suspicion of the people, and did not seem to them to be entirely cleared, said with, a loud voice in the hearing of all, As the Lord Adonai liveth, the Lord of hosts in whose presence I stand, I have never known man: but I am known by Him to whom from my infancy I have devoted my mind. And I made this vow to my God from my infancy, that with him who created me I would abide in integrity, wherein I trust to live to him alone, and serve him alone: and as long as I live in him I shall abide without defilement. Then they all began to kiss her feet, and to embrace her knees, praying her to pardon their evil suspicions. And the people and priests and all the virgins led her with exultation and great joy to her house, crying out and saying. The name of the Lord be blessed for ever, for he hath manifested thy holiness to all his people Israel.
CHAPTER XIII.
Now it came to pass after some little time, that a registration took place, according to the edict of Augustus Cæsar, that all the world was to be registered every man in his own native place. This registration was made by Cyrinus, the president of Syria.[1] It was needful, therefore, that Joseph should be registered with the blessed Mary in Bethlehem,
- ↑ Luke ii. 1, etc.
