The Childhood of Jesus
The Gospel of James
Biographical Gospel of the Lord
- Chapter 262 -
Joseph Returns To His Farmstead
WHEN SALOME recovered from her ecstatic faint, she said to Cornelius,
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'Oh friend, just let me rest a little while, and I will go over and tell this holy family about my preservation of their little farmstead!'
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Cornelius answered, 'Listen, if you feel too weak, then let me go over in your name and tell the family what you have done for them.
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See, there is not time to be lost here. These eminent travelers must be very tired and need a good lodging very soon; therefore I will promptly go over in your name.'
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When Salome heard this from Cornelius, she said,
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'Oh friend, you are right; but I have pulled myself together now and will promptly go over with you!'
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After this resolve both went over to the group.
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Cornelius now acted as spokesman, saying, 'The Lord God of Israel is with you, as also with me and my companion Salome!
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I succeeded in recognizing you, and there now is no more doubt that you, old and upright man, are the same Joseph - along with the young wife Mary - who three years ago journeyed to Egypt to escape the persecution of Herod.
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I have therefore hastened here to promptly receive you and lead you to your property.'
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When Joseph heard this from Cornelius, he arose and asked him,
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'Good man, who are you, that you may impart this to me?
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Announce your name to me, and I will promptly follow you!'
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And Cornelius replied,'Most worthy old man! See, I am the prefect of Jerusalem,
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my name is Cornelius, and I am the same who in Bethlehem rendered you a small kindness.
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So do not concern yourself with anything else, for my lady friend here, Salome of Bethlehem, has faithfully carried out your request.'
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Here Salome threw herself at Joseph's feet and declared in a trembling voice,
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'Joy to me, a poor sinner, that my unworthy eyes behold you again!
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Oh come, come into your house. For my house is not worthy of such grace!'
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At this Joseph was stirred to tears and said,
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'O great God and Father, how good You are! Truly, You always lead the weary traveler to the best place.'
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Thereupon he embraced Cornelius and Salome and promptly went with them to his little farmstead.