and body, until they are separated from each other. Nor let the face of the angel appointed for my keeping from the day when I was made, be turned away from me; but let him offer himself to me as the companion of my journey, until he hath brought me to thee; let his countenance be sweet and cheerful to me, and let him accompany me in peace. But suffer not that demons terrible in aspect should come to me in the way wherein I am to go, until I come happily to thee. Nor let the door-keepers prevent my soul at the entrance of Paradise. Nor by unfolding my sins expose me to rebuke before thy terrible tribunal. Nor let the lions rush upon me. Nor let the waves of the fiery sea submerge my soul—for every soul must pass through this—before I behold the glory of thy divinity. O, God! judge most just, who wilt judge mortals in justice and equity, and repay to every one according to his works, O my Lord and God! let thy mercy be with me, and enlighten thou my way that I may attain to thee: for thou art a fount abounding in all good and glory for ever. Amen![1]
- ↑ The reader will observe the remarkable development of the author's eschatology in the prayer assigned to Joseph; and he will see that the whole spirit and attitude of Joseph ill accords with that of the earlier ages of the Church. As we proceed we shall find abundant confirmation of the points hinted at in this note. It is needless to say that we have, neither in the New Testament nor in any other authentic record, a single hint concerning the last days and death of Joseph.
