When he lay on his death-bed, where all mankind resign their resentments and animosities, his latest breath was employed in dictating two posthumous murders to his son Solomon! and, as if one crime more was wanting to complete the black catalogue; he cloathed all his actions with the most consummate hypocrisy: professing all along the greatest regard for every appearance of virtue and holiness. These, Christians! are the outlines of the life of a Jew, whom you are not ashamed to continue extolling as a man after God's own heart! This Britons! is the king to whom your late excellent monarch* has been compared! * George II. What an impiety to the Majesty of Heaven! What an affront to the memory of an honest prince! It is with great joy the writer of these memoirs takes his leave of a story, with which, by this time he is sufficiently disgusted. He entered upon it, however, from honest motives; and he concludes it with the consciousness of having performed a work, which he flatters himself will prove acceptable to all who entertain adequate conceptions of the eternal rectitude of that great Creator of the universe, whom they profess to adore. He despises all the pious ravings and anathemas which have been thundered against him by some reverend inquisitors: he expected them, has exposed them; and hopes he may, without offence finally reply in the words of their forgotten master, "Father forgive them, for they _know not_ what they do." Those who estimate a man's religion by his implicitness to prescribed notions, and who think it their duty to stifle their living objections in compliance to the dead letter; (for objections they will have, and very strong ones too) such have, and will undoubtedly be shocked at this publication. Such may produce numerous texts in opposition to what is here produced; and can inspired writers be inconsistent with themselves? It is not at present necessary to discuss that question. Argue that point among yourselves; the printer will at least profit by your disputes; though you may happen to ----Explain a thing till all men doubt it. And write about the subject, and about it: So spins the silk-worm small its slender store, And labours till it clouds itself all o'er. This, yet, is none of his concern. The love of truth is a motive which ought to supersede every other consideration: for every other consideration is subordinate in comparison with it. Truth requires no tenderness of investigation, and scorns all subterfuges. It is, when displayed, ----divinely bright. One dear, unchang'd, and universal light. To rescue truth, therefore, from obscurity and disguise, is the most rational way of giving _Glory to God in the highest; and on earth, peace: good-will toward men._ End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Life of David, by Anonymous