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The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Vol 1 - Predestination

The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Vol 1 - Predestination

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pnblic, brought what <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> best lay within X<br />

reach. But Nazareth was not <strong>the</strong> city <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> wealthy<br />

or influential, ^- ' -' <strong>and</strong> such festive eveningentertainments,<br />

with elaborate ceremonious-nesB<br />

<strong>of</strong> reception, arranging <strong>of</strong> guests according to rank,<br />

<strong>and</strong> rich spread <strong>of</strong> board, would but rarely, if ever,<br />

be witnessed in those quiet homes. <strong>The</strong> same<br />

simplicity would prevail in dress <strong>and</strong> manners.^<br />

But close <strong>and</strong> loving were <strong>the</strong> bonds which drew<br />

toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> members <strong>of</strong> a family, <strong>and</strong> deep <strong>the</strong><br />

influence which <strong>the</strong>y exercised on each o<strong>the</strong>r. We<br />

cannot here discuss <strong>the</strong> vexed question whe<strong>the</strong>r '<br />

<strong>the</strong> bro<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>and</strong> sisters' <strong>of</strong> <strong>Jesus</strong> were such in tiie<br />

real sense, or step-bro<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>and</strong> sisters, or else<br />

cousins, though it seems to us as if <strong>the</strong> primary<br />

meaning <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> terms would scarcely have been<br />

called in question, but for a <strong>the</strong>ory <strong>of</strong> false<br />

asceticism, <strong>and</strong> an undervaluing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sanctity <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> married estate.* But, what- •oomp. ever <strong>the</strong><br />

precise relationship between <strong>Jesus</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>se '<br />

bro<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>and</strong> u; stLoke sisters,' it must, on any<br />

<strong>the</strong>ory, have been <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> closest, <strong>and</strong> exercised<br />

uatL zu. its influence upon Him.' 16; st lUrk

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