we expect entirely to overcome them : but still there is much that is clear ; and even that which is in some respects dubious, will be found in other respects highly edifying.
The feast of tabernacles was one of the three great feasts, at which all the males throughout the nation were to assemble at Jerusalem. Its importance there- fore cannot be doubted. But, in our inquiries after the truths which it shadowed forth, we must be guided in some measure by conjecture; and consequently, cannot speak with that full confidence that we main- tain where the inspired writers have led the way. Taking care however to distinguish what is doubtful from what is clear and certain, we shall proceed to consider this feast, and to open to you,
I. Its peculiar rites —
Whilst it had some rites common to other occa- sions, it had some peculiar to itself:
1. The sacrifices offered —
[These were very peculiar, and such as were offered on no other occasion. The feast lasted eight days : on the first of which, thirteen bullocks, with two rams, fourteen lambs, and one kid, and certain meat-offerings, were presented ; and, on the six following days, there were the same sacrifices, except that the number of the bullocks, and of their appropriate meat-offerings, was one less every day : this went on to the eighth day, when there was only one bullock, one ram, seven lambs, and a goat, offered3. The precise reason of this gradual diminution is not known, unless that it was to shew, that the Mosaic dispensation would gradually decay, and at last vanish away, being terminated by that one great Sacrifice which should in due time be offered.]
2. The services enjoined —
[All were to leave their houses for seven days, and to live in booths constructed of the branches of trees, which they had previously cut down for that purpose. This would doubtless be attended with much inconvenience to them : but they were to rise superior to such consideration, and to spend the time in holy joy. Part of the command was, that they should " rejoice before the Lord their God." After the time of Joshua, when the piety of the nation had begun to decline, the observance of this ordinance was discontinued ; or if it was now and then repeated for a single year, the institution was regarded only in
a Numb. xxix. 12 — 39.