M. I do; but even if the wise men knew of this prophecy, we can hardly suppose that they would have been able to understand it. It is likely, however, that besides any knowledge they might possibly have had of ancient prophecy, and besides the appearance of this star, it pleased God in some way or other to make known to them the meaning of it; sending no doubt "some higher light into their minds, clearer than that of the star, to make its meaning clear to them." But however this was, there came, we are told, wise men from the East to Jerusalem, saying, Where is He that is born king of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the East, and are come to worship Him." A strange question this, to those who knew nothing of all the astonishing events, which had been taking place at Bethlehem; and much surprise did it occasion among those who heard it so much so, that these strangers and their extraordinary inquiry began to be talked about all over Jerusalem, till it reached even the court of Herod. And when Herod the king heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him, and he inquired of the chief priests and Scribes where Christ was to be born: from them he learnt that He was to be born in Bethlehem, as the prophet Micah had declared; and he immediately sent on the wise men to Bethlehem, saying to them, "Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found Him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him."

Having obtained the information they so much desired, the wise men proceeded on their way, and that same star, which they had seen in their own country, appeared to them again and "went before them, till

it came and stood over the place where the young child was." Now "when they saw the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy; and when they came into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him; and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts, gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”

Such is the simple and beautiful account, which is given us in the Bible, of the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. Let us examine it now a little more closely, and see what interesting information, and what useful lessons, we may draw from it.

And first let us observe, that the persons of whom we have been talking, are called in the Bible "wise men:" wise in the wisdom of this world, and in such learning as was held in high esteem in their times, and in the country in which they lived, and more especially perhaps in that branch of wisdom, which is called astronomy, or the knowledge of the heavenly bodies. But happy was it for these wise men, that their wisdom did not stop here. Vain are the highest attainments in knowledge, if unaccompanied by the knowledge of Divine truth. It has been observed by a wise and holy Bishop of our Church, who lived many, years ago, that the star of the East might have been seen by other sages besides those spoken of in the Bible. At At any rate they would have been likely to point it out to their brother philosophers. "But," says the holy man, "only they followed it who knew that it had more than nature. He is truly wise, who is wise for his own soul. If these men had been acquainted with all the other stars of

heaven, and had not seen the star of Christ, they would have had but light enough to lead them into utter darkness. Philosophy, without this star, is but the wisp of error." There are but few, my child, to whom it is given, to indulge with the wise men of the East in the sublime truths of astronomy; there are but few who can measure the spaces of heaven, and search into the laws by which the stars are governed. But to all of us, even to the most humble Christian, a privilege is given, the noblest that Eastern sages ever enjoyed. However ignorant of other stars, we may yet be acquainted with that, which alone it is of any great importance to us to know. Without any attainments in worldly wisdom, we may all rejoice in the light which has been revealed to us from heaven, to lead us unto Christ. Yes, Edward, this is a knowledge which even a child may arrive at. Long before his tender mind could bear other learning, he may be taught to know and love his Saviour! As the star led the wise men, so may the written account of it lead us—yea, the light of the whole Gospel is continually shining upon us, and directing us most plainly to the Redeemer of the world. Far greater indeed is our privilege, than that which the Magi enjoyed.

They saw the Star of Christ, the forerunner of a bright day of religious truth; but the sun of righteousness Himself has risen upon us. They considered Christ as an earthly king, and honoured Him as such; for they brought Him rich presents, such as it was the custom in those days to present to great earthly monarchs; but we know that His kingdom was not of

this world, though over it; that His throne is for ever and ever; that He is a king of righteousness, and a Prince of Peace.

E. I should like very much to know where these wise men came from. You told me they came from the East, Mamma; but there are many countries to the East of Judea.

M. I wish I could completely satisfy you on this subject. I can however only tell you that it is generally supposed that they came from Arabia; the presents they brought with them being of such rich and costly things, as that country was known to produce, as we shall see presently. I must first tell you that the word Magi, which is the Greek name for these wise men, was the old name of a Median family, who were devoted to the study of science, and of such religion as the Medes possessed. In course of time the word became more extensively used, till at length all learned people in those parts used to call themselves Magi.

Now it was the custom in all Eastern countries for subjects, and especially conquered people, to bring to their monarch, every year, either a tribute in money, or a present of some of the choicest productions of their country. You have heard of this often before.

E. Oh! yes, often; but I was thinking just then of the good king Hezekiah, who was obliged to cut the gold off the doors of the Temple, that he might send his tribute to Sennacherib.

M. I am glad you remember so well what you are told; now, you see, that circumstance will throw light upon our present subject; that is, you will better understand this account of the wise men, and their

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presents to Christ, in consequence of being so well acquainted with other parts of Sacred History.

to see

The Persian kings used to receive continually such gifts as these, and we read particularly, in ancient history, of such presents as gold-dust, frankincense, and myrrh, being brought to them by the people of India and Arabia. Accordingly the wise men, who are generally thought to have come from Arabia, did not presume to come into the presence of Christ, the newborn king of the Jews, without some such tokens of their submission and respect. I need not now tell you what kind of productions these were, as I gave you an account of them some time ago; and I dare say you remember well how precious and choice each one of these articles was. I would rather hasten on now, what lesson we may obtain from this part of our history. For is not the act of the Magi, in spirit at least, a pattern for us? I do not say that we must now bring gold, and frankincense, and myrrh, and lay them upon the altar of the Lord. The magi honored Christ, as a temporal king, with such presents as were usual on such occasions; whereas the homage we must pay to our blessed Lord and King, is that which is due to a spiritual monarch. But still we cannot do better than copy their spirit. We may not indeed be either wise or rich as they were: but if we really love Christ, we shall rejoice at any opportunity we may have of ministering to Him in our substance, by giving help and comfort for His sake to our poorer brethren, remembering those gracious words of His, "Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of the least of these, ye did it unto me!" Deeds of kindness and charity, done from love to Him, will be far more acceptable to our Lord than the costliest