The Pulpit Commentary — Leviticus — Section 195

the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good.'' Listen to the voice from under the trees of the Garden of Gethsemane: "Father, not my will, but thine be done." Fond parents have sacrificed their children for the good of the commonwealth how much more shall they be content to leave them in the hands of God, to be dealt ~ith accord- ing to his infinite justice and mercy I It was the glory of the Father that necessitated the surrender of his beloved Son to death for the redemption of the world.-S. R. A. Vers. 6, 7.-Restrictions and infirmities of rdigious service, That honour involves responsibility is implied in many of these ordinances, and is recognized in the judament passed on the conduct of men occupying conspicuous positions in society and in the ·Church. To be dedicated to God's service was en inestimable privilege conferred on Aaron and his family. Their time and labour were bestowed upon high and holy employments. The seal of God was stamped upon their brow, the people regarded then. with respect and provided for their maintenance. Compare the honourable position ol ministers, missionaries, yea, all the followers of Christ now, and note that there are special restrictions consequent upon their consecration, and common infirmities to which they are subject equally with others. L THE RESTnICTIONS. 1. Forbidden to mingle with the world ln it, engagements. "Not go out of the sanctuary," at least for a season, they are deprived of the liberty others enjoy, Pursuits which may be harmlessly indulged in by others are unbecoming t,o them. 2. Prohibited from contact with all that is defiling. They must not touch the dead bodies of their relations ; the cousins of Aaron shall perform the last offices for their brethren. What concord hath the Spirit of life with death? To profane the holy unction is to incur the Divine displeasure. "Neither filthiness, nor foolish ,talking, nor jesting, whid1 ~re not convenient." "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness." 3. Pree manifestation of grief at God's visitations not permitted, The usnal relief found in expression is excluded; there must be no signs of mourning upon the priests. Let it suffice for the nation to "bewail the burning." How shall the oil of gladness consort with mourning? The people of God are not to be demonstrative in their sorrow at his chastisements, lest it be misconstrued, and others, taking occasion from their example, go Curi.her and even denounce the ways of God, and so " wrath come upon" them. We must remember the wisdom of the .Almighty and ,the glory due unt.o his Name. Will not the world entertain hard thoughts concerning him if we his servants a.re over-loud in lamentation? IL THE INFIRMITIES which are not prevented. 1. They are subject to the common losses and bereavements. 'l'here is no special providence in this respect. Even Aaron and his sons have to bow before afll.icting dispensations. If it were otherwise great part of the discipline of life would be omitted from the training of God's chiefest scholars. 2. They also feel the natural pangs of sorrow. It is evidently so in the present case, or the command to refrain from the usual manifestations of grief would not have been issued. God's ministers are not expected to become hard-hearted and callous, but they are not to give way to outbursts of anguish. 3. They are liable to rommit acts displeasing to God. Na.dab and .Abihu are a solemn warning of the possibility of transgression. Even Christiane of repute fall into giievous sin. They get hurried away by worldly passion, and offer unacceptable worship. CoNCLUBION. Observe the influence of our behaviour upon (1) the honour of God, and (2) the welfare of our fellows. He who expects great things of u~ will_ also, if we ask him, accord us the necessary strength to enable us to comply with his demnnds. Whilst conscious of the importance attaching to all our actions, we need not be depressed with a load of anxiety. We may "rejoice in the Lord alway."-S. R. A. Vere. 1-7.-Nadab and ..t!bihu. When the fire of God r.ame upon the sacrifices, "the people shouted, and fell on their faces." While thus in an attitude of prayer, Na.dab and Abihu snatched their censers, put fire into them, and put incense upon the fire, ae though to send up the prayers of the people to God. In this they sinned. and in corieequence paid a fearful penalty. Let us consider- . I. THE NATURE OF THEm BIN. We are told: 1. That they offered strange fire to -Gud. (1) The censers were ri"ht. '!'hey were doubtless those ma.de under the direc- •tion llf Bczaleel and ,Aholiab ~ccording to patterns shown in the mount (Exod. xxv. Oll. X. 1-i.1 TIIE BOOK OF LEVITICUS. 15-1