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HE circumstance of the wise men presenting unto the Lord Jesus Christ the Saviour, "gold and frankincense and myrrh," is replete with heavenly instruction! it points out to us the conduct of all wise men, who, while they always "render unto Cæesar the things that are Cæsar's, are careful to render unto God the things that are God's." In order that we may see the spiritual instruction intended to be conveyed to our minds, by the wise men offering gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Lord, we must endeavour to see the spiritual signification of each.

Gold is mentioned in the sacred writings to denote the celestial principle of love to the Lord and from the Lord. It is this celestial principle of Divine Love that purifies the affections of the human soul, gives to man every heavenly desire, and enables him to love the Lord with the supreme and highest affection, and to regard his neighbour as himself. It is in consequence of this spiritual signification of gold, as denoting Divine love, that we are invited to purchase of the Lord, "gold tried in the fire, that we may be rich." It is this spiritual gold that makes us rich in divine things, and qualifies the man for the enjoyment of the beatitudes of heaven. As gold has a particular reference to Divine love, and its attendant blessings, so by frankincense and myrrh we are to understand Divine Truth of a spiritual and natural degree; spiritual truth being