Part 6 (2/2)

Now it will be remembered that when such offerings were made, fire came down from heaven and consumed the offerings, and thus made manifest that the sacrifices were accepted of G.o.d. (Let it be remembered that we have shown, as far as finite mind can comprehend, that the _Sun_ is the only direct source of fire, and then remember that _fire came down from heaven_.)

In the book of Job we read,

”_The fire of G.o.d has fallen from heaven._”

The Psalmist tells us that

”G.o.d is a _Sun_ and a s.h.i.+eld, who maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flaming fire.”

Now we know that angels are G.o.d's ministers, and how oft do we find recorded in the Bible, how--under the earlier dispensation--they appeared on earth in forms of _fire_, and with the brightness of the _Sun_.

The Psalmist tells us again that:

”Our G.o.d shall come, a fire shall devour before Him. A fire goeth before Him and burneth up His enemies.”

The prophet Jeremiah proclaims:

”Wherefore, thus saith the Lord G.o.d of hosts, Behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire.”

The Psalmist answers:

”While I was musing the fire burned.”

Thus, how plain the revelations that _G.o.d's Spirit is fire_. Not necessarily manifested at all times, by the burning and consuming our mortal bodies--this only in His _wrath_--but by the purifying of our natures; ”burning up the dross, and base desires,” and thus fitting us for the enjoyment of heaven and happiness, for

”He shall be as a refiner's fire, and the righteous are saved as by fire.”

Let us hear what the prophet Jeremiah saith:

”For behold the Lord will come with fire; and with His chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and His rebukes with flames of fire, and the slain of the Lord shall be many.”

Ah, when He comes forth with His _Spirit of fire_ in _wrath_ and indignation, then it is that this element is one of terrible destruction. Comprehending this, the a same prophet inquires:

”Who among us shall dwell with devouring fire? Who among _us_ shall dwell in everlasting burnings?”

Hear the answer of G.o.d, given through his prophet to all His obedient and faithful children:

”Though thou walkest through the fires, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flames kindle upon thee.”

Again, of His Spirit in a milder form:

”Is not my _word_ like fire, saith the Lord?”

The prophet answers:

”His word was in my heart as a burning fire.”

Now remember that:

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