was conversing with them, Goliath again came forward in advance of the army of the Philistines, repeating his usual challenge in so loud a voice that it reached the ears of David. What was his astonishment to find those around him, and indeed the whole army, as if overwhelmed with dismay at the sight of the champion, fleeing from his presence towards their camp. He soon perceived from the conversation of the soldiers, how deeply they were affected. "Have ye seen," said one to another, "this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel."

To be satisfied that he understood them, and that what they said was not the mere result of the alarm which they felt, David proposed the inquiry to several who were near him; "What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel?" adding, with a modest though pious intrepidity of soul, "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?"

The universal reply convinced him that Saul had indeed offered the reward of valor which had been mentioned. Strange that the king himself, the leader of his people, and distinguished for his own superior stature and military prow

ess, should shrink from a personal encounter with the champion of the Philistines! And, if possible, still more surprising, that the first indication of a spirit that was brave enough to meet him, should come from the unpretending interrogatory of a youthful stranger! There was one near by, who knew this spirit; what appalling dangers, in the strength of Jehovah, its possessor could dare to meet, and what astonishing exploits to achieve. It was Eliab, the eldest brother of David. Even in the retired vale of Bethlehem, the occasions had not been wanting to show, that this youngest son of the family had a measure of courage and strength which bordered on the miraculous. This, and the distinction which the anointing of Samuel had conferred upon him above the rest of his brethren, and which they themselves witnessed, seem to have excited against him the envy at least of Eliab, in a very striking degree. It had long been rankling in his breast, and now burst forth with increased virulence, heightened, in all probability, by the degrading contrast between his own cow. ardice and that of the whole army, including even the king himself, and the self-possessed intrepidity which marked the language and the deportment of David.

११ Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the

wilderness? I know thy pride and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle."

The reply of David was firm, yet respectful. "What have I now done? Is there not a cause?"—What, indeed, had he done to justify the reproachful language which Eliab used. He had come as a dutiful son, and kind brother, on an errand of affectionate inquiry after the welfare of his brethren. Finding the state of things as it was, and feeling indignant at the provoking defiance of Goliath, with a courageous zeal for the honor of his country and his God, was there not a sufficient reason for the inquiry he had made, and the sentiments he had expressed?

He was not to be checked in the noble purpose which he seems already to have formed of encountering the champion of the Philistines, by any of the sneers or insinuations of Eliab. He renewed his inquiry, proposing it to others, and still receiving the same answer. His manner of doing this began to excite attention; and, at length, some one let Saul know what the words and bearing of this young brother of Eliab appeared to indicate. The king sent for him, and to his great astonishment immediately heard this language from the lips of David: "Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine."

How unassuming and free from boasting, this