November 28

Thy name is as ointment poured forth.—Song of Solomon 1:3.

THE ointments prepared from the spices of the last, were greatly celebrated for their sweet and fragrant perfume. They were counted exceedingly valuable, and sold at a very high price. Hence it is said of the instance recorded by the evangelists of the woman who came to Jesus, and anointed him with a box of precious ointment of spikenard, that it was worth three hundred pence, or about ten pounds of our money. The name of Jesus is indescribably precious, and its fragrancy is indeed, as ointment poured forth. Is it not so to the mourning inquirer after salvation? Nothing can cheer, nothing satisfy, until the fragrant name of Christ is experienced.

"Tis Jesu's name that charms our fears,

That bids our sorrows cease,

'Tis music in the sinner's ears,

'Tis life, and health, and peace."

Is not his name as ointment poured forth, to the afflicted, tempted soul? When fears surround us, and we feel ourselves sinking, it is only when he appears, that we are encouraged, and our souls are preserved from wretchedness and despair.

"In darkest shades if he appear,

Our dawning is begun,

He is our soul's bright morning star,

And he our rising sun."

And in death, what can cheer us, but his refreshing name? Then, when all other sounds fail, the melodious accents of his name will be our joy and life in death.

"His name shall dwell upon our hearts And shed its fragrance there, The only balm of all our wounds, The cordial of our fear.

"We'll speak the honours of his name, With our last lab'ring breath. Then speechless clasp him in our arms, The antidote of death."