Page:Apocryphal Gospels and Other Documents Relating to the History of Christ.djvu/140

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APOCRYPHAL GOSPELS.

and said with, a loud voice, Mount of God, receive a mother with her child. And suddenly the mountain was divided and received her. And light shone through to them; for the angel of the Lord was with them, preserving them.

CHAPTER XXIII.

And Herod sought after John, and sent his servants to Zacharias, saying. Where hast thou hidden thy son? And he answered and said to them, I am the minister of God, and I am busied with the temple of the Lord, I know not where my son is. And the servants went away and reported to Herod all these things, and Herod was angry and said. His son is going to be king of Israel. And he sent to him again, saying. Tell the truth; where is thy son? for thou knowest that thy blood is under my hand. And Zacharias said, I am a witness for God, if thou dost shed my blood; for the Lord will receive my spirit, for thou sheddest innocent blood in the porch of the Lord's temple. And about daybreak Zacharias was slain; and the children of Israel knew not that he was slain.

CHAPTER XXIV.

But at the hour of greeting the priests went, and the blessing of Zacharias did not meet them accord-