was the same cord, or line, made up of bright scarlet threads twisted together, which she was to fasten in the window as the safeguard of her dwelling. It was the instrument of their escape, as it would be of her preservation.

The spies followed the advice of Rahab, and speedily reaching the mountains, secreted themselves there "three days;" that is, according to the import of similar expressions in the Scriptures, one whole day and a part of two others. The search after them proved fruitless; and, on the third day, they passed over the Jordan, returning in safety to the camp, and communicating to Joshua the results of their excursion. "Truly the Lord," said they, "hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us." This information was well adapted to inspire the Israelites with confidence in the success of the enterprise that was before them, and with courage in prosecuting it.

Joshua rose early the ensuing morning, and giving orders to that effect, the whole body of the Israelites were soon in motion. Leaving Shittim, in the plains of Moab, where they had been for some time, and proceeding to the banks of the Jordan, about eight miles distant, they encamped near them for the night.

Nothing but this river now separated them

from the land of promise. But as it rolled rapidly along, and swollen to its fullest extent from the melting of the snows on the mountains of Canaan, it seemed to oppose an insuperable barrier to those whose long-wished-for possessions lay beyond it. A new trial of their faith had come. They were soon to go forward, and in some way, as God might appoint, meet these deep, fastflowing waters, and pass across them to the opposite shore. The particular orders for doing this were given. The people throughout the encampment were told, that, when they should see the ark of the covenant, (borne on this great occasion, not by the common Levites as was customary, but by the priests alone,) moving towards the Jordan, they must prepare to commence their march. They were not, however, immediately to follow it. A space of about three quarters of a mile was to intervene. The ark, the symbol of the Divine presence, would thus guide and encourage them on their way. Being at some distance, they would see it the more distinctly, and have those feelings of reverential confidence which this token that Jehovah himself was their leader, would be adapted to inspire. The protection afforded the unarmed priests who attended it, and their fearless reliance for safety on the Divine arm, would be an additional means of confirming the faith of the

multitudes who followed them, and of preventing any delay or hesitancy among the more timorous.

The better to be prepared for the occasion, Joshua commanded the people to sanctify themselves; "for," said he, to-morrow the Lord will do wonders among you." They were to separate themselves from whatever might unfit them for witnessing this display of the peculiar presence and power of God; to perform the necessary ceremonial ablutions; and to cultivate those pious affections of soul which would comport with the interest and solemnity of the scene. This command, it is worthy of recollection, was similar to that given by Moses to the Israelites just before they received the law from Jehovah at Mount Sinai, showing that God intended now to have intercourse with them by some striking manifestation of his agency, and interposition in their behalf.

Nothing is more remarkable, as we go along in the history of Joshua and his countrymen, than the wise arrangements of providence which God was continually making, to carry into effect his purposes with regard to his peculiar people. Their preparation for entering Canaan, with all the circumstances attending it, is a forcible illustration of this truth.

And God still takes care of his people-constant and peculiar care. His presence, as did the

ark of the covenant in the passage over Jordan, goes with them for their guidance and protection. His providence incessantly watches over them. His Spirit is ever ready to instruct, to comfort, and to encourage them. Another Joshua -a Saviour who is Christ the Lord-infinitely superior to him who led the Israelites into Canaan-is their Leader to the heavenly inheritance, having purchased it with his own blood.

Who would not put himself under the care of infinite Wisdom and Love? Who would not trust in Jesus who died to redeem us from sin and hell, and be brought by him, at last, to the mansions of eternal rest?

Does the Divine presence, my young friend, go with you, to guide and bless you? Is Jesus your Saviour? Is he leading you, in the paths of duty and peace, to the heavenly Canaan? Questions, these, of deep and affecting import. Answer them faithfully. Your eternal interests are suspended on the reply!

CHAPTER IV.

The passage of the Jordan. Stones set up as a memorial, at Gilgal and in the Jordan.

All things were ready for passing the Jordan; and, the following day, at the command of Joshua, the priests taking up the ark of the covenant, and bearing it on their shoulders, began to move in solemn procession towards the river. In the meanwhile, Joshua received a divine communication which assured him, that the Lord would, that day, begin to employ him in such a way, as the instrument of miraculous power, and the leader of the Israelites, as to magnify him in their sight. They should regard the authority and honor of his station, and the favor in which ie was held by the Almighty, with deeper feelings of obedience and respect than they had ever done before, and know that Jehovah was indeed with him, as he had been with Moses.

In conformity with the divine direction, Joshua then ordered the priests who were bearing the ark, as soon as they should come to the brink of the river, to stand still in the water, and wait the result.

His next step was to gather the people around