A39227:55
The harmony of the Gospels in the holy history of the humiliation and sufferings…
The harmony of the Gospels in the holy history of the humiliation and sufferings of Jesus Christ from his incarnation to his death and burial published by John Eliot ...
Boston: printed by John Foster, 1678
The Harmony of the GOSPELS in the holy History of the Humiliation a… › Chapter 3
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
CAP. III.
The History of the birth of Jesus Christ, and the wonderful things that attended the same
The History of the birth of Iesus Christ, and the wonderful things that attended the same
THE admirable providence of God doth so over-rule all Nations, Persons, motions and affairs: that every juncture is timed and ordered according to the good pleasure of his will, and for the accomplishment of his Word & promises to his Servants. Who could have brought this to pass, that Mary must bring forth her son Jesus at Bethlehem, so far remote from Nazareth where they dwelt? But to accomplish this Caesar must make a decree, to tax all the world, this must be executed in Judea; thither must Joseph and Mary go. This Decree must comprehend the house of David, therefore all the royal Family of David, must at the time appointed, meet at Bethlehem: and all this must come to pass, when Mary was near the time of her travail, Luk. 2.3, 4, 5. All went to be taxed, & every one in his own city, Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and linage of David, to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. When they came there, though they were all of the same tribe, family & kindred, yet living at such a distance, they had no private friend or acquaintance, unto whose house •ey could go for shelter, and entertainment: but they went to some public Inn, and there took up their lodging and place of abode: in which Inn, by reason of great resort at that time, all the rooms within doors were so taken up or engaged, that there was no room for such a poor couple to be entertained; only there was a vacant end of an out-house, a Stable where horses use to stand, if he would accept of that he might. Necessity compelled them to accept it; for Mary's time of travail was at hand; it concerned them to do the best they could. It is like Joseph made what provision he could, and there took up his lodging, while he should tarry in the town. And here was Mary delivered, here was our Lord Jesus born,