their good in both respects. Hence he prayed, that God would set one over them, who should " go in and out before them," leading them by his example, as well as directing them by his authority : and though doubtless this might principally refer to the wars which they were about to wage, yet it certainly comprehended also every part of the governor's office, whether civil or religious. Such is the prayer which every pious minister must offer, when he finds the time of his dissolution drawing nigh. He must not be satisfied with having discharged his own duties conscientiously, but must " labour earnestly for them in prayer," desiring to have his flock committed to one, who shall watch over them with diligence, and minister unto them with fidelity ; one, who will not merely direct them aright, but will go before them in the way, as the eastern shepherds were wont to do. In this he must manifest his resemblance to the Saviour, who " had compassion on the people, because they were as sheep having no shepherd3 :" in this too he must follow the footsteps of the Apostles, who strove, both by oral and written communications, to perpetuate the effect of their labours13.]
How pleasing and acceptable this intercession was, we see in,
II. The gracious provision which God made for them — Here, as in ten thousand instances, God answered without delay the petitions presented to him —
1. He selected a suitable person for the office —
[" Take Joshua," says he, " a man in whom is the Spirit." Yes, such are the magistrates and ministers whom God ap- points : he selects those in whom are suitable qualifications for the post assigned them, or, at least, persons whom he himself will fit for their office. A talent for government is implied in this expression, but it implies also real piety ; which is abso- lutely requisite for a due discharge either of the magisterial or ministerial office. None can act for God, who do not act from him, that is, by grace received from him : and consequently, none can make the best use of their authority, who are not taught by the Spirit to use it for the furtherance of religion, and for the glory of God. O that such persons were universally selected to manage the concerns both of church and state ! We might hope for a far richer blessing on the nation at large, and far infinitely greater good to the Church of Christ, if such persons, and such only, were invested with the sword of ma- gistracy, or the pastoral staff. At all events, both magistrates and ministers may learn from hence, what qualification they
a Matt. ix. 36. b Acts xx. 25—32. 2 Pet. i. 12—15.