_But King Solomon loved many strange women._ SOLOMON’S SIN A few years ago two paintings were exhibited in this country, which attracted wide attention. One of them represented Rome in the height of her splendour, and the other in the depths of her decay. The contrast was melancholy and instructiv... [ Continue Reading ]
_When Solomon was old._ AN AGED SINNER Colporteur Pantel of Marseilles once offered a Bible to an old man who angrily replied, “Wine is my god.” “Indeed,” said Pantel, “then let me tell you that you have not imitated your god.” “What do you mean?” “Well, wine becomes better as it grows old, while... [ Continue Reading ]
_Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord._ SOLOMON THE BRILLIANT FAILURE The character of Solomon is unique--one of the loftiest and saddest of the sacred volume. Grand in its stately strength and towering height--sad in its demoralisation and fall. A morning fair and bright as ever dawned on mor... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh._ SOLOMON AND TOLERATION 1. Proverbs, it has been said, are “the wisdom of many and the wit of one,” at least they are most often trustworthy exponents of a uniform experience. And there is a proverb which tells us that no one ever became thoroughly... [ Continue Reading ]
_Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it._ SOLOMON’S SIN I_._ The action related to us. To appreciate it, we must consider (1) the greatness of the offence. Here was authority itself doing that which it ought to have prevented and punished; David’s son departing from David’s God; wisdom guil... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the Lord stirred up an adversary unto Solomon._ DIVINE IMPULSES Is this an old story that has in it no modern pith or music, or is it our own life anticipated and set in strange lights? Does it not throw some light upon the unexplained restlessness which now and again comes over the spirit of... [ Continue Reading ]
_When Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers._ A FEW TURNS OF A KALEIDOSCOPE Let me use this text like a kaleidoscope, giving it three or four turns, and try to describe what I see. Dealing with the incident as it stands here, there is a lesson for kings and all that are in authorit... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Behold I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon._ THE PURPOSE OF GOD “Nothing,” we are told, “succeeds like success.” It is the sign of a man of transcendent genius and power that he is able to carry through all his projects, and bring his schemes to a... [ Continue Reading ]