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But what a delusion! The Child Jesus lived in Egypt secure from his wicked malice; and a few years after this cruel deed, the wicked Herod lost his crown and his life.

When Herod was dead, the angel of the Lord appeared again to Joseph, and told him to go back to his country. As soon as Joseph came to the borders of the land of Israel, he heard that Herod's son, named Archelaus, was the king. This frightened him, and made him turn aside into Galilee.

Thus, after a long absence, Joseph and Mary returned to the village of Nazareth, which was their native place. Here they lived in peace and happiness, supported by their own industry, and carefully bringing up the Holy Child Jesus.

Let us stop for a moment, and consider this lovely picture of the holy family. What can be more touching than to see Jesus, the

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Creator of heaven and earth, Mary, His blessed mother, and Joseph, who was found worthy to be the foster-father of the Infant Jesus;-what, I say, can be more touching than to see them living in poverty and obscurity, far from that world which was not worthy to know them or to possess them! to see them loving each other, and practising all goodness, and thus glorifying their Father in heaven. O that all Christian families lived like them, and tried to imitate this holy family! The earth would then furnish us with all the joys of paradise.

10. JESUS OBEYS HIS PARENTS.

JESUS lived with His parents at Nazareth. He grew, and increased in strength. The grace of God was seen in Him, and in all that He did. Though He was but a little child, He was filled with divine wisdom.

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Every year His parents went to Jerusalem to keep the feast of the Passover, for God had commanded the people of Israel to observe this feast, that they might never forget His goodness in saving their forefathers from Pharaoh the king of Egypt.

When Jesus was twelve years old they took Him to Jerusalem with them. It was the first time Jesus had been to Jerusalem. What must have been His delight when He first saw the holy city, and the beautiful temple rising above it!

At the end of the feast Joseph and Mary left Jerusalem to return home with their neighbours. But Jesus stayed behind, and His parents did not know it. He liked the temple better than any other place. Joseph and Mary travelled on a whole day, and thought that Jesus was

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in the company. When they found that He was not with their friends, they were in great trouble. How unhappy must they have felt, when they could hear no tidings of Him! They could not tell what had become of Him; for Jesus had never disobeyed them, nor left them without permission. They turned back to Jerusalem in great sorrow. When they reached the city, they looked every where for Him, but could not find Him. After seeking for Him in vain three days, they went into the temple. There they found Jesus sitting among the doctors, asking questions. All eyes were fixed upon Him; and they were astonished to hear His wise answers. His parents were amazed and delighted when they saw Him; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why hast Thou dealt thus with us? behold,

Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing." Jesus replied, "How is it that ye sought Me? wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business?"

They did not understand what He meant by these words, but His mother treasured them up in her heart. Jesus then went back with them to Nazareth.

Jesus lived in the humble dwelling of His parents; and He did all that they bade Him to do. Oh, what a lesson this is for you, children! Follow His holy example. Let the history of His youth be your guide: it is given in these few words; "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.' Try to become like Him. Take His life as your pattern; and pray to Him to help you to follow His steps. Never be so wicked as to disobey your parents; but love them as Jesus did His.

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