Ver. 22.-" Tlie table tliat ia before the Lord." There can be no question that by this table Ezekiel intends the altar of incense, which stood in the holy place, but which, on account of its sacredness and value, is mentioned by the author of the Epistle to the lie brews as part of the furniture of the holy of holies. This altar in the tabernacle was or acacia wood covered with gold; that in the temple of Solomon was of cedar wood cuver~d with the same pure and costly metal. Upon this table was burned, every n_,cnnng and evening, the inccn~c which represented the devotions of Israel. Upon tr.c day of atonement the horns of the altar of incense were touched with the blood of ou. XLI. 1-26.] THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET EZEKIEL. 351
sacrifice. But as no sacrifice, in the strict me1.ning of that term, was offered upon it it seems appropriately designated "the table that is before the Lord." Remember- ing the symbolical intention of the offering of incense as described in the Apocalypse, we cannot fail to understand by this table the appointment that prayer and praise, aB an acceptable offering to God, should ever be presented by the Church through the 11riestly mediation of the Lord Jtsus Christ. I. A BPIBITUAL OFFERmG. 'l'he costly a.ad fragrant incense had value in the sight of God, as representing the spiritual sacrifices with which be is ever well plea.sLd, Prayer is not only natural to man as a needy and dependent being; it is enjoined by God as an exercise profitable to man and aa the wisely ordained means of securing spiritual and promised blessings. 'l'banksgiving and praise are becoming to those who are ever receiving from Heaven more than they desire or deserve. We are not to under- stand merely verbal offerings, but those which proceed from a devout, grateful, confid- ing, and affectionate heart. II. AN APPOiliTED OFFERING. In the thirtieth chapter of Exodus we find minute directions concerning the presentation as well as the preparation of incense. This service was not an invention of man; it was prescribed by Divine authority. In the Church it is God's will that there should be constant presentation of devotion-" incense and a pure offering." From the altar of Christian hearts such sacrifices are to ascend to heaven. God will be "inquired ofn by his people. "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth God." III . .AN ACOEPTABLE OFFERING. We have abundant testimony in Scripture to the Lord's indifference to the merely material gifts of men. If such gifts are not the expression of faith and loyalty, he disdains and rejects them. But, on the other hand, nothing is more clearly revealed in Scripture than the delight of the Supreme in the offering of true and loving :md reverent hearts. '!'his is a" sweet-smelling savour" to him. "Vainly we offer each ample oblation, Vainly with gifts would his favolll' seoUJ"e; Sweeter by far is tbe heart's adoration, Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor." IV. A PERPETUAL OFl!'EBING. Incense was offered by the Jewish priest daily- every morning and every evening. Not less frequent should be the offering of prayer and praise by God's people-in the Church and in the home, above all in the heart. There iB no cessation of God's favours; there should be no cessation of our thanks- givings. There is no intermission of our needs; there should be no interruption of our prayers. " Pray without ceasing." V. A HEAVENLY OFFERING. It is observable that the one altar mentioned in the Book of the Revelation as existing in the celestial temple is the altar of incense. The purpose of sacrifice is answered and accomplished upon earth. There remains no more offering for sin. In heaven, accordingly, is no altar of sacrifice. But the altar of incense is imperishable. From it ascend immortally the praises and the prayers of the redeemed and glorified. In heaven fellowship with God is never suspended; there harps are never unstrung nnd voices are never silent.-T. Ver. 4.-Sacredplaces. "This is the most holy place." There has always dwelt in the minds of men a feeling that some places are peculiarly sacred. Unfortunately, there has been no small amount of superstition connected with this foeling, which should be discouraged in others and should be resisted in our own case. We should strongly insist upon the truth, and carefully cultivate the conviction, that if some places have a peculiar sanctity, it is that "every place may be holy ground" to us; that we may find God everywhere and in everything; that we may worship and serve him in every sphere and on all occasions whatsoever. Still, the feeling rests on a basis of truth. We know that there was a "most holy place"- I. IN THE ANCIENT TEMPLE. Within the veil was" the holy of holies," into which none but the high priest might enter, and he only once a year, and then only with the blood of the slain goat. God might only be approached by men as they were purifierl from sin; and this the careful graduation of access to him clearly symbolized. '!'hat inner chamber of the temple was the most sacred spot on earth, because thcro Gou manifested his presence as nowhere else. But there were very holy places indeed.- 352 THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET EZEKIEL. [oa. n1. 1-2(