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2
Chronicles Chapter One
2 Chronicles 1
Chapter Contents
Solomon's choice of wisdom
His strength and wealth.
SOLOMON began his reign with a pious
public visit to
God's altar. Those that pursue present things most eagerly
are likely to be
disappointed; while those that refer themselves to the providence of God
if
they have not the most
have the most comfort. Those that make this world their
end
come short of the other
and are disappointed in this also; but those that
make the other world their end
shall not only obtain that
and full
satisfaction in it
but shall have as much of this world as is good for them
in their way. Let us then be contented
without those great things which men
generally covet
but which commonly prove fatal snares to the soul.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on 2 Chronicles》
2 Chronicles 1
Verse 2
[2] Then Solomon spake unto all Israel
to the captains of
thousands and of hundreds
and to the judges
and to every governor in all
Israel
the chief of the fathers.
Spake — Concerning his intention of going to Gibeon
and that
they should attend him thither.
Verse 4
[4] But the ark of God had David brought up from
Kirjathjearim to the place which David had prepared for it: for he had pitched
a tent for it at Jerusalem.
The ark — He separated the ark from the tabernacle
and brought
it to Jerusalem
where he intended to build a more noble and lasting habitation
for it.
Verse 5
[5] Moreover the brasen altar
that Bezaleel the son of Uri
the son of Hur
had made
he put before the tabernacle of the LORD: and Solomon
and the congregation sought unto it.
Sought — Sought the Lord and his favour by hearty prayers and
sacrifices in the place which God had appointed.
Verse 8
[8] And Solomon said unto God
Thou hast shewed great mercy
unto David my father
and hast made me to reign in his stead.
To reign
… — Give me the spirit of my father
David
that Israel may not suffer by the change. The eminency of those that
went before us
and the obligation that lies upon us
to keep and carry on the
good work they were engaged in
should quicken our prayers for wisdom and
grace
that we may do the work of God in our day
as faithful as they did in
theirs.
Verse 12
[12] Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will
give thee riches
and wealth
and honour
such as none of the kings have had
that have been before thee
neither shall there any after thee have the like.
Neither … — Those that make this world their
end
come short of the other
and frequently of this too. But those who make the
other world their end
shall not only obtain that
but shalt have as much as is
convenient of this world in their way.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on 2 Chronicles》
01 Chapter 1
Verses 1-17
And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom.
The splendid beginning
I. Solomon’s succession to
the throne was providentially secured: “The Lord his God was with him.”
II. Solomon’s claims to the
throne were sanctioned by a representative assembly.
III. Solomon’s accession to the
throne was signalisd by solemn acts of worship.
1. In obedience to Divine law.
2. In appropriate magnificence.
IV. Solomon’s accession to the
throne was in a spirit of devout supplication. When Victoria learned that she
was about to become Queen of England
her first words to the Archbishop of
Canterbury were
“I beg your grace to pray for me.” Together they knelt
and
the new reign began with prayer.
V. Solomon’s accession to the
throne was unequalled in splendour (2 Chronicles 1:12).
1. Outward splendour: “Riches and wealth and honour.”
2. Moral splendour: “Wisdom and knowledge.” (James Wolfendale.)
Verse 7
2 Chronicles 1:7; 2 Chronicles 1:12
In that night did God
appear unto Solomon
and said unto him
Ask what I shall give thee.
Solomon’s choice
I. The address
which God made to Solomon
“Ask
” etc.
He does in effect make to each
of us
especially the young.
II. Though we need
not the qualification which Solomon required for kingly office
yet we all need
spiritual wisdom and understanding
and may therefore imitate his example.
III. God is pleased
with those who make the choice and offer up the prayer of Solomon. Because--
1. It is the effect of His grace.
2. It indicates feelings and opinions similar to His own.
3. It indicates humility.
4. It shows a benevolent concern for His glory and for the happiness
of their fellow-creatures.
5. It actually tends to promote His glory.
IV. All who make
this choice and adopt this prayer shall certainly be favoured with a wise and
understanding heart. (E. Payson
D.D.)
How to get the best
blessing
For the acquiring the
highest wealth
“asking”--
1. Is the simplest method.
2. The Divinely appointed method (Matthew 7:7; Mark 14:38).
3. The only method. Purchase is impossible.
4. The certain method.
5. The abundantly enforced method. Enforced by the whole Bible.
6. Has ever been the abundantly successful method. (R. A.
Griffin.)
Solomon’s opportunity
We speak chidingly and
upbraidingly of men who have had what we call their chance and have not availed
themselves of it. Should a man come to poverty
we review his life and say
“He
had no opportunity of doing better; he has made the best of his circumstances
he deserves sympathy; let us extend our help to him.” Or we say
“He has had
his chance; he might have been as high as most of us; we remember the time when
his life was crowned with a gracious opportunity; he was slothful
incapable;
he was busy here and there
and the king passed by; and now we do not feel any
kindling of real regard and interest in relation to hun. God gives every man
his opportunity. (J. Parker
D.D.)
The prayer for wisdom
The pious prayer of the
youthful Solomon at the beginning of his kingly life! There is in this
narrative a blending of the natural and supernatural which surpasses all power
of fabrication; in itself the high degree of fitness which marks the Divine
manifestation here recorded
combined with its striking simplicity
reveals to
us the personal intervention of Him “who dwelleth on high
who humbleth Himself
to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth.” That the
highly-lauded wisdom of Solomon had not originally the religious character which is
ascribed to it in the text is indeed easily asserted
but is far from proved
and is moreover at variance with a multitude of facts. It may even with reason
be doubted whether a wisdom and knowledge such as this King of Israel must have
possessed in his day can be explained upon purely natural grounds; assuredly it
is somewhat simpler to find
with the sacred writer
in Solomon’s own
experience the ground of his utterance
“The Lord giveth wisdom
out of His
mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”
I. “Come and see”
a youth who at a critical moment is found in prayer. It is true every moment of
this fleeting life has its own significance; but yet there are single hours
which more than other cast a heavy weight into the trembling scale. What a
difference between that which Solomon has hitherto been and that which he is
henceforth to be; and how much depends
even for himself
upon the spirit in
which the first step on the new path is taken! Until now child
boy
youth;
nursed indeed in the bosom of luxury
but with a David as father
a Nathan as
guide; beloved and happy among his brethren
but yet to a great extent on an
equality with them. Now suddenly king
and--free; free from every bond. In a
simple trait a whole difference of character and principle is sometimes made
manifest. Thus it is in the conduct of Solomon at this hour
as compared with
that of his brother
Adonijah but a few short months ago. While the latter
even during David’s lifetime
grasps at the throne
he prepares only a banquet:
as though he would at once be able as from the table to ascend the princely
throne. When Solomon
on the other hand
after David’s death assumes the reins
there is prepared almost as the first act a religious festival of homage and
coronation. With what hallowed emotion this day fills his heart will be felt by
every one who perceives yet in his prayer by night the after-vibrating of the
finest chords of his heart which had been touched by day! Not so attractive for
him is the cedar palace in Jerusalem as this simple hill without
where the
name of the God of his father is called upon. It is too little for him that his
exaltation bears the stamp of human approval; he must consult the Lord in the palace
of His holiness
and place himself with all his future under me gracious hand
of the Holy One of Israel. Heart-gladdening sight--a king who feels himself
God’s subject; a youth who feels that his path cannot be pure unless he directs
it according to Jehovah’s Word! Is it not the ease that sincere piety
however
often derided and disowned
is yet something glorious and fair; the ornament of
every condition
and most of all of the highest; but especially amiable and
august in the young man who with whole and joyful heart has chosen the service
of God? It is true
when an aged sinner bows his head in penitence before God
Satan loses his prey; but when in a youthful heart a voice is awakened which
cries for the living God
then angels give thanks to God around the throne for
their new-born brother on earth
Oh
they know not what they say who assert
that early piety has about it something unnatural and narrow-minded. How many a
youth is at this hour brought to the decisive turning-point in his life
but who
begins his course altogether differently
and who therefore very soon makes a
progress entirely unlike that of Solomon! How many a bark
lightly laden and
fairly equipped
leaves the secure haven and dances over the rippling waves
and seems for awhile to distance others
but anon with the turn of fortune
falls quickly behind
and entirely loses her course
until
become a plaything
of the storm
she is dashed on yonder rocks and disappears in the gloomy abyss!
What wonder
the inexperienced steersman had thought of everything except the
indispensable compass; had taken counsel with every one except that One who
says
“Mine is the counsel and their strength”; had counted beforehand on the
haven
but not upon the storm and Him who alone can quell the storm. There is
now a fable going its round in the world: unbelief has invented it
and
scepticism now whispers it from the mouth of one schoolboy into the ears of
others. It is this--that for the whole doctrine of childlike prayer there is no
longer any place within the compass of the modern view of the world. Thus
sounds the gospel of despair
hailed by many a child of this age as the highest
wisdom--a gospel before which the angel of prayer within flees from the
unhallowed sanctuary; while in his place the genius of passive subjection
with
rigid gaze
takes his seat by the grave of departed hope. Poor man
poor youth
especially
who have all that is needful for outward life
but have lost
prayer! “In all
thy ways acknowledge Him”.
II. Come and see
in the second piece
a king’s son who prays exclusively for wisdom. Assuredly
before the presence of the Infinite One the prince is no more than the begger;
but is not the former exposed to far greater temptations? “Ask what I shall
give thee.” What a word
and how great the concession contained in that word!
All the treasure-chambers of God’s infinite favour opened up before the grasp
of a single hand! “Ask of Me
” says the Possessor of all things
“and choose
thyself the blessing which thou desirest above all others. Shall the cedars of
Lebanon fall that in thy capital there may arise an edifice of unrivalled
splendour? Shall the laurel adorn thy brow
intertwined with the roses of love?
Shall thy name be borne upon a thousand tongues
even to the Tigris and Euphrates?
and a patriarchal age crown all these blessings?” Who does not involuntarily
tremble at the sight of the hand in which such a decision is placed? “Give Thy
servant an understanding heart” (1 Kings 3:9); and the meaning of his prayer may be easily conjectured
especially when we remember the sense in which Solomon in the Book of Proverbs
constantly makes mention of wisdom. He means by it no mere learning
which may
be attained to in another way; and just as little that acuteness
versatility
polish
which frequently is almost entirely disconnected with the first
principles of moral life. He desires on the other hand
that practical wisdom
which qualifies in every ease for the recognising
choosing
and accomplishing
of the right
the true
and the good. If he has only wisdom
what does he need
besides? Happy Solomon
who hast understood thy deepest need; but who at the
same time knowest where satisfaction for this need is to be sought.
III. Come and see
here a humble one
who prays not in vain. A humble one: upon that word I lay
stress
because it is the key to the whole. How strikingly this humility
expresses itself
especially in the words of the prayer as preserved in another
place. First
thanksgiving for what is already bestowed or promised; and then
further
“And now
O Lord
my God”--the “my” of a humble faith--“Thou hast made
Thy servant king instead of David my father; and I am but a little child
I
know not how to go out or come in
” as my position requires. Solomon
at least
has certainly experienced the truth of his own words
“With the lowly is
wisdom
” but also at the same time learnt that God will give grace to the
humble. Immediately he receives the answer
“Because this was in thine heart
the wisdom and the knowledge is granted unto thee. “If any of you lack wisdom
let him ask of God
that giveth to all men liberally and upbraids him not; and
it shall be given him. But--the condition is equally simple as it is reasonable--“let
him ask in faith
nothing doubting.” How prayer is heard no one may be able
fully to explain; but that it is heard is for the thoughtful faith raised above
all doubt. “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go;
I will guide thee with Mine eye.” Not that you are to look for inner light
apart from God’s written Word
and still less that this heavenly instruction is
to release from the necessity for your own labour and exertion. In the realm of
true wisdom no one is crowned who has not in childlike spirit bowed before God.
IV. Come and see
here a favoured one
who receives much more than he asks for. We have as yet
listened to only half of the heavenly response: thus it continues
“Therefore
will I give thee riches
and wealth
and honour
” etc. No
He who gives
that which is of the first necessity also refuses not that which is less so.
Solomon had not even thought of temporal gifts; but his God forgets nothing of
all that which may augment the lustre of His throne. “And Solomon awoke
and
behold it was a dream.” But what a dream; and what an awakening! The morning
hour of a new life has dawned upon him
and while this master-dreamer descends
at once from Gibson’s crest
it is only very soon to rise to a more glorious
height before the eye of his own and neighbouring nations. That which the king
has received redounds
spiritually and materially
to the good of the nation
which shares in the benefit. God in answer to prayer usually gives the
indispensable first; but straightway also adds thereto the useful
the
agreeable
the comparatively superfluous. The Lord gives grace
and in that one
thing all things lie hid; yet He adds to grace also honour
and withholds no
good thing from them that walk in uprightness. “Happy is the man that findeth
wisdom
and the man that getteth understanding . . . She is a tree of life to
them that lay hold upon her
and happy is every one that holdeth her fast.”
V. An unhappy one
who by his own fault has forfeited this blessing of his prayer. (J.
Van Oosterzee
D.D.)
What shall I ask?
It is an excellent
discipline for such as would pray aright to begin by hearing God say to them
“Ask now what I should give you.” Think with yourself before you kneel down to
pray
“What shall I ask; what wish is upon my heart; is there anything
distressing
vexing
paining me at this moment which I can ask God to alleviate
or to remove; is there anything which I very much desire
anything which I
think it would make me happy to have
anything which to be denied would embitter
or desolate my life?” “Ask what I shall give thee
” God says
and let Him not
find silence
or find a double tongue in him to whom He says it. All this
points to what Scripture calls “the preparation of the heart” for prayer. How
different would be the very step of the worshippers as they left their homes
how different would be the very look of the countenances aa they came within
these doors and took up their places
if each one felt that God was here
and
that He was saying to each one
“What shall I give thee?” There is a moment in
most lives when the question of the destination of the life is put to them
and
must be answered. Even the destination of this life is very important. Often it
has the destination of the other life in it. To s young man
the question takes
the form of “What shall be your profession?” In proportion as the field of
choice is wider and broader will be
of course
the difficulty and the gravity
of the question
“What shall I make my life for the service of God and of my
generation?” This is the most direct example to be found in our day
perhaps
of the young king in one of my texts. And what shall be the answer? Shall it
be
”Give me wealth”? shall it be
“Give me honour”? shall it be
“Give me a
front place in the ranks of fame
or of such repute and respectability as takes
the place of fame among the lowly; give me success
give me applause
give me
rapid progress towards a satisfactory position; or
give me a portion among
them that know
that amass information
that write or make books
that are
called men of literature
men of science
men of culture
men of education”?
or
shall it be
“Lord
make me useful in my generation; let it not concern me
whether I am great or small
may I but help a few others to know Thy comfort
may
I but bring peace into a few unhappy souls or guide a few stray lives into the
way of holiness”? If there were such a heart in us
how rich would be the
reward! “The speech pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing.” There
are times when the question
“What shall I do
Lord?” comes very prominently
into view. It is so with the young Churchman at the season of confirmation; it
is so at the first and at each successive communion; it is so when the hand of
God is laid heavily upon the life in sorrow; it is so when sickness comes
not
unto death; it is so when the formation of new ties
or providential disruption
of old ones
compels a man to stand still and settle with himself--what shall
the tenor of my life be
what the course
and what the goal? Happy if he can
cast himself believingly on Him who is “a very present help
” and say
“Give me
understanding
give me grace
give me a useful course and a blessed end.” (Dean
Vaughan.)
Solomon’s choice
Nowadays it is impossible
to say that God never does speak to men in dreams
but it is not often that He
does so. For one good reason--the Bible is now complete
and there His will may
be learned
and there it is made known. Yet there are some dreams that
certainly are remarkable!”
I. First let us
talk s little about the permission: “Ask what I shall give thee! Suppose I were
to put this question to each one here present
what a lot of singular requests
would be heard. One old woman was once heard praying thus: “O Lord
give me
plenty to eat and plenty to drink
and that’s all I want.” God wished Solomon
to ask himself
“What do I really need most of all?” Of old the shopkeepers
used to cry aloud
“What--do ye lack?” This is a good rule in prayer
to say
What do I actually want at this very moment? If you find out in what you are
most deficient
you will learn your true character. Look around
and say now
“What do I really need? What ought a boy or girl just beginning life to
possess? What--do I lack?” Perhaps you do not know how much you need some
things
nor will you without inquiring. Tradesmen fill their shop-windows with
toys
pictures
books
and dresses
so that people may feel inclined to want
them
and come in and purchase. The Bible is full of descriptions of things
that every one should require. Look at what it says
and you will find out what
you want most
and first of all
II. God asked this
question of Solomon for another reason; He desired to show us the true way to
obtain what we require; that is
by prayer or asking. Solomon had received
great gifts from his father David without asking for them. God
too
had given
him many most valuable blessings
many of them without asking. “Now
” says God
“ask and you shall have.” You cannot purchase some things with money; no rich
man has sufficient wealth to buy health or happiness. And you cannot buy the blessings
of the gospel; you must receive them as a gift from the Lord Jesus. (N.
Wiseman.)
The prayer of King Solomon
for wisdom to govern his people
Whatever in later life may
have been Solomon’s deviations from duty and from the fear of the Lord
the
early years of his reign evidence a mind keenly alive to all the necessities
and responsibilities of his station
and a heart sincere in love and loyalty
towards God. This prayer of Solomon displays the spirit proper for every young
man especially for every Christian young man--in entering upon the
responsibilities of life. There are three prominent characteristics of the
temper of his mind that are pre-eminently worthy of regard.
I. His preferment
of the welfare of the people over whom he ruled above any gratification or
interest of his own. From the manner in which the Lord offered the king any
gift that his heart might desire
it is evident that Solomon was at perfect
liberty
if such had been his choice
to request the fulfilment of some purely
personal or private end. If such an offer had been made to any of the mighty
kings whose names are blazoned in history
what would his choice have been?
What prayer would have expressed the heart’s desire of Alexander
of Hannibal
of Caesar
or of Napoleon? Alexander would have asked for another world to
conquer; Hannibal would have sought satiety of vengeance in the extermination
of the Italian foes; Caesar would have demanded admittance among the gods and
the perpetual worship of the citizens of Rome; Napoleon that his family should
ever rule the destinies of France
and that France of all nations should ever
be foremost and supreme. But the spirit of which the Lord approved in Solomon
was free from all taint of ambitious or selfish or merciless desire. Would that
all to whom the interests of others are committed were ever animated by the
spirit of Solomon.
II. The hearty
conformity to the Divine will of his wishes in regard to his position. When God
promised any of the kings of Israel or of Judah the establishment of his throne
and aid against his enemies
it was always provided that that king should
diligently observe the statutes and commandments and ordinances of the Lord.
When He rejected Saul from being king over His people
it was not because he
had proved himself unfaithful to the nation’s welfare
but because he had
rejected the word of the Lord
and had not kept the commandment which the Lord
had commanded him. And when David was raised to the throne of Israel
it was
because of this testimony
given him of God: “I have found David
the son of
Jesse
a man after Mine own heart
which shall fulfil all My will.” Hence in
the lips of Solomon this prayer for wisdom had a most peculiar and
comprehensive significance. Its spirit was not ambition to be the wisest
monarch of his day
nor servile anxiety to secure the favour of a powerful
friend; it was the desire to do the will of his gracious Father in heaven. This
same spirit of loving and hearty conformity to the Divine will has controlled
the prayers and the lives of God’s true people in all generations--Abram;
Moses; Joseph; Paul; the Redeemer Himself. Oh
what comfort in affliction
what
support in trial
what delight in duty
spring from the thought
“It is the
will of God”!
III. His recognition
of himself as weak and liable to err
and of God as the great source of wisdom
and strength for the discharge of duty. In the humility and diffidence of
Solomon
we have an example of what seems to be commonly the case
that men of
worth and of ability are the most deeply conscious of their deficiencies and
faults. Utterly different from such a spirit was Rehoboam
the son and
successor of Solomon on assuming the sceptre. Solomon evidenced his sense of
weakness--not by shrinking from his duties
but by seeking God’s help for the
performance of them. Elisha
trembling to think how soon he should be called
upon to wear the mantle of the greatest of the prophets
besought a double
portion of his master’s spirit. In a similar frame did Solomon pray for an
understanding heart to judge the people of the Lord. (E. I. Hamilton
D.D.)
Wisdom
Wisdom consists chiefly in
three things.
1. Knowledge to discern.
2. Skill to judge.
3. Activity to prosecute. (T. Watson.)
Solomon’s wisdom
He showed his wisdom by
asking for.wisdom. (Dean Stanley.)
Divine wisdom needed
Every man needs Divine
wisdom m order that he may do well his earthly work. You would light a lamp
better if you first asked God to show you how to light it. (J.
Parker
D.D.)
The responsibility of a
sovereign
“Now you are Queen of the
mightiest land in Europe
in your hand lies the happiness of millions
” said
young Prince Albert to Victoria in his letter of congratulation. He was going
to Italy
in the freedom of a life less burdened
less full of splendid care
than hers
yet not without a thought that his very wanderings were some time to
be of service to her. “May Heaven assist you
” he adds
“and strengthen with
its strength in that high and difficult task.”
Solomon’s desire for
wisdom and the use he made of it
1.The practical wisdom by which we conduct the affairs of every-day
life comes from God. Let us seek it
then
from its true source. If we seek to
be wise without God
even our worldly wisdom will turn to folly.
2. We make a grand mistake in separating religious and every-day
affairs. I do not mean merely to press the somewhat trite lesson that the
morality which religion teaches must be practised in daily life. There are many
who act up to this
yet still do not bring their religion enough into their
daily work. Their trade or their business occupies them during me week. It is
put away at stated intervals
to make room for higher thoughts; and these
higher thoughts again are laid aside when they return to business. They cannot
understand doing all things to the glory of God. The effect of this is twofold.
First
it makes religion very weak and puny; instead of doing all things to the
glory of God
we do a few things only to His glory. Secondly
it will mar our
work; for nothing is really well done unless it is done in a religious spirit.
But if Solomon exercised hie God-given wisdom on such matters as bringing up
linen yarn from Egypt
why cannot we
too
understand that in our commerce
and
other ordinary business
we are using God’s gifts
and doing work which may and
should be so done as to be to His glory? (A. K.
Cherrill
M.A.)
The best motives to action
unselfish
In private life
and in all life
the best motives to action are those which lie outside of salt
and its supposed interests. To build the ship staunch and safe and the house
firm and healthful for the sake of human lives that will be entrusted to them
to administer justice because of its equity
to heal disease and teach sanitary
laws for the sake of suffering humanity
to cherish in every employment some
glimpse of
and interest in
the good that it is to produce in the world
introduces a finer element into the labour and actually brings forth a better
quality of work than can be educed by the mere hope of personal benefit to the
worker. (Great Thoughts.)
The folly of relying on
our own wisdom in the conduct of life.
A few years ago a
most painful sensation was created in the public mind by the intelligence of a
distressing and fatal accident which had happened to a distinguished Archdeacon
of the Established Church. This gentleman
eminent alike for his character and
his writings
was spending a short time on the continent
and
having with some
friends ascended a mountain
expressed a strong wish to return alone by a new
route. His companions remonstrated
pointed out the danger of attempting to
follow an unknown path
and urged that at least their friend would accept the
services of a guide. Unhappily he would not be persuaded
and presently
commenced his perilous descent. The rest of the party reluctantly pursued their
course
and waited his arrival at the inn. As time passed on
and the
Archdeacon did not appear
their fears were re-awakened
and search was ordered
to be made. Soon they were horrified
yet not surprised
to hear that the
lifeless body of their friend had been found beneath a precipice over which he
had fallen in his attempt to reach the inn. How striking an illustration does
this sad incident afford of the fatal obstinacy of those who persist in relying
on their own wisdom and strength of purpose in the journey of life! What can
await them but destruction if they refuse to accept guidance? Yet a guide is
not enough at all times. Only recently a party of travellers on Mont Blanc
accompanied by skilful guides
were overtaken by an avalanche; and not only two
of their number but one of the guides also perished in a moment. We need an
unerring guide; and where shall it be found but in Him who is infinite Wisdom
as well as infinite Love? (Experience.)
The fruits of prayer
“Do you really think that
God will hear your prayers?” said a sceptic to a poor Christian woman. “Yes
”
she replied
“you might as well tell me that that ship
just arrived from a
foreign port
was never there at all because I was not there to see. You
believe it was there because of the things it has brought
and so I do not
think God hears my prayers
I know He both hears and answers them
for I have
fruits of them in my possession.” (J. Nicoll.)
Importance of knowledge
The following words are
from a letter written by Miss. Willard’s mother to her children when they were
quite small: “The dearest wish of my heart
except that my children shall be
Christians
is that they shall be well-educated. A good education will open the
world to you as a knife opens an oyster. Riches will not do this
because
riches have no power to brighten the intellect. An ox and a philosopher look
out on the same world
and perhaps the ox has the stronger and handsomer eyes
of the two
but the difference between the brains behind the eyes makes a
difference between the two beings that is wider than all the seas. I want my
children’s brains to be full of the best thoughts that great minds have had in
all centuries; I want stored away in your little heads the story of what the
world was doing before you came--who were its poets
its painters and
philosophers
its inventors and law-givers. I want you to know what is in its
noblest books
and what its men of science say about their study of the earth
the ocean
and the stars. I want you taught to be careful
and exact by your
knowledge of figures; and
most of all
I want you to learn how to speak and
write your own noble English tongue
for without the power of expression you
are like an aeolian harp when there is no breeze.”
God’s overflowing gift
When the ice breaks up in
Russia
the Czar goes in state to drink of the river Neva
and having drunk
it
was long the custom for the Czar to return the cup to his attendants full of
gold; but year by year it became so much larger that at length a stipulated sum
was paid instead of the old penalty. But
however large the vessel we bring to
God
and however much it increases in capacity with the discipline of years
God will make it to overflow with that peace and faith and love and joy which
is better than much fine gold. (Sunday Companion.)
Verse 12
2 Chronicles 1:7; 2 Chronicles 1:12
In that night did God appear unto Solomon
and said unto him
Ask
what I shall give thee.
Solomon’s choice
I. The address
which God made to Solomon
“Ask
” etc.
He does in effect make to each
of us
especially the young.
II. Though we need
not the qualification which Solomon required for kingly office
yet we all need
spiritual wisdom and understanding
and may therefore imitate his example.
III. God is pleased
with those who make the choice and offer up the prayer of Solomon. Because--
1. It is the effect of His grace.
2. It indicates feelings and opinions similar to His own.
3. It indicates humility.
4. It shows a benevolent concern for His glory and for the happiness
of their fellow-creatures.
5. It actually tends to promote His glory.
IV. All who make
this choice and adopt this prayer shall certainly be favoured with a wise and
understanding heart. (E. Payson
D.D.)
How to get the best blessing
For the acquiring the highest wealth
“asking”--
1. Is the simplest method.
2. The Divinely appointed method (Matthew 7:7; Mark 14:38).
3. The only method. Purchase is impossible.
4. The certain method.
5. The abundantly enforced method. Enforced by the whole Bible.
6. Has ever been the abundantly successful method. (R. A.
Griffin.)
Solomon’s opportunity
We speak chidingly and upbraidingly of men who have had what we
call their chance and have not availed themselves of it. Should a man come to
poverty
we review his life and say
“He had no opportunity of doing better; he
has made the best of his circumstances
he deserves sympathy; let us extend our
help to him.” Or we say
“He has had his chance; he might have been as high as
most of us; we remember the time when his life was crowned with a gracious
opportunity; he was slothful
incapable; he was busy here and there
and the
king passed by; and now we do not feel any kindling of real regard and interest
in relation to hun. God gives every man his opportunity. (J. Parker
D.D.)
The prayer for wisdom
The pious prayer of the youthful Solomon at the beginning of his
kingly life! There is in this narrative a blending of the natural and
supernatural which surpasses all power of fabrication; in itself the high
degree of fitness which marks the Divine manifestation here recorded
combined
with its striking simplicity
reveals to us the personal intervention of Him
“who dwelleth on high
who humbleth Himself to behold the things that are in
heaven and in the earth.” That the highly-lauded wisdom of Solomon had not originally the
religious character which is ascribed to it in the text is indeed easily
asserted
but is far from proved
and is moreover at variance with a multitude
of facts. It may even with reason be doubted whether a wisdom and knowledge
such as this King of Israel must have possessed in his day can be explained
upon purely natural grounds; assuredly it is somewhat simpler to find
with the
sacred writer
in Solomon’s own experience the ground of his utterance
“The
Lord giveth wisdom
out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”
I. “Come and see”
a youth who at a critical moment is found in prayer. It is true every moment of
this fleeting life has its own significance; but yet there are single hours
which more than other cast a heavy weight into the trembling scale. What a
difference between that which Solomon has hitherto been and that which he is
henceforth to be; and how much depends
even for himself
upon the spirit in
which the first step on the new path is taken! Until now child
boy
youth;
nursed indeed in the bosom of luxury
but with a David as father
a Nathan as
guide; beloved and happy among his brethren
but yet to a great extent on an
equality with them. Now suddenly king
and--free; free from every bond. In a
simple trait a whole difference of character and principle is sometimes made
manifest. Thus it is in the conduct of Solomon at this hour
as compared with
that of his brother
Adonijah but a few short months ago. While the latter
even during David’s lifetime
grasps at the throne
he prepares only a banquet:
as though he would at once be able as from the table to ascend the princely
throne. When Solomon
on the other hand
after David’s death assumes the reins
there is prepared almost as the first act a religious festival of homage and
coronation. With what hallowed emotion this day fills his heart will be felt by
every one who perceives yet in his prayer by night the after-vibrating of the
finest chords of his heart which had been touched by day! Not so attractive for
him is the cedar palace in Jerusalem as this simple hill without
where the
name of the God of his father is called upon. It is too little for him that his
exaltation bears the stamp of human approval; he must consult the Lord in the
palace of His holiness
and place himself with all his future under me gracious
hand of the Holy One of Israel. Heart-gladdening sight--a king who feels
himself God’s subject; a youth who feels that his path cannot be pure unless he
directs it according to Jehovah’s Word! Is it not the ease that sincere piety
however often derided and disowned
is yet something glorious and fair; the
ornament of every condition
and most of all of the highest; but especially
amiable and august in the young man who with whole and joyful heart has chosen
the service of God? It is true
when an aged sinner bows his head in penitence
before God
Satan loses his prey; but when in a youthful heart a voice is
awakened which cries for the living God
then angels give thanks to God around
the throne for their new-born brother on earth
Oh
they know not what they say
who assert that early piety has about it something unnatural and narrow-minded.
How many a youth is at this hour brought to the decisive turning-point in his
life
but who begins his course altogether differently
and who therefore very
soon makes a progress entirely unlike that of Solomon! How many a bark
lightly
laden and fairly equipped
leaves the secure haven and dances over the rippling
waves
and seems for awhile to distance others
but anon with the turn of
fortune falls quickly behind
and entirely loses her course
until
become a
plaything of the storm
she is dashed on yonder rocks and disappears in the
gloomy abyss! What wonder
the inexperienced steersman had thought of
everything except the indispensable compass; had taken counsel with every one
except that One who says
“Mine is the counsel and their strength”; had counted
beforehand on the haven
but not upon the storm and Him who alone can quell the
storm. There is now a fable going its round in the world: unbelief has invented
it
and scepticism now whispers it from the mouth of one schoolboy into the
ears of others. It is this--that for the whole doctrine of childlike prayer
there is no longer any place within the compass of the modern view of the
world. Thus sounds the gospel of despair
hailed by many a child of this age as
the highest wisdom--a gospel before which the angel of prayer within flees from
the unhallowed sanctuary; while in his place the genius of passive subjection
with rigid gaze
takes his seat by the grave of departed hope. Poor man
poor
youth especially
who have all that is needful for outward life
but have lost
prayer! “In all
thy ways acknowledge Him”.
II. Come and see
in the second piece
a king’s son who prays exclusively for wisdom. Assuredly
before the presence of the Infinite One the prince is no more than the begger;
but is not the former exposed to far greater temptations? “Ask what I shall
give thee.” What a word
and how great the concession contained in that word!
All the treasure-chambers of God’s infinite favour opened up before the grasp
of a single hand! “Ask of Me
” says the Possessor of all things
“and choose
thyself the blessing which thou desirest above all others. Shall the cedars of
Lebanon fall that in thy capital there may arise an edifice of unrivalled
splendour? Shall the laurel adorn thy brow
intertwined with the roses of love?
Shall thy name be borne upon a thousand tongues
even to the Tigris and
Euphrates? and a patriarchal age crown all these blessings?” Who does not
involuntarily tremble at the sight of the hand in which such a decision is
placed? “Give Thy servant an understanding heart” (1 Kings 3:9); and the meaning of his
prayer may be easily conjectured
especially when we remember the sense in
which Solomon in the Book of Proverbs constantly makes mention of wisdom. He
means by it no mere learning
which may be attained to in another way; and just
as little that acuteness
versatility
polish
which frequently is almost
entirely disconnected with the first principles of moral life. He desires on
the other hand
that practical wisdom which qualifies in every ease for the
recognising
choosing
and accomplishing of the right
the true
and the good.
If he has only wisdom
what does he need besides? Happy Solomon
who hast
understood thy deepest need; but who at the same time knowest where
satisfaction for this need is to be sought.
III. Come and see
here a humble one
who prays not in vain. A humble one: upon that word I lay
stress
because it is the key to the whole. How strikingly this humility
expresses itself
especially in the words of the prayer as preserved in another
place. First
thanksgiving for what is already bestowed or promised; and then
further
“And now
O Lord
my God”--the “my” of a humble faith--“Thou hast made
Thy servant king instead of David my father; and I am but a little child
I
know not how to go out or come in
” as my position requires. Solomon
at least
has certainly experienced the truth of his own words
“With the lowly is
wisdom
” but also at the same time learnt that God will give grace to the
humble. Immediately he receives the answer
“Because this was in thine heart
the wisdom and the knowledge is granted unto thee. “If any of you lack wisdom
let him ask of God
that giveth to all men liberally and upbraids him not; and
it shall be given him. But--the condition is equally simple as it is
reasonable--“let him ask in faith
nothing doubting.” How prayer is heard no
one may be able fully to explain; but that it is heard is for the thoughtful
faith raised above all doubt. “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way
which thou shalt go; I will guide thee with Mine eye.” Not that you are to look
for inner light apart from God’s written Word
and still less that this
heavenly instruction is to release from the necessity for your own labour and
exertion. In the realm of true wisdom no one is crowned who has not in
childlike spirit bowed before God.
IV. Come and see
here a favoured one
who receives much more than he asks for. We have as yet
listened to only half of the heavenly response: thus it continues
“Therefore
will I give thee riches
and wealth
and honour
” etc. No
He who gives
that which is of the first necessity also refuses not that which is less so.
Solomon had not even thought of temporal gifts; but his God forgets nothing of
all that which may augment the lustre of His throne. “And Solomon awoke
and
behold it was a dream.” But what a dream; and what an awakening! The morning
hour of a new life has dawned upon him
and while this master-dreamer descends
at once from Gibson’s crest
it is only very soon to rise to a more glorious
height before the eye of his own and neighbouring nations. That which the king
has received redounds
spiritually and materially
to the good of the nation
which shares in the benefit. God in answer to prayer usually gives the
indispensable first; but straightway also adds thereto the useful
the
agreeable
the comparatively superfluous. The Lord gives grace
and in that one
thing all things lie hid; yet He adds to grace also honour
and withholds no good
thing from them that walk in uprightness. “Happy is the man that findeth
wisdom
and the man that getteth understanding . . . She is a tree of life to
them that lay hold upon her
and happy is every one that holdeth her fast.”
V. An unhappy one
who by his own fault has forfeited this blessing of his prayer. (J.
Van Oosterzee
D.D.)
What shall I ask?
It is an excellent discipline for such as would pray aright to
begin by hearing God say to them
“Ask now what I should give you.” Think with
yourself before you kneel down to pray
“What shall I ask; what wish is upon my
heart; is there anything distressing
vexing
paining me at this moment which I
can ask God to alleviate or to remove; is there anything which I very much
desire
anything which I think it would make me happy to have
anything which
to be denied would embitter or desolate my life?” “Ask what I shall give thee
”
God says
and let Him not find silence
or find a double tongue in him to whom
He says it. All this points to what Scripture calls “the preparation of the
heart” for prayer. How different would be the very step of the worshippers as
they left their homes
how different would be the very look of the countenances
aa they came within these doors and took up their places
if each one felt that
God was here
and that He was saying to each one
“What shall I give thee?”
There is a moment in most lives when the question of the destination of the
life is put to them
and must be answered. Even the destination of this life is
very important. Often it has the destination of the other life in it. To s
young man
the question takes the form of “What shall be your profession?” In
proportion as the field of choice is wider and broader will be
of course
the
difficulty and the gravity of the question
“What shall I make my life for the
service of God and of my generation?” This is the most direct example to be
found in our day
perhaps
of the young king in one of my texts. And what shall
be the answer? Shall it be
”Give me wealth”? shall it be
“Give me honour”?
shall it be
“Give me a front place in the ranks of fame
or of such repute and
respectability as takes the place of fame among the lowly; give me success
give me applause
give me rapid progress towards a satisfactory position; or
give me a portion among them that know
that amass information
that write or
make books
that are called men of literature
men of science
men of culture
men of education”? or
shall it be
“Lord
make me useful in my generation; let
it not concern me whether I am great or small
may I but help a few others to
know Thy comfort
may I but bring peace into a few unhappy souls or guide a few
stray lives into the way of holiness”? If there were such a heart in us
how
rich would be the reward! “The speech pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked
this thing.” There are times when the question
“What shall I do
Lord?” comes
very prominently into view. It is so with the young Churchman at the season of
confirmation; it is so at the first and at each successive communion; it is so
when the hand of God is laid heavily upon the life in sorrow; it is so when
sickness comes
not unto death; it is so when the formation of new ties
or
providential disruption of old ones
compels a man to stand still and settle
with himself--what shall the tenor of my life be
what the course
and what the
goal? Happy if he can cast himself believingly on Him who is “a very present
help
” and say
“Give me understanding
give me grace
give me a useful course
and a blessed end.” (Dean Vaughan.)
Solomon’s choice
Nowadays it is impossible to say that God never does speak to men
in dreams
but it is not often that He does so. For one good reason--the Bible
is now complete
and there His will may be learned
and there it is made known.
Yet there are some dreams that certainly are remarkable!”
I. First let us
talk s little about the permission: “Ask what I shall give thee! Suppose I were
to put this question to each one here present
what a lot of singular requests
would be heard. One old woman was once heard praying thus: “O Lord
give me
plenty to eat and plenty to drink
and that’s all I want.” God wished Solomon
to ask himself
“What do I really need most of all?” Of old the shopkeepers
used to cry aloud
“What--do ye lack?” This is a good rule in prayer
to say
What do I actually want at this very moment? If you find out in what you are
most deficient
you will learn your true character. Look around
and say now
“What do I really need? What ought a boy or girl just beginning life to
possess? What--do I lack?” Perhaps you do not know how much you need some
things
nor will you without inquiring. Tradesmen fill their shop-windows with
toys
pictures
books
and dresses
so that people may feel inclined to want
them
and come in and purchase. The Bible is full of descriptions of things
that every one should require. Look at what it says
and you will find out what
you want most
and first of all
II. God asked this
question of Solomon for another reason; He desired to show us the true way to
obtain what we require; that is
by prayer or asking. Solomon had received
great gifts from his father David without asking for them. God
too
had given
him many most valuable blessings
many of them without asking. “Now
” says God
“ask and you shall have.” You cannot purchase some things with money; no rich
man has sufficient wealth to buy health or happiness. And you cannot buy the blessings
of the gospel; you must receive them as a gift from the Lord Jesus. (N.
Wiseman.)
The prayer of King Solomon for wisdom to govern his people
Whatever in later life may have been Solomon’s deviations from
duty and from the fear of the Lord
the early years of his reign evidence a
mind keenly alive to all the necessities and responsibilities of his station
and a heart sincere in love and loyalty towards God. This prayer of Solomon
displays the spirit proper for every young man especially for every Christian
young man--in entering upon the responsibilities of life. There are three
prominent characteristics of the temper of his mind that are pre-eminently
worthy of regard.
I. His preferment
of the welfare of the people over whom he ruled above any gratification or
interest of his own. From the manner in which the Lord offered the king any
gift that his heart might desire
it is evident that Solomon was at perfect
liberty
if such had been his choice
to request the fulfilment of some purely
personal or private end. If such an offer had been made to any of the mighty
kings whose names are blazoned in history
what would his choice have been?
What prayer would have expressed the heart’s desire of Alexander
of Hannibal
of Caesar
or of Napoleon? Alexander would have asked for another world to
conquer; Hannibal would have sought satiety of vengeance in the extermination
of the Italian foes; Caesar would have demanded admittance among the gods and
the perpetual worship of the citizens of Rome; Napoleon that his family should
ever rule the destinies of France
and that France of all nations should ever
be foremost and supreme. But the spirit of which the Lord approved in Solomon
was free from all taint of ambitious or selfish or merciless desire. Would that
all to whom the interests of others are committed were ever animated by the
spirit of Solomon.
II. The hearty
conformity to the Divine will of his wishes in regard to his position. When God
promised any of the kings of Israel or of Judah the establishment of his throne
and aid against his enemies
it was always provided that that king should
diligently observe the statutes and commandments and ordinances of the Lord.
When He rejected Saul from being king over His people
it was not because he
had proved himself unfaithful to the nation’s welfare
but because he had
rejected the word of the Lord
and had not kept the commandment which the Lord
had commanded him. And when David was raised to the throne of Israel
it was
because of this testimony
given him of God: “I have found David
the son of
Jesse
a man after Mine own heart
which shall fulfil all My will.” Hence in
the lips of Solomon this prayer for wisdom had a most peculiar and
comprehensive significance. Its spirit was not ambition to be the wisest
monarch of his day
nor servile anxiety to secure the favour of a powerful
friend; it was the desire to do the will of his gracious Father in heaven. This
same spirit of loving and hearty conformity to the Divine will has controlled
the prayers and the lives of God’s true people in all generations--Abram;
Moses; Joseph; Paul; the Redeemer Himself. Oh
what comfort in affliction
what
support in trial
what delight in duty
spring from the thought
“It is the
will of God”!
III. His recognition
of himself as weak and liable to err
and of God as the great source of wisdom
and strength for the discharge of duty. In the humility and diffidence of Solomon
we have an example of what seems to be commonly the case
that men of worth and
of ability are the most deeply conscious of their deficiencies and faults.
Utterly different from such a spirit was Rehoboam
the son and successor of
Solomon on assuming the sceptre. Solomon evidenced his sense of weakness--not
by shrinking from his duties
but by seeking God’s help for the performance of
them. Elisha
trembling to think how soon he should be called upon to wear the
mantle of the greatest of the prophets
besought a double portion of his
master’s spirit. In a similar frame did Solomon pray for an understanding heart
to judge the people of the Lord. (E. I. Hamilton
D.D.)
Wisdom
Wisdom consists chiefly in three things.
1. Knowledge to discern.
2. Skill to judge.
3. Activity to prosecute. (T. Watson.)
Solomon’s wisdom
He showed his wisdom by asking for.wisdom. (Dean Stanley.)
Divine wisdom needed
Every man needs Divine wisdom m order that he may do well his
earthly work. You would light a lamp better if you first asked God to show you
how to light it. (J. Parker
D.D.)
The responsibility of a sovereign
“Now you are Queen of the mightiest land in Europe
in your hand
lies the happiness of millions
” said young Prince Albert to Victoria in his
letter of congratulation. He was going to Italy
in the freedom of a life less
burdened
less full of splendid care than hers
yet not without a thought that
his very wanderings were some time to be of service to her. “May Heaven assist
you
” he adds
“and strengthen with its strength in that high and difficult
task.”
Solomon’s desire for wisdom and the use he made of it
1.The practical wisdom by which we conduct the affairs of every-day
life comes from God. Let us seek it
then
from its true source. If we seek to
be wise without God
even our worldly wisdom will turn to folly.
2. We make a grand mistake in separating religious and every-day
affairs. I do not mean merely to press the somewhat trite lesson that the
morality which religion teaches must be practised in daily life. There are many
who act up to this
yet still do not bring their religion enough into their
daily work. Their trade or their business occupies them during me week. It is
put away at stated intervals
to make room for higher thoughts; and these higher
thoughts again are laid aside when they return to business. They cannot
understand doing all things to the glory of God. The effect of this is twofold.
First
it makes religion very weak and puny; instead of doing all things to the
glory of God
we do a few things only to His glory. Secondly
it will mar our
work; for nothing is really well done unless it is done in a religious spirit.
But if Solomon exercised hie God-given wisdom on such matters as bringing up
linen yarn from Egypt
why cannot we
too
understand that in our commerce
and
other ordinary business
we are using God’s gifts
and doing work which may and
should be so done as to be to His glory? (A. K.
Cherrill
M.A.)
The best motives to action unselfish
In private life
and in all life
the best motives to
action are those which lie outside of salt and its supposed interests. To build
the ship staunch and safe and the house firm and healthful for the sake of
human lives that will be entrusted to them
to administer justice because of
its equity
to heal disease and teach sanitary laws for the sake of suffering
humanity
to cherish in every employment some glimpse of
and interest in
the
good that it is to produce in the world
introduces a finer element into the
labour and actually brings forth a better quality of work than can be educed by
the mere hope of personal benefit to the worker. (Great Thoughts.)
The folly of relying on our own wisdom in the conduct of life.
A few years ago a most painful sensation was created in the
public mind by the intelligence of a distressing and fatal accident which had
happened to a distinguished Archdeacon of the Established Church. This
gentleman
eminent alike for his character and his writings
was spending a
short time on the continent
and
having with some friends ascended a mountain
expressed a strong wish to return alone by a new route. His companions
remonstrated
pointed out the danger of attempting to follow an unknown path
and urged that at least their friend would accept the services of a guide. Unhappily
he would not be persuaded
and presently commenced his perilous descent. The
rest of the party reluctantly pursued their course
and waited his arrival at
the inn. As time passed on
and the Archdeacon did not appear
their fears were
re-awakened
and search was ordered to be made. Soon they were horrified
yet
not surprised
to hear that the lifeless body of their friend had been found
beneath a precipice over which he had fallen in his attempt to reach the inn.
How striking an illustration does this sad incident afford of the fatal
obstinacy of those who persist in relying on their own wisdom and strength of
purpose in the journey of life! What can await them but destruction if they
refuse to accept guidance? Yet a guide is not enough at all times. Only
recently a party of travellers on Mont Blanc
accompanied by skilful guides
were overtaken by an avalanche; and not only two of their number but one of the
guides also perished in a moment. We need an unerring guide; and where shall it
be found but in Him who is infinite Wisdom as well as infinite Love? (Experience.)
The fruits of prayer
“Do you really think that God will hear your prayers?” said a
sceptic to a poor Christian woman. “Yes
” she replied
“you might as well tell
me that that ship
just arrived from a foreign port
was never there at all
because I was not there to see. You believe it was there because of the things
it has brought
and so I do not think God hears my prayers
I know He both
hears and answers them
for I have fruits of them in my possession.” (J.
Nicoll.)
Importance of knowledge
The following words are from a letter written by Miss. Willard’s
mother to her children when they were quite small: “The dearest wish of my
heart
except that my children shall be Christians
is that they shall be
well-educated. A good education will open the world to you as a knife opens an
oyster. Riches will not do this
because riches have no power to brighten the
intellect. An ox and a philosopher look out on the same world
and perhaps the
ox has the stronger and handsomer eyes of the two
but the difference between
the brains behind the eyes makes a difference between the two beings that is
wider than all the seas. I want my children’s brains to be full of the best
thoughts that great minds have had in all centuries; I want stored away in your
little heads the story of what the world was doing before you came--who were
its poets
its painters and philosophers
its inventors and law-givers. I want
you to know what is in its noblest books
and what its men of science say about
their study of the earth
the ocean
and the stars. I want you taught to be
careful
and exact by your knowledge of figures; and
most of all
I want you
to learn how to speak and write your own noble English tongue
for without the
power of expression you are like an aeolian harp when there is no breeze.”
God’s overflowing gift
When the ice breaks up in Russia
the Czar goes in state to drink
of the river Neva
and having drunk
it was long the custom for the Czar to
return the cup to his attendants full of gold; but year by year it became so
much larger that at length a stipulated sum was paid instead of the old
penalty. But
however large the vessel we bring to God
and however much it
increases in capacity with the discipline of years
God will make it to
overflow with that peace and faith and love and joy which is better than much
fine gold. (Sunday Companion.)
And Solomon gathered chariots.
Solomon’s wealth
I. Wealth derived
from trading speculations.
II. Wealth acquired
in opposition to God’s commands (Deuteronomy 17:16-17). He must trust in
the Lord God
not in chariots and horses (Psalms 20:7).
III. Wealth
therefore risky in its possesion. Prosperity of Solomon his great misfortune.
The smallest departure from rectitude may lead to grievous errors and fearful
miseries. (J. Wolfendale.)
The King’s merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
The king’s merchants
I. The advantages
of commerce. In softening manners and breaking down prejudices
in helping
industry
promoting peace
and stimulating into Nature’s resources.
II. The blessings
of the nation whose sovereign takes an interest in commerce (J. Wolfendale.)
──《The Biblical Illustrator》