holy place, was the table of shewbread, ready to receive its twelve bread loaves; there the golden candlestick, with its sevenfold lamps; and there the golden altar, waiting for the fragrant fumes of sweetest incense. Draw the veil aside, penetrate into the holiest of all, there stood the ark, with its covering mercy seat, and its cherubim of gold. And yet Aaron and his sons may not minister-altars and laver, table and candlestick, ark and mercy seat, and cherubim alike, must remain unemployed, untouched, for one thing is lacking yet, and that one thing is indispensable. Priests, tabernacle, and furniture must be anointed with holy oil (see Exodus xxx. 26—30; xl. 14, 15); nor could that anointing oil be hidden. The composition of it was such that its fragrance must have been very great. Myrrh, and cinnamon, and calamus, and cassia, in large abundance, were, with all the art of the inspired craftsman, conjoined with pure olive oil in that holy ointment (see Exod. xxx. 23-25). Surely it must have been with the tabernacle and its furniture, with Aaron and his sons, in the day of their anointing, as it was with the house of Bethany on the day when "Mary took a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair, and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment" (John xii. 3). No marvel that the Psalmist, when he would picture forth the rich fragrance of such true charity, as made the very heathen 66 cry, See how these Christians love one another!". —no marvel that he should compare it to the sweet perfume of that holy anointing oil (Ps. cxxxiii. 1, 2). And can there be a question, beloved, what all this means? Need I remind you that oil is the frequent the appropriate emblem of the Holy Ghost, the Comforter? The frequent emblem, I say. Listen to David, as he speaks of himself in Ps. xxiii. 5, and again in Ps. xcii. 10. Listen to him yet once more, as he speaks of his Lord (Ps. xlv. 7), and surely it is an appropriate emblem. Is it the property of oil to penetrate, to soften? Doth not the Spirit of our God enter into the inmost soul? Doth He not take away the heart of stone, and give a heart of flesh? Is it the nature of oil to heal and cure? You remember that the good Samaritan "poured in oil and wine." Doth not the Holy Ghost heal the broken in heart, and bind up their wounds? (See Ps. cxlvii. 3.) Further still, was oil used of old, as it is used even now in Eastern countries, to supple and invigorate the limbs? Is it not by His Spirit that Christ strengtheneth His people with might in the inner man? (Eph. iii. 16.) Once more. Oil, we are told, maketh the face of man to shine (Ps. civ. 15). But what is that to "the joy and peace in believing," to the abounding hope which is wrought in the souls of God's elect by the Holy Ghost given unto them? (Rom. xv. 13.) But I may not tarry here, for I must needs point out how the indispensability of this heavenly unction is shadowed forth in the ordinance of the "holy anointing oil." We have seen that Aaron might not enter upon the active exercise of his holy functions until that sweet perfume had been poured in rich abundance on his head. Turn from Aaron to his Antitype. Turn from the high priest of Israel to the Apostle and High Priest of our profession. He was, indeed, the Messiah, the Christ, the Anointed of God; and, until He became actually such, He entered not upon His work. The Spirit was indispensable to Him. Listen to the word of prophecy, Isa. xi. 1, 2; and yet again, Isa lxi. 1; and yet once more, Dan. ix. 24. And at the time appointed prophecy was fully accomplished! His very conception in the womb was by the power of the Holy Ghost (Luke i. 35). At His baptism "the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape" (Luke iii. 22). The Father gave "not the Spirit by measure unto Him" (John iii. 34). He anointed Him "with the Holy Ghost and with power." Then, and not till then, He "went about doing good" (Acts x. 38). Doing good to the bodies of men, "healing all manner of sickness, and all manner of disease among the people" (St. Matt. iv. 23). Doing good to the souls of men; teaching, guiding, warning, saving, and blessing, for God was with Him. But the anointing of Aaron was shared with him, by his sons, the priests, and by the very tabernacle in which they ministered. Even so is the anointing of Jesus shared with Him by all the household of faith. Nor may they, nor can they, discharge the duties of a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter ii. 9), nor may they, nor can they, offer up "spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ" (1 Peter ii. 5), until the Holy Ghost hath shed abroad the love of God in their hearts (Rom. v. 5). The Spirit is indispensable to them. True it is that they were "chosen" of the Father "before the foundation of the world" (Eph. i. 4). True it is that they were "redeemed" of the Son from the curse of the law (Gal. iii. 13). Yet shall they remain "aliens," "strangers," "outcasts," until the Spirit, by His effectual call, bring them home. And this is their "anointing" (1 John ii. 27). Yes, when He has softened their hearts, and made them " for sin (Zech. xii. 10); when He has healed their souls, and taught them to believe in Jesus; when He has strengthened them with might (Eph. iii. 16), and led them "in the paths of righteousness (Ps. xxiii. 3); when He has gladdened their spirit, and made them rejoice in God their Saviour; then is that word fully realized which is written in 1 John ii. 20,—❝ Ye have an unction from the Holy One." Nor can this "unction" be hid. Whenever the Holy Ghost is present, then shall His presence be testified by signs unimpeachable. "mourn Thus was it with the "holy anointing oil" of old. There was a fragrance shed abroad wheresoever Aaron came. And think you that a less fragrance attended upon the footsteps of Jesus? (Song iii. 6.) The people "wondered at the gracious words "(Luke iv. 22) which fell from His lips. His very enemies were constrained to cry, "He hath done all things well" (Mark vii. 37). Truly He moved in an atmosphere of truth, and zeal, and love and pity, and, my brethren, there was a fragrance in the tabernacle, and in the priests who ministered there. And there is a fragrance about the Church and people of God! There is, I say; not, there ought to be! Yes, brethren, a fragrance like that which surrounded the Lord Jesus in every step He took (Ps. xlv. 7, 8). Did He move in an atmosphere of truth? John i. 14. They also walk in truth, as they have received commandment from the Father (2 John 4). Was He "clad with zeal as a cloke?" (Isa. lix. 17.) They, likewise, "contend earnestly for the faith, once delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). Did love, love even unto death, actuate Him in all His dealings with the sheep of His pasture? They also "walk in love" (Eph. v. 2). Was His heart full to overflowing with compassion to a lost world? Did He weep over the city, and cry? Matt. xxiii. 37. Their hearts, also, are fragrant with pity-tender, eager pity-for lost souls (Rom. ix. 1, 2, 3; Phil. i. 8). And now, brethren, I would pause, for I have a solemn question to put to your consciences. It is this: Is the fragrance of this holy unction discernible in you? And here I must entreat you to dismiss all refer ence to past ordinances and past experiences. Tell me not that you have been baptized, that you have been confirmed in years gone by. Tell me not that you are a constant partaker of the Supper of the Lord. These are great and blessed ordinances; but, alas! many eat and drink at Christ's table to whom He shall one day say, "I never knew you" (Matt. vii. 23). The "unction from the Holy One" is separable from all these. They may be had, and that unction never received! The Spirit is a sovereign Spirit, working by all means, yet tied to none. Yea, I would go further, and would say, do not refer me to the day of your conversion. Conversion may be genuine ; conversion may also be spurious. The question is, What is your condition now? Are you fragrant now with the holy anointing oil, with the unction of the Holy Ghost? And here I must give you a word of caution. Remember it is for the unction of the Holy Ghost that I inquire. It is not for natural virtues that I seek. To counterfeit the holy anointing oil was death (Exod. xxx. 33). Domestic amiability, punctilious honour, large-hearted philanthropy, generous impulse, ascetic devotion, religious emotion, will not for one moment be accepted instead of fidelity to Christ's truth, zeal for Christ's honour, love for Christ's people, compassion for the wandering souls for whom Christ died. My brethren, examine yourselves, whether you have the Spirit, for indeed, "if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His " (Rom. viii. 9). Can you humbly, yet believingly, say that the Lord hath showed mercy on you; that He hath poured this unction upon you? Let me direct your attention to two particulars respecting the holy anointing oil which have not yet been named. Notice, then, firstly, that the high priest, upon whose head the holy anointing oil was poured, might not defile himself by contact with any dead body, even though it were the body of his father or of his mother (Lev. xxi. 10-12). Surely there is a word of admonition here for the people of God. "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption" (Eph. iv. 30). Grieve Him not by turning back to "dead works," from serving the living and true God. Grieve Him not, even though father, even though mother, take umbrage at thy course; for remember St. Matt. x. 37. But, then, you are tempted to say, that, if you so act, you will be stigmatized; you will suffer loss. You may be stigmatized. It is the appointed lot of the loyal servants of Jehovah to be reviled, to be persecuted; but you will not suffer loss. For notice, secondly, that even in matters of this life the anointed priests were specially cared for. You will find that provision was made for their temporal necessities by referring to Lev. vii. 34-36. And think you that the provision made for the "royal priesthood" shall be less bountiful? Surely not. what the Apostle saith in Rom. viii. 32. Hear what that Apostle's Master Himself saith, Matt. vi. 25, 34. And then is there not a portion beyond-"an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away?" (1 Peter i. 4.) Look at Heb. x. 34. Hear But must it be confessed, if truth be spoken, that you lack the fragrance of the heavenly unction? Then let me impress upon you two more particulars respecting "the holy anointing oil." It might not be poured upon the flesh of a stranger (Exod. xxx. 32). Even so did the Lord Himself declare concerning the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, that the world cannot receive Him (St. John xiv. 17). Do you, then, poor fellow-sinner, desire to have the "unction from the Holy One?" Let this be your first, your immediate, step, to come out of the world (2 Cor. vi. 17, 18). And then note that that precious oil descended to the very skirts of Aaron's clothing. I know full well that every really contrite and humble soul will think it almost impossible that one so vile should be partaker of so great a benefit. I bid him, notwithstanding, be of good cheer, I bid him look to the skirts of Aaron's garments, and I bid him hear the Lord, as He says, Isa. lvii. 15, and again, Luke xi. 13. Now, Eph. iii. 20, 21. Triumphs of Grace over Death and the Grave. THE LATE HENRY SMITH, ESQ. (OF NOTTINGHAM.) As our readers are aware, we gave a brief allusion to the death of this inestimable man upon the cover of our last number; at the same time stating that we had not received any particulars of his last days. We are, however, indebted to Mr. W. Jackson, secretary of the Aged Pilgrims' Friend Society, for a copy of the Sower for March, in which is given a deeply-interesting sketch of the life, character, and last illness of this eminent servant of God. Did space permit, we would gladly transfer the entire account from that work to the pages of our own; but, as that excellent publication is issued at the small charge of a penny, we would recommend our readers to procure it for themselves. We recollect, at the moment of writing, that it was at Nottingham, when visiting at Wilford House, we made the personal acquaintance of the esteemed editor of the Sower and the Little Gleaner. He was then staying at the house at Wilford set apart for the occupation of the ministers who from time to time supplied the private chapel at Wilford House. We went together into Nottingham to hear the late Mr. Philpot. In the brief reference on our last month's cover, to which we have alluded, we speak of a special trial which befel us on our first visit to Wilford House. Within five minutes of our foolishly indulging the thought, "Well, the day seems smooth, I've nothing particular to ask for this morning," a telegram was placed in our hands which instantly plunged us into the depths of trouble. Never were we at a greater loss to know what to do. It was at this juncture the departed Mr. Smith and every member of his beloved family manifested such a prayerful interest as we shall never forget. Whilst waiting shortly after at the bank-house, at Nottingham, we see by a note in the margin of our Bible that the last verse of the eighth chapter of Daniel was specially applied. Nor did ever experience a more striking and blessed answer to prayer. Whilst travelling to London, in great anguish of heart, the Lord first gave the answer in earnest, and then as graciously followed it up by fact. This was upon the 14th of August, 1861. Well may we say, personally, in the retrospect we "Many days have passed since then, The last time we saw dear Mr. Smith was when making a passing call at the self-same house in Nottingham. We were then en route from another old and dear friend's house at Grantham. We may state in passing that upon this beloved friend the Lord has of late laid His deeply-afflictive hand. He at the present time is in deep waters indeed. We would, therefore, earnestly and affectionately commend him to the prayerful sympathies of our beloved readers. Many of them we know "love to weep with those who weep, and to rejoice with those that rejoice." Some years having passed since a brief notice of this last interview with dear Mr. Smith was published in this work, we may perhaps be allowed to reproduce it here, as affording a clearer insight into the loving disposition of the departed than aught we might now write from memory: Finding we had to wait an hour at Nottingham, I resolved to call and enquire for a dear friend upon whom the Lord has of late laid His afflictive hand (Mrs. Henry Abel Smith, of Wilford House). Walking into the town, towards the bank, I thought on his words, who, when engaged in the active and responsible duties of business-life, used to ask, whilst walking over the self-same route as that a part of which I was pursuing, for "the faith of Abraham, the wisdom of Solomon, and the patience of Job." As I had left the house of a beloved friend,* and witnessed his anxieties, I was the better prepared on his account practically to sympathize with such a prayerful utterance. Entering the bank, I was agreeably surprised there to see the beloved elderly saint himself. I had never thought to have met him again this side the Jordan. Little did either think when last we met what a trial of faith so nearly awaited us both. [Mr. Smith in the loss of his beloved companion, Lady Lucy Smith; and ourselves in the death of our dear wife.] "You have been wonderfully sustained, my dear sir," said I, "under what you have been called to pass through since last I saw you." "I have, I have," was the reply; "and so have you, my dear friend." Yes, I have, but the nerves are much shaken." I can sympathize with you, but 'He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust.'" "But the prospect," he continued, "of a speedy reunion is very delightful." "In all probability that awaits you much sooner than I.” "We can't tell," was the reply of this interesting and venerable one, our times are in His hands."" We then spoke of Ruth Bryan, the Sherwood gipsy, and Mr. H- whose names and writings connected with them are closely identified with Nottingham, and respecting whom it may be said, "The memories of the just are blessed.' allusion to these works, my dear and venerable friend remarked, "I have just been reading them, and they came with such a freshness." So true is it that what the Holy Ghost indites, not only intrinsically possesses, but retains, its unction and dew and power. 66 666 66 In Thus closed this short but interesting interview. Dear patriarchal one, we part, in all probability, till we meet where parting is unknown, where pain and strife and sin and sorrow are neither felt nor feared. Oh, how sweet with regard to its blessed estate, "there shall be no more death." And, with respect to loved ones gone before, how comforting is the reflection that "they without us cannot be made perfect." Jesus hath need of us, sinners though we are, even as He had need of them, The word still stands in all its fulness and undiminished blessedness: "Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given me, be with me where I am.” He must "see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied." Leaving the bank, and once more mingling with the bustling throng in the crowded market-place, it being market-day, the words came rolling into my heart, as the bright and heavenly countenance of my venerable friend had scarcely vanished from my view, "Blessed is the man whose iniquities are * Mr. B. O., the now afflicted friend at Grantham just referred to. |