occasions in Jewish history, as, for example, when Solomon dedicated his temple, when Hezekiah cleansed the same building and restored the dignity of its services, ancl. when Josiah observed a solemn Passover, these musical attendants took a prominent part and rendered an effective service in the sacred solemnities that were observed (2 Chron. v. 12; xxix. 27-30; xxxv. 15). Perhaps nothing at once more simple and more significant can be said of any men or any class of men than is here said in description and to the credit of the families of Heman, Asaph, and Jeduthun: "They waited on their office according to their order." The language may fairly be taken as applicable to all true servants of God, to all true friends and follower~ of Christ. J. PROVIDEN0E APPOINTS FOB EVERY ONE OF US AN OFFICE TO FILL, A SERVICE TO RENDER, 1. Mark the divinity apparent in every human life. It is only within limits that we choose or that others choose for us. " The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." "Our times are in his hands." 2. Mark the individ'Uality of every man's vocation. The Levites did not perform the priests' service ; and amongst the Levites all were not appointed to "the service of song." So is it with us and our several positions in the Church and in the world. NothiDg is weaker and more foolish than to say," How well I could fill the position and do the work of my neighbour!" It is your duty to which you must look, that there may be no lack of service through your failure. JL GOD EXPECTS US TO RENDER OUR APPOINTED SERVICE UPON A PROPER SYSTEM AND IN AN ORDERLY WAY. The Levites had their regulations to which they were obedient. And the same is true of us all. "Order is Heaven's first law." We have not only a duty to fulfil-we have to fulfil it at the right time and place. Qualities necessary for efficiency iD ordinary business or professional life are requisite in the service of God. 'l'ake these three: 1. Diligence. 2. Method. 3. Perseverance. Without these it is scarcely possible to glorify God in a practical and active life. Without these we shall lose our self-respect, and we shall lose our influence over our fellow-men. III. Fon SU0H SERVICE WE ABE RESPONSIBLE TO THE DIVINE LORD AND JUDGE. 1. The watchful eye of God is always upon us. 2. By providential appointment, careful fidelity makes its mark upon our character. 3. "We must all of us appear before the judgment-seat." "The fire shall try every man's work, of what sort it is." IV. 1N OUR ENDEAVOURS TO RENDEil BU0H SERVICE, WE HAVE A MODEL .AND A MOTIVE IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, 1. Consider how Christ " waited upon hi~ office." He co.me to do the will of God. "He took upon him the form of a servant." He was found faithful. It was only when he could say," It is finished I" that ho consented to die. In life and in death it was his meat and drink to do his Fatbcr'~ will. 'l'hus he left us e.n example. 2. Consider that his humiliation, his cross, arn the inspiration of the service and obedience of his people. It is the love of Christ which constraineth us. Do not suppose that DiviDe love cannot work according to the principles of human order and system; these are the machinery, but that is the motive . . APrLIOATION. We have here a rebuke to the irreligious, and a summons to a better life. We have also an admonition and encouragement to those who aro endeavouriug to serve their Saviour, e.nd glorify their God.-'l'.
Vera. 48, 49.-Levites and priests. These two verses contain a brief nccount of the offices of the two orders of ministry in the Jewish Church . . I. LESSONS PEOULIAR TO THE OLD COVENANT, Nothing was more prominent or important in Israel than the provision alluded to in this passage. We are reminded: 1. 'l'hat amongst the chosen people there was a consecrated tribe, and within this a consecrated family. 2. That thus a provision was made for perpetual temple worship and appointed sacrifices. 3. 'l'hat, in obedience to these prescribed ordinances, Israel abode beneath the favour of Jehovah. II. LESSONS GENERALLY APPLICADLE TO THE RELIOIOUS LIFE, 1. Order and decency aro becoming in the service of a righteous and holy God. It is possible to regard tho form and neglect the substance, but it is also possible to despise the form and so to lose tl,e sub~tance, 2. In the service of God, tho ruost menial office is honourable, whilst the loftiest office can never be executed by man otherwise than imperfectly and !JO THE l◄'IRST BOOK OF THE CHRONICLES. [ OH. VI, 1-81,