from the consequences of sin, we
cannot doubt; and for thousands of generations has that soul sunned
itself in the brightest fellowships and employments of the highest
heaven.

ELDAD AND MEDAD

BY REV. ALFRED ROWLAND, D.D., LL.B.

NUMBERS xi. 24-30.

Nothing is known of these two men beyond the incident recorded in the
Book of Numbers; but this is so remarkable and significant, that it
well repays careful study.

The Israelites had been once more displaying suspicion and ingratitude.
Turning with loathing from the manna, they whimpered, like spoilt
children, for the fish and flesh they had enjoyed in Egypt, and
murmured against God and against Moses. The patience of their leader,
under this new provocation, completely broke down, so that he went so
far as to accuse God Himself of being a hard taskmaster, who had laid
too much upon him. With infinite forbearance, allowance was made for
the manner in which Divine counsel and help had been asked for, and the
promise was graciously fulfilled, "_Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and
He shall sustain thee. He will never suffer the righteous to be
moved_." God dealt with his servant as a father at his best will deal
with his child who runs to him, hurt and bruised, in a passion of
tears. Instead of beginning with an angry rebuke, help and relief are
first given, and then in a few calm words the needed counsel is
proffered. It was in a spirit of patient love that God appointed
elders from among the people to help his over-wrought servant and share
his heavy burden.

Moses was, no doubt, justified in saying, "_I am not able to bear all
this people alone, because it is too heavy for me_." Indeed it was
well for him, as it is for us all, to feel the need there is for human
sympathy and Divine aid. Self-contained, self-reliant men are not the
highest type of humanity, and they are sometimes for their own good
visited by anxieties and responsibilities which compel them to cry,
"_Lord help me_." Thus was it with Moses. Indeed, our Lord Himself
shared that experience, when for our sakes He became man. He chose
comrades who were a blessing to Himself, although He was a far greater
blessing to them. He took them with Him when he went forth to confront
the crises of His life--on the Mount of Transfiguration, and in the
Garden of Gethsemane, where His sorrow was intensified by their failure
to watch with Him. He had three specially intimate friends. He called