82 B" BELOVED OF THE LORD."

had sent to the fields for him, and what the old prophet
was doing, and why the seven brothers and father and
mother were standing all around. He had in his hand
his shepherd staff, and hanging at his side the leather
bag or scrip which shepherds always wore. Samuel knew
this was the one, for in some way the Lord said to him,
"Arise, anoint him, for this is he."
 When one man was chosen to be a high-priest or a
king, the priest who set him apart carried in a horn some
sweet oil from the Holy Place, and poured it on the head
of the person. So David stood before Samuel, his hands
folded across his breast, while Samuel poured the holy oil
on his head, and it ran down on his clustering hair and
on his garments; and while the sweet smell filled all the
air, Samuel prayed that he might indeed be the chosen
one of the Lord, kept and guided by Him.
 But something came upon David, better than the
holy oil upon his head. That very day Samuel went back
to his home, and David back to his flocks; no one except
those who saw the anointing knew that David was to be
the king, for Saul who was then king would have been
very angry. But David's heart was filled with more love
and wisdom than he had ever known before; as he loved
and led the lambs in his fold, so he knew the Lord would
watch and lead him. He was more tender and faithful
to his flock than ever, and he saw his Heavenly Father's
care in the green pastures and the still waters, in the