,in, and by a preJumptuous appropriation of Goas promiies, as though the land was theirs whenever 11nd however they chose to take it. Even so do many put aside all genuine repentance and self-humiliation for their grievous sins, when those sins are brought home to them, speaking and acting as if a bare ncknowledgment of sin (which cannot be avoided) replaced them at once in the favour of God, and gave them a sure title to all the blessings of the covenant. 3. That they went against their foes witlwut Moses, and without the ark, as if they could do without Divine help to-day what yesterday they had despaired of doing with that help. Even so when men have discovered the folly of their sins by sharp experience, they will set to work to lead a good life and to overcome temptations without the means of grace, without the presence and aid of Jesus, without any ground of confidence that he is with them in their strife. 4. That the result was speedy and disastrous defeat at the hands of their enemies. Even so have all men fared who have tried to achieve holiness and heaven without the Divine aid carefully sought and constantly had (Heh. iv. 16; xii. 28). Ill. CONSIDER AGAIN, WITH RESPECT TO THE SPIES AND THE LAND OF PROMISE- 1. That the proposal to search the land did not at first proceed from God, b1tt probably from a secret disaffection on the part of the people; nevertheless, he made it his own. Even so there are many things m the Church of God which have their first origin in human defection from the obedience of faith, which yet, as not being wrong in themselves, God has adopted and made a part of that order of things which is our practical probation. A great part of Christian civilisation, e. g., had its real origin in pride, ambition, or covetousness ; neyertheless, it is certain that God has adopted it, and we could not go back from it without flying in the face of providence. 2. That the change whereb'/1 Hoshea (help) became Jehoshua (Go<ls help) was either made or declared at this time. Even so when it is any question of finding the way to heaven, or making nny report concerning it, no "help" is of any avail which is not clearly and avowedly "God's help" (Acts xxvi. :!2). 3. That the in.~tructions given by Mom seem to have erred by directing attention tt,o much to possi.ble difficulties. Even so it is a frequent error, and a natural one, in rulers of the Church that they direct attention too much to matters of worldly policy and to outward difficulties, and thereby encourage a spirit of cowardice and discouragement which they do not themselves share. 4. That Hebron was older than Zoan. Most likely they thought that Zoan, the residence of Pharaoh, was the oldest place in the world, but, as a fact, Hebron was seven years (a perfect number) older still. Even so we think and speak naturally of the present order of things as though it always had been, as though all the prestige of antiquity at any rate were on its side. In truth the country to which we go is infinitely older, having been prepared for us " before the foundation of the world." 5. That the valley of Eshcol had a new meaning given to its name because of tlie famous cluster which they bare thence. Even so mnny nn old name in the Bible becomes instinct with new meaning through its association with the joys of the ~orld to come ( cf. Paradise, Zion, &c.) ; and so many scene in our individual a
lives, being connected with some spiritual happiness. 6. That the spies confirmed all tliat God had said of the land. Evon so those who have had visions of heaven, and those too among ourselves who have taster! ef its sweetness and its gifts in a heavenly life on earth, must needs testify that all which God bath said of its blessedness is most true, nnd not exaggernted. 1. That Caleb differed from the rest of the spies, and was tl~ only reliable counsellor, in that he had ' another spirit,' and "fulji.lled to walk after '' the Lord. Even so the faithful Christian, whom it is safe to follow, is known among the many fnithless-(1) as being led by nnother spirit from that which sways the disaffected und disobedient (Rom. viii. 15; Eph. ii. 2) ; (2) as having not merely promised, or begun, or set out, but "fulfilled " to follow Christ in the way he went (1 Cor. xi. 1 ;
Eph. v. 1 ; 1 Thess. i. 6). 8. That the otltei- spies died b!I the hand of God, aa having turn!d their ln-ethi-en. away from Canaan. Even so it is a fenrful sin 1 Cllld one thut will be feurfully 158 THE BOOK OF NUMBERS. [CHS. XIU. 1 XIV,