The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1894-01-17

The Sumter Light Infantry.

-TO-
The Sumter Light Infantry.
Rev. John Kershaw, Chaplain.
Published by Request Of the Compaoy.]
TExr-ssThen said David to the Phllistine,
Thou comest to me with sword, and with q
spear, and with shield but come to thee
in the name Of the Lord of hosts, the God of
the armies of Israel, whom thou hast de6ed. !"
Il Samuel, l7th chap, As
Our text carries US back to 8 time
at which the young Israelitish nation was
presided over By it's FIRST king. Saul, the
son Of Kish, OF the tribe of Benjamin.
The nation vas at var with their
ancient foes, the Philistines. the people
who we're in possession Of the promised
land when the tribes, sader the lead of
Joshua, finally crossed the Jordan and
began to fight for their inheritance.
For twenty-five years the Philistloes,
after their disastrous defeat at Mich
mash, had remained quiet, but now
thew desermiued to make supreme
effort to recover their lost ascendancy,
aud, accordingly. they advanced to the
valley Of Elah, IA miles southwest from
Jerusalem, where the forces of Israel,
ander command Of Abner, met them
and offered battle.
The position occupied BY the Pn,l,s-
tines Was siugularly we'll chosen. Be-
hind them a high hill.. in front and on
both sides sloping plain, which afford
ed them sufficient ground on which to
pitch their tents and maneuvre their
forces, while through the bottom of the
vale flowed clear mountain brook,
which supplied all the water needed for
army purposes
Across the little brook and occupying
a position very similar to that Of their
foes. the armies Of Israel encamped.
and se. the battle in array. though
neither side seemed anxious to precipi-
tate the conflict. They we're content
to watch oae another and be ready to
take advantage Of any opening that
might present itself for aggressive
The intention of the Philistines to
-. .ha Ier.el;fes attack. soon became
evident. They believed that their posi-
ton vas the better one, strategicaily,
and if they could provoke Israel to at
tempt an assault, they felt sure they
could repulse them by rushing down
npop them from the higher ground, as
.hey crossed the brook and sought to
advance up the hill. Like Meade at
Gettysburg, the Pbilistine commander
nrefer.ed to await attack, rather than
deliver battle at disadvantage to HIM
,elf.
As the means Of provoking Israel.
every day there appeared q gigantic
warrior, Goliath Of Gath. as champion
of the Philistines. who. standing in
front of the line of battle. would shout
ont his insulting challenge to the
armies of Israel. In that clear atmos-
phere, With the background of hills,
the voice carried to 40 immense distance
and every Israelite heard the Philis-
ines defiance. Saul, the King, heard
it He was himself mau of great
stature, but nothing to compare With
Goliath, whose size was such as to dis
nay them all.
:.Choose you a man for you, and let
him come down to me-" shouted the
Philis,ine champion. elf he be able
% fiebt nth me and KLINE, then will
We be your servants but if | prevail
against him and kill him, then shall ye
be our servants and serve US"
This went on for many days, until
Saul, thoroughly exasperated, yet
.fraid, issued a proclamation to the
,Gecs that tbesmaa4.ho@ should clay the
giant would be made prince of Israel.
and relieved Of all tribute or taxes to
he government. Moreover, he should
have the Kings daughter in marriage.
Still no one came forward. and every
lay the courage Of IsraeIs army evapo.
rated, as the giant ipsulsingly repeated
bis defiance.
Some distance away, but near enough
10 the field of battle to hear the boom
ing of the guns, had modern artillery
been there to supplaDt the primitive
and poiseless weapons of those days
wheo hand to hand fighting was as
common as the duel at long range is
to day between armies, and much more
have been seen youth,
ruddy and Of fair countenance, mind
ing flock of sheep His three eldest
brothers had followed Saul to the front,
while he had been left at home to look
after the sheep and take care of the old
father and the things about the place.
David had the gift Of making music.