When Jesus Christ was about thirty years old, he began to preach the glad tidings of salvation. About the same time, John the Baptist was also preaching to the people and baptizing them. He lived in the wilderness, and wore a garment of camel's hair, with a leathern girdle about his loins. He told of the coming of Christ, and warned all to repent of their sins. Many believed and were baptized. Jesus also went to him to be baptized. John with great humility said, I have more need to be baptized by thee. But Jesus answered, Suffer it to be so this time. Then John baptized him in the river Jordan, and as he was coming out of the water, the Spirit of God descended upon him in the form of a dove, and a voice from heaven was heard, saying, This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. [Illustration] WATER CHANGED TO WINE. One of the first miracles performed by our Savior, was at Cana in Gallilee. There was a wedding there, and he and his disciples were among the guests. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was also one of the company. Before the wedding feast was over, the wine was all gone, and Mary said to her son, They have no wine. Then Jesus ordered the servants to fill six water-pots, which were standing near, with water; and they filled them up to the brim. He then said to them, Draw out now and bear some to the ruler of the feast. And they did so. When the ruler of the feast, who knew nothing of all this, had drank of the water which was made wine, he said to the bridegroom, Most men serve out the best wine first, and after that the poorer; but you have kept the good wine till now. [Illustration] CHRIST BLESSING CHILDREN. Some mothers brought their little children to the Savior, that he might bless them. His disciples, however, told the women to go away and not trouble their master with children. Then Jesus, hearing this, reproved his disciples and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And he then took them in his arms and blessed them. Should you not like the Lord Jesus to bless you, my dear little reader? Then pray to him and he will do so. He is the same kind friend to little children now that he was then, and he loves all who love and serve him. Try, then, to be good, and he will love and bless you. You will then be happy in this world, and when you come to die you will go to heaven and be happy with him in the world to come. [Illustration] CONVERSION OF SAINT PAUL. There was a young man named Saul; he was a Pharisee, and a man of great learning, but he hated all the followers of Christ, who were then called, as they are now, by the name of Christians. So great was his hatred, that he put many of them in prison and was in favor of having others put to death.