The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-11-05
2 Chronicles, Xxx. 1-13

of the land. ". -. 1t will re remem-
bered that thc northern ten tribes
rcbclled under Jcroboam and set up
an Independent government. Why,
then should Hezckiah attempt any
jurisdiction over them. even in relg-
ious matters? why should he hope To
bring them to his own capital? Sim
ply because those ten tribes had late
ly been overthrown and the great body
OF the people had been carried away
captives into Assyria, never to return
A remnant, and they of the humber
and poorer classes, remained, and these
were the persons invited in this pro-
camation. This was indeed the signi-
ficance Of the special Passover, to re-
gain the worship of Jehovah those
unfortunate people whose government
had been destroyed. 1t was an impor-
tant missionary movement highly cred
liable to its projectors.
MESSAGE.-Thc language, or at
least the substance of that proClama-
tion, has been preserved oversees to
81. Its opening salutation was "Ie
children OF Israel" The ancient name
of Gods chosen people (Gen. xXNii, 2S,
seized and borne by a part of them in
revolt Il Kings xii. 19), was re-applicd
with something of its original mean
ing Turn again to God" was the en-
treaty, implying their departure. And
He will return to you" was the en-
couraging promise. BE NOT like your
fathers" they were CXhortcd, who had
been rebellious and hard hearted.
Yield yourselves unto the Lord, and
enter into His sanctuary was the
entreaty. What marvellous words!
How appropriate to the occasion. The
King of Judah reignIng over pros
porous people, by and with the ad-
vice of his counselors, was urging the
posterty Of Abraham in the northern
tribes, to forsalle the evil that had
brought disaster upon their country
aud once more at Jerusalem unite in
celebrating that Feast which Commem-
grated the dGlivcrance granted to their
fcrerathers.
INCENTINE.-Sinf men are not
easily persuaded to change their course
of life. There is Il power, a fascina-
ton in wickcdness, that holds it's de-
votees against words of cntreaty and
blinds them to their own welfare. In
winning the cfGlnS remnant some
strong inducemcnt must be presented
| in the proclamation. and in form
| that all might understand. Ii was eX-
pressly stated that the return of these
| to God would secure compassion for
| their brethren who had been taken
! captive who might be allowed to come
| again 20 their homes. The thoueht is
! that the Assyrans, Gods officers to eX-
! eCute punishment upon His children,
! would De moved by the Spirit Of God
! to let His people go, if a spirit of peni-
J tenCe was manifested. This change in
} the feeling Of the conuuerOr would re-
| suit in national rebuilding. not unlike
! that secured through the decree of Cy-
| rus for Judah two centuries later. Here
| we have great truth set forth. one
| applicable in all generations. God rules
| among the nations in the interest of
| His cause. He sets up. pulls down and
restores nations. according to their
! righteousness Prov. xiv, 3D.
| RECEPTION went the cOllr-
! iers bearing the proclamation. They
| hGstercd from city TO city all through
the north, over all the region laid
J waste by tllr ASSyrian army. The