S. MATTHEW.

CHAPTER I.

1. The genealogy of Christ from Abraham to Joseph. 18. He was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary when she was espoused to Joseph. 19. The angel satisfieth the misdeeming thoughts of Joseph, and interpreteth the names of Christ.

THE

THE book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

This is indeed a gospel, or message of good tidings. We read histories and lives of great men who are dead, but here is One Who lived long ago and is yet mighty to save-nay, the only Saviour of the world. He came on earth at a distant time, in a far country, nor have our bodily eyes ever seen Him, but we look forward to beholding Him in His glory. Let us be true penitents like David, and faithful worshippers like Abraham. Jesus Christ belongs to them and to us; to them, because they learned of Him dimly in types and figures, and longed for His coming; to us, because we know the power of His life and death.

2. Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren; 3. and Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; 4. and Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; 5. and Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; 6. and Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; 7. and Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa; 8. and Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias; 9. and Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias; 10. and Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias; 11. and Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon: 12. and after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel,

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The Genealogy of Christ. [S. MATT. I. and Salathiel begat Zorobabel; 13. and Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; 14. and Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud; 15. and Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; 16. and Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

The family of David, to which Joseph and Mary both belonged, though most ancient and illustrious, had now fallen into poverty and obscurity. Nor were Joseph or Mary discontented at this; it was enough for them to be God's instruments in the birth and nurture of His Son, and so obtain rich spiritual blessings. Lofty titles and great family names are of little profit in themselves; those who inherit such may indeed encourage themselves to noble acts by remembering what their name requires, but the rest of us may more safely rejoice in the thought that God is our Father, Christ our Brother, heaven our inheritance. What do such connections, such expectations, require of us?

17. So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.

God worked out in due time the fulfilment of His promise. None of the crimes, troubles, divisions of kings or people, not their idolatry nor captivity, could hinder His wise Providence from carrying out the plan of salvation. God brings to nought the designs of men, but brings to pass His own, and makes His truth manifest in the end. Amidst the confusion of this world we may remember that one day the Judge will appear, and wind up the long succession of men's doings.

18. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Though Christ our Lord came of the race of Adam, thus sharing in the common nature of mankind, and of the family of David, which represented the former glories of Israel, yet He came by a new way, so as to take our nature without stain or blame. In all human sympathy He was one with us; but He was born of a virgin mother, and so did not share our burden of sin and death, except by freely taking it on His shoulders.

19. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

Thus Joseph and Mary had to bear their troubles for a while before God made His will clear; the most holy household was not free

VER. 25.]

His Conception and Birth.

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from suspicion, anxiety, and grief, though Joseph's patience prevented any hasty passion. God sends troubles on those whom

He loves best.

20. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

The sacred human nature of Jesus was formed immediately by God in a new and marvellous way by which no other ever came. Mary, instead of deserving blame, had remained entirely pure, though about to become a mother. Here are marvels passing all understanding, which are only credible to us when we consider the unique holiness, majesty, and power over death and life of this Son Who was about to be born.

21. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. His name should be JESUS, meaning a Saviour, or God will save. Others had borne the name in an earthly sense, especially Joshua, the great conqueror, who overcame the enemies of Israel and settled them in the Land of Promise; but here was the true Deliverer, Who should vanquish a worse enemy and plant His people in a more enduring home. This is a message of comfort that there should be One to save us from our sins, and any one who has known the power of evil, who has fallen frequently, who has struggled painfully, will welcome the Saviour, and seek pardon and freedom from Him.

22. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23. Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

God being with us is indeed good news: what harm can happen if God is with us? The incarnation of the Son of God brings Him amongst us in a special manner; let us keep Him with us by prayer, and by frequent remembrance of His acts of mercy. All the history of the Jews in old time pointed onwards, and could not be fully understood till Christ came: now was the time of fulfilment. Shall we not too one day look back on all God's promises to us, and see how they have come true?

24. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25. and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

The ready obedience of Joseph was pleasing to God. When we are

in trouble and distress of mind, the best remedy is to obey God's

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The Wise Men out of the East.

[S. MATT. II. will, and we shall find peace again. When God speaks our human reasonings and doubts disappear. Mary represents both the married and the unmarried state; she alone of all women was a tender mother, yet remained a pure virgin. We may learn from her example, from her purity and faith, her devotion to do God's will, her gratitude for His mercies.

CHAPTER II.

II.

1. The wise men out of the east are directed to Christ by a star. They worship him, and offer their presents. 14. Joseph fleeth into Egypt, with Jesus and his mother. 16. Herod slayeth the children: 20. himself dieth. 23. Christ is brought back again into Galilee to Nazareth.

NOW

OW when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Jesus was born in a small town, of a despised nation, in the dominions of a cruel tyrant, and was little noticed by the world. Yet some true worshippers were led by God from a distant country to find Him out and pay Him honour. Those who have most opportunities of religion sometimes benefit least, while others with far less privileges yet seek God devoutly.

2. Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. We too should come and worship the Holy Child. The star of His Word has shone upon us. Like these wise men we ought to let no trouble, no risk, no difficulty, keep us back from serving God. He is our gracious King, and we should behave as His loyal and obedient subjects.

3. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

There are people to whom the news of Christmas, the good tidings of a Saviour come into the world, brings only annoyance and suspicion. They dislike religion, and cannot see what Christians find in it. Is the name of Jesus, and the thought of His past mercies and future glory, a source of joy to us, or only a vexation and a weariness?

4. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

Herod inquired with jealousy, the chief priests answered with indifference, but the Christian will consider the history of our Lord's child