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The Miraculous Conception
The Miraculous Conception / Or, The Divinity of Jesus Christ Considered as the Foundation of the Christian Religion
MIRACULOUS CONCEPTION
There are two accounts of the miraculous conception, one in the gospel according to St. Matthew, the other in the gospel according to St. Luke. In both these accounts there are several collateral circumstances which are here printed from the approved version, but the examination is intended to be confined as closely as possible to those parts only which relate to the miraculous conception, and, consequently, to the supposed divinity of Jesus Christ. That the Christian reader may see nakedly, and without disguise, the grounds of his faith.
The story in St. Matthew is as follows: —
CHAP. I.
"18. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: when as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
"19. Then Joseph her husband being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
"20. But while he thought on these things, behold the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
"21. 'And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.'
"99. Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
"93. Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted, is God with us.
"94. Then Joseph being raised from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife.