JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA

AND

DAVID'S THRONE IN BRITAIN!

TRIUMPH PROPHETIC MINISTRIES (CHURCH OF GOD) * ALTADENA * CALIFORNIA *

With a brief mention in the four gospels, Joseph of Arimathea leaves the New Testament record never to be heard from again. However, this intrepid and fearless man of God is NOT lost from the pages of secular records. History and tradition records the incredible story of Joseph's relationship to Christ and the journeys they made together to the western confines of the Roman Empire. Joseph's business interests, and how he transferred thePHAREZ LINE OF DAVID to Britain after the death of Christ, makes fascinating reading and reveals a part of God's intricate plan for the redemption of His people Israel! No story is more riveting or more exciting than that of the drama of Joseph of Arimathea and the founding of the Church of God in the tin islands of Britain!

John D. Keyser
We get a fleeting glimpse in the New Testament. This great man of god strides onto centerstage, commands our attention for a few short verses then, just as quickly, disappears -- never to be heard from again! Yet this man, whose life is just as fascinating or as intriguing as that of Paul or Peter, performed a VITAL MISSION in the plan of God! Matthew records in chapter 27: "Now when evening had come, there came A RICH MAN from Arimathea, named JOSEPH, Who himself had also become A DISCIPLE OF JESUS. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. And when JOSEPH had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed." (Verses 57-60, NKJV). With these words Joseph of Arimathea disappears from the pages of the Bible. The other gospels cover the SAME EVENTS, adding details that Matthew doesn't mention. We read in Mark:
Now when evening had come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a PROMINENT COUNCIL MEMBER, who was himself WAITING FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD, coming in and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate marveled that He was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time. And when he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. Then he bought fine linen, took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen. And he laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. -- Verses 42-46, NKJV.

Luke adds little that is not covered by Matthew and Mark: "And behold, there was a man named Joseph, A COUNCIL MEMBER, A GOOD AND

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"The Bible never mentions him again, yet we are not left in the dark concerning the DOMINANT ROLE Joseph played in the spreading of Christianity."

JUST MAN. HE HAD NOT CONSENTED TO THEIR COUNSEL AND DEED. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before." (Luke 23:50-53, NKJV). John, the apostle of love, tells us a little more:
After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a DISCIPLE OF JESUS, BUT SECRETLY, FOR FEAR OF THE JEWS, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. And NICODEMUS, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews' Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby. -John 19:38-42, NKJV.

Joseph of Arimathea, following the crucifixion. Surely this man who was a disciple of Jesus; who had shown rare courage in begging the body of Jesus, would have become a close follower of Christ after the transforming experience at Pentecost. The Bible never mentions him again, yet we are not left in the dark concerning the DOMINANT ROLE Joseph played in the spreading of Christianity." (The Traditions of Glastonbury. Artisan Sales, Thousand Oaks, CA. 1983. P.21). WHO was this man who, in all probability, risked the wrath of the Jewish authorities when he requested the body of Christ for burial? A Man of Substance! In reading these verses from the Bible we can glean a number of things. First, and foremost, is the fact that he was a RICH MAN from Arimathea. Ancient traditions note that Joseph was a man of refinement, well educated and possessing many talents. He evidently had extraordinary political and business abilities that helped him to become one of the wealthiest men in the world of that time. His financial and social standing can be estimated when we realize that he owned a palatial home in the city of Jerusalem and a country estate just outside the confines of the city. These same traditions reveal that Joseph also owned another spacious estate several miles north of Jerusalem at ARIMATHEA --

To most readers of the Bible, therefore, Joseph of Arimathea is remembered in passing as the rich man who took the body of Christ down from the tree and placed it in his own private sepulcher. He then silently passes out of the Scriptural record leaving no trace whatsoever in the Word of God! As E. Raymond Capt notes: "Strangely, the Bible has nothing further to say about

Page 3 which is Ramalleh. known today as council member. This would indicate that he was a member of the GREAT COUNCIL or SANHEDRIN of the Jews -- the supreme national tribunal established at the time of the Maccabees, or perhaps earlier in the time of Ezra.
unfortunately, never been sufficiently reported. Today, we know the trial for life was fought out on the floor of the Sanhedrin with all the stormy violence of a bestial, prejudiced fury on one side and the granite uncompromising courage of the defence by men who knew that by the very act of their challenge they had signed and sealed their own death warrant. -- The Drama of the Lost Disciples. Covenant Publishing Co. Ltd., London. 1980. P.13.

Ramalleh was the birthplace of Samuel the prophet and is called, in the Greek Septuagint version of the Old Testament, Arimathaim. This town was located on the busy caravan route That Joseph was present between Nazareth and the Holy City, and may therefore have at the trial of Jesus before the been a large factor in Joseph's Sanhedrin is evident by Luke's Jowett goes on to say that choice of a profession. All the comment that Joseph "had not "on this particular occasion we information we have about Jo- consented to their counsel and see the opposition potent with seph indicates that he was prejudice, slashing at a man of unusual business Christ with their verbal In the Roman Empire of the time of abilities within the Jewish darts, subtly fanning the and Roman trading circles Christ, the term "DECURIO" was flame of antagonism commonly used to designate AN OFFI- against Him. On the other of his day. CIAL -- under Roman authority -- side, we see the champions All four of the gos- WHO WAS IN CHARGE OF METAL of the defence striking pels state that he was "a MINING. The implication is that Jo- back with rapier swiftness. disciple of Jesus" who was seph was a PROVINCIAL ROMAN The history of the Trial, as himself "waiting for the SENATOR in charge of Rome's over- it has come down to us, kingdom of God." John shows that the defence seas mining interests. adds that Joseph was a disfought back with all the ciple of Jesus "secretly, for resolute heroism of fearless fear of the Jews." It is obvious, deed." In fact, there is evidence warriors, invincible in the courthen, that Joseph of Arimathea that Joseph of Arimathea led an age of their firm convictions." was well aware of the person and impassioned defense of Christ at ministry of Christ in his home- the trial. In the crowded assemThe defense of Christ by land and, in order to protect his bly of the Sanhedrin, Christ was Joseph and those who supported standing and business interests, led to face Caiaphas and his him must have been brilliant, was a "secret" disciple of Jesus. father-in-law Annas who, as the and a classic in the legal annals The religious hierarchy of the reigning High Priest of Judaism, of Judea at the time. When the day, made up of the Pharisees represented the Sadducean fami- vote was cast, forty out of the and Sadducees, could have eas- lies of which they were mem- seventy-one legislative members ily ruined Joseph if they were bers. George F. Jowett relates of the Sanhedrin voted for the aware of his religious affiliation. what transpired: dismissal of the case and the Therefore Joseph chose, at this freedom of Christ. This the SadContrary to the common belief time, to keep his connection with that Jesus was completely surrounded ducees never forgot. They conChrist secret. However, there is by enemies at that strange midnight trolled all the wealthy ruling more to Joseph's connection with trial, the light of recent findings prove families of Jerusalem and the it to have been very much otherwise. Christ than meets the eye! surrounding areas -- with the exThat Jesus was encompassed ception of the intrepid Joseph! Luke mentions that Jo- by a vengeful, hostile group who His influence was so great that it sought His total extinction is substantiseph was a COUNCIL MEM- ated, but THE BRILLIANT BATTLE stretched beyond the boundaries BER, and Mark adds FOR THE DEFENCE against the sav- of Jewish politics into the high "PROMINENT" to the term age demands for destruction has, places of Roman administration.

Page 4 "He is the man who at this stage of events quietly moves into the scene. He was the power behind the throne who backed up the exhortations of the Liberal Party in the Sanhedrin, and the man who stood behind the defence of Jesus with his resourceful support on that fateful night." (Ibid., p.15). At this point Caiaphas demanded that Jesus be tried before Pontius Pilate, the Roman Procurator of the Roman Province of Palestine, on the charge of treason. What happened next is recorded in the pages of the Bible. The British Tin Industry In the Latin Vulgate of the Gospel of Mark (15:43) and Luke (23:50) we find the term "DECURIO" used instead of "COUNCIL MEMBER" to describe Joseph's office or occupation. In Jerome's (Catholic scholar, 345?-420 A.D.) translation of the Vulgate the term "NOBILIS DECURIO" is used -- the NOBLE DECURIO! Not only that, but early documents of Britain and Gaul refer to Joseph in the same manner. The Welshman Maelgwyn of Llandaff calls Joseph the "NOBILIS DECURIO," as well as Rabanus Maurus (776-856 A.D.), Archbishop of Mayence and writer of the manuscript called the Life of St. Mary Magdalene. A copy of this document is to be found in the Magdalen College Library at Oxford, England, and dates from the early that of the manuscript copy of the Tertius Opus of Roger Bacon in the Bodleian Library of the University of Oxford, which is generally considered to date from the end of the fourteenth or beginning of the fifteenth century. It is abundantly clear that this copy of the Life of St. Mary from Rabanus' original is written by a professional scribe. The careful "illumination," the various copying errors, and the fact that at the end of the manuscript the writer goes on to transcribe a homily (sermon) of Origen (the celebrated writer, teacher and theologian of antiquity) on Mary Magdalen, lends credence to this being a faithful copy of the original. As J.W. Taylor notes, "the original work of which this is a copy was undoubtedly written either by Rabanus himself, or its author must have made considerable use of the Homilies of Rabanus, for the general style and composition of the work (as M. Faillon has well shown) CLOSELY FOLLOWS that of its reputed author." (The Coming of the Saints, p.81). The book in the Magdalen College Library has been recognized as a work of Rabanus in past centuries, and appears as such in the well-known list or catalog of William Cave

The First Page of the Manuscript of Rabanus part of the fifteenth century. No history is known of this manuscript; but it is neatly written on parchment and beautifully illuminated in colors and in gold. Experts note that the writing and illumination is very similar to

Page 5 (Scriptorum Ecclesiastiicorum Historia Literaria, vol.ii, p.38 Oxford, 1740-1743). In the 22nd chapter of this manuscript an account of the embalming and burial of Christ by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus is related, along with a detailed description of the mausoleum and sepulcher that Joseph had hewn out of the rock for his own use. Then the manuscript states that Joseph was known as the NOBILIS DECURION. ADMINISTRATION BRITAIN! IN
monopolized in Caesar's day by the Beneti of Brittany. -- Page 156.

They that inhabit THE BRITISH PROMONTORY OF BELERIUM [old name for Cornwall], by reason of their converse with merchants, are more civilized and courteous to strangers than the rest. THESE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT MAKE THE TIN, which with a great deal of care and labour they dig out of the ground; Along with the traditions of Jewish and that being rocky, the metal is mixed with some veins of presence in Cornwall, THERE ARE earth, out of which they melt the Gildas Badonicus ( metal and then refine it. Then TRADITIONS OF JOSEPH having 516- 570 A.D.), one of the they beat it into four square earliest British historians, visited the area in the course of his pieces like a die and carry it TO also refers to Joseph as mining business. A BRITISH ISLE, near at hand, "NOBILIS DECURIO." CALLED ICTIS. For at low not before, the invasion of Brittide, all being dry between them and What does this Latin title mean? the island, they convey over in carts ain by Julius Caesar. (1943 ediABUNDANCE OF TIN. But there is In the Roman Empire of tion. Vol. 22, p.233). The tin one thing that is peculiar to these isthe time of Christ, the term "DE- mines of Cornwall were a major lands which lie between Britain and CURIO" was commonly used to source of this metal; and in Ro- Europe: for at full sea they appear to be designate AN OFFICIAL -- UN- man times the metal was IN islands, but at low water for a long way DER ROMAN AUTHORITY -- GREAT DEMAND because tin they look like so many peninsulas. WHO WAS IN CHARGE OF was used in the making of alloys. Hence the merchants transport the tin they buy of the inhabitants of Gaul, METAL MINING. The implicaand for thirty days' journey they carry In his book entitled Ro- it in packs upon horses' backs tion is that Joseph was a PROVINCIAL ROMAN SENATOR man Britain, I.A. Richmond THROUGH GAUL TO THE MOUTH in charge of Rome's overseas tells of the development and OF THE RIVER RHONE.

It is an historical fact that TIN was mined and exported to the European continent in large quantities from CORNWALL, ENGLAND, during the Roman period (Funk & Wagnalls New Encyclopedia, vol. 23. Pp. 163-164). The Encyclopedia Britannica reports that "tin was IMPORTED FROM CORNWALL INTO ITALY after, if

Diodorus Siculus himself, in book V of his history of the world, details the British tin industry:

mining interests. Ivor C. Fletcher adds that "the office seems to have been a lucrative and much coveted one. Cicero [Roman writer, statesman and orator (106-43 B.C.)] remarked that it was easier to become a Senator of Rome than a DECURIO in Pompeii." (The Incredible History of God's True Church. Triumph Publishing Co., Altadena, CA. 1984. P.54). The office of Decurio is also known to have existed UNDER THE ROMAN

growth of the British tin industry and trade with the continent of Europe:
Much of the most famed of British metals in the days before the Roman occupation was TIN. The vivid accounts by Diodorus Siculus [1st century B.C. Greek historian], of overland pack-horse transport of CORNISH TIN from the Gallic [French] coast to Narbo (Narbonne) in the FIRST CENTURY B.C., and of the ISLAND EMPORIUM ON THE BRITISH COAST, from which merchants obtained it, all speak of a brisk and flourishing early trade,

And again:
This TIN METAL is transported OUT OF BRITAIN INTO GAUL, the merchants carrying it on horse-back THROUGH THE HEART OF CELTICA TO MARSEILLES and the city called NARBO. -- Diodorus Siculus, Booth's translation, vol.i, p.311.

The promontory of Cornwall is rich in the remains of old mining works and debris. The Phoenicians were probably the

Page 6 first to utilize Cornish tin; and some mines, like the Ding-Dong Mine, can be traced to a high antiquity. The oldest crude pits containing smelted tin are called "JEWS' HOUSES," the tradition being that THE TIN MINES OF CORNWALL were "WROUGHT BY THE JEWS with pickaxes of holm, box and hartshorn -- tools sometimes found among the rubble of such works." These date to very remote times. There is hardly a tinbearing spot in Cornwall that has not been worked over by the "OLD MEN," -- as the ancient miners of the land are always called. "....upon whatever spot the OLD MINER has worked there we are told the Phoenician has been or THE JEW has mined. The existence of the terms "JEWS' HOUSES," "JEWS' TIN," "JEWS' LEAVINGS," "ATTALL" and "ATALL SARACEN," prove the connection of these strangers with the Cornish miners." (Romances of the West, by Hunt. London, 1872). In Polwhele's History of Cornwall (Falmouth, 1803) we read that "the OLDEST smelting-places are called 'JEWS' HOUSES,' the old blocks of tin occasionally found are called 'JEWS' PIECES,' and the stream works of tin that have been formerly deserted by the labourers are called 'JEWS' WORKS' or 'ATTALL SARACEN.' The JEWS appear to have called themselves, or were called by the Britons of Cornwall, 'SARACENS.' " All through the land of The Encyclopedia Britannica (1943 edition) notes that "the wealth of CORNWALL... lies not so much in the soil, as UNDERGROUND and in the surrounding sea. Hence the favourite Cornish toast, "fish, tin and copper." The tin of Cornwall has been known and worked FROM THE BRONZE AGE. By ancient charters the "TINNERS" were exempt from all jurisdiction (save in cases affecting land, life and limb) other than that of the Stannary Courts, and peculiar laws were enacted in the Stannary parliaments. A TAX on the tin, after smelting, was paid to the earls and dukes of Cornwall." (Vol.6, p.453).

The

"Ictis"

of

Diodorus What does all this have to do

with Joseph of Arimathea? Just this: Along with the traditions of Jewish presence in Cornwall, THERE ARE TRADITIONS OF JOSEPH having visited the area in the course of his mining business. Fragments of poems and miners' songs, handed down through the centuries, make FREQUENT REFERENCE TO JOSEPH. One refrain runs, "Joseph was a tin man, Joseph was in the tin trade." (Cornwall, by S. BaringGould, p.57). In the Guide to Penzance, Land's End and Scilly, the author states that

Cornwall the ancient presence and influence of the JEWS is marked by names and places like "BOJEWYAN" (ABODE OF THE JEWS), "TREJEWAS" (JEWS' VILLAGE) and "MARKET JEW." These, as well as the historical "JEWISH WINDOWS" in St. Neot's church and other Jewish monuments and memories, abundantly supplement the older traditions of the "JEWS' HOUSES" and "JEWS' LEAVINGS."

Page 7 "there is a traditional story that JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA was connected with MARAZION [a small seaport of Cornwall -- 2 miles east of Penzance] when he and other Jews traded with the ancient tin-miners of Cornwall" (5th edition, Ward, Lock and Co., London). has great significance, as we shall soon see! WHY would Joseph be given such a title in the manuscripts? WHY would he be called "the Great Lord Joseph of Arimathea"? BECAUSE HE WAS OF THE ROYAL LINE DESCENDED FROM KING DAVID, and this title was in keeping with his birth as A PRINCE OF THE HOUSE OF DAVID! That makes him related
WHAT EXACTLY WAS HIS STATUS? The only grounds which he could have had which would be in agreement with Jewish AND Roman law and at the same time avoid giving offence to the chief priests, would be as THE NEAREST RELATIVE OF THE DEAD MAN.

Is it really so incredible that Joseph of Arimathea had Under both Jewish and Roman commercial interests in the BritLaw it was the responsibility of the ish Isles -- the Cassiterides or NEAREST RELATIVES to dispose of "Tin-Islands" of the anthe dead, regardless of the circumstances of death. cient world? After all SEThis, then, was the man God used to Mary, the mother of NECA, the Roman Jesus, would clearly be in no fit ESTABLISH THE DAVIDIC LINE philosopher, dramatist and emotional state for such a task, statesman who was ap- OF PHAREZ in the final home of the which would have been considpointed tutor to Nero and wandering ten tribes of Israel! It was ered "man's work" anyway. The had great influence with JOSEPH, not Jeremiah, who planted brothers of Jesus as young men the emperor, amassed the seed of David in the islands of or teenagers would have lacked the maturity to perform such a great wealth as a result of Britain. duty, LEAVING JOSEPH (AChis business interests and CORDING TO TRADITION investments in Britain. UnTHE UNCLE OF MARY) THE NEXT to Christ! fortunately, Seneca obtained his IN LINE. Unless Joseph had STRONG vast fortune by trickery and proIvor C. Fletcher reveals LEGAL GROUNDS, as described, for moting usurious loans to the why this is apparent: claiming the body, the Jews would British. Joseph, on the other have RESISTED the idea of a man -hand, was impeccably honest in The gospel record of Joseph whom they hated and had caused to be all his business transactions. burying the body of Jesus in his own executed -- given the honour of being Virtually all the early records sepulchre STRONGLY SUPPORTS buried in a private sepulchre, instead of and traditions concerning Joseph THIS TRADITION. A casual reading the official burial place for criminals. of the account would lead one to asThe last time that Joseph, the ASSOCIATE HIM WITH THE sume that Joseph claimed the body legal FATHER of Jesus, is mentioned MINING ACTIVITIES OF from Pilate on the grounds of being a in scripture is when Jesus is twelve CORNWALL AND THE MEN- friend or follower of the dead man. years old (Luke 2:44-52). From then on This is far from the case, how- the Bible speaks only of His mother DIP HILLS OF SOMERSET! The Royal Link Some early historical manuscripts refer to Joseph as "Joseph de MARMORE" as well as "Joseph of Arimathea." "Mar" is an Eastern term for LORD and "more" or "mawe" signifies GREAT. Therefore, his title would mean "the Great Lord Joseph of Arimathea" -- a title that
ever. The chief priests, with the permission of Pilate, had made special arrangements regarding the security of the body of Jesus for the express purpose of keeping it out of the hands of His followers (Matt. 27:62-66). We are told that Joseph did not reveal at that time that he was a follower of Jesus. He was a disciple "secretly for fear of the Jews" (John 19:38). If Joseph did not approach Pilate on the grounds of being a disciple, and brothers. The clear implication is that Joseph died when Jesus was a young man or teenager. The people of his home town of Nazareth asked the question, "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary? (Mark 6:3). A son would only be spoken of in this way if the father were dead. Under Jewish law THE NEAREST MALE RELATIVE would have the clear responsibility to assist the widow and her children. As we saw earlier, this role would almost certainly be taken up by JOSEPH OF

With that pronouncement Fletcher continues:

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ARIMATHEA. -- The Incredible History of God's True Church . Pp.53-54.

E. Raymond Capt also shows that it had to be a RELATIVE who claimed the body of Christ:
It is quite obvious that the husband (Joseph the widower and carpenter) of Mary died while Jesus was young. Under both ROMAN AND HEBREW LAW, the NEXT MALE KIN automatically becomes the LEGAL GUARDIAN of the family. In this case it was Joseph of Arimathea.... We also cannot overlook the fact that Joseph "went in BOLDLY unto Pilate...and (Pilate) gave the body to Joseph." (Mark 15:43-45) The Sanhedrin had declared Jesus a criminal. According to both ROMAN AND JEWISH LAW, unless the body of an executed criminal was immediately claimed BY THE NEXT OF KIN, the body of the victim was cast into a common pit, where as with others, all physical record of them was completely obliterated. Certainly, the fanatical Sadducean element of the Sanhedrin who sought the total extinction of Jesus, even in death, would have allowed NOTHING SHORT OF A LEGAL CLAIM on the body of Christ. -- The Traditions of Glastonbury, pp.19-20.

therefore, had to defer to Joseph's claim. Joseph's act of claiming the body of Christ made him a MARKED MAN, and the hatred of the Sadducees toward him must have been surpassed only by their hatred of Jesus. Also, we must remember, it was Joseph who led the defense of Jesus before the Sanhedrin.

A Stater of Augustus
This did not win him too many points with the Jewish authorities! Ancient traditions, held close to the heart of the Eastern Church, claim that Joseph was related to Christ and was, in fact, His GREAT-UNCLE! The Jewish TALMUD states that Joseph was the YOUNGER BROTHER OF THE FATHER OF MARY, and therefore was her uncle and a GREAT-UNCLE TO JESUS. George F. Jowett, in his book The Drama of the Lost Disciples, also states that "according to the Talmud, Joseph was the YOUNGER BROTHER OF THE FATHER OF THE VIRGIN MARY. He was her uncle, and therefore a great-uncle to

Jesus." (P.18). The Harlein Manuscripts in the British Museum (38-59f, 193b) further support the claims that Joseph of Arimathea was uncle to Mary the mother of Jesus. One of the manuscripts adds that he had a daughter, ANNA, calling her "consobrina" or COUSIN OF MARY. In the High History of the Holy Grail it plainly states that "Joseph was his [Christ's] mother's uncle" and "this Joseph, as the Scripture witnesseth, was his [Christ's] UNCLE" (Appendix M, The Coming of the Saints, by J.W. Taylor. P.245). This explains the close relationship Christ had with Joseph of Arimathea. George F. Jowett remarks on this relationship:
During the lifetime of Jesus there constantly appears reference to his association with a RELATIVE at Jerusalem. Profane history is more positive on the matter, identifying the connection with Joseph. As we study the old records we find there is a valid reason for the close association of Jesus and his family with Joseph. It is quite obvious that the husband of Mary died while Jesus was young. Under Jewish law such a circumstance automatically appointed THE NEXT MALE KIN OF THE HUSBAND, in this case Joseph, legal guardian of the family. This fact explains many things. History and tradition report Jesus, as a boy, frequently in the company of His UNCLE, particularly at the time of the religious feasts, and declares that JESUS MADE VOYAGES TO BRITAIN with Joseph in his ships. CORNISH

We must also realize that Joseph of Arimathea was a man whom the Sadducees DARED NOT OPPOSE without running up against the Roman administration of the land. Joseph's influence was so great it stretched beyond the borders of Judea into the upper echelons of Roman authority. The Sadducees,

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TRADITIONS abound with this testimony and numerous ancient landmarks bear HEBREW NAMES recording these visits.

body when all others feared to cle Joseph, taught the miners how to do so. His arms were the first to extract tin from the ground and Notice what Luke cradle the broken corpse when says in Luke 4:16-22: "So PURGE IT of the ore wolframite. taken down from the cross and He came to Nazareth, place it in the tomb. After death where He had been he continued to protect the mutilated childhood is to be found in Luke body of Jesus from the conspiring 2, where He goes missing and is brought up. And as His custom minds of the Sadducees. He risked his found sitting in the midst of the was, He went into the synagogue all, wealth, power and position in those on the Sabbath day, and stood up teachers at the Temple: crucial years fulfilling his obligation as to read...And the eyes of all who guardian of Jesus and of the family of And when He was twelve were in the synagogue were Mary. He loved Jesus dearly. The disyears old, they went up to Jerusalem fixed on Him...So all bore witciples spoke of Joseph with an affectionate regard. They wrote he was a according to the custom of the feast. ness to Him, and marveled at the "just man," a "good man," "honour- When they had finished the days, as gracious words which proceeded able," and "a disciple of Jesus." The they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered out of His mouth. And they said, latter clearly indicates that all through behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and 'Is this not Joseph's son?' " There His mother did not know it; but suptheir association Joseph must have enposing Him to have been in the comare a couple of things that stand couraged Jesus in His great work and that he was aware of the mystery of His pany, they went a day's journey, and out here. First of all, the use of birth and probably His destiny. All evi- sought Him among their relatives and the expression, "where He had dence proves that Joseph believed in acquaintances. So when they did not been brought up," seems to imthe validity of all Jesus taught and ulti- find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, ply that while Christ had spent mately suffered for. -- The Drama of seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temHis childhood in Nazareth, He the Lost Disciples, pp.18-19. ple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, had not continued to live there. both listening to them and asking them This, then, was the man questions. And all who heard Him Obviously, He had not lived God used to ESTABLISH THE were astonished at His understanding there for some time. This impression is reinforced by the question DAVIDIC LINE OF PHAREZ in and answers. -- Verses 42-47.

and in favor with God and men." Then there is a gap of eighteen years in the life of Christ -eighteen years in which the New Testament is totally silent about Jowett continues: the activities and whereabouts of the growing Messiah. Most peoEven during the short period of the ministry of Jesus there is defiple have thought that Jesus lived nitely shown to exist A CLOSE AFin the town of Nazareth, working The Missing Years! FINITY between them, far greater than as a carpenter until He comone would expect from an ordinary The pages of the Bible menced His ministry at the age guardianship. It was fatherly, loyal, with a mutual affection death could not are strangely silent concerning of thirty. However, there are a Jesus' life between the ages of 12 number of implications in the sever. We know that Joseph never and 30. The only incident of His New Testament that indicate othforsook his nephew. He stood by Him erwise -- that indicate He as a bold, fearless defender at was OUT OF THE CONthe notorious trial, and DEFIED Another story tells how Jesus, visitFINES OF PALESTINE THE SANHEDRIN by going to ing the mines of Cornwall with His unduring these years! Pilate and boldly claiming the great mercantile fleet and mining interests in Britain, coupled with a deep LOVE OF THE TRUTH of God, to transfer the SEED OF DAVID and establish the Church of God in the tin islands of Britain?

the final home of the wandering ten tribes of Israel! It was JOSEPH, not Jeremiah, who planted the seed of David in the islands of Britain. And what better man than Joseph with his

The last mention in the New Testament of the boy Jesus is found in Luke 2:52, which simply states: "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature,

His hearers ask in the synagogue: "Is this not Joseph's son?" -- almost as if they were in doubt regarding His identity.

Page 10 The same incident is recorded in Matthew 13, with added questions posed by the synagogue worshippers: "Is this not the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? WHERE then did this Man get all these things?" (Verses 55-56). Clearly, they were not very familiar with Jesus! He was such a STRANGER to them that the people could not even refer to Him by name, but only by His relationship to the other members of His family whom they knew. "WHERE then did THIS MAN get all these things" clearly indicates that Christ did not receive His knowledge in the town of Nazareth! Let us now investigate another passage in the New Testament which indicates Christ's absence from the area: "After they arrived in Capernaum the men collecting the TWO DRACHMAS [tax] approached Peter and said: 'Does your teacher not pay the TWO DRACHMAS [tax]?' He said: 'Yes.' However, when he entered the house Jesus got ahead of him by saying: 'What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive duties or HEAD TAX? From their sons or from the STRANGERS?' When he said: 'From the STRANGERS,' Jesus said to him: 'Really, then, the sons are tax-free. But that we do not cause them to stumble, you go to the sea, cast a fishhook, and take the first fish coming up and, when you open its mouth, you will find a STATER COIN. Take that and give it to them FOR ME to Capernaum. Most often, these were merchants and traders who conducted their business there. Evidently the tax collector considered Jesus a "stranger" or a "foreign visitor." When we consider this incident, there is more than a suggestion that Jesus had been absent from Palestine for a considerable length of time. The same conclusion becomes apparent when we consider John the Baptist's reaction to Christ. E. Raymond Capt ex- plains:
When Jesus appears upon the banks of the Jordan River where John was baptizing, the Baptist seems scarcely to recognize Jesus, even though they were first cousins and must have known each other during their early childhood. Finally, John recognizes who the STRANGER is and exclaims: "Behold the Lamb of God!" Now, if Jesus had been living in Nazareth all those surely John would not have appeared puzzled as to His identity. Then, later, John sent two of his disciples to make a peculiar query: "Are you he who should come or look we for another?" Apparently, the two had not met for years since John displays a profoundly IMPERFECT KNOWLEDGE of the One whom he was proclaiming. -- The Traditions of Glastonbury, p.6.

AND YOU.'" (Matthew 17:24-27, The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures). In a number of Bible translations they call the "TWO DRACHMAS" Temple tax, however the Temple tax was paid with a Jewish shekel -- a coin especially minted for that purpose. In the above passage we find Jesus being asked about His liability to pay the two drachmas or "strangers' tax" which was a Roman poll-tax levied against FOREIGN VISITORS

There is yet another incident in the New Testament indicating that Jesus was absent from His homeland for a considerable period of time. In the book of John we read the following:

Page 11
Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote -- Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." And Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" Nathanael said to Him, "HOW DO YOU KNOW ME?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." -- John 1:45-48.

The Traditions of Cornwall "Legends exist that Jesus traveled far and wide. The religious teachers of INDIA assert He had dwelt among them studying there for three years before traveling on to what is now Tibet. Ancient religious books of India record Jesus visiting the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal. Other traditions take Jesus to Egypt" (The Traditions of Glastonbury, p.7). While it is certainly possi-

back to the 13th century, but even then, the date and origin of its name is unknown." (The Traditions of Glastonbury, p.29).

Another story tells how Jesus, visiting the mines of Cornwall with His uncle Joseph, taught the miners how to extract tin from the ground and PURGE IT of the ore wolframite. At the same time, according to local tradition, Joseph also taught the boy Jesus how to extract the tin and purge it. Is it not sigNathanael lived in Tradition and written testimony as- nificant that Malachi the Cana of Galilee, which is prophet, in his prophecy located about five miles sert that Jesus did indeed reside on the and analogy of Jesus, casts from the city of Nazareth. Island of Avalon, and there created a Christ in the ROLE OF A If Jesus had been living at building to live in which was later REFINER OF METALS Nazareth during his youth called a "church." (Malachi 3:2-3)? Malachi -- some eighteen years -- it mentions silver, and it is a seems very strange that fact that silver was often ble that Jesus did visit other Nathanael would not have countries, the STRONGEST and extracted from Mendip lead durknown Him. Both Nathanael and MOST PERSISTENT traditions ing the time of Christ. Philip should have been acplace a young Jesus in CORNquainted with Jesus' command of Associated with the WALL and the ISLE OF the Scriptures -- it would have AVALON near the little Somer- mines of Cornwall are the mines been known far and wide! Not set town of Glastonbury in of the MENDIP HILLS, north of only that, but would the very Glastonbury -- in the county of England! Son of God have no effect upon Somerset, England. During Rothe community in which He supA number of legends link man times these mines produced posedly lived for eighteen years? the boy Jesus, and Joseph of Ari- lead, copper and other metals The implication can only be that mathea His uncle, with THE TIN which form alloys with tin. The Jesus had not been in Palestine MINES OF CORNWALL. One great war-machine of the Roman for a long period of time. story relates how Jesus and Jo- Empire consumed vast quantities seph often anchored their ship in of these alloys in the production Now, naturally, this the natural harbor at THE of weapons. There are traditions brings to mind the following MOUTH OF THE CAMEL among the people of the hill questions: If Jesus was absent RIVER to come ashore and col- country of Somerset that Joseph, from Palestine for what appears lect water for the ship. "Nearby, after first seeking tin from the to be a considerable period of is an ancient well that since SCILLIES (islands off of Corntime, then WHERE was He beolden times has been known as wall) and in Cornwall itself, tween the ages of 12 and 30? Is 'JESUS' WELL.' It was regarded came to the Mendips -- accomthere any evidence that sheds as having healing powers. For panied on a number of occasions light on his whereabouts during centuries pilgrims came to the by a YOUTHFUL JESUS. these years? The answer is a well and the remains of a chapel, definite YES! E. Raymond Capt notes erected over it, are still discernible. Records of its existence go that "at the parish Church of

Page 12 PRIDDY, high on the top of the Mendips, they have an old saying: 'As sure as OUR LORD WAS AT PRIDDY.' And a carol sung by the children of PRIDDY begins: 'JOSEPH WAS A TIN MERCHANT, a tin merchant, a tin merchant,' and goes on to describe him arriving FROM THE SEA IN A BOAT [WITH THE BOY JESUS]." (The Traditions of Glastonbury, p.34). St. Just, in CORNWALL, also has LEGENDS OF JESUS COMING TO THE DISTRICT. Among the many traditions is one that relates the story of a STONE Jesus stepped on when he first landed there. In 1932, while cleaning out a blocked CULVERT, workmen came across a flat stone covered with curious and unintelligible markings. Since this stone was blocking the flow of water from a well known as the "CHRISTENING WELL," the people of St. Just immediately thought that it was the one of legend -- the one Christ stepped on when He landed. They reasoned that the strange markings on it were placed there later when the identity of their visitor became known. "Even before the finding of the stone, the old folks would tell visitors to the area the Holy Legend of Christ COMING THERE AS A BOY WITH HIS UNCLE. They spoke of the legend and 'it was as much of your life was worth' to express any doubt about Christ coming to JESUS." (Wheel is an old Cornish word for "mine"). Another LINK between JESUS AND THE TIN TRADE OF CORNWALL is found in St. Anthony-in-Roseland. Here is located an almost unknown structure called "Place Manor Church" with a Pre-Norman stone arch over the South Door. Carved in this arch are ancient pictographs -- estimated to be more than a 1000 years old -- telling the story of Jesus and His uncle coming to Place for tin. According to the pictographs their boat got into difficulties during a storm, and was washed ashore on the headland where the modern lighthouse now stands. The operators of a local trading post managed to bring Joseph's damaged boat into the sheltered side of the headland, by Place, where repairs were carried out. Joseph and Jesus stayed at the trading post while the boat was being repaired. The pictographs go on to say that before they left the area, they erected a stone with an account of their visit there. Scattered throughout the tin mining areas of Cornwall are to be found a number of very

ST. JUST." (Ibid., p.33). The old Ordinance maps of the west part of CORNWALL show two rich lodes or veins of TIN, bearing the names "CORPUS CHRISTI" (BODY OF CHRIST) and "WHEEL OF

Page 13 ancient CELTIC CROSSES "PARADISE." This place is sometimes likely that the tor stronghold was called "TUNIC CROSSES." found on old maps of the area. -- The the political center of a much Incredible History of God's True wider area than Glaston- bury. These crosses, found alongside Church, p.51. roads and in church cemeteries, Archaeologist E. Rayare of a type found NOWHERE Jesus at Avalon mond Capt notes that "the earliELSE IN THE BRITISH ISLES -- or anywhere else in the world, The strongest and the est name of Glastonbury was for that matter! States E. Ray- most persistent traditions place "YNIS-WITRIN" (Ynys gyrdyn mond Capt: "On one side of the the young Jesus on the mystical -- British; Glaestingabyrig -cross is a crudely cut Christian island of AVALON -- later to Anglo-Saxon) or the "GLASSY cross and on the other, THE become the little Somerset ISLAND." Later, when it was FIGURE of what can only be A county town of Glastonbury. found to be fruitful and ideal for BOY, DRESSED IN A KNEE- Here, as the story goes, Jesus the cultivation of apples, it was LENGTH TUNIC. Here we have and His uncle constructed a wat- called "INSULA AVALONIA," or Isle of the Apple Trees. NOT a crucified Christ, AVAL, in Welsh [Celtic], nailed to a cross, but A The Bible indicates that Jesus was means apple. Just how this YOUTH WITH HIS an educated man and a superb public area came to be known by ARMS OUTSTRETCHED IN AN ATTITUDE OF speaker. It is evident that He did not re- the name "GLASTONBLESSING. These crosses ceive such an education at any college BURY" remains in doubt. One suggestion is that the may well portray the AGE- in Galilee or Judea. origin of Glastonbury is in OLD MEMORY of the "Glaestingaburgh," the hill tle hut similar to those at the visits of the young Jesus to these shores in the company of nearby Glastonbury Lake Vil- fort of the Flaestings, a family His uncle Joseph" (The Tradi- lage. The site they chose was at who settled in the area. Another, the base of a hill from which ran and more accepted theory is that tions of Glastonbury, p.34). a spring of water, later known as the CELTIC word for green is "Glas" and hill is "ton." GLASApart from the places al- Chalice Well. TON is therefore "the green ready mentioned, West County hill," so named after the tor, or In early times AVALON traditions also associate St. Michael's Mount, Redruth and was a small island at the back of mount that dominates the landGlastonbury with a visit from Je- a large, marshy estuary known as scape." (The Traditions of Glassus. Ivor C. Fletcher uncovered a the Uxella. The estuary was cov- tonbury, p.13). tradition in Upper Galilee that ered by waters from the Bristol Channel, and received the waters When the Saxons arrived tells of a visit to Glastonbury: of the rivers Axe, Parret and the in the 6th century A.D., they Among the Maronite and Cat- Brue. The River Brue was a built a town about a half mile luei villagers of Upper Galilee the tra- navigable river from the foot of from the tor and obtained a chardition lingers that Jesus as a youth the nearby Mendip Hills to the ter, adding "borough" or "bury" became a shipwright on a trading vesto the original name -- thus sel from TYRE, one of the biblical sea -- just south of Bristol. "Glaston-bury." "ships of Tarshish." According to the story, He Rising above the landwas storm-bound on the WESTERN scape is the hill, known today as Tradition and written tesCOASTS OF ENGLAND throughout Glastonbury Tor. Once a place timony assert that Jesus did inthe winter. The location of the visit is of Druid worship, the 500 foot deed reside on the Island of given as "THE SUMMERLAND," a name often used in ancient times for tor may have also been the chief Avalon, and there created a the modern COUNTY OF SOMER- stronghold of one Melwas, king building to live in which was SET. A district associated with this of the "Aestive Regio" (the Sum- later called a "church." A wealth visit to Somerset is known as mer Kingdom) of Somerset. It is of ancient writers, both

Page 14 ecclesiastical and secular, affirm this. For more than a thousand years it was commonly spoken of as "the church [home, house] built NOT BY HUMAN ART." Augustine, the Catholic monk who was sent to evangelize Britain by Pope Gregory I, was quite familiar with the facts and the existence of this structure. In a letter to Pope Gregory (Epistolae ad Gregorium Papam) Augustine writes with obvious delight and at great length about the "church":
In the Western confines of Britain there is a certain ROYAL ISLAND of large extent, surrounded by water, abounding in all the beauties of nature and necessaries of life. In it the first Neophytes of Catholic Law, GOD BEFOREHAND ACQUAINTED THEM, found a church constructed by no human art, BUT DIVINELY CONSTRUCTED, OR BY THE HANDS OF CHRIST HIMSELF, for the salvation of His people. The Almighty has made it manifest by many miracles and mysterious visitations that He continues to watch over it as sacred to Himself, and to Mary, the Mother of God.

Pitsaeus; De Sancto Joseph at Aramathia, by Capgrave; The Magna Tabula of Glastonbury, at Haworth Castle; John of Glastonbury, by Hearne; Bede's Ecclesiastical History; the British historian Gildas and Geoffrey of Monmouth also make mention of the wattle "church" built by Christ. William of Malmesbury also recites the well-known story

The church of which we are speaking (Glastonbury) from its antiquity called by the Angles, by way of distinction, "EALDE CHICHE," that is the "OLD CHURCH" of wattle work at first, SAVOURED SOMEWHAT OF HEAVENLY SANCTITY EVEN FROM ITS VERY FOUNDATION, and exhaled it over the whole country, claiming SUPERIOR REVERENCE, though the structure was mean....Men of that province had no oath more frequent, or more sacred than to swear by the Old Church, fearing the swiftest vengeance on their perjury in this respect. In the meantime it is clear that the depository of so many saints may be deservedly called an HEAVENLY SANCTUARY UPON EARTH...who there more especially chose to await the day of resurrection under the protection of the Mother of God. -- Acts of the Kings of the English, bk. I, ch.2.

Wattle and Daub Hut of St. David who went to Glastonbury in 540 A.D. In 546 A.D. David enclosed the original wattle structure in LEAD in order to preserve it, and erected a pillar on the site with a brass tablet bearing record to the fact. With the passage of time the little wattle house became an object of deep veneration by all, and many swore oaths by the old "church" very much like people today swear an oath on the Bible. William of Malmesbury wrote:

Augustine's statement in his letter is verified by the Saxon historian, William of Malmesbury, who wrote in the twelfth century. His last work, De Antiquitate Glastoniae, mentions the little wattle house. Other works, such as De origine Ecclesiae Britannicae by Elvan of Avalon (a British scholar educated in the School of Joseph of Arimathea at Avalon -- circa 180 A.D.); Relat. Hist. de rebus Anglicis Act, by

For centuries before the island of AVALON was renamed GLASTONBURY by the invading Saxons, two names were frequently found in the writings of the old scribes -- clearly referring to something of great importance. Usually no explanation is given, indicating that the people of the day were quite familiar with the names. "To the Priesthood and historians of those enthralling years, the TWO NAMES employed designating the particular place were 'SECRETUM DOMINI' and 'DOMUS DEI.' The first title means 'THE SECRET OF OUR LORD' and the second, 'THE HOUSE OR HOME OF GOD.' The explanation given is that the LITTLE WATTLE TEMPLE WAS

Page 15 THE HOUSE, OR HOME OF GOD, BECAUSE THEREIN HE DWELT, and the Secret of the Lord was the Dowry and dedication of the same to His mother" (The Drama of the Lost Disciples, p.144). were the largest in the world -both in size and in attendance -with a listing of sixty large universities and an average attendance of over sixty thousand students! The wealthy and the aristocracy of the Greek and Roman worlds sent their children to Britain to study law, science and religion.
the local "La Tene" art is the famous Glastonbury bowl which was produced about the time of Christ. There is little doubt that Jesus could have developed many skills from British craftsmen. -The Incredible History of God's True Church, pp. 56-57.

The Bible indicates that Jesus was a public speaker par This is not myth, legend excellence. He had a tremendous or unsupported tradition. The tiimpact on the crowds that gathtle is officially recorded in the The wise men of India, in ered around Him, "and they were ancient names found in the famous DOMESDAY BOOK -- a their ancient books known as the struck with awe at his mode of document that embodies the re- Rig-Vedas, make mention that instruction." (Mark 1:22). Not only was He a good sults of a statistical survey speaker -- He was also an of England carried out by According to this, after Saul's perse- EDUCATED speaker! The order of William I, King of England. The survey, cution Joseph and his companions New Testament records made in 1086, was an at- were thrust into A BOAT WITHOUT that the people of His tempt to register the landed OARS OR SAILS by the Jews, who home town of Nazareth were astonished at His wealth of the country in a were glad to be finally rid of them. preaching: "So all bore systematic fashion, in orwitness to Him, and marder to determine the reveBritain was a great center of renues due to the king. The term ligious learning. The great li- veled at the gracious words DOMESDAY is a corruption of brary at the abbey in which proceeded out of His DOOMSDAY (the day of the fi- Glastonbury housed the largest mouth" (Luke 4:22). nal judgment), and the work was known collection of books outRemarks Ivor C. so named because its judgments side the library of Alexandria in regarding levies and assessments Egypt! The fact is, ancient Brit- Fletcher: were final and irrevocable. The ain had then acquired great statIt is very clear that not all of entry says: "The DOMUS DEI, ure in the world, with institutions His formal education and public speakin the great monastery of Glas- of learning and attendance rivaling training had been received at Naztonbury, called The Secret of ing those of advanced nations areth. If His training had been merely Our Lord. This Glastonbury today! the product of a local school or college then the people would not have been so Church possesses in its own ville XII hides of land which have Ivor C. Fletcher ex- astonished. It is unlikely that higher edunever paid tax." pounds on this: The Education of Christ! Finally, there is evidence that Jesus attended school in Britain! During the first century A.D. Britain was known throughout the Roman world for the excellence of its educational system. Gildas states, in the Cottonian Manuscript, that the British universities of Jesus' time
Britain, during the first century A.D., would have been an ideal place to study and develop skills in various aspects of the building industry. Eumenius states that British architects were in great demand on the Continent during his day. Several writers mention the skills of British craftsmen, especially in the metal working industries. The enameling process was invented in Britain. A superb example of cation of that calibre was even available in a provincial town such as Nazareth. Nathanael implied this in his remark: "Can any good thing proceed from Nazareth?" (John 1:46). Jerusalem was the academic headquarters of the nation, yet Jesus had not trained among the professional public speakers here either. Mark relates that: "HE TAUGHT THEM, as possessing authority, and not as the scribes" (Mark 1:22). The Jews were deeply puzzled by this very fact. They asked the

Page 16

Jesus was charged by the Jewish authorities with the most heinous of crimes -that of BLASPHEMY (see Matt. 26:65). This meant that Christ was looked upon by the Sanhedrin as "accursed of God"; and Joseph, because of his long association with Him and the "heresy" He promoted, was looked upon in a similar vein.

question: "How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?" (John 7:15). The Weymouth translation renders this: "How does this man know anything of books," they said, "although he has NEVER BEEN at any of the schools?" -- Ibid., p.57.

The Bible indicates that Jesus was an educated man and a superb public speaker. It is evident that He did not receive such an education at any college in Galilee or Judea. However, He most certainly could have received such an education in Britain! If Jesus had visited Britain, and was educated there ACCORDING TO THE TRADITIONS, He would have found some sixty colleges or universities to choose from. Ivor C. Fletcher comments on the QUALITY of the British educational system:
The educational standards were such that students came not only from the British nobility but also from several FOREIGN NATIONS. It is said that even PONTIUS PILATE, as a young man, studied in Britain. A very high standard in oratory or public speaking was often attained by first century Britons. Tacitus records on a word by word basis the speeches of several high ranking Britons of his day. Such speeches were often colourful, stirring and inspiring, much like, in some ways, the speeches of Jesus. A few hundred years before the time of Christ, the Greek writer STRABO described an EDUCATED BRITON of his day, Abaris, as follows: "He was easy in his address; agreeable in his conversation; active in his dispatch and secret in his management of great affairs; diligent in the quest of wisdom; fond of friendship; trusting very little to fortune; yet having the entire confidence of others, and trusted with everything for his

prudence. HE SPOKE GREEK WITH A FLUENCY THAT YOU WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT HE HAD BEEN BROUGHT UP IN THE LYCEUM." It may be mere coincidence but Jesus had far more of the QUALITIES AND TALENTS OF AN EDUCATED BRITON than He ever did of an educated Jew of the same period. -Ibid., p.58.

It is NOT mere coincidence -- Eastern and Western traditions claim Jesus completed His education in Britain! William Blake, British poet born in London in 1757, was familiar with the stories associated with Glastonbury and the presence of Christ in the British Isles. In his beautiful poem entitled Jerusalem, Blake pens his thoughts in a tender and loving way: And did those feet in ancient time Walk upon England's mountains green? And was the Holy Lamb of God On England's pleasant pastures seen? And did the Countenance Divine Shine forth upon our clouded hills? And was Jerusalem builded here Among those dark Satanic mills? Bring me my bow of burning gold! Bring me my arrows of desire! Bring me my spear! O clouds unfold! Bring me my chariot of

Page 17 fire! I will not cease from mental fight Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand, Till we have built Jerusalem In England's green and pleasant land. The Death of Christ and the Saulian Persecution reproach" -- see Hebrews 13:13. In other words, all the instruments of death were "accursed" because they came into contact with the "accursed one" -Christ! How this was dealt with by the Jewish authorities is explained by Ernest L. Martin:
The essential teaching on how to CLEANSE the land of such "accursedness" is found in Deuteronomy 21:22,23, and in the previous verse 21 it says this purging was to be done by BURNING (Hebrew: bahgar). In the of Golgotha. ASK Publications, Alhambra, CA 1988. Pp. 180-181 .

This is WHY Joseph of Arimathea sought an urgent audience with Pilate -- he had to claim Christ's body before the Jewish authorities could burn it to ashes. In doing so, however, he fueled the anger and hatred of the religious authorities.

Following the retrieval When Joseph of Arimatand the resurrection of Christ, hea went to Pilate to claim the the anger of the ruling body of Christ, he really priesthood of the Sanhedsealed his fate as far as the Joseph of Arimathea was no rin exploded to the surSanhedrin was concerned. It stranger to the city of Marseilles. As face. In secret conclave was bad enough when Joseph defended Christ before the chief port in the continent of they plotted and planned a the hastily assembled group Europe for the export of tin and lead, campaign of unremitting of Jewish leaders; now he the ships of Joseph were probably a persecution against the newly formed Church of was rubbing salt into an al- common sight in the harbor . God. Maliciously, they deready festering wound! Jetermined to exterminate or Old Testament example of such purgsus was charged by the ing, it was thought necessary to BURN imprison all those who followed Jewish authorities with the most THE POSSESSIONS of such an "ac- "The Way" -- and Joseph was at heinous of crimes -- that of cursed one" because the abominable BLASPHEMY (see Matt. sin of the person was even TRANS- the top of the list! Soon a great 26:65). This meant that Christ FERRED TO THE THINGS OWNED persecution swept through the was looked upon by the Sanhed- BY THE SINNER (since he had land. rin as "accursed of God"; and Jo- touched them and this reckoned even Saul (who was later to seph, because of his long his possessions "accursed". This was the case with the things belonging to become Paul) raged through Jeassociation with Him and the ACHAN who sinned so grievously in "heresy" He promoted, was the time of Joshua (Josh. 7:15, 24-26). rusalem and the surrounding What happened was that Achan him- coun- tryside, aiding the vengelooked upon in a similar vein. self was killed (with his children and ful Sanhedrin in their pogrom Joseph's audience with animals) and all his "accursed" things against the followers of Christ. were burnt up together with him. This Pilate to retrieve Christ's body practice of utter destruction was con- He struck quickly and viciously. was, in the eyes of the Sanhed- sidered the only way to purify the land Members of the Church of God -- whether they were Greek, Rorin, a slap in the face and per- of Israel from such defilements.... To keep the land from being man or Jew -- were openly (or in ceived as a defilement of Jewish law. Because Christ was consid- polluted, Christ HAD TO BE DE- secret) struck down like vermin. ered "accursed of God," even the STROYED before sundown and the No mercy was shown. The re"accursed" stauros had to be burnt up instrument of death and the very so that no person could ever touch it cords of the time indicate that the prisons of Judea were filled to soil it stood in was defiled. The again.... What the Jewish authorities capacity with the unfortunate apostle Paul said that the TREE (the stauros) Christ died on was wanted to do was to take the dead body victims of the persecution. reckoned "a shame" (Hebrew of Christ AND the "accursed" (shameful) tree and BURN THEM UP TOThe first notable victim 12:2) and he called the cross- GETHER just as the Israelites did with Saul seized upon was Stephen. piece (Latin -- patibulum) "the Achan in the Old Testament. -- Secrets

Page 18 Along with Peter, John and others, Stephen had defied the Saduccees by vigorously preaching the Kingdom of God throughout the city of Jerusalem. Thousands were converted daily, a fact which further infuriated the corrupt Sadducean priesthood. Fate soon caught up with Stephen; and he was stoned to death by the minions of the Sanhedrin as Paul looked on. George Jowett writes that "so fierce was Saul's vindictive purge that he wrought havoc within the Church at Jerusalem. The boundaries of Judea could not confine him. Illegally, he trespassed far within Roman territory where he hounded the devotees without censure or interference from the Roman administration. No doubt the Romans felt Saul was doing them a service, and a good job in ridding them of what they considered an undesirable religious pestilence." (The Drama of the Lost Disciples, p.30). Throughout this terrible time Joseph of Arimathea remained the fearless, stalwart protector of the disciples of Christ -and especially the women. On every possible occasion he placed himself between them and their vengeful enemies -- using his power and influence to avert danger to his brethren. Saul's fury knew no bounds. Try as they may, Joseph's position as a Roman official prevented Saul and his partners in crime from harming his person, or those whom he personally defended. Nevertheless, it soon became a losing battle. Within FOUR YEARS after the death of The Boat Without Oars! The time came when the Sanhedrin finally caught up with Joseph and his faithful companions. Frederic Mistral, the French Provencal poet who lived in the nineteenth century (1830-1914), relates what happened in his work called Mireio -- published in 1859. According to this, after Saul's persecution Joseph and his companions were thrust into A BOAT WITHOUT OARS OR SAILS by the Jews, who were glad to be finally rid of them. This occurred, according to Mistral, on the coast of Palestine -- somewhere near to Mt. Carmel. Thrust into the boat with Joseph were Lazarus, Trophimus, Maximin, Cleon, Eutropius, Sidonius (Restitutus, "the man born blind"), Martial and Saturninus. Included in the boat were also Mary, wife of Cleopas; Salome; Mary Magdalene; Martha and the maid of the two latter, Marcella. The poem relates that as the boat was drifting out to sea Sarah, the handmaid of Salome and Mary Cleopas, cast herself into the sea to join her mistress, and by the help of Salome was

Cathedral of Marseilles -Near "Ephesium" Christ (34 A.D.) many of the Christians were scattered out of Jerusalem and Judea. There can be little doubt that the ships of Joseph's vast mercantile enterprises carried the numerous refugees to safety in other lands. This fearless and indomitable man of God spared neither help nor wealth in aiding all the people he could.

Page 19 brought into the boat. After beating about the Mediterranean for some time, the boat drifted to THE COAST OF PROVENCE IN GAUL (FRANCE) and, following the RIVER RHONE, ARRIVED AT ARLES, which was eventually converted to Christianity by the preaching of Trophimus. HIS COMPANY PASSED INTO BRITAIN and after preaching the Gospel there, died." (Ecclesiastical Annals, under section A.D. 35). On commenting about this information from Cardinal Baronius, Ivor C. Fletcher notes:
No trace of Joseph in Palestine is found after about A.D. 35, no record of any martyrdom and no reference to his movements outside of the areas of Britain and France. The information

Mistral drew his material from the Provencal traditions as they live today in the scattered homesteads of the Camargue, and in the minds and To the middle district -- or hearts of all the people in VINCIA GALLICA -- which was althe adjacent country- side. Further information can be found in the Ecclesiastical Annals of the sixteenth century Vatican librarian, CARDINAL CAESAR BARONIUS (1538-1609 A.D.). Baronius, an historian of great integrity who was known for his uncompromising treatment of the truth, discovered a document of great antiquity in the Vatican archives. To his fascination, the manuscript revealed that in THE YEAR 35 A.D. Joseph of Arimathea and a group of companions that included Lazarus, Mary Magdalene, Martha and a number of others, WERE CAST ADRIFT IN A BOAT from the coast of Palestine by PERSECUTING JEWS. "In that year the party mentioned was exposed to the sea in A VESSEL WITHOUT SAILS OR OARS. The vessel drifted finally TO MARSEILLES and they were saved. From Marseilles JOSEPH AND

leaving the city of Rome and all the land of Italy to the right. Then happily turning their course to the right, they came near to the city of Marseilles, in the Viennoise province of the Gauls, where the RIVER RHONE is received by the sea. There, having called upon God, the great King of all the world, they parted; each company going to the province where the Holy Spirit had directed them, presently preaching everywhere, 'the Lord working with them, PRO- and confirming the word with signs following.'"

most as Roman as Rome was, came Gladys Taylor, in another companion of Joseph in the her book Our Neglected boat -- TROPHIMUS. Trophimus set- Heritage, takes note of the tled in the city of ARLES, which was same incident: formerly called Arelate.
given by Baronius relating to the enforced voyage to Marseilles of Joseph and his companions seems THE MOST LIKELY AND LOGICAL ACCOUNT OF HIS MOVEMENTS. -- The Incredible History of God's True Church, p.73. Caesar Baronius, the church historian who was also appointed librarian of the Vatican in 1596, wrote in his magnum opus, Annales Ecclesiastici, of the finding in the Vatican Library of a most ancient manuscript in which was described the voyage of a company of our Lord's friends, travelling in an OLD BOAT which had been abandoned by its master and was WITHOUT OARS OR SAILS, who LANDED AT MARSEILLES, whence they spread out over SOUTHERN FRANCE where many churches record them as their founders. Among this company is JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA, who is not mentioned as founder of any of these churches, a fact which suggests that he may have journeyed on and could not have spent much time in southern France. Baronius dates the arrival of this boat to A.D. 35. -- Covenant Books, London. 1969. P.15.

The Cardinal's Annals quote the Acts of Magdalen, which we have already discussed, for the record of the voyage to Marseilles and the spreading of the gospel in the south part of Gaul. In chapter 37 of the Acts, after listing the names of Joseph's companions in the OARLESS BOAT, Rabanus Maurus goes on to describe their dangerous voyage: "Leaving the shores of Asia and favoured by an east wind, they went round about, down the Tyrrhenian Sea, between Europe and Africa,

Further confirmation of the voyage of Joseph and his companions can be found in the Otia Imperialia, a book written by Gervais de Tilbury who was

Page 20

There is, however, evidence that Marseilles was settled by the Phoenicians at a much earlier date; and the name of the city is taken from the Phoenician word for "settlement."

Marshall of the Kingdom of Arles (in France) in the year 1212. Dedicating the book to Otho IV, Tilbury writes about the old church of Les Saintes Maries in the Camargue:
There, on the seacoast, one sees the first of Continental churches which was founded in honour of the most blessed mother of our Lord, and consecrated by many of the seventytwo disciples WHO WERE DRIVEN FROM JUDEA AND EXPOSED TO THE SEA IN AN OARLESS BOAT: Maximin of Aix, Lazarus of Marseilles, the brother of Martha and Mary, Eutrope of Orange, George of Velay, Saturninus of Toulouse, Martial of Limoges, in the presence of Martha, Mary Magdalene and many others.

Kalends of August, and was buried with great honour at Tarascon." (Monuments Inedits, By Faillon. Vol. ii, p.114). There are many other sources, including Greek and Roman authorities that tell the story of Joseph and the oarless boat. Even the Jewish Encyclopedia, under the title "Arles," mentions that the first Jews in Arles arrived by boat without captain, sails or oars. Another source adds that "without sails and oars, they drifted with the wind and the currents arriving unharmed at CYRENE, in northern Africa. After obtaining sails and oars, the little party of refugees followed the trade route of the Phoenician merchant ships as far west as Marseilles, France." (The Traditions of Glastonbury, p.37). The South of France Joseph of Arimathea was no stranger to the city of Marseilles. As the chief port in the continent of Europe for the export of tin and lead, the ships of Joseph were probably a common sight in the harbor. It has been said that Joseph's name was as well known in the area as the names of Carnegie, Schwab and Bethlehem Steel are to us today. It can therefore be assumed that Joseph had many influential friends at Marseilles who would gladly welcome him amongst them. Marseilles, situated in southern France on the

"The tradition of Joseph of Arimathea and his companions in the oarless boat was accepted by the whole LATIN CHURCH for over a thousand years. For proof of this we have only to turn to the BREVIARY (book of prayers, hymns, psalms and readings used by Roman Catholic priests) at ST. MARTHA'S DAY, JULY 29th. There we find a LECTION FOR THE SECOND NOCTURNE (NIGHT) which tells how Mary, Martha and Lazarus, with their servant Marcella, and Maximin, one of the seventy-two disciples, WERE SEIZED BY THE JEWS, PLACED IN A BOAT WITHOUT SAILS OR OARS, AND CARRIED SAFELY TO THE PORT OF MARSEILLES. Moved by this remarkable fact, the people of the neighbouring lands were speedily converted to Christianity; Lazarus became bishop of Marseilles, Maximinus of Aix... and...Martha ...died on the fourth day before the

Page 21
Marseilles, founded by the rendered many important services, the Mediterranean coast, is the capiPhocaeans, is built in a stony region. Romans in their turn assisted in their tal of the department (province) Its harbour lies beneath a rock which is aggrandisement. Sextius, who defeated of Bouches-du-Rhone. Sitting shaped like a theatre, and looks toward the Salyes, founded not far from Marslightly east of the mouth of the the south. It is well surrounded with seilles a city which was named after Rhone, the city was originally walls, as well as the whole city, which him and the hot water found there (Aqcalled MASSALIA and was is of considerable size. Within the cita- uae Sextiae, now AIX). Here he estabfounded circa 600 B.C. by mari- del are placed the "Ephesium" and the lished a Roman garrison and drove ners from Phocaea in Asia Mi- temple of the Delphian Apollo. The from the sea coast which leads from "Ephesium" is the temple consecrated Marseilles to Italy, the barbarians nor. There is, however, evidence to Diana of Ephesus. All the colonies whom the Massilians were not able to that Marseilles was settled by the sent out from Marseilles hold this god- entirely keep back. The land which the Phoenicians at a much earlier dess in peculiar reverence, preserving barbarians abandoned he presented to date; and the name of the city is both the shape of her image and also the Massilians, and in their city are laid up heaps of booty taken in NAVAL taken from the Phoenician word every rite observed in the metropolis. The Massilians live under a ENGAGEMENTS against those who for "settlement." J. W. Taylor re- well-regulated aristocracy. They have a disputed the sea unjustly. Formerly cords that "the great port of they enjoyed singular good forMassilia, the modern MarNot long after Joseph arrived in tune as well in other matters as also in their amity with the Roseilles, by means of which southern France, a British delegation mans, but since the war of most of the intercourse between Provence and the rest arrived at Marseilles to greet him and Pompey against Caesar, in which they sided with the vanof the civilized world was extend an invitation for him to return quished party, their prosperity carried on, was quite an old with them to Britain. The delegation has in some measure decayed. city in the early days of was sent by King Arviragus -Nevertheless some traces of their ancient industries may Christianity. Founded by still be seen among the inhabicouncil, composed of six hundred perthe Greeks some six centutants, especially the making of engines ries before the birth of our Lord, sons, called Timuchi, who enjoy this of war and SHIP-BUILDING. Now it had steadily increased in size dignity of life. Fifteen of these preside that the surrounding barbarians under over the council and have the manageand in importance as the com- ment of current affairs; these fifteen are the dominion of the Romans are daily merce of the world had widened. in their turn presided over by three of becoming more civilized, and leave the Pytheas sailed from Marseilles their number, in whom rests the princi- occupation of war for business of towns and agriculture, there is no when he made his first voyage to pal authority; and these again by one. No one can become a longer the same attention paid to these British waters in 350 B.C., and objects by the people of Marseilles. consequently at this early date, Timuchus who has not children, and The aspect of the city at the present day who has not been a citizen for three Marseilles must have been a generations. The country abounds in is a proof of this. All who profess to be maritime centre of very olives and vines, but on account of its men of taste turn to THE STUDY OF considerable importance" (The ruggedness the wheat is poor; conse- ELOCUTION AND PHILOSOPHY. quently the people trust more to re- The city for some time back has beComing of the Saints, p.111). come quite A SCHOOL FOR THE

A fascinating account of both Marseilles and the surrounding countryside is found in the works of STRABO -- Greek geographer and historian of the time of Christ (63? B.C. - 24? A.D.). Strabo's account, therefore, shows the city that Joseph did business in, and later arrived at in the "oarless" boat. Strabo writes:

sources of the sea than of the land, and avail themselves fully of their excellent position for commerce.

Strabo continues:
The people of Marseilles possess dry-docks and amouries. Formerly they had an abundance of vessels, arms and machines, both for the purpose of navigation and for besieging towns; by means of which they defended themselves against the barbarians, and likewise obtained the alliance of the Romans, to whom they

BARBARIANS, and has communicated to the Galatae such A TASTE FOR GREEK LITERATURE that they even draw contracts on the Greek model. Further, AT THE PRESENT DAY IT SO ENTICES THE NOBLEST OF ROMANS THAT THOSE DESIROUS OF STUDYING RESORT THITHER IN PREFERENCE TO ATHENS. These, the Galatae observing, and being at leisure on account of peace, READILY DEVOTE THEMSELVES TO SIMILAR PURSUITS, and that not merely individuals but the public generally; PROFESSORS OF

Page 22

A number of the RHONE THE ARTS AND SCIENCES, AND VALLEY CHURCHES trace LIKEWISE OF MEDICINE being employed not only by private persons but their origins back to by towns for common instruction. LAZARUS and other of JoWe see here that Marseph's companions in the boat....Tradition reveals that seilles was not only a great shipLazarus inhabited the cata- building and trading center, but also a great center of learning, combs under St. Victor...
greater evidently than even the city of Athens -- long known for its educational system! In fact, Marseilles was one of the FOUR GREATEST CITIES OF CIVILIZATION during Roman times, competing with Ephesus, Athens and Rome as a center of commerce and learning. "Specially connected by race and religion with the older civilization and learning of the East, it yet stood in the very van of Western progress, and drank daily of the strength and vitality of Roman spirit and power which ebbed and flowed as in a ceaseless stream through the very heart of it" (The Coming of the Saints, p.114).

through Marseilles and along the great northern road to Britain. Strabo also describes the city of NARBONNE, another city important to the tin trade and situated west of the River Rhone. Founded by the Romans in 118 B.C. and their first colony beyond the Alps, Narbonne was a leading port up until the 13th century when its harbor silted up. These descriptions by an almost contemporaneous author give us a graphic picture of the civilization of Marseilles and the Rhone valley during the time of Joseph. This was no barbarous country -- some distant backwater of the Empire! It was a rich and prosperous region, full of learning and education that rivaled the great centers of the Roman Empire. This was the area that received Joseph and his refugee companions as their boat put to shore after the tenuous voyage from Palestine. A great many local traditions have been handed down in THE MARSEILLES AREA regarding the arrival and later activities of Joseph of Arimathea and his little band of refugees. Ivor C. Fletcher notes that "it is a clear historical FACT that SOUTHERN FRANCE was one of the FIRST AREAS IN THE WEST to receive the gospel message." One local tradition tells of the boat without sails or oars drifting to the coast of Provence and, after following the RIVER RHONE, arriving at the city of

Great roads passed through Marseilles to the west and to the north -- the great western road slicing through Narbonne into Spain, and the great northern road leading through Arles, Vienne and Lyons to the north parts of Gaul and across the sea to Britain. Both of these roads were in constant use by civilians and the Roman military. During the reigns of Claudius and Nero, the Romans were engaged in a war with the British, and a continual stream of troops passed along this road to and from Britain. Claudius himself, at the head of his troops, undertook a forced march from Rome

Page 23 ARLES. As we have already seen in the Jewish Encyclopedia, the first JEWISH SETTLERS in the area are said to have "come in a boat which had been deserted by its captain." that LAZARUS INHABITED THE CATACOMBS UNDER ST. VICTOR, and many "momentos" of his stay in Marseilles can still be seen.
and lives as strong today as ever. If we come back from the crypt or subterranean church into the (upper) church of St. Victor, at the west end of the nave, under the organ-loft, we find a lifesized STATUE OF ST. LAZARUS...and underneath the statue two pieces of stone REMOVED FROM THE OLD SEPULCHRE AT BETHANY out of which our Saviour raised him. On the pediment of the statue is this inscription:

Author J. W. Taylor visIn the Spanish town of ited the Church of St. Victor in CIUDAD RODRIGO, we find Marseilles, and relates what he another version of the same leg- saw: end. This simply states that Mary 'Divo Lazaro A door on the south side of Salome, Mary Cleopas, Mary a Christo suscitato the nave leads down to a subterranean Magdalene (the sister of qui Massiliensium primus church, large and lofty, which dates Lazarus), Lazarus, Maximin, from the fourth century. This was built Apostolus Chelidonius, Marcella and hujus ecclesiae crytam JOSEPH OF ARIMATministerio et passione King Arviragus is recorded as having illustravit. HEA came to granted to Joseph and his followers, AQUITAINE GAUL and "twelve hides" of land, tax free, in In memoriam missionis there preached the gospel A.D. MDCCCXCVII of the Kingdom of God, "Yniswitrin," described as a marshy tract grato animo parochus "as the histories of the -- afterwards called the "Isle of Avalon." fidelesque S. Victoris dedicant.' Gauls and the local tradiby the Cassianite monks, and from its tions plainly teach." position has been untouched and could Faillon, in his Monuments not well be destroyed through all the Inedits (Paris, 1859 & 1865), A number of the RHONE centuries since. VALLEY CHURCHES trace And all this vast fouth-century summarizes Lazarus' journey to their origins back to LAZARUS church has been visibly built around A Marseilles and his preaching and other of Joseph's compan- STILL OLDER NATURAL CAVE OR there: ions in the boat. On the south GROTTO known as the ORIGINAL FIRST-CENTURY CHURCH OR Tradition states that St. side of the old harbor at Mar- REFUGE OF ST. LAZARUS.... LAZARUS, after the ascension of Jeseilles -- near the Fort St. NicoThe great height of this under- sus Christ, remained for a time in the las -- stands the CHURCH OF ground abbey church, its darkness, its company of the Apostles, with whom ST. VICTOR, built in the 13th stillness, the few scattered but perfect he took charge of the Church which century and once attached to an round pillars supporting the roof, and was at Jerusalem. After this he went to abbey founded early in the 4th the 'FIRST-CENTURY CHAPEL' the island of Cyprus in order to escape which is enshrined by it, all combine to century. "With its lofty crenel- produce a picture of early Christian life from the persecution which arose lated walls and square towers and architecture, striking and (about Stephen). Having filled there for several built of large blocks of unce- irresistible. years the office of a missionary priest, No explanation that I know of HE ENTERED INTO A SHIP, AND mented stone, it resembles a forhas been, OR CAN BE, offered other TRAVERSED THE SEA, BY THE tress" (Encyclopedia Britannica, than that OFFERED BY TRADITION GRACE OF GOD ARRIVED AT 1943 edition. P.965). The -- that here was the place where Church of St. Victor was con- LAZARUS OF BETHANY lived and MARSEILLES, the most celebrated town of Provence. Here, exercising the structed above CRYPTS dating preached and ministered and died, and functions of his priesthood, he served mainly from the 11th century. that therefore within some two hundred God, to whom he had entirely conseThese crypts embody architec- or three hundred years afterwards this crated his life, in righteousness and church was built in honour of HIS ture of both the Carolingian pe- MEMORY and to enshrine his body true holiness. He preached the word of Life to those who had not yet received riod and THE EARLY which was then present here. it, and gained many converts to Jesus CENTURIES OF THE CHRISAnd all through the ages ever Christ. -- Vol. ii, p.114. TIAN ERA. Tradition reveals since this faith has been firmly held,

Page 24

Martial, accompanied by his father and mother (Marcellus and Elizabeth), Zaccheus (the publican of the gospels) and JOSEPH are represented as arriving at LIMOGES in the first century.

The city of Marseilles controlled irregular patches of coastline and towns all along the Mediterranean coast. They were under the protection of Rome and generally lived in harmony with the Roman government, but had their own government and managed their own affairs as Strabo just described. Above this area was PROVINCIA or the NARBONNAISE, which extended from immediately above Marseilles to as far as Vienne. This seems to have been a Roman district, under direct control of the Roman government and especially colonized by Rome. In fact, it belonged to Rome long before the rest of Gaul was conquered, and was known as PROVINCIA GALLICA all during this time of conquest and for a long time afterwards. The rest of the continent above it was known as GAUL or GALLIA. Just over the border in Gaul was LUGDUNUM or LYONS -- the capital of the Segusii who were at this time also under Roman control or supervision. Probably here also a measure of self-government was allowed by the Romans. We therefore find, in the south of France in the first and second centuries, THREE NOTABLE DISTRICTS AND GOVERNMENTS: The Massilian in MARSEILLES, the Romans in PROVINCIA GALLICA, and in Lugdunum or "LYONS of the Gauls" a modified local government with Roman occupation and control.

To the middle district -or Provincia Gallica -- which was almost as Roman as Rome was, came another companion of Joseph in the boat -TROPHIMUS. Trophimus settled in the city of ARLES, which was formerly called ARELATE. Some 54 miles northwest of Marseilles, Arles stands on the left bank of the Rhone where the river divides to form its delta. Arles was an important city at the time of Julius Caesar's invasion, and later became the seat of the prefecture of the Gauls and one of the foremost cities in the western empire. Today the city still contains some of the old Roman buildings -- including an arena that holds more than 25,000 people. "St. Trophimus is known there AS THE FIRST BISHOP OF THE CITY" (The Coming of the Saints, p.132). Some stones, said to be from the first-century meetingplace built by him, are still standing, and the later cathedral (originally dedicated to Stephen) was rededicated to the MEMORY OF TROPHIMUS when his body was removed here in 1152. "The cathedral is still called the cathedral of St. Trophime, and the TOMB OF ST. TROPHIMUS forms a font or baptistry on the left side of the nave as you enter it" (Ibid., p.132). His body was subsequently moved to AUTUN. Local traditions state that he came from the East, was of Greek nationality and the personal friend of Paul and Peter.

Page 25 One tradition claims that Paul town, with high white houses contained his relics. Notes visited him on one of his mis- and a small central "Place" or Augustus J. C. Hare, "its west sionary journeys, and the house plaza. The plaza contains a foun- bay, which has the appearance of (or the site of the house) in tain and four sets of trees to form a tower, is surmounted by a cuwhich they met is known today a promenade. On one side of the pola and contains two storeys. In as "La maison des Saints." Ac- plaza a lane leads up to the its lower storey (is) the TOMB cording to George F. Jowett, church. Here, and in the sur- OF ST. RESTITUT" (South"Trophimus was sent to Gaul by rounding countryside, the MEM- Eastern France, London, 1890). Joseph [of Arimathea]...He was ORY OF MAXIMIN is the consecrated the first bishop of strongest. MARTIAL, accompanied Arles and there performed an by his father and mother (MarWith regard to another of cellus and Elizabeth), Zaccheus outstanding service...His Christicompanions, SI- (the publican of the gospels) and anizing endeavours embraced a Joseph's large area which formed the DONIUS or RESTITUTUS (the JOSEPH are represented as arDISTRICT OF NARriving at LIMOGES in BONNE. He became the About this time, even the JEWS OF the first century. Martial first Metropolitan of the CORNWALL accepted the Truth of God! remained at Limoges (the Narbonne, with Arles as ancient Lemovices and his Bishopric. For centu- Records show that Kelvius, son of Solo- Augustoritum) and old ries it continued to be a mon, DUKE OF CORNWALL, not only Aquitaine legends, going prominent stronghold of accepted Christianity but became a min- back at least as far as the the Christian faith in ister; and a man by the name of Moses -- 10th century, say he was Gaul" (The Drama of the said to be British, but presumably of the FIRST missionary Lost Disciples, p.165). some HEBREW relationship -- became apostle of Limoges an APOSTLE TO THE "SARACENS"! (Fastes Episcop, vol.ii, MAXIMIN'S p.104). PRESENCE in the south man or boy born blind), we are of France is remembered by the told in a PROVENCAL TRADIThe other Christians who little town named after him -- TION that he accompanied the accompanied Joseph in the little ST. MAXIMIN. Thirty to forty Bethany family to Provence. But boat, also left their imprint in the miles from Marseilles by train, of his life after arriving in south- traditions of southern France. the village sits in an extensive, ern France, we have two differ- Rabanus states that EUTROPIUS cultivated plain full of vineyards ent traditions. One states that he "was the first Bishop of and olive gardens. The plain it- was the same as CHELIDONIUS Aquitaine" and preached at ORself is surrounded on almost and worked with Maximin, after ANGE (Aurasicum) and every side by distant high moun- whose death he took charge of SAINTES (Sanctonas), whereas tains or hill ranges. In the center the Church of God at AIX. The SATURN- INUS preached at of this fruitful plain is what ap- other tradition identifies his his- TOULOUSE (Tolosam) where pears to be one vast towering tory with the little VILLAGE OF he was killed by a mob who structure -- the big white church ST. RESTITUT and the more threw him down from the of St. Maximin. From the dis- important old town of St. Paul capitol. tance the adjoining town is Trois Chateaux (the old Roman hardly visible, and one sees colony of Augusta TricastinoOn to Avalon! nothing else but the church until rum), of which church he is said entering St Maximin itself, when to have been the leader and While there are STRONG the church disappears from view. founder. TRADITIONS surrounding the companions of Joseph in southThe village itself is a The Church of "St. Resti- ern France, the traditions of Joquiet, semi-Eastern-looking tut" is said to have formerly seph himself having resided here

Page 26

Legend relates that after reaching the coast of Brittany, Joseph and his eleven fellow-travelers sailed from Morlaix to FALMOUTH in England. From here they continued on to Cornwall.

are nonexistent! As we have seen, the legends of Provence show that Joseph came to Marseilles and the Rhone Valley as one member of the group that arrived in the disabled boat. However, the evidence seems to indicate that he simply passed through this region to another destination. We find faint traces of him at LIMOGES (in company with Martial) and at ROCAMADOUR, the traditional dwelling-place of Zaccheus, who is said to have journeyed WITH JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA and Martial as far as this town, "and to have stayed here because of its resemblance to his old home in Palestine" (The Coming of the Saints, p.203). In summary we find: 1/. At Marseilles and Ste. Baume we find cave churches or dwelling-places of the early Christians, held as such since time immemorial and identified with Lazarus and one of the Maries. Joseph of Arimathea is said to have come with them AND PASSED ON (Local tradition and Life of Rabanus). 2/. At Limoges and Rocamadour we find a similar caveshelter and the traditional coming of Jewish missionaries in the first century, on of whom is Joseph of Arimathea. Zaccheus and Martial remain, while JOSEPH PASSES ON (Tradition). 3/. At Morlaix a disciple of Joseph -- Drennalus -- is said to have preached in 72 A. D. Again, at Fecamp (along the coast from Morlaix) we find the

legend of the washing ashore of the trunk of a fig-tree belonging to Joseph of Arimathea. The name (Ficus Campus) Fecamp is believed to have arisen from this legend. (Tradition and NorthWestern France, by Augustus Hare. George Allen, 1895). 4/. In Cornwall we find traditions of Joseph arriving in a boat with a young Jesus. HE PASSES ON (tradition). So WHERE did Joseph go -- WHERE did he finally stop and do the Work of God? Researcher Jowett notes: George

How many of the disciples were with him [JOSEPH] during HIS SHORT STAY IN GAUL it is difficult to say. It is amazing how nonchalantly the records deal with this important matter. Various existing records agree in part with the Baronius record [Annales Ecclesiastici, vol. I, p.327], naming among the occupants of the castaway boat Mary Magdalene, Martha, the handmaiden Marcella, Lazarus whom Jesus raised from the dead, and Maximin the man whose sight Jesus restored. Then non-committally the report read, 'AND OTHERS.' -- The Drama of the Lost Disciples , p.63.

A number of records state that PHILIP (one of the 12 disciples) was included in the phrase "and others." There is a wealth of uncontested testimony proving that Philip went to Gaul where he received Joseph when he arrived at Marseilles, and APPOINTED HIM APOSTLE TO BRITAIN! It is well known that a great number of converts had left Palestine during the Saulian persecution -- very probably on

Page 27 ships belonging to Joseph. Philip was one of them. mentioned that Joseph, his son Josephes and the rest of the group arrived at a place called "SARRAS." In book xiii, cap.10 Not long after Joseph's the narrative goes on to say that arrival in southern France, a the "SARACENS" (of Sarras) British delegation arrived at under King Tolleme la Feintes Marseilles to greet him and exwere fighting against the Britons tend an invitation for him to reunder King Evelake. Evidently turn with them to Britain. The King Evelake was a local leader delegation was sent by KING belonging to one of the provARVIRAGUS and, through inces of Britain, and the Saracen them, he offered Joseph lands, a (Tolleme) "which was...a rich safe haven and protection against king and a mighty [one]," is reRoman persecution. "Arviragus lated as marching to meet was prince of the noble SILURES OF BRITAIN, Therefore, as a thorough search of him, and the encounter in the Dukedom of Cornthe ancient records shows, it was JO- seems to have taken place on the British side of the wall. He was the son of King Cunobelinus, THE SEPH OF ARIMATHEA -- not Jere- Channel. "Moreover -CYMBELINE OF miah -- who planted the Davidic line of and this is of further interest -- King Tolleme the SHAKESPEARE FAME, Pharez in the British Isles! 'Saracen' is said to have and cousin to the reAfter leaving their friends been the 'cousin of King Evenowned British warrior-patriot, CARADOC, whom the Romans behind in the Rhone Valley, Jo- lake, so that although they were named CARACTACUS. To- seph and his new group of com- at war with each other and apgether they represented the panions -- twelve in all -- headed parently of different nationality, ROYAL SILURIAN DY- along the great northern road to ties of marriage had taken place NASTY, the most powerful war- the north coast of France. We between the 'Saracens' and the rior kingdom in Britain, FROM can retrace their journey step by ancestors of King Evelake" (The WHOM THE TUDOR KINGS step. From the city of Marseilles Coming of the Saints, AND QUEENS OF ENGLAND up the Rhone River as far as Ar- pp.149-150). HAD THEIR DESCENT" (The les or farther; then a journey of Are not these "SARADrama of the Lost Disciples, thirty days across Gaul, through the country of the Lemovices to CENS" under the leadership of p.68). the seacoast of Brittany; the the wealthy King Tolleme none Joseph gladly accepted stopover at Limoges; the arrival other than the JEWISH TIN the British invitation and made in Brittany at either Vannes or WORKERS of Cornwall? We ready to embark for Britain with Morlaix and, finally, four days' have already seen that the Jews a specially chosen group of com- sailing across the English Chan- of Cornwall "appear to have panions. Philip, it is reported, nel to Cornwall. Legend relates called themselves or were called consecrated Joseph in the year that after reaching the coast of by the Britons of Cornwall 36, and from then on Joseph of Brittany, Joseph and his eleven 'SARACENS.'" Arimathea became known as fellow-travelers sailed from The narrative in the poem "THE APOSTLE TO Morlaix to FALMOUTH in England. From here they continued goes on to say that the "SaraBRITAIN." on to Cornwall. cens" turned a deaf ear to the message of Joseph and his comWithout a doubt Joseph If we turn to the poem panions, however King Evelake was attracted to the Sacred Isle d'Arthur, we find and the Britons were kindly of AVALON for reasons other Mort than the opportunity to preach the gospel to the people of Britain. Evidently ARVIRAGUS AND JOSEPH WERE WELL KNOWN TO EACH OTHER prior to the delegation's invitation, and this is quite believable when we realize Joseph more than likely acquired many friends in the south of Britain during the years he looked after his mining interests in Corn- wall and Somerset.

Page 28 disposed towards him and were more or less won over by the teaching of Joseph and his son. Isn't that interesting? From Cornwall two traditional routes are found in the legends of Glastonbury tracing Joseph and his group to their final destination. One tradition has the little group traveling OVERLAND from Cornwall to Avalon while, according to the other legend, "the refugees sailed around the southern tip of England, passing what is today known as 'Land's End.' Then following the west coast, they sailed northward to the Severn Sea. From there they entered the estuaries of the rivers Parrot and Brue. Following the River Brue eastward, they arrived at a little cluster of islands about twelve miles inland from the coast, JOSEPH'S DESTINATION WAS THE ISLE OF AVALON, suitable as a quiet retreat...[and] a place they knew had already been hallowed by the presence of their Master [Christ]" (The Traditions of Glastonbury, pp.38-39). and his companions TWELVE HIDES OF LAND -- a hide for each disciple. Since each hide represented 160 acres, the sum total of the grant was 1,920 acres. It is an interesting fact that in the last century, when the United States of America was expanding westward, grants of land were given to settlers -- 160 acres per person or family!
concessions, including the right of citizenship with its privileges of freedom to pass unmolested from one district to another in time of war. [This "right" proved invaluable in the later preaching of the gospel to the British.] The grant was given to them as "Judean refugees." (Quidam advanae -- 'certain strangers' -- old Latin. In Later Latin, "Culdich" or Anglicised, "Culdees.") -The Traditions of Glastonbury , p.41.

At first, according to William of Malmsebury, Arviragus and his subjects were not receptive to the Gospel message preached by Joseph and his companions:
In the year of our Lord, 63 [actually, it was earlier], twelve holy missionaries, with Joseph of Arimathea (who had buried the Lord) at their head, came over to Britain, preaching the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. THE KING OF THE COUNTRY AND HIS SUBJECTS REFUSED TO BECOME PROSELYTES TO THEIR TEACHING, but in consideration that they had come a long journey, and being somewhat pleased with their soberness of life and unexceptional behaviour, the king, at their petition, gave them for their habitation a certain island bordering on this region, covered with trees and bramble bushes and surrounded by marshes, called Ynis-wytrin. -- Written 1126 A.D. from "the writings of the ancients" which he found at Glastonbury Abbey.

Joseph's Sarcophagus at Glastonbury E. Raymond Capt writes about this grant of land to the refugees from the East:
King Arviragus is recorded as having granted to Joseph and his followers, "twelve hides" of land, tax free, in "Yniswitrin," described as a marshy tract -- afterwards called the "Isle of Avalon." Confirmation of this Royal Charter is found in the official DOMESDAY BOOK of Britain (A.D. 1086) which states: "The Domus Dei, in the great monastery of Glastonbury, called the Secret of the Lord. This Glastonbury Church possesses, in its own villa XII hides of land which have never paid tax." (Domesday Survey folio p.249b.) This notable act of the King gave the recipients many British

The Royal Welcome When Joseph and his companions arrived at Avalon, they were met by King Guiderius and his brother ARVIRAGUS -who was a king of the royal Silures of Britain. As we have seen, Joseph and Arviragus were old friends and, as a result of this friendship, the king gave Joseph

Afterwards, however, Arviragus must have become converted because Hardynge's Chronicle (a fifteenth-century writing based upon much earlier works) gives the following passage about Joseph and Arviragus:

Page 29 Joseph converted this King Arviragus By his prechying to know ye laws divine And baptisted him as write hath Nennius The chronicler in Britain tonque full fyne And to Christian laws made him inclyne. After they received title to the land, the little band built homes for themselves out of wattle and daub -- following the practice of the Celts who inhabited the area. The abbey records, quoted by William Malmsebury, show that Joseph and his companions also built a meetingplace: "These holy men built a chapel of the form that had been shown them. The walls were of osiers wattled together." From research undertaken by the late "often painted or washed with lime, these wattle buildings withstood the most severe weather." Even castles of the day were built of the same material. Giraldus Cambrensis, speaking of Pembroke Castle wrote: "Arnulphus de Montgomery, in the days of Henry I (A.D. 1068-1135) built a small castle of twigs and slight turf." According to Ovid in Faesti ad Fest Roma, the primitive Capital of Rome was of similar construction.

With the gift of the twelve hides of land came the PROTECTION Arviragus offered against intrusion by the legions of Rome. DurNo apostle, not even Paul, led a life ing the middle of the firstmore filled with high purpose, enterprise Spreading the Gospel century A.D. the countryside on both sides of the and achievement than did Joseph the unThis little settlecle of Christ! Severn was held by the ment on the Isle of British in comparative seAvalon soon became the curity, being OUTSIDE the main F. Bligh Bond, F.R.I.B.A. (mem- center of a missionary effort that ber of the Somerset Archaeologi- spread throughout the land and lines of Roman conquest. cal Society and formerly director across the English Channel into It is a remarkable fact of excavations at Glastonbury Europe. Joseph wasted no time that despite the bitter determina- Abbey) this meeting-place con- in proclaiming the good news of tion of the Roman Empire to per- structed by Joseph and his men the Kingdom of God to all who secute, uproot and destroy was circular, having a diameter would listen. everything that was Christian in of 25 feet, with the twelve huts Britain -- despite the pillaging of Joseph and his companions In examining the early reand burning of monasteries, forming a circle around it. All cords there does not appear to churches and libraries by Ro- the buildings were evidently en- have been any national or genman, Saxon, Dane and Norman closed in a circular stockade to eral acceptance of God's Truth in -- not once was the sanctity of keep out wild animals. The cen- Britain for over a hundred years Avalon defiled. These are the ter building, or the meeting- after Joseph arrived -- although lands which Roman writers re- place, may have incorporated or the gospel was preached in forferred to as "territory inaccessi- covered the earlier structure built eign countries by MANSUEble to the Roman where Christ is by Christ when He was at TUS, BEATUS and Glastonbury. taught." MARCELLUS during the intervening century. Mansuetus (also Although Malmsebury known as St. Mansuy), an Irish Behind the wall of protection formed by Arviragus and describes the wattle meeting- or Caledonian Briton, became his Silurian warriors Joseph, and place as "rude and misshapen," founder of a Church of God at the disciples of Christ who fre- its wall was without a doubt built Toul in Lorraine, and his death is quently visited the area, were in the custom of the day -- tim- placed at 89 A.D. This is consafe from harm, and free to bered pillars and framework, firmed by a second-century preach and teach the Kingdom of doubly wattled inside and out. Christian sarcophagus discovThe roof was thatched with ered at Malaincourt in Lorraine, God to the local inhabitants. reeds. as author Capt notes, which bears an inscription

Page 30

Fifty-two years after Joseph had tenderly placed the body of his nephew Jesus into his own personal tomb, this intrepid man of God passed into history on July 27, 82 A.D.

indicating that it was the tomb of one of Mansuetus' friends who accompanied him from Britain (Acta Sanctorum, Supplement, vol. i, pp.313, 343, 349). Suetonius Beatus is said by the old records to have been converted in Britain, baptized by Barnabas, a companion of Aristobulus, and to have afterwards become the Apostle of the Helvetians (Swiss). He died at Under Seven in Helvetia, 110 A.D. This is validated by local traditions and the cave of Beatus on the borders of Lake Thun. Beatus is remembered in the area as a British missionary, and the site of his first meeting-place is still shown. The district around Interlaken, "Unterseen" and Beatenberg is full of old traditions regarding him. Marcellus, the first British martyr, founded churches at Tongres and Triers, and is said to have been martyred in 166 A.D. These three men are remembered as BRITISH MISSIONARIES, and it is difficult to believe that they would have wandered about on the other side of the Channel preaching the gospel if their own country had meanwhile remained ignorant of the Truth. There is little doubt that the British historian Gildas was right in picturing the Britons as very slow in receiving the Truth -- even though it was brought to them in the very earliest years. And those in whom the gospel message took root in the area of Glastonbury, naturally turned to those who were ready to receive their message, even at

the cost of long journeys to distant cities and to far countries. The Vetusta Ecclesia of Glastonbury remained as a witness for the Truth of God; but it was not until the year of the great persecution at Lyons and Vienne in Gaul (177 A.D.) that we find any indication of a widespread Christianity in Britain. It appears that it was toward the end of the second century that God's Truth received its main impetus, and that up to that time its progress had been slow. "From the writings that have come down to us it may reasonably be gathered that FEW CONVERTS were made by the original missionaries, but that their holy lives (and possibly descendants) had kept the memory of their religion green and fragrant, and that the Church of Glastonbury still remained a monument of their devotion" (The Coming of the Saints, p. 160). From this time forward the Church of God in Britain must have grown rapidly, for at the end of the third century and the beginning of the next (300-305), when the great DIOCLETION PERSECUTION had begun, a GREAT NUMBER of British Christians (according to Gildas) suffered for the Truth -among them Alban, Anphibalus, Julius, Aaron, Stephanus and Socrates. About this time, even the JEWS OF CORNWALL accepted the Truth of God! Records show that Kelvius, son of

Page 31 Solomon, DUKE OF CORNWALL, not only accepted Christianity but became a minister; and a man by the name of Moses -- said to be British, but presumably of some HEBREW relationship -- became an APOSTLE TO THE "SARACENS"! Entering His Rest defenseless and the atrocious massacre at Menai -- which led to the revolt of the British Queen Boadicea and the torching of Roman London, Colchester and St. Albans with over 80,000 Roman deaths. "Through it all there was a continuous flow of converts aflame with the fire of the Gospel, spreading from Avalon into the land and camp of the enemy, valorously defiant. The martyrdom of Aristobulus and Simon Zelotes in Britain must have history on JULY 27, 82 A.D. Loving hands and heavy hearts laid Joseph to rest among the Christian company that had preceded him -- near to the little wattle meeting-place which he and his companions had built over forty years before when they arrived on British soil.

Cressy, in his Church No apostle, not even History of Brittany, wrote: "JoPaul, led a life more filled with seph was buried near the little high purpose, enterprise and wattle church he built." Melchin, achievement than did Jowho wrote circa 560 seph the uncle of Christ! The remains of Joseph of Arimathea A.D., recorded: "The In spite of the many sorlay undisturbed until 1345 A.D. During disciples...died in succesrows that had darkened his sion and were buried in life, Joseph's personal tri- this year one John Bloom of London was the cemetery [on the Isle umphs in spreading the given permission by King Edward III to of Avalon]. Among teachings of Christ, from dig for the body of Joseph....[he] located them, Joseph of MarAvalon to the far reaches and recovered the remains of Joseph. more, named of Arimatof the British Isles and hea, receives perpetual across the Channel into Europe, wrung his heart, but the...mission sleep, and he lies in linea bifurfar outweighed the tragedies he of St. Paul in Wales with the cata near the south corner of the had shared and witnessed. He royal British must have soared oratorio, which is built of hurdles saw his British friends meet and his stalwart heart" (The Drama [wattles]" (Quoted by John of shatter the legions of Rome -- of the Lost Disciples, pp. Glastonbury). pushing back all that Rome 228-229). could muster. During these years According to George F. in which the soil of Britain beJoseph lived to see all but Jowett, on the stone lid of the came saturated with the blood of one of the original apostles of sarcophagus in which his bones friend and foe alike, not once did Christ go to their rest. James, the were later buried, under the inithe foot of a Roman soldier brother of John, had been put to tials of Joseph of Arimathea, are penetrate the protective line of the sword by Herod in 64 A.D. inscribed these immortal words: British warriors that guarded the And James, the brother of Jesus, "Ad Brittanos veni post Christum secrets of Avalon. This incredi- was hurled down from a pinnacle Sepelivi. Docui. Quievi." (To the ble defense was carried out un- of the Temple to his death in 62 Britons I came after I buried the der the dual leadership of the A.D. Only John outlived Joseph. Christ. I taught, I have entered Pendragon Caradoc (Caractacus) Evidently, he was one of the my rest.) "In these few simple very few apostles and disciples words are contained more tragand King Arviragus. of Christ to die a natural death at edy, romance, and drama than in Joseph witnessed the the advanced old age of 101. any other inscription ever writBritish defeat at Brandon and the ten; words so characteristic of all treacherous betrayal of CaracFifty-two years after Jo- the faithful Apostles of Christ, tacus into captivity with all his seph had tenderly placed the seeking no self-justification, royal family, followed by the body of his nephew Jesus into merely a simple record of a duty Roman pardon of the British his own personal tomb, this in- performed" (Ibid., p. 229). king. He saw the slaughter of the trepid man of God passed into

Page 32

The line of PHAREZ, to Maelgwyn of Avalon -which Joseph belonged as writing about 450 A.D. -- deuncle of Christ, was TRANS- scribes the place of burial in FERRED TO BRITAIN (in these words: his own person) -- which was Joseph of Arimathea, the NOalready long the home of the BLE DECURION, received his everline of ZARAH! At a later lasting rest with his eleven associates the Isle of Avalon. He lies in the date, the TWO LINES in southern angle of the bifurcated line of MERGED, thus healing the the Oratorium of the Adorable Virgin. breach.
Long before the era of Maelgwyn, a magnificent abbey had been constructed over the original site -- enclosing the wattle house of Christ in lead for its preservation, along with relics of Christians past. All the early and later authorities, such as John of Teignmouth, Leland, Hearne and Morgan, refer to the SAME RESTING PLACE of Joseph as cited by Maelgwyn; and seldom do they fail to quote the inscription as it appeared on Joseph's tomb. The erudite Archbishop Ussher refers to William of Malmesbury as "our chief historian." Leland and others call William "an elegant, learned, and faithful historian." William lived in the famous Glastonbury Abbey on two different occasions in order to complete his outstanding manuscript. At that time, before the great fire of 1184, all the ancient records and manuscripts were in existence and at his disposal. He also CONFIRMS the time and place of Joseph's death and burial. Archbishop Ussher, himself a historian of great repute, writes in his carefully detailed work of "St. Joseph's burial in the bifurcated line next to the

corner of St. Mary's Chapel and of the silver and white cruets containing the sweat and blood of Christ buried with him." The remains of Joseph of Arimathea lay undisturbed until 1345 A.D. During this year one JOHN BLOOM of London was given permission by King Edward III to dig for the body of Joseph -- provided he first receive the consent of the Abbot and the monks of Glastonbury. When this was duly granted, John Bloom located and RECOVERED THE REMAINS of Joseph. R. de Boston, a monk in the Lincolnshire Monastery, simply recorded: "The bodies of Joseph of Arimathea and his companions were found in Glastonbury." Archbishop Ussher, in his book, provides a copy of the license, copied from the royal archives in the Tower of London, given by Edward III in 1345, to John Bloom of London, with the right to excavate the body of Joseph underneath the enclosure of the monastery. Ussher also records that the body of Joseph was found exactly where all had stated it rested. The license was signed by King Edward on June 8, 1345. Ussher also quotes from the "Record of the burial of St. Joseph and his companions," from The Great Register of the Monks of Glaston. Another reference to the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea at Glastonbury is presented by Lionel Smithett Lewis, who spent most of his 86 years searching the archives for information

Page 33 about Joseph at Avalon. He writes:

The body of St. Joseph, whose burial at the wattle church of St. Mary was recorded by Maelgwyn of Avalon, writing about A.D. 450, lay undisturbed till the year 1345, when Edward III gave his licence to John Bloom of London to dig for the body if the Abbot and monks permitted, and just as the discovery of the bones of King Arthur at Glastonbury in 1190 were recorded in far-away Essex by the monk Ralph de Coggeshall, so in a far-away monastery in 1367 we find a monk recording that "the bodies of Joseph of Arimathea and his companions were found at Glastonbury." The remains of St. Joseph were put in a silver casket which could be raised at will from a stone sarcophagus, the base of a shrine to which the frequent pilgrimage was made. This stone altar tomb, the base of the shrine, like the Holy Thorn, survived the Reformation. East end of St. Mary's Chapel in that Church. There it remained till the AUTUMN OF 1928, when loving hands brought it reverently into the Church, and placed it in the ancient St. Katherine's Chapel, the North Transept. Moreover, there is a plinth inside to receive the silver ark with the Saint's remains. A glass top was put on the tomb that all generations might see what was found. -- Glastonbury, the Mother of Saints.

accomplished! THE LINE OF PHAREZ, to which Joseph belonged as uncle of Christ, was TRANSFERRED TO BRITAIN (in his own person) -- which was already long the home of the line of Zarah! At a later date, the TWO LINES MERGED, thus healing the breach. Brutus, descended from the Trojans of Troy -- who in turn were descended from Zarah -- arrived in Britain in approximately 1100 B.C. His line, strengthened over the centuries by the invading Saxons and Normans, and eventually merging with the Milesian branch of the line of Zarah in Ireland, has ruled the British Isles ever since without any major interruption. During the time of King Zedekiah of Judah, it is claimed that Jeremiah the Prophet brought a daughter of Zedekiah to Ireland -- where she supposedly married into the line of Zarah. However, there is NO RECORD whatsoever in the ancient annals of Ireland, Scotland, Wales or England that makes mention of this ever occurring! Various groups, including the British-Israelites and a number of the Churches of God, still cling to this erroneous tradition, completely OVERLOOKING the role Joseph of Arimathea played when he arrived in Britain during the first century of our era. That Joseph was met by a reigning king of the Zarah line when he stepped ashore in Britain should tell us something right there! God was directing the affairs of His

It was Lewis himself who discovered Joseph's Altar Tomb that had been buried in the churchyard for some 266 years. One autumn day (in 1928), while walking by the ancient cemetery, Mr. Lewis stubbed his toe on a stone object protruding from the ground -- evidently lifted out of the ground by frost. Upon excavation, the stone object turned out to be Joseph's long lost tomb. Today the stone sarcophagus shows evidence of having been wrenched from its original resting place -- the work evidently being done by some strong metal lever or bar. According to E. Raymond Capt, "the silver casket (containing the bones of St. Joseph) allegedly reposing in the tomb are missing. However, the sarcophagus contains a "plinth" or base, which would have held such a casket" (Traditions of Glastonbury, p.94). The Line of Pharez in Britain Although Joseph and his companions did not see any great number of people converted to the Truth of God during their years in Britain, God's MAIN PURPOSE for leading Joseph to the Isle of Avalon was

Lewis continues:
Holinshed, in his "Chronicle," A.D. 1577, speaks of St. Joseph's sepulchre as being still at Glastonbury, and the learned John Ray in his "Itinerary" records that on June 2, 1662, "We saw Joseph of Arimathea's tomb and chapel at the end of the church." As we have seen, the Holy Thorn was cut down in the Great Rebellion. The aftermath of the same period saw the altar tomb of St. Joseph leave its shrine. During the Commonwealth a Nonconformist divine was put in as incumbent of the Parish Church. In 1662 this interloper was turned out and a Churchman instituted. It was that very same year, in which by God's Providence John Ray came to Glastonbury and saw the tomb in the ruined chapel. Later in the year, tradition says, from fear of Puritanical fanaticism like that which destroyed the Holy Thorn, silently, hastily at night, the altar tomb was removed from the ruined shrine in St. Mary's Chapel at the Abbey, and placed in the churchyard of the Parish Church for protection outside of the

Page 34 people Israel in the islands of the sea, to bring about the healing of the breach and the fulfillment of Genesis 49:10, which says: "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes..." Centuries earlier, King David of Israel visited Ireland and established his throne there under the Irish name of Ollamh Fodhla. However his line, after 137 years, apparently came to an abrupt close when a rival royal house of the line of Zarah took the throne by force. As far as history and tradition is concerned, the line of Pharez in Ireland disappeared with Oilioll -the last king of David's line (934-918 B.C.). Therefore, as a thorough search of the ancient records shows, it was JOSEPH -- not Jeremiah -- who planted the Davidic line of Pharez in the British Isles! Centuries later, in the time of the famous King Arthur of the Round Table, THE TWO LINES MERGED AND THE BREACH WAS HEALED!! The story of Joseph of Arimathea, filled with adventure, drama, tragedy and immense courage, has long been overlooked by the Churches of God. This fearless man of God rightfully belongs at the leading edge of the missionary effort to spread the Word of God to all nations. He stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Paul, Peter and the others who left their indelible footprints in the far reaches of the Roman Empire and beyond.

JACOB AND THE PILLAR-CRYPTS OF CRETE!

The religious customs of Minoan Crete have long posed questions in the minds of archaeologists and historians. What purpose did the mysterious standing pillars, found in underground crypts, serve? WHY were the ancient Minoans so preoccupied by the BULL and the symbolism associated with it? Were the religious practices of Crete influenced by those of Egypt and, if so, HOW did this come about? A study of history and the ancient genealogical records reveal a close link between Egypt and Crete -- a link that served as a stepping-stone to the civilizations of Atlantis and Mycenaean Greece!
WHO WILL BE THE "BRAND" PLUCKED FROMTHE FIRE?

In the book of Zechariah we read about Joshua the high priest exchanging his filthy garments for "rich robes" and a "clean turban." What significance does this action have? The same man is referred to as a "brand plucked from the fire" -- what does this mean? The keys to the answers are found in the last book of the Bible -- the book of Revelation!

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