On the other hand, many an obscure and perhaps dis-regarded eervant of Christ will find himself unexpectedly applauded and eulted. "Lord, when saw we thee," etc.? (Matt. XXV, 37). Wherefore: 1. "Judge nothing before the time" (1 Cor. iv. 5). 2. Let (Jhristian., of limited powers and opportunities be encouraged to do their best. Their Lord appreciates their spirit and. services, though men may mistake and misjudge; and he will pa118 a. juster judgment than David did (ver. 29) in the case of Mephiboshetb.-G. W. . Ver. 35.-2'he privations of old aqe. Barzi11ai graphically depicts these ae experl- cnced by himself. All old men have not exactly the same experience; but all who live to a great age mUBt expect a similar diminution of their powers. I. THE PRIVATIONS OF THE AGED, 1. Enfeebled or annihilated powers. Blunted or extinct senses; dulness or loss of sight, hearing, taste, smelling; feebleness of body and mind. Consequent inability for active employments. Loss of the pleasures which the exercise of vigorous faculties confers. 2. Increasing dependence on others. Possibly, unlike Barzillai, for the means of subsistence; certainly for much besides. Hence the old man is a.pt to become, and feel himself to be, "a burden," putting the kindness and patience of others to a severe test. The discomfort arising from such dependence is often very great. 3. The sense of loneliness. Sometimes the aged survive all who have loved and ea.red for them, and,. if not, they commonly feel themselves cut off from the interests and pleasures of the new generation. II. How THESE PRIVATIONS SHOULD BE BORNE, 1. With cheerful submissi011, and patience. Remembering that the order of nature which brings such ills to the aged, and the circumstances which occasion their own particular troubles, are the appointment of t_he infinitely wise and good Creator and Fat_her. Recalling also their many years of vigorous faculty and lively enjoyment, and cherishing a gratitude which will suppress discontent. 2.. With thankfulness for what remains. The love and care which provide for, Clr minister to, their needs. and alleviate their troubles. Above all, the unchanging love of Go_d and the Redeemer, and the spiritual blessings hence enjoyed. 3. With watchfulness against the temptations incident to old age. Such as those to fretfulness, irritability, impatience, envy of the young, and needless interference with their enjoy- ments.· The revival with new power of old sinful propensities, ill tempers, and bad habits. 4. With joyful hope. Of speedy deliverance from all burdens and troubles, and the recommencement of life with renewed and perfected energies. Nothing can keep the aged Christian lobg out of heaven. III. How OTHERS SHOULD REGARD THEM. 1. With respectful tenderness, sympathy, and readiness to allevtate them. 2. With diminished desire/or the great prolongation of their own lives. 3. With steadfast aim and endeavour so to live that, if old age come, it may -,iot be oppressed u;i,th the needless burdens and anxieties which a godless life leads to.. Let the young keep in mind the admonition, "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou •~alt s~y, I _have Ii_o_p~~sure in-them" (Eccles. xii. 1).-G. W.
EXPOSITION. forth afresh. Among those who had taken CHAPTER XX. part iu the discussion with Judah wa..s . Ver. 1,_:_:fhere h11-ppened to .. be there a Sheba, a man of Bali.al, that is, a worthless man of :Be1ial. The fierce words of the fellow, but possibly possessed of mnk and men of Judah led 'to evil results. It we.a influence; for, according to many commen- a time when all wise e.nd thoughtful per- tators, ben-Bichri does uot mean the son sons would have laboured for peace, aud of Biohri, but•• a descendant of Becher," the tried to soothe and appease the angry second son of Benjamin (Gen. ::tlvi. 21), and pnssions fomented by the late war.. Instead possibly the representative of the mish- of this, the men of Judah irri~ated the pachah descended from him. But it is Israelites with insult and cont~m.ely, and remarkable that iliis son of Benjamin dis- the day, intended as one of rejoicing and of nppea.rs from the genealogies, and that no the restoration of David to his throne by mi~hpachah of Bichrites is mentioned either commou consent, so.w the rebellion break in Numb. uvi. 3S or in l Chron. viii. l. In 492 THE SECOND BOOK or SAMUEL. lc1t. xx. 1-20.