him; and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts, gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.’” “Was not Herod very angry when he found the wise men did not return through Jerusalem, as he expected they would?” “Yes, he was indeed: and, in consequence of this, and that he might certainly destroy the infant Saviour, he caused all the young children, of two years of age, and all under this age, to be destroyed. But God did not allow him to succeed; for he sent the parents of Jesus, with the young child, into another country, out of Herod’s reach; so that he escaped, when many other poor children were cut off. A beautiful account is given of this blessed child, in the 2nd chapter of Luke, and the 2nd chapter of Matthew. “His parents were in the habit of going up to Jerusalem once a year, to the feast of the passover, an ordinance which I will explain to you when you are older. It was customary for children to go with their parents to this feast; and Jesus went with Joseph, and Mary his mother, for he was, at that time, twelve years old. A very interesting incident occurred, when his father and mother left the temple. But I wish each of you to read one of the chapters I have mentioned. I have been endeavouring to explain them to you, and I hope you will now understand them.” After they had read these scriptures, the children all joined in a hymn, which their mother had composed for the day, and then retired with her blessing. The joyful hour again returns, Let mortals prostrate fall; For lo! this day the angel bands Have crown’d thee Lord of all. From morning light, till evening shade, Thy glorious name we’ll sing; And nations shall proclaim the birth Of our exalted king. Let meek devotion’s sacred power Shed round her sweet perfume; While in thy consecrated courts We hail the blessing come. Then let our hearts be tuned to praise; Let purest incense rise From altars builded by thine hands, Our hearts the sacrifice. Loud hallelujahs let us raise; While at thy feet we fall: This day, behold! the angel band Have crown’d thee Lord of all.