and see in them one of
the fullest forms of benediction to be found in the whole Word of GOD.
The thought naturally arises,

WHY IS IT FOUND HERE?

And the reply is twofold. There is the Divine side. Flowing from GOD'S
heart of love first came the _privilege_ of Nazarite consecration; and
then, by the _act_ of consecration, His loving heart is so gladdened
that it further overflows in these rich benedictions.

Looking, on the other hand, at the human side, we may learn that the
soul which is fully consecrated _always_ receives the blessing of GOD.
Where that blessing is not enjoyed, there is always something unreal or
defective in the consecration. It may be that we have separated
ourselves to carry out _our own will, or thought, or plan of service_,
instead of surrendering ourselves and _our_ will, to learn and to do
_His_ will. But it is real consecration _to GOD_ that puts us into the
position in which He can pour out His richest blessings upon us.

The prodigal was a son of the father all the time; but when he preferred
_his_ will to the will of his father, _his_ way to the way of his
father, _his_ management of his share in the property to his father's
management, it issued but in ruin and misery--in hunger and nakedness
and shame. The fact that he was a son was of no avail to him in the "far
country," in the place of self-will and self-management. But as soon as
he arose, and with true repentance and submission came back to the
father's house, willing to serve, and to do his father's will, he found
himself restored to his father's heart, and to all the privileges of
sonship: the fatted calf was killed, the best robe was put upon him,
once more he had shoes on his feet and a ring on his hand, and joy and
gladness filled the home.

How many Christians there are who, in their self-will and attempted
self-management, find themselves day by day full of sorrow, or full of
care. Trying to keep themselves they are not kept; trying to be happy
they are often unhappy; trying to succeed they fail; and they can but
confess that their life is very different from that ideal life described
in Ps. lxxxix. 15-18:

"Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound:
They shall walk, O LORD, in the light of Thy countenance.
In Thy Name shall they rejoice all the day:
And in Thy righteousness shall they be exalted.
For Thou art the glory of their strength;
And in Thy favour our horn shall be exalted.
For the L