DAVID AND SAUL by J. CLARKE

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 19, 1860

DAVID AND SAUL.

By J. CLARKE

"SURELY I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother." David.

It was this willingness to serve God in the humblest station, that pleased God and won the love of men. David was no place-seeker. No ambition to rule or to sway his fellow men, agitated his mind. He was fully resigned to the will of God, and had God appointed him to live and die an obscure shepherd, David would have been just as well satisfied, just as contented, just as sweet tempered: this humble-mindedness just fitted him to be a recipient of the good Spirit, and to be guided by the same.

Notice his slow progress to the throne of Israel, step by step, all the time seeking for the Spirit's guidance. O Lord, guide me, was his continual petition; and when adverse circumstances seemed to betoken his downfall, he was ready to fall into the hands of God.

No disputatious arguments mar his sweet songs. No exalted ideas of self sour his feelings, or pervert his judgment. O for more Davids, who shall emulate his virtues, while they avoid his blemishes.

How different the character of David from that of Saul, who was always ready with his self-willed ways and dogmatical arguments to exalt self, let who would fall. Now if there is a dear brother who is rebellious and self-willed, let him notice the contrast between David and Saul.

J. CLARKE.