David was a generous giver. In his many campaigns he won great spoils from his enemies. We need not approve his conduct in all these military expeditions. But we cannot do other than commend the princely generosity which he displayed in the disposal of his booty. Though not himself permitted to build the temple, he was allowed to accumulate treasures to be used by his son and successor in the construction of the sacred edifice. He freely parted with his wealth for this purpose, and for the maintenance of Divine worship in suitable dignity and splendour. His example in thus dedicating gifts to the service of Jehovah is one which all Christians should follow; the more so, as their motives to consecration are more powerful, and their opportunities of service are more numerous.

I. ALL GIFTS ARE OF AND FROM THE LORD. "The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof;" "The silver and the gold are the Lord's;" his are "the cattle upon a thousand hills." We can, accordingly, only offer unto the Lord of what is really his. "Of his own" we give unto him.

II. ALL THAT CHRISTIANS CAN OFFER TO GOD IS THE PURCHASE OF CHRIST'S BLOOD. When our Saviour redeemed us, he ransomed all our powers and possessions. "Body, soul, and spirit" are his of right. It is the Christian's privilege to feel that nothing which he has is his own; all is his Lord's.

III. The gifts of Christians are THE EXPRESSION OF THEIR GRATEFUL LOVE. They do not give to the cause of their Redeemer merely because they feel that they ought to do so, but because they delight in any opportunity of showing their affection. The most costly, lavish gifts are poor and worthless, if not the expression of the heart's love and loyalty. When the heart is offered, the meanest gifts are sufficient to represent its love. The "two mites" of the widow were accepted and approved; for they cost her much to give, and yet she gave them with a willing mind.

IV. DEDICATED GIFTS MAY SERVE TO WORK OUT THE SPIRITUAL PLAN'S OF GOD. Some professing Christians disparage expenditure for religious objects, on the ground that God cannot care for such trifles as our material wealth. But they forget that, in the order of Divine providence, God's kingdom upon earth is mysteriously bound up with both the wealth and the work of men. And they forget that Christ regards what is given to his people and to his cause as given to himself. It is, therefore, an honour to be permitted to dedicate of our substance to ends so lofty, to a Master so gracious.

V. GIFTS OFFERED IN A RIGHT SPIRIT ARE ACCEPTABLE TO GOD. There is much in Scripture which proves that this is so. "The Lord loveth a cheerful giver;" "It is accepted according to that a man hath;" "He that soweth bountifully shall reap bountifully." If our offerings be dedicated from Christian motives, and to wise and scriptural objects, we need be under no apprehension lest our Lord should despise the givers or reject their gifts. - T.

If we have conquered an enemy we must hold the conquest as an illustration of the power of God rather than of the skill of our own might or hand. The idols which we bring away from the lands of darkness are to be set up in God's house, and are to mark points in the progress of Christian civilisation. They are to be regarded as indications of a universal conquest which Christ has yet to win over the nations of the whole world. If we have brought back spoils — such as art, music, or any form of pleasure by which the popular mind can be touched and moved in an upward direction — we are to remember that in all these spoils we are to see the Divine power, and not proofs of our own military genius.

(J. Parker, D. D.)