Oh! star which led to Him, whose love SECTION VI. VISIT TO THE TEMPLE. LUKE 11. 40. AND the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem, after the custom of the feast; and when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance: and when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions; and all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed; and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, how is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the sayings which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth; and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in herheart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. REFLECTIONS. What is there in this account most worthy of our attention, of our love? Is it the early understanding of Jesus, which astonished the elders with whom he spoke? No. Others have given proof in youth, of wonderful intellect, but united to a defective character. Thus was it not with Jesus. He sat among the doctors in the temple, not from vanity, to exhibit to their admiration his youthful powers, but because he loved the subjects on which they spoke, he loved to converse of God, and of his holy law. It is this, his devotion to his heavenly Friend and Father, which gives such a charm to this incident of his childhood. It is, indeed, "the beauty of holiness." If Jesus had been found in conversation on earthly subjects, displaying the same understanding, to the astonishment of those who heard him, we must have admired, but we should not have loved him as we do now. And what we love, we should imitate, giving up our hearts to God, whether we be young or old. Happy, thrice happy are they, who, like their Saviour, love God and holiness from their youth; for they will have the love of all who know them, here below, and of a better friend, even God himself, their Father, in heaven. HYMN. Salisbury Collection. In the soft season of thy youth, He shall defend and guide thy course Then seek the Lord betimes, and choose The earth affords no lovelier sight PART II. TO JESUS'S FIRST MIRACLE. SECTION VII. BAPTISM OF JESUS. MATT. III. In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan; and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruit meet for repentance; and think |