paths of piety and goodness, and was wedded
to a man of uncommon firmness and of the noblest character--the high
priest of the nation. Soon as she had an intimation of the intentions of
the queen, she hastened to the palace. But one only could she save--a
little crowing babe, whom, with his nurse, she secreted in a safe place,
until, under cover of the night, she was able to convey them to her own
abode.

There, in the house of the Lord, the young child was reared. For six
years he was hidden, and tenderly and carefully trained in the fear of
God, while his grandmother reigned supreme in the land, to the
subversion of all law and order. But when the prince was seven years
old, the high priest, his uncle, took measures to secure to him the
possession of his rights. He consulted with the wisest of the nation,
and brought together the Levites from all parts of the land, and divided
them into bands, giving each a particular post, to guard against
surprise. He then brought forth from the treasuries of the temple the
spears, shields, and bucklers which had belonged to King David, and
distributed them among the captains of the several divisions. When all
arrangements were made, and the people who were gathered together in the
spacious courts for worship, waited to see what was about to happen, he
retired; and came back, in his priestly garments, with the mitre upon
his head, on which was written, on a golden plate, HOLINESS TO THE
LORD--this sentence showing the intention of the priestly office. His
robe, or under-garment, which hung in rich folds down to his feet, was
of deep blue, and around the hem were alternate pomegranates of
brilliant colors, and little golden bells, which made a tinkling sound
as he moved along. Above this was worn the ephod, splendidly embroidered
in gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with a long and broad girdle
at the waist, manufactured of the same gorgeous materials. Upon his
bosom flashed the breastplate, composed of twelve large precious stones,
all different, upon each one of which was engraved the name of a tribe
of Israel; so that the High Priest bore them all upon his heart, when he
ministered before the Lord. Well was this magnificent dress, which was
made "for glory and for beauty," calculated to set off the dignity of
the holy office, and to make the people gaze in admiring awe. But it was
not the splendor of the pontifical robes, it was not the inspiring
person of the high priest,