HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Ver. 29.-The death of Joshua. It has been well remarked that" this Book of Joshua, which begins with triumphs, ends with funerals." All human glory ends in the grnve. The longest life is soon passed. The most useful men are taken from their work on earth, leaving the· unfinished task to other hands. ,Joshua being dead yet spooketh. I. JosHUA IS AN EXAMPLE FOR us. (1) His character is an example of (a) courage, (b) ~nergy, (c) independence, (d) trust, (e) unselfishness. He is the type of the eolcher of God, the pattern of active and masculine excellence. (2) His mi.~sion is an example. Christians are called to possess an inheritance, to conquer the earth for Christ, to fight against and overcome the evils and temptations of the world. (3) His career is an example. We see how Joshua was true to his character and fulfilled his mission. He served through a long life. There are some whose devo- tion is like morning dew. There are others who are roused for great deeds at critical moments, but are negligent in the longer intervals which are left for quiet service. It is a great thing to be long and continuously faithful. It is selfish to desire an early death. Rather, if it is God's will, should we welcome the oppor- tunity oflong service. (4) His end is an example. Joshua was faithful to death, and faithful in death. His last act was to bind the people to the service of God with a solemn covenant, and pledge his own devotion and that of his house. The Christian's death-bed should be a blessing to others. II. JOSHUA IS A TYPE OF CHRIST. Jesus is our Joshua., with marks of resemblance and of contrast to the Hebrew leader. (1) Jesus Christ exemplifies in perfection a.II those good characteristics for which Joshua is famous. Though mild and gentle, our Lord was not weak and effeminate. Fidelity, firmness, courage, energy, are seen in Him to perfection. As the perfect man, he combined and harmonised the excellences of all good types of character. (2) Jesus Christ, like Joshua, lived a life of warfare. Joshua was a warrior. Christ is a captain of salvation. He met constant opposition from men; He was opposed by the powers of Satan, and he conquered. Yet (a) Joshua fought enemies of flesh and blood, Chl'ist fought spiritual foes; and (b) Joshua used the sword, Christ conquered by submission and suffering and sacrifice. (3) Jesus Christ, like Joshua, is a Saviour. (a) He delivere from real present enemies. He saves not only from the future consequences of evil, but from our present sins and troubles. (b) He saves those who trust Him, follow Him, and fight with Him, as Joshua not only foug!ct himself, but led the people to battle. (4) Jesus Chl'ist, like Joshua, leads !"!is people to an inheritance, but in this there are no Canaanites remaining; it is " ::.n inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not a.way, reserved in heaven for us" (1 Peter i. 4). (5) Jesus Christ, unlike Joshua," ever liveth." Joshua. lived to old age a.nu died in honour, and was buried, and ceased to serve his nation. Jesus Chl'ist was cut off in early life and crucified in shame, but rose from the dead, and is now with His people, and will remain till all have entered into their inheritance (~Iatt. xxviii. 2O).-W. F. A. Ver. 29.-" After these things Joshua, the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died, being a hundred and ten yea.1·s old." Having thus 1·ea.cbed the close of the life of J osbua., it is fitting that we should form a general estimate of bis character and work. He occupies an honourable place among the great leaders of the people of God. He well deserves to be called a serv1µ1t of the Lord, for this wns the one aim and object of bis life. His brow is not crowned with the halo of glory which lighted up that of Moses when he ?ame_ do":n from the mount, wh~re be bad talked with Goel as a man ta.lketh with bis friend. He 1s a less sublime type of me.n bnt not therefore, the less acbnirable ; for in the kingdom of God there is no roo~ for riv;lry among those who have fulfilled each bis appointed task. :First, Joshua was n, man of implicit obedience to the Divine behests. He did nothiug bu~ that which was comme.nderl him, neither mo1·e nor less. Second, he v:as a 874 THE BOOK OF JOSHUA. [ou, xxrv. 20-88,
Yery humble man. He never took to himself, in any degree, the glory which belongs t.o God alone. After the most glorious battles in which he acted as C'ommander, he forgot self in the fervent recognition of the invisible power of which he wa.s but the organ, and his song of gra.titude and praise went up to God Rlone. Third, he was a mau of unfaltering faith and com-11,ge. His heo,rt never failed him for an instant. He never doubted God; and it was from this confidence that he derived the boldness "·hi.eh he communica.ted to the children of Israel, to ma.rch undaunted against au enemy superior in numbers. Fourth, he united true love for his nation, manifested on repea.ted occasions, with holy severity when there was just ground for rebuke. Fifth, he was absolutely disinterested in 1111 his se1Tice. He never dreamed of handing down his power to his children; his one thought was to do the will of God and to finish His work. When his task was done, he spoke words of solemn warning to his people, and then wa.s gathered to his fathers, or rather to his God. A saintly e.nd noble life truly, and one which teaches us the secret of success in the righteous war with evil. To obey, to be wholly consecrated to Goil, to believe in the fulfilment of the Divine promises, to fight fearlessly with eye fixed upon the Captain of our salvation, whose strength is per- fected in weakness-this is the unfailing secret of success for the Church. Joshua well deserves, not only by his name, but by his faithfulness e.nd devotion to the cause of God, to be the type of our great Leader, "the Author and Finisher of our faith ; " the true Joshua., who ha.s conquered for us "a better country, that is an heaveuly."-E. DE P.