The daily star-mirror. (Moscow, Idaho) 1911-1939, 1917-10-19

| Inc remnant which returned had
now become settled in their new homes
AS 1t would be 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 e :1-3) and offered burnt Of
| ferings thereon. They next revived
the annual festivals e AID which had
a powerful, unifying influence upon
them.
!. The Appointment Of Officers to
Set Forward the Work Of the Lord's
House w. 8, 81. 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 flOated down to Joppa; stones
needed to be cut from the quarries; in
telligent and consecrated men were
needed to direct this work, as 1t was
needful that 1t be done with the utmost
expedition. The Lords house demands
the most systematic adjustment Of its
labors. Mere zeal will not make up for
lack Of intelligence.
II. The Foundation Of the Temple
Laid e :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
CT Ism ho orf Of
sicians were appointed to furnish mu-
sic while the work was being done. I'm
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
SOlomOns 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-
Iayed by Opposition. Chapters 4 and
81. 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 Illustrate
this work of God by:
0) An Alliance With the Jews
40, 81 They wanted to bring the work
In harmony with their own religious |
practices, as Gods pure worship would |
be 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" e Cor. |
) :14-18). 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 house unto our God" We
ire in the world, but not of the world.
(2) Weakening the Hands of the
People (4:4). Doubtless this included
he withdrawal Of supplies, the spread
ng of dissension among the workmen,
md the employment Of counselors
against them.
(3) Letters of Accusation to the Per-
Ian King a e, y. So severe was this
opposition that the building was de-
aged for term Of years. These coun-
elOrs succeeded In creating doubt as
0 whether Cyrus had ever issued a de-
rec for their return. This wicked op-
osition resulted in the undoing Of the
ppOsers, for search was made and
opy was found. Darius confirmed this
y his own decree, and directed that
i'd be given from the royal taxes so
hat the house Of God might be built.
w. The Temple Completed and DedI-
ated &c :14-18). The Prophets Haggai
nd Zachariah now appear, and by
exOrtations and entreatieS
.ir up the people so that the work
oes forward to a successful compile
on. Without their aid probably the
ork would never have been completed.
.uman nature at times needs to be
1eered and urged forward. These
rophets did not themselves work in
lie building Of the walls, yet their
ork was Of even greater Importance.
1t is generally found that this
so with the religious leaders today.
he words of cheer and encouragement
the Christian minister are needed
lilly for those who labor in the build
g Of the Lords house. Were it not
r them many would give up the strug-
e. When the building was finished 1t
as dedicated to God with great joy.
MS was possible because they hal
Iilded and finished their task accord
g to the commandment of the God OF b
rael. The service of dedication was
1ch after tha order of that of Solo