The Pulpit Commentary — Ezekiel — Volume 2 — Section 368

they be ashamed . . . show them the form of the house," etc. Right moral dispositions are essential to an understanding of God. "To the froward God will appear as froward." To the Jews of his day Jesus said," How can ye believe, who receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?" As natural light cannot find its way into our dwelling if the window be barred with shutters, 80 cannot God's truth enter the mind if the mind be choked with worldly things. "The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him;" "To the upright there ariseth light in the darkness." For God to reveal bis will to sin-loving men would be "to cast pearls before swine." T!tat heart must be right towards God that desires to know the truth; and whensoever e. man eagerly desires the truth, God will reveal it unto him. The man who has a docile mind shall see e. light that others do not see, shall hear e. voice that others do not hear. IV. Goo's BEVELATIONB TO MEN HAVE A PBAOTICAL ASPECT. "Write it in their eight, that they may keep the whole form thereof." God has seen fit never to indulge human curiosity. Questions that have no practical bearing on conduct God will not answer. 'l'o indulge the curiosity of men would divert them from the great practical tasks required of them-tasks which are the largest channel of blessing. Further, God has condescended to put bis will in e. written form, that it may be more clearly known, and may have permanence amid the dissolutions of mankind. These chapters in the prophet's book which seem to us void of interest, were written by special command of God. They have served e. useful purpose in the past; they may fulfil a beneficent mission in time to come. "All Scripture, written by inspiration of God, is profitable "-it promotes some noble end. The fashion of the temple, its court within court, its many gates and porches, all conveyed important lessons to the Jews, they convey momentous lessons still. V. GoD'B TEMPLE IS A VISIBLE AND nt:PRESSIVE REVELATION OF ms HOLINESS. "The law of the house" is this, viz. holiness. The sanctuary of God incorporates men's idea of God. Unless men adopt God's thoughts and cherish God's feelings, they will not build God's temple after God's plan. 'l'his is the visible and eloquent witness for God, age after age. If it be truly e. temple of God, and God reside in it, it will be e. centre of light and purity and blessing to the neighbourhood. The purifying power will touch every worshipper. The gracious influence will be felt in the home, in the city, in every commercial circle; it will spread through the nation ; it will bless the world. "The whole limit thereof round about she.II be holy." What the sanctuary is, the town or city will be. What the combined sanctuaries of the land are, the nation will be. This law of God's house is influential holiness-holiness that uplifts and ennobles and beautifies humanity; the holiness that springs from love.-D. Ver. 27.-Foundation of acceptance with God. It is e. question vital to the interests of men, "How to find reconciliation with God." li the Bible contains no e.uthentio information on this head, it contains no real gospel. Martin Luth4lr tersely described this doctrine of justification as the hinge of a standing or a falling Church. It is the pivot of salvation or perdition for every man. What the sun is in the midst of the solar system, what the heart is to the human body, what the mainspring is to a watch, the doctrine of maa's justification before God is to all the other doctrines of religion. On this momentous matter God has clearly revealed to us his will. It is 80 plainly unfolded that he" may run who reads." The Old 'l'estament is in complete accord with the New. Acceptance is based on vicarious sacrifice. On the po.rt of man active and implicit faith is required. I. AocEPTANCE WITH GOD IB MAN'S PRESSING WANT. All other needs are subordinate to this. God's favour converts man's hell into heaven. To bring men into reconciliation with God, all these visions were vouchsafed to Ezekiel. For this, all the sacrifice of animal life bad been made. For this, the temple had been erected, and was now to be reconstructed. For this, the office of priesthood had been instit!lted. For this, every written revelation has been given. For this, God's mind has been deeply concerned. II. FOR MAN'S ACOEPTANOE WITH GoD A MEDIATING PRIEST IS REQUIRED. The work of bringing men back to God is so full of difficulty that it must be accomplished by distinct stages. A priest serves many. useful purposes. He is au inatnictor, by deed, if not by qtteranoe. He is a sympathizing helper, .Ue has near 382 THE BOOK OF 'l'HE PROPHET EZEKIEL. [oH. XLm, l-27,