quainted with the writings of the pro

phets."

“Well then, I will mention some of the leading facts referred to by them, and leave it to you to apply these facts to the history of Christ.

The time and place of his birth we have already noticed: he is more exactly pointed out by the circumstance of his descent from David, which still further narrows the circle of inquiry; and it is very remarkable, that the emperor Augustus furnished the means of authenticating these three particulars, respecting the birth of an infant, who appeared to the world as the son of a poor carpenter in the distant province of Galilee."

"This is remarkable, indeed, mamma! I suppose it has something to do with the decree mentioned in the second chapter of Luke; but I do not exactly understand how it establishes the facts you mentioned."

"About three years before the birth of

Christ," replied Mrs. Beaufoy, "the emperor Augustus engaged in the composition of a work similar to that known in England by the name of Doomsday Book. It was a description and survey of the whole Roman empire, containing an account of all classes of inhabitants, and stating their age, employments, and possessions. The names of the wives and children of each citizen were also registered, and his estate was valued according to the Roman custom in regulating the imposition of taxes. The decree issued on this occasion, appears have required the presence of all persons in the city to which their families had originally belonged, that those of the same descent might be enrolled together. When it was carried into effect at Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary, being directly descended from king David, the son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, were summoned thither,

* Prideaux, part ii. p. 694, &c.

to

and during their stay in that town, Jesus was born. His name was, in all probability, registered with those of his parents, and thus an authentic record of the fulfilment of the prophecy obtained*. Had it not been for this remarkable coincidence, as he afterwards resided with his parents at their former abode, and was usually called Jesus of Nazareth, the real place of his birth might have been forgotten. The obscure situation of his family may account for the fact remaining generally unknown till after our Lord had entered upon his ministry; and this affords a natural explanation of that perplexity expressed by the Jews, when they beheld the prophet of Nazareth performing miracles which they considered worthy of the Messiah."

"I think it was very natural for them, at first, to feel such perplexity," said Harry; "but after the agreement between these prophecies and the history of Christ

* Prideaux, and Scott on Luke, ii. 3.

PREDICTIONS CONCERNING CHRIST. 129

was explained, they ought to have acknowledged him."

"What then will you say, when I tell you particulars yet more striking? In the Psalms we read that he was to be betrayed by one of his familiar friends-that his garments were to be parted among his enemies, who should cast lots for his vesture-that his hands and feet should be pierced-that he should not be left in the grave, nor be permitted to see corruption-and that he should ascend into Heaven and receive gifts for men.

The prophet Daniel describes the extent and duration of that authority which was to be exercised by the Messiah, that all people, nations, and languages should serve him; that his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed*. The former part of this prediction yet remains to be fulfilled:

• Dan. vii. 14.

we trust that it is now in the act of being accomplished. There never has been a time, since the first promulgation of Christianity, when such exertions were made to convey the knowledge of the Messiah to all people, nations, and languages, as at present. Translations of the Scriptures are now so extensively circulated, that we hope the time cannot be far distant, when the inhabitants of every country will be able to read, in their own tongues, the wonderful works of God."

"I like a prophecy that comes down to our own times in this way: we may watch the progress of its fulfilment. But are there no more such as you repeated from the Psalms, which were plainly accomplished while Christ was upon earth?"

"Yes, there are a great many, especially in the prophecy of Isaiah. Have you not read the little poem I gave you yesterday?"

66

Pope's Messiah? yes, mamma; but I