dently and happily rule the nation over which he had placed him. This choice was so much approved by the Almighty, that he gave him a wise and understanding heart, and added riches. and honour to the gift.

Solomon was directed by God to build him a temple at Jerusalem: and this order he faithfully executed. The prayer which he made at the dedication of this grand edifice, breathes the most devout and humble disposition, and the most ardent desire for the real happiness of his people. One can scarcely ever peruse it, without feeling a degree of the same pious ardour, which pervaded and animated the breast of the royal supplicant, on that solemn occasion. At this moment, he shone in his highest lustre: nor can we conceive any thing upon earth more dignified and majestic, than his deportment on the dedication of this sacred structure. We are compelled to revere the character of the monarch, who with such uncommon zeal, stood before his nobles, his princes, and his people, as a preacher of righteousness, and as a priest of the most high God.

This illustrious prince, however, at one period of his life, so far mistook the source of true happiness, as to flatter himself with the hope of great enjoyments from the world. He sought for and obtained all the means of pleasure; but found him

self, in the end, greatly disappointed. The result. of this search and experiment, he gives us, in these memorable lines: "I said to my heart, I will prove thee with mirth; therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold! this also is vanity. I made great works, built houses, planted vineyards, made gardens and orchards, and planted trees in them of all kinds of fruits. I procured servants and maidens; I gathered silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings. I obtained men and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and those of all sorts. So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: and whatever my eyes desired, I kept not from them; I withheld not my heart from any joy. Then I looked on the works which my hands had wrought; and, behold! all was vanity and vexation of spirit.”

After this full persuasion, that real happiness was not to be found in sensual pleasure or worldly honours, he concludes with solemnly recommending piety and virtue, as the great objects for which we were brought into being; and which will not only yield the best enjoyments of life, but will support us in that day, when we must make up our fina. account. "Fear God, and keep his commandments. This is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every work into judgment, whether it be good or whether it be evil."

"When we reflect," says Dr. Blair, "on the character of him who delivered these sentiments, we cannot but admit that they deserve a serious and attentive examination. For they are not the declarations of a pedant, who, from an obscure retirement, declaims against pleasures which he never knew. They are not the invectives of a discontented man, who takes revenge upon the world by satirizing those enjoyments which he sought in vain to obtain. They are the conclusions of a great and prosperous prince, who had once given full scope to his desires; who was thoroughly acquainted with life in its most flattering scenes: and who now, reviewing all that he had enjoyed, delivers to us the result of long experience and tried wisdom."

SECTION III.

CYRUS.

CYRUS may justly be considered as the most accomplished prince that we read of in profane history. He was possessed of wisdom, moderation, magnanimity; a genius for forming, and prudence for executing, the greatest designs. Of this extraordinary person, the Almighty said: "He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure :" and he was accordingly made use of as an eminent instrument to punish wicked nations, and to promote the Divine will respecting the children of Israel.

When this great prince perceived the approach of death, he ordered his children, and the chief officers of state, to be assembled around him. On this occasion, the influence of religion on his heart was very conspicuous. He solemnly thanked the Supreme Being for all the favours he had conferred upon him, through the course of his life; implored the same care and protection for his children, his country, and his friends; and declared his elder son, Cambyses, his successor, leaving the other several very considerable gov

ernments. He

He gave excellent instructions to both of them. He observed, that the chief strength and support of the throne, were not vast extent of country, number of forces, nor immense riches, but just veneration towards God, good understanding between brethren, and the acquisition of true and faithful friends. "I conjure you, therefore,” said he, "my dear children, in the name of Heaven, to respect and love one another, if you retain any desire to please me for the future. For I do not think you will judge me to have no existence, because you will not see me after my death. You have never yet seen my soul: you must, however, have known by its actions, that it really existed. Can you believe, that honours would still be paid to persons, whose bodies are now but ashes, if their souls had no longer any being or power? No, no, my sons; I could never believe that the soul lived only whilst in a mortal body, and died when separated from it. But if I mistake, and nothing of me shall remain after death, fear the Deity, who never dies, who sees all things, and whose power is infinite. Fear him; and let that fear prevent you from ever doing, or deliberating to do, any thing contrary to religion and virtue. Next to him, fear mankind, and the ages to come. You cannot be buried in obscurity: you are exposed upon a grand theatre to the view of the world. If your actions are upright and benevolent, be assured

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