dwell in Gml's mincl nro incomprehensible until they are put into hnman monld. This introduction of a humnn element implies limitation, but does not imply error. The prophet becomes the chnnnel through which Divine communications flow; but the prophet needs great subjective preparation to receive the message. He must leave the thr011g nnd bustle of men, nscencl nbove the low cnres of earth, and spend forty days in communion with heavenly realities, before he is competent to receive the gift of ])ivino Law. Such absorption of mind in Divine fellowship will make us also sus- ceptible of lnrgcr revelation. Obedience likewise to Divine command fits us for this fcllowshi p. II. WE BEE TUE rEnMANENCY OF GoD's LAW. 1. The words thr1t were written r,n these second tablets were the same as were written on the first-»ere the same as were spoken in the flame. Though man may violate and break his Law, God docs uot modify nor reduce his claims. 2. They were recorded on stone, on the granite stone of Sinai. There is significance to be found in the material chosen. In many respects stone tablets woulil involve inconvenience, but the impression to be marle on men's minds was of the first importance, and God does nothing without reason. 3. They were to be preserved in a chest. Thus they would be handed down from age to age as the unchanging will of God. - III. WE BEE THE SUCCINCTNESS OF GoD'e COMMANDS. These cardinnl precepts were but ten, which might easily be laid up in memory, and recited by aid of the fingers. In the absence of writings, this natural aid to memory would be in common use. Yet, though few in number, these ten words were pregnant with meaning-were living seeds of truth, which, planted in the soul, would yield a copious harvest. The two stone tablets may have been orderecl to correspond with the two h:mds, or to embrace man's twofold relationship-God ward and manward. IV. Tm: CONSERVATION OF 'l'HE LAW IN THE ARK IS HIGHLY SUGGESTIVE. ]. It is suggestive of mystery. Since the human mind cannot measure the universe, mystery is necessary-mystery is wholesome discipline. 2. It is suggestii-e of protection. 'l'he stony tablets needed protection against the ebullitions of Moses' anger. They ueeded to be hid to prevent their becoming an object of idolatry. 3. It is suggestive of value. 'l'hey had both an extrinsic and an intrinsic worth. They would be valued as rare and unique. They ought to have been valued more highly still as the records of Goil's will. 4. It is suggestive of the use men should make of them. This hidden deposit is symbolical. .As the material temple is the symbol of the human soul, in which God most of all prefers to reside, so the woril of God is required to be enshrined within. "Thy word have I hid in mine heart-." The word is the true forerunner, which prepares the way for the entrance of the Living God.-D.
Vers. 6-11.-Progress. Progress is the law of human life. Perfection is reached only by steady advancement. I. PROGRESS IS MARKED BY DISTINCT STAGES. There are times for action, and times for rest. Neither body nor mind can, in our present state, bear the strain of continuous exertion. 'l'here is an advantage in an occasional hnlt, by which we can review the past, measure our progress, examine our resources, and reconnoitre the future. The soul is many-sided, and advance in knowledge, devout feeling, practical exertion, self- denial, cannot be made at one and the same time. To-day we gain clearer perception of heavenly truths; to-morrow we exercise our best affections on abject sufferers; the day following we fight with tho enemy with sword and buckler. "Each morning sees some ta.sk begun, Each evening sees its close." II. PROGRESS IS ACCOMPANIED BY CHANGEFUL INCIDENT, PAINFUL AND PLEAS.lNT. At one halting-place Aaron died, and thll camp was plunged into bitter mourning; at another halt they came upon streams of refreshing water. Yet all events may minister to the soul's procrress. 'fhere are no absolute impediments to tbe highest progress. "Out of the cntir comes forth meat." "All things work together for good." The order of experience usually happens, ns in this case, viz. first the bitter, then the sweet; first loss, then gain. The evening and the morning make 011e day. "Blessed are they thqt I!lourn ; for they sµall be comforteq," 190 THE 13OOK OF DEUTEIWNOMY. [en. x. 1-22.