The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1905-08-19

INTRODUCTlON--1n last lesson Wo
learned how Josiah priced tho book OF
the Lord which IIilklah found IN ne
temple and how he obtained counsel
from, Hlldah because Of the nat'on's SIN 81.
Ono would expect that the warning O.
the prophecies would lead TO permanent
reforlnI but Jelolakim. Josah's son, on
succeeding to tho throne, Opposed INC
& godly ctursn OF his father and sought TO
z rc,nstatr idolatrous worship Jeremiah.
the prnphet, deeply distressed nt THIS.
caused 3aruch to write a message TO
the klng which was sent ut first 10 Ger.
tain members .or the court that their
influence might be secured IN It's behalf
(Verse lD. The procedure Indicates mat
JehoaklIn was not kindly disposed 10
ward The prophet. and accordingly. that
he could not he freely approached. After
changing hands several Times the mes
sage came to the princes. those VINO
were Supposed to he near the king, and Z
they DISMISSED Baruoh, directing him 70
renal in some secret place unknown
to any one ms condition OF safely.
Verse 1917
CONCE.ALED--As4 a further prccautlon
10 avoid the Kings anger the princes laid
IN the roll In Jerusalem IN ''the chamber
Of Elishamn, tho scribe" who had sue
cccded Shanhnn. the scribe ~ Josiahs
time 2 King xxll:s.) That was very
pro1cr place for the document as the
scribe was the legal custodian Of all
sucH matter 1t may be assumed that
he Vas faithful servant, and that he
would preserve what was committed 10
HIM Moreover, the message acquired add,
ed fbrce and sanctitS- 1T first It was only
-, Iuo nd ~ "a that ar H.
deed to bc !, mouth-piece OF God, but
after Its deposit in the chest With other
sacrhd writings It acquired an official
| cha acter and would be so regarded for
even after Having thus laid away with
| , the temple scribe what had heen written
| the brInces proceeded with some ca,itio.l
| TO tie king (yerse 20). and made known
| tho contents to him. BY this act three
| influences were cxertcd to secure proper
| hearins--thc influence OF Jeremiah, whom
| all regarded as a man OF God; the In
| 1uenFe Of ElIshama, who had 'lled Jera-
| mahs words; the Influence the princes.
| the helpers and advisers In the govern
| ment.
BFOUGIIT.-On hearing the statement
! of the princes. Jeholakim sent a servant
! to fetch the roll (verse Ed There Is no
| disclosure OF the Kings motivc--whether
he was prompted by curiosity or malice.
! The servant read and Jel,oiakm and his
| princes listened, the latter standing
reverently beside the ruler. The scene
was not unlike that presented when
| shaphan read the book Of the Lord 10
| Josiah, a few years before e Kings,
| xxiI :l0). Only In the earlier Instance It was
the law OF Moses that was heard, while
in THE latter case It was the word Of
warning from Jeremah-the first showing
WIN Israel must do to please God, the
last showing what had been done &c
displease Him. IT was probable that Mosos
was held in great reverence, for he had
been long dead, and the institutions of the
| nation rested on him: while Jeremiah was
still living. and by his many bold ant
| enrnest words had aroused the anlinosltS
OF evil men, However, that may be, thf
! prophet's purpose was accompllshed--hf
(. had spoken to the king and dellvered tllt
/ words which God had hidden him e
speak. Ills duty was done, and the re-
4 sponsIhilty was with Jehoiaklm,
! BURNED, THE reading WAS attended bs
4 d most remarkable occurrence. Without
| waiting until the roll was completed, tht
| king caused nages or columns 10 be GU
! Off with penknlfe and cast into tht
| fire, and this was continued until tn
/ whole was consumed Oversees LIB, Those
who were present manifested no concern
| 4(yerse o4) except that three Of TN
mInee ~, Vainly endeayorod to proven
| the burning fverse 20, This act 0
i Jehoinkim was n deliberate exhibition 9
Contempt for ths uItsrans g, e e 5e re
l sllnale resolution TO continue ~
course. Perhaps he hoped TO null'fy we
word az God BY destroying y, Or at Z leah =
10 " prevent any further spread Of y,
tldings contained In VI, a. TINS dlsplaSe'
the enmity Of his mind tho dteprav,lty', w., Q
4 his heart, the perYerslty W ne VIZ =