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Signs of the Times, Book 1 - Ellen G. White

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Israel. Notwithstanding all his prayers and labors during <strong>the</strong>ir forty years'<br />

journeying, only two <strong>of</strong> all <strong>the</strong> adults in <strong>the</strong> vast army that left Egypt, were<br />

found so faithful that <strong>the</strong>y could see <strong>the</strong> promised land. As Moses reviewed<br />

<strong>the</strong> result <strong>of</strong> his labor, his life <strong>of</strong> trial and sacrifice seemed to have been<br />

almost in vain.<br />

Yet he regretted not <strong>the</strong> burdens he had borne for an ungrateful people.<br />

He knew that his mission and work were <strong>of</strong> God's own appointing. When<br />

first called to lead Israel from <strong>the</strong> house <strong>of</strong> bondage, he shrank from <strong>the</strong><br />

responsibility, and entreated <strong>the</strong> Lord to choose some man better qualified to<br />

execute this sacred work. His request was not granted. Since he had taken up<br />

<strong>the</strong> work, he had not laid it down, nor cast aside <strong>the</strong> burden. When <strong>the</strong> Lord<br />

had proposed to release him, and destroy rebellious Israel, Moses could not<br />

consent. He chose still to bear <strong>the</strong> burden which had been placed upon him.<br />

The servant <strong>of</strong> God had enjoyed special tokens <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> divine favor; he<br />

had obtained a rich experience during his travels in <strong>the</strong> wilderness, in<br />

witnessing <strong>the</strong> manifestations <strong>of</strong> God's power and glory; and in reviewing <strong>the</strong><br />

scenes <strong>of</strong> his life, he concluded that he had made a wise decision in choosing<br />

to suffer affliction with <strong>the</strong> people <strong>of</strong> God, ra<strong>the</strong>r than to enjoy <strong>the</strong> pleasures<br />

<strong>of</strong> sin for a season.<br />

As Moses looked back upon his experience as a leader <strong>of</strong> God's people,<br />

only one wrong act marred <strong>the</strong> illustrious record. If he could atone for that<br />

one transgression, he would not shrink from death. He was assured that<br />

repentance, humiliation, and faith in <strong>the</strong> Promised One, who was to die man's<br />

sacrifice, were all that God required. In humility and faith, Moses again<br />

confessed his sin, and implored pardon in <strong>the</strong> name <strong>of</strong> Jesus.<br />

Angels <strong>of</strong> God presented to Moses a panoramic view <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> land <strong>of</strong><br />

promise. Every part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country was spread out before him, not faint and<br />

uncertain in <strong>the</strong> dim distance, but standing out clear, distinct, and beautiful to<br />

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