The Spectator., 1915-11-02

The time of this lesson was about SIS B. C., and it follows within few years last Sundays lesson. Inaugu- rated as king and instructed by faithful priest, yet Joash discovered great lethargy on the part of the priestly class with regard to the house of God. He set himself to arouse great liberality and to repair the temple.
 l. .lethargy, V. 4, 8. CD It's cause. We should read in this connection II Chron. "A. From the two accounts and the previous history of the na- tion we conclude that the condition of the temple was due, (a) to the weak and frequently vicious charac- ters of the rulers of the nation; (b) to the evil companions of both princes and priests and (c) to the cupidity of court and curate. CD The result of this lethargy regarding Gods cause was evidenced (a) upon the temple, and (b) upon the lives of the people of the kingdom. (3) The cure. Joash instituted great reforms in Judah and in these Jehoiada the priest (v. p had no small part. In this particular les son the prince (v. ? seems to lead the priest. Unfortunately the godly priest did not long survive the crown ing of Joash and hence when he came under other influences he soon went back to the evil practices of his prede- cessors and his reign ended in an eclipse of evil QI Chron. 24;15-26).
 In this lesson we have, however, a suggestion of what is needed to cure religious lethargy. (a) A vision of the real condition of affairs (v. '; also II Chron. 24:O. Joash saw the resultant ruin of the temple after 15 years of misrule; he also saw the misconduct of the priests and did not hesitate to call them to account. 'Tis no easy task to un- dertake a reformation and restoration such as this: witness Moses, Luther, Wesley and Cary. These priests had aided him to gain his throne and doubtless had had part in his boy hood training. Joash had inaugu- rated certain reforms before he be- gan this task which suggests the sec ond need of (b) persistence (see Chron. 24:5, 0. Such work also de- mands Co systematic effort and giv- ing. Joash placed himself among Is- raels best kings by undertaking the restoration of the temple and won a place alongside of Hezekiah and Jo- siah. Modern churches are not strict ly speaking. "a house of the Lord such as the Jewish temple, yet the condition of many of our churches would indicate great indifference to the cause of the kingdom. Our bod. ies are indeed a temple" I Cor. 3: k: 6:19) and both the body and church buildings alike should be kept in proper condition.
 II. liberaIity, vs. 9-15. The plan to have the priests gather funds for the repairs was Scriptural (Exod. 25: 2-S) God does not look upon the measure but upon the motive of our gifts (II Cor. S:1s). The priests did not hasten the matter" so the king took it into his own hands (v. 9. In this remissness Jehoiada. as the chief priest, is held accountable for all (v. D.
 We have in this story a rich sug- gestion as to Gods plan of Christian giving. CD The object. It was dis tinctiy for the glory of God and not to outbid others or to wastefully use the money for selfish purposes. (2) All were to participate voluntarily, out of their abundance CH Chron A:10, systematically and faithfully. (3) The results were house repaired QI Chron. 24:l2) beautiful QI Chron Chron. 24:14. Joash seems to nave laid great emphasis upon the "taber- nacle of witness (24:6) and we need to recall that each and every part of that temple was testimony to the truth of God and had in 1t a spiritual suggestion and prophecy. AS a whole, it suggested that God dwelt fin the midst of his people. The sons of Athaliah (Joash's grandmother had so conducted themselves as to cause 1t to need repairing QI Chron. 24,O. When we turn to II Chron 24;S-l4 and read the record Of the restoration of the temple, we discover; O Each had it's part in the work. (2) Each did perfect" work, e. S, did his task faithfully. fully and to a finish. t3) Each did an orderly work. in his state" None sought to supplant or defraud others in the work assigned. tD Each did a strong work, 1t was strengthened" and not triiiing work as men-pieasers or for the moment
 Try more prayer and like Joash give the people chance and there will be no lack.
 Again, note that they dealt faith fully" We need to exercise faithful ness in our relations to God and fin the use of that which ne intrusts to our stewardship.
 Man and God alike win nave con. ndence in us according to the method whereby we receive and expeno