The Green Forest tribune., 1917-10-19

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 The remnant which returned had now become settled in their new homes As it would be a considerable time be- fore the temple could be rebuilt, ar- rangement was made for the religious life as early as possible, as religion was the very heart of the nations life. They first set up the altar of the God of Israel 6 :1-3) and offered burnt off, | feringS thereon. They next revived the annual festivals 6 40 which had q powerful unifying influence upon them.
 l. The Appointment of Officers to |. Set Forward the Work of the Lords House (v. s, 9). Overseers were need ed to direct this great work, Rubbish needed to be cleared away so the build ing operations could begin; timber needed to be cut in the Lebanon forests and fioated down to Joppa; stones needed to be cut from the quarries in- telligent and consecrated men were needed to direct this work as it was needful that 1t be done with the utmost expedition. The Lords house demands the most systematic adjustment of it's labors. Mere zeal will not make up for lack of intelligence.
 II. The Foundation of the Temple Laid 6 :10-13). This was done amid great rejoicing. The consciousness that the Lords house was taking shape, even though the mere foundations could be seen. provoked great enthu- siasm on the part of the people. Mu- sicians were appointed to furnish mu- sic while the work was being done. Un- der the influence of music men will do better work, armies will march and fight better when bands are playing. While there was great joy, there was also, mingled sorrow. This was on the part of the elders who had seen the former temple. The meanness of the present temple in comparison with Solomon'S temple caused their praise to be drowned with their sorrow. These people belonged to that class who think that nothing now Is so good as in the former days. So completely were these voices commingled that the people could not discern the one from the other.
 III. The Building of the Temple De- layed by Opposition. Chapters 1 and 3. For time matters went smoothly with them, but as soon as the work had taken such shape as to show that there was some prospect of success, the half-heathen Samaritans began to oppose them. No vital work of God will be allowed to go on without oppo- sition. Satan resents and bitterly op- poses all inroads upon his kingdom These Samaritans sought to frustrate this work of God by:
 CD An Alliance With the Jews (4:2, 3. They wanted to bring the work in harmony with their own religious practices, as Gods pure worship would be a constant rebuke to them. This is ever the way of the world, to seek to effect a compromise with Gods chill dren; but Gods call is separation. "Come out from among them" c Cor. 6 :14-1S). Nothing so weakens Gods cause as worldly alliance and compro- mise. There is but one answer to be given to such an offer of compromise. 'Ye have nothing to do with us in building a house unto our God" We are in the world, but not of the world.
 (2) Weakening the Hands of the People (4 :G. Doubtless this included the withdrawal of supplies, the spread ing of dissensOn among the workmen, and the employment of counselors against them.
 (3) Letters of Accusation to the Per sian King (4 :6, D. So severe was this opposition that the building was de- layed for a term of years. These coun- selors succeeded in creating doubt as to whether Cyrus had ever issued a de- cree for their return. This wicked op- position resulted in the undOing of the Opposers, for search was made and a copy was found. Darius confirmed this by his own decree, and directed that aid be given from the royal taxes so that the house of God might be built
 ". The Temple Completed and pedi. cated (6:14-1S). The Prophets Haggai and Zachariah now appear, and by warnings, eXortations and entreatieS stir up the people so that the work goes forward to a successful compile ton. Without their aid probably the work would never have been completed. Human nature at times needs to be cheered and urged forward These prophets did not themselves work in the building of the walls, yet their work was of even greater importance.
 It Is generally found that this is so with the religious leaders today. The words of cheer and encouragement of the Christian minister are needed daily for those who labor in the build- ing of the Lords house Were it not for them many would give up the strug- gle. When the building was finished it was dedicated to God with great Joy. This was possible because they had builded and finished their task accord ing to the commandment of the God of Israel. The service of dedication was much after the order of that of Solo, mons temple, only on a less magnifi- cent scale.