Ver. 19.-Nalure a wilness. (See for other instances, eh. iv. 26; xxxi. 28; xxxii. 1; Isa. i. 2.) Tho invocation of heaven and _earth as witnesses turns on deep principles. 'l'hey arc "called to record"- 1. BECAUSE THE MIND IlECOGNIZES THEffi PRESENCE AB WITNESSES OF ITS TRANSACTIONS. It projects its own consciousness on its surroundings, and feels as if earth and sky, sun, moon, rock, river, tree, mountain, were not inanimate but animate and sympathetic witnesses of its doings. It attaches its own thoughts to the outward objects. In presence of the scene of any great transaction, it feels as if the place retained its memory; still spoke to it of the past; thought, felt, rejoiced, accused, praised, according to the nature of the deed. Define as we will this feeling of a " Presence" in nature- this "sense of something far more deeply interfused," which we inevitably carry with us into our relations with the outward universe-it is a fact in consciousness, and furnishes a basis for such appeals as those of Moses. II. BECAUSE GoD IB PRESENT IN HEAVEN AND EAilTH AS A WlTh'ESS OF WHAT IS DONE. (Cf. Matt. v. 34, 35.) Heaven is his throne; earth, his footstool. He is present in ~hem, upholding them by the word of bis power, and through them is a. true witness of all we say and do. IJJ. BECAUSE HEAVEN AND EARTH ARE CREATURES THEMSELVES CON:n>ICUOUSLY FULFILLING THE ENDS OF THEm CREATION. The universe as a. whole is thus a. standing protest against the a.postacy and self-willedness of the sinner (Isa. i. 1, 2). It bears witness against him by its very fidelity to its Creator. "They continue this day according to thine ordinances, for all are thy servants" (Ps. cxix. 91). JV, BECAUSE HEAVEN AND EARTH ARE SIGNAL MONUMENTS OF THE DIVINE FAITH• FULNESB AND IMMUTADILITY, (Ps. cxix. 89, 90.) They testify to the reign of law, to God's constancy of purpose, to the uniformity and inflexibility of his rule. They dash the sinner's hopes of his Word failing, of his threatenings not being put in force. V. BECAUSE HIJ:AVEN AND EARTH RETAIN AN ACTUAL RECORD OF WHAT IS DONE IN 'l'HEm PRESENCE-a record which may admit of. being produced. This is simple truth of science. VJ. BECAUSE HEAVEN AND EARTH ARE INTERESTED SPECTATORS OF WHAT IS BECT(] DONE, 'l'hey have shared in the consequences of man's transgression; they will share in the glory of the manifestation of the sons of God. They wait the day of their redemption with earnest expectation (Rom. viii. 19-23). 'l'hat Moses, in connection with his appeal to the people, summoned heaven and earth to witness, was an evidence: 1. Of the solemnity of this appeal. It must be a. matter of momentous importance when the universe is called in to witness it. 2. Of the rationality of this appeal. Nature and nature's God were on his side. He had the universe with him, though a foolish people might reject his counsel. 3. Of the enduringness of the issues which depended on this appeal. Neither the blessing nor the curse would work themselves out in a day. It needed lasting witnesses to take account of the fulfilment of God's words.-J. 0.
Vers. 1-10.-Divine discipline founded on known principle. Human anger is often an uncontrollable passion. God's anger is directed, not so much against the ma.I!, as against his sin. God's anger is the acting of sound principle-a part of his righteousness. Hence, as soon as chastisement produces its designed effect, it ceases. Instantly that the wayward child turns to its Father, the Father turns to his child. J. REPEN'l'ANOE OFTEN SPRINGS OUT OF THE DITTER EXPERIENCE OF TROUBLE, 1. Dis- obedience brings degradation. Moses foresaw that the elect of God would become, for their sin, captives iu a foreign land. No chastisement would be more galling to their pride. Their renown as conquerors had spread far and wide. To be crushed, enchained, 472 'l'HE BOOK OF Dll:UTERONOMt. tee. :s.u. 1-20.