The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1885-07-25


he declined the name Of Judge, yet he re
tanned the power and appropriated to him
self the most valuable part of the spoils o
his enemies. His natural son Abimeleel
succeeded to the Office of Judge by fore
and violence. Sacred history does not in
lorm Us how the next two Judges obtaine<
the dignity. After them the supreme powe
to one of Gilead's illegitimate issue, on nc
count of his valor and military talents
Thus the Office Of Judge continued to fluct
uate till it was annexed to the high priest
hood in the person of Eli as has been rela
ted. The death of his two vicious sons in
terrupted the succession in his line. The of
flee was lastly conferred on Samuel, who's.
unjust and rapacious sons were though
unworthy to succeed him. The people hav
ing received no prominent benefits from
| the administration either of Judges or o1
priests, resolved to appoint king to gov
ern them. This political innovation wat
the result of levity and impatience rnthe,
than of mature deliberation. It neither
gave stability to the new government no,
prevented the evils of the old.
The reign Of Saul began about 1O11 B. G.
He was shepherd of lofty stature. Tho
beginning Of his reign was auspicious and
distinguished by complete victory gained
over the Ammonites which made him pop
ular among his subjects. But he incurred
the displeasure of Samuel, the prophet,
and his whole reign of 40 years was con-
tinued scene Of foreign or domestic troubles.
Being defeated in battle with the Philis-
tines in 1851 B. G., he killed himself.
Two candidates preferred their claim to
the vacant ..a::irone 1sh-bosheth, Saul's son
founded his pretensions on the ::..gint Of i'm,
mediate descent, and was supported by
many of the tribes. David, young shep-
herd was famous for killing with stone
thrown from sling, Philistine named
Goliah, a man of gigantic size and strength.
He had likewise been privately anointed by
Samuel before the death of Saul; and his
title, as of divine appointment was there
fore acknowledged by the powerful tribe of
Judah. A civil war ensued, which lasted
above seven years. and was terminated by
the assassination Of 1sh- -boshetll. All the
tribes now submitted to David, aud the
became hereditary to his family,
though the right If succession was still IN
settled and was transferable from one
branch to another at the will of the reign
ing sovereign. This appears from Solo
mons succession to the throne in prefer
ence to his elder brother.
The reign Of David is iIlustrious and In
He enlarged tho bonnds of Pa
leatine By oooqusst, took Jerusalem, wlsiels.
he made the capital Of his dominions, aud
himself and his subjects with the
spoils Of his ennemies. He revived among
the people an attachment TO religion by in
Of solemn ceremonies; and he in
troduced a taste for the arts, by inviting
into the country able mechanics and artists
for the completion of the grand edifces
which he erected. The latter part Of David's
reign was unfortunate. The kingdom was
ravaged by pestilence, famine aud disas-
trous wars. His mind was harassed by
domestic misfortunes. Some of his sons
we're disobedient and wicked. His favorite
ION, Absalmon raised rebellion with a
design to dethrone his father; but was de-
feated and slain. David caused his sQAy
Solomon to he crowned in 101l, b..
died in 1910 B. c., having relt ~. ana
years and half over Jude. ~-'ened seven
over all Israel. .%h' ana 80 years
The reign of g.
,eight of it1.l Kingdom of Israel in the
ENJOYING r prosperity, felicity and glory,
,uch a !, oil the blessings of tranquility in
# ti,> manner, and for such length OF
ForEhe, as 1t never experienced in any
the lher or subsequent period. 1t directed
.be! councils of all the petty States between
he Euphratss and the Mediterranean; and
,rea balance of power between the two
yomt monarchies of Egypt and Assyria.
hat tmerce dourished in degree, which at
period of the world must appear
lirectprdinary. The fleets Of Israel, under
and of ,n of Tyrian mariners, traded to tho
district Osphir, which some suppose TO be
If Afric,jn Ethiopia on tho eastern coast
r.nt g.. l.. To this country they probably
ded Sea. BY their lucrative
,at;on they augmented the wealth of the
-, 49,. slich David had already enriched
i'ls Of war. But this agreeable and
solomon a,.to .tondition did not continue long.
10 bounds 10 hiisby uniform prosgeziIX,, ssls
md laid heavy ta19aan,tL ,n The peonIe 10 en-,
able him ~ to support I is profuse expendi-
.ure. These burtiensotne imposts created
in the minds of his subjects
md toward the end OF his reign gave rise
10 powerful faction, at the head of which
vas naughty and impetuous yoong man
called Jer0b0am.
The most remarkable event in the reign
IF Solomon h the building of a maRnifi-
,ent temple at Jerusalem which was COM
pleted in about seven years. The plan had
Deen formed by David and materials, work
men, and money provided for its execution.
This was probably the most superb and
:ient times. The wisdom Of Solomon is
proverbial. The books of Proverbs aud
Ecclesiastes are ascribed to him, either as
he author or collector; and abound with
2recepts and maxims that are applicable
% every condition of life. But notwith-
'tanoing the superior knowledge for which
solomon was 30 Justly celebrated, he ap-
3ears to have been immersed in sensual
pleasures. He had TOO wives of different
religions besides 900 concu-
pines. The allurement of those voluptnous
women led him into e6eminacy, and the
excessive indulgence Of the animal passions
md unto the neglect of his important du-
les to God and his people; and their in
luence and superstitions at length drew
,im into idolatry. This illustrious aud re-
,owned monarch reigned 40 years, and
lied in 81 B. G., without leaving any mem
,rial of his power.