pointing out Bethlehem of Judea as the birth-place of Jesus, the anointed King of Israel. And now is beginning to be seen, in all its marvel and in all its magnificence, the fulfilment of the prophetic saying, "But thou, Bethlehem-Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto me, that is to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting."—Micali v. 2.

Bethlehem would long since have faded from the memory of man, had it not been mentioned in prophecy and distinguished in history, as the chosen spot over which the wings of angels hovered to welcome the advent of the Son of God.

Cold, indeed, must that man's piety be, which is not kindled to a warmer glow as he stands amid these clustering associations, treads the streets of the Holy City, or walks the mountain-slopes of Judea, or listens to the murmuring waters of the Jordan.

But of all the places recorded in Scripture, perhaps none is more sacred than the little village of Bethany. Though not recognized by this name in the Old Testament, it is frequently mentioned in the Talmud, and is undoubtedly a place of great antiquity. It is situated on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, on the road to Jericho, about two miles from the city of Jerusalem. This village, romantic and retired, was distinguished in the days of our Saviour as the residence of Lazarus and his two sisters, Martha and Mary. It was to this place, amid the pressure of his trials and the fatigues of his labours, that He was accustomed to repair. It was the soft green, on which his heart found repose from the trials of a hard and toilsome life. It was in this pious family, where love and religion blended their hallowing light and influence, that he met with those little kindnesses and attentions, which were so soothing to his sensitive nature, and made him feel that there was one spot of earth at least partially restored to its primeval bloom and beauty. It was here that the human and social of the man Jesus

were gratified. In other relations he awed the multitude by the grandeur of his miracles and the flashings forth of his Divine nature; but in the family at Bethany he was the companion and the friend, cultivating and honouring those social and domestic attachments, which relieve earth of much of its care, and make it a type and emblem of heaven.

This was doubtless a Jewish family educated in the Hebrew faith, and strictly observant of that ancient form of worship; but their hearts had been opened to the reception of that truth which giveth light. The shadow had been yielded for the substance, the scaffolding for the building, the type for the anti-type, Moses for Jesus. How this family had been brought under the influence of this Divine teacher, the history does not definitely inform us. They may have met him in the temple, at some of their religious feasts, and, attracted by his meek and gentle bearing, they may have extended to him the hospitalities of their quiet home, where he planted the spiritual seed-grain in hearts previously and providentially prepared, which subsequently sprang up and ripened into a harvest of enduring and immortal growth. Whatever may have been the circumstances which led to their conversion, they evidently became devotedly attached to the Saviour's person and mission. Though as yet there had been no formal renunciation of their former faith and worship-no seclusion from their brethren according to the flesh-still holier fire had been kindled upon their ancient family altar, and holier incense had risen from their hearts, than ever ascended from golden censers. With an earnest and full faith, they had received Jesus as the true and promised Messiah, the hope of Israel and the Saviour thereof. Many are the evidences of the individual faith and piety of this interesting family. The fact that they received and entertained the despised and rejected Nazarene manifests an affection and a fortitude truly commendable in that age of prejudice and persecution. What but a true faith in Him as the Messiah, enabled them to endure

the odium attached to their voluntary fealty and friendship? Doubtless they loved Jesus as a man, but they trusted in him as God. It was more than the outgush of natural affection which prompted Mary to that noble sacrifice which incurred the censure of at least one of the disciples. It was a precious memorial of her faith—an act of piety which has rendered her name illustrious and immortal. And she was commended by Him who appreciated the affectionate token, and He said by way of reproof to her accusers: "Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of, for a memorial of her."

This pious act is mentioned by at least three of the Evangelists. John, more minute in his details, says, that "she took a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair, and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment."

What an exhibition of love and humility is here?

"With tears she wash'd his sacred feet,

And wiped them with her flowing hair;

And freely took the ointment sweet,
And pour'd its costly fragrance there."

Luke mentions another fact which illustrates the piety of these sisters of Bethany: "Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village; and a certain woman, named Martha, received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet and heard his words. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her, therefore, that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things; but one thing is needful, and Mary hath chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her."-Luke x. 38.