The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-09-21
IN SERVICE.

Joshua teaches us many lessons Let
us try to learn them. And first he
Was nct 100 busy to attend to his re-
lig!ons duties. We can hardly under
stand low busy Joshua must have
been. TIE affairs OF our nation arc
managed hy n number of departments.
each ono With II head to control 1t.
Joshua united all these Offices in his
own person. What vast weight or
anxiety: what huge amount OF actual
labor must have been his share!
1nt Joshua was never too busy 10
remember God and the duties of re-
ligion. Prayer. sacrifice. thanksgiving,
were all faithfully performed. He
If the Lord, nor was he ever ashamed
to own il. What the Lord said unto
him, that would he do. and that only.
Israel was to do all things. even the
smallest. under Gods direction. Their
religion went into evcrything-their
icod and raiment; tho length and direc-
ton of their journey: their manner of
crossing into the promised land; their
method OF fighting their enomies-all
We do not find Joshua Offering
sacrifice to God on one day in the
week, and then. thinking he had done
with all service for the next six days
lis religion was the handspring OF all
his actions. the rule and guide of his
life, the inspiration and strength Of all
his work
All genuine goods arc protected by n
trademark. And our lives and words
and works must show the mark OF true
religion-the cross of Christ Jesus. Tho
Holy Spirit must in all things be our
ruler and guide. Men tell us that In
these busy days they have no time for
religion. They might as well and as
truth fully state that they have no time
to breathe or eat. If they are Christs
people, their religion is part OF their
business and daily life
We need a practical religion, which
we can take with us everywhere, every
day. a religion which will keep a man
from beating his wife and swearing at
his children; which will prevent a man
from getting drunk or wasting his
money in gambling; which will lead
man TO trust God for tomorrow and
:; SIX for help for to-day and, by prayer
/; nd faith. to bear patiently what God
aends-this is the religion we need. my
friends; plain, everyday religion-a
" DIRK ing clothes religion--a religion rs
natural and as constant as the beating
of the heart.
Let n man carry the principles of re-
lig!on--faith, prayer, honesty, truth,
Kindness, gentleness. charity--nto his
daily work. and he will he serving God
every day in the week as we'll as at
tending to his business.
Joshua was not content with serving
the Lord himself. he brought up his
household to do the same. In his last
charge 10 Israel, he boldly declared his
choice-"As for me and my house. we
Will serve the Lord
We need more of this household re-
iigion. There are parents who observe
the duties of religion themselves. but
they do not so train their children
they go to church. but the young lads
L nd maidens may spend the Sunday as
'hey will. o, fathers and mothers.
teach your children to pray. teach them
to love the Lord Jesus. to read His
Word. and to follow His will. Many
; tempted one and many poor prod
igal have been brought home by the
memory of prayers learned at par
ents knee.
Again, Joshua did and suffered many
things before he could lead Israel into
the promised land. And if we hope to
enter into that neavenly country, we
must do and bear and suffer many
things. But nothing is too much to
endure If we can only finally enter.
there.
Joshua was humble. Though he was
the acknowledged leader of Israel, n
great and successful general, a chosen
lawgiver. a prince in his tribe, of Eph-
/ aim-his proudest title was to be "the
servant of the Lord"
If we, like him. seek righteousness
first; If we daily testify to our religion;
children shall grow in grace; if we are
willing and ready to stand any hard
ship suffering that we may follow
in Christ's steps and do His will. then
we may hope to be known and blessed
As the servant of the Lord"
-F===========-==--
Ioes n nagging wife drive II man
to drink. or drinking husband drive |
q wife to nag? We don't know, but |
combined they como near driving the |
Eeighbors crazy.
Felix Daz says he il ready to ro /