,-ers. 5-28.-C'haracteristic signs of Jehovah's worship. All the religious institutions of Mos_es were bulwarks against t~~ idolatry of the period, and were admirably suited to them tellectual and moral cond1t10n of the people. The worship of the true God was characterized by- I. .A SINGLE, Goo-SELECTED SHRINE. AB the heathen had gods many, they bad plurality of temples, altars, and shrines. The single, central temple of Jehovah promoted at least two worthy objects. 1. It kept alive in the people's memory the unity nf God. In that age, so addicted to idolatry, this was of the first importance. Intel- lectual belief in the one God would not, in itself, go for much ; yet it would be the foundation for reverence, love, and loyalty. 2. It promoted most vitally the unity of the nation. In the absence of representative institutions and periodic literature, the common worship of the people at a central shrine was the most active factor in national unity. On this largely, as an instrument, the strength and safety of the nation depended. In the absence of this cementing element, the tribes would speedily haye become factions-distinct entities-like the Canaanites who had preceded them, II. GoD's WORSHIP WAS CHABACTERIZED DY PROFUSE AND VARIOUS OFFEnINGS. Every event in the life of the Hebrews to be connected with God, and to be associated with religion. Earth was to be joined to heaven by vital arteries of intercommunication. Thus the favour and benediction of God would be enjoyed in every circumstance of daily existence, and a joyous sense ofGod's fatherhood be kept alive. The arrangement would check arnrice and earthly-mindedness. It would make conscience tenderly alive to sin, and promote in a thousand ways practical righteousness. IIL Goo's WORSHIP WAS A DELIGHTFUL OCCUPATION. "Ye shall eat before the Lord . . . and shall rejoice." In observing the rites of idolatry, the Canaanites practised wanton self-mutilations. 'l'hey stained the altars with their own blood. They made their children to pass through the fire. This was the invention of the diabolic spirit. But in God's temple is the sunshine of joy, the light of his face. For man's hunger he prepares a "feast of fat things," fat things "full of marrow," "wines on the lees well refined." .At prodigious cost to himself, he has supplied the "bread of life," and Jiving water from deep wells of salvation. And his gracious voice greets every comer th'U,8, "Eat, 0 friends; . . . yea, drink abundantly." IV. Goo's WORSHIP HALLOWS ALL RELATIONSHIPS AND BRIGHTENS ALL PURSUITS, In the tem~le, ruen became conscious of a Divine presence, and felt within the stirrings of a new life. Religion developed their better nature. It made them acquainted with new rel.ationships, and opened their eyes to the value of old ones. It created new and more generous emotions. Fountains of kindly feeling were unsealed within them, and sweet waters of practical kindness flowed out to the poor and the stranger. A new light beautified all toil, and they rejoiced in all they put their hand unto. 'l'hose who had Leen tl..tc ministrants of this freah life and joy-the Levites-were to have a special place in their sympathy and regard. Sacred ties of generous affection were to knit them in one brotherhood. V. TaE WOReHIP OF GoD SANCTlFIEB THE C014MON KEAL. 'l'he recognition of GQd and 011, XII, l-<12,] 'l'HE nooK OF DEUTERONOMY. 227
his clnims allows us to enjoy all the provision of God with thankfulness anrl content, Every meal reminds us of God, and leads to fellowship with him. Each meal becomes o minor sacrament, nnd nil food is consecrated to highest.use. In this state of minrl excess of every kind becomes impossi hie, and the amplest enjoyment is not incom pa ti bi~ with vigorous piety. VI. 'l'm!l WORSHIP OF Goo TEACHES THE SUPERIOR WORTH OF HUXAN LIVE. All thll requirements of the Levitice.l Law set forth the sacredness of life. Highest sanction3 surrounded all life. 'l'he lives of inferior animals were generously cared for. But when the life of men was to be sustained, and sustained in richest vigour, the lives of animal!I were to be sacrificed. Yet even while this was done, the minds of men were to be impressed with a sense of the value of life; hence the blood of victims was to be poured upon the earth, As in redemption, so in daily sustentation, we are taught the costly price at which our life is procured. So high a value has God set upon man, that large sacrifices of herds and flocks are daily made for his behoof. VII. CEREMONIAL LAWS POSSESSJ,:D A~ ELASTICITY TO SUIT MEN'S ACTUAL NEEDS. Every moral law had o.n innate power and value, which never allowed a concession. To infringe a moral law, even the least, became a personal loss. But ritual law possessed-a value only as the type and memorial of better things. Righteousness is of higher value than human convenience, but ritual is the servant of expediency. The shewbread was for the priests; yet David,in his hunger, might eat thereof and not sin. During the exigencies of desert life, circumcision was often deferred, the Passovers were irregularly observe<l, and to a large extent the Hebrews became "a law unto them- selves." "If the Law uf the Spirit of life" be within us, we shall discern when ritual may be profitably used and when it may be suspended. VIII. THE WORSHIP OF Goo WAS FRUITFUL IN BLESSING. The design of God in every particular was solely the good of families, that "it may be well with thee, and with thy children." We do well to write this with a diamond pen on memory and heart, that God's claims and man's advantage are identical. The plan of human life is laid on the lines of righteousness, and alorig these lines alone is the road to immortal bliss. We cannot add to or take from the commands of God, without injury to ourselves and dishonour to him.-D.