Page:Spiritual Reflections for Every Day in the Year - Vol 2.pdf/340

 under the divine anathema, which thus speaks: "Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help, and stay on horses, and trust in chariots! they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the Lord." (Isa. xxxi. 1.)

The darkness which spread itself over the land of Egypt, was brought on by Moses stretching forth his hands toward heaven. Moses, as well as all the eminent personages mentioned in the Word of God, was representative of the Lord himself; from God he received his commission, and all the wonders he wrought were by the divine direction. Moses is representative of the Lord in his capacity of law-giver. Hence the books which bear his name are definitely described as The Law; and whether we speak of Moses, or of the law of Moses, they are synonymous of the same being—that being who spake by Moses, and who gave the law to Moses written with his own finger. The power of God is in the law of Moses; and, on this account, when the Lord Jesus Christ was transfigured, Moses and Elias were seen by the disciples talking with him.

The hand of Moses, therefore, denotes the power of divine truth, and stretching it towards heaven, is the elevation of that power, and the acknowledgment that all power belongs to God alone. Now this truth, which is brightness, glory, and light itself, fills the habitations of all true Israelites with wisdom. To those principled in love to the Lord above all things, and who acknowledge that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of Light, light is always springing up and shining more and more gloriously. But to those whose deeds are evil, darkness is ever