But even npnrt from such cnpitnl instances of transgreegion, we may be sure there WBII continual iniquity both in sanctuary and priesthood-things done too often in a formal, listless way, priest and Levite alike conscious that the heart wa.a not always in the work. It was necessary to provide also for imperfections in the offerings. The animals without blemish were only relatively so, not blemished so far a.a the contributors knew, the very pick, doubtless, of the flocks and herds. There was sincerity of purpose, but there could not be completeness of knowledge. Hence we are led to consider- !. THE INEVITADLE SHORTCOMINGS IN OUR HOLIEST SERVICES. Considering how -much we fall short even in our relations to men, how deficient in equity, bem,volence, and gratitude, we may well feel that the iniquity of our religion must be a very large and serious matter indeed. In relation to God, how ignorant is the understanding, how dull the conscience, how languid are the affections I What formality and pre- occupation in the worship I how apt we are to turn it as far as we can into mera selfish pleasure, from music or eloquence I And when in the mercy of God we become mora sensitive to his claims, more spiritually-minded, better able to estimate rightly this present evil world, then also we shall see our shortcomings in a clearer light. Faults that are not noticeable in the dim light of this world's ethics become not only manifest, but hideous and humiliating, wh•m the light that lighteth every man coming into the world shines upon them. The holier we become, the bumbler we become; the nearer we draw to God, the more conscioue we are of the difference between him and us. We neither repent nor believe as we ought. Praise, prayer, meditation, good works, gospel efforts, all are seen to be not only imperfect, but lamentably so. II. THE PECULIAR DANGERS WHICH BESET THOSE ENGAGED IN SPECIAL SEBVICH. The Levites, however renrently they might at first bear the ark and the holy vessels, would gradually and insensibly contract a sort of indifference. The burdens would become like other burdens, thoughtlessly and mechanically borne. It is no easy matter for such ns have to exhibit God's truth to an indifferent world to keep above indifference themselves. All the more reason, therefore, that they should be on their guard. There must needs be iniquity both in priesthood and sanctuary, but woe either to Aaron or his sons, or any Kohathite who presumed on this us an excuse for relaxing from the strictest attention. Though we cannot attain entire perfection, we are bound to labour on, getting more and more out of mediocrity and formality. Remember the humility, caution, and self-distrust with which Paul invariably speaks of his own attainments, ever magnifying the grace of God, ever confessing his need of Divine support, and the instant failure and danger which come from its with- drawal. Formality in any special work which God may require from his people, say, the exposition and enforcement of his truth, is ruinous. Christian work can never come to appear impossible, but it must never cease to appear difficult. It must always require attention, concentration, self-denial, und patience. It was 11 saying of J. J. Gurney, "The ministry of the gospel is the only thing I know which practice never mukes easy. 11 Ill. THE DIFFUSIVE, PENETRATIVE POWEll OF SIN. It is not BO much as assumed that iniquity of the sunctuary and priesthood could be guarded against. However much was done in this direction, something would be left undone, needing to be pro- vided for in the way of atonement. Sin is working in ue and against us even when we nre not conscious of it. It is a vain thing to make out that there is not much after all of sin in ue, that it is a stage of weakness, ignorance, and imperfection out of which we shall naturally grow.-Y.
Vere. 2-7.-.A.aron and his helpers. I. AARON BAD MANY HELPERS. No less t.ian a whole tribe of Israel, 22,000 in number (eh. iii. 39). And if it be said, " What work could be found about the tabernacle for so many ? " the answer is given in the portioning out of the work among the three great divisions of the tribe. The Levites were not around Aaron like the embellishments of a court, merely to imprese the vulgar mind. They were there for work-reRl, neceesary, honourable, beneficial work. A great deal of it might seem humble, but it could not be done without. So notice how Jesus gathered helpers around himself. It was one of the 236 THE BOOK OF NUMBERS. [cB. xvm. 1-82.