Christian Scientists are devoted students of the Scriptures. The spiritual meaning of the inspired Word of the Bible answers their questions and solves their problems. The Bible, like a well-cut diamond, reflects its brilliancy in all directions and can be studied in innumerable ways. The writer has found it helpful to familiarize himself with the characters of the great men and women mentioned in the Bible, and he has learned many useful lessons from this line of approach.
For instance, he found the character of David particularly interesting. From all accounts David, the king of Israel, had an attractive personality. In his boyhood he was a courageous shepherd, guarding his flock from the wild beasts. As a young man he went out alone against Goliath of Gath, the champion of the Philistines, and slew him with a stone from his shepherd's sling. Later we find him a fugitive, fleeing from the jealousy of Saul.
Running through all his experiences we can trace the qualities of faith, forbearance, courage, patience, and love. He was a man of war, but also the sweet Psalmist of Israel —a soldier, a poet, and a great and wise king. It is not surprising to find that the Jews expected the Messiah, or Christ, to spring from the house of David. Did they not read in the book of Jeremiah (23:5), "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth"?
