A very happy time it was when the temple was opened at Jerusalem. It may be said that the city of God and the people of God dwelt in the sunshine of his presence and his favour. It was a protracted period of sacred joy and gladdening prosperity.

I. SOLEMNITIES AND FESTIVITIES ARE FITTINGLY ASSOCIATED. "At the same time" i.e. in close conjunction with the solemn rites that were observed within the temple, "Solomon kept the feast seven days, and all Israel with him." The slaying of the devoted animal on the altar and the spreading of the table for a common feast, sacrificial worship and festive delights, went hand in hand. This was quite in keeping with the provision of the Law. And it is in perfect accord with the spirit, the institutions, and the precepts of the gospel.

1. The spirit of the gospel enjoins humility before God, and then trust and joy in God.

2. The principal institution of the gospel is a common participation at a table - a table at which the living, loving Host meets his friends, welcomes them with joy, and invites them to rejoice in him.

3. The precept of the gospel is, "Humble yourselves before God," and "Rejoice in the Lord alway." At our most solemn engagements and in our most sacred hours the note of holy joy should never be absent long; indeed, it should be the prevailing note in Christian service.

II. SACRED JOY SHOULD BE UNSELFISH IN ITS CHARACTER. These men were glad at heart "for the goodness that the Lord had showed unto David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people." They were filled with joy because their departed sovereign's deepest desire was fulfilled, and because (they thought) if he were present his heart would be enlarged; they were gladdened because their present king was elated with an honourable pride and a profound satisfaction, and they made his joy their own. Moreover, their patriotism was stirred within them, and they rejoiced because they felt that their nation was now in the sunshine of the Divine favour. It is well to be able to say, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me;" it is better to be able to sing, "Surely God is good to Israel. Our piety rises to a higher altitude when concern for ourselves passes into solicitude for the welfare of our fellow-men, when gratitude for personal favours is lest in thankfulness to God for his mercy to our race.

III. PIETY IS SURE TO FIND ITS WAY HOME. The people went back to their tents" with this abounding exultation. They carried it home; they shared it with those with whom they dwelt; they communicated it to those who could not derive it from the temple-scenes themselves. This is a simple Christian obligation. All that we have from God we should carry home with us; and particularly those inspirations and exaltations which we gain in his house and from his worship we should impart to our kindred and our friends. We are closely related to one another for the express purpose that we may communicate to one another the best and highest that is within us - our purest thoughts, our worthiest feelings, our highest aspirations, our most sacred joys.

IV. PIETY AND PROSPERITY ARE VERY CLOSELY ALLIED. It was very right that the building of the king's house (ver. 11) should follow the erection of the house of the Lord; it was quite natural that the one should lead to the other. We are not surprised to read that in all Solomon's undertakings he "prospered effectively." He was living and labouring in the fear and the love of God; he was walking in the light Of God's countenance. While the reward of piety is inward and spiritual rather than outward and material - is in peace, hope, rectitude, Christ-likeness of spirit and character rather than in "riches and honour," yet is it true that "godliness has the promise of the life that now is;" it tends constantly to virtue, to prudence, to thrift, to comfort, to prosperity. - C.

I. PRAYER FOR GOD TO COME. This prayer was marked —

1. By its publicity.

(1)Public prayer, formally or virtually, has been the custom among all nations at all times.

(2)It is a "reasonable service."

(3)It is an impressive service. It evokes sympathy.

2. By its specialty.

3. By its success.

II. GOD AMONG HIS PEOPLE.

1. By symbol.

2. Permanently.

3. A source of blessedness. If God be among His people —

(1)He will help His ministers.

(2)The preaching of Christ will be a glory, a blessing, a satisfaction, a source of refreshment to the soul.

3. His providence will wear a very different aspect; in the darkest day we shall feel that all is well

4. The realisation of His presence will give the best idea of heaven — fits them for it and makes them desire it.

III. PRAISE TO GOD.

1. The theme of their praise: God's mercy.

2. Its timeliness.

3. Its acceptableness.Conclusion:

1. Learn the value of public worship.

2. Make it a test of your character.

3. Learn the privilege of true worshippers. It is a delightful employment. "Come thou with us, and we will do thee good," etc.

4. You may ask, "What can we do to benefit by public worship?" Come to meet with God. Come in a prayerful spirit. Come with a thankful heart. Take heed what you hear. Be not forgetful hearers. Follow all with prayer that "the Word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified."

5. What can we do to promote it?

(1)Attend it regularly, punctually, and solemnly.

(2)Give your money abundantly and cheerfully to support it.

(T. Thoresby.)