December 19

uninformed. But from this time a most tender friendship was established between these two good men. And what Barnabas testified of Paul was so satisfactory to the Church, that he was fully admitted to their fellowship, "and was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem."

We may here see, First—That these disciples were careful whom they admitted among them. They were only such as they believed to be disciples. They did not desire, for the sake of largeness, a church filled with indiscriminate members; and they could not bear them that were evil. Secondly, It is possible to err on the side of caution. We may be too strict as well as too lax. It is easy to carry our suspicions too far, especially with regard to those against whom we have entertained any prejudice, or from whom we have received any injury or offence. The instances of deception we have met with may weaken our confidence, and cause the innocent to suffer for the guilty. Let us guard against this, and while we do not shut our eyes let us invite into our bosoms the charity that thinketh no evil. Thirdly, we may depend on testimony concerning character in the absence of personal knowledge. This indeed is not always infallible; but there are cases in which it ought to be admitted, and should be deemed sufficient not only for individuals, but churches to act upon, in receiving others to their countenance, and their communion. Fourthly, the introducing of a young convert to the fellowship of the saints is a good work, and should be encouraged. Some are backward, not from a want of inclination, for they often sigh, "How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel;" but they want confidence and help. How many are there in all our congregations of this character, who are kept back when they ought to come forward. Is there no Barnabas to take them by the hand, and to bring them forward? While the Church rises up and says, "Come in, thou blessed of the Lord?"

DECEMBER 19.—"But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth?" 2 Chronicles 6:18.

In looking over the annals of the Jews, we find much that ought to humble us—I say, to humble us, for they were fair specimens of our human nature, and

"There in a glass our hearts may see, How fickle and how false they be."

But we sometimes meet with scenes which cannot fail of being delightful to pious minds: for while, in reviewing history, the merchant is led to notice the revivals of commerce, and the scholar those of learning and science, they are attracted to the times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord; they, like Barnabas, are glad when they see the grace of God.

Such a scene is here before us at the dedication of the temple. Perhaps nothing equals it in the Old Testament; and nothing surpasses it in the New, but the day of Pentecost. The author was doubtless the Holy Ghost, the source of all good in the children of men: and it would be well for hearers and ministers to remember the Divine decision, "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,

saith the Lord." Yet God uses means, and could we see things as he does, we should always perceive, not only that the weakness of the means requires his strength, but that the suitableness of the means displays his wisdom. The instrument here employed was Solomon, whose rank, education, endowments, and zeal, gave him a peculiar influence.

Behold then all Israel assembled, and the young monarch, the wonder and admiration of the age and of the East, leading the devotion of the solemn day. For he did not appoint one of the priests or of the prophets to officiate, but he performed the service himself. "He stood before the altar of the Lord, in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands." It was well that he could thus pray himself. We are far from depreciating forms of prayer in all cases: they have their use, and even their excellency too. But it is impossible to frame a form of prayer to meet every new and pressing occurrence: yet it is very desirable to take advantage of present feelings; and some are happy enough to be equal to this. And should not good men, especially preachers, and also the heads of families, cultivate such a talent? Gifts are not grace: yet we are to consider others as well as ourselves, our usefulness as well as our salvation. Though there is a more excellent way, we are to "covet earnestly the best gifts." "Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few." It is well also that he was not only able, but willing. He was not ashamed publicly to avow his entire dependence upon God, and to seek his favour as the relish of every enjoyment, and his blessing as essential to every enterprise. He did not view it as a disparagement to his majesty, to be his own chaplain, and to bless his large family himself. And did he ever appear greater than on this occasion, and in this exercise? And could he have been more exemplary and useful?

An ordinary mind would have been struck with the vastness of the congregation, the magnitude of the building, and the munificence of the ornaments—But Solomon rose above all this, and was only astonished at the condescension of God in deigning to regard it: "But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth!"

His exclamation did not originate in any doubtfulness of the fact. He could not have questioned it. The tokens of the Divine presence were before him—"So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God. Then said Solomon, The Lord hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness." Yes, he knew that he had said, "This is my rest for ever; here will I dwell, for I have desired it;" and, "In all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee." The assurance therefore reaches to us. We have succeeded to their means and privileges, enlarged as to spirituality and efficiency, though unaccompanied with their splendid ceremonies and sensible manifestations. In his word and ordinances, in the preaching of his ministers, and the assemblies of his people, he is to be found; and thousands know the truth of this from their own experience: they have heard his voice; they have seen his glory; they have felt his power, and have been convinced

VOL. II.