes of conflict, they are all the fresher and stronger for the CHASE. Advt. . C.P.