Page:Apocryphal Gospels and Other Documents Relating to the History of Christ.djvu/498

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APOCRYPHAL GOSPELS.

CHAPTER VI. (XXII.)

Then another who stood by, distinguisghed as though by some royal ensign, David by name, cried out thus, and said, When I was on earth I made a revelation, concerning the mercy of God and his visitation, to the people, prophesying joys to come, saying, Through all ages, let the mercies of the Lord be confessed, and his wonderful works to the children of men, for he hath broken the gates of brass, and burst asunder the iron bars. Then the holy patriarchs and prophets began to call to mind in turn, and every one to say something from his prophecies. Then holy Jeremiah, examining his prophecies, said to the patriarchs and prophets, When I was on earth I prophesied of the Son of God, that he appeared on earth and conversed with men.

Then all the saints, rejoicing in the light of the Lord, and in the sight of father Adam, and in the answer of all the patriarchs and prophets, cried, saying. Alleluia, blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; so that at their cry Satan trembled and sought a way of escape. And he could not, for Hades and his officers held him bound in the underworld and securely guarded on all sides; and said to