The Childhood of Jesus
The Gospel of James

THEREUPON JOSEPH went over to Cyrenius and blessed him along with his whole house.

And Mary also went over and blessed Tullia and her companions.

Joseph then said to Cyrenius, 'Brother, with this my blessing I also want to tell you the wish of my heart, which is this:

Let me have the five girls altogether, so they may have their father wholly in me!

For you will have children of your own anyhow who later on would not get along well with these.

But with me there will never be any disharmony on that account - the reason for which you know as well as I do.'

And Cyrenius gladly acceded to Joseph's wish and gave him the five girls wholly as his own, which made Joseph very happy,

for he loved the little maidens because they were so easy to teach and most tractable, and were of good stature and a lovely form.

When this was settled, Cyrenius embraced Joseph and said,

'Brother, if it is the Lord's will, then I hope to see you again soon.'

And the little Child, who stood beside Joseph, affirmed: 'Amen say I! - If not here, then surely in My kingdom!

For I tell you: We will not be in this country much longer because we are already too well known.

But when we leave here we will withdraw ourselves into seclusion so no human being will come under judgment.

Just the same - we who are one in love will at all times and forever be present to one another in the spirit!'

'Where your treasure is, there you will also be with your heart, wherein the main treasure dwells.

When I become a costly treasure to you in your heart, truly, then you shall eternally never lose Me!

For where I dwell in love, there I am in truth at home the most and eternally never leave such an abode.

Allow Me, therefore, to constantly dwell in your heart, and I shall dwell in no seclusion for you!

'For only love can bear My presence, like one fire the other.

And everything that is not fire will be destroyed and devoured by the fire.

For that reason do I also withdraw Myself from the world, so My fire will not seize and destroy it.

But never in any case ask: Lord, where are You? - For in that case I shall not say to you: Here I am!

Instead carefully ask your heart if it loves Me, and I shall call out to you in your heart, which loves Me:

Here I am at home in all fullness of My love, grace and compassion! -

Now board your ship in good cheer, and a good wind shall carry you to Tyre. Amen.'

Hereupon the governor Cyrenius took his leave with Joseph in Egypt for the last time and boarded his ship.

And a good wind quickly came and hurried away with the ship.

Joseph thereupon went into Jonathan's house with his family and remained with him this night.

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The Childhood of JesusThe Gospel of James