It seems late in the story of the Tabernacle that the incense-altar should be only men- ‘tioned now; but it is not unsuitable, because intercessory prayer, which it represents, is the crown and climax of the religious life. When our Lord had finished his sacrificial death, he passed into the heavens to make intercession for us. In Rev. 8:3, 4, R. V., the veil is lifted, and we are allowed to behold him, standing by the golden altar in heaven, and adding much incense to the prayers of all saints. What a wealth of prayer is ever passing through those gracious hands and that lov-

ing heart! John 17 is the Golden Altar of Scripture; let us often worship there. But, alas, these earthly altars soon get defiled, even by our prayers, and need the blood that speaketh peace. All our prayer requires the blood of at-one-ment.