The National tribune., 1896-10-29

The mind Al solenen, an - trusted - falm
During the prayse solsno. kneslsd. hit IN
pronouncins the blessing he took standing
attitude. Turning from the altar, ne laced n
tho people. On kneefing in prayer, see Che.
6:13, Ezra, 9:5; Ps.. 95 s.; Dan. 6 10: st.
Luke. 22: Al; Acts. 20: So; 21:5 While utter
Ing tho blessing Solomon stood with hands
spread out On thus extending bands In
prayer or blessing, SEQ v. %; En-. 8: 20, 50;
Chr. g: IL; Ezra, 9:5; Job. II ID; Ps., 70 3;
83: 4; s8:3l; 1A q; 1896; II, Ills; IL,
2:a
Solomon spoke with loud voice The con-
gregation was very large and, even with much
effort, Solomon could net be heard by ALL
The blessing was = matter Of personal concern
to them, and it was very important they hear
it. We may suppose the expression loud
voice" implies also distinct uttsrsnce, so thas
every word could be understood.
A blessing, as defined by Webster, is "A
wish of happiness pronounced prayer. I'M
ploriug happiness upon another; benedic.
tion." 1t is the expression of our good Wishes
with q dependence on the Almighty in order
that our wishes be effective.
The ground of confidence. on which tho
blessing pronounced depended. was the perfect
reliability of God. Firm belief in Gods good
ness aud willingness to bless grew out from
what He had done and what He had promised
WAS product of experience. A promise given
in most troublous and disturbing times had
been fulfilled by the bringing of the people
out from their turmoil into peace and rest
God had not failed in a single promise. He
is not slack concerning His pledges. Moses
lived 400 to 500 years before Solomon's bless
ing. and yet all the promises of God covering
those centuries had been punctually effected
As Solomon was about to solicit precious bless
ings on the heads of the Israelites it was we'll
to infuse into their minds an ideal of His per-
feet veracity and unchangeabeness. In GER
tain reverential sense, we own God. v. 81.
He is omnipresent, and hence with us always
everywhere. The being with us" in the
sense of V. 81 means helping Us, on hand in
all emergencies, keeping from US enemies or
enabling US to overcome them.
The words of the blessing are in verses 81,
3d. To have God with US in the sense of V. 81,
to wit, as our Helper-to have Him for Guide
and Protector in the future as He had been in
the past-it was needful the people obey Him
in all respects. Hence the earnest plea that
God would incline their hearts to keep His
laws and heed His guidance.
The word perfect" (V. 61) refers to human
perfectness, that degree of perfection of which
mortals are capable when assisted by the Di-
vine counsel and example. What is known as
Christian perfection is, if correctly defined. q
most desirable state, to be attained if possible.
to be aimed for as duty and privilege.
Suggestions.
l. Seek the aid of the Holy Spirit. 2. Keep
promises 3. Entertain best wishes for society.
a. Pray for general prosperity. 8. Recall the
facts Of history and experience as spurs to faith
aud trust in God. 6. In leading public reiigi-
GUS experiences. speak distinctly. T. Pray for
aid in keeping the Commandments. 8. Try to
impress persons who are not favorable to Chris
t;anity with good opinion of our religion.