HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Ver. l.-.A place for the ark. The ancient tabernacle remained r.t Gibeon, and was there at the accession of Solomon. But the ark was brought up to Jerusalem. It was natural and right that David, having made a capital for his kingdom, should wish the city his own right hand had won to be the metropolis of Israel, not only politically, but also religiously. Until the temple was built there were two centres of religion- the tabernacle at Gibeon and the ark in its tent in the city of David. The king was not satisfied to have a stately and luxurious abode for himself; he wished that the ark of God should be suitably housed. Hence he caused to be prepared for the reception of this sacred object an appropriate and magnificent tabernacle. I. Tms WAS A SIGN OF CONCERN AND REVERENCE FOR RELIGION. The ark was associated with the memorable history of Israel, and especially with the giving of the Law. It was cherished and honoured by the nation generally. We know the religious beliefs of David too well to suspect him of superstition in his regard for the ark of the covenant. He was well aware of the insufficiency of all things external, and of the necessity of inward, spiritual religion. But he thought it right to treat everything especially connected with religion with a decent respect. It is easy to detect superstition in the manner in which many persons treat religious persons and things; but it is too possible and too frequent to commit a mistake of the opposite kind, and to treat them with studied neglect and contempt. II. IT wAS A SIGN OF DEVOUT HONOUR FOR GoD HIMSELF. Jn honouring the ark, David was honouring the God by whose command the ark had been originally con- structed, and whose Law it was intended by God to contain and preserve. Similarly, in honouring God's Word, God's day, God's Churches, God's ministers, we may be honouring God himself. "Them that honour me," saith he, " I will honour." }II. DAVID'S CONDUCT EVINCED A CONCERN FOR THE RELIGIOUS WELFARE OF BIB SUBJECTS. He had the ark brought to Jerusalem because Jerusalem was becoming the capital of the country, the centre of government, the meeting-place of multitudes, and the home of many of the influential and educated. And the presence of the ark was adapted to remind the population of the city of the presence of Jehovah, and of the claims of his Law upon their hearts. David showed by this act that he desired to recognize the supremacy of righteousness; that he designed his government to be in accordance with the revelations and dictates of the King of kings. IV. DAVID B CONDUOT lB AN EXAMPLE OF THE DUTY OF MAKING EFFORT AND SACRIFICE FOR THE CAUSE OF RELIGION. A careless and self-indulgent king would have said in his heart, "Let the ark stay where it is; any place is good enough to accommodate a religious symbol; and the less religion is brought before the people, the better for them- selves and for me." Not so David. He was willing to take thought, to prepare plans, to expend money, to employ artificers, in order to do honour to the ark of the Most High. Let us not deem it a hardship, but an honour, to do anything for the advancement of religion and for the glory of God.-'£, 011. xv. 1-29.] THE , FIRST BOOK OF, THE CHRONICLES. 237
Ver.12.-"Sanctifyyowselves." Taught by experience, David now employed in the service of the sanctuary, to minister in connection with the ark, those whom the Lord himself ha~ set a.part for this office; he committed ~he business of bringing up the ark to the chief of the fathers of the Levites. But 1t was not enough that the right persons should be employed; it was important that the right persons should do their work in a right way. The Levites were, accordingly, required to sanctify themselves. We know from the Law that ceremonial purity was incumbent upon those who were discharging sacred functions. We are reminded by this language that- I. GoD IS A HOLY GoD. Not only did Jehovah reveal himself as being holy in words, but also in the laws he imposed and the regulations he prescribed. The Jew1sh economy was largely designed to impress upon the minds of the Israelites the holy, faultless, perfect character of God. .And this lesson has been taught even more effec- tively to us in the character, life, and mediation of God's "holy child Jesus." II. A HOLY GoD BEQUIBES HOLY SERVANTS. The priests and Levites were enjoined to observe strict regulations as to their ceremonial purity, especially when about to engage in the public service of the God of Israel. Holy works demand clean hands, and clean hands need pure hearts. The ceremonial cleanness of the Levitical Law was the emblem of spiritual purity. How holy should they be who "bear the vessels of the Lord" ! III. HOLY SERVICE IS PROMPTED BY THE GRACIOUS INFLUENCES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Regeneration and sanctification are the especial work of the Holy Ghost. lliis cleansing influences are symbolized by the waters of baptism. God's servants e.ll need the "washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost." There is appro- priateness in the direction, "Sanctify yourselves;" for the means of grace are within the reach of Christians, who may obtain the gift of the Spirit by asking that gift from a merciful and liberal Father in heaven.-T.