Page:Apocryphal Gospels and Other Documents Relating to the History of Christ.djvu/454

338 And they reported unto the elders, and priests, and Levites, saying, We have gone about all the mountains of Israel, and have not found Jesus; but we have found Joseph in Arimathea. Now when they heard about Joseph they rejoiced, and gave glory to the God of Israel. And the rulers of the synagogue and priests and Levites took counsel in what way they should send to Joseph; and they took paper and wrote to Joseph: —

Peace be to thee and to all that is thine. We know that we have sinned against God and against thee: and thou hast supplicated the God of Israel, and he hath delivered thee out of our hands. And now deign to come to thy fathers and thy sons, for we are greatly distressed. We, who opened the door and found thee not, have all sought for thee. We know that we have taken evil counsel against thee, but the Lord hath supplanted our counsel against thee. Father Joseph, thou art worthy to be honored by all the people.

And they chose out of all Israel seven men who were friends of Joseph, whom Joseph also knew as friends; and the rulers of the synagogue and priests and Levites said to them, See ye: if he receiveth the letter and readeth it, for certain he will come to us with you; but if he doth not read it, know that he is ill-disposed towards us, and when ye have saluted him in peace return to us. And they blessed