BOYS OF THE BIBLE. 257

fruits of the garden, and the field, and the fold, were all
brought to God’s altar; so also were the first fruits of the
homes of Israel.

In obedience to this law, Mary comes with the appointed
offerings of a pair of turtle doves, and brings with her the
infant Jesus for presentation to the priest. Thus as an old
saint says: ‘The Lord of the Temple was brought to the
Temple of the Lord.”

And now another strange thing occurs to add to the
many wonders that have surrounded the advent of Jesus.
As Joseph and Mary were waiting in the Temple, a venera-
ble priest draws nigh. This was Simeon, a devout and holy
man, who filled his aged years with dreams and hopes of the
coming Messiah, and was, as Luke says, “ Waiting for the
consolation of Israel.” And it is further said that in some
way God had given his aged servant an assurance that he
should not see death until his weary eyes had gazed with
joy upon the face of the Messiah. As Simeon took Mary’s
child in his arms his eyes flashed with a radiant light, his
face glowed with wondering joy, and he blessed God, and
cried aloud with a voice that could be heard far and near in
the temple:

“ Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace,
According to thy word:
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation
Which thou hast prepared,
Before the face of all people:
A Light to lighten the Gentiles
And the glory of thy people Israel!”

Is it any wonder that Joseph and Mary marveled at
these words? Was this child in very deed to bring salva-
tion for all peoples? Was this little lamp of life, so strangely
lighted, to be a beacon-light for all the world? A light to