Weekly graphic. [volume] (Kirksville, Adair Co., Missouri) 1880-1949, 1886-04-16
As Wise as Solomon.
New York Observer.

As the sun shone one morning
into the library, and upon two
little brothers who sat upon the
floor playing game of marbles,
it did not light up two faces that
were as amiable as they ought to
have been. The boys had been
having a jolly play, but somehow
out Of a good time disputes often
come, and fun may end in I'M
kind feelings. Some people think
brothers do not quarrel so often
as stranger boys; but the fact is,
that without the love of God in
our hearts, we are all prone to for
get the charity that sutfereth long
and is kind"
Rob and Ned generally got
along pretty well together, but
something was evidently wrong
with them on that morning. 1t
could not be the bit of clay that
was in the marbles. so the trouble
must have been with the boys.
Aunt Sue was coming to read to
them, as she had promised, and
as she walked along the hall she
heard Bob say in a loud and
angry voice: 81 tell you l never
play with cranks." She waited
by the door to hear what Neds
reply would be, and it came
quickly: "But you, you are as
wise as Solomon"
Rob heard the sarcastic ring of
his brothers words, and, spring
ing to his feet, with flushed face
and doubled fists, was already for
fight
Aunt Sues gentle touch quoted
him, and his hands fell by his
side. "Auntiel" he exclaimed In
voice from which the anger had
faded, "Auntie, Ned is as mean
as
"Mean, dear boyI" she gently
interrupted, you do not seem to
have as good an opinion of him as
he has of you l think 1 heard
him say that you were as wise as
Solomon. / wish that [ knew as
much as he did. Do you know,
my lads, that that great king is
spoken of as the wisest man who
ever lived? Only this morning l
was reading a description of the
beautiful temple that he built for
the service of God. There is one
verse that attracted my attention:
There was neither hammer nor
axe, nor any tool of iron heard in
the house while it was in build
ing"
"What does that mean, Aunt
Sue?" asked Ned.
at means that all the parts of
the building were fitted before
they were brought there, SO that
no tools were necessary, just as
we are being fashioned by God to
be parts of the temple in heaven,
but into that temple, we are told;
nothing that defiieth can enter,
and, dear boys, evil tempers come
under that head"
The boys looked very sober, and
both of them regretted the quar-,
rel Aunt Sue noted this with
pleasure, and presently she said
"Shake hands and be friends,
boys, and 1 will tell you a pretty
story that l have heard about
Solomon.
Ned held out his hand, but i'm.
pulsive Rob threw his arms
around his brothers neck anG
kissed him.
Ready now?' asked Aun
Sue.
ooh, yes" replied the boys.
4 Not long after Solomon wa
I made king God appeared to hin
in dream and said, "Ask what
shall give thee" Solomon wa
an ambitious man. He desire,
to be rich and great, and, not less
he wished for a long life in whicl
to enjoy his comforts, yet his answe
was: Give, therefore, IL Y servant al
understanding heart. That mean
that he wanted wisdom, so that h
might know just what to decid
for the people over whom he wa
king. God was so pleased by Thu
request that Solomon receive,
not only wisdom, but riches ant
long life. So you see, Rob, it i
great compliment to be com
pared to Solomon"
Ned could not keep back th,
color that came to his face at thi
personal allusion; but as Aun
Sue did not even glance at him h,
found voice to say:
Tell us more, Auntie.
1T would take me long time
Ned, to tell you all | have reaC
about Solomon; but l came acros:
a pretty legend the other day."
as it in the Bible, Auntie?'
asked Rob.
mo, dear, it is not in the Bible
but in another book that l have
been reading. The story is only
legend. If you will go to my
room you will find the book upoi