June 29

"And the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way." Numbers 21:4.

THE journey of the Israelites in the wilderness must be viewed, not merely as an historical fact, but a lively type of the Christian's course. Let me introduce to your notice a Christian pilgrim who is discouraged because of the way.

LET US HEAR HIS COMPLAINTS. He is discouraged because of

The enemies of the way. The Israelites had not only to contend with openly avowed adversaries, but secret foes; and so has the believer. He is engaged in contest with no ordinary enemies. Earth and hell unite to oppose him in his heavenly march.

The roughness of the way. He is journeying in a wilderness where there are many privations to be endured, and many difficulties to be encountered. It is far from being a smooth path; and there are periods in his experience when because of these things his soul is discouraged.

The intricacy of the way. This was peculiarly applicable to the Israelites; theirs was far from being a straight course. So now, God leads his people about; they have a chart of the land through which they are travelling, but cannot always trace the road, or understand the way.

The misunderstandings of the way. How needful for us is the advice which Joseph gave to his brethren, "See that ye fall not out of the way"! As partakers of the same Divine nature, interested in the same covenant, and cherishing the same hopes, let us endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

The length of the way. The children of Israel were forty years journeying what they might have accomplished in a few days. The promise is to be received after we have done the will of God. Having alluded to the Christian pilgrim's complaints,

LET US SHOW HIM HIS COMFORTS. Is your soul discouraged because of the way? think of these three things—

The examples afforded you. Yours is not a singular case, you suffer in honorable company; the prophets, the noble army of martyrs, the glorious band of reformers and confessors, have trodden the same path; and Jesus himself has left the marks of his footsteps. Why should you be discouraged?

The supplies granted you. God spreads a table for you in the wilderness; the pillar of cloud and fire is before you; and streams from the rock Christ follow you, so that you may sing the Lord's song in a strange land, and rejoice in the house of your pilgrimage.

The glory set before you. Think of the promised crown, and you will cheerfully take up the cross; contemplate the glory that awaits you, and you will welcome reproach, and encourage yourself in the Lord your God.