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When the spies returned from searching the land of Canaan, what is related of the children of Israel? Numb. xiv. 2-4.

And with what awful judgment were they visited? Numb. xiv. 20-35; xxvi. 64, 65; Xxxii. 10-13.

Were there any in the congregation who envied the office of Moses? Who? Numb. xvi. What was the end of these persons? Read to the 40th verse.

Were the Israelites brought to a right state of mind by this punishment?

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[No far from being penitent, their rebellious spirit vented itself in murmurs, v. 41.] And what further judgment did they bring upon themselves? v. 42. to the end.

We read of a second occasion on which the people murmured for want of water. Read Numb. xx. 1-5. How did God again provide for them? verses 7, 8.

Now read Numb. xxi. 4, 5? What sin did the Israelites commit? With what visitation were the people chastened? v. 6.

And what means was Moses commanded to use for their recovery? verses 8, 9.

When we read the repeated murmurings of the Israelites we are apt to wonder at their conduct, considering the many mercies they had experienced :—the Israelites are a picture of ourselves. We are journeying through the wilderness of this world. We have One greater than Moses for our Guide. But are not we per

verse and rebellious towards Him?-Let us receive the warning which is held forth to us.-Read what St. Paul says, 1 Cor. x. 6—11.

We mentioned one remarkable occasion on which Moses was an Intercessor for the people, can you find any other? Numb. xi. 2; xiv. 13-20; xxi. 7.

We noticed the murmuring of the Israelites, in the desert of Zin, for want of water, and the miracle which God wrought to supply the people-how did God regard the conduct of Moses? What do we read Numb. xx. 12; xxvii. 14?

In what does it appear that the Sin of Moses consisted?

What did God command him to do?

Numb. xx. 8. ["Speak ye unto the rock before their eyes"-]

And what did he do? verses 10, 11. [“ With his rod he smote the rock twice"-]

Observe that Moses, as the instrument of God, was always so to act that all might see the power to be of God, and not of him. He was to perform the miracle in the very manner which God appointed. In this instance, Moses not only omitted to do what God had bidden him, but he did what God had not bidden him. It is expressly said-he did not believe God, he did not sanctify Him "in the eyes of the children of Israel," (v. 12.)he also suffered himself to be exasperated by their disobedience and perverseness, and "spake

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unadvisedly with his lips." (v. 10, and Ps. cvi. 33.)

How did we say Moses should have exercised the power God had given him?

And what chastisement was inflicted on Moses?

We may observe that it is sinful to depart from the exact will and order of God-for this particular offence Moses, who had hitherto been faithful, was not to enter the desired land. Deut. xxxii. 50, 51.

Was Moses permitted to view the promised land?

From what place? Numb. xxvii. 12; Deut. xxxii. 49.

Read Deut. xxxiv. 1-4. What is said in the following verse?

What was there remarkable about the burial of Moses?

From the history of Moses, as we have traced it in his writings, what may be gathered of his character?

Is he spoken of in any other part of Scripture? Read Heb. xi. 24-26.

Was he ensnared by the allurements of Egypt?

What did he renounce?

What did he chuse? Why?

What qualities in the character of Moses were exhibited in his dealings with Pharaoh?

Does it appear that Moses was naturally distrustful of himself? Read Exod. iii. 11; iv. 1, 10, 13.

Did the Divine grace overcome his natural fear? Was he endued with courage? Read Heb. xi. 27.

Did Moses honour and love the holy commandments of God?

Was he patient and forbearing towards the people?

What grace in his character is particularly mentioned, Numb. xii. 3?

Observe that though Moses was so highly favoured of God, yet he was very meek"above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” In one instance only did he fail in this general character.

Though on the same occasion he was unfaithful, what general testimony is given of his fidelity? See Numb. xii. 7; and Heb. iii. 2.

How then should we regard the Sin of Moses? How may it be instructive to us?

In the most eminent characters every grace is to be referred to God-the evil is in themselves; JESUS alone is perfect.

[We may consider the exclusion of Moses from the promised inheritance, as well as the breaking of the tables of the law, to be indicative of a further truth. Moses, as the minister or representative of the law, could not bring the Israelites to the promised land, but must give place to Joshua, who was especially

the type of Jesus in leading the people into Canaan. "The Law made nothing perfect." It is not Moses, but Jesus (the true Joshua) who must bring the children of God to the heavenly inheritance.]

What graces in the character of Moses are exemplified, Numb. xi. 29?

He was poor in spirit and devoid of selfishness. He did not seek his own honour, but desired the glory of God, and wished others to partake in his spiritual gifts.

What beautiful description and character is given of Moses, in the chapter which concludes his writings? See Deut. xxxiv. 7, 10-12.

Though Moses was punished upon earth, can there be any doubt that he was permitted to enter the heavenly Canaan?

See Luke ix.

Can you find any Scripture proof of his being in a glorified state? 30, 31.

In reading the close of the history of Moses, we cannot but be struck with its beauty. It is enveloped in a sort of mystery, which is peculiarly calculated to affect the mind. We read with deep interest of this faithful, tried leader of the people, and servant of God, bringing the children of Israel to the very borders of the promised land, yet not being permitted to enter it-of God Himself shewing him the so much desired inheritance.

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