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I. DIVINE ENDOWMENTS COMMITTED TO THE CONTROL OF MEN. As in the instances of that "fire," supernaturally originated on that altar, and then left in man's hands, so with —

1. Pure sympathies implanted within man.

2. Revelation in the Scriptures.

3. Quickened life in the regenerated soul.

4. Spiritual endowments to the believer.

5. Sacred affections in the Christian heart.

6. Holy enthusiasm firing an earnest nature. From God they come: but man has them in his hands.

II. DIVINE ENDOWMENTS ENTRUSTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF MEN. The priests had to keep that "fire" alive, or it would expire.

1. Having received the gifts of God we are responsible for their maintenance.

2. How solemn the priestly office, which all are called to perform: feeding the Divine "fire" in our souls continually!

III. DIVINE ENDOWMENTS REQUIRING THE CO-OPERATIVE WATCHFULNESS OF MEN. The priest's eye would need to be often turned to the altar fire: "every morning" it needed care.

1. A watchful life is imperative if we would maintain godliness within.

2. Neglect will allow the extinction of the Divinest gift. Only neglect —

(1)  daily prayer;

(2)  daily reading of the Scriptures;

(3)  daily fellowship with Christ;

(4)  daily watching against temptation. Fail in these duties, and the "fire" will expire. "Every morning" bring wood to the fire!

IV. DIVINE ENDOWMENTS ENDURING ONLY WHERE ACTIVELY MAINTAINED. That fire did expire! At the destruction of the Temple by Nebuchadnezzar.

1. May the Divine life m a soul go out?

2. May the Christian's "first love" become extinct?

3. May the holy aspirations of a child of God droop?

4. May all sacred ardour, in prayer, in consecration, die away?Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. "See that ye make your calling and election sure."

(W. H. Jellie.)

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KJV: The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.

WEB: Fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it shall not go out.