But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. Psalm 3:3.  {CC 181.1}       With the memory ever before him of his own transgression of the law of God, David seemed morally paralyzed; he was weak and irresolute, when before his sin he had been courageous and decided. His influence with the people had been weakened. And all this favored the designs of his unnatural son. . . .  {CC 181.2}        While the king was more and more inclined to desire retirement and solitude, Absalom sedulously courted the popular favor. . . . Day by day this man of noble mien might be seen at the gate of the city, where a crowd of suppliants waited to present their wrongs for redress. Absalom mingled with them and listened to their grievances, expressing sympathy with their sufferings and regret at the inefficiency of the government.  {C ...