Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/291

 Ascension),  having  gained  the  victory  over  his  enemies  (“sitteth  at  the right hand  of  God”).

The end  of  man. When Solomon  was  anointed  king,  in  his  father’s lifetime, David  said  to  him: “Serve  God  with  a perfect  heart  and  willing mind.” When  he  was  dying,  he  thus  exhorted  him:  “Keep  the  charge of the  Lord  thy  God  to  walk  in  His  ways,  as  is  written  in  the  law  of Moses.”  All  men,  whatever  their  age  or  position  may  be,  have  one end to  live  for,  namely  to  love  God  and  serve  Him  by  a faithful  observance of  His  law.

The four  last  things. The journey  of  life  leads  to  death. High and low,  rich  and  poor,  we  must  all  die. And after  death  come  the judgment and  an  eternity,  either  of  joy  in  heaven  or  of  misery  in  hell.

Offerings for  the  House  of  God,  In  Psalm   David  says:  “I  have loved, O Lord,  the  beauty  of  Thy  house  and  the  place  where  Thy glory dwelleth.”  He  made  rich  offerings  to  the  Temple  which  was  to be  built  to  the  Lord,  and  his  example  fired  the  people  to  make  generous gifts for  the  same  purpose. He who  loves  God,  will  gladly  make offerings to  Him  for  the  building  and  decorating  of  His  churches  and for the  splendour  of  His  worship. What we  give  for  such  an  object,  is given  to  God. “Give to  the  Lord,”  said  David  when  he  asked  for stones wherewith  to  build  the  Temple.

Take to  heart  David’s  exhortations  to  Solomon, as much  as  if  they  had  been  made  to  yourself. Be steadfast ! Hitherto you  have  been  very  inconstant. Observe everything  which the Lord  has  commanded. On what  point  do  you  generally and chiefly  transgress  God’s  law? Pray to-day  for  the  grace  of steadfastness!

FTER the  death  of  David  Solomon  ascended the  throne. He loved the  Lord,  and  walked  in  the  ways  of  David,  his  father. The Lord  appeared  to  him  in  a dream  by  night  and  told  him  to ask  any  favour  he  wished,  and  that  it  would  be  granted. Solomon answered: “O  Lord  God,  Thou  hast  made  Thy  servant  king instead of  David,  my  father,  and  I am  but  a child. Give therefore