the Church, the One e'l"er-abidin?, Comforter, assure us that this will ever be the ea~<'- Still "the labourers are few, ' and constant prayer should be presented to "the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." V. THE UNCERTAINTY OF FAME. Many of the most excellent live and die unnoticed, and their names are found in no record; and many of the recorded names are not of the most worthy-they may be in the register for quite other and inferior reasons. Besides, the recorded names soon become little more than names ; and when it is othern-ise, those who once owned them are not benefited by the distinction. The honour which comes from men cannot then be the chief reward of good service. Let us not seek it, but seek to act our part welt, looking for the unfailing rewards which God bestows. VI. THE GREAT INFERIORITY OF THE MINISTRIES OF THE TEMPLE IN COMPARISON WITH THOSE OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. "The least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than" the greatest prophet; but prophets were superior to priests, and the humblest Christian is, therefore, superior to the greatest priest of the Old Testament, as he is, indeed, to the greatest mere official in the Christian Church. He is a priest of a higher order ; has greater privileges, approaches nearer to God, can offer really "spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ," and has the true quali- fication for spiritual service to his brethren. For he has that "unction from the Holy One," without which, whatever external office is filled, no spiritual functions can be exercised. But high above all others is the one great High Priest of our religion. All, and surpassingly more than all, that the whole order of priests of the la"«" were in the national, external sphere, Christ is in the spiritual and eternal. All that they and their ministrations represented as types, he has become and accom- plished. What they could not effect by the whole of their sacrifices from age to age he effected by the one offering of himself. In his qualifications for priest- hood, combining sinless holiness and tenderest sympathy with sinners; in his near- ness to God ; in the efficacy of bis priestly acts, he stands alone. He offered once for all the only atoning sacrifice ; and by fulfilling all that was typified by the old sacrifices and priesthood be abolished them. Vers. 9, 24.-Sacred singing. Its place· in public worship at the tabernacle and the temple, from David onward, if not earlier. The careful arrangements made for conducting it. Its place in the Christian Church, in which it was prominent from the first. Pliny's testimony. I. Its DESIGN. Not the glorification of poets, organists, or choirs, or the musical entertainment of the people; but-I. The united praise of God. Of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. This chiefly, not this only, or many of our best hymns would have to be condemned. 2. The benefit of the congregation. Of the Chris- tians worshipping, a:nd of others present. Promoting devout feelings, and impress- ing great truths on the heart. In Ephes. v. 19; Col. iii. 16, a distinctly didactic purpose seems, notwithstanding adverse criticism, to be recognised. II. The QUALIFICATIONS it requires. Besides the physical and the musical, and far above them in nature.and importance. 1. Understanding of what is sung (1 Cor. xiv. 15). 2. Faith. In the object of worship, the truths uttered, the Mediator -(Heh. xi. 6; xiii. 15). 3. Devout feelings. Reverence, humility, gratitude, lov~, joy in God. 4.. Unity with fellow-worshippers (Rom. xv. 5, 6). Mutual harmony 1_s essential to harmonious praise. Anger, envy, alienation, hinder united worship, spoil the best singing. lll. The DUTY OF THOSE WHO PROVIDE FOR OR CONDUCT JT. Such as (ver. 12) are " over the thanksgiving" are to regard themselves not as performers exhibiting their own skill, but as ministers of Christ and the congregation, to worship with their brethren, and aid them in worshipping God. The composition and choice of hymns and tune~, and the style_ of playing and singin~, are all to ~e subordina~ to this end. If this seem to requ1re of composers, orgamsts, and chous some sacnfice of credit, it confers on them a far higher dignity than they could otherwise reach, and secures them a richer recompense now and hereafter. IV. THE DUTY OF CONGREGATIONS IN RESPECT TO IT. 1. To take part in the wor• 1,hip. In heart, if not with voice. 2. To unite, if capable, in the singing itself. en. xn. 1-26.J THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH. 131
The singing 1tt the temple 1tppears 1.o have been chiefly choral; that of the Chriatian Church should be congregational. All are as Levites, "to praise and to give thanks," unless physically incapacitated. The benefits of the service depend much on the union of the many in it. 3. To qualify themselves, therefore, as far as pos- sible for the exercise. That "with one mouth" (Rom. xv. 6), as well as "one mind," all may "glorify God." Tho subject requires more thought and care by ministers and congregations than it sometimes receives.
HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS.