We have an account, 1. Of Solomon's sacrifice and prayer, ver. 1—12. 2. Of his commerce for the enriching his subjects, ver. 13—17. AND Solomon, the son of David, was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly. 2. Then Solomon spoke 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. 3. So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon, for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness. 4. But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjath-jearim, to the place which David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem. 5. Moreover, the brawn altar that Bezaïed the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the LORD: and Solomon and the congregation fought unto it. 6. And Solomon went up thither to the brawn altar before the LORD, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt-offerings upon it. 7. In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee. 8. And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his head: 9. Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people, like the dust of the earth in multitude, 10. Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great? 11. And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: 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. We left Solomon in quiet possession of Israel's throne. His authority was still more firmly established by the removal of some secret enemies, (See 1 Kings ii. 25—36.) and God being evidently with him, his prosperity increased. 1. He summoned the chief men of Israel to attend him at Gibeon, where the tabernacle was; for this he well knew, that having God for his friend, was the only sure establishment of his throne. By his own example also he laboured to diffuse an universal attachment to God and his ordinances through his kingdom. Bellech 2014. kingdom; as being persuaded that good men would be the most loyal subjects. There be offered a thousand burnt-offerings, beside peace-offerings, and all the assembled congregation kept a feast with him before the Lord. Note, (1.) Great is the influence of a good magistrate's example. (2.) When we begin well, we have half ended. (3.) The more God does for us, the more should we labour to testify our gratitude towards him. 2. God appeared to him at night, and bid him as a man who was a man of the same, and had a great deal of the same, and had a great deal of the same, and had a great deal of the same, and had a great deal of the same, and had a great deal of the same, and had a great deal of the same, and had a great deal of the same, and had a great deal of the same, and had a great deal of the same, and had a great deal of the same, and had a great deal of the same, and had a great deal of the same. 13. Then Solomon came from his journey, to the high place that was at Gibbon, to Jerusalem, from before the tabernacle of the congregation, and reigned over Israel. 14. And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he placed in the chariot-cities, and with the king at Jerusalem. 15. And the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plateaus as stones, and cedar-trees made he as the sycamore-trees that are in the vale for abundance. 16. And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's spectators received the linen yarn at a price. 17. And they fetch up, and brought forth out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so brought they out for six hundred shekels of silver, and for the kings of Syria, by their means. When he had waited upon God, he returned to the easter of his royal government. Religious easter of his men were not to be the highest, but rather to the more vigorous discharge of our several occupations. Riders quickly began to flow in upon him, by trade with Egypt, and the linen manufactory he established. Hereby he was enabled to maintain an additional number of forces, and to appear with a splendor and dignity greater than had ever been seen before in Israel. Note, (1.) In the midst of the greatest peace, it is wide to be prepared for war. (2.) Increase of wealth too frequently brings on increase of luxury and pride: a man needs a great increase of spiritual grace and wisdom to bear being exalted. Here is, 1. Solomon's refutation to build the temple and a royal palace, and his appointing of labourers to be employed herein, ver. 1, 2, 17, 18. 2. His request to Huram, to furnish him with articles and materials, ver. 3—10. 3. Huram's ready compliance therewith, ver. 11—16. 1. AND Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the LORD, and an house for his kingdom. 2. And Solomon told out therefore and ten thousand men to bear burdens, and fourfores thousand to be in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred to overlie them. 3. And Solomon sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, 'As thou didst deal with David my father, and didst send him cedars to build him an house to dwell therein, even so don't not, 4. Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him; sweet incense, and for the continual shew-break, and for the burnt-offerings morning and evening, on the Sabbaths, and on the new-moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel. 5. And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods. 6. But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven, and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him? 7. Send me now therefore a man, cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and that can still to grave with the cunning men that are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father did provide. 8. Send me also cedar-trees, tin-trees, and algum-trees, out of Lebanon (for I know that the servants can still to cut timber in Lebanon) and behold, my servants shall be with thy servants, 9. Even to prepare me timber in abundance: for the house which I am about to build, shall be? who is derful great. 10. And behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand mealurs of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil. Solomon being appointed to build God's house, and by his wisdom to highly qualified for it, begins to set about the glorious structure, and afterwards resolves to raise a palace for himself. Now, Let God be always full and best served. For this purpose, he stands an emballage to Huram, or Huram, king of Tyre, 1 King v. 1, whose assistance he wanted in the work. He mentions the kindness of the Lord, as a reason for continuing his friendship to him his son; informs him of his design to build the house of God, of whose glory he speaks most highly. The God of Israel was above all gods, therefore a temple became him, such as no whole else could be found: not that the most pompous structure could be worthy the infinite God, or his immensity he circumscribed by the largest palace, since the heaven, and heaven of heavens cannot contain him. He pretended only to build a place to worship, and sacrifice before him. The Syrians being most expert workmen, he begs him to send him a capital artist in engraving and embroidery, who might instruct them who were ingenious among his own people: and that he would cut down and convey to him from Lebanon, cedars and other timber; in which service he would send his own servants, with Huram's, who were more skilled in the business. In consideration for which services, he offers to give as wages, and maintenance for Huram's servants, twenty thousand mealurs of wheat and barley, and as many baths of wine and oil, commodities which Tyre wanted, and in which Canaan abounded. Now, (1.) We should desire to make our father's friends our own. (2.) They who have the knowledge of the true God themselves, would gain have others acquainted with him also. (3.) Though when we have done our best, it is poor and unworthy of God; yet it speaks at least our humble gratitude. 11. Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, Because the LORD hath loved his people, he hath made thee king over them. 12. Huram said moreover, 'Blessed be the LORD God of Israel,' that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, + endowed with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom. 13. And now I have sent a cunning man (endowed with understanding) of Huram + my fathers; 14. The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre, skilful to work in gold and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson: also to grave any manner of growing, and to find out every service which shall be put to him, with thy cunning men, and with the cunning men of my lord David thy father. 15. Now therefore the wheat, and the barley, the oil, and the wine which my lord hath spoken of, let him send unto his servants: 16. And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need, and we will bring it to thee in floats, by sea to Joppa, and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem. 17. And Solomon numbered all the strangers that were in the land of Israel, after the number of them; and they were found an hundred and fifty thousand and three thousand and six hundred. 18. And he set therefore and ten thousand of them to be bearers of burdens, and fourfores thousand to be hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overflowers to set the people a-work. Huram was as ready to grant, as Solomon to ask, and that in the most friendly manner; congratulating Israel on so good a king, and blessing God for giving to gracious a son In his friend. He sent him an ingenious artist, half an Israelite, and therefrom more likely to be beauty in the service; undertook to convey the timber to Joppa by sea, and accepted of the wages proposed. Note, (1.) The polite manner in which a frieze is conferred, doubles the obligation. (2.) The assistance of the gentiles in building the church, was a figure of their incorporation in the fulness of time with the Israel of God. Solomon immediately dispatched his servants to Lebanon, to meet Hiram's. He employed no Israelites in ferrile work, but the throngers, which probably by becoming problems, were incorporated among them; whether of the remnant of the old inhabitants, or others. These, to the number of 12,000, David had registered before; and Solomon now set them to work for him, and no doubt well paid them for their labour. We have here, 1. Solomon's sacrifice conformed by fire from heaven, and the temple filled with God's glory, ver. 1—3. 2. The solemnities of the king's command for fourteen days, ver. 4—11. 3. God's appearance to Solomon in a vision of the night, ver. 12—22. a Dat. 1. Nov. 1. Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and confirmed the burnt-offerings and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house. 2. And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD's house. 3. And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, 'For be it good, for his mercy endureth for ever. 4. Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD. 5. And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep: so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God. 6. And the priests waited on their offices: the Levites also with instruments of music of the LORD, which David the king had made to praise the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever, when David praised by their ministry: and the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood. 7. Moreover, Solomon hallowed the middle of the court that was before the house of the LORD: for there he offered burnt-offerings, and the fat of the peace-offerings, because the brazen altar which Solomon had made was not able to receive the burnt-offerings, and the meat-offerings, and the fat. 8. Also at the same time Solomon kept the feath seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great congregation, from the ensuing in of Hamath, unto the river of Egypt. 9. And in the eighth day they made a solemn assembly; for they kept the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feath seven days. 10. And on the three and twentieth day of the seventh month, he fear the people away into their tents, glad and merry in heart for the good, and he said that the LORD had shewed unto David and to Solomon, and to Israel his people. 11. Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD, and the king's house: and all that came into Solomon's heart to make in the house of the LORD, and in his own house, he prosperously effected. A glorious answer was given to Solomon's fervent prayer. Fire from heaven, either distinct from the former, or issuing from the cloud which had filled the house, confirmed the sacrifices. Struck with the awful sight, the people reverently bowed and worshipped, and regarding it as a token of God's especial favour, adored his goodness and never-ending mercy. A vast multitude of sacrifices for this sacred fire, which was maintained continually. The priests and Levites with diligence and zeal discharged their offices; the fingers, with the plains and instruments David appointed, set forth God's praises, v. 6. the people with delight and joy drafted before the Lord fourteen days; and Solomon enjoyed the peculiar satisfaction of seeing the labours of his hands occupied and prosperous; an encouragement never to be weary of serving so great and so good a matter. Note, (1.) The fire which upon broken forth on Jesus our sacrifice, though terrible in behold, speaks God now for ever reconciled to believing, as having taken one for all. (2.) When God hath kindled the fire of divine love in our hearts, it becomes us to feed it with the continued sacrifices of prayer and praise, and which it thus is kept burning, we are assured our sacrifice is accepted. (3.) A sinner conscious of his defects, is affirmed and confounded before a holy God. (4.) We can never be in any situation, in which praise is not our bounden duty. At long, as we are out of hell, we must ever say, He is good, for his mercy endureth for ever. (5.) They who delight in God's worship, will never count the time long they fared in his service. (6.) All our prosperity in our undertakings must be allcribed wholly to the Divine blessing; and when we make God's glory our first concern, we may confidently expect it. 12. ¶ And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, 'I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myselves, for an house of sacrifice. 13. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; 14. If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways: then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 15. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears arrest unto the prayer that is made in this place. 16. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. 17. And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded thee, and shall observe my statutes and my judgments: 18. Then will I establish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have commanded with David thy father, saying, 'There shall not fail thee a man to be ruler in Israel. 19. But if ye turn away and forsake my statutes, and my commandments which I have let before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them: 20. Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my light, and will make it to be a proverb and a by-word among all nations. 21. And this house which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it: so that he shall say, 'Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land and unto this house? 22. And it shall be answered, 'Because they forsook the LORD's God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them. God's second gracious visit to Solomon we had before, 1. King 1a. He expressly grants all the particulars he had prayed for. Whenever the people, according to he had spoken, should return in penitence and prayer, their sin should immediately be pardoned, and their suffering removed. He confesses to make this house his abode for ever, and to establish his kingdom to the lastest posses, provided he approved himself faithful; but warns him withal, that if he or they (as it was too possible, and they were too prone to do) should turn aside after other gods, and be unfaithful in his covenant, then they might expect no protection from this temple, their land should be wafted, the people destroyed, and the sanctuary made desolate, and such terrible judgments overtake them, as should aforesaid their heathen neighbours, and even make them reflect with just reproach on their apathy. Note, (1.) If God is so gracious, let us beware not to grieve him. Our hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked, and we need fear for ourselves continually. (2.) Whenever God engages the heart in humiliation to return to him, it is a sign there is still mercy in thorn. In this chapter we have, 1. The cities Solomon built, ver. 1—6. 2. The workmen he employed, ver. 7—10. 3. The palace he built for his wife, ver. 11. 4. The order he put the temple-groves into, ver. 12—16. 5. The trading he had with foreign countries, ver. 17, 18. 1. AND it came to pass (at the end of twenty years, wherein Solomon had built the house of the LORD. LORD, and his own house) 2. That the cities which Huram had restored to Solomon, Solomon built them, and caused the children of Israel to dwell there. 3. And Solomon were to Hamath-zobah, and prevailed against it. 4. And he built Tadmor in the wilderness, and all the store-cities, which he built in Hamath. 5. Also he built Beth-horon the upper, and Beth-horon the necker, fenced cities, with walls, gates, and bars: 6. And Baalath, and all the store-cities, that Solomon had, and all the chariot-cities, and the cities of the horsemen, and the children of Israel confirmed not; them did Solomon make to pay tribute, until this day. 7. But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no servants for his work: but they were men of war, and chief of his captains, and captains of his chariots and horsemen. 8. And the children of Israel confirmed not; them did Solomon make to pay tribute, until this day. 9. But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no servants for his work: but they were men of war, and chief of his captains, and captains of his chariots and horsemen. 10. And the children of Israel confirmed not; them did Solomon make to pay tribute, until this day. 11. And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David, unto the house that he had built for her: for he said, My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because the places are holy, whereunto the ark of the LORD hath come. The only warlike exposition Solomon was engaged in, we have in v. 3. reducing to his obedience Hamath-zobah, which seems to have revoked. His buildings, to which his genius led him, still went forward, the beautifying and strengthening his kingdom was a work well worthy to great a prince; and the old inhabitants of the land, now brought under tribute and proscripted, afforded him a number of workmen without employing the nobler free-born Israelites. Having built a palace for his wife, the daughter of Pharaoh, he removed her from the city of David, where she had before her residence. For though probably a proscripted herald, many of her Egyptian servants might retain the idols and iniquities of Egypt; and a place which had been favoured with the ark of God, and to long the fear of worship, where David prayed and sung before the Lord, ought not to be profaned by such inhabitants. Note, (1.) Though we should avoid superfluous reverence for places, yet what hath been once faced to God in respect to him, ought not to be treated as a common thing. (2.) They who marry unto Strange families, will find a burden and a share from the evil manners of their wife's friends and relations, with whom they become necessarily connected. 12. Then Solomon offered burnt-offerings unto the LORD, on the altar of the LORD, which he had built before the porch: 13. Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses on the Sabbath, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles. 14. And he appointed, according to the order of David his father, the couries of the priests to their service, and the Levites to their charges, to praise and minister before the priests, as the duty of every day required: the porters also by their couries, at every gate: for so had David the man of God commanded. 15. And they departed not from the commandment of the king unto the priests and Levites, concerning any matter, or concerning the treasures. 16. Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation of the house of the LORD, and until it was finished: * so the house of the LORD was perfected. 17. Then went Solomon to Edom-gieber, and to Eloth, at the Sea-Side in the land of Edom. 18. And Huram sent him by the hands of his servants, ships, and servants that had knowledge of the Sea, and they went with the servants of Solomon to Ophir, and took thence four hundred and fifty talents of gold, and brought them to king Solomon. Solomon had not only built a temple for the honour of God, but took care to continue waiting upon God there in his unheard way. Building churches will do a man so good, if his Spirit be not engaged in the service of the sanctuary. Vol. I. 1. The temple work was exactly carried on according to the Divine pretextation, v. 13. and the couries of priests and Levites in waiting according to David's instruction. Note, Irregular and flated returns of worship are carefully to be observed. 2. Solomon's trade flourished. He visited his tea-pots in person; and with the assistance of Hiram's mariners, made a very successful voyage to Ophir; See 1 Kings ix. 26. Note, (1.) The matter's eye is most necessary over his own affairs. (2.) Men brave every danger of the seas for the gold of Ophir, and shall we be less fallacious to secure the more enduring treasures of grace and glory! Here is, 1. The honour which the queen of Sheba did to Solomon, ver. 1—12. 2. Many influence given of the riches and splendor of Solomon's court, ver. 13—28. 3. The conclusion of his reign, ver. 29—31. 1. AND when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great company, and camels that bare spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones; and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. 2. And Solomon told her all her questions; and there was nothing hid from Solomon which he told her not. 3. And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built, 4. And the meat of his table, and the fitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, his cup-bearers also, and their apparel, and his assent by which he went up into the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her. 5. And she said to the king, It was a true report which I heard in mine own land, of thine acts, and of thy wisdom. 6. Howbeit, I believed not their words, until I came and mine eyes had seen it: and behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me: for thou exceedeth the fame that I heard. 7. Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom. 8. Bleifed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the LORD thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice. 9. And the gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices great abundance, and precious stones: neither was there any such spice as the queen of Sheba gave king Solomon. 10. And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, which brought gold from Ophir, brought alqum-trees, and precious stones. 11. And the king made of the alqum-trees a terrific to the house of the LORD, and to the king's palace, and harps and psalteries for fingers: and there were none such seen before in the land of Judah. 12. And king Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, before that which he had brought unto the king: so the turned, and went away to her own land, she and her servants. This story hath been considered, 1 Kings x. It remains only to observe, (1.) That they who know the value of Divine truth, will count no pains too great to search after it. (2.) They are truly great, whose piety and zeal for God distinguish them. (3.) Whatever gifts we enjoy, they are lent us for the edifying of the body of Christ, and to be employed diligently. (4.) We have abundant cause to bless God for the useful instruments he is pleased to raise up for the service of his church, and especially for those who have been made instruments of good to our own souls. (5.) Great souls are ever generous. (6.) Though for a time absence from home may be needful and probable, yet we must, whatever pleasing engagements intervene, remember that there is our poll, and hasten our return. 13. Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year, was six hundred and threefoure and six talents of gold; 14. Besides that which chapmen and merchants brought: and all the kings of Arabia, and the governors of the country, brought gold and silver to Solomon. 15. And king Solomon made two hun- The following are the following: 16. And three hundred thields made be of beaten gold: three hundred thields of gold went to one shield: and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon. 17. ¶ Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold. 18. And there were six steps to the throne, with a foot-shool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and 9 days on each side of the sitting-place, and two lions standing by the stays. 19. And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other, upon the six steps. There was not the like made in any kingdom. 20. ¶ And all the drinking-veffels of king Solomon were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: 7 none were of silver; it was not any thing accounted or in the days of Solomon. 21. For the king's ships went to Tarfhish with the servants of Huram: every three years once came the ships of Tarfhish, bringing gold and silver, ivory, and apes, and 8 peacocks. 22. And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. 23. ¶ And all the kings of the earth bought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom that God had put in his heart. 24. And they brought every man his prelimi, vessels of silver and vessels of gold, and raiment, barnefs and spices, horses and mules, a rate year by year. 25. ¶ And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bellowed in the chariot-cities, and with the king at Jerusalem. 26. ¶ And he reigned over all the kings from the river, even unto the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt. 27. And the king made silver in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar-trees made he as the sycamore-trees, that are in the low plains in abundance. 28. And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands. 29. ¶ Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, are they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer, against Jeroboam the son of Nebat? 30. And Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years. 31. And Solomon slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of David his father, and 9 Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead. 9. 13—31. 1. Solomon appears in the zenith of his grandeur. Wealth flowing in upon him like a river; surrounding potentates courting his favour with the most noble prelimi, and eager to bear his wisdom; and his magnificence, palaces, guards, throne, &c. all tended to excite the admiration of his neighbours, and the reverence of his subjects. Note, (1.) Great was the glory of Solomon, but our Prince of Peace shines with glory infinitely more transcendent; before his throne all human magnificence vanishes, as the stars lose their luffes before the meridian sun. (2.) It will be our happiness as well as duty to pay our grateful homage at his feet; and offer not the gold of Arabia, but that more valuable prelimi, our bodies, souls, and spirits, a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable, which is our reasonable service. 2. Solomon is laid low in the grave. Mars aquia pede passet, &c. No greatness bars death from earring. A veil is here drawn over his former miscarriages, of which no doubt he had repeated; and which being forgiven, shall not be mentioned any more against him. His sun sets in glory, but his crown descends to a son, whose folly quickly tarnishes all this greatness. Note, (1.) The faults of great good men should be forgotten, and their virtues remembered for imitation. (2.) One foolish son will quickly run out all the acquittions of his wife and illustrious ancestors. We have here, 1. A step put to Rehoboam's design to reduce the ten tribes, by a message from God, ver. 1—4. 2. His successful endeavours to preserve the two tribes that remained, ver. 5—12. 3. The report of the priests and Levites to him, ver. 13—17. 4. An account of his wives and children, ver. 18—23. AND when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin. Jamin, an hundred and fourfcore thousand chosen men which were warriors, to fight against Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam. 2. But the word of the LORD came to 'Shemaiah the man of God, saying, 3. Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying, 4. Thus faith the LORD, 'Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house, for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the LORD, and returned from going against Jeroboam. 5. ¶ And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and 'built cities for defence in Judah. 6. He built even Beth-lehem, and Esam, and Teksas. 7. And Beth-eur, and Shoen, and Adullam, 8. And Gath, and Marethah, and Ziph, 9. And Adoraim, and Lachiith, and Azekah, 10. And Zorah, and Ajalom, and Hebron, which are in Judah, and in Benjamin, fenced cities. 11. And he fortified the strong-holds, and put captains in them, and store of vidual, and of oil and wine. 12. And in every several city he put shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong, having Judah and Benjamin on his side. Though Rehoboam had been unsuccessful in his attempt to reduce the people by fair words, does a. 13. he resolved to try the sword before Jeroboam was strengthened in his kingdom: and he soon raised out of Judah and Benjamin a formidable force. But, 1. On the prophet's warning, he disbanded them, v. 4. Nate, it is vain to refill Divine decrees. Opposition will only issue in our greater confusion. 2. He fortified his country, weakened by such a defection; and as many of the loyal Israelites, as well as the Levites, v. 13. chose to live under his government, they might be fixed in some of the cities he built. Nate, When our loss is irrecoverable, it is our wisdom to make the best use of what remains. 13. ¶ And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel, restored to him out of all their coasts. 14. (For the Levites left 'their suburbs, and their possessions, and came to Judah and Jerusalem: for 'Jeroboam and his sons had cast them off from executing the priest's office unto the LORD. 15. And 'he ordained him priests for the high places, and 'for the devis, and for the calves which he had made.) 16. And 'after them out of all the tribes of Israel, such as 'fet their hearts to feek the LORD God of Israel, came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers. 17. So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years: 'for three years they walked in the way of David and Solomon. 18. ¶ And Rehoboam took him Mahalath the daughter of Jarmoth the son of David to wife, and Abhail the daughter of Eliab the son of Jeffe: 19. Which bare him children: Jeuth, and Shamariah, and Zaham. 20. And after her, he took 'Mauchah the daughter of Abfalom, which bare him Abiah, and Attai, and Ziza, and Shelomith. 21. And Rehoboam loved 'Mauchah the daughter of Abfalom above all his wives and his concubines: (for he took eighteen wives, and threefcore concubines, and begat twenty and eight sons, and threefcore daughters) 22. And Rehoboam 'made Abiah the son of 'Mauchah the chief, to be ruler among his brethren: for he thought to make him king: 23. And he dealt wisely, and 'dispersed of all his children throughout all the countries of Judah and Benjamin, unto every fenced city: and he gave them victual in abundance: and he desired 'many wives. We have here. 1. The noble conduct of the priests and Levites. Since their country was become idolatrous, and they were no more permitted to exercise their sacred functions at home, or to go up in course to Jerusalem, they quitted their cities, and the lands assigned them; rather chusing to suffer any hardships, thus he debarred from God's service, which they raised above all possessions. Their brethren of Judah gladly received and entertained them. Nate, (1.) The enjoyment of the free car-cite of our religion cannot be too deadly purchased. (2.) Better is it to beg our bread from door to door with a good conscience, thus by such compliances secure ease and affluence. (3.) They who for the sake of God forsake all, shall one day find themselves no losers. (4.) They should be received with open arms, and treated with every kindness, who suffering for conscience. Before God 37a. 2. Many pious Israelites followed their example, and rather chose to forsake all, than be destitute of the pastors thus driven from them. Nate, (1.) They who know the value of their fooths, will prefer the care of them to every consideration. (2.) When God's ministers are persecuted and cast out, we must still adhere to them, and share with them in weal and woe. (3.) Trying seasons of persecution serve to separate the precious from the vice. 3. Israel lost, and Judah gained exceedingly by them. They added not only strength by their numbers, but more by the blessing which attended them. Three years they walked in the way of David, but afterwards Rehoboam, and they led by his example, grievously turned aside, and lost thereby the Divine protection. Nate, (1.) All persecution is as impolitic as it is wicked. (2.) We can only expect support, while we continue faithful to God. (3.) Many a refugee in the place of his asylum, hath found greater danger from ease and peace, than from the sword of the pernicious. 4. Rehoboam following the unjustifiable example of his fathers, greatly multiplied his wives, and increased his family. However, he chose to march among his brethren, and those chiefly of the seed royal, and took not strange wives, as Solomon. Abiah his son, by 'Mauchah the daughter of Abfalom, (not the son of David, See 1 Kings: xv. 2. and xiii. 2.) was appointed his successor, and his other sons dispersed in the several cities of Judah and Benjamin, as persons he could confide in. Here, 1. Rehoboam and Judah, for their iniquity, are held into the hands of Shifhak king of Egypt, ver. 1—4. 2. They repent at the preaching of a prophet, ver. 5, 6. 3. God thereupon turns from his anger, yet knows them under the marks of his displeasure, ver. 7—12. 4. A general character is given of Rehoboam's reign: his death, ver. 13—16. 1. AND it came to pass when 'Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, 'he forlook the law of the LORD, and 'all Israel with him. 2. 'And it came to pass, that in the fifth year of king Rehoboam, Shifhak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem ('because they had transferred against the LORD). 3. With twelve hundred chariots, and threefcore thousand horsemen: and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubaim, the Siskiaim, and the Ethiopians. 4. And 'he took the fenced cities which pertained to Judah, and 'he took the cates of the people to the people of Judah that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shifhak, and said unto them, Thus faith the LORD, 'Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shifhak. 6. Whereupon the princes of Israel, and the king humbled themselves, and they said, The LORD is righteous. 7. And 'when the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves, therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them 'some deliverance, and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shifhak. 8. Nevertheless, 'they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries. 9. So Shifhak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, and took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and 'the treasures of the king's house, he took all: he carried away also 'the shields of gold which Solomon had made. 10. Instead of which king Rehoboam made shields of brass, and committed them to the hands of the chief of the guard, that kept the entrance of the king's house. 11. And when the king entered into the house of the LORD, the guard came and set them, and brought them again into the guard-chamber. 12. And when he humbled himself, the wrath of the LORD turned from him, that he would not destroy him altogether: 'and also in Judah things went well. Short was the gleam of sun-shine, which brightened the first years of Rehoboam's government. 1. He forlook the law of God, and Judah followed his example. Their sin is recorded, 1 Kings xiv. 22—24. Now the kingdom was strengthened, they not only cast off that line of Briot/Chor man, but of God. Note, Prosperity is the common cause of the ruin of men's fouls. 2. God left them not unpunished. Shiftak king of Egypt, in the fifth year of Rehoboam invaded the land, and easily took the fenced cities, in which Rehoboam had reposed his confidence. Note, Human supports will prove but refugee of lies, when God's favour is withdrawn. 3. In this disreels God fends a prophet to the king and princes, assembled probably in council, to enforce the providence for their conviction and humiliation, v. 5. Note, (1.) The word of God comes with peculiar force, when joined with awakening providences. (2.) It is vain to consult about our defence, if we continue unhumbled for our firm. 4. The prophet's word was attended with deep effects. Conviction seized their hearts, and they confided the judgment of God just. Note, A sinner is never truly humbled, till he justifies God in his sufferings. 5. God, on their humiliation, fends his prophet again to comfort them. Though corrected, they should not be confused. God should prevent the threatened ruin of Jerusalem; but they would for a time smart for their wickedness, and prove, under an Egyptian yoke, how bad a choice they had made, when they rejected God for their matter. Note, (1.) God waits to be gracious: the moment we return in penitence, as prodigal fous, his bowels, as a father, yearn over us. (2.) God makes us often smart in the fiefs for it, even when the guilt of our sin is done away. (3.) They who count God a kind mother, and the perfect freedom of his former hurlessdom, will find the slavery to their lusts, and the wages of sin, a miserable exchange. 6. Shiftak, restrained of God, after plundering the country, and carrying off the shields of gold, and all the treasures of Rehoboam, which David and Solomon had manifest, retired into Egypt; and the king, stripped of his grandeur, was forced to substitute shields of brass in their stead. Note, The greatest conspicuous are restrained by an invisible arm, who gives them their commission, which they cannot exceed. 7. On Shiftak's return, and Rehoboam's repentance, God had mercy on Judah; the ravaged country recovered; and religion, that was decayed, again revived and flourished. Things were said in Judah; or, in Judah there were good things. Had as the times had been, there was a remnant according to the election of grace. Note, (1.) In the world days, God has his faithful few. (2.) The judgments which learn us righteousness, are mercies in disguise. 13. ¶ So king Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem, and resigned: for 'Rehoboam was one and forty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there: and his mother's name was Niamah an Ammonites. 14. And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD. 15. Now the acts of Rehoboam, first and last, are they not written in the book of Shemaiah the prophet, and 'Iddo the seer, concerning genealogies? And there were wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually. 16. And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David; and Abijah his son reigned in his stead. On Shiftak's retiring, Rehoboam recovered strength, and fortified Jerusalem against any future attacks. His wars with Jeroboam were continued to the end of his reign: though no pleaded battle was fought, there were confitant acts of hostility on the borders. His humiliation seems to have been of no long continuance. His heart was not right with God, v. 14. He did not seek to him for advice, or pray for his assistance; at least, he was not truly engaged in the service, when he pretended to do so. His reign continued seventeen years, and then his son, too like himself, succeeded him. Note, (1.) If our heart is not engaged truly in the service of God, all is nought. (2.) Though judgments may bring a man to his knees, nothing but divine grace can turn the soul to God. Here are, 1. The armies brought into the field by Abijah and Jeroboam, ver. 3. 2. The remonstrance which Abijah made before the battle, setting forth the justice of his cause, ver. 4-12. 3. The disreels which Judah was brought into by the policy of Jeroboam, ver. 13, 14. 4. The visitors they obtained, unmuchhanding, by the power of God, ver. 15-20. 5. The conclusion of Abijah's reign, ver. 21, 22. 1. NOW in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam, began Abijah to reign over Judah. 2. He reigned three years in Jerusalem: (his mother's name also was 'Michiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah) and there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam. 3. And Abijah set the battle in array, with an army of valiant men of war, even four hundred thousand chosen men: Jeroboam also set the battle in array against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men, being mighty men of valiant. 4. ¶ And Abijah stood up upon mount Zemazam, which is in mount Ephraim, and said, 'Hear me, thou Jeroboam, and all Israel.' 5. Ought you not to know, that the LORD God of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever, ever to him and to his sons: by a covenant of sale? 6. Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon the son of David, is risen up, and hath rebelled against his lord. 7. And there are gathered unto him vain men, the children of Beilal, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tender-hearted, and could not withstand them. 8. And now ye think to withstand the kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the sons of David; and ye be a great multitude, and there are with you golden calves which Jeroboam made you for gods. 9. ¶ Have ye not cast out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and have made you priests after the manner of the nations of other lands? So that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven rams, the same may be a priest of them that are no gods. 10. But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him; and the priests which minister unto the LORD, are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites must upon their bullies. 11. And they burn unto the LORD every morning and every evening burnt-sacrifices and sweet incense: the Reverbered also fit they in order upon the pure table, and the candlestick of gold with the lamps thereof, to burn every evening: for we keep the charge of the LORD our God; but ye have forsaken him. 12. And behold, God himself is with us for our captain, and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you: O children of Israel, fight ye not against the LORD God of your fathers, for you shall not prosper. Abijah is scarce fixed on the throne, before we find him involved in a dangerous war. Perhaps Jeroboam thought to take advantage of him on his accession, as unprepared, and unable to withstand him. 1. Immerse armies on both sides were drawn into the field, but the men of Israel twice as many as those of Judah. The forces were unequal; but what was wanting in number, was more than supplied by the justice of Abijah's cause. 2. Abijah, if possible to prevent bloodshed, obtains a parley, and tries by force of argument to prevail, rather than by the sword. He fought not conquer, but would gladly part in peace. Every method of accommodation should be tried, before we have recourse to war, or the law, where generally much is lost on both sides, and little gained by either. Abijah with his party being on mount Ephraim, and Jeroboam and his party within hearing, he capodulates with him. (1.) On the injustice of Jeroboam's design. His former rebellion against his father was perfidious and safe: he had taken advantage of his weakness, during the infancy of his government; and, supported by men apolls from God, and sons of Beilal, had withdrawn ten tribes from their allegiance: yet, not satisfied with this, in opposition to the divine promises, v. 8. he now was impiously attempting to dispelish David's successes of the latter which was left, and, in so doing, fighting against God, v. 8. by whom the kings of Judah reigned. Note, (1.) Ambition is never satisfied. (2.) Success embolisms sinners. (3.) Prosperous iniquity is but a short-lived joy. (2.) He warns him of the danger to which he exposed himself. What could he hope, as apollate, an idolater, a perfecutor, who had calves for his god, and the spirit of the people for his priests. Little could his numerous army profit him in such a case, whilst Abijah boals of Judah's fidelity to the great Jehovah; confitant and exact in his worthy at home; supported and strengthened by him, as the captain of their loot; animated by his ministers sounding the silver trumpets, the strength of certain victory. Widely therefore he persuades him to desist from war, and not think to fight against the God of their fathers, since in such case ruin inevitable awaited him. Abijah's own character we find, Kings xv. 3. was not of the best; yet he maintained God's worship; and though his own fear was evil, his kingdom was under God's protection. Note, (1.) They who have God for their enemy, will find all human efforts vain. (2.) It is just in God to give up those to ruin, who apollate from his service. (3.) Before Gold, the world, on high, may make his power more mightily to appear. 2. His prayer; fervent, humble, believing. He drew near to God as his covenant God, in whose favour and regard he had a sure interest; perishable of his almighty power, against which numbers signified nothing; dependent on his support, and pleading his own glory now engaged, which would be dishonoured, if mortal man should prevail against his cause and people. Note, (1.) When we can say in prayer My God, we shall be heard. (2.) There is no might that can prevail against the Lord. (3.) We need not fear the faces of the mighty man is but a worm: if God be for us, who shall be against us? 3. His prayer was crowned with victory. The enemy in confusion fled, smitten of God with terrible dismay; and Afa and his forces pursued them with great slaughter; forened the cities of their confederates, whither they had run for dysters, struck with a panic fear, and unable to resist; and plundered their camp, the cities, and the country, carrying away immense spoils, and vast droves of cattle. Here is, 1. Afa's foolish treaty with Benhadad, ver. 1-6. 2. The reprent which God sent him by a prophet, ver. 7-9. 3. Afa's difficulties against the prophet, ver. 10. 4. His father and death, ver. 11-14. 1. IN IN the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Afa, Baafha king of Israel came up against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out, or come in to Afa king of Judah. 2. Then Afa brought out silver and gold, out of the treatisers of the house of the LORD, and of the king's house, and sent to Ben-hadad king of Syria, that dwelt at Damafcus, saying, 3. There is a league between me and thee, as there was between my father and thy father: behold, I have sent thee silver and gold; go, break thy league with Baafha king of Israel, that he may depart from me. 4. And Ben-hadad hearkned unto king Afa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote fion, and Dan, and Abal-maim, and all the stone-cities of Naphtali. 5. And it came to pass when Baafha heard it, that he left off building of Ramah, and let his work cease. 6. Then Afa the king took all Judah, and they carried away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baafha was a building, and he built therewith Geba and Mirarah. The event here recorded we had a King or. The six and thirtieth year of Afa is reckoned from the division of the kingdoms, which is no more than the sixteenth of his reign. The expedient Afa took to divert Baafha was unfulfilled and sinful: "It shewed distrust of God, led Ben-hadad into a perfidious breath of his league, and all the mischiefs which refused far at Afa's door; whilst himself, with half the expense probably, and without rubbing God's temple, might, in dependence on his affiliance, have much more nobly succeeded against Baafha. Note, (1.) The strongest believers are sometimes shaken. (2.) Wrong expedients may succeed to extricate us from present trouble, but we shall be made to smart for using them afterwards. 7. And at that time Hanani the seer came to Afa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the hoft of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. 8. Were not the Ethiopians and the Lohims a huge hoft, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand. 9. For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards him. Heron thou hast done foolishly; therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. 10. Then Afa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison-house; for he was in a rage with him, because of this thing. And Afa oppressed some of the people the same time. 11. And behold, the acts of Afa, first and last, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. 12. And Afa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign, was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he fought not to the LORD, but to the physicians. 13. And Afa slept with his fathers, and died in the one and fortieth year of his reign. 14. And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odours, and divers kinds of spices prepared by the apothecaries are: and they made a very great burning for him. Judah unto this day. The fame time alss did Libnah revolt from under his hand; because he had forsaken the LORD God of his fathers. 11. Moreover, he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication, and compelled Judah thereto. Jehoshaphat's death opened the succession to the unworthy Jehoram, whom, during his life-time, he had associated with him in the government, whilst he had provided for his other children by governments and rich presents, that they might appear becoming their royal birth. Note, Though the eldest son be entitled to the double portion, it is unjush, for the sake of making one great, to deprive the rest of their due proportion. 1. Jehoram's reign opened with the most bloody and unnatural murder of his brethren, left any of them, more pious than himself, should oppose the idolatry he intended to introduce; and the princes of Israel, the great men who had settled in Judah under Jehoshaphat, were massacred, because probably they resused to comply with his abominable innovations, or remonshtered against his crimes. Note, (1.) Ambition is dest to the cries of nature or humanity. (2.) Tyrants ever rule in fear, and all their precautions shew the tormented state of their own minds. (3.) Kingdoms supported by blood-shed are in a tottering condition. 2. Those whom he feared as his opposers being removed, he throws off the mass, and establishes gross and bare-faced idolatry, like Ahab his father-in-law; not only inviting the people by his countenance, but compelling them by force to frequent his idolatrous facrisices. What a curse on a land is a wicked king! 3. God's hand soon overtook him in judgments; his tributary Edom revolted, and his subjects in Libnah rebesled: nor, though he obtained a vistory over Edom, could he reduce them to obedience. See 2 Kings viii. 17—22. 4. For David's sake, God would not utterly consume this wicked king and his house. His promises stood firm amidst Jehoram's provocations. Which most have been wrote before his death, tho' not but all now. Afa now probably pleased himself in the success of his policy; but God embittered his joys. 1. By Hanani the prophet he sends him a severe rebuke for his distrust of God, and dependance upon an arm of flesh, which was to change a rock for a reed: and the experience of his past deliverance, v. 8. was an aggravation of his sin, especially when the promises of the same providential care enjoyed him to trust upon that strong arm that would ever be stretched out for the protection of those who leaned upon it. And herein also his folly was as great as his sin: he left the glory he might have gotten by victory over the confederate fruits of Syria and Israel, and entailed upon himself the wars he was fought to avoid. Note, (1.) Distrust of God's power and love is exceeding displacing to him. (2.) The more we have experienced his mercy in time past, the more sinful is it to distrust him in present trials. (3.) All our departures from God arise from the infidelity of our hearts. Tigh, God shall not fear, and the Lord hath Syphilis the earth, are at the bottom of every evil. (4.) The very means we use unlawfully to avert approaching danger, often serve to bring it more heavily upon us. (5.) All the wisdom of the sinner will at last appear the most egregious folly. 2. Far from submitting with penitent shame to the just rebuke, the angry king vents his rage on the prophet, calls him into prison, or, as some think, puts him in the stocks, as if his faithfulness was criminal; and because, probably, the people espoused the prophet's cause, and encouraged him in his sufferings, he wreaked his vengeance upon them in oppressive fines, or corporal punishments. Note, (1.) Paffion, and impatience of reproof, in a good man, are exceeding sinful, and will end in bitter gnance. (2.) They who know their own hearts, need be jealous, left their desperate wickedness break forth. (3.) Faithful reprovers must expect to meet severe rebuffs. (4.) The prison-house is often the preferment of God's zealous ministers. (5.) We are called upon to support God's persecuted prophets, though by so doing we may be involved in their sufferings. 3. Afa grew disheard in the last years of his life: either the gout, or some oedematous swelling, fused his feet, and he languished for a while in great misery; a just rebuke for his injury to the prophet. In his disease he placed more dependence on his physicians than on God, and was more solicitous for their affiliance, than to obtain God's blessing upon it. So apt are we still to be looking to man more than to God for help. This also was the more criminal, if, as some have conjectured, these were heathens, a kind of conjurors, who shall in charms and amulets. 4. Medicine, without God's blessing, is no elixir of life. Death mocked at his confidence, and brought him to the grave. In respect for the good things he had done for Israel, the people gave him a most sumptuous funeral, and the clods of the valley were made sweet unto him. The good report afterwards made of him gives us ground to believe he lamented his sin, and was forgiven. Note, Though the best of men have their blunders, their memory is deservedly had in honour. Let their infirmities sleep in their graves, and their virtues rouse us to an imitation of them.