The four Gospels in one narrative

Preface

This work is a compilation of the Authorized Versiori of the four Gospels, and contains in one continuous narrative, in the exact words o'f the original, all that was written by each of the evangelists, except what would be repetition, and without any word of comment or of addition to connect the parts, or explanation thereof.

The name of the gospel, and the chapter and verse, are added where the narrative changes from one gospel to another ; so that the reference to the original is seen, without inconvenience, and the reader is assured, at once, that it is the very word of God, without change.

Although a number of harmonists have been consulted, no one has been strictly followed, but the sequence of parts has been made up from various authorities, adhering very much to the order of the evangelists themselves. This is the direction in which changes are made by modern harmonists, and seems to be called for by a reverent respect for the originals. By reference to the index of passages and subjects, it will be observed that scarcely any part of the gospels is recorded before a former part of the same gospel. Thus all questions of chronology are waived, and it is assumed that the evangelists' order is the best and should be adhered to as much as possible.

From the fact that only about one-fourth of the gospels is omitted without material repetition, it appears that each in great measure has been led to supply the omissions of the others, often adding to the same passages additional particulars and also often entirely distinct narratives.

This is so much the case in John's Gospel, it being written long after the other three, that it has only been necessary to omit about twenty verses. It is thus obvious that a comprehensive knowledge of what they all give in this most precious legacy is best obtained by interpolating what each contains, in regular order into one narrative, and that this must be a good work. It may be called summing up the evidence of the four witnesses who testify what they know about Jesus being the Christ , the Saviour of humanity. Imagine that Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all are before us, and each in his turn tells us that part of the Wondrous Story that he knows best, in his own peculiar way, and without going back or forward on his own order. And, as herein recorded, each renders the other service by supplementing his omissions, at the time and place where the tender, touching, thrilling, tragic theme requires it. Take, for instance, the Crucifixion. Luke alone tells us that when the rugged nails were driven through our Lord's hands and feet He exclaimed, in the midst of that supreme agony, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And again, to the dying thief.

To-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise." Only John records His loving care for His mother, in saying, "Woman, behold thy son,'' and to the beloved disciple, Behold thy mother." Matthew and Mark only mention the agonizing exclamation, "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" John adds, ^' It is finished," and it is Luke only who gives us the final words, " Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit." Our redemption was accomplished. Is it not well to read these last words together? Loving kindness for us, and meek submission to the Father, breathed forth in every word, while tortured to a cruel death by the bloody lash, the thorny crown, the pierced hands and feet. This is but one of many such passages where each adds to the narrative his own important, precious words.

This work is designed to enable the young, and others who are only beginning to know about the Saviour, to acquire more readily a full knowledge of Him. It is often the case that the authorities for help in the study of the gospels are not accessible, and the industry and inclination for the collection of passages from them are wanting. As they learn more about the Saviour they will be more and more constrained to love Him, and the ultimate purpose of the work will be accomplished. It is ofi:ered, as the Gospel should be, as nearly as possible, without money and without price.

May God bless the reading of His word, and to His name be the praise.

TESTIMONIALS.

Pittsburgh, East End, Pa. The plan on which this continuous narrative of the human history of Jesus, as found in the several Gospels, is arranged, is one that has many times entered my mind as promising additional attractiveness to the young, as well as much utility to other readers of the Gospels. I have many times felt the absence of such a useful book in my own work, for I think that any student of the records of God's divine Son cannot fail to be conscious that there is a large place in the homes of the people for such a helpful work as this.

I therefore desire for it a wide circulation, that by its unique and useful character it may win many friends to Jesus.

Thos. D. Butler,

Pastor Christian Church.

WiLKINSBURG, Pa.

I have read the greater part of the "Four Gospels in One,'' and take pleasure in endorsing it as a useful arrangement of the Scripture narrative. Samuel H. Moore,

Wilkinsburg Presbyterian Church.

Pittsburgh, Pa.

My Dear Sir: — I have looked over your MSS. with interest. Such a book, cast in popular form, meant for readers of the English Bible, and affording them an opportunity to read the continuous story of the life of our Lord, cannot well help being of Christian service. The outline of the Scripture story follows in your pages the order of the Evangelists themselves. And until the scholars are entirely agreed (as they are not now) upon the exact chronological order, it seems to me that such an arrangement as yours is the best. The probability is that St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke and St. John knew more about the order of events than we are likely to know. I wish you all success in your excellent undertaking, and remain

Faithfully yours,

George Hodges,

Rector Calvary Church.

Pittsburgh, Pa.

I have hot, for the want of time, been able to examine this work as it deserves, and yet, from what I have learned from the partial examination made, I believe it will be quite a help to all who wish to know the Story of the Cross. L. McGuire,

Pastor Fifth Avenue M. E. Church.

Shady Ate. Baptist Church,)

PlTTSBUEGH, Pa. j

My Dear Sir :— I have examined your compilation of the fonr Gospels m which you have preserved the expressions and facts peculiar to each Evangelist and omitted their repetitions. Your work shows that you have done this carefully and conscientiously. The value of the results is self-evident. The four narratives are really reduced to one, and opportunity is afforded, at a minimum of labor to the student and reader, of making the fuller account in one supply what is omitted or briefly stated in another.

Your book will certainly be a valuable one for all students of the Gospels, hile I am familiar with other books of similar nature, I know of no one who has adopted just your plan, and certainly no other such work has been offered at a price that places it within the reach of all. Both for your sake and for the sake of the good that your book will do. I wish you most abundant success in its circulation.

Most fraternally yours,

W. A. Stanton, Pastor.

Pittsburgh, Pa.

i have examined the manuscript of a work entitled " Four Gospels in One," and am free to say that it promises to be an interesting and valuable work. To the Bible student and to the great army of Sunday school teachers, it must become a valuable aid, greatly assisting in the preparation of the lesson, and to the lover of God's word an additional help to a knowledge of that which makes wise unto salvation.

C. V. Wilson, Pastor Emory M. E. Church.

Minneapolis, Minn.

I have examined the " Four Gospels in One " with some care and am really impressed with the amount of labor and theught the compiler has bestowed upon it. Moreover, he has shown a good deal of skill in combining the several passages to form a connected narrative. In my judgment the work may be made very useful, and there ought to be a large demand for it. What knowledge should interest us like the knowle«lge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ? Or in what form can such knowledge be so useful to us as when conveyed in the " words which the Holy Ghost teacheth ? Samuel M. Campbell,

First Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis.

Pittsburgh, Pa.

I have glanced over a large portion of the "Four Gospels in One," and am pleased with it as quite complete. It will be a help to all who wish to familiarize themselves with the fourfold record of the Lord's life. J. P. E. KuMLER,

East Liberty Presbyterian Church.

THE FOUK GOSPELS IN ONE.

Section 1

LUKE I. 1. Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,

2. Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eye-witnesses, and ministers of the word;

3. It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,

4. That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

JOHN I. 1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2. The same was in the beginning with God.

3. All things were made by him ; and without him was not anything made that was made.

4. In him was life ; and the life was the light of men.

5. And the light shineth in darkness ; and the darkness comprehended it not.

6. There was a man sent from God, whose name was Jobn.

7. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

8. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

9. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

10. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

11. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

13. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth, LUKE I. 5. There was in the days of Herod, the king of J udsea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia ; and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.

6. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

7. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren; and they both were now well stricken in years.

LUKE I. 8. And it came to pass that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,

9. According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

10. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

1 1 . And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

12. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

13. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias : for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

14. And thou shalt have joy and gladness ; and many shall rejoice at his birth,

15. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.

16. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

17. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

18. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Wherebyshall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

19. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.

20. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

21. And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.

22. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.

23. And it came to pass that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplish ed,he departed to his own house.

24. And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,

25. Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.

26. And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27. To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David ; and the virgin's name was Mary.

28. And the angel came in unto her and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee : blessed art thou among women.

LUKE I. 29. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saving, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

30. And the angel said unto her. Fear not. Mar j : for thou hast found favour with God.

31. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thj womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

32. He shall be great, and Fhall be called the Son of the Highest ; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David :

33. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

34. Then said Mary unto the angel. How shall this be, seeing I know not a man ?

35. And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee : therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

36. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age : and this is the sixth monthwith her, who was called barren.

37. For with God nothing shall be impossible.

38. And Mary said. Behold the handmaid of the Lord ; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

39. And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda ;

40. And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.

41. And it came to pass, that when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb ; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost :

42. And she spake out with a loud voice, and said. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

43. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

44. For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

45. And blessed is she that believed : for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

46. And Mary said. My soul doth magnify the Lord,

47. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

48. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden ; for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

49. For he that is mig-hty hath done to me great things ; and holy is his name.

50. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

51 . Lie hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination

of their hearts.

LUKE I. 52. He hath put

down the mighty from their

seats, and exalted them of low

degree.

53. He hath filled the hungry with good things ; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

54. He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy ;

55. As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed forever.

56. And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

57. Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered ; and she brought forth a son.

58. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.

59. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child ; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.

60. And his mother answered and said, Not so ; but he shall be called John.

61. And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.

62. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called .

63. And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying. His name is John. And they marvelled all.

64. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.

65. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them : and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hiJl country of Judaea.

66. And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be ! And the hand of the Lord was with him.

67. And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,

68. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel ; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,

69. And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David ;

70. As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began :

71. That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us ;

72. To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant ;

73. The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,

74. That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,

75. In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

76. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest ; for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare liis ways ;

LUKE I. 77. To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,

78. Through the tender mercy of our God ; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,

79. To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

80. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

Section 2

9. And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz ; and Achaz begat Ezekias ;

10. And Ezekias begat Manasses ; and Manasses begat Amon ; and Amon begat Josias ;

11. And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon ;

12. And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel ; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel ;

13. And Zorobabel begat Abiud ; and Abiud begat Eliakim ; and Eiiakim begat Azor;

14. And Azor begat Sadoc ; and Sadoc begat Achim ; and Achim begat Eliud ;

15. And Eliud begatEleazar ; and Eleazar begat Matthan ; and Matthan begat Jacob ;

16. And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

17. So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations ; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.

18. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise : When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and

MATT. 1 . 1. The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

2. Abraham begat Isaac ; and Isaac begat Jacob ; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren ;

3. And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar ; and Phares begat Esrom ; and Esrom begat Aram ;

4. And Aram begat Aminadab ; and Aminadab begat Naason ; and Naason begat Salmon ;

5. And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab ; and Booz begat Obed of Euth ; and Obed begat Jesse ;

6. And Jesse begat David the king ; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias ;

7. And Solomon begat Roboam; andRoboambegatAbia; and Abia begat Asa ;

8. And Asa begat Josanot willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. MATT. I. 20. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife ; for that which is conceived in her is of the Ploly Ghost.

21. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS : for he shall save his people from their sins.

22. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23. Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

24. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife ;

25. And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son : and he called his name JESUS.

Section 3

LUKE 2. 1. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Csesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, (because he was of the house and lineage of David : )

5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger ; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them ; and they were sore afraid.

10. And the angel said unto them. Fear not : for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great j oy, which shall be to all people.

11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12. And this shall be a sign unto you : Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddliug clothes, lyiug in a manger.

13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praisingGod, and saying,

LUKE 2. 14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

1 5. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another. Let us us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

21. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angei before he was conceived in the womb.

22. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord :

23. (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall

be called holy to the Lord;)

24. And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons.

25. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon : and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel ; and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

27. And he came by the Spirit into the temple : and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

28. Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29. Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word :

30. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31. Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people ;

32. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

33. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

34. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel j and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

LUKE 2. 35. (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

36. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser : she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity ;

37. And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple,but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

38. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Section 4

MATT. 2. 1. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

2. Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews ? for

' we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

3. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

4. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.