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it was in the time of our Saviour,

an insignificant hamlet, pleasantly situated on the south-eastern slope of mount Olivet, with many fine trees growing in and about it.

In this little village dwelt the sisters Martha and Mary with their brother Lazarus, a trio even more closely bound together by the ties of mutual affection than by those of blood. Blest in each other, they sought little from the great world which lay within the walls of the regal city, but pursued the even tenor of their way, grateful for the contentment and love which made their humble home a paradise to their hearts.

Lazarus, we may suppose, has just returned from an absence of a few days, and as we look in upon them, the three are seated together in front of their dwelling, enjoying the coolness of the evening breeze, after a day of unusual sultriness and heat. It is a pleasant picture on which we gaze, for Lazarus and his sisters are fine specimens of Hebrew beauty, with a general family likeness, and yet differing widely in character and expression.

Martha, the elder sister, is tall and finely formed, with an eye and brow that denote energy and decision, though the smile which lights her face comes from a heart filled with love and kindness.

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Mary is slight and graceful, fairer than her sister, and with a sweet pensiveness marking her countenance, which seems rather the result of earnest thought than of care or sor

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In the pale, intellectual face of Lazarus, the features of both are united, as are their mental and moral traits in his finely balanced char

acter.

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Brother, thou art thoughtful this evening," said Martha, looking fondly upon Lazarus ; "has aught occurred during thy journey to trouble or annoy thee?"

"Not so, my sister," he replied with a smile, "my way has been prosperous; but in my absence I have seen and heard that which has stirred the deepest emotions of my heart." The eyes of both sisters are fixed eagerly upon him as he proceeds.

"My errand, as ye know, led me near the Jordan; and being there, I took occasion to visit Bethabara, where the great prophet John has fixed his temporary abode. The whole region was filled with the crowds who flock to hear him, and he speaks with a power

that must be from God, for his words make their way directly to the most hardened heart.

"But though a prophet, and more than a prophet in the grandeur and sublimity of his mission, it is not of John only I am about to tell you. All his preaching points to One whose forerunner he calls himself, who is greater and mightier than he, and of whom he speaks as the Messiah so long expected by our poor oppressed people.

"Two days since, while I with others was listening entranced to his burning words, he suddenly paused, and looking up earnestly, exclaimed,

"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man who is preferred before me; for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he might be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.'

"Every eye in the assembly was now following that of the prophet, and we saw, slowly advancing, a young man, seemingly alone and simply clad, but with an air of mingled majesty

and meekness that penetrated my heart, and attracted me so strongly that unconsciously I held my breath, and my eyes filled with tears as I looked upon him.

"When he reached the river's brink, a few words were spoken to him by John, seemingly of remonstrance, for I heard the low and thrilling voice of the stranger saying,

"Suffer it to be so now; for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.'

"Then John administered to him the rite of baptism; and at its close the most wonderful event occurred ever witnessed by mortal eyes. How can I describe to you, my sisters, what I then saw and heard?

"The heavens were perfectly clear, not a cloud was visible in their blue depths; but a brightness beyond that of the sun at midday, descending like a dove, rested upon him, while at the same instant a voice came from the cloud, like the sound of many waters, saying,

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This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.'

"I am not, as you well know, naturally credulous, but there was something in this

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