Bible Christian Magazine.

FEBRUARY, 1863.

Divinity.

AN EARNEST CALL TO DECISION FOR GOD.

"Choose you this day whom ye will serve " Josh. xxiv. 15.

The connection of these words is familiar to all Bible readers. The Israelites were now assembled at Shechem to receive from their illustrious Leader his last admonition. It was an important gathering; the different tribes were all present. The numerous Officers and Judges were also there; Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah, Zebulun, Naphtali and Dan. Joshua, who well understood their numerous wanderings and idolatrous propensities, and who was jealous of their future welfare, felt anxious to address them. Last words are generally impressive, and seldom forgotten; the circumstance would therefore be more easily remembered. They knew he loved them; that he was a good man and true, and that his counsel would involve their present and future prosperity. As a religious teacher he commanded great influence among them, and that influence took its rise in the holiness of his life. He was a man of truth; his moral conduct was without a flaw;-there was a sublime connection between his life and the truths he taught; while his unwavering rectitude and manly bearing gave a living power to the utterances of his heart.

His whole life had been devoted to their interest, and under every circumstance he studied to promote their welfare. We are warranted in supposing that with profound attention they listened to the old

VOL. XXVIII. NEW SERIES.

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