and ignvminy, and that the Father permitted him so to be "made a curse." A yet more mysterious featuro in the death of Christ is that, in the direst hour of his a"ony, tho Father seemed to sido with the world, by withdrawing from him the li"'ht and comfort of his presence (Matt. xxvii. 46). Christ was dealt with by Heaven, ~ot less than by men, as One under a curse ; if not a sinner, he was treated as if he were one. The apostolic writings lay stress on this as a fact of essential importance in the work of Christ for man's salvation (2 Cor. v. 21; Gal. iii. 13). Subjection to the curse of the Law in the name of the world of sinners with whose lot he had identifiecl himself, was not all that was necessary for their redemption from that curse, but it was involved in what was necessary. Any theory of atonement which leaves out the recognition of Christ "made sin" for us by voluntary endurance of sin's doom, must, on scriptural grounds, be pronounced at least incomplete.-J. 0. Vers. 1-9.-The creation of righteous, public sentiment. The influence of man upon man is omnific; it touches him at every point. The potency of influence depends on character, rank, age, station. The character of kings is soon reflected on their courtiers. From this principle is born the adage, "Like priest, like people." Crimes proceed from depraved sentiment, and sentiment can be purified by righteous influence. I. CRIME counTs CONCEALMENT. .All crime is cowardly, base, mean. It _fears the light. This may furnish a test for acts that lie near the boundary lines of morality, and admit of question. If the fierce light of righteous opinion is dreaded, the thing is already condemned. So lacking in fortitude and courage is the murderer, that he will seldom confess the truth unless conscience scourges him with intolerable remorse. Yet it is, in well-Drganized society, an exceptional thing if the murderer escapes. 'l'he movements of Divine providence usually furnish some clue to the red-handed man. Still, if amid the infirmities of human government the culprit should escape, he is • amenable to another jurisdiction where concealment is impossible. Every crime shall eventually be seen in a blaze of noontide light. II. MAGISTERIAL RESPONSIBlLITY IS INDICATED. Crime is not merely injury against an individual, it is an assault upon society. If murder pass with impunity, no life will soon be safe. In the human race there is a solidarity of interest. Men constitute a family. Cities have a character as well as persons. The real leaders in society are laden with heavy responsibility. It is their paramount duty to foster healthy public sentiment; and if this sentiment does not penetrate far enough to prevent crime, it should penetrate far enough to detect crime. Every man can contribute something to influence public morals, and magistrates should lead the way. III. PuBLIO ABHORRENCE OF CRIME IS IMPRESSIVELY SHOWN. The minds of men are more impressed by deeds· than by words, especially by symbolic acts surrounded by the sanctions of religion. It was of the first importance that the city elclers should be beyond any suspicion of connivance with the deed. Therefore they must publicly purge rhemselves by solemn attestation. .A valuable heifer was to be selected, and tho elders were required to decapitate the victim-a public protest that this would be their own desert if in any degree they had been accessories to the crime. The natural scene selected for this rite was significant. It was to be done in a rugged valley given over to barrenness or natural desolr.tion; being an impressive picture of sin's effect. Accom- panying this solemn immolation-this appeal of innocence to Heaven-there was the most explicit utterance of words ; so that the honour of the rulers might shine out clear and bright. Magisterial authority is founded on public regard. It was, moreover, a representative act. Every citizen spoke through these elders. IV. MEDIATION Is HERE FORESHADOWED. It is possible by our thoughtlessness to "become partaker of other men's sins." 'vV e all share, in greater or lesser measures, in the guilt of the race. There are sins of ignorance, and to these a measure of cul pa- bili ty belongs. Evils might have been prevented if we had been more faithful. But, by God's appointment, substitution is permitted. Other blood may be shed, by virtue of which we may be redeemed. "The blood of bulls and goats can never take away sin;" nor can the blood of man. No material compensation can be made for moral wrong. But moral effects may be produced by substitution, which shall be equally just and more beneficent. As the priests of olden time were mediators between God 'an,l tho Jews, so wo have a Great High Priest, who is a real Mediator, having royal interest for us with God. 3i'i2 THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY. [cu. XXI. 1-23.
, . PE:s.TI'ENCE Al-."D PURITY ARE TWIN SISTERS. (See ver. 9.) There is an appeal for mercy: "Be merciful, 0 Lord, unto thy people Israel." Some measure of culpability must be felt in every solicitation of mercy. For mercy is that principle in God which con,cys blessing when no merit exists. And if true penitence moves in the breast, it is the parent of reformation; its purpose is amendment. It seeks not only removal of burdens, but the destruct.ion of the evil thing. In the hour of penitence, new love o.nd ne"· hate are born. Unless fruits of righteousness appear, penitence is only pretence, The sincere cry for mercy is always followed by" doing that which is right in the sight of the Lord."-D.