Ver. 45.-Priests. What would a temple be with no priesthood to minister at its altars, to present the offerings of its worshippers? The priests give meaning and interest to the temple, not only to the scenery of its services, but to its great purpose and aim. The mention in this passage of the priests who dwelt and ministered within the temple precincts suggests reflections of a more general character regarding the office and those who were called to undertake it. l. HUMANITY IS CONSTITUTED FOB CONSCIOUS A.ND HAPPY RELATIONS OF INTIMATE FELLOWSHIP WITH Goo. 11. HUMANITY IS DY SIN RENDERED MORALLY UNFIT FOR SUCH FELLOWSHIP. Ill. PRIESTHOOD IS APPOINTED BY Goo HIMSELF AS THE MEDIUM BY WHICH SUCH FELLOWSHIP MAY BE RESTORED AND MAINTAINED. IV. 'l'IIE EXERCISE OF THE PRIESTLY OFFICE IS A PERPETUAL EXPRESSION OF MAN'S DEPENDENCE FOR EVERY BLESSING UPON Goo. V. THE OFFICE OF THE PRIESTHOOD IS ESPECIALLY DESIGNED TO RESTORE THE INTERRUPTED lliBMONY OF MORAL RELATIONS BETWEEN MAN AND Goo. VI. A1n1 TO PRESENT TO Goo FROM MAN THE TRIBUTE A.ND OFFERING EVER DUB, Vll. THE HEBREW PRIESTHOOD WAS INTENDED TO PREFIGURE A.ND TO PREPARE FOR THG PRIESTHOOD OF THE SoN OF Goo . .APPLICATION. The priesthood, as exercised among the Jews, has for us an interest more than historic. It foreshadowed facts and principles which could only reach their perfect fulfilment and realization in the mediation of Christ. The Jewish priesthood ought not to be regarded as merely typical; it expressed Divine and eternal truths. At the same tiwe, the sacerdotal office of the Lord Jesus cannot be placed upon the same level as the ministry of the temple at Jerusalem. That which was fully exhibited in l,im was but faintly outlined in his predecessors. Christ's was the real offering, the true sacrifice. And this is made perfectly plain by the provision that he should have no successor in the wurk of atonement. Yet it must not be forgotten that there is a function of priesthood which is perpetual in the Church-the function of obedience and of praise. In this a_ll true Christians-ministers and worshippers alike -take part. This unceasing o.lfaring and sacrifice ascends from the heart-altars of the faithful Lhroughout the spiritual wmple of the living God. And this comes up with acceptance through him who is the High Priest of our prnfession, by whom all offerings that his people present to Heaven are laid upon the upper altar, and are well pleasing to the King and Saviour of all.-T.
Vere. 1--4.-Vision of the new temple. These visions of the restored temple are a fitting close to this series of revelations. The opening visions displayed the righteous God marching forth in majestic splendour to vindicate himself. His vast army is at hand to execute his royal will. Now the will of God upon Israel is accomplished. Exile has done its gracious work. 'fhe old love of idolatry is killed. In vision at kast the people have returned in loyalty to their own King. A regeneration of heart and life has occurred. Bright prospects of return to Palestine open before them. God has pledged himaelf to reinstate them permanently in Judrea. '!'here remains only one thought-it concerns their temple. 'l'his had been the visible symbol of their eleva- tion and their strength. Shall their temple lift its royal domes heavenward age.in? l. RIGHT ASPIB.ATIONS QUALIFY MEN TO RECEIVE FRESH REVELATIONS FROM Go». 'Ihc frame of thought and feeling in Ezekiel's mind was an essential condition for on. XL, 1-49.] THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET EZEKIEL, 335