Page:Apocryphal Gospels and Other Documents Relating to the History of Christ.djvu/286



has often been observed that this consists of three parts, or has been drawn from three sources. Chapters i.-ix. comprise events commencing with the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem to be enrolled, and ending with the massacre of the infants by Herod. This period corresponds with the record in the Protevangelium, chapters xvii.-xxv., and the source of the narrative must be similar. It will be observed, however, that the correspondence we have noticed is anything but literal.

The second part (chapters x.-xxxv.) relates at length what is feigned to have happened during the flight into Egypt, the sojourn there, and the return. This division is the product of an extravagant imagination, and is most likely a heap of Egyptian fancies, invented and compiled very much with the intention of glorifying the Lord's mother, as the chief minister of His divine power and favour. The superstitious notions are so fully developed that the materials for this section cannot be so ancient as the rest.

The third part of the Arabic Gospel of the