THE CHILDREN OF THE BIBLE.
they began to feel the pleasure of serving God,
they gave cheerfully. When the box was full, the
repairs were begun, and in a short time the house
of God was restored to its former beauty. We may
suppose that here young Joash often sang some
of the holy songs which king David wrote about
it. With him he might say, "How amiable" or
lovely " are thy tabernacles, 0 Lord of hosts! A
day in thy courts is better than a thousand."
Thus Joash reigned as a good king for some
years; but did he ever forget the lessons and
good example of his pious uncle and aunt ? Yes,
indeed he did. When his uncle died, the youthful king was drawn into idolatry. He then wrought
many wicked deeds, and, among others, he killed
his own cousin Zechariah, the son of the high
priest. This holy man warned him of his sins
and the anger of God; but instead of listening to
him, he called on the people to throw him down a
flight of steps, and cast stones at him till he died.
When anger is in the heart, love and gratitude to
our friends, and the fear of God, are all forgotten.
As Zechariah was dying, he declared that God
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