he commanded a tabernacle to be reared, and to be furnished with a great diversity of vessels proper for his service. The most costly materials were to be used, and the most exquisite workmanship employed, in the structure of the whole. But where should all the materials be found ? Behold ! the Egyptians themselves had loaded the Israelites with them to an immense amount, no one throughout the whole land of Egypt refusing to an Israelite any thing that he required. Still, though gold and silver and precious stones and other things were found amongst them, and were granted by them with a liberal hand, who was there amongst the whole nation that could fashion them according to the model shewn to Moses in the mount ? They had been so oppressed, that it would be in vain to look for persons sufficiently skilled in works of gold andjewellery and embroidery, to execute all that was required for the occasion. But was the work therefore delayed ? No : God, by his Spirit, instructed two persons, Bezaleel and Aholiab, with a perfect knowledge of the whole work ; and, under their superintendence, others were speedily qualified for executing every one the office assigned to him ; so that the whole was finished within the short space of nine months. Every one performed his part aright, because " in the heart of all that were wise-hearted God had put wisdom."
From this remarkable expression I shall take occasion to point out, in reference to " xvisdom"
I. Its only source —
The wisdom here spoken of, proceeds from God —
[Whatever difference may be occasioned in men by edu- cation, the original faculty of understanding is our Creator's gift. Some, indeed, are born into the world destitute of any rational powers : if, therefore, we have been favoured with them, we are the more indebted to the goodness of our hea- venly Father. It is probable that amongst the poor, or even amongst the uncivilized part of mankind, many possess by nature as much strength of intellect as the most learned philo- sopher ; whilst, for want of the advantages of education, they have never been able to turn it to any good account. If, there- fore, we have enjoyed the means and opportunities of cultivation