The conversion of Solomon. Most of the Fathers of the Church are of opinion that, when troubles overtook him towards the close of his life, Solomon was converted and did penance, and thus was not eternally lost.
True happiness. Towards the end of his life Solomon wrote these words in the Book of Ecclesiastes: “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity. I made me great works, I built me houses and planted vineyards. I made gardens and orchards and set them with trees of all kinds. I heaped together for myself silver and gold. I made me singing men and singing women. I surpassed in riches all that were before me in Jerusalem; my wisdom also remained with me. Whatsoever my eyes desired, I refused them not; and I withheld not my heart from enjoying every pleasure. I saw in all things vanity and vexation of mind. Fear God and keep His Commandments, for this is all man.” By these words he meant to say: “All earthly possessions and joys are passing and cannot make a man really happy. Only the fear and love of God can bring happiness on earth and joy in eternity.” We should not therefore set our hearts on the good things of this earth, but should strive with all our hearts after those which are eternal.
Means of perseverance. He who desires to avoid grievous sin and to persevere to the end in what is right must, firstly, refrain from pleasure-seeking and laxity; secondly, he must avoid all intercourse with bad companions; thirdly, he must be humble and pray to God for the grace of final perseverance; for this most important of all graces can be obtained only by prayer.
Application. Solomon served God for many years and received the gift of wisdom from Him; and yet how deeply he fell!
Do you desire to stand fast in what is right? Then distrust yourself and be watchful. “Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation.” Pray often for the grace of perseverance.
Chapter LXI.
DIVISION OF THE KINGDOM.
(3 Kings 12. 2 Paralip. 10.]
AFTER the death of Solomon all the people[1] of Israel came to Roboam, his son, and said: “Thy father laid a grievous yoke[2] upon us, do thou take off a little of his most heavy yoke,
