The children of God in their spiritual warfare too much resemble the children of Israel after Joshua fell asleep. (Jud. 3:5-8.) They did not cast out the remnants of the Canaanites, but made a league with them: so, alas! we have allowed remnants of evil things to hold peaceable possession of corners of our hearts; and, through lack of diligence in weeding the soul's garden, God is but little with us. We have neglected to take the foxes, the little foxes, which spoil the vines. (S. Sol. 2:15.) There were four things which made Israel fight well under Joshua: 1st, the necessity of fighting; 2nd, the certainty of victory; 3rd, God with them; and 4th, the rich spoil. How is it that God's people, with Christ for their Captain, are but sorry soldiers? If Christ be with us, what is the city of strength, what are the walls of Jericho, but an occasion to faith? (Josh. 6) The slothful believer may have trouble through the flesh; but he never knows the evil and power of the flesh as do those who fight against it and subdue it. God's Deeper Dealings Witness for Christ lies in self-condemnation according to the rule of the Word of God. Sinners are as many as the race of Adam; but a poor and needy sinner is a precious jewel in the sight of Christ. We are not to gather from the angel's feeding Elijah that God approved of his going to Horeb. (1 Kings 19) If God gives us good things when we are out of the way, we ought to see keen reproof in His very kindness. God will put His faithful servants into the furnace to prove them and fit them for honour. (Gen. 39) Joseph was steadfast in obedience to God, and true to Potiphar in all things; yet his service to Potiphar ended in bonds and dishonour. Joseph in prison seemed forgotten of God; but God was faithful, and raised His faithful servant to promised honour, after fitting him for that honour by humiliation and suffering. The cross of Christ brought in a new order of faith, so that now the children of God, when walking in obedience and simplicity of heart before God, should expect trials of faith like those of Christ. Did they settle this in their hearts, they would not be surprised at God's giving them to drink of Christ's cup, and to share His baptism: they would suffer gladly, remembering that the curse of the law cannot touch them. If we walk in self-will and unbelief, the holy rebukes of the still small voice of the Spirit will not be heard; but if our hearts are listening, God will be ever teaching us by ways innumerable, -- chiefly by the Holy Scriptures. Pleasing the Lord A wish of David's was a law to his three mighty men. (2 Sam. 23:15.16.) Should no then a wish of Christ's be a law to us? Shall Christ have one mind; and we, His flesh and bones, another? With this tender mind toward our Lord, we shall follow hard after Him, and pursue nothing that may bring shame upon us.