stages of his life, from infancy to youth, and from youth to manhood. But however contrary to our expectations, or disappointing to our wishes it may be, it has seemed fit to the divine wisdom, that of all which occurred during that period, nothing should be recorded except one solitary incident. This incident is preserved by the Evangelist Luke, and related with the peculiar characteristics of that sacred writer, who is distinguished for the vivid and picturesque manner in which he places before the mind's eye the things which he describes. They who revere and love the Scriptures, and prize above all earthly good whatever is revealed of Christ, cannot but read and meditate with deepest interest this only fragment, containing all that has been made known to us of his life from the time of infancy to that of his public entrance on his ministry. It is given to us as follows:

LUKE, chap. ii.

40 AND the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover.

42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem, after the custom of the feast.

43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey: and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

46 And it came to pass, that after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou dealt with us thus? Behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

After reading this remarkable passage with that deep attention and fervent interest which it almost necessarily excites in the thoughtful and intelligent, the question forces itself upon the mind-Why, out of all that took place during this large proportion of our Lord's life, was this particular incident selected? Perhaps, as that part of his life was passed in obscurity, because no other occurred more remarkable than this. But, supposing others as remarkable to have occurred, why was not some incident of his maturer years chosen in preference to this which relates to so early a period of his life? To this not improper nor useless question, it should seem that no other completely satisfactory answer can be given than this:That it was selected, under the direction of divine wisdom and goodness, with the intention of exhibiting Christ as an example to the young. Instruction for all may be derived from it; but for them primarily and especially it appears undoubtedly to be designed.

The great object of Christ's incarnation was, that he might "suffer, the just for the unjust, to bring us to God:" He "came into the world" thus "to save sinners." But his ·

life on earth was made subservient to other purposes, which, though secondarily, are yet immensely important. Of these, one, and not the least, was, that he might exhibit to his followers a perfect example. "He," writes the beloved disciple, “that saith he abideth in Him, ought himself also to walk even as he walked." "Who suffered for us," says the Apostle Peter, "leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps." Indeed, Christ himself, after stooping to wash his disciples' feet, explained to them, that he did it as their pattern :-"I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." And to all that would come to him as their Saviour, "Learn of me."

he says,

But is the example of Christ to be regarded only by those who are arrived at years of maturity? Can it be that He, who is described by the prophet as the tender Shepherd who should "gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom ;" and who, when he came into our world, did actually so express his regard towards the "young children" who were brought to him, when he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them,"-can it be, that that gra

cious Shepherd should intend his example for the imitation of the adult only, that he meant not to include the young, when he said, "Learn of me?" No: so far from it, the very contrary conclusion is to be drawn from what he said and did in reference to the young: for, when some "rebuked those that brought" their children to him, it is recorded, that “he was much displeased," even though those who had thus incurred his displeasure were his own sincere though erring disciples. Indeed, it is delightfully observable, how, through all the time of his ministry, he seems to seize with pleasure every appropriate occasion of testifying the gracious kindness with which he regarded the young. When, for instance, they greeted him in the Temple with their joyful hosannas, and the malignant priests and scribes expressed aloud their anger; in vindicating his youthful followers, he shewed that he was not only not indifferent to their acclamations, but that they were accepted by him as an offering that pleased him well.

In his public teaching, some of his most striking and affecting illustrations are drawn from the dispositions and manners of the young. On one occasion, when he would