Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-03-25

manent value. Their loss of prestige led
Judah to realize her mission and lag deep
foundations of morality that brought Hess
ings out of their trials. The division
turned the course OF the nation into new
channels. The hope of continuing to be
world power was quickly lost. The rich
resources that had been accumulated were
rapidly dissipated by war, and in the
struggle for a national existence the
equality of all was restored in Judah
The character of God was learned They
came to know Him not as a local God. but
as the one and only Supreme Ruler of the
universe. Coming to know their God, they
came to understand their own m ssion in
the world to be not political or CONNER
cial, but religious. This gave to the
Jewish people peculiar power by which
they have risen above the forces of ma
tional humiliation and exile, and given
o humanity the basic truths and princt-
plies which are the everlasting foundations
of religious life. Gods face appeared
darkened for time, but His light was not
utterly withdrawn. He led them through
their struggle until they came to possess
an unquenchable faith and an everlasting
peace and a conquering trust amid every
complicating disaster and apparent de-
feat SO that they proclaimed the gospel
of confidence in Jehovah: Put thou thy
trust In God and He shall bring IL to
pass" The famine In Israel made Ahab
and the multitude receptive to Elijah's
message and ministry at Carmel. The ex-
perience under the juniper tree brought
Elijah to see at Horeb what the apostle
later affirmed. that "All things work to-
gether for good to them that love God"
The poor widow of Zarepath and the
wealthy Shunamite both came into
closer fellowship with Jehovah through
the loss OF their son. Elijah's depend
ency upon God prepared him for the
tests of life. The greatest blessing OF
adversely Is that 1t drives us to the
mercy seat for protection, peace and
There ha
learned that prayer is the pathway to
progress.
Pathway of Success.
The power Of God is placed at the
disposal Of the man of prayer. Elijah
on Mount Carmel. Elisha in the proph-
cts chamber with the dead child.
Jehosaphat beholding the combined
forces of Mohab. Ammon and Mount
SER about to strike Judah-all tested
the power of prayer. They asked In
faith and God answered. If the Chris
tians of today would ask, seek and
knock in prayer, as their Lord desires,
pentecostal blessings would be poured
out upon them. They who dwell in
the secret place OF the Most High
come through communion with tho
to do His will.
Every one has an opportunity given to
them in life to serve God and their fellow
man. Not once, but often Ito every man
and nation comes the moment to decide,
In the strife of truth with falsehood, for
the good or evil side" The motive OF
principle or policy by which he decides
is determined by his relations to God.
The man who seeks first the kingdom or
Gnd riQhfanngpRSS' fears
consequences The decisions, based upon
material personal advantage or policy.
carry with them the seeds Of disaster.
Whatsoever a man soweth. that snan
lessons of the quarter. Jereboam. LED by
policy, sought to transfer the old meeting
places into substitutes for the temple py
placing symbols that represented GOD;
and reorganiZing the priesthood from All
classes planted the seed of Israefs de-
struction. Omri, by arranging for clos
err commercial afiliation with Tyre by
marrying his son Ahab with Jezeoei'
FASTENED the hour OF Israers doom.
Ahab. by listening to the voice or ms
heather wife, brought disaster upon his
people and by his covetOusness conoem-
nation upon himself and his househoid.
Benhadad's bOastfulness and drunken
ness brought him and his allies an un-
expected defeat Rehoboam, by following
the advice Of evil companions, brought u
division of the Hebrew commonwealth:
the results of the persecution they IN.
augurated. God commended Asa as well
as JehOSaphat for their good work a
religious reformers In seeking to bring
Judah into closer fellowship with Him
and to be loyal to His law, but punish
ment was given to Asa because he trusted
in an alliance with Benhadad and failed
to have faith in the protection of God.
The women that befriended the prophets
God blessed. God honored His prophets
with vision and victory. To Elijah was
given the glory of entering into eternity
without passing through the valley of the
shadow Of DEATH God Is no respecter OK
persons. He has the same standard Tor
all. The nation or individual that sin
meth shall perish. The one who repents 10
given a new opportunity and help to live
Alright. That which lasts Is mans reiee
ion with God. He that seeks Gods glory
receives His blessing.
God never deserted HIS people. IN
every crisis He supplied leaders with
great personality. He met the needs OF
The people and proved present help in
trouble. True religion is the best asset
Of any. people. for blessed is that nation
whose God is the Lord. Irreligion for
men and nations means loss OF prestige.
position and power. Righteousness alone
.xalteth q nation. The pathway to
peace. progress and power is found In the
prayer Of the faithful and the practice
II Gods viii In q life of unselfish serv-
Zee for the glory of God and the veal OK
nan. Get right and keep right with GOD
you would win