Page:Apocryphal Gospels and Other Documents Relating to the History of Christ.djvu/274

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APOCRYPHAL GOSPELS.

the words which proceed from his mouth have effect. And when Joseph saw what Jesus did, he took him by the ear in a rage. But Jesus being troubled said to Joseph, It is enough for thee to see me, not to touch me. For thou knowest not who I am: but if thou knewest thou wouldst not grieve me. And although I am now with thee I was made before thee.

CHAPTER VI.

How Jesus was treated by the teacher.

Then a certain man named Zacchæeus heard all that Jesus said to Joseph, and wondering in himself he said, I never saw such a child speaking thus. And he came to Joseph and said, Thou hast a wise child; send him to learn his letters; and when he hath been taught in the knowledge of letters, I will teach him honourably that he may not become foolish. But Joseph answered and said to him, No one can teach him save God alone. Dost thou believe that Little One will be small? Now when Jesus heard Joseph say such things, he said to Zacchæus, Verily, master, for however great things proceed from my mouth, they are true. And I was Lord before all men; but ye are aliens. For the glory of ages is given to me; nothing is given to you; for before the ages I am. And I know how many will be the years of thy life; and that thou wilt be taken