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

IL Odt, ne Wd6 CUtu VI IuS AtuS P'oS'o
nation, and he resolved that be would
offer himself as 1srael's champion, if
the King would allow him. His big
brother, Eliab, took great offense at
what he deemed David's follv and reck.
lessoess, accused him of pride. Of
naughtiness of heart, Of deserting his
fathers few sheep IN the wilderness
and declared that David had come down
en- purpose that be might see the bat
tie. Very likely, in the intense excite
ment of the hour, be had forgotten to
say anything about the provisions be
had brought, or to deliver his fathers
message, and Eliab had some excuse for
thus rebuking him. Meanwhile word
had been passed along until it finally
got to the King, that there vas at last
a. man Who would 60 out to fight Co
Hath. Saul sent. for him, and David
went. As the King looked atthe strip
ling aud compared him with the giant
across the brook. he said. "Nho,ss art
not able togo upagaius. this Pbi'issine
to fight with him; for thou art but a
youth, aud he man of war from his
yoatb." David, not boastiDgly. but
with confidence in himself, told the
King how he had slain lion and a
bear that had attacked his fathers sheep.
.nd he felt snre that he could do che
sane for the Philistiue, ''seeing he
hath defied the armies of the living
God" David said moreover. '.The
Lord {Jobovah) that delivered me out
of the paw Of the lion, aud out OF the
paw of the bear, he will deliver me out
of the hand of this Philistine y .
He had cast himself upon his Cod
it was HIS cause that he represented
HIS honor was at stake. Has name
chat must be vindicased in presence of
both friend and foe:ssIt was critical
hour for Israel. II defeated snoH,sthe
national life would be broken i.not
updone. To conquer now, meant the
establishment ofethe kingdom, and the
triumph of worship Of the Trne
God. as against the false gods of
Philistia. With the eye of inspiration,
and the intuition. of genius, all shis.'
flashed upon David, as he professed his
faith in the God Of his fathers, and re-
counted .thosegdeeds Of valor upon Whichs
he founded bis title to be called and
considered a man. worthy to represent
Isreal.
In presence of such splendid faith,
such undaunted courage. Saul could but
say $50, aud the Lord be with thee . .
For his protection. Saul clad David
in his armor, but the unaccnstomed
weight and constraint Of such suit,
em barrassed him, aud he put them of
saying, 81 cannot 60 With these, for |
have not proved them"
In the simple dress Of a shepherd
boy, with only his sling in his hand,
David went forth. In crossing the
brook. ne selected Eve smooth, round.
water-worn stones, which he placed IN
his bag, and went on to meet the.glant
enemy.
What o moment that was There. on
either side, stood the opposing forces.
resting on their arms. Far in advance
of the exultapt Philistines loomed up
the; immense figure of Goliath, their
Opposite them we're the
serried but silent and cowed ranks of
Israel, iutently watching the youthful
figure of their champion, with nothing
but sling in bis hand. going up the
hill to meet that imposing colossus, clad
in shining mail. shaking his spear
handle, large as ueaver's beam, and
eirt about with sword SO heavy as to be
useless to an ordinary man. Surely it
was an unequals com bat surely T the
battle be always to the strong, aud the
race to the swift, if Providence is always
on the side Of the largest men and the
heaviest OattdIloue, eo0h 'Ss D"''0 w
ware, for his doom is upon him. and his
faith and courage will not avail him
DOW. But the Philistine-be cannot
make this thing out. A boy with
sling in his hand coming to accept bis
challenge. He disdained him, cursed
him by the name Of his gods, wanted to
know if be was dog that David should
come against him With sling, and
wound up in his coutemptuous anger BY
inviting him Come to me, and
will give thy flesh unto the fowls Of the
air. and to the wild beasts Of the field
David answered, Thou comess to
me with sword and with spear, and
With shield, but l come to thee in the
name of Jehovah of Sabaoth, the God
of the armies of Israel. whom thou hast
de6ed. This day will the Lord deliver
thee into mine hand; and | will smite
thee, aud take thine head from thee:
and I will give the carcases of the host
of the Philistines this day unto the
! l.. Ia k.n,t,