Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/222

 Union  of  temporal  and  spiritual  authority. God, by  entrusting  the highest spiritual  and  the  highest  temporal  authority  to  the  two  brothers, Aaron and  Moses,  gave  it  to  be  understood  that  in  all  ages  spiritual and temporal  authority,  Church  and  State,  ought  to  work  together  for the good  of  mankind.

Do you  show  reverence  for  your  spiritual  and temporal superiors,  your  priests  and  teachers? Are you  unruly or obstinate? Do you  ever  pray  for  them?

N the  beginning  of  the  fortieth  year  of  their  wanderings,  the Israelites— the children  of  those  that  had  died  in  the  desert — suffered from  the  want  of  water,  and  began  to  murmur  against the Lord. Then the  Lord  appeared  in  glory,  and  said  to  Moses: “Speak to  the  rock,  and  it  shall  yield  waters.”  Then  Moses, taking the  rod  from  the  Tabernacle,  assembled  the  people  before the rock,  which  he  was  about  to  strike. Then he  raised  the  rod and struck;  but  doubting  a little  he  struck  a second  time.

That momentary  diffidence,  which  was  only  a venial  sin,  and which made  Moses  strike  the  rock  a second  time,  was  displeasing to the  Lord,  and  He  told  Moses  and  Aaron: “Because  you  have not believed Me,  you  shall  not  bring  these  people  into  the  land which I will  give  them.”

Thence the  Israelites  removed  their  camp  and  came  to  Mount Hor, where  Aaron  died ,  and  Eleazar,  his  son,  became  High