Loss of the Asses of Kish

    Saul must be anointed by Samuel to be king of Israel. How is this to be effected? The asses of Kish, the father of Saul, must go astray; Saul must be sent by his father to seek them ; they must not be found by him; he is providentially led in a course that places him in the neighbourhood of the city where Samuel was at the time; it is suggested to Saul by his servant to inquire of the Prophet, when he himself had resolved to return to his father's house; Saul and his servant arrived at the city in which Samuel was, just at the time that served the purpose, and every thing succeeded to bring about the event which Providence designed. Thus is Saul anointed king of Israel. Nothing is accidental. Things which to us are accidental, may be the beginning of a train that is to effect some of the most important events in Providence. What can apparently have less connection with the anointing of Saul to his office as king, than the straying of his father's asses? This, in itself, was a disagreeable accident, that gave great trouble to the family of Kish. But it was connected with the glory of his house, and was not only in wisdom, but in goodness. Let us use this key to open disagreeable occurrences in Providence that may be for us which appears against us.