a splendid estate the other day, and
was told of the gentleman that owns it; he is an old man, but he will not
own to it, and he is quite a fraud, with his dyed hair and wrinkled face;
he looks quite ghastly, in spite of all that art can do to pad him and
make him up. I wish some of those who are denying themselves the luxury
of giving, because they have determined to have a splendid estate for
their children, would think "How will my mansion look with the blinds
down, and a hearse at the door with a coffin in it, with my name on a
silver plate?" We cannot refuse to help the poor, and hear Jesus say,
"Well done." We cannot save money for selfish purposes and go to heaven.
Besides, to leave riches for those who come after us is the way to have
dry eyes at our funeral!

IV.--THOSE WHO ARE LOYAL SHALL WIN PROMOTION FOR THEIR CHILDREN.--Although
Barzillai was not willing to go to live in Jerusalem, he felt that his
son might enjoy it, and so called the king's attention to Chimham. Let
him go over with my lord the king. He is not too old to bend. He can
adapt himself. There would be many questions asked by those who had not
left the palace when the king returned, as to who this rustic was who was
in the palace of David, and they would be told, "This is the son of
Barzillai. His father was a faithful friend when friends were few, and
his son is promoted to dwell with the king."

When David gave his dying charge to Solomon, he said, "Show kindness to
the sons of Barzillai" (1 Kings ii., 7). Tears had passed since he saw
the provision made for him and his men, but he could never forget it. On
his deathbed he could see the bed that was placed by the road side, and
upon which he had rested his weary limbs when a fugutive, and so he would
repay his debt to the children of the aged farmer. How true it is that
we can make futurity our servant and the servant of our children by at
the present time caring for our King. Does God see that we stand by His
cause when it is weak? Do we find food and comfort for His fainting
soldiers? Then he shows His appreciation by inviting us to Jerusalem the
golden. We shall not wish to excuse ourselves from going to that blessed
spot. Be we young or be we old, we shall not wish to return, but shall
go on to find that the singing men and singing women wish us to join
their number and to help them in praising the King, immortal, invisible,
to whom be glory and honour for ever.