The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Chronicles — Section 402

Ver. 20.-Temple treasures. Only very thoughtless persons can suppose that reliofon and money can be dissociated. ln this world things material and spiritual ar; so blended that we have not to ask-Must the cause of God have anything to do with wealth and property? but-What are the proper and scriptural relations between them? In explaining these, we remark- !. ALL TREASURE IS TBE Loan's. He created all that men use and prize. It is his own property. If we give to him, we can only give "of his own." II. lN THE HANDS OF THE Loan's PEOPLE TREASURE IS A TRUST. The irreligious cannot be expected so to regard it; but it is marvellous that enlightened Christians can ever look upon the matter in any other light. God lends men their possessions that they may use them for his glory, and prepare to give in an account to himself, approv- ing their fidelity and piety. III. TREASURE llAY BE CONSECRATED TO THE Lono's TEMPLE. What in the olden time among the Jews the temple at Jerusalem was regarded as being, that the Church of Christ is in this dispensation. And money may lawfully and wisely be expended in the erection of churches, chapels, schools, mission-rooms, etc., and in the ma.intenance of pastors, teachers, and evangelists. Christian wisdom may define the limits and extent of generous gifts. But, although in the ages of superstition there may have been danger of excess in donations and endowments, there is very little danger in our days, when large sums are spent on perdonal luxuries and ostentation, and when there is an impression that the one special department for economy is religion. IV. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE Lono's TREASURE SHOULD BE IN SAFE KEEPING. It is an honourable office to have charge of religious and benevolent funds. It should be regarded as a stewardship from Heaven. Many who cannot preach or teach ma.y render service in Christ's Churches by acting as treasurers and almoners, and by their faithful custody and wise disbursement of funds may serve the body of Christ and please the Divine Head.-T. Ver. 29.-" Officer, and judges." Israel was a theocracy; the state was the Church, and the Church was the slate. Hence the king seems half a priest: and the Levites were appointed to the discharge of ci vii and magisterial offices. I. CIVIL socIETY AND c1v1L ORDER ABE OF Goo. Jehovah is the supreme Governor, the Lord and Kin~ of all. Subordination and obedience are principles in the Divine government. Earthly governments are all imperfect, yet they contain in them elements of Divine significance. "The powers that be are ordained of God;" not that all rulers act righteously, or that there are no cases where resistance is justifiable; but that so far as governments embod1 the principles of peace i,,11d order ther bi,,ve tho s11nctiou of the Kin~ of kingu, mt. x:X:VI. 1-32.) THE FlRST BOOK OF THE CHRONlCLES, 405