WALKS.

I.

LUKE II. 8.

COME, and together let us

ramble through Sweet rays of

the scenes of our redemption. sunshine may gleam across our weary paths, if the Lord will deign to accompany his servants. Come, then, let us go forth in the Spirit of our GOD.

But stay or we shall pass by this prospect of much beauty which has opened upon our view, since yon silver cloud has uncovered the pale moon. See the town reposing upon that ground: the gleam of moonlight, here and there, faintly tips it with silver, the reflection of which brings out into greater relief the gentle slope in front, covered with flocks and herds, some taking their

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nightly rest, others scattered upon its smooth turf, fearless of harm, knowing they are guarded from the lion and the bear. For observe a little on one side a group of shepherds "watching their flocks by night." They seem to be engaged, some in very serious converse-some in deep meditation. They are holy men, and I am not surprised to find them thus watching.

They know that the time of the expected advent of their King and Saviour is at hand. But why that start? See them all upon their feet, surprised and alarmed. And whence this glorious unearthly radiance, which lights up all things so brilliantly? The feeble powers of man are not prepared to bear this height of glory. The shepherds are "" sore afraid." But hearken to that melodious voice-'Tis the angel of the Lord who speaks. His words are directed to calm their fears, and he proclaims glad tidings to them, and not only so, the sound reaches even unto us, and we are permitted to rejoice with them.

To these watchers, he announces the arrival upon earth of that Saviour so longed for, who

had entered upon his mission as a babe,-and they receive directions how to find him.

While we are observing these events-attentively listening to all this wonderful messenger is saying, a new surprize overtakes us. Suddenly we see with the angel, a multitude of the glorious host of heaven-and O what sounds of celestial melody meet our astonished senses ! What song is that? Hark! "Glory to GOD in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will towards men." Their song ceases, and we see them again ascend into heaven.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said one to another, let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which has come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us."

Attending these holy men unto the city, we pass the mansions of the opulent, on the right hand and on the left, instructed by the heavenly messenger, that the babe was not to be found in a lofty chamber or saloon, cradled under a canopy of state, decked with hangings wrought

with needlework, and covered with cloth of gold, but wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in

a manger.

Accordingly, in the stable of a crowded inn, we find the holiest family on earth, without the commonest necessaries of life: no provision for the exhaustion of the virgin mother, or for the wants of her new-born babe. Thus the opening of the grand drama of redemption, is a scene of humiliation, which pours contempt upon all worldly glory.

Is the trust of Mary and her husband diminished by their sense of poverty and neglect? Their faith is confirmed by the visit of the shepherds, whom they join in glorifying and praising God, for all the things which they had heard and seen, and for the birth, in the city of David, of a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

II.

LUKE II. 21.

"BEAUTIFUL for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion."-O thou city of David, we have ascended the steep rocks which form thy bulwarks-and hearing the blast of the silver trumpets summoning the Levites, are thus reminded of our approach to the temple of the Lord.

The royal Solomon asked, "but will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold the heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded." With a feeling somewhat similar, I approach this sacred structure. How attractive is it! and yet with all its splendour there are recollections connected with the first temple, that throw into shade all the magnificence which the