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النشر الإلكتروني

XIII.

THE FAMILY OF DAVID.

In the history of the wild and adventurous life of David, while seeking refuge in woods and caves, and desert fastnesses, from the pursuit of Saul, there are touches full of meaning which unfold his character as a man-brave, generous, impulsive, yet magnanimous, with spirit born for dominion, aspiring to lofty things, but subdued through faith to implicit submission to the Divine will. The slight account given of his early years shows him affectionate and faithful in his relations to his family. The youngest of his brethren-although attractive in person and disposition, he appeared invested with no preference over them, but pursued his humble and laborious occupation while they passed before Samuel for his choice of a king. Either his own modesty, or his father's disregard of his qualifications, prevented his coming at first among them to undergo the scrutiny. He was obedient to Jesse, as well after as before his anointing to be the successor of Saul; nor do we find that the prospect of elevation to the throne inflated his mind with pride or ambition, or changed his deportment towards others who had a right to control his actions. After his honourable reception at court, and the tokens of favour received from the monarch whose malady he had relieved by playing on the harp, he returned contentedly to Bethlehem, his duty being accomplished, to resume his employment of keeping his father's sheep. At Jesse's command, he went to the camp to carry provisions to his brethren, and bring back tidings of their welfare. There the haughty and insulting challenge of the Philistine fired his generous soul with indignation, and with zeal for

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