The Childhood and Youth of Jesus · Part 2 · Chapter 240

The guests become aware of the Infant. Cyrenius' disclosure. A neighbour's judgment of Joseph and his family. 26 June 1844

01] Thereupon the company quickly got up from the table and thanked God for the physical as well as spiritual nourishment and then most of them went outside.

02] Only Joseph, Mary and the Infant with James went to the large dining room, where Cyrenius was still sitting at the table with his guests.

03] Cyrenius welcomed his dearest friends very warmly and wanted to stand up at once and prepare a place for them.

04] The Infant said: "O My dear Cyrenius, stay, stay where you are!

05] I am content as long as I have the right place in your heart!

06] As far as a place at the table is concerned, it is of no importance to Me!

07] I am now going outside with My family; come after Me later, when you have finished your meal!"

08] Hereupon the Infant with His James quickly went outside and amused himself with James and the other children.

09] Some guests noticed how intelligent and intimate the Infant addressed Cyrenius,

10] and they inquired about the Infant's age;

11] for he spoke already like a grown man and appeared to be on very familiar terms with the governor.

12] Cyrenius said: "What is it to you that I am very fond of children?

13] You have all seen that this Infant is extremely ingenious!

14] But as to how he has attained this clarity of mind at barely three-and-a-half years of age,

15] well, you will have to ask His parents, who will no doubt be able to explain this to you!

16] Personally I am very surprised that although being the nearest neighbours, you still do not know this house and its inhabitants any better!"

17] Thereupon some of them spoke: "Well – how can we get to know this family better?

18] For firstly, they never go anywhere, and secondly, we also have too little time to visit this singular Jewish family, who are so difficult to understand in any case;

19] for they have such a singular mystical air about them that one does not know just what to make of it.

20] As far as we could find out from other ordinary people, this family is most peace-loving and does a lot of good to the poor;

21] but there are also people who say that they have often observed this house in bright flames, which was then extinguished as fast as one can say 'yes' or 'no', – and other such incidents.

22] Hence we also lack the courage to visit this family;

23] for the old man is and will remain a Jewish chief magician.

24] And it is not good to have dealings with such persons!" –

25] Here Cyrenius laughed and spoke: "Well – if that is the case – then stick with that; for then this house is safe from you!" – And the guests looked baffled, and did not know what to make of Cyrenius' words. –