if they erred: for the advantages possessed by a priest for knowing his duty were so superior to that of others, that an error in him was equal in enormity to the same evil when committed by the whole people of Israel. If a ruler sinned through ignorance, he was to bring a male hid for his offering: but if one of the common people erred, a female kid or lamb would suffice for hime. Ignorance was a sin in any one of them, and demanded an atonement to be made for itf; but its enormity varied according to the means which different persons possessed of acquiring information. Conformably with this rule will justice be administered in the day of judgment. Ministers have, beyond a doubt, by far the greatest measure of responsibility ; and, if they be unfaithful to their office, must receive by far the heaviest condemnation. Magistrates too, inasmuch as their duties call for the greater, and their errors produce the more pernicious, effects upon society, must be considered as deeply accountable to God for their conduct, and as involving themselves in a peculiar measure of guilt, if they execute not aright the trust reposed in them. Indeed, every member of society, according to the extent of his in- formation and his influence, will be responsible to God for the discharge of his appropriate duties ; and, in the event of his neglecting to fulfil them, will receive from God a corresponding punishment. Such will be God's mode of judging: and]
His sentence, too, will be pronounced in perfect equity —
[" Stripes," to whomsoever administered, will be propor- tioned, not merely to the offence committed, but to the circum- stances under which they were committed. This is the rule of conduct amongst men. " Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom men have com- mitted much, of him they expect the more." If we ourselves have committed five talents to a servant, we expect a greater increase than from him to whom we have committed only two. And if there be a servant to whom we have entrusted only one, we expect a suitable improvement even of that one. This is what God also does : and, whilst to those who have approved themselves faithful he will give a suitable reward, he will say concerning the unprofitable servant, " Cast him into outer darkness, where shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth g."]
Consider now, beloved,
1. What is the aspect of this passage upon your state —
e Lev. iv. 3, 13, 22, 27, 28, 32. * Lev. v. 17—19.
s Matt. xxv. 30.