he will be glorified in all, " the least as well as the greatest e," in " little children, as well as in young men and fathers f."]
Having elsewhere explained the different parts of the meat-offering, I forbear to dwell on themg, having no intention to speak of that ordinance any further than it is peculiar, and appropriate to the present occasion11. But, as in that view it is very interesting, I proceed to point out, III. The instruction to be derived from it —
Assuredly it is highly instructive,
1. To Parents —
[Does it not shew you, that you should present your children to the Lord in early life ? Yes ; you should dedicate them to him even from the womb. See the examples of Hannah1, and Elizabeth k, and Lois, and Eunice1: are not these sufficient to guide and encourage you in this important duty ? And is it no encouragement to you to be assured by God himself, " Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from itm?" I say, then, labour with all diligence to promote the spiritual edification of your offspring ; and whilst they are yet so green and young as to appear incapable of serving God with intelligence and acceptance, devote them to him, in the hope that, with the oil and frankincense put upon them, they may prove an offering well pleasing to God, and may come up with a sweet savour before him.]
2. To Ministers—
["The pastor after God's own heart" will "feed the lambs," as well as the sheep, of Christ's flock. And we rejoice in the increased attention that has of late years been paid to the rising generation. But, after all, there is abundant occa- sion for augmented efforts in their behalf. Even the Apostles themselves had but very inadequate views of their duty in re- ference to persons in early life. When parents brought their children to Christ that he might bless them, the Apostles, judging that this was an unprofitable wasting of their Master's time, forbade them. But our blessed Lord was much displeased with them, and said, " Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not : for of such is the kingdom of God. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them,
e Jer. xxxi. 34. f 1 John ii. 12 — 14.
s See the Discourse on Lev. ii. 1 — 3.
h Confirmation, or Sunday Schools. ' ' 1 Sam. i. 22, 24, 28.
k Luke i. 15. ] 2 Tim. i. 5. m Prov. xxii. 6.