Page:Apocryphal Gospels and Other Documents Relating to the History of Christ.djvu/547

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STORY OF JOSEPH.
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thou still foolish? Dost thou not perceive the fragrance of Paradise which has filled the place? Dost thou not know who he was? The robber upon the cross became an heir of Paradise. Verily, verily, I say unto thee that it is for him alone until the great day shall come. And John said, Make me worthy to see him.

And while John was yet speaking the robber suddenly appeared, and John being terrified fell to the ground. And the appearance of the robber was not in the same fashion as before John came, but was like a king in great power, arrayed with the cross. And the voice of many multitudes exclaimed, Thou art come into the place of Paradise which hath been prepared for thee: We have been appointed by Him that sent thee to minister unto thee until the great day. And when this voice came, both the robber and I, Joseph, disappeared, and I was found in my house; and I saw Jesus no more.

And I, who beheld these things, have written them that all may believe in Jesus Christ our Lord, who was crucified, and may no longer minister in the law of Moses, but may believe in the signs and wonders that were done by him, and that, believing, we may inherit eternal life, and be found in the kingdom of heaven; for unto Him glory, power, praise, and majesty is due for ever and ever. Amen.