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could not save Daniel from the den of lions. In both cases deliverance came from
God independently of man. It would appear that while from one standpoint one
form of government may be better than another, from another standpoint they are
all much the same.
Whether we are called upon to live under the tyranny of absolute monarchy, or
the equal tyranny of extreme democracy, both alike are under the control of God,
and until He permits no harm can reach us, we are equally safe under the King or
President."
The conversation took a turn, as the result of this thought, in the direction of trust in
the Lord, when the following suggestion was put forward which we pass on:--
When the Lord appeared to Solomon with the words, "Ask what I shall give
thee", it will be remembered that Solomon chose wisdom and knowledge. It so
pleased the Lord that Solomon should have asked this, and not for riches, wealth,
honour, etc., that He said:--
"Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and
wealth and honour such as none of the kings have had that have been before
thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like."
At Solomon's death Israel came to Rehoboam, and said:--
"Thy father (Solomon) made our yoke grievous; now therefore ease thou
somewhat the grievous servitude of thy father."
This makes it appear that Solomon's riches grew out of the servitude and
burden of the people. We read in I Kings 10: 14 that :--
"The weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold."
Ominous number! connected by prophecy with the mark of the beast! Had
Solomon trusted God to fulfil His promise, instead of exacting such as tribute
from the people, he might have received 777 talents and have saved his kingdom.
The testimony is simple, but we feel that we should all be the better if the two lessons
drawn from Daniel and Solomon were taken to heart:--
"Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him" (Isa. 2: 12).