BOYS OF THE BIBLE. 261

able to read important meanings and messages in the courses
of the stars. We do not know much about them, but we
know that in their days, and long before their time, men
believed and taught that the heavenly bodies had large influ-
ence over human character and destiny. They linked the
mystery of dreams with the wonders of the starry heavens.
Even to this day we have a relic of this superstition in such
phrases as being born “under happy stars.” There are many
curious and interesting legends concerning these Wise Men,
but most of them rest on very feeble foundations. The
general impression is that there were only three of these
Eastern sages. Some distinguished fathers and teachers of
the church of the third century, and subsequently, think
there were twelve. ‘The great church father of English: his-
tory, commonly called The Venerable Bede, who was born
in the year 673, offers some interesting details. He speaks
of these sages as very distinguished persons; but speaks of
three only, and thus describes them: ‘The oldest of the three
was an aged man with white hair and a long beard, whose
name was Melchior; Caspar was a ruddy beardless youth;
Balthasar was swarthy and in the prime of life.”

When these Wise Men, following the guidance of the
star, came to Jerusalem, they soon made their business known.
“Where is he,” they asked, “that is born King of the Jews?
for we have seen his star in the East, and have come to wor-
ship him.” It seems that all Jerusalem was stirred by the
strange but simple question of the Magi. Herod, the wickedest
of many wicked kings, was greatly disturbed, or, as Matthew
says, he was “troubled.” That is to say, he was restless,
worried, perplexed. He had no peace by day and little sleep
by night. But why should Herod, who had the mighty
power of Rome at his back, be so anxious and troubled