David was at this time seized with a _temporary_ fit of gratitude toward a lame son of his old friend Jonathan, named Mephibosheth, to whom he restored all the private patrimony of his grandfather Saul, and took him into his family;**** not without due consideration, it is to be supposed; since by that means he kept him under his own eye. But this gratitude, was not lasting; for upon an accusation preferred against him by his servant, David readily bestowed all Mephibosheth's possessions upon that servant;(5) yet, when the accusation was found to be false, instead of equitably punishing the asperser of innocence, and reinstating Mephibosheth in his former favour, he restored to him but half the forfeiture of his supposed guilt,(6) leaving the villain Ziba in the quiet possession of the other half, as the reward of his treachery.--But of this in its proper place. The next memorable act recorded of David, is the only acknowledged crime that he ever committed; all his other transactions being reputed "right in the eyes of the Lord."(7) * 2 Sam. viii. 7, 8, 10., 1 Chron. xviii, 2, 4, 8, 10. ** 2 Sam. viii. 11., 1 Chron. xviii. 11. *** 2 Sam. viii. 13. **** Chap. ix. 1. (5) Chap. xvi. 4. (6) Chap. xix. 29. (7) 1 Kings xv. 5, compared with 1 Chron. xxi. 1. In the midst of an obscure detail of smiting and slaying; in revenge for the contemptuous treatment of some ambassadors, sent by him with compliments of condolence; but who, perhaps deservedly, were considered as spies; while Joab was with the army prosecuting the siege of Rabbah, a chief city of the Ammonites; David, then at Jerusalem, walking one evening on the roof of his palace, perceived from that eminence a handsome woman bathing herself.* Fired with the sight, he sent to enquire who she was: and understanding she was Bathsheba, wife to Uriah, who was at that time opportunely absent in the army under Joab, he caused her to be brought to him directly, (no ceremony in the case) and after gratifying his inclination, sent her home again.** Some time after, the woman finding herself with child, naturally informed the king of it. He, never at a loss for ways and means, immediately ordered Uriah home;*** of whom he enquired news concerning the operations of the campaign, and then dismissed him to his own house, sending after him a present of victuals.**** David intended the good man a little relaxation from the fatigues of war, that he might kiss his wife, and be cheated into a child more than he had a natural right to; but whether Uriah had received any intimation of the honour his Majesty had done him; or whether he honestly meant the self-denial which he professed, we are not advertised: however, Uriah would not go home but slept in the guard-room, with the king's servants.(5) David took care to be informed of this, and questioned Uriah concerning the reason of it. Uriah urged a scruple of conscience against going to enjoy any indulgence at