The Bolivar bulletin. (Bolivar, Tenn.) 1888-1946, 1903-07-10

iEfT1NllSiIlf, " SHiN WlOm was eX6mpll-
IH1IlAlHIh{SA EsW fed most striking
III EsE 1y their truth and
NJ >HfAElH meaning. Tak c
Il l. E# your Bibles and
read the third
| chapter of | Kings Solomon has just
been called to rule over the Jewish ma
ton in the room of David his father.
Among the first acts of his reign he
| seeks the Lord in sacrifice and worship
at Gideon. The testimony of God S
Word in the third verse of the chapter
is that Solomon loved the Lord, walk
ing In the statutes of David his father,
and it is with the deepest reverence and
devotion that this young king recog-
nizes Gods claims upon him and his
need of and dependence upon God.
With lavish hand the king makes his
offerings before the Lord. The smoke
of thousand burnt offerings assembled
from the multitude of affairs erected
there The priests and the Levites have
been kept busy in preparing the Hooks
of lambs, and the droves of cattle for
the sacrifice All the nation knows OF
the religious devotions of the new king,
and thousands have gathered from all
over the kingdom to share In the cere-
monies. What a revival season was
that for Solomon and the nation! The
hearts of all are quickened and God draws
very near unto them. He always does
when the soul steadfastly sets itself to
seek the Lord. And in the stiffness of
the night watches during this great ma
tional religious celebration, God ap-
81 t. 1r~nn A
words of the Lord and the reply of Sol
ONION indicate the burden which was
upon the heart of the young ruler. The
new and great responsibilities require
increased wisdom and abilities. He did
not have the words of our text to ad-
monish and encourage him, but his
heart was open towards God and he felt
the need of more than human help. 1t
was then that God came to him. 1t is
at such times that the Lord always
comes. The words eff any of you lack
wisdom" imply a condition similar to
that which we find prevailing in the life
of Solomon at this time-responsibilf-
ties incurred, modesty in measuring
personal abilities, consciousness of the
need of Divine assistance.
A T the very outset we wish to dispel
n any thought or impression which
may prevail that this visit of the Lord
to Solomon, His request that he ask
of Him his hearts desire. and the gift
of great wisdom in response to the
expression of the wish, are of such
supernatural character as to partake of
the nature of a fairy tale Such col
oring could be and has been given to this
Bible story. 1t is fascinating to think
of having the privilege of one wish and
then being suddenly and miraculously
endowed with the thing wished for. But
such are not the facts in this story be-
fore us, l believe; and there is nothing
in the experience of Solomon at Gideon
which may not have its reproduction in
the life of everyone. The words of our
text are for all, and they find their full
realization in this experience of Solo
mon. This story has always had its
fascination for children and for older
ones, too, but it's practical value has
been largely lost because specifically
and systematically considered. Solo
mon was not one of those specially ia
vOred individuals to whom chance !
brought the golden opportunity of eX-
pressing a wish, and then the magic |
wand being waved above him-presto, |
changei-he was quickly transformed |
from an ordinary mortal to one en-
dowed with superhuman wisdom. That |
is not the way God operates. Solomon |
sought God with all his heart, and the |
Lord revealed to him the privilege which |
the soul always has when in accord with |
the will of God, that of asking and re-
ceiving Or, as our text declares: eff !
any of you lack wisdom, let him ask |
Of God, that giveth to all men literally |
and upbraideth not; and it shall be
given him.