Apocryphal New Testament — Historical English Collection

Apocryphal New Testament — Hone/Wake/Jones — Section 71

100 Howbeit I was ashamed to continue with them. But she that seemed to be the chiefest amongst them, embraced me, and began to kiss me. And the rest when they saw that I was kissed by her, began also to kiss me as a brother ; and led me about the tower, and played with me. 101 Some of them also sung psalms, others made up the chorus with them. But I walked aboutthe tower with them, rejoic- ing silently, and seeming to myself to be grown young again. 102 When the evening came on, I would forthwith have gone home, but they withheld me, and suffered me not to depart. Where- fore I continued with them that night near the same tower. 103 So they spread their linen garments upon the ground ; and placed me in the middle, nor did they anything else, only they prayed. 104 I also prayed with them without ceasing, nor less than they. Who when they saw me pray in that manner, rejoiced greatly ; and I continued there with them till the next day. 105 And when we had wor- shipped God, then the shepherd came and said unto them : You have done no injury to this man. They answered, Ask him. I said unto him, Sir, I have received a militant SIMILITUDE IX. md triumphant. great deal of satisfaction in that I have remained witii them. 106 And he said unto me, How didst thou sup ? I answered, Sir, I feasted the whole night upon the words of the Lord. They received thee well then, said he ; I said, Sir, very well. 107 He answered, Wilt thou now learn what thou didst desire? I replied. Sir, I will: and first I pray thee that thou shouldest shew me all things in the order that I asked them. 108 He answered, I will do all as thou wouldst have me, nor will I hide anything from thee. 109 T[ First of all. Sir, said I, tell me, what this rock, and this gate denote ? Hearken, said he ; this rock, and this gate, are the Son of God. I replied, Sir, how can that be; seeing therockis old, but the gate new. 110 Hear, said he, O foolish man ! and understand. The Son of God is indeed more ancient than any creature ; ^ insomuch that he was in council with his Father at the creation of ' all things.