more valuable? And then, whether to conquer or to fail, they went to
work with more courage to steer the ship, to mend the tackle with tow,
to bale out the water, until gradually the storm subsided. When day
dawned Jesus was still gazing with delight at the open sea, where he
had watched the struggle of winds and waves of light and darkness. At
last he had found it--light both within and without! The helmsman blew
his horn, and announced, "Land in sight!" Far away over the dark-green
water shone the cliffs of Joppa.

When the ship was safely steered through the high cliffs into the
harbour, our family landed in order to journey thence to Jerusalem on
foot. For it was the time of the Passover, and it was many years since
Joseph had celebrated it in Solomon's Temple. The feast--a memorial of
the deliverance from Egypt--had now a double meaning for him. So he
wished to make this _détour_ to the royal city on his way to his native
Galilee, and especially that, after their sojourn in the land of the
heathen, he might introduce Jesus to the public worship of the chosen
people. Joseph and Mary clasped each other's hands in quiet joy when
they were once again journeying through their native land, breathing
its fresh air, seeing the well-known plants and creatures, hearing the
familiar tongue. Jesus remained calm. If he found any childish
memories there, they would be of the king who had persecuted him. He
could regard the land with calm impartiality. And when he saw his
parents so glad to be at home again, he thought how strange it was that
lifeless earth should have so much power over the heart. Does not the
Heavenly Father hold the whole earth in his hand? Does not man carry
his home within his own bosom?

Their possessions were tied on to the back of a camel, and they trudged
cheerfully after it. Joseph carried an axe at his waist in order to