it. If you would answer it satisfactorily, seek at once for the Holy ANTE A.D. 5. Spirit to guide you into all truth." named, we look at it, we smell it, we taste it, we wonder at it, and finally ask, What ing is the annihilation of curiosity. Names are disguises put up can it be? Nam Naming of children.-It was likewise not customary among the Arabs to give the children names which had never been borne by any person in the family. When, therefore, on the seventh day after Mahomet was born, his grandfather invited the members of the tribe of the Koreischites to a feast, the guests asked, after the conclusion of it, what name he would give his grandson, on whose account he had treated them so magnificently; when he said, Mahomet. They replied, "Then you mean to give him a name on things to conalien to his family." The same custom prevails among some ceal from us North American tribes. Lafitau says, "Among the Hurons and their mystery. Things without Iroquois they always retain in every family a certain number of names would be names of the ancestors of the family, both of men and women. too wonderful These names are quite peculiar to them, and it is presumed to be for us. Only a few people congenerally known that they belong to such or such a family. Now tinue to wonder in every family it is the custom, as it were, to revive, to call back as much after a to life, those members of it who have made themselves famous. thing is named as before." J. They therefore look out at the same time the names of those Pulsford. whom they revere, and give them to such of their descendants as are to represent them. The latter acquire more or less considera-line of S. S. Sertion in proportion as those who formerly bore these names were mon distinguished for their qualities, virtues, or deeds. The Jews had, Editor. in the same manner, certain names in every family which they took care to preserve; and these were taken only from the father's family, as appears from what passed, according to the Scripture, at naming John the Baptist. But among the Hurons and Iroquois the names of the boys are at present taken, as formerly among the Lycians, from the family of the mother only." b Hive i. 43, Out by the "The whole affair breathed of guid Divine 65, 66. fear," awakened by these mysterious events. The the people birth of a child to these aged people; the name; the cure of the marvel dumbness of Z., etc. sayings, or things. noised abroad, the a tidings of these events spread, and produced a great noise, or excitement. heard, not only believed, but regarded these events as portents. manner. . be, they regarded the circumstances of his birth as prophetic of his future greatness. hand.. him, to guide and guard him through his youth, and mould him for future report, spread a service; and by that hand, "Amid the true and stern And keen realities of testing life, The boy was rounded into full-orbed man, То "noise abroad," is to rumour, pro My office is to noise abroad that Harry Monmouth fell under the wrath of noble sword." Shaks The question at the cradle.-I. One proposition is certain. The Hotspur's consequence of neglect will be fatal (Prov. xxix. 15). This is true peare. corporeally, mentally, morally, spiritually. II. The character R. Montgomery, of future life ordinarily depends more on the influence of early Luther. guidance and instruction than on anything beside. Secure their c Preacher's Portaffections.—Maintain authority.-Keep them out of temptation.folio. Impart saving truths.-Furnish good examples.-Cherish good "I was once prehabits. Be earnest in prayer. III. The alternatives suggested by sent when an old the question. What manner of child? A saint or a sinner-a mother, who had blessing or a curse ?< brought up & large family of children with eminent success, was asked by a What manner of child?—A painter, who wanted a picture of Innocence, drew the likeness of a child at prayer. The little suppliant was kneeling by the side of his mother, who regarded re children who were too anx wholesome neg "Education will not create mind, ANTE A.D. 5. him with tenderness. The palms of his lifted hands were reverently pressed together; his rosy cheek spoke of health, and young one what she would his mild blue eye was upturned with an expression of devotion commend in the and peace. The portrait of young Rupert was highly prized by case of some the painter, for he had bestowed on it great pains; he hung it up in his study, and called it Innocence. Years rolled on, and the iously educated, painter became an aged man; but the picture of Innocence still and her reply adorned his study walls. Often had he thought of painting a was, I think, contrast to his favourite portrait; but opportunity had not served. my dear, a little He had sought for a striking model of guilt; but he had failed to lect."- Taylor's find one. At last he effected his purpose by paying a visit to a Notes from Life. neighbouring jail. On the damp floor of his dungeon lay a wretched culprit, named Randal, heavily ironed. Wasted was his but will elicit and body, worn was his cheek, and anguish was seen in his hollow bring it out. It eye; but this was not all: vice was visible in his face, guilt was will do more-it branded, as with a hot iron, on his brow, and horrid imprecations rect, enlarge, and burst from his blaspheming tongue. The painter executed his invigorate it." task to the life, and bore away the successful effort of his pencil. "Pour water The portraits of young Rupert and old Randal were hung side by hastily into a vessel of a narside in his study, the one representing Innocence, the other row neck, little Guilt. But who was young Rupert that kneeled in prayer by the enters; pour gra- side of his mother in deep devotion? And who was old Randal, dually, and by that lay manacled on the dungeon-floor, cursing and blaspheming? small quantities, and the vessel is Alas! the two were one! Young Rupert and old Randal were the filled!" Such is same. Led by bad companions into the paths of sin, no wonder the simile em- that young Rupert found bitterness and sorrow. That brow ployed by Quinctilian to show the which in childhood was bright with peace and joy, in years folly of teaching became darkened by guilt and shame; and that heart which was too once the abode of happiness, afterwards became the habitation of much at a time. anguish. will refine, cor children the prophecy of Zacharias concerning Jesus 67-69. prophesied, preached, taught, as well as foretold. This a prophecy ab. Christ and John. visited, for ab. 400 yrs. they seemed to have been abandoned and forgotten. redeemed, lit. wrought out redemption. He might have visited to punish. Redeem, to buy horn," fig. strength, power. The strength there is in Christ to save, is exalted, i.e. lifted up and applied. back, to ransom. L. redimore, back; and emo, a Ps. cxii. 9; xcii. The song of Zacharias.-He blesses God for the advent of the emptum, to buy. Messiah-I. As an accomplishment of prophecy. II. As a means of spiritual blessing. By this advent we obtain—1. Deliverance from our spiritual enemies; 2. Liberty to serve our God. ApplicaAc. v. 31; cf. 2 tion-1. Let us bless God for this event; 2. Let us seek to parS. xxii. 3; Ps. ticipate the blessings accruing from it. 10. xviii. 2; cxxxii. 17. Horn, used fig. in "The horn of my salvation."-Horns are the well-known emprophetical lang. blems of strength and power, both in the sacred and profane for power, king-writers; by a metaphor taken from horned animals, which are dom, sovereign (Da. vii. 7, 8, 20, frequently made subjects of comparison by poetical writers, and 21, 24; viii. 3, 5-9, the strength of which, whether for offence or defence, consists 20-22; Zec. i. 18 principally in their horns. Bruce speaks of a remarkable head-21; Re. xii. 3; dress worn by the governors of provinces in Abyssinia, consisting 3, 7, 12, 16), the of a large broad fillet, bound upon their foreheads, and tied behind h. being the emb. their heads, and having in the middle of it a horn, or a conical of strength, or piece of silver, gilt, about four inches long, much in the shape of attacking force. To exalt the horn our common candle-extinguishers. It is called kirn, or horn, and of anyone (Ps. is only worn on reviews or parades after victories. He supposes lxxxix. 17) is to this, like other Abyssinian usages, to be taken from the Hebrews, increase his dig- and is of the opinion that there are many allusions to the practice nity. xiii. 1, 11; xvii. in Scripture, in the expressions, "lifting up the horn," "exalting the horn," and the like." never ANTE A.D. 5. e Rev. C. Simeon. Da. ix. 24. Re. xix. 10; Ge. xlix. 10; De. xviii. 15; Is. ix. 6, 7; Jo. i. 46. c Bengel. d Le. xxvi. 42; Ps. cv. 8-10; Ez. 70-72. mouth.. prophets," mouth of prophets, organ of d R. Mant. Divine voice. since.. began, i.e., all the prophets. saved a Je. xxiii. 5, 6; .. enemies, "salvation, I say, from our enemies." c Spiritual enemies. Evil spirits, sin, death. perform, accomplish. covenant, or testament, i.e., the economy of grace. d Divine faithfulness.-I. Literal and strict fulfilment of promise and purpose" as He spake," etc. II. His spoken word forgotten-" since the world began." Promise spoken in Eden. III. The promise emphatically renewed, and confirmed by oath. Fulfilment of prophecy.-Two rabbis approaching Jerusalem xvi. 60. observed a fox running upon the hill Zion, and Rabbi Joshua "Of Sertorius it wept, but Rabbi Eliezer laughed. "Wherefore dost thou laugh?" is said that he said he who wept. Nay, wherefore dost thou weep?" demanded performed Eliezer. "I weep," replied the Rabbi Joshua, "because I see words only; and promises by what is written in the Lamentations fulfilled; because of the of the Emperor Mount Zion which is desolate, the foxes walk upon it." therefore," said Rabbi Eliezer, "do I laugh; for when I see with mine own eyes that God has fulfilled His threatenings to the beneficial to any. very letter, I have thereby a pledge that not one of His promises Not so the Alshall fail, for He is ever more ready to show mercy than judg- mighty."—Trapp. ment." 66 66 his And, Pertinax, that he was rather kindspoken than c Ro. vi. 22. 73-75. oath.. Abraham," wh. by St. Paul is shown to a Ge. xxii. 16, 17. have included the whole Gospel provision-the hope set before b He. vi. 13, 14. us. being, etc., having spiritual emancipation. serve.. fear," as distinct from "the spirit of bondage again to fear." d holiness, etc., characteristics of this new service. all.. life, fd Ro. viii. 15. secured by His faithfulness. The tree of liberty.-I. Where planted-Calvary. II. What it 1 Pe. i. 14, 15; e commemorates. e Tit. ii. 11, 12; Deliverance from enemies as, sin, Satan, Ep. iv. 24. i. 5. perseverance is work, and not on our inherent sta death. III. The fruit it produces. Holy service: 1. with bold-Re. ii. 10; 1 Pe. ness; 2, with holiness; 3, with perseverance. Doctrines of grace and faith.-Mr. Venn, an evangelical and "The saints' faithful minister of Christ, was one day addressed by a neigh-grounded on the bouring clergyman, in nearly the following words: "Mr. Venn, I covenant of God, don't know how it is, but I should really think your doctrines of and His perfect grace and faith were calculated to make all your hearers live in sin, and yet I must own that there is an astonishing reformation wrought in your parish; whereas I don't believe I ever made one soul the better, though I have been telling them their duty for many years." Mr. Venn smiled at the clergyman's honest confession, and frankly told him, "he would do well to burn all his old sermons, and try what preaching Christ would do." bility."-Jacobus. 76, 77. child, his own child-John. called.. prophet," the prophecy herald, proclaimer, preacher. go.. face, as advance-courier, of Zacharias concerning forerunner. prepare.. ways, by calling men to repentance John he "paved the way" for the higher teachings of Christ (see note on Ma. iii. 3). knowledge, it was by diffusing a right know- a Ma. xi. 9. ledge of sin, etc., that the way for Christ in men's hearts was pre-b Ma. xi. 10. pared by Jo. salvation.. sins,d true salvation a deliverance c Is. xl. 3; Mal. fr. the dominion and consequences of sin. iii. 1; Lu. iii. John the Baptist.-There are several things pertaining to this 4, 5. eminent individual, worthy of special notice, such as the follow-d Ac. v. 31. ing:-I. His personal qualities. II. His arousing and successful ANTE A.D. 5. "In ancient ministry. III. His being the subject of ancient prophecy. On no other prophet was this high honour conferred. IV. Above times, a celebra- all, he was the immediate harbinger of Messiah. His special ted artist made work was to " prepare the way of the Lord," and announce, not a most wonder-only the approach, but actually introduce the consolation of worked his own Israel. ful shield, and name into it so that it could not be removed without destroying the shield. It is just so with the The love of Christ.-Like the sunshine that falls with magical flicker on pearl and ruby, lance and armour, in the royal hall, yet overflows the shepherd's home, and quivers through the grating of the prisoner's cell; pours glory over the mountain-range; flames in playful splendours on the wave; floods the noblest scenes Bible and Christ." with day, yet makes joy for the insect; comes down to the worm, "Men who neg- and has a loving glance for the life that stirs in the fringes of the lect Christ, and try to win hea-Wayside grass; silvers the moss of the marsh and the scum of the pool; glistens in the thistle-down; lines the shell with crimson fire, and fills the little flower with light; travels millions and millions of miles, past stars, past constellations, and all the & storm, who 66 pull, some at the dread magnificence of heaven," on purpose to visit the sickly weed, bowsprit and to kiss into vividness the sleeping blooms of spring, and to touch the tiniest thing with the gladness that makes it great: so does the Saviour's love, not deterred by our unworthiness, not offended by our slights, come down to teach and bless the meanest and the lowliest life in the new creation. He restores the bruised reed: the weakest natures share His visits, and revive beneath His smile. ven through moralities, are like sailors at sea in some at the mainmast, but never touch the helm." H. W. Beecher. a Is. xi. 1; Zec. iii. 8; vi. 12. b Is. lx. 3; Mal. iv. 2. b 78-80. tender mercy, "bowels of the mercy:" extreme sensitiveness of Divine compassion. dayspring," sunrising, or branch, lit. a rising, hence that wh. springs up, as light. visited, looked out upon us. light, of truth, holiness, joy, hope. darkc Is. ix. 2; xlix. 9. ness, of error, fear, sin. guide, the light is for direction, as well Wax, to grow, or as for reviving and revealing. grew, in stature and strength up increase. A.-S., to manhood. waxed, increased. spirit, mind, purpose, undervaxa; Ger. wack-standing of his mission. deserts, wild districts nr. his home. sen; L. augeo; day.. showing, time of his public appearing, and showing or Gk. auxano; manifesting of Christ to his countrymen. weaxan; grow. Ice. Sans. vah, to The incarnation of Christ.-I. Our Saviour's incarnation. His worth is set forth under the idea of the rising sun, etc.-1. He "The operý of admirably answers to these descriptions (1) in himself, (2) in Judæa was very nr. this wilder- the effects produced by Him; 2. He hath visited our benighted ness, and fr. the world. II. The causes of our Saviour's incarnation-1. The final character of cause of it was the salvation of man; 2. The initial or moving John's official life aft., it is cause was "the mercy of God." Inferences-1. How willing is prob. that in God to save sinners! 2. How great is the happiness of those who youth he would believe in Christ!-Anon. be given to soli tude and abste- The guide of our feet.-A pious father, the evening before his miousness."departure, desired all his children to come into his chamber; and Alford. placing them around his dying bed, thus addressed them:-"You "As Christ is the all know that I am soon going to be transplanted out of this root by which a world into a better. I hope I shall there be permitted to watch saint grows, so is He the rule by over you, and I trust that you are walking the same road, and will which a saint soon follow me. You all know the road; great pains have been taken to show it to you. Where is it to be found?" The children all instantly replied "In the Bible." The dying parent proceeded: "Keep hold of that chain; it will never mislead you. When you are in doubt whether this or that be right, ask your Bible; see if your Saviour would have done so." walks." CHAPTER THE SECOND. a ANTE A.D. 5. be L. decerno, decretum, to decide. Octavianus It took came sole master carried 30, accepted the title of Augustus B.C. 27. The when, of the state B.C. 1-3. there.. out, was published. decree, law. Cæsar the census of Augustus, grand-nephew of Julius Cæsar, Emperor of Rome, the Roman all.. world, lit. all the habitable world. The proud title of Rom. Empire Emp. wh. was assumed to include the whole world. taxed, the decree, decision. Gk. an enrolment: i.e., registered in a census. This census, including the enrolment or register of men, lands, property, was intended to be the basis for calculating the revenue, etc. some years to complete this census. taxing.. made, into effect, consummated, executed, actually enforced. ab. ten yrs. aft. the census. Cyrenius, i.e., Pub. Sulpicius Quirinus. There is reason also for thinking that this same C. was sent by Aug. into Syria, while a Rom. senator, for the superintending of that census, wh. he now is authorised to execute. The Tyndal and Cramar versions read, "and this taxing was the a Gk. oixové, first, and executed when Cyrenius was governor of Syria." the word Ecugovernor, pro-consul, who resided at Antioch. Syria, includ-menical, the aming Phoenicia and Judæa. all went, "every Rom. subject was bitious title liable to a capitation tax; males aft. fourteen; females aft. of the Rom. Ca. twelve." e own city, city of his ancestors./ August month fr. his corrected whence is derived of certain councils Church. "The acceptation for the name, pre- that the The earthly decree, and the heavenly overruling.-I. The decree Pope calls his of Cæsar: 1. Embraced the whole empire; 2. Not even lowly domain the oikoumene, and Nazareth and a poor carpenter excepted; 3. Obedience enforced. claims the largest II. The providence of the King of kings: 1. Fulfilling the sacred writings; 2. Hence arranging time and events. The income tax.-This is not, as some suppose, a new impost. In 1512, Parliament granted a subsidy of two-fifteenths from the Commons, and two-tenths from the clergy, to enable the king to b Fr. Suetonius, enter on a war with France. In 1798, Mr. Pitt proposed and Aug. xxviii. 101; carried, amid great opposition, a tax upon all incomes, " as an aid Dio. liii. 30; lvi. for the prosecution of the war" with France, which tax ceased 33; Tacitus Ann. in 1802. In Aug. 1803, was passed the "property tax," which i; 11; we learn levied a rate of five per cent. on all incomes above £150, and drew up a rationAugustus lower rates on smaller incomes. In 1804 it was increased to 6 arium of the per cent.; and in 1806 was raised to 10 per cent., embracing the whole empire, wh. took many dividends at the bank. It produced in 1804, at 1s. in the pound, years to com£4,650,000; in 1805 at 1s. 3d., £5,937,500; in 1806 at 2s. plete. "His plan £11,500,000; and subsequently, £16,548,985. The tax produced was to introduce from lands, houses, rentages, etc., £8,657,937; from funded and an equal form of taxation throughstock prop., £2,885,505; the profits and gains of trade, £3,831,088; and salaries and pensions, £1,174,456. Total, £16,500,000. Repealed in March 1816. Sir Robert Peel's Bill, imposing the present tax at a rate of 7d. in the £ (£2 18s. 4d. per c.) per ann. to subsist for three years, passed June 22, 1842; it prod. ab. £5,350,000 a-year, and enabled Peel to repeal about £12,000,000 of indirect taxes.”—Haydn. out the empire." d Jos. Ant. xviii. e Wordsworth. 36; xlii. 10. g Rapin. 4-5. city.. David, where David's ancestors lived; a where Joseph and David was born; and the predicted birth-place of the Messiah. Mary go to Bethlehem (see notes on Ma. ii. 1), "house of bread," now Bethlehem called Beit Lahm, "house of flesh." with Mary, who may a Ru. i. 1-19. have been of same lineage, may have had property at B.,d or may b 1 S. xvi. 1, 18 prob. have been Divinely guided. Distance fr. N. to B. ab. 70 m. xvii. 12, 58. The lowly birth of the Saviour of the world.-I. Surprising c Mic. v. 2. |