what it is, as to the infusion of bitterness into it; it is only through the Divine redeem- ing energy of love which through and by our Lord Jesus Christ is being put forth, that the world still yields its treasures to the rebellious and ungrateful sons of men. Bo that with the praises for mercies so undeserved there should be a confession of sin, n turnina anew unto the Lord, and a reconsecration of heart and life to him. For when we think how soon a slightly adverse action of God towards us might crush us; yea, that even tho bare withholding of mercy would consume us; and when we add to that tho thought of our innumerable provocations of One who cannot bear that which is evil, surely we must needs confess that there are no greater wonders than _the paticnco, tho lovo, the l1ounty of God! Vers. 13-17.-Tlie Feast of Tabernacles, or of Ingathering. "The festival of taber- nacles, as originally instituted, presents but little symbolism. Its primary design was to gin expression to joy and gratitude in view of the products of the earth, every kind of which had now been gathered; and it was therefore also called the Festival of Ingathering." As the Passover commemorated the first deliverance, so the Feast of Booths would recall the wilderness life. And "nothing was more natural than to associate in thought the richness of their inheritance with the probationary trials by rneuns of which the nation bad been prepared to possess it" (Atwater's 'History and Significance of the Sacred Tabernacle of the Hebrews,' Dodd and Co., New York, 1877). It is scarcely necessary here to do more than suggest the underlying principles which are presented here. They must needs have some similarity with those in the preceding Homily. Israel is taught the following truths: I. After the corn and wine have been gathered in, and the anxieties of the year are so far over, they are then expected to look up gratefully to God as the Author of all. 2. God's mercias are to be enjoyed, iu grateful and delightful repose. 3. With the gladsome rest there is to be associated a thankful memory of past guidance and help in the wilderness life. 4. In this rejoicing and thankfulness, master and servant are alike to share, as both equal in the sight of Goe.. 5. By Israel's gladness, the sorrows of the poor, the sad, the lonely, are to be relieved, and the solitary ones are to be made conscious of a kindly care en- compassing them. 6. The recoguition of a reception of mercy is to be accompanied with a loving offtring to God in return (vers. 16, 17). According to the blessing, so 1s to be the tribute. 7. Thus Israel's nationality is to be thrice sealed every year, as a specifically religious one, in holy and joyful covenant with the Lord their God. Manifestly on each of these points, Israel's temporary and local forms illustrated permanent and worldwide principles, in the exposition of which the Christian teacher may well delight. , crs. 18-20.-(See Homily, eh. x. 17-xi. 1, "God no respecter of persons.")
, ers. 21, 22.-(See Homily, eh. v. 8-10, on "The second commandment," and also Homily, eh. xiii., on "Temptations to idolatry to be resisted.")
HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. V ers. 1-9.-The Passover. The Passover was a sacrifice (Exod. xii. 2), and was connected with sacrifices (Lev. xxiii. 5-8; Numb. xxviii.15-26); hence" flock and herd" (ver. 2) covering the sacrifices of the seven days' feast. It was the sacrifice wLich mediated the new relationship established between Jehovah and the people on the night of the Exodus. There was a fitness, at so solemn a crisis in the history of the chosen nation, in the line of demarcation between them and the Egyptians being drawn so strongly in atoning blood. Not for any righteousness of theirs, but through God's mercy, under cover of blood of atonement, was Israel-collectively a part of Egypt, and individually partakers of its guilt and corruptions-spared the stroke o1 judgment. The sacrifice then offered was: 1. Pacificatory. In their blood-sbeltereQ. dwellings, the Israelites enjoyed the presence of God, communion with God, peace with God. A feast of peace was held upon the flesh, as in the later peace offerings. OH, XVI, 1-22.) THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY. 27T