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It sometimes
requires more wisdom and resolution to govern a family in the fear
of God, than to govern a kingdom with reputation. The difficulty
is increased, when a man has a hindrance instead of a help meet in
the wife of his bosom.
Solomon kept up the holy sacrifices, according to the law of
Moses. In vain had the altar been built, in vain had fire come
down from heaven, if sacrifices had not been constantly brought.
Spiritual sacrifices are required of us, which we are to bring
daily and weekly; it is good to be in a settled method of
devotion. When the service of the temple was put into good order,
it is said, The house of the Lord was perfected.
The work was the main matter, not the place; the temple was
unfinished till all this was done. Canaan was a rich country, and
yet must send to Ophir for gold The Israelites were a wise people,
but must be beholden to the king of Tyre for men that had
knowledge of the seas.
Grace, and not gold, is the best riches, and acquaintance with God
and his law, the best knowledge. Leaving the children of this
world to scramble for the toys of this world, may we, as the
children of God, lay up our treasure in heaven, that where our
treasure is, our hearts also may be. |
