of his name, and the benefit of their immortal souls.

How well adapted is the history of Abijah to impress forcibly upon the mind, how unsearchable are the counsels of the divine government. According to the apprehensions of human sagacity Abijah would have been long preserved; he would have succeeded Jeroboam with honour, and been an instrument in the hands of God for advancing the progress of virtue and happiness in the world. But God's thoughts are not as our thoughts. And so Abijah, though distinguished for his piety, and apparently the last stay of religion in Israel, is brought down to the grave. Hence may we learn that the removal of the pious young, or of those in maturer life, who are placed in situations of extensive usefulness, is perfectly consistent with the providential dealings of God to his Church. "Clouds and darkness are round about the throne of the Almighty; yet true and just are all his ways "."

Reader! duty and interest unite in urging thee to secure, without delay, the favour of Him, who

Psalm xcvii 2.

can make all things, death itself, work together for thy good ". And how shalt thou secure this inestimable blessing, the favour of God? We answer, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness;" make it thy grand concern" to win Christ and to be found in him;" labour to fulfil all holiness; " put on bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any, even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things, put on charity, or love, which is the bond of perfectness';" in a word, "whatsoever thou doest, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks unto God by him," and then all needful things shall assuredly be added unto thee. "All shall be thine, whether life or death, things present or things to come," -in this world needful support and comfort, in the hour of death strong consolation, and in the world to come happiness unspeakable and unfading. "The gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Rom. viii. 28.

i Col. iii. 12.

1 Cor. iii. 21.

8

REHOBOAM.

THE history of Rehoboam, which is recorded in the First Book of Kings, and in the 10th and two following chapters of the Second Book of Chronicles, is well deserving of serious consideration. The outline of it is this: On the death of Solomon, Rehoboam his son, succeeded to the throne of Israel. On this occasion we find that the Israelites came and spake to him, saying, ease thou somewhat the grievous servitude of thy father, and his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we will serve thee'." To this reasonable entreaty, seconded by the counsel of the sage advisers that had stood before his father, it appears that he would not listen; but absurdly taking the

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advice of the young men that had been brought up with him, he spake roughly to the people, and threatened to lay upon them severer burdensTM ! The consequence of this harsh treatment was a revolt against his authority; "To your tents, O Israel!" So all Israel went to their tents; and the power of Rehoboam was from that time confined to those who dwelt in the cities of Judah. To reduce his rebellious subjects to obedience, the king gathered together his warriors, when Shemaiah the prophet came to him, saying, "Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren "." To this voice Rehoboam was obedient, and he dwelt in Jerusalem, aud built cities of defence for Judah; and "he and his people setting their hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel, and to sacrifice unto him, were strengthened and blessed." But it came to pass when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, that “he forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him. Then (because they had transgressed against the Lord) did Shishak, king of Egypt, come up against

m

2 Chron. v. 14.

n

2 Chron. xi. 4.

Jerusalem." Then came Shemaiah the prophet, and declared to the king, and to the princes of Judah, "Thus saith the Lord, Ye have forsaken me, and, therefore, have I left you in the hand of Shishak. Whereupon, it is said, the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves, and said The Lord is righteous. And, when the Lord saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves, therefore I will not destroy them; nevertheless they shall be the servants of Shishak, that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries ";" that is, that they may experience the different effects of keeping close to the worship of God, and of renouncing his service. After this, we only read of Rehoboam, that " he strengthened himself in Jerusalem and reigned." The record of Scripture concerning him, closes with this sad declaration, " he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord."

The character of Rehoboam may be summed up in few words. His religion seems to have pro

• 2 Chron. xii. 5., &c.