Brief views of the Saviour

Preface

Running my eye, several months since, over some German pamphlets which lay in the corner of a bookstore, I came across the " Life of Jesus, for Children : by J. F. Feddersen, Court and Cathedral Preacher at Brunswick." In form and general execution it was rather repulsive ; but the words, Seventh Edition, together with the lateness of the date (1827,) attracted my attention, and led me to suppose it a valuable work for the purpose originally intended. In this supposition I was confirmed by the preface. " The Life of Jesus by Feddersen," it was there said, by its editor, a friend of the deceased author, " met with much approbation, soon after its first appearance, in 1775. It was translated into several languages, introduced into many Protestant schools as a reading-book, and not only recommended but employed by Roman Catholic teachers." I also found the work interesting in itself. Faults indeed it had. It was altogether too dry and didactic in its style. It was characterized, however, by simplicity as well as by a tasteful and appropriate selection of matter, every where bore marks of genuine piety, and seemed to me worthy of a translation.

On sitting down, however, at some leisure moments, to give it an English dress, I soon found, that with all

PRE1 its ezceOi nothing could be made of it in

thifl I therefore relinquished the task, and avail-

I 'of the author's plan and general train, gave myself up to my own thoughts; the consequence of which is, thai 1 of a little pamphlet exclusively

for children in a rude form, and with few or very careless divisions, 1 here have a book, regularly marked oft' into parts and sections, designed for children in part, but rather for the more advanced young, and 1 would lain hope worthy of being read by others ; for the matter and execution of which 1 must in the main be reded as responsible. Part first, containing a short life of Jesus, is an exception. I have indeed, added various circumstances, modified several exegctical or historical expressions, and no where confined myself to a mere translation ; but the order in which the materials are presented, the harmony of the Gospels here brought to view, is Feddersen's. 1 should myself indeed, in some cases, have much preferred a different arrangement. Mark also as exceptions, the paraphrase of Christ's Sermon on the Mount, p. 64 ; more or less of Sec. XX. p. 121 ; the most of Sec. II. p. 140 ; the paraphrase of parts of Jesus' last discourse with his disciples, p. 199 ; many of the prayers, etc. They bebelong rather to Feddersen than to myself. Some of the poetry may also be added, as to which, however, see Note II. As to the rest, I must in the main lay claim to it. Thus Sec. XII. p. 83, contains of Feddersen's only what is to be found in six or eight lines on page 84 ; and this is about the amount of his to be found in Sec. XIV. p. 90; Sec. XXI. p. 126 ; Sec. XXII. p.

PIUFA( \

12! . XXIII. n. 131; Sec. XT. p. 167; while Sees.

I mention these only as specimens. From them some judgment may be formed as to the rest. The truth is, I have in general made use of the original merely as a hook of hints, and it contains little or nothing more, not even a single illustration. To render the whole as useful as possible, I have in the table of contents, given the principal Scripture-references, and marked the geographical names which designate the Savior's journeys, in italics, added two or three Notes, and an Index.

In regard to style and thought, I must confess that I have not sought much after monosyllables, nor always been careful either to chain the mind dow~n to the earth, or to have every thing fully developed. Why should the lad not accasionally meet with hard words, and find something which demands patient thinking, provided there is enough plain to allure him on ? The mature scholar discovers new 7 beauties and intellectual fountains in his Virgil, every time he reviews it ; and yet, if he loved the study, he found enough there to interest and delight even when he was a lad. The young Christian understands something of the Gospel, and yet this same Gospel furnishes ample employment for the most able pupils in the school of Christ. Put always into the hands of a lad, if possible, a book, which, while it interests and improves his youthful mind, has ample treasures for the investigation of maturer years. Let its sentences resemble little gates, which, on being opened,

1* vi PREFACE.

usher him at once, into rich gardens and extended land over which he may ramble at pleasure, find-

ing on every Bide, new flowers to examine, mountains to climb, and livers, vales and woods to explore. Give him, also to understand that if he would become a genuine thinker, he must learn at once to meet difficulties with courage, and habituate himself to patient investi- .011. It is not enough that he survey the garden m a corner, or the landscape from some mountain's top. He will know hut little about them until every thing is fairly explored, the fields have been crossed, the valleys visited, the woods penetrated, and every curious rock carefully surveyed.

[ cannot flatter myself indeed that this little book is to any great extent of the above character. I rather fear it has too much of the opposite. As the Bible, however, is such a book, and much of what I have written is from the Bible, it would be somewhat strange if there were not some sentences in this respect, resembling the sacred original. Whatever its character, however, I commit it to the world. That I should feel some solicitude as to its reception, is natural. I dedicate it to him of whom it treats, and hope, that with all its imperfections, he will accept of it, and turn it to account in building up his kingdom.

OLIVER A. TAYLOR.

CONTENTS, ETC

PART I. A short History of Jesus' Life, 13 — 40

Sec. [. From his birth to his thirtieth, year.

Born at Bethlehem — Visited by the Shepherds — [Presented in the

temple, see p. 48] — Visited by the wise men — Carried into Egypt

— Brought back to Nazareth — Goes up to Jerusalem in his 12th

year, and converses with the teachers in the temple — Character, a Matt. I. and II. Luke I. and II.

Sec II. From Jesus' baptism to his beginning to teach.

John begins his ministry, a — Jesus comes from Nazareth to him [in Bethabara] beyond Jordan to be baptized — The vision seen and voice heard, b — John's testimony respecting him, c — Goes into the desert [probably of Judca] and is tempted of the devil, d — Returns to Jordan — Chooses some disciples, e . .17 — 18

Sec III. Jesus' first year as a teacher.

Jesus leaves Jordan with these disciples for Galilee, a [probably calling at Nazareth] — Changes water into wine at Cana, b — Goes down to Capernaum , c — Thence up for the first time, as a teacher, to the Feast of the Passover at Jerusalem, d — Here he cleanses the temple, performs various miracles, and converses with Nicodemus, e — Travels into various parts of Judca, teaching,/ — John filled with joy at what he hears of him, but is soon afterwards thrown into prison, or — Jesus not long after this, passing through [Sychar in] Samaria, h returns to Galilee, i — Visits Cana, and heals a nobleman's son. j — Xazareth also, but is badly received, h — And finally takes up his residence at Capernaum, I — Here and in the neighboring regions lie teaches and works miracles — At this time also he delivered his Sermon on the Mount, healed a leper, etc. taught out of Peter's ship, healed a second leper, stilled a tempest, and healed a paralytic, m 10 — 22

ND

W li ' vo, c

iiunt. Compile centurion, I the 8ea t j — Raises the etc. // — Re-

i and

re mi race i a multitude — The i to make

him king — Walk* to his discipli aum in a

roa on the sea — They reach first the land of ( reik, M —

m, n

II. Mark .3: 1—12. Luke C: I— II.

: 1—10.

/ Luke 7:11 — 17. ./'It would Mem Mark 5:1—5 . However,

Matt. & 18— 31. I . — n mi. I r belong here than to

29—39.

I— ft i Matt. . i Matt. 9:35. Mark 6:6. Luke&J

Ja u third year as a teacher.

a — Also i ivolis,

and \v. : Sails to llitha or . <;.

Thence to the northern Bethsaida— Makes an

6 — I lis transfiguration, e — Goes up to the feast of Tiberal Jerusalem! d — Leaves Jerusalem for Galilee — Returning salon, is inhospitably treated by the Samaritans, c — Sends ont I lies his disci-

ples to pray, h — Goes up to the ! 'the Dedication, i — With-

draw \ra onii: ... 27 — 30

3 Luke 17: 1—21, ete. Mark

d Jok lft I — 21. 4

S Luke \ ! • 1—13, etc. i John

VI. The last days ofJi .

[thr Stops at J ny and raises La-

zarus, a— B« ing in danger of the Jews, he retin .> to Ephraim, i>— Ephraim, passing through Jericho, c .... 30 — W2

I -l \i. 1—5! wii. II, ete. b John \i. 54. t Mr , etc. Murk x.

. [). John aii. l—ll.

D-.-VII.

On :i siem, weeping ov< b he catches it — In the evening returns to Bethany — On Monday revisits Jerusalem t but retires a jam in the evening — What he doen in Jerusalem on Tuesday — On Wednesday— Also the transactions of Thursday, the institution of the last Supper, etc. a . 32 — 34

. VI II. Jesus* last sufferings and death.

.oil address and the scene of Gethsemane — Betrayed by Juand led away to be tried — Male h us healed — Falsely accused, and abused — Denied by Peter — Before Pilate — Before Herod — •urged, etc. — Finally condemned instead of Barabbas — His crucifixion and miraculous death, a 35 — 39

Sec. IX. Burial) resurrection and ascension of Jesus.

His burial — Guards placed around his tomb — He arises, however, on the third day — Appears to many — Blesses his disciples — And ascends to heaven, a 39 — 40

a Matt, xxvii. 57—06. xxviii. Mark xv. 42—47. xvi. Luke xxiii. 50—56. xxiv. \ix. 38—42. xx. xxi. Acts i. 1—11.

PART IL

I. Reflections on the Life of Jesus, 41 — 63

Sec I. Must become truly acquainted with Jesus. Two reasons in particular why, 41 — 45

Sec II. On the birth of Jesus.

Five reasons why we should believe Jesus something more than a mere man — Reflections — Poetry — Prayerful resolve, . . 45 — 50

Sec III. The persecution of Jesus when a child.

Forced to go into Egypt to escape Herod — The reader's happy lot — a Rev. xxii. 1.

Sec IV. The youth of Jesus.

His example in the temple when 12 years of age — A resolve — How he spent his earlier years — Hymn, 53 — 55

Sec V. The baptism of Jesus.

Circumstances respecting it in favor of the divine character of Jesus — The Lamb of God — The voice from heaven Prayerful

thoughts, 55 — 57

I CONTENTS AND

Si«. VI. The temptation of Jesus,

Ai to SpiriU — Jesni tempted — Wc are exposed to temptation! —

•<r — Sii directions in regard to temptation! — The sto-

r} r of Elizabeth, oi God will Ste m< — The danger of temptation il-

loatrated, or a rash youth — Scriptural allusions, • • 57 — 03

Sic. VII. Introductory Remarks, 63

VIII. Christ'! Sermon on the Mount paraphrazed, « — Its doctrines noble — Happy and unhappy families — Questions put to the

a Matt. v. I— 19.

conscience, 04 — 68

Sec IX. Sermon on the Mount continued. Letting one's light shine, a — Swearing, b — The praise of men not to be sought, etc, — God sees and will reward — Should practice what we learn — The end of wicked children— Hymn, 09 — 72

a Matt. v. 14— JG. b Matt. v. 33—37. c Matt. vi. 1—1.

Sec X. Prayer.

enefit! — Jesus prayed — Errors to be avoided, a — The Lord's prayer, b — How to pray — May pray with confidence, c — Blessings thence resulting, d 72 — 76

a Matt. \i. 5—8. b Matt vi. 9—13. Com p. Luke .\i. 1—4. c Matt. vi. 14. 16? \i 5—13. d Pi. will.

Sec. XL The late of reward*

A trait of human nature — A rule of God's government — Illustrated, a — Of judging others, b 78 — 83

[att. rii.2. Luke vi. 38. Compare Matt. xwi. 58. Gen. xlii.il— 24. Esther vii. 9, 10. Dan. vi. 24. b Matt. vii. 1—5. Luke vi. 37 — 12.

Sec XII. Si t k first the kingdom of hi a m n. The exhortation, a — A happy island — The surpassing charms of heaven — The only way of obtaining it, B3 — ^7

a Matt, vi.33.

8e< . XI II. Caution against deception*

Of de< -The flatterer — A rule for our conduct, << — Youth not

to dissemble — Heaven lias no deceivers — David*! prayer j Search

< XIV, Of trusting in Prot lorrowful — Adviee to aoch — A lesson from the flowers and bird! — The cate of Mr Park — Prayer — The benefit of trusting in God

REFERENCES. XI

— Obedience necessary to confidence — God's feelings towards us, a— Hymn, 90—96

III. Reflections upon PARTICULAR doctrines, . . . 97 — 128

Sec. XV. On a true knowledge of God, etc.

I. Must know God and Jesus— His words, a — II. Must know that

Jesus sent of God, etc. — How he proved it — III. Must believe in

Jesus — Faith illustrated ; the medicine ; the ferry : the precipice

—The effects of faith, etc.— Prayer, 97—104

a John xvii. 3.

Sec. XVI. The feelings and conduct of a believer. Mistakes in this case — Sad result of making them — What constitutes a Christian, a 105 — 107

a Luke xviii. 18-30. Matt. vii. 22. Luke xiv. 25-35.

Sec. XVII. Love to God and one' s Neighbor . The essence of virtue — Jesus' words to a Pharisee upon this subject —Illustrated, a— Exhortation, 107—111

a Matt. xxii. 3G— 40. Mark xii. 28—34.

Sec. XVIII. Do you love Jesus f Few it is to be feared really do — The poor man of Denmark — Death, to whom pleasant, a . Ill — 113

a John xxi. 15, etc.

Sec. XIX. What Jesus farther taught of love to one's neighbor. Why particular instruction necessary — I. Those above us to be honored — How to make filial obedience pleasant — The effects of filial disobedience and the contrary — II. We are to be kind and obliging — The golden rule, a — The Indian and the two white boys — The schoolmaster's father, etc. b — III. We must show meekness and love to our enemies — IV. Must preserve a forgiving spirit — Prayer and resolve — Hymn, 113 — 121

a Matt. vii. 12. b Luke xvi. 19—31.

Sec. XX. Watchfulness, temperance, and man-pleasing. Prayerful watchfulness greatly neglected by the young — I. Must watch against intemperance — II. Must watch over our general conduct — [II. Must guard against sinful man-pleasing, 121 — 125

Sec. XXI. The word of God.

The Savior exhorts us to attend to it — Its value — To be daily read and studied — A sure guide — Hymn, a 126 — 128

a Luke xvi. 31. John v. 39—47.

XU CONTENTS WD

Bec. XXII. 1 's.

The guardians of children, a — Superstitious fears wicked — The Christian always title, b ...... 129 — 131

a .Matt, xviii. 10—11. b Gen. xxviii. 10 — 02. 9 Kings vi. 17. Pi. xxxiv. 7.

Sf.< . XXIII. Tkt resurrection and last Judgment .

Announced by Jesus— Th< final scene — Fearful to the wicked — Joyful to the good — True honor — A prayer — Hymn, a . 131 — 135

a Matt, xxii.23— 33. Markxii. 18-27. Lake XX. 27— 38. Matt. xxv. 31— W.

Sec. XXIV. Eternal J I nm bound to eternity — The joy anticipated — Bunyan's Pilgrims. — Prayer— Hymn. 135—138

Part III

1. The Parart.es of Jesus, ..... 139— 1G6

Sec I. Introductory remarks, . . . . .13''

Six. II. The lost son.

Obtains his share of the eel its and leaves — Wasting it all, is reduced to want — Repents and returns — Is kindly received except by hil eldest brother, a 140— 14^2

a Luke xv. 1 1 — ;j .'.

Se< . III. Reflections.

The parable praised, a — Shows the kindness of God — The heaven ly family take an interest in us — The consequences of dissipation — Visiting the hospital — A caution — Gellert's lines, a — Parental chastisement — How a child may obtain genuine pleasure — Youths who have already broken the hearts of their parents — A case related — The proper course for such penitents — Prayer. . 143—150

a Fee Note I.

Sec. IV. The servants with different talents. The rich man, his servants, and their talents — Their conduct — What we are here taught, a ...... 151 — 1 C»L?

a Matt. xw. M— 30.

Bec. V. Tlu rich man and Lazarus,

What we are here taught— The wicked not the best off. because they the best in this world — The reward comes hereafter — Tin iluence this should have — Poetry C . a Luke svi, 19

XIII

c. VI. The mirciful Samaritan

Explanatory facts— Our duty to lovo others here admirably sot forth — We are to assist even our enemies — Hymn, a . 155 — 157

Sec. VII. Tki The seed on a hard soil — an obstinate youth — Repentance came too late, 41 157—159

Sec VIII. The Laborers in the Vineyard.

A master hired persons at different times in the day to work in hi:? Vineyard — He paid them all the same price — The ill-will it excited — Five things taught us in this parable — Hymn, a 159 — 162

Sec. IX. Perseverance in Prayer.

The friend in want — His importunity prevailed — Importunity more prevalent with God, a — The poor widow and the unjust judge, b — God will attend to his beloved, etc. . . . . 162 — 164 a Luke 11: 1—13. b Luke 18: 1—8.

Sec X. The good master and the hard servant. Readiness to forgive — Jesus' compassion — Hymn, a . . 164 — 166 , a Matt. 18: 15—35. See Note I. p. 258.

II. Reflections on particular discourses and parables, 167-174

Sec XL On Death.

Though young, I may die — The case of the worldling, a — My playmates — My walk in the graveyard — My sister Olive's morning-glory — Poetry on it, 167 — 169

Sec XII. On Humility.

An excellent rule, etc. — Cause of quarrels among school-boys — The Publican and Pharisee — Conclusion, a . . . 169 — 171

Sec XIII. The great love of God.

The lost sheep and money — The Son of Man came to seek and to save his lost sheep — His love for his friends — Hymn, a 171 — 174

III. Hints and examples, . . . . . . 175 — 199

Sec XIV. Youthful pleasures.

Jesus loved and recommended cheerfulness, a — Religion therefore not gloomy, b — Christians the best right to feel cheerful — Must

b

XIV N IKNTS AND

guard however against worldly deliglit — Duty not to be neglecteu for pleasure — God always se^- o Christian pleasure, 1 7."> — 17-^

B«c. XV. Peter andtke miraculous draught of fishes.

The case stated, a — We are not certainly forsaken of God because thing! fro hard with us — Human efforts must iiave God's bl ing,l . . 178-181

a Luke 5: 1—11. Comp. Matt. 4: 18—22. Mark 1. 1G— 20. b Ph. exxvii. Sec XVI. The icidoic's son of JVotft. The scene described, a — Man resembles a flower,/' — Hymn, 181-182 a Luke 7: 11—17. b Job 11: 2. Compare on page 167. Sec. XVII. Refections on Prayer.

Jesus often asked to relieve — I also will ever go to him — If unanswered, not murmur — If answered, guard against pride, a 184-1 35

a Matt. 11:28—30. Matt. 15: 21—28. Mark 7: 24—30. Matt. 8:5—13. Luke 7: 1-10. Sec XVIII. The last coming of Jesus to Jerusalem.

The joy of the occasion — Jesus wept over Jerusalem — We should be joyful for the Gospel — The hosannas of children very acceptable to Jesus — His last coming to judgment, a . . 18C — 189

Sec XIX. The doings of Jesus in the Temple.

Drove out the traders — The house of God a sacred place — The feelings we should have there, etc. a 189 — 191

Sec XX. Humility.

The little child an example — Must become like one, to enter heaven — Proper feelings, a . ..... 191 — 19*2

Sec XXI. Affliction.

Many afflicted in the time of Jesus — Cases supposed — Benefits of affliction — Proper state of feeling — Hymn, a . . 193 — 196

Sec. XXII. Kotmywill but thine he done. A visit to Gethsemane — God does all things well — Hymn, a 197-19S a Matt. 26: 36—46. Mark 14: 32—42. Luke 22: 39—46. John 18.- 1,2.

IV Sec XXIII. Last discourse of Jesus with his disciples.

Paraphrazed — Deserves attention as our best friend's, a 199 — 202

RFFERENCi:s XT

Part IV

Sec. I. Introductory remarks , 203—204

Sec. II. The friendship of Jesus for children.

What he said about them — Cases in which his love to them was exhibited— Comforting— Hymn, a .... 204—207

Sec. III. The piety of Jesus.

A perfect example — His love of truth when ] 2 years of age, a — Obedient to his Heavenly Father through life, b — How shown, c — The character of his zeal, d 207 — 'JO'.)

Sec. IV. The zeal of Jesus in prayer.

He prayed much — Instances, a — Prayed acceptably, b — Surely then we ought to pray — How and for what — Prayer soothing — God answers in the best way, 210 — 213

Sec. V. Zeal of Jesus in praise.

Instances — Man naturally ungrateful — All have reason for gratitude — Thoughts to excite gratitude — Singing, a . . 214 — 216

Sec. VI. The diligence of Jesus.

Jesus always diligent — We should be — God can dispense with our a John iv. 32, 34. See Note I. p. 258.

Sec. VII. Uprightness of Jesus, love of truth, etc.

Jesus always lived and acted as he thought — His intercourse with the Pharisees — The consequences of these traits — Very few much like Jesus now — Hymn, a 219 — 221

a Matt. x. 16. John i. 47.

Sec. VIII. Compassion of Jesus for mankind. Came to suffer for them — Aided all who needed — Prayer, 221 — 223

Sec. IX. Humility of Jesus.

In childhood— In life— With his disciples— In death, a 224—225

a John xiii. 1—17. Isa. Kii. 7.

•XVI CONTENT* AND REFERENCES.

' friend.

His friends m Bethany — His disciples — The cases of John, Peter, and Jndsi — His friendship how evinced — A friend to all who love him — Seek virtuous friends, .... -227

Luke viii. J'J--

XI. The love of Jesus for tn< n Mankind whom he came to save, all his enemies — lived and labored among them — Wept over Jerusalem, a .... 228

a Luke lix. 11— 1 1.

Sec. XII. Jesus in his sufferings and death.

I. To the last, full of holy love — Confidence and resignation — His last words — II. His conduct to his enemies — To Judas — Before

rs — III. To his mother — Differently often do youths treat their aged parents — A widowed mother often disobeyed — The language of gratitude — Tobias — Hymn, a . . 229—234

a Matt. xxvi. 50. Luke xxii. 48. John xix. 25—27. Tobit iv. 2—4.

II. The conclusion of Jesus' life upon earth, . 235 — 248

Sec. XIII. The resurrection of Jesus.

Had Jesus not risen from the dead our faith would be in vain — That

he has, no believer in the Bible can doubt — This proves him the

Son of God — We may now rely upon his teachings, prophecies,

promises, and a final resurrection, a . . . 235 — 237

Sec. XIV. The ascension of Jesus to heaven. Confirms all our hopes — Gone to prepare for us — Should have strong faith in him — The day of judgment one of justice, a 237 — 240

i at. xwiii. 16—90. Mark xvi. 11—20. Luko xxiv. 50—53. Acts i. 1—14 lobn xiv. 3, 99. Matt. vii. 24—27. Luke vi. 47— 4 ( J.

Sec. XV. Concluding remarks. \ full portrait of Jesus to be found only in heaven — He was evidently a most glorious personage, and in every respect, just such a Savior Bl we need — All should fall in love with him as soon as they acquainted with him. — The majority treat him with neglect or contempt— But why ? — I. Not because he is cruel — II. Not because he is not long suffering — III. Not that he is not ready to jive— IV. Nor that he has ever sought to injure — He never sought to injure in person — His doctrines not injurious — Testimony of infidels— Compared with heathenism — They would bless the dying mail and the world — The opposer must be crushed, a — The iter of life, 240—250

li. 10. I I, with the preceding and following verses. Sec alxo Pi, EZXiii 9, and Note I. p. 25c*.

Section I

From the birth of Jesus to his thirtieth year.

Long before Jesus was born, God caused his birth to be announced by pious men, who, because God made them capable of foreknowing and foretelling many future events, are called prophets. All the descriptions which God caused to be given by them, of this future personage, prove that he was destined to be the greatest of benefactors to mankind, to save them from sin and its punishment, to bring them to good, to render them pleasing to God, and to prepare them to go to heaven after this life.

About four thousand years after the creation of the world, Jesus was born at Bethlehem. This was the very time that had been announced by the prophets, as the time of the birth of Jesus, and the very place that had been named by them as his birthplace. God in his wisdom had so ordered all this, that every one could certainly know that Jesus was the real Messiah or king that had been promised by God ; for every thing happened to him exactly according to the word of God. The parents of Jesus were called Mary and Joseph. They were poor and humble in life, but very pious. 2

14 THE BARLT LIFE OF JESUS.

At his birth, the following remarkable event took place. It was in the night, and there were shepherds in the fields with their docks. All of a sudden, there shone a great clear light round about them, at which they were very much afraid ; but in a moment, they heard the voice of an angel, who called to them not to be afraid, for he brought them the joyful news that the promised Savior was born ; and he told them that if they would only go to Bethlehem, they should there find the child in a stable and lying in a manger. Soon after, they heard many voices singing a song of praise to God, and celebrating the happiness which men should derive from this birth. On this, they hasted away immediately to Bethlehem, and there they found the child Jesus, just as it had been told them, in a stable and in a manger ; and also Joseph and Mary, whom they informed of what they had heard, sitting near by, taking care of him. With joy and gratitude to God, that he had permitted them to find the promised Savior, they then hastened back to their flocks.

This event, my young friends, teaches you, that this child Jesus must have been one destined by God to great and blessed purposes; for we have never heard of any other child whose birth was announced in such a way, and celebrated by songs of praise sung in the air.

Immediately after the birth of Jesus, there came learned men from a distant country in the East, to Jerusalem, and asked where the new-born prince and future king was to be found. They said, that in this eastern country they had seen a wonderful light which they knew to be his star, and therefore had come to show him their regards. Herod, who was then, under the Romans, the reigning king of Judea, a very wicked man, heard of this question, and was greatly alarmed.