Luke 2 Cross References - Mace

¹ At that time, Cesar Augustus published an edict, to make a register of the Roman empire. ² (this register was made before Quirinus was prefect of Syria.) ³ all went to be registred, every one to his native city. ⁴ so Joseph departed from Nazareth in Galilee, and went into Judea to the city of David, called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and linage of David, ⁵ in order to be registred with Mary, his espoused wife, who was then big with child. ⁶ now while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. ⁷ and being brought to bed of her first born, she swathed him, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. ⁸ In that country there were shepherds lying in the open fields, taking their turns to watch the stock in the night; ⁹ when all of a sudden an angel of the Lord appear'd to them, and a heavenly light shone about them, at which they were greatly affrighted. ¹⁰ but the angel said to them, be not afraid, I am only come to bring you great news, which will be matter of joy to you and to the whole world. ¹¹ for the Lord Messiah your saviour is this day born, in the city of David: ¹² and by this sign shall you know him; you will find the babe swathed, lying in a manger. ¹³ All of a sudden an army of celestial beings join'd the angel, singing praises to God, and saying, ¹⁴ "glory to God in the heavens, and to men on earth felicity in the divine favour." ¹⁵ As soon as the angels retired back to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, let us go to Bethlehem, to see the fact, of which the Lord inform'd us. ¹⁶ accordingly they hasted thither, and found Mary and Joseph with the babe lying in the manger. ¹⁷ when they had seen him, they divulged what the angel had told them concerning this child. ¹⁸ and all that heard of it, were surprized at what the shepherds related. ¹⁹ but Mary considered these things very attentively, and weigh'd every circumstance in her mind, while the shepherds return'd, ²⁰ glorifying and praising God, for having heard and seen every thing exactly as the angel inform'd them. ²¹ The eighth day, when the child was to be circumcised, being come, he was named Jesus, the name, which the angel had given before his conception. ²² At length the time appointed by the law of Moses for the purification of women being accomplish'd, they carried the infant to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, according as his law directs, ²³ "every first born male-child shall be consecrated to the Lord." ²⁴ and to offer the sacrifice prescrib'd by the law, which was a pair of turtle-doves, or two young pidgeons. ²⁵ At that time there dwelt at Jerusalem one Simeon, an honest, religious man, one who expected the appearance of the Messiah, and was endued with the spirit of prophecy. ²⁶ to him it was revealed by the holy spirit, that he should not die till he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. ²⁷ by the divine direction he came into the temple, just as the parents of Jesus were bringing in the child to perform what the law required in his behalf. ²⁸ then he took him up in his arms, and returned thanks to God in these words, "now, ²⁹ Lord, thou wilt grant thy servant a happy death, according to thy promise. ³⁰ for mine eyes have beheld the saviour, ³¹ whom thou hast provided for all mankind, a light to lighten the Gentiles, ³² and the glory of thy people Israel." ³³ Joseph and the mother of Jesus were surprized to hear such things pronounc'd concerning him. ³⁴ then Simeon gave them his benediction, and said to Mary his mother, "the child you now see, shall occasion many in Israel to fall and rise again; he will be the Object of calumny, ³⁵ which like a dart will pierce even thro' your own soul, that thereby the sincerity of many may be revealed." ³⁶ There was likewise one Anna a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser; she was of a great age, and had liv'd in a married state but seven years ever since she was a virgin: ³⁷ being then a widow of about fourscore and four years old: she was assiduously in the temple, night and day religiously employ'd in fastings and prayers: ³⁸ and happening to come in just at the same time, she likewise express'd her thanks to the lord, and spoke of Jesus to all those, who expected deliverance in Jerusalem. ³⁹ and when they had performed every thing required by the divine law, they returned into Galilee, to Nazareth their city. ⁴⁰ and the child grew in stature and in all the improvements of the mind; he was stor'd with wisdom, and was the object of divine favour. ⁴¹ Now his parents went every year to Jerusalem at the paschal feast. ⁴² when Jesus therefore was twelve years old they went thither, as was customary at the time of that festival. ⁴³ when that was expired, they returned, but the young Jesus staid behind in Jerusalem, without being miss'd either by Joseph or his Mother. ⁴⁴ so that they went a whole day's journey, imagining he was somewhere among the company, and then they look'd for him among their relations and acquaintance; but not finding him, ⁴⁵ they turn'd back to Jerusalem to enquire for him there. ⁴⁶ three days after they found him in the temple, sitting near the doctors, attending to them and asking them questions. ⁴⁷ and all that heard him were astonish'd at his understanding and answers. ⁴⁸ when Joseph and his mother saw him, great was their surprize: and his mother said to him, son, why did you leave us thus? your father and I have been looking for you with great concern. ⁴⁹ Jesus replied, why were ye so sollicitous about me? don't you know that 'tis my business to be in my father's house? ⁵⁰ but they did not comprehend the meaning of that expression. ⁵¹ However Jesus went down with them to Nazareth, and was subject to them: and his mother kept all these things in her heart. ⁵² in the mean time Jesus increas'd in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

¹⁷ tell us therefore, what is your opinion? is it lawful to pay tribute to Cesar, or no?

¹⁴ and this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world, to testify to all nations, that the end will then come.

⁹ I declare unto you, in whatever quarter of the world this part of the gospel-history shall be related, this action of hers shall be mention'd to her praise.

¹⁵ Then he said to them, go ye into all parts of the world, and preach the gospel to all mankind.

¹ In the fifteenth year of the emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea; Herod tetrarch of Gallilee: Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea and Trachonitis: and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene:

²⁸ and one of them named Agabus foretold by the spirit, that there should be a great famine, thro' all the world: which accordingly happen'd in the reign of Claudius Cesar.

¹¹ if I am guilty of any capital crime, I am contented to die. but since their accusations are all groundless, that I may not be sacrificed to their humour, I appeal to Cesar."

²¹ but Paul having made his appeal, insisting to have his cause refer'd to the cognizance of the emperor, I order'd him into custody, till I could send him to Cesar.

⁸ First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is celebrated through the whole world.

²² all the converts here salute you, particularly those of Cesar's houshold.

²⁴ so that his fame was spread over all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were afflicted with any diseases or pains, demoniacs, lunatics, and paralytics; and he healed them.

³⁷ after this man, Judas of Galilee appear'd, at the time of the registry, and seduc'd many people: he also perished, and all his followers were dispersed.

⁷ he was with the proconsul Sergius Paulus, a man of prudence: who sent for Barnabas and Saul, desiring to hear the word of God.

¹² When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a general insurrection against Paul, and carry'd him to his tribunal.

²⁶ CLAUDIUS LYSIAS to the most excellent governour FELIX wishes health.

³⁰ When he had said this, the king, the governour, Bernice, and all that were seated near them, rose up: and being retired,

¹ The History of the life of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. ² Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judas and his brethren. ³ And Judas the father of Phares and Zara by Thamar, and Phares the father of Esrom, Esrom the father of Aram. ⁴ Aram the father of Aminadab, Aminadab the father of Naasson, Naasson the father of Salmon. ⁵ Salmon the father of Booz by Rachab, and Booz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse. ⁶ And Jesse the father of David the king, and David had Solomon by her that had been the wife of Urias. ⁷ Solomon was the father of Roboam, Roboam the father of Abia, Abia the father of Asa. ⁸ Asa the father of Josaphat, Josaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Ozias. ⁹ Ozias the father of Joatham, Joatham the father of Achaz, Achaz the father of Ezekias. ¹⁰ Ezekias the father of Manasses, Manasses the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josias. ¹¹ Josias the father of Jechonias and his brethren, about the time when the Jews were carried away to Babylon. ¹² and after their transmigration to Babylon, Jechonias was father of Salathiel, Salathiel father of Zorobabel. ¹³ Zorobabel father of Abiud, Abiud father of Eliakim, Eliakim father of Azor. ¹⁴ And Azor father of Sadoc, Sadoc father of Achim, Achim father of Eliud. ¹⁵ Eliud father of Eleazar, Eleazar father of Matthan, Matthan father of Jacob. ¹⁶ Jacob father of Joseph the husband of Mary of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. ¹⁷ So all the generations from Abraham to David, are fourteen generations: and from David to the Babylonian transmigration, are fourteen generations: and from the Babylonian transmigration unto Christ, are fourteen generations.

¹ When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the reign of king Herod, certain eastern Magi came to Jerusalem, with this enquiry, ² Where is this king of the Jews who is now born? for we have seen his rising star, and are come to pay him homage. ³ when king Herod heard these things, he was alarm'd, and all Jerusalem with him. ⁴ and having assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he enquired of them where Christ was to be born. ⁵ they answered him, in Bethlehem of Judea: for these are the words of the prophet; ⁶ "And thou Bethlehem in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor that shall rule my people Israel."

²³ and went to dwell in a town called Nazareth, so that those words of one of the prophets were fulfill'd, "He shall be called a Nazarene."

²⁶ In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, ²⁷ to a virgin contracted to a man; whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. and the virgin's name was Mary.

²³ Jesus was then about thirty years of age, being, as was suppos'd, the son of Joseph, ²⁴ son of Heli, son of Matthat, son of Levi, son of Melchi, son of Janna, son of Joseph, ²⁵ son of Mattathias, son of Amos, son of Naum, son of Esli, son of Nagge, ²⁶ son of Maath, son of Mattathias, son of Semi, son of Joseph, son of Juda, son of Joanna, ²⁷ son of Rhesa, son of Zorobabel, son of Salathiel, ²⁸ son of Neri, son of Melchi, son of Addi, son of Cosam, son of Elmodam, son of Er, ²⁹ son of Jose, son of Eliezer, son of Jorim, son of Matthat, son of Levi, son of Simeon, ³⁰ son of Juda, son of Joseph, son of Jonan, son of Eliakim, ³¹ son of Melea, son of Menan, son of Mattatha, son of Nathan, son of David,

¹⁶ being come to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; according to his custom, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath-day, and standing up to read,

⁴⁶ but Nathanael said to him, can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? come and see, said Philip.

⁴² hath not the scripture said, that the Messiah is to rise out of the family of David, and out of Bethlehem, the village where David was born?

¹⁸ Now the manner of Christ's birth was this: his mother Mary being promised in marriage to Joseph, before they came together, she became pregnant by the holy Spirit. ¹⁹ but Joseph her husband, being a good-natur'd man, and unwilling to expose her to publick shame, he designed to put her away privately.

⁵⁷ When Elizabeth had gone her full time, she was delivered of a son.

¹ and there appeared a great wonder in heaven, a WOMAN invested with glory like the sun: the moon was under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: ² she was with child, and cried in her labour with the pangs of her delivery. ³ And there appeared another wonder in heaven, it was a great red dragon, having seven heads, and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. ⁴ his tail swept the third part of the stars of heaven; and cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to be delivered, in order to devour her child as soon as it was born. ⁵ and she brought forth a man-child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up to be with God, and about his throne.

²⁵ but did not cohabit with her as a wife, before she had-brought forth her first-born son; whom he named JESUS.

²⁰ Jesus replyed, the foxes have kennels, and the birds of the air have nests; but the son of man hath not where to lay his head.

⁵⁵ is not this the carpenter's son? is not Mary his mother? and James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas, are they not his brothers?

¹¹ for the Lord Messiah your saviour is this day born, in the city of David: ¹² and by this sign shall you know him; you will find the babe swathed, lying in a manger.

³⁴ went up to him, dress'd his wounds by applying oil and wine, then set him upon his own mule, and brought him to an inn, where he took care of him.

¹⁴ The Logos became incarnate, and had his tabernacle among us, being full of grace and truth; and we contemplated his glory, such glory as the Monogenes derived from the father.

⁹ for you are sensible of the beneficence of our Lord Jesus Christ; powerful as he was, for your sake he became poor, that you through his poverty might be made rich.

⁴ God sent forth his own son born of a woman, and subject to the law, to redeem those,

⁸ they who have personated me, are all thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not follow them. ⁹ I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved; he shall go in and out, and find pasture. ¹⁰ the thief comes only to steal, to kill, and destroy: but I am come that they might have life, and have it with all its advantages. ¹¹ I am the true pastor: the true pastor exposes his life for the sheep. ¹² but the hireling, who is not the pastor, nor has the property of the sheep, seeing the wolf come, leaves the sheep, and flies away: so the wolf seizes some, and disperses the flock.

²⁰ but while he was revolving this in his mind, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, the off-spring of David, don't make any difficulty of taking Mary for thy wife: for her pregnancy is from the holy Spirit.

¹¹ when there appear'd to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the incense-altar. ¹² Zacharias startled at the sight and was seized with fear.

²⁸ the angel, upon his arrival, said to her; "Hail, favorite of heaven, the Lord is with thee: thou happiest of thy sex."

⁴ whilst they were in great perplexity about it, all of a sudden, two men appear'd before them in robes of light.

⁴¹ these things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.

¹⁹ but an angel of the Lord opened the prison-doors by night, and having brought them out, said to them,

⁷ the Lord suddenly appear'd and fill'd the room with light, and touching Peter on the side, awak'd him, saying, rise, be quick. and immediately his chains fell from his hands.

⁶ as I was upon the road, advanc'd near Damascus, about mid-day, all of a sudden a great light from heaven broke all around me. ⁷ I fell to the ground, and heard a voice pronounce these words, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" ⁸ I answered, who art thou, Lord? it answered, "I am Jesus the Nazarene whom thou dost persecute." ⁹ the company actually saw the light, but did not hear the voice of him that spoke to me.

¹³ when at mid-day, O king, a light from heaven exceeding the splendor of the sun, broke all around me, and those that accompanied me. ¹⁴ we were all struck down: when I heard a voice directed to me pronounce these words in the Hebrew tongue, "Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecute me? it is dangerous for thee to kick against the goad."

²³ for an angel of that God, whose minister I am, and whom I serve, this night appear'd to me, and said, Paul, be not afraid:

¹⁸ but as we lay aside the veil, the divine light gradually informs the mind, according as we attend to that spiritual sense, which points out the Lord.

⁶ for God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to enlighten others in the knowledge of the glory of God, which shines in the person of Jesus Christ.

¹⁶ the mystery of piety is the pillar and basts of truth; and certainly most extraordinary. God has appear'd in the flesh, been justified by the spirit, seen by angels, proclaim'd to the Gentiles, believ'd by the world, and assum'd into glory.

²¹ and so terrible was the appearance, that Moses cry'd out, "I tremble with the fright."

¹ After this I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightned with his glory.

¹¹ Then I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose presence the earth and the heaven fled away, so that they disappear'd.

²⁷ but Jesus immediately call'd to them, take courage, said he, it is I, don't be afraid.

⁵ but the angel spoke to the woman, and said, don't be frighted, I know you are seeking Jesus, who was crucified.

¹⁸ and Jesus came, and said to them, all power has been given me in heaven and in earth.

¹⁵ "the time, said he, is accomplish'd, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."

¹³ but the angel said to Zacharias, don't be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard: and your wife Elizabeth shall bear you a son, whom you shall name John:

¹⁹ the angel replied, I am Gabriel, who attend in the presence of God, and am sent to communicate to you this agreeable message.

³⁰ but the angel said to her, "Mary, be not afraid: for you are the object of divine favour.

³¹ whom thou hast provided for all mankind, a light to lighten the Gentiles, ³² and the glory of thy people Israel."

¹ After this Jesus went about, preaching to every city and village, proclaiming the reign of the Messias, attended by his twelve apostles,

⁴⁷ and that repentance and remission of sins should be preach'd in his name, among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

³² to you therefore we declare, that the promise which God had made to the fathers, he has now perform'd to us, who are their children, by his having raised up Jesus again.

¹⁵ and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach except they be sent? as it is written, "how beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"

⁹ and you Gentiles ought to glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, "for this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name ." ¹⁰ and again the scripture saith, "rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people." ¹¹ and elsewhere, praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles, and laud him, all ye people." ¹² besides Esaias saith, "there shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles hope."

⁸ upon me, who am the meanest of all christians, is this favour bestowed, that I should proclaim to the Gentiles the undiscoverable advantages by Christ;

²³ provided you continue well-grounded and settled in the faith, and do not abandon that hope which has been offer'd to you by the gospel, and is proclaim'd to all mankind; of which I Paul am made a minister.

¹⁷ as soon as I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead: but he laid his right hand upon me, and said, "Fear not; I am the first and the last: ¹⁸ I am he that liveth; I was dead; but now you see I am alive for all eternity, amen; and I have the keys of the grave, and of death."

¹⁶ Jacob father of Joseph the husband of Mary of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

²¹ and she shall be deliver'd of a son, to whom you shall give the name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

¹⁶ Simon Peter made answer, thou art Christ the son of the living God.

²⁰ Then he charged his disciples not to tell any man that he was the Christ.

⁴³ "Blessed mother of the most blessed offspring! what an honour is this, that I should be visited by the mother of our Lord!

⁶⁹ he hath rais'd up a powerful saviour for us, in the family of his servant David,

⁴ so Joseph departed from Nazareth in Galilee, and went into Judea to the city of David, called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and linage of David,

²⁶ to him it was revealed by the holy spirit, that he should not die till he had seen the Messiah of the Lord.

⁴¹ But Jesus said to them, you affirm the Messiah must be descended from David, how can that be? ⁴² for in the book of Psalms David himself says, "the Lord said to my Lord, sit on my right hand, ⁴³ till I make thine enemies thy footstool." ⁴⁴ if then David stiles the Messiah his Lord, how can he be descended from David?

⁴¹ the first he met was his own brother Simon, to whom he said, "we have found the Messias," that is to say, the Christ.

⁴⁵ Philip meeting with Nathanael, said to him, we have found him of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

⁴² now it is not for what you have said, that we believe: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the saviour of the world, the Christ.

⁶⁹ and we have believed and we have acknowledged that you are the Christ, the son of God.

²⁵ Then some that belong'd to Jerusalem, said, is not this he whom they seek to kill? ²⁶ yet there he is talking publickly without any opposition: are not the rulers convinc'd that he is the Messiah? ²⁷ however, we know from what quarter this man comes: but when Christ comes it will be unknown whence he came.

⁴¹ some said, this is the Messias. but said others, shall the Messias come out of Galilee?

²⁷ do you believe this? yes, Lord, said Martha, I believe that thou art the Messiah the son of God, who was to come into the world.

³¹ but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Messias, the son of God, and that believing ye might have life through his name.

³⁶ therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

³¹ him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins.

³⁶ this was what he communicated to the children of Israel, proclaiming salvation by Jesus Christ, who is the Lord of all mankind.

³ explaining them, and setting it to view, that the Messiah was to suffer and rise again from the dead: and that Jesus, whom he denounc'd to them, was that very Messiah.

⁴⁷ the first man was formed from the dust of the earth: the second man was from heaven.

⁴ God sent forth his own son born of a woman, and subject to the law, to redeem those, ⁵ who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

¹¹ and that every nation should confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord, to the glory of God the father.

⁸ nay I think them disadvantages when put in competition with the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord: for whose sake I abandon all these things, and count them as straw, that I may gain Christ,

⁶ continue therefore to follow the doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ, as you have receiv'd it:

⁹ who has saved us, and by the gospel hath called us to holiness, not in consideration of our works, but in pursuance of his own resolution, and the favour, which having been promised us by Jesus Christ several ages ago, ¹⁰ has now been display'd by the coming of Jesus Christ our saviour, who has defeated the power of death, by bringing a life of immortality to light thro' the gospel.

¹⁰ entirely obsequious without grumbling. not to pilfer, but to show the strictest fidelity; that they may do honour to the doctrine of God our saviour in all things. ¹¹ For the divine savour has display'd its salutary effects to all mankind: ¹² teaching us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and to practise temperance, justice and piety in this present world; ¹³ in expectation of that desirable happiness, the glorious appearance of the supreme God, and of our saviour Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave himself for us, to redeem us from all iniquity, and qualify us to be his peculiar people, passionately affected to virtue.

⁴ but when the kindness and love of God our saviour display'd itself to mankind, ⁵ he saved us not in consideration of any virtuous actions which we had done, but out of his meer mercy, by the baptism of regeneration, he form'd us anew, by the plentiful effusion of the holy spirit, ⁶ thro' Jesus Christ our saviour: ⁷ that being justified by his favour, we should have the inheritance of eternal life, according to our hopes.

¹⁴ and we have seen, and do testify, that the father hath sent the son to be the saviour of the world.

¹ Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Messiah, is born of God: and every one that loves the father, will likewise be affected with love to his son.

¹⁰ even so, I assure you, the angels in heaven rejoice, when any one sinner becomes a penitent.

¹⁰ that the manifold wisdom of God, in ordering his heavenly kingdom, might by his church be now made known, to princes and magistrates,

¹⁴ are not all those spirits dispatch'd as ministers to take care of those who shall belong to the christian church.

¹² and were answer'd, that it was not they, but we, who were concern'd in the events which they predicted, events which have been now represented to you by those, whom the holy spirit from heaven inspired to preach the gospel to you: a secret which the angels desire to penetrate into.

¹¹ Then in my vision I heard the voice of many angels which surrounded the throne, the animals, and the elders: to the number of ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

⁹ while the crowd that were marching before, and behind, cried out, "Hosanna to the son of David: blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord, Hosanna, Hosanna."

⁷⁹ to enlighten those, who are in darkness, and in the shadow of death, and to direct our steps into the ways of peace."

²² and the holy spirit descended upon him in a corporeal form like a dove. and a voice came from heaven, which said, thou art my beloved son, in thee I am well pleased.

³⁸ "blessed be he, said they, whom the Lord hath sent to be our king. prosperity from heaven, and glory from the most high."

¹⁶ for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have eternal life.

²⁷ I bid you farewell! I give you my last farewell; but I do not give it out of common formality: don't be concern'd for me, or apprehensive for your selves.

⁴ I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

¹ Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ,

¹⁸ Now this is all owing to God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath made us the ministers of this reconciliation; ¹⁹ for it is God that has reconciled the world to himself, by Jesus Christ, by not imputing their sins to them; and hath committed to us the gospel of reconciliation. ²⁰ we then are ambassadors for Christ, and 'tis God who makes you the offers by us: we pray you in the name of Christ, to make your peace with God.

⁶ to display the glory of his grace, which has render'd us acceptable by his beloved son:

⁹ for he has discover'd to us the secret of his will, that out of his meer good pleasure, he had purposed in himself,

⁴ then it was that God, who is rich in mercy, thro' his great love, wherewith he loved us,

⁷ that in the ages to come, he might shew the immense riches of his gracious kindness towards us, through Christ Jesus.

¹⁴ for he is our peace-maker, who hath united both Jew and Gentile, and hath by his flesh broken down the middle wall of partition ¹⁵ (which kept us at variance) by abolishing the dogmatical injunctions of the law, that having made the peace, he might incorporate the two into one new body under himself; ¹⁶ that he might reconcile both in one body unto God by the cross, wherefore he destroyed the enmity that was between them: ¹⁷ and being come, he preached the glad tidings of peace to YOU who were afar off, and to US that were nigh. ¹⁸ for thro' him both of us have access by the same spirit to the father.

²⁰ Now unto him that is able to do infinitely above what we ask or comprehend, by his power operating in us, ²¹ unto him be glory in the church, even by Christ Jesus, thro' all the successions of future ages. amen.

¹³ for it is God that influences your desires and endeavours, out of his benevolence to you.

²⁰ and having made peace by the blood of his cross, to reconcile all things to himself, both those in heaven, and those upon earth.

¹⁶ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ, and God our father, who has loved us, and by his favour given us the advantageous hopes of eternal joys, consolate your souls,

²⁰ May the God of peace, who has raised from the dead our Lord Jesus (who by the blood of the eternal covenant is become the grand pastor of ²¹ the sheep) make you perfect in every virtue, to the accomplishment of his will: effecting that in you by Jesus Christ, which is agreeable to him: to whom be glory thro' all ages.

⁹ by this was the love of God displayed towards us, in that God sent his only begotten son into the world, that we might live thro' him. ¹⁰ and what heightens his love, was this, that it was not we who first loved God, but it was he that first loved us, and sent his son to expiate our sins.

¹³ and every creature which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I, saying, "blessing, and honour, and glory, and power be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the lamb for ever and ever."

¹ When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the reign of king Herod, certain eastern Magi came to Jerusalem, with this enquiry, ² Where is this king of the Jews who is now born? for we have seen his rising star, and are come to pay him homage.

⁹ in obedience to the king, they departed, and immediately the star which they saw in the east, moved on before them, till it came to the place where the infant was, and then stood still. ¹⁰ when they observ'd this of the star, they were extreamly well pleas'd. ¹¹ and entring into the house, they saw the infant with Mary his mother, and prostrating themselves, they worshipped him: then opening their treasures, they presented him with gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

⁴² the queen of the south shall rise up at the day of judgement against this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the remote parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now a greater than Solomon is here.

⁵¹ and while he was blessing them, he was taken from them, and carried up into heaven.

¹ The first day of the week early in morning Mary Magdalene, when it was yet dusky, came to the sepulchre, and found the stone was taken away from the sepulchre. ² upon this she went in great haste to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, they have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. ³ Peter immediately departed, and that other disciple, to go to the sepulchre. ⁴ they both set out together: but the other disciple out-ran Peter, and came first to the cave, ⁵ where stooping down he saw the linen clothes lying; but did not go in. ⁶ Simon Peter who followed him, being come, went into the cave, and saw the linen clothes lying there; ⁷ as for the napkin that had been put about his head, it was not in the same place as the linen clothes, but lay folded up by it self. ⁸ then the other disciple, who arriv'd first, went into the cave likewise, and he saw, and believed what Mary had said. ⁹ for as yet they did not understand from the scripture, that he was to rise again from the dead. ¹⁰ After this the disciples return'd to their own home.

²² who being ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of God, where angels, dominations, and potentates have been subjected to him.

³⁹ Soon after this, Mary departed, and made an expeditious journey to a city of Juda, in the mountains:

⁷ and being brought to bed of her first born, she swathed him, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

¹² and by this sign shall you know him; you will find the babe swathed, lying in a manger.

³² Accordingly the messengers went, and found the colt, as Jesus had told them.

¹³ so they went, and having found every thing as Jesus had said, they made ready the passover.

³⁸ and happening to come in just at the same time, she likewise express'd her thanks to the lord, and spoke of Jesus to all those, who expected deliverance in Jerusalem.

³⁹ saying, go home, and relate, what great things God hath done for you. whereupon he departed, and published through all the city, what a wonderful deliverance Jesus had wrought for him.

⁴¹ the first he met was his own brother Simon, to whom he said, "we have found the Messias," that is to say, the Christ. ⁴² and he brought him to Jesus. and when Jesus beheld him, he said, "thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas," which is by interpretation, a stone. ⁴³ The day following Jesus having a mind to go into Galilee, met with Philip, and said to him, follow me. ⁴⁴ now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. ⁴⁵ Philip meeting with Nathanael, said to him, we have found him of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. ⁴⁶ but Nathanael said to him, can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? come and see, said Philip.

²⁸ the woman then left her water-pot, and went away into the city, and said to the people, come, ²⁹ see a man who told me all that ever I have done: is not this the Christ?

⁶⁵ All the neighbourhood were struck with reverence, and the rumour of these events ran thro' all the mountains of Judea, ⁶⁶ and made an impression upon all that heard of them. what a child will this be? said they, for the divine influence does attend him.

³³ Joseph and the mother of Jesus were surprized to hear such things pronounc'd concerning him.

⁴⁷ and all that heard him were astonish'd at his understanding and answers.

³⁶ and they were all amazed, and said to one another, what's the meaning of this? with authority and power he commands the impure spirits, and they come out!

⁹ for he, and all the company were frightned at the draught of fish they had taken: ¹⁰ so was James too, and John, the sons of Zebedee, both partners with Simon. but Jesus said to Simon, be not afraid; for the future you shall fish for men.

⁶⁶ and made an impression upon all that heard of them. what a child will this be? said they, for the divine influence does attend him.

⁵¹ However Jesus went down with them to Nazareth, and was subject to them: and his mother kept all these things in her heart.

⁴³ and all the people were astonished at such an instance of divine power: and as they were admiring whatever Jesus did, he said to his disciples, ⁴⁴ give attention to what I now say, namely, that the son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men.

⁸ at this the multitude were amazed, and glorified God, for having communicated such power to men.

⁴³ and immediately he saw: and followed Jesus, glorifying God: and all the people, who were eye-witnesses, gave praise unto God.

³⁷ Just as he advanc'd to the declivity of the mountain of Olives, the whole troop of disciples began to express their joy in loud acclamations, praising God, for the many miracles they had seen. ³⁸ "blessed be he, said they, whom the Lord hath sent to be our king. prosperity from heaven, and glory from the most high."

⁴⁶ and continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they did eat their meals with gladness, and simplicity of heart, ⁴⁷ praising God, and showing benevolence to all the people. and the Lord encreased the church daily with new converts.

¹⁸ Having heard this, they were appeas'd, and glorified God, saying, God has then granted salvation likewise to the gentiles, on the terms of their repentance.

¹⁵ and Jesus answer'd, Let it be so for the present, for it becometh us to do whatever is right. then John consented.

³¹ you shall be now pregnant, and be delivered of a son, whom you shall name JESUS.

⁵⁹ and on the eighth day were present at the circumcision of the child. but upon their proposing to call him by his father's name, Zacharias: his mother objected to it,

⁸ and his whole exterior showing nothing more than a meer man, he abased himself, and carried his submission so far as to die, even the death of the cross.

⁴³ one Joseph of Arimathea, an honourable senator, who was himself in expectation of the kingdom of God, ventur'd to come and wait upon Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.

⁶ they were both of them sincerely pious; observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord; with unspotted reputation.

⁴¹ no sooner had Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, but the babe leap'd within her:

⁶⁷ Then Zacharias his father, inspired by the holy spirit, vented his divine enthusiasm in these words.

⁵¹ he was of Arimathea, a city of Judea, and one of those, who were in expectation of the Messiah's reign.

² and was a proselyte, together with all his family: he gave much alms to the people, and was assiduous in his prayers to God.

²² they answered, Cornelius the centurion, a man of probity and piety, one that has an universal good character among the Jews, was divinely admonish'd by an holy angel to send for you to his house, to hear what you had to say to him.

¹⁶ and 'tis my endeavour to preserve a conscience free from reproach both with respect to God, and with respect to men.

²¹ from the prophet's OWN MOTION; but the holy men of God spoke by the IMPULSE of the holy spirit.

²⁷ I declare unto you, there are some here present, who shall not die, till they see the Messiah reign.

²⁹ see a man who told me all that ever I have done: is not this the Christ?

⁵¹ verily, verily, I say unto you, whoever observes my doctrine, shall never die.

²⁰ Immediately he maintained in the synagogues, that Jesus was the son of God.

³⁸ how Jesus of Nazareth divinely inspired by the holy spirit, and with miraculous power, went about doing good, and healing all that were under the oppression of the devil: because God was with him.

⁸ but to the son he saith, "God is thy throne for ever and ever; the sceptre of thy kingdom is a sceptre of equity. ⁹ thou hast loved justice and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy peers."

⁵ By faith Enoch was translated that he might avoid dying; and he could not be found, because God had translated him: for 'tis recorded, that before his translation he was approved by God.

¹ Then was Jesus led up by the Spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted by the devil:

²² At length the time appointed by the law of Moses for the purification of women being accomplish'd, they carried the infant to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, according as his law directs,

⁴¹ Now his parents went every year to Jerusalem at the paschal feast.

⁴⁸ when Joseph and his mother saw him, great was their surprize: and his mother said to him, son, why did you leave us thus? your father and I have been looking for you with great concern.

¹ Now Jesus being full of the holy spirit, return'd from Jordan, and was led by the spirit into the desart,

²⁹ then the spirit said unto Philip, go near, and advance to his chariot.

¹⁹ As Peter was still pondering upon the vision, the spirit said to him, there are people below, who enquire for you.

¹² and the spirit bid me make no difficulty of going with them. these six brethren accompany'd me, and we went together to the man's house.

⁷ being therefore arrived in Mysia, they essayed to go into Bithynia, but the spirit of Jesus would not allow it: so they pass'd by Mysia,

¹⁰ there I was in an exstacy on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a loud voice, like the sound of a trumpet,

³ so he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet-coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads, and ten horns.

³⁶ then taking a little child, he set him down before them; and embracing him in his arms, he said to them,

¹⁶ then he embraced them, and laying his hand upon them, he gave them his blessing.

⁴⁶ Then Mary said, "my soul doth magnify the Lord,

⁶⁴ immediately he had the use of his speech: and he uttered himself in praises to God.

⁶⁸ "blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he hath regarded and wrought a deliverance for his people:

¹³ All of a sudden an army of celestial beings join'd the angel, singing praises to God, and saying, ¹⁴ "glory to God in the heavens, and to men on earth felicity in the divine favour."

²⁰ glorifying and praising God, for having heard and seen every thing exactly as the angel inform'd them.

²³ I am doubly press'd between my desire to depart, in order to be with Christ, which is by far the best for ME;

¹³ Then I heard a voice from heaven, saying to me, "write, blessed are the dead who die in the Lord; yes, from henceforth, saith the spirit, they shall rest from their labours; and the recompence of their labours shall follow them."

¹⁰ but the angel said to them, be not afraid, I am only come to bring you great news, which will be matter of joy to you and to the whole world. ¹¹ for the Lord Messiah your saviour is this day born, in the city of David:

⁶ and all men shall behold the divine saviour."

¹⁰ and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you entirely recover'd. ¹¹ this is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but is become the chief of the angle. ¹² salvation is not to be had by any other: for there is no other name under heaven given to men whereby we can be saved.

¹⁶ the people which sat in darkness, saw a great light: and to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, light is sprung up."

¹⁰ but the angel said to them, be not afraid, I am only come to bring you great news, which will be matter of joy to you and to the whole world.

⁴⁷ for thus has the Lord commanded us, "I have appointed you to be a light to the Gentiles, that you should bring salvation to the remotest parts of the earth." ⁴⁸ when the Gentiles heard this, they received the word with joy, glorifying the Lord: and as many as were dispos'd to eternal life, believed.

²³ that he should be the first that was to rise from the dead: and that he should enlighten both the Jews and the Gentiles."

²⁸ take notice therefore, that the offers of divine salvation are sent to the Gentiles, and they will receive them.

⁸ for I tell you, that Jesus Christ was a minister to the Jews, to manifest the veracity of God in fulfilling the promises made to the fathers: ⁹ and you Gentiles ought to glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, "for this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name ."

³¹ according as it is written, "he that glorieth, should glory in the Lord."

²³ the city had no need either of the sun, or of the moon to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamb is the luminary thereof.

¹⁹ the son of man does not abstain from eating and drinking, and they cry there's a glutton, and a sot, a friend of publicans and sinners: "but wisdom is justified by her children."

⁴⁶ Now while he was talking to the people, his mother and his brothers stood without, desiring to speak with him.

⁴⁴ and whosoever shall stumble at this stone, shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, he shall be entirely crush'd.

⁶⁵ then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, he has spoke blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? you yourselves have now heard his blasphemy. ⁶⁶ what is your opinion? they reply'd, he deserves to die. ⁶⁷ then they spit in his face, some beat him on the head, others slapt him on the cheeks,

⁴⁰ and cry'd, you that could destroy the temple, and rebuild it in three days, now save thy self: if thou art the son of God, come down from the cross. ⁴¹ the chief priests, with the scribes and senators, derided him in like manner. ⁴² he saved others, said they, but cannot save himself: if he be the king of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. ⁴³ he relied upon God; if he be such a favourite, let God then deliver him: for he us'd to say he was the son of God. ⁴⁴ one of the robbers too, who were crucified with him, treated him with the same reproach. ⁴⁵ Now from the sixth hour to the ninth, the whole land was cover'd with darkness.

⁶³ saying, sir, we remember that this impostor, when he was alive, said, "after three days I will rise again."

²⁰ for every one that doth evil, hateth the light, and shunneth the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

¹⁸ therefore the Jews were the more eager to kill him, because he had not only violated the sabbath, but likewise, because he had said that God was his proper father, making himself equal with God.

⁴⁸ The Jews answered, and said to him, are we not in the right to say, that you are a Samaritan, and are really mad? ⁴⁹ Jesus answered, I am not mad; but I honour my father, and you dishonour me. ⁵⁰ I do not consult my own glory: there is one that will consult that, and judge accordingly. ⁵¹ verily, verily, I say unto you, whoever observes my doctrine, shall never die. ⁵² upon this said the Jews to him, now we plainly perceive you are mad. Abraham is dead, and the prophets too; and yet you say, if a man observes your doctrine, he shall never die.

²⁴ They therefore again call'd the man that had been blind, and said to him, in the name of God tell the truth: for we know that this man is an impostor. ²⁵ whether he be so or not, said he, I don't know: one thing I very well know, that once I was blind, and now I see. ²⁶ they still urg'd the same question, what did he do to thee? how did he make you see? ²⁷ I have already told you that, said he, and did you not hear it? why would ye hear it over again? have you likewise a mind to be his disciples? ²⁸ then they reviled him, and said, thou art his disciple; but we are Moses disciples. ²⁹ we know that God commission'd Moses: as for this fellow, we don't know who sent him.

³⁶ therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. ³⁷ Now when they heard this, their hearts were struck with remorse, and they said to Peter, and to the rest of the apostles, men and brethren, what shall we do? ³⁸ Peter replied, repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the holy spirit. ³⁹ for the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. ⁴⁰ and with many other discourses did he conjure and exhort them, to save themselves from that depraved generation. ⁴¹ then they that embraced his doctrine, were baptized: and there were about three thousand converts made that very day.

¹⁵ but killed the prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. ¹⁶ it is the faith which we have in him, that has procured strength to this man whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him, hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. ¹⁷ and now, brethren, I know it was through ignorance, that both you and your rulers, have acted thus. ¹⁸ but thus it is that God has accomplished what he had foretold by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer. ¹⁹ repent therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshment shall come from the presence of the Lord, who shall send Jesus Christ,

²⁶ the kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ."

⁷ thus the word of God was spread; and the number of disciples encreased very much at Jerusalem; and a numerous body of priests embrac'd the faith.

¹ Saul still breathing out nothing but threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, ² went to the high priest, and demanded letters for the synagogues of Damascus, that if he found any of this sect, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. ³ As he was on his journey, and near Damascus, on a sudden, a light from heaven surrounded him, ⁴ and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice which said to him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? ⁵ and he said, who art thou, Lord? and the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: [it is hard for thee to kick against the goad. Then trembling with the fright Saul said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? and the Lord said to him,] ⁶ but rise, and go into the city, and you shall be told what you must do. ⁷ the mean while the men who accompany'd him, remain'd astonish'd, hearing a voice, but seeing no one. ⁸ at length Saul rose from the ground; and when he opened his eyes, he could not see: so that they led him by the hand, and brought him to Damascus, ⁹ where he was three days without sight, and did neither eat nor drink. ¹⁰ Now there was a disciple at Damascus, named Ananias, to whom the Lord said in a vision, Ananias! and he said, Lord, here I am. ¹¹ and the Lord said unto him, arise, and go to the street called Straight, and enquire at the house of Judas, for one Saul of Tarsus: for he is there at prayer. ¹² (at that very instant Saul saw in a vision the said Ananias come in, and put his hand on him, to restore his sight.) ¹³ then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many that this man has done a world of mischief to thy saints at Jerusalem: he is now here, ¹⁴ and is impower'd by the chief priests, to imprison all that make profession of thy name. ¹⁵ go, said the Lord to him: for he is the instrument I have chosen, to bear my name to the Gentiles, to kings, and to the children of Israel. ¹⁶ for I will make him see how much he must suffer for my name. ¹⁷ Ananias therefore departed, and being arrived at the house, he put his hands on Saul, and said, brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus that appeared to you on your journey hither, hath sent me, that you might obtain your sight, and be filled with the holy spirit. ¹⁸ immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he recover'd his sight; upon which he instantly arose, and was baptized. ¹⁹ and when he had taken some food, he was refresh'd. after which Saul staid some time with the disciples at Damascus. ²⁰ Immediately he maintained in the synagogues, that Jesus was the son of God.

⁴⁵ when the Jews saw such a crowd, they were fill'd with resentment, and oppos'd what Paul had advanc'd, even to blasphemy.

⁶ but not finding them, they dragg'd Jason and some of the brethren to the magistrates, crying out, these that have been every where the disturbers of the publick peace, are come hither also, and have been entertain'd by Jason.

⁵ this man is known to be a pernicious fellow that goes about the world to raise seditions among the Jews: he is the ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes,

²² but we should be glad to know your sentiments: for as to this sect, we are sensible it is every where inveigh'd against.

³² why? because they sought it not by faith, but indeed by the works of the law: for they stumbled at that stumbling-stone;

²³ we preach Christ crucified, an obstacle to the Jews indeed, and to the Gentiles foolishness: but to those who believe,

¹⁵ for God is pleased to accept my christian labours, in favour both of those who are in a saving, and of those who are in a ruinous state: ¹⁶ by the one my preaching is taken as a deadly poison, to the other it is a reviving potion. and who is so sufficient for such a commission?

¹ For this Melchisedec was both king of Salem, and a priest of the most high God; 'twas he who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him:

⁷ now 'tis past dispute, he that is blessed is inferior to him that blesses:

¹ Wherefore, since we are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every incumbrance, and the sin which does so easily embarrass us, and let us pursue with constancy the course that is proposed to us: ² having Jesus in our view, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down on the right hand of the throne of God. ³ for you should consider how he endured such opposition from sinners against himself, lest ye be tired out, and quite despond.

⁷ trusts thereon shall not be confounded. it will prove an honour to you, who believe; but to the incredulous, the same stone, which is the chief of the angle, ⁸ and which the architects rejected, will be an occasion to the incredulous of their stumbling, and bruising themselves thereby:

¹⁴ if you suffer indignities in the cause of Christ, you are happy: for the glorious spirit of God rests upon you.

²⁴ but the Pharisees upon hearing this said, he exorcizes devils, by virtue only of Beelzebub the prince of the devils. ²⁵ Jesus perceiving what they surmized, said to them, any kingdom once divided against itself will soon be desolate: nor can any city or house divided against itself, long subsist. ²⁶ if satan expels satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom last? ²⁷ and if I by Beelzebub exorcize devils, by whom do your children exorcize them? wherefore even they shall be your judges. ²⁸ but if I exorcize devils by the spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is set up among you. ²⁹ besides, how could any one enter into the house of a man of might to rob him of his goods, except he first master the strong man? and then indeed he might plunder his house. ³⁰ "He that is not for me, is against me: and he that is not active for me, is a Deserter." ³¹ wherefore I declare to you, all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men; but blaspheming the holy Spirit ³² shall not be forgiven them. and if any one speaks against the son of man, it may be forgiven him: but if any one speaks against the holy spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this age, nor in that to come. ³³ Either allow the tree to be good, and its fruit good; or else say the tree is corrupt, and its fruit corrrupt: for a tree is distinguished by its fruit. ³⁴ O degenerate race, how can ye, wicked as ye are, utter any thing that is good? for "'tis the overflowing of the heart that the mouth dischargeth." ³⁵ a good man out of the good treasure produces good things: and an evil man, out of the evil treasure, produces evil things.

¹⁴ The Pharisees too, who were noted for avarice, heard all this discourse, and treated him with derision. ¹⁵ but he said to them, you pretend to piety before men, which, however they may admire, is an abomination to God, who knows your real temper.

⁴² Jesus said to them, if God were your father, ye would love me: for I was commissioned by God to come; I did not come of my self, but he sent me. ⁴³ why do not you understand my language? unless because ye cannot bear my doctrine? ⁴⁴ you, who have the devil for your father, will execute the designs of your father: he was a murderer from the beginning, and deserted the truth, since he has no love for the truth: when he lyes, he speaks like himself: for he is a lyar, and the father of a lyar. ⁴⁵ but as to me, because I tell you the truth, you do not believe me. ⁴⁶ which of you can convict me of sin? if then I say the truth, why don't you believe me? ⁴⁷ he that is of God, does therefore observe what God says: which you do not observe, because ye are not of God.

²² if I had not appear'd, and inform'd them, they would have been innocent: but now they have no excuse for their sin. ²³ he that hateth me, hateth my father also. ²⁴ if I had not done among them such works as no other ever did, they had been innocent: but though they have seen them, yet they hate both me and my father.

²⁵ In the mean time the mother of Jesus, and her sister Mary, the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene, were standing by the cross.

²¹ thou hast no manner of share in this gift: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. ²² repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray to God, to forgive, if it be possible, this suggestion you have entertain'd. ²³ for I perceive you are upon the brink of misery, led captive by your sin.

¹⁹ for there must be factions among you, whereby it will appear who among you are the approved.

¹⁹ they went out from us, but they were not of us: for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that it might be manifest, that they were not all of us.

¹⁸ and on my servants, and on my handmaidens I will pour out of my spirit in those days, and they shall prophesy:

⁹ he was one of the seven deacons, and had four daughters all virgins, prophetesses.

¹ Now concerning those who are spiritual, my brethren, I would not have you be mistaken.

⁶ of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. of the tribe of Nephthalim were sealed twelve thousand. of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.

³³ and likewise those of the Pharisees, are frequently fasting and praying, while yours are employed in eating and drinking?

³ accordingly, after having fasted and prayed they gave them imposition of hands, and dismiss'd them.

²³ and after they had by prayers and fastings establish'd Pastors for them in every church, they recommended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

⁷ which our twelve tribes by their continual services, night and day, hope themselves to obtain: yet for that hope, king Agrippa, do the Jews now accuse me.

⁵ as for the widow, who is really such, and without any assistance, let her place all her hopes in God, and be assiduous in supplication and prayer.

¹² him that overcomes, will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go out no more: I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which descends from heaven from my God: even my new name will I write.

¹⁵ therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall cover them, as a pavillion.

⁴⁶ Then Mary said, "my soul doth magnify the Lord, ⁴⁷ and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my saviour, ⁴⁸ for he hath regarded the low estate of his servant: and future ages shall proclaim me blessed. ⁴⁹ the almighty hath distinguish'd me by the greatest marks of favour: his name be for ever reverenc'd. ⁵⁰ his mercy is on them that fear him, from generation to generation. ⁵¹ he hath displayed the strength of his arm, and has confounded the proud by the devices of their hearts. ⁵² he has cast down princes from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree, ⁵³ the needy he has furnished with plentiful enjoyments, and the rich he has reduced to poverty. ⁵⁴ he has taken Israel his servant into his protection, in pursuance of the mercy, ⁵⁵ which he promised to our forefathers, to Abraham, and to his posterity for ever." ⁵⁶ Now Mary stay'd about three months with Elizabeth, and then return'd to her own house.

⁶⁴ immediately he had the use of his speech: and he uttered himself in praises to God.

²⁵ At that time there dwelt at Jerusalem one Simeon, an honest, religious man, one who expected the appearance of the Messiah, and was endued with the spirit of prophecy.

²⁸ then he took him up in his arms, and returned thanks to God in these words, "now, ²⁹ Lord, thou wilt grant thy servant a happy death, according to thy promise. ³⁰ for mine eyes have beheld the saviour,

²¹ though we expected he would have been the Messiah, that was to deliver Israel: and besides all this, it is now three days since these things were done.

¹⁵ thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

³ Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all the spiritual blessings in Christ's kingdom.

²² but when he heard that Archelaus reigned in Judea, in the room of his father Herod, he was apprehensive of going thither, till having had a divine warning in a dream, he retired into the district of Galilee: ²³ and went to dwell in a town called Nazareth, so that those words of one of the prophets were fulfill'd, "He shall be called a Nazarene."

²¹ The eighth day, when the child was to be circumcised, being come, he was named Jesus, the name, which the angel had given before his conception. ²² At length the time appointed by the law of Moses for the purification of women being accomplish'd, they carried the infant to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, according as his law directs, ²³ "every first born male-child shall be consecrated to the Lord." ²⁴ and to offer the sacrifice prescrib'd by the law, which was a pair of turtle-doves, or two young pidgeons.

⁸⁰ Now the child continued to grow, and greatly improv'd in sense; and was in the desarts till the time, when he was to be manifested to Israel.

⁵² in the mean time Jesus increas'd in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

³³ Great was the power by which the apostles attested the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and they were all greatly favoured by the people.

¹⁰ Finally, my brethren, place your strength in the transcendent power of the Lord.

² that their hearts might be comforted, and that being firmly united in love, they might possess the highest and fullest persuasion of the truth of this doctrine, by entring into this mystery, even of God the father, and of Christ, ³ in whom are reserv'd all the treasures of wd om and knowledge.

¹ As for you, my son, strenuously acquit yourself of the charge you have receiv'd from Christ Jesus.

¹³ for the Jews passover being nigh, Jesus went up to Jerusalem,

⁴ for it was just before the passover, which is a feast of the Jews.

⁵⁵ now the passover of the Jews being nigh: the people of that country went in great numbers to Jerusalem before the passover, in order to purify themselves.

¹ Now before the feast of the passover, Jesus perceiving that his hour was come, when he was to pass out of this world, and go to the father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

⁴⁰ for as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly: so shall the son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

²¹ from that time began Jesus to let his disciples know that he should go to Jerusalem, there suffer many indignities from the senators, chief priests, and scribes, be put to death, and be raised again the third day.

⁶³ saying, sir, we remember that this impostor, when he was alive, said, "after three days I will rise again." ⁶⁴ pray therefore order a guard to be posted at the sepulchre till the third day, for fear his disciples should come and steal him away, and then tell the people, "he is risen from the dead:" for this last imposture would be of worse consequence than the first.

⁴⁴ so that they went a whole day's journey, imagining he was somewhere among the company, and then they look'd for him among their relations and acquaintance; but not finding him, ⁴⁵ they turn'd back to Jerusalem to enquire for him there.

¹⁷ At another time, as he was teaching, it happened that some Pharisees, and doctors of the law were sitting by, who came from the several towns of Galilee and Judea, and from Jerusalem: when the power of the Lord appear'd in their relief.

³⁴ when a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of law, who was respected by all the people, rose up in the council, and moved the apostles might withdraw for some time.

²⁸ At length Jesus finished his discourse, and the people were fill'd with astonishment at his doctrine.

²² and they were astonished at his manner of preaching: for he spoke with an air of authority, and not as the Scribes.

²² They all applauded him, and were surprized, that what he said, was delivered with so much grace. but they objected, is not this the son of Joseph?

³² and they were astonished at his doctrine, for he spoke with authority.

¹⁵ at which the Jews were surprized, saying, how came be acquainted with the scriptures, a man of no education?

⁴⁶ the officers answered, never did man speak like this man.

⁴⁹ Jesus replied, why were ye so sollicitous about me? don't you know that 'tis my business to be in my father's house?

²³ Jesus was then about thirty years of age, being, as was suppos'd, the son of Joseph,

¹² Then Jesus entered into the temple of God, drove out all those that sold and bought in the temple, overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the stalls of those that sold doves,

¹⁶ away with these things; make not my father's house a market-house. ¹⁷ which put his disciples in mind of that passage, "my zeal for thine house does prey upon me."

³⁴ Jesus said to them, my meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

¹⁷ But Jesus answered them, my father works without intermission, and so do I.

³⁸ for I came down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him that sent me.

²⁹ he that sent me, is with me: the father hath not left me alone, for I always do what is agreeable to him.

⁴ I must perform the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night is coming, when no man can work.

³² but they did not comprehend the meaning, and were ashamed to ask him about it.

⁴⁵ but they did not comprehend that expression: it was as a riddle, which they could not understand, and they were afraid to desire him to explain the meaning of that expression.

³⁴ but they comprehended nothing of all this: his discourse was a riddle to them, and they could not find out the meaning.

³ is not he the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James and Joses, of Juda and Simon? are not these his sisters, who are here with us? and they were scandalized at him.

¹⁹ but Mary considered these things very attentively, and weigh'd every circumstance in her mind, while the shepherds return'd,

³⁹ and when they had performed every thing required by the divine law, they returned into Galilee, to Nazareth their city.

²¹ Be mutually obsequious with christian respect.

¹ Children, obey your christian parents: for this is the law. ² the first commandment with a promise annexed, is, "honour thy father and mother,

²¹ this will conciliate the divine favour. and this is the condition of your vocation, since Christ himself has suffer'd for us,

⁴⁰ and the child grew in stature and in all the improvements of the mind; he was stor'd with wisdom, and was the object of divine favour.

⁹ the patriarchs being jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt: but God was with him, ¹⁰ he delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him wisdom to become acceptable to Pharaoh king of Egypt; who made him governor of Egypt, and all his houshold.

¹⁸ for he that thus pays his allegiance to Christ, is acceptable to God, and approved of men.