able idolatries), to guide our feet into the way of peace. 80. Now the child grew and was strengthened in the spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his appearing publicly to Israel. CHAP. II. THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST. In those days, there came out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the empire should be taxed. 2. And this was the first enrollment made by Cyrenius, afterwards governor of Syria. 3. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. 4. Joseph also went from Galilee, out of the city Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, called Bethlehem, as he was of David's race, 5. To be taxed, with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6. And while they were there, her time to be delivered was come. 7. So she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8. There were also shepherds in the field in that country, watching their flock by night. 9. And lo, the angel of the Lord came there, and the glory of the Lord shone about them; and they were much afraid. 10. But the angel said to them, Fear not; for, lo, I bring you good tidings of great joy for all people. 11. For to you is born this day, in the city of David, the Saviour, Christ the Lord. 12. And this will be a sign to you: ye shall find a swathed babe lying in a manger. 13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, saying, 14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good-will among men. 15. As soon as the angels went from them to heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go into Bethlehem, and see what the Lord hath declared to us. 16. So they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17. Which having seen, they published what was spoken to them concerning this child. 18. So that all who heard, wondered at those things spoken to them by the shepherds. 19. But Mary kept all these things, considering them in her heart. 20. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, according as it was told them. 21. And eight days being accomplished to circumcise the child, he was called JESUS, being so named by the angel before he was conceived. 22. And the days of her purification, according to Moses' law, being accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 23. As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every firstborn male child, shall be holy to the Lord; 24. And to offer a sacrifice, according to what is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons. 25. Now, lo, there was a man in Jerusalem, named Simeon, who was righteous and religious, and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel (the Messiah); and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26. For it was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, 28. Then he took him up into his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29. Ó Sovereign Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30. For mine eyes hath seen thy salvation, 31. Which thou hast prepared for all people, 32. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 33. Now Joseph and his mother wondered at those things spoken about him. 34. Simeon also blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, lo, this child is appointed for the fall and rising again (the humbling and exalting) of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken a gainst (by those who stumble and fall, and split on the rock of salvation;) 35. Yea, a sword (of sorrow) shall pierce thro' thine own soul also, that the (good or bad) thoughts of many hearts may be discovered. 36. There was likewise Anna, a prophetess, daughter of Phanuel, of Aser's tribe, she being of a great age, having lived with one husband seven years in her youth; 37. And being a widow of about eighty-four years old, who departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day; 38. She also coming in that instant, gave thanks to the Lord, and spake of him to all that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. 39. And having performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 40. So the child grew and was strengthened in spirit, being full of wisdom; and the grace of God was in him. 41. Now, his parents went yearly to Jerusalem at the feast of the passover. 42. And when he was twelve years old he went to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43, And having fulfilled the days for their returning, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; but Joseph and his mother knew not of it. 44. But supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey, and sought him among their kind red and acquaintance. 45. But not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46. But after three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the doctors, both hearing them and asking them questions. 47. And all that heard him were astonished, both at his understanding and answers. 48. And seeing him they were amazed. And his mother said to him, Son, why hast thou done thus with us? lo, thy father and I sought thee sorrowing. 49. But he said to them, why sought ye me? knew ye not that I must be about my Father's business? 50. But they understood not that saying. 51. And he went down with them to Nazareth, and was subject to them. But his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. CHAP. III. JOHN'S BAPTISM AND PREACHING. Now, in the fifteenth year of Tiberius Cesar's reign, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch (fourth-rate governor) of Abylene, 2. Annas and Caiaphas being the high-priests; God's commission came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness. 3. So he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; 4. As it is written in the words of the book of the prophet. Esaias; saying, (xl. 3.) The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the Lord's way, make his paths straight, (by sincere repentance and righteousness.) 5. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill be brought low, (the humble shall be exalted, and the proud and haughty abased); and the crooked VOL. III. S 29 shall be made straight, and the rough ways smooth, (the wicked and profligate shall become upright and sober, and the way to heaven rendered easy); 6. And all men shall see the salvation of God. 7. Then he said to the multitude that came to be baptized by him, O generation of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8. Bring forth, therefore, the fruits of true repentance: and say not within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father, (and we trust we shall be accepted for his sake) for I tell you, that God can from these stones raise up children to Abraham, (and make the stony-hearted real penitents and true believers, Gal. iii. 7.) 9. And now also the axe is put to the root of the trees: every tree, therefore, which brings not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. (Acts xvii. 30. God suffered the times of ignorance, but now commands all every where to repent.) 10. Now the people asked him, saying, What shall we do? 11. He answered, Let him that hath two coats impart to him that hath none; and let him that hath meat, do likewise. 12. Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said to him, Master, what shall we do? 13. Then he said to them, Exact no more than what is appointed you. 14. The soldiers likewise asked him, What shall we do? And he said to them, Do violence to none, nor accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. 15. Now as the people were in expectation, and all mused in their hearts concerning John, whether he were the Christ or not; 16. John said to them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, whose shoes latchet I am not worthy to loose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, as with fire, (enlightening and purifying you): 17. Whose winnowing fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and |