1 Chronicles 23:1

"Handfuls of Purpose,"

For All Gleaners

"So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel." 1 Chronicles 23:1 .

We are not to carry our kingships too far, and thus keep out other and stronger men. Kings should abdicate before they become imbecile; pastors should not wear out the love of their people by continuing unduly in office. It is always well to take the opinion of others when it will be given frankly and lovingly as to our ability to continue with vigour and happy effect the work in which we have been long engaged. Old age overtakes even David, of whom we once read as a youth "ruddy and of a fair countenance." Time conquers all. The silent days and nights eat up our strength, and leave us weak; consume our inheritance, and leave us poor; and are all the while, in every action of deprivation, teaching us mournful but pithy and useful lessons. Blessed is the man who can bring his son to the throne, not only because he is his son, but because he has a right to the crown, the right of character, wisdom, capacity, and general fitness for high office. The son takes the crown by hereditary right in many instances; it is far better when he takes it after preparation, and after having proved his character, in many trying circumstances. Israel continued, though David withered and died. How true this is in all the relations and outlooks of life! The nation never dies; kings and mighty men, generals and commanders, come and go, but the people, the very heart of the nation, abide from century to century. The countries have seen many occupants of the throne, but the throne itself abides, the symbol and indeed the fact of continuity. Solomon has his day of coming, he will also have his day of going. A great statesmen has said there are only two happy days in the life of a cabinet minister, the day on which he takes office and the day on which he leaves it. Let us have no fear because kings die, because pastors expire, because men of all degrees are known no more in their personality: the one thing we may be sure of is that the life which they symbolise will be preserved, directed, and perfected in the providence of God.