u~c it to give force and emphasis to a falsehood. Whether in private converse, or In a cc>urt of justioe, we use God's Name to produce a stronger persuasion in others' minds, we contrnct fearful guilt if we use that sacred Name to bolster np a lio. (4) Wo take God's Name in vain whenever we use it needlessly, flippantly, or in jest. 'l'ho moral effect upon men is pernicious, corrupting, deadly. The penalty is set forth in ncgaUve language, but it is intended to convey deep impression. Others may hold it as a venial sin; not so God. 4. God's authority over the employment of our time. All time belongs to God. lie bath created it. Every successive breath we inspire is by his sustaining power. Since we are completely his, his claim mast be reCO!!nized through c1·ery passing minute. Dut just as he allows to men the productions ~f the soil, bnt requires the firstfruits tu be presented to him-the earnest of the whole; so also the firstfruits of our time he claims for special acts of worship. Ono day in seven he requires to be thus consecrated; but whether the first or the seventh depends wholly on the mode of human calculation. The grounds on which the institution rests arc many. Even God felt it to be good to" rest" from his acts of creation. In some sense, he ceased for a time·to work. Review and contemplation formed his sabbath. His claims to have his day observed are myriad-fold. If sabbath observance was beneficial for Jews, is it not for Gentiles? If it was a blessing to man in the early 11ges, has it now become a curse? Even the inferior creation was to share in the boonf Strangers and foreigners would learn kl admire the gracious arrangement, and learn the considerate kindness of the Hebrews' God. II. WE LEARN rrow OUR LIFE IS TO BE CONDUCTED MAN-WARD. I. In accordance ·u:ith the degree of kinship. A parent has claims beyond all other men upon our love, ohec'icucc, and service. Parents are deserving our heartfelt honour. They claim this on tbc ground of position and relationship, irrespective of personal merit. Parents stand towards their children, through 1111 the years of infancy, in the stead of God. For years the human babe is wholly dependent upon its parent; and this serves as schooling and discipline, whereby it learns its dependence upon a higher Parent yet. 'fhe dispo- sition and conduct required in us towards our parents is the same in kind as that required towards God. Filial reverence is the first germ of true religion. Hence the promises of reward are akin. The family institution is the foundation of the political fabric. The bealLh and well-being of home is the fount of national prosperity. If pareI1ts are honoured, "it shall be well with thee." This, a law for individuals, a law for society, and a law for nations. 2. Our duty towards all men. We are to respect their persons. Their life and health are to be as dear to us as our own. We are to respect their virtue. The lower passions are to be held in restraint. Occasions for lust must be avoided. A bridle must be put upon the glances of the eye. We are to respect- their property. This dnty has extensive scope. It means that we should deal with others as if they were ourselves. All dishonest dealing, false representations in commerce, overreaching in bargains, fraudulent marks, are condemned. We are to have respect to their repuJation. It ought to please us as much to see a conspicuous vlrtue, a ~enerous quality, in another, as if it shone in ourselves. Idle tale-bearing is for- bidden, as also detraction, slander, unfavourable interpretation of others' deeds, and suspicion of their motives. \Ye are charged, as the servants of Goel, to" love our neigh• bours even as ourselves." 3. This Divine Law carries its sanctions into our interior life. "Thou shalt not covet." Improper and irregular desires are to be repressed. Like a wise Huler, God proceeds to the very root of sin-to the very core of evil. "fis easiest to strangle the serpent at its birth. If only this fountain were pure, all its streams would be likewise pure. Let the salt of purification be applied here! 'l'here is scope for coveting-a direction in which it may lawfully run. It may l'Ull God ward. It may fix its eyes and its hands on heavenly treasures. For in securing these we derraud no one else. Therefore, we may with advantage all round "covet earnestly tLe best gifts." Desire alter heavenly gifts and riches is never untimely or excessive, ne,;er im,gnlar or inordinate. Hence, as an antidote to a covetous disposition, we may \\ell oourish heavenly Lope. "Delight in God" will bring a most satis(ying fruition uf desire. Sowing in this fertile field yields a prolific harvest. 'l'he Decalogue is ~u1rr1,kte. Gud "aclded no more." Authority centres hcre.-D.
Vere. 21-33.-C\liaracter determines environment, I. '1'1rn STORMY ELEMEN'l'B OJ!' CH, V, 1-33.] 'l'HE HOOK 01!' DEUTERONOMY. 111