Chapter XCVI: Preface (23)

12:9. What therefore will the lord of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy those husbandmen and will give the vineyard to others.

12:10. And have you not read this scripture, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is made the head of the corner:

12:11. By the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes.

12:12. And they sought to lay hands on him: but they feared the people. For they knew that he spoke this parable to them. And leaving him, they went their way.

12:13. And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and of the Herodians: that they should catch him in his words.

12:14. Who coming, say to him: Master, we know that thou art a true speaker and carest not for any man; for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar? Or shall we not give it?

12:15. Who knowing their wiliness, saith to them: Why tempt you me? Bring me a penny that I may see it.

12:16. And they brought it him. And he saith to them: Whose is this image and inscription? They say to him, Caesar’s.

12:17. And Jesus answering, said to them: Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him.

12:18. And there came to him the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection. And they asked him, saying:

12:19. Master, Moses wrote unto us that if any man’s brother die and leave his wife behind him and leave no children, his brother should take his wife and raise up seed to his brother.

12:20. Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife and died leaving no issue.

12:21. And the second took her and died: and neither did he leave any issue. And the third in like manner.

12:22. And the seven all took her in like manner and did not leave issue. Last of all the woman also died.

12:23. In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise again, whose wife shall she be of them? For the seven had her to wife.

12:24. And Jesus answering, saith to them: Do ye not therefore err, because you know not the scriptures nor the power of God?

12:25. For when they shall rise again from the dead, they shall neither marry, nor be married, but are as the angels in heaven.

12:26. And as concerning the dead that they rise again have you not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spoke to him, saying: I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob?

12:27. He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You therefore do greatly err.

12:28. And there came one of the scribes that had heard them reasoning together, and seeing that he had answered them well, asked him which was the first commandment of all.

12:29. And Jesus answered him: The first commandment of all is, Hear, O Israel: the Lord thy God is one God.

12:30. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with thy whole mind and with thy whole strength. This is the first commandment.

12:31. And the second is like to it: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is no other commandment greater than these.

12:32. And the scribe said to him: Well, Master, thou hast said in truth that there is one God and there is no other besides him.

12:33. And that he should be loved with the whole heart and with the whole understanding and with the whole soul and with the whole strength. And to love one’s neighbour as one’s self is a greater thing than all holocausts and sacrifices.

12:34. And Jesus seeing that he had answered wisely, said to him: Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

12:35. And Jesus answering, said, teaching in the temple: How do the scribes say that Christ is the son of David?

12:36. For David himself saith by the Holy Ghost: The Lord said to my Lord: Sit on my right hand, until I make thy enemies thy footstool.

12:37. David therefore himself calleth him Lord. And whence is he then his son? And a great multitude heard him gladly.

12:38. And he said to them in his doctrine: Beware of the scribes, who love to walk in long robes and to be saluted in the marketplace,

12:39. And to sit in the first chairs in the synagogues and to have the highest places at suppers:

12:40. Who devour the houses of widows under the pretence of long prayer. These shall receive greater judgment.

12:41. And Jesus sitting over against the treasury, beheld how the people cast money into the treasury. And many that were rich cast in much.

12:42. And there came a certain poor widow: and she cast in two mites, which make a farthing.

12:43. And calling his disciples together, he saith to them: Amen I say to you, this poor widow hath cast in more than all they who have cast into the treasury.

12:44. For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want cast in all she had, even her whole living.

Mark Chapter 13

Christ foretells the destruction of the temple and the signs that shall forerun the day of judgment.

13:1. And as he was going out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him: Master, behold what manner of stones and what buildings are here.

13:2. And Jesus answering, said to him: Seest thou all these great buildings? There shall not be left a stone upon a stone, that shall not be thrown down.

13:3. And as he sat on the mount of Olivet over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him apart:

13:4. Tell us, when shall these things be and what shall be the sign when all these things shall begin to be fulfilled?

13:5. And Jesus answering, began to say to them: Take heed lest any man deceive you.

13:6. For many shall come in my name saying, I am he: and they shall deceive many.

13:7. And when you shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, fear ye not. For such things must needs be: but the end is not yet.

13:8. For nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places and famines. These things are the beginning of sorrows.

13:9. But look to yourselves. For they shall deliver you up to councils: and in the synagogues you shall be beaten: and you shall stand before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony unto them.

13:10. And unto all nations the gospel must first be preached.

13:11. And when they shall lead you and deliver you up, be not thoughtful beforehand what you shall speak: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye. For it is not you that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

13:12. And the brother shall betray his brother unto death, and the father his son; and children shall rise up against their parents and shall work their death.

13:13. And you shall be hated by all men for my name’s sake. But he that shall endure unto the end, he shall be saved.

13:14. And when you shall see the abomination of desolation, standing where it ought not (he that readeth let him understand): then let them that are in Judea flee unto the mountains.

13:15. And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house nor enter therein to take any thing out of the house.

13:16. And let him that shall be in the field not turn back to take up his garment.

13:17. And woe to them that are with child and that give suck in those days.

13:18. But pray ye that these things happen not in winter.

13:19. For in those days shall be such tribulations as were not from the beginning of the creation which God created until now: neither shall be.

13:20. And unless the Lord had shortened the days, no flesh should be saved: but, for the sake of the elect which he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

13:21. And then if any man shall say to you: Lo, here is Christ. Lo, he is here: do not believe.

13:22. For there will rise up false Christs and false prophets: and they shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce (if it were possible) even the elect.

13:23. Take you heed therefore: behold, I have foretold you all things.

13:24. But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened and the moon shall not give her light.

13:25. And the stars of heaven shall be falling down and the powers that are in heaven shall be moved.

13:26. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds, with great power and glory.

13:27. And then shall he send his angels and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.

13:28. Now of the fig tree learn ye a parable. When the branch thereof is now tender and the leaves are come forth, you know that summer is very near.

13:29. So you also when you shall see these things come to pass, know ye that it is very nigh, even at the doors.

13:30. Amen, I say to you that this generation shall not pass until all these things be done.

13:31. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my word shall not pass away.

13:32. But of that day or hour no man knoweth, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father.

Nor the Son.... Not that the Son of God is absolutely ignorant of the day of judgment, but that he knoweth it not, as our teacher; that is, he knoweth it not so as to teach it to us, as not being expedient.

13:33. Take ye heed, watch and pray. For ye know not when the time is.

13:34. Even as a man who, going into a far country, left his house and gave authority to his servants over every work and commanded the porter to watch.

13:35. Watch ye therefore (for you know not when the lord of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock crowing, or in the morning):

13:36. Lest coming on a sudden, he find you sleeping.

13:37. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch.

Mark Chapter 14

The first part of the history of the passion of Christ.

14:1. Now the feast of the pasch and of the Azymes was after two days: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might by some wile lay hold on him and kill him.

Azymes.... That is, the feast of the unleavened bread.

14:2. But they said: Not on the festival day, lest there should be a tumult among the people.

14:3. And when he was in Bethania, in the house of Simon the leper, and was at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of precious spikenard. And breaking the alabaster box, she poured it out upon his head.

14:4. Now there were some that had indignation within themselves and said: Why was this waste of the ointment made?

14:5. For this ointment might have been sold for more than three hundred pence and given to the poor. And they murmured against her.

14:6. But Jesus said: Let her alone. Why do you molest her? She hath wrought a good work upon me.

14:7. For the poor you have always with you: and whensoever you will, you may do them good: but me you have not always.

14:8. She hath done what she could: she is come beforehand to anoint my body for the burial.

14:9. Amen, I say to you, wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, that also which she hath done shall be told for a memorial of her.

14:10. And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests, to betray him to them.

14:11. Who hearing it were glad: and they promised him they would give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.

14:12. Now on the first day of the unleavened bread, when they sacrificed the pasch, the disciples say to him: Whither wilt thou that we go and prepare for thee to eat the pasch?

14:13. And he sendeth two of his disciples and saith to them: Go ye into the city; and there shall meet you a man carrying a pitcher of water. Follow him.

14:14. And whithersoever he shall go in, say to the master of the house, The master saith, Where is my refectory, where I may eat the pasch with my disciples?

14:15. And he will shew you a large dining room furnished. And there prepare ye for us.

14:16. And his disciples went their way and came into the city. And they found as he had told them: and they prepared the pasch.

14:17. And when evening was come, he cometh with the twelve.

14:18. And when they were at table and eating, Jesus saith: Amen I say to you, one of you that eateth with me shall betray me.

14:19. But they began to be sorrowful and to say to him, one by one: Is it I?

14:20. Who saith to them: One of the twelve, who dippeth with me his hand in the dish.

14:21. And the Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man shall be betrayed. It were better for him, if that man had not been born.

14:22. And whilst they were eating, Jesus took bread; and blessing, broke and gave to them and said: Take ye. This is my body.

14:23. And having taken the chalice, giving thanks, he gave it to them. And they all drank of it.

14:24. And he said to them: This is my blood of the new testament, which shall be shed for many.

14:25. Amen I say to you that I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine until that day when I shall drink it new in the kingdom of God.

14:26. And when they had sung an hymn, they went forth to the mount of Olives.

14:27. And Jesus saith to them: You will all be scandalized in my regard this night. For it is written: I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep shall be dispersed.

14:28. But after I shall be risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.

14:29. But Peter saith to him: Although all shall be scandalized in thee, yet not I.

14:30. And Jesus saith to him: Amen I say to thee, to-day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.

Crow twice.... The cocks crow at two different times of the night; viz., about midnight for the first time; and then about the time commonly called the cock crowing; and this was the cock crowing our Saviour spoke of; and therefore the other Evangelists take no notice of the first crowing.

14:31. But he spoke the more vehemently: Although I should die together with thee, I will not deny thee. And in like manner also said they all.

14:32. And they came to a farm called Gethsemani. And he saith to his disciples: Sit you here, while I pray.

14:33. And he taketh Peter and James and John with him: and he began to fear and to be heavy.

14:34. And he saith to them: My soul is sorrowful even unto death. Stay you here and watch.

14:35. And when he was gone forward a little, he fell flat on the ground: and he prayed that, if it might be, the hour might pass from him.

14:36. And he saith: Abba, Father, all things are possible to thee: remove this chalice from me; but not what I will, but what thou wilt.

14:37. And he cometh and findeth them sleeping. And he saith to Peter: Simon, sleepest thou? Couldst thou not watch one hour?

14:38. Watch ye: and pray that you enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

14:39. And going away again, he prayed, saying the same words.

14:40. And when he returned, he found them again asleep (for their eyes were heavy): and they knew not what to answer him.

14:41. And he cometh the third time and saith to them: Sleep ye now and take your rest. It is enough. The hour is come: behold the Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of sinners.

14:42. Rise up: let us go. Behold, he that will betray me is at hand.

14:43. And while he was yet speaking, cometh Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve: and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the ancients.

14:44. And he that betrayed him had given them a sign, saying: Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he. Lay hold on him: and lead him away carefully.

14:45. And when he was come, immediately going up to him he saith: Hail, Rabbi! And he kissed him.

14:46. But they laid hands on him and held him.

14:47. And one of them that stood by, drawing a sword, struck a servant of the chief priest and cut off his ear.

14:48. And Jesus answering, said to them: Are you come out as to a robber, with swords and staves to apprehend me?

14:49. I was daily with you in the temple teaching: and you did not lay hands on me. But that the scriptures may be fulfilled.

14:50. Then his disciples, leaving him, all fled away.

14:51. And a certain young man followed him, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body. And they laid hold on him.

14:52. But he, casting off the linen cloth, fled from them naked.

14:53. And they brought Jesus to the high priest. And all the priests and the scribes and the ancients assembled together.

14:54. And Peter followed him afar off, even into the court of the high priest. And he sat with the servants at the fire and warmed himself.

14:55. And the chief priests and all the council sought for evidence against Jesus, that they might put him to death: and found none.

14:56. For many bore false witness against him: and their evidences were not agreeing.

14:57. And some rising up, bore false witness against him, saying:

14:58. We heard him say, I will destroy this temple made with hands and within three days I will build another not made with hands.

14:59. And their witness did not agree.

14:60. And the high priest rising up in the midst, asked Jesus, saying: Answerest thou nothing to the things that are laid to thy charge by these men?

14:61. But he held his peace and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him and said to him: Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed God?

14:62. And Jesus said to him: I am. And you shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of the power of God and coming with the clouds of heaven.

14:63. Then the high priest rending his garments, saith: What need we any further witnesses?

14:64. You have heard the blasphemy. What think you? Who all condemned him to be guilty of death.

14:65. And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to buffet him and to say unto him: Prophesy. And the servants struck him with the palms of their hands.

14:66. Now when Peter was in the court below, there cometh one of the maidservants of the high priest.

14:67. And when she had seen Peter warming himself looking on him, she saith: Thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.

14:68. But he denied, saying: I neither know nor understand what thou sayest. And he went forth before the court; and the cock crew.

14:69. And again a maidservant seeing him, began to say to the standers by: This is one of them.

14:70. But he denied again. And after a while they that stood by said again to Peter: Surely thou art one of them; for thou art also a Galilean.

14:71. But he began to curse and to swear, saying: I know not this man of whom you speak.

14:72. And immediately the cock crew again. And Peter remembered the word that Jesus had said unto him: Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt thrice deny me. And he began to weep.

Mark Chapter 15

The continuation of the history of the passion.

15:1. And straightway in the morning, the chief priests holding a consultation with the ancients and the scribes and the whole council, binding Jesus, led him away and delivered him to Pilate.

15:2. And Pilate asked him: Art thou the king of the Jews? But he answering, saith to him: Thou sayest it.

15:3. And the chief priests accused him in many things.

15:4. And Pilate again asked him, saying: Answerest thou nothing? Behold in how many things they accuse thee.

15:5. But Jesus still answered nothing: so that Pilate wondered.

15:6. Now on the festival day he was wont to release unto them one of the prisoners, whomsoever they demanded.

15:7. And there was one called Barabbas, who was put in prison with some seditious men, who in the sedition had committed murder.

15:8. And when the multitude was come up, they began to desire that he would do as he had ever done unto them.

15:9. And Pilate answered them and said: Will you that I release to you the king of the Jews?

15:10. For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him up out of envy.

15:11. But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas to them.

15:12. And Pilate again answering, saith to them: What will you then that I do to the king of the Jews?

15:13. But they again cried out: Crucify him.

15:14. And Pilate saith to them: Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more: Crucify him.

15:15. And so Pilate being willing to satisfy the people, released to them Barabbas: and delivered up Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.

15:16. And the soldiers led him away into the court of the palace: and they called together the whole band.

15:17. And they clothed him with purple: and, platting a crown of thorns, they put it upon him.

15:18. And they began to salute him: Hail, king of the Jews.

15:19. And they struck his head with a reed: and they did spit on him. And bowing their knees, they adored him.

15:20. And after they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him and put his own garments on him: and they led him out to crucify him.

15:21. And they forced one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and of Rufus, to take up his cross.

15:22. And they bring him into the place called Golgotha, which being interpreted is, The place of Calvary.

15:23. And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh. But he took it not.

15:24. And crucifying him, they divided his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.

15:25. And it was the third hour: and they crucified him.

The third hour.... The ancient account divided the day into four parts, which were named from the hour from which they began; the first, third, sixth, and ninth hour. Our Lord was crucified a little before noon; before the third hour had quite expired; but when the sixth hour was near at hand.

15:26. And the inscription of his cause was written over: THE KING OF THE JEWS.

15:27. And with him they crucify two thieves: the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.

15:28. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith: And with the wicked he was reputed.

15:29. And they that passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads and saying: Vah, thou that destroyest the temple of God and in three days buildest it up again:

15:30. Save thyself, coming down from the cross.

15:31. In like manner also the chief priests, mocking, said with the scribes one to another: He saved others; himself he cannot save.

15:32. Let Christ the king of Israel come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him, reviled him.

15:33. And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole earth until the ninth hour.

15:34. And at the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying: Eloi, Eloi, lamma sabacthani? Which is, being interpreted: My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me?

15:35. And some of the standers by hearing, said: Behold he calleth Elias.

15:36. And one running and filling a sponge with vinegar and putting it upon a reed, gave him to drink, saying: Stay, let us see if Elias come to take him down.

15:37. And Jesus, having cried out with a loud voice, gave up the ghost.

15:38. And the veil of the temple was rent in two, from the top to the bottom.

15:39. And the centurion who stood over against him, seeing that crying out in this manner he had given up the ghost, said: Indeed this man was the son of God.

15:40. And there were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalen and Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joseph and Salome,

15:41. Who also when he was in Galilee followed him and ministered to him, and many other women that came up with him to Jerusalem.

15:42. And when evening was now come (because it was the Parasceve, that is, the day before the sabbath),

15:43. Joseph of Arimathea, a noble counsellor, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, came and went in boldly to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus.

15:44. But Pilate wondered that he should be already dead. And sending for the centurion, he asked him if he were already dead.

15:45. And when he had understood it by the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

15:46. And Joseph, buying fine linen and taking him down, wrapped him up in the fine linen and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewed out of a rock. And he rolled a stone to the door of the sepulchre.

15:47. And Mary Magdalen and Mary the mother of Joseph, beheld where he was laid.

Mark Chapter 16

Christ’s resurrection and ascension.

16:1. And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalen and Mary the mother of James and Salome bought sweet spices, that coming, they might anoint Jesus.

16:2. And very early in the morning, the first day of the week, they come to the sepulchre, the sun being now risen.

The sun being now risen.... They set out before it was light, to go to the sepulchre; but the sun was risen when they arrived there. Or, figuratively, the sun here spoken of is the sun of justice, Christ Jesus our Lord, who was risen before their coming.

16:3. And they said one to another: Who shall roll us back the stone from the door of the sepulchre?

16:4. And looking, they saw the stone rolled back. For it was very great.

16:5. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed with a white robe: and they were astonished.

16:6. Who saith to them: Be not affrighted; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen: he is not here. Behold the place where they laid him.

16:7. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee. There you shall see him, as he told you.

16:8. But they going out, fled from the sepulchre: for a trembling and fear had seized them. And they said nothing to any man: for they were afraid.

16:9. But he rising early the first day of the week, appeared first to Mary Magdalen; out of whom he had cast seven devils.

16:10. She went and told them that had been with him, who were mourning and weeping.

16:11. And they hearing that he was alive and had been seen by her, did not believe.

16:12. And after that he appeared in another shape to two of them walking, as they were going into the country.

16:13. And they going told it to the rest: neither did they believe them.

16:14. At length he appeared to the eleven as they were at table: and he upbraided them with their incredulity and hardness of heart, because they did not believe them who had seen him after he was risen again.

16:15. And he said to them: Go ye into the whole world and preach the gospel to every creature.

16:16. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be condemned.

16:17. And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name they shall cast out devils. They shall speak with new tongues.

16:18. They shall take up serpents: and if they shall drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. They shall lay their hand upon the sick: and they shall recover.

16:19. And the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God.

16:20. But they going forth preached every where: the Lord working withal, and confirming the word with signs that followed.

THE HOLY GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE

St. Luke was a native of Antioch, the capital of Syria. He was by profession a physician; and some ancient writers say, that he was very skillful in painting. He was converted by St. Paul and became his disciple and companion in his travels, and fellow-labourer in the ministry of the Gospel. He wrote in Greek, about twenty-four years after our Lord’s Ascension.

Luke Chapter 1

The conception of John the Baptist, and of Christ. The visitation and canticle of the Blessed Virgin. The birth of the Baptist and the canticle of Zachary.

1:1. Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a narration of the things that have been accomplished among us,

1:2. According as they have delivered them unto us, who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word:

1:3. It seemed good to me also, having diligently attained to all things from the beginning, to write to thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,

1:4. That thou mayest know the verity of those words in which thou hast been instructed.

1:5. There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zachary, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name Elizabeth.

Of the course of Abia.... that is, of the rank of Abia, which word in the Greek is commonly put for the employment of one day: but here for the functions of a whole week. For, by the appointment of David, 1 Par. 24., the descendants from Aaron were divided into twenty-four families, of which the eighth was Abia, from whom descended this Zachary, who at this time was in the week of his priestly functions.

1:6. And they were both just before God, walking in all the commandments and justifications of the Lord without blame.

1:7. And they had no son, for that Elizabeth was barren: and they both were well advanced in years.

1:8. And it came to pass, when he executed the priestly function in the order of his course before God,

1:9. According to the custom of the priestly office, it was his lot to offer incense, going into the temple of the Lord.

1:10. And all the multitude of the people was praying without, at the hour of incense.

1:11. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

1:12. And Zachary seeing him, was troubled: and fear fell upon him.

1:13. But the angel said to him: Fear not, Zachary, for thy prayer is heard: and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son. And thou shalt call his name John.

1:14. And thou shalt have joy and gladness: and many shall rejoice in his nativity.

1:15. For he shall be great before the Lord and shall drink no wine nor strong drink: and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.

1:16. And he shall convert many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.

1:17. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias: that he may turn the hearts of the fathers unto the children and the incredulous to the wisdom of the just, to prepare unto the Lord a perfect people.

1:18. And Zachary said to the angel: Whereby shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.

1:19. And the angel answering, said to him: I am Gabriel, who stand before God and am sent to speak to thee and to bring thee these good tidings.

1:20. And behold, thou shalt be dumb and shalt not be able to speak until the day wherein these things shall come to pass: because thou hast not believed my words, which shall be fulfilled in their time.

1:21. And the people were waiting for Zachary: and they wondered that he tarried so long in the temple.

1:22. And when he came out, he could not speak to them: and they understood that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he made signs to them and remained dumb.

1:23. And it came to pass, after the days of his office were accomplished, he departed to his own house.

1:24. And after those days, Elizabeth his wife conceived and hid herself five months, saying:

1:25. Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he hath had regard to take away my reproach among men.

1:26. And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth,

1:27. To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David: and the virgin’s name was Mary.

1:28. And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

1:29. Who having heard, was troubled at his saying and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be.

1:30. And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God.

1:31. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and shalt bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name Jesus.

1:32. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father: and he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever.

1:33. And of his kingdom there shall be no end.

1:34. And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I know not man?

1:35. And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

1:36. And behold thy cousin Elizabeth, she also hath conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her that is called barren.

1:37. Because no word shall be impossible with God.

1:38. And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

1:39. And Mary rising up in those days, went into the hill country with haste into a city of Juda.

1:40. And she entered into the house of Zachary and saluted Elizabeth.

1:41. And it came to pass that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost.

1:42. And she cried out with a loud voice and said: Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

1:43. And whence is this to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

1:44. For behold as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.

1:45. And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord.

1:46. And Mary said: My soul doth magnify the Lord.

1:47. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

1:48. Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid: for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

Shall call me blessed.... These words are a prediction of that honour which the church in all ages should pay to the Blessed Virgin. Let Protestants examine whether they are any way concerned in this prophecy.

1:49. Because he that is mighty hath done great things to me: and holy is his name.

1:50. And his mercy is from generation unto generations, to them that fear him.

1:51. He hath shewed might in his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.

1:52. He hath put down the mighty from their seat and hath exalted the humble.

1:53. He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away.

1:54. He hath received Israel his servant, being mindful of his mercy.

1:55. As he spoke to our fathers: to Abraham and to his seed for ever.

1:56. And Mary abode with her about three months. And she returned to her own house.

1:57. Now Elizabeth’s full time of being delivered was come: and she brought forth a son.

1:58. And her neighbors and kinsfolks heard that the Lord had shewed his great mercy towards her: and they congratulated with her.

1:59. And it came to pass that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child: and they called him by his father’s name Zachary.

1:60. And his mother answering, said: Not so. But he shall be called John.

1:61. And they said to her: There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.

1:62. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.

1:63. And demanding a writing table, he wrote, saying: John is his name. And they all wondered.

1:64. And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed: and he spoke, blessing God.

1:65. And fear came upon all their neighbours: and all these things were noised abroad over all the hill country of Judea.

1:66. And all they that had heard them laid them up in their heart, saying: What an one, think ye, shall this child be? For the hand of the Lord was with him.

1:67. And Zachary his father was filled with the Holy Ghost. And he prophesied, saying:

1:68. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel: because he hath visited and wrought the redemption of his people.

1:69. And hath raised up an horn of salvation to us, in the house of David his servant.

Horn of salvation.... That is, A powerful salvation, as Dr. Witham translates it. For in the Scripture, by horn is generally understood strength and power.

1:70. As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets, who are from the beginning.

1:71. Salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us.

1:72. To perform mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy testament.

1:73. The oath, which he swore to Abraham our father, that he would grant to us.

1:74. That being delivered from the hand of our enemies, we may serve him without fear:

1:75. In holiness and justice before him, all our days.

1:76. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt, go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways:

1:77. To give knowledge of salvation to his people, unto the remission of their sins.

1:78. Through the bowels of the mercy of our God, in which the Orient from on high hath visited us:

The Orient.... It is one of the titles of the Messias, the true light of the world, and the sun of justice.

1:79. To enlighten them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death: to direct our feet into the way of peace.

1:80. And the child grew and was strengthened in spirit: and was in the deserts until the day of his manifestation to Israel.

Luke Chapter 2

The birth of Christ. His presentation in the temple. Simeon’s prophecy. Christ at twelve years of age, is found amongst the doctors.

2:1. And it came to pass that in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled.

2:2. This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria.

2:3. And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city.

2:4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because he was of the house and family of David.

2:5. To be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child.

2:6. And it came to pass that when they were there, her days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

2:7. And she brought forth her first born son and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger: because there was no room for them in the inn.

Her firstborn.... The meaning is, not that she had afterward any other child; but it is a way of speech among the Hebrews, to call them also the firstborn, who are the only children. See annotation Matt. 1. 25.

2:8. And there were in the same country shepherds watching and keeping the night watches over their flock.

2:9. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them and the brightness of God shone round about them: and they feared with a great fear.

2:10. And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy that shall be to all the people:

2:11. For, this day is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David.

2:12. And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger.

2:13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God and saying:

2:14. Glory to God in the highest: and on earth peace to men of good will.

2:15. And it came to pass, after the angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem and let us see this word that is come to pass, which the Lord hath shewed to us.

2:16. And they came with haste: and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.

2:17. And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child.

2:18. And all that heard wondered: and at those things that were told them by the shepherds.

2:19. But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart.

2:20. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

2:21. And after eight days were accomplished, that the child should be circumcised, his name was called JESUS, which was called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

2:22. And after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord:

2:23. As it is written in the law of the Lord: Every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord:

2:24. And to offer a sacrifice, according as it is written in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons:

2:25. And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon: and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel. And the Holy Ghost was in him.

2:26. And he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.

2:27. And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when his parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law,

2:28. He also took him into his arms and blessed God and said

2:29. Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace:

2:30. Because my eyes have seen thy salvation,

2:31. Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples:

2:32. A light to the revelation of the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel.

2:33. And his father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him.

2:34. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall and for the resurrection of many in Israel and for a sign which shall be contradicted.

For the fall, etc.... Christ came for the salvation of all men; but here Simeon prophesies what would come to pass, that many through their own wilful blindness and obstinacy would not believe in Christ, nor receive his doctrine, which therefore would be ruin to them: but to others a resurrection, by their believing in him, and obeying his commandments.

2:35. And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed.

2:36. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser. She was far advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity.

2:37. And she was a widow until fourscore and four years: who departed not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving night and day.

2:38. Now she, at the same hour, coming in, confessed to the Lord: and spoke of him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel.

2:39. And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth.

2:40. And the child grew and waxed strong, full of wisdom: and the grace of God was in him.

2:41. And his parents went every year to Jerusalem, at the solemn day of the pasch.

2:42. And when he was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast,

2:43. And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem. And his parents knew it not.

2:44. And thinking that he was in the company, they came a day’s journey and sought him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance.

2:45. And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him.

2:46. And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them and asking them questions.

2:47. And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers.

2:48. And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: Son, why hast thou done so to us? Behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

2:49. And he said to them: How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be about my father’s business?

2:50. And they understood not the word that he spoke unto them.

2:51. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart.

2:52. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and grace with God and men.

Luke Chapter 3

John’s mission and preaching. Christ is baptized by him.

3:1. Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea and the country of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilina:

3:2. Under the high priests Annas and Caiphas: the word of the Lord was made unto John, the son of Zachary, in the desert.

3:3. And he came into all the country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins.

3:4. As it was written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the prophet: A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.

3:5. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be brought low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways plain.

3:6. And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

3:7. He said therefore to the multitudes that went forth to be baptized by him: Ye offspring of vipers, who hath shewed you to flee from the wrath to come?

3:8. Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of penance: and do not begin to say, We have Abraham for our father. For I say unto you that God is able of these stones, to raise up children to Abraham.

3:9. For now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit shall be cut down and cast into the fire.

3:10. And the people asked him, saying: What then shall we do?

3:11. And he answering, said to them: He that hath two coats, let him give to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do in like manner.

3:12. And the publicans also came to be baptized and said to him: Master, what shall we do?

3:13. But he said to them: Do nothing more than that which is appointed you.

3:14. And the soldiers also asked him, saying: And what shall we do? And he said to them: Do violence to no man, neither calumniate any man; and be content with your pay.

3:15. And as the people were of opinion, and all were thinking in their hearts of John, that perhaps he might be the Christ:

3:16. John answered, saying unto all: I indeed baptize you with water: but there shall come one mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to loose. He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire;

3:17. Whose fan is in his hand: and he will purge his floor and will gather the wheat into his barn: but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.

3:18. And many other things exhorting did he preach to the people.

3:19. But Herod the tetrarch, when he was reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done:

3:20. He added this also above all and shut up John in prison.

3:21. Now it came to pass, when all the people were baptized, that Jesus also being baptized and praying, heaven was opened.

3:22. And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape, as a dove, upon him. And a voice came from heaven: Thou art my beloved Son. In thee I am well pleased.

3:23. And Jesus himself was beginning about the age of thirty years: being (as it was supposed) the son of Joseph, who was of Heli, who was of Mathat,

Who was of Heli.... St. Joseph, who by nature was the son of Jacob, (St. Matt. 1. 16,) in the account of the law, was son of Heli. For Heli and Jacob were brothers, by the same mother; and Heli, who was the elder, dying without issue, Jacob, as the law directed, married his widow: in consequence of such marriage, his son Joseph was reputed in the law the son of Heli.

3:24. Who was of Levi, who was of Melchi, who was of Janne, who was of Joseph,

3:25. Who was of Mathathias, who was of Amos, who was of Nahum, who was of Hesli, who was of Nagge,

3:26. Who was of Mahath, who was of Mathathias, who was of Semei, who was of Joseph, who was of Juda,