The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1915-04-08
(sY WILLIAM T. EILIs.)

nv WILLIAM r. ELlis.)
Nobody knows what particular
deed many determine his destiny. or
what humble friends may introduce
him TO opportunity. The highest
crowns come unexpectedly and un-
sought David was out on the hills
tending to the sheep when the scep.
tire and the crown came looking for
him. Lowell reminds us:
In LIES small things be resolute
and great
To keep thy muscle trained;
know'st thou when Fate
Thy measure takes, or when she'll
say to thee,
Il find thee worthy; do this deed for
me?"
This old story Of the amounting OF
David IL one of the romances which
the world loves. II In staged In the
second most sacred spot on earth. the
little town of Bethlehem, i've miles
below Jerusalem. Our imaginations
picture the notable processions that
have wended their way toward this
little Judean town. whose name
means the house Of bread" We see
the prophet Samuel, with his horn
of coronation oil, travelling thither.
thinking. perhaps. Of the other pill.
grims, Ruth and Naomi, who had
embodied one of the nations TO
mances in the Same town OF Bethle-
hem. Centuries later we behold
Joseph and Mary journeying to
bethlehem from Nazareth. Then We
see the Wise Men from the east on
their camels creating q sensation in
this humble little town. Scholars re-
call the figure OF st. Jerome travel
ing to Bethlehem to make his home
for years In q grotto hard by the
birthplace OF Jesus. where he trans.
lated the Scriptures into the vulgate,
which 10 stu the version Of the Ro.
man Catholic church. We see the
Crusaders fighting their way TO Beth.
lehem In the Middle Ages: and the
millions of devoted pilgrim feet that
have since journeyed 10 the Oldest
church in the world. which Is built
over the birthplace of our Lord. Now
the streets Of Bethlehem are echoins
to The tramp OF armed Turkish sol
diers, as the central one Of the three
military columns struggle and strsg
gle on toward the Sues Canal.
The Unfit Man And The Fit.
Old Samuel was sublime figure
as he went down toward Bethlehem
Ills heart was heavy within him. but
still II was loyal TO It's mission. He
had loved Saul like son. Upon him
Re had conferred hts hopes for q grea
era for Israel He had rejoiced al
The kinsly growth OF this man who
was Gods second-best plan for the
people. The real decadencc and the
apparent self-exaltation OF King Saul
smote the heart of the man OF God
lie who had crowned Saul. had also
heen the messenger Of condemns
lion and dcthrontment.
The fidelity OF Samuel in decreeinJ
the kings doom is really thrilling
He was brave enough to perceive
that tho worst service that can be
done an outfit man is to keep him In
the place wherein he has failed
Would thet churches and organized
Christianity In general had some OF
Samuel's courage. No other instltu.
ton Is so numbered up with unfit Of
fee bearers. Because gelatinous
good nature has been substituted for
a resolute and intelligent purpose.
incompetent men are retained In pull
pits and In ONCE. TO the hurt OF
the kingdom OF heaven.
The contrast between the decline
OF Saul and the rise Of Samuel Is
given touch Of the dramatic. be-
cause IL was supposed that the en-
trance Of Saul upon the scene had
eclipsed the prophet; but still We see
him sweetly and steadfastly at work,
saying TO God. as In boyhood. Here
am l." He was as ready for the hard
tasks as for the easy. He would lead
tho people. or he would provide them
with another leader: he would
anoint king. or he would denounce
him; all according 10 the commands
Of Jehovah. The personality OF Sam.
uel had assumed such proportions in
the life Of Israel. that the elders OF
the town Of Bethlehem trembled as
he drew near. lest he should be the
bearer OF some word Of punishment.
Seven strappIne Sons.
II IL not always necessary to tell
everything one knows. Samuels real
mission was cioaked beneath the
conventional purpose Of holding Q
service Of sacrifices for the city.
"Concealment OF good purpose for
q good purpose 10 clearly justinable."