The Expositor's Bible: The Book of NumbersWatson, Robert A. (Robert Alexander)
Religion
The Expositor's Bible: The Book of Numbers
Watson, Robert A. (Robert Alexander)
Bible. Numbers -- Commentaries
We cannot say that the example of Moses should be taken as a rule
for Christians. It was one thing to invite the co-operation with
Israel for a certain specified purpose of an Arab chief who differed
somewhat in respect of faith; it would be quite another thing to
invite one whose faith, if he has any, is only a vague theism, to
give his support to Christianity. Yet the cases are so far parallel
that the one illustrates the other. And one point appears to be this,
that the Church may show itself at least as sympathetic as Israel. Is
there but a single note of unison between a soul and Christianity?
Let that be recognised, struck again and again till it is clearly
heard. Our Lord rewarded the faith of a Syrophœnician woman, of
a Roman centurion. His religion cannot be injured by generosity.
Attachment to Himself personally, disposition to hear His words
and accept His morality, should be hailed as the possible dawn of
faith, not frowned upon as a splendid sin. Every one who helps sound
knowledge helps the Church. The enthusiast for true liberty has a
point of contact with Him whose truth gives freedom. The Church
is a spiritual city with gates that stand wide open day and night
towards every region and condition of human life, towards the north
and south, the east and west. If the wealthy are disposed to help,
let them bring their treasures; if the learned devote themselves
reverently and patiently to her literature, let their toil be
acknowledged. Science has a tribute that should be highly valued, for
it is gathered from the works of God; and art of every kind--of the
poet, the musician, the sculptor, the painter--may assist the cause
of Divine religion. The powers men have are given by Him who claims
all as His own. The vision of Isaiah in which he saw Tarshish and the
isles, Sheba and Seba offering gifts to the temple of God, did not
assume that the tribute was in all cases that of covenant love. And
the Church of Christ has broader human sympathy and better right to
the service of the world than Isaiah knew. For the Church's good, and
for the good of those who may be willing in any way to aid her work
and development, all gifts should be gladly received, and those who
stand hesitating should be invited to serve.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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