The Green Forest tribune., 1917-08-03

show Gods long forbearance. He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance l GIT Peter 3 :9I. And finally, we can account for it on the ground that God permits these things to go on long in order to vindicate his justice when he judges. He does not strike in judg- ment until all hope of repentance is l past.
 l. Manasseh's Sin (vv. 1-9). Though he had the example of q good father, he with passionate endeavOr gave him self up to the imitation of the heathen about him. This shows that grace is not inherited good father may have bad son. It also teaches us that it is absolutely necessary to bring the grace of God into vital touch with our children, for that grace is absolutely essential to their salvation. Only his grace can counteract the downward pull of sin.
 l. He restored the high places which had been destroyed by his father (v. 3. It Is thus seen that he sought to undo the good work done by his father.
 ,, He erected altars to Baal (v. B.. The idols worshiped on these altars seem to have been images of licen- tious appearance, provoking the indnl- gence of the human passion. There fore. with this worship was coupled the grossest licentiousness.
 g. He introduced the star worship of the Chaldeans and ASSyrians (v. 8. He even erected these altars in the house of the Lord. placing them on a level with God himself.
 f. He set up Moloch in the Vale of Hinnon (v 6). He not only encour- aged this worship on the part of oth- CTS, but he even caused his own chil- dren to pass through the fire.
 ,. He practiced magic, witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit (v. 6). So gross were these practices that they did even worse than the heather whom God had destroyed before the 1 Children of Israel came into the land. It seems to be true always that when those who profess to worship God turn away from him, they indulge in sin in excess of the unbelievers. 6. He rejected the Lords testimony 1 (v. 10). Doubtless the prophets had again and again admSnished him, but he seems to have turned entirely aside from such remonstranceS.
 II. Manasseh's chastisement (vv. H. 13). The Lord in grace used the As 1 Syrians to chaStise Manasseh so as to bring him to see his evil ways. He was captured, perhaps while hiding among the thicket of thorns (v. 11), bound in chains and carried to Baby lon. This was most humiliating. His hands were manacled, his ankles fas- tened together with rings and bar
 Ill. Manasseh's Repentance. (vv. 12 13). Fortunately, the reinstatement had it's desired effect Manasseh was brought to his senses and turned from his evil ways. The steps in his re pentance are as follows:
 1. Affiiction (v. 12). This was most severe. Bound with chains and dragged to Babylon. While this was severe, it was light in comparison with the sins which provoked it. Many today are grooming under the weight of Gods chastisement who have not yet come to realize that the weight is light com. pared with the offense. Affliction is Gods love token (Heb. 12 :6). It's pri mary design is to bring men back to God.
 2. Supplication (v. 12). Manasset had the good sense to cry out to Goo in this condition. It is the unmistak able evidence that Gods chastisement is accomplishing it's purpose. We are instructed in James :13 in time of af fiction to pray.
 3. Humility (v. 12). This is com mon characteristic of penitent souls Those who come under the hand ot God always recognize it in their hum ble walk.
 4. Forgiveness (v. 13). As soon a. God sees the signs of penitence, h, turns in mercy to the penitent anC grants absolution for sin. No on, needs to wait long to receive his for SlVeneSS.
 ,. His kingdom restored (v. 13) Manasseh not only was forgiven, bu he was actually restored to his king dom. Those who truly repent, Coo will not only forgive, but he will re store (Psa. 32 :3-5).
 6. Apprehension of God (v. 13) Through this experience Manassel came to know God. He not only cam to know God as the jealous God, tn One who will not tolerate a rival, bu he came to know him as a God O mercy. He came to know him in new way. Happy are those who sub nit tA hhe chastisement of God wh opens thAT hearts to receive the ney revelation Hof himself, even though be through Hhe hand of chastisement.
 ". Man sseh's Reformation "'