A few concluding remarks will complete our reflections on the passage before us.

1. In the help which we have received, or may now be enjoying, let us see the pledge of future victory. Some of us, doubtless, have experimentally entered into the truth of what has been stated, that our Lord Jesus, the heavenly Joshua and leader of His people, can and does enable them to put their feet upon the necks of mighty foes. Some of us have proved His power in our own case, as well as seen it shown in the case of others. Old sins to which we were addicted, lords which had dominion over us, habits which bound us with a chain of iron, feelings which appeared to us and others to be so deeply ingrained in our very nature that there was no hope of eradicating them-these have been overcome, subdued, controlled, removed. The aspect of our spiritual affairs is in a great measure changed, and though we rejoice it may be with trembling, yet we do rejoice as those whom the great Captain has strengthened that we might be conquerors. Oh! what a pledge have we in this of constantly abiding aid, of grace to help in time of need. While the captains had their heels upon the prostrate foe, and the people at large saw, in that attitude of their captains, their own triumph, Joshua encouraged them by saying, Thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies. Just so does the Lord Jesus cheer His believing ones. He helps them in some trial, gives them some victory,

and bids them receive that aid as a pledge of what will be farther given. He hath said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee:" so that we may boldly say, "The Lord is my helper and I will not fear." As temptations arise, as cnemies gather, as the future stages of our pilgrimage evolve new risks to be run, or reveal fresh hardships to be borne, or bring with them renewed assaults from persevering foes, let us, believing brethren, remember who has appeared for us hitherto let us remember the "Stone of help" which has been set up, and in the deliverances already enjoyed read the promise of unfailing, ever-ready assistance.

2. It may be that some are in sore conflict and trial at this very time. Forget not who is able to save, even to the uttermost. The same Jesus who has strengthened thousands of conflicting souls and made them victorious, is ready to help you; yes, you. Do not trust in resolutions, in the advice of friends, in the pressure of occupations, in the diversity of pursuits. Jesus, Jesus only, must be your helper. If your faith addresses itself to Him, there is victory through Him for you: and this shall be your experience and your acknowledgment, “He delivered me from my strong enemy.

The Lord

was my stay. . . He delivered me because he delighted

in me." (Psalm xviii. 17—19.)

XI.

FOLLOWING THE LORD.

"Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the hearts of the people melt but I wholly followed the Lord my God.-Josh. xiv. 8.

XI.

FOLLOWING THE LORD.

THIS world is a sphere of trial. I do not mean simply of trouble, sorrow and care. It is, indeed, this; for the fallen condition of man renders it such of necessity. "The whole creation groaneth."

But the world is a sphere wherein men are brought to a test, put on their trial. A grand experiment, if the expression may be used, is being made. What is the main point? See it in the words of Ps. xiv. 2: "The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God." To walk in the ways of the Lord, to do His will, this is the great end and duty proposed to the sons of men. "Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." (Eccles. xii. 13.)

We cannot hide from ourselves that, naturally, men fail on this their trial. They are all gone astray." And if they were to be left to the force of natural virtue, or to an innate sense of right, as some teach, none would, because none could, turn to seek and follow God.