CONTENTS
In this chapter we are drawing towards the close of Joshua's ministry.
Like all the other servants of the Lord, his work being finished, his
death succeeds. He is represented here as convening the Lord's
heritage together, to make his farewell discourse to them. This
chapter hath the leadi... [ Continue Reading ]
This preface to his discourse, is just what it should be, to call up
their attention. I said (says Elihu) days should speak, and multitude
of years teach wisdom. Job 32:7. Who suitable to speak of God's love,
as the man who hath long experienced it!... [ Continue Reading ]
Reader! do not fail to observe, how Joshua's dying sermon opens. It is
all of God. God, as a covenant God, was Joshua ' s text, and the sum
and substance of all his sermon. Not a word of himself. Not a word to
magnify his services, even as an instrument in God's hand. The burden
of his preaching was... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe with what confidence the man of God speaks of future
blessings; and how he makes the review of past mercies, the foundation
of all that are yet to come. Reader! pause over this doctrine. May the
Holy Ghost be your teacher while perusing it, and you will then learn
that this is the great secr... [ Continue Reading ]
The holy jealousy which the man of God so warmly and affectionately
recommended, may serve to teach us, with what circumspection believers
in Jesus ought to walk amidst the swarm of vanities, with which they
are surrounded in this wilderness state. It is said that the ancient
Jews would not allow th... [ Continue Reading ]
How closely connected sin is with its sure punishment. My backslidings
shall correct thee! The very thing which we lean upon for confidence
or comfort; that above every other evil, shall be sure to pierce us
through. In the unhappy, and I had almost said unnatural, coalition
sometimes made between b... [ Continue Reading ]
The man of God makes use of the same argument again, of his old age
and dying circumstances, to enforce all he had said. Not to endear his
memory to them. Not to have a monument erected of his valour and his
good deeds. Not a word of this. Not an intimation that he wished it.
But his dying request c... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS
BLESSED Jesus! In the close of Joshua's ministry and labours, I see
that all things and all men come to an end. But though Joseph is not,
and Simeon is not, and Joshua must die, yet thou art the same, and thy
years shall not fail. Oh! the sweet consoling thought! the Lord
liveth, and bl... [ Continue Reading ]