February 8

Luke ii. 22. And, when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord; 24. And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons. 25. And behold there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27. And he came by the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him after the custom of the law, 28. Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29. Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31. Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

Too poor to bring a lamb for sacrifice, the mother of our Lord brought him to the temple with the humble offering of a pair of doves, — all unconscious as yet that she was carrying in her arms the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice should supersede the sacrifices of the law, and take away the sin of the world. But Simeon's devout and spiritual interpretation of the prophecies had prepared him for the Messiah; and he foresaw in this child both the hope of Israel and her reproach and condemnation.

A little while ago, enthusiasm for the Prince Imperial was a mode of devotion to the dynasty of Napoleon, a revelation of the thoughts of the heart touching the government. How many hoped to rise by attaching themselves to his fortunes

32. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 33. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 34. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against; 35. (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thine own soul also;) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. 36. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity. 37. And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38. And she, coming in that instant, gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

who have fallen into reproach and peril now that his name has become "a sign to be spoken against"! There was not a provider woman in Europe than Eugénie, as mother and teacher of a future emperor; but how the sword has pierced her soul!

Much more in the spiritual world does the Son of Mary, "who was everywhere spoken against" by his own people, now reveal the thoughts of men concerning the kingdom of God. By his life and works, by his doctrine and commands, by his cross and his resurrection, Jesus is the touchstone of hearts, the revealer of character; and by their treatment of him must all men rise or fall. Oh! let us acknowledge him our Lord, that we may know him as our Saviour.

APPROPRIATE HYMNS.]

Our Father in heaven, we bless thee that thou dost make the household an object of thy special love and care. O Thou who in the beginning didst constitute the family in unity and love, to be the channel of thy grace from generation to generation; Thou who didst establish thy covenant with Abraham, making sure thy mercies unto his seed; and by thy gospel dost encourage parents to dedicate their children unto thee! we beseech thee to acknowledge as thine own the children of this household who are called by thy name. May they ever be to their parents a cause of thankfulness and joy! If trouble and sorrow shall come to them, or to any of us, oh! grant us all grace to accept thy holy will, and to bear with patience the trials of our lot. If men shall speak evil of us, or do us wrong, help us to remember thy holy child Jesus, and to have the spirit of meekness and forgiveness. We bless thee, Lord, that thou hast

Prayer.

[Nos. 130, 147, 162.

provided consolations for old age; that the promises and hopes of thy gospel remain to cheer those, who, like Simeon and Anna, have waited upon thee in prayer and holy living. So may our lives be filled with thy light, and end in thy peace.

O God, our reconciled Father in Christ! we come to thee as thine own children to thank thee for thy great mercies. We lay down and slept, and arose in safety; for thine arms were around us. We bless thee for our food and raiment, for our affections and comforts, for all that makes this present life to be desired; but, above all, we bless thee for our place in thy family by redemption through Jesus Christ thy Son. Oh, may we live by faith in him; may we increase in union with him; may we this day, and every day, become more and more like him, till we shall see him as he is, and be changed into his perfect likeness!

All which we ask in his name. Amen.