ante, the meeting.[9] Holy Simeon, on that occasion, received into
his arms the object of all his desires and sighs, and praised God in
raptures of devotion for being blessed with the happiness of beholding
the so much longed-for Messias. He foretold to Mary her martyrdom of
sorrow; and that Jesus brought redemption to those who would accept of
it on the terms it was offered them; but a heavy judgment on all
infidels who should obstinately reject it, and on Christians also whose
lives were a contradiction to his holy maxims and example. Mary, hearing
this terrible prediction, did not answer one word, felt no agitation of
mind from the present, no dread for the future; but courageously and
sweetly committed all to God's holy will. Anne also, the prophetess,
who, in her widowhood, served God with great fervor, had the happiness
to acknowledge and adore in this great mystery the world's Redeemer.
Amidst the crowd of priests and people, the Saviour of the world is
known only by Simeon and Anne. Even when he disputed with the doctors,
and when he wrought the most stupendous miracles, the learned, the wise,
and the princes did not know him. Yet here, while a weak, speechless
child, carried in the arms of his poor mother, he is acknowledged and
adored by Simeon and Anne. He could not hide himself from those who
sought him with fervor, humility, and ardent love. Unless we seek him in
these dispositions, he will not manifest himself, nor communicate his
graces to us. Simeon, having beheld his Saviour in the flesh, desired no
longer to see the light of this world, nor any creatures on earth. If we
truly love God, our distance from him must be a continual pain: and we
must sigh after that desired moment which will free us from the danger
of ever losing him by sin, and will put us in possession of Him who is
the joy of the blessed, and the infinite treasure of heaven. Let us
never cease to pray that he purify our hearts from all earthly dross,
and draw them to himself: that he heal, satiate, and inflame our souls,
as he only came upon earth to kindle in all hearts the fire of his love.

Footnotes:
1. Lev. xii. 2.
2. Lev. xii. 8.
3. Ibid. 2.
4. Luke ii. 64.
5. {Footnote not in text} Luke ii. 23.
6. Exod. xiii. 13.
7. This, from Levit. xxvii. 6, and Numb. iii. 47, appears to have been
five shekels, each shekel weighing according to Prideaux, (Preface
to Connection of the Old and New Testament, p. xvii.) about three