Distribution of territory.
I. CONQUERED TERRITORY IS NOT TO BE LEFT UNOCCUPIED. This is a sound principle. Has a vice been conquered?—replace it by a contrary virtue. Has a soul been converted?—set it to Christian work. Has a new district or a portion of heathenism been won for Christ?—plant it with Christian agencies, industries, and institutions. Replace bad books by good ones; sinful amusements by such as are healthful; pernicious customs by pure forms of social life. Unoccupied territory will soon fall back into the hands of the enemy.
II. CONQUERED TERRITORY IS TO BE WISELY DISTRIBUTED. The distribution of the conquered districts suggests to us how, in the occupation of the fields of service which God gives her, the Church should study order, peace, and the attainment of the higher ends of possession, by wise arrangements. There should be no clashing or confusion of spheres in the kingdom of Christ. We have illustrations of the violation of this rule in the occupation of limited districts by a great number of rival Churches, often working in antagonism to each other; in the appointment of individuals to posts for which they are unsuited; in the confusion arising from workers not knowing their own departments of service, or not keeping to it when known. Whereas here:
1. Each had his portion carefully defined.
2. Respect was had to the talents and callings of those who were to occupy. "A place for cattle," "much cattle" (Numbers 32:1; cf. Numbers 32:19).
3. Individuals had their own conquests secured to them (Deuteronomy 3:14). A man's spiritual conquests are always secured to himself—his conquests over himself; and they are his greatest possessions. True also of conquests for Christ in conversions (1 Thessalonians 2:19). Should be a principle recognized in the work of the Church.
III. CONQUERED TERRITORY IS HELD ON CONDITION OF ASSISTANCE TO OTHERS. (Deuteronomy 3:18-21.)
1. Each branch of the Church is to assist the others.
2. It holds its privileges on this condition.
3. The rest of all is needful to the perfect rest of any (Hebrews 11:40).—J.O.
Encouragement.
We notice:
1. Past mercies are a pledge of future ones. "Thine eyes have seen," etc.
2. The past victories of the Church mirror her future conquests. "So shall the Lord do," etc.
3. The conditions of success in spiritual conflict are