The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1915-04-10

David twice mem David, Gods Choice.
toned her as a handmade of God.
The Prophet Samuel mourned for
King Saul, apparently disappointed
that he should be rejected. Quite prob
ably ~forebodings of a civil war per-
turbed the Prophets mind. He knew
that Saul would not quietly lay down
the scepter which he had taken up so
modestly, in obedience to the Divine
arrangement. Samuel should have had
greater trust In Gods Wisdom and
Power, but his trouble was more or
less like that which assails the Lords
people eve today.
When sent to anoint David, the
Prophet did not hesitate to perform
the Lords bidding, but he intimated
that he clearly understood that King
Saul would kill him as a traitor If he
should anoint a successor to the king
dom. The Lord assured him that the
matter would not be made known at
once, and directed him to go to Beth
lehem and make a sacrifice there, and
to improve the opportunity of finding
and amounting the one who In due time
would become king.
Gods Choice of King.
Our Study begins at the point when
the Prophet arrived at Bethlehem.
Thinking that his presence signified
some sin on their part or on that of
their fellow-citizens. the Elders inquir-
ed whether he came peaceably or not
whether his presence meant a blessing
or the infection of a penalty, Their
fears were allayed when they heard
that his mission was to offer a sacrifice
to the Lord.
Some time before this, the Ark of the
Covenant had been captured by the
Philistines. The Tabernacle services.
thus discontinued. had not yet been re-
established; consequently this sacri-
icing was performed by the Lords
especially appointed servant. The
command for the people of Bethlehem
to sanctify themselves if they would
participate In the blessings of the sacri-
fee signifed that they should battle,
put on clean clothes and draw nigh to
the Lord with all their hearts. Thus
typieally they represented that justi-
fication and sanctiication which the
Church of the Gospel Age has enjoyed.
The Prophet seems to have taken
supervision of Jesse's family to the in
tent that he might without public dis
play find and anoint the mar whom
the Lord had chosen. Jesse introduced
his sons to the Prophet in the order of
their birth-his eldest first. Eliab was
of fine appearance, and the Prophet
assumed that he was the Lords choice.
But the Lord was looking on the heart,
and had already selected David. al
though being under age, his father had
not thought it worth while to call him
to the feast. AS one after another of
Jesse's ons appeared, the Prophet
found not him whom the Lords Spirit
indicated as the one to be anointed.
Then he inquired. Are all thy chill
dren here?" Jesse suddenly remem-
bered that his youngest boy was in
the field and sent for him.
The A~ntitypical Lords Amounted.
Our Golden Text appeals to all
Christians, in connection with the
High Calling of the Gospel Age. AS
the Lords messengers we, too, are
seeking for these to be ~anointed with
the oil of gladness, the Holy Spirit,
that" they may be kings and priests in
the Messianic KINGDOM. Like the
Prophet Samuel, we might feel afraid
to anoint the SUCCESSORS of present in