II, FROM THE LIFE AND DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST TO THE LIFE AND DEATH OF MJ:N, Poverty, shame, sorrow, tears, the grave,-are not these other than they were, sacred things, since he "had not where to lay his head;" since the crown of thorns rested on that sacred head; since the Man of sorrows bore his bnrden • since "Jes\18 wept· " since they " laid him in a sepulchre "? ' ' III. FROM THE SERVICE TO THE BAN<n'tl'ARY, " This is none other than the house of God." IV. FROM THE FUNCTION TO THE MINISTER. "Esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake." V. FROM THE SPIRIT TO TKE BODY. The exceeding preciousness of the human spirit imparts a sanctity to the body which is its residence and organ. VI. FROM THE TRUTH TO THE WoRD. We must deal reverently with the words in which'the eternal truth of God is uttered.-C. Vers. 19-23.-Ministerial Junction ancl obligation. This instruction is supple- mentary to that given in Exod. xxix. We may gather from it- I. THAT ENTRANCE ON SACRED WORK SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED WITH SPEClll SOLEMNITIES. The commencement of any ministry may well be attended with such observances as shall impress upon the mind the sanctity and weight of the obligations which are incurred. II. THAT TKE A0OEPl'ANCE OF SACRED OBLIGATIONS SHOULD BE REGARDED AS A TIME FOR THANKFULNESS AS WELL AS SERIOUSNESS OF SPIRIT. The priest was to bring a "meat offering "-fine flour and oil (vers. 20, 21}--the token of gratitude for God's bountiful provision. There are, in truth, few things for which we have such reason to be thankful to God as for his providential guidance to that post for which we are fitted, at which we can usefully expend our powers; more particularly if this be one in close connection with his service. Ill. THAT THOSE WHO HOLD SACRED OFFIOEB ABE, WITH ALL THE PEOPLE OF GoD, STEWARDS OF THEIR SECULAR POSSESSIONS. The priest, as well 118 the layman in Israel, was to bring his meat offering. He, too, was indebted to the Divine Sovereign for all temporal blessings, and should make suitable acknowledgment of his debt. Those who now serve in sacred things, in the gospel of the Saviour, are men who receive and hold secular as well as spiritual treasures, and they, too, have their obligations, which they must not disregard. IV, THAT WHAT WE GIVE TO GOD AND BIS CAUSE SHOULD BE GIVEN ABSOLUTELY, WITHOUT THOUGHT OF RETURN. The people gave their offerings, part being burnt and the rest being the portion of the priests; but every "meat offering for the priest was to be wholly burnt: it was not to be eaten" (ver. 23). The priests were not to take back again for their own use that which they had presented to God. What they offered was to be given wholly, utterly, with no thought of receiving it a.gain. When we give to our brother, we do best when we are "hoping for nothing age.in" (Luke vi. 35). When we give to God, either in worship or in contribution to his cause and kingdom, we do best when we are filled with a sense of hie immeasurable goodness to us, and with a desire to do something to his praise. We should feel that (1) it is e. high honour to Le allowed to give anything to him, and that (2) the utmost we can give is e. poor tribute indeed when presented to him who ge.ve himself for us.-.-0.
Vers. 8-30.-Instructiom on the offerings for the prieata. Ver. 13, " The fire she.ll ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out." I. THE PERPETUITY OF RELIGIOUS OBLIGATION. 1. As springing out of the relation between man and Goel, as und,irlying the whole of human existence. "In him we live, and move, and have our being." 2. The all-embracing love of God. The fire came originally from him, and must be kept up to betoken his ceaseless care of his creatures. 3. Tlie positive e:1:pression of religious j'eeUng can never be dispensed with, should be maintained in uninterrupted order. II. The maintenance of worship is A DUTY WHICH 18 DEVOLVED UPON CONSECRATED PERBONB, and their official position, in an especial manner. Ve.in to expect thaL the fire will not go out, unless appointed persons attend to it. Mere individualism is abuse of liberty, and ends in irreligious disorder and extinction of the fire of God's house. 100 THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS. [ CH, VI, 8-30,