REBELLION AND SORROW. 209

Grandfather. Absalom was the third son of David,
but his two elder brothers being dead, he had the right
of the first born, and, naturally looked upon himself as
heir to the throne. Presuming upon this, he exhibited
a magnificence before unknown among the Israelites.
He got horses and chariots, and fifty footmen to run
before him, to warn the people that so great a man was
approaching. He may have acquired this foolish love
of display while he was living with his mother’s fa-
ther, the king of Geshur, where he had been for three
years. Absurd as the display he made might be, it
seemed to please the people; and he gained them still
more by his extremely winning manner. He kissed and
embraced all and sundry, and when any people came to
present petitions to the king, he persuaded them that if
he only were made judge they would get everything
they wished. The people were deceived into fancying
him one of the best of men; but his kindness was all
outward show—it concealed a proud ambitious heart.

George. It was strange for a proud man to behave as
he did.

Grandfather. It is no uncommon thing for a man
who aims at power for himself to put on an appear-
ance of condescension and humility. When Absalom
thought himself secure of the people’s affections, he
proceeded to throw off the mask; and he went about
that too in a very artful manner. He persuaded the
king his father that he required to go to Hebron to
perform a vow which he had made some years before.

P