Selections from “The Gospel of the Holy Twelve” by Reverend Gideon Jasper Richard Ouseley (vegetarian) – Chapters 4-5, Part 2 of 2

Chapter 4 The Song of Simeon.

“Simeon blessed them and said unto Mary His mother, Behold this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against (yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

And there was one Anna a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel. of the tribe of Aser, of a great age, who departed not from the temple but served God with fasting and prayer night and day. And she coming in that instant, gave thanks likewise unto God, and spoke of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. And when they had performed all things according to the law they returned into Galilee to their own city Nazareth.”

Chapter 5 The coming of the wise men, who had tasted neither flesh nor strong drink. Disappearance of the Star when they forgot their weary creatures. Flight into Egypt. Return to the land of Israel.

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, who had purified themselves and tasted not of flesh nor of strong drink, that they might find the Christ whom they sought. And they said, ‘Where is He that is born, King of the Jews for we in the East have seen His star and are come to worship Him.’

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where the Christ should be born. And they said unto him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judaea; for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, are not the least among the princes of Juda; for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.’

Then Herod, when he had [secretly] called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found Him bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.’

When they had heard the king, they departed; and lo the star which the wise men saw, and the angel of the star went before them, till it came and stood over the place where the young child was; and the star had the appearance of six rays. […]”