position, or office have special influence over others have also special responsibilities. '£his is true, not only of political, but also of social and educational influence. 3. Reverent regard to God's will. Solomon's strength was in "keeping the Law of tho Lord," in "taking heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the Lord charged Moses with concerning Israel." 4. A fearless a;n,d courageous spirit. This seems natural to some men; but in those naturally self-distrustful courage ma.y be cultivated by an habitual reliance upon the grace and promises of God. 5. .Above a.II, the presence of the Lord. If he be with his servants, his work shall prosper in their bands. Here David also- II. EXPRESSES ms HEART'S DESIRE AND PRAYER ON ms SON'S BEHALF. \Ve read David's hP.art in these utterances. Whilst bis judgment as to the conditions of pros- perity are laid down, how devoutly does he desire that success may crown Solomon's efforts, that the work of the Lord may be accomplished I It was natural to the King of Israel to shape his wishes into prayers; the wishes of so pious a. man could be nothing less than prayers. His heart's desire for his son was this-The Lord be with thee I give thee all qualifications and all help in his service I PRACTICAL LESSONS. 1. Regard and seek all means of usefulness. Especially should the young prize every means of serving their generation according to the will of Gotl. Nothing is to be despised or rejected which can tend to bring about an end so desirable. 2. In the acquisition and employment of all means of usefolness, neglect not those habits of prayer which will tend to make those means abundantly efficar,iou,s.-T. Ver. 16.-" Be doing." \Vhen David had done all that lay in his power, he com- mended the rest to his son Solomon. The son was not to rest in indolence because the father had wrought with zeal and given with libernlity. Nor, because assured of the approval and the help of Heaven, was he to remit diligence and devotion. 'l'his David clearly impressed upon him in addressing to Solomon the brief but stirring admonition of the text: ".Arise, and be doing, and the Lord be with thee.n 'l'he summons may well be addressed to every Christian heart. I. M.A.N's NATURE IS ACTIVE. We are made, not only to think and to foe!, but to dn. The contemplative man, if his contemplations have no influence upon his life, is justly despised. "In all labour there is profit." "\Vhatsoever thy hand fi.ndcth to do, do it with thy might." II. THE DEMANDS OF llUllAN EXISTENCE ARE FOR ACTION. The world in which we find ourselves conesponds to the nature with which we are endowed. In every position of life there is a loud call for activity. Without exertion and labour no good can be accomplished. lll. THE SUMMONS OF TRUE RELIGION IB TO ACTIVITY. The sloth of men may some- times misinterpret religion; may endeavour to persuade them that all they need is to believe the truth, and to feel deeply when religions truth is addressed to them. 13ut the Scriptures give no countenance to such errors, but teach us to "show our faith by our works," and so prove the sincerity of our love. IV. THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST IB AN EXAMPLE OF ACTIVITY. He both did the will of his Father and taught men to do likewise. This was bis meat and drink; of this ho never wearied. "He ,vrought the works of him that sent him while it wus day." V. 'l'HE DLESSING OF GOD MAY BE EXPECTED TO REST UPON SANC'l'IFIED ACTIVITY. The Holy Spirit of God alike inspires, directs, and prospers the labours of his pcople.-'J.'.
Ver. 18.-" Rest on every side." David had a word of encouragement, not only for his son, but for the princes of the kingdom. Solomon would need their aid in achieving his great undertaking. The king pointed out to them that the peace and prosperity established by Divine Providence were an indication of his will that, relieved from foreign anxieties, they should devote themselves to tho service of Jehovah at home, in their own land, their own capital. "Hath he not given you rest on every side?" I. OBSERVE THE NATURE OF THE REST HERE SPOKEN OF. It is not rest from labour; that, except for temporary relaxation, is, for the most part, not dcsirnhle in this world, \I here so much has to be done for God and for man. It was rest from their enemies, rc,t from war, rest from hindrauces, disturbances, harassments; from the aboriginal 8G4 THE FIRST BOOK OF THE CIIRONICLES. [en. xxn. 1-19,