GIDEON’S NIGHT ATTACK ON THE MIDIANITES
THE
Triumph over Midian.
By
A. L. O. E.
Author of “The Shepherd of Bethlehem,” “Exiles in Babylon,”
“Rescued from Egypt,” &c.
LONDON:
T. NELSON AND SONS, PATERNOSTER ROW;
EDINBURGH; AND NEW YORK.
1874.
PREFACE
In attempting to illustrate the history of the victory of Gideon, I am conscious that I am entering on well-trodden ground. Others have gathered the lessons and examined the types with which that portion of the Scripture-field is so richly studded. I lay claim to little originality of thought on the subject which I have chosen. A humble task has been mine; that of endeavouring to show that the same faith by which heroes of old out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens, is still, as the gift of God’s grace, bestowed on the lowliest Christian. Writing, as I have done, under the depressing influence of domestic sorrow, and the languor of weak health, I feel how very imperfectly I have executed my task; but I humbly commend my little work to Him who despiseth not the feeble, and whose blessing on the humblest instrument can make it effectual in His service.
A. L. O. E.
CONTENTS
| I. | THE RETURN, | [9] |
| II. | BROKEN BUBBLES, | [19] |
| III. | LECTURE I.—MIDIANITES IN POSSESSION, | [39] |
| IV. | THE LITTLE MAID, | [49] |
| V. | THE DEATH-BED MESSAGE, | [62] |
| VI. | LECTURE II.—FAITH IN THE PROMISE, | [76] |
| VII. | A SERMON BY THE FIRESIDE, | [85] |
| VIII. | THE SISTER’S VISIT, | [96] |
| IX. | LECTURE III.—FAITH IN OBEDIENCE, | [112] |
| X. | OPENING THE CASKET, | [122] |
| XI. | TIDINGS, | [133] |
| XII. | LECTURE IV.—FAITH IN TRIAL, | [145] |
| XIII. | A PROMISE, | [154] |
| XIV. | SUSPICIONS, | [169] |
| XV. | EVIL TONGUES, | [183] |
| XVI. | LECTURE V.—FAITH CONFIRMED, | [196] |
| XVII. | DISCLOSURE, | [203] |
| XVIII. | MERCY AND SELF-DENIAL, | [214] |
| XIX. | REFRESHMENT, | [227] |
| XX. | LECTURE VI.—FAITH VICTORIOUS, | [235] |
| XXI. | BONDAGE, | [243] |
| XXII. | THE NIGHT, | [252] |
| XXIII. | A SISTER’S VOICE, | [259] |
| XXIV. | A TRIUMPH, | [277] |
| XXV. | LECTURE VII.—FAITH CROWNED, | [288] |
| XXVI. | CONCLUSION, | [298] |