Chapter XIV

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

speak to

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading CONCLUSION IT was Sunday afternoon.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

past form of “ascend” — travel up

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading Would they not try to follow Him? he asked.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

the time when something begins (especially life)

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

bound with chains

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

the time of person's life when they are a child

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

intended as a commemoration

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

occurring at or forming an end or termination

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration

From this reading CONCLUSION IT was Sunday afternoon.

a group of people who adhere to a common faith and habitually attend a given church

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading Would they not try to follow Him? he asked.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

the act of giving

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

plural of “hearer” — someone who listens attentively

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

a song of praise (to God or to a saint or to a nation)

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading CONCLUSION IT was Sunday afternoon.

a teacher and prophet born in Bethlehem and active in Nazareth; his life and sermons form the basis for Christianity (circa 4 BC - AD 29)

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

possessive form of “john” — a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

dutifully complying with the commands or instructions of those in authority

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

plural of “owner” — (law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

a set of two similar things considered as a unit

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

a perceptual structure

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

seen in the mind as a mental image

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

-ing form of “point” — indicate a place, direction, person, or thing; either spatially or figuratively

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

make a promise or commitment

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

past form of “remind” — put in the mind of someone

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians

From this reading CONCLUSION IT was Sunday afternoon.

express in words

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

the words of something written

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

having intellectual depth

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

make an effort or attempt

From this reading Would they not try to follow Him? he asked.

precisely as stated

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

a Roman Catholic priest who acts for another higher-ranking clergyman

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

the act of traveling by foot

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading CONCLUSION IT was Sunday afternoon.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.

which person or people

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

the words that are spoken

From this reading The children's service at St. John's was nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the number of the concluding hymn.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading He took for his text the Saviour's promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the World."

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern, that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient.