Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1868-10-29
MISCELLANY.
The Marys of the Bible.

CoMH now, my children, let us sit down un-
der the branches of the old elm-tree, where we
shall find a shade from the heat of the sum-
Here we can rest for few minutes and enjoy
the pleasant scene. When we have we'll looked
on the prospect, will tell you about the pious
Marys of the Bible. ..
Now ! see you are ready to listen to me, and
SO will begin The first Of these holy women
ia MARY OF EGYPT. Her name is spelt Miri-
am in the Old Testament, but that is the same
As Mary in the New. The books Of the Old
Testament were written in Hebrew, and those
of the New in the Greek language, but the
name in both languages has the same meaning
All Scripture names express some thought or
sense: and so Miriam and Mary alike signify
exalted" What happy thing it would be
if every little girl who bears this name was
truly cxalted-not lifted up with vanity and
, pride. but raised in the fear and favor Of God,
and exalted by holy life. hope you know
all about Miriam; how she was placed to
watch ler infant brother when he was laid in
the ark of bulrushes by tue waters side; and
how gladly she RAN to bring her own mother
to be the nurse of the dear little babe. If you
do not know about her, get your Bibles, as
soon as you 60 home, for it will be shame Tor
you to be ignorant any longer. Exodus Nv.
| Numbers, Kill
MARY or BETHANY. She was gentle and
loving woman, aud sat at the feet OF JESUS to
hear his words. Whenever think of hor, !
seem to hear the kind words of her Lord and
Teacher Mary hath chosen that good part
which shall not bc taken away from her 1t
was this Mary who broke tie alabaster box,
and poured the prescious ointment on the head
Of Jesus, while she wiped His feet with her
hair. Matthew, xXxvi; Luke, x; John, xi.)
MARY OF MAGDALA was one who followed
the Lord, as disciple. Like the other Marys,
she was drawn to Him by feelings of gratitude.
We may suppose We SEE her, torn by seven
devils" But Jesus is passing that way. lie
is going about doing good. The afflicted wo-
man is brought to Him, and at word lie
heals her body and mind, and casts out the
evil sprits. What Physician was Jesus
lie healed the poor-and the rich too-wlihout
money. without delay, without medicine aid
without pain. If lie was so willing TO cure
the bodies Of men, will He not have pity on
their souls? Yes, He surely will for lie died
on the cross to take away their sins, that all
whobelievei in him might be saved. Matthew,
xviii
M.py OF GtLuEE was the mother Of the
Apostle James, and Of Joses and Salome-
What happy mother to have such pIous and
useful children 1t is said that they all "frin-
stered" to Jesus when He was in Galiee.-
Perhaps, they took Him to their house, and
gave Him food and place Of rest, for though
He was the Lord of all wo,lds, yet on earth
He had no place to call His home. Mark,
XIV
| Mary OF JERUSALEM was another happy
mother. John, who vas called Mark, was her
SOD, and he became OLt OI t'IC 4I4S'
70 the heathen. 1t was at her house the discl-
pies met to pray when Peter was in prison
| tActs, xii.l
MARY OF RosE was a pious woman, who
showed great kindness to the Apostle Paul
perhaps. when he was in prison at Rome
/ lRomans, xvi.l
But the nos. honored Of all, was .he MARY
OF BETHLEHEM She was not princess, nor
was she rich; for she was poor young woman
Yet she was chosen to be the mother Of ON
Lord. Though He was, in His divine nature
the Son Of God, He grew up to obey His earthly
mother. He loved her all through life and
when on the cross, He gave her 10 the care ol
His disciple John. Well did she bear tho
name Of Mary for she was indeed exalted. :
Yet even this Mary, may by men be exalted
100 nrcb She was the " most blessed among
women" but she is not our Saviour. Jesus Il
III. only Mediator between God and men; i
is through His merits alone, that we can obtai'
nardon for our sins. Let us, then, in faith an
love look to him. lMatthew, ill.,
There, I see you have listenel to what
have had to say about these holy women.
is very pleasant to think, that they all love
,,d servc1 tho Lord On earth. and that the