Such as was the character of the intercession of our
Advocate on earth in behalf of his Church, such, we may
believe, it is now in heaven. Through his prayers for us,
we are upheld in times of danger ; grace is bestowed for
every trial and for every duty; and the Holy Spirit is
given to regenerate, sanctify, and guide us. "I will pray
the Father, and he will send you another Comforter, that
he may abide with you forever, even the Spirit of Truth."
Not only does he pray for us, but he presents our petitions
which we offer in his name, ** For through him we both have
access by one Spirit unto the Father." The incense which
the priest of old burnt upon the altar where was the sacred
fire, was prepared by the priest of spices offered by the peopk
(see Ex. xxv: 6), and while he was vnthin, offering it,
"the people stood praying without," Luke i: 10. The
gignification of this may be more fully learned by the
vision which followed the opening of the Seventh Seal —
Eev. viii: 1-4: "And another angel came and stood at
the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given him
much incense, that he should offer it vnth the prayers of ofi
gaints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
