Editorial November 1, 1900 Issue

Solomon's Choice

Editor

When Solomon became king over Israel the Lord appeared unto him in a dream by night and said, "Ask what I shall give thee." And Solomon replied, "Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad." "And the speech pleased the Lord.... And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; behold I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches and honor: ... and if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days."

The wisdom of Solomon's choice is apparent to all. As a king he was not to live for himself alone but for the people he governed. He was the servant of the people and it was his duty to minister rather than to be ministered unto. The kingdom was for the people and not for the king.

The purpose of civil government is to establish and maintain individual rights, give to each person the protection to which he is entitled, and, so far as it is possible for human institutions to do so, to make life happy and harmonious. It is not enough that government should meet the demands of the present. Wise laws justly administered and faithfully obeyed bring a higher and more spiritual thought of existence. This is the real purpose for which they are enacted.

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