taken an interest in children. Judge ye, then, of the effect
produced upon me, the first time I saw him, by this circumstance. I
was walking along, filled with my usual impatience, when I suddenly
saw Jesus at a distance, surrounded by a crowd, many of whom were
Scribes and Pharisees. He had pleased the multitude, and excited even
the admiration of his enemies; when, as I came nigh, I saw several
persons endeavoring to get nearer to him with their children. They
were rebuked even by his disciples; but Jesus, seeing the act, asked
for the children, took them in his arms, and blessed them. From that
moment have I loved and followed him.

_Mary._ Then came his kind, yet firm rebuke of sin; his description of
those who were prepared to join his kingdom; his promise to receive
the worst who would become like himself; his assurance that all who
continued faithful to the end of this life should in the next be
joined to his Father's family; and, above all, the representation of
Jehovah as our Father, who would give us eternal joy. Oh! what change
have his glorious words wrought in us!

_Rebecca._ Why do you say "changed _us_"? _Jezebel_ needed to be
changed, but not _you._

_Mary._ Such change as he demanded I needed. Oh! how much! 'Tis true,
in _form_ I have served the God of my fathers. I have endeavored to
keep unbroken the law; but that was not sufficient. To be like him,
the _heart_ must burn with that love to his Father, that your delight
will be even to be crucified in his service.

_Salome._ Yes; as Mary says, he demands that love which not only pours
itself forth to friends, but to strangers, and with diligence seeks
the happiness even of our bitterest foes.

_Zachariah._ O that I might have such a spirit, and be one of such a
society!

_Mary._ And so you may.

_John._ And I!

_Rebecca._ And I!

_Salome._ Yes; all, _all_ who are weary of sin, and heavy laden with
cares,--all may come, and none will be cast forth.

_John._ This is freedom indeed.

_Rachel._ And greatness indeed.

_Rebecca._ Such a people must be the chosen of the Lord.

_Eudora._ No longer Jew and Gentile, but one in Jesus.

_Salome._ Is not this a Saviour for Israel? Oh! my heart burns within
me for joy; for all people shall partake of this salvation.

_Rachel._ Glory to God in the highest; on earth peace and good-will to
men!

_Mary._ The angel's song; and why should not we in a song praise God
that he hath visited and redeemed