And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swad 3 dling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. NOTES. 3 Swaddling clothes are the clothes proper for a newborn child. LESSON XI. QUESTIONS. WHERE was Jesus Christ born? Why did Joseph go to Bethlehem? What does taxed here mean? Where was Jesus Christ laid soon after his birth? Why was he not born in the inn? What are swaddling clothes? What is said of the childhood of Jesus Christ? From what part of the Bible is this Lesson taken ? LESSON XII. From the 3d Chapter of Saint Matthew's Gospel. IN those days came John the Baptist,' preaching in the wilderness of Judea, And saying, Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. NOTES. 1 To baptize, means to wash with water. Men ought to be as pure in their lives, as their bodies are pure, or clean, after being baptized. 2 The kingdom of heaven is the kingdom of Jesus Christ. All Christians are his subjects, and he is their King. From the 3d Chapter of Saint Luke. Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost1 descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age. NOTE. 1 The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of God. When Jesus was baptized, it was seen to come from heaven, and to settle on him like a dove. LESSON XII. QUESTIONS. WHAT did John the Baptist say, when he Who are the subjects of Jesus Christ? What are men taught by their bodies being washed in Baptism? Was Jesus Christ ever baptized? What remarkable thing was seen at his baptism? What words were heard from heaven? What is the Holy Ghost? How old was Jesus Christ when he was baptized? |