mh_parser/vol_split/14 - 2Chronicles/Chapter 31.xml

<div2 id="iiCh.xxxii" n="xxxii" next="iiCh.xxxiii" prev="iiCh.xxxi" progress="87.24%" title="Chapter XXXI">
<h2 id="iiCh.xxxii-p0.1">S E C O N D   C H R O N I C L E
S</h2>
<h3 id="iiCh.xxxii-p0.2">CHAP. XXXI.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="iiCh.xxxii-p1">We have here a further account of that blessed
reformation of which Hezekiah was a glorious instrument, and of the
happy advances he made in it. I. All the remnants of idolatry were
destroyed and abolished, <scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.1" parsed="|2Chr|31|1|0|0" passage="2Ch 31:1">ver.
1</scripRef>. II. The priests and Levites were set to work again,
every man in his place, <scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.2" parsed="|2Chr|31|2|0|0" passage="2Ch 31:2">ver.
2</scripRef>. III. Care was taken for their maintenance. 1. The
royal bounty to the clergy, and for the support of the temple
service, was duly paid, <scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.3" parsed="|2Chr|31|3|0|0" passage="2Ch 31:3">ver.
3</scripRef>. 2. Orders were given for the raising of the people's
quota, <scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.4" parsed="|2Chr|31|4|0|0" passage="2Ch 31:4">ver. 4</scripRef>. 3. The
people, thereupon, brought in their dues abundantly, <scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.5-2Chr.31.10" parsed="|2Chr|31|5|31|10" passage="2Ch 31:5-10">ver. 5-10</scripRef>. 4. Commissioners were
appointed for the due distribution of what was brought in,
<scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.11-2Chr.31.19" parsed="|2Chr|31|11|31|19" passage="2Ch 31:11-19">ver. 11-19</scripRef>. Lastly,
Here is the general praise of Hezekiah's sincerity in all his
undertakings, <scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.20-2Chr.31.21" parsed="|2Chr|31|20|31|21" passage="2Ch 31:20,21">ver. 20,
21</scripRef>.</p>
<scripCom id="iiCh.xxxii-p0.1_1" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31" parsed="|2Chr|31|0|0|0" passage="2Ch 31" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="iiCh.xxxii-p0.2_1" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.1-2Chr.31.10" parsed="|2Chr|31|1|31|10" passage="2Ch 31:1-10" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Chr.31.1-2Chr.31.10">
<h4 id="iiCh.xxxii-p1.10">Hezekiah Destroys Idolatry. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiCh.xxxii-p1.11">b. c.</span> 726.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiCh.xxxii-p2">1 Now when all this was finished, all Israel
that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the
images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high
places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim
also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then
all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession,
into their own cities.   2 And Hezekiah appointed the courses
of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man
according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt
offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks,
and to praise in the gates of the tents of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiCh.xxxii-p2.1">Lord</span>.   3 <i>He appointed</i> also the
king's portion of his substance for the burnt offerings, <i>to
wit,</i> for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt
offerings for the sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set
feasts, as <i>it is</i> written in the law of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiCh.xxxii-p2.2">Lord</span>.   4 Moreover he commanded the people
that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the
Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiCh.xxxii-p2.3">Lord</span>.   5 And as soon as the
commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in
abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of
all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all <i>things</i>
brought they in abundantly.   6 And <i>concerning</i> the
children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah,
they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of
holy things which were consecrated unto the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiCh.xxxii-p2.4">Lord</span> their God, and laid <i>them</i> by heaps.
  7 In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the
heaps, and finished <i>them</i> in the seventh month.   8 And
when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed
the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiCh.xxxii-p2.5">Lord</span>, and his people Israel.
  9 Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests and the Levites
concerning the heaps.   10 And Azariah the chief priest of the
house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since <i>the people</i>
began to bring the offerings into the house of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiCh.xxxii-p2.6">Lord</span>, we have had enough to eat, and have left
plenty: for the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiCh.xxxii-p2.7">Lord</span> hath blessed
his people; and that which is left <i>is</i> this great store.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCh.xxxii-p3">We have here an account of what was done
after the passover. What was wanting in the solemnities of
preparation for it before was made up in that which is better, a
due improvement of it after. When the religious exercises of a
Lord's day or a communion are finished we must not think that then
the work is done. No, then the hardest part of our work begins,
which is to exemplify the impressions of the ordinance upon our
minds in all the instances of a holy conversation. So it was here;
when all this was finished there was more to be done.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCh.xxxii-p4">I. They applied themselves with vigour to
destroy all the monuments of idolatry, <scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.1" parsed="|2Chr|31|1|0|0" passage="2Ch 31:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>. The king had done what he could
of this kind (<scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p4.2" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.18.4" parsed="|2Kgs|18|4|0|0" passage="2Ki 18:4">2 Kings xviii.
4</scripRef>), but the people could discover those profane relics
which escaped the eye of the king's officers, and therefore they
went out to see what they could do, <scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p4.3" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.1" parsed="|2Chr|31|1|0|0" passage="2Ch 31:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>. This was done immediately after
the passover. Note, The comfort of communion with God should kindle
in us a holy zeal and indignation against sin, against every thing
that is offensive to God. If our hearts have been made to burn
within us at an ordinance, that spirit of burning will consume the
dross of corruption. <i>What have I</i> now <i>to do any more with
idols?</i> Their zeal here in destroying the <i>images and groves,
the high places and altars,</i> appeared, 1. In that they did this,
not only in the cities of Judah and Benjamin, but in those of
Ephraim and Manasseh. Some think that those cities are meant which
had come under the protection and the jurisdiction of the kings of
Judah. Others think that, Hoshea king of Israel not forbidding it,
their zeal carried them out to the destruction of idolatry even in
many parts of his kingdom. At least those that came out of Ephraim
and Manasseh to keep the passover (as many did, <scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p4.4" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.30.18" parsed="|2Chr|30|18|0|0" passage="2Ch 30:18"><i>ch.</i> xxx. 18</scripRef>) destroyed all their own
images and groves, and did the like for as many more as they had
influence upon or could make interest in for leave to do it. We
should not only reform ourselves, but do all we can to reform
others too. 2. They destroyed all: they <i>utterly destroyed
all;</i> they spared none through favour or affection either to the
images or to their worshippers; though ever so ancient, ever so
costly, ever so beautiful, and ever so well patronised, yet they
must all be destroyed. Note, Those that sincerely set themselves
against sin will set themselves against all sin. 3. They would not
return to their houses, though they had been long absent, till this
was done. They could not be easy, nor think themselves safe, in
their cities, as long as the images and groves, those betrayers and
destroyers of their country, were left standing. Perhaps the
prophet Isaiah pointed to this when, a little before, he spoke of a
day in which men should cast away the very idols that they
themselves had made. So surprising was this blessed change,
<scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p4.5" osisRef="Bible:Isa.2.20 Bible:Isa.31.6-Isa.31.7" parsed="|Isa|2|20|0|0;|Isa|31|6|31|7" passage="Isa 2:20,31:6,7">Isa. ii. 20; xxxi. 6,
7</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCh.xxxii-p5">II. Hezekiah revived and restored the
courses of the priests and Levites, which David had appointed and
which had of late been put out of course, <scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.2" parsed="|2Chr|31|2|0|0" passage="2Ch 31:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>. The temple service was put into
its proper method again, to run in the old channel. Every man was
made to know his work, his place, his time, and what was expected
from him. Note, Good order contributes much to the carrying on of a
good work. The priests were appointed in their courses for
<i>burnt-offerings and peace-offerings;</i> the Levites in their
courses were some to minister to the priests, others to <i>give
thanks and praise.</i> See <scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p5.2" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.23.4-1Chr.23.5" parsed="|1Chr|23|4|23|5" passage="1Ch 23:4,5">1 Chron.
xxiii. 4, 5</scripRef>. And all this in the <i>gates</i> or
<i>courts</i> of <i>the tents of the Lord.</i> The temple is here
called a tent because the temple privileges are movable things and
this temple was shortly to be removed.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCh.xxxii-p6">III. He appropriated a branch of the
revenue of his crown to the maintenance and support of the altar.
Though the people were to be at the charge of the daily offerings,
and those on the sabbaths, new moons, and feasts, yet, rather than
they should be burdened with the expense, he allowed out of his own
estate, or out of his exchequer, for all those offerings, <scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.3" parsed="|2Chr|31|3|0|0" passage="2Ch 31:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>. It was a generous act of
piety, wherein he consulted both God's honour and his people's
ease, as a faithful servant to him and a tender father to them. Let
princes and great men reckon that well bestowed, and set out to the
best interest, which they give for the support and encouragement of
religion in their country.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCh.xxxii-p7">IV. He issued out an order to the
inhabitants of Jerusalem first, <scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.4" parsed="|2Chr|31|4|0|0" passage="2Ch 31:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef> (that those who were nearest the
temple, and both saved and got by being so, might give a good
example to others), but which was afterwards extended to, or at
least admitted by, the <i>cities of Judah,</i> that they should
carefully pay in their dues, according to the law, to the priests
and Levites. This had been long neglected, which made the work to
be neglected (for a scandalous maintenance makes a scandalous
ministry); but Hezekiah, having himself been liberal, might with a
good grace require his subjects to be just to the temple service.
And observe the end he aims at in recovering and restoring to the
priests and Levites their portion, that they <i>might be encouraged
in the law of the Lord,</i> in the study of it, and in doing their
duty according to it. Observe here, 1. It is fit that ministers
should be not only maintained, but encouraged, that they should not
only be kept to do their work, but that they should also have
wherewith to live comfortably, that they may do it with
cheerfulness. 2. Yet they are to be maintained, not in idleness,
pride, and luxury, but in <i>the law of the Lord,</i> in their
observance of it themselves and in teaching others the good
knowledge of it.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCh.xxxii-p8">V. The people thereupon brought in their
tithes very readily. They wanted nothing but to be called upon; and
therefore, <i>as soon as the commandment came abroad,</i> the
first-fruits and all the holy things were duly brought in,
<scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.5-2Chr.31.6" parsed="|2Chr|31|5|31|6" passage="2Ch 31:5,6"><i>v.</i> 5, 6</scripRef>. What the
priests had occasion for, for themselves and their families, they
made use of, and the overplus was <i>laid in heaps,</i> <scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.6" parsed="|2Chr|31|6|0|0" passage="2Ch 31:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>. All harvest-time they
were increasing these heaps, as the fruits of the earth were
gathered in; for God was to have his dues out of them all. Though a
prescription may be pleaded for a <i>modus decimandi—tenth
proportion,</i> yet it cannot be pleaded <i>pro non decminado—for
the omission of the tenth.</i> When harvest ended they finished
their heaps, <scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p8.3" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.7" parsed="|2Chr|31|7|0|0" passage="2Ch 31:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>.
Now here we have, 1. The account given to Hezekiah concerning those
heaps. He <i>questioned the priests and Levites</i> concerning
them, why they did not use what was paid in, but hoarded it up
thus, (<scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p8.4" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.9" parsed="|2Chr|31|9|0|0" passage="2Ch 31:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>), to
which it was answered that they had made use of all they had
occasion for, for the maintenance of themselves and their families
and for their winter store, and that this was that which was left
over and above, <scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p8.5" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.10" parsed="|2Chr|31|10|0|0" passage="2Ch 31:10"><i>v.</i>
10</scripRef>. They did not hoard these heaps for covetousness, but
to show what plentiful provision God by his law had made for them,
if they could but have it collected and brought in, and that those
who conscientiously give God his dues out of their estates bring a
blessing upon all they have: <i>Since they began to bring in the
offerings the Lord has blessed his people.</i> See for this
<scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p8.6" osisRef="Bible:Hag.2.19" parsed="|Hag|2|19|0|0" passage="Hag 2:19">Hag. ii. 19</scripRef>. "Try me," says
God, "if you will not otherwise trust me, whether, upon your
bringing the tithes into the store-house, you have not a blessing
poured out upon you," <scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p8.7" osisRef="Bible:Mal.3.10-Mal.3.11 Bible:Ezek.44.30" parsed="|Mal|3|10|3|11;|Ezek|44|30|0|0" passage="Mal 3:10,11,Eze 44:30">Mal. iii. 10, 11; Ezek. xliv.
30</scripRef>. 2. The acknowledgment which the king and princes
made of it, <scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p8.8" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.8" parsed="|2Chr|31|8|0|0" passage="2Ch 31:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>.
They gave thanks to God for his good providence, which gave them
something to bring, and his good grace, which gave them hearts to
bring it. And they also <i>blessed the people,</i> that is,
commended them for their doing well now, without reproaching them
for their former neglects. It is observable that after they had
tasted the sweetness of God's ordinance, in the late comfortable
passover, they were thus free in maintaining the temple service.
Those that experience the benefit of a settled ministry will not
grudge the expense of it.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iiCh.xxxii-p0.3" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.11-2Chr.31.21" parsed="|2Chr|31|11|31|21" passage="2Ch 31:11-21" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Chr.31.11-2Chr.31.21">
<h4 id="iiCh.xxxii-p8.10">The Maintenance of the
Priests. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiCh.xxxii-p8.11">b. c.</span> 720.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiCh.xxxii-p9">11 Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers
in the house of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiCh.xxxii-p9.1">Lord</span>; and they
prepared <i>them,</i>   12 And brought in the offerings and
the tithes and the dedicated <i>things</i> faithfully: over which
Cononiah the Levite <i>was</i> ruler, and Shimei his brother
<i>was</i> the next.   13 And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath,
and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah,
and Mahath, and Benaiah, <i>were</i> overseers under the hand of
Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the
king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God.   14 And Kore
the son of Imnah the Levite, the porter toward the east, <i>was</i>
over the freewill offerings of God, to distribute the oblations of
the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiCh.xxxii-p9.2">Lord</span>, and the most holy things.
  15 And next him <i>were</i> Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua,
and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests,
in <i>their</i> set office, to give to their brethren by courses,
as well to the great as to the small:   16 Beside their
genealogy of males, from three years old and upward, <i>even</i>
unto every one that entereth into the house of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiCh.xxxii-p9.3">Lord</span>, his daily portion for their service in
their charges according to their courses;   17 Both to the
genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the
Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their
courses;   18 And to the genealogy of all their little ones,
their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the
congregation: for in their set office they sanctified themselves in
holiness:   19 Also of the sons of Aaron the priests, <i>which
were</i> in the fields of the suburbs of their cities, in every
several city, the men that were expressed by name, to give portions
to all the males among the priests, and to all that were reckoned
by genealogies among the Levites.   20 And thus did Hezekiah
throughout all Judah, and wrought <i>that which was</i> good and
right and truth before the <span class="smallcaps" id="iiCh.xxxii-p9.4">Lord</span> his
God.   21 And in every work that he began in the service of
the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek
his God, he did <i>it</i> with all his heart, and prospered.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCh.xxxii-p10">Here we have,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCh.xxxii-p11">I. Two particular instances of the care of
Hezekiah concerning church matters, having put them into good
order, to keep them so. The tithes and other holy things being
brought in, he provided, 1. That they should be carefully laid up,
and not left exposed in loose heaps, liable to be wasted and
embezzled. He ordered chambers to be made ready in some of the
courts of the temple for store-chambers (<scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.11" parsed="|2Chr|31|11|0|0" passage="2Ch 31:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>), and into them the offerings
were brought and there kept under lock and key, <scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p11.2" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.12-2Chr.31.13" parsed="|2Chr|31|12|31|13" passage="2Ch 31:12,13"><i>v.</i> 12, 13</scripRef>. Treasures or
store-keepers were appointed, who had the oversight of them, to see
that <i>moth and rust</i> did not <i>corrupt</i> them nor
<i>thieves break through to steal.</i> This wisdom of laying up the
surplus in days of plenty we may learn from the ant, who
<i>provideth meat in summer.</i> The laying up in store what was
brought in was an encouragement to people to pay in their
contributions. That will be given cheerfully by the public which
appears to be well husbanded. 2. That they should be faithfully
laid out, according to the uses they were intended for. Church
treasures are not to be hoarded any longer than till there is
occasion for them, lest even the rust should be a witness against
those who hoard them. Officers were appointed, men (no doubt) of
approved wisdom and faithfulness, to <i>distribute the oblations of
the Lord and the most holy things</i> among the priests (<scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p11.3" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.14" parsed="|2Chr|31|14|0|0" passage="2Ch 31:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>), and to see that they
all had a competent maintenance for themselves and their families.
The law provided sufficient for them all, and therefore, if some
had too little, it must be because others had too much; to prevent
such inequality these officers were to go by some certain rule of
proportion in the disposal of the incomes of the temple. It is said
of the priests here (<scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p11.4" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.18" parsed="|2Chr|31|18|0|0" passage="2Ch 31:18"><i>v.</i>
18</scripRef>) <i>that in their set office they sanctified
themselves; in faith</i> they sanctified themselves (so the word
is), that is, as bishop Patrick explains it, they attended their
ministry at the house of God, not doubting but they should be
provided with all things necessary. Now, because they served God in
that confidence, care was taken that they should not be made
ashamed of their hope. Note, Those that sanctify themselves to God
and his service in faith, believing that he will see them want for
nothing that is good for them, <i>shall</i> certainly <i>be
fed.</i> Out of the offerings of the Lord distribution was made,
(1.) To the priests in the cities (<scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p11.5" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.15" parsed="|2Chr|31|15|0|0" passage="2Ch 31:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>), who staid at home while their
brethren went to Jerusalem, and did good there in <i>teaching the
good knowledge of the Lord.</i> The preaching priests were
maintained as well as the sacrificing priests, and those that abode
by the stuff as well as those that warred the warfare. (2.) To
those that <i>entered into the house of the Lord,</i> all the
<i>males from three years old and upwards;</i> for the male
children even at that tender age, it seems, were allowed to come
into the temple with their parents, and shared with them in this
distribution, <scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p11.6" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.16" parsed="|2Chr|31|16|0|0" passage="2Ch 31:16"><i>v.</i>
16</scripRef>. (3.) Even the Levites from twenty years old and
upwards had their share, <scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p11.7" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.17" parsed="|2Chr|31|17|0|0" passage="2Ch 31:17"><i>v.</i>
17</scripRef>. (4.) The wives and children of the priests and
Levites had a comfortable maintenance out of those offerings,
<scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p11.8" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.18" parsed="|2Chr|31|18|0|0" passage="2Ch 31:18"><i>v.</i> 18</scripRef>. In
maintaining ministers, regard must be had to their families, that
not they only, but theirs, may have food convenient. In some
countries where ministers have their salary paid them by the state
an addition is made to it upon the birth of a child. (5.) The
priests in the country, that lived <i>in the fields of the
suburbs,</i> were not overlooked in this ministration, <scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p11.9" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.19" parsed="|2Chr|31|19|0|0" passage="2Ch 31:19"><i>v.</i> 19</scripRef>. Those also had their
share who were <i>inhabitants of the villages,</i> though they
might be supposed to live at a less expense.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCh.xxxii-p12">II. A general character of Hezekiah's
services for the support of religion, <scripRef id="iiCh.xxxii-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.31.20-2Chr.31.21" parsed="|2Chr|31|20|31|21" passage="2Ch 31:20,21"><i>v.</i> 20, 21</scripRef>. 1. His pious zeal
reached to all the parts of his kingdom: <i>Thus he did throughout
all Judah;</i> every part of the country, and not those only that
lay next him, shared in the good fruits of his government. 2. He
sincerely designed to please God, and approved himself to him in
all he did: He <i>wrought that which was good before the Lord his
God;</i> all his care was to do that which should be accepted of
God, which was <i>right</i> (that is, agreeable to natural equity),
<i>and truth</i> (that is, agreeable to divine revelation and his
covenant with God), <i>before the Lord;</i> to do according to that
law which is holy, just, and good. 3. What he began he went through
with, prosecuted it with vigour, and <i>did it with all his
heart.</i> 4. All his good intentions were brought to a good issue;
whatever he did in the service of the house of God, and in the
government of his kingdom, he prospered in it. Note, What is
undertaken with a sincere regard to the glory of God will succeed
to our own honour and comfort at last.</p>
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