and that justice was not punctually and promptly administered.

"Third. There were still in the land many old adherents of the house of Saul, men who had been officers in his army, or in the state, during his administration. Many of these had been displaced when David came into power, and they and their families were not cordial.

"Fourth. There were many restless persons, who were weary of what they styled monotony. These were glad to have a rebellion; some from the mere love of novelty and change; others, a large class, who had nothing to lose, and who hoped that a revolution might better their condition.

"Fifth. David was now growing old; the infirmities of age were beginning to come upon him; and many were ready to pay their devotions rather to the rising than the setting sun.

"Sixth. Absalom was the real heir to the crown, and many thought that by being forward in asserting his claims, they would ingratiate themselves with the new administration.

"Seventh. Absalom possessed an engaging person, captivating manners, and well understood how to render himself prepossessing and popular.

"And last, but not least, Ahithophel, being wholly alienated from David, would throw all the weight of his talents and influence into the scale of Absalom.

"By the advice of Ahithophel, Absalom now began to put on state, and assume the airs and bearing of a sovereign. He prepared horses, and chariots, and fifty men to run before him, and was most gorgeously arrayed,

and thus appeared in the most public places about the capital. This excited neither surprise nor suspicion, for he was immensely rich, and was the acknowledged heir to the crown. In this splendid attire he spent much of his time at the gate of the king's palace, among those who had come from distant quarters of the land with lawsuits, to obtain judgment from the king. Absalom was all affability and attention to such, inquired of each the nature of his claim; never failed to express an opinion decidedly favorable, and deeply regretted that men should be detained unreasonably from their homes and their business in order to obtain justice in a very plain case. He spoke publicly of the necessity of more promptness and despatch in the transacting of public business,

'And cast between

Ambiguous words and jealousies, to sound

Or taint integrity.'

"In a little time the beautiful person, the elegant and refined manners, the generous and unparalleled condescension, and the impartial public spirit of the young prince, were the theme of conversation and eulogy from Dan even to Beersheba.

“Ahithophel had particularly enjoined it on Absalom to spare no pains in gaining over the princes of Judah. Judah he regarded as the spinal marrow of the kingdom, and with the princes of that tribe Ahithophel himself possessed great influence.

"That eagle-eyed politician had long since noted a striking peculiarity, perhaps I may say defect, in the general policy of David. In his eagerness to secure new friends, and confirm them in his interest, he would often

bear hard on friends of long standing, whose attachment and fidelity he regarded as fully established.

"This Ahithophel thought he had observed in the very harsh treatment David sometimes gave to the two surviving sons of his sister; than whom, as he expressed it, 'no earthly prince was ever followed by more faithful and efficient servants, in times that tried men's souls.'

"The same policy, on a larger scale, was practised after the eleven tribes had come to Hebron, and acknowledged David as their king. The tribe of Judah had, with great unanimity, rallied around David, immediately on the downfall of Saul. Single-handed, they had sustained him for seven years. And now, when all the tribes received David, they thought that old friends should not be forgotten. Very likely they overrated their claims, and were unreasonable in their expectations. But Ahithophel saw that many of the princes were cooled, others deeply disappointed and nettled, and that, on the whole, there were abundant materials to favor a revolution. With a general revolt in Judah, and Absalom's great popularity throughout all Israel, there could be little doubt of triumphant success.

"Ahithophel advised Absalom to fix on Hebron as the place where his banner should first be unfurled. Hebron was the principal city of Judah. It was the place of Absalom's birth. David himself had reigned there the first seven years of his kingdom; and there were strong local feelings excited among many of the citizens, when the seat of government was removed from Hebron to Jerusalem."

CHAPTER XVI.

JOAB AND AHITHOPHEL.

"THERE was another influence that Ahithophel was very anxious to secure to the cause of Absalom; that is, the coöperation of the two sons of Zeruiah. Their popularity with the army was very great, and he was confident that, could they be prevailed on to declare for Absalom, many of the soldiers would follow their example. But how to approach them, was the question. They had ever been the firm, unwavering friends of David, and seemed to think, feel, and act alike in all public matters. Indeed, while Asahel lived, the three brothers appeared animated, as it were, by one spirit. And since the death of Asahel, Joab and Abishai were always of one mind; brothers by blood, brothers in affection, and brothers in arms. And although each had great military reputation, nothing like the shade of rivalry, or selfish emulation, had ever been discovered between them. Each seemed to regard the reputation and honor of one as the reputation and honor of both — a rare and memorable example of brotherly affection.

"It was approaching noon, on the day previous to that appointed for erecting Absalom's standard, when an old man was seen riding slowly up the way that led to the house of Joab. Joab was engaged in some

domestic cares, when he discovered the approach of his visitor. 'Welcome, Ahithophel; this is friendly, indeed,' said Joab; 'come in, come in, I am glad to see you.'

"I visit but little of late,' said Ahithophel; 'but I thought I should like to call on an old friend once more.'

"I am happy you are come to my house,' said Joab. 'You are now almost a stranger at court.'

"Yes,' said Ahithophel; 'I have very much laid aside public cares, and give my attention chiefly to matters at home. But how are things moving on about the city?'

"Quietly,' said Joab; 'nothing, I believe, of uncommon interest.'

“'I learn,' said Ahithophel, 'that Absalom seems to have a ready turn for public business, and is thoughtful and active for the good of the people.'

"Absalom,' said Joab,' is much of the time in public places, extending his acquaintance among those that resort to the palace, and no doubt wishes well to the people. I think he is growing in public favor.'

"He often expresses his great obligation to you,' said Ahithophel, 'for procuring the king's consent to his return from banishment.'

"Well,' said Joab, 'I thought it would be better for his father and himself that they should be reconciled, and if their happiness is increased by it, I shall rejoice.'

"Absalom has told me repeatedly,' said Ahithophel, 'that he will be grateful to you while he lives for procuring first his return from Geshur, and then his restoration to the favor of David. I think David forgets