The Childhood and Youth of Jesus · Part 2 · Chapter 155

Cyrenius' worry about the ship. The angel's advice. Cyrenius' gratitude to Joseph and the Infant. Joseph's prediction of Cyrenius' adventure during the voyage. 1 March 1844

01] In the evening, supper was prepared and consumed, whereupon arrangements were made for the departure on the following day.

02] However, according to Cyrenius' and his suite's knowledge, the new Carthaginian ship was not yet loaded or supplied with anything, and Cyrenius secretly worried about it a little.

03] But one youth walked up to him and said: "Quirinus! You should not worry about anything even secretly;

04] for look, that what worries you at present has been in the best order since a while!

05] All you need to do is to put your own house in good order during your absence; for we will take care of everything else in the name of the Lord God Sabaoth!"

06] Cyrenius trusted the youth's words – and did not worry at all anymore as far as the ship was concerned.

07] Hereupon Cyrenius called over the captain and handed over the management and provision of the fortress.

08] And as the captain again took up his usual duty,

09] Cyrenius called the commander to him, and gave him full authority over the military forces stationed in this city;

10] for with the Romans, a commander was not allowed to command the military forces at his own discretion in the presence of the governor, for the governor was, in a manner of speaking, all in all.

11] As Cyrenius finished with his arrangements, he went over to Joseph and spoke:

12] "My most exalted, yea, I should rather say, my holy friend and brother! How much have I to thank you and, most particularly, your most Holy Infant!

13] How, when, with what can I ever repay you this immense debt!?

14] You have given me Tullia; you have miraculously saved my life!

15] Yes, I cannot even count all the extraordinary and miraculous good deeds that you showed to me in the short time of my stay here!"

16] And Joseph said: "Friend! How long has it been since I was in great distress?!

17] You were sent to Tyre to become my rescuing angel of the Lord!

18] And see, one hand washes the other on the immense body of all mankind!

19] However, let us not speak of this anymore! Look, it has become evening! The villa is an hour's journey outside the city; therefore allow me now to depart for my house!

20] You and your companions have my and the Lord's manifold blessings; thus you may leave from here in confidence!

21] However, take along the three lions on your ship, and they will serve you well!

22] For there will be a storm and you will end up in Crete, and the rapacious Cretans will attack you.

23] And this is where the three lions will once again serve you well!"

24] Here Cyrenius was afraid; but Joseph comforted him and reassured him that no one would suffer even the slightest harm whatsoever.