Vcrs. 1-3.-Earthly magistracy an argument for the heavenly. rt· is not con- ceivable that God should have taken such pains, through Moses, to secure pure administration of justice in earthly courts, unless be had established a like court of judicature in heaven. So far as the will of God is embodied in the judicial procedure on earth, it is copied from the pattern of heavenly things. I, A JUDICIAL COURT IS CREATED FOR THE DISCRIMINATION OF HUMAN CHARACTER. The purpose of all examination and testimony is to separate the evil from the good- to bring to light the righteousness and the wickedness of men. Justice delights more in vindicating and commending the righteous than in censuring and condemning the wicked. Justice found a nobler occupation in marshalling Mordecai through the city, and proclaiming his innocence, than in erecting the gallows for the execution of Haman. Human judges, however, can discern only what is palpable and conspicuous. They have not an organ of insight delicate enough to detect the lesser excellences and blemishes ; nor can they penetrate into the interior nature of man. These institutions are only the shadows of heavenly things. But every man stands before the tribunal of a higher Judge, where not only actions, but motives, intentions, and feelings, are examined and weighed. Here, without the possibility of mistake, the righteous are justified, the wicked are condemned. Discrimination is perfect : separation will be complete. II. A JUDICIAL COURr IS ORDAINED FOR THE PUNISHMENT OF EVIL DEEDS. 1. The true punishment is measured by the scale of demerit. It is enjoined to be "according to his fault." In God's sagacious judgment, every degree of blameworthiness is noted. Nothing appertaining to moral conduct is beneath the notice of God's eye. We value far too little moral qualities. As we grow like God, we shall gain in that penetrative power which discerns the beauty of goodness and the blackness of iniquity. 2. Punish- ment is a loss. of manliness. "The judge shall cause him to lie down." His dignity shall be prostrate. Sin robs us of manliness, but the loss does not come into public view until punishment follows. To be righteous throughout is to be a man. 3. Punish- ment is to be public. The culprit is "to be beaten before the judge's face." This publicity is part of the penalty. It is summary-to be inflicted at once. And publicity is also a safeguard against cruelty and against excess. So God invites public recognition and public approval of his doings. 'l'he ransomed universe shall unite in the testimony, "Just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints." Ill. A JUDICIAL COURT REVEALS THE VALUE OF A IIUJIIAN LIFE. The penalties were to be moderate, " lest thy brother should seem vile unto thee." The first ends of punishment are the reformation and improvement of the offender. If it is possible to teach the culprit the value of himself, and inspire him with a hatred of sin, we have done him unspeakable good. We do not spend so much in cutting and polishing a. common stone as we do a ruby or a sapphire. Let our treatment of men be as if we esteemed them the jewels of God.-D.
Ver. 4.-Doing good inseparable from getting good. Active exercise of our powers is a primary condition of getting good. Real service for others is destined to gain reward. I. SEllVIOE OAN BE RENDEllED TO MAN BY VERY INFERIOR NATURES. The whole animate creation waits upon man. Every living thing upon the earth is a s~rvant and 400 THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY. [on, UV, 1-19,
a lackey for men. He is a king here; and, if be have sufficient wisdom, be can rule all for his own advantage. Yet, in a higher sphere, man is only a servant. He who is served by all inferior beings is called to serve the Highest Being. 'l'he disparity l,etween God and man is a disparity immeasurable ; and yet God permits, yea, en- courages, onr intelligent and willing service. Inferior 1\.8 we are to him, we can render efficient sen·ice to his kingdom and glory. This is man's truest honour. II. SERYICE CONTRIBUTES TO PROVIDE AN ABUNDANT BANQUET. 'l'he labour of the oxen prepared the corn for men. So gross is our ignorance of the lower creation, that we do not perceive our indebtedness to the birds and insects, which play so useful a part in the preparation of our food. All well-directed service contributes something to the sub8tantial advantage of man. There is a banquet of intellectual food, or a banquet for the resthetic taste, or a banquet for the soul, resulting. Active labour serves both to create an appetite and to furnish a table. III. SERTICE HAS CLAIMS UPON OUR GENEROUS RECOMPENSE. It would be nothing else than selfish cruelty to deny to the oxen a share \n the result of their labour. 'fhus God cares for the oxen. Thus be cares for all the works of his hands. And does his kindly care for the inferior beasts diminish his tender regard for men? It im- rnearnrably enhances it! Whoever or whatever does us useful service brings us under obligation. 'l'o the extent of our power we are bound to recompense such. 'l'his sense of indebtedness is a channel of blessing to the soul. The richest man is he who is the most generous. A muzzle is a shackle forged by wanton sel.fisl:mess.-D. ,,