young pigeons. In this instance, the offering was that of humble poverty. Let this affecting instance of the poverty of the Lord of all, teach contentment to those of his disciples who share a similar lot. It was the lot which God chose for His only and well-beloved Son. In a higher station, let the example of our Lord teach condescension to men of low estate; and whatever our stations, let the humility and lowliness of Christ encourage us, both as needy creatures and as guilty sinners, to come boldly to a throne of grace, to obtain mercy, and grace to help in time of need.

At the time of the presentation of the infant Jesus in the temple, new testimony was given to Him as the expected Messiah. The spirit of prophecy had for many years ceased in the Jewish church; but it signally returned to mark the identity of Him who was indeed its substance and object. It had already not only been displayed in angelic communications, but had been manifestly poured out on Zacharias, Elizabeth, and the holy Virgin. Another instance now presented itself: Simeon, an aged saint, just, devout, one who piously waited for the consolation of Israel, and who discerned the spiritual nature of that kingdom which the Jews in general so grievously misapprehended, had been assured by immediate revelation, that ere he died he should see the expected Messiah. When the parents brought the child Jesus into the temple, Simeon was brought thither also, and, by an especial intimation from the

Spirit of God, was taught to know and acknowledge the object of his ardent and pious desires; he took the infant in his aged arms, and acknowledged the fulfilment of the Divine promises, saying, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." He also predicted to Mary the distinction and the rejection of this wondrous child, and the sorrows that should pierce her maternal bosom, on account of His sufferings.

An aged pious widow, named Anna, concurred in Simeon's testimony to the infant Jesus, and pointed Him out to those who looked for redemption.

The Visit of the Eastern Magi.-Flight into Egypt. Slaughter of the Infants.-Matt. ii.

Numerous and convincing as were the testimonies already borne to the Messiah, one additional evidence appeared desirable, and that was granted. It had long been predicted that "the Gentiles should come to His light, and kings to the brightness of His rising." The heathen world was now in a state of the grossest darkness, and it might be hoped that on the first rising of the Sun of righteousness, some rays of His earliest glory would burst upon their gloom.

That large tract of country extending from Meso

SIMEON'S BENEDICTION.

potamia (See Map of Asia,) on the north, Arabia on the south, and Persia on the east; was occupied, in the earlier ages of the world, by populous and powerful tribes, all of whom were distinguished by their reverence for fire, which they considered the most perfect representation of the Deity, and which in fact was the most ancient form of idolatry. Hence the principal study of their wise men, philosophers, or magi, was astronomy. It is generally supposed that Balaam, the last who prophesied under the patriarchal dispensation, was one of these magi, and it is probable that some traditional knowledge of his prediction, that "a star should arise out of Jacob, and a sceptre out of Israel," was retained among the Gentile nations in general, and cherished by them, as the intimation of their restoration to the favour of their common Father. Whether or not this were the case at the time of the Messiah's birth, an unknown star was observed by the inhabitants of these eastern countries, to arise over Judea, which excited great inquiry, and led to the conclusion that the distinguished individual, who had been emphatically styled, the Desire of all nations, was born in Judea. From whatever source they derived the knowledge, whether by tradition handed down through their fathers from the time of Balaam, or perhaps communicated by Daniel and his companions, or acquired from the perusal of the Hebrew Scriptures during the captivity; the Gentiles expected a ruler, and connected his appearance with