The Pulpit Commentary — Ezekiel — Volume 2 — Section 464

and to show that we desire to speak to him individually, e.nd we write his name on a letter in order that it may be sent to him and accepted by him as intended for himself. Christ calls his sheep by name (John x. 3), He knows each member of his flock separately, e.nd has direct, separate, personal dealings with every one. God called young Samuel by name. We do not expect audible appeais from heaven. Yet God is changeless, e.nd he just as truly seeks us out separately now e.s he sought out Samuel in the days of the judges. IV. NAMES PRESERVE MEMORIES. History would be e. hopeless morass but for the solid ground afforded in definite names. If a man has done anything worthy of fame he is said to have made a name. His name is now treated with respect and handed down to subsequent generations. There are names of honour and names of infamy. To Christ is given the name that is above every name (Phil. ii. 9). If one lives an ill life he may earnestly desire to be forgotten; but, alas! the stigma of disgrace is indelibly stamped on his name. V. NAMES JUSTIFY CLAIMS. A signature gives authority. A name in a will entitles its owner to what is aequeathed under it. There are names" written in the Lamb's book of life" (Rev. x.xi. 27), and all who own those names are entitled to an eternal inheritance with the saints in light. A man's name may not be down in the list of Israel's heirs, nor recorded in any Doomsday book on earth; yet if it is written in Christ'~ records it is s~cure for a possession better e.nd richer than the most valuable estate that ce.n ever be enjoyed in this world. VI. A ORANGE OF NAME SIGNIFIES A CHANGE OF STATUS, Jacob," the Supplanter," is named afresh Israel," God's prince." Christ's people have e. new name on their fore- heads (Rev. x.x.ii. 4). We me.y leave the evil name of the old life e.nd enjoy the blessings that attach themselves to e. true Christian name, Ver. 14.-An inalienable possession. The people were not permitted to sell their allotments, and especial provision we.s me.de to prevent the priests from parting with their share of the fruits of the land. L THE CHBil!TIAN INHERITANCE IS AN INALIENABLE POSSESSION. I. No enemy can take it away. Christ secures it for his people, eo that it is theirs for ever. We may lose all earthly things in the shocks e.nd changes of life, but the heavenly trea.~ure abides. So long as we hold it truly, no moth nor rust can corrupt it, no thief can then break through e.nd steal it. 2. The Christian has no right to part with it. He can deny Christ, renounce the gift of God, and abdicate hie position e.s one of the kings and priests of God. But he has no right to act in this we.y. When once he ie ce.lled into the kingdom it is with e. view of never departing from it. Though left free from external constraints, the bands of conscience forbid his ever giving up his glorious heritage. The vows of Ohristie.n fidelity e.re irrevocable. II. IT 18 A. BIN TO ENDANGER THE CHRISTIAN INHElllTAN0E, As Christians, we have e. charge to keep. Our esmte in the kingdom of heaven is entrusted to us. But we may be false to our trust in various ways. 1. By neglecting it. So long o.s our herito.ge is faithfully kept no enemy ce.n enter or injure it. But if the hedge is broken down the wild boar from the wood me.y come through e.nd root up the tender vines (Ps•. lxxL 13). We need to watch over e.nd carefully guard the privileges of the Ohnstian life. 2. By renouncir.g it/or worldly things. The priest might grow tired of his sacred office, and might prefer to have e. farm of hie own rather than be dependent on the s:icrificial offerings of the people, while a le.y Israelite, ambitious of the priest- hoo~ might be glad to barter his estate for rank e.nd office in the temple. '!'his wo.s forbidden. The Christian has no right to give up his allegiance to Christ e.nd his inheritance in heavenly things for e.ny earthly consideration, Having put his hand to the plough, he is never to look back. ill. THE INALIENABILITY 011' THE CHRISTIAN INHERITANCE RESULTS FROM ITS RELATIONS TO GoD. The portion of the priests was holy, not because they had it, but because it was primarily God's share of the produce of the land. The Christian inhorite.nce has specie.I relations to God. 1. It is purchased 'by the death of Christ, the Son of God. A possession so acquired must have a profound sanctity o.tte.ched to it. To throw away lightly a gift that we.a brought to us by means of the incarnation nnd crucifixion of our Lord is to despise God's most wonderful condescension, to trample 4.80 THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET EZEKIEL. [oH. XLVIII, 1-Sc;