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22. THE CANDLESTICK OF BEATEN GOLD

The Third Step in Sanctification. At the golden candlestick is represented the third and crowning step in sanctification, or Christian perfection. If we stop with a study of God's word and prayer, we shall fall short of "the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Eph. 4:13. It is not enough that we have been born again of the incorruptible Word of God, I Peter 1:23, or that as newborn babes we desire the sincere milk of the Word, that we may grow thereby, I Peter 2:2, even though through such an excellent beginning we are "no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine." Eph. 4:14. It is not enough that our prayers ascend morning and evening with the incense at the altar. We are to be "complete in all the will of God." Col. 4:12. We are to "grow up into Him in all things."

What do we still lack? - It is the candlestick experience. How can we supply this lack? By "speaking the truth in love." Eph. 4:15. We have received the truth into good and honest hearts; we are not now to put our light "under a bushel, but on a candlestick," that it may give "light unto all that are in the house." Matt. 5:14,15. This light-bearing is the cap sheaf of Christian growth, of sanctification.

The Parts of the Candlestick. Ex. 25:31-40. The candlestick, or lampstand, had one main shaft, with three branches projecting from each side. These six branches were alike, each having "three bowls made after the fashion of almonds. . . a knop and a flower," "resembling lilies" PP 348

- nine ornaments in each branch. The main shaft had four bowls made like almonds, his knops, and his flowers, - twelve ornaments. Thus, the shaft and the six branches had sixty-six ornaments. Under each of the three pairs of branches was a knop - three more ornaments. Including the ornamental base, the candlestick had, therefore, a total of seventy ornaments.

What a detailed description! Yet, even though this inspired description is so minute, the caution is added: "Look that thou make them after their pattern, which was showed thee in the mount." Ex. 25:40. Why all this detail, reinforced by special words of caution? Doubtless, because as already noted, any variation from God's exact plan would destroy or mar the meaning, and thus fail of teaching important spiritual truth pertaining to the plan of salvation.

The Significance of Its Seven Branches. In its entirety, the candlestick represents Christ, "the Light of the world." John 8:12. Especially does the main shaft, with its significant number four, represent Christ. He it is - "One like unto the Son of man" - who walks "in the midst of the seven candlesticks," Rev. 1:12,13, which "are the seven churches," the entire church of God. Rev. 1:20. As seven represents not only completeness but perfection, so the church of God is to be perfect, a church "holy and without blemish." Eph. 5:27. Jesus also said to His disciples, 11Ye are the light of the world," a “city set on an hill cannot be hid.” Matt. 5:14.

Almond Ornaments. In the breastplate, God's workers are represented as His jewels; in the candlestick, as His ornaments. Why were the ornaments to be made "like unto almonds"? The Hebrew word for almond means to hasten, for the almond tree blossoms very early in the season - it hastens to put forth blossoms. It was regarded by the Jews as a welcome indication that the new life of another spring had come, a striking picture of the resurrection. Thus the almond ornaments are an emblem of Christ who is "the resurrection and the life," John 11:25, and also of the new life that will come to all who witness for Him. The candlestick throughout bore this symbol of the resurrection Christ which Christians are to "hasten" to proclaim to the world. "The King's business requires haste." I Sam. 21:8. Jeremiah 1:11,12 gives the same thought: "The word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree. Then said the Lord unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten My word to perform it."

The word for almond also means wakeful. This beautifully illustrates the work of Christ for us: "He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep." Ps. 121:4. The "seven eyes" of the

Lamb go "forth into all the earth." Rev. 5:6. Why is Jesus thus searching the earth? 'the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong (the Lamb had “seven horns” as well as seven eyes) in the behalf of them whose spirit is perfect toward Him." II Chron. 16:9.

The thought of zeal is also in the root of the word almond - to be zealous; to watch eagerly as a leopard; to be intent upon something; to be awake and vigilant. Jer. 5:6. The seven lamps which were before the throne were "lamps of fire" - Rev. 4:5, His church which the Holy Spirit fires with zeal.

Seventy Ornaments. Why were there seventy ornaments? What do they represent? The Lord gave His commission not only to the twelve to go into all the world and preach the gospel, but He "appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before His face into every city and place, whither He Himself would come." What was the result of their efforts? They returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name." Luke 10:1,17. They were connected with the Source of power, the true Light of the world, and success attended their efforts. Like the apostles, they "received supernatural endowments as a seal of their mission." MH 94. It has been said that these seventy ornaments represent the consecrated trusty laymen whose hearts burn with zeal to hold aloft the torch of truth that someone's feet may be led to walk in the Path to the Throne of God. And why not? Does not the candlestick represent the entire church in faithful service?

The first seventy elders were appointed when the covenant of God was ratified at Sinai. Ex. 24:1,9. They were the chief representatives in the respective tribes, the most conspicuous for integrity and sincerity as well as for rank and influence. Later they became special assistants to Moses in his arduous and perplexing duties. When they were appointed, "the Lord came down in a cloud - and took the spirit that was upon him (Moses), and gave it unto the seventy." Num. 11:14,16,17,25. Their authority extended to all matters concerning the public welfare. They were a sort of governing body, a parliament. To them was entrusted the spirit of prophecy - extraordinary penetration in discovering hidden evil and in settling difficulties. Num. 11:24-30. Jewish writers say that this was the origin of the Sanhedrin, the supreme court of their nation.

Pure Gold. Unlike the table and the altar, which were made of wood covered with gold, the candlestick "was made of one solid piece of gold," PP 348, "his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers." Also, "his snuffers or tongs, and his snuff-dishes." "Of a talent of pure gold made he it, and all the vessels thereof." Ex. 25:38; 37:23. Of the church whom Jesus is purifying, it is written "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of . . . the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness." Mal. 3:3. As the refiner of gold works with the precious metal until his own image is reflected in the molten mass, so "Christ is sitting for His portrait in every disciple. Everyone God has predestinated to be conformed to the image of His Son." Rom. 8:29 ; DA 827. When we reflect His image in our lives, our light will shine for Jesus.

Gold also represents value. A talent of gold, which weighed about 120 pounds, was used in the candlestick. Its value was approximately $30,000. Since in the time of Christ day's wage was fifteen cents, the value of the candlestick in our day would be about $3,000,000. The candlestick was the most costly as well as the most elaborate of the sacred vessels. By this immense amount of gold used in it the inspired Artificer would convey the extreme importance of, and the high value that Jesus places on, true soul service. It is a symbol of the motto, "share your faith." "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matt. 5:16.

The Gold Was Beaten. The candlestick was not only pure gold, it was "beaten" gold. Ex. 25:31,36. It required many a skillful blow to shape all the details of its ornaments. So Christ was "wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace

was upon Him." Isa. 53:3-10. "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." II Tim. 3:12. It is trial that purifies the church and fits it to be the light of the world. This has been demonstrated in the sufferings of the thousands of martyrs of the Dark Ages and during the Reformation, but "the blood of the martyrs was the seed of the church." Also in our own day, many a worker for God has suffered stripes and imprisonment for the truth's sake. God permits the fires of affliction, that the dross may be consumed, and the worthless separated from the valuable, so that the pure metal may shine forth. "He passes us from one fire to another, testing our true worth. . . . If prosperity or adversity discover falseness, pride, or selfishness, in our hearts, what shall we do when God tries every man's work as by fire, and lays bare the secrets of all hearts?" 4T

85. For this reason the candlestick, representing both Christ and His co-laborers, was made of beaten gold.

Pure Olive Oil and Its Significance. "Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually." Lev. 24:2; Ex. 27:20. Several words in this text stand out prominently - the oil was pure, it was beaten, and the lamps were to burn continually. What does the pure oil signify? - The vision of the candlestick which God gave Zechariah explains: "And the angel . . . said unto me, What seest thou? And I said,

. . . behold a candlestick all of pure gold. with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon - And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my Lord? The angel . . . answered . . . Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my Lord. Then he answered . . . This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts." Zech. 4:1-6. The oil, then, is the Spirit of God, that causes the lamps to send forth light. And Christ is the "bowl" from which the oil flows into the seven lamps, for He it is who sends the Holy Spirit to the seven churches. Without this "pure oil" of the Spirit it is impossible for the followers of Jesus to let their light shine to the world in its full brightness.

The oil was used in coronation services, thus being associated with sovereignty. Its use also is indicative of divine joy: "Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." Ps. 23:5. It is associated with prayer for healing: "Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord." James 5:14.

The Oil Was Beaten. Even as the candlestick itself was of "beaten" gold, so also the oil was beaten, indicating that the Holy Spirit has shared the suffering that our salvation has cost. This oil was beaten "to cause the lamps to burn always." Ex. 27:20. What a responsibility this places upon those who are light bearers for God! The more fully we, as sons of God, sense the suffering that our salvation has cost all Heaven, the more earnestly we shall long to let our lamps "burn always," not more fitfully but constantly. "In season" and "out of season" we are to let shine forth His own heavenly light "in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation." II Tim. 4:2; Phil; 2:15.

The Lamps Burned "Continually." As the bread on the table was "continual," Num. 4:7, and the incense on the altar was "perpetual," Ex. 30:8, so the lamps burned "continually." Lev. 24:2. They "shed their light by day and by night." PP 348. Just so the light of the church should shine around the circle of the earth by day and by night. "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand." Eccl. 11:6. No matter what our occupation in life, every service should be definitely directed to advance God's work. Thus day by day all may be true light bearers, "ambassadors for Christ." II Cor. 5:20.

In this connection, it is both interesting and important to observe that the words continual and perpetual used to describe the services at the table, the altar, and the candlestick, as well as at the brazen altar where the "continual burnt offering" was sacrificed morning and evening - these words in the original are the same as the word daily used in Daniel 8:11-13 where the blasphemous work of "the little horn" is brought to view. We do well to keep this in mind, for it will come up

later. Meanwhile, let us beware, lest "through the wiles (sly tricks) of the devil," we neglect our "continual" and "daily" opportunities for sanctification. The time of these continual services "came to be observed as the set time for worship throughout the Jewish nation" when the whole multitude of the people bowed in prayer with their faces toward Jerusalem. PP 353,354; Luke 1:10.

The "Two Olive Trees" Again Zechariah asked the angel, "What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof . . . these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves?" The angel answering said, "These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth." Zech. 4.11-14.

What is represented by these two "anointed ones," these two olive trees that supply the oil to the lamps? In Revelation 11:3,4, Jesus says; "I will give power unto My two witnesses. . . These are the two olive trees . . . standing before the God of the earth." What are these two witnesses? Are they not the Scriptures that "witness" to the power of God? Of the Old Testament scriptures Jesus said, 'they. . . testify of Me," John 5:39; and concerning the New Testament He declared, "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached . . . for a witness." Matt. 24:14. The Old Testament and the New Testament are therefore Christ's "two witnesses," the "two anointed ones" symbolized by the two olive trees that empty the golden oil out of themselves through the two golden pipes. They fill the lamps, His light-bearers, with the oil, thus causing the lamps to give light. "The entrance of Thy Words giveth light." "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Ps. 119:130,105. God has given "power"unto these "two witnesses," and they are the source of our power, as they were the source of Christ's power when He met the enemy with the challenge, "It is written." Matt. 4:4,7,10.

Through the Word of God, the Holy Spirit supplies the oil to the lamps so the lamps burn "continually." Only through a "continual" study of both the the Old and the New Testament, is it possible for the Christian to receive the full supply of oil for his lamp that he may witness for Christ. Without this constant flow of oil into his life, his lamp, like those of the five foolish virgins, will surely go out. There are those who discredit some parts of the Bible, particularly the Old Testament and the book of Revelation. What will be the result of thus "hurting" these two olive trees, so that they cannot supply the oil? - "If any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and . . . he must in this manner be killed." Rev. 11:5.

The olive tree grows slowly, and lives to an immense age, thus being emblematic of strength and longevity. "I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God forever." Ps. 52:8. It is also an emblem of divine blessing in our homes: Thy children are "like olive plants round about thy table." Ps. 128:3.

Who Lighted the Lamps? Aaron, the high priest, lighted the lamps. Num. 8:3. So Christ, our High Priest, must light our lamps before we can shine for Him. He, the central shaft, sends oil to all the branches, and that without measure - its measure being "the measure of the fullness of Christ." Eph. 4:13. This contact with the source of light may be compared to the electric power in the wires. Only as we are connected with this power can we truly shine. A broken circuit cannot pass the current to the lamps, but a perfect circuit brings power and victory to the human worker. The Holy Spirit brought victory to Gideon. It caused Philip to "run," and the Ethiopian was converted. It worked with Peter, and Cornelius accepted salvation.

The Morning and Evening Lightings. When Aaron burned the incense on the altar in the morning, he trimmed the lamps. "Every morning . . . he dresseth the lamps; at even he lighteth the lamps (margin, "causeth to ascend") Ex. 30: 7,8. In the evening a fresh supply of oil was put into the lamps, in the morning the dressing, or trimming, of the lamps caused them to shine in their fullness. The burning of the incense and the care of the lamps were closely associated. So, as we kneel at our altar of prayer morning and evening, our High Priest will give us a fresh supply of His Holy Spirit as a new fitting up for service.

The Candlestick a Light Bearer. As the purpose of the candlestick was to give light, so the sole purpose of the church is to give light. A lamp that gives no light, or that shines with a dim, uncertain light, is of little value; and a church that does not shine, has only a form of godliness, "denying the power thereof." II Tim. 3:5. Service is the only reason for the existence of a church. Unless it shines, the world is left in darkness, and many will lose their way on the Path to the Throne of God. Every true member of the church will let his light shine, and shine "continually" no matter where he is. So Jesus says to His church, "Ye are the light of the world . . . Let your light so shine." Matt. 5:14,15.

His lamps are we

To shine where He shall say; And lamps are not for sunny rooms,

Nor for the light of day, But for dark places of the earth

Where shame and wrong and crime have birth, Or for the murky twilight gray,

Where wandering sheep have gone astray; Or where the lamp of faith grows dim,

And souls are groping after Him, And so sometimes a flame we find,

Clear shining through the night So dark we cannot see the lamp,

But only see the light.

So may we shine, His love the flame, That men may glorify His name.

- R. J. Flint

Light-Bearing the Fruit of Faith. Service that truly shines has been called "second mile willingness." “Whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. If any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.” Matt. 5:41,39,40. This is really loving our enemies. It is such service that entitles us to be "children of ("our") Father which is in heaven." Such service is the fruit of all who will be “perfect, even as (their) Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matt. 5:44, 45,48. Such service before men will lead them to "glorify God." Matt. 5:16.

Without this "second mile willingness" there can be no true faith. "Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works;" or, as Moffatt renders it, “You show me your faith without any deeds, and I will show you by my deeds what faith is.” James 2:17,18. This "labor of love" is the "work of faith" (Moffatt), a "faith which worketh by love," Gal. 5:6, faith that is counted for righteousness, - right doing - a faith that results in sanctification. Service without faith and love has been well called "dull gray servitude."

We are all servants, servants either "of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness." Rom. 6:16. How can we be servants of obedience? There is but one way: "As many as received Him, to them gave He power." John 1:12. This power is the birthright of everyone who has experienced the second birth, everyone who has been reconciled and justified in the court and who has entered the holy place to be sanctified. This is forcefully expressed by H. M. Tippett in his inspiring book My Lord and I, p. 51: "God intends each of us to be a spiritual masterpiece, His building. The great tragedy of human life is that we so often choose our own plans instead of what is heaven's destiny for us." "The tragedy of life in spiritual things is to see hundred-fold power producing thirty-fold accomplishment." (Ibid. 31). "God reaches down through our scrap pile of broken resolutions, faded ideals, crushed hopes, seared consciences, untempered wills, for the

buried talents of nobility and service to make us servants of righteousness." Ibid. 46. Then let us keep our lamps on a candlestick, not under a bushel, ever remembering that "Not more surely is the place prepared for us in the heavenly mansions than is the special place designated on earth where we are to work for God." COL 327.

God's Broadcasting System. In Revelation 4:5, the "lightnings and thunderings and voices" that proceeded out of the throne, before which "seven lamps of fire" were burning may be called God's broadcasting system. From this central station through "the seven Spirits of God," the full manifestation of the Spirit through His entire church - the seven-branched candlestick - He sends out streams of light to all the world.

"God is a constant worker." "The angels are workers, ministers of God to the children of men," and God designs that all whose hearts have been lighted shall be workers, "fishers of men." "The toiling beast of burden answers the purpose of its creation better than does the indolent man . .

. . Those who look forward to a heaven of inactivity will be disappointed; for the economy of heaven provides no place for the gratification of indolence . . . . It is the faithful servant who will be welcomed from his labors to the joy of the Lord." MYP 216; CT 280.

"Down by the sea Of blue Galilee

The Saviour passed time and again; From the shore of the sea He called 'Follow Me,

And I'll make you fishers of men.'

He is calling today

In the same earnest way. He is calling for fishers again;

And the brightest names known Up around God's throne

Will be those who were fishers of men."

- AuthorUnknown

The Blessing of Service. Our efforts to help others and point them to the way of life, will not only benefit them but it will "react in blessings upon ourselves. This was the purpose of God in giving us a part to act in the plan of redemption. He has granted men the privilege of becoming partakers of the divine nature, and in their turn, of diffusing blessings to their fellowmen. This is the highest honor, the greatest joy, that it is possible for God to bestow upon men." SC 83. Such light- bearing is not stinted or meager. It is thus described by Luke: "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." Luke 6:38. Acceptable service for God is prompted by the Spirit of Christ. Of those who serve from selfish motives, no matter how good that service may appear on the surface, - of them it is written, "There is none that doeth good, no, not One." Rom. 3:12; Ps. 14:3.

The Candlestick a Symbol of the Holy Spirit. As already noted, the antitype of the seven- branched candlestick is the "seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God." Rev. 4:5. These seven Spirits of God are "sent forth into all the earth" by the Lamb, Rev. 5:6, in fulfillment of His last promise to the disciples, "I will send. . unto you the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost"; "He shall teach you all things." John 16:7; 14:26. To those who seek, He will reveal spiritual truth and bestow spiritual power.

As in the earthly sanctuary the candlestick represented letting our light shine in service for God, so in the heavenly sanctuary, in all the fullness of His complete sevenfold power, the Holy

Spirit is searching all the dark corners of the earth and all the dark corners of our "deceitful" and "desperately wicked" hearts, to win lost souls to obedience to the living Word of God. Jer. 17:9. The Suffering of the Holy Spirit. as with unutterable agony, Rom. 8:26, He pleads with sinful men, is represented by the fact that not only the gold but the oil used in the candlestick was “beaten.” Through neglect of the Word, of prayer, and of service, we "neglect so great salvation." Heb. 2:3. Let us beware that we thus "grieve not the Holy Spirit of God," for through this agency alone can we be "sealed unto the day of redemption." Eph. 4:30; 1:13.

Sanctification, Its Relation to Justification. The terms justification and sanctification are usually feebly comprehended and too often entirely misunderstood. Frequently, justification is confused with sanctification, one being regarded as a synonym of the other, while in reality they are quite different. As before noted, reconciliation and justification, illustrated in the court, result in the second birth, at which time, the righteousness of Christ is imputed to the repentant sinner, covering all his past sins. This,righteousness is not obtained by the works of the law, Rom. 3:20,24, it is a free gift from Jesus Christ, received by faith. Rom. 5:16,18. The bestowal of this gift is but the work of a moment.

On the contrary, sanctification is the work of a lifetime, during which we are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Phil. 2:12. This is attractive dynamic Christian experience in daily obedience to the law of God. Here, through Christ, the works of the law are manifest in the deeds of the life, without which our faith is dead. James 2:16,17. During this life-long experience, the righteousness of Christ is imparted to the Christian; that is, it becomes a part of him, he becomes a partaker of the divine nature. This righteousness imputed in the court and imparted in the holy place, is beautiful and full of meaning because in the sanctuary it is seen in its true perspective. The first experience, justification, is our "title to heaven," the second, sanctification, is our "fitness for heaven." R&H June 4, 1895. The Spirit of God received into the heart by faith, is the beginning of the life eternal. John 17:3; 6:54.

Sanctification, is a threefold experience, symbolized in the holy place at the table, the altar, and the candlestick. is thus forcefully expressed by H. M. Tippett: "In the waiting time, those are being most blessed who are standing on tiptoe, reaching out for God's best things, - on tiptoe in faithful reading (studying) of the Word, on tiptoe in prayer, on tiptoe in service." My Lord and I, p.

311. These are the three essentials to "growing up" into Christian manhood and womanhood. Through these agencies the mind is focused on Christ, and thus we "abide" in Him. This is sanctification, which, in the light of the sanctuary, is clear and tangible, and rich in spiritual experience.

Righteousness by Faith, This includes both justification and sanctification. The first is wholly an act of faith without the deeds of the law, accepting the righteousness of Christ as a free gift; the second is "God working in you" not only "to will" (justification) but also "to do" of His good pleasure (sanctification). Phil. 2:12,13. While justification is the first step in righteousness by faith, sanctification is its completion. Both come through faith in Christ. From the time we enter the gate of the court until mortal life ends in the holy place, the entire Christian experience is righteousness by faith. Only thus can anyone be either justified or sanctified, that Christ may be all in all. Col. 3:11. In the words of Paul, this is gained by "giving all diligence, add to your faith (to your justification) virtue - knowledge . . . . temperance, . . patience, . . godliness, . . brotherly kindness, . . charity." "He that lacketh these things . . . hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins" (his justification), but "if ye do these things . . . an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." II Peter 1:5-11.

Sanctification Our Passport into the Most Holy Place. While imputed righteousness frees us from the penalty of our past sins, imparted righteousness frees us day by day from, the power of sin, and gives us "power to become the sons of God." John 1:12. It is this that keeps us from falling, and presents us "faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy." Jude 24. God has

"condemned sin in the flesh" by "sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh." He did this that His righteousness “might be fulfilled in us.” Rom. 8:3,4. By thus condemning sin in the flesh of His Son, He challenges its right to exist in our lives. "These things write 1 unto you, that ye sin not." I John 2:1. "All who consecrate soul, body, and spirit to God, will be constantly receiving a new endowment of physical and mental power. The inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at their command." DA 827.

In the holy place - "the Trysting place" - if we have remained true to our baptismal vows - true in studying and obeying God's Word, instant in prayerful dependance upon our Redeemer, and in doing our part as ambassadors for Christ, beseeching others to be reconciled to God, - if this has been our experience, at the end of life's journey we are clothed in our wedding garment of "fine linen, clean and white," Rev. 19:8, which is the righteousness of Christ, ready to be accepted as the bride of the Lamb. Rev. 19:7,8. When we have thus finished our course in "the Trysting place," we can say with Paul, "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day." II Tim. 4:7. Then we shall have the Father's name - His character - in our forehead. Rev. 22:4. This is sanctification; it is our passport into the most holy place, into "the presence of His glory" for glorification. Jude 24.

Footnote. In 70 A.D. when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Roman army, the candlestick was carried to Rome by the Roman general Titus, as a trophy of his victory. Doubtless all the rest of the gold in the sanctuary was also taken as spoil, except the ark of which we shall study later. As a memorial of his triumphal celebration, the arch of Titus was constructed, on which was placed a large plaque of the candlestick. This remained until Rome itself was destroyed, leaving the arch in ruins.

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