266 BOYS OF THE BIBLE.

the heart of Mary with joyous, pardonable pride; and as
Joseph saw these Wise Men bowed in worship, and then
adding to their personal homage these priceless gifts, no
marvel that he wondered more and more what these things
could mean, and whereunto these mysteries were tending.

The Magi’s work is ended. They sought and have
found this promised “King of the Jews;” they have bowed
low at his feet; they have left their gifts, and now they
pass forever from our sight. They drop silently from the
sacred history; their names are mentioned no more! Yet
their patient search, their loyal homage, their costly gifts, will
be remembered as long as this story of the life of Christ is
told.

And had they not high honor? It was theirs to be first
to bend the knee to the new-born King. The shepherds
worshiped, the Magi paid the homage due to the King.
They were permitted to inaugurate the Kingdom of our
Lord. Happy sages! with such hearts, such gifts, such
opportunities! And happy are we, who not having such
costly gifts to offer, may yet present to this King, now
crowned with many crowns, what he will value more than
gold, or frankincense, or myrrh—the gifts of a loving heart
and a consecrated life. As Reginald Heber sings—

“Say, shall we yield Him in costly devotion
Odors of Edom and offerings divine?

Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest and gold from the mine?

“Vainly we offer each ample oblation;
Vainly with gold would his favor secure;
Richer by far is the heart’s adoration
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.”

Why did not these Wise Men go back to Herod? He
had expressly instructed them to come back and tell him