not in this particular act, because it was done by him in his extraordinary character as the Messiah, the Son of God, as he plainly intimates when he speaks of his Father's business as requiring him to do that which he had done. Most certainly in what he did he was divinely influenced, and acted under the immediate guidance of unerring wisdom. And this will more evidently appear, if we reflect on the beneficial effects that would ultimately be produced on the minds of Joseph and Mary. It is true that they suffered great anxiety (which, indeed, a recollection of the past might have, and ought to have, prevented), but it was only for a short season. On the other hand, the circumstance was admirably adapted, as well as intended, to rouse their minds to a remembrance of the communications which they had received from God concerning the mission and divine nature of Christ, and to a just apprehension of the perfect propriety of this as well as of all his other actions. They would also be led to right anticipations of the future, and be prepared to expect in his conduct what might to them appear mysterious and inexplicable, but which they would hence learn to regard without surprise and anxiety, and with

that confidence in his perfect wisdom, and that solemn reverence for his character which

would become them. Accordingly, in the present instance, they immediately acquiesced in the intimations which he gave them; and his "saying" was laid up by Mary in her heart.

Still, though it would be utterly unwarrantable for any young person, in similar circumstances, to do that which Christ did in his character of the Son of God; yet cases have occurred, and do and will occur, in which it is obviously the duty of a child to do what he knows will occasion grief to his parents. Such cases were very common at the first promulgation of the gospel, and during the early times of Christianity. Among the Jews it frequently happened that parents, blinded by bigotry and inveterate prejudice, obstinately attached to the legal ceremonies, the traditions of the elders, and to self-righteous observances, and hating the light and grace of the gospel, would vehemently oppose their children, who, being convinced of its truth, desired to become the disciples of Christ. So, when the gospel was carried by the Apostles to the heathen nations, similar instances perpetually occurred.

And they are still taking place wherever Christian Missionaries teach "the truth as it is in Jesus." But such cases have not been confined to the Jews and the heathen; they are found not seldom occurring among nominal Christians. Among these there are a multitude of parents who live in total ignorance of the gospel, and of its influence on the heart; they are either, with uncharitable bigotry, addicted to one external form of religion, or regardless alike of all; and they train up their offspring in their own ways. Should any of their children, by the merciful ordering of Providence, be led to the knowledge of "the truth," and to an experimental acquaintance with its power, and should they speak of what they feel, and proceed to act under its influence in openly avowing themselves to be on the Lord's side, and by joining the fellowship of his professed disciples; then, commonly, such parents interpose with strong opposition to prevent it, too often using threatenings, and sometimes cruelly executing them.

A child in such circumstances is certainly placed in a peculiarly painful and difficult situation. For though his parents should have but very imperfectly discharged their

duties towards him, yet his obligations to obey them are so many and so powerful, that he cannot but suffer acutely from the thought of acting in direct opposition to their will. But he should consider that this is his appointed trial, and whatever it may cost him, he must make the sacrifice; according to the decision of the Apostles, "We ought to obey God rather than men." And theirs is a case directly in point, for the "men" of whom they spoke were "the council," the magistracy, submission to whom they always strongly inculcate, except, as they here teach us by their own example, they shall require what is contrary to the will of God, and to the obedience which we owe, first and above all, to Him. So do they most urgently enjoin submission to parents, yet, unquestionably, with the same exception. Our Lord, well knowing what many of his disciples would have to endure on this account, prepares their minds for it, by declaring that cases would occur in which 66 a man's foes would be those of his own household." And knowing also how many, from fear, self-interest, and deficiency of attachment to himself, would yield to the opposition of their parents, and decline openly to confess

him, he forewarns all who may be exposed to this trial by the solemn declaration, "He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me; and he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. Whosoever shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father who is in heaven; but whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father who is in heaven." Mat. x. 32-39.

But, as in the case supposed, where a parent requires what is plainly inconsistent with the divine will, and the child, from the convictions of conscience and duty, determines to obey his Lord rather than his parent; in doing so, he will yet be most cautious to add nothing of his own to the offence of the Cross. He will treat his parents with no less respect than before; rather, he will even be more particular than ever in rendering it. He will most tenderly abstain from whatever, not required by conscience, might further wound their feelings, and testify by his whole demeanour how desirous he is of obeying and pleasing them in all things consistent with his higher duty to God. If he has reason to be convinced that they are yet in a state of impenitence and unbelief, he