THE SWEET SINGER OF ISRAEL
"VERY well, then. Let us go back to the days of long ago, long, even,
before the destruction of our beloved city. Let us seek David on the
hillsides, tending his flocks with loving care.
"One day a visitor came to the house of Jesse, David's father. This
visitor was no other than the prophet Samuel. He had received a command
from the Lord telling him to take a vial of oil and seek the house of
Jesse.
"'There,' said the Lord, 'you will find the new king who is to succeed
Saul.'
"Samuel hastened to obey. When he reached Jesse's house, he asked to see
his sons. One by one passed before him till the eighth son, David,
appeared. Then the voice of the Lord again spoke to Samuel. It said:
"'Arise, anoint him, for this is he.'
"As soon as the prophet had anointed David with the oil, the young man
was filled with the spirit and power of God. At the same time, they left
King Saul, who did many foolish and bad deeds after this.
"But what of David? Did he go out into the world and declare himself the
future king of Israel? Not so. He continued to live his peaceful, quiet
life as a shepherd. He learned to sing, and play upon the harp. He now
showed himself indeed the 'Sweet Singer of Israel.'
"He began to show power in other ways, too. Many times the fierce lions
and savage bears came creeping upon his flocks. Many times David met and
overpowered them with the strength given to him by the Lord."
"It seems as though I can see him guarding his flocks," said Solomon, as
Levi stopped talking to rest for a moment. "His beautiful black eyes are
looking out into the night and watching for danger. He looks at his
sleeping sheep to see if all are safe. Then he hears the sound of foes
drawing near and springs to meet them."
"I like best to think of him with a tiny lamb in his arms," said Esther.
"He holds it lovingly against his breast, as though he would say, 'I
will save you from all harm, poor, helpless creature.'"
Levi now went on with his story.
"While David was still tending his flocks, King Saul was waging war upon
the Philistines, the bitter enemies of our people. They became more and
more daring, until at last they gathered on the side of a mountain right
here in Israel.
"Three of David's brothers were fighting in Saul's army and went out to
meet the Philistines. David often went to the camp to visit his
brothers. He happened to be there once when a Philistine giant marched
forth and dared any Israelite to fight with him.
"There was no one who felt able to say, 'I am not afraid; I accept your
challenge.'
"'No one,' did I say? At first, this was true, for every one in Saul's
army kept silent. But when David saw this, he felt the spirit of the
Lord stir within him. He arose, saying, 'I will meet you.'
"He was now led before Saul, and there, in the presence of the king, he
said he had faith that God would save him from harm, even from the hand
of the giant. At first, Saul thought:
"'It is of no use for this young shepherd to go out alone to meet the
giant. He will only lose his life.'
"But when he heard what David said, he changed his mind. He got out a
strong suit of armour, and even helped him to put it on. David was not
used to such things. The armour weighed him down so that he staggered
and almost fell. He said:
"'It would be better for me to carry only such weapons as I know. Let me
take my shepherd's staff and the sling I have used so often in meeting
the wild beasts.'
"He was allowed to do as he chose. He went forth to meet the giant with
nothing to help him save his staff and sling.
"And what did the giant, Goliath, say when he saw the young shepherd
draw near? He spoke in scornful words. But he suddenly became silent as
David sent a stone from his sling that passed through his forehead and
entered his brain. As soon as David saw the success of his shot, he
rushed to the giant's side, seized his sword, and cut off his head.
"The watching Philistines were filled with fear. They began to flee.
But Saul's army followed and overtook them and killed great numbers.
"All Israel now began to praise David. Saul, too, was filled with
delight. He declared he was willing David should marry his elder
daughter after a while.
"Now the king, as you know, often did wild and foolish things. This was,
perhaps, because he gave way to fits of bad temper. When he learned of
David's power to play and sing, he often asked the young shepherd to
quiet his angry feelings with the sweet music of his harp and voice.
"He was very fond of David in those days, but after a while he became
jealous when he heard the constant praises of the people. They said,
'Saul hath slain his thousands, but David his ten thousands.'
"His anger was now turned against the brave shepherd. At one time, he
threw his spear at David. It was when the lad was playing on his harp.
But Saul failed to do what his wicked heart desired. The Lord was
protecting the future king of Israel.
"Again he tried to kill David, and again he failed. Saul must have
thought that it was of no use, so now he sought to injure the young man
in a different way. He gave the daughter he had promised David to
another lover.
"But Saul soon found that his younger daughter loved David. He now said:
"'You may have Michal if you will first kill one hundred Philistines.'
He only said this because he hoped David would be killed by the enemy."
"I know what David did," exclaimed Solomon, who could keep still no
longer. "He went out and destroyed two hundred Philistines, instead of
one hundred."
"Yes," said Levi, "and he brought back the spoils and laid them at the
feet of Saul. The king was now obliged to have David for a son-in-law.
But he hated him as much as ever.
"So he told his son Jonathan and some of his attendants to kill him. Now
Jonathan, as you must know, loved David as a brother. He did all in his
power to make his father feel more kindly toward him. He had almost
succeeded, when Saul was seized with a new spirit of madness. All his
wicked feelings came back, and he hired some bad men to take David by
surprise when he was asleep, and kill him.
"Somehow or other, Michal heard of the plot. She warned David, and he
fled from the palace. But Michal did not stop here. She made the shape
of a man and placed it in David's bed. In this way the bad men who came
to kill him were deceived.
"I am rather tired, Rebecca," said Levi, when he had got this far in
his story. "Won't you go on and tell the children about David's flight?"
"Certainly," said his wife. In her sweet, clear voice she made a picture
of David hiding near Ramah. "But he was not safe, for Saul heard where
he was. He sent men there to take him prisoner. A strange thing happened
on their way. They were overcome by the spirit of the Lord, and they did
not dare seize David.
"When Saul was told how they had failed, he went himself in search of
David. But he, too, was overpowered by the spirit of the Lord. And what
do you think happened? Instead of harming him, he asked David to come
back to the palace.
"But David did not feel sure that Saul was a true friend. He thought it
would be the wisest thing for him to see Jonathan first and ask him to
find out how his father really felt.
"Jonathan was a true friend. It did not take him long to learn that Saul
was as much an enemy as ever. He must now let David know about it, and
prevent his return to the palace. He knew where David was hiding, but he
did not dare seek him out.
"Instead of that, he started from the palace to go shooting. He took a
boy with him. When he had come close to the place where his friend was
hidden, he began to shoot. He spoke to the boy from time to time. He
used such words as to let the listening David know that the king was no
more his friend than ever."
When Rebecca had got thus far, Miriam looked a little perplexed.
"I don't see how David could understand what he meant," she said.
"He had agreed with Jonathan that certain words should mean certain
things, my dear."
"Oh, I see now. Go on with the story, please."
Rebecca smiled pleasantly, and went on.
"David prepared to flee at once. But he had no arms or food. He must
have both.
"He went to the house of the High Priest. When he had entered, he told
him he had come with a message from the king. He asked for the sword of
Goliath, which was in the High Priest's keeping. He also asked for five
sacred loaves of shewbread, which no one dared to eat except the
priests.
"When these had been given him he hurried away. He had one adventure
after another. It was about this time that he hid in the cave of
Adullam. His brothers and a great many other Israelites joined him
there.
"While he was hiding in the cave of Adullam, the prophet of God came to
him, telling him to go into the land of Judah. He started at once to
obey the prophet's command. Saul heard where he was and followed him.
On his way, the king heard how David had been helped by the High Priest.
He was so angry that he ordered not only the High Priest to be killed,
but also his eighty-five helpers, and all the people of the town in
which he lived.
"The son of the High Priest managed to escape. He fled to David and told
him the sad story. You can imagine how bad David felt when he learned
what had happened through his own deceit. But his mind was kept busy
with plans to keep out of Saul's reach, for the king followed him from
place to place.
"One night while David was hiding in a cave, the king stopped to rest at
that very spot. Little did he dream who was so near him. While he lay
sleeping David crept to his side and cut off a piece of his cloak. He
might have killed Saul at this time, but he had too great a heart.
"The next day, just as the king was riding away in his chariot, David
appeared in the mouth of the cave. He held up the piece he had cut from
Saul's cloak. Then the king knew he had been in David's power. He saw
how generously he had been treated. He felt such shame that he
determined to do the young man no more harm. But his heart soon grew
wicked again and once more he began to persecute him.
"David again showed him how generous he was. He crept into Saul's tent
one night. The king's army was encamped all around him. Only a servant
went with David on this dangerous trip.
"No one saw them as they stole along. No one heard them as David stepped
to the side of the sleeping Saul and seized his spear and cup; then away
they sped till they reached the hilltop opposite the one where Saul had
taken his stand.
"David now cried out in a loud voice to wake the sleeping army. He
showed the cup and spear he had taken away from Saul's tent. Saul saw
that David had spared his life a second time. He was again filled with
gratitude.
"But David had learned not to trust him. He sought a home among the
Philistines and helped them in their wars. They treated him with great
kindness and their king became his true friend.
"Not long after this, the Philistines went out to battle against Saul.
David was not with them at this time. It was a sad day for the
Israelites. They were badly beaten and Saul's sons were killed. Yes,
even David's faithful friend Jonathan lost his life. Saul was overcome
with sorrow. He threw himself upon his sword and died by his own hand.
"When David heard the news he felt very sad. He mourned bitterly over
the death of Jonathan. But this could not be helped now, and there was
much work to do for his people.
"The Israelites were in a pitiful state. The Philistines had most of the
country in their power. A leader was needed. That leader was at hand. It
was David, the hero, the Sweet Singer.
"'How just he is!' said the people. 'How brave he is!' all cried.
"Not long after this he was crowned King of Israel. At first, he lived
in Hebron, but afterward he went to Jerusalem, where a beautiful palace
was built for him and his family. And now he went on and became great,
for the Lord God of hosts was with him."
Rebecca bowed her head as she said these words.
"Let us chant one of the psalms of David," said Levi. "It is a good way
to end our afternoon."
Rebecca began the words of the beautiful twenty-third psalm. The others
joined their voices with hers.
THE END.
Selections from The Page Company's Books for Young People
THE BLUE BONNET SERIES
_Each large 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated, per volume_ $1.75
=A TEXAS BLUE BONNET=
By CAROLINE E. JACOBS.
"The book's heroine, Blue Bonnet, has the very finest kind of wholesome,
honest, lively girlishness."--_Chicago Inter-Ocean._
=BLUE BONNET'S RANCH PARTY=
By CAROLINE E. JACOBS AND EDYTH ELLENBECK READ.
"A healthy, natural atmosphere breathes from every chapter."--_Boston
Transcript._
=BLUE BONNET IN BOSTON=
By CAROLINE E. JACOBS AND LELA HORN RICHARDS.
"It is bound to become popular because of its wholesomeness and its many
human touches."--_Boston Globe._
=BLUE BONNET KEEPS HOUSE=
By CAROLINE E. JACOBS AND LELA HORN RICHARDS.
"It cannot fail to prove fascinating to girls in their teens."--_New
York Sun._
=BLUE BONNET--D√ČBUTANTE=
By LELA HORN RICHARDS.
An interesting picture of the unfolding of life for Blue Bonnet.
=BLUE BONNET OF THE SEVEN STARS=
By LELA HORN RICHARDS.
"The author's intimate detail and charm of narration gives the reader an
interesting story of the heroine's war activities."--_Pittsburgh
Leader._
THE YOUNG PIONEER SERIES
By HARRISON ADAMS
_Each 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated, per volume_ $1.65
=THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO;= OR, CLEARING THE WILDERNESS.
"Such books as this are an admirable means of stimulating among the
young Americans of to-day interest in the story of their pioneer
ancestors and the early days of the Republic."--_Boston Globe._
=THE PIONEER BOYS ON THE GREAT LAKES;= OR, ON THE TRAIL OF THE IROQUOIS.
"The recital of the daring deeds of the frontier is not only interesting
but instructive as well and shows the sterling type of character which
these days of self-reliance and trial produced."--_American Tourist,
Chicago._
=THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE MISSISSIPPI;= OR, THE HOMESTEAD IN THE
WILDERNESS.
"The story is told with spirit, and is full of adventure."--_New York
Sun._
=THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE MISSOURI;= OR, IN THE COUNTRY OF THE SIOUX.
"Vivid in style, vigorous in movement, full of dramatic situations, true
to historic perspective, this story is a capital one for
boys."--_Watchman Examiner, New York City._
=THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE YELLOWSTONE;= OR, LOST IN THE LAND OF WONDERS.
"There is plenty of lively adventure and action and the story is well
told."--_Duluth Herald, Duluth, Minn._
=THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE COLUMBIA;= OR, IN THE WILDERNESS OF THE GREAT
NORTHWEST.
"The story is full of spirited action and contains much valuable
historical information."--_Boston Herald._
THE HADLEY HALL SERIES
By LOUIS M. BREITENBACH
_Each large 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated, per volume_ $1.65
=ALMA AT HADLEY HALL=
"The author is to be congratulated on having written such an appealing
book for girls."--_Detroit Free Press._
=ALMA'S SOPHOMORE YEAR=
"It cannot fail to appeal to the lovers of good things in girls'
books."--_Boston Herald._
=ALMA'S JUNIOR YEAR=
"The diverse characters in the boarding-school are strongly drawn, the
incidents are well developed and the action is never dull."--_The Boston
Herald._
=ALMA'S SENIOR YEAR=
"A healthy, natural atmosphere breathes from every chapter."--BOSTON
TRANSCRIPT.
THE GIRLS OF FRIENDLY TERRACE SERIES
By HARRIET LUMMIS SMITH
_Each large 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated, per volume_ $1.65
=THE GIRLS OF FRIENDLY TERRACE=
"A book sure to please girl readers, for the author seems to understand
perfectly the girl character."--_Boston Globe._
=PEGGY RAYMOND'S VACATION=
"It is a wholesome, hearty story."--_Utica Observer._
=PEGGY RAYMOND'S SCHOOL DAYS=
The book is delightfully written, and contains lots of exciting
incidents.
=THE FRIENDLY TERRACE QUARTETTE=
These four lively girls found their opportunities to serve their
country. The story of their adventures will bring anew to every girl who
rends about them the realization of what she owes to her country.
FAMOUS LEADERS SERIES
By CHARLES H. L. JOHNSTON
_Each large 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated, per volume_ $2.00
=FAMOUS CAVALRY LEADERS=
"More of such books should be written, books that acquaint young readers
with historical personages in a pleasant, informal way."--_New York
Sun._
=FAMOUS INDIAN CHIEFS=
"Mr. Johnston has done faithful work in this volume, and his relation of
battles, sieges and struggles of these famous Indians with the whites
for the possession of America is a worthy addition to United States
History."--_New York Marine Journal._
=FAMOUS SCOUTS=
"It is the kind of a book that will have a great fascination for boys
and young men."--_New London Day._
=FAMOUS PRIVATEERSMEN AND ADVENTURERS OF THE SEA=
"The tales are more than merely interesting; they are entrancing,
stirring the blood with thrilling force."--_Pittsburgh Post._
=FAMOUS FRONTIERSMEN AND HEROES OF THE BORDER=
"The accounts are not only authentic, but distinctly readable, making a
book of wide appeal to all who love the history of actual
adventure."--_Cleveland Leader._
=FAMOUS DISCOVERERS AND EXPLORERS OF AMERICA=
"The book is an epitome of some of the wildest and bravest adventures of
which the world has known."--_Brooklyn Daily Eagle._
=FAMOUS GENERALS OF THE GREAT WAR=
Who Led the United States and Her Allies to a Glorious Victory.
"The pages of this book have the charm of romance without its unreality.
The book illuminates, with life-like portraits, the history of the World
War."--_Rochester Post Express._
HILDEGARDE-MARGARET SERIES
By LAURA E. RICHARDS
Eleven Volumes
The Hildegarde-Margaret Series, beginning with "Queen Hildegarde" and
ending with "The Merryweathers," make one of the best and most popular
series of books for girls ever written.
_Each large 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated, per volume_ $1.75
_The eleven volumes boxed as a set_ $19.25
LIST OF TITLES
=QUEEN HILDEGARDE=
=HILDEGARDE'S HOLIDAY=
=HILDEGARDE'S HOME=
=HILDEGARDE'S NEIGHBORS=
=HILDEGARDE'S HARVEST=
=THREE MARGARETS=
=MARGARET MONTFORT=
=PEGGY=
=RITA=
=FERNLEY HOUSE=
=THE MERRYWEATHERS=
THE CAPTAIN JANUARY SERIES
By LAURA E. RICHARDS
_Each one volume, 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated,
per volume_ 90 cents
=CAPTAIN JANUARY=
A charming idyl of New England coast life, whose success has been very
remarkable.
SAME. _Illustrated Holiday Edition_ $1.35
=MELODY:= THE STORY OF A CHILD.
=MARIE=
A companion to "Melody" and "Captain January."
=ROSIN THE BEAU=
A sequel to "Melody" and "Marie."
=SNOW-WHITE;= OR, THE HOUSE IN THE WOOD.
=JIM OF HELLAS;= OR, IN DURANCE VILE, and a companion story, BETHESDA
POOL.
=NARCISSA=
And a companion story, IN VERONA, being two delightful short stories of
New England life.
="SOME SAY"=
And a companion story, NEIGHBORS IN CYRUS.
=NAUTILUS=
"'Nautilus' is by far the best product of the author's powers, and is
certain to achieve the wide success it so richly merits."
=ISLA HERON=
This interesting story is written in the author's usual charming
manner.
DELIGHTFUL BOOKS FOR LITTLE FOLKS
By LAURA E. RICHARDS
=THREE MINUTE STORIES=
Cloth decorative, 12mo, with eight plates in full color and
many text illustrations $1.75
"Little ones will understand and delight in the stories and
poems."--_Indianapolis News._
=FIVE MINUTE STORIES=
Cloth decorative, square 12mo, illustrated $1.75
A charming collection of short stories and clever poems for children.
=MORE FIVE MINUTE STORIES=
Cloth decorative, square 12mo, illustrated $1.75
A noteworthy collection of short stories and poems for children, which
will prove as popular with mothers as with boys and girls.
=FIVE MICE IN A MOUSE TRAP=
Cloth decorative, square 12mo, illustrated $1.75
The story of their lives and other wonderful things related by the Man
in the Moon, done in the vernacular from the lunacular form by Laura E.
Richards.
A NEW BOOK FOR GIRLS
By LAURA E. RICHARDS
=HONOR BRIGHT=
Cloth decorative, 12mo, illustrated $1.75
No girl ever deserved more to have a series of stories written about her
than does HONOR BRIGHT, the newest heroine of a talented author who has
created many charming girls. Born of American parents who die in the far
East, Honor spends her school days at the Pension Madeline in Vevey,
Switzerland, surrounded by playmates of half a dozen nationalities. As
are all of Mrs. Richards' heroines, HONOR BRIGHT is the highest type of
the young girl of America, with all the independence of character which
is American to the core in young as in old.
THE BOYS' STORY OF THE RAILROAD SERIES
By BURTON E. STEVENSON
_Each large 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated, per volume_ $1.75
=THE YOUNG SECTION-HAND;= OR, THE ADVENTURES OF ALLEN WEST.
"The whole range of section railroading is covered in the
story."--_Chicago Post._
=THE YOUNG TRAIN DISPATCHER=
"A vivacious account of the varied and often hazardous nature of
railroad life."--_Congregationalist._
=THE YOUNG TRAIN MASTER=
"It is a book that can be unreservedly commended to anyone who loves a
good, wholesome, thrilling, informing yarn."--_Passaic News._
=THE YOUNG APPRENTICE;= OR, ALLAN WEST'S CHUM.
"The story is intensely interesting."--_Baltimore Sun._
BOY SCOUT STORIES
By BREWER CORCORAN
_Published with the approval of "The Boy Scouts of America."_
_Each, one volume, 12mo, cloth decorative,
illustrated, per volume_ $1.75
=THE BOY SCOUTS OF KENDALLVILLE=
The story of a bright young factory worker who cannot enlist because he
has three dependents, but his knowledge of woodcraft and wig-wagging,
gained through Scout practice, enables him to foil a German plot to blow
up the munitions factory.
=THE BOY SCOUTS OF THE WOLF PATROL=
The boys of Gillfield who were not old enough to go to war found just as
many thrills at home, chasing a German spy.
THE CARITA SERIES
By LUCY M. BLANCHARD
_Each, one volume, cloth decorative, 12mo, illustrated_ $1.65
=CARITA, AND HOW SHE BECAME A PATRIOTIC AMERICAN=
"One of the strongest points of the book is the fact that its characters
seem to be real people, doing the things that real people do. More than
that, they are wholesome, worth-while folks whose companionship inspires
a sane and pleasing view of life."--_Salt Lake Tribune, Salt Lake City._
=CARITA'S NEW WORLD=
"Wholesome and altogether fascinating; all this can be truly said of all
of Miss Blanchard's stories for girls. 'Carita's New World' has both of
these characteristics."--_Troy Record, Troy, N. Y._
"There is a fine originality about Carita that will make her adorable to
all girls."--_Oakland Tribune._
THE MERRYMAKERS SERIES
By HERSCHEL WILLIAMS
_Each, one volume, 12mo, illustrated_ $1.65
=THE MERRYMAKERS IN NEW YORK=
"The book is bright and clever and gives an excellent picture of our
great metropolis. One can in his imagination see New York most
entertainingly through the eyes of the young Merrymakers."--_St.
Andrew's Cross, Philadelphia._
=THE MERRYMAKERS IN CHICAGO=
The Merrymakers who had such a splendid Christmas vacation in New York,
enjoy another rollicking good time,--a summer vacation in Chicago. While
brother Ned, the young newspaper reporter, "covers" the Republican
national convention in Chicago, Carl, the oldest of the four sightseeing
Merrymakers, decides that he wants to own a department store some day,
and incidentally learns all the steps he must take from being an errand
boy to a merchant magnate.
IDEAL BOOKS FOR GIRLS
_Each, one volume, cloth decorative, 12mo_, $1.10
=A LITTLE CANDY BOOK FOR A LITTLE GIRL=
By AMY L. WATERMAN.
"This is a peculiarly interesting little book, written in the simple,
vivacious style that makes these little manuals as delightful to read as
they are instructive."--_Nashville Tennessean and American._
=A LITTLE COOK-BOOK FOR A LITTLE GIRL=
By CAROLINE FRENCH BENTON.
This book explains how to cook so simply that no one can fail to
understand every word, even a complete novice.
=A LITTLE HOUSEKEEPING BOOK FOR A LITTLE GIRL=
By CAROLINE FRENCH BENTON.
A little girl, home from school on Saturday mornings, finds out how to
make helpful use of her spare time, and also how to take proper pride
and pleasure in good housework.
=A LITTLE SEWING BOOK FOR A LITTLE GIRL=
By LOUISE FRANCES CORNELL.
"It is comprehensive and practical, and yet revealingly instructive. It
takes a little girl who lives alone with her mother, and shows how her
mother taught her the art of sewing in its various branches. The
illustrations aid materially."--_Wilmington Every Evening._
=A LITTLE PRESERVING BOOK FOR A LITTLE GIRL=
By AMY L. WATERMAN.
In simple, clear wording, Mrs. Waterman explains every step of the
process of preserving or "canning" fruits and vegetables.
=A LITTLE GARDENING BOOK FOR A LITTLE GIRL=
By PETER MARTIN.
This little volume is an excellent guide for the young gardener. In
addition to truck gardening, the book gives valuable information on
flowers, the planning of the garden, selection of varieties, etc.
* * * * *
Transcriber's Note:
Obvious punctuation errors repaired.
End of Project Gutenberg's Our Little Jewish Cousin, by Mary Hazelton Wade