submitted to the lot did not choose the best for themselves. They allowed a division which was fair for all. In business we are too selfish and grasping. The principle of competition should yield to the principle of co-operation. It is wicked for the able and clever to grow rich by taking advantage of the weakness and incapacity of those with whom they transact business (Phil. ii. 4). In the end the individual gains by the exercise of such generosity and fairness as promotes the welfare of the whole community. "We are members one of another." If one suffer all suffer (1 Cor. xii. 26). This is not only Christian morality, it is the highest truth of political economy. Before concluding we must look at a question suggested by this subject, viz., Are we right and wise in reRorting to the lot in the present day? We have no Divine authority for the present use of it. We have other means of learning God's will. We live under a dispensation of fuller light. Decision by lot corresponds to rule by law-it is authoritative, requiring blind obedience. Christianity opens our eyes to principles of conduct and to principles of Providence. If God now guides us in other ways, we have no right tc, suppose that He will so direct the lot as to signify His will thereby. To resort to this is to fall back on lower means of guidance. It often implies both indolence and superstition. -W.F.A. . Vers. 6-15.-Caleb. I. THE CHARACTER OF C.U.EB. (1) Independence. He and J osbua bad stood alone in the almost universal panic. It is difficult to discern the right and be faithful to it when all around us go wrong. The sanction of the multitude is no justification for an evil course. Truth and right are often with the minority (Matt. vii. 13, 14). (2) Truth. Caleb says, "I brought him word again as it was in mine heart." We are tempted to bide our convictions when they are unpopular. The true man speaks what is in "his heart," not the mere echo of the voice of the multitude (Acts iv. 19, 20). (3) Courage. Caleb had ad,ocated the course which seemed to be most dangerous. He is now willing to recei,e for inheritance a possession from which he will have to expel the Anakims (,er. 121. Courage is a form 'bf unselfishness and a fruit of devotion to duty. (4) Unselfishness. Though Caleb had shared with Joshua the honour of being faithful and brave in the day of general failure, he bas lived quietly ever since, seeking no peculiar honour, and now the brave old man asks for inheritance a mountain region infested with hordes of the :fiercest Canaanites, and offers to conquer it for himself. Like Lot, we commonly choose the pleasant places, and are greedy of much rewlll"d for little service. Caleb thinks himself no martyr. It is happy to have the humility and unselfishness which not only ask for little but are satisfied with little. (5) Whole-hearted devotion to God (ver. 8). This is the secret of Caleb's character. Devotion to God makes us independent of men, true in the light of His searching eye, brave with trust in His help, and unselfish in obedience to His will. Half- hearted devotion foils of this. We must serve God wholly if we woulcl grow strong and true and brave. II. THE REWARD OF CALEB. (1) Long life. He and Joshua were the sole survivors of the Jews who escaped from Egypt. The cowards perish. The brave are spared. For us the corresponding blessing is not long earthly-life but eternal spiritual life. (2) Continued strength and oppo1·tunity for service. His strength remains (ver. 11). His inheritance makes new claims on his comage ancl energy (ver. 12). The lot of greatest comfort is not the lot of highest honour. The best reward is renewed ability to serve (Matt. xxv. 23). (3) A possession, the advantages of which he had long since discerned. Caleb and Joshua had stood alone in opposing the unbelief of the people in prospect of the promised lan_d. No~ their position is justified. The reward of solitary defenders_ of the truth will c_ome ~ the ultimate triumph of it. 'rhose who now best appreciate the heavenly inheritance will enjoy it best hereafter. (4) Rest. The land bad rest, and Caleb must have shared the rest. The rest of heaven will be sweetest to those who have toiled an<l borne most on eartb.-W. F. A. Ver. 8.-" I wholly followeil the Loril my Goil." I. TRUE RELIGION IS BASED ON 23G THE BOOK OF JOSilUA. [cH. Xi:v, 1-16,
PERSONAL RELATIONS WITH GoD. Caleb ascribes his colll'age and fidelity to his connection with God, and he speaks of the Lord as "my God." (1) Religion is ,'ndividua.l. ·we must pass from "our" God to "my" God. Each soul is called to as prirnte communion with God as if there were no other souls in existence. (2) Religion establishes close relations with God. In His personal dealings with the soul God comes near to it, so that He approp1iates the soul and the soul lo.ys clo.im to possessing God. II. RIGHT PERSONAL RELATIONS WITH GOD WILL BE SHOWN BY OUR FOLLOWING Hrn. It is not sufficient that we believe, worship, manifest aftection. We must show our devotion by a consistent course of life. (1) This is to seek to be newr to God, love and duty drawing us Godward. (2) It is to obey His commands, follow- ing the course of His will. (3) It is to emulate His example-trying to do as He does (Matt. "Ii. 48). Christianity consists in following Christ (Mark i. 17, 18). III. "WE OXLY FOLLOW GOD ARIGHT WHEN WE FOLLOW Hrn WHOLLY. We can- not se1"\'e God and mammon. We must choose whom we will serve. Half-hearted serrice is no tJ.ue sernce. Following God wholly implies (1) not desisting from service on account of loss or trouble incurred; (2) taking no account of the opimon and conduct of other men when these would deflect us from fidelity to God ; (3) sening God in all the relations of life, business, social, domestic, and private. IV. UNDIVIDED DEVOTION TO GOD IS NECESSARY FOR SUCCESS IN HIS WORK, We see how thoroughness and singleness of aim are essential to success in secular pursuits-in business, science, art, literature. They are not less essential in spiritual things. Much of our work fails for lack of thoroughness. Hesitating belief, divided aims, mingled motives, often render religious efforts weak and futile. We need to be more perfectly devoted, giving ourselves wholly to God's service (1 Tim. iv. 15). --W. F. A.