248 BOYS OF THE BIBLE.

course of events, that little unconscious child will soon begin
to think, and feel, and know; and in a few years will climb
the hills of gladness, and tread the valley of tears, and play
its part in the stern battle of life. All this will come in the
ordinary course of common experiences. But, if special cir-
cumstances should arise, that voice that is now nothing but
a feeble “‘cry,” may grow strong to stir the thoughts and
move the hearts of thousands; that hand that now lies so help-
less on the pillow may grow mighty to shape the destinies
of a generation. Who can tell? for all life is wonderful, and
every birth a mystery. Nestling among its cradle pillows,
the child you gaze upon to-day may become, in a few brief
years, a poet such as Longfellow, or a patriot such as Lincoln.

When we think how wonderful the life of Christ was,
can we wonder that his birth should also be out of the com-
mon order? He spoke wonderful words. Even his enemies
said, ‘‘ Never man spake like this man.” So simple, so direct,
so tender were his utterances, that the common people heard
him gladly. So wonderful were his works that thousands
came from far and near to witness his mighty deeds, and
when they saw the lepers cleansed, and the lame boys, and
girls, and men, and women walking without crutches, and
palsied men, at his word, taking up their beds and carrying
them home, they said, as well they might, that all this was
passing wonderful! They judged that he who wrought these
deeds of majesty and love must be something more than
common man, and it is not to be wondered at that many
thought of Jesus as ‘‘the great power of God.” ‘That life,
so wonderful in its gentleness and power, so rich in loving
words and gracious deeds, ended amid the gloom, the pathos
and the shame of Calvary. But the shame of the cross has
changed to glory. No man now thinks of that cross as the