before it was stayed. An atonement was made by Aaron, in God's appointed way. He went forth with his censer in his hand, and with fire taken from the brazen altar, stood between the living and the dead, wafting to heaven that incense which represents the intercession of Christ, and the scourge ceased its ravages.

AARON'S ROD.

How was the dispute respecting the priesthood settled ? A pleasing and gracious miracle confirmed the choice of Jehovah,

and assigned the priesthood, without further controversy, to the tribe of Levi.

The chief prince of each tribe brought forth a rod or staff, the symbol of his tribal authority, with his name en

graven upon it, and these twelve rods were laid up in the most holy place before the Ark of the Testimony. The next morning the twelve princes assembled at the tabernacle, and the rods were brought forth:

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"And behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds." NUM. 17:8.

This miraculous rod, by the command of God, was placed in the ark with the ten commandments and the omer of manna, "to be kept for a token against the rebels."

REMOVALS AND WANDERINGS. Many were the journeyings and encampments of the Israelites, during their long abode in the wilderness. They were removing from place to place for a period of thirty-eight years, resting wherever they could find pasture for their flocks, and accommodation for their tents and households. We trace them now at the edge of the desert, and then again at the centre. They traverse the wilderness of Etham, of Zin, and of Sinai-led to and fro, as the pillar of cloud and fire directed.

It was one design of God to root out of their minds all longing after Egypt and its idolsto purify them from idolatry, and thus prepare them to destroy the false gods of Canaan.

After thirty-eight years of wandering, the

new generation, emerging from the wilderness, encamp again at Kadesh.

Two memorable events took place at Kadesh:

1. Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, died, and was buried there.

2. The miracle of bringing water from the rock was repeated. The murmuring and strife of the people caused this also to be known as "the water of Meribah."

The other Meribah was near mount Sinai, and the miracle there was performed soon after the departure from Egypt.

OFFENCE OF MOSES AND AARON.

In the strife at Meribah, not only was the multitude to blame, but Moses and Aaron also fell under the displeasure of the Lord.

God commanded Moses to take the wellknown rod, which had been used in the performance of so many wonders, and to speak to the rock, and it should pour forth water for all the people and their cattle to drink.

Did Moses speak to the rock?

No; he spoke instead thereof to the people,

and he used words of indignation and reproach.

"Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock ?"

And in his wrath he smote the rock twice. Water came forth abundantly; God performed the miracle, but he punished Moses and Aaron by interdicting them from entering the promised land. Great must be the "sinfulness of sin," if saints and prophets are thus punished for a single fault.

"Ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them." NUM. 20:12.

DEATH OF AARON.

They came to mount Hor, on the borders of Idumea, or the land of Edom.

"And Moses stripped Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son; and Aaron died there in the top of the mount." NUMBERS 20:28.

DISCOURAGEMENT.

The time has arrived for the host of Israel to enter Canaan, but the land of Edom lies in the way.

Bib Prim.

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Will the king allow them to pass through his country? No; he will not. They will be obliged "to compass the land of Edom." The wilderness furnishes neither fruits nor water. Their only sustenance is the manna.

What did the people say of it?

"Our soul loatheth this light bread."

Upon whom did they throw the blame of their sufferings? "And the people spake against God, and against Moses."

What daring impiety is this!

Can they expect that a righteous God will not chastise them?

FIERY SERPENTS.

The desert througn which they were travelling was infested with "fiery flying serpents," which the restraining hand of God would have prevented from harming the people, had they not rebelled against him. Now they are let loose, and they invade the camp, stinging, poisoning, and causing death.

"And much people of Israel died."

Are the murmurers convinced of their sin?
How do they manifest their penitence?
Who intercedes for them?

"And Moses prayed for the people."