A N

Historical ACCOUNT

OF THE

LIFE and REIGN 32

O F

DAVID,

KING of ISRAEL.

Interfperfed with Various
CONJECTURES, DIGRESSIONS,
and DISQUISITIONS.

In which (among other Things)

Mr. BAYLE'S Criticisms upon the Conduct and
Character of that PRINCE, are fully confidered.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of
water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season.
His leaf alfo fhall not wither. Pfalm I.

By the Author of Revelation Examin'd with Candour.

BOOK II. VOL. II.

LONDON;

Printed for J. OSBORN, at the Golden Ball in Pater-nofter Row;
and Sold by S. BIRT, and B. DODD, in Ave-Mary Lane;
C. HITCH, in Pater-nofter 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.

$85B 2450

2

To his GRACE

WILLIAM

DUKE of Devonshire,

Lord Lieutenant of IRELAND.

F this work fhall find as much

I'

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

[iv]

patronage — A patronage, which, however diftinguished by the advantages of high station, most noble birth, and a long line of illuftrious ancestors, had yet neither been defirable to this author, nor fought by his friends, had it not been eminently diftinguifhed by thofe virtues, which give birth and station their true dignity clear, unfullied, unfufpected honour, in the patron's public character; and every amiable quality, in his private: conjugal fidelity and affection; paternal tenderness, exemplary humility, fincere and steady friendfhip, and extenfive charity and all these founded upon their only true and folid bafis; true Religion.

MY LORD, it is the proper province of the annalist, and the hiftorian, to do juftice to your grace, in your public capacity; to inform pofterity, in how steady and uniform a tenour of honeft zeal, and unaffected fortitude, you have ever afferted the distinguishing character of your noble family; Loyalty to your Sovereign, unfevered 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 intereft of virtue, to mention one thing, which may not fall within their obfervation;