grant that we may all, both parents and children, so follow him as to be owned by him hereafter, and welcomed into those mansions which he is gone to prepare, that where he is, we may be also!

SERMON XVI.

TO THE AGEd.

2 SAMUEL xix. 34-37.

And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?

I am this day fourscore years old; and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat, or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing-men and singingwomen? Wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king? Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king; and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward?

Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother.

In this account which Barzillai gives of himself, we have at once a natural and a most pleasing description of discreet and virtuous old age. This re

spectable personage, amidst the general rebellion of his countrymen, had steadily persevered in his allegiance to the government of his sovereign; and being very rich, had furnished the fugitive king, during the period of his distress and exile, with the most important supplies. The rebellion was now at an end, and the lately abandoned monarch was returning home in triumph to his capital, amidst the general joy and acclamations of that very people who, but a few days or weeks before, had joined against him in battle array. At this happy turn of the public affairs, the heart of Barzillai leaped for joy; and old as he was, he made a great effort to join in the general congratulations to his lawful sovereign. So just and pious a prince as David, could not forget the obligations which he had received from so faithful and generous a subject. He was in haste to requite them in a princely manner. At the first sight of this old friend, he instantly proposed that he should accompany him to his palace, and there spend the remainder of his days in the pleasures, amusements, and splendour of the court.

"Bar

To this proposal our text is the answer. zillai said unto the king, how long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem ? I am this day fourscore years old." What thoughtfulness and consideration, what gravity and wisdom are implied in this language! How very different from the weakness, if not sinfulness betrayed by

many persons advanced in years, who seem loath to remember themselves, and afraid that others should know, how old they are! This they industriously conceal as a secret which, if divulged, might expose them to contempt, or debar them of pleasures in which they still choose to partake. While draining out the dregs of life and waiting the fall of a few remaining sands in their glass, they seem anxious to have it thought that they are still in their prime; as capable as ever, either of the business or of the pleasures of the world. The dignity, authority, and respectability which nature has attached to old age when honourably supported, these foolish persons "resign for that absurd affectation of youth, which can only render them ridiculous." While they are as eager as ever in their worldly pursuits, or as constant as ever in attending scenes of amusement, of mirth, and gaiety, in adopting the fashion of present times and affecting the airs and manners of youth-their hoary locks, furrowed brows, and tottering steps, are visible to all but themselves.

Contrasted with characters like these, how rational and dignified are the language and sentiments of Barzillai! Standing on the utmost boundary of human life, he chooses to keep the closing scene constantly in view, and dreads that change of situation in which he might for a moment lose sight of it. "How long have I to live, that I should go

up with the king to Jerusalem ?" It would be wholly unbecoming my advanced

years to mingle

in the gaieties and splendour of a court, or to undertake the duties of any of the great offices of state. As "I am this day fourscore years old," to the present generation I am in a great measure a stranger. The most of my contemporaries have been long since numbered with the dead. The shades of my former friends and acquaintance seem to hover around me and beckon me to follow them. My age and growing infirmities require that I should be wholly disentangled from public affairs and but rarely appear on any public occasion. Retirement, solitude, and serious meditation on that world to the borders of which I have made so near an approach, are now my duty. While I gratefully acknowledge, I must crave permission to decline, the kind invitation of my sovereign, as nature has rendered me incapable of enjoying the happiness which it proposes. "Can I any longer discern between good and evil? Can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Can I hear any more the voice of singing-men and singing-women? Wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my, lord the king? Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king; and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward? Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave my mother.' father and of my

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