The National tribune., 1896-10-01

youth. what had been done by an experienced.
skllfuI, venerable man. The times we're very
critical Solomon had probably taken in the
situation and was very anxious to know how
best to meet the demands madc OH him. Just
at the point Of emergency. aud evidently in re-
sponse to the earnest wish of the young King,
God appears for the purpose OF helping him.
Solomon Student.
Was Solomon's knowledge miracuionsf Abar-
binel insists Solomon went to bed compare
lively ignorant and walked up phenomenon OF
knowledge. Bishop Patrick seems to lean to
that view. But Ecc /: 13, shows Solomon was
"a very diligent student, and that knowledge
was derived by him with intellectual wrestling.
1t is clear. however, that in answer to his
prayer Solomon was granted q great mental
quickening and that tbere were impaired to
him governmental tact, discrimination, and
keen judgment.
The Two Accounts Compared.
We have two accounts-one ia ! Kings and
tho other in 2 Chronicles. Do they differ ?
Notice:
a. In the account given in Chronicles,
nothing is said of the dream.
b. No mention is made in / Kings Of the
promise referred to in v. 8 Of the account in 9
Chronicles.
c. Nothing is said ia Kings of this was in
thine heart" written in V. IL of the account in
2 Chronicles.
d. In the account of Chronicles, no condi-
tion is made on which favors to Solomon de-
pended as, e. g., that he must obey God. See
V. ID OF the account in Kings.
Suggestions.
l. SEQ the utility of prayer The uplifting
power OF prayer per Sc Is helpful. Then, God
can quicken our minds. He invites Us to pray,
and his name is not Tantalns. When great
emergencies beset us, there is an impulse to
caok di0yin hofo nrn tnmf
when the aid required is not material but men-
tai and spiritual, he might have special hope OF
assistance on the part of God. We are invited
to ask of God. VS..
2. Consider the advantages to q child of
Cody parentage. V.6. Solomon was greatly
indebted to his father not only for concrete
wealth but for inherited qualities of mind.
3. Cultivate humility. The attitude of Solo
mon was very meritorious. He made no pre-
tences to great wisdom. He felt the need of
divine help, and was glad to seek it. w. He
acknowledged his ignorance and want of ex-
perence.
4. They who are called on to Judge in the
affairs of man with man, should be very con-
cerned for the requirement of that wisdom
which insures fairness V.9.
5. What are you seeking? Money? Position :?
But it pleased God that Solomon sought wisdom.
1t is not good sense ner good policy. to give
ones entire time to the material. V. 10.
6. If we sock righteousness. ordinarily the
merely temporal is added. Christianity has a
world side as we'll as Heaven side. It aug
ments the prosperity of time to be considerate
of the iDteressaof eternity. Godliness is profit.
able now and forever.
z. Prayer to God is Of service, but It does not
dispense with study. God did not poar knowl-
edge into Solomon. The young King was
obliged to be diligent and stndious Gee,
1:13.)
God never tolls men to expect knowledge by
inspiration direct from Heaven and without
personal effort. Prov, 2:2 3. a; 8 "a, SO. Let
no one indolcntiy prsy to God for knowledge
and try to escape work Of brain. Dii labori5as
omaia re,,dant--The gods sell all things at the
price Of severe struggles.
8. We must worship God. Our offerings may
be different from those presented to God by
Solomon, but those made by him are suggestive.
V.16
8. Christianity isa feast. v. .i5. The follow
ers Of Christ should rejoice. Be happy; We
have King with infinite resources of wealth
and knowledge and power. All his servants
n n a