our generation. His people are never so feeble, but they may bring some glory to his name. God has promised "to bear them even down to hoary hairs," and he has also said that they shall "bring forth fruit in old age." David was zealous for God even in his declining days. How sweet his prayer, how suited to the aged saint; 66 now I am old and grey headed, O God, forsake me not, until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation." His prayer was answered. Look at his last acts, 1 Chron. xxix. Hark to his last words, 2 Sam. xxiii. 1-7. “Oh! it is a goodly sight to see this aged palm-tree laden with the fruits of righteousness."

Aged man, art thou a man of God? If not, it is indeed an evil day with thee. Thy hoary head is not a crown of glory, because not found in the way of righteousness. Yet on this thy birthday let mercy once more reason with thee. Thou must become a little child in order to enter into the kingdom of heaven. Does the question arise, “how can a man be born when he is old?" I answer, the thing is only possible with God. Go to him with the prayer," Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."

THE GODLY GRANDSIRE'S BLESSEDNESS AND BENEDICTION.

"And Jacob said unto Joseph, God Almighty appeared unto me at Luz, in the land of Canaan; and HE BLESSED ME."-Gen. xlviii. 3. "God who fed me all my life long unto this day, the angel who redeemed me from all evil, BLESS THE LADS."-Gen. xlviii. 15, 16.

THOSE who are favoured to have parents spared till they become parents themselves, naturally delight in taking their children to see grandfather and grandmother on their birth days. And if parents and children have chosen the better part, all parties will be anxious to see children's children trophies of God's grace, and witnesses of his faithfulness. To such, the scene before us must be truly touching, and instructive. Here is Joseph with his two sons visiting aged Jacob, to hear somewhat of his eventful history, and to receive his blessing. The parties meeting-the circumstances under which they met - and the conversation which took place, all claim, and will richly reward our attention. The characters of Jacob and Joseph, exhibit many of the graces of the Spirit, and their history brings out many of the wonders of Providence. They here meet under circumstances of trial, for sickness has laid Jacob low, and he is fast sinking into the grave. Joseph is a pattern of filial love and respect to grown up chil

dren; and especially to those whom Providence has exalted to wealth and honour. The glories of a court, the cares of a kingdom, could not detain him from the sick room of his father. And was not Joseph amply repaid by what he heard. How touching, Jacob's reminiscence of the beloved Rachael, Joseph's mother, shewing that she was not forgotten; her form was still enshrined in his memory, her voice still echoed in his ear. How grateful to a father's heart were the blessings pronounced upon his sons, when with unerring precision his prophetic sire revealed the glorious destiny of his posterity. How welcome to his affectionate bosom the thrilling words, as kissing and embracing his dear boys, the venerable man said, "I had not thought to see thy face, and lo God hath showed me thy seed also."-" God bless the lads!"

And how encouraging to him as a believer, Jacob's testimony to the goodness and mercy of a covenant God. "God Almighty appeared to me at Bethel, and blessed me." We, too, may share with Joseph the rich consolation and encouragement which these words afford.

We see Jacob rejoicing in the divine glories. The title of Jehovah delights and satiates his soul; God Almighty. The all-powerful, the all-sufficient ONE. He who can do all for us that we require, and be all to us that we need. Who has mercy to pardon-wisdom

to guide-power to uphold—and blessedness to enrich. Blessed are those who like Jacob have verified this in their soul's experience, who have tasted that the Lord is gracious, who have leaned on his omnipotence, and lived upon his all-sufficiency.

But Jacob recollects Divine manifestations. "He appeared to me at Luz." In the 28th chapter of Genesis, we have the history of this never to be forgotten manifestation. There Jehovah appeared as God in Christ, God in covenant, the God of providence, over-ruling all things for his people's good. He appeared most opportunely, graciously, and unexpectedly; and so may all say who have Divine manifestations to look back upon. Such Bethel scenes can never be wholly forgotten, and should be diligently improved.

Jacob also rehearses the Divine goodness, He blessed me." Wondrous thought! HE, the great, the holy; me, mean and unholy; yet, he blessed me. With a knowledge of himself, with an assurance of his presence and protection, with a large inheritance, and with a disposition to devote myself wholly to him.

Reviewing this wondrous grace, rejoicing in the fact that this blessing still was his, unimpaired by time, unchanged by circumstances, remaining like the calm blue firmament unaltered (though sometimes obscured) by the clouds which flit beneath, being fully assured that he was blessed, his full heart said, "God bless the lads."

It is no small mercy to have an interest in the counsels and prayers of those who through life have walked with God. Let children heed such counsels, and prize such prayers. Let them show all due respect to their aged friends, render them every kind office in their power; and, above all, seek grace to tread in their steps.

Suppose, dear reader, that your dying hour was come, have you, like Jacob, a Bethel scene to look back upon? Did you ever meet with God in Christ, and hear him speak to you in accents of mercy? It will be a fearful thing to come to a dying hour, without having known a reconciling hour. But, if you know God in Christ, then how safe is your state, how glorious are your prospects, and how entire should be your devotedness! To you Jehovah saith, "I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointest the pillar, and where thou vowest the vow." "I am God Almighty, walk before me, and be thou perfect."

"My grateful heart, my thankful tongue,

For ever make his grace my song;

Dwell my fixed thought, for ever dwell,

Thy gift is heav'n, my merit hell."