CHAPTER 4

1. Mary brought to the temple at three years old, 6. Ascends the stairs of the temple by miracle. 8. Her parents sacrificed and returned home.

1. And when the three years were expired and the time of her weaning complete, they brought the Virgin to the temple of the Lord with their offerings.
2. And there were about the temple, according to the fifteen Psalms of degrees, fifteen stairs to ascend.
The "fifteen Psalms of degrees" refer to Psalms 120-134.

3. For the temple was built in a mountain, and the altar of burnt-offering outside and could not be come near but by stairs;

4. The parents of the blessed Virgin and infant Mary put her upon one of these stairs;

5. But while they were putting off their clothes in which they had traveled, according to the custom putting on some that were more neat and clean,

6. In the meantime, without the help of any to lead or lift her, the Virgin of the Lord went up all the stairs one after another in such a manner that anyone would have judged that she was of perfect age.

7. Thus the Lord did, in the infancy of his virgin, work this extraordinary work, and evidence by this miracle how great she was to be hereafter.

8. but, having offered up their sacrifice according to the custom of the law and having perfected their vow, the parents returned home after leaving the Virgin with other virgins who were to be brought up in the apartments of the temple.