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"Mathematics is the science which draws necessary conclusions."-PEIRCE.

VOL. XI.

NOVEMBER. 1893.

No. 11.

THE NUMBER OF THE MAGI. The number of the Magi has long been fixed at three. Leo supposes it in several places, and Cæsarius affirms it. The same is said in two sermons formerly credited to St. Austin, but one of which has since been found to be written by Leo, and the other is found under the name of Eusebius Emesius. Bede, Ruport, and several other ecclesiastical historians also give the number as three. Some think, however, that this number is founded on the three kinds of presents, mentioned by Matthew (II, 11), gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Their names are generally given as Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. But these names were unknown to those times, says Calmet, as well as other names given to them in some writings, though they are modern enough. Some of the other names given to them are the Greek names, Apellius, Amerus, and Damascus. Others still give the Hebrew names, Magalet, Galgalet, and Saraim; while others say they were Ator, Sato, and Paratoras. Another writer, says Calmet, believes that the three Magi were Enoch, Melchisedek, and Elias. The Magi have been a subject of study for many. The word is rendered "sorcerer," in Acts XIII, 8; while it is the name of a 66 sorcerer," in Acts VIII 9, "Simon Magus." But in Matthew II, 1, 7, and 16, it is rendered "wise men." Zoroaster is said to have foretold their visit (N. AND Q., Vol XI, p. 195); also Balaam (Num. XXIV, 17). This substantially answers the first question proposed by TEACHER." The second question requires too long an article at this time. In the meantime, read the books, "The Wise Men of the Fast," by Francis G. Upham, 1873; "The Star of the Wise Men," by R. C. Trench, 1850; "The Star of the East," by Theo. Appel, 1878.

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