Page:SermonsFromTheLatins.djvu/81

 instinctively sought  protection  from  Joseph,  her  intended husband,  only  to  have  her  worst  fears  realized, for Joseph,  being  a  just  man,  immediately  sought  to sever  their  engagement. But God  did  not  abandon her. An angel  came  to  Joseph,  enlightening  him  as to  the  true  state  of  affairs,  and  Joseph,  like  the  good and true  man  he  was,  immediately  made  Mary  his lawful wedded  wife. Six months  of  peace  ensued, and then  we  find  them  on  the  road  to  Bethlehem,  the town of  David's  line,  where  they  and  all  his  other lineal descendants  had  to  present  themselves  that  a general  census  of  the  people  might  be  taken. The way was  long — some  eighty  miles — and  wearisome, and the  season  being  winter,  the  journey  must  have been a  downright  hardship,  especially  for  Mary,  so soon  to  be  a  mother. The wintry  day  was  closing in as  they  passed  through  Jerusalem  and  came  in sight  of  Bethlehem,  a  few  miles  farther  on. To them it seemed  like  coming  to  their  own,  and  the  brightly illumined homes  and  the  sounds  of  mirth  and  joy from many  a  family  reunion  gave  to  the  weary travellers a  sense  of  peace  and  rest. But alas! their own received  them  not. First, from  the  village  inn and then  from  door  after  door  they  were  turned away, either  because  there  was  no  room  to  give,  or else  because  there  was  no  will  to  give  what  room there was. Poor Mary! we make  way  for,  and salute, a  priest  who  bears  the  Blessed  Sacrament,  but not even  these  small  courtesies  were  offered  thee. Poor Mary! they could  even  refuse  respect  and  help to one  who  showed  the  outward  signs  of  youthful