Page:A semi-centenary discourse.djvu/12

 having liberated the Israelites, and he determined to pursue them and drive them back to Egypt, winch he accordingly attempted: his horsemen and chariots and his army were soon gathered, and he went in pursuit of the Israelites. Seeing the Egyptians pursuing, they began to murmur and complain against Moses; they became very uneasy at the sight of their enemies, and regretted having left Egypt.

Now it is true God commanded them to encamp, and it was during that very time that the enemy appeared hence it may be inferred that their dilemma was not brought about by any act of theirs; so that they being found resting when they should have been journeying was not their fault. To this, in view of the text, we find no objection; the only exception is their mistrust of God, and want of confidence in their leader, by complaining and reproaching Moses for the danger in which they were placed. Moses too, though not mistrustful of God, sought in the first place to allay their fears, and so check their murmurs and reproaches—an evident delay that might have been better employed, for it is plain that it was a time for action, a time that should have been employed in fleeing from the pursuer, and extricating themselves from their trouble. This will appear still more evident by tracing further the course taken by Moses, and the order he received from God. After first trying to quiet the fears of the people, he next addresses himself to God. Whereupon the Lord said unto him, "Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel that they go forward." As though it were said, Lose no time, improve every moment, cry as you go forward, the enemy is behind you, your course is before you, though it be through the sea go forward and lose no time, and look to me for deliverance and