II. The priests and scribes pointed out the place of His birth, saying, "In Bethlehem of Juda; for so it is written by the prophet." (Matt. ii. 5.) But they themselves would not attempt to find Him. Miserable wretches, they perish near the fountain of life, which they have shown to others. This is the case with all those who instruct others in the ways of justice, and will not follow them themselves. " They are like those who built the ark of Noe," says St. Augustine: "they built that in which others might escape the deluge, and they themselves perished in the waters. " Remark, that Christ is not to be found in the chief city or at the palace; but in Bethlehem, and in a manger. " He is not found in the land of those who live in delights." (Job xxviii. 13.)
III. Consider the words of Herod to the sages: " Go and search diligently after the child: and when ye have found Him, bring me word again, that I also may come and adore Him." (Matt. ii. 8.) Thus did this sacrilegious hypocrite profess to adore Christ in His words, whilst in his heart he had destined Him to destruction. But God defeated his designs. Herod did not think of sending a messenger with them, to inform himself of all the particulars. Thus God proves that " there is no wisdom, there is no prudence, there is no counsel against the Lord" (Prov. xxi. 30), "who catcheth the wise in their craftiness, and disappointeth the counsel of the wicked." (Job v. 13.)
JANUARY 10, OR 11.
Arrival of the Wise Men at Bethlehem.
I. The sages, "when they had heard the king, went their way." (Matt. ii. 9.) They lose no time in seeking
