XLI. A FREE-WILL OFFERING.

WHEN Job began to set up the second time, he built his recruited estate upon three bottoms:—

1. God’s blessing.

2. His own industry.

3. His friends’ charity.

Job xlii. 11: Every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one also an ear-ring of gold. Many drops meeting together filled the vessel.

When our patient Job, plundered of all he had, shall return again, certainly his loyal subjects will offer presents unto him (though they, alas! who love him best can give him least). Surely all is not given away in making the golden calf, but that there is some left for the business of the tabernacle.

But surely those have cause to be most bountiful, who may truly say to him what David said humbly to the God of heaven, 1 Chron. xxix. 14: Of thine own have I given unto thee.