Ver. 9.-Posthumous injluem:~. Although dead, Moses still ruled. His spirit reappeared in bis successor. The principles of Moses had been planted in the nature of Joshllll: these bad flourished and come to maturity. The memory of Moses was still a mighty power in Israel, and they "did," all through the days of Joshua," as the Lord commanded Moses." The legislator bad moulded and trained the wa1Tior. Moses was promoted to higher honour, because Joshua was better qualified for this new work -the realization of Israel's destiny. I. NoTE TBE HIGH QUALIFICATION OF JOSHUA. He was "full of the spirit ofwis"dom." fhis is a rare gift. By nature he had been endowed with strength and fearless courage, so that he Lad been military lieutenant to Moses all through the desert. Ho was ill ustrions also for diligence and fidelity in a long career of service. Among the spies despatched to Canaan, he (in company with Caleb) had been "faithful among tLe faithless found." Now to courage and unbendiug loyalty there was added another endowment, and this in amplest measure: he was "filled with the spirit of wisdom." "To him that bath, it shall he given." ll. ODSERVE THE METHOD DY WHICH THIS WISDOM WAS ACQUIRED. "Moses bad laid 1,is hands upon him." We need not limit our thoughts to a solitary act, ev~n tl,ough it might he a solemn aud religious act. Wr may rather think of the plastic, OH, xx:uv, 1-12,] 'rHE llOOK OF DEUTERONOMY. 5i5
formative influence which Moses had exerterl over tho growin" character of this youn" mnn. It is nstonishing what immense power God has entrusted to our hands ro"; fnHhioning nnd embellishing tho spiritual nature of men. Uy a wise employment of spiritua~ e?ergy! wo can direct into right ~ha~nels _the lives of many; by implanting right principles mto youth, and by aw,1kenrng rnto vigorous activity the latent forces of clmrncter, we may elcvato a city-we may influence the destinies of the world. III. MARK THE DENEFICIAL EFFECT. "The children of Israel hearkened nnto him." Moses influenced for good his servant Joshua, Joshua influenced for good the nation of Israel. The twelvll tribes felt the force of Joshua's character, and yielded to the wisdom which he displayed. 'l'hey were a different people as the consequenc1J of Joshua's leadership. He touched, throu;(h Israel, the fortunes of the world. The hi'.sh example of Joshua provoked the imitation c,f the tribes. His combined wisdom and energy led them on to triumph. By virtue of his superlative wisdom he became, in God's hands, a Saviour, and remains, in name and office, the type of the world's Hedcemer.-D.
Vers. 10-12.-Oommunion with God the secret of real power. Leaving ont of view our Lord Jesus Christ, there is no man who has left so deeply the impress of his character upon the world as the Jewish legislator. By no man have so many and such mighty works been achieved. By no man has such wise legislation been devised for the government of human society. By no man has a great national emancipation been so skilfully and successfully executed, At the time of our Lord, Moses still wielded a mighty sceptre among the Jewish nation; and from that day to this, the in.fluence of Moses has been powerfully felt. The history of the Western world would havtJ been very different from what it is, if Moses had found an early grave among the rushes of the Nile. 'l'he secret of it is-he was a" man of God." T. COMMUNION WITH Goo IS THE HIGHEST ADVANTAGE MA:ll CAN ENJOY. The friendship of a wise and great man is an inestimable boon. To be in the society of a good man for an hour leaves a purifying and an elevating stimulus behind. We feel better and nobler for the contact. And if the friendly influence of a good man can find its way to intellect and eonscieuce and feeling, how much ruore can the influenco and energy of God! There is no doubt that God can find access to the nature he has made, and can enrich it with all good. The question is whether, considering our gri,at demerit, Will he? 'l'his question also is completely answere,l by himself. He invites us to the closest friendship-welcomes us to fullest intimacy. The words of Jesus Christ suffice to allay all doubt," If any man love me, he will keep my words: and !llY Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." We may not have visions of God precisely after the form and fashion that Moses had: these were adapted to a particular state of human development; but· we may have contact with God as close-communion as sweet and tender, as ever Moses enjoyed. " The fellowship of the Holy Ghost" is our special privilege. To us " the Spirit of truth" is given. And "truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Cl.u ist." II. COMMUNION WITH Goo PRODUCES BEAL GREATNESS OF CHARACTER. As a result of the intimacy between God and Moses, we read, there "arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses." Intercourse with God purifies every feeling, elerntrs every aspiration, energizes every sterling principle, ennobles the whole man. The creative influence of the Almighty renews our innermost life. In the presence of God we become ashamed of our meanness and pride and folly. We see and feel how noble it is possible to become. We confess into his fatherly ear our sin: we r-esolve to do better in the future. 'l'he assurance of his sympathy and aid encourages us. \Ve grow up into his image; we gradually find that this is our proper destiny-" to be conformed to the image of his Son." III. COMMUNION WITH GoD GIVES us POWER OVER NATURE AND OVEB MEN. It is admitted by scientists that the human will is the greate~t for~e ~own, save _the power of God. Now, fellowship with God strengthens that will. 'Io his chosen friends, God conveys new power. On man was originally bestowed complete_ dominion over nature; and this prerogative iR to be restored through ~he man Christ Jesus. T~us the iirodiiies wrought by Moses are declared &o be signs-symbols of greater things yet THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY. [err. xxxiv. 1-12,
to be 11chieved. Onr Lord he.s te.nght us the.t t111e fe.ith can overturn the mounte.ina The possessor or faith is predicted to outstrip even Christ in mighty deeds.-D. •