A FATHER once related to his children the following story: "The governor of an island was once called to appear before his king to give an account of his stewardship. Those friends in whom he had most confided, parted with him at his house; others went with him to the ship; while many in whom he had placed but little trust, and scarcely recognized as friends, much to his surprise escorted him on his journey, went with him to the king's throne, there spoke for him, and secured him the favor of the king. "So man," continued the father, "has on earth three kinds of friends, whom he only learns to know aright when he is called to leave this world and render his account to God. The first of these—gold and lands—remain behind; the second—friends and relatives—go only to the verge of the grave; the third—his good deeds—accompany him in his journey to the better land, and are with Christ his advocates before the throne, and purchase for him favor and pardon. How foolish is man to prize so little here what will constitute his wealth hereafter!"