Matthew's Feast. — Jairus' daughter restored to life. - Two blind men healed. — Jesus at Nazareth. — Goes through Galilee the third time. The Twelve sent forth. - Herod orders the execution of John. - The disciples meet Jesus at Bethsaida. — Five thousand fed. - Jesus walks upon the water. Our Lord preaches in Capernaum. - Peter pro- The third Passover. -Jesus does not go. Massacre of the Galileans in the Temple. — The Pharisees rebuked.— The Syro-Phoenician woman. Jesus goes through Decapolis. - The deaf man with an impediment in his speech. The four thousand are fed. The blind man healed at Bethsaida (or Jalias). Jesus goes into the district of Cesarea Philippi. -Promises the disciples the keys of heaven. Christ foretells his sufferings and death. The Transfiguration. The boy healed of an evil spirit. The tribute-money at Capernaum. — The disciples con- tend who shall be greatest. - The Seventy sent out to preach. The Samaritans refuse to receive Jesus. The indignation of James and The woman bowed with infirmity. — Our Lord warned against Herod. - Mourns over Jerusalem. - Dines with a chief Pharisee. Parable of the supper. - Prodigal son. -Unjust The request of the wife of Zebedee. - Two blind men healed. to Zaccheus. Jesus arrived at Bethany. - The public entry of our Lord into Jerusalem. - The barren fig-tree. — Christ's authority ques- tioned. Parable of the wicked husbandman. - Parable of the mar- riage of the king's son. - Jesus questioned by the scribes and Pharisees. - A scribe questions Jesus. — Lamentation over Jerusalem. — Supper Peter denies his Lord. The Sanhedrim go with Jesus death of Judas. -Pilate seeks to release Jesus. - He is given to the soldiers to be crucified. The crucifixion. He is laid in the sepul- at the sepulchre. - Mary meets Jesus at the tomb. - Report of the soldiers. The walk to Emmaus. - Jesus visits the apostles at sup- per. — Jesus meets them afterwards when Thomas is present. — The apostles by the Sea of Galilee. - Jesus appears to them there. — Meets the five hundred on the mountain. - The ascension. The second visit the babe at Bethlehem. Jesus is presented in the Temple.—The holy family return to Bethlehem. — Visit of the Magi. - Departure to Egypt. Destruction of the infants. Herod's death, and the return FAR away in the East there is a land which has been the scene of more wonderful events and of more thrilling interest than any other in the world. It is called the Holy Within its borders is contained every variety of scenery, from the lofty mountain to the lowly vale. There were the The climate, too, was varied by its changing seasons, six first appointed by Jehovah, and still perpetuated by the Arabians.* Snow would fall upon the mountains in winter, while the inhabitants of the plains would scarcely feel the need of fire throughout the year. Among the trees that flourished there, were the graceful palm and tall cedar, the myrtle and fruitful olive; and by the river side grew acacias and willows. Flowers were not wanting to delight the eye, from the lily of the valley to the rose of Sharon; and in richest abundance were found the delicious pomegranate, figs, dates, and other fruits. The inhabitants of this beautiful land were long the favored children of Heaven; but, on account of their sins, their neglect and disobedience of God's commands, they were often and severely punished. Again and again they were carried away captive into strange lands, and held in long and cruel bondage, while their country was laid waste and their Temple profaned. But Assyrian and Chaldean power passed away; they were restored to the home of their fathers, and renewed hope sprang up, to be soon extinguished. The Romans conquered them, and became their unyielding masters. Subdued, at length, by repeated misfortunes, they enjoyed the blessings of comparative peace and prosperity; yet were they ever looking anxiously for the advent of the Messiah, so long promised to their nation. One little city in all that land was exalted above every other, for it was the birth-place of kings. This was Bethlehem, delightfully situated in the midst of hills and valleys, green meadows and fruitful gardens. * Genesis 8: 22. Here King David was born; and, in honor of his name, it was sometimes called the city of David; and here, more than eighteen hundred and fifty years ago, was born another king the Son of David and the Lord of Glory. The Roman emperor, Augustus Caesar, had ordered a census of the Jews to be taken; and, for this purpose, each family assembled in the chief city of their tribe. It was then that Bethlehem's quiet streets became the scene of stir and excitement. All day travellers had been coming, and every house was filled with newly-arrived guests. Among the descendants of King David who assembled there on this occasion were Joseph and Mary his wife. Their home was in Nazareth, a distance of seventy miles; and, travelling as they did upon camels or asses, the journey was slow and wearisome. When they reached the city the inn was full, and they were obliged to find a lodging in the stable. It was not unusual for travellers in the East to lie down beside their camels at night to sleep; and they were glad to find such a resting-place. That night, within that stable, Jesus was born. The Lord of all the earth descended from heaven, and became a little child, a helpless infant! At the same hour, upon a hill-side near the town, shepherds were tending their flocks. The climate was so mild at that season, they could remain in the open air all night, to guard their sheep from straying, and protect them from wolves. As these shepherds lay upon the grass, gazing at the stars, and talking together, suddenly there appeared a bright light in the heavens, and an angel in the midst of it. At the sight of this they were terrified and trembled; but the angel said. "Fear not! I |