now born ;' and this Star directed us to Judæa to seek for him, and we are come to pay him Homage. 3 When Herod 3. Upon this Enquiry the king had heard made by the wise Men, King these things, he was Herod, who was a Foreigner, troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. and had been cruel and arbitrary; and feared that he should lose his Kingdom, if that great Prince, of whom he knew the Nation had a general Expectation, were now born; was extreamly troubled and disturbed. And all Jerusalem likewise, was greatly moved at the strange ness of the Enquiry. 4. And when he 4. But Herod to satisfie had gathered all the himself more fully, calls chief priests and fcribes of the people for the Chief Priests and together, he deman- Teachers of the People, and ded of them where enquires of them, Where the Christ should be Mesah, whom they expectborn. ed, was to be born. 5 And they said 5. They told him, in unto him, In Bethle Bethlehema Town of Judda; hem of Judea : for thus it is written by For so the Prophet Micah the prophet; had foretold in these words, (Micah 5. 2.) CH A P. II. JE Ejus being thus born in "Now when Jesus Bethlehem of Judæa, Bethlehem of Judea, in the Reign of King Herod; in the days of Herod it was not long before his the king, behold, coming into the World was there came wise meń from the east to Jemade known, not only to rufalem, those devouter Jews who waited for the appearing of the Messias and the redemption of Israel, but even to the Gentiles also. For at this time, certain Aftronomers, or Philosophers, came from the Eastern Part of the World, as far as to Jerusalem. 2. And there they made 2 Saying, Where Enquiry, saying, Where is is he that is born the great King that is born King of the Jews ? for we have seen his in fudæa ? For when we far in the east, and were afar off in our own are come to worship Country, we saw a new him. Star, from the appearance of which, we assuredly collected that That great Prince, , whom the World both from Traditions and Prophecies expects about this time, is 3 now born ;: and this Star to pay him Homage. and had been cruel and ar- ness of the Enquiry 4 And when he 4. But Herod, to satisfie had gathered all the himself more fully, calls thief priests and fcribes of the people for the Chief Priests and together, he deman- Teachers of the People, and ded of them where enquires of them, Where the Chrift should be Melfijah, whom they expectborn. ed, was to be born. 5 And they said 5. They told him, in unto him, In Bethle Bethlehema Town of Judæa; hem of Judea : for thus it is written by For so the Prophet Micah the prophet; had foretold, in these words, (Micah 5.2.) 4 6. And thou Bethlehem in 6 And thou Bethin the Land of Juda, though lehem in the land of thou beeft but a small City, leaft among the prin- · get art thou by no means the ces of Juda : for out kaft“ honourable among the of thee hall come a Principalities of Judah 3 for rule my people Il out of thee Mall arise a Gover. rael. nour, that shall rule my people Israel. 7. Herod at this answer 7 Then Herod, being now more confirmed when he had privily called the wise men, in his Suspicion, that the enquired of them diChild Jesus was designed to ligently what time be Prince and King of the the ftar appeared. Jews, resolved (if possible) to prevent it by destroying him and that this his wicked design might not miscarry by being discover'd too soon, he contrives Means to conceal the cruel purpose under the pretence of Piety. Calling therefore the wise Men secretly to him, he enquires of them the exact time of the Stars appearing: 8. And sends them to Bethlehem, faying, Go search them to Bethlehem, carefully for the Young and said , Go, and Child ; and when you have search diligently for found him, come and bring the young child, and when ye have found self me word ; that I my bim, bring me word 8 And he sent again , that I' may also may go and do obeisance come and worship to him. him also. 9. The wife Men, not suf9 When they had heard the king, they pecting the King's wicked departed, and lo, the Intentions, went accordingAar which they saw ly to seek for the Child: in the east, went bé fore them, till it And assoon as they were out came and food over of the City, the Star,which where the young they had at first feen in the child was. East , appeared to them again, and conducted them to the place where the Child Jesus was. 10 When they 10. This appearing of the saw the star , they Star to them again, assured rejoyced with ex- them of the continuance of ceeding great joy. the divine Affiftance and Direction, and filled their Hearts with exceeding great Joy. 11 9 And when * 11. Entring therefore the they were come into House, to which the Star the young child with had guided them, they found Mary his mother, the Child with his Mother and fell down, and Mary; and they fell down worshipped him: and and worshipped him, and ed their treasures, presented him with the they presented unto choicest Products of their him gifts; gold, and Eastern Country; with Gold, frankincense Frankincense, and Myrrhe, imyrrhe. and 12 When |