THE FATHER OF A RACE OF KINGS. 189

that he would act a traitor’s part. Achish spoke to
David, and greatly praised his conduct, but told him
that the will of the pringes of the Philistines must be
obeyed. Let us follow the example of Achish in giving
praise to those who we think deserve it. It was the
goodness of Divine Providence that moved these lords
of the Philistines to object to David, that he might
escape from the false position in which he was placed,
being ranged in the ranks of his country’s foes.

Marianne. David must have been very glad when
he got away from the Philistines’ army.

Grandfather. Doubtless he was glad, and thankful to
the Lord, who had delivered him from so great a diffi-
culty. But a sad sight met his eyes when he reached
his home at Ziklag: No Ziklag was there; it was
burnt with fire, and the wives and children of David
and his men were gone. The Amalekites had carried
them away captive. David’s followers were in grief,
so violent that they spoke of stoning their leader ;
but he was not afraid of them, for he “ encouraged
himself in the Lord his God.” He had repented of
those things in which he had offended, and now God
was gracious to him, for he sent him support in time
of trouble. After inquiring of the Lord, and receiv-
ing a favourable answer, David and his six hundred
men set off in pursuit of the Amalekites. When
they reached the brook Besor, they were obliged to
leave two hundred of them behind; from exhaustion
they were unable to cross the brook, but David and