Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/124



I. "  And  behold  there  was  a  man  in  Jerusalem  named Simeon,  and  this  man  was  just  and  devout." (Luke ii.  25.) Here the  sanctity  of  those  who  gave  testimony  of  Christ is described,  for  there  is  nothing  of  greater  credit  and authority than  innocence  of  life. Simeon was  just  and devout; afraid  of  offending  God  in  the  least,  "for  he that  feareth  God  neglecteth  nothing." (Eccles. vii.  19.) " He  was  waiting  for  the  consolation  of  Israel"  (Luke  ii. 25),  by  fervent  desires  and  holy  aspirations. "And the Holy  Ghost  was  in  him,"  inspiring  him  to  fix  his  thoughts on God  and  heavenly  things  alone,  and  not  on  the  vain and empty  objects  which  the  world  presents. Such ought to  be  the  conduct  of  all  good  Christians,  especially those  who,  like  Simeon,  have  consecrated  themselves to  God — "  waiting,"  not  for  earthly  enjoyments, but, as  the  Apostle  says,  "for  the  blessed  hope  and  coming of  the  glory  of  the  great  God  and  our  Saviour  Jesus Christ." (Tit. ii.  13.)

II. " And  he  came  by  the  Spirit  into  the  temple." Reflect on the  different  motives  which  induce  men  to  frequent the  house  of  God. Some are  actuated  by  human respect, or  led  by  custom  or  curiosity. Observe how  soon Simeon discovered  the  Expected  of  All  Nations,  whom  the ancient patriarchs  and  prophets  had  so  anxiously  desired to see. Observe the  veneration  and  devotion  with  which the holy  man  approaches  the  world's  Redeemer. Oh what a  flame  of  divine  love  must  have  been  enkindled  in his  heart  when  he  had  the  Son  of  God  so  near! Imitate his veneration  and  devotion  as  often  as  you  receive  the