"Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way,

with their own devices."-PROVERBS.

"He is given

To sports and wildness and much company.'

-SHAKESP

"Yea, too, myself from myself I guard, For often a man's own angry pride

Is cap and bells for a fool."-TENNYSON.

"Is the young man Absalom safe?"—2 SAMUEL Xviii, 29.

THIS young man Absalom, concerning whom

distressed father puts this anxious inquiry, is a model for the imitation of the young men of toThe study of his history and character will not aff us the pleasure which we derived in following fortunes and contemplating the virtues of the p minded Joseph. But if the task be less agreeabl may not be less instructive; we may learn not from one whose example is to be shunned than fr him whose life is a pattern of goodness. Let us back some three thousand years and place disting before us, in the clear outlines of a real persona the character of this wayward young man. Thus shall be able to see him living and moving before and learn some lessons well worth the learning. 1 story of his life must be briefly told. It is with t study of his character and the lessons of his card that we have most to do.

I. Absalom was the third son of David. His fath was a king, and the vista of life down which I

tempting fruit of desire which hung in such growth about him, and eating to the full. not wholly bad, but one of those thoughtles young men, not seldom met with in mod who are not over scrupulous about their 1 lead a kind of free and easy life. He had a spirit of honor which you do not find it ea demn. He indignantly resented the disho his twin-sister, Tamar, by his half-brother, A gratified his burning revenge by murdering brother. Law was nothing to him. He wa himself. He was not the man to brook an i be crossed. Self-gratification was the rule Does it require prophetic vision to foresee would bring him to? When a young man, by self-indulgence, fired with the hot blood inflated with a sense of his own importanc the restraints of law and religion, who does how certain will be his ruin? For this flag tion of the law, Absalom was compelled kingdom and to seek a refuge with his gr Talmai, who was king of Geshur. Here he

prime-minister, succeeded by artful strategy in ob

ing the king's consent to the young prince's retur Jerusalem. Yet David did not venture to rec him to the court, and for two years he resided in own house, without seeing his father's face.

Absalom can ill brook such neglect as this. H no penitent, with smitten heart, crying, as did father, under the conscious burden of guilt, for forgiveness of his sin. He is rather plotting to himself from this galling yoke of dishonor. He sires an interview with Joab that he may secure services in bringing about a reconciliation with father. A young man of his stamp is never at a for means to compass his ends. If there is no r way to the end desired, there is always a wrong Joab's barley-fields are near at hand. Absalom or his servants to set fire to them. This has the purp effect and brings the influential councilor into presence. Absalom implores Joab to use his influe in restoring him to the favor of the king, and establishing him in his forfeited privileges. His ob is accomplished. Joab intercedes with David. A lom is brought before that father whose face he

these unmerited favors? Does he show his by filial affection and by kind offices to father? Not he, the ungrateful fratric sooner is he established in his new relation begins to plot for the throne. No right a lationship is sacred to him. Property, honc but as dry stubble before the raging fire of ambition.

Behold this ingrate son intriguing ag father's kingdom and stealing the hearts of ple from their lawful sovereign. He know play the demagogue. He is a smart youn the world has it, and his clever parts are al to consummately selfish ends. His father's is now large and the duties of the kingly many and onerous. David is not only judge. Innumerable cases, of appeal, at constantly demanding his attention, and ther necessity be some delay and dissatisfaction. he has not the vigor and strength of his your and already bends under the infirmities of a wily son, Absalom, perceives this state of th