nerations from Abraham to David, are fourteen genera 17 So all the ge 17. Thus from Abraham to David, are reckoned fourteen Generations ; likewise from David to the Babylonish Captivity, fourteen Generations; and from thence again to Christ, fourteen Generations. tions: and from David until the carrying away into Baby lon, are fourteen generations: and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Chrift, are fourteen generations. 18 Now the birth of Jesus Chrift was on this wife: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Jofeph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghoft. 19 Then Joseph her husband being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was mindedivio put her away privily. 18. Now the Birth of Christ was not after the manner of the rest of Mankind, in the ordinary and natural way; but when his Mother Mary was contracted to Fofeph, before they came together, she was found to be with Child by the extraordinary and miraculous Ope. ration of the holy Ghost. 19. Joseph perceiving her to be with Child without his knowledge, was much troubled and disturbed at * So the it, being yet wholly igno- words rant of the Divine Mystery. in the old Nevertheless, being a good & Testament fignifies, * compaffionate Man, he was and from unwilling to expose her to thence publick shame, but refolved the LXX, to put her away privately. and in the New Test. 20. But while he was musing in his Mind upon these things, an Angel appeared to him in a Dream, and faid; Fofeph, do not entertain any evil Thoughts concerning Mary your Wife; for she is not only innocent of what you wrongfully fuspect her, but is also chosen by God to be the Instrument of a great and miraculous Work; for the Child that is now conceived in her, is by the wonderful and immediate Power of the Holy Ghoft. 21. And she shall be delivered of a Son; and his Name shall be called Jesus, that is, The Saviour: For he shall be that long-expected Meffiah, who by giving himfelf a Sacrifice for all paft Sins, and by publishing for the future the gracious terms of Faith and Repentance, shall deliver his People from the dominion and punishment of Sin, and bring them to everlafting Life. bring forth a fon, his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their fins. and thou shalt call 22 (Now 22 (Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a fon, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted, is, God with us ) 24 Then Joseph being raised from fleep, did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him,and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her first-born fon; and he called his name Jesus. 22. And hereby shall be most eminently fulfilled that remarkable Prophecy of Efaiah, (Ifa. 7. 14.) 23. Behold, a Virgin Shall conceive and bring forth a Son, and he shall be Immanuel, that is, God with us. 24. When the Angel had thus faid, Jofeph awaked; and being fully fatisfied of his Wives Innocence and Purity, he obeys the Command of God delivered by the Angel, and receives her chearfully. 25. Yet, looking upon her to be hereby confecrated to God, he continues to abstain from her. And the brought forth her only Son, and called his name Jesus. 1, J CHAP. II. Efus being thus born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the Reign of King Herod; it was not long before his coming into the World was made known, not only to those devouter Jews who waited for the appearing of the Meffias and the redemption of Ifrael, but even to the Gentiles also. For at this time, certain Aftronomers, or Philofophers, came from the Eastern Part of the World, as far as to Jerufalem. 2. And there they made Enquiry, saying, Where is the great King that is born in Judea ? For when we were afar off in our own Country, we saw a new Star, from the appearance of which, we assuredly collected that That great Prince, whom the World both from Traditions and Prophecies expects about this time, is Now when Jefus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wife men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the eaft, and are come to worship him. |