FIFTEEN years after the Jews returned from Babylon to begin work on the temple, it was in much the same condition as when the joyous services were held at the laying of the foundation stones. The people made themselves believe they had good reasons for discouragement. It is easy to decide that it is excusable, or even better, not to do a thing you do not wish to do. The neighboring inhabitants of Palestine tried to hinder their work. They even wrote to the reigning king of Persia, who was quite a different man from Cyrus, representing the Jews as such rebellious people that he sent an order for them to discontinue the work. The king's command seems like an excellent reason; indeed, at first it appears to make it impossible for them to go on, and the Jews considered it an indication that God did not wish them to build the temple then. Be careful not to take opposing circumstances as a sure sign from God that you are to relinquish an unpleasant undertaking. He does not always make the path of duty smooth. Use the mind and judgment he has given you; ask him for guidance; try to be willing and glad to do whatever he would like, notwithstanding difficulties; consider what you would think it right for another person to do in your place, and especially what in God's sight would be best. The reason for delay in building the temple was not as good as it seemed. The Jews might have written to the Persian king contradicting the slander of their enemies, and they should not have forgotten that no earthly monarch could prevent an undertaking which God favored. But they had also become interested in building beautiful dwellings for themselves, and in cultivating their fields and vineyards. If you are always more interested in God's work than your own, you will not be likely to neglect it. We know the reasons were not sufficient in God's sight, for he sent Haggai with a message of reproof, telling them God had allowed drought and pestilence that they might know he was displeased when they let his house remain in ruins while their own homes were luxuriously finished. Seven weeks after Haggai had first spoken to them, and, heeding his words, work had been commenced on the temple, the Lord instructed him to speak words of encouragement to them; for, although they continued building, it was done with little heart. To those who had seen Solomon's temple, which had been destroyed only sixty-six years before, it seemed hardly "worth while" to erect so comparatively mean a structure. Haggai's encouraging promises from the Lord were: "I will be with thee," "The glory of this latter house shall be greater than that of the former." Millions of dollars worth of gold were used in the holy of holies alone in Solomon's temple. Was that to be surpassed in the new? With the Lord the greatest glory is never in outward show. The "Desire of all nations," Jesus, God's Son, would walk and teach in this temple. The spiritual glory of his presence would far exceed any splendor of gold or jewels. God's idea of glory and man's are not always the same. Does it sometimes seem not "worth while" to be particular to build this and that unseen, insignificant good deed into your character temple? In God's sight such an act may be more glorious than a conspicuous heroic deed which everyone applauds. If it makes your heart and soul more fit for the dwelling place of the holy God, then it is preparing you to receive the greatest possible glory.—Christian at Work.