The Pulpit Commentary — Leviticus — Section 334

HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. ~crs. 1, 2, 4, 5, 12, 2&-28, 30--32, 36, 31.-Religion and superstition. It is not al ways easy or even possible to distinguish between religion and superstition. We may fall into the latter when we are seeking to practise the former; or we may, from undue- fear of the latter, neglect the former. In this chapter the Jews were taught (and we- are thereby encouraged) to avoid the one, and to perfect the other in the fear of God. I. 'flrE SUPEBSTITION WHICH w AS TO BE SHUNNED. 1. Clearly and decisively every- thing that was in any way idolatrous was condemned; "turn ye not unto idols,,. (ver. 4). 2. All that was distinctively or closely connected with heathen worship was also forbidden: the use of enchantments, the superstitious observance of lucky or unlucky times, also superstitious cutting of the hair or of the flesh (vers. 26-28); resorting to 'l\izards, etc. (see 1 Chron. x. 13). There is amongst us much adoption ol practices which are idle and vain, not warranted in Scripture nor founded on reason. Such things are to be deprecated and shunned. They are (1) useless; (2) harmful, as taking the place in our thought which belongs to something really good and wise; (3) displeasing to tbe God of truth. II. THE RELIGION WHICH WAS TO BE CULTIVATED AND PRACTISED. The Jews were to cherish and cultivate, even as we are, (I) sanctity like that of God himself (ver. 2), entire separateness of spirit and so of conduct from every evil thing; (2) reverence for his holy Name (ver. 12), and consequent abstention from everything bordering on pro- fanity; (3) regard for divinely appointed ordinances-the sabbath and the sanctuary (ver. 30); (4) gratitude for his redeeming mercy (ver. 36), "I am the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt;" (5) spontaneous dedication to his service (ver. 5). "At our own will" we must bring ourselves and our offerings to his altar;. (6) daily, hourly consultation of his holy will, '' Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them" (ver. 37).-C. Vere. 3, 32.-" Honour to whom honour." It is uncertain whether we shall receive the honour which is due to us. Possibly we may be denied some to which we are entitled; probably we have experienced this wrong alrcaily, in larger or smaller measure, and know the pain of heart which attends it. Let us, therefore! resolve that w:e will give that which is due to others. The two passages connected m the toxt remmd us that we should pay deference t-0-- I. THOSE WHO CADDY THE WEIGHT OF YEARS. "Thou ehalt rise up before tbe hoary head and honour the face of the old man." "Respect the burden, madam," said Na~leon, inviting a lady to move out of the way of one who _was carrying a he~vy weight. Those who have travelled far on the rough road of life, and are worn with many and sad experiences, on whom the privations of age are resting,-these carry e. heavy weight, a burden we should respect. They are as wounded soldiers on who~ the battle of life has left its scars, and these are marks of honour that demand the tribute of youth. II. Taos11 WHO JUVE ATTAINED TO 'WISDOM. The young are apt to think that they OD, IlX, 1-37.] TIIE BOOK OF LEVITICUS.