The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1902-02-12
Making . Fresh Start.

It is one thing to set q people free; it b
another thing to make them ready for ths
duties that freedom brings. This was true
in the history of the slaves that came up
out of Egypt. 1t took long time afte1
they were set free to make them ready fol
their promised land. Even after they.
came to the very borders of it they turned
back, and were kept in the wilderness
nearly forty years. The story of their dis.
appointment is a sad one.
For almost yeer they stayed near "ths
holy mount" where God gave them His
Jaw. At last the order was given for an
advance. God had appointed as signal
to guide them in their journey a wonder
full cloud which by night looked like pill
lar of fire. When that cloud halted they
were to halt; when the cloud moved on,
they followed. Once more it moved. The
sound of silver trlmpets rang out on The
desert air. The people at once broke
camp and began their march. Scarcely
had they begun their journey before fresh
troubles broke out. They complain about
their hardships, and the Lord sends fire
plain about their food, and ask for meat,
They get what they ask, but it brings With
it plague, and many of them sicken and
die. The sister of the leaders stirs up
strife and is smitten with leprosy. II
looks as though their troubles will never
end. ...
At length they come to the borders Of
the promised land. A halt is called. Spief
are sent on to explore the land and bring
back a report. After forty days they re-
turn, bringing with them large clusters oi
grapes and other rich fruits, and telling
lof the beauty and fertility of the land
But they tell also of the strongly fortified
cities and of the warlike people who live
in them, and say that it is useless to try
are full of faith and courage and urge an
advance. The voice Of the others prevails.
The heart Of the people fails them, and
they say: "Let US make a captain, and let
us return into Egypt" They take up
stones and hurl them at the heads of the
two brave spies who try to drive away
their fears. This seals their fate. The
Lord is displeased with, them. They are
sent back into the wilderness, there to
wander until all who had come out OF
Egypt should die except the two spies who
trusted in the Lord and were ready to go
forward. They have lost their opportu::
not ouen again. The sentence of doom 10
passed: Tomorrow turn you, and get you
into the wilderness"
Thirty-eight years or more pass by. ~
the story Of those years we know very lit
tle.. A few incidents only are given, and
list of names! Everything else about them
lies in shadows One after another the
veterans who same up out of Egypt die:
Many of them perish of plague because OF
their SINS Their children take their
places. They come again to the place from
which their fathers had been turned back
into the wilderness. Again the camp. IS
set in order and makes ready for for
ward march. Some things take place that
make the people sad The voice of her
who had led the song of triumph on the
shores of the Red Sea is hushed in death.
One of their two great leaders-the man
who had served as their chief priests
called lid or a mountain to die: There Is
the same old story of murmuring on the
part of the people, followed by stern juds-
ment. Then they repent and start anew.
A few victories over some of the warllke
tribes in the wilderness give them fresh
courage. This time they will cross the
border and reach their land of promise.
They had sinned grierously. It seemed
rs though all hone was gone, But their
leader pleads with God for them. They
renent of their sin and are forgiven, and
light breaks once more upon them.-Sun'
day-School Times.