- 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
hinderance 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.
olomon's buildings and trade.