And now in thought we disband the little circle of five, to be reunited elsewhere after many years.  We glance into the home of James and John.  We have already spoken of Salome’s royal descent, and of the sympathy between her and her sons.  With what deep interest we would listen to her teachings and watch the influence on them as they talked together of David their ancestor, and of how they were of the same tribe and family to which the Messiah would belong.  Salome understood much about Him, more probably than most mothers:  but she was much mistaken about what was meant by His Kingdom.  She thought He would rule like David on an earthly throne.  Her sons believed as she did, and so were as sadly mistaken.  It was long before they discovered their mistake.  That was in circumstances very different from what were now in their minds.

[Illustration:  THE BOY JOHN Andrea del Sarto Page 41]

Thus far we have attempted to restore the surroundings of John in his early days, which did much in shaping his early life, and fitting him for the great work he was to perform.  We have glanced at the country and town in which he lived.  As we see them through his eyes, he appears the more real to us.  We have watched the little circle of his intimate friends, on whom he must have had an influence, and who influenced him.  We have glanced at his home with his parents and brothers.  We have tried to gain some idea of what and how much he had learned, especially concerning the Messiah.  We are now prepared to look at him alone, and try to get a more distinct view of his character.

We are not told what kind of a boy John was.  We are told of many things he said and did when he was a man.  These help us to understand what he must have been when young.  Though there be great changes in us as we grow older, some things remain the same in kind if not in degree.  Judging by certain things in John’s manhood, we form an idea of his childhood.  We may think of him as a lovable boy.  His feelings were tender.  He was greatly interested in events which pleased him.  He was quick and active.  He was modest and generally shy, yet bold when determined to do anything.  He was not ready to tell all he felt or knew.  He was helpful in his father’s business.  He thought and felt and planned much as his mother did.  He was thoughtful and quick to understand, and sought explanation of what was not easily understood.  He was frank in all he said, and abhorred dishonesty, especially in one who professed to be good.  Above all he was of a loving disposition, and this made others love him.  He was beloved because he loved.

[Illustration:  JERUSALEM Old Engraving Page 44]