oppressor. The slave-holder, if severely exacting, would earn an unenviable reputation rind every device would be resorted to by the emancipated to avoid that man's 8 ervice'. His lands might remain untilled, his flocks neglected, his vineyards unpruned because of his oppressive treatment of former slaves. Divine wisdom had fixed this short term of service as a barrier against human cruelty. III. JEWISH SLAVERY WAS FURTHER RELIEVED BY A SPffilT OF GENEROSITY. It is possible to show a spirit of kindness everywhere. If we have an unpleasant duty to pcr- form,firmness may be always tempered with kindness. God wonld not allow the Hebrews to deal with their bondmen on terms of mere justice. They were not permitted to extort all that was in the bond. To make the largest possible gain out of human flesh and blood was strictly prohibited. '!'hey might continue the usage of slavery for a time, but the system should be relieved and penetrated and embellished by acts of kindness. 'l'he day of release was not to be a day of mourning for the masters. They were to share in the gladness of the emancipated, to send them away laden with flocks and with fruit. In proportion as bad been the industry and fidelity of the bondman, would be (unless his master were a brute) the bountiful reward. This new spirit of fraternal benevolence would specdily,undermine and overthrow the old usage of slavery. Such is God's process of change. JV. GENEROUS KINDNESS MIGHT SECURE THE LIFELONG SERVICE OF THE SLAVE. There was no necessity that the condition of the bondman should be one of hardship. Love might surmount all custom, rise above law, and transcend all considerations of gain. The spirit of religion can find its way down to the root of all wrong, eradicate all the evils that curse society, and make human life beautiful as heaven. In the very midst of slavery, it is possible for love to operate, to soften asperities, and lighten burdens. 'l'o .this practical affection the hearts of slaves would soon respond. Their service would rise in quality, and would increase in indefinite measure. Kindness is a most remunerative investment. And at the close of the term of service, many a bond- roan would decline his freedom, and prefer the service of snch a master for the possible drawbacks and risks of liberty. V. REMEMBRANCE OF OUR OWN OBLIGATION SHOULD MaKE US INDULGE..."'!T TO OTHERS, (Ver. 15.) If adversity has not made us tender-hearted, it has been wasted upon us. God bas redeemed us from the bondage of sin, and redeemed us at costly price, and it is plain that we do not prize our redemption if we oppress oth~rs. The love of our heart, which God rightly claims for himself, be commands us to express in the form of practical kindness. God bas identified his interests with the interests of humanity, so that we either promote both or neither.-D.
Vers. 19-23.-Thefirst for God. As God is supreme, so bis claim to recognition and obedience must have consideration prior to all ot.her claims. Such priority is his indefeasible right; such priority best subserves the interests of men. The first day of the week he claims and hallows ; the firstfruits of the soil he claims for religious offering; the first place in our affections he asks as his due ; the first born, both of man and of beast, he marks as his own. This is his royalty. I. THE REPRODUCTIONS OF LIFE A CONTINUOUS CREATION OF GoD. It is acknow- ledged on every side that life can only spring from life. No arrangements of material atoms-no processes of chemical change with which men are acquainted-can produce life. It is a force unique in itself, and can only rationally be traced to the creative power of a personal God. The potency to reproduce life, which God has placed in all the species, is as clearly a demonstration of his creative energy as if he manifestly and alone created each individual being. "\Ve cannot escape from the conclusion that he is sole Life-giver. "I kill,'' saith God, "ant.I I make alive." II. THE CLAIM ON THE FffiSTBORN ALONE IS A CONCESSION OF THE FULLEST RIGHTS OF GoD. He has a rightful proprietorship in all life. But he allows to man, as his liege vassal, dominion over the inferior races of his creatures. Acknowledgment of man's subjection must, however, be made; tribute must be paid to the Heavenly King. This ammaement is an act of combined justice and kindness. For man's highest good, be ~ust be kept in perpetual remembrance of his dependence and his obligation. If the springs of gratitude in man's nature should dry up, his loss would be immeasurable. Every memorial we have of God is a gospel. 2i0 THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY, [ err. x VI. 1-22.
JJT. G0D's CLAIM Al'-"D MAN'S ENJOYMF:KT AnE IDENTICAL. 'l'his devotement of the firstlinp:s to G0d was no real loss: it was every way a blessing. It cherished in them :, f<'<'ling 0f filial dependence. It took them up to the temple, year by year, and so l1 ruughl them into clo8e conk1ct with eternal things. It served to link religion with the commonest affairs 0f daily life. It taught them that G0d found a pleasure in thoir enjoyments, and that his commandments were promotivo of real delight. Thus the acls of Jehovah's worship were not identified ,vith fasting and austerity, but with eating and drinking in the sacred temple. 'l'he pleasure was all the greater becauso it "·as social. In the banquet and festivity the wholll household partook. r,. IMPERFECT SACRIFICES PROHIBITED. Very evident is it that this demand of the first.born was designed for spiritual instruction. However great God's caro for our bodily life appears, his desire for our souls' well-being is imme11surahly greater. By snoh ,isihle and impressive methods God sought to teach the Jews that perfection of nature was God's design, and that such perfection ,vould alone find a place in his heavenly temple. The best feelings and aspirations of our nature yearn art~r perfection. Kothing less will satisfy the mind of God; nothing less will satisfy us. "Then shall I be satisfied, when I awake with thy likeness." Y. lET BLEMISHED LIFE IS BETTER THAN BARRENNESS. A lame or a blemished Jamb-a firstb0rn-was not utterly useless. It. served as food for man, it sustained human life. But it ,,as deprivod of the honour of being devoted to God. Imperfect Rcr,ice is not altogether useless in the world. If we do a kindness to a neighbour, though no Jove to God prompt the deed, some good. will result. Continuance in good deeds will gradually lead to better feelings and to nobler purposes. He who serves well his fellow-men now, will ere long learn to serve God. Let us ever follow tho best sentiments which arise within, though yet very imperfect.-D.