The Childhood of Jesus
The Gospel of James

Biographical Gospel of the Lord

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- Chapter 156 -

Good Friends Take Leave

THEREUPON MARONIUS PILLA with the three priests came to Joseph and thanked him for all the wondrous deeds of kindness.

Joseph then cautioned him to be silent about all the things that he had seen here,

and Maronius as well as the three priests pledged most solemnly to do this.

Next came Tullia, fell down before Mary and dissolved in tears of gratitude.

And Mary, while holding the Baby, bent over and lifted up Tullia and said to her,

'Be blessed by me in the name of Him who rests upon my arms! Always be thankful in your heart, remembering this Child, and you will find your salvation in Him.

But put a bridle on your tongue and betray us to no one!

For when the time is ripe, the Lord will indeed reveal Himself before the world!'

Thereupon Mary took leave of the still sobbing Tullia.

Joseph now reminded Cyrenius, 'Friend, see, many of your company were witnesses of many a miracle. Request them for the sake of their own salvation to also be silent about all this.

For every betrayer of this wholly divine matter will meet death if he is not willing to be silent!'

This Cyrenius pledged Joseph to do and assured him that no one would ever learn a syllable.

Here Joseph praised Cyrenius and finally reminded him of the promised eight children which consisted of five boys and three girls.

And Cyrenius said, 'Oh friend, that will indeed be my first concern!

But now just one more question: See, I shall have to go to Rome still this year because of Tullia!

My brother Augustus Caesar has, as you know, already learned a few things from me and will surely ask me about several others.

What shall I tell him? To what extent may I initiate this noble man into this secret?'

Here Joseph answered, 'You can inform him about quite a few things, but only between the two of you.

And remind him that he, if he is silent, will remain undisturbed in his imperial dignity as well as his descendants.

But if he will let out only one syllable anywhere, God will promptly punish him!

For if he rebels against the Almighty, he along with all of Rome will perish instantly!'

Cyrenius thanked Joseph fervently for this instruction, whereupon Joseph blessed him and then returned to the villa with his family.

Footnotes