American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1856-03-15
BIBLE CLASS SKETCnEs,-No. 9.
Read before the Morgantown Baptist Bible Ciass
THE LIFE OF SOLOMON.
BY IMLAu NJ EnGIR

|
his son, pridcd greatly in his excellent
qualities, and gave him the best edu-
cation that the times afforded, except
III regard to his example, which, it
must be confessed, was not always what
it should have been nor, when we con-
slider in this point of view, are some of
his erroneous actions to be wondered
at, the source of which we will notice
again.
/ Towards the close Of Dayid's life, d
conspiracy was detected to place sue
ccasor on the throne. To settle the
government in the order of the Divine
appointment, David caused Solomon to
be invested with the robes of royalty,
and resigned to him voluntarily the
sceptre of government, giving him q
solemn charge respecting the admins
tration of it. The early part of Solo
mons reign was exceedingly prosper
GUS, and marked by several public acts
which displayed his wisdom and piety.
His court was distinguished for it's
magniticence; his dominions and reye-
nue. were vast; his personal character
exalted; his wisdom proverbial, and his
capital and palace renowned for wealth
and splendor. -. ..
Solomon was very Jung when he
asccnded the throne, but he was wiser
in his youth than in his ripper years.
The great event of his reign was the
erection of the temple in Jerusalem,
which was designed by his father. The
plan and materials of the structure,
and the furniture, as well as those of
the royal palace, are minutely describ-
ed in the 1st book of Kings, as are also
the services at the dedication OF it.
After this, Solomon received a renewed
assurahce of'the Divine favor, and OF Il
gracious answer to his prayers and
supplications; and, at the same time,
one of the most fearful denunciations
of wrath in case he and his people
should forsake the law of God.
In the latter part of the reign of
Solomon, he was led into the practice
of idolatry and other abominable sins,
which drew upon him and the country
heavy judgments. 1t seems that the
source of Solomon's misconduct was
his prosperity. Many can bear pow
erty, who would sink amid the tempta-
tlons OF wealth even as low as Solomon
did. Such immense riches as those of
Solomon, though often regarded as a
blessing, because they afford the means
of doing great good, are, in general, a
tremendous evil to their possessor, and
sometimes prove the ruin of both soul
and body, as had well nigh happened
to Solomon. Indeed it is rather sur
prising that Solomon ever repcnted,
even in his old age, and that he did not
go down to the grave devotee of vice
and idolatry.
One of his errors probably consisted
in marrying the daug ghtor Of an Egyp-
tlan king; because by this means the
luxury, extravaganza and dissipation
OF an Egyptian court were earlier and
more cffcctually introduced.
The Cantcles, or Songs Of Solomon,
are, however, supposed to have been
at least suggested by Solomon Egyp-
tian marriage. He also composed the
Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Solomon
was known as great, rich and power
full prince. A faint conception may be
formed of his wealth by observing what
vast sums he expended in building tho
tomplo.
Song Of Solomon, or Song Of tSongs:
a beautiful and sublime allegory, rep
rescnting, it is supposed, the mutual
and reciprocal love of Christ and tho
Church.
! We are assured, in 1st Kings, 4th
chapter and 82d verse, that Solomon
spake three thousand proverbs, and one
thousand and FIVE songs. This Song
OF Songs was undoubtedly the most
appropriate for aflording religious in
struction, and perhaps the only one
which was written under the particular
directions or influence of the Holy
Spirit.
OF all the literary works composed
by Solomon, VIC have nothing remain
ing but his Proverbs, Ecclosiastos, and
the Canticlcs 1t is remarkable that
the admitted corruption Of Solomon
never taints his admirable writings; a
fact which can be accounted for only
| by supposing that it was rather par.
tial concession to his wives than o.
change Of conviction; or that his works
were written upon pcnitent roviow of
his career, or that Divine inspiration
| preserved them ot MI tirnos from tbo