self. We found also in
the conclusion of the same chapter the overflow of GOD'S love in the
rich and comprehensive blessing which so appropriately follows, and
forms the connecting link between Nazarite separation and the princely
service set forth in Chap. vii,--one of the longest in the Bible, and
one full of repetition. We now propose to consider more fully why this
service of giving finds such lengthy record.

SERVICE THE CONSTRAINT OF LOVE.

Is it not that just as separation to GOD issues in blessing, so does
blessing from GOD constrain to service, and especially to the highest
form of service, that which is most GOD-like, that of _Giving_? GOD so
loved the world that He _gave_; CHRIST so loved the Church that He
_gave_; the HOLY SPIRIT so loves the Church that He _gives_; and
redeemed ones, created anew in CHRIST JESUS unto good works, when led by
the SPIRIT, first _give_ themselves unto GOD, and then delight in such
other free-will offerings as the LORD may enable them to present. This
we believe is the reason why the chapter is found here, and is the true
connection between its subject-matter and that of the preceding one.

But why is it so long, so repetitious, and so tedious? The Bible is a
wonderful book; it not only gives the history of the past, and guidance
for the present, but in prophecy we have the history of ages yet to
come--the course of events until the grand climax when GOD shall be all
in all. Why, in a book so marvellous in its comprehensiveness, is so
much space given to this record?

GOD'S DELIGHT IN LOVE-GIFTS.

Is it not in order to reveal the heart of GOD? to show His delight in
the loving offerings of His servants? The record is _not_ tedious to
Him; and it becomes marvellously interesting to us, when we get the key,
and are brought into sympathy with the heart of Him who finds infinite
satisfaction in each gift, of each one of His children, which is the
outcome of gratitude and love.

In the days of our LORD'S life on earth, when the shadow of the cross
was already upon Him, one only amongst all His followers--a woman,
Mary--had understood and really taken in His repeated declaration of the
sufferings that awaited Him; and when she came to anoint Him beforehand
for the burial, and broke the precious alabaster box _she had reserved
for this very purpose_, the thief who kept the bag had only angry words
of criticism and reproach. How sweet to her wounded spirit was her
MASTER'S co