El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1913-12-06
Jericho's Fall a Triumph of Faith
William Sunday
Today Old

~ OWN in Atlanta the modern host
of Joshua went up against the
citadel of the Iegalized social
evil, and began TO march about it
daily, blowing rams horns-Or what
was the modern equivalent thereof,
daily newspaper advertisements. At
first Jericho jeered. Then it mis-
trusted. Then it feared. Then the
citadel collapsed. The Old Testament
story was repeated once more.
In truth the fall of Jericho is a
word picture of human experience,
which is every day illustrated. This
IS the victory even your faith
The conquests of confidence are a
daily occurrence in business, as well
as in religion. It is an eternal law
that Jerichos fall before the trumpets
of faith. According TO your faith be
it unto you" One reason more cita-
dels of sin do not fall is because
Christians sit covering and complain
ing in their tents, making fears
futile plans, instead of marching
forth to a confident assault remem-
bering that the righteous are bold
as a HOn;" and that the promise is
that one man shall chase a thousand.
Let US go to Jericho and learn a les
son in the art of spiritual warfare.
Fresh Start in New Land.
There was nothing rash about the
siege. The Israelites viewed the
situation with deliberation. They
sent forth their spies. The took all
orders Because they had made
ready, they did not get panicky. It
is the unprepared who go to pieces
in an emergency
The end of one stage of their ma
terlal life had ceased. Jordan had
been crossed. The mama had ceased
New responsibilities had come upon
them. Having become men they put
away childish dependence. Hence
forth they must maintain themselves
by the fruit of the land-which in
cluded JeTichoi The person who
wants the privileges of manhood,
with none of its responsibilities and
tasks, has really never grown up
This new era was begun with re-
lgtOus ceremony, even as many new
y married folk set up their home
with a little service OF dedication.
The altar of worship and service
should be at the beginning and the
center of every life and home. More
Jerichos would fall If there were a
better recognition of the part of God
The Citadel First.
All Canaans have their JerichOs,
which must be overcome before we
can enter into possession. The land
of milk and honey lies on the other
side Of the conquered fortress. The
pilgrim must pass the lions before he
comes 10 the celestial city. Difficult
ties test our fitness. Life is but a
task on which to try the souls sword.
The new generation of youth who
cOvet easy money" who want the
worlds rewards but decline to pay
its dues, are in a perilous case.
The program for the CONQUEST OF 1
Jericho. as laid down by Jehovah, /
was almost absurdly simple. For the |
host Of Israel, led by the ark and I
the priests, were to march once a /
day around the citadel for six days, /
and seven times Of the seventh day. /
They were to go in silence, giving /
no heed to the taunts of the war
-1ors lining the walls. They were
not to boast or to shake their weap-
0ns in defiance. Taunt was not to 4
be answered with taunt, jeer with
eer- new fashion was introduced
nto- warfare. This procession was
more like a religious ceremony than I
/ military siege. That was the plan I
lers idea; the glory should go TO {
sod, ana not to mans proves. The {
Priests led off in the steady march Z
II the disciplined Israelites The
rk was first. The symbol Of Jeho-
-ah was given precedence.
The Silence of Strength.
Gan any one wonder that the thing
Tot on JerichO's nerves. The ST
ence Of the marchers was more ter
flying than the fEmiIiar shouting
ehovah's dealing with Israel had
urned the hearts Of the heather to
'ater. Now this assumed silence (
PEELED Oncanny faith. an quietness
nd confidence shall be your strength"
IhaC last day in the eamp of
srael appeals to the imagination !
NeryDody was keyed up to the high Z