vise; that he should do miracles when the proper time came, but that no one must presume to control him. Yet, as he perceived it to be a case of real embarrassment to the parties, who were probably poor, and he was always ready, in his overflowing good-will, to do any kindness which was not inconsistent with his religious duty, he did what his mother had suggested, and signalized the festival by the first of those miracles whose power has converted the world. With beautiful simplicity the Evangelist relates all the particulars as they took place, and how the master of the ceremonies praised the wine as better than any that had been drunk before. Thus, he adds, did Jesus manifest his glory, and his disciples believed on him; they were certain now, since they were witnesses of the Divine power he possessed, that he was indeed the long-expected prophet.

From Cana he went down, with his mother, brothers, and disciples, to Capernaum, a village about eighteen miles distant on the western border of the lake. He remained there but a few days. The Passover was near at hand, and they were preparing to go, probably all in company, to join in its celebration at Jerusalem.

CHAPTER VI.

THE FIRST PASSOVER. THE VISIT OF NICODEMUS. THE RETURN THROUGH SAMARIA TO GALILEE. THE WOMAN AT JACOB'S WELL.

THE Passover was the principal festival of the Jewish nation. It was appointed to commemorate the deliverance of the people from their bondage in Egypt, and received its name from the circumstance that the destroying angel, who was sent to slay the first-born of the Egyptians, passed over the houses of the Israelites. It was also called the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because no leavened bread might be eaten during its continuance. It lasted for seven days, and was observed with many appropriate ceremonies and sacrifices. The most remarkable was the sacrificing and eating of the paschal lamb, which took place on the first night. Each family slew its lamb, which was roasted whole, and eaten with many significant forms. The next day was signalized by the solemn offering in the temple of the first fruits of the barley-harvest. Sacrifices peculiar to the festival were offered every day, and the first and the last were especially holy.

This festival occurred in the spring, at the full moon of the vernal equinox. It was a festival for the whole people; and all the male inhabitants of the land were obliged to go up and keep it at the temple. At this time, therefore, Jesus, with his disciples and friends, left Capernaum for Jerusalem. It was a journey of about ninety miles, undoubtedly performed on foot; but evidently it could not be lonely, for the roads must have been thronged with the inhabitants pouring forth on the same errand. No incidents which took place on the journey are recorded. Our Lord was as yet little known; he travelled humbly and without observation. There were a few who knew what he was, but to most persons he appeared in no way distinguished from the other young men of his company.

Immediately on his arrival at the holy city he went up to the temple, that splendid structure, which was the delight and boast of every Jewish heart. It had been recently rebuilt with great magnificence by King Herod the Great; and was now glorious in all the freshness of its spacious porticos and marble pillars and costly ornaments. It stood on the summit of a lofty hill, overlooking the city, so that it was said, "Let us GO UP to the house of the Lord." The house itself was not larger than many of the ordinary churches of mod

John ii. 13.

ern times.

But it was surrounded by extensive courts, which were also called the temple, and are frequently meant when the temple is spoken of in the New Testament. These courts were one within the other, each surrounded by a wall, and paved with marble. The outer enclosure was called the court of the Gentiles, because it was open to them, but they might proceed no farther. The next enclosure was called the court of the Israelites, because they might enter this, but could proceed no farther. It was divided into two apartments, the outer of which was the court of the women. The third enclosure was called the court of the priests. Into this the priests only and Levites might enter. In this court stood THE TEMPLE with the altar of burnt-offerings before it. Here the sacrifices were offered. The people brought their offerings no farther than the wall, of one cubit high, which separated this court from that of the Israelites. The temple was divided into two parts; in the outermost of which stood the altar of incense, the table of shewbread, and the golden candlestick. Into this only the priests could enter. The inner apartment of the temple, separated from the outer by a splendid veil, was called the Holy of holies. Here were the cherubim and the ark of the covenant. No person could enter this but the high priest, and he only once a year, on an occasion of special solemnity, called the day of atonement.

Thus the several enclosures and apartments of the temple grew more and more holy as you proceeded. The outermost court was open to all persons, while the innermost apartment was open only to the highest religious minister on one solemn day. It is the outer court which is meant, when we read of the conversations that took place in the temple, and of children crying Hosanna there. It was evidently a place of ordinary resort, where the people daily congregated for conversation and business, and where multitudes must have been daily passing and repassing at the times of the sacrifices and the hours of prayer. How commodious it must have been for all such purposes of concourse may be perceived by remembering that it was a space of more than fourteen acres in extent. It was of a square form, each side a furlong in length, with a magnificent covered portico, or piazza, all around, like the cloisters of a monastery, supported by a hundred and sixty-two marble pillars of great size. No wonder that such a place was constantly frequented, and that it became a resort for purposes of business as well as religion. The offerings and sacrifices of the temple demanded a continual supply of cattle, lambs, and doves; and it was very convenient for the worshippers to find them ready at hand. Those who had these animals for sale were hence accustomed to sit with them in this