and of thy wisdom. Howbeit, I believed not the words until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and behold the half was not told me. Thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard."

But Solomon's greatest work perhaps was the building of the Temple. And in this he showed not only his skill, but also his zeal for the honour of God. The building was so large and costly, that it took no less than eight years to complete it. And when it was finished, a solemn day was set apart for its public dedication. Never did the King himself appear more glorious than on that day. Kneeling down in the midst. of his people, he spread forth his hands towards heaven, and entreated that God's blessing might descend upon this sacred building, and upon those who should worship in it.

Solomon's greatness was now at its height. He was honoured by God, and respected by men. But towards the close of his reign there was a change for the worse. He allowed himself to be drawn aside by his wives. They led him into sin, and per

suaded him to forsake the service of God, and give himself up to the worship of idols. "How was the gold become dim! How was the most fine gold changed!" One may well ask, Where is that knowledge, which made so many stand before him and wonder at his gifts? Where are those lessons in godliness, which his pious father so carefully taught him? Where is that zeal for God, which led him to raise a Temple to His honour? Where is the piety which marked his earlier years?

if it was all but a show.

Ah! it seems as There was some

thing unreal in it. It would not stand. It was like a bright and glowing flash, which shines for an instant, and then passes away.

How easy it is to be outwardly zealous in the Lord's service, and yet to have no depth of piety within! If Solomon had been as careful about the inner temple of his own heart, as he was in beautifying the outward building of God, then he would not have fallen as he did. Instead of thousands of bulls and of goats, which he brought into the temple, it would have

been well if the sacrifice of a broken and a contrite spirit had been his humble offering to the Lord.

But Solomon's history shows that a man may have much wisdom in the head, and yet little or no grace in the heart. He may be wise as to the things of this world, and even thoroughly acquainted with gospel truths, and yet have no saving knowledge of Him, whom to know is "life eternal." We are anxious to learn what Solomon's end was. Did he die an idolater, or was he restored to the love and favour of God? We are not told; and we must therefore leave the matter where Scripture leaves it. There are some grounds to hope that he returned to God, as a penitent, and we are glad enough to seize them.

But we now leave Solomon; and for a short moment turn our thoughts to One who is far wiser and greater than he was. Think of what Jesus said to the unbelieving Pharisees: The Queen of the South shall rise up in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the

uttermost part of the earth to hear of the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here."

Blessed are those who come to Him, believe on Him, admire Him, and love Him! Blessed are those who, like Mary, sit at His feet, and listen to His words of wisdom! O God, give me an eye to see, and a heart to feel, the loveliness of the Saviour's character.

ELIJAH;

OR, THE FEARLESS MAN OF GOD.

SOMETIMES, when the fire on our hearth has almost burnt out, and scarcely a spark of light can be seen, we make an effort to rekindle the dying embers. And presently the coals glow once more with heat, and the flame again ascends.

So it is with the Church of God. There have been times when true religion has been very low; it has been almost extinct. And then it has pleased God to employ one and another of his servants to revive the smouldering flame, and kindle anew the spark of truth.

Noah was one of these. The world in his day had grown more and more full of wickedness. It had become a world of infidels. But he was "a preacher of righteousness" among them, and exhorted them to "flee from the wrath to come."