cxxv.
Lev. vi. 13. The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar: it
shall never go out.
IT is a matter of deep regret that religious persons do not enter more fully into the Jewish Ritual, and explore with more accuracy the mysteries contained in it. And I am not sure that Ministers, whose office properly leads them to unfold the sacred volume to their people, are not chargeable with a great measure of this remissness, in that they are not more careful to bring forth to their view the treasures of wisdom that are hid in that invaluable mine.
Of course, it will not be expected that on this oc- casion I should attempt any thing more than to illus- trate the subject that is immediately before me. But I greatly mistake, if that alone will not amply suffice to justify my introductory observation ; and to shew, that an investigation of the Law in all its parts would well repay the labours of the most diligent research.
The point for our present consideration is, the par- ticular appointment, that the fire on the altar should never be suffered to go out. I will endeavour to set forth,
I. Its typical import, as relating to the Gospel —
Every part of the Ceremonial Law was " a shadow of good things to come." This particular ordinance clearly shews,
1. That we all need an atonement —
[This fire, which was to be kept in, was given from hea- vena: and it was given for the use of all; of all Israel without exception. There was not one for whom an atonement was not to be offered. Aaron himself must offer an atonement for himself, before he can offer one for the people b. Who then amongst us can hope to come with acceptance into the divine presence in any other way ? Our blessed Lord has told us, " No man cometh unto the Father, but by me." And St. Paul assures us, that " without shedding of blood there is no remis- sion of sins." We must all, therefore, bring our offering to
a Lev. ix. 24. b Heb. vii. 27.