The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Chronicles — Section 105

as it was also in David's time. It is singular to find how small a place poetry and music took in the apostolic Church. The power of song is found characteristic of individuals, and it often follows in family lines, as is illustrated in the cases of Asaph and Heman. It becomes, for the individual, the entrusted talent, the inspired gift, the faculty which is to be put out to the Lord's use, the speciality which gives a man his niche and his work. II. SUCH A GIFT MAY BE CONSECRATED TO THE DIVINE SERVICE. It has its distinc:ly fitting pince in relation to public service; and the modern developments of worship give it a. most prominent and important place. This is trne of all forms that public worship takos, and may be precisely illustrated in relation to ea.eh form. 'l'he impor- tance of song as attracting to the houso of God, as interesting and spiritually benefiting those engaged in worship, and as finding audible expression fur devout feeling, should be fully enforced. It therefore becomes the duty of all who have the gift to lay it on the altar of God's service in the sanctuary. Ill. SUCH A GIFT MAY BE USED FOR THE COMFORT AND HELP OF OTHERS. There is a sphere for the ministry of song in our homes, in society, at sick-beds, in visiting the poor, and among the children. Illustrate by references to Philip Phillips, the singing pilgrim, and to Ira Sankey, the companion of D. L. Moody. IV. Suen A GIFT MAY DE TRAINED A.ND BET IN ORDER FOR THE MOST EFFICIE:-!T SERVICE, both in public worship and in private spheres. We are responsible to God for faithful and wise use of such a gift, and for the efficient culture of it. Impress on all who have the endowment the duty of using it for all gracious and loving and helpful ends in all the spheres where they may be set.-R. 'l'. Ver. 48.-Tlie honourableness of lesser service, It is a familiar thought to the Christian that what is done to others is really done unto Christ. Upon it rests our Divine Master's observation, and to it he gives bis Divine approval. And we are permitted even to consider that such approval may rest upon so small and so simple a thing as the offering of" a cup of water." We have the corresponding teaching from the older dispensation suggested in this verse. ·what was done in the old tabernacle service was dono unto God, and was accepted of him. Common work, porters' work, scavengers' work, all the wido circle of commonplace Levites' work, servants' work, was as truly service to God as the offerings of priests and the chantings of the singers. 'l'wo things may be fully opened and contrasted. I. MAN'S ESTWATE OF TIIE GREAT AND SMALL. To him the great is that which makes a large figure to the eye, and man has in every age a set of arbitrary standards by which be judges the great and small. II. GoD's ESTIMATE. To him its mere world figuro and relation a.re of littlo signifi- cance. Things are judged according to their ce.pucity for expressing character, quality, principle, virtue. 'l'o God a thing is miserably small that can offer no spbero for tho utterance of a soul's love, and loye.lty, and obedience, and unselfishness, and trust. So often to God man's high things aro low, man's first things are last, Nothing has character in itself. It gains character only by the spirit in which it is done. 'l'b(ln wo ask whnt spirit is it which can givo greatness or littleness to our human actions. 'l'bern nro certuinly theso two: (1) loyalty to God and the right; and (2) service to others. St. Paul argues that the "lesser services" have the honourable stamp of superior necessity and usefulness. Porters' work in tho temple bore directly on decency an,\ cleanliness, and cultivated the idea of the pure 11nd tbo orderly in God's worship. As well do without priests as without Levites. " Careful less to please thee much than to servo tbeo perfectly."-R. 'l'. Ver. 4.9.-The constant work of atonement. It is on!y to tho atonements of the Mosaic system and the genera.I truths which they suggest that we propose here to direct attention. 'l'ho subject of the Divino atonement for sin is too large and many- sided for officiant treatment in any one homily or sermon; and yet thero is tho danger of producing an imperfect or erroneous impression wbon any pieco or portion of tho great Knbject is isolated for conKidcmtion. '!'ho word "atonomcnt" in tho Old Tesh\• ment means 11 "covcrini; over," and" hilling; from view;" nn<l it is applic,l to son10 1:1e;r'.lic1;1 whrJso ncccplablencsK covers over um\ hides from view lho unworthiucijs u11ll  THE FIRST BOOK OF THE CHRONICLES. [en. VI, 1-81,