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in an outpouring of affection and worshipping adoration such

as Mary bestowed upon Jesus in John 12. That lovely scene

was the outcome of the experiences of chapter 11. Had they

not learned the sympathetic love of Jesus in their day of

sorrow, there would not have been the responsive love

expressed in the “pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly”.

May each small gathering of saints evidence “the odour of the

ointment”—a deep appreciation of the glory of the Person of

the Son of God, and reciprocation of His personal love!

Yet another distinguished three call for attention. In 2

Corinthians 1: 19. Paul and Silvanus and Timotheus are united

in heart and testimony, as they preach the Son of God, Jesus

Christ.

They are His witnesses in the happy fellowship of service.

However small the gathering, a living testimony is to be borne

to Himself in the gospel. This is not limited to attendance at a

weekly preaching, but by each one, being a living contributor

to the preaching of the Son of God.

If all cannot preach publicly, each one can be an individual

witness to the glory of Christ. It is still true that God is pleased

“by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe”,

and there are many open doors for personal testimony in

these days of peril and uncertainty, when there is a longing in

many hearts for the rest and comfort that Christ alone can

give. Thus, of each small company of saints may it be said,

“from you sounded out the word of the Lord; ... in every place

your faith to Godward is spread abroad”.

(Scripture quotations are from the A.V.)