she further assured him, that nothing could prevent the purposes of mercy which God had towards him and his house; so that whatever might be the aspect of his opposers, no adversary could possibly prevail against him; and this she positively predicted by making elegant allusion to his conquest over Goliath by means of a sling and a stone. Now, in all this she proved herself friendly to David, and the sequel soon shewed, "how forcible are right words."

"And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel which sent thee this day to meet me; and blessed be thy advice; and blessed be thou which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with my own hand. For in very deed, as the Lord God of Israel liveth, except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me, surely there had not been left any unto Nabal by the morning light. So David received of her hand that which she

had brought, and said unto her, Go up in peace unto thine house: see I have hearkened unto thy voice, and have accepted thy person."

How happy, and how grateful, must have been the feelings of Abigail as she returned to the home, the husband, and the household, which she had been the instrument of saving from destruction! It may be said, that in the part she took she was influenced by selfinterest, as her own safety was included in that of the rest. This at first sight seems true, but yet, on reflection we may perceive that had self-preservation been her sole or principal desire, she could easily have secured it by very different means. For had she appeared before David as an innocent, suffering, helpless female, imploring his mercy, and throwing herself upon his compassion, it is not difficult to imagine, that her personal beauty might have moved David's affectionate heart, and won the protection she

sought for herself, although her followers had all been utterly destroyed. An interesting tale of her distress would have worked upon his feelings, and excited that tenderness and sympathy which spontaneously rise in the bosom of a noble-minded man, whenever the weaker sex are troubled or oppressed. But Abigail's deportment throughout affords a valuable study for wives and women in authority. There must be a crucifixion of self to produce anything really great and good in social life. When this estimable woman set out in the character of mediatrix, humanly speaking, she had everything to fear; but her resolute aim was to accomplish good in a right spirit, and she was rewarded with success. She, unlike us, was of course ignorant of the future part of her history. It was impossible for her to foresee that in a short time the miserable Nabal to whom she was bringing the news of deliverance would be smitten by the hand of God; and afterwards

she would become united to another, a righteous and a royal partner; and one who was able to understand and appreciate, herself, her virtues, her talents, and affections.

CHAPTER III.

ABRAHAM AND ELIEZER.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

THE simple habits of patriarchal times possess a charm which readily winds itself round the heart of a feeling reader, and adds to the enjoyment of pursuing the thread of sacred truth. Abraham has been divinely named "the friend of God," and therefore, as might be expected, was also the friend both of his kindred and dependants. For in proportion as real spirituality reigns in the character of a man, he will care for and strive to promote the best interests of those who surround him.

It was after the death of Sarah, "When