Course 1, Chapter 36: The Messiah promised and prefigured. — Seventeenth figure of the Messiah. — Solomon. (A. C. 1015-982.)

1. Who was the successor of David *?

The successor of David was Solomon his son. Solomon was yet young when he ascended the throne. As a sole favor, he asked of God wisdom. It was granted. Having arrived at man's age, he married a foreign princess.

2. What was the great work of Solomon?

*The great work of Solomon was Rebuilding of "e temple of Jerusalem.

3. How lono; did the building of the temple last t

The building of the temple lasted seven entire

years, although more than one hundred thousand work men were constantly employed at it.

4. Give some account of this temple?

It was one of the wonders of the world; gold, silver, wood of Cedar, and the most precious stones were employed in its construction. It consisted of four principal parts.

5. What was the first part?

The first was the vestibule of Israel. It was a vast court surrounded with buildings and galleries, and could contain all the Israelites at once.

6. What was the second?

The second was the interior vestibule. It was a smaller court than the first, but, like it, surrounded with buildings and galleries, and in the middle was the altar of holocausts. The priests only could ordinarily enter this court.

7. What was the third?

The third was the holy, or holy place. In it was the altar of perfumes, the ten candlesticks of gold, with many branches to which lighted lamps were suspended night and day. Here also were the tables of gold for the reception of the loaves of proposition.

8. What was the fourth?

The fourth was the holy of holies. It was in this, the most retired part of the temple, that was kept the Ark of the Covenant. The high priest alone could enter it, and that but once a year.

9. Was the temple of Solomon acceptable to the Lord?

The temple of Solomon was acceptable to the Lord. At the moment of the dedication fire from heaven consumed the victims, and a cloud of majesty filled every part of the edifice.

10. Did Solomon persevere in virtue to the end?

Solomon did not persevere in virtue to the end: he gave himself up to his passions, and finally adored 9*

102 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

idols — a terrible example which should make us tremble for our own weakness.

11. Was Solomon a figure of the Messiah?

Solomon is the seventeenth figure of the Messiah, but of the Messiah triumphant and glorious. 1st. Solomon enjoying the fruits of the victories and labors of David, his father, ascends the throne, and reigns in peace over his conquered enemies; our Lord, rejoicing in his labors and victories, ascends the throne of his Father, in the highest heavens, and reigns in peace over his conquered enemies. Solomon takes for his spouse a foreign princess; our Lord chooses the church, his spouse, among the Gentiles, who are strangers to the Jewish people and to the true religion. 2d. Solomon builds a magnificent temple to the true God; our Lord changes the world, which was a vast temple of idols, into a temple of the true God. On the report of the wisdom of Solomon, the Queen of Saba leaves her kingdom and is filled with admiration; at the name of our Lord kings, queens, whole nations of idolaters, quit the worship of idols and admire the wisdom of the Christian law. The Queen of Saba offers rich presents to Solomon; idolatrous nations have offered their riches and their hearts to our Lord.