all things: to whom be
the glory for ever. Amen."

But divine service requires not only initiating, but also maintaining
worthily of GOD. It was not sufficient that the tabernacle and the
vessels of ministry were according to the divine pattern, both as to
material and workmanship, and that they were made by divinely qualified
workmen; but when all was completed and fully set up, both the
tabernacle and the vessels needed anointing and sanctifying; and _when
that was done_ the offerings needed to carry on the service could not
but be freely poured in. In like manner in all life and work, individual
or organised, only let GOD have His right place, and let there be _the
anointing_ of the HOLY GHOST, received by faith, as well as consecration
to Him, and everything will follow, as needful, for the carrying out of
GOD'S plan in the life or work.

GLADSOME ACCEPTANCE: verses 3-5.

_"And they brought their offering before the LORD, six covered
wagons, and twelve oxen; ... and the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Take it of them, that they may be to do the service of the
tabernacle of the congregation; and thou shall give them unto the
Levites, to every man according to his service."_

It is interesting to note that the first offerings recorded were for the
purpose of assisting in the moving of the tabernacle; it was not GOD'S
purpose that it should be stationary. Nor is GOD'S work ever intended to
be stationary, but always advancing.

The offerings themselves were remarkable: rude bullock-wagons, probably
rough both in material and workmanship, much like those we now are
familiar with in the unchanging East; they must have presented a
striking contrast to the beauty of the skilfully prepared vessels of
ministry. We may well imagine the thought to have passed through the
mind of Moses, Can such rude offerings be acceptable to the glorious
GOD? But GOD Himself dispels all doubt, by saying, "Take it of them."

GOD is not hard to please, nor is true human love, for it is a dim
reflection of His own. We do not estimate our love-gifts by their
intrinsic value, but rather by the love they express. Well do we
remember a little incident which occurred some twenty-four years ago,
and which illustrates this truth.

My little daughter, then about five years old, came to me on the morning
of my birthday with a curious little birthday gift in her hand,--"Papa,
I haven't bought you a birthday present," said she;