Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1911-07-11
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.BKRLE. STUDIES.
DIVINE JUSTICE AND MERCY
n Cronicles 80: -20-JuIy is.

~ Chronicles 80: 20-JuIy is.
Cease to do evil; learn to do we'll"
lisa. .16, II.
Manasseh the central figure of this
study was the son of the good King
Hezekiah, Manasseh succeeded to fhe
throne of Judah in his twelfth year
the bad son offa good father This
matter of good fathers and evil sons
and evil fathefaS and good sons was
probably due. frequently to the good
or evil character of the mothers as
we'll as to the fact that the king. &C.
cupied with the affairs of state. could
not give proper attention to the cui-
tivation of his own children. Doubt
less, there are exceptions to every
rule, but it is impossible to avoid a
certain amount of reflection against
the parents in respect to every scape-
grace child.
How Few Recognize the Sacredness of
Parental Responsibilities.
Parentage Is undoubtedly the high
est and most important function of
human life. Yet how few realize the
sacredness of parental responsible
ties The Prophet inquiries, Who can
bring clean thing out of an unelean?"
While admitting the inference that
none of our race can possibly be per-
feet. we must admit also that in the
parents reside great possibilities re-
specting the good or evil of their chill
dren. This responsibility should be
felt in mating-before marriage We
are not urging that marriage should
he put upon the same plan as stock
breeding, and the finer sentiments dis
regarded; but we do claim that the
spirit Of sound mind should be
sought in connection with the most
important contract of life, affecting
not only the destiny and happiness of
the pair. but also of their offspring.
The breeder of fine horses, dogs, cat
tie, etc, will explain how careful he
is with the mother during the period
OF breeding-her health, her surround
ings. all are considered because all
have to do with her offspring, yet
these same breeders of cattle, horses.
poultry. etc, seem to give little con-
sideration to the condition of the Wife
the mother of their own children.
during the period of CESSATION. How
strange that horse-fancier realizes
that the breeding mare will be bene-
fitted by pictures of running horses
and by seeing horses racing. and that
as consequence her foal will be more
speedy and more valuable. yet fails
to apply this principle TO his Wife
Is it any wonder that children are
born nervous and peevish when we
know that the mother in bearing them
was fretted and annoyed in a thou
sand ways? Is it any wonder that
af
passion. anger and lust, when we
think of the experiences of their
mothers which are thus impressed up
on them? Surely all parents of rea
sonable judgment. understanding
these matters. would lay proper
foundations for character in their
children-foundation upon which. sub
sequently. they would patiently, care
fully and lovingly develop their chill
dren along the lines of the highest
standards of righteousness and the
beauty of holiness and loyalty to the
Creator But while this should be
the endeavor of all when could we
hope ever to bring the world into
condition to desire and strive for
such results7 Never, Hope for the
world would die were it not based
upon the sure Word of the Lord,
which promises mankind help from on
High in the great Kingdom of Mes
siah.
The Valley of Hirnom.
King Manasseh reintroduced idol
airy. built affairs for the worship of
Baal in the courts of the temple. used
entertainments and communicated with
evil spirits. The punishment for idol
airy was not eternal torment. be II
noted that erroneous view came to
us during the Dark Ages We are
getting back to a better understand
ing of God and His Word.
In connection with the kings idol
atrous decisions. 1t is recorded in verse
six that he caused his children to
pass through the fire in the valley or
Hinnom." That valley lies Just out
side the city of Jerusalem, to the
south It is now considerably filled up
and covered with orchards. OF old 1t
was a deep valley. It was used Tor