Ver. 6.-"Mei·cy better than sacrifice. This is one of those sublime declarations of Seri pture which taken together are a proof of its inspiration; one of those "Jewels five words long, That on the stretch'd forefinger of all time Sparkle for ever." !. Tms PRINCIPLE IB CONTRARY TO THE CUSTOMARY BELD!:FB BEGABDING RELIGION. There is a tendency in human nature to degrade religion into a matter of ceremony. Religions which in their beginnings enunciate great spiritual truths often sink into schemes of ritual, transactions between devotee and priest, a routine of sacrifices and formal observances. Even the best religions-those which originate in the Divine ~,isdom-are not superior to the debasing influence of this tendency. JI. THIS PRINCIPLE IS SANCTIONED BY THE WHOLE TEACHING AND TENOR OP SCRIP• TURE. It was grandly expressed by Samuel the seer, whose spiritual intuitions were never more strikingly evident than in its enunciation in the memorable words, "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." It was repeated by the great Teacher himself, "Go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will ha.ve mercy, and not sacrifice." And when the scribe summed up morality and religion in the memorable saying, " To love God ... and his neigh hour ... is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices," this judgment was stamped at once with the approval and commendation of the Lord. liL Tms PRINCIPLE IS IN HARMONY WITH AN ELEVATED AND JUST· VIEW OF THE CHARACTER OF GoD. The deities imaginod by the heathen were in many cases of such a cha.meter that they may ha.ve been well supposed to take pleasure rather in offerings than in virtue, in justice, and benevolence. But the God who is hiinself all holy, and who is the Searcher of hearts, must needs detest the hypocrisy that is scrupulous in all outward observances, but neglects the weightier matters of the La.w. IV. THE PRINCIPLE IS OJ\"'E THE PllACTIOA.L ADOPTION OF WHIOH MUST PROMOTE THE TRUE WELFARE OP llil!l". It is well known that the ceremonial system of religion which is consistent with a low standard of morality, debases society; whilst, on the other hand, they who cultivate an intelligent religion, based on" the knowledge of God," and a practical relig;ion displayed in the exercise of mercy, are the very sa.lt of society. The practice of thoughtful inquiry and of virtuous living gives a depth to piety, and renders a profession of religion, which otherwise would become a laughing-stock, honourable and estimable in the view of men.-T. Ver. 6.-K,wwl,dge aml mercy. This verse may be regarded as embodying true religion. This consists in- I. KNowLEDGE OF GoD. There is a presnmption here: 1. 'fba.t man has a nature capable of knowing God. 2. Tha.t God has so revealed himself a.s tha.t he ma.y be known. 3. That God desires that men should know him. II. MERCY TO MAN. 'l'his is the human side of religion. The la.we of civil society enjoin justice, without which communities could not hold together. 1. The exercise of mercy towards man Rprings from a sense of mercy received from God. 2. It is prompted by the example of Christ's merciful life. 3. It is performed with willing cheerfulneBB.-T.
Ver. 1.-Man'• Mgheat eocial actwn. "Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for he bath tom, and he will heal us ; he bath smitten, and he will bind us up." Theso words are to be regarded as an address by the prophet, in the Name of the Lord, to Oil, VI, 1-11.] THE BOOK OF HOSEA. 191