power with which he was invested over the then Israel of God. First, he was anointed at Bethlehem by way of preparation, that very place which was afterwards the name of the great mystery of the Incarnation, the word made flesh in the person of the Son of David, an unction then likewise manifested and also preparatory; then was David anointed over Judah alone, at thirty years of age as we read in 2 Sam. v. 4, exactly the same age when as Luke says (Luke iii. 23.) our Saviour entered upon His ministry, and this was but a preparation for David after anointing over the whole kingdom of Israel. And is not that exactly the same with Christ? First the unction of the Incarnation at Bethlehem, then at thirty years of age His special unction, the direct exercise of His office amongst the Jews as Prophet, Priest and King, which He so repeatedly discharged in the time of His earthly ministry whilst He was also ever looking forward to the time when that partial dispensation should have an end in the glorious kingdom of His resurrection, in which the veil which separated Jew and Gentile was to be done away, for which kingdom, priesthood, and prophetic office, extending over all the spiritual Israel of God, those sheep of whom He speaks, who are not of this fold whom He was to bring in that there might be one Fold and one Shepherd. He had this anointing conveyed in the Divine words said not to angels-said not to one save the Only-begotten Himself, "Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten Thee" fulfilled, according to the same Word of Inspiration with which they were uttered in Christ's resurrection from the dead. Grant that we, then, may all in humble reverence meditate upon the deep and all important truths which are here con tained, the Unction of the Incarnation, the Unction of the Baptism, and the final Unction of the resurrection, not disputing, but in humility and simplicity of heart receiving it. To these reflections I might, if time permitted me, dwell upon the many facts recorded in the Holy Evangelists wherein the Incarnate Word exercised these divine functions. I might quote to you the beautiful, strains which are echoed by one of the sons of our Church in a book which I have no doubt is known to many of you here present, (The Christian Year,) when he is engaged in contemplating the Circumcision of our Lord, that painful right of admission into the Jewish Church, to which He must submit in order to fulfil all righteousness; and with which I will close this present chapter. THE year begins with Thee, Aud thou beginn'st with woe, Thine Infant cries, O Lord, Like sacrificial wine Poured on a victim's head, Are those few precious drops of blood, Now first to offering led. They are the pledge and seal Of Christ's unswerving faith, Given to His Sire, our souls to heal, Although it cost His death. Keble's Christian Year, p. 32. A. D. N. TEACH BY EXAMPLE. ELIZABETH SHERWOOD was obliged to leave school and seek a situation, that she might no longer be a burden to her mother, who had a numerous family. She was soon engaged to take the care of two young children, but before entering on her new duties, she went to thank Mrs. Harris for her kindness, and to receive a few parting words of advice from that lady, who had devoted much of her time to the instruction of Elizabeth, both on Sundays and week-days. "I am glad to see you, Elizabeth," said Mrs. Harris, "but will not detain you long, only let me remind you, my dear girl, how necessary it is you should be truthful, honest, and industrious; respectful in your behaviour, and scrupulously neat and clean. My last words of advice are, set a good example to all around you, by so doing you will benefit others far more than you imagine; many may be brought to see their sins, if they are contrasted with your upright conduct, which will have more effect on the hearts of the wicked than many fair speeches. You are now to become an instructor, and must watch the dispositions of your young charge, and be ever ready to direct them into the right way. Endeavour to instil into youthful minds the reverence due to God; never allow talking or moving about, during the time grace is repeated at meals, and teach the children to stand, not to sit, whilst imploring a blessing from the Almighty. If in your walks you ever take the little ones through a Church VOL. VII.-No. 4. E yard, do not permit them to run and play in it, but make them walk quietly, and tell them they are treading on consecrated ground; should you accompany them to Church, do not suffer them to sit while you kneel, but let them also bend their knees before God. Kneel down yourself always when you hear them offer up their prayers, and at the end of their supplications say, audibly, Amen, that they may know that you also are anxious, God should hear their intercessions. By the example of your humble attitude, you will teach their outward sense that prayer to God is a solemn service, as well as a high privilege." After many affectionate wishes from Mrs. Harris, Elizabeth took her leave, first endeavouring, though in broken accents, to thank her beloved teacher for her kindness, and for the trouble she had taken in teaching her, her duty, and fitting her for the situation on which she was about to enter. As she turned from Mrs. Harris's door, she made a firm resolve, that by God's grace, she would strive humbly and earnestly, in whatever circumstances she might be placed, to keep God's holy Will and Commandments. If the dear children who read this tale, will imitate Elizabeth Sherwood when they enter on the responsible office of taking care of others, then their affectionate friend will not have written in vain. YETTA. WHATEVER is the crook in your lot, it is of God's making and therefore you may look upon it kindly. Since your heavenly Father hath made it for you, question not but there is a favourable design in it towards you. Therefore eyeing the hand of God, as that which hath bowed your lot in that part, and keeps it in the bow, be reconciled to it, and submit under the crook, whatever it is.-Boston. OUR SISTER. So fair and beautiful the form We listened to her ringing laugh, Yet marked not how there lay beneath We watched her twine her sunny hair Yet recked not how the fairest flower We looked upon her heightened bloom, The brightness of her eye, Nor dreamt her cheek was crimsoned o'er With fever's hectic dye. But when the footstep wont to move As light and free as air, Grew faltering as though it bore An over-weight of care; We knew the blindness of our love, We saw the gathering gloom, Be destined for the tomb? Who knows the human heart, may know How prone it is to cling, With two-fold love and tenderness Around a dying thing. |