The Spectator., 1915-10-26

LESSON TENTH Kings 114-12.
 GOLDEN TEXT-The house of the wicked shall be overthrown; but the ten; of the upright shall fiourish.-Prov. 14 Il, R. V.
 This is a great and most intensely interesting boys story. For thirty years two great heroes, Elijah and Elisha, fought against Baal. They stood up against kings and people, and fought for pure morals as the champions of Jehovah. Jehoshaphat. a good man, allowed his son to marry Jezebel's daughter and the nation reaped the results. The son of this union reigned over Judah but one year and was slain by Jehu, the destroyer of Ahab's dynasty. Athaliah, as dow ager queen regent ruled for six years (See ? Chron. 22). General Jehu wrought in the northern kingdom, hence the temporary escape of this child of Jezebel, the cursed queen.
 |. conceaIment, w. Ia. Jehosheba, the wife of Jehoiada, the high priest In charge of the temple, is thought to be
 
 than Athaliah. She was the agent ib Gods hands of saving the boys life and of the final extinguishment of the seed of Ahab. Jehosheba, as daughter of one king. sister of another and high priests wife, was familiar with every nook and corner of the temple, and "so a woman's ruthlessness was out witted by a woman's cunning. Far rar. Thus God saved the seed of Da- vid according to his Word (Psalms S9:3. 4.
 II. Conspiracy, w. 4-8. Athaliah's pages in the history of Judah. She murdered not her own children but her grandchildren to gain, or rather to continue, her rule. for as her sons counselor she was the real ruler of the nation (II Kings S:26, 27; II Chron. 22:3, 4. God had made a promise (ch. S:19: Isa. 7:6; Jer. 33: 17-26) and that promise must be fulfilled, for no evil can thwart his will. Athaliah IS a terrible example of unrestrained heredity We have here the results of an unholy alliance. This is also an appalling example of the fruit of selfish ambition: ta) upon the nation. (b) on the family, Co on the individ- ual.
 As against this picture we see con- secrated woman. a devoted home and the teaching of pious priest the final outcome of which was the over throw of evil. This priest and his wife took certain other traits Joash inherited from his vile ancestors, such as courage, energy, skill and perse- verance, and, training them under right and pious environment, turned them to the blessing of the nation. The early formative period of this boys life was thus spent in such way as to result in continuous bless ing throughout his reign u2:1, ?.
 III. Browning, w. e-12 (to V. 16). It was Q great service the priest and his wife rendered to Judah to save and to train child So likewise we are priv ileged, and those who are truly saved and rightly trained will also ulti- mately be crowned (I Tim. AS: l Peter 5;14; Rev. 2:10).
 There are two accounts of the coro- nation ceremonies tsee also II Chron. 22:10-23;2D they differ but do not conflict. The five captains and 500 bodyguards wrought q great work on that Sabbath day Every man in the conspiracy did exactly as told. Joash is brought out at the exact moment. So also will our king appear at Gods appointed time. The law is placed in his hands (v. 12, Ex 25;16: Ps. 1885; Isa. S:16. 20). This controverts those who would have us believe the law was not written until Joash reigned Aside from the law which was placed in his hands a crown was placed on his head and there was also the GUS tomary shouting and clapping of hands and cries of God save the king" (Am. R. VI which accompany such occa- sions.
 W. Conclusion. CD Our Young Kings (and 0ueens). For everyone of our boys and girls there is awaiting a kingdom. Each is surrounded by dan gers even as Joash Their only safety is in God. in the love and power of his holy spirit, the knowledge of his word, the care and culture of his church, the guidance and influence of homes which belong to him.
 (2) The Bible and the Coronation. The chief and most important part of the coronation was to place the word of God in the young kings hand. Thy word have l hid in my heart that might not sin against thee.'
 It is the royal law, life. lively oracles, food, light and wisdom for king and subject alike.
 (3) The Anointed King. Symbolical ly Joash received the holy spirit that he might know now and have power to live and govern by the law just placed in his hands. q Sam. 10:16, 16:13; Acts 4:27; Heb 1:9).
 Such anointed ones are kings and queens and their lives are a benedic-