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 ]