,ers. 14-23.- 171e Loi·rl's charge to Moses and Joslw,;,, Moses, in makincr over the leadership to Joshua, was only anticipating a more formal assi<rnmeot of it by God himseli'. He directs the old leader and his successor to repair to the tabernacle,.and there to receive their rcspccti,·e charges. 'l'he Shechinah appeared to convince the people of the reality of the DiYine iuterview with the leaders. Moses is first informed of his own appn,aching end, of the certain npostacy of the people, and of the desirability of laying bcfnrc them n song which would testify to the wickedness of the aposlacy when it took place. Then Joshua is encouraged by the Lord himself and promised his presence. l. LET US NOTICE THE EXPREsSION THAT MOSES IS TO "SLEEP WITH HIS FATHERS," 'l'he words (']'l'.;i:::l~,--oJ? :i?.i!i) are literally, "lie down with thy fathers," and in this connection arc surely significant. They point assmcdly to fellowship and rest with the fathers in another life. 'l'hey cannot refer to any depositing of the remains of Moses in the same tomb ns liis fathers. His sepulchre was solitary and sacred ; his lying down with his fathers, therefore, can only refer to the fellowship in a future life. This is the only place in the Pcntateuch where this particular expression occurs, although we meet it in the Books of the Kings no less than twenty-six times. It was undoubtedly an intimation to Moses that he was about to enter into restful fellowship with his fathers, and was most welcome consolation at this peculiarly trying time. II. APOSTACY 1''EVEB TAKES Goo BY SURPRISE. He foresees it and makes proVi§iOn for it, preparing his servants for its appearance, and preparing a proper recompense for the apostates themselves. It must be a remarkable experience to be in such a position as Goo, and to have prevision of all the future, so that there can be no element of surprise for him. His resources are so adequate that he is outside the region of finite surprises and difficulties. Jll. ScEPTICI8M IS 'l'IIE DAUGHTER OF ABUNDANCE BATHER THAN OF WANT, It will be, the Lord sa.rs, when Israel has entered into the promised land, and enjoyed its milk and honPy, and when they have \l'a:i:ed fat, that they shall turn to other gods and be guilty of apostacy. In the same way, our modern sceptics are men for the most 1iart in comfortable worldly circumstances, and out of these spring, doubts about the existence of God and suspicions that we can do very well without him, and with minor majesties. "It is on the bed of luxury," says Mr. Martineau, "not on the rock of natnre that scepticism has its birth. . . . And while from the centre of comforts many a sad fear goes forth, and the warmest lot becomes often filled with the chillest doubts, hidden within it like a heart of ice that cannot melt, you may find toiling misery that trusts the more the more it is stricken, and amid the secret prayers of mourner~ hear the sweetest tones of hope." IV. PJJOPHECY IS A WIT1'"ESS SUBPCENAED BEFOREHAND AGAINST G.oo's ENEMIBS, We have here God giving a certain song which is to be a witness against Israel in the coming aposlacy. And prophecy is the retaining of a witness long beforehand_for the coming trial. It is proof positive that no varying moods of men can ever surpnse God or thwart his 1m,gni.ficent designs. 'The substance of this song we are presently to consider. Cll, XXXI, 1-30,] THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY. 493
v. JosIIUA IlECEIVES ENCOUilAGEMENT ABOUT A BUCOEBBFUL LEADERSflTP AND TH8 PERPETUAL PRESEN0E OF Goo. 'J'hi~ means immediate success as a set-olJ to the sac! intclligcnco about ultimato apostacy. Joshua is assured that God will be with him nnd ensuro tho Hllcccss of tho invasion. Hence Joshua is only to be a lieutenant-general under the invisible Lcador and King. And Joshua desired nothing higher. The "Teat honour was in being a fellow-soldier with God. It was God's battles he was goi~o- to 0 fight, and it would bo God's victories which Israel would win. VI. IT IS A GilEAT BLESsmo AT LIFE'S CLOSE TO HAVE A SUCCESSOR TO CARRY ON oun wonK, AND A!' ASSURAN0E THAT WE OURSELVES ARE SAFE BEYOND THE BORDER. 'l'here was much sadness about the close of Moses' career. He was reminded of his sin in his exclusion from Canaan. Ilut he had compensation in Joshua taking up his work, aud in the assurance of" rest beyoncl the river." He was going over to a better land than lay beyond the Jordan. He was passing on to peace with the sainted fathers \\'ho had preceded uim. He had thus calmocss and blessing given in the midst of his pain. May we have work worth carrying on after us, and some one to succeed us in it; and may we have rest like that of Moses after our demise !-R. M. E.