Nothing can be more sweet, more interesting, more expressive. He first begins in blessing. Who so worthy to be praised as the Lord, as he is in himself? What so suitable for man to offer as praise for the blessings he bestows, as he manifests himself to his creatures? And Reader, do observe how David dwells upon the distinguishing excellencies of Jehovah! both greatness and power, and glory, and victory, and majesty, are his. Not only his as the author, but peculiarly his as the very properties and attributes of his nature. To give, therefore, anything to such a being, is but to give him of his own, for all are his already. In contributing therefore to the building of this house for the Lord, we in fact do nothing but what the Lord gives the power and ability to do. And Reader! do mark this thought as strikingly worthy of the highest attention; the more any man doth for the Lord, the more highly is that man the Lord's debtor, in that what he doth is from the Lord's giving ability to do it; and not only giving the ability, but giving grace and disposition to do it. So that the most laborious servant of Jesus is the greatest debtor; and he that is enabled to do most is the most indebted for being singled out and qualified for the service. Blessed Jesus! oh! for grace to be employed more frequently and earnestly by thee, that I might thereby become the more insolvent and thy prisoner. There is a great beauty in the close of this prayer, in beseeching the Lord to keep alive in the minds of the people the Lord's goodness, and to bless his son Solomon with a heart suited to the Lord's mercies.
1 Chronicles 29:13-19
13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be ableb to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.
15 For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.c
16 O LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.
17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are presentd here, to offer willingly unto thee.
18 O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and preparee their heart unto thee:
19 And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.