T H E F I R S T G O S P E L O F T H E I N FA N C Y O F

JESUS CHRIST
CHAPTER I 8 But Joseph hastened away, that
1 Caiphas relates that Jesus, when he might fetch her a midwife; and
in his cradle, informed his mother when he saw an old Hebrew woman
that he was the Son of God. 5 who was of Jerusalem, he said to
Joseph and Mary going to her, Pray come hither, good woman,
Bethlehem to be taxed, Mary's time and go into that cave, and you will
of bringing forth arrives, and she there see a woman just ready to
goes into a cave. 8 Joseph fetches bring forth.
in a Hebrew woman. The cave filled 9 It was after sunset, when the old
with great lights. 11 The infant woman and Joseph with her reached
born, 17 and cures the woman. 19 the cave, and they both went into it.
Arrival of the shepherds. 10 And behold, it was all filled
THE following accounts we found with lights, greater than the light of
in the book of Joseph the high- lamps and candles, and greater than
priest, called by some Caiphas: the light of the sun itself.
2 He relates, that Jesus spake even 11 The infant was then wrapped up
when he was in the cradle, and said in swaddling clothes, and sucking
to his mother: the breasts of his mother St. Mary.
3 Mary, I am Jesus the Son of God, 12 When they both saw this light,
that word, which thou didst bring they were surprised; the old woman
forth according to the declaration asked St. Mary, Art thou the mother
of the angel Gabriel to thee, and my of this child?
father hath sent me for the salvation 13 St. Mary replied, She was.
of the world. 14 On which the old woman said,
4 In the three hundred and ninth Thou art very different from all
year of the era of Alexander, other women.
Augustus published a decree that all 15 St. Mary answered, As there is
persons should go to be taxed in not any child like to my son, so
their own country. neither is there any woman like to
5 Joseph therefore arose, and with his mother.
Mary his spouse he went to 16 The old woman answered, and
Jerusalem, and then came to said, O my Lady, I am come hither
Bethlehem, that he and his family that I may obtain an everlasting
might be taxed in the city of his reward.
fathers. 17 Then our Lady St. Mary said to
6 And when they came by the cave, her, Lay thine hands upon the
Mary confessed to Joseph that her infant, which, when she had done,
time of bringing forth was come, she became whole.
and she could not go on to the city, 18 And as she was going forth, she
and said, Let us go into this cave. said, From henceforth, all the days
7 At that time the sun was very of my life, I will attend upon and
near going down. be a servant of this infant.

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19 After this, when the shepherds three hundred pence for it.
came, and had made a fire, and they 4 Now this is that alabaster- box
were exceedingly rejoiceing, the which Mary the sinner procured,
heavenly host appeared to them, and poured forth the ointment out
praising and adoring the supreme of it upon the head and the feet of
God. our Lord Jesus Christ, and wiped
20 And as the shepherds were them off with the hairs of her head.
engaged in the same employment, 5 Then after ten days they brought
the cave at that time seemed like a him to Jerusalem, and on the
glorious temple, because both the fortieth day from his birth they
tongues of angels and men united to presented him in the temple before
adore and magnify God, on account the Lord, making the proper
of the birth of the Lord Christ. offerings for him, according to the
21 But when the old Hebrew requirement of the law of Moses:
woman saw all these evident namely, that every male which
miracles, she gave praises to God, opens the womb shall be called holy
and said, I thank thee, O God, thou unto God.
God of Israel, for that mine eyes 6 At that time old Simeon saw him
have seen the birth of the Saviour shining as a pillar of light, when St.
of the world. Mary the Virgin, his mother, carried
him in her arms, and was filled with
CHAPTER II. the greatest pleasure at the sight.
1 The child circumcised in the cave, 7 And the angels stood around him,
2 and the old woman preserving his adoring him, as a king's guards
foreskin or navel-string in a box of stand around him.
spikenard, Mary afterwards 8 Then Simeon going near to St.
annoints Christ with it. 5 Christ Mary, and stretching forth his hands
brought to the temple; 6 He shines, towards her, said to the Lord
7 and angels stand around him Christ, Now, O My Lord, thy
adoring. 8 Simeon praises Christ. servant shall depart in peace,
AND when the time of his according to thy word;
circumcision was come: namely, the 9 For mine eyes have seen thy
eighth day, on which the law mercy, which thou hast prepared for
commanded the child to be the salvation of all nations; a light
circumcised; they circumcised him to all people, and the glory of thy
in the cave. people Israel.
2 And the old Hebrew woman took 10 Hannah the prophetess was also
the foreskin (others say she took present, and drawing near, she gave
the navel-string), and preserved it praises to God, and celebrated the
in an alabaster-box of old oil of happiness of Mary.
spikenard.
3 And she had a son who was a CHAPTER III.
druggist, to whom she said, Take 1 The wise men visit Christ. Mary
heed thou sell not this alabaster- gives them one of his swaddling
box of spikenard-ointment, clothes. 3 An angel appears to them
although thou shouldst be offered in the form of a star. 4 They return

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and make a fire, and worship the 9 Then they began to kiss it, and
swaddling cloth, and put it in the put it upon their heads and their
fire where it remains unconsumed. eyes saying, This is certainly an
AND it came to pass, when the undoubted truth, and it is really
Lord Jesus was born at Bethlehem, surprising that the fire could not
a city of Judaea, in the time of burn it, and consume it.
Herod the King;—the wise men 10 Then they took it, and with the
came from the East to Jerusalem, greatest respect laid it up among
according to the prophecy of their treasures.
Zoradascht,[Zoroaster] and brought
with them offerings: namely, gold, CHAPTER IV.
frankincense, and myrrh, and 1 Herod intends to put Christ to
worshipped him, and offered to him death. 3 An angel warns Joseph to
their gifts. take the child and his mother into
2 Then the Lady Mary took one of Egypt. 6 Consternation on their
his swaddling clothes in which the arrival. 13 The idols fall down. 15
infant was wrapped, and gave it to Mary washes Christ's swaddling
them instead of a blessing, which clothes, hangs them to dry on a
they received from her as a most post, and the son of a priest puts
noble present. one on his head; 16 And being
3 And at the same time there possessed of devils they leave him.
appeared to them an angel in the NOW Herod perceiving that the
form of that star which had before wise men did delay and not return
been their guide in their journey; to him, called together the priest
the light of which they followed till and wise men, and said, Tell me in
they returned into their own what place the Christ should be
country. born.
4 On their return their kings and 2 And when they replied, in
princes came to them inquiring, Bethlehem,—a city of Judaea, he
whom they had seen and done? began to contrive in his own mind
What sort of journey and return the death of the Lord Jesus Christ.
they had? What Company they had 3 But an angel of the Lord
on the road? appeared to Joseph in his sleep, and
5 But they produced the swaddling said, Arise, take the child and his
cloth which St. Mary had given mother, and go into Egypt as soon
them, on account whereof they kept as the cock crows. So he arose, and
a feast. went.
6 And having, according to the 4 And as he was considering with
custom of their country, made a himself about his journey, the
fire, they worshipped it. morning came upon him.
7 And casting the swaddling cloth 5 In the length of the journey the
into it, the fire took it and kept it. girts of the saddle broke.
8 And when the fire was put out, 6 And now he drew near to a great
they took forth the swaddling cloth city, in which there was an idol, to
unhurt, as much as if the fire had which the priests of the other idols
not touched it. and gods of Egypt brought their

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offerings and vows. Joseph and St. Mary, whom all the
7 And there was by this idol a rest had left behind and forsook.
priest ministering to it, who, as 15 And when the Lady St. Mary
often as Satan spoke out of that had washed the swaddling clothes
idol, related the things he said to of the Lord Christ, and hanged them
the inhabitants of Egypt, and those out to dry upon a post, the boy
countries. possessed with the devil took down
8 This priest had a son three years one of them, and put it upon his
old, who was possessed with a great head.
multitude of devils, who uttered 16 And presently the devils began
many strange things and when the to come out of his mouth, and fly
devils seized him, walked about away in the shape of crows and
naked with his clothes torn, serpents.
throwing stones at those whom he 17 From that time the boy was
saw. healed by the power of the Lord
9 Near to that idol was the inn of Christ and he began to sing praises,
the city, into which when Joseph and give thanks to the Lord who
and St. Mary were come, and had had healed him.
turned into that inn, all the 18 When his father saw him
inhabitants of the city were restored to his former state of
astonished. health, he said, My son, what has
10 And all the magistrates and happened to thee, and by what
priests of the idols assembled means wert thou cured?
before that idol, and made inquiry 19 The son answered, When the
there, saying, What means all this devils seized me, I went into the
consternation, and dread, which has inn, and there found a very
fallen upon all our country? handsome woman with a boy, whose
11 The idol answered them, The swaddling clothes she had just
unknown God is come thither, who before washed, and hanged out
is truly God; nor is there any one upon a post.
besides him, who is worthy of 20 One of these I took, and put it
divine worship for he is truly the upon my head, and immediately the
Son of God. devils left me, and fled away.
12 At the fame of him this country 21 At this the father exceedingly
trembled, and at his coming it is rejoiced, and said, My son, perhaps
under the present commotion and this boy is the son of the living
consternation, and we ourselves are God, who made the heavens and the
afrighted by the greatness of his earth.
power. 22 For as soon as he came amongst
13 And at the same instant this idol us, the idol was broken, and all the
fell down, and at his fall all the gods fell down, and were destroyed
inhabitants of Egypt, besides others by a greater power.
ran together. 23 Then was fulfilled the prophecy
14 But the son of the priest, when which saith, Out of Egypt I have
his usual disorder came upon him called my son.
going into the inn, found there

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CHAPTER V. she becomes dispossesed. 5 Christ

1 Joseph and Mary leave Egypt. 3 kissed by a bride made dumb by
Go to the Haunts of robbers, 4 Who sorcerers, cures her. 11
hearing a mighty noise, as of a Miraculously cures a gentlewoman
great army flee away. in whom Satan had taken up his
NOW Joseph and Mary when they abode. 16 A leprous girl cured by
heard that the idol was fallen down the water in which he was washed,
and destroyed, were seized with and becomes the servant of Joseph
fear and, trembling, and said, When and Mary. 20 The leprous son of a
we Were in the land of Israel, prince's wife cured in like manner.
Herod, intending to kill Jesus, slew 37 Has mother offers large gifts to
for that purpose all the infants at Mary, and dismisses her.
Bethlehem, and that neighbourhood. THEN they went into another city
2 And there is no doubt but the where there was a woman possessed
Egyptians if they come to hear that with a devil, and in whom Satan,
this idol is broken and fallen down, that cursed rebel, had taken up his
will burn us with fire. abode.
3 They went therefore hence to the 2 One night, when she went to
secret places of robbers, who fetch water, she could neither
robbed travellers as they pass by, of endure her clothes on, nor to be in
their carriages and their clothes and any house; but as often as they tied
carried them away bound. her with chains or cords, she brake
4 These thieves upon their coming them, and went out into desert
heard a great noise such as the places, and sometimes standing
noise of a king with a great army, where roads crossed, and in church
and many horse and the trumpets yards, would throw stones at men.
sounding at his departure from his 3 When St. Mary saw this woman,
own city, at which they were so she pitied her; where upon Satan
affrighted, as to leave all their presently left her, and fled away in
booty behind them and fly away in the form of a young man, saying,
haste. Wo to me, because of thee, Mary,
5 Upon this the prisoners arose, and thy son.
and loosed each other's bonds, and 4 So the woman was delivered
taking each man his bags, they went from her torment; but considering
way, and saw Joseph and Mary herself naked, she blushed, and
coming towards them, and inquired, avoided seeing any man and having
Where is that king, the noise of put on her clothes, went home, and
whose approach the robbers heard, gave an account of her case to her
and left us, so that we are now father and relations who, as they
come off safe? were the best of the city,
6 Joseph answered, He will come entertained St. Mary and Joseph
after us. with the greatest respect.
5 The next morning having
CHAPTER VI. received a sufficient supply of
1 Mary looks on a woman in whom provisions for the road, they went
Satan had taken up his abode, and from them, and about the evening

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of the day arrived at another town, Mary, that she would give her the
where a marriage was then about to child to kiss, and carry in her arms.
be solemnized; but by the arts of 14 When she had consented, and as
Satan and the practices of a soon as the woman had moved the
sorcerers, the bride was become so child, Satan left her, and fled away,
dumb, that she could not so much as nor did the woman ever afterwards
open her mouth. see him.
6 But when this dumb bride saw 15 Hereupon all the neighbors
the Lady St. Mary entering into the praised the Supreme God, and the
town, and carrying Lord Christ in woman reward them with ample,
her arms, she stretched out her beneficence.
hands to the Lord Christ, and-took 16 On the morrow, the same
him in her arms, and closely woman brought perfumed water to
hugging him, very often kissed him, wash the Lord Jesus; and when she
continually moving him and, had washed him, she preserved the
pressing him to her body. water.
7 Straightway the string of her 17 And there was a girl there,
tongue was loosed, and her ears whose body was white with a
were opened, and she began to sing leprosy, who being sprinkled with
praises unto God, who had restored this water, and washed, was
her. instantly cleansed from her leprosy.
8 So there was great joy among the 18 The people therefore said
inhabitants of the town that night, Without doubt Joseph and Mary,
who thought that God and his and that boy are Gods, for they do
angels were come down among not look like mortals.
them. 19 And when they were making
9 In this place they abode three ready to go away, the girl, who had
days, meeting with the greatest been troubled with the leprosy,
respect and most splendid came and desired they would permit
entertainment. her to go along with them; so they
10 And being then furnished by the consented and the girl went with
people with provisions for the road, them till they came to a city in
they departed and went to another which was the palace of a great
city, in which they were inclined to king, and whose house was not far
lodge, because it was a famous from the inn.
place. 20 Here they staid, and when the
11 There was in this city a girl went one day to the prince's
gentlewoman, who, as she went wife, and found her in a sorrowful
down one day to the river to bathe, and mournful condition, she asked
behold cursed Satan leaped upon her the reason of her tears.
her in the form of a serpent. 21 She replied, wonder not at my
12 And folded himself about her groans, for I am under a great
belly, and every night lay upon her. misfortune, of which I dare not tell
13 This woman seeing the Lady St. any one.
Mary, and the Lord Christ the infant 22 But, says the, girl, if you will
in her bosom, asked the Lady St. entrust me with your private

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grievance, perhaps I may find you a 33 The prince's wife then arose and
remedy for it. entertained them, providing a great
23 Thou, therefore, says the feast for Joseph among a large
prince's wife, shall keep the secret, company of men.
and not discover it to any one alive. 34 And the next day took perfumed
24 I have been married to this water to wash the Lord Jesus, and
prince, who rules as king over large afterwards poured the same water
dominions, and lived long with him upon her son, whom she had
before he had any child by me. brought with her, and her son was
25 At length I conceived by him, instantly cleansed from his leprosy,
but alas! I brought forth a leprous 35 Then she sang thanks and unto
son; which, when he saw him would God, and said, Blessed is the
not own to be his, but said to me, mother that bare thee, O Jesus!
26 Either do thou kill him, or send 36 Dost thou thus cure men of the
him to some nurse in such a place, same nature with thyself, with the
that he may be never heard of; and water with which thy body is
now take care of yourself; I will washed?
never see you more. 37 She then offered very large gifts
27 So here I pine, lamenting my to the Lady Mary, and sent her
wretched and miserable away with all imaginable respect.
circumstances. Alas, my son! alas,
my husband; Have I disclosed it to CHAPTER VII.
you? 1 A man who could not enjoy his
28 The girl replied I have found a wife, freed from his disorder. 5 A
remedy for your disease, which I young man who had been
promise you, for I also was leprous, bewitched, and turned into a mule
but God hath cleansed me, even he miraculously cured by Christ being
who is called Jesus the son of the put on his back, 28 and is married
Lady Mary. to the girl who had been cured of
29 The woman inquiring where that leprosy.
God was, whom she spake of; the THEY came afterwards to another
girl answered, He lodges with you city, and had a mind to lodge there.
here, in the same house. 2 Accordingly they went to a man's
30 But how can this be? says she; house, who was newly married but
where is he? Behold, replied the by the influence of sorcerers could
girl, Joseph and Mary; and the not enjoy his wife.
infant who is, with them is called 3 But they lodging at his house
Jesus; and it is he who delivered me that night, the man was freed of his
from my disease and torment. disorder.
31 But by what means, says she, 4 And when they were preparing
were you cleansed from your early in the morning to go forward
leprosy? Will not you tell me that? on their jouney, the new-married
32 Why not? says the girl; I took person hindered them, and provided
the water with which his body had a noble entertainment for them.
been washed, and poured it upon 5 But going forward on the
me, and my leprosy vanished. morrow, they came to another city,

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and saw three women going from a before day, while the doors of the
certain grave with great weeping. house were all shut fast, saw this
6 When St. Mary saw them, she our brother was changed into a
spake to the girl who was their mule, such as you now see him to
companion, saying, Go and inquire be:
of them, what is the matter with 16 And we in the melancholy
them, and what misfortune has condition in which you see us,
befallen them? having no father to comfort us,
7 When the girl asked them, they have applied to all the wise men,
made her no answer, but asked her magicians, and diviners in the
again, Who are ye? and where are world, but they have been of no
you going? For the day is far spent, service to us.
and night is at hand. 17 As often therefore as we find
8 We are travellers, saith the girl, ourselves oppressed with grief, we
and we are seeking for an inn to rise and go with this our mother to
lodge at. our father's tomb, where, when we
9 They replied, Go along with us, have cried sufficiently, we return
and lodge with us. home.
10 They then followed them, and 18 When the girl had heard this she
were introduced into a new house, said, Take courage, and cease your
well furnished with all sorts of fears, for you have a remedy for
furniture. your afflictions near at hand even
11 Now it was winter-time, and the amoung you and in the midst of
girl went into the parlour where your house.
these women were, and found them 19 For I was also leprous; but
weeping and lamenting as before. when I saw this woman, and this
12 By them stood a mule, covered little infant with her, whose name is
over with silk, and an ebony collar Jesus, I sprinkled my body with the
hanging down from his neck, whom water with which his mother had
they kissed and were feeding. washed him and I was presently
13 But when the girl said, How made well.
handsome, ladies, that mule is! they 20 And I am certain that he is also
replied with tears, and said, This capable of relieving you under your
mule, which you see, was our distress. Wherefore arise, go to my
brother, born of this same mother as mistress Mary, and when you have
we; brought her into your own parlour,
14 For when our father died, and disclose to her the secret, at the
left us a very large estate, and we same time earnestly beseeching her
had only this brother, and we to compassionate your case.
endeavoured to procure him a 21 As soon as the women had heard
suitable match, and thought he the girl's discourse, they hastened
should be married as other men, away to the Lady St. Mary,
some giddy and jealous women introduced themselves to her, and
bewitched him without our sitting down before her, they wept.
knowledge. 22 And said, O our Lady St. Mary,
15 And we one night, a little pity your handmaids, for we have

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no head of our family, no one elder turned into gladness, and their
than us; no father or brother to go mourning into mirth, they began to
in or out before us. rejoice, and to make merry, and
23 But this mule, which you see, sing, being dressed in their richest
was our brother, which some attire, with bracelets.
women by witchcraft have brought 32 Afterwards they glorified and
into this condition which you see: praised God, saying, O Jesus, son
we therefore entreat you to of David, who changest sorrow into
compassionate us. gladness, and mourning into mirth!
24 Hereupon St. Mary was grieved 33 After this Joseph and Mary
at their case, and taking the Lord tarried there ten days, then went
Jesus, put him upon the back of the away, having received great respect
mule. from these people.
25 And said to her son, O Jesus 34 Who, when they took their leave
Christ, restore (or heal) according of them, and returned home, cried,
to thy extraordinary power this 35 But especially the girl.
mule, and grant him to have again
the shape of a man and a rational CHAPTER VIII.
creature, as he had formerly. 1 Joseph and Mary pass through a
26 This was scarce said by the country infested by robbers. 3 Titus
Lady St. Mary, but the mule a humane thief, offers Dumachus,
immediately passed into a human his comrade, forty groats to let
form, and became a young man Joseph and Mary pass unmolested.
without any deformity. 6 Jesus prophecies that the thieves
27 Then he and his mother and the Dumachus and Titus shall be
sisters worshipped the Lady St. crucified with him and that Titus
Mary, and lifting the child upon shall go before him into paradise.
their heads, they kissed him, and 10 Christ causes a well to spring
said, Blessed is thy mother, O from a sycamore tree, and Mary
Jesus, O Saviour of the world! washes his coat in it. 11 A balsam
Blessed are the eyes which are so grows there from his sweat. They go
happy to see thee. to Memphis, where Christ works
28 Then both the sisters told their more miracles. Return to Judea. 15
mother, saying, Of a truth, our Being warned, depart for Nazareth.
brother is restored to his former IN their journey from hence they
shape by the help of the Lord Jesus came into a desert country and were
Christ, and the kindness of that girl told it was infested with robbers; so
who told us of Mary and her son. Joseph and St. Mary prepared to
29 And inasmuch as our brother is pass through it in the night.
unmarried, it is fit that we marry 2 And as they were going along,
him to this girl their servant. behold they saw two robbers asleep
30 When they had consulted Mary in the road, and with them a great
in this matter, and she had given number of robbers, who were their
her consent, they made a splendid confederates, also asleep.
wedding for this girl. 3 The names of these two were
31 And so their sorrow being Titus and Dumachus; and Titus said

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to Dumachus, I beseech thee let many miracles, in Egypt, which are

these persons go along quietly, that neither to be found in Gospel of the
our company may not perceive Infancy nor in the Gospel of
anything of them. Perfection.
4 But Damachus refusing, Titus 14 At the end of three years he
again said, I will give thee forty returned out of Egypt, and when he
groats, and as a pledge take my came near to Judea, Joseph was
girdle, which he gave him before he afraid to enter;
had done speaking, that he might 15 For hearing that Herod was
not open his mouth or make a noise. dead, and that Archelaus his son
5 When the Lady St. Mary saw the reigned in his stead, he was afraid.
kindness which this robber did 16 And when he went to Judea, an,
shew them, she said to him, The angel of God appeard to him, and
Lord God will receive thee to his said, O Joseph go into the city of
right hand and grant thee pardon of Nazareth, and abide there.
thy sins. 17 It is strange indeed, that he,
6 Then the Lord Jesus answered, who is the Lord of all countries,
and said to his mother, When thirty should be thus carried backward
years are expired, O mother, the and forward, through so many
Jews will crucify me at Jerusalem; countries.
7 And these two thieves shall be
with me at the same time upon the CHAPTER IX.
cross, Titus on my right hand, and 2 Two sick children cured by water
Dumachus on my left, and from that wherein Christ was washed.
time Titus shall go before me into WHEN they came afterwards into
paradise; the city of Bethlehem, they found
8 And when she had said, God there several very desperate
forbid this should be thy lot, O my distempers, which became so
son, they went on to a city in which troublesome to children by seeing
were several idols; which, as soon them, that most of them died.
as they came near to it, was turned 2 There was there a woman who
into hills of sand. had a sick son, whom she brought,
9 Hence they went to that when he was at the point of death,
sycamore tree, which is now called to the Lady St. Mary, who saw her
Matarea. when she was washing Jesus Christ.
10 And in Materea the Lord Jesus 3 Then said the woman, O my Lady
caused a well to spring forth, in Mary, look down upon this my son,
which St. Mary washed his coat; who is afflicted with most dreadful
11 And a balsam is produced, or pains.
grows, in that country, from the 4 St. Mary hearing her, said, Take
sweat which ran down there from a little of that water with which I
the Lord Jesus. have washed my son, and sprinkle it
12 Thence they proceeded to upon him.
Memphis, and saw Pharoah, and 5 Then she took a little of that
abode three years in Egypt. water, as St. Mary had commanded,
13 And the Lord Jesus did very and sprinkled it upon her son, who

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being wearied with his violent The other wife puts Caleb into a
pains, was fallen asleep; and after hot oven, and he is miraculously
he had slept a little, awaked preserved, 9 she afterwards throws
perfectly well and recovered. him into a well, and he is again
6 The mother being abundantly preserved; 11 his mother appeals to
glad of this success, went again to the Virgin against the other wife,
St. Mary, and St. Mary said to her, 12 whose downfall the Virgin
Give praise to God, who hath cured prophecies, 13 and who accordingly
this thy son. falls into the well, 14 therein
7 There was in the same place fulfilling a saying of old.
another woman, a neighbour of her, THERE were in the same city two
whose son was now cured. wives of one man, who had each a
8 This woman's son was afflicted son sick. One of them was called
with the same disease, and his eyes Mary, and her son's name was
were now almost quite shut, and she Caleb.
was lamenting for him day and 2 She arose, and taking her son,
night. went to the Lady St. Mary, the
9 The mother of the child which mother of Jesus, and offered her a
was cured, said to her, Why do you very handsome carpet, saying, O my
not bring your son to St. Mary, as I Lady Mary accept this carpet of me,
brought my son to her, when he was and instead of it give me a small
in the agonies of death; and he was swaddling cloth.
cure by that water, with which the 3 To this Mary agreed, and when
body of her son Jesus was washed? the mother of Caleb was gone, she
10 When the woman heard her say made a coat for her son of the
this, she also went, and having swaddling cloth, put it on him, and
procured the same water, washed his disease was cured; but the son
her son with it, whereupon his body of the other wife died.
and his eyes were instantly restored 4 Hereupon there arose between
to their former state. them a difference in doing the
11 And when she brought her son business of the family by turns,
to St. Mary, and opened his case to each her week;
her, she commanded her to give 5 And when the turn of Mary the
thanks to God for the recovery of mother of Caleb came, and she was
her son's health, and tell no one heating the oven to bake bread, and
what had happened. went away to fetch the meal, she
left her son Caleb by the oven;
CHAPTER X. 6 Whom the other wife, her rival,
1 Two wives of one man, each have seeing to be by himself, took and
a son sick. 2 One of them named cast him into the oven, which was
Mary, and whose son's name was very hot, and then went away.
Caleb, presents the Virgin with a 7 Mary on her return saw her son
handsome carpet, and Caleb is Caleb lying in the middle of the
cured; but the son of the other wife oven laughing, and the oven quite
dies, 4 which occasions a as cold as though it had not been
difference between the women. 5 before heated, and knew that her

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rival the other wife had thrown him 1 Bartholomew, when a child and
into the fire. sick, miraculously restored by
8 When she took him out, she being laid on Christ's bed.
brought him to the Lady St. Mary, ANOTHER woman in that city had.
and told her the story, to whom she likewise two son's sick.
replied, Be quiet, I am concerned 2 And when one was dead, the
lest thou shouldest make this matter other, who lay at the point of death,
known. she took in her arms to the Lady St.
9 After this her rival, the other Mary, and in a flood of tears
wife, as she was drawing water at addressed herself to her, saying,
the well, and saw Caleb playing by 3 O my Lady, help and relieve me;
the well, and that no one was near, for I had two sons, the one I have
took him, and threw him into the just now buried, the other I see is
well. fast at the point of death behold
10 And when some men came to how I (earnestly) seek for your
fetch water from the well, they saw from God, and pray to him.
the boy sitting on the superficies of 4 Then she said, O Lord, thou art
the water, and drew him out with gracious, and merciful, and kind;
ropes, and were exceedingly thou, hast given me two sons; one
surprised at the child, and praised of them thou halt taken to thyself,
God. O spare me this other.
11 Then came the mother and took 5 St. Mary then perceiving the
him and carried him to the Lady St. greatness of her sorrow, pitied her
Mary, lamenting. and saying, O my and said, Do thou place thy son in
Lady, see what my rival hath done my son's bed, and cover him with
to my son, and how she hath cast his clothes.
him into the well, and I do not 6 And when she had placed him in
question but one time or other she the bed wherein Christ lay, at the
will be the occasion of his death. moment when his eyes were just
12 St. Mary replied to her, God closed by death; as soon as ever the
will vindicate your injured cause. small of the garments of the Lord
13 Accordingly a few days after, Jesus Christ reached the boy, his
when the other wife came to the eyes were opened, and calling with
well to draw water, her foot was a loud voice to his mother, he asked
entangled in the rope, so that she for bread, and when he had received
fell headlong into the well, and it, he sucked it.
they who ran to her assistance 7 Than his mother said, O Lady
found her skull broken, and bones Mary, now I am assured that the
bruised. powers of God do dwell in you, so
14 So she came to a bad end, and that thy son can cure children who
in her was fulfilled that saying of are of the same sort as himself, as
the author, They digged a well, and soon as they touch his garments.
made it deep, but fell themselves 8 This boy, who was thus cured, is
into the pit which they prepared. the same who in the Gospel is
called Bartholomew.
CHAPTER XI.

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CHAPTER XII. them to communicate their case to

A leprous woman healed by Christ's her; intimating, that she might be
washing water. 7 A princess healed able to direct them to a remedy.
by it and restored to her husband. 13 So when they showed the young
AGAIN, there was a leprous woman to her, and the signs of the
woman who went to the Lady St. leprosy, which appeared between
Mary, the mother of Jesus, and said, her eyes;
O my Lady, help me. 14 She said, I also whom ye see in
2 St. Mary replied, What help does this place, was afflicted with the
thou desire? Is it gold or silver, or same distemper, and going on some
that thy body be cured of its business to Bethlehem, I went into
leprosy? a certain cave, and saw a woman
3 Who, says the woman, can grant named Mary, who had a son called
me this? Jesus.
4 St. Mary replied to her, Wait a 15 She seeing me to be leprous,
little till I have washed my son was concerned for me, and gave me
Jesus, and put him to bed. some water with which she had
5 The woman waited, as she was washed her son's body, with that I
commanded; and Mary when she sprinkled my body, and became
had put Jesus in bed, giving her the clean.
water with which she had washed 16 Then said these women, Will
his body, said, Take some of the you Mistress, go along with us, and
water, and pour it upon thy body; show the Lady St. Mary to us?
6 Which when she had done, she 17 To which she consenting, they
instantly became clean, and praised arose and went to the Lady St.
God, and gave thanks to him. Mary, taking with them very noble
7 Then she went away, after she presents.
had abode with her three days; 18 And when they came in and
8 And going into the city, she saw offered their presents to her, they
a certain prince, who had married showed the leprous young woman
another princes daughter; whom they brought with them to
9 But when he came to see her, he her.
perceived between her eyes the 19 Then said St. Mary, The mercy
signs of leprosy like a star, and of the Lord Jesus Christ rest upon
thereupon declared the marriage you;
dissolved and void. 20 And giving them a little of that
10 When the woman saw these water, with which she had washed
persons in this condition, exceeding the body of Jesus Christ, she bade
sorrowful, and shedding abundance them wash the diseased person with
of tears, she inquired of them the it, which when they had done, she
reason of their crying; was presently cured;
11 They replied, inquire not into 21 So they, and all who were
our circumstances; for we are not present, praised God; and being
able to declare our misfortunes to filled with joy, they went back to
any, person, whatsoever. their own city, and gave praises to
12 But she still pressed and desired God on that account.

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22 Then the prince hearing that his 7 Then she asked the husband of
wife was cured, took her home and the possessed person, Whether his
made a second marriage, giving wife's mother was alive? He told
thanks unto God for the recovery of her, That her father and mother
his wife's health. were both alive,
8 Then she ordered her mother to
CHAPTER XIII. be sent to her; to whom, when she
1 A girl, whose blood Satan sucked saw her coming, she said, Is this
receives one of Christ's swaddling possessed girl thy daughter? She
clothes from the Virgin, 14 Satan moaning and bewailing said, Yes
comes like a dragon, and she shews madam I bore her.
it to him; flames and burning coals 9 The prince's daughter answered,
proceed from it and fall upon him; Disclose the secret of her case to
19 he is miraculously discomfited, me, for I confess to you that I was
and leaves the girl. leprous, but the Lady Mary, the
THERE was also a girl, who was mother of Jesus Christ, healed me.
afflicted by Satan, 10 And if you desire your daughter
2 For that cursed spirit did to be restored to her former state,
frequently appear to her in the take her to Bethlehem, and inquire
shape of a dragon, and was inclined for Mary the mother of Jesus, and
to swallow her up, and had so doubt not but your daughter will be
sucked out all her blood, that she cured; for I do not question but you
looked like a dead carcass. will come home with great joy at
3 As often as she came to herself, your daughter's recovery.
with her hands wringed about her 11 As soon as ever she had done
head she would cry out, and say, speaking, she arose and went with
Wo, Wo is me, that there is no one her daughter to the place appointed,
to be found, who can deliver me and to Mary, and told her the case
from that impious dragon! of her daughter.
4 Her father and mother, and all 12 When St. Mary had heard her
who were about her and saw her, story, she gave her a little of the
mourned and wept over her; water with which she had washed
5 And all who were present would the body of her son Jesus, and bade
especially be under sorrow and in her pour it upon the body of her
tears, when they heard her daughter.
bewailing and saying, My brethren 13 Likewise she gave her one of
and friends, is here no one who can the swaddling cloths of the Lord
deliver me from this murderer? Jesus, and said, Take this swaddling
6 Then the prince's daughter, who cloth, and shew it to thine enemy as
had been cured of her leprosy, often as thou seest him and she sent
hearing the complaint of that girl, them away in peace.
went upon the top of her castle, and 14 After they bad left that city and
saw her with her hands twisted returned home, and the time was
about her head, pouring out a flood come in which Satan was wont to
of tears, and all the people that seize her, in the same moment this
were about her in tears. cursed spirit appeared to her in the

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shape of a huge dragon, and the girl 2 This boy, named Judas, as often
seeing him was afraid, as Satan seized him, was inclined to
15 The mother said to her, Be not bite all that were present; and if he
afraid, daughter; let him alone till found no one else near him, he
he come nearer to thee! then shew would bite his own hands and other
him the swaddling cloth, which the parts.
Lady Mary gave us, and we shall 3 But the mother of this miserable
see the event. boy, hearing of St. Mary and her
16 Satan then coming like a son Jesus, arose presently and
dreadful dragon, the body of the taking her son in her arms, brought
girl trembled for fear. him to the Lady Mary.
17 But as soon as she had put the 4 In the meantime, James and Joses
swaddling cloth upon her head, and had taken away the infant, the Lord
about her eyes, and chewed it to Jesus, to play at a proper season
him, presently there issued forth with other children; and when they
from the swaddling cloth flames went forth, they sat down and the
and burning coals, and fell upon the Lord Jesus with them.
dragon. 5 Then Judas, who was possessed,
18 Oh! how great a miracle was came and sat down at the right hand
this, which was done: as soon as the of Jesus.
dragon saw the swaddling cloth of 6 When Satan was acting upon him
the Lord Jesus, fire went forth and as usual, he went about to bite the
was scattered upon his head and Lord Jesus.
eyes; so that he cried out with a 7 And because he could not do it,
loud voice, What have I to do with he struck Jesus on the right side, so
thee, Jesus, thou son of Mary? that he cried out.
Whither shall I flee from thee? 8 And in the same moment Satan
19 So he drew back much went out of the boy, and ran away
affrighted, and left the girl. like a mad dog.
20 And she was delivered from this 9 This same boy who struck Jesus,
trouble, and sang praises and thanks and out of whom Satan went in the
to God, and with her all who were form of a dog, was Judas Iscariot,
present at the working of the who betrayed him to the Jews.
miracle. 10 And that same side, on which
Judas: struck him, the Jews pierced
CHAPTER XIV. with a spear.
1 Judas when a boy possessed by
Satan, and brought up by his CHAPTER XV.
parents to Jesus to be cured, whom 1 Jesus and other boys play
he tries to bite, 7 but failing, together, and make clay figures of
strikes Jesus and makes him cry animals. 4 Jesus causes them to
out. Whereupon Satan goes from walk, 6 also makes clay birds,
Jesus in the shape of a dog. which he causes to fly, and eat and
ANOTHER woman likewise lived drink. 7 The children's parents
there, whose son was possessed by alarmed, and take Jesus for a
Satan, sorcerer. 8 He goes to a dyer's

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shop, and throws all the cloths into and threw them into the furnace.
the furnace, and works a miracle 11 When Salem came home, and
therewith. 15 Whereupon the Jews saw the cloths spoiled, he began to
praise God. make a great noise, and to chide the
AND when the Lord Jesus was Lord Jesus, saying,
seven years of age, he was on a 12 What hast thou done to me, O
certain day with other boys his thou son of Mary? Thou hast
companions about the same age; injured both me and my neighbours;
2 Who, when they were at play, they all desired their cloths of a
made clay into several shapes, proper colour; but thou hast come
namely-asses, oxen, birds, and and spoiled them all.
other figures; 13 The Lord Jesus replied, I will
3 Each boasting of his work, and change the colour of every cloth to
endeavouring to exceed the rest. what colour thou desirest.
4 Then the Lord Jesus said to the 14 And then he presently began to
boys, I will command these figures take the cloths out of the furnace,
which I have made to walk. and they were all dyed of those
5 And immediately they moved, same colours which the dyer
and when he commanded them to desired.
return, they returned. 15 And when the Jews saw this
6 He had also made the figures of surprising miracle, they praised
birds and sparrows, which, when he God.
commanded to fly, did fly, and
when he commanded to stand still, CHAPTER XVI.
did stand still; and if he gave them 1 Christ miraculously widens or
meat and drink, they did eat and contracts the gates, milk pails,
drink. sieves, or boxes, not properly made
7 When at length the boys went by Joseph, 4 he not being skilful at
away, and related these things to his carpenter's trade. 5 The King of
their parents, their fathers said to Jerusalem gives Joseph an order
them, Take heed, children, for the for a throne. 6 Joseph works on it
future of his company, for he is a for two years in the king's palace,
sorcerer; shun and avoid him, and and makes it two spans too short.
from henceforth never play with The king being angry with him, 10
him. Jesus comforts him, 13 commands
8 On a certain day also, when the him to pull one side of the throne,
Lord Jesus was playing with the while he pulls the other, and brings
boys, and running about, he passed it to its proper dimensions. 14
by a dyer's shop, whose name was Whereupon the bystanders praise
Salem. God.
9 And there were in his shop many AND Joseph, wheresoever he went
pieces of cloth belonging to the in the city, took the Lord Jesus with
people of that city, which they him, where he was sent for to work
designed to dye of several colours. to make gates, or milk-pails, or
10 Then the Lord Jesus going into sieves, or boxes; the Lord Jesus was
the dyer's shop, took all the cloths, with him, wheresoever be went.

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2 And as often as Joseph had 15 Which miracle when they who

anything in his work, to make stood by saw, they were astonished,
longer, or shorter, or wider, or and praised God.
narrower, the Lord Jesus would 16 The throne was made of the
stretch his hand towards it. same wood which was in being in
3 And presently it became as Solomon's time, namely, wood
Joseph would have it: adorned with various shapes, and
4 So that he had no need to finish figures.
anything with his own hands, for he
was not very skilful at his CHAPTER XVII.
carpenter's trade. 1 Jesus plays with boys at hide and
5 On a certain time the King of seek. 3 Some women put his
Jerusalem sent for him, and said, I playfellows in a furnace, 7 where
would have thee make me a throne they are transformed by Jesus into
of the same dimensions with that kids. 10 Jesus calls them to go and
place in which I commonly sit. play, and they are restored to their
6 Joseph obeyed, and forthwith former shape.
began the work, and continued two ON another day the Lord Jesus
years in the king's palace before he going out into the street, and seeing
finished it. some boys who were met to play,
7 And when he came to fix it in its joined himself to their company.
place, he found it wanted two spans 2 But when they saw him, they hid
on each side of the appointed themselves, and left him to seek for
messure. them;
8 Which when the king saw, he was 3 The Lord Jesus came to the gate
very angry with Joseph; of a certain house, and asked some
9 And Joseph afraid of the king's women who were standing there,
anger, went to bed without his Where the boys were gone?
supper, taking not any thing to eat. 4 And when they answered, That
10 Then the Lord Jesus asked him, there was no one there; the Lord
What he was afraid of? Jesus said, Who are those whom ye
11 Joseph replied, Because I have see in the furnace?
lost my labour in the work which I 5 They answered, They were kids
have been about these two years. of three years old.
12 Jesus said to him, Fear not, 6 Then Jesus cried out aloud, and
neither be cast down; said, Come out hither, O ye kids, to
13 Do thou lay hold on one side of your shepherd;
the throne, and I will the other, and 7 And presently the boys came
we will bring it to its just forth like kids, and leaped about
dimensions. him; which when the women saw,
14 And when Joseph had done as they were exceedingly amazed, and
the Lord Jesus said, and each of trembled,
them had with strength drawn his 8 Then they immediately
side, the throne obeyed, and was worshipped, the Lord Jesus, and
brought to the proper dimensions of beseeched him, saying, O our Lord
the place: Jesus, son of Mary, thou art truly

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that good shepherd of Israel! have certain men, carrying a boy upon a
mercy on thy handmaids, who stand couch;
before thee, who do not doubt, but 5 For this boy having gone with his
that thou, O Lord, art come to save, companions to the mountain to
and not to destroy. gather wood, and having found
9 After that, when the Lord Jesus there a partridge's nest, and put his
said, the children of Israel are like hand in to take out the eggs, was
Ethiopians among the people; the stung by a poisonous serpent, which
women said, Thou, Lord, knowest leaped out of the nest; so that he
all things, nor is any thing was forced to cry out for the help of
concealed from thee: but now we his companions; who, when they
entreat thee, and beseech of thy came, found him lying upon the
mercy, that thou wouldest restore earth like a dead person.
those boys to their former state. 6 After which his neighbours came
10 Then Jesus said, Come hither, O and carried him back into the city.
boys, that we may go and play; and 7 But when they came to the place
immediately, in the presence of where the Lord Jesus, was sitting
these women, the kids were like a king, and the other boys
changed, and returned into the stood around him like his ministers,
shape of boys. the boys made haste to meet him,
who was bitten by the serpent, and
CHAPTER XVIII. said to his neighbours, Come and
1 Jesus becomes the king of his pay your respects to the king;
playfellows, and they crown him 8 But when, by reason of their
with flowers; 4 miraculously causes sorrow, they refused to come, the
a serpent who had bitten Simon the boys drew them, and forced them
Cananite, then a boy, to suck out against their wills to come.
all the poison again; 16 the serpent 9 And when they came to the Lord
bursts, and Christ restores the boy Jesus, he inquired, On what account
to health. they carried that boy?
IN the month Adar Jesus gathered 10 And when they answered that a
together the boys, and ranked them serpent had bitten him, the Lord
as though he had been a king. Jesus said to the boys, Let us go
2 For they spread their garments on and kill that serpent.
the ground for him to sit on; and 11 But when the parents of the boy
having made a crown of flowers, desired to be excused, because their
put it upon his head, and stood on son lay at the point of death; the
his right and left as the guards of a boys made answer, and said, Did
king. not ye hear what the king said? Let
3 And if any one happened to pass us go and kill the serpent; and will
by, they took him by force, and not ye obey him?
said, Come hither, and worship the 12 So they brought the couch back
king, that you may have a again, whether they would or not.
prosperous journey. 13 And when they were come to
4 In the mean time, while these the nest, the Lord Jesus said to the
things were doing, there came boys, Is this the serpent's lurking

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 F I R S T I N FA N C Y G O S P E L

place? They said, It was. upon the place where the viper had
14 Then the Lord Jesus calling the bit him, and it was instantly well.
serpent, it presently came forth and 4 On a certain day the Lord Jesus
submitted to him; to whom he said, was with some boys, who were
Go and suck out all the poison playing on the house-top, and one
which thou hast infused into that of the boys fell down, and presently
boy: died.
15 So the serpent crept to the boy, 5 Upon which the other boys all
and took away all its poison again. running away, the Lord Jesus was
16 Then the Lord Jesus cursed the left alone on the house-top.
serpent, so that it immediately burst 6 And the boy's relations came to
asunder, and died; him and said to the Lord Jesus,
17 And he touched the boy with his Thou didst throw our son down
hand to restore him to his former from the house-top.
health; 7 But he denying it, they cried out,
18 And when he began to cry, the Our son is dead, and this is he who
Lord Jesus said, Cease crying for killed him.
hereafter thou shale be my disciple; 8 The Lord Jesus replied to them,
19 And this is that Simon the Do not charge me with a crime of
Canaanite, who is mentioned in the which you are not able to convict
Gospel. me, but let us go and ask the boy
himself, who will bring the truth to
CHAPTER XIX. light.
1 James being bitten by a viper, 9 Then the Lord Jesus going down
Jesus blows on the wound and cures stood over the head of the dead boy,
him. 4 Jesus charged with throwing and said with a loud voice,
a boy from the roof of, a house, 10 Zeinunus, Zeinunus, who threw thee
miraculously raises the dead boy to down from the housetop?
acquit him; 12 fetches water for his 10 Then the dead boy answered,
mother, breaks the pitcher and thou didst not throw me down, but
miraculously gathers the water in such a one did.
his mantle and brings it home; 16 11 And when the Lord Jesus bade
makes fish pools on the Sabbath, 20 those who stood by to take present
causes a boy to die who broke them praised God on account of that
down, 22 another boy runs against miracle.
him, whom he also causes to die. 12 On a certain time the Lady St.
ON another day Joseph sent his son Mary had commanded the Lord
James to gather wood, and the Lord Jesus to fetch her some water out of
Jesus went with him; the well;
2 And when they came to the place 13 And when he had gone to fetch
where the wood was, and James the water, the pitcher, when it was
began to gather it, behold, a brought up full, brake;
venemous viper bit him, so that he 14 But Jesus spreading his mantle
began to cry, and make a noise. gathered up the water again, and
3 The Lord Jesus seeing him in this brought it in that to his mother;
condition, came to him, and blowed 15 Who, being astonished at this

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 F I R S T I N FA N C Y G O S P E L

wonderful thing, laid up this, and letters, and the schoolmaster going
all the other things which she had to whip him, his hand withers and
seen, in her memory. he dies.
16 Again on another day the Lord THERE was also at Jerusalem one
Jesus was with some boys by a named Zaccheus, who was a
river, and they drew water out of schoolmaster:
the river by little channels, and 2 And he said to Joseph, Joseph,
made little fish-pools. why dost thou not send Jesus to me,
17 But the Lord Jesus had made that he may learn his letters?
twelve sparrows, and placed them 3 Joseph agreed, and told St. Mary;
about his pool on each side, three 4 So they brought him to that
on a side. master; who, as soon as he saw him,
18 But it was the Sabbath day, and wrote out an alphabet for him,
the son of Hanani a Jew came by, 5 And he bade him say Aleph; and
and saw them making these things, when he had said Aleph, the master
and said, Do ye thus make figures bade him pronounce Beth.
of clay on the Sabbath? And he ran 6 Then the Lord Jesus said to him,
to them, and broke down their fish- Tell me first the meaning of the
pools. letter Aleph, and then I will
19 But when the Lord Jesus pronounce Beth.
clapped his hands over the sparrows 7 And when the master threatened
which he had made, they fled away to whip him, the Lord Jesus
chirping. explained to him the meaning of the
20 At length the son of Hanani letters Aleph and Beth;
coming to the fish-pool of Jesus to 8 Also which were the straight
destroy it, the water vanished away, figures of the letters, which the
and the Lord Jesus said to him, oblique, and what letters had
21 In like manner as this water had double figures; which had points,
vanished, so shall thy life vanish; and which had none; why one letter
and presently the boy died. went before another; and many
22 Another time, when the Lord other things he began to tell him,
Jesus was coming home in the and explain, of which the master
evening with Joseph, he met a boy, himself had never heard, nor read in
who ran so hard against him, that any book.
he threw him down; 9 The Lord Jesus farther said to the
23 To whom the Lord Jesus said, master, Take notice how I say to
As thou hast thrown me down, so thee; then he began clearly and
shalt thou fall, nor ever rise. distinctly to say Aleph, Beth,
24 And that moment the boy fell Gimel, Daleth, and so on to the end
down and died. of the alphabet.
10 At this the master was so
CHAPTER XX. surprised, that he said, I believe
4 Christ sent to school to Zaccheus this boy was born before Noah;
to learn his letters, and teaches 11 And turning to Joseph, he said,
Zaccheus. 13 Sent to another Thou hast brought a boy to me to be
schoolmaster, 14 refuses to tell his taught, who is more learned than

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any master. spirit call him Lord? When he saith,

12 He said also to St. Mary, This The Lord said to my Lord, sit thou
your son has no need of any at my right hand, till I have made
learning. thine enemies thy foot- stool.
13 They brought him then to a 5 Then a certain principal Rabbi
more learned master, who, when he asked him, Hast thou read books?
saw him, said, say Aleph; 6 Jesus answered, be had read both
14 And when he had sand Aleph, books, and the things which were
the master bade him pronounce contained in books.
Beth; to which the Lord Jesus 7 And he explained to them the
replied, Tell me first the meaning of books of the law, and precepts, and
the letter Aleph, and then I will statutes: and the mysteries which
pronounce Beth. are contained in the books of the
15 But this master, when he did lift prophets; things which the mind of
up his hand to whip him, had his no creature could reach.
hand presently withered, and he 8 Then said that Rabbi, I never yet
died. have seen or heard of such
16 Then said Joseph to St. Mary, knowledge! What do you think that
Henceforth we will not allow him to boy will be?
go out of the house; for every one 9 When a certain astronomer, who
who displeases him is killed. was present, asked the Lord Jesus,
Whether he had studied astronomy?
CHAPTER XXI. 10 The Lord Jesus replied, and told
Compare Luke ii. 42, whose meagre him the number of the spheres and
account is deficient of the sublime heavenly bodies, as also their
details here given of the subjects triangular, square, and sextile
disputed upon. 1 Disputes learnedly aspect; their progressive and
with the doctors in the temple, 7 on retrograde motion; their size and
law, 9 on astronomy, 12 on physics several prognostications; and other
and metaphysics. 21 Is worshiped things which the reason of man had
by a philosopher, 28 and fetched never discovered.
home by his mother. 11 There was also among them a
AND when he was twelve years philosopher well skilled in physic
old, they brought him to Jerusalem and natural philosophy, who asked
to the feast; and when the feast was the Lord Jesus, Whether he had
over, they returned. studied physic?
2 But the Lord Jesus continued 12 He replied, and explained to
behind in the temple among the him physics and metaphysics.
doctors and elders, and learned men 13 Also those things which were
of Israel; to whom he proposed above and below the power of
several questions of learning, and nature;
also gave them answers: 14 The powers also of the body, its
3 For he said to them, Whose son humours, and their effects.
is the Messiah? They answered, the 15 Also the number of its members,
son of David. and bones, veins, arteries, and
4 Why then, said he, does he in the nerves;

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16 The several constitutions of things.

body, hot and dry, cold and moist, 28 And his mother kept all these
and the tendencies of them; things in her mind;
17 How the soul operated upon the 29 And the Lord Jesus grew in
body; stature and wisdom, and favour
18 What its various sensations and with God and man.
faculties, were;
19 The faculty of speaking, anger, CHAPTER XXII.
desire; 1 Jesus conceals his miracles, 2
20 And lastly the manner of its studies the law, 3 and is baptized.
composition and dissolution; and NOW from this time Jesus began to
other things, which the conceal his miracles and secret
understanding of no creature had works,
ever reached. 2 And gave himself to the study of
21 Then that philosopher arose, the law, till he arrived to the end of
and worshipped the Lord Jesus, and his thirtieth year;
said, O Lord Jesus, from henceforth 3 At which time the Father publicly
I will be thy disciple and servant. owned him at Jordan, sending down
22 While they were discoursing on this voice from heaven, This is my
these and such like things, the Lady beloved son, in whom I am well
St. Mary came in, having been three pleased;
days walking about with Joseph, 4 The Holy Ghost being also
seeking for him. present in the form of a dove.
23 And when she saw him sitting 5 This is he whom we worship with
among the doctors, and in his turn all reverence, because he gave us
proposing questions to them, and our life and being, and brought us
giving answers, she said to him, My from our mother's womb, Glory to
son, why hast thou done thus by us? God,
Behold I and thy father have been 6 Who, for our sakes, took a human
at much pains in seeking thee. body, and hath redeemed us, that so
24 He replied, Why did ye seek he might embrace us with
me? Did ye not know that I ought to everlasting mercy, and shew his
be employed in my father's house? free, large, bountiful grace and
25 But they understood not the goodness to us.
words which he said to them. 7 To him be glory and praise, and
26 Then the doctors asked Mary, power, and dominion, from
Whether this were her son? And henceforth said for evermore.
when she said, He was, they said, O Amen. (The end of the whole
happy Mary, who hast borne such a Gospel of the Infancy, by the
son. assistance of the Supreme God,
27 Then he returned with them to according to what we found in the
Nazareth, and obeyed them in all original.)

REFERENCES TO THE FIRST GOSPEL OF THE INFANCY OF JESUS CHRIST

Mr. Henry Sike, Professor of Oriental Languages at Cambridge, first
translated and published this Gospel in 1697. It was received by the

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Gnostics, a sect of Christians in the second century; and several of its

relations were credited in the following ages by other Christians, viz.,
Eusebius, Athanasius, Epiphanius; Chrysostom. &c. Sozomen says, he was
told by many, and he credits the relations, of the idols in Egypt falling
down on Joseph, and Mary's flight thither with Christ; and of Christ making
a well to wash his clothes in a sycamore-tree, from whence balsam
afterwards proceeded; which stories are from this Gospel. Chemnitius, out
of Stipulensis, who had it from Peter Martyr, Bishop of Alexandria, in the
third century, says, that the place in Egypt where Christ was banished is
now called Matarea, about ten miles beyond Cairo; that the inhabitants
constantly burn a lamp in remembrance of it; and that there is a garden of
trees yielding a balsam, which were planted by Christ when a boy. M. La
Crosse cites a synod at Angamala, in the Mountain of Malabar, A. D. 1599,
which shows this Gospel was commonly read by the Nestorians in the
country. Ahmed Ibu Idris, a Mahometan divine, says, it was used by some
Christians in common with the other four Gospels; and Ocobius de Castro
mentions a Gospel of Thomas, which he says, he saw and had translated to
him by an Armenian Archbishop at Amsterdam, that was read in very many
churches of Asia and Africa, as the only rule of their faith. Fabricius takes
it to be this Gospel. It has been supposed, that Mahomet and his coadjutors
used it in compiling the Koran. There are several stories believed of Christ,
proceeding from this Gospel; as that which Mr. Sike relates out of La
Brosse's Persic Lexicon, that Christ practised the trade of a dyer, and his
working a miracle with the colours; from whence the Persian dyers honour
him as their patron, and call a dye-house the shop of Christ. Sir John
Chardin mentions Persian legends concerning Christ's dispute with his
schoolmaster about his ABC; and his lengthening the cedar-board which
Joseph sawed too short.] Note on the Miracles of Christ in the preceding
Gospels. A great void in the early life of the Saviour is filled up by these
Gospels. In none of the Canonical Evangelists is any mention made of the
childhood of Jesus. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, more
rapidly than satisfactorily, pass over the period intervening between His
birth and ministry. It is natural to suppose that the Infant Redeemer's
earliest days were spent in the society of other young children, and it is
quite consistent with every sincere Christians faith to believe that He had
the power to perform the miracles here ascribed to him otherwise, a limit
will be set to His divine attributes, doubts raised against His performance
of the miracles related by the four Evangelists, in the authorised version of
the Testament, and a denial given of the declaration therein, "With GOD
nothing is impossible!"

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