Page images
PDF
EPUB

the king, they departed. And, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy; and when they were come unto the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him, and when they had opened their treasures they presented unto him gifts, gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying; "Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word; for Herod will seek the young child, to destroy him." When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt; and was there until the death of Herod; that it might be fufilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying; "Out of Egypt have I called my son."

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth; and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently

L. ii. 40

-52.

inquired of the wise men. Then was fufilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying; “In Rama there was a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning; Rachel weeping for her children; and would not be comforted, because they are not." But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying; "Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel; for they are dead which sought the young child's life." And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither; notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee.

And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets; "He shall be called a Nazarene."

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him.

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast; and when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem;

and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed; and his mother said unto him;

66

Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing."

And he said unto them; "How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business ?"

And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth; and was subject unto them. But his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom, and stature, and in favor with God and man.

1-3.

CHAPTER II.

Preaching of John the Baptist

66

[ocr errors]

Baptism of Jesus
The Temptation - John the Baptist's Account of
himself and Jesus-First Disciples of Jesus - The
Marriage at Cana.

Mt. ill. In those days came John the Baptist preach-
ing in the wilderness of Judea, and saying;
Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at
hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the
prophet Esaias, saying; 'The voice of one
crying in the wilderness; prepare ye
the way
L5 of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every
valley shall be filled, and every mountain and
hill shall be brought low; and the crooked
shall be made straight, and the rough ways
shall be made smooth; and all flesh shall see
the salvation of God.""

[ocr errors]

Mt. iii.

4-7.

And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan; and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism he said unto them; "O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath Lil to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy

18.

of repentance; and begin not to say within yourselves; we have Abraham to our father. For I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees; every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit, is hewn down and cast into the fire."

And the people asked him, saying; "What shall we do then ?"

He answereth and saith unto them; "He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise."

Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him; "Master, what shall we do ?"

And he said unto them; "Exact no more than that which is appointed you."

And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying; "And what shall we do?"

And he said unto them; "Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages."

And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not, John answered say. ing unto them all; "I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I corneth, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose; he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. Whose fan is in his

« PreviousContinue »