the wo.y for Christ was perfect. The Antitype alone Is free from sin. It was in the occupying of a, throne, not in the details of private conduct, that Solomon the son of David prefigured the true Son of David. 5. There are fundamental error~ and failures ib the lives of some men which disqualify them utterly from sharing in the highest and noblest work. Saul's obstinacy, self-will, and:inability to rise to the conception of the purpose and scope of the theocracy, rendered it unfit that he should found the line by which the Christ should come (ver. 15). Solomon's imperfections were those of another oharo.oter, springing more from unwatchfulness against certain snares of his position. These imperfect workers suffer loss and shame, but the substantial part of their work abides (1 Cor. iii. 12-15). 6. It is a great consolation to a Christian that God knows him (ver. 20). He knows our unexpressed thoughts and feelings, our depth of love and gratitude, our sorrow over sin, our most secret motives, and the path we take. Our ease of mind in remembrance of this is one of the marks of true ·sonship and service. 7. A review of the gradual revelation of God's purposes will surely induce a profound conviction of his greatness and glory (ver. 22). Men who study only the physical aspects of nature lose much. The moral universe is the grandest arena on which the power and blessedness of the Eternal shines forth. 8. It was ancient Israel's being chosen and used as the people of God (ver. 23) which conferred on them the mos. enduring:distinction. As a fact, Israel has done more than either Egypt, Greece, or Rome for the true elevation of mankind; for Israel was the means of bringing into universal operation the mighty renovating principles of the kingdom of God, whlch alone ca.n secure the permanence of civilization, and also educate the higher nature of man for time: and eternity. "Blessed is that people whose God is the Lord!" 9. The whole question of the final triumph of Christ rests on the word of God, "Thou, 0 Lord God, bast spoken it" (ver. 29). Modern speculations are beside the mark. The first question covers all. Have we hist-0rically the declaration of God? Then, if he has said a thing, it must be so. Difficulties are relative to man's ignorance and weakness, and have no place with the Eternal. Faith in God is a rational exercise of the human mind; it is not blind superstition.
HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vers.1, 2 (1 Cbron. xvii. 1).-(THE KING'S PALACE IN ZION.) David's purpose to bui1d a house for the Lord. (References: 1 Kings v. 3; vi.12; viii. 17-19; 1 Chron. =ii. 7-10; xxviii. 2-7; xxix. 1-3; 2 Chron. vi. 7-9.) The king's palace of cedar on Mount Zion had been completed. In the adjacent tabernacle or dwelling-place of Jehovah (ver. 6) the ark had found rest, and a regular order of public worship had been instituted. Surrounding enemies bad been subdued, and there was at least a temporary cessation from war. Jerusalem was the civil, military, and ecclesiastical centre of the kingdom. And now another step in advance was taken. Whilst contemplating the lowly abode of the ark of the Lord in comparison with his own palace, the thonght arose in David's mind of building e. splendid and durable temple " for the Name of the lNrd God of Israel,,. (1 Kings viii. 17), "a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and for the footstool of our God" (1 Cbron. xxviii. 2), "exceeding ma,,"Ilifical of fame and of glory throughout all countries" (1 Chron. x.xii. 5); and "when the king sat in bis house" he intimated his wish (for it scarcely a.mounted to e. distinct and definite resolution) to Nathan the prophet, doubtless in order to obtain his advice concerning its propriety and accomplishment. What followed was of the highest importance in relation to the permanence of his dynasty, the prosperity of his people, 'ihe worship of God, and the development of Messianic purposes. "The word of the Prophet Nathan and the thanksgiving of David mark the culmination of David's history" (Baumgarten). This chapter affords a glimpse into his innermost heart, and reveals the devotional feelings, patriotic desires, and lofty aspirations and hopes that dwelt therein. In him we here see e.n example of- I. DEVOUT OCCUPATION IN THE RETIREMENT OF HOME. Such retirement, necessary for all, is not always spent wisely and well; but often in sensuous indulgence, frivolous amusement, self-adulation (Dan. iv. 29, 30), envious discontent (1 Kings iai. 4), or meditating secular and selfish schemes (Luke xi. 17, 18). The godly man not only 198 THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. (cu. vn. 1-29.