1:3. "Because of the savor of Your good ointments, Your name is as ointment poured forth--therefore do the virgins love You."

Strains of rapture are continued. The Church commends her Lord as fragrant in delicious perfume.

It is the province of faith to view the blessed Jesus as fulfilling high offices in salvation's scheme. He is adored as Prophet, Priest, and King. Anointing oil inaugurated the personages admitted to these distinctions.

Jesus, called to execute these offices, is anointed by the Holy Spirit. Let us reverence Him as thus exalted. He ever lives, the PROPHET of the Church--He instructs in all wisdom--He reveals saving truth--He dispels the shades of ignorance--He enlightens with rays of heavenly knowledge--He teaches to profit. To know this is to delight in the savor of His good ointments.

He is anointed also, to be the High PRIEST of His Church. On the Altar of His Cross He presents Himself as the all-atoning Victim, accomplishing in His person what sacrificial rites prefigured. He bears His people on His shoulders and on His breast, and from the throne of heaven pours down all blessings to enrich them. For this office He received the good ointment of the Spirit.

Mediatorial government is committed to His hands. The Father's decree proclaims, "Yet I have set My KING upon My holy hill of Zion." He rules for His people, ordering all things for their good. He rules in them, bringing every feeling into subjection to His sway. And soon He will take to Himself His great power and reign, as King of kings, and Lord of lords. Faith views Him as regally anointed by the Holy Spirit. Charming indeed is the contemplation. It is the sweet savor of His good ointments.

Hence His name excites a thrill of joy. As fragrance, it cheers--it gladdens--it exhilarates--it quickens love. His pure and holy followers, espoused as chaste virgins, love Him with the fervor of intense affection.