The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-12-18
STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
g. Gilbert Secretary sootyot Religious Education

and child moro suitable quarters than
those at first obtained. and tradition
represents that tho women Of tho town.
on hearing Of the advent offered their
homes to tho little strnnger. It must ,,As
have been an exciting occasion when
these visitors from q far country gained
admission to the dwellinE-honorablo men
neeking d child! Tho intelligence must
have been carried into all parts OF the.
village, drawing the people together,
doubtless In great numbers. Pulling down
prostrate, their faces to the floor, In
oriental fashion, the wise men worship-
ped tho boy, their future king. Them,
opening thelr treasures. brought probably
on tho backs Of camels, they presented
their gifts q custum In eastern countries
from time lmmemorlal (Gen. xxxiii:S).
when interiors would humble themselves
in the presence OF the great. i"Gold,
'franklnccnso and myrrh" were offered,
the things usually bestowed upon kings.
H 1vARNIN G.-Wi licked men are often suf-
5fered to- act their pleasure. Some times
tbs Spirit OF God Restraints them by NOV
Ing directly upon their minds and hearts.
$(I1x.l xviil:11.) At other times that Spirit
prompts other men SO to act as to thWart
their designs. I1erod will not BIO permit.
ted to destroy this boy. Jesus. whose time
for sacrlficial death Is subsequent to
long and noble service for truth. (Matt.
xvi:21.) Tho wise men whom he would
employ, God will employ against him.
By a dream or vision, q method establish.
81, (Numb xxll6) and frequently used
during the evangelical history (Matt.
xxvi:19) they were made aware OF the
.kirg s purpose The communication of this
Intelligence to their minds caused their
return to their own country without visit
ing Jerusalem again, leaving Herod TO
devise another scheme OF more extensive
slaughter, by which he went into history
as the most cruel and henrtless OF men
oversees 1G TO lS)@ This act Of the Magi,
under Divine Instruction, Is q further
mark OF their goodness 4.
L REFLECTIONs.-T events Of this les
son foreshadow the entire life Of Christ
and the history Of the centuries that fol-
low ed His birth. BY their gratitude to-
ward c>Him, men have classified them
selves as enemies or friends. The wicked
have opposed Him, some times with re-
lentless fury, resorting, to the basest
measures, for preventing the spread OF
Hill Kingdom. There can be nothing but
an irrepresslble conflict between Jesus
aud all tho powers Of darkness John
iA:S), and In that conflict there can be
no result other than the confusion OF the
latter. But tile good and lse .of all ages
and lands have sought Jesus and hons
red Him. They have come from near
ana far. They have brought their treas
ures and laid them at His feet. They.
have bowed down with reverence, before
Him and owned Him as Lord. They have
gone, out from Him into distant parts,
loyal and devoted to Ills cause, 81 In the
midst Il OF the rejoicing, in this festive
week, It is important for every student
Of these lessons to adjust his relations to
| Christ, To MI Tho will GONE to Him, led
| BY the spreading glory. exceeding that OF
| tho star that hung over Bet hlehen, We
are able to promise, a merry Christmas.