Α Ν

Historical ACCOUNT

OF THE

LIFE and REIGN

D A V I D

,
KING of ISRAÈL.

Interspersed with Various
CONJECTURES, DIGRESSIONS,

and DISQUISITIONS.

In which (among other Things)
Mr. BAY L E’s Criticisms upon the Conduct and
Character of that PRINCE, are fully considered.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of

water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season.
His leaf alfo Mall not wither. Pfalm I.

By the Author of Revelation Examin’d with Cand27.

BOOK II. VOL. II.

L 0 N Đ 0 N:
Printed for J. Oseorn, at the Golden Ball in Paier-nofter low;

and Sold by S. BirT, and B. Dodd, in Ave-Mary Lane;
C. HITCH, in Paternoster Row; S. AUSTEN, J. HINTON,
and J. RIVINGTON, in St. Paul's Church-Yard; T.HARRIS,
on London Bridge; and W. SANDBY, near Temple-Bar.

M.DCC. XLII.

!

To his GRACE

W 1 L L I AM

Duke of Devonshire,

Lord Lieutenant of IRELAND.

I

F this work shall find as much

favour with posterity, as the preceding part of it hath done with the present age, let it be no dishonour to the name of Cavendish, (if this letter should live to inform them) that it was written in Ireland, under your Grace's government, and honoured with your

A 2

patron

patronage A patronage, which, however distinguished by the advantages of high station, most noble birth, and a long line of illustrious ancestors, had yet neither been desirable to this author, nor fought by his friends, had it not been eminently diftinguished by those virtues, which give birth and station their true dignity: clear, unsullied, unsufpected honour, in the patron's public character; and every amiable quality, in his private: conjugal fidelity and affection ; paternal tenderness, exemplary humility, sincere and steady friendThip, and extensive charity: and all these founded upon their only true and folid basis; true Religion.

My

[v] MY LORD, it is the proper province of the annalist, and the historian, to do justice to your grace, in your public capacity; to inform pofterity, in how steady and uniform a tenour of honest zeal, and unaffected fortitude, you have ever asserted the distinguishing character of your noble family ; Loyalty to your Sovereign, unsevered from the true love of Liberty, and your Country. In a word, it is their business to tell, with what integrity you filled and adorned the greatest stations.

THESE are the duties of their province; and let them be their themes : but let me be allowed, for the interest of virtue, to mention one thing, which may not fall within their obferyation ;