There was living at Jerusalem a _just and devout man_ named SYMEON. Though far advanced in years, he had received divine intimation that he _should not see death_ till his eyes had rested on the Lord’s Christ. He was now present at the national sanctuary, when His parents brought in the Child _to do for Him after the custom of the Law_ (Lk. ii. 27), and no sooner did he behold the Child, than he saw that the long-promised hour was come. He _took Him up in his arms_, and blessed God that at length his eyes had been permitted to _see His Salvation, the Light to lighten the Gentiles, and the Glory of His people Israel_ (Lk. ii. 32). Then while Joseph and Mary were marvelling at his words, the aged seer, already on the verge of the eternal world, blessed them also, and addressing the Virgin Mother declared that her Child was _appointed for the fall and rising again of many in Israel_, and that _a sword should_ in days to come _pierce through her own heart_. At the same time there came forward an aged woman, a prophetess, ANNA, the daughter of Phanuel. Seven years had she lived with her husband after quitting her maiden state, and since his death had remained in widowhood upwards of 84 years. Though the territories of the tribe of Asher, to which she belonged (Lk. ii. 36), were at a great distance from the Holy City, yet there she had taken up her abode, and was constant in every act of worship and in her attendance at every sacred service. She too drew near while the Holy Child was being brought into His Father’s house, and, like the aged Symeon, _gave thanks to God_, and _spake of Him to all those that were looking for redemption in Jerusalem_ (Lk. ii. 38).