Some other day, it may be, we will take the story of the son. Let it
suffice to-day that we learn the lesson the Bible would teach us.
Solomon's sun went down in a cloud. It is a disputed question whether
Solomon repented in time to save his soul. There ought to have been no
question as to whether he was in heaven or no. As it is, we don't know
that David has one of his children with him, except the baby boy who died
despite his father's fasting and prayer. Surely no one more than David
will need to have that promise fulfilled--"God shall wipe away all tears
from their eyes." It may be that David has needed to be comforted,
because the builder of the temple is among those who died in idolatry.
Let every father among us bear in mind, that when we neglect prayer, or
give up devotion, because we want the time for seeking gold or any other
idol, we are mortgaging our children's future. Giving up religious
exercises is like cutting down the trees on an estate, the next heir will
know the want of them. No man can be said to be a good father, who, for
the sake of any worldly good, impoverishes the souls of his offspring.
"Turned away his heart after other gods," means turning away the kingdom
of Israel. Sin cannot be separated from sorrow, and this is as true to-
day as it was in the days of Solomon.
XXV. ABRAHAM AND ISAAC.
GENESIS xxii.