Irenaeus Against Heresies Book III Then, that he might free our mind from suspicion regarding Joseph, he says: "But the birth of Christ[267] To this effect they testify, [saying, ] that before Joseph had come together with Mary, while she therefore remained in virginity, "she was found with child of the Holy Ghost; "[407] Methodius Discourse XI. Arete Thekla. 18. The parent of Thy life, that unspotted Grace[9] The Gospel of the Nativity of Mary Therefore Joseph, according to the command of the angel, took the virgin as his wife; nevertheless he knew her not, but took care of her, and kept her in chastity.[15]