_In the wilderness of Sinai._ IN THE DESERT: AN ILLUSTRATION OF THE LIFE OF THE GOOD IN THIS WORLD I. The natural trials of the desert. 1. Barrenness. Temporal and material things cannot satisfy spiritual beings. 2. Homelessness. The soul cannot find rest in this wilderness world. 3. Pathlessne... [ Continue Reading ]
_Take ye the sum of all the congregation._ REASONS FOR NUMBERING THE PEOPLE Not because God would understand whether they were sufficient for number, or able for strength, to encounter their enemies, forasmuch as nothing is unknown to Him or impossible for Him to bring to pass, who is able to save... [ Continue Reading ]
_A man of every tribe: every one head of the house of his fathers._ BANK AND SERVICE I. Co-operation in divine service. 1. The toil of Moses and Aaron would be lessened. 2. The accomplishment of the task would be facilitated. 3. The envy of the princes would be prevented. Grumblers are seldom f... [ Continue Reading ]
_Those that were numbered._ THE FIRST ARMY OF ISRAEL, AN ILLUSTRATION OF THE CHURCH MILITANT I. The necessity of this army. The Church must be militant. 1. Internal foes have to be conquered. Carnal appetites, evil passions, &c. 2. External foes have to be conquered. Ignorance and superstition,... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Levites. .. were not numbered._ THE LEVITES AND THEIR SERVICE AN ILLUSTRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY The Levites were exempted from military service, and set apart for the service of the tabernacle. In any wise arrangement of the affairs of human society provision will be made for the requ... [ Continue Reading ]