go away, in order that the COMFORTER should come. And we see the
mighty change that was wrought in the disciples when the outpouring of
the SPIRIT actually took place at Pentecost. The timid became
courageous; the scattered and persecuted disciples went everywhere
preaching the Word; the HOLY SPIRIT wrought conviction of sin, and
revealed the risen SAVIOUR as the object of faith; and many were added
to the LORD. The same SPIRIT is still present with us; may we too be
filled, and largely used as channels of blessing.

THE BLESSING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

"JEHOVAH, THE SPIRIT, LIFT UP HIS COUNTENANCE UPON THEE, AND GIVE
THEE PEACE."

The blessing of the SPIRIT is essential to the completeness of the
benediction. We are struck, however, with the similarity of this
blessing to that which precedes it; nor is the similarity surprising.
For, as the SON came to reveal the FATHER, so the SPIRIT has come to
reveal the SON. CHRIST was a true COMFORTER; but His personal work on
earth being finished, He ascended on high to minister for His people as
their HIGH PRIEST in the presence of GOD. The HOLY SPIRIT is the other
COMFORTER, sent by the FATHER in CHRIST'S name, that He might abide with
the Church for ever. CHRIST is the indwelling SAVIOUR: the HOLY SPIRIT
the indwelling COMFORTER. On whomsoever CHRIST makes His face to shine,
the HOLY SPIRIT will surely lift up

HIS COUNTENANCE.

"Lift up His _countenance_ upon thee." We have already dwelt on the
significance of the face or countenance (the same original word) as
revealing the emotions of the heart. We see from these words that it is
the purpose of GOD that the presence and the love of the SPIRIT should
be made known to those in whom He dwells. When He lifts up His
countenance upon us, we walk in conscious security and freedom; but if
the SPIRIT be grieved, the light of His countenance is hidden from us,
and we walk in darkness. And, oh, how dangerous is this walking in
darkness, how surely we shall wander from the way, and fall into some of
the snares of the devil! There is only one safe course, to confess the
sin that has grieved Him, and take no rest till communion is restored:
this may always be done most easily by _immediate_ confession and
turning to Him, who is our Advocate with the FATHER, and whose shed
blood cleanses from all sin. When sin is put away the SPIRIT again lifts
up His countenance upon us, and peace fills the heart.

THE PEACE OF THE SPIR