1 Chronicles 29:13-19

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.