translators. There is absolutely no dispute regarding this question
among Biblical scholars, although the general public is not aware of
the connection, nor do they identify the Wise Men with the Oriental
Magians.

The word "Magi" comes to the English language direct from the Greek,
which in turn acquired it by gradual steps from the Persian, Chaldean,
Median, and Assyrian tongues. It means, literally, "wonder worker,"
and was applied to the members of the occult priestly orders of
Persia, Media, and Chaldea, who were Mystic Adepts and Occult Masters.
Ancient history is full of references to this body of men. They were
the custodians of the world's occult knowledge for centuries, and the
priceless treasures of the Inner Teachings held by the race to-day
have come through the hands of these men--the Magi--who tended the
sacred fires of Mysticism and kept The Flame burning. In thinking of
their task, one is reminded of the words of Edward Carpenter, the
poet, who sings: "Oh, let not the flame die out! Cherished age after
age in its dark caverns, in its holy temples cherished. Fed by pure
ministers of love--let not the flame die out."

The title of "Magi" was highly esteemed in those ancient days, but it
fell into disrepute in the latter times owing to its growing use as an
appellation of the practitioners of "Black Magic," or "evil
wonder-workers" or sorcerers, of those days. But as a writer in the
New International Encyclopedia (Vol. XII, page 674) has truly said:

"The term is employed in its true sense by Matthew (2:1) of
the wise men who came from the East to Jerusalem to worship
Christ. The significance of this event must be observed
because the Messianic doctrine was an old and established