Page:Apocryphal Gospels and Other Documents Relating to the History of Christ.djvu/320

204 and milk-pails, and couches, and boxes. And the Lord Jesus was with him wherever he went. Therefore as often as Joseph had to make any of his work a cubit or a span longer or shorter, wider or narrower, the Lord Jesus used to stretch out his hand towards it, and when this was done it became such as Joseph wished; and there was no need for him to do anything with his own hand; for Joseph was not very skilful as a carpenter.

a certain day the king of Jerusalem sent for him and said, Joseph, I wish thee to make me a throne of the measure of the place where I have been used to sit. Joseph obeyed, and immediately after he put his hand to the work; he remained two years in the palace, until he had finished making the throne. But when he had it removed into its place, he perceived that on each side it was two spans shorter than the proper measure. On seeing this the king was angry with Joseph; and Joseph, being greatly afraid of the king, passed the night supperless and tasting nothing whatever. Then he was asked by the Lord Jesus why he was afraid? Because, said Joseph, I have lost all that I have done for two years. The Lord Jesus said to him, Fear not, nor lose heart, but take thou one side of the