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equal to £15,227,337 10s. sterling; and seven thousand talents of silver, reckoning in the same manner, are equal to £2,475,141 13s. 4d. sterling; and both these sums added together are equal to £17,702,479 3s. 4d. sterling money; to say nothing of the other things here mentioned as being devoted to the same purpose. We ask, was there ever in the history of this world, so large, and liberal, and bountiful a giver as David?

And when from his own example he appealed to the liberality of the princes and people, what was the amount of their contributions? The whole sum given by them in gold and silver only amounted, according to the previous reckoning, to £28,925,473 38. 4d.! We ask again, when was there ever seen since the days of David, such a spirit of liberality for the house of the Lord, as was then displayed by the people?

See, then, how much may be done when all unite with a willing heart for the cause of God. The apostle's maxim is, Every one according as he purposeth in his heart: for God loveth a cheerful giver. (2 Cor. ix. 7.) But after all, what is the amount of this con

tribution compared with the gift of God's dear Son! Were all the sums thus bestowed multiplied to an endless extent, it would bear no comparison with the costly sacrifice of his precious death. All that immense amount could not purchase one soul, nor forgive one sin; which the least drop of that precious blood can freely and fully pardon for ever! Here, then, are treasures, indeed! endless, countless, exhaustless, treasures of pardon, mercy, and peace, for ever and ever! Happy David! that was the hope of thy soul! May it be ours both now and for ever! Then shall we be enabled to say, in the true spirit of the dying king, "Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name" (v. 11-13).

THE SECOND BOOK

OF THE

CHRONICLES.

CHAPTER I.

1 The solemn offering of Solomon at Gibeon. 7 Solomon's choice of wisdom is blessed by God. 17 Solomon's strength and wealth.

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ND Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.

2 Then Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers.

3 So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness.

4 But the ark of God had David brought

up from Kirjath-jearim to the place which David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.

5 Moreover the brasen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, 'he put before the tabernacle of the LORD: and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it.

6 And Solomon went up thither to the brasen altar before the LORD, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it.

7¶ In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.

8 And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.

9 Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto

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David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.

10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?

11. And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:

12 Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.

13 Then Solomon came from his journey to the high place that was at Gibeon to Jerusalem, from before the tabernacle of the congregation, and reigned over Israel.

14 And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.

15 And the king 'made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the vale for abundance.

16 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.

17 And they fetched up, and brought forth out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty and so brought they out horses for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, by their means.

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THIS book opens with a more particular relation of the reign of Solomon. Appointed to the throne by David, whilst he was yet living, he enjoyed, probably, for some time the benefit of his father's counsel and advice. But, upon his decease, as related in the concluding part of the previous chapter, he now stood alone in the high and arduous elevation to which he had been raised. It will be useful, therefore, to observe the spirit of his first movements. These directly referred to the service and glory of God. Let all think

of this. Let young persons, whatever their condition might be, more especially such as stand in the elevated stations of life, improve the subject now before us. Nothing is of greater importance, in any person's course of life, than the right direction of first movements. How many are often ruined, both in this world and the next, by a false step made at the outset of their career! Wrong from the very first, and persisting in that path to the end of their days, what can be expected but the fatal result? The broad way always leads to destruction.

Do you ask how to begin your earthly course aright? Begin as Solomon did. Begin for God; begin with God; and then all will end well. To think that you can pass through this world in a really Christian or useful manner, without the blessing of God; or to expect to enter into the kingdom of heaven, without the salvation of Christ, is to expect an utter impossibility. It is to expect that which can never take place. We repeat the admonition. Begin your early course for God and with God, if you wish to be really useful and happy here or hereafter.

In what respects does it appear that Solomon began his course in this manner? It appears from two circumstances recorded in this chapter. First, his zeal for the ark of God; and, secondly, his earnest prayer for divine teaching and guidance. Let us improve each of these delightful particulars (v. 2, &c., and v. 7, &c.).

To behold this youthful prince consulting with all Israel, the captains, judges, governors, chief of the fathers, and all the congregation of the people, about the offering of the appointed sacrifices, and actually setting them the example in so doing, was surely a very lovely spectacle. It was highly calculated to insure the public welfare, as well as promote their own personal safety. Nor is there a more lovely sight on the face of the earth, than to see the young early devoting themselves to God. But where did he begin? Take notice with the burnt offering. That was typical of the atonement of Christ. It was in effect as much as to say, he began with Christ. Confessing himself to be a poor, miserable sinner, deserving the burning wrath and indignation of God, he looked to

that Saviour alone for pardon, acceptance, and peace. This is what we This is what we mean by beginning well. You cannot begin with God unless you begin with Christ. And if Christ be the author, he will also be the finisher of your faith. He who is the first, will also be the last.

Again, to hear this youthful king, when the Lord graciously appeared to him, and said unto him, "Ask, what I shall give thee," replying with all meekness of mind, that he desired above all things that God would be pleased to give him wisdom and understanding, that he might be able to demean himself aright in the exalted station to which he was raised; was surely a most beautiful expression of genuine prayer. Now, are you like Solomon? Do you ask the Lord to give you wisdom and knowledge in the truth and salvation of Christ? Do we not all need this blessing? As sinners, are we not all as ignorant of the way of life and peace, till God teach us; as Solomon felt his inability to govern the kingdom without wisdom from above? God gave him his desire. If you ask, will not the Lord hear and answer you in like manner? Are not all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hid in Christ? Why in him?

To be dispensed

from his fulness to make sinners wise unto salvation. May this be your happiness now and for ever! May you ask, and receive, that your joy may be full!

CHAPTER II.

1, 17 Solomon's labourers for the building of the temple. 3 His embassage to Huram for workmen and provision of stuff. 11 Huram sendeth him a kind answer.

ND Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.

2 And Solomon told out threescore and ten thousand men to bear burdens, and fourscore thousand to hew in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred to oversee them.

3 ¶ And Solomon sent to 'Huram the king of Tyre, saying, As thou didst deal with David my father, and didst send him cedars to build him an house to dwell therein, even so deal with me.

4 Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him,

and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel.

5 And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods.

6 But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?

7 Send me now therefore a man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and that can skill 'to grave with the cunning men that are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father did provide.

8 Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon: for I know that thy servants can skill to cut timber in Lebanon; and, behold, my servants shall be with thy servants,

9 Even to prepare me timber in abundance: for the house which I am about to build shall be wonderful great.

10 And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.

11 Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, Because the LORD hath loved his people, he hath made thee king over them.

12 Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, 'endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.

13 And now I have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding, of Huram my father's,

14 The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre, skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson; also to grave any manner of graving, and to find out every device which shall be put to him, with thy cunning men, and with the cunning men of my lord David thy father.

15 Now therefore the wheat, and the barley, the oil, and the wine, which my lord

hath spoken of, let him send unto his ser

vants :

16 And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in flotes by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.

17 ¶ And Solomon numbered all 10 the strangers that were in the land of Israel, after the numbering wherewith David his father had numbered them; and they were found an hundred and fifty thousand and three thousand and six hundred.

18 And he set threescore and ten thousand of them to be bearers of burdens, and fourscore thousand to be hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overseers to set the people a work.

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You have, in this chapter, Solomon's determination to prosecute the work assigned him; the embassy he sent to a neighbouring prince on the subject; and the encouragement he received to persevere in his design. From these particulars we may learn many things. "Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the Lord” (v. 1).

In every thing bearing upon the work of God and the life of the soul, we must be "determined." Half measures will never do. We must strive to enter in at the strait gate. An unstable character will seldom excel in any matter; never in the things of God. He that is double-minded, and unstable in all his ways, must never expect to receive any thing from the Lord. Why is it that so many fail by the way, and come short in the end? Whence does it arise that so many, after putting their hand to the plough, look back, and enter not into the kingdom of God? Because they are not determined. They are moved; they are alarmed; they are distressed; their feelings are excited; they have sometimes hopes and fears; they have desires; they use means, and offer prayers. But after awhile they come to nought; they die away; they turn aside, or they go back. And the cause of this lamentable failure is, they were never determined: they never set their face like a flint. Ah! let me beseech you, look well to this point.

Look at Herod. Remember Lot's wife. Call to mind the stony ground hearers. Consider the case of Felix and Agrippa. They were never determined for the life of their soul; and they lost it. The case was not so with Jacob; he would have the blessing; and he found it. Solomon would have wisdom; and it was granted. The woman of Canaan would have at least a crumb from the master's table; and she obtained a rich supply, and enjoyed a heavenly feast. These were all determined to have the blessing; and they found it. So must it be with you, if ever you find that blessing also.

use.

When we are determined for God in the appointed path of duty, or in the use of the appointed means of grace, we shall find the way will be opened for obtaining the desire of our heart, and all things will concur for crowning the soul with an abundant blessing. Solomon wanted many hands to effect his design; and many things beyond the preparations made by David his father; but he found them all ready for his Huram cordially entered into the design. The most skilful hands, and the most useful materials his kingdom could afford, were all at his disposal. He was not only determined in the work; but he found all things ready for his purpose. This was a token for good; an earnest of sure and certain success. May not the same be seen verified in spiritual things? Whoever really and truly sought the Lord, but he found him? What sinner ever was resolved to obtain the life of his soul, but he received that blessing? When did the soul, determined to enter into the kingdom of God, ever come short of it? Search all the records of grace; trace all the experience of the numbers of the saved; consult all the happy multitudes on high; and what will be the result? It will be this: all souls, determined on salvation, find it. God first gives that holy determination to seek his blessing; and then he fulfils it. May the Lord be pleased to make all, who may ever read or hear these remarks, to be more and more determined for the life of their souls! Then will they enter in at the strait gate. Then will they go in and out, and find pasture. Then will an entrance be ministered

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3 ¶ Now these are the things wherein Solomon was instructed for the building of the house of God. The length by cubits after the first measure was threescore cubits, and the breadth twenty cubits.

4 And the porch that was in the front of the house, the length of it was according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the height was an hundred and twenty and he overlaid it within with pure gold.

5 And the greater house he cieled with fir tree, which he overlaid with fine gold, and set thereon palm trees and chains.

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6 And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold was gold of Parvaim.

7 He overlaid also the house, the beams, the posts, and the walls thereof, and the doors thereof, with gold; and graved cherubims on the walls.

8 And he made the most holy house, the length whereof was according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits: and he overlaid it with fine gold, amounting to six hundred talents.

9 And the weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. And he overlaid the upper chambers with gold.

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10 And in the most holy house he made two cherubims of image work, and overlaid them with gold.

11 ¶ And the wings of the cherubims were twenty cubits long: one wing of the one cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house and the other wing was likewise five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other cherub.

12 And one wing of the other cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house: and the other wing was five cubits also, joining to the wing of the other cherub.

13 The wings of these cherubims spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were 6 inward.

14 And he made the vail of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and 7 wrought cherubims thereon.

15 Also he made before the house two pillars of thirty and five cubits high, and the chapiter that was on the top of each of them was five cubits.

16 And he made chains, as in the oracle, and put them on the heads of the pillars; and made an hundred pomegranates, and put them on the chains.

17 And he reared up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand, and the other on the left; and called the name of that on the right hand 'Jachin, and the name of that on the left 10 Boaz.

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IN the last chapter we considered Solomon's determination to build a house for the name of the Lord, and the preparations he adopted for carrying that resolution into effect. In this chapter we are informed of his actually commencing the work; the spot where the temple was built; the pattern by which the work was carried on; and the progress made therein. All which will suggest some profitable matter for reflection.

First, the actual commencement of the work. He was called to do it; he determined to do it; and he now actually began to do it. What is determined to be done, in regard to the soul, ought to be actually done. You must no more rest satisfied with determinations, than with desires. Determinations for salvation are only a step beyond desires; and they fall far short of the blessing itself. He that said, "I go, sir," never went. Had the prodigal proceeded no farther than, "I will arise and go to my father," he might never have known the happiness of being received under his father's roof, and might still have remained in his misery. But he arose and came to his father. Is this point sufficiently attended to as it ought? You have desires for the life of your soul; and so far well. You form determinations for the life of

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