He has all might

Almighty, who can oppose Him? If He be on our side. -what need we fear? Read also Psalm xlvi. 2, and Hebrews xiii. 6. Give examples: Joseph daring to do the right; Daniel daring to pray, &c. In all these cases God, the Almighty, was able to deliver, and did deliver His servants. So still. He will never put to shame those that trust in Him.

Lesson 142.-September 20.

THE REBELLION OF KORAH.-Numbers xvi. 1-35.

1. Verses 1-3.-Who is here first mentioned? Whose son? Of what tribe? By examining Exod. vi. 18-21, it will be found that he was nearly related to Moses, thus aggravating his offence. Who are mentioned next after Korah? Of what tribe were they? How many in all? What is it said they did? Who seems to have been the leader? (v. 5, 6, 8, 16, 19; Jude 11.) How many did they get to join them? How are they described? Well, what is said of this great company? What did they complain of? What was Moses to the people? (Exod. iii. 10.) What was Aaron? (Exod. xxviii. 1.) Had they taken these offices of their own accord? Who had appointed them? What shew of reason did they give? It was true that the whole congregation was holy, when compared with the surrounding nations, and in that the Lord had separated them as a people to himself, (Exod. xix. 6;) but their recent conduct, in several instances, might well have made these conspirators shrink from such a claim; and then, in rising up against Moses and Aaron, they rebelled against God.

2. Verses 4-11.-How did Moses meet this clamour of Korah and his company? No doubt, to indicate his profound distress for the sin of the people, to compose his own spirit before speaking to them, and, in particular, to plead for Divine direction. To which of the party did he then address himself, and what did he say? He thus appealed to God, and left his case in God's hand. He gave instructions to Korah and all his company to take censers, and to put incense in them before the Lord, promising that on the morrow the Lord would shew who were His, and who were holy. Did Moses do anything more? (v. 8-11.) He well knew what would be the result of this appeal to God, but he earnestly pleads with Korah, recounting to him what favour God had shewn to him and his tribe. Every believer hates sin, and must be anxious to warn others against its commission, and, if possible, to save them from its consequences.

3. Verses 12-15.-Were there any of the complainers who refused to appear, and what were their names? What reasons did they give? Had they indeed found Egypt to be a land flowing with milk and honey? (Exod. iii. 9; v. 19; vi. 5,9.) For what purpose did they allege Moses had brought them into the wilderness? What further did they blame Moses for? (v. 14.) Now, in all this they chose to forget the misery of their former bondage-that Moses was the divinely appointed leader-that the promise of the good land was God's-and that the cause of their detention in the wilderness was their own sin, (ch. xiv. 22-25.)

4. Verses 16-22.-What directions did Moses then give to Korah and his company? Did they obey, and where did they stand? And who else gathered together? Then the glory of the Lord appeared, and the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron. What did the Lord say? And what did Moses and Aaron then do? They interceded on behalf of the people. So does the Lord Jesus continually intercede for His own.

5. Verses 23-30.-What answer was given to this pleading? The rest of the congregation were to separate themselves from the rebels, lest they should be consumed with them. Whom did Moses take with him, and what did he say to the congregation? Did Korah, Dathan, and Abiram shew any signs of being sorry? and where did they stand? and who were along with them? Moses solemnly stated the matter, and what he expected would happen, (v. 28-30;) and all parties seemed to be resolved to abide the result.

6. Verses 31-35.-Describe what happened when Moses had finished speaking. What did the earth they were standing upon do? Who went down alive into the pit? Was there any cry heard? And what did all Israel do? What became of the two hundred and fifty men that had the censers?

PRACTICAL LESSONS.

1. Beware of discontent, ingratitude, and pride.

2. Be warned in time what the consequences of sin will be.
3. Do all that we can to convince and convert sinners.

4. But do not keep company with the wicked.

5. The Lord mighty to save, as well as strong to smite.

Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 38.-Psalm li. 16, 17.
Subject to be proved-The Way of Transgressors is Hard.

Golden Text-"The wicked are overthrown, and are not; but the house of the righteous shall stand."-Proverbs xii. 7.

NOTES.-Illustrations by contrast-the world before the flood and Noah-the men of Sodom and Lot-the unbelieving Israelites, and Caleb, and Joshua-the house of Saul and the house of David. All these contrasts will illustrate the truth of the proverb. But it is still true in everyday life. The industrious will succeed where the thriftless will fail. The honest will get on where the dishonest will perish. "Godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."

Lesson 143.-September 27.

THE BRAZEN SERPENT.-Numbers xxi. 1-9.

I. The Sin and its Punishment, (ver. 1-6.)—Note the occasion and the circumstances. The people had been a second time on the borders of Canaan; but Edom refused them a passage, and they were obliged to turn back to compassi. e., to get round-the land of Edom. The soul of the people was discouraged because of the way. Note this-the way was bad, rough, rocky, hot, and far from pleasant. It was all this; but it was the way in which God was leading them home to rest, so that they ought to have gone on cheerfully, knowing that the end would soon be. But instead, they murmured sore-they complained of the bread, of the water, and of the manna. Everything was wrong. When a man is in a murmuring mood his very mercies are overlooked, and everything is in a cloud. But this is dishonouring to God; and He will visit His people for these things. So here, the way was bad, but it might have been worse, and they were soon made to feel this. God sent fiery serpents among them, which glided in and out among the tents, and bit the people. The poison was deadly. Much people died. In every tent cries of anguish were heard. The wages of sin is death.

II. The Cure, (ver. 7-11.)-God's judgments are meant to bring men to repentance. It is good when they have this effect. It was so here. The people came and confessed their sin. When we confess our sin, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sin. So here, immediately on repentance came the cure. Note now the remarkable nature of the cure. Moses made a serpent of brass, set it on a pole, and raised it in the sight of all the people. Trace out where he would have placed it. The whole tents were gathered round the tabernacle, which was in the centre. Now, that all might see it, where would Moses have erected the pole? Outside the camp, or in the centre? Evidently in the centre. Notice further that, such being its position, no one had any excuse for not being cured. All could see it. He who could only crawl to his tent door; he even

who had no more strength left than to enable him to lift his glazed eyes; all could see it. So that any who died were without excuse. Note again, that the cure consisted simply in looking to the brazen serpent. Nothing more was required; nothing less would do. The cure was suited for all, for all could look. Now picture the scene-Moses, in the centre of the camp, nailing this serpent to a pole, then raising the pole so high that all might see it; and then the proclamation throughout the camp-look and be cured. What joy would prevail-how every bitten one, who felt the fiery poison in his veins, would look -and what gladness would he experience when he felt the fever in his blood cool, and that he was himself again! Notice the case of one who might have said, How can a brazen serpent cure me?-I shall not look. What then? He died. God's way, or no cure.

Read now John iii. 14, 15, and learn what this signified. As Moses lifted up the serpent, so has Christ been lifted up. We are in the wilderness. The poison of sin is in us. If left it will bring death. God has provided a remedy. Christ has died; His blood will drive out the sin, and so prevent the death. He was made in the likeness of sinful flesh; and in His own flesh hath condemned sin. He wants us to believe this. That is all. Believe and live. Look unto me, and be ye saved. If God had bidden us do some great thing, would we not have gladly done it, to be cured of this dreadful, deadly leprosy? Shall we not do this simple thing-look unto Jesus, that we may be saved? Blessed Jesus, open our eyes that we may see thee.

Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 39.-Par. xli. 1, 2.

Subject to be proved-The Look of Faith Saves.

Golden Text-"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."-John iii. 16.

NOTES.-The notes on the Lesson indicate the scope of this verse. Notice the word so-what is the measure of this love? He gave His only begotten Son. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Why was He given? To give everlasting life. To whom? This is the main point in the verse for this occasion. For whosoever believeth. No limit save that-look and live. There is life for a look. Illustrate by the brazen serpent.

Lesson 144.-October 4.

BALAAM.-Numbers xxii. 1-35.

I. Note the position of the Israelites, (v. 1.)-They had crossed the mountains of Moab, and descended the terraced slopes of the Jordan valley, and were now encamped on the banks of the river, some few miles north of the Dead Sea. In front of them was the Jordan, across which the walls of Jericho could be distinctly seen. Behind them rose the mountains of Moab. They were in the heart of a rich valley, and in a tropical climate. How grateful this must have been! After their forty years' wanderings, they were at last in sight of the promised land. Like Christian in the Pilgrim's Progress, they were on the Delectable Mountains, where they could see the towers of the land of rest. But until they are over Jordan, the arrows of the enemy will be directed against them, and so

II. We see Balak's attempt to curse them, (v. 2-14.)-Balak was distressed on account of the people. He had heard of their prowess and of their victories, and was afraid to attack them openly. How like the wiles of our adversary the devil! He sometimes tempts God's people openly-Joseph; but when he finds that they are on their guard, he tries them stealthily, and so hopes to succeed.

Balak resolves to send for Balaam, who resided on the banks of the Euphrates. He sent also rich presents-rewards of divination. It was a long journey, and it cost much money; but Balak did not regard this if he could only have Israel cursed. The enemies of God's people will spare no trouble or expense to crush them. Note the report which had been spread abroad about Balaam,-he was supposed to have power to curse and to bless, (v. 6.) And note how blinded superstition was,-Balak firmly believed that Balaam had this power. He did not know that "the curse will not come causeless," and that it is vain for man to curse whom God hath blessed. If we have the Lord on our side, who can be against us? "The Lord is my helper, therefore I will not fear what man shall do unto me." Balaam must have had some knowledge of God, and, at first, he seemed inclined to act right. He would give no answer until he should know what God's will was. This will was made known to him (v. 12.) very clearly, and all his subsequent conduct was entirely indefensible. But in the meantime he obeys God's word, and sends the ambassadors home, (v. 13;) but, in doing so, see how he indicates that he would gladly go, and throws the blame on God: "The Lord refuseth to give me leave to go with you." Balaam found the door shut, and it would have been well for him if he had not tried to open it. How thankful we should be for shut doors! We were meditating some sin, but God, in His providence, took away the opportunity; He shut the door. Do not let us try to open such doors. Be thankful when they are shut in your face.

III. Balaam opens the door, (v. 15-35.)—Note here that Balak knew the character of his man, and his besetting sin. It was the love of money and of honour, (2 Peter ii. 15, 16; Jude 11;) and so he tries him on his weak side. So the devil always. He knows our weak points, and he flings his fiery darts at them. What need of the whole armour (panoply) of God have we? (Eph. vi. 11.) And so read what Balak did, (v. 15-17.) "Notice here what Balaam should have answered to his second request. He knew God's will, and knew what to say; but see how he acts, (v. 18, 19.) Balaam is done for. He that would sup with the devil would require a long spoon, says the proverb; and Balaam will find that, not having resisted temptation, the devil will conquer. The moment we dally with temptation, it is all up with us. Resist the devil, and he will flee; but dally with him, and he will conquer. Notice how God shuts another door in Balaam's face, (v. 20.) Go with the men, but thou shalt only speak what I shall tell thee. This might have been warning enough to Balaam that his journey was dangerous. God opened one door, but shut another. Balaam hurries through the open one, hoping that, in some way, the other will open too. How like the sinner! God, in His providence, gives the opportunity to sin, but still warns against it. The sinner seizes the opportunity, flutters about it, like the poor moth about the candle's flame; and then, gradually stifling conscience, goes right in the teeth of the most solemn warnings.

And notice yet one other attempt to turn Balaam back. God will not give over the sinner without many an effort to win him back. He sends His angel to stay him, and causes the dumb ass to rebuke the madness of the prophet. But all in vain. Balaam confesses, no doubt, he had sinned, (v. 34,) and offers to go back, if it displeases God. He had no need to use this if; he knew it was displeasing to God. Confession of sin, without turning from it, is a mockery. Felix trembled when he heard Paul preach, but Felix left Paul bound.

Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 40.-Par. xli. 3, 4.

Subject to be proved- God Frustrates Wicked Designs.

Golden Text-"Woe unto him that striveth with his maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands.”—Isaiah xlv. 9.

NOTES.-The foolishness of trying to resist God. That is the meaning of this text. Illustrate by this case of Balaam. He attempted to resist God, and he perished miserably. Take Pharaoh. He thought he could fight against God,

but he failed on every occasion. So still; a man may take his own way for a time, but if it is opposed to God's way he will fail. "The mills of the gods grind slow, but they grind sure." "Be sure thy sin will find thee out."

The Teacher's Quiver;

OR ILLUSTRATIONS

OF THE

LESSONS.

LESSON 141.-THE REPORT OF THE SPIES.-Num. xiii. 26-33-xiv. 1-25. 254. We should not be Afraid of Difficulties, (xiii. 28, 29, 31-33; xiv. 1-4.)-In the Pilgrim's Progress Bunyan represents Mistrust and Timorous as turning back on account of two lions they saw in the way. "Yes," said Mistrust, "for just before us lie a couple of lions in the way, (whether sleeping or waking, we know not;) and we could not think, if we came within reach, but they would presently pull us in pieces." Then said Christian, "You make me afraid; but whither shall I flee to be safe? If I go back to my own country, that is prepared for fire and brimstone, I shall perish there: if I can get to the Celestial City, I am sure to be in safety there: I must venture. To go back is nothing but death: to go forward is fear of death, and life everlasting beyond it. I will yet go forward." So Mistrust and Timorous ran down the hill, and Christian went on his way. Now, before he had gone far, he entered into a very narrow passage, which was about a furlong off the Porter's Lodge, and, looking very anxiously before him as he went, he espied two lions in the way. Then he was afraid. But the Porter at the Lodge, whose name is Watchful, perceiving that Christian made a halt, as if he would go back, cried unto him, saying (Mark iv. 40), "Is thy strength so small? Fear not the lions, for they are chained, and are placed there for the trial of faith, where it is, and for the discovery of those that have none: keep in the midst of the path, and no hurt shall come unto thee." Then I saw that he went on trembling for fear of the lions; but taking good heed to the directions of the Porter. He heard them roar, but they did him no harm. Then he clapped his hands, and went on till he came and stood before the gate where the Porter was.

noon.

255. We should have Courage to do the Right, (xiii. 20; xiv. 6-9.)-Three little boys were amusing themselves together in a wood-lodge one summer afterSuddenly one of them looked grave, and left off playing. "I have forgotten something," said he; "I forgot to say my prayers this morning; you must wait for me.' He went quietly to a corner of the place they were in, knelt down, and reverently repeated his morning prayer. Then he returned to the others, and was soon merrily engaged in play again. This brave boy grew up to be a brave man. He was the gallant Captain Hammond, who nobly served his Queen and country, till he fell headlong leading on his men to the attack on the Redan, at the siege of Sebastopol. He was a faithful soldier to his earthly sovereign; but, better still, a good soldier of Jesus Christ, never ashamed of His service, ever ready to fight His battle.

LESSON 142.-THE REBELLION OF KORAH.-Numbers xvi. 1-35.

256. We must Avoid Bad Company, (verses 21, 23-27.)-Sophronius, a wise teacher, would not suffer even his grown-up sons and daughters to keep company with those whose conduct was not pure and upright. "Dear father," said the gentle Eulalia to him one day, when he forbade her, in company with her brother, to visit the volatile Lucinda,-"Dear father, you must think us very childish if you imagine that we should be exposed to danger by it." The father took, in silence, a dead coal from the hearth, and reached it to his daughter. "It will not burn you, my child: take it." Eulalia did so, and, behold, her beautiful white hands were soiled and blackened; and, as it chanced, her white