Deuteronomy 34:1-4 And Moses went up from the plains of Moab to the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho… I. LIFE ENDING IN THE MIDST OF LABOUR. The farmer leaves his field half ploughed; the artist dies with unformed figures on the canvas; the tradesman is cut down in the midst of his merchandise; the statesman is arrested with great political measures on his hand; and ministers depart with many schemes of instructive thought and plans of spiritual usefulness undeveloped. 1. There should be cautiousness as to the work pursued. A sad thing to die in the midst of unholy labour. 2. Earnestness in the prosecution of our calling. Time short. 3. Attention to the moral influence of our labour, both on ourselves and others. We should make our daily labour a means of grace; every secular act should express and strengthen those moral principles over which death has no power. All labour should have but one spirit — the spirit of goodness. II. LIFE ENDING IN THE MIDST OF EARTHLY PROSPECTS. If men die amidst prospects of good they never realise, then — 1. Human aspirations after the earthly should be moderated. 2. Human aspirations after the spiritual should be supreme. III. LIFE ENDING IN THE MIDST OF PHYSICAL STRENGTH. 1. Death at any time is painful — painful when the physical machinery has worn itself out; when the senses are deadened, the limbs palsied, and the current of life flows coldly and tardily in the veins. But far more so, when it comes in the midst of manly vigour and a strong zest for a prolonged existence. 2. Does not this view of life — ending in the midst of important labour, bright earthly prospects, and manly strength — predict a higher state of being for humanity beyond the grave? (H. P. Bowen.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the LORD shewed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan, |
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