him return to the land of Israel. Gladly they retraced their steps, and entered once more the country of their fathers.

But, when Joseph learned that Herod had been succeeded in the government of Judea by his son Archelaus, and that the same cruel and tyrannical disposition was in him which had ruled the heart of his father, he was not willing to venture into that kingdom, but proceeded directly to Nazareth, their former home.

Thus fulfilling the prophecy concerning Jesus, which said, He shall be called a Nazarene,- a prophecy which is not found recorded in these words, but is rather implied when it was said "He is despised and rejected of men," as were the Nazarenes by their countrymen.

CHAPTER II.

The abode in Nazareth. -- Visit to Jerusalem to attend the Passover. Account of the Passover. - Residence in Nazareth.

WHEN Joseph returned with his family to Nazareth, it is supposed that Jesus was about two years of age.

Here he grew in size, was filled with wisdom, and became strong in spirit. His mind continually developed new powers, and grace from on high dwelt with him.

The smile of God's favor shone upon him, revealing in his face the loveliness and beauty that were within. Through the days of his childhood Mary constantly watched over him; and her heart must have overflowed with grateful praises, as day by day he gave new evidence that his nature was divine. Whether she gazed upon the serene expression of his face, or observed the gentle playfulness of her wonderful child, at all times the thought would be present with her that he was no other than the Son of God.

Every year the parents of Jesus went up to Jerusalem to attend the Passover, one of the national feasts of the Jews. They may at these times have taken Jesus with them; but it was not until he had reached his twelfth year that he was allowed to partake in its celebration.

At twelve years of age the Jewish youths were first required to attend the three feasts instituted by Moses: the Passover in April; the Pentecost, or festival of weeks,

seven

weeks

later;

and

the

Feast

T

each

celebrated annually at Jerusalem. Under the age of twelve, if they were present, it was only as spectators.

When Jesus reached the appointed age, he accompanied his parents, and a number of their friends, to the holy city, to celebrate the Passover.

It was in the spring of the year, in the month of April, when the companyor caravan, as it was called — left Nazareth. A caravan was made up of a large number of families, who journeyed together for the sake of protection against wild beasts and robbers. One person was chosen for the leader, and the rest followed his directions. The Jewish women were not obliged to go; but the more devout usually accompanied their husbands and sons. They rode upon camels, while the men walked by their side. On camels, also, were carried the provisions for the journey and the lambs for sacrifice.

As they travelled slowly through the country, they would join other caravans moving in the same direction, toward the holy city. From time to time their voices were raised in united songs of praise to Jehovah. Commenced by one company, they were caught by another and another, until a full chorus poured upon the ear. These songs were the Psalms of David, composed for such occasions, and chanted

in their own Hebrew tongue. They were called the Songs of Degrees, or ascension, for the Jews always spoke of going UP when they went to Jerusalem. They abound in allusions to their beloved city. One of them commences with these words: "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem!"

At night or at mid-day they would halt by a stream or fountain of water, and under the shade of trees or the cover of a tent rest from fatigue of travel, and take shelter from the heat of the sun.

Sometimes they found on the way a caravansera, which, unlike our inns, was a large, unfurnished house, giving only shelter for themselves and their camels, while they supplied their own refreshments and beds.

In this manner Jesus, with his parents, reached Jerusalem, and for the first time partook of the Paschal lamb, the emblem of himself.

The Passover had been instituted at the time of the escape of the children of Israel out of Egypt, when the destroying angel passed over their houses, but slew all the first-born of the Egyptians.

They were at that time commanded to kill a lamb, and mark the door-posts of their dwellings with its blood, to distinguish them from those of their oppressors.

This feast, by the command of God, was afterwards held as a national and perpetual one, in memory of this occasion, and was celebrated seven days, beginning on the fourteenth of the month.

We have said the Passover was held in memory of the remarkable deliverance of the Hebrews from the last plague of the Egyptians; but by far its more important design was

to typify and foretell the sacrifice which should be accomplished in the person of Christ.

During the time of the celebration of the Passover, the inhabitants of Jerusalem freely opened their houses, to strangers as well as to friends. They observed the feast in companies of from ten to twenty persons, one of them being chosen to make preparations for it, and to preside at the table.

On the fourteenth day, at an early hour in the afternoon, they were accustomed to cease from labor, and to put away all leaven out of their houses. Towards sunset, after the hour of evening sacrifice, the master of the feast took the lamb, and, having slain it before the altar in the Temple, gave it to a priest, who handed it to another, and he to a third. The last priest poured out the blood at the foot of the altar, and then restored it to the owner, who took it home and roasted it. Before it was placed in the oven, it was pierced by two spits, one crossing the other, in the form of a cross. Not a bone of the lamb was to be broken, because, as we shall see, God would not allow one bone of Him to be broken who was to hang upon the cross. Later in the evening, the company met around the table, reclining upon couches, after the Eastern mode. Originally, the Jews had eaten this supper standing, with their loins girded, their sandals on their feet, and staves in their hands, in token of their haste to depart out of Egypt.

The meal was opened by a blessing invoked by the master of the feast upon the day, and upon the wine, a cup of which was now drank. The wine was usually mingled with water, reducing it one-fourth part.

Then all washed their hands, while the master gave thanks for the fruit of the vine. Bitter herbs were next