our rejoicings have been in the Lord, we have heard, and responded to the soul-stirring words,

Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion; -earthly joy at such a season would have been unsuitable and unbecoming, but spiritual joy may be indulged in at all times it may exist. in the midst of tribulation-these the soul may experience together. There is a rejoicing which the most complicated distress is not always capable of interrupting. "Although the figtree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flocks shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls;" it was the prophet's resolution, even under such discouragement, to rejoice in the Lord, and to joy in the God of his salvation.

We have heard the holy law read, which David called his delight; we have seen the blood sprinkled the blood of an unblemished Lamb,—and, all praise be to God! we have felt the peace which arises from the sprinkling of that blood upon our consciences. We have

eaten a hurried repast, in the garb of travellers, with our loins girded, and our staves in our hands, in token of our readiness to leave this vain world, and to advance towards a city which hath foundations.

And now, on our return, having passed the gates of the city, and proceeded through the deep valley of Jehoshaphat, as we are about to enter the plain country to the north, we descry two travellers, so interesting in their bearing as to engage our liveliest attention. An Israelite, of the tribe of Judah, and his wife. They have passed the season of youth, they appear worn with fatigue, and their countenances bear the stamp of anxiety and sorrow. His habiliments display neither rank nor riches, yet he possesses that dignity of deportment, which arises from frequent communion with God. But she!-there is a loveliness in her look which fixes the eye. High thought and deep reflection belong to that lofty forehead; but it is purity which gives a peculiar character to her beauty, as if her soul were the very temple of holiness.

As we more nearly approach, she becomes a still greater object of sympathetic regard. Hark! she is speaking of the scriptures, as one divinely instructed. She is speaking of her child, as of one predicted in the scriptures, as the Saviour of the world. She has lost that child. It would seem, that neither her features nor her voice are unknown to me. Surely she is the virgin mother of the babe of Bethlehem. Time hath rudely done its work on both travellers; they appear older than the number of revolving years would sanction, yet my memory cannot err-it is the mother of our Lord in sorrow and distress.

Her son left her company, while she and Joseph were returning from the temple, and she has in vain sought Jesus among her kinsfolk and acquaintance, and she is now returning to Jerusalem in quest of him. To have dwelt in the presence, and experienced the love of Jesus, and thus to be bereaved of him, is a bitter trial. Great is the perplexity of Mary; perhaps self-reproach for neglecting her treasure, adds to her grief: perhaps she fears that some

of those who were sent to destroy

"the young

child," have now seized upon him; her sorrow is natural and just, and like the church, she goes about the streets of the city, saying, you seen him whom my soul loveth?"

66 Have

Retracing our steps with the anxious pair, we join in the search of Him who is also our light and life. That thy mother will find thee, O blessed Lord, and that we shall again behold thee, is certain. No one ever sought the Lord, sincerely, and in vain. But hitherto we have not acted with wisdom; we have sought him in the crowded streets and marts of the city-in the resorts of business and amusement, but he was not there. The third day is almost past, since Jesus was seen by his parents, and we repair to the temple as our last hope: we pass through the golden1 vine, that emblem of Him whom we are seeking; we enter one of the watchtowers of the Levites, which has been converted

1 Its branches ran up the cedar pillars of that entrance, whose lintels were the height of the temple, and the massy golden clusters hung from that amazing height.

into a court of divine philosophy, and there our earnest search receives its reward.

How venerable the assembly, and how important its functions! The doctors, in this their council-room, meet to instruct the youth, seated on benches underneath, who are destined for the future service of God.

Our entrance was unnoticed by the conclave, who with the most intent regard, were listening to a youth of very tender years, who spoke as never youth spake before; he answered all inquiries proposed by the doctors, respecting the ceremonial law, so as clearly to evolve its figurative and prophetic nature; and in turn he proposed questions, which no doubt led to the opening of the law of God to the assembled youth, and to the removing of difficulties from the minds of the most enlightened of the masters in Israel. Before their eyes stands a feeble boy, from whose lips proceed the words of heavenly wisdom! No wonder that they are astonished at his understanding and answers!

And now his mother's sorrow is turned into joy; yet she cannot refrain from an allusion to