\'ers. I-8.-Putting o.ff the harness. Faith in God anticipates every event ,vithout di~tress. If God's pfan cut across the grain of our own inclination, faith inspires us to 1,ay," His plan is best." By virtue of a living faith, we can face death without anxiety, and advance to meet the last foe. We see in this passage- I. F AITn ACQUIESCENT IN BODILY DISSOLUTION. Splendid triumphs wcro in eight. The Jewish host was abont to complete its conquest; just about to realize full success n[ter forty years of patient trial. 8uch an hour is the most precious in a man's history. Yet the faith of Moses saw a nobler conquest yet-a conquest over self, a conquest o'l'er the unseen foe. A ,·oice from within-the voice of failing nature-whispered that he was no longer equal to the fatigues of a military campaign. Aud a voico from above told him that his work was done; and, though high reward was in store, justice exacted satisfaction for an earlier misdeed. J<~ven a single blemish in a good man's life entails on him loss. ·we cannot cheat God. Without a murmur, Moses, like a little child, yields to hiM Father's decree, and meekly prepares to die. I I. FAITH REJOICING IN OTHERS' PROMOTION. In every age, faith bas worked to the production of love. It is the cxtirpator of selfishness. Moses found as much pleasure in announcing that Joshua should lead the people to conquest, as that he should himself lead. Indeed, Moses felt that Joshua could do better than he could. lie had been ernpha tically a legislator; now a warrior was needed. If God removes one servant, he FO'l'ides a better. 'l'he eye cannot say to the hand, "I am nobler than thou." Each man has a place and an office of bis own. If only God's work is well and truly ·done, faith will rejoice in the means. III. FAITH CO~"VIKCED TIUT Gon AND MAN MUST CO-OPERATE FOB 'l'HE TRIUMPH OF TIIE KINGDOM. "The Lord thy God, he will go before thee;" and "Joshua, he shall flO over before thee" (ver. 3). The presence of man, in action or in warfare, does not exclude the presence of God. Joshua could gain no triumph if he bad gone alone. God has chosen to work through human agencies. By his wise appointment, Divine and human co-operation is a necessity. "The Lord shall give them up before your face, that ye may <lo unto them according to his commandment" (ver. 5). Nor is Moses' power and influence to be quite absent from the conflict. Being dead, he yet acted, His commandment regulated their conduct. His word was still a mighty spell. Each man can add something to the agb'Tessive activity of God's trnth. IV. FAITH ASSUllED OF Gon's SELF-CONSISTENCY. God had suc.coured Israel in the past ; therefore he would succour them again. He had begun to dislodge the Canaanite kings before Israel, therefore he would go on until he completed for them the conquest (ver. 4). Jehovah had foreseen all the weaknesses and unfaithfulness of Israel and yet he had commenced to give them triumphs. On what reasonable ground would he do this, unless he purposed to repeat his favours, and to subdue for them every foe? Hatf a conquest would be no boon to thell!. This would be a vexation to Israel, and a dishonour to God. The man of faith knows that God can never be at Yariauce with himself. When we have discovered the method of God's procedure, we &hould act along this line in order to enjoy his help. In his footsteps let us plant our feet. V. FAITH IN ONE STIMULATING IN OTDERS LATENT QUALITIES OF ENERGY. Although it appears that Moses was lacking in martial skill and prowess, his faith in God enabled him to stir up the hidden gifts of others. Faith foresees the victory, and confident hope is a great inspirer of streu)!:th. Like new nerve-power, it interlaces and bracos all the aclive energies of a man. The voice of r~bust fait.h has always a magical charm over us. \Ve perceil'e forthwith that the demand is most reasonable, and that largest exertion is our highest glory. It is easy to be strong when Infinite Strength is awaiting us. Every eodea,·our we make enlarges our capacity to receive more strength. 'l'he weaker parts of our nature perish under the strain, but newer and nobler elements fill up the room. And if God be with us, then fear of man departs. Faith is a prohfio parent of courage, "Fear him, ye saints, and ye will thon Ha.ve nothing else to fear."
And God can never fail the man of faith. I!Aviog pledged bis presence, we are well OIL XXXL 1-80.] THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY. 495
eneured. For him to forsake his friends is an impos8ibility. "The mountains may deprtrt, nnd the hills be removed; but never shall the covenant of his faithfulness fail."-D.