Ben clutched the book and gladly obeyed , though the title , `` Scripture Narratives , '' did not look very inviting . Then his eye fell on the picture of a slender youth cutting a large man 's head off , while many people stood looking on . `` Jack , the giant-killer , '' thought Ben , and turned the page to see the words `` David and Goliath '' , which was enough to set him to reading the story with great interest ; for here was the shepherd boy turned into a hero . No more fidgets now ; the sermon was no longer heard , the fan flapped unfelt , and Billy Barton 's spirited sketches in the hymnbook were vainly held up for admiration . Ben was quite absorbed in the stirring history of King David , told in a way that fitted it for children 's reading , and illustrated with fine pictures which charmed the boy 's eye . Sermon and story ended at the same time ; and , while he listened to the prayer , Ben felt as if he understood now what Miss Celia meant by saying that words helped when they were well chosen and sincere . Several petitions seemed as if especially intended for him ; and he repeated them to himself that he might remember them , they sounded so sweet and comfortable heard for the first time just when he most needed comfort . Miss Celia saw a new expression in the boy 's face as she glanced down at him , and heard a little humming at her side when all stood up to sing the cheerful hymn with which they were dismissed . `` How do you like church ? '' asked the young lady , as they drove away . `` First-rate ! '' answered Ben , heartily . `` Especially the sermon ? '' Ben laughed , and said , with an affectionate glance at the little book in her lap , -- `` I could n't understand it ; but that story was just elegant . There 's more ; and I 'd admire to read 'em , if I could . '' `` I 'm glad you like them ; and we will keep the rest for another sermon-time . Thorny used to do so , and always called this his ` pew book . ' I do n't expect you to understand much that you hear yet awhile ; but it is good to be there , and after reading these stories you will be more interested when you hear the names of the people mentioned here . '' `` Yes , 'm . Was n't David a fine feller ?
I liked all about the kid and the corn and the ten cheeses , and killin ' the lion and bear , and slingin ' old Goliath dead XXXXX shot .
'' Barton Ben Celia David Jack first giant-killer hymnbook pew