The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1891-06-04

consisted Of Chapters % 81 Of Den. is based on
the theory that said chapters were the ones
read by ShaphaR to Josiah. But bad the whole
Pentateuch been lost and found il would have
been an easy matter for Shaphan % select for
reading 20 the King the said paragraph. We
find from Hi, % s. that Shaphan himself
read the Book before reading 10 TO the King
He probably made such a selection as would
be most suitable for a King 20 hear read.
d. There are persons who hold that the Book
found By Hilkiah was the only copy of said
writing. This view need not have reference
TO the fact whether the Book found was
the entire Pentateuch or only a portion Of il.
The rsbbius SAY Ahaz, Aiauasseh and Anon set
out to destroy all copies OF the Mosaic writings.
Some say said Kings succeeded in their at
tempts and that therefore for a time there
was no Peutateuch until Hilkah was able by
his discovery 70 bring said Book again 70 light.
Notice objections:
First. We cannot believe the said d rec Kings
could have totally destroyed every copy Of the
Scriptures.
Secondly. Providence has always intercepted
wicked attempts to aunihiIats the Sacred Book.
Thirdly. Tho former attempts at ref1rma-
tiOn-as e. g., the eudeavors Of Nauassch could
not have been effected had there not been at
least one copy Of the Peutateuch in existence.
Reliance for so many particulars could not be
placed on memory.
Fourthly. Our lesson is in the year 624 B. G.
We remember what efforts were made by Je-
hoshaphat, King Of Judah. p. Q. 9l2, 10 scatter
knowledge OF the Law Of God A firm fonda
tion was laid. Very many copies Of the Law
were written. Sucn a reformation could not
be soon forgotten. Such regard for Gods
Word could not be easily erldicated in so short
a time. Y Oh, i7:7-9J And no one can
suppose that Hezekish lived and died Oh. c..
20 Gy5j without a copy Of the Books Of Moses.
We cannot suppose the Prophet Isaiah passed
through life not seeing the Pentaicuch nor
hearing it read. The several refCrmati0us be-
fore Josiah presuppOse the eyisteuce Of copies
Of the Book Of Moses.
Filthy. We find the discovery Of Hilkiah
was not made until the 18th year Of JOsah's
reign. We cannot imagine the King carried
on his great enterprises IN behalf Of the Tenn
pic and the true worship Of God for so many
years without the known existence Of even a
single copy Of the PeutatcuCh.
SiXthly. The reason why the discovery Of the
particular copy found by IliIkiah gave such joy
and was so effective is that 10 was the original
copy OF the PentateUch which had been laid
/ up in the Ark. All were affected by the reCOy-
cry of the very Ms once in the hands Of No
ses-the Identical copy he penned the copy
so wOndFOusly preserved and brought TO light
evidently by PrOvidcutial care; the copy OF
unquestiOued authority; the copy which could
be but exceedingly effective in the reforma-
/ ton sought by Josiah.
z. Conclusion.
Precious Bible what "a Treasure
Does the word Of q oct afford;
AL want for life and pleasure
Food and medicine, sH.G.d aDd sword;
Let the world account me poor
| Having this l need no more"
| "The Bihlel
| Most wondrous Book Bright candle Of the
1 Lord!
| Star Of Eternity the only star
BY which the barque Of man could navigate
/ The sea OF lie, and gain the coast Of bliss
Securely"