No doubt, spiritual wisdom, holy discernment, and that refined moral sense which only communion with God can impart--all these things would be needed in order to form a judgment as to when such scripture ought to be read. We should feel strongly disposed to question the sound judgment and refined taste of a man who could stand up and read the fifteenth of Leviticus in the midst of an ordinary congregation. But why? Is it because it is not "divinely inspired," and as such, "profitable"? By no means; but because the generality of persons are not sufficiently spiritual to enter into its pure and holy lessons. What, then, are we to learn from the chapter before us? In the first place, we learn to watch, with holy jealousy, every thing that emanates from nature. Every movement of, and every emanation from nature is defiling. Fallen human nature is an impure fountain, and all its streams are polluting. It cannot send forth aught that is pure, holy, or good. This is a lesson frequently inculcated in the book of Leviticus, and it is impressively taught in this chapter. But blessed be the grace that has made such ample provision for nature's defilement! This provision is presented under two distinct forms throughout the entire of the book of God, and throughout this section of it in particular, namely, "water and blood." Both these are founded upon the death of Christ. The blood that expiates and the water that cleanses flowed from the pierced side of a crucified Christ. (Comp. John xix. 34 with 1 John v. 6.) "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John i. 7.) And the Word of God cleanseth our practical habits and ways. (Ps. cxix. 9; Eph. v. 26.) Thus we are maintained in fitness for communion and worship, though passing through a scene where all is defiling, and carrying with us a nature every movement of which leaves a soil behind. It has been already remarked that our chapter treats of a class of ceremonial defilements less serious than leprosy. This will account for the fact that atonement is here foreshadowed, not by a bullock or a lamb, but by the lowest order of sacrifice, namely, "two turtle-doves." But on the other hand, the cleansing virtue of the Word is continually introduced in the ceremonial actions of "washing," "bathing," and "rinsing." "Wherewithal shall a young man _cleanse_ his way? By taking heed thereto according to Thy _Word_." "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it; that He might _sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word_." Water held a most important place in the Levitical system of purification, and as a type of the Word, nothing can be more interesting or instructive.