The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-10-31

Secretary of American Society of Religious Edu
cation
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. studies in the life of
Solomon during the past month have presented
him in four interesting aspects---as receiving the
kingdom from his father as making choice OF
wisdom, when the Lord appeared to him at
Gibeon seated upon the throne. possessed of
great wealth, the favored God; and, finally.
as the royal teacher, whose words have become
part of the sacred volume. In one sense these
lessons general and preliminary. What
Germs the world most Is this: What will Solomon
do with his opportunities? 1t will be remembered
that he designated to a great mission the
building of the temple Jerusalem; that he was
called of God and charged by David to the per-
Torrance of that task VIII he fill his place,
act his part and meet this obligation? The
swer to that question determines all his future.
To-day shall learn the first steps taken by
him. the early preparation made for beginning
this great work of his life. interesting us be
the circumstances will show how
the understanding.
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. of the kingdom of
Israel was tract of land. lying between
the Lebanon mountains and the great sea- in
habited by the Phoenicians, who renowned
among the ancients for their commerce. one of
the chief cities OF that region Tyre. whose
King, hiram, was great admirer ana warm
trend OF David. III sam. V, ~ After tne
death OF David. Hiram sent his servants 10 AZ
mis- respects DAVID son. expecting, probably.
tnat the alliance wnicn had proved mutually
satisfactory under the former retgn niisnt be
renewed with profit. 1T may be in extend
ing these greetings he inquired whether 1nere
service which he might renaer 10 solo
mon. al Chron. ii. 81 Such approach must nave
been highly gratifying. an evidence OF good VIII
quite in those Gays, iuli OF praise to the
young king. The people of Tyre and their neigh
bors. the sidonians neld an important position
and their friendship might be very valuable.
Besides, they had vast Forests OF timber were
skilled workmen. and were just the people TO
aid in a great building project.
kksFoNsk.-soorncn made a courteous reply
to his visitors, sending his own servants all the
way back Tyre with similar greetings and
expressions. He embraced the opportunity. how
to interest his royal nsighbor IN the temple.
He Called attention to the fact, already known,
that his father prevented from building the
Lords house, and assigned as a reason that he
was too much engaged in foreign This is
quite the view presented during the life of
David Then II seemed that God deemed IL inn
IL thron. xxi, So The two statements combined
may nearly convey the whole truth. Solo
mon now desires Hiram to know that there is a
change in the affairs of Israel There is absolute
rest from Peace reiens on every side. TINS
then, is a favorable time for doing what before
could not nave been done on account OF the state
of the country and the engagements its King.
which David and Hiram had doubtless conferred.
might be attempted. This the first part
OF the response sent TO Tyre.
RPOsE.-SolCmon did not pause with brief
reference the peace ami prosperity OF Israel.
gratifying such intelligence may have been
to both Kings. He plainly declared his purpose
to build the house OF the Lord. announcing also
the motives that prompted him. In doing he
calls the attention OF Hiram to the very words
OF the Lord, used many years before III sam vi,
49,, In the address 10 his father, setting him
apart to this very work Here is noble ex-
hibition OF piety and good sense The young
mans head and heart have not been turned by
the demonstrations and batteries OF the earlier
years OF his reign-by the loud acclaims OF the
people at his amounting by the honors shown
by his courtiers tCh. /, 40l by the vast accumula-
princes He is yet strong enough TO hold to his
duty duty which he owes TO his God. TO his