The Pulpit Commentary — Joshua — Section 381

nllll nccopt.ed ns_ n menns of discipline to humble UR and drive us to the sympathy of Go~ (1 Cor. 1v. 3). (3) A refuge from the misunderstanding of men may be found m the knowlc,lgc and sympathy of God. The suspected tribes appeal to the "Lo1·d God of gods," who knows everything. When men misjudge, God sees the trnth. It is better to bo blamed by all the world and approved by God, than to win the world's npprov~l ~t tho expense of God's_ disapproval. (4). Vf e should explain our conduct when 1t 1s quest10ned by those m whose good opin10n we are interested. The tmns-J ordanic tribes made a full explanation of their motives in buildin" the altar. The p1:ide whi?h disdains an explanation is (a) foolish, for it injures" our- selves; (b) _uuJust, for 1t allows the world to suffer for a false impression; and (c) un- generous, smce our brethren have a right to expect us to justify our conduct when this is possible. • II. CONSIDER THE INCIDENT IN RELATION TO THE TEN TRIBES. These tribes were hasty in judgment, but wise in conduct. (1) Zeal/or God's honour i-, always commendable. Phinebas and his friends feared dishonour to the name of God. It is well to be jealous for God's truth rather than for our private interest. (2) We should be cautious of passing an adverse judgment on others. Phinehas was too hasty. Many are too ready to form an unfavourable opinion of the conduct of others. Charity should incline us to view this in the best light (1 Cor. xiii. 7). (3) Con- tentions often spring from mistakes. It is so in the wars of nations, in ecclesiastical ~ifferences, in personal quarrels. (4) It is our duty to inquire well into the grounds of a quarrel before taking an active part on either side. The Israelites sent a deputation to their brethren. It is unjust to decide and act on the uncertain • information of mere rumours. Before saying anything ill of a person we should endeavour to see the accused himself, and bear bis explanation. (5) We should frankly recognise our errors of judgment. The Israelites admitted their mistake. It is mean and unchristian to hold to a mistaken judgment from feelings of pride. The Christian should always work for peace (Matt. v. 9).-W. F. A. Vers. 26-28.-The altar of witness. I. THE OBJECTS Ail!ED AT. The Israelites were proved to have been in error when they assumed that the erection of the altar was a sigu of religious schism and tribal secession. On the contrary, it was intended to prevent those very evils. (1) It was erected to presene the unity of the nation. National unity is always a desirable end of patriotic efforts. It secures strength, mutual help, brotherly sympathy, and the means of progress. Christians should aim at restoring the unity of the Church; or, where this is not possible, at preventing further divisions. "Wbile the external unity of the Church is broken, oneness of spirit and oneness of aim should be bonds of common sympathy between Christians. It would be well if Christians could make it evident that their points of difference are far less important than that common ground of essential faith on which all a1·e united. Less emphasis would then be given to the internal controversies of the Church, and more weight to the great conflict with sin and unbelief and the great mission to evangelise the world. (2) The altar was erected to maintain the rel-igious faith of the trans- J ordanic tribes. Religion is more impo1·tant to a people than fertile lands and well-built cities. We make a poor exchange when we sacrifice privileges of worship for worldly convenience. Separation from the ordinances of religion endangers the faith of religion. It should be our fi_~t duty to see that 1·elig10us wants are supplied (a) for ourselves, (b) for our families, (c) for destitute places, such as newly built suburbs of great towns, outlying hamlets, the colonies, &c. II. THE DANGER FEARED. The mon who built the altar of witness thought that the national unity and religious faith were _end~ngered. (1) _Separation from the othe1· tribes was a source of dnnger. It 1s difficult to be fa1t~ful wbeu we stand alone. (2) Time would increase the danger._ These °:1-en bmlt_ the altar with a view to the fnture. The severest test of faithfulness 1s the tnal of endurance. Christians rarely forsake Christ suddenly. Early in1pressions li!1ger for a tun_e al:!d fade gi-adually; but they will fade unless they a1·e renewed. _\\ ~ cannot marntam the faith of a life on the lessons of youth. For constant faith we need ?oustant- "means of grace." (3) New generations woultl be less fo1·tifietl agalllst the  THE BOOR OF ,TOSHP A. [en. XXII. 1-34.