Ver. 11.-Dedication of gifts. David was a generous giver. In his many campaigns he won great spoils from his enemies. We need not approve his conduct in all these military expeditions. But we cannot do other than commend the princely generosity which he displayed in the disposal of his booty. Though not himself permitted to build the temple, he was allowed to accumulate treasures to be used by his son and successor in the construction of the sacred edifice. He freely parted with his wealth for this purpose, and for the maintenance of Divine worship in suitable dignity and splendour. His example in thns dedicating gifts to the service of Jehovah is one which all Christians should follow; the more so, n.s their motives to consecration are more powerful, and their opportunities of service are more numerous. I. ALL GIFTS ABE OF A1'"D FROM THE LORD. " The earth is the Lord's, and the ful- ness thereof;" "The silver and the gold are the Lord's;" his are "the cattle upon a thousand hills." We can, accordingly, only offer unto the Lord of what is really his. "Of his own" we give unto him. II. ALL THAT CHRISTIANS 0AN OFFER TO GOD IS THE PURCHASE OF CnnrsT's BLOOD. When our Saviour redeemed us, he ransomed all our powers and possessions. "Body, soul, and spirit" are his of right. It is the Christian's privilege to feel that nothing which he has is his own ; all is his Lord's. Ill The gifts of Christians are THE EXPRESSION OF THEIR GRATEFUL LOVE. They do not give to the cause of their Redeemer merely because they feel that they ought to do ~o, but because they delight in any opportunity of showing their affection. 'l'he most costly, lavish gifts are poor and worthless, if not the expression of the heart's love and loyalty. When the heart is offered, the meanest gifts are sufficient to represent its love. The " two mites" of the widow were accepted and approved ; for they cost her much to give, and yet she gave them with a willing mind. IV. DEDICATED GIFTS MAY SKRVE TO WORK OUT THE' SPIRITUAL PLANS OF Goo. Some professing Christians disparage expenditure for religious objects, on the ground that God cannot care for such trifles as our material wealth. But they forget that, in the order of Divine providence, God's kingdom upon earth is mysteriously bound up with both the wealth and the work of men. And they forget that Christ regards what is given to his people and to his cause as given to himself. Jt is, therefore, an honour to be permitted to dedicate of our substance to ends so lofty, to a Master so gracious. V. GIFTS OFFERED DI A BIGHT SPIRIT ABE ACCEPTABLE TO GOD, There is much in Scripture which proves that this is so. "'l'he Lord loveth a cheerful giver; n "It is accepted according to that a man hath;" "He that soweth bountifully shall reap bountifully." lf our offerings be dedicated from Christian motives, and to wise and scriptural objects, we need be under no apprehension lest our Lord should despise the givers or reject their gifts.-T. Ver. 14.-.d righteous ruler. David's work as a warrior was preparatory to hie work 011. xvw.1-17.J 'l'HE FIRST BOOK OF THE CHRO~ICLES. 303
ns n king. He defeated enemies and vanquished conspirators, in order that there mi,,ht be peace and tranq_uillity in_ the land, in order that the J?Urs1;1its and arts of peace might take the place of v10lence, disorder, and tu_rbulen~e. It 1s still sometimes necessary thnt the sword should be drawn for the protection of liberty and for the preservation of order, 'fhere could not be a worthier, a nobler outcome of David's campaigns and victories than that recorded in the text: " So David reigned over all Israel, and executed judg- ment and justice among all his people," I. CIVIL SOCIETY INVOLVES THE EXERCISE OF AUTHORITY. This need not reside in a king; it may be a president, or other chief magistrate. But in Rome person or persons must be deposited the right and power to rule. Unless men are to live in ~he condition of savages or brutes, civil authority must be constituted, recognized, and supported. Checks to arbitrary power, limitations to all personal action, there must be; but not to the destruction of a right to reign and to require obedience. II. CIVIL SOCIETY INVOLVES THE MAINTENANCE OF JUSTICE BETWEEN MAN AND MAN. Power is good when rightly used. Right and might should go together. Rulers are not entrusted with authority for the indulgence of their own caprice, or the enhance- ment of their own glory. They are bound to act, "not for their own, but for their people's good." la Oriental countries it was and is the custom for princes themselves to sit in the gate and to administer justice. It was so with David and Solomon, and with other kings of Israel. In modern society, where law is more complex, the adminis- tration of justice is confided to a profession-to judges and magistrates. In any case, well-ordered society requires both judicial and legislative functions, in whomsoever centred. " The powers that be are ordained of God," III. Crvrr. SOCIETY IS CONSOLIDATED AND PERFECTED BY JUSTICJE. "David reigned over all Israel." This was undoubtedly the consequence of the impartial administration of justice among all classes. Civil rulers have often been slow to learn the lesson, that there is no foundation for general content like unswerving justice. Just rulers make contented and united peoples. IV. CIVIL SOCIETY IS DESTINED TO EXTEND ITS ADVANTAGES TO ALL MANKIND. Every community where kings and rulers reign with justice, every nation which is exnlted by righteousness, is a beacon to the world. Peoples so favoured have a sacred mission to fulfil, and upon them is laid a responsibility from which there is no escape.-1'.