The L'Anse sentinel., 1908-01-11

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dren as welli And then the Egyptians
had good reason to know OF the
mighty Benaiah, for had he not slain
their strongest warrior, after q des-
perate combat. his only weapon being
his star, while the Egyptian was
armed with sword and spear?
With such leader and with an
army which had not known defeat for
years, where was the foe which could
stand up against It? Where was the
nation which could not be conquered?
Such were the questions which came
to the mind of the young King Solo
mon after Benaiah had proposed the
expedition against Recon, and the
vision Of worldwide conquest opened
up before him.
Better send for Nathan the pro-
phet and Zadok the high priest, and
talk 1t over with them." came the
thought, which brought q temporary
check to the glow Of enthusiasm which
thrilled his being as he had pictured
all the magnificence and glory and
power which would be his when he
had brought the whole world at his
feet.
But why talk with them?" he Inn
patiently calculated. IF 1t were
question as to the religious OBJ
servances, or the laws of the nation.
1t would be well. but what know they
about war and conQuest?"
And turning with an air of decision,
as though that matter was settled and
out Of the way, he summoned one Of
the servants and dispatched him with
q message to Benaiah and the other
chief warriors of Israel that they
should meet him in conference that
day at the palace, "for," said he to
himself, I'VE must needs lose no time.
for so vast an expedition will require
long and careful preparation"
AS may well be supposed, Benaiah
and the other officers of the army
we're highly pleased at the promise
of such extensive military operations,
and the active work of preparing for
the expedition soon aroused unusual
interest and enthusiasm throughout
the kingdom. Not a word of COM
mendation or of condemnation had
come to the king from either Nathan
or Zadok, although Solomon knew
that they must have heard of the
plans. But he felt rather relieved and
out, for he did not care to go into too
deep an analysis of the motives and
desires which actuated him In seeking
a world conquest. Somehow, he felt
that It would not meet their approval,
and he was glad he did not have to
answer uncomfortable questions and
enter into long explanations as to his
plans.
"But you must have God with you
II your plans are to be a success"
came the voice of conscience from
within, for Solomon loved the Lord,
and desired to do all that the Lord re-
quired. YES" Solomon persuaded
himself, but would 1t not be to the
honor and glory of God to bring all
kingdoms and all nations under the
dominion of the nation whose God Is
the Lord? l will hold sacrifices at
Gibeon and all the nation shall know
that the Lord is with me In this
thing"
So saying, King Solomon gave or
ders that Zadok prepare for the SER
vices, and on the appointed day he
went thither, with all his courtiers and
the chief men of his army. that they
might worship. Day after day the
ceremonies continued until at last a
| thousand burnt offerings had been sac
| rificed upon the high place. During
all those days of worship and service
singularly touched and stirred, and
there had come to him a new realiza-
tion of the need of and dependence
| upon God. He had come to Gibeon
| filled with the great ambition to send
| his armies out into the world and ex-
tend his scepter to every nation. and
one day when the question had arisen
In his heart whether he was willing to
give up that ambition II God was not
with him in the plan, fierce. i'm.
patient spirit had seized him, and the
impulse was strong upon him to forth.
with leave Gibeon and plunge head
long into the completing of the plans
of the expedition.
But would you attempt to conquer
the world while yet you cannot rule
your own spirit?" came the voice from
within.
With sudden horror and an inner re-
vulsion of feeling, Solomon realized
the awful crisis which faced his life.
Was he ready for world conquest
while yet he had failed to conquer his
own hearth Was he ready to rule
over the world, while yet he had not
proved that he could rule righteously
ovessthe nation which had chosen him
as king?
With these questions uppermost In
his mind. while yet he was shaping an
swer to them, he sought his couch that
night, and In dream thought God
spoke to him, asking him what he
should give to him.
Il was all 30 real that during all the
years which followed Solomon never
questioned but that God had visited
him in person and had given him the
promise Of his blessing because he had
chosen the wisdom and understanding
L - <y~S -oxh~~ 49, ~ ~ = ,<ex - ~vxx~ -