The Pulpit Commentary — Leviticus — Section 129

Achan, who :robbed God (Josh. vii. 21). There is thus the evil co-operation of the senses and faculties, sin in inward thought and outward act. The temporary gratifica- tion of the flesh is preferred to the durable contentment of the spirit; self is brought into hideous prominence, e.s if it could never be coincident with the interest of others and of God. It is classed with sins of iguorance because, though wittingly done, the covetous desire seems to blind the moral sight, and man acts as if under the constraint of a foreigu power. Beware of greed I it is insidious in its approaches, and awful in its effects. 3. It is aggravated by falsehood. One sin drags another in its wake; avarice prepares the way for lying, even demands it that its designs may be achieved. What has been taken by force is often defended by perjury. The pillars of wickedness are unstable; they need each other's ~upport, for they cannot stand alone in their own native stren.,oth. A covetous heart calls for a. deceitful tongue. Il. THE BEPABATION. Real happiness does not accompany sin; it is a. thorny rose, a cup with nauseous elements, a nightmare sleep. Though no human eye detect the wrong, the sinner is guilty, and knows that One above will not recognize the right of might and violence, nor allow his name to be used with impunity as a shield to vice. Remorse tortures the transgressor, until he is driven to confess his crime and to make amends for it. The La.w mercifully appoints a salve for the bleeding conscience. 1. Full restitution to the rightful, O'IJYM'f'. The property stolen or retained, together with an added fifth, is returned as compensation for the injury suffered. Sin is snown to be unprofitable, and no length of possession is allowed to supply a reason for inequitable retention. Lapse of time must never be supposed to bar recovery of rights. Are there no persons in our assemblies to whom this law is applicable? 2. .d.ck11ow'kdgment of an offence committed against God. It was"e. trespass against the Lord" (ver 2), and in several respects. His commandments were broken, notably the second, third, eighth, and tenth (Exod. :u:.). A:n. atonement is required, the sacrifice of a ram, the fat parts of which are burnt on the altar, and the rest eaten by the priests. The two branches of the moral law a.re closely connected. To violate the one is to dishonour the other. Experienoe attests their contiguity. Those who best regard the interests of their neighbours are the men that are jealous for the honour of God. Forget not to impress upon children the importance of asking, not only their parents' pardon, but the forgiveness of their heavenly Father when they have acted dishonestly or unkindly. Frequently the newspapers record the receipt by the Chancellor of the Exchequer of money sent because of unpaid t.axes. Do the senders always remember that they have sinned against God as well as man; and implore forgiveness in the name of Jesus Christ ?--S. R. A.. Vere. 1-7.-Restitution. This paragraph ought to have been included In the preceding chapter, e.s it is the conclusion of the subject there considered. The lo.st pare.graphs treated of sacrilege, or trespass in the holy things of God; this has reference to trespass between man and man. We have here- I. .AN ENUMERATION OF WRONGS. These may be distributed into two classes, viz. : 1. In matters of fraud. 'l'hese may be (1) iu respect to things in custody, "that which was delivered him to keep." Under this heading may be ranged things left in pledge, the possession of which is afterwards denied. Also things borrowed and fraudulently retained. (2) In respect to "fellowship." This may refer, in matters of partners4ip, to claiming for sole interest profits that should be divided, or shifting liabilities which should be jointly borne wholly to the partner's account. The Hebrew here is "putting of the hand," which the margin interprets "in dealing." A:n.y fraud in trade would, therefore, come under this head, viz. by light weight, short measure, false balances, false samples, adulterations, misrepresentation of values, or saunterings by which an employer is robbed of his time. (3) In respect to trusts. Executors so ma.naging estates as to enrich themselves at the expense of their wards. Public eervants manipulating accounts to pocket balances, or taking bribes to favour parti- cular contractors to the prejudice of competitors or of the public. ( 4) In respect to "the lost thing which he found." Solon's law was," Take uot up that which you laid not dow'.I." Historians relate that in England, in the days of Alfred the Great, golden bracelets might be safely hung up in the road. Whoever retains what he found wher.. he knows who the owner is, or without using diligence to discover him, is a thief.  88 'l'IIE BOOK OJ LEVITICUS. (ou. VL 1-7.