The Green Forest tribune., 1915-07-16

Last week we had the story of young man whose childhood was nm. restrained and ungoverned, who
 proved to be a sad failure. unable to govern the kingdom he so much de- sired. Today, by contrast, we study the life of a younger brother. who. under better influences, chose the way that leads to true success. Emphasize therefore the fact that this Sunday is Decision Day"
 ]. solomon's Part (vv. 3-e) (D
 Preparation (v. 3. Solomon was look ing out of the open gateway of life. Still the text suggests that there was preparation for his hearing of Gods wonderful promise, Ask what I shall give thee" (a) He loved the Lord"
 (v. 3. It was wonderful kingdom David had bequeathed to his son, enough to entice any young man, yet it was in the statutes of David' and in the worship of Jehovah that Solo, mon had his chief delight. (b) He went to Gibeon" (v. A because there at the tabernacle (the temple was not yet built Jehovah particularly manifested himself to the people q Chron. 21:29; Ex 29:42, 43 R. V.).
 CD Presentation (v. 4). He offered burnt offerings a thousand, when legally one would have sufficed. The tabernacle was a type of Christ (John 1:14 R. V. and John 14:6) and each of the one thousand sacrifices also pointed forward to the Christ The Christian has a better ground where on to approach God (Heb. 10:1-22) than that of countless sacrifices of rams and bulls.
 (3) Revelation (v. 5. God appeared to Solomon in a dream, we have a better revelation in Jesus and the in- spired Word, still it was real ap- pearance to him as subsequent events prove. (Gen. 2S:12, 13; Matt. 1920; Acts 1S:9, 10). Scientists themselves confess that they know comparatively little about dreams. That God can and does even in modern times give us revelations of truth by such means is witnessed by the book by the late Dr. A. J. Gordon, "How Christ Came !o Church" That dream transformed a pastor.
 (4) Position (vv. 6, D. In reply to Gods wonderful permission to Solo, mon, the setting before him of his infinite resources, Solomon first of all acknowledged his debt to David, his father Gods kindness, his faith fitness and bounty" (marg) to David had been according to the man. ner of his walking in "uprightness Of heart"; and to crown that kindness, he, Solomon, is "the son to sit on his throne" This acknowledgment in- volved a definite obligation or service for which Solomon felt his unworthiness.
 (5) Petition (vv 8, 9. Seeing the greatness of the responsibility now resting (v. 8 upon him Solomon plea is for wisdom. Already he had shown that he had in him the root Of true wisdom (Prov. 1:7 and Golden Text). Solomon seemed to realize his first to God and then to the people, for he said, "Who IS able to judge this Thy great people R. V. This is the true and right rela- ton of duty, public or private, God first, the people afterward Solomon asked for a hearing heart" (see k. V. marg). Such request was or more value than great riches (froV' 2: 3:13-1S) and was in line with his fa- ther David's petition q Chron. 22: lz; 29:19); another suggestion as to now fathers should pray for their sons.
 II. Gods Part, w. 1915. CD His Pleasure (vv. 10, ID. Solomon had not asked for self, for pleasure nor for earthly power and hence Gods de- light God delights in an intelligent prayer (Prov. 15:S). It is a greater thing to make a speech that pleases God than one to please man. Verse eleven tells of some of the things Sol omon might have asked TOT, ana which doubtless many of us would have asked under the same clrcum- stances.
 (2) His Performance (v. 12). But Solomon made a more wise choice hence Gods pleasure to do not only all he had asked, according to his human words, but more also (Eph. s:2O). His name has become proverb, synonymous with the great est wisdom (v. 2S, Oh. 4:29-34; 5:12' etcD. Seeking what seemed to be the minor thing God gave him the best Matt. 6:33; Rom. S:32; Oh. 10:23-29) and that which thou hast not asked
 (3) His Promise (v. IA. AS though to heap up his goodness, as sort or !, reward of merit, God offered SOLO, mon long life'' on one condition oniy' viz. obedience. Such a promise IS ,urs and the world has yet to realize he wisdom of Gods ordinances for the good of our physical we'll being (Deut. 5:16; 25:15; Prov. 3:1; 14:15- 23: I Tim. 4:Si. All of Gods prom ses are conditioned upon our ooedi-