Page:Apocryphal Gospels and Other Documents Relating to the History of Christ.djvu/283

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE GOSPEL OF THOMAS.
167

him gladly, and entreated him to teach more. When a great crowd had gathered they heard all the holy doctrine which he taught, and the precious words, which proceeded from His mouth, who, although so young, said such things.

When Joseph heard this he was afraid, and running ...[1] the master where Jesus was said to Joseph, Know, brother, that I took thy child to teach or to instruct; but he is filled with much gravity and wisdom. Behold, now take him with joy to thy house, brother; for the gravity which he hath is given him of the Lord. When Jesus heard the master saying thus, he was pleased, and said, Lo, now master, thou hast spoken truly. For thy sake he must rise who was dead. And Joseph took him to his home.

CHAPTER XIV.

How Jesus delivered James from the bite of a Serpent.

Now Joseph sent James to gather stubble, and Jesus followed him. But while James was gathering stubble, a viper bit him, and he fell to the ground as if dead through the venom. And when Jesus saw it, he breathed on his wound, and immediately James was made whole, and the viper died.

  1. There is a gap in the construction which Dr. Tischendorf thus supplies: — "Came to the school (or door) fearing the master might die. But ——"