The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-07-28

were probably the Oldest forms of sacrifcial
worship, and were expressive of the worship
er's desire to render unto COP, the source of
all bounty and blessing, recompense for
| the good things received from bis bountiful
hand. Besides this, in the symboiry of Moses,
| 1t was made to signify the entire consecra-
| ton of the worshiper, all his power and pos
sessions to COP. 1t was an impressive form
of declaring allegiance and promising loyal
ty and obedience to the Divine King. The
full significance of the offering was not ex-
pressed or exhausted in its surrender and
destruction, but in its ascension by fire to
the clouds of heaven, where COB was con-
ceived of as dwelling in his supreme and in
visible majesty. Ascending or returning as
fire to the sun may have been the original
meaning of the burnt offering. Translated
into modern language its meaning would ap-
pear to be: 81 give myself to COP, from
whom have my life and all its bounties; on
the wings of fire my life ascends to his holy
place, and daily 1 rise to the source of my
being and blessings" Oar daily prayers,
and Sabbath services of public worship, and
the conservation of our lives to Christian du-
ties and service may have the same meaning.
The acceptable offering is not the outward
form and manner of expression, but the in
ward motive and feelings which are express
ed. The laws prescribed by Moses were de-
signed to make the sacrifices expressive of
true piety, and adapt them to all the condi-
tions and circumstances of the people, None
were 80 poor that they might not possess and
offer turtle-dove, or young pigeon. Those
who possessed hocks and herds we're required
to select the most perfect specimen of these,
whether goat, sheep or bullock. No mean
offering would be acceptable to COP. All
were encouraged to make free and generous
offerings, according to their ability; and
when properly made those of the poorest
were as acceptable and profitable as those of
the rich.
The prescribed regulations for the sacrifice
adapted it to Israe's relation to COP, which
was symbolized. well-formed and healthy
male animal was deemed the most perfect of
his kind, and signifed the hearty genuine
ness and generosity of the offering. 1t must
be brought to the Tent of Meeting, the SYM
boil of COPS presence with Israel, to express
the worshiper's nearness to, and communion
with, Cop. The laying of the hand upon the
head of the animal was the act by which it
was consecrated to GoD as the repre- sentative
of the offerer. The skin of the slaughtered
animal was a contribution toward the sup
port of the officiating priest. The cleansing
of the emit rails and lower part of the legs ex-
pressed the perfect purity of heart and life,
ii 10 frna Tha ubx,Ia
burned to express the entire conservation of
the worshiper, the sweet incense of whose
heart was symbolized by the savory fumes
which assembled from the burning altar.
ATONEMENT.-It is declared that the Of
fering upon whose head the worshiper has
laid his hand, shall be accepted for him to
make atonement for him." The word trans-
lated "atonement," means to cover, and is
elsewhere used in the sense of expiation.
But the burnt Offering was dedicatory, and
not an expiatory rite. The offering was rep
resentative, and not substitutional or vica-
rious, and when properly made was accepta-
BILE as a covering for, in the sense of ex-
pressing the true relation of the worshiper
COP. In the New Testament atonement is
tu0 6QulNdlcut VI rcCOACilldtlOu VI dSE6o-
ment,-the idea contained in the compost
ton of the word atone ment. Salvation
is reconciliation, or spiritual oneness with to
COP. "GoD is in CHRIST reconciling the world
unto himself q Corinthians v. 1917. CHRIST
is our representative in the work of recon-
ciliation. He is our acceptable sacrifice
when we make his truth and life the guide
and inspiration of our lives. In him is full
filled (illed fully the meaning of Old Tesla
ment sacrifices. He gave himself for US, by
giving US an example of self remuneration
and conservation. His sacrifice is fulfilled
in us when we present our bodies (ourselves)
living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to Cop
(Romans xii). He has taught us that to love
COP with all the heart and to love our neigh
Dor as ourself, is much more than all whole
burnt offerings and sacrifices.