lnclin11tions are designed to be servant&, not masters. 2. It exercised them in practical self-denial, The noblest qualities of human character are acquired only by personal discipline. Some parts of our nature have to be repressed; some have to be stimulated. 'rhe fleshly propensities have always been unfriendly to the spirit's life. It is a lfJ.lson hard to be leo.rnt, to forego lesser enjoyments for remote advantages. The favour and society of God nmply recompense for all minor pains. 3. The general rule of action was typical of ltigher truths. All such animals might be eaten as " parted the hoof, and chewed the cud." 'l'here was, doubtless, a reason for this permission arising out of the constituent nature of the flesh. But spiritual lessons also were suggested, viz. that to be acceptable for God's service there must be with us mental digestion of his truth, and there must also be practical circumspection-in our daily walk a separation from worldly contamination. JIJ. BECAUSE THIS DISCRIMINATION IN MEATS WOULD CONSTITUTE A VISIBLE PAR- TITION FROM THE HEATHEN. To bring to a successful issue the Divine purposes in the Hebrew race, it was incumbent to maintain broad distinctions between them and tlie heathen round about. They lived a coarser and more animal life. Animal paasions were fostered by the glutting of the appetites. Some of the animals denied as food to the Jews were used by the heathen for divination; therefore it was safest to label such animals and birds as an abomination. A wisa ca.ptain will give to a sunken reef a wide berth. Further, these differences in social customs and domestic habits \vould serve as perpetual barriers against intermarriages with neighbouring tribes. This might appear unsocial and exclusive. But lesser good has to be sacrificed for loftier and eternal blassing. To every quibble of human reason it is surely enough to reply, "God knows best." This proscription of some kinds of food applied to the Jews only. They might supply to strangers among them food which they were forbidden to eat them- selves. '!'bus a practical lesson was taught them that they were to be pre-eminently holy. The moral attainments of others were not to be the standards by which they should measure conduct. More plainly than speech did such prohibition say, "Be not conformed to the world." What it is allowable for others to do, may be sin for me to practise. IV. BECAUSE THIS ARRANGEMENT SERVED FOR THE DAILY DISCIPLINE 'OF FAITH. Of the first importance was it that the faith of the Hebrews should be maintained, and that their faith should be practically displayed. Very clearly God had assured them that this was his will concerning them; and, whether any reason appeared for the demand or not, as his acknowledged servants they were bound to obey. Such a require- ment had some correspondence with the test imposed on our first parents. The act forbidden might be in itself indifferent-having no moral character. Apart from the command, they might have eaten, or abstained from eating, without any violation of conscience. 'l'his would make the matter a better test of obedience. In abstaining from such and such meat, they did no one wrong; they violated no law of nature, no law of God: they did themselves no injury. They still had enough to meet all the necessities of hunger. Here, then, was la true test whether men would simply obey God's word, even though obedience should mean privation. '!'his was the discipline of faith.-D.
Vers. 22-20.-God's claim upon our money gains. In every province of human life God requires his proprietorship to be recognized. The seveuth part of our time is hallowed for his service. The firstfruits of corn were to be devoted to religions uses. The firstboru in the household belonged to God, aod was to be redeemed by substitu- tion. And now, of all their yearly gains, oue-tenth was claimed by God. J, THE GIJOUND OF GoD's 0LAIIII. His claim proceeds from his proprietorship. Towards the Hebrews he was obviously and directly landlord. He had put them iuto possession of their estates, and rightfully could exact from them a reut. Aud with respect to all national substance, God is absolute Proprietor. He has an original and indefeasible right as Cre11tor; nnd it is his supreme power that maintains iu existeuce lhe treasures of the earth. Even the power we have to accumulate wealth is t.lesirved from tho same beueficent Source. It is his gift, not that he bas conveyed to us the irrespousible l'igbt in it, but simply in the sense that wo had nothing with which to purchase it. "'l'ho earth is the Lord's. and tho fulness thereof." !!52 THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY. tcu. XIV. 1-20.