English - The Forgotten Books of Eden

TheFirstBookof AdamandEve

CHAPTER1

1Onthethirdday,Godplantedthegardenintheeastof theearth,ontheborderoftheworldeastward,beyond which,towardsthesun-rising,onefindsnothingbutwater, thatencompassesthewholeworld,andreachesuntothe bordersofheaven.

2Andtothenorthofthegardenthereisaseaofwafer, clearandpuretothetaste,likeuntonothingelse;sothat, throughtheclearnessthereof,onemaylookintothedepths oftheearth

3Andwhenamanwasheshimselfinit,becomescleanof thecleannessthereof,andwhiteofitswhiteness--evenifhe weredark

4AndGodcreatedthatseaofHisowngoodpleasure,for HeknewwhatwouldcomeofthemanHeshouldmake;so thatafterhehadleftthegarden,onaccountofhis transgression,menshouldbebornintheearth,fromamong whomrighteousonesshoulddie,whosesoulsGodwould raiseatthelastday;whentheyshouldreturntotheirflesh; shouldbatheinthewaterofthatsea,andallofthemrepent oftheirsins

5ButwhenGodmadeAdamgooutofthegarden,Hedid notplacehimontheborderofitnorthward,lestheshould drawneartotheseaofwater,andheandEvewash themselvesinit,becleansedfromtheirsins,forgetthe transgressiontheyhadcommitted,andhenolonger remindedofitinthethoughtoftheirpunishment

6Then,again,astothesouthernsideofthegarden,God wasnotpleasedtoletAdamdwellthere;because,whenthe windblewfromthenorth,itwouldbringhim,onthat southernside,thedelicioussmellofthetreesofthegarden

7WhereforeGoddidnotputAdamthere,lestheshould smellthesweetsmellofthosetreesforgethistransgression, andfindconsolationforwhathehaddone,takedelightin thesmellofthetrees,andnotbecleansedfromhis transgression

8Again,also,becauseGodismercifulandofgreatpity, andgovernsallthingsinawayHealoneknows--Hemade ourfatherAdamdwellinthewesternborderofthegarden, becauseonthatsidetheearthisverybroad

9AndGodcommandedhimtodwellthereinacaveina rock--theCaveofTreasuresbelowthegarden

CHAPTER2

1ButwhenourfatherAdam,andEve,wentoutofthe garden,theytrodthegroundontheirfeet,notknowing theyweretreading

2Andwhentheycametotheopeningofthegateofthe garden,andsawthebroadearthspreadbeforethem, coveredwithstoneslargeandsmall,andwithsand,they fearedandtrembled,andfellontheirfaces,fromthefear thatcameuponthem;andtheywereasdead.

3Because--whereastheyhadhithertobeeninthegardenland,beautifullyplantedwithallmanneroftrees--theynow

sawthemselves,inastrangeland,whichtheyknewnot, andhadneverseen

4Andbecauseatthattimetheywerefilledwiththegrace ofabrightnature,andtheyhadnotheartsturnedtowards earthlythings

5ThereforehadGodpityonthem;andwhenHesawthem fallenbeforethegateofthegarden,HesentHisWordunto fatherAdamandEve,andraisedthemfromtheirfallen state.

CHAPTER3

1GodsaidtoAdam,"Ihaveordainedonthisearthdays andyears,andthouandthyseedshalldwellandwalkinit, untilthedaysandyearsarefulfilled;whenIshallsendthe Wordthatcreatedthee,andagainstwhichthouhast transgressed,theWordthatmadetheecomeoutofthe gardenandthatraisedtheewhenthouwastfallen.

2Yea,theWordthatwillagainsavetheewhenthefive daysandahalfarefulfilled"

3ButwhenAdamheardthesewordsfromGod,andofthe greatfivedaysandahalf,hedidnotunderstandthe meaningofthem.

4ForAdamwasthinkingthattherewouldbebutfivedays andahalfforhim,totheendoftheworld

5AndAdamwept,andprayedGodtoexplainittohim

6ThenGodinHismercyforAdamwhowasmadeafter Hisownimageandsimilitude,explainedtohim,thatthese were5,000and500years;andhowOnewouldthencome andsavehimandhisseed

7ButGodhadbeforethatmadethiscovenantwithour father,Adam,inthesameterms,erehecameoutofthe garden,whenhewasbythetreewhereofEvetookthefruit andgaveithimtoeat

8InasmuchaswhenourfatherAdamcameoutofthe garden,hepassedbythattree,andsawhowGodhadthen changedtheappearanceofitintoanotherform,andhowit withered.

9AndasAdamwenttoithefeared,trembledandfell down;butGodinHismercyliftedhimup,andthenmade thiscovenantwithhim.

10And,again,whenAdamwasbythegateofthegarden, andsawthecherubwithaswordofflashingfireinhis hand,andthecherubgrewangryandfrownedathim,both AdamandEvebecameafraidofhim,andthoughthemeant toputthemtodeathSotheyfellontheirfaces,and trembledwithfear.

11Buthehadpityonthem,andshowedthemmercy;and turningfromthemwentuptoheaven,andprayeduntothe Lord,andsaid:--

12"Lord,Thoudidstsendmetowatchatthegateofthe garden,withaswordoffire

13"ButwhenThyservants,AdamandEve,sawme,they fellontheirfaces,andwereasdeadOmyLord,whatshall wedotoThyservants?"

14ThenGodhadpityonthem,andshowedthemmercy, andsentHisAngeltokeepthegarden

15AndtheWordoftheLordcameuntoAdamandEve, andraisedthemup.

16AndtheLordsaidtoAdam,"Itoldtheethatattheend offivedaysandahalf,IwillsendmyWordandsavethee 17"Strengthenthyheart,therefore,andabideintheCave ofTreasures,ofwhichIhavebeforespokentothee"

18AndwhenAdamheardthisWordfromGod,hewas comfortedwiththatwhichGodhadtoldhimForHehad toldhimhowHewouldsavehim.

CHAPTER4

1ButAdamandEveweptforhavingcomeoutofthe garden,theirfirstabode

2And,indeed,whenAdamlookedathisflesh,thatwas altered,heweptbitterly,heandEve,overwhattheyhad doneAndtheywalkedandwentgentlydownintothe CaveofTreasures.

3AndastheycametoitAdamweptoverhimselfandsaid toEve,"Lookatthiscavethatistobeourprisoninthis world,andaplaceofpunishment!

4"Whatisitcomparedwiththegarden?Whatisits narrownesscomparedwiththespaceoftheother?

5"Whatisthisrock,bythesideofthosegroves?Whatis thegloomofthiscavern,comparedwiththelightofthe garden?

6"Whatisthisoverhangingledgeofrocktoshelterus, comparedwiththemercyoftheLordthatovershadowedus?

7"Whatisthesoilofthiscavecomparedwiththegardenland?Thisearth,strewedwithstones;andthat,planted withdeliciousfruit-trees?"

8AndAdamsaidtoEve,"Lookatthineeyes,andatmine, whichaforebeheldangelsinheaven,praising;andthey, too,withoutceasing

9"Butnowwedonotseeaswedid:oureyeshavebecome offlesh;theycannotseeinlikemannerastheysaw before"

10AdamsaidagaintoEve,"Whatisourbodyto-day, comparedtowhatitwasinformerdays,whenwedweltin thegarden?"

11AfterthisAdamdidnotliketoenterthecave,underthe overhangingrock;norwouldheeverhaveenteredit.

12ButhebowedtoGod'sorders;andsaidtohimself, "UnlessIenterthecave,Ishallagainbeatransgressor."

CHAPTER5

1ThenAdamandEveenteredthecave,andstoodpraying, intheirowntongue,unknowntous,butwhichtheyknew well.

2Andastheyprayed,Adamraisedhiseyes,andsawthe rockandtheroofofthecavethatcoveredhimoverhead,so thathecouldseeneitherheaven,norGod'screatures.Sohe weptandsmoteheavilyuponhisbreast,untilhedropped, andwasasdead

3AndEvesatweeping;forshebelievedhewasdead.

4Thenshearose,spreadherhandstowardsGod,suing Himformercyandpity,andsaid,"OGod,forgivememy sin,thesinwhichIcommitted,andrememberitnotagainst me

5"ForIalonecausedThyservanttofallfromthegarden intothislostestate;fromlightintothisdarkness;andfrom theabodeofjoyintothisprison

6"OGod,lookuponthisThyservantthusfallen,andraise himfromhisdeath,thathemayweepandrepentofhis transgressionwhichhecommittedthroughme

7"Takenotawayhissoulthisonce;butlethimlivethathe maystandafterthemeasureofhisrepentance,anddoThy will,asbeforehisdeath

8"ButifThoudonotraisehimup,then,OGod,takeaway myownsoul,thatIbelikehim;andleavemenotinthis dungeon,oneandalone;forIcouldnotstandaloneinthis world,butwithhimonly

9"ForThou,OGod,didstcauseaslumbertocomeupon him,anddidsttakeabonefromhisside,anddidstrestore thefleshintheplaceofit,byThydivinepower

10"AndThoudidsttakeme,thebone,andmakemea woman,brightlikehim,withheart,reason,andspeech; andinflesh,likeuntohisown;andThoudidstmakeme afterthelikenessofhiscountenance,byThymercyand power.

11"OLord,IandheareoneandThou,OGod,artour Creator,ThouareHewhomadeusbothinoneday 12"Therefore,OGod,givehimlife,thathemaybewith meinthisstrangeland,whilewedwellinitonaccountof ourtransgression

13"ButifThouwiltnotgivehimlife,thentakeme,even me,likehim;thatwebothmaydiethesameday" 14AndEveweptbitterly,andfelluponourfatherAdam; fromhergreatsorrow.

CHAPTER6

1ButGodlookeduponthem;fortheyhadkilled themselvesthroughgreatgrief

2ButHewouldraisethemandcomfortthem.

3He,therefore,sentHisWorduntothem;thattheyshould standandberaisedforthwith 4AndtheLordsaiduntoAdamandEve,"You transgressedofyourownfreewill,untilyoucameoutof thegardeninwhichIhadplacedyou.

5"Ofyourownfreewillhaveyoutransgressedthrough yourdesirefordivinity,greatness,andanexaltedstate, suchasIhave;sothatIdeprivedyouofthebrightnaturein whichyouthenwere,andImadeyoucomeoutofthe gardentothisland,roughandfulloftrouble

6"IfonlyyouhadnottransgressedMycommandmentand hadkeptMylaw,andhadnoteatenofthefruitofthetree, nearwhichItoldyounottocome!Andtherewerefruit treesinthegardenbetterthanthatone.

7"ButthewickedSatanwhocontinuednotinhisfirst estate,norkepthisfaith;inwhomwasnogoodintent towardsMe,andwhothoughIhadcreatedhim,yetsetMe atnaught,andsoughttheGodhead,sothatIhurledhim downfromheaven,--heitiswhomadethetreeappear pleasantinyoureyes,untilyouateofit,byhearkeningto him

8"ThushaveyoutransgressedMycommandment,and thereforehaveIbroughtuponyouallthesesorrows.

9"ForIamGodtheCreator,who,whenIcreatedMy creatures,didnotintendtodestroythemButaftertheyhad sorelyrousedMyanger,Ipunishedthemwithgrievous plagues,untiltheyrepent

10"But,ifonthecontrary,theystillcontinuehardenedin theirtransgression,theyshallbeunderacurseforever."

CHAPTER7

1WhenAdamandEveheardthesewordsfromGod,they weptandsobbedyetmore;buttheystrengthenedtheir heartsinGod,becausetheynowfeltthattheLordwasto

themlikeafatherandamother;andforthisveryreason, theyweptbeforeHim,andsoughtmercyfromHim

2ThenGodhadpityonthem,andsaid:"OAdam,Ihave madeMycovenantwiththee,andIwillnotturnfromit; neitherwillIlettheereturntothegarden,untilMy covenantofthegreatfivedaysandahalfisfulfilled."

3ThenAdamsaiduntoGod,"OLord,Thoudidstcreateus, andmakeusfittobeinthegarden;andbeforeI transgressed,Thoumadestallbeastscometome,thatI shouldnamethem

4"Thygracewasthenonme;andInamedeveryone accordingtoThymind;andThoumadestthemallsubject untome

5"Butnow,OLordGod,thatIhavetransgressedThy commandment,allbeastswillriseagainstmeandwill devourme,andEveThyhandmaid;andwillcutoffourlife fromthefaceoftheearth

6"IthereforebeseechThee,OGod,that,sinceThouhast madeuscomeoutofthegarden,andhastmadeusbeina strangeland,Thouwiltnotletthebeastshurtus"

7WhentheLordheardthesewordsfromAdam,Hehad pityonhim,andfeltthathehadtrulysaidthatthebeastsof thefieldwouldriseanddevourhimandEve,becauseHe, theLord,wasangrywiththemtwoonaccountoftheir transgression

8ThenGodcommandedthebeasts,andthebirds,andall thatmovesupontheearth,tocometoAdamandtobe familiarwithhim,andnottotroublehimandEve;noryet anyofthegoodandrighteousamongtheirposterity

9ThenthebeastsdidobeisancetoAdam,accordingtothe commandmentofGod;excepttheserpent,againstwhich Godwaswroth.ItdidnotcometoAdam,withthebeasts.

CHAPTER8

1ThenAdamweptandsaid,"OGod,whenwedweltinthe garden,andourheartswereliftedup,wesawtheangels thatsangpraisesinheaven,butnowwedonotseeaswe wereusedtodo;nay,whenweenteredthecave,all creationbecamehiddenfromus"

2ThenGodtheLordsaiduntoAdam,"Whenthouwast undersubjectiontoMe,thouhadstabrightnaturewithin thee,andforthatreasoncouldstthouseethingsafaroff Butafterthytransgressionthybrightnaturewaswithdrawn fromthee;anditwasnotlefttotheetoseethingsafaroff, butonlynearathand;aftertheabilityoftheflesh;foritis brutish."

3WhenAdamandEvehadheardthesewordsfromGod, theywenttheirway;praisingandworshippingHimwitha sorrowfulheart.

4AndGodceasedtocommunewiththem

CHAPTER9

1ThenAdamandEvecameoutoftheCaveofTreasures, anddrewneartothegardengate,andtheretheystoodto lookatit,andweptforhavingcomeawayfromit

2AndAdamandEvewentfrombeforethegateofthe gardentothesouthernsideofit,andfoundtherethewater thatwateredthegarden,fromtherootoftheTreeofLife, andthatparteditselffromthenceintofourriversoverthe earth.

3Thentheycameanddrewneartothatwater,andlooked atit;andsawthatitwasthewaterthatcameforthfrom undertherootoftheTreeofLifeinthegarden.

4AndAdamweptandwailed,andsmoteuponhisbreast, forbeingseveredfromthegarden;andsaidtoEve:--

5"Whyhastthoubroughtuponme,uponthyself,andupon ourseed,somanyoftheseplaguesandpunishments?"

6AndEvesaiduntohim,"Whatisitthouhastseen,to weepandtospeaktomeinthiswise?"

7AndhesaidtoEve,"Seestthounotthiswaterthatwas withusinthegarden,thatwateredthetreesofthegarden, andflowedoutthence?

8"Andwe,whenwewereinthegarden,didnotcareabout it;butsincewecametothisstrangeland,weloveit,and turnittouseforourbody."

9ButwhenEveheardthesewordsfromhim,shewept;and fromthesorenessoftheirweeping,theyfellintothatwater; andwouldhaveputanendtothemselvesinit,soasnever againtoreturnandbeholdthecreation;forwhenthey lookedupontheworkofcreation,theyfelttheymustput anendtothemselves.

CHAPTER10

1ThenGod,mercifulandgracious,lookeduponthemthus lyinginthewater,andnighuntodeath,andsentanangel, whobroughtthemoutofthewater,andlaidthemonthe seashoreasdead

2ThentheangelwentuptoGod,waswelcome,andsaid, "OGod,Thycreatureshavebreathedtheirlast"

3ThenGodsentHisWorduntoAdamandEve,whoraised themfromtheirdeath.

4AndAdamsaid,afterhewasraised,"OGod,whilewe wereinthegardenwedidnotrequire,orcareforthiswater; butsincewecametothislandwecannotdowithoutit."

5ThenGodsaidtoAdam,"WhilethouwastunderMy commandandwastabrightangel,thouknewestnotthis water.

6"ButafterthatthouhasttransgressedMycommandment, thoucanstnotdowithoutwater,whereintowashthybody andmakeitgrow;foritisnowlikethatofbeasts,andisin wantofwater"

7WhenAdamandEveheardthesewordsfromGod,they weptabittercry;andAdamentreatedGodtolethimreturn intothegarden,andlookatitasecondtime

8ButGodsaiduntoAdam,"Ihavemadetheeapromise; whenthatpromiseisfulfilled,Iwillbringtheebackinto thegarden,theeandthyrighteousseed"

9AndGodceasedtocommunewithAdam

CHAPTER11

1ThenAdamandEvefeltthemselvesburningwiththirst, andheat,andsorrow

2AndAdamsaidtoEve,"Weshallnotdrinkofthiswater, evenifweweretodie.OEve,whenthiswatercomesinto ourinnerparts,itwillincreaseourpunishmentsandthatof ourchildren,thatshallcomeafterus"

3BothAdamandEvethenwithdrewfromthewater,and dranknoneofitatall;butcameandenteredtheCaveof Treasures

4ButwheninitAdamcouldnotseeEve;heonlyheard thenoiseshemadeNeithercouldsheseeAdam,butheard thenoisehemade.

5ThenAdamwept,indeepaffliction,andsmoteuponhis breast;andhearoseandsaidtoEve,"Whereartthou?"

6Andshesaiduntohim,"Lo,Iamstandinginthis darkness"

7Hethensaidtoher,"Rememberthebrightnaturein whichwelived,whileweabodeinthegarden!

8"OEve!remembertheglorythatrestedonusinthe gardenOEve!rememberthetreesthatovershadowedus inthegardenwhilewemovedamongthem.

9"OEve!rememberthatwhilewewereinthegarden,we knewneithernightnordayThinkoftheTreeofLife,from belowwhichflowedthewater,andthatshedlustreoverus! Remember,OEve,thegarden-land,andthebrightness thereof!

10"Think,ohthinkofthatgardeninwhichwasno darkness,whilewedwelttherein

11"WhereasnosoonerdidwecomeintothisCaveof Treasuresthandarknesscompassedusroundabout;until wecannolongerseeeachother;andallthepleasureofthis lifehascometoanend."

CHAPTER12

1ThenAdamsmoteuponhisbreast,heandEve,andthey mournedthewholenightuntildawndrewnear,andthey sighedoverthelengthofthenightinMiyazia

2AndAdambeathimself,andthrewhimselfontheground inthecave,frombittergrief,andbecauseofthedarkness, andlaythereasdead.

3ButEveheardthenoisehemadeinfallingupontheearth Andshefeltaboutforhimwithherhands,andfoundhim likeacorpse.

4Thenshewasafraid,speechless,andremainedbyhim.

5ButthemercifulLordlookedonthedeathofAdam,and onEve'ssilencefromfearofthedarkness.

6AndtheWordofGodcameuntoAdamandraisedhim fromhisdeath,andopenedEve'smouththatshemight speak.

7ThenAdamaroseinthecaveandsaid,"OGod, whereforehaslightdepartedfromus,anddarknesscome overus?WhereforedostThouleaveusinthislong darkness?WhywiltThouplagueusthus?

8"Andthisdarkness,OLord,wherewasitereitcame uponus?Itissuch,thatwecannotseeeachother.

9"For,solongaswewereinthegarden,weneithersaw norevenknewwhatdarknessisIwasnothiddenfromEve, neitherwasshehiddenfromme,untilnowthatshecannot seeme;andnodarknesscameuponus,toseparateusfrom eachother

10"ButsheandIwerebothinonebrightlight.Isawher andshesawmeYetnowsincewecameintothiscave, darknesshascomeuponus,andpartedusasunder,sothatI donotseeher,andshedoesnotseeme.

11"OLord,wiltThouthenplagueuswiththisdarkness?"

CHAPTER13

1ThenwhenGod,whoismercifulandfullofpity,heard Adam'svoice,Hesaiduntohim:--

2"OAdam,solongasthegoodangelwasobedienttoMe, abrightlightrestedonhimandonhishosts

3"ButwhenhetransgressedMycommandment,Ideprived himofthatbrightnature,andhebecamedark

4"Andwhenhewasintheheavens,intherealmsoflight, heknewnaughtofdarkness.

5"Buthetransgressed,andImadehimfallfromheaven upontheearth;anditwasthisdarknessthatcameupon him.

6"Andonthee,OAdam,whileinMygardenandobedient toMe,didthatbrightlightrestalso

7"ButwhenIheardofthytransgression,Ideprivedtheeof thatbrightlightYet,ofMymercy,Ididnotturntheeinto darkness,butImadetheethybodyofflesh,overwhichI spreadthisskin,inorderthatitmaybearcoldandheat.

8"IfIhadletMywrathfallheavilyuponthee,Ishould havedestroyedthee;andhadIturnedtheeintodarkness,it wouldhavebeenasifIkilledthee.

9"ButinMymercy,Ihavemadetheeasthouart;when thoudidsttransgressMycommandment,OAdam,Idrove theefromthegarden,andmadetheecomeforthintothis land;andcommandedtheetodwellinthiscave;and darknesscameuponthee,asitdiduponhimwho transgressedMycommandment.

10"Thus,OAdam,hasthisnightdeceivedtheeItisnotto lastforever;butisonlyoftwelvehours;whenitisover, daylightwillreturn.

11"Sighnot,therefore,neitherbemoved;andsaynotin thyheartthatthisdarknessislonganddragsonwearily; andsaynotinthyheartthatIplaguetheewithit

12"Strengthenthyheart,andbenotafraidThisdarkness isnotapunishment.But,OAdam,Ihavemadetheday, andhaveplacedthesuninittogivelight;inorderthat thouandthychildrenshoulddoyourwork

13"ForIknewthoushouldestsinandtransgress,andcome outintothisland.YetwouldInotforcethee,norbeheard uponthee,norshutup;nordoomtheethroughthyfall;nor throughthycomingoutfromlightintodarkness;noryet throughthycoiningfromthegardenintothisland

14"ForImadetheeofthelight;andIwilledtobringout childrenoflightfromtheeandlikeuntothee.

15"ButthoudidstnotkeeponedayMycommandment; untilIhadfinishedthecreationandblessedeverythinginit

16"ThenIcommandedtheeconcerningthetree,thatthou eatnotthereofYetIknewthatSatan,whodeceived himself,wouldalsodeceivethee

17"SoImadeknowntotheebymeansofthetree,notto comenearhimAndItoldtheenottoeatofthefruit thereof,nortotasteofit,noryettositunderit,nortoyield toit.

18"HadInotbeenandspokentothee,OAdam, concerningthetree,andhadIlefttheewithouta commandment,andthouhadstsinned--itwouldhavebeen anoffenceonMypart,fornothavinggiventheeanyorder; thouwouldstturnroundandblameMeforit

19"ButIcommandedthee,andwarnedthee,andthou didstfallSothatMycreaturescannotblameme;butthe blamerestsonthemalone

20"And,OAdam,Ihavemadethedayfortheeandforthy childrenafterthee,forthemtowork,andtoilthereinAndI havemadethenightforthemtorestinitfromtheirwork; andforthebeastsofthefieldtogoforthbynightandseek theirfood

21"Butlittleofdarknessnowremains,OAdam;and daylightwillsoonappear"

CHAPTER14

1ThenAdamsaiduntoGod:"OLord,takeThoumysoul, andletmenotseethisgloomanymore;orremovemeto someplacewherethereisnodarkness"

2ButGodtheLordsaidtoAdam,"VerilyIsayuntothee, thisdarknesswillpassfromthee,everydayIhave determinedforthee,untilthefulfilmentofMycovenant; whenIwillsavetheeandbringtheebackagainintothe garden,intotheabodeoflightthoulongestfor,whereinis nodarknessIwillbringthee,toit--inthekingdomof heaven."

3AgainsaidGoduntoAdam,"Allthismiserythatthou hastbeenmadetotakeupontheebecauseofthy transgression,willnotfreetheefromthehandofSatan, andwillnotsavethee

4"ButIwillWhenIshallcomedownfromheaven,and shallbecomefleshofthyseed,andtakeuponMethe infirmityfromwhichthousufferest,thenthedarknessthat cameupontheeinthiscaveshallcomeuponMeinthe grave,whenIaminthefleshofthyseed.

5"AndI,whoamwithoutyears,shallbesubjecttothe reckoningofyears,oftimes,ofmonths,andofdays,andI shallbereckonedasoneofthesonsofmen,inorderto savethee"

6AndGodceasedtocommunewithAdam

CHAPTER15

ThenAdamandEveweptandsorrowedbyreasonofGod's wordtothem,thattheyshouldnotreturntothegarden untilthefulfilmentofthedaysdecreeduponthem;but mostlybecauseGodhadtoldthemthatHeshouldsuffer fortheirsalvation

CHAPTER16

1AfterthisAdamandEveceasednottostandinthecave, prayingandweeping,untilthemorningdawneduponthem 2Andwhentheysawthelightreturnedtothem,they restrainedfromfear,andstrengthenedtheirhearts.

3ThenAdambegantocomeoutofthecaveAndwhenhe cametothemouthofit,andstoodandturnedhisface towardstheeast,andsawthesunriseinglowingrays,and felttheheatthereofonhisbody,hewasafraidofit,and thoughtinhisheartthatthisflamecameforthtoplague him.

4Heweptthen,andsmoteuponhisbreast,andfellupon theearthonhisface,andmadehisrequest,saying:--

5"OLord,plaguemenot,neitherconsumeme,noryet takeawaymylifefromtheearth"

6ForhethoughtthesunwasGod

7Inasmuchaswhilehewasinthegardenandheardthe voiceofGodandthesoundHemadeinthegarden,and fearedHim,Adamneversawthebrilliantlightofthesun, neitherdidtheflamingheatthereoftouchhisbody.

8Thereforewasheafraidofthesunwhenflamingraysof itreachedhimHethoughtGodmeanttoplaguehim therewithallthedaysHehaddecreedforhim.

9ForAdamalsosaidinhisthoughts,asGoddidnot plagueuswithdarkness,behold,Hehascausedthissunto riseandtoplagueuswithburningheat.

10Butwhilehewasthusthinkinginhisheart,theWordof Godcameuntohimandsaid:--

11"OAdam,ariseandstandup.ThissunisnotGod;butit hasbeencreatedtogivelightbyday,ofwhichIspakeunto theeinthecavesaying,'thatthedawnwouldbreakforth, andtherewouldbelightbyday.'

12"ButIamGodwhocomfortedtheeinthenight"

13AndGodceasedtocommunewithAdam

CHAPTER17

1ThenAdamandEvecameoutatthemouthofthecave, andwenttowardsthegarden

2Butastheydrewneartoit,beforethewesterngate,from whichSatancamewhenhedeceivedAdamandEve,they foundtheserpentthatbecameSatancomingatthegate, andsorrowfullylickingthedust,andwrigglingonits breastontheground,byreasonofthecursethatfelluponit fromGod

3Andwhereasaforetimetheserpentwasthemostexalted ofallbeasts,nowitwaschangedandbecomeslippery,and themeanestofthemall,anditcreptonitsbreastandwent onitsbelly

4Andwhereasitwasthefairestofallbeasts,ithadbeen changed,andwasbecometheugliestofthemallInsteadof feedingonthebestfood,nowitturnedtoeatthedust Insteadofdwelling,asbefore,inthebestplaces,nowit livedinthedust

5And,whereasithadbeenthemostbeautifulofallbeasts, allofwhichstooddumbatitsbeauty,itwasnowabhorred ofthem

6And,again,whereasitdweltinonebeautifulabode,to whichallotheranimalscamefromelsewhere;andwhereit drank,theydrankalsoofthesame;now,afterithad becomevenomous,byreasonofGod'scurse,allbeastsfled fromitsabode,andwouldnotdrinkofthewateritdrank; butfledfromit

CHAPTER18

1WhentheaccursedserpentsawAdamandEve,itswelled itshead,stoodonitstail,andwitheyesblood-red,didasif itwouldkillthem

2ItmadestraightforEve,andranafterher;whileAdam standingby,weptbecausehehadnostickinhishand wherewithtosmitetheserpent,andknewnothowtoputit todeath.

3ButwithaheartburningforEve,Adamapproachedthe serpent,andhelditbythetail;whenitturnedtowardshim andsaiduntohim:--

4"OAdam,becauseoftheeandofEve,Iamslippery,and gouponmybelly"Thenbyreasonofitsgreatstrength,it threwdownAdamandEveandpresseduponthem,asifit wouldkillthem

5ButGodsentanangelwhothrewtheserpentawayfrom them,andraisedthemup.

6ThentheWordofGodcametotheserpent,andsaidunto it,"InthefirstinstanceImadetheeglib,andmadetheeto gouponthybelly;butIdidnotdeprivetheeofspeech.

7"Now,however,bethoudumb;andspeaknomore,thou andthyrace;becauseinthefirstplace,hastheruinofmy creatureshappenedthroughthee,andnowthouwishestto killthem"

8Thentheserpentwasstruckdumb,andspakenomore

9Andawindcametoblowfromheavenbycommandof GodthatcarriedawaytheserpentfromAdamandEve, threwitontheseashore,anditlandedinIndia

CHAPTER19

1ButAdamandEveweptbeforeGod.AndAdamsaid untoHim:--

2"OLord,whenIwasinthecave,IsaidthistoThee,my Lord,thatthebeastsofthefieldwouldriseanddevourme, andcutoffmylifefromtheearth"

3ThenAdam,byreasonofwhathadbefallenhim,smote uponhisbreast,andfellupontheearthlikeacorpse;then cametohimtheWordofGod,whoraisedhim,andsaid untohim,

4"OAdam,notoneofthesebeastswillbeabletohurtthee; becausewhenImadethebeastsandothermovingthings cometotheeinthecave,Ididnotlettheserpentcomewith them,lestitshouldriseagainstyou,makeyoutremble;and thefearofitshouldfallintoyourhearts

5"ForIknewthatthataccursedoneiswicked;therefore wouldInotletitcomenearyouwiththeotherbeasts.

6"ButnowstrengthenthyheartandfearnotIamwith theeuntotheendofthedaysIhavedeterminedonthee"

CHAPTER20

1ThenAdamweptandsaid,"OGod,removeustosome otherplace,thattheserpentmaynotcomeagainnearus, andriseagainstus.LestitfindThyhandmaidEvealone andkillher;foritseyesarehideousandevil."

2ButGodsaidtoAdamandEve,"Henceforthfearnot,I willnotletitcomenearyou;Ihavedrivenitawayfrom you,fromthismountain;neitherwillIleaveinitaughtto hurtyou"

3ThenAdamandEveworshippedbeforeGod'andgave Himthanks,andpraisedHimforhavingdeliveredthem fromdeath

CHAPTER21

1ThenAdamandEvewentinsearchofthegarden.

2Andtheheatbeatlikeaflameontheirfaces;andthey sweatedfromtheheat,andweptbeforetheLord

3Buttheplacewheretheyweptwasnighuntoahigh mountain,facingthewesterngateofthegarden

4ThenAdamthrewhimselfdownfromthetopofthat mountain;hisfacewastomandhisfleshwasflayed;much bloodflowedfromhim,andhewasnighuntodeath

5MeanwhileEveremainedstandingonthemountain weepingoverhim,thuslying.

6Andshesaid,"Iwishnottoliveafterhim;forallthathe didtohimselfwasthroughme"

7Thenshethrewherselfafterhim;andwastornand scotchedbystones;andremainedlyingasdead

8ButthemercifulGod,wholooksuponHiscreatures, lookeduponAdamandEveastheylaydead,andHesent HisWorduntothem,andraisedthem

9AndsaidtoAdam,"OAdam,allthismiserywhichthou hastwroughtuponthyself,willnotavailagainstMyrule, neitherwillitalterthecovenantofthe5500years."

CHAPTER22

1ThenAdamsaidtoGod,"Iwitherintheheat;Iamfaint fromwalking,andamlothofthisworldAndIknownot whenThouwiltbringmeoutofit,torest."

2ThentheLordGodsaiduntohim,"OAdam,itcannotbe atpresent,notuntilthouhastendedthydaysThenshallI bringtheeoutofthiswretchedland."

3AndAdamsaidtoGod,"WhileIwasinthegardenI knewneitherheat,norlanguor,neithermovingabout,nor trembling,norfear;butnowsinceIcametothisland,all thisafflictionhascomeuponme"

4ThenGodsaidtoAdam,"Solongasthouwastkeeping Mycommandment,MylightandMygracerestedonthee. ButwhenthoudidsttransgressMycommandment,sorrow andmiserybefelltheeinthisland"

5AndAdamweptandsaid,"OLord,donotcutmeofffor this,neithersmitemewithheavyplagues,noryetrepayme accordingtomysin;Forwe,ofourownwill,did transgressThycommandment,andforsookThylaw,and soughttobecomegodslikeuntoThee,whenSatanthe enemydeceivedus"

6ThenGodsaidagainuntoAdam,"Becausethouhast bornefearandtremblinginthisland,languorandsuffering treadingandwalkingabout,goinguponthismountain,and dyingfromit,IwilltakeallthisuponMyselfinorderto savethee"

CHAPTER23

1ThenAdamweptmoreandsaid,"OGod,havemercyon me,sofarastotakeuponThee,thatwhichIwilldo."

2ButGodtookHisWordfromAdamandEve

3ThenAdamandEvestoodontheirfeet;andAdamsaid toEve"Girdthyself,andIalsowillgirdmyself"Andshe girdedherself,asAdamtoldher

4ThenAdamandEvetookstonesandplacedtheminthe shapeofanaltar;andtheytookleavesfromthetrees outsidethegarden,withwhichtheywiped,fromthefaceof therock,thebloodtheyhadspilled.

5Butthatwhichhaddroppedonthesand,theytook togetherwiththedustwherewithitwasmingledand offeredituponthealtarasanofferinguntoGod.

6ThenAdamandEvestoodunderthealtarandwept,thus entreatingGod,"Forgiveusourtrespassandoursin,and lookuponuswithThineeyeofmercy.Forwhenwewere inthegardenourpraisesandourhymnswentupbefore Theewithoutceasing

7"Butwhenwecameintothisstrangeland,purepraise wasnolongerours,norrighteousprayer,nor understandinghearts,norsweetthoughts,norjustcounsels, norlongdiscernment,noruprightfeelings,neitherisour brightnatureleftusButourbodyischangedfromthe similitudeinwhichitwasatfirst,whenwewerecreated 8"Yetnowlookuponourbloodwhichisofferedupon thesestones,andacceptitatourhands,likethepraisewe usedtosinguntoTheeatfirst,wheninthegarden" 9AndAdambegantomakemorerequestsuntoGod.

CHAPTER24

1ThenthemercifulGod,good'andloverofmen,looked uponAdamandEve,andupontheirblood,whichtheyhad heldupasanofferinguntoHim;withoutanorderfrom Himforsodoing.ButHewonderedatthem;andaccepted theirofferings

2AndGodsentfromHispresenceabrightfire,that consumedtheiroffering.

3Hesmeltthesweetsavouroftheiroffering,andshowed themmercy

4ThencametheWordofGodtoAdam,andsaiduntohim, "OAdam,asthouhastshedthyblood,sowillIshedMy ownbloodwhenIbecomefleshofthyseed;andasthou didstdie,OAdam,soalsowillIdie.Andasthoudidst buildanaltar,soalsowillImakefortheeanaltaronthe earth;andasthoudidstofferthyblooduponit,soalsowill IofferMyblooduponanaltarontheearth.

5"Andasthoudidstsueforforgivenessthroughthatblood, soalsowillImakeMybloodforgivenessofsins,andblot outtransgressionsinit.

6"Andnow,behold,Ihaveacceptedthyoffering,OAdam, butthedaysofthecovenant,whereinIhaveboundthee, arenotfulfilled.Whentheyarefulfilled,thenwillIbring theebackintothegarden

7"Now,therefore,strengthenthyheart;andwhensorrow comesuponthee,makeMeanoffering,andIwillbe favourabletothee"

CHAPTER25

1ButGodknewthatAdamhadinhisthoughts,thathe shouldoftenkillhimselfandmakeanofferingtoHimof hisblood

2ThereforedidHesayuntohim,"OAdam,donotagain killthyselfasthoudidst,bythrowingthyselfdownfrom thatmountain"

3ButAdamsaiduntoGod,"Itwasinmymindtoputan endtomyselfatonce,forhavingtransgressedThy commandments,andformyhavingcomeoutofthe beautifulgarden;andforthebrightlightofwhichThou hastdeprivedme;andforthepraiseswhichpouredforth frommymouthwithoutceasing,andforthelightthat coveredme.

4"YetofThygoodness,OGod,donotawaywithme altogether;butbefavourabletomeeverytimeIdie,and bringmetolife.

5"AndtherebyitwillbemadeknownthatThouarta mercifulGod,whowillestnotthatoneshouldperish;who lovestnotthatoneshouldfall;andwhodostnotcondemn anyonecruelly,badly,andbywholedestruction"

6ThenAdamremainedsilent

7AndtheWordofGodcameuntohim,andblessedhim, andcomfortedhim,andcovenantedwithhim,thatHe wouldsavehimattheendofthedaysdeterminedupon him.

8This,then,wasthefirstofferingAdammadeuntoGod; andsoitbecamehiscustomtodo

CHAPTER26

1ThenAdamtookEve,andtheybegantoreturntothe CaveofTreasureswheretheydweltButwhentheyneared

itandsawitfromafar,heavysorrowfelluponAdamand Evewhentheylookedatit

2ThenAdamsaidtoEve,"Whenwewereonthemountain wewerecomfortedbytheWordofGodthatconversed withus;andthelightthatcamefromtheeast,shoneover us.

3"ButnowtheWordofGodishiddenfromus;andthe lightthatshoneoverusissochangedastodisappear,and letdarknessandsorrowcomeuponus.

4"Andweareforcedtoenterthiscavewhichislikea prison,whereindarknesscoversus,sothatweareparted fromeachother;andthoucanstnotseeme,neithercanI seethee"

5WhenAdamhadsaidthesewords,theyweptandspread theirhandsbeforeGod;fortheywerefullofsorrow.

6AndtheyentreatedGodtobringthesuntothem,toshine onthem,sothatdarknessreturnnotuponthem,andthey comenotagainunderthiscoveringofrock.Andthey wishedtodieratherthanseethedarkness

7ThenGodlookeduponAdamandEveandupontheir greatsorrow,anduponalltheyhaddonewithafervent heart,onaccountofallthetroubletheywerein,insteadof theirformerwell-being,andonaccountofallthemisery thatcameupontheminastrangeland.

8ThereforeGodwasnotwrothwiththem;norimpatient withthem;butHewaslongsufferingandforbearing towardsthem,astowardsthechildrenHehadcreated.

9ThencametheWordofGodtoAdam,andsaiduntohim, "Adam,asforthesun,ifIweretotakeitandbringitto thee,days,hours,yearsandmonthswouldallcometo naught,andthecovenantIhavemadewiththee,would neverbefulfilled.

10"Butthoushouldestthenbeturnedandleftinalong plague,andnosalvationwouldbelefttotheeforever 11"Yea,rather,bearlongandcalmthysoulwhilethou abidestnightandday;untilthefulfilmentofthedays,and thetimeofMycovenantiscome

12"ThenshallIcomeandsavethee,OAdam,forIdonot wishthatthoubeafflicted

13"AndwhenIlookatallthegoodthingsinwhichthou didstlive,andwhythoucamestoutofthem,thenwouldI willinglyshowtheemercy

14"ButIcannotalterthecovenantthathasgoneoutofMy mouth;elsewouldIhavebroughttheebackintothegarden.

15"When,however,thecovenantisfulfilled,thenshallI showtheeandthyseedmercy,andbringtheeintoalandof gladness,wherethereisneithersorrownorsuffering;but abidingjoyandgladness,andlightthatneverfails,and praisesthatnevercease;andabeautifulgardenthatshall neverpassaway."

16AndGodsaidagainuntoAdam,"Belong-sufferingand enterthecave,forthedarkness,ofwhichthouwastafraid, shallonlybetwelvehourslong;andwhenended,light shallarise"

17ThenwhenAdamheardthesewordsfromGod,heand EveworshippedbeforeHim,andtheirheartswere comfortedTheyreturnedintothecaveaftertheircustom, whiletearsflowedfromtheireyes,sorrowandwailing camefromtheirhearts,andtheywishedtheirsoulwould leavetheirbody

18AndAdamandEvestoodpraying,untilthedarknessof nightcameuponthem,andAdamwashidfromEve,and shefromhim

CHAPTER27

1WhenSatan,thehaterofallgood,sawhowthey continuedinprayer,andhowGodcommunedwiththem, andcomfortedthem,andhowHehadacceptedtheir offering--Satanmadeanapparition

2Hebeganwithtransforminghishosts;inhishandswasa flashingfire,andtheywereinagreatlight

3Hethenplacedhisthronenearthemouthofthecave becausehecouldnotenterintoitbyreasonoftheirprayers. Andheshedlightintothecave,untilthecaveglistened overAdamandEve;whilehishostsbegantosingpraises 4AndSatandidthis,inorderthatwhenAdamsawthe light,heshouldthinkwithinhimselfthatitwasaheavenly light,andthatSatan'shostswereangels;andthatGodhad sentthemtowatchatthecave,andtogivehimlightinthe darkness

5SothatwhenAdamcameoutofthecaveandsawthem, andAdamandEvebowedtoSatan,thenhewould overcomeAdamthereby,andasecondtimehumblehim beforeGod.

6When,therefore,AdamandEvesawthelight,fancyingit wasreal,theystrengthenedtheirhearts;yet,astheywere trembling,AdamsaidtoEve:--

7"Lookatthatgreatlight,andatthosemanysongsof praise,andatthathoststandingoutsidethatdonotcomein tous,donottelluswhattheysay,orwhencetheycome,or whatisthemeaningofthislight;whatthosepraisesare; whereforetheyhavebeensenthither,andwhytheydonot comein.

8"IftheywerefromGod,theywouldcometousinthe cave,andwouldtellustheirerrand"

9ThenAdamstoodupandprayeduntoGodwithafervent heart,andsaid:--

10"OLord,isthereintheworldanothergodthanThou, whocreatedangelsandfilledthemwithlight,andsent themtokeepus,whowouldcomewiththem?

11"But,lo,weseethesehoststhatstandatthemouthof thecave;theyareinagreatlight;theysingloudpraises.If theyareofsomeothergodthanThou,tellme;andifthey aresentbyThee,informmeofthereasonforwhichThou hastsentthem."

12NosoonerhadAdamsaidthis,thananangelfromGod appeareduntohiminthecave,whosaiduntohim,"O Adam,fearnot.ThisisSatanandhishosts;hewishesto deceiveyouashedeceivedyouatfirstForthefirsttime, hewashiddenintheserpent;butthistimeheiscometo youinthesimilitudeofanangeloflight;inorderthat, whenyouworshippedhim,hemightenthrallyou,inthe verypresenceofGod"

13ThentheangelwentfromAdam,andseizedSatanatthe openingofthecave,andstrippedhimofthefeinthehad assumed,andbroughthiminhisownhideousformto AdamandEve;whowereafraidofhimwhentheysawhim.

14AndtheangelsaidtoAdam,"Thishideousformhas beenhiseversinceGodmadehimfallfromheavenHe couldnothavecomenearyouinit;thereforedidhe transformhimselfintoanangeloflight"

15ThentheangeldroveawaySatanandhishostsfrom AdamandEve,andsaiduntothem,"Fearnot;Godwho createdyou,willstrengthenyou"

16Andtheangelwentfromthem

17ButAdamandEveremainedstandinginthecave;no consolationcametothem;theyweredividedintheir thoughts

18Andwhenitwasmorningtheyprayed;andthenwent outtoseekthegarden.Fortheirheartsweretowardsit,and theycouldgetnoconsolationforhavingleftit

CHAPTER28

1ButwhenthewilySatansawthem,thattheyweregoing tothegarden,hegatheredtogetherhishost,andcamein appearanceuponacloud,intentondeceivingthem

2ButwhenAdamandEvesawhimthusinavision,they thoughttheywereangelsofGodcometocomfortthem abouttheirhavingleftthegarden,ortobringthemback againintoit

3AndAdamspreadhishandsuntoGod,beseechingHim tomakehimunderstandwhattheywere

4ThenSatan,thehaterofallgood,saiduntoAdam,"O Adam,IamanangelofthegreatGod;and,beholdthe hoststhatsurroundme

5"Godhassentmeandthemtotaketheeandbringtheeto theborderofthegardennorthwards;totheshoreofthe clearsea,andbathetheeandEveinit,andraiseyouto yourformergladness,thatyereturnagaintothegarden" 6ThesewordssankintotheheartofAdamandEve.

7YetGodwithheldHisWordfromAdam,anddidnot makehimunderstandatonce,butwaitedtoseehisstrength; whetherhewouldbeovercomeasEvewaswheninthe garden,orwhetherhewouldprevail

8ThenSatancalledtoAdamandEve,andsaid,"Behold, wegototheseaofwater,"andtheybegantogo

9AndAdamandEvefollowedthematsomelittledistance 10Butwhentheycametothemountaintothenorthofthe garden,averyhighmountain,withoutanystepstothetop ofit,theDevildrewneartoAdamandEve,andmadethem gouptothetopinreality,andnotinavision;wishing,as hedid,tothrowthemdownandkillthem,andtowipeoff theirnamefromtheearth;sothatthisearthshouldremain tohimandhishostsalone.

CHAPTER29

1ButwhenthemercifulGodsawthatSatanwishedtokill Adamwithhismanifolddevices,andsawthatAdamwas meekandwithoutguile,GodspakeuntoSataninaloud voice,andcursedhim

2Thenheandhishostsfled,andAdamandEveremained standingonthetopofthemountain,whencetheysaw belowthemthewideworld,highabovewhichtheywere Buttheysawnoneofthehostwhichanonwerebythem 3Theywept,bothAdamandEve,beforeGod,andbegged forforgivenessofHim

4ThencametheWordfromGodtoAdam,andsaidunto him,"KnowthouandunderstandconcerningthisSatan, thatheseekstodeceivetheeandthyseedafterthee"

5AndAdamweptbeforetheLordGod,andbeggedand entreatedHimtogivehimsomethingfromthegarden,asa tokentohim,whereintobecomforted

6AndGodlookeduponAdam'sthought,andsentthe angelMichaelasfarastheseathatreachesuntoIndia,to takefromthencegoldenrodsandbringthemtoAdam

7ThisdidGodinHiswisdom,inorderthatthesegolden rods,beingwithAdaminthecave,shouldshineforthwith lightinthenightaroundhim,andputanendtohisfearof thedarkness

8ThentheangelMichaelwentdownbyGod'sorder,took goldenrods,asGodhadcommandedhim,andbrought themtoGod

CHAPTER30

1Afterthesethings,GodcommandedtheangelGabrielto godowntothegarden,andsaytothecherubwhokeptit, "Behold,Godhascommandedmetocomeintothegarden, andtotakethencesweetsmellingincense,andgiveitto Adam."

2ThentheangelGabrielwentdownbyGod'sordertothe garden,andtoldthecherubasGodhadcommandedhim

3Thecherubthensaid,"Well."AndGabrielwentinand tooktheincense

4ThenGodcommandedHisangelRaphaeltogodownto thegarden,andspeaktothecherubaboutsomemyrrh,to givetoAdam

5AndtheangelRaphaelwentdownandtoldthecherubas Godhadcommandedhim,andthecherubsaid,"Well." ThenRaphaelwentinandtookthemyrrh

6ThegoldenrodswerefromtheIndiansea,wherethere arepreciousstones.Theincensewasfromtheeastern borderofthegarden;andthemyrrhfromthewestern border,whencebitternesscameuponAdam

7AndtheangelsbroughtthesethreethingstoGod,bythe TreeofLife,inthegarden

8ThenGodsaidtotheangels,"Diptheminthespringof water;thentakethemandsprinkletheirwateroverAdam andEve,thattheybealittlecomfortedintheirsorrow,and givethemtoAdamandEve.

9AndtheangelsdidasGodhadcommandedthem,and theygaveallthosethingstoAdamandEveonthetopof themountainuponwhichSatanhadplacedthem,whenhe soughttomakeanendofthem

10AndwhenAdamsawthegoldenrods,theincenseand themyrrh,hewasrejoicedandweptbecausehethought thatthegoldwasatokenofthekingdomwhencehehad come,thattheincensewasatokenofthebrightlightwhich hadbeentakenfromhim,andthatthemyrrhwasatokenof thesorrowinwhichhewas

CHAPTER31

1AfterthesethingsGodsaiduntoAdam,"Thoudidstask ofMesomethingfromthegarden,tobecomforted therewith,andIhavegiventheethesethreetokensasa consolationtothee;thatthoutrustinMeandinMy covenantwiththee.

2"ForIwillcomeandsavethee;andkingsshallbringme whenintheflesh,gold,incenseandmyrrh;goldasatoken ofMykingdom;incenseasatokenofMydivinity;and myrrhasatokenofMysufferingandofMydeath

3"But,OAdam,putthesebytheeinthecave;thegoldthat itmayshedlightovertheebynight;theincense,thatthou smellitssweetsavour;andthemyrrh,tocomforttheein thysorrow"

4WhenAdamheardthesewordsfromGod,heworshipped beforeHimHeandEveworshippedHimandgaveHim thanks,becauseHehaddealtmercifullywiththem.

5ThenGodcommandedthethreeangels,Michael,Gabriel andRaphael,eachtobringwhathehadbrought,andgiveit toAdam.Andtheydidso,onebyone.

6AndGodcommandedSuriyelandSalathieltobearup AdamandEve,andbringthemdownfromthetopofthe highmountain,andtotakethemtotheCaveofTreasures.

7Theretheylaidthegoldonthesouthsideofthecave,the incenseontheeasternside,andthemyrrhonthewestern side.Forthemouthofthecavewasonthenorthside.

8TheangelsthencomfortedAdamandEve,anddeparted 9Thegoldwasseventyrods;theincense,twelvepounds; andthemyrrh,threepounds.

10TheseremainedbyAdamintheHouseofTreasures; thereforewasitcalled"ofconcealment"Butother interpreterssayitwascalledthe"CaveofTreasures,"by reasonofthebodiesofrighteousmenthatwereinit

11ThesethreethingsdidGodgivetoAdam,onthethird dayafterhehadcomeoutofthegarden,intokenofthe threedaystheLordshouldremainintheheartoftheearth 12Andthesethreethings,astheycontinuedwithAdamin thecave,gavehimlightbynight;andbydaytheygave himalittlerelieffromhissorrow

CHAPTER32

1AndAdamandEveremainedintheCaveofTreasures untiltheseventhday;theyneitherateofthefruitofthe earth,nordrankwater

2Andwhenitdawnedontheeighthday,AdamsaidtoEve, "OEve,weprayedGodtogiveussomewhatfromthe garden,andHesentHisangelswhobroughtuswhatwe haddesired.

3"Butnow,arise,letusgototheseaofwaterwesawat first,andletusstandinit,prayingthatGodwillagainbe favourabletousandtakeusbacktothegarden;orgiveus something;orthatHewillgiveuscomfortinsomeother landthanthisinwhichweare"

4ThenAdamandEvecameoutofthecave,wentand stoodontheborderoftheseainwhichtheyhadbefore thrownthemselves,andAdamsaidtoEve:--

5"Come,godownintothisplace,andcomenotoutofit untiltheendofthirtydays,whenIshallcometotheeAnd praytoGodwithferventheartandasweetvoice,toforgive us.

6"AndIwillgotoanotherplace,andgodownintoit,and dolikethee"

7ThenEvewentdownintothewater,asAdamhad commandedherAdamalsowentdownintothewater;and theystoodpraying;andbesoughttheLordtoforgivethem theiroffence,andtorestorethemtotheirformerstate.

8Andtheystoodthuspraying,untotheendofthefiveand-thirtydays

CHAPTER33

1ButSatan,thehaterofallgood,soughttheminthecave, butfoundthemnot,althoughhesearcheddiligentlyfor them

2Buthefoundthemstandinginthewaterprayingand thoughtwithinhimself,"AdamandEvearethusstanding

inthatwaterbeseechingGodtoforgivethemtheir transgression,andtorestorethemtotheirformerestate, andtotakethemfromundermyhand.

3"ButIwilldeceivethemsothattheyshallcomeoutof thewater,andnotfulfiltheirvow"

4Thenthehaterofallgood,wentnottoAdam,butbe wenttoEve,andtooktheformofanangelofGod,praising andrejoicing,andsaidtoher--

5"Peacebeuntothee!Begladandrejoice!Godis favourableuntoyou,andHesentmetoAdamIhave broughthimthegladtidingsofsalvation,andofhisbeing filledwithbrightlightashewasatfirst.

6"AndAdam,inhisjoyforhisrestoration,hassentmeto thee,thatthoucometome,inorderthatIcrowntheewith lightlikehim.

7"Andhesaidtome,'SpeakuntoEve;ifshedoesnot comewiththee,tellherofthesignwhenwewereonthe topofthemountain;howGodsentHisangelswhotookus andbroughtustotheCaveofTreasures;andlaidthegold onthesouthernside;incense,ontheeasternside;and myrrhonthewesternside.'Nowcometohim."

8WhenEveheardthesewordsfromhim,sherejoiced greatly.AndthinkingthatSatan'sappearancewasreal,she cameoutofthesea.

9Hewentbefore,andshefollowedhimuntiltheycameto AdamThenSatanhidhimselffromher,andshesawhim nomore.

10ShethencameandstoodbeforeAdam,whowas standingbythewaterandrejoicinginGod'sforgiveness

11Andasshecalledtohim,heturnedround,foundher thereandweptwhenhesawher,andsmoteuponhisbreast; andfromthebitternessofhisgrief,hesankintothewater.

12ButGodlookeduponhimanduponhismisery,and uponhisbeingabouttobreathehislastAndtheWordof Godcamefromheaven,raisedhimoutofthewater,and saiduntohim,"GoupthehighbanktoEve."Andwhenhe cameuptoEvehesaiduntoher,"Whosaidtothee'come hither'?"

13Thenshetoldhimthediscourseoftheangelwhohad appeareduntoherandhadgivenherasign

14ButAdamgrieved,andgavehertoknowitwasSatan. Hethentookherandtheybothreturnedtothecave

15Thesethingshappenedtothemthesecondtimethey wentdowntothewater,sevendaysaftertheircomingout ofthegarden

16Theyfastedinthewaterthirty-fivedays;altogether forty-twodayssincetheyhadleftthegarden.

CHAPTER34

1Andonthemorningoftheforty-thirdday,theycameout ofthecave,sorrowfulandweepingTheirbodieswerelean, andtheywereparchedfromhungerandthirst,fromfasting andpraying,andfromtheirheavysorrowonaccountof theirtransgression

2Andwhentheyhadcomeoutofthecavetheywentup themountaintothewestofthegarden

3TheretheystoodandprayedandbesoughtGodtogrant themforgivenessoftheirsins.

4AndaftertheirprayersAdambegantoentreat'God, saying,"OmyLordmyGod,andmyCreator,thoudidst commandthefourelementstobegatheredtogether,and theyweregatheredtogetherbyThineorder

5"ThenThouspreadestThyhandanddidstcreatemeout ofoneelement,thatofdustoftheearth;andThoudidst bringmeintothegardenatthethirdhour,onaFriday,and didstinformmeofitinthecave

6"Then,atfirst,Iknewneithernightnorday,forIhada brightnature;neitherdidthelightinwhichIlivedever leavemetoknownightorday

7"Then,again,OLord,inthatthirdhourinwhichThou didstcreateme,Thoubroughtesttomeallbeasts,andlions, andostriches,andfowlsoftheair,andallthingsthatmove intheearth,whichThouhadstcreatedatthefirsthour beforemeoftheFriday.

8"AndThywillwasthatIshouldnamethemall,oneby one,withasuitablenameButThougavestme understandingandknowledge,andapureheartandaright mindfromThee,thatIshouldnamethemafterThineown mindregardingthenamingofthem

9"OGod,Thoumadestthemobedienttome,anddidst orderthatnotoneofthembreakfrommysway,according toThycommandment,andtothedominionwhichThou hastgivenmeoverthem.Butnowtheyareallestranged fromme

10"ThenitwasinthatthirdhourofFriday,inwhichThou didstcreateme,anddidstcommandmeconcerningthetree, towhichIwasneithertodrawnear,nortoeatthereof;for Thousaidsttomeinthegarden,'Whenthoueatestofit,of deaththoushaltdie.'

11"AndifThouhadstpunishedmeasThousaidst,with death,Ishouldhavediedthatverymoment

12"Moreover,whenThoucommandedstmeregardingthe tree,Iwasneithertoapproachnortocatthereof,Evewas notwithme;ThouhadstnotYetcreatedher,neitherhadst Thouyettakenheroutofmyside;norhadsheyetheard thisorderfromThee

13"Then,attheendofthethirdhourofthatFriday,O Lord,Thoudidstcauseaslumberandasleeptocomeover me,andIslept,andwasoverwhelmedinsleep

14"ThenThoudidstdrawariboutofmyside,andcreated itaftermyownsimilitudeandimageThenIawoke;and whenIsawherandknewwhoshewas,Isaid,'Thisisbone ofmybones,andfleshofmyflesh;henceforthsheshallbe calledwoman'

15"ItwasofThygoodwill,OGod,thatThoubroughtesta slumberandasleepoverme,andthatThoudidstforthwith bringEveoutofmyside,untilshewasout,sothatIdid notseehowshewasmade;neithercouldIwitness,Omy Lord,howawfulandgreatareThygoodnessandglory.

16"AndofThygoodwill,OLord,Thoumadestusboth withbodiesofabrightnature,andThoumadestustwo, one;andThougavestusThygrace,anddidstfilluswith praisesoftheHolySpirit;thatweshouldbeneitherhungry northirsty,norknowwhatsorrowis,noryetfaintnessof heart;neithersuffering,fasting,norweariness.

17"Butnow,OGod,sincewetransgressedThy commandmentandbrokeThylaw,Thouhastbroughtus outintoastrangeland,andhascausedsuffering,and faintness,hungerandthirsttocomeuponus

1S"Now,therefore,OGod,weprayThee,giveus somethingtoeatfromthegarden,tosatisfyourhunger withit;andsomethingwherewithtoquenchourthirst

19"For,behold,manydays,OGod,wehavetasted nothinganddrunknothing,andourfleshisdriedup,and

ourstrengthiswasted,andsleepisgonefromoureyes fromfaintnessandweeping

20"Then,OGod,wedarenotgatheraughtofthefruitof trees,fromfearofTheeForwhenwetransgressedatfirst Thoudidstspareus,anddidstnotmakeusdie

21"Butnow,wethoughtinourhearts,ifweeatofthefruit oftrees,withoutGod'sorder,Hewilldestroyusthistime, andwillwipeusofffromthefaceoftheearth

22"Andifwedrinkofthiswater,withoutGod'sorder,He willmakeanendofus,androotusupatonce

23"Now,therefore,OGod,thatIamcometothisplace withEve,webegThouwiltgiveusofthefruitofthe garden,thatwemaybesatisfiedwithit

24"Forwedesirethefruitthatisontheearth,andallelse thatwelackinit."

CHAPTER35

1ThenGodlookedagainuponAdamandhisweepingand groaning,andtheWordofGodcametohim,andsaidunto him:--

2"OAdam,whenthouwastinMygarden,thouknewest neithereatingnordrinking;neitherfaintnessnorsuffering; neitherleannessofflesh,norchange;neitherdidsleep departfromthineeyesButsincethoutransgressedst,and camestintothisstrangeland,allthesetrialsarecomeupon thee."

CHAPTER36

1ThenGodcommandedthecherub,whokeptthegateof thegardenwithaswordoffireinhishand,totakesomeof thefruitofthefig-tree,andtogiveittoAdam

2ThecherubobeyedthecommandoftheLordGod,and wentintothegardenandbroughttwofigsontwotwigs, eachfighangingtoitsleaf;theywerefromtwoofthetrees amongwhichAdamandEvehidthemselveswhenGod wenttowalkinthegarden,andtheWordofGodcameto AdamandEveandsaiduntothem,"Adam,Adam,where artthou?"

3AndAdamanswered,"OGod,hereamI.WhenIheard thesoundofTheeandThyvoice,Ihidmyself,becauseI amnaked"

4ThenthecherubtooktwofigsandbroughtthemtoAdam andEveButhethrewthemtothemfromafar;forthey mightnotcomenearthecherubbyreasonoftheirflesh, thatcouldnotcomenearthefire.

5Atfirst,angelstrembledatthepresenceofAdamand wereafraidofhimButnowAdamtrembledbeforethe angelsandwasafraidofthem.

6ThenAdamdrewnearandtookonefig,andEvealso cameinturnandtooktheother

7Andastheytookthemupintheirhands,theylookedat them,andknewtheywerefromthetreesamongwhich theyhadhiddenthemelves

CHAPTER37

1ThenAdamsaidtoEve,"Seestthounotthesefigsand theirleaves,withwhichwecoveredourselveswhenwe werestrippedofourbrightnature?Butnow,weknownot whatmiseryandsufferingmaycomeuponusfromeating them

2"Now,therefore,OEve,letusrestrainourselvesandnot eatofthem,thouandI;andletusaskGodtogiveusofthe fruitoftheTreeofLife."

3ThusdidAdamandEverestrainthemselves,anddidnot eatofthesefigs

4ButAdambegantopraytoGodandtobeseechHimto givehimofthefruitoftheTreeofLife,sayingthus:"O God,whenwetransgressedThycommandmentatthesixth hourofFriday,wewerestrippedofthebrightnaturewe had,anddidnotcontinueinthegardenafterour transgression,morethanthreehours

5"ButontheeveningThoumadestuscomeoutofit.O God,wetransgressedagainstTheeonehour,andallthese trialsandsorrowshavecomeuponusuntilthisday

6"Andthosedaystogetherwiththistheforty-thirdday,do notredeemthatonehourinwhichwetransgressed!

7"OGod,lookuponuswithaneyeofpity,anddonot requiteusaccordingtoourtransgressionofThy commandment,inpresenceofThee

8"O,God,giveusofthefruitoftheTreeofLife,thatwe mayeatofit,andlive,andturnnottoseesufferingsand othertrouble,inthisearth;forThouartGod

9"WhenwetransgressedThycommandment,Thoumadest uscomeoutofthegarden,anddidstsendacherubtokeep theTreeofLife,lestweshouldeatthereof,andlive;and knownothingoffaintnessafterwetransgressed

10"Butnow,OLord,behold,wehaveenduredallthese days,andhavebornesufferingsMaketheseforty-three daysanequivalentfortheonehourinwhichwe transgressed"

CHAPTER38

1AfterthesethingstheWordofGodcametoAdam,and saiduntohim:--

2"OAdam,astothefruitoftheTreeofLife,forwhich thouaskest,Iwillnotgiveittheenow,butwhenthe5500 yearsarefulfilled.ThenwillIgivetheeofthefruitofthe TreeofLife,andthoushalteat,andliveforever,thou,and Eve,andthyrighteousseed

3"Buttheseforty-threedayscannotmakeamendsforthe hourinwhichthoudidsttransgressMycommandment

4"OAdam,Igavetheetoeatofthefig-treeinwhichthou didsthidethyself.Goandeatofit,thouandEve.

5"Iwillnotdenythyrequest,neitherwillIdisappointthy hope;therefore,bearupuntothefulfilmentofthecovenant Imadewiththee."

6AndGodwithdrewHisWordfromAdam

CHAPTER39

1ThenAdamreturnedtoEve,andsaidtoher,"Arise,and takeafigforthyself,andIwilltakeanother;andletusgo toourcave"

2ThenAdamandEvetookeachafigandwenttowards thecave;thetimewasaboutthesettingofthesun;and theirthoughtsmadethemlongtoeatofthefruit

3ButAdamsaidtoEve,"IamafraidtoeatofthisfigI knownotwhatmaycomeuponmefromit."

4SoAdamwept,andstoodprayingbeforeGod,saying, "Satisfymyhunger,withoutmyhavingtoeatthisfig;for afterIhaveeatenit,whatwillitprofitme?Andwhatshall IdesireandaskofThee,OGod,whenitisgone?"

5Andhesaidagain,"Iamafraidtoeatofit;forIknownot whatwillbefallmethroughit"

CHAPTER40

1ThentheWordofGodcametoAdam,andsaiduntohim, "O,Adam,whyhadstthounotthisdread,neitherthis fasting,northiscareerethis?Andwhyhadstthounotthis fearbeforethoudidsttransgress?

2"Butwhenthoucamesttodwellinthisstrangeland,thy animalbodycouldnotbeonearthwithoutearthlyfood,to strengthenitandtorestoreitspowers."

3AndGodwithdrewHisWordfromAdam

CHAPTER41

1ThenAdamtookthefig,andlaiditonthegoldenrods Evealsotookherfig,andputitupontheincense.

2Andtheweightofeachfigwasthatofawater-melon;for thefruitofthegardenwasmuchlargerthanthefruitofthis land.

3ButAdamandEveremainedstandingandfastingthe wholeofthatnight,untilthemorningdawned.

4Whenthesunrosetheywereattheirprayers,andAdam saidtoEve,aftertheyhaddonepraying:--

5"OEve,come,letusgototheborderofthegarden lookingsouth;totheplacewhencetheriverflows,andis partedintofourheadsTherewewillpraytoGod,andask HimtogiveustodrinkoftheWaterofLife

6"ForGodhasnotfeduswiththeTreeofLife,inorder thatwemaynotliveWewill,therefore,askhimtogiveus oftheWaterofLife,andtoquenchourthirstwithit,rather thanwithadrinkofwaterofthisland"

7WhenEveheardthesewordsfromAdam,sheagreed; andtheybotharoseandcametothesouthernborderofthe garden,uponthebrinkoftheriverofwateratsomelittle distancefromthegarden

8AndtheystoodandprayedbeforetheLord,andasked Himtolookuponthemthisonce,toforgivethem,andto grantthemtheirrequest

9Afterthisprayerfrombothofthem,Adambegantopray withhisvoicebeforeGod,andsaid:--

10"OLord,whenIwasinthegardenandsawthewater thatflowedfromundertheTreeofLife,myheartdidnot desire,neitherdidmybodyrequiretodrinkofit;neither didIknowthirst,forIwasliving;andabovethatwhichI amnow.

11"SothatinordertoliveIdidnotrequireanyFoodof Life,neitherdidIdrinkoftheWaterofLife

12"Butnow,OGod,Iamdead;myfleshisparchedwith thirstGivemeoftheWaterofLifethatImaydrinkofit andlive

13"OfThymercy,OGod,savemefromtheseplaguesand trials,andbringmeintoanotherlanddifferentfromthis,if ThouwiltnotletmedwellinThygarden"

CHAPTER42

1ThencametheWordofGodtoAdam,andsaidunto him:--

2"OAdam,astowhatthousayest,'Bringmeintoaland wherethereisrest,'itisnotanotherlandthanthis,butitis thekingdomofheavenwherealonethereisrest

3"Butthoucanstnotmakethyentranceintoitatpresent; butonlyafterthyjudgmentispastandfulfilled

4"ThenwillImaketheegoupintothekingdomofheaven, theeandthyrighteousseed;andIwillgivetheeandthem therestthouaskestforatpresent

5"Andifthousaidst,'GivemeoftheWaterofLifethatI maydrinkandlive'--itcannotbethisday,butontheday thatIshalldescendintohell,andbreakthegatesofbrass, andbruiseinpiecesthekingdomsofiron.

6"ThenwillIinmercysavethysoulandthesoulsofthe righteous,togivethemrestinMygardenAndthatshallbe whentheendoftheworldiscome.

7"And,again,asregardstheWaterofLifethouseekest,it willnotbegrantedtheethisday;butonthedaythatIshall shedMyblooduponthyheadinthelandofGolgotha.

8"ForMybloodshallbetheWaterofLifeuntothee,at thattime,andnottotheealone,butuntoallthoseofthy seedwhoshallbelieveinMe;thatitbeuntothemforrest forever"

9TheLordsaidagainuntoAdam,"OAdam,whenthou wastinthegarden,thesetrialsdidnotcometothee 10"ButsincethoudidsttransgressMycommandment,all thesesufferingshavecomeuponthee.

11."Now,also,doesthyfleshrequirefoodanddrink;drink thenofthatwaterthatflowsbytheeonthefaceofthe earth"

12ThenGodwithdrewHisWordfromAdam.

13AndAdamandEveworshippedtheLord,andreturned fromtheriverofwatertothecaveItwasnoon-day;and whentheydrewneartothecave,theysawalargefirebyit

CHAPTER43

1ThenAdamandEvewereafraid,andstoodstillAnd AdamsaidtoEve,"Whatisthatfirebyourcave?Wedo nothinginittobringaboutthisfire.

2"Weneitherhavebreadtobaketherein,norbrothtocook there.Astothisfire,weknownotthelike,neitherdowe knowwhattocallit

3"ButeversinceGodsentthecherubwithaswordoffire thatflashedandlightenedinhishand,fromfearofwhich wefelldownandwerelikecorpses,havewenotseenthe like

4"ButnowOEve,behold,thisisthesamefirethatwasin thecherub'shand,whichGodhassenttokeepthecavein whichwedwell

5"OEve,itisbecauseGodisangrywithus,andwilldrive usfromit

6"OEve,wehaveagaintransgressedHiscommandment inthatcave,sothatHehadsentthisfiretoburnaroundit, andtopreventusfromgoingintoit

7"Ifthisbereallyso,OEve,whereshallwedwell?And whithershallwefleefrombeforethefaceoftheLord?

Since,asregardsthegarden,Hewillnotletusabideinit, andHehasdeprivedusofthegoodthingsthereof;butHe hasplacedusinthiscave,inwhichwehaveborne darkness,trialsandhardships,untilatlastwefound comforttherein

8"ButnowthatHehasbroughtusoutintoanotherland, whoknowswhatmayhappeninit?Andwhoknowsbut thatthedarknessofthatlandmaybefargreaterthanthe darknessofthisland?

9"Whoknowswhatmayhappeninthatlandbydayorby night?Andwhoknowswhetheritwillbefarornear,O Eve?WhereitwillpleaseGodtoputus,maybefarfrom thegarden,OEve!orwhereGodwillpreventusfrom beholdingHim,becausewehavetransgressedHis commandment,andbecausewehavemaderequestsunto Himatalltimes?

10"OEve,ifGodwillbringusintoastrangelandother thanthis,inwhichwefindconsolation,itmustbetoput oursoulstodeath,andblotoutournamefromthefaceof theearth

11"OEve,ifwearefartherestrangedfromthegardenand fromGod,whereshallwefindHimagain,andaskHimto giveusgold,incense,myrrh,andsomefruitofthefig-tree?

12"WhereshallwefindHim,tocomfortusasecondtime? WhereshallwefindHim,thatHemaythinkofus,as regardsthecovenantHehasmadeonourbehalf?"

13ThenAdamsaidnomore.Andtheykeptlooking,he andEve,towardsthecave,andatthefirethatflaredup aroundit

14ButthatfirewasfromSatan.Forhehadgatheredtrees anddrygrasses,andhadcarriedandbroughtthemtothe cave,andhadsetfiretothem,inordertoconsumethecave and--whatwasinit.

15SothatAdamandEveshouldbeleftinsorrow,andhe shouldcutofftheirtrustinGod,andmakethemdenyHim 16ButbythemercyofGodhecouldnotburnthecave,for GodsentHisangelroundthecavetoguarditfromsucha fire,untilitwentout

17Andthisfirelastedfromnoon-dayuntilthebreakof dayThatwastheforty-fifthday

CHAPTER44

1YetAdamandEvewerestandingandlookingatthefire, andunabletocomenearthecavefromtheirdreadofthe fire

2AndSatankeptonbringingtreesandthrowingtheminto thefire,untiltheflamethereofroseuponhigh,and coveredthewholecave,thinking,ashedidinhisown mind,toconsumethecavewithmuchfire.Buttheangelof theLordwasguardingit

3AndyethecouldnotcurseSatan,norinjurehimbyword, becausehehadnoauthorityoverhim,neitherdidhetake todoingsowithwordsfromhismouth

4Thereforedidtheangelbearwithhim,withoutsaying onebadworduntiltheWordofGodcamewhosaidto Satan,"Gohence;oncebeforedidstthoudeceiveMy servants,andthistimethouseekesttodestroythem

5"WereitnotforMymercyIwouldhavedestroyedthee andthyhostsfromofftheearthButIhavehadpatience withthee,untotheendoftheworld"

6ThenSatanfledfrombeforetheLord.Butthefirewent onburningaroundthecavelikeacoal-firethewholeday; whichwastheforty-sixthdayAdamandEvehadspent sincetheycameoutofthegarden.

7AndwhenAdamandEvesawthattheheatofthefirehad somewhatcooleddown,theybegantowalktowardsthe cavetogetintoitastheywerewont;buttheycouldnot,by reasonoftheheatofthefire

8Thentheybothtooktoweepingbecauseofthefirethat madeseparationbetweenthemandthecave,andthatdrew towardsthem,burningAndtheywereafraid

9ThenAdamsaidtoEve,"Seethisfireofwhichwehavea portioninus:whichformerlyyieldedtous,butnolonger doesso,nowthatwehavetransgressedthelimitofcreation, andchangedourcondition,andournatureisalteredBut thefireisnotchangedinitsnature,noralteredfromits creation.Thereforehasitnowpoweroverus;andwhenwe comenearit,itscorchesourflesh"

CHAPTER45

1ThenAdamroseandprayeduntoGod,saying,"See,this firehasmadeseparationbetweenusandthecaveinwhich Thouhastcommandedustodwell;butnow,behold,we cannotgointoit"

2ThenGodheardAdam,andsenthimHisWord,that said:--

3"OAdam,seethisfire!howdifferenttheflameandheat thereofarefromthegardenofdelightsandthegoodthings init!

4"WhenthouwastunderMycontrol,allcreaturesyielded tothee;butafterthouhasttransgressedMycommandment, theyallriseoverthee"

5AgainsaidGoduntohim,"See,OAdam,howSatanhas exaltedthee!HehasdeprivedtheeoftheGodhead,andof anexaltedstatelikeuntoMe,andhasnotkepthiswordto thee;but,afterall,isbecomethyfoeItishewhomade thisfireinwhichhemeanttoburntheeandEve.

6"Why,OAdam,hashenotkepthisagreementwiththee, notevenoneday;buthasdeprivedtheeoftheglorythat wasonthee--whenthoudidstyieldtohiscommand?

7"Thinkestthou,Adam,thathelovedtheewhenhemade thisagreementwiththee?Or,thathelovedtheeand wishedtoraisetheeonhigh?

8"Butno,Adam,hedidnotdoallthatoutoflovetothee; buthewishedtomaketheecomeoutoflightintodarkness, andfromanexaltedstatetodegradation;fromgloryto abasement;fromjoytosorrow;andfromresttofastingand fainting."

9GodsaidalsotoAdam,"SeethisfirekindledbySatan aroundthycave;seethiswonderthatsurroundsthee;and knowthatitwillencompassaboutboththeeandthyseed, whenyehearkentohisbehest;thathewillplagueyouwith fire;andthatyeshallgodownintohellafteryearedead 10"Thenshallyeseetheburningofhisfire,thatwillthus beburningaroundyouandyourseedThereshallbeno deliverancefromitforyou,butatMycoming;inlike mannerasthoucanstnotnowgointothycave,byreason ofthegreatfirearoundit;notuntilMyWordshallcome thatwillmakeawayfortheeonthedayMycovenantis fulfilled.

11"Thereisnowayfortheeatpresenttocomefromhence torest,notuntilMyWordcomes,whoisMyWordThen willHemakeawayforthee,andthoushalthaverest." ThenGodcalledwithHisWordtothatfirethatburned aroundthecave,thatitpartitselfasunder,untilAdamhad gonethroughit.ThenthefireparteditselfbyGod'sorder, andawaywasmadeforAdam

12AndGodwithdrewHisWordfromAdam

CHAPTER46

1ThenAdamandEvebeganagaintocomeintothecave. Andwhentheycametothewaybetweenthefire,Satan

blewintothefirelikeawhirlwind,andmadeonAdamand Eveaburningcoal-fire;sothattheirbodiesweresinged; andthecoal-firescorchedthem.

2AndfromtheburningofthefireAdamandEvecried aloud,andsaid,"OLord,saveus!Leaveusnottobe consumedandplaguedbythisburningfire;neitherrequire usforhavingtransgressedThycommandment"

3ThenGodlookedupontheirbodies,onwhichSatanhad causedfiretobum,andGodsentHisangelthatstayedthe burningfireButthewoundsremainedontheirbodies

4AndGodsaiduntoAdam,"SeeSatan'sloveforthee, whopretendedtogivetheetheGodheadandgreatness;and, behold,heburnstheewithfire,andseekstodestroythee fromofftheearth

5"ThenlookatMe,OAdam;Icreatedthee,andhow manytimeshaveIdeliveredtheeoutofhishand?Ifnot, wouldhenothavedestroyedthee?"

6GodsaidagaintoEve,"Whatisthathepromisedtheein thegarden,saying,'Atthetimeyeshalleatofthetree,your eyeswillbeopened,andyoushallbecomelikegods, knowinggoodandevil.'Butlo!hehasburntyourbodies withfire,andhasmadeyoutastethetasteoffire,forthe tasteofthegarden;andhasmadeyouseetheburningof fire,andtheevilthereof,andthepowerithasoveryou.

7"Youreyeshaveseenthegoodhehastakenfromyou, andintruthhehasopenedyoureyes;andyouhaveseen thegardeninwhichyewerewithMe,andyehavealso seentheevilthathascomeuponyoufromSatanButasto theGodheadhecannotgiveityou,neitherfulfilhisspeech toyouNay,hewasbitteragainstyouandyourseed,that willcomeafteryou"

8AndGodwithdrewHisWordfromthem.

CHAPTER47

1ThenAdamandEvecameintothecave,yettremblingat thefirethathadscorchedtheirbodiesSoAdamsaidto Eve:--

2"Lo,thefirehasburntourfleshinthisworld;buthow willitbewhenwearedead,andSatanshallpunishour souls?Isnotourdeliverancelongandfaroff,unlessGod come,andinmercytousfulfilHispromise?"

3ThenAdamandEvepassedintothecave,blessing themselvesforcomingintoitoncemore.Foritwasintheir thoughts,thattheynevershouldenterit,whentheysawthe firearoundit

4Butasthesunwassettingthefirewasstillburningand nearingAdamandEveinthecave,sothattheycouldnot sleepinitAfterthesunhadset,theywentoutofitThis wastheforty-seventhdayaftertheycameoutofthegarden.

5AdamandEvethencameunderthetopofhillbythe gardentosleep,astheywerewont

6AndtheystoodandprayedGodtoforgivethemtheirsins, andthenfellasleepunderthesummitofthemountain

7ButSatan,thehaterofallgood,thoughtwithinhimself: WhereasGodhaspromisedsalvationtoAdambycovenant, andthatHewoulddeliverhimoutofallthehardshipsthat havebefallenhim-buthasnotpromisedmebycovenant, andwillnotdelivermeoutofmyhardships;nay,sinceHe haspromisedhimthatHeshouldmakehimandhisseed dwellinthekingdominwhichIoncewas--IwillkillAdam

8Theearthshallberidofhim;andshallbelefttome alone;sothatwhenheisdeadhemaynothaveanyseed

lefttoinheritthekingdomthatshallremainmyownrealm; Godwillthenbeinwantofme,andHewillrestoremeto itwithmyhosts.

CHAPTER48

1AfterthisSatancalledtohishosts,allofwhichcameto him,andsaiduntohim:--

2"O,ourLord,whatwiltthoudo?"

3Hethensaiduntothem,"YeknowthatthisAdam,whom Godcreatedoutofthedust,ishewhohastakenour kingdom.Come,letusgathertogetherandkillhim;orhurl arockathimandatEve,andcrushthemunderit"

4WhenSatan'shostsheardthesewords,theycametothe partofthemountainwhereAdamandEvewereasleep.

5ThenSatanandhishoststookahugerock,broadand even,andwithoutblemish,thinkingwithinhimself,"If thereshouldbeaholeintherock,whenitfellonthem,the holeintherockmightcomeuponthem,andsotheywould escapeandnotdie"

6Hethensaidtohishosts,"Takeupthisstone,andthrow itflatuponthem,sothatitrollnotfromthemto somewhereelse.Andwhenyehavehurledit,fleeandtarry not."

7AndtheydidashebidthemButastherockfelldown fromthemountainuponAdamandEve,Godcommanded ittobecomeakindofshedoverthem,thatdidthemno harmAndsoitwasbyGod'sorder

8Butwhentherockfell,thewholeearthquakedwithit, andwasshakenfromthesizeoftherock

9Andasitquakedandshook,AdamandEveawokefrom sleep,andfoundthemselvesunderarocklikeashed.But theyknewnothowitwas;forwhentheyfellasleepthey wereunderthesky,andnotunderashed;andwhenthey sawit,theywereafraid.

10ThenAdamsaidtoEve,"Whereforehasthemountain bentitself,andtheearthquakedandshakenonouraccount? Andwhyhasthisrockspreaditselfoveruslikeatent?

11"DoesGodintendtoplagueusandtoshutusupinthis prison?OrwillHeclosetheearthuponus?

12"Heisangrywithusforourhavingcomeoutofthe cavewithoutHisorder;andforourhavingdonesoofour ownaccord,withoutconsultingHim,whenweleftthecave andcametothisplace."

13ThenEvesaid,"If,indeed,theearthquakedforoursake, andthisrockformsatentoverusbecauseofour transgression,thenwoebetous,OAdam,forour punishmentwillbelong

14"ButariseandprayItoGodtoletusknowconcerning this,andwhatthisrockis,thatisspreadoveruslikea tent"

15ThenAdamstoodupandprayedbeforetheLord,tolet himknowaboutthisstrait.AndAdamthusstoodpraying untilthemorning

CHAPTER49

1ThentheWordofGodcameandsaid:--

2"OAdam,whocounselledthee,whenthouearnestoutof thecave,tocometothisplace?"

3AndAdamsaiduntoGod,"OLord,wecametothis placebecauseoftheheatofthefire,thatcameuponus insidethecave"

4ThentheLordGodsaiduntoAdam,"OAdam,thou dreadesttheheatoffireforonenight,buthowwillitbe whenthoudwellestinhell?

5"Yet,OAdam,fearnot,neithersayinthyheartthatI havespreadthisrockasanawningoverthee,toplague theetherewith.

6"ItcamefromSatan,whohadpromisedtheethe GodheadandmajestyItishewhothrewdownthisrockto killtheeunderit,andEvewiththee,andthustoprevent youfromlivingupontheearth

7"But,inmercyforyou,justasthatrockwasfallingdown uponyou,Icommandedittoformanawningoveryou;and therockunderyou,toloweritself

8"Andthissign,OAdam,willhappentoMeatMy cominguponearth:SatanwillraisethepeopleoftheJews JoputMetodeath;andtheywilllayMeinarock,andseal alargestoneuponMe,andIshallremainwithinthatrock threedaysandthreenights.

9"ButonthethirddayIshallriseagain,anditshallbe salvationtothee,OAdam,andtothyseed,tobelievein Me.But,OAdam,Iwillnotbringtheefromunderthis rockuntilthreedaysandthreenightsarepassed"

10AndGodwithdrewHisWordfromAdam.

11ButAdamandEveabodeundertherockthreedaysand threenights,asGodhadtoldthem

12AndGoddidsotothembecausetheyhadlefttheircave andhadcometothissameplacewithoutGod'sorder.

13But,afterthreedaysandthreenights,Godopenedthe rockandbroughtthemoutfromunderitTheirfleshwas driedup,andtheireyesandtheirheartsweretroubledfrom weepingandsorrow

CHAPTER50

1ThenAdamandEvewentforthandcameintotheCave ofTreasures,andtheystoodprayinginitthewholeofthat day,untiltheevening

2Andthistookplaceattheendoffiftydaysaftertheyhad leftthegarden

3ButAdamandEveroseagainandprayedtoGodinthe cavethewholeofthatnight,andbeggedformercyfrom Him

4Andwhenthedaydawned,AdamsaiduntoEve,"Come! letusgoanddosomeworkforourbodies."

5Sotheywentoutofthecave,andcametothenorthern borderofthegarden,andtheysoughtsomethingtocover theirbodieswithal.Buttheyfoundnothing,andknewnot howtodotheworkYettheirbodieswerestained,andthey werespeechlessfromcoldandheat

6ThenAdamstoodandaskedGodtoshowhimsomething wherewithtocovertheirbodies

7ThencametheWordofGodandsaiduntohim,"O Adam,takeEveandcometotheseashore,whereyefasted beforeThereyeshallfindskinsofsheep,whosefleshwas devouredbylions,andwhoseskinswereleftTakethem andmakeraimentforyourselves,andclotheyourselves withal"

CHAPTER51

1WhenAdamheardthesewordsfromGod,hetookEve andremovedfromthenorthernendofthegardentothe southofit,bytheriverofwater,wheretheyoncefasted

2Butastheyweregoingintheway,andbeforethey reachedthatplace,Satan,thewickedone,hadheardthe WordofGodcommuningwithAdamrespectinghis covering

3Itgrievedhim,andhehastenedtotheplacewherethe sheep-skinswere,withtheintentionoftakingthemand throwingthemintothesea,orofburningthemwithfire, thatAdamandEveshouldnotfindthem

4Butashewasabouttotakethem,theWordofGodcame fromheaven,andboundhimbythesideofthoseskins untilAdamandEvecamenearhimButastheynearedhim theywereafraidofhim,andofhishideouslook.

5ThencametheWordofGodtoAdamandEve,andsaid tothem,"Thisishewhowashiddenintheserpent,and whodeceivedyou,andstrippedyouofthegarmentoflight andgloryinwhichyouwere

6"Thisishewhopromisedyoumajestyanddivinity Where,then,isthebeautythatwasonhim?Whereishis divinity?Whereishislight?Whereistheglorythatrested onhim?

7"Nowhisfigureishideous;heisbecomeabominable amongangels;andhehascometobecalledSatan

8"OAdamIhewishedtotakefromyouthisearthly garmentofsheep-skins,andtodestroyit,andnotletyou becoveredwithit

9"What,then,ishisbeautythatyoushouldhavefollowed him?Andwhathaveyougainedbyhearkeningtohim?See hisevilworksandthenlookatMe;atMe,yourCreator, andatthegooddeedsIdoyou

10"See,Iboundhimuntilyoucameandsawhimand beheldhisweakness,thatnopowerisleftwithhim" 11AndGodreleasedhimfromhisbonds.

CHAPTER52

1AfterthisAdamandEvesaidnomore,butweptbefore Godonaccountoftheircreation,andoftheirbodiesthat requiredanearthlycovering.

2ThenAdamsaiduntoEve,"OEve,thisistheskinof beastswithwhichweshallbecoveredButwhenwehave putiton,behold,atokenofdeathshallhavecomeuponus, inasmuchastheownersoftheseskinshavedied,andhave wastedawaySoalsoshallwedie,andpassaway"

3ThenAdamandEvetooktheskins,andwentbacktothe CaveofTreasures;andwheninit,theystoodandprayedas theywerewont

4Andtheythoughthowtheycouldmakegarmentsof thoseskins;fortheyhadnoskillforit

5ThenGodsenttothemHisangeltoshowthemhowto workitout.AndtheangelsaidtoAdam,"Goforth,and bringsomepalm-thorns"ThenAdamwentout,and broughtsome,astheangelhadcommandedhim

6Thentheangelbeganbeforethemtoworkouttheskins, afterthemannerofonewhopreparesashirtAndhetook thethornsandstuckthemintotheskins,beforetheireyes

7ThentheangelagainstoodupandprayedGodthatthe thornsinthoseskinsshouldbehidden,soastobe,asit were,sewnwithonethread

8Andsoitwas,byGod'sorder;theybecamegarmentsfor AdamandEve,andHeclothedthemwithal

9Fromthattimethenakednessoftheirbodieswascovered fromthesightofeachother'seyes.

10Andthishappenedattheendofthefifty-firstday

11ThenwhenAdam'sandEve'sbodieswerecovered,they stoodandprayed,andsoughtmercyoftheLord,and forgiveness,andgaveHimthanksforthatHehadhad mercyonthem,andhadcoveredtheirnakednessAndthey ceasednotfromprayerthewholeofthatnight

12Thenwhenthemomdawnedattherisingofthesun, theysaidtheirprayersaftertheircustom;andthenwentout ofthecave

13AndAdamsaiduntoEve,"Sinceweknownotwhat thereistothewestwardofthiscave,letusgoforthandsee itto-day"Thentheycameforthandwenttowardsthe westernborder.

CHAPTER53

1Theywerenotveryfarfromthecave,whenSatancame towardsthem,andhidhimselfbetweenthemandthecave, undertheformoftworavenouslionsthreedayswithout food,thatcametowardsAdamandEve,asiftobreakthem inpiecesanddevourthem

2ThenAdamandEvewept,andprayedGodtodeliver themfromtheirpaws

3ThentheWordofGodcametothem,anddroveawaythe lionsfromthem.

4AndGodsaiduntoAdam,"OAdam,whatseekestthou onthewesternborder?Andwhyhastthouleftofthineown accordtheeasternborder,inwhichwasthydwelling-place?

5"Now,then,turnbacktothycave,andremaininit,that Satandonotdeceivethee,norworkhispurposeuponthee

6"Forinthiswesternborder,OAdam,therewillgofrom theeaseed,thatshallreplenishit;andthatwilldefile themselveswiththeirsins,andwiththeiryieldingtothe behestsofSatan,andbyfollowinghisworks

7"ThereforewillIbringuponthemthewatersofaflood, andoverwhelmthemall.ButIwilldeliverwhatisleftof therighteousamongthem;andIwillbringthemtoa distantland,andthelandinwhichthoudwellestnowshall remaindesolateandwithoutoneinhabitantinit."

8AfterGodhadthusdiscoursedtothem,theywentbackto theCaveofTreasuresButtheirfleshwasdriedup,and theirstrengthfailedfromfastingandpraying,andfromthe sorrowtheyfeltathavingtrespassedagainstGod

CHAPTER54

1ThenAdamandEvestoodupinthecaveandprayedthe wholeofthatnightuntilthemorningdawned.Andwhen thesunwasrisentheybothwentoutofthecave;their headswanderingfromheavinessofsorrow,andtheynot knowingwhithertheywent.

2Andtheywalkedthusuntothesouthernborderofthe gardenAndtheybegantogoupthatborderuntilthey cametotheeasternborderbeyondwhichtherewasno fartherspace

3Andthecherubwhoguardedthegardenwasstandingat thewesterngate,andguardingitagainstAdamandEve, lesttheyshouldsuddenlycomeintothegardenAndthe cherubturnedround,asiftoputthemtodeath;according tothecommandmentGodhadgivenhim.

4WhenAdamandEvecametotheeasternborderofthe garden--thinkingintheirheartsthatthecherubwasnot watching--astheywerestandingbythegateasifwishing togoin,suddenlycamethecherubwithaflashingsword

offireinhishand;andwhenhesawthem,hewentforthto killthemForhewasafraidlestGodshoulddestroyhimif theywentintothegardenwithoutHisorder.

5Andtheswordofthecherubseemedtoflameafaroff ButwhenheraiseditoverAdamandEve,theflame thereofdidnotflashforth.

6ThereforedidthecherubthinkthatGodwasfavourable tothem,andwasbringingthembackintothegardenAnd thecherubstoodwondering.

7HecouldnotgouptoHeaventoascertainGod'sorder regardingtheirgettingintothegarden;hethereforeabode standingbythem,unableashewastopartfromthem;for hewasafraidlesttheyshouldenterthegardenwithout leavefromGod,whothenwoulddestroyhim

8WhenAdamandEvesawthecherubcomingtowards themwithaflamingswordoffireinhishand,theyfellon theirfacesfromfear,andwereasdead

9Atthattimetheheavensandtheearthshook;andother cherubimcamedownfromheaventothecherubwho guardedthegarden,andsawhimamazedandsilent

10Then,again,otherangelscamedownnighuntothe placewhereAdamandEvewereTheyweredivided betweenjoyandsorrow.

11Theywereglad,becausetheythoughtthatGodwas favourabletoAdam,andwishedhimtoreturntothe garden;andwishedtorestorehimtothegladnessheonce enjoyed.

12ButtheysorrowedoverAdam,becausehewasfallen likeadeadman,heandEve;andtheysaidintheirthoughts, "Adamhasnotdiedinthisplace;butGodhasputhimto death,forhishavingcometothisplace,andwishingtoget intothegardenwithoutHisleave."

CHAPTER55

1ThencametheWordofGodtoAdamandEve,and raisedthemfromtheirdeadstate,sayinguntothem,"Why cameyeuphither?Dr,youintendtogointothegarden, fromwhichIbroughtyouout?itcannotbeto-day;but onlywhenthecovenantIhavemadewithyouisfulfilled" 2ThenAdam,whenheheardtheWordofGod,andthe flutteringoftheangelswhomhedidnotsee,butonlyheard thesoundofthemwithhisears,heandEvewept,andsaid totheangels:--

3"OSpirits,whowaituponGod,lookuponme,andupon mybeingunabletoseeyou!ForwhenIwasinmyformer brightnature)thenIcouldseeyou.Isangpraisesasyoudo; andmyheartwasfaraboveyou

4"Butnow,thatIhavetransgressed,thatbrightnatureis gonefromme,andIamcometothismiserablestate.And nowamIcometothis,thatIcannotseeyou,andyoudo notservemeAsyouwerewontForIambecomeanimal flesh.

5"YetnowOangelsofGod,askGodwithme,torestore metothatwhereinIwasformerly;torescuemefromthis misery,andtoremovefrommethesentenceofdeathHe passeduponme,forhavingtrespassedagainstHim" 6Then,whentheangelsheardthesewords,theyall grievedoverhim;andcursedSatanwhohadbeguiled Adam,untilhecamefromthegardentomisery;fromlife todeath;frompeacetotrouble;andfromgladnesstoa strangeland.

7ThentheangelssaiduntoAdam,"Thoudidsthearkento Satan,anddidstforsaketheWordofGodwhocreatedthee; andthoudidstbelievethatSatanwouldfulfilallhehad promisedthee

8"Butnow,OAdam,wewillmakeknowntothee,what cameuponusthroughhim,beforehisfallfromheaven.

9"Hegatheredtogetherhishosts,anddeceivedthem, promisingthemtogivethemagreatkingdom,adivine nature;andotherpromiseshemadethem.

10"Hishostsbelievedthathiswordwastrue,sothey yieldedtohim,andrenouncedthegloryofGod

11"Hethensentforusaccordingtotheordersinwhichwe were-tocomeunderhiscommand,andtohearkentohis vainpromiseButwewouldnot,andwetooknothis advice.

12"ThenafterhehadfoughtwithGod,andhaddealt forwardlywithHim,hegatheredtogetherhishosts,and madewarwithus.AndifithadnotbeenforGod'sstrength thatwaswithus,wecouldnothaveprevailedagainsthim tohurlhimfromheaven

13"Butwhenhefellfromamongus,therewasgreatjoyin heaven,becauseofhisgoingdownfromusForhadhe continuedinheaven,nothing,notevenoneangelwould haveremainedinit.

14"ButGodinHismercy,drovehimfromamongusto thisdarkearth;forhehadbecomedarknessitselfanda workerofunrighteousness.

15"Andhehascontinued,OAdam,tomakewaragainst thee,untilhebeguiledtheeandmadetheecomeoutofthe garden,tothisstrangeland,whereallthesetrialshave cometotheeAnddeath,whichGodbroughtuponhimhe hasalsobroughttothee,OAdam,becausethoudidstobey him,anddidsttransgressagainstGod" 16ThenatheangelsrejoicedandpraisedGod,andasked HimnottodestroyAdamthistime,forhishavingsought toenterthegarden;buttobearwithhimuntilthe fulfilmentofthepromise;andtohelphiminthisworld untilhewasfreefromSatan'shand.

CHAPTER56

1ThencametheWordofGodtoAdam,andsaidunto him:--

2"OAdam,lookatthatgardenofjoyandatthisearthof toil,andbeholdtheangelswhoareinthegarden-thatisfull ofthem,andseethyselfaloneonthisearth,withSatan whomthoudidstobey.

3"Yet,ifthouhadstsubmitted,andbeenobedienttoMe, andhadstkeptMyWord,thouwouldstbewithMyangels inMygarden.

4"ButwhenthoudidsttransgressandhearkentoSatan, thoudidstbecomehisguestamonghisangels,thatarefull ofwickedness;andthoucamesttothisearth,thatbrings forthtotheethornsandthistles

5"OAdam,askhimwhodeceivedthee,togivetheethe divinenaturehepromisedthee,ortomaketheeagardenas Ihadmadeforthee;ortofilltheewiththatsamebright naturewithwhichIhadfilledthee

6"AskhimtomaketheeabodyliketheoneImadethee, ortogivetheeadayofrestasIgavethee;ortocreate withintheeareasonablesoul,asIdidcreateforthee;orto removetheehencetosomeotherearththanthisonewhich

IgavetheeBut,OAdam,hewillnotfulfilevenoneofthe thingshetoldthee

7"Acknowledge,then,Myfavourtowardsthee,andMy mercyonthee,Mycreature;thatIhavenotrequitedthee forthytransgressionagainstMe,butinMypityfortheeI havepromisedtheethatattheendofthegreatfivedays andahalfIwillcomeandsavethee"

8ThenGodsaidagaintoAdamandEve,"Arise,godown hence,lestthecherubwithaswordoffireinhishand destroyyou"

9ButAdam'sheartwascomfortedbyGod'swordstohim, andheworshippedbeforeHim.

10AndGodcommandedHisangelstoescortAdamand Evetothecavewithjoy,insteadofthefearthathadcome uponthem.

11ThentheangelstookupAdamandEve,andbrought themdownfromthemountainbythegarden,withsongs andpsalms,untiltheybroughtthemtothecave.Therethe angelsbegantocomfortandtostrengthenthem,andthen departedfromthemtowardsheaven,totheirCreator,who hadsentthem.

12But,aftertheangelsweregonefromAdamandEve, cameSatan,withshamefacedness,andstoodatthe entranceofthecaveinwhichwereAdamandEve.Hethen calledtoAdam,andsaid,"OAdam,come,letmespeakto thee"

13ThenAdamcameoutofthecave,thinkinghewasone ofGod'sangelsthatwascometogivehimsomegood counsel

CHAPTER57

1ButwhenAdamcameoutandsawhishideousfigure,he wasafraidofhim,andsaiduntohim,"Whoartthou?"

2ThenSatanansweredandsaiduntohim,"ItisI,whohid myselfwithintheserpent,andwhotalkedtoEve,and beguiledheruntilshehearkenedtomycommandIamhe whosenther,throughthewilesofmyspeech,todeceive thee,untilthouandsheateofthefruitofthetree,andye cameawayfromunderthecommandofGod"

3ButwhenAdamheardthesewordsfromhim,hesaid untohim,"CanstthoumakemeagardenasGodmadefor me?Orcanstthouclothemeinthesamebrightnaturein whichGodhadclothedme?

4"Whereisthedivinenaturethoudidstpromisetogiveme? Whereisthatfairspeechofthine,thoudidstholdwithus atfirst,whenwewereinthegarden?"

5ThenSatansaiduntoAdam,"Thinkestthou,thatwhenI havespokentooneaboutanything,Ishalleverbringitto himorfulfilmyword?Notso.ForImyselfhavenever eventhoughtofobtainingwhatIasked

6"ThereforedidIfall,anddidImakeyoufallbythatfor whichImyselffell;andwithyoualso,whosoeveraccepts mycounsel,fallsthereby

7"Butnow,OAdam,byreasonofthyfallthouartunder myrule,andIamkingoverthee;becausethouhast hearkenedtome,andhasttransgressedagainstthyGod Neitherwilltherebeanydeliverancefrommyhandsuntil thedaypromisedtheebythyGod."

8Againhesaid,"Inasmuchaswedonotknowtheday agreeduponwiththeebythyGod,northehourinwhich thoushaltbedelivered,forthatreasonwillwemultiply warandmurderupontheeandthyseedafterthee

9"Thisisourwillandourgoodpleasure,thatwemaynot leaveoneofthesonsofmentoinheritourordersinheaven 10"Forastoourabode,OAdam,itisinburningfire;and wewillnotceaseourevildoingno,notonedaynorone hourAndI,OAdam,shallsowfireupontheewhenthou comestintothecavetodwellthere."

11WhenAdamheardthesewordsheweptandmourned, andsaiduntoEve,"Hearwhathesaid;thathewillnot fulfilaughtofwhathetoldtheeinthegarden.Didhereally thenbecomekingoverus?

12"ButwewillaskGod,whocreatedus,todeliverusout ofhishands."

CHAPTER58

1ThenAdamandEvespreadtheirhandsuntoGod, prayingandentreatingHimtodriveSatanawayfromthem; thathedothemnoviolence,anddonotforcethemtodeny God

2ThenGodsenttothematonceHisangel,whodrove awaySatan--fromthem.Thishappenedaboutsunset,on thefifty-thirddayaftertheyhadcomeoutofthegarden

3ThenAdamandEvewentintothecave,andstoodupand turnedtheirfacestotheearth,topraytoGod.

4ButeretheyprayedAdamsaiduntoEve,"Lo,thouhast seenwhattemptationshavebefallenusinthislandCome, letusarise,andaskGodtoforgiveusthesinswehave committed;andwewillnotcomeoutuntiltheendofthe daynexttothefortiethAndifwedieherein,Hewillsave us"

5ThenAdamandEvearose,andjoinedtogetherin entreatingGod.

6Theyabodethusprayinginthecave;neitherdidthey comeoutofit,bynightorbyday,untiltheirprayerswent upoutoftheirmouths,likeaflameoffire.

CHAPTER59

1ButSatan,thehaterofallgood,didnotallowthemto endtheirprayersForhecalledtohishosts,andtheycame, allofthem.Hethensaidtothem,"SinceAdamandEve, whomwebeguiled,haveagreedtogethertopraytoGod nightandday,andtoentreatHimtodeliverthem,and sincetheywillnotcomeoutofthecaveuntiltheendofthe fortiethday

2"Andsincetheywillcontinuetheirprayersastheyhave bothagreedtodo,thatHewilldeliverthemoutofour hands,andrestorethemtotheirformerstate,seewhatwe shalldountothem"Andhishostssaiduntohim,"Poweris thine,OourLord,todowhatthoulistest."

3ThenSatan,greatinwickedness,tookhishostsandcame intothecave,inthethirtiethnightofthefortydaysandone; andhesmoteAdamandEve,untilheleftthemdead.

4ThencametheWordofGoduntoAdamandEve,who raisedthemfromtheirsuffering,andGodsaiduntoAdam, "Bestrong,andbenotafraidofhimwhohasjustcometo thee"

5ButAdamweptandsaid,"WherewastThou,OmyGod, thattheyshouldsmitemewithsuchblows,andthatthis sufferingshouldcomeuponus;uponmeanduponEve, Thyhandmaid?"

6ThenGodsaiduntohim,"OAdam,see,heislordand masterofallthouhast,hewhosaid,hewouldgivethee

divinityWhereisthisloveforthee?Andwhereisthegift hepromised?

7"Foroncehasitpleasedhim,OAdam,tocometothee, tocomfortthee,andtostrengthenthee,andtorejoicewith thee,andtosendhishoststoguardthee;becausethouhast hearkenedtohim,andhastyieldedtohiscounsel;andhast transgressedMycommandmentbuthasfollowedhis behest?"

8ThenAdamweptbeforetheLord,andsaid,"OLord becauseItransgressedalittle,Thouhastsorelyplaguedme inreturnforit,IaskTheetodelivermeoutofhishands;or elsehavepityonme,andtakemysouloutofmybodynow inthisstrangeland"

9ThenGodsaiduntoAdam,"Ifonlytherehadbeenthis sighingandprayingbefore,erethoudidsttransgress!Then wouldstthouhaverestfromthetroubleinwhichthouart now"

10ButGodhadpatiencewithAdam,andlethimandEve remaininthecaveuntiltheyhadfulfilledthefortydays 11ButastoAdamandEve,theirstrengthandflesh witheredfromfastingandpraying,fromhungerandthirst; fortheyhadnottastedeitherfoodordrinksincetheyleft thegarden;norwerethefunctionsoftheirbodiesyet settled;andtheyhadnostrengthlefttocontinueinprayer fromhunger,untiltheendofthenextdaytothefortieth Theywerefallendowninthecave;yetwhatspeech escapedfromtheirmouths,wasonlyinpraises.

CHAPTER60

1Thenontheeighty-ninthday,Satancametothecave, cladinagarmentoflight,andgirtaboutwithabright girdle

2Inhishandswasastaffoflight,andhelookedmost awful:buthisfacewaspleasantandhisspeechwassweet, 3HethustransformedhimselfinordertodeceiveAdam andEve,andtomakethemcomeoutofthecave,erethey hadfulfilledthefortydays.

4Forhesaidwithinhimself,"Nowthatwhentheyhad fulfilledthefortydays'fastingandpraying,Godwould restorethemtotheirformerestate;butifHedidnotdoso, Hewouldstillbefavourabletothem;andevenifHehad notmercyonthem,wouldHeyetgivethemsomething fromthegardentocomfortthem;asalreadytwicebefore."

5ThenSatandrewnearthecaveinthisfairappearance, andsaid:--

6"OAdam,riseye,standup,thouandEve,andcome alongwithme,toagoodland;andfearnotIamfleshand boneslikeyou;andatfirstIwasacreaturethatGod created.

7"Anditwasso,thatwhenHehadcreatedme,Heplaced meinagardeninthenorth,ontheborderoftheworld 8"AndHesaidtome,'Abidehere!'AndIabodethere accordingtoHisWord,neitherdidItransgressHis commandment

9"ThenHemadeaslumbertocomeoverme,andHe broughtthee,OAdam,outofmyside,butdidnotmake theeabidebyme

10"ButGodtooktheeinHisdivinehand,andplacedthee inagardentotheeastward

11"ThenIgrievedbecauseofthee,forthatwhileGodhad takentheeoutofmyside,Hehadnotlettheeabidewith me

12"ButGodsaiduntome:'GrievenotbecauseofAdam, whomIbroughtoutofthyside;noharmwillcometohim 13"'FornowIhavebroughtoutofhissideahelp-meetfor him;andIhavegivenhimjoybysodoing'"

14ThenSatansaidagain,"Ididnotknowhowitisyeare inthiscave,noranythingaboutthistrialthathascome uponyou-untilGodsaidtome,'Behold,Adamhas transgressed,hewhomIhadtakenoutofthyside,andEve also,whomItookoutofhisside;andIhavedriventhem outofthegarden;Ihavemadethemdwellinalandof sorrowandmisery,becausetheytransgressedagainstMe, andhavehearkenedtoSatan.Andlo,theyareinsuffering untothisday,theeightieth'

15"ThenGodsaiduntome,'Arise,gotothem,andmake themcometothyplace,andsuffernotthatSatancome nearthem,andafflictthemFortheyarenowingreat misery;andliehelplessfromhunger'

16"Hefurthersaidtome,'Whenthouhasttakenthemto thyself,givethemtoeatofthefruitoftheTreeofLife,and givethemtodrinkofthewaterofpeace;andclothethem inagarmentoflight,andrestorethemtotheirformerstate ofgrace,andleavethemnotinmisery,fortheycamefrom thee.Butgrievenotoverthem,norrepentofthatwhichhas comeuponthem.'

17"ButwhenIheardthis,Iwassorry;andmyheartcould notpatientlybearitforthysake,Omychild

18"But,OAdam,whenIheardthenameofSatan,Iwas afraid,andIsaidwithinmyself,Iwillnotcomeout,lesthe ensnareme,ashedidmychildren,AdamandEve 19"AndIsaid,'OGod,whenIgotomychildren,Satan willmeetmeintheway,andwaragainstme,ashedid againstthem.'

20"ThenGodsaiduntome,'Fearnot;whenthoufindest him,smitehimwiththestaffthatisinthinehand,andbe notafraidofhimforthouartofoldstanding,andheshall notprevailagainstthee.'

21"ThenIsaid,'OmyLord,Iamold,andcannotgoSend Thyangelstobringthem.'

22"ButGodsaiduntome,'Angels,verily,arenotlike them;andtheywillnotconsenttocomewiththemButI havechosenthee,becausetheyarethyoffspring,andlike thee,andwillhearkentowhatthousayest'

23"Godsaidfurthertome,'Ifthouhastnotstrengthto walk,Iwillsendacloudtocarrytheeandalighttheeatthe entranceoftheircave;thenthecloudwillreturnandleave theethere

24"'Andiftheywillcomewiththee,Iwillsendacloudto carrytheeandthem'

25"ThenHecommandedacloud,anditbaremeupand broughtmetoyou;andthenwentback.

26"AndnowOmychildren,AdamandEve,lookatmy hoarhairsandatmyfeebleestate,andatmycomingfrom thatdistantplace.Come,comewithme,toaplaceofrest."

27ThenhebegantoweepandtosobbeforeAdamandEve, andhistearspouredupontheearthlikewater

28AndwhenAdamandEveraisedtheireyesandsawhis beard,andheardhissweettalk,theirheartssoftened towardshim;theyhearkeneduntohim,fortheybelievedhe wastrue.

29Anditseemedtothemthattheyreallywerehis offspring,whentheysawthathisfacewasliketheirown; andtheytrustedhim.

CHAPTER61

1ThenhetookAdamandEvebythehand,andbeganto bringthemoutofthecave

2Butwhentheywerecomealittlewayoutofit,God knewthatSatanhadovercomethem,andhadbroughtthem outerethefortydayswereended,totakethemtosome distantplace,andtodestroythem

3ThentheWordoftheLordGodagaincameandcursed Satan,anddrovehimawayfromthem

4AndGodbegantospeakuntoAdamandEve,sayingto them,"Whatmadeyoucomeoutofthecave,untothis place?"

5ThenAdamsaiduntoGod,"Didstthoucreateaman beforeus?Forwhenwewereinthecavetheresuddenly cameuntousagoodoldmanwhosaidtous,'Iama messengerfromGoduntoyou,tobringyoubacktosome placeofrest.'

6"Andwedidbelieve,OGod,thathewasamessenger fromThee;andwecameoutwithhim;andknewnot whitherweshouldgowithhim."

7ThenGodsaiduntoAdam,"See,thatisthefatherofevil arts,whobroughttheeandEveoutoftheGardenof Delights.Andnow,indeed,whenhesawthatthouandEve bothjoinedtogetherinfastingandpraying,andthatyou camenotoutofthecavebeforetheendofthefortydays, hewishedtomakeyourpurposevain,tobreakyourmutual bond;tocutoffallhopefromyou,andtodriveyouto someplacewherehemightdestroyyou

8"Becausehewasunabletodoaughttoyou,unlesshe showedhimselfinthelikenessofyou

9"Thereforedidhecometoyouwithafacelikeyourown, andbegantogiveyoutokensasiftheywerealltrue

10"ButIinmercyandwiththefavourIhaduntoyou,did notallowhimtodestroyyou;butIdrovehimawayfrom you.

11"Now,therefore,OAdam,takeEve,andreturntoyour cave,andremaininituntilthemorrowofthefortiethday. Andwhenyecomeout,gotowardstheeasterngateofthe garden"

12ThenAdamandEveworshippedGod,andpraisedand blessedHimforthedeliverancethathadcometothem fromHimAndtheyreturnedtowardsthecaveThis happenedateventideofthethirty-ninthday.

13ThenAdamandEvestoodupandwithgreatzeal, prayedtoGod,tobebroughtoutoftheirwantforstrength; fortheirstrengthhaddepartedfromthem,throughhunger andthirstandprayerButtheywatchedthewholeofthat nightpraying,untilmorning

14ThenAdamsaiduntoEve,"Arise,letusgotowardsthe easterngateofthegardenasGodtoldus"

15Andtheysaidtheirprayersastheywerewonttodo everyday;andtheywentoutofthecave,togoneartothe easterngateofthegarden

16ThenAdamandEvestoodupandprayed,andbesought Godtostrengthenthem,andtosendthemsomethingto satisfytheirhunger

17Butwhentheyhadendedtheirprayers,theyremained wheretheywerebyreasonoftheirfailingstrength.

18ThencametheWordofGodagain,andsaiduntothem, "OAdam,arise,goandbringhithertwofigs"

19ThenAdamandEvearose,andwentuntiltheydrew neartothecave

CHAPTER62

1ButSatanthewickedwasenvious,becauseofthe consolationGodhadgiventhem

2Sohepreventedthem,andwentintothecaveandtook thetwofigs,andburiedthemoutsidethecave,sothat AdamandEveshouldnotfindthemHealsohadinhis thoughtstodestroythem

3ButbyGod'smercy,assoonasthosetwofigswereinthe earth,GoddefeatedSatan'scounselregardingthem;and madethemintotwofruit-trees,thatovershadowedthecave ForSatanhadburiedthemontheeasternsideofit.

4Thenwhenthetwotreesweregrown,andwerecovered withfruit,Satangrievedandmourned,andsaid,"Better wereittohaveleftthosefigsastheywere;fornow,behold, theyhavebecometwofruit-trees,whereofAdamwilleat allthedaysofhislifeWhereasIhadinmind,whenI buriedthem,todestroythementirely,andtohidethemfor aye

5"ButGodhasoverturnedmycounsel;andwouldnotthat thissacredfruitshouldperish;andHehasmadeplainmy intention,andhasdefeatedthecounselIhadformed againstHisservants."

6ThenSatanwentawayashamed,ofnothavingwrought outhisdesign

CHAPTER63

1ButAdamandEve,astheydrewneartothecave,saw twofig-trees,coveredwithfruit,andovershadowingthe cave

2ThenAdamsaidtoEve,"Itseemstomewehavegone astrayWhendidthesetwotreesgrowhere?Itseemstome thattheenemywishestoleadusastray,Sayestthouthat thereisintheearthanothercavethanthis?

3"Yet,OEve,letusgointothecave,andfindinitthetwo figs;forthisisourcave,inwhichwewereButifwe shouldnotfindthetwofigsinit,thenitcannotbeour cave"

4Theywentthenintothecave,andlookedintothefour cornersofit,butfoundnotthetwofigs.

5AndAdamweptandsaidtoEve,"Arewecometoa wrongcave,then,OEve?Itseemstomethesetwofigtreesarethetwofigsthatwereinthecave."AndEvesaid, "I,formypart,donotknow"

6ThenAdamstoodupandprayedandsaid,"OGod,Thou didstcommandustocomebacktothecave,totakethetwo figs,andthentoreturntoThee

7"Butnow,wehavenotfoundthemOGod,hastThou takenthem,andsownthesetwotrees,orhavewegone astrayintheearth;orhastheenemydeceivedus?Ifitbe real,then,OGod,revealtousthesecretofthesetwotrees andofthetwofigs."

8ThencametheWordofGodtoAdam,andsaiduntohim, "OAdam,whenIsenttheetofetchthefigs,Satanwent beforetheetothecave,tookthefigs,andburiedthem outside,eastwardofthecave,thinkingtodestroythem;and notsowingthemwithgoodintent

9"Notforhismeresake,then,havethesetreesgrownupat once;butIhadmercyontheeandIcommandedthemto growAndtheygrewtobetwolargetrees,thatyoube overshadowedbytheirbranches,andfindrest;andthatI makeyouseeMypowerandMymarvellousworks

10"And,also,toshowyouSatan'smeanness,andhisevil works,foreversinceyecameoutofthegarden,hehasnot ceased,no,notoneday,fromdoingyousomeharm.ButI havenotgivenhimpoweroveryou"

11AndGodsaid,"Henceforth,OAdam,rejoiceon accountofthetrees,thouandEve;andrestunderthem whenyefeelwearyButeatnotoftheirfruit,norcome nearthem"

12ThenAdamwept,andsaid,"OGod,wiltThouagain killus,orwiltThoudriveusawayfrombeforeThyface, andcutourlifefromoffthefaceoftheearth?

13"OGod,IbeseechThee,ifThouknowestthattherebe inthesetreeseitherdeathorsomeotherevil,asatthefirst time,rootthemupfromnearourcave,andwitherthem; andleaveustodieoftheheat,ofhungerandofthirst.

14"ForweknowThymarvellousworks,OGod,thatthey aregreat,andthatbyThypowerThoucanstbringone thingoutofanother,withoutone'swish.ForThypower canmakerockstobecometrees,andtreestobecome rocks"

CHAPTER64

1ThenGodlookeduponAdamanduponhisstrengthof mind,uponhisenduranceofhungerandthirst,andofthe heatAndhechangedthetwofig-treesintotwofigs,as theywereatfirst,andthensaidtoAdamandtoEve,"Each ofyoumaytakeonefig"Andtheytookthem,astheLord commandedthem

2Andhesaidtothem,"Goyeintothecave,andeatthe figs,andsatisfyyourhunger,lestyedie"

3So,asGodcommandedthem,theywentintothecave, aboutthetimewhenthesunwassettingAndAdamand Evestoodupandprayedatthetimeofthesettingsun

4Thentheysatdowntoeatthefigs;buttheyknewnot howtoeatthem;fortheywerenotaccustomedtoeat earthlyfoodTheyfearedalsolest,iftheyate,their stomachshouldbeburdenedandtheirfleshthickened,and theirheartstaketolikingearthlyfood

5Butwhiletheywerethusseated,God,outofpityfor them,sentthemHisangel,lesttheyshouldperishof hungerandthirst

6AndtheangelsaiduntoAdamandEve,"Godsaystoyou thatyehavenotstrengthtofastuntildeath;eat,therefore, andstrengthenyourbodies;foryearenowanimalflesh, thatcannotsubsistwithoutfoodanddrink"

7ThenAdamandEvetookthefigsandbegantoeatof themButGodhadputintothemamixtureasofsavoury breadandblood

8ThentheangelwentfromAdamandEve,whoateofthe figsuntiltheyhadsatisfiedtheirhungerThentheyputby whatremained;butbythepowerofGod,thefigsbecame fullasbefore,becauseGodblessedthem.

9AfterthisAdamandEvearose,andprayedwithajoyful heartandrenewedstrength,andpraisedandrejoiced abundantlythewholeofthatnight.Andthiswastheendof theeighty-thirdday

CHAPTER65

1Andwhenitwasday,theyroseandprayed,aftertheir custom,andthenwentoutofthecave.

2Butastheyfeltgreattroublefromthefoodtheyhad eaten,andtowhichtheywerenotused,theywentaboutin thecavesayingtoeachother:--

3"Whathashappenedtousthrougheating,thatthispain shouldhavecomeuponus?Woebetous,weshalldie! Betterforustohavediedthantohaveeaten;andtohave keptourbodiespure,thantohavedefiledthemwithfood"

4ThenAdamsaidtoEve,"Thispaindidnotcometousin thegarden,neitherdidweeatsuchbadfoodthere. Thinkestthou,OEve,thatGodwillplagueusthroughthe foodthatisinus,orthatourinwardswillcomeout;orthat GodmeanstokilluswiththispainbeforeHehasfulfilled Hispromisetous?"

5ThenAdambesoughttheLordandsaid,"OLord,letus notperishthroughthefoodwehaveeaten.OLord,smite usnot;butdealwithusaccordingtoThygreatmercy,and forsakeusnotuntilthedayofthepromiseThouhastmade us."

6ThenGodlookeduponthem,andatoncefittedthemfor eatingfood;asuntothisday;sothattheyshouldnotperish

7ThenAdamandEvecamebackintothecavesorrowful andweepingbecauseofthealterationintheirnatureAnd theybothknewfromthathourthattheywerealtered beings,thattheirhopeofreturningtothegardenwasnow cutoff;andthattheycouldnotenterit

8Forthatnowtheirbodieshadstrangefunctions;andall fleshthatrequiresfoodanddrinkforitsexistence,cannot beinthegarden

9ThenAdamsaidtoEve,"Behold,ourhopeisnowcutoff; andsoisourtrusttoenterthegardenWenolongerbelong totheinhabitantsofthegarden;buthenceforthweare earthyandofthedust,andoftheinhabitantsoftheearth, Weshallnotreturntothegarden,untilthedayinwhich Godhaspromisedtosaveus,andtobringusagainintothe garden,asHepromisedus."

10ThentheyprayedtoGodthatHewouldhavemercyon them;afterwhich,theirmindwasquieted,theirheartswere broken,andtheirlongingwascooleddown;andtheywere likestrangersonearthThatnightAdamandEvespentin thecave,wheretheysleptheavilybyreasonofthefood theyhadeaten.

CHAPTER66

1Whenitwasmorning,thedayaftertheyhadeatenfood, AdamandEveprayedinthecave,andAdamsaiduntoEve, "Lo,weaskedforfoodofGod,andHegaveit.Butnowlet usalsoaskHimtogiveusadrinkofwater"

2Thentheyarose,andwenttothebankofthestreamof water,thatwasonthesouthborderofthegarden,inwhich theyhadbeforethrownthemselvesAndtheystoodonthe bank,andprayedtoGodthatHewouldcommandthemto drinkofthewater.

3ThentheWordofGodcametoAdam,andsaiduntohim, "OAdam,thybodyisbecomebrutish,andrequireswater todrink.Takeye,anddrink,thouandEve;givethanksand praise"

4AdamandEvethendrewnear,anddrankofit,untiltheir bodiesfeltrefreshed.Afterhavingdrunk,theypraisedGod, andthenreturnedtotheircave,aftertheirformercustom Thishappenedattheendofeighty-threedays

5Thenontheeighty-fourthday,theytooktwofigsand hungtheminthecave,togetherwiththeleavesthereof,to

betothemasignandablessingfromGodAndthey placedthemthereuntilthereshouldariseaposterityto them,whoshouldseethewonderfulthingsGodhaddone tothem

6ThenAdamandEveagainstoodoutsidethecave,and besoughtGodtoshowthemsomefoodwherewithto nourishtheirbodies

7ThentheWordofGodcameandsaiduntohim,"O Adam,godowntothewestwardofthecave,asfarasa landofdarksoil,andtherethoushaltfindfood"

8AndAdamhearkeneduntotheWordofGod,tookEve, andwentdowntoalandofdarksoil,andfoundthere wheatgrowing,intheearandripe,andfigstoeat;and Adamrejoicedoverit

9ThentheWordofGodcameagaintoAdam,andsaid untohim,"Takeofthiswheatandmaketheebreadofit,to nourishthybodywithal"AndGodgaveAdam'sheart wisdom,toworkoutthecornuntilitbecamebread.

10Adamaccomplishedallthat,untilhegrewveryfaint andwearyHethenreturnedtothecave;rejoicingatwhat hehadlearnedofwhatisdonewithwheat,untilitismade intobreadforone'suse

CHAPTER67

1ButwhenAdamandEvewentdowntothelandofblack mud,andcameneartothewheatGodhadshowedthem, andsawitripeandreadyforreaping,astheyhadnosickle toreapitwithal--theygirtthemselves,andbegantopullup thewheat,untilitwasalldone

2Thentheymadeitintoaheap;and,faintfromheatand fromthirst,theywentunderashadytree,wherethebreeze fannedthemtosleep

3ButSatansawwhatAdamandEvehaddoneAndhe calledhishosts,andsaidtothem,"SinceGodhasshownto AdamandEveallaboutthiswheat,wherewithto strengthentheirbodies--and,lo,theyarecomeandhave madeaheapofit,andfaintfromthetoilarenowasleep-come,letussetfiretothisheapofcorn,andburnit,andlet ustakethatbottleofwaterthatisbythem,andemptyitout, sothattheymayfindnothingtodrink,andwekillthem withhungerandthirst

4"Then,whentheywakeupfromtheirsleep,andseekto returntothecave,wewillcometothemintheway,and willleadthemastray;sothattheydieofhungerandthirst; whentheymay,perhaps,denyGod,andHedestroythem Soshallweberidofthem."

5ThenSatanandhishoststhrewfireuponthewheatand consumedit

6ButfromtheheatoftheflameAdamandEveawoke fromtheirsleep,andsawthewheatburning,andthebucket ofwaterbythem,pouredout

7Thentheyweptandwentbacktothecave.

8Butastheyweregoingupfrombelowthemountain wheretheywere,Satanandhishostsmetthemintheform ofangels,praisingGod.

9ThenSatansaidtoAdam,"OAdam,whyartthouso painedwithhungerandthirst?ItseemstomethatSatan hasburntupthewheat."AndAdamsaidtohim,"Ay."

10AgainSatansaidtoAdam,"Comebackwithus;weare angelsofGodGodsentustothee,toshowtheeanother fieldofcorn,betterthanthat;andbeyonditisafountainof goodwater,andmanytrees,wherethoushaltdwellnearit,

andworkthecorn-fieldtobetterpurposethanthatwhich Satanhasconsumed"

11Adamthoughtthathewastrue,andthattheywere angelswhotalkedwithhim;andhewentbackwiththem 12ThenSatanbegantoleadastrayAdamandEveeight days,untiltheybothfelldownasifdead,fromhunger, thirst,andfaintnessThenhefledwithhishosts,andleft them

CHAPTER68

1ThenGodlookeduponAdamandEve,anduponwhat hadcomeuponthemfromSatan,andhowhehadmade themperish 2God,therefore,sentHisWord,andraisedupAdamand Evefromtheirstateofdeath.

3Then,Adam,whenhewasraised,said,"OGod,Thou hastburntandtakenfromusthecornThouhadstgivenus, andThouhastemptiedoutthebucketofwater.AndThou hastsentThyangels,whohavewaylaidusfromthecornfieldWiltThoumakeusperish?IfthisbefromThee,O God,thentakeawayoursouls;butpunishusnot."

4ThenGodsaidtoAdam,"Ididnotburndownthewheat, andIdidnotpourthewateroutofthebucket,andIdidnot sendMyangelstoleadtheeastray.

5"ButitisSatan,thymasterwhodidit;hetowhomthou hastsubjectedthyself;Mycommandmentbeingmeanwhile setaside.Heitis,whoburntdownthecorn,andpouredout thewater,andwhohasledtheeastray;andallthepromises hehasmadeyou,verilyarebutfeint,anddeceit,andalie 6"Butnow,OAdam,thoushaltacknowledgeMygood deedsdonetothee"

7AndGodtoldHisangelstotakeAdamandEve,andto bearthemuptothefieldofwheat,whichtheyfoundas before,withthebucketfullofwater

8Theretheysawatree,andfoundonitsolidmanna;and wonderedatGod'spower.Andtheangelscommanded themtoeatofthemannawhentheywerehungry

9AndGodadjuredSatanwithacurse,nottocomeagain, anddestroythefieldofcorn

10ThenAdamandEvetookofthecorn,andmadeofitan offering,andtookitandofferedituponthemountain,the placewheretheyhadoffereduptheirfirstofferingofblood

11Andtheyofferedthisoblationagainonthealtarthey hadbuiltatfirst.Andtheystoodupandprayed,and besoughttheLordsaying,"Thus,OGod,whenwewerein thegarden,didourpraisesgouptoThee,likethisoffering; andourinnocencewentuptotheelikeincense.Butnow,O God,acceptthisofferingfromus,andturnusnotback,reft ofThymercy"

12ThenGodsaidtoAdamandEve,"Sinceyehavemade thisoblationandhaveofferedittoMe,IshallmakeitMy flesh,whenIcomedownuponearthtosaveyou;andI shallcauseittobeofferedcontinuallyuponanaltar,for forgivenessandformercy,untothosewhopartakeofit duly"

13AndGodsentabrightfireupontheofferingofAdam andEve,andfilleditwithbrightness,grace,andlight;and theHolyGhostcamedownuponthatoblation

14ThenGodcommandedanangeltotakefire-tongs,likea spoon,andwithittotakeanofferingandbringittoAdam andEveAndtheangeldidso,asGodhadcommanded him,andofferedittothem.

15AndthesoulsofAdamandEvewerebrightened,and theirheartswerefilledwithjoyandgladnessandwiththe praisesofGod.

16AndGodsaidtoAdam,"Thisshallbeuntoyoua custom,todoso,whenafflictionandsorrowcomeupon you.Butyourdeliveranceandyourentranceintothe garden,shallnotbeuntilthedaysarefulfilled,asagreed betweenyouandMe;wereitnotso,Iwould,ofMymercy andpityforyou,bringyoubacktoMygardenandtoMy favourforthesakeoftheofferingyouhavejustmadeto Myname"

17AdamrejoicedatthesewordswhichheheardfromGod; andheandEveworshippedbeforethealtar,towhichthey bowed,andthenwentbacktotheCaveofTreasures

18Andthistookplaceattheendofthetwelfthdayafter theeightiethday,fromthetimeAdamandEvecameoutof thegarden

19Andtheystoodupthewholenightprayinguntil morning;andthenwentoutofthecave

20ThenAdamsaidtoEve,withjoyofheart,becauseof theofferingtheyhadmadetoGod,andthathadbeen acceptedofHim,"Letusdothisthreetimeseveryweek, onthefourthdayWednesday,onthepreparationday Friday,andontheSabbathSunday,allthedaysofour life"

21Andastheyagreedtothesewordsbetweenthemselves, Godwaspleasedwiththeirthoughts,andwiththe resolutiontheyhadeachtakenwiththeother 22Afterthis,cametheWordofGodtoAdam,andsaid,"O Adam,thouhastdeterminedbeforehandthedaysinwhich sufferingsshallcomeuponMe,whenIammadeflesh;for theyarethefourthWednesday,andthepreparationday Friday

23"Butastothefirstday,Icreatedinitallthings,andI raisedtheheavens.And,again,throughMyrisingagainon thisday,willIcreatejoy,andraisethemonhigh,who believeinMe;OAdam,offerthisoblation,allthedaysof thylife."

24ThenGodwithdrewHisWordfromAdam 25ButAdamcontinuedtoofferthisoblationthus,every weekthreetimes,until,theendofsevenweeks.Andonthe firstday,whichisthefiftieth,Adammadeanofferingas hewaswont,andheandEvetookitandcametothealtar beforeGod,asHehadtaughtthem.

CHAPTER69

1ThenSatan,thehaterofallgood,enviousofAdamand ofhisofferingthroughwhichhefoundfavourwithGod, hastenedandtookasharpstonefromamongsharpironstones;appearedintheformofaman,andwentandstood byAdamandEve

2Adamwasthenofferingonthealtar,andhadbegunto pray,withhishandsspreaduntoGod

3ThenSatanhastenedwiththesharpiron-stonehehad withhim,andwithitpiercedAdamontherightside,when flowedbloodandwater,thenAdamfelluponthealtarlike acorpseAndSatanfled

4ThenEvecame,andtookAdamandplacedhimbelow thealtarAndthereshestayed,weepingoverhim;whilea streamofbloodflowedfromAdam'ssideuponhisoffering 5ButGodlookeduponthedeathofAdam.Hethensent HisWord,andraisedhimupandsaiduntohim,"Fulfilthy

offering,forindeed,Adam,itisworthmuch,andthereis noshortcominginit"

6GodsaidfurtheruntoAdam,"Thuswillitalsohappento Me,ontheearth,whenIshallbepiercedandbloodshall flowbloodandwaterfromMysideandrunoverMybody, whichisthetrueoffering;andwhichshallbeofferedon thealtarasaperfectoffering"

7ThenGodcommandedAdamtofinishhisoffering,and whenhehadendeditheworshippedbeforeGod,and praisedHimforthesignsHehadshowedhim

8AndGodhealedAdaminoneday,whichistheendof thesevenweeks;andthatisthefiftiethday.

9ThenAdamandEvereturnedfromthemountain,and wentintotheCaveofTreasures,astheywereusedtodo ThiscompletedforAdamandEve,onehundredandforty dayssincetheircomingoutofthegarden

10ThentheybothstoodupthatnightandprayedtoGod Andwhenitwasmorning,theywentout,andwentdown westwardofthecave,totheplacewheretheircornwas, andthererestedundertheshadowofatree,astheywere wont.

11Butwhenthereamultitudeofbeastscameallround them.ItwasSatan'sdoing,inhiswickedness;inorderto wagewaragainstAdamthroughmarriage.

CHAPTER70

1AfterthisSatan,thehaterofallgood,tooktheformn angel,andwithhimtwoothers,sothattheylookedlikethe threeangelswhohadbroughttoAdamgold,incense,and myrrh

2TheypassedbeforeAdamandEvewhiletheywereunder thetree,andgreetedAdamandEvewithfairwordsthat werefullofguile

3ButwhenAdamandEvesawtheircomelymien,and heardtheirsweetspeech,Adamrose,welcomedthem,and broughtthemtoEve,andtheyremainedalltogether; Adam'sheartthewhile,beinggladbecausehethought concerningthem,thattheywerethesameangels,whohad broughthimgold,incense,andmyrrh

4Because,whentheycametoAdamthefirsttime,there cameuponhimfromthem,peaceandjoy,throughtheir bringinghimgoodtokens;soAdamthoughtthattheywere comeasecondtimetogivehimothertokensforhimto rejoicewithalForhedidnotknowitwasSatan;therefore didhereceivethemwithjoyandcompaniedwiththem 5ThenSatan,thetallestofthem,said,"Rejoice,OAdam, andbegladLo,Godhassentustotheetotellthee something"

6AndAdamsaid,"Whatisit?"ThenSatananswered,"It isalightthing,yetitisawordofGod,wiltthouhearit fromusanddoit?Butifthouhearestnot,wewillreturnto God,andtellHimthatthouwouldestnotreceiveHis word"

7AndSatansaidagaintoAdam,"Fearnot,neitherleta tremblingcomeuponthee;dostnotthouknowus?"

8ButAdamsaid,"Iknowyounot"

9ThenSatansaidtohim,"Iamtheangelwhobroughtthee gold,andtookittothecave;thisotheroneishewho broughttheeincense;andthatthirdone,ishewhobrought theemyrrhwhenthouwastonthetopofthemountain,and whocarriedtheetothecave.

10"Butastotheotherangelsourfellows,whobareyouto thecave,Godhasnotsentthemwithusthistime;forHe saidtous,'Yousuffice.'"

11SowhenAdamheardthesewordshebelievedthem, andsaidtotheseangels,"SpeakthewordofGod,thatI mayreceiveit."

12AndSatansaiduntohim"Swear,andpromisemethat thouwiltreceiveit"

13ThenAdamsaid,"Iknownothowtoswearand promise"

14AndSatansaidtohim,"Holdoutthyhand,andputit insidemyhand."

15ThenAdamheldouthishand,andputitintoSatan's hand;whenSatansaiduntohim,"Say,now--sotrueasGod isliving,rational,andspeaking,whoraisedtheheavensin thespace,andestablishedtheearthuponthewaters,and hascreatedmeoutofthefourelements,andoutofthedust oftheearth--Iwillnotbreakmypromise,norrenouncemy word"

16AndAdamsworethus

17ThenSatansaidtohim,"Lo,itisnowsometimesince thoucamestoutofthegarden,andthouknowestneither wickednessnorevil.ButnowGodssaystothee,totake Evewhocameoutofthyside,andtowedher,thatshebear theechildren,tocomfortthee,andtodrivefromthee troubleandsorrow;nowthisthingisnotdifficult,neither isthereanyscandalinittothee."

CHAPTER71

1ButwhenAdamheardthesewordsfromSatan,he sorrowedmuch,becauseofhisoathandofhispromise, andsaid,"ShallIcommitadulterywithmyfleshandmy bones,andshallIsinagainstmyself,forGodtodestroyme, andtoblotmeoutfromoffthefaceoftheearth?

2"Since,whenatfirst,Iateofthetree,Hedrovemeoutof thegardenintothisstrangeland,anddeprivedmeofmy brightnature,andbroughtdeathuponme.If,then,Ishould dothis,Hewillcutoffmylifefromtheearth,andHewill castmeintohell,andwillplaguemetherealongtime 3"ButGodneverspokethewordsthouhasttoldme;and yearenotGod'sangels,noryetsentfromHimButyeare devils,cometomeunderthefalseappearanceofangels Awayfromme;yecursedofGod!"

4ThenthosedevilsfledfrombeforeAdamAndheand Evearose,andreturnedtotheCaveofTreasures,andwent intoit.

5ThenAdamsaidtoEve,"IfthousawestwhatIdid,tellit not;forIsinnedagainstGodnswearingbyHisgreatname, andIhaveplacedmyhandanothertimeintothatofSatan." Eve,then,heldherpeace,asAdamtoldher

6ThenAdamarose,andspreadhishandsuntoGod, beseechingandentreatingHimwithtears,toforgivehim whathehaddoneAndAdamremainedthusstandingand prayingfortydaysandfortynightsHeneitheratenor drankuntilhedroppeddownupontheearthfromhunger andthirst

7ThenGodsentHisWorduntoAdam,whoraisedhimup fromwherehelay,andsaiduntohim,"OAdam,whyhast thouswornbyMyname,andwhyhastthoumade agreementwithSatananothertime?"

8ButAdamwept,andsaid,"OGod,forgiveme,forIdid thisunwittingly;believingtheywereGod'sangels"

9AndGodforgaveAdam,saying,tohim,"Bewareof Satan"

10AndHewithdrewHisWordfromAdam.

11ThenAdam'sheartwascomforted;andhetookEve, andtheywentoutofthecave,tomakesomefoodfortheir bodies.

12ButfromthatdayAdamstruggledinhismindabouthis weddingEve;afraidashewastodoit,lestGodshouldbe wrothwithhim.

13ThenAdamandEvewenttotheriverofwater,andsat onthebank,aspeopledowhentheyenjoythemselves 14ButSatanwasjealousofthem;andwoulddestroythem.

CHAPTER72

1ThenSatan,andtenfromhishosts,transformed themselvesintomaidens,unlikeanyothersinthewhole worldforgrace.

2TheycameupoutoftheriverinpresenceofAdamand Eve,andtheysaidamongthemselves,"Come,wewilllook atthefacesofAdamandofEve,whoareofthemenupon earthHowbeautifultheyare,andhowdifferentistheir lookfromourownfaces."ThentheycametoAdamand Eve,andgreetedthem;andstoodwonderingatthem.

3AdamandEvelookedatthemalso,andwonderedat theirbeauty,andsaid,"Isthere,then,underus,another world,withsuchbeautifulcreaturesastheseinit"'

4AndthosemaidenssaidtoAdamandEve,"Yes,indeed, weareanabundantcreation"

5ThenAdamsaidtothem,"Buthowdoyoumultiply?"

6Andtheyansweredhim,"Wehavehusbandswho weddedus,andwebearthemchildren,whogrowup,and whointheirturnwedandarewedded,andalsobear children;andthusweincreaseAndifsobe,OAdam,thou wiltnotbelieveus,wewillshowtheeourhusbandsand ourchildren."

7Thentheyshoutedovertheriverasiftocalltheir husbandsandtheirchildren,whocameupfromtheriver, menandchildren;andeveryonecametohiswife,his childrenbeingwithhim

8ButwhenAdamandEvesawthem,theystooddumb, andwonderedatthem

9ThentheysaidtoAdamandEve,"Youseeourhusbands andourchildren,wedEveaswewedourwives,andyou shallhavechildrenthesameaswe"Thiswasadeviceof SatantodeceiveAdam

10Satanalsothoughtwithinhimself,"Godatfirst commandedAdamconcerningthefruitofthetree,saying tohim,'Eatnotofit;elseofdeaththoushaltdie'But Adamateofit,andyetGoddidnotkillhim;Heonly decreeduponhimdeath,andplaguesandtrials,untilthe dayheshallcomeoutofhisbody

11"Now,then,ifIdeceivehimtodothisthing,andtowed EvewithoutGod'scommandment,Godwillkillhimthen" 12ThereforedidSatanworkthisapparitionbeforeAdam andEve;becausehesoughttokillhim,andtomakehim disappearfromoffthefaceoftheearth

13MeanwhilethefireofsincameuponAdam,andhe thoughtofcommittingsin.Butherestrainedhimself, fearinglestifhefollowedthisadviceofSatanGodwould puthimtodeath

14ThenAdamandEvearose,andprayedtoGod,while Satanandhishostswentdownintotheriver,inpresenceof

AdamandEve;toletthemseethattheyweregoingbackto theirownregions

15ThenAdamandEvewentbacktotheCaveofTreasures, astheywerewont;abouteveningtime

16AndtheybotharoseandprayedtoGodthatnight Adamremainedstandinginprayer,yetnotknowinghowto pray,byreasonofthethoughtsofhisheartregardinghis weddingEve;andhecontinuedsountilmorning 17Andwhenlightarose,AdamsaiduntoEve,"Arise,let usgobelowthemountain,wheretheybroughtusgold,and letusasktheLordconcerningthismatter"

18ThenEvesaid,"Whatisthatmatter,OAdam?" 19Andheansweredher,"ThatImayrequesttheLordto informmeaboutweddingthee;forIwillnotdoitwithout Hisorder,lestHemakeusperish,theeandme.Forthose devilshavesetmyheartonfire,withthoughtsofwhatthey showedus,intheirsinfulapparitions"

20ThenEvesaidtoAdam,"Whyneedwegobelowthe mountain?Letusratherstandupandprayinourcaveto God,toletusknowwhetherthiscounselisgoodornot" 21ThenAdamroseupinprayerandsaid,"OGod,thou knowestthatwetransgressedagainstThee,andfromthe momentwetransgressed,wewerebereftofourbright nature;andourbodybecamebrutish,requiringfoodand drink;andwithanimaldesires

22"Commandus,OGod,nottogivewaytothemwithout Thyorder,lestThoubringustonothing.ForifThougive usnottheorder,weshallbeoverpowered,andfollowthat adviceofSatan;andThouwiltagainmakeusperish 23"Ifnot,thentakeoursoulsfromus;letusberidofthis animallustAndifThougiveusnoorderrespectingthis thing,thenseverEvefromme,andmefromher;andplace useachfarawayfromtheother

24"Yetagain,OGod,whenThouhastputusasunderfrom eachother,thedevilswilldeceiveuswiththeirapparitions, anddestroyourhearts,anddefileourthoughtstowards eachotherYetifitisnoteachofustowardstheother,it will,atallevents,bethroughtheirappearancewhenthey showthemselvestous"HereAdamendedhisprayer

CHAPTER73

1ThenGodlookeduponthewordsofAdamthattheywere true,andthathecouldlongawaitHisorder,respectingthe counselofSatan

2AndGodapprovedAdaminwhathehadthought concerningthis,andintheprayerhehadofferedinHis presence;andtheWordofGodcameuntoAdamandsaid tohim,"OAdam,ifonlythouhadsthadthiscautionatfirst, erethouearnestoutofthegardenintothisland!"

3Afterthat,GodsentHisangelwhohadbroughtgold,and theangelwhohadbroughtincense,andtheangelwhohad broughtmyrrhtoAdam,thattheyshouldinformhim respectinghisweddingEve

4ThenthoseangelssaidtoAdam,"Takethegoldandgive ittoEveasaweddinggift,andbetrothher;thengiveher someincenseandmyrrhasapresent;andbeye,thouand she,oneflesh"

5Adamhearkenedtotheangels,andtookthegoldandput itintoEve'sbosominhergarment;andbethrothedherwith hishand

6ThentheangelscommandedAdamandEve,toariseand prayfortydaysandfortynights;andafterthat,thatAdam

shouldcomeintohiswife;forthenthiswouldbeanact pureandundefiled;andheshouldhavechildrenwho wouldmultiply,andreplenishthefaceoftheearth.

7ThenbothAdamandEvereceivedthewordsofthe angels;andtheangelsdepartedfromthem

8ThenAdamandEvebegantofastandtopray,untilthe endofthefortydays;andthentheycametogether,asthe angelshadtoldthemAndfromthetimeAdamleftthe gardenuntilheweddedEve,weretwohundredandtwentythreedays,thatissevenmonthsandthirteendays

9ThuswasSatan'swarwithAdamdefeated

CHAPTER74

1Andtheydweltontheearthworking,inordertocontinue inthewell-beingoftheirbodies;andweresountilthenine monthsofEve'schildbearingwereended,andthetime drewnearwhenshemustbedelivered.

2ThenshesaiduntoAdam,"Thiscaveisapurespotby reasonofthesignswroughtinitsinceweleftthegarden; andweshallagainprayinit.Itisnotmeet,then,thatI shouldbringforthinit;letusratherrepairtothatofthe shelteringrock,whichSatanhurledatus,whenhewished tokilluswithit;butthatwasheldupandspreadasan awningoverusbythecommandofGod;andformeda cave"

3ThenAdamremovedEvetothatcave;andwhenthetime camethatsheshouldbringforth,shetravailedmuchSo wasAdamsorry,andhisheartsufferedforhersake;for shewasnighuntodeath;thatthewordofGodtoher shouldbefulfilled:"Insufferingshaltthoubearachild, andinsorrowshaltthoubringforththychild."

4ButwhenAdamsawthestraitinwhichEvewas,he aroseandprayedtoGod,andsaid,"OLord,lookuponme withtheeyeofThymercy,andbringheroutofher distress."

5AndGodlookedatHismaid-servantEve,anddelivered her,andshebroughtforthherfirst-bornson,andwithhim adaughter

6ThenAdamrejoicedatEve'sdeliverance,andalsoover thechildrenshehadbornehim.AndAdamministeredunto Eveinthecave,untiltheendofeightdays;whenthey namedthesonCain,andthedaughterLuluwa

7ThemeaningofCainis"hater,"becausehehatedhis sisterintheirmother'swomb;eretheycameoutofit ThereforedidAdamnamehimCain

8ButLuluwameans"beautiful,"becauseshewasmore beautifulthanhermother

9ThenAdamandEvewaiteduntilCainandhissisterwere fortydaysold,whenAdamsaiduntoEve,"Wewillmake anofferingandofferitupinbehalfofthechildren" 10AndEvesaid,"Wewillmakeoneofferingforthe firstbornson;andafterwardsweshallmakeoneforthe daughter"

CHAPTER75

1ThenAdampreparedanoffering,andheandEveoffered itupfortheirchildren,andbroughtittothealtartheyhad builtatfirst

2AndAdamoffereduptheoffering,andbesoughtGodto accepthisoffering.

3ThenGodacceptedAdam'soffering,andsentalight fromheaventhatshoneupontheofferingAndAdamand thesondrewneartotheoffering,butEveandthedaughter didnotapproachuntoit

4ThenAdamcamedownfromuponthealtar,andthey werejoyful;andAdamandEvewaiteduntilthedaughter waseightydaysold;thenAdampreparedanofferingand tookittoEveandtothechildren;andtheywenttothealtar, whereAdamoffereditup,ashewaswont,askingtheLord toaccepthisoffering

5AndtheLordacceptedtheofferingofAdamandEve ThenAdam,Eve,andthechildren,drewneartogether,and camedownfromthemountain,rejoicing

6Buttheyreturnednottothecaveinwhichtheywereborn; butcametotheCaveofTreasures,inorderthatthe childrenshouldgoroundit,andbeblessedwiththetokens broughtfromthegarden

7Butaftertheyhadbeenblessedwiththesetokens,they wentbacktothecaveinwhichtheywereborn

8However,beforeEvehadoffereduptheoffering,Adam hadtakenher,andhadgonewithhertotheriverofwater, inwhichtheythrewthemselvesatfirst;andtherethey washedthemselves.AdamwashedhisbodyandEvehers alsoclean,afterthesufferinganddistressthathadcome uponthem

9ButAdamandEve,afterwashingthemselvesintheriver ofwater,returnedeverynighttotheCaveofTreasures, wheretheyprayedandwereblessed;andthenwentbackto theircavewherethechildrenwereborn

10SodidAdamandEveuntilthechildrenhaddone suckingThen,whentheywereweaned,Adammadean offeringforthesoulsofhischildren;otherthanthethree timeshemadeanofferingforthem,everyweek 11Whenthedaysofnursingthechildrenwereended,Eve againconceived,andwhenherdayswereaccomplished shebroughtforthanothersonanddaughter;andthey namedthesonAbel,andthedaughterAklia

12Thenattheendoffortydays,Adammadeanoffering fortheson,andattheendofeightydayshemadeanother offeringforthedaughter,anddidbythem,ashehaddone beforebyCainandhissisterLuluwa.

13HebroughtthemtotheCaveofTreasures,wherethey receivedablessing,andthenreturnedtothecavewhere theywereborn.Afterthebirthofthese,Eveceasedfrom childbearing

CHAPTER76

1Andthechildrenbegantowaxstronger,andtogrowin stature;butCainwashardhearted,andruledoverhis youngerbrother

2Andoftentimeswhenhisfathermadeanoffering,he wouldremainbehindandnotgowiththem,toofferup.

3But,astoAbel,hehadameekheart,andwasobedientto hisfatherandmother,whomheoftenmovedtomakean offering,becausehelovedit;andprayedandfastedmuch.

4ThencamethissigntoAbelAshewascomingintothe CaveofTreasures,andsawthegoldenrods,theincense andthemyrrh,heinquiredofhisparentsAdamandEve concerningthem,andsaiduntothem,"Howdidyoucome bythese?"

5ThenAdamtoldhimallthathadbefallenthem.And Abelfeltdeeplyaboutwhathisfathertoldhim

6FurthermorehisfatherAdam,toldhimoftheworksof God,andofthegarden;andafterthat,heremainedbehind hisfatherthewholeofthatnightintheCaveofTreasures.

7Andthatnight,whilehewaspraying,Satanappeared untohimunderthefigureofaman,whosaidtohim,"Thou hastoftentimesmovedthyfathertomakeanoffering,to fastandtopray,thereforeIwillkillthee,andmakethee perishfromthisworld"

8ButasforAbel,heprayedtoGod,anddroveawaySatan fromhim;andbelievednotthewordsofthedevilThen whenitwasday,anangelofGodappeareduntohim,who saidtohim,"Shortenneitherfasting,prayer,noroffering upanoblationuntothyGodFor,lo,theLordhasaccepted thyprayerBenotafraidofthefigurewhichappearedunto theeinthenight,andwhocursedtheeuntodeath."Andthe angeldepartedfromhim

9Thenwhenitwasday,AbelcametoAdamandEve,and toldthemofthevisionhehadseen.Butwhentheyheardit, theygrievedmuchoverit,yetsaidnothingtohimaboutit; theyonlycomfortedhim

10Butastohard-heartedCain,Satancametohimbynight, showedhimselfandsaiduntohim,"SinceAdamandEve lovethybrotherAbelmuchmorethantheylovethee,and wishtojoinhiminmarriagetothybeautifulsister,because theylovehim;butwishtojointheeinmarriagetohisillfavouredsister,becausetheyhatethee; 11"Now,therefore,Icounselthee,whentheydothat,to killthybrother;thenthysisterwillbeleftforthee;andhis sisterwillbecast,away"

12AndSatandepartedfromhimButthewickedOne remainedbehindintheheartofCain,whosoughtmanya time,tokillhisbrother.

CHAPTER77

1ButwhenAdamsawthattheelderbrotherhatedthe younger,heendeavouredtosoftentheirhearts,andsaid untoCain,"Take,Omyson,ofthefruitsofthysowing, andmakeanofferinguntoGod,thatHemayforgivethee thywickednessandthysin"

2HesaidalsotoAbel,"Takethouofthysowingandmake anofferingandbringittoGod,thatHemayforgivethy wickednessandthysin"

3ThenAbelhearkeneduntohisfather'svoice,andtookof hissowing,andmadeagoodoffering,andsaidtohis father,Adam,"Comewithme,toshowmehowtoofferit up."

4Andtheywent,AdamandEvewithhim,andshowed himhowtoofferuphisgiftuponthealtarThenafterthat, theystoodupandprayedthatGodwouldacceptAbel's offering

5ThenGodlookeduponAbelandacceptedhisoffering AndGodwasmorepleasedwithAbelthanwithhis offering,becauseofhisgoodheartandpurebodyThere wasnotraceofguileinhim

6Thentheycamedownfromthealtar,andwenttothe caveinwhichtheydweltButAbel,byreasonofhisjoyat havingmadehisoffering,repeateditthreetimesaweek, aftertheexampleofhisfatherAdam.

7ButastoCain,hetooknopleasureinoffering;butafter muchangeronhisfather'spart,heoffereduphisgiftonce; andwhenhedidofferup,hiseyewasontheofferinghe

made,andhetookthesmallestofhissheepforanoffering, andhiseyewasagainonit'

8ThereforeGoddidnotaccepthisoffering,becausehis heartwasfullofmurderousthoughts

9AndtheyallthuslivedtogetherinthecaveinwhichEve hadbroughtforth,untilCainwasfifteenyearsold,and Abeltwelveyearsold

CHAPTER78

1ThenAdamsaidtoEve,"Beholdthechildrenaregrown up;wemustthinkoffindingwivesforthem."

2ThenEveanswered,"Howcanwedoit?"

3ThenAdamsaidtoher,"WewilljoinAbel'ssisterin marriagetoCain,andCain'ssistertoAbel."

4ThensaidEvetoAdam,"IdonotlikeCainbecauseheis hard-hearted;butletthembideuntilweofferupuntothe Lordintheirbehalf."

5AndAdamsaidnomore

6MeanwhileSatancametoCaininthefigureofamanof thefield,andsaidtohim,"BeholdAdamandEvehave takencounseltogetheraboutthemarriageofyoutwo;and theyhaveagreedtomarryAbel'ssistertothee,andthy sistertohim.

7"ButifitwasnotthatIlovethee,Iwouldnothavetold theethisthingYetifthouwilttakemyadvice,and hearkentome,Iwillbring:theeonthyweddingday beautifulrobes,goldandsilverinplenty,andmyrelations willattendthee"

8ThenCainsaidwithjoy,"Wherearethyrelations?"

9AndSatananswered,"Myrelationsareinagardeninthe north,whitherIoncemeanttobringthyfatherAdam;but hewouldnotacceptmyoffer

10"Butthou,ifthouwiltreceivemywordsandifthouwilt comeuntomeafterthywedding,thoushaltrestfromthe miseryinwhichthouart;andthoushaltrestandbebetter offthanthyfatherAdam"

11AtthesewordsofSatanCainopenedhisears,andleant towardshisspeech

12Andhedidnotremaininthefield,buthewenttoEve, hismother,andbeather,andcursedher,andsaidtoher, "Whyareyeabouttakingmysistertowedhertomy brother?AmIdead""

13Hismother,however,quietedhim,andsenthimtothe fieldwherebehadbeen

14ThenwhenAdamcame,shetoldhimofwhatCainhad done.

15ButAdamgrievedandheldhispeace,andsaidnota word

16ThenonthemorrowAdamsaiduntoCainhisson, "Takeofthysheep,youngandgood,andofferthemup untothyGod;andIwillspeaktothybrother,tomakeunto hisGodanofferingofcorn."

17TheybothhearkenedtotheirfatherAdam,andthey tooktheirofferings,andofferedthemuponthemountain bythealtar.

18ButCainbehavedhaughtilytowardshisbrother,and thrusthimfromthealtar,andwouldnotlethimofferup hisgiftuponthealtar;butheofferedhisownuponit,with aproudheart,fullofguile,andfraud

19ButasforAbel,hesetupstonesthatwerenearathand, anduponthat,heoffereduphisgiftwithahearthumble andfreefromguile

20Cainwasthenstandingbythealtaronwhichhehad offereduphisgift;andhecrieduntoGodtoaccepthis offering;butGoddidnotacceptitfromhim;neitherdida divinefirecomedowntoconsumehisoffering

21Butheremainedstandingoveragainstthealtar,outof humourandwroth,lookingtowardshisbrotherAbel,to seeifGodwouldaccepthisofferingornot

22AndAbelprayeduntoGodtoaccepthisofferingThen adivinefirecamedownandconsumedhisoffering.And Godsmelledthesweetsavourofhisoffering;becauseAbel lovedHimandrejoicedinHim

23AndbecauseGodwaswellpleasedwithhimHesent himanangeloflightinthefigureofmanwhohadpartaken ofhisoffering,becauseHehadsmelledthesweetsavourof hisoffering,andtheycomfortedAbelandstrengthenedhis heart

24ButCainwaslookingonallthattookplaceathis brother'soffering,andwaswrothonaccountofit.

25ThenheopenedhismouthandblasphemedGod, becauseHehadnotacceptedhisoffering

26ButGodsaiduntoCain,"Whereforeisthycountenance sad?Berighteous,thatImayacceptthyofferingNot against Mehastthoumurmured,butagainstthyself."

27AndGodsaidthistoCaininrebuke,andbecauseHe abhorredhimandhisoffering

28AndCaincamedownfromthealtar,hiscolourchanged andofawoefulcountenance,andcametohisfatherand motherandtoldthemallthathadbefallenhimAndAdam grievedmuchbecauseGodhadnotacceptedCain's offering

29ButAbelcamedownrejoicing,andwithagladsome heart,andtoldhisfatherandmotherhowGodhadaccepted hisofferingAndtheyrejoicedatitandkissedhisface

30AndAbelsaidtohisfather,"BecauseCainthrustme fromthealtar,andwouldnotallowmetooffermygift uponit,Imadeanaltarformyselfandofferedmygiftupon it."

31ButwhenAdamheardthishewasverysorry,becauseit wasthealtarhehadbuiltatfirst,anduponwhichhehad offeredhisowngifts.

32AstoCain,hewassosullenandsoangrythathewent intothefield,whereSatancametohimandsaidtohim, "SincethybrotherAbelhastakenrefugewiththyfather Adam,becausethoudidstthrusthimfromthealtar,they havekissedhisface,andtheyrejoiceoverhim,farmore thanoverthee."

33WhenCainheardthesewordsofSatan,hewasfilled withrage;andheletnooneknowButhewaslayingwait tokillhisbrother,untilhebroughthimintothecave,and thensaidtohim:--

34"Obrother,thecountryissobeautiful,andthereare suchbeautifulandpleasurabletreesinit,andcharmingto lookat!Butbrother,thouhastneverbeenonedayinthe fieldtotakethypleasuretherein

35"To-day,O,mybrother,Iverymuchwishthou wouldestcomewithmeintothefield,toenjoythyselfand toblessourfieldsandourflocks,forthouartrighteous, andIlovetheemuch,Omybrother!butthouhast estrangedthyselffromme"

36ThenAbelconsentedtogowithhisbrotherCaininto thefield.

37Butbeforegoingout,CainsaidtoAbel,"Waitforme, untilIfetchastaff,becauseofwildbeasts"

38ThenAbelstoodwaitinginhisinnocence.ButCain,the forward,fetchedastaffandwentout

39Andtheybegan,CainandhisbrotherAbel,towalkin theway;Caintalkingtohim,andcomfortinghim,tomake himforgeteverything

CHAPTER79

1Andsotheywenton,untiltheycametoalonelyplace, wheretherewerenosheep;thenAbelsaidtoCain, "Behold,mybrother,wearewearyofwalking;forwesee noneofthetrees,norofthefruits,noroftheverdure,nor ofthesheep,noranyoneofthethingsofwhichthoudidst tellmeWherearethosesheepofthinethoudidsttellmeto bless?"

2ThenCainsaidtohim,"Comeon,andpresentlythou shaltseemanybeautifulthingsbutgobeforeme,untilI comeuptothee"

3ThenwentAbelforward,butCainremainedbehindhim.

4AndAbelwaswalkinginhisinnocence,withoutguile; notbelievinghisbrotherwouldkillhim.

5ThenCain,whenhecameuptohim,comfortedhimwith histalk,walkingalittlebehindhim;thenhehastened,and smotehimwiththestaff,blowuponblow,untilhewas stunned,

6ButwhenAbelfelldownupontheground,seeingthathis brothermeanttokillhim,hesaidtoCain,"O,mybrother, havepityonmeBythebreastswehavesucked,smiteme not!Bythewombthatbareusandthatbroughtusintothe world,smitemenotuntodeathwiththatstaff!Ifthouwilt killme,takeoneoftheselargestones,andkillme outright"

7ThenCain,thehard-hearted,andcruelmurderer,tooka largestone,andsmotehisbrotherwithituponthehead, untilhisbrainsoozedout,andhewelteredinhisblood, beforehim.

8AndCainrepentednotofwhathehaddone

9Buttheearth,whenthebloodofrighteousAbelfellupon it,trembled,asitdrankhisblood,andwouldhavebrought Caintonaughtforit

10AndthebloodofAbelcriedmysteriouslytoGod,to avengehimofhismurderer.

11ThenCainbeganatoncetodigtheearthwhereintolay hisbrother;forhewastremblingfromthefearthatcame uponhim,whenhesawtheearthtrembleonhisaccount.

12Hethencasthisbrotherintothepithemade,and coveredhimwithdustButtheearthwouldnotreceivehim; butitthrewhimupatonce.

13AgaindidCaindigtheearthandhidhisbrotherinit; butagaindidtheearththrowhimuponitself;untilthree timesdidtheearththusthrowuponitselfthebodyofAbel.

14Themuddyearththrewhimupthefirsttime,becausehe wasnotthefirstcreation;anditthrewhimupthesecond timeandwouldnotreceivehim,becausehewasrighteous andgood,andwaskilledwithoutacause;andtheearth threwhimupthethirdtimeandwouldnotreceivehim,that theremightremainbeforehisbrotherawitnessagainsthim.

15AndsodidtheearthmockCain,untiltheWordofGod, cametohimconcerninghisbrother

16ThenwasGodangry,andmuchdispleasedatAbel's death;andHethunderedfromheaven,andlightningswent

beforeHim,andtheWordoftheLordGodcamefrom heaventoCain,andsaiduntohim,"WhereisAbelthy brother?"

17ThenCainansweredwithaproudheartandagruff voice,"How,OGod?amImybrother'skeeper?"

18ThenGodsaiduntoCain,"Cursedbetheearththathas drunkthebloodofAbelthybrother;andthou,bethou tremblingandshaking;andthiswillbeasignuntothee, thatwhosoeverfindsthee,shallkillthee."

19ButCainweptbecauseGodhadsaidthosewordstohim; andCainsaiduntoHim"OGod,whosoeverfindsmeshall killme,andIshallbeblottedoutfromthefaceofthe earth"

20ThenGodsaiduntoCain,"Whosoevershallfindthee shallnotkillthee;"becausebeforethis,Godhadbeen sayingtoCain,"Ishallforegosevenpunishmentsonhim whokillsCain"ForastothewordofGodtoCain,"Where isthybrother?"Godsaiditinmercyforhim,totryand makehimrepent

21ForifCainhadrepentedatthattime,andhadsaid,"O God,forgivememysin,andthemurderofmybrother," Godwouldthenhaveforgivenhimhissin

22AndastoGodsayingtoCain,"Cursedbetheground thathasdrunkthebloodofthybrother"thatalso,was God'smercyonCainForGoddidnotcursehim,butHe cursedtheground;althoughitwasnotthegroundthathad killedAbel,andhadcommittediniquity.

23Foritwasmeetthatthecurseshouldfalluponthe murderer;yetinmercydidGodsomanageHisthoughtsas thatnooneshouldknowit,andturnawayfromCain

24AndHesaidtohim,"Whereisthybrother?"Towhich heansweredandsaid,"Iknownot."ThentheCreatorsaid tohim,"Betremblingandquaking"

25ThenCaintrembledandbecameterrified;andthrough thissigndidGodmakehimanexamplebeforeallthe creation,asthemurdererofhisbrother.AlsodidGodbring tremblingandterroruponhim,thathemightseethepeace inwhichhewasatfirst,andseealsothetremblingand terrorheenduredatthelast;sothathemighthumble himselfbeforeGod,andrepentofhissin,andseekthe peaceheenjoyedatfirst.

26AndinthewordofGodthatsaid,"Iwillforegoseven punishmentsonwhomsoeverkillsCain,"Godwasnot seekingtokillCainwiththesword,butHesoughttomake himdieoffasting,andprayingandweepingbyhardrule, untilthetimethathewasdeliveredfromhissin

27Andthesevenpunishmentsarethesevengenerations duringwhichGodawaitedCainforthemurderofhis brother

28ButastoCain,eversincehehadkilledhisbrother,he couldfindnorestinanyplace;butwentbacktoAdamand Eve,trembling,terrified,anddefiledwithblood

TheSecondBookof AdamandEve

CHAPTER1

1WhenLuluwaheardCain'swords,sheweptandwent toherfatherandmother,andtoldthemhowthatCain hadkilledhisbrotherAbel

2Thentheyallcriedaloudandlifteduptheirvoices, andslappedtheirfaces,andthrewdustupontheirheads, andrentasundertheirgarments,andwentoutandcame totheplacewhereAbelwaskilled

3Andtheyfoundhimlyingontheearth,killed,and beastsaroundhim;whiletheyweptandcriedbecauseof thisjustone.Fromhisbody,byreasonofitspurity, wentforthasmellofsweetspices.

4AndAdamcarriedhim,histearsstreamingdownhis face;andwenttotheCaveofTreasures,wherehelaid him,andwoundhimupwithsweetspicesandmyrrh.

5AndAdamandEvecontinuedbytheburialofhimin greatgriefahundredandfortydays.Abelwasfifteen andahalfyearsold,andCainseventeenyearsandahalf.

6AsforCain,whenthemourningforhisbrotherwas ended,hetookhissisterLuluwaandmarriedher, withoutleavefromhisfatherandmother;fortheycould notkeephimfromher,byreasonoftheirheavyheart.

7Hethenwentdowntothebottomofthemountain, awayfromthegarden,neartotheplacewherehehad killedhisbrother.

8Andinthatplaceweremanyfruittreesandforesttrees. Hissisterbarehimchildren,whointheirturnbeganto multiplybydegreesuntiltheyfilledthatplace.

9ButasforAdamandEve,theycamenottogetherafter Abel'sfuneral,forsevenyearsAfterthis,however,Eve conceived;andwhileshewaswithchild,Adamsaidto her"Come,letustakeanofferingandofferitupunto God,andaskHimtogiveusafairchild,inwhomwe mayfindcomfort,andwhomwemayjoininmarriageto Abel'ssister"

10Thentheypreparedanofferingandbroughtitupto thealtar,andoffereditbeforetheLord,andbeganto entreatHimtoaccepttheiroffering,andtogivethema goodoffspring

11AndGodheardAdamandacceptedhisoffering Then,theyworshipped,Adam,Eve,andtheirdaughter, andcamedowntotheCaveofTreasuresandplaceda lampinit,toburnbynightandbyday,beforethebody ofAbel

12ThenAdamandEvecontinuedfastingandpraying untilEve'stimecamethatsheshouldbedelivered,when shesaidtoAdam:"Iwishtogotothecaveintherock, tobringforthinit"

13Andhesaid,"Goandtakewiththeethydaughterto waitonthee;butIwillremaininthisCaveofTreasures beforethebodyofmysonAbel."

14ThenEvehearkenedtoAdam,andwent,sheandher daughter.ButAdamremainedbyhimselfintheCaveof Treasures

CHAPTER2

1AndEvebroughtforthasonperfectlybeautifulin figureandincountenance.Hisbeautywaslikethatof hisfatherAdam,yetmorebeautiful.

2ThenEvewascomfortedwhenshesawhim,and remainedeightdaysinthecave;thenshesenther daughteruntoAdamtotellhimtocomeandseethe childandnamehim.Butthedaughterstayedinhisplace bythebodyofherbrother,untilAdamreturned.Sodid she.

3ButwhenAdamcameandsawthechild'sgoodlooks, hisbeauty,andhisperfectfigure,herejoicedoverhim, andwascomfortedforAbelThenhenamedthechild Seth,thatmeans,"thatGodhasheardmyprayer,and hasdeliveredmeoutofmyaffliction."Butitmeansalso "powerandstrength"

4ThenafterAdamhadnamedthechild,hereturnedto theCaveofTreasures;andhisdaughterwentbacktoher mother

5ButEvecontinuedinhercave,untilfortydayswere fulfilled,whenshecametoAdam,andbroughtwithher thechildandherdaughter

6Andtheycametoariverofwater,whereAdamand hisdaughterwashedthemselves,becauseoftheirsorrow forAbel;butEveandthebabewashedforpurification

7Thentheyreturned,andtookanoffering,andwentto themountainandoffereditup,forthebabe;andGod acceptedtheiroffering,andsentHisblessinguponthem, andupontheirsonSeth;andtheycamebacktotheCave ofTreasures

8AsforAdam,heknewnotagainhiswifeEve,allthe daysofhislife;neitherwasanymoreoffspringbornof them;butonlythosefive,Cain,Luluwa,Abel,Aklia, andSethalone

9ButSethwaxedinstatureandinstrength;andbegan tofastandpray,fervently

CHAPTER3

1AsforourfatherAdam,attheendofsevenyearsfrom thedayhehadbeenseveredfromhiswifeEve,Satan enviedhim,whenhesawhimthusseparatedfromher; andstrovetomakehimlivewithheragain.

2ThenAdamaroseandwentupabovetheCaveof Treasures;andcontinuedtosleeptherenightbynight. Butassoonasitwaslighteverydayhecamedownto thecave,topraythereandtoreceiveablessingfromit.

3Butwhenitwaseveninghewentupontheroofofthe cave,wherehesleptbyhimself,fearinglestSatan shouldovercomehim.Andhecontinuedthusapart thirty-ninedays.

4ThenSatan,thehaterofallgood,whenhesawAdam thusalone,fastingandpraying,appeareduntohiminthe formofabeautifulwoman,whocameandstoodbefore himinthenightofthefortiethday,andsaiduntohim:--

5"OAdam,fromthetimeyehavedweltinthiscave,we haveexperiencedgreatpeacefromyou,andyour prayershavereachedus,andwehavebeencomforted aboutyou.

6"Butnow,OAdam,thatthouhastgoneupoverthe roofofthecavetosleep,wehavehaddoubtsaboutthee, andagreatsorrowhascomeuponusbecauseofthy separationfromEve.Thenagain,whenthouartonthe roofofthiscave,thyprayerispouredout,andthyheart wandersfromsidetoside.

7"Butwhenthouwastinthecavethyprayerwaslike firegatheredtogether;itcamedowntous,andthou didstfindrest.

8"ThenIalsogrievedoverthychildrenwhoaresevered fromthee;andmysorrowisgreataboutthemurderof thysonAbel;forhewasrighteous;andoverarighteous maneveryonewillgrieve.

9"ButIrejoicedoverthebirthofthysonSeth;yetafter alittlewhileIsorrowedgreatlyoverEve,becausesheis mysister.ForwhenGodsentadeepsleepoverthee,and drewheroutofthyside,Hebroughtmeoutalsowith herButHeraisedherbyplacingherwiththee,while Heloweredme

10"IrejoicedovermysisterforherbeingwiththeeBut Godhadmademeapromisebefore,andsaid,'Grieve not;whenAdamhasgoneupontheroofoftheCaveof Treasures,andisseparatedfromEvehiswife,Iwill sendtheetohim,thoushaltjointhyselftohimin marriage,andbearhimfivechildren,asEvedidbear himfive'

11"Andnow,lo!God'spromisetomeisfulfilled;forit isHewhohassentmetotheeforthewedding;because ifthouwedme,Ishallbeartheefinerandbetterchildren thanthoseofEve

12"Thenagain,thouartasyetbutayouth;endnotthy youthinthisworldinsorrow;butspendthedaysofthy youthinmirthandpleasureForthydaysarefewand thytrialisgreatBestrong;endthydaysinthisworldin rejoicingIshalltakepleasureinthee,andthoushall rejoicewithmeinthiswise,andwithoutfear

13"Up,then,andfulfilthecommandofthyGod,"she thendrewneartoAdam,andembracedhim.

14ButwhenAdamsawthatheshouldbeovercomeby her,heprayedtoGodwithaferventhearttodeliverhim fromher.

15ThenGodsentHisWorduntoAdam,saying,"O Adam,thatfigureistheonethatpromisedtheethe Godhead,andmajesty;heisnotfavourablydisposed towardsthee;butshowshimselftotheeatonetimein theformofawoman;anothermoment,inthelikenessof anangel;onanotheroccasions,inthesimilitudeofa serpent;andatanothertime,inthesemblanceofagod; buthedoesallthatonlytodestroythysoul.

16"Now,therefore,OAdam,understandingthyheart,I havedeliveredtheemanyatimefromhishands;in ordertoshowtheethatIamamercifulGod;andthatI wishthygood,andthatIdonotwishthyruin."

CHAPTER4

1ThenGodorderedSatantoshowhimselftoAdamin plainly,inhisownhideousform.

2ButwhenAdamsawhim,hefeared,andtrembledat thesightofhim.

3AndGodsaidtoAdam,"Lookatthisdevil,andathis hideouslook,andknowthatheitiswhomadetheefall frombrightnessintodarkness,frompeaceandrestto toilandmisery.

4Andlook,OAdam,athim,whosaidofhimselfthathe isGod!CanGodbeblack?WouldGodtaketheformof awoman?IsthereanyonestrongerthanGod?Andcan Hebeoverpowered?

5"See,then,OAdam,andbeholdhimboundinthy presence,intheair,unabletofleeaway!Therefore,Isay untothee,benotafraidofhim;henceforthtakecare,and bewareofhim,inwhateverhemaydotothee"

6ThenGoddroveSatanawayfrombeforeAdam, whomHestrengthened,andwhoseheartHecomforted, sayingtohim,"GodowntotheCaveofTreasures,and separatenotthyselffromEve;Iwillquellinyouall animallust"

7FromthathouritleftAdamandEve,andtheyenjoyed restbythecommandmentofGodButGoddidnotthe liketoanyoneofAdam'sseed;butonlytoAdamand Eve

8ThenAdamworshippedbeforetheLord,forhaving deliveredhim,andforhavinglayedhispassionsAndhe camedownfromabovethecave,anddweltwithEveas aforetime

9ThisendedthefortydaysofhisseparationfromEve

CHAPTER5

1AsforSeth,whenhewassevenyearsold,heknew goodandevil,andwasconsistentinfastingandpraying, andspentallhisnightsinentreatingGodformercyand forgiveness

2Healsofastedwhenbringinguphisofferingeveryday, morethanhisfatherdid;forhewasofafair countenance,likeuntoanangelofGod.Healsohada goodheart,preservedthefinestqualitiesofhissoul:and forthisreasonhebroughtuphisofferingeveryday.

3AndGodwaspleasedwithhisoffering;butHewas alsopleasedwithhispurity.Andhecontinuedthusin doingthewillofGod,andofhisfatherandmother,until hewassevenyearsold.

4Afterthat,ashewascomingdownfromthealtar, havingendedhisoffering,Satanappeareduntohimin theformofabeautifulangel,brilliantwithlight;witha staffoflightinhishand,himselfgirtaboutwithagirdle oflight.

5HegreetedSethwithabeautifulsmile,andbeganto beguilehimwithfairwords,sayingtohim,"OSeth, whyabidestthouinthismountain?Foritisrough,full ofstonesandofsand,andoftreeswithnogoodfruiton them;awildernesswithouthabitationsandwithout towns;nogoodplacetodwellin.Butallisheat, weariness,andtrouble"

6Hesaidfurther,"Butwedwellinbeautifulplaces,in anotherworldthanthisearth.Ourworldisoneoflight andourconditionisofthebest;ourwomenare handsomerthananyothers;andIwishthee,OSeth,to wedoneofthem;becauseIseethatthouartfairtolook upon,andinthislandthereisnotonewomangood enoughforthee.Besides,allthosewholiveinthisworld, areonlyfivesouls.

7"Butinourworldthereareverymanymenandmany maidens,allmorebeautifulonethananother.Iwish, therefore,toremovetheehence,thatthoumayestseemy relationsandbeweddedtowhicheverthoulikest.

8"Thoushaltthenabidebymeandbeatpeace;thou shaltbefilledwithsplendourandlight,asweare.

9"Thoushaltremaininourworld.andrestfromthis worldandthemiseryofit;thoushaltneveragainfeel faintandweary;thoushaltneverbringupanoffering, norsueformercy;forthoushaltcommitnomoresin, norbeswayedbypassions.

10"AndifthouwilthearkentowhatIsay,thoushalt wedoneofmydaughters;forwithusitisnosinsotodo; neitherisitreckonedanimallust

11"ForinourworldwehavenoGod;butweallare gods;weallareofthelight,heavenly,powerful,strong andglorious"

CHAPTER6

1WhenSethheardthesewordshewasamazed,and inclinedhishearttoSatan'streacherousspeech,andsaid tohim,"Saidstthouthereisanotherworldcreatedthan this;andothercreaturesmorebeautifulthanthe creaturesthatareinthisworld?"

2AndSatansaid,"Yes;beholdthouhastheardme;butI willyetpraisethemandtheirways,inthyhearing"

3ButSethsaidtohim,"Thyspeechhasamazedme;and thybeautifuldescriptionofitall

4"YetIcannotgowiththeeto-day;notuntilIhave gonetomyfatherAdamandtomymotherEve,andtold themallthouhastsaidtomeTheniftheygivemeleave togowiththee,Iwillcome"

5AgainSethsaid,"Iamafraidofdoinganything withoutmyfather'sandmother'sleave,lestIperishlike mybrotherCain,andlikemyfatherAdam,who transgressedthecommandmentofGod.But,behold, thouknowestthisplace;come,andmeetmeheretomorrow."

6WhenSatanheardthis,hesaidtoSeth,"Ifthoutellest thyfatherAdamwhatIhavetoldthee,hewillnotlet theecomewithme.

7Buthearkentome;donottellthyfatherandmother whatIhavesaidtothee;butcomewithmeto-day,to ourworld;wherethoushaltseebeautifulthingsand enjoythyselfthere,andrevelthisdayamongmy children,beholdingthemandtakingthyfillofmirth; andrejoiceevermore.ThenIshallbringtheebackto thisplaceto-morrow;butifthouwouldestratherabide withme,sobeit."

8ThenSethanswered,"Thespiritofmyfatherandof mymother,hangsonme;andifIhidefromthemone

day,theywilldie,andGodwillholdmeguiltyof sinningagainstthem.

9"AndexceptthattheyknowIamcometothisplaceto bringuptoitmyoffering,theywouldnotbeseparated frommeonehour;neithershouldIgotoanyotherplace, unlesstheyletme.Buttheytreatmemostkindly, becauseIcomebacktothemquickly."

10ThenSatansaidtohim,"Whatwillhappentotheeif thouhidethyselffromthemonenight,andreturnto thematbreakofday?"

11ButSeth,whenhesawhowhekeptontalking,and thathewouldnotleavehim-ran,andwentuptothealtar, andspreadhishandsuntoGod,andsoughtdeliverance fromHim.

12ThenGodsentHisWord,andcursedSatan,whofled fromHim.

13ButasforSeth,hehadgoneuptothealtar,saying thusinhisheart"Thealtaristheplaceofoffering,and Godisthere;adivinefireshallconsumeit;soshall Satanbeunabletohurtme,andshallnottakemeaway thence"

14ThenSethcamedownfromthealtarandwenttohis fatherandmother,wherehefoundintheway,longing tohearhisvoice;forhehadtarriedawhile

15Hethenbegantotellthemwhathadbefallenhim fromSatan,undertheformofanangel

16ButwhenAdamheardhisaccount,hekissedhisface, andwarnedhimagainstthatangel,tellinghimitwas SatanwhothusappearedtohimThenAdamtookSeth, andtheywenttotheCaveofTreasures,andrejoiced therein

17ButfromthatdayforthAdamandEveneverparted fromhim,towhateverplacehemightgo,whetherfor hisofferingorforanythingelse

18ThissignhappenedtoSeth,whenhewasnineyears old

CHAPTER7

1WhenourfatherAdamsawthatSethwasofaperfect heart,hewishedhimtomarry;lesttheenemyshould appeartohimanothertime,andovercomehim.

2SoAdamsaidtohissonSeth,"Iwish,Omyson,that thouwedthysisterAklia,Abel'ssister,thatshemay beartheechildren,whoshallreplenishtheearth, accordingtoGod'spromisetous.

3"Benotafraid,Omyson;thereisnodisgraceinit.I wishtheetomarry,fromfearlesttheenemyovercome thee."

4Seth,however,didnotwishtomarry;butinobedience tohisfatherandmother,hesaidnotaword.

5SoAdammarriedhimtoAklia.Andhewasfifteen yearsold.

6Butwhenhewastwentyyearsofage,hebegatason, whomhecalledEnos;andthenbegatotherchildrenthan him.

7ThenEnosgrewup,married,andbegatCainan.

8Cainanalsogrewup,married,andbegatMahalaleel. 9ThosefatherswerebornduringAdam'slife-time,and dweltbytheCaveofTreasures

10ThenwerethedaysofAdamninehundredandthirty years,andthoseofMahalaleelonehundred.But Mahalaleel,whenhewasgrownup,lovedfasting, praying,andwithhardlabours,untiltheendofour fatherAdam'sdaysdrewnear.

CHAPTER8

1WhenourfatherAdamsawthathisendwasnear,he calledhissonSeth,whocametohimintheCaveof Treasures,andhesaiduntohim:--

2"OSeth,mysonbringmethychildrenandthy children'schildren,thatImayshedmyblessingonthem ereIdie."

3WhenSethheardthesewordsfromhisfatherAdam, hewentfromhim,shedafloodoftearsoverhisface, andgatheredtogetherhischildrenandhischildren's children,andbroughtthemtohisfatherAdam

4ButwhenourfatherAdamsawthemaroundhim,he weptathavingtobeseparatedfromthem.

5Andwhentheysawhimweeping,theyallwept together,andfelluponhisfacesaying,"Howshaltthou beseveredfromus,Oourfather?Andhowshallthe earthreceivetheeandhidetheefromoureyes?"Thus didtheylamentmuch,andinlikewords

6ThenourfatherAdamblessedthemall,andsaidto Seth,afterhehadblessedthem:--

7"OSeth,myson,thouknowestthisworld--thatitis fullofsorrow,andofweariness;andthouknowestall thathascomeuponus,fromourtrialsinitItherefore nowcommandtheeinthesewords:tokeepinnocency, tobepureandjust,andtrustinginGod;andleannotto thediscoursesofSatan,nortotheapparitionsinwhich hewillshowhimselftothee

8ButkeepthecommandmentsthatIgivetheethisday; thengivethesametothysonEnos;andletEnosgiveit tohissonCainan;andCainantohissonMahalaleel;so thatthiscommandmentabidefirmamongallyour children

9"OSeth,myson,themomentIamdeadtakeyemy bodyandwinditupwithmyrrh,aloes,andcassia,and leavemehereinthisCaveofTreasuresinwhichareall thesetokenswhichGodgaveusfromthegarden.

10"Omyson,hereaftershallafloodcomeand overwhelmallcreatures,andleaveoutonlyeightsouls.

11"But,Omyson,letthosewhomitwillleaveoutfrom amongyourchildrenatthattime,takemybodywith themoutofthiscave;andwhentheyhavetakenitwith them,lettheoldestamongthemcommandhischildren tolaymybodyinashipuntilthefloodhasbeen assuaged,andtheycomeoutoftheship.

12Thentheyshalltakemybodyandlayitinthemiddle oftheearth,shortlyaftertheyhavebeensavedfromthe watersoftheflood.

13"Fortheplacewheremybodyshallbelaid,isthe middleoftheearth;Godshallcomefromthenceand shallsaveallourkindred.

14"Butnow,OSeth,myson,placethyselfatthehead ofthypeople;tendthemandwatchovertheminthefear ofGod;andleadtheminthegoodway,Commandthem

tofastuntoGod;andmakethemunderstandtheyought nottohearkentoSatan,lesthedestroythem.

15"Then,again,severthychildrenandthychildren's childrenfromCain'schildren;donotletthemevermix withthose,norcomenearthemeitherintheirwordsor intheirdeeds."

16ThenAdamlethisblessingdescenduponSeth,and uponhischildren,anduponallhischildren'schildren.

17HethenturnedtohissonSeth,andtoEvehiswife, andsaidtothem,"Preservethisgold,thisincense,and thismyrrh,thatGodhasgivenusforasign;forindays thatarecoming,afloodwilloverwhelmthewhole creation.Butthosewhoshallgointothearkshalltake withthemthegold,theincense,andthemyrrh,together withmybody;andwilllaythegold,theincense,andthe myrrh,withmybodyinthemidstoftheearth.

18"Then,afteralongtime,thecityinwhichthegold, theincense,andthemyrrharefoundwithmybody, shallbeplundered.Butwhenitisspoiled,thegoldthe incense,andthemyrrhshallbetakencareofwiththe spoilthatiskept;andnaughtofthemshallperish,until theWordofGod,mademanshallcome;whenkings shalltakethem,andshalloffertoHim,goldintokenof HisbeingKing;incense,intokenofHisbeingGodof heavenandearth;andmyrrh,intokenofHispassion 19"Coldalso,asatokenofHisovercomingSatan,and allourfoes;incenseasatokenthatHewillrisefromthe dead,andbeexaltedabovethingsinheavenandthings intheearth;andmyrrh,intokenthatHewilldrinkbitter gall;andfeelthepainsofhellfromSatan

20"Andnow,OSeth,myson,beholdIhaverevealed untotheehiddenmysteries,whichGodhadrevealed untomeKeepmycommandment,forthyself,andfor thypeople,"

CHAPTER9

1WhenAdamhadendedhiscommandmenttoSeth,his limbswereloosened,hishandsandfeetlostallpower, hismouthbecamedumb,andhistongueceased altogethertospeakHeclosedhiseyesandgaveupthe ghost.

2Butwhenhischildrensawthathewasdead,they threwthemselvesoverhim,menandwomen,oldand young,weeping.

3ThedeathofAdamtookplaceattheendofnine hundredandthirtyyearsthatbelivedupontheearth;on thefifteenthdayofBarmudeh,afterthereckoningofan epactofthesun,attheninthhour.

4ItwasonaFriday,theverydayonwhichbewas created,andonwhichherested;andthehouratwhich hedied,wasthesameasthatatwhichhecameoutof thegarden.

5ThenSethwoundhimupwell,andembalmedhim withplentyofsweetspices,fromsacredtreesandfrom theHolyMountain;andbelaidhisbodyontheeastern sideoftheinsideofthecave,thesideoftheincense;and placedinfrontofhimalamp-standkeptburning.

6Thenhischildrenstoodbeforehimweepingand wailingoverhimthewholenightuntilbreakofday

7ThenSethandbigsonEnos,andCainan,thesonof Enos,wentoutandtookgoodofferingstopresentunto theLord,andtheycametothealtaruponwhichAdam offeredgiftstoGod,whenhedidoffer.

8ButEvesaidtothem"Waituntilwehavefirstasked Godtoacceptouroffering,andtokeepbyHimtheSoul ofAdamHisservant,andtotakeituptorest."

9Andtheyallstoodupanprayed.

CHAPTER10

1Andwhentheyhadendedtheirprayer,theWordof Godcameandcomfortedthemconcerningtheirfather Adam.

2Afterthis,theyofferedtheirgiftsforthemselvesand fortheirfather.

3Andwhentheyhadendedtheiroffering,theWordof GodcametoSeth,theeldestamongthem,sayingunto him,"OSeth,Seth,Seth,threetimes.AsIwaswiththy father,soalsoshallIbewiththee,untilthefulfilmentof thepromiseImadehim-thyfathersaying,Iwillsend MyWordandsavetheeandthyseed

4ButastothyfatherAdam,keepthouthe commandmenthegavethee;andseverthyseedfrom thatofCainthybrother"

5AndGodwithdrewHisWordfromSeth

6ThenSeth,Eve,andtheirchildren,camedownfrom themountaintotheCaveofTreasures

7ButAdamwasthefirstwhosesouldiedinthelandof Eden,intheCaveofTreasures;fornoonediedbefore him,buthissonAbel,whodiedmurdered

8ThenallthechildrenofAdamroseup,andweptover theirfatherAdam,andmadeofferingstohim,one hundredandfortydays

CHAPTER11

1AfterthedeathofAdamandofEve,Sethseveredhis children,andhischildren'schildren,fromCain's childrenCainandhisseedwentdownanddwelt westward,belowtheplacewherehehadkilledhis brotherAbel.

2ButSethandhischildren,dweltnorthwardsuponthe mountainoftheCaveofTreasures,inordertobenearto theirfatherAdam.

3AndSeththeelder,tallandgood,withafinesoul,and ofastrongmind,stoodattheheadofhispeople;and tendedthemininnocence,penitence,andmeekness,and didnotallowoneofthemtogodowntoCain'schildren.

4Butbecauseoftheirownpurity,theywerenamed "ChildrenofGod,"andtheywerewithGod,insteadof thehostsofangelswhofell;fortheycontinuedin praisestoGod,andinsingingpsalmsuntoHim,intheir cave--theCaveofTreasures.

5ThenSethstoodbeforethebodyofhisfatherAdam, andofhismotherEve,andprayednightandday,and askedformercytowardshimselfandhischildren;and thatwhenhehadsomedifficultdealingwithachild,He wouldgivehimcounsel.

6ButSethandhischildrendidnotlikeearthlywork,but gavethemselvestoheavenlythings;fortheyhadno otherthoughtthanpraises,doxologies,andpsalmsunto God.

7Thereforedidtheyatalltimeshearthevoicesof angels,praisingandglorifyingGod;fromwithinthe garden,orwhentheyweresentbyGodonanerrand,or whentheyweregoinguptoheaven.

8ForSethandhischildren,byreasonoftheirown purity,heardandsawthoseangels.Then,again,the gardenwasnotfarabovethem,butonlysomefifteen spiritualcubits.

9Nowonespiritualcubitanswerstothreecubitsofman, altogetherforty-fivecubits.

10Sethandhischildrendweltonthemountainbelow thegarden;theysowednot,neitherdidtheyreap;they wroughtnofoodforthebody.notevenwheat;butonly offeringsTheyateofthefruitandoftreeswell flavouredthatgrewonthemountainwheretheydwelt.

11ThenSethoftenfastedeveryfortydays,asdidalso hiseldestchildrenForthefamilyofSethsmelledthe smellofthetreesinthegarden,whenthewindblewthat way

12Theywerehappy,innocent,withoutsuddenfear, therewasnojealousy,noevilaction,nohatredamong themTherewasnoanimalpassion;fromnomouth amongthemwentfortheitherfoulwordsorcurse; neitherevilcounselnorfraudForthemenofthattime neverswore,butunderhardcircumstances,whenmen mustswear,theysworebythebloodofAbelthejust 13Buttheyconstrainedtheirchildrenandtheirwomen everydayinthecavetofastandpray,andtoworship themostHighGodTheyblessedthemselvesnthebody oftheirfatherAdam,andanointedthemselveswithit 14AndtheydidsountiltheendofSethdrewnear

CHAPTER12

1ThenSeth,thejust,calledhissonEnos,andCainan, sonofEnos,andMahalaleel,sonofCainan,andsaid untothem:--

2"Asmyendisnear,Iwishtobuildaroofoverthe altaronwhichgiftsareoffered."

3Theyhearkenedtohiscommandmentandwentout,all ofthem,botholdandyoung,andworkedhardatit,and builtabeautifulroofoverthealtar.

4AndSeth'sthoughtinsodoing,wasthatablessing shouldcomeuponhischildrenonthemountain;andthat heshouldpresentanofferingforthembeforehisdeath.

5Thenwhenthebuildingoftheroofwascompleted,he commandedthemtomakeofferings.Theyworked diligentlyatthese,andbroughtthemtoSeththeirfather whotookthemandofferedthemuponthealtar;and prayedGodtoaccepttheirofferings,tohavemercyon thesoulsofhischildren,andtokeepthemfromthehand ofSatan.

6AndGodacceptedhisoffering,andsentHisblessing uponhimanduponhischildren.AndthenGodmadea promisetoSeth,saying,"Attheendofthegreatfive daysandahalf,concerningwhichIhavemadea

promisetotheeandtothyfather,IwillsendMyWord andsavetheeandthyseed."

7ThenSethandhischildren,andhischildren'schildren, mettogether,andcamedownfromthealtar,andwentto theCaveofTreasures--wheretheyprayed,andblessed themselvesinthebodyofourfatherAdam,andanointed themselveswithit.

8ButSethabodeintheCaveofTreasures,afewdays, andthensuffered--sufferingsuntodeath.

9ThenEnos,hisfirst-bornson,cametohim,with Cainan,hisson,andMahalaleel,Cainan'sson,andJared, thesonofMahalaleel,andEnoch,Jared'sson,withtheir wivesandchildrentoreceiveablessingfromSeth.

10ThenSethprayedoverthem,andblessedthem,and adjuredthembythebloodofAbelthejust,saying,"I begofyou,mychildren,nottoletoneofyougodown fromthisHolyandpureMountain.

11MakenofellowshipwiththechildrenofCainthe murdererandthesinner,whokilledhisbrother;forye know,Omychildren,thatwefleefromhim,andfrom allhissinwithallourmightbecausehekilledhis brotherAbel"

12Afterhavingsaidthis,SethblessedEnos,hisfirstbornson,andcommandedhimhabituallytoministerin puritybeforethebodyofourfatherAdam,allthedays ofhislife;then,also,togoattimestothealtarwhichhe SethhadbuiltAndhecommandedhimtofeedhis peopleinrighteousness,injudgmentandpurityallthe daysofhislife

13ThenthelimbsofSethwereloosened;hishandsand feetlostallpower;hismouthbecamedumbandunable tospeak;andhegaveuptheghostanddiedthedayafter hisninehundredandtwelfthyear;onthetwenty-seventh dayofthemonthAbib;Enochbeingthentwentyyears old

14ThentheywoundupcarefullythebodyofSeth,and embalmedhimwithsweetspices,andlaidhiminthe CaveofTreasures,ontherightsideofourfatherAdam's body,andtheymournedforhimfortydaysThey offeredgiftsforhim,astheyhaddoneforourfather Adam

15AfterthedeathofSethEnosroseattheheadofhis people,whomhefedinrighteousness,andjudgment,as hisfatherhadcommandedhim.

16ButbythetimeEnoswaseighthundredandtwenty yearsold,Cainhadalargeprogeny;fortheymarried frequently,beinggiventoanimallusts;untiltheland belowthemountain,wasfilledwiththem.

CHAPTER13

1InthosedayslivedLamechtheblind,whowasofthe sonsofCain.HehadasonwhosenamewasAtun,and theytwohadmuchcattle.

2ButLamechwasinthehabitofsendingthemtofeed withayoungshepherd,whotendedthem;andwho, whencominghomeintheeveningweptbeforehis grandfather,andbeforehisfatherAtunandhismother Hazina,andsaidtothem,"Asforme,Icannotfeed thosecattlealone,lestonerobmeofsomeofthem,or

killmeforthesakeofthem."Foramongthechildrenof Cain,therewasmuchrobbery,murder,andsin.

3ThenLamechpitiedhim,andhesaid,"Truly,hewhen alone,mightbeoverpoweredbythemenofthisplace."

4SoLamecharose,tookabowhehadkepteversince hewasayouth,erehebecameblind,andhetooklarge arrows,andsmoothstones,andaslingwhichhehad, andwenttothefieldwiththeyoungshepherd,and placedhimselfbehindthecattle;whiletheyoung shepherdwatchedthecattle.ThusdidLamechmany days.

5MeanwhileCain,eversinceGodhadcasthimoff,and hadcursedhimwithtremblingandterror,couldneither settlenorfindrestinanyoneplace;butwanderedfrom placetoplace.

6InhiswanderingshecametoLamech'swives,and askedthemabouthim.Theysaidtohim,"Heisinthe fieldwiththecattle"

7ThenCainwenttolookforhim;andashecameinto thefield,theyoungshepherdheardthenoisehemade, andthecattleherdingtogetherfrombeforehim

8ThensaidhetoLamech,"Omylord,isthatawild beastorarobber?"

9AndLamechsaidtohim,"Makemeunderstandwhich wayhelooks,whenhecomesup"

10ThenLamechbenthisbow,placedanarrowonit, andfittedastoneinthesling,andwhenCaincameout fromtheopencountry,theshepherdsaidtoLamech, "Shoot,behold,heiscoming"

11ThenLamechshotatCainwithhisarrowandhithim inhissideAndLamechstruckhimwithastonefrom hissling,thatfelluponhisface,andknockedoutboth hiseyes;thenCainfellatonceanddied

12ThenLamechandtheyoungshepherdcameupto him,andfoundhimlyingonthegroundAndtheyoung shepherdsaidtohim,"ItisCainourgrandfather,whom thouhastkilled,Omylord!"

13ThenwasLamechsorryforit,andfromthebitterness ofhisregret,heclappedhishandstogether,andstruck withhisflatpalmtheheadoftheyouth,whofellasif dead;butLamechthoughtitwasafeint;sohetookupa stoneandsmotehim,andsmashedhisheaduntilhedied.

CHAPTER14

1WhenEnoswasninehundredyearsold,allthe childrenofSeth,andofCainan,andhisfirst-born,with theirwivesandchildren,gatheredaroundhim,asking forablessingfromhim.

2Hethenprayedoverthemandblessedthem,and adjuredthembythebloodofAbelthejustsayingto them,"Letnotoneofyourchildrengodownfromthis HolyMountain,andletthemmakenofellowshipwith thechildrenofCainthemurderer."

3ThenEnoscalledhissonCainanandsaidtohim,"See, Omyson,andsetthyheartonthypeople,andestablish theminrighteousness,andininnocence;andstand ministeringbeforethebodyofourfatherAdam,allthe daysofthylife."

4AfterthisEnosenteredintorest,agedninehundred andeighty-fiveyears;andCainanwoundhimup,and laidhimintheCaveofTreasuresontheleftofhisfather Adam;andmadeofferingsforhim,afterthecustomof hisfathers.

CHAPTER15

1AfterthedeathofEnos,Cainanstoodattheheadof hispeopleinrighteousnessandinnocence,ashisfather hadcommandedhim;healsocontinuedtominister beforethebodyofAdam,insidetheCaveofTreasures.

2Thenwhenhehadlivedninehundredandtenyears, sufferingandafflictioncameuponhim.Andwhenhe wasabouttoenterintorest,allthefatherswiththeir wivesandchildrencametohim,andheblessedthem, andadjuredthembythebloodofAbel,thejust,saying tothem,"Letnotoneamongyougodownfromthis HolyMountain;andmakenofellowshipwiththe childrenofCainthemurderer."

3Mahalaleel,hisfirst-bornson,receivedthis commandmentfromhisfather,whoblessedhimand died

4ThenMahalaleelembalmedhimwithsweetspices, andlaidhimintheCaveofTreasures,withhisfathers; andtheymadeofferingsforhim,afterthecustomof theirfathers

CHAPTER16

1ThenMahalaleelstoodoverhispeople,andfedthem inrighteousnessandinnocence,andwatchedthemtosee theyheldnointercoursewiththechildrenofCain

2HealsocontinuedintheCaveofTreasurespraying andministeringbeforethebodyofourfatherAdam, askingGodformercyonhimselfandonhispeople; untilhewaseighthundredandseventyyearsold,when hefellsick

3Thenallhischildrengathereduntohim,toseehim, andtoaskforhisblessingonthemall,ereheleftthis world

4ThenMahalaleelaroseandsatonhisbed,histears streamingdownhisface,andhecalledhiseldestson Jared,whocametohim.

5Hethenkissedhisface,andsaidtohim,"OJared,my son,IadjuretheebyHimwhomadeheavenandearth, towatchoverthypeople,andtofeedthemin righteousnessandininnocence;andnottoletoneof themgodownfromthisHolyMountaintothechildren ofCain,lestheperishwiththem.

6"Hear,Omyson,hereafterthereshallcomeagreat destructionuponthisearthonaccountofthem;Godwill beangrywiththeworld,andwilldestroythemwith waters.

7"ButIalsoknowthatthychildrenwillnothearkento thee,andthattheywillgodownfromthismountainand holdintercoursewiththechildrenofCain,andthatthey shallperishwiththem.

8"Omyson!teachthem,andwatchoverthem,thatno guiltattachtotheeontheiraccount"

9Mahalaleelsaid,moreover,tohissonJared,"WhenI die,embalmmybodyandlayitintheCaveofTreasures, bythebodiesofmyfathers;thenstandthoubymybody andpraytoGod;andtakecareofthem,andfulfilthy ministrybeforethem,untilthouenterestintorest thyself."

10Mahalaleelthenblessedallhischildren;andthenlay downonhisbed,andenteredintorestlikehisfathers.

11ButwhenJaredsawthathisfatherMahalaleelwas dead,hewept,andsorrowed,andembracedandkissed hishandsandhisfeet;andsodidallhischildren.

12Andhischildrenembalmedhimcarefully,andlaid himbythebodiesofhisfathers.Thentheyarose,and mournedforhimfortydays.

CHAPTER17

1ThenJaredkepthisfather'scommandment,andarose likealionoverhispeople.Hefedtheminrighteousness andinnocence,andcommandedthemtodonothing withouthiscounselForhewasafraidconcerningthem, lesttheyshouldgotothechildrenofCain

2Whereforedidhegivethemordersrepeatedly;and continuedtodosountiltheendofthefourhundredand eighty-fifthyearofhislife

3Attheendofthesesaidyears,therecameuntohim thissignAsJaredwasstandinglikealionbeforethe bodiesofhisfathers,prayingandwarninghispeople, Satanenviedhim,andwroughtabeautifulapparition, becauseJaredwouldnotlethischildrendoaught withouthiscounsel

4Satanthenappearedtohimwiththirtymenofhis hosts,intheformofhandsomemen;Satanhimself beingtheelderandtallestamongthem,withafinebeard 5Theystoodatthemouthofthecave,andcalledout Jared,fromwithinit

6Hecameouttothem,andfoundthemlookinglikefine men,fulloflight,andofgreatbeautyHewonderedat theirbeautyandattheirlooks;andthoughtwithin himselfwhethertheymightnotbeofthechildrenof Cain

7Hesaidalsoinhisheart,"AsthechildrenofCain cannotcomeuptotheheightofthismountain,andnone ofthemissohandsomeastheseappeartobe;and amongthesementhereisnotoneofmykindred--they mustbestrangers."

8ThenJaredandtheyexchangedagreetingandhesaid totheelderamongthem,"Omyfather,explaintome thewonderthatisinthee,andtellmewhotheseare, withthee;fortheylooktomelikestrangemen."

9Thentheelderbegantoweep,andtherestweptwith him;andhesaidtoJared:"IamAdamwhomGodmade first;andthisisAbelmyson,whowaskilledbyhis brotherCain,intowhoseheartSatanputtomurderhim.

10"ThenthisismysonSeth,whomIaskedoftheLord, whogavehimtome,tocomfortmeinsteadofAbel.

11"ThenthisoneismysonEnos,sonofSeth,andthat otheroneisCainan,sonofEnos,andthatotheroneis Mahalaleel,sonofCainan,thyfather."

12ButJaredremainedwonderingattheirappearance, andatthespeechoftheeldertohim.

13Thentheeldersaidtohim,"Marvelnot,Omyson; weliveinthelandnorthofthegarden,whichGod createdbeforetheworld.Hewouldnotletuslivethere, butplacedusinsidethegarden,belowwhichyearenow dwelling.

14"ButafterthatItransgressed,Hemademecomeout ofit,andIwaslefttodwellinthiscave;greatandsore troublescameuponme;andwhenmydeathdrewnear,I commandedmysonSethtotendhispeoplewell;and thismycommandmentistobehandedfromoneto another,untotheendofthegenerationstocome.

15"But,OJared,myson,weliveinbeautifulregions, whileyoulivehereinmisery,asthisthyfather Mahalaleelinformedme;tellingmethatagreatflood willcomeandoverwhelmthewholeearth.

16"Therefore,Omyson,fearingforyoursakes,Irose andtookmychildrenwithme,andcamehitherforusto visittheeandthychildren;butIfoundtheestandingin thiscaveweeping,andthychildrenscatteredaboutthis mountain,intheheatandinmisery

17"But,Omyson,aswemissedourway,andcameas farasthis,wefoundothermenbelowthismountain; whoinhabitabeautifulcountry,fulloftreesandoffruits, andofallmannerofverdure;itislikeagarden;sothat whenwefoundthemwethoughttheywereyou;until thyfatherMahalaleeltoldmetheywerenosuchthing

18"Now,therefore,Omyson,hearkentomycounsel, andgodowntothem,thouandthychildrenYewillrest fromallthissufferinginwhichyeareButifthouwilt notgodowntothem,then,arise,takethychildren,and comewithustoourgarden;yeshallliveinourbeautiful land,andyeshallrestfromallthistrouble,whichthou andthychildrenarenowbearing"

19ButJaredwhenheheardthisdiscoursefromtheelder, wondered;andwenthitherandthither,butatthat momenthefoundnotoneofhischildren

20Thenheansweredandsaidtotheelder,"Whyhave youhiddenyourselvesuntilthisday?"

21Andtheelderreplied,"Ifthyfatherhadnottoldus, weshouldnothaveknownit."

22ThenJaredbelievedhiswordsweretrue.

23SothateldersaidtoJared,"Whereforedidstthouturn about,soandso?"Andhesaid,"Iwasseekingoneof mychildren,totellhimaboutmygoingwithyou,and abouttheircomingdowntothoseaboutwhomthouhast spokentome."

24WhentheelderheardJared'sintention,hesaidtohim, "Letalonethatpurposeatpresent,andcomewithus; thoushaltseeourcountry;ifthelandinwhichwedwell pleasesthee,weandthoushallreturnhitherandtakethy familywithus.Butifourcountrydoesnotpleasethee, thoushaltcomebacktothineownplace."

25AndtheelderurgedJared,togobeforeoneofhis childrencametocounselhimotherwise.

26Jared,then,cameoutofthecaveandwentwiththem, andamongthem.Andtheycomfortedhim,untilthey cametothetopofthemountainofthesonsofCain.

27Thensaidtheeldertooneofhiscompanions,"We haveforgottensomethingbythemouthofthecave,and thatisthechosengarmentwehadbroughttoclothe Jaredwithal."

28Hethensaidtooneofthem,"Goback,thou,some one;andwewillwaitfortheehere,untilthoucome back.ThenwillweclotheJaredandheshallbelikeus, good,handsome,andfittocomewithusintoour country."

29Thenthatonewentback.

30Butwhenhewasashortdistanceoff,theeldercalled tohimandsaidtohim,"Tarrythou,untilIcomeupand speaktothee."

31Thenhestoodstill,andtheelderwentuptohimand saidtohim,"Onethingweforgotatthecave,itisthis-toputoutthelampthatburnsinsideit,abovethebodies thataretherein.Thencomebacktous,quick."

32Thatonewent,andtheeldercamebacktohisfellows andtoJared.Andtheycamedownfromthemountain, andJaredwiththem;andtheystayedbyafountainof water,nearthehousesofthechildrenofCain,and waitedfortheircompanionuntilhebroughtthegarment forJared

33He,then,whowent,backtothecave,putoutthe lamp,andcametothemandbroughtaphantomwith himandshoweditthemAndwhenJaredsawithe wonderedatthebeautyandgracethereof,andrejoiced inhisheartbelievingitwasalltrue

34Butwhiletheywerestayingthere,threeofthemwent intohousesofthesonsofCain,andsaidtothem,"Bring usto-daysomefoodbythefountainofwater,forusand ourcompanionstoeat"

35ButwhenthesonsofCainsawthem,theywondered atthemandthought:"Thesearebeautifultolookat,and suchasweneversawbefore"Sotheyroseandcame withthemtothefountainofwater,toseetheir companions

36Theyfoundthemsoveryhandsome,thattheycried aloudabouttheirplacesforotherstogathertogetherand comeandlookatthesebeautifulbeingsThenthey gatheredaroundthembothmenandwomen

37Thentheeldersaidtothem,"Wearestrangersin yourland,bringussomegoodfoodanddrinkyouand yourwomen,torefreshourselveswithyou."

38Whenthosemenheardthesewordsoftheelder, everyoneofCain'ssonsbroughthiswife,andanother broughthisdaughter,andso,manywomencameto them;everyoneaddressingJaredeitherforhimselfor forhiswife;allalike.

39ButwhenJaredsawwhattheydid,hisverysoul wrencheditselffromthem;neitherwouldhetasteof theirfoodoroftheirdrink.

40Theeldersawhintashewrenchedhimselffromthem, andsaidtohim,"Benotsad;Iamthegreatelder,as thoushaltseemedo,dothyselfinlikemanner."

41Thenhespreadhishandsandtookoneofthewomen, andfiveofhiscompanionsdidthesamebeforeJared, thatheshoulddoastheydid.

42ButwhenJaredsawthemworkinginfamyhewept, andsaidinhismind,--Myfathersneverdidthelike

43Hethenspreadhishandsandprayedwithafervent heart,andwithmuchweeping,andentreatedGodto deliverhimfromtheirhands

44NosoonerdidJaredbegintopraythantheelderfled withhiscompanions;fortheycouldnotabideinaplace ofprayer.

45ThenJaredturnedroundbutcouldnotseethem,but foundhimselfstandinginthemidstofthechildrenof Cain.

46Hethenweptandsaid,"OGod,destroymenotwith thisrace,concerningwhichmyfathershavewarnedme; fornow,OmyLordGod,Iwasthinkingthatthosewho appeareduntomeweremyfathers;butIhavefound themouttobedevils,whoalluredmebythisbeautiful apparition,untilIbelievedthem.

47"ButnowIaskThee,OGod,todelivermefromthis race,amongwhomIamnowstaying,asThoudidst delivermefromthosedevilsSendThyangeltodraw meoutofthemidstofthem;forIhavenotmyselfpower toescapefromamongthem."

48WhenJaredhadendedhisprayer,GodsentHisangel inthemidstofthem,whotookJaredandsethimupon themountain,andshowedhimtheway,gavehim counsel,andthendepartedfromhim

CHAPTER18

1ThechildrenofJaredwereinthehabitofvisitinghim hourafterhour,toreceivehisblessingandtoaskhis adviceforeverythingtheydid;andwhenhehadawork todo,theydiditforhim

2Butthistimewhentheywentintothecavetheyfound notJared,buttheyfoundthelampputout,andthe bodiesofthefathersthrownabout,andvoicescame fromthembythepowerofGod,thatsaid,"Sataninan apparitionhasdeceivedourson,wishingtodestroyhim, ashedestroyedoursonCain"

3Theysaidalso,"LordGodofheavenandearth,deliver oursonfromthehandofSatan,whowroughtagreat andfalseapparitionbeforehim,"Theyalsospakeof othermatters,bythepowerofGod

4ButwhenthechildrenofJaredheardthesevoicesthey feared,andstoodweepingfortheirfather;fortheyknew notwhathadbefallenhim.

5Andtheyweptforhimthatdayuntilthesettingofthe sun.

6ThencameJaredwithawoefulcountenance,wretched inmindandbody,andsorrowfulathavingbeen separatedfromthebodiesofhisfathers.

7Butashewasdrawingneartothecave,hischildren sawhim,andhastenedtothecave,andhunguponhis neck,crying,andsayingtohim,"Ofather,wherehast thoubeen,andwhyhastthouleftus,asthouwastnot wonttodo?"Andagain,"Ofather,whenthoudidst disappear,thelampoverthebodiesofourfatherswent out,thebodieswerethrownabout,andvoicescame fromthem."

8WhenJaredheardthishewassorry,andwentintothe cave;andtherefoundthebodiesthrownabout,thelamp

putout,andthefathersthemselvesprayingforhis deliverancefromthehandofSatan.

9ThenJaredfelluponthebodiesandembracedthem, andsaid,"Omyfathers,throughyourintercession,let GoddelivermefromthehandofSatan!AndIbegyou willaskGodtokeepmeandtobidemefromhimunto thedayofmydeath."

10Thenallthevoicesceasedsavethevoiceofour fatherAdam,whospaketoJaredbythepowerofGod, justasonewouldspeaktohisfellow,saying,"OJared, myson,offergiftstoGodforhavingdeliveredthee fromthehandofSatan;andwhenthoubringestthose offerings,sobeitthatthouofferestthemonthealtaron whichIdidoffer.Thenalso,bewareofSatan;forhe deludedmemanyatimewithhisapparitions,wishingto destroyme,butGoddeliveredmeoutofhishand.

11"Commandthypeoplethattheybeontheirguard againsthim;andneverceasetoofferupgiftstoGod" 12ThenthevoiceofAdamalsobecamesilent;and Jaredandhischildrenwonderedatthis.Thentheylaid thebodiesastheywereitfirst;andJaredandhis childrenstoodprayingthewholeofthatnight,until breakofday

13ThenJaredmadeanofferingandofferedituponthe altar,asAdamhadcommandedhimAndashewentup tothealtar,heprayedtoGodformercyandfor forgivenessofhissin,concerningthelampgoingout 14ThenGodappeareduntoJaredonthealtarand blessedhimandhischildren,andacceptedtheir offerings;andcommandedJaredtotakeofthesacred firefromthealtar,andwithittolightthelampthatshed lightonthebodyofAdam

CHAPTER19

1ThenGodrevealedtohimagainthepromiseHehad madetoAdam;Heexplainedtohimthe5500years,and revealeduntohimthemysteryofHiscominguponthe earth

2AndGodsaidtoJared,"Astothatfirewhichthouhast takenfromthealtartolightthelampwithal,letitabide withyoutogivelighttothebodies;andletitnotcome outofthecave,untilthebodyofAdamcomesoutofit.

3But,OJared,takecareofthefire,thatitburnbrightin thelamp;neithergothouagainoutofthecave,until thoureceivestanorderthroughavision,andnotinan apparition,whenseenbythee.

4"Thencommandagainthypeoplenottohold intercoursewiththechildrenofCain,andnottolearn theirways;forIamGodwholovesnothatredand worksofiniquity."

5GodgavealsomanyothercommandmentstoJared, andblessedhim.AndthenwithdrewHisWordfrom him.

6ThenJareddrewnearwithhischildren,tooksomefire, andcamedowntothecave,andlightedthelampbefore thebodyofAdam;andhegavehispeople commandmentsasGodhadtoldhimtodo.

7ThissignhappenedtoJaredattheendofhisfour hundredandfiftiethyear;asdidalsomanyother

wonders,wedonotrecord.Butwerecordonlythisone forshortnesssake,andinordernottolengthenour narrative

8AndJaredcontinuedtoteachhischildreneightyyears; butafterthattheybegantotransgressthe commandmentshehadgiventhem,andtodomany thingswithouthiscounsel.Theybegantogodownfrom theHolyMountainoneafteranother,andtomixwith thechildrenofCain,infoulfellowships.

9NowthereasonforwhichthechildrenofJaredwent downtheHolyMountain,isthis,thatwewillnow revealuntoyou.

CHAPTER20

1AfterCainhadgonedowntothelandofdarksoil,and hischildrenhadmultipliedtherein,therewasoneof them,whosenamewasGenun,sonofLamechtheblind whoslewCain.

2ButastothisGenun,Satancameintohiminhis childhood;andhemadesundrytrumpetsandhorns,and stringinstruments,cymbalsandpsalteries,andlyresand harps,andflutes;andheplayedonthematalltimesand ateveryhour

3Andwhenheplayedonthem,Satancameintothem, sothatfromamongthemwereheardbeautifulandsweet sounds,thatravishedtheheart

4Thenhegatheredcompaniesuponcompaniestoplay onthem;andwhentheyplayed,itpleasedwellthe childrenofCain,whoinflamedthemselveswithsin amongthemselves,andburntaswithfire;whileSatan inflamedtheirhearts,onewithanother,andincreased lustamongthem

5SatanalsotaughtGenuntobringstrongdrinkoutof com;andthisGenunusedtobringtogethercompanies uponcompaniesindrink-houses;andbroughtintotheir handsallmanneroffruitsandflowers;andtheydrank together

6ThusdidthisGenunmultiplysinexceedingly;healso actedwithpride,andtaughtthechildrenofCainto commitallmannerofthegrossestwickedness,which theyknewnot;andputthemuptomanifolddoings whichtheyknewnotbefore.

7ThenSatan,whenhesawthattheyyieldedtoGenun andhearkenedtohimineverythinghetoldthem, rejoicedgreatly,increasedGenun'sunderstanding,until hetookironandwithitmadeweaponsofwar.

8Thenwhentheyweredrunk,hatredandmurder increasedamongthem;onemanusedviolenceagainst anothertoteachhimeviltakinghischildrenanddefiling thembeforehim.

9Andwhenmensawtheywereovercome,andsaw othersthatwerenotoverpowered,thosewhowere beatencametoGenun,tookrefugewithhim,andhe madethemhisconfederates.

10Thensinincreasedamongthemgreatly;untilaman marriedhisownsister,ordaughter,ormother,and others;orthedaughterofhisfather'ssister,sothatthere wasnomoredistinctionofrelationship,andtheyno longerknewwhatisiniquity;butdidwickedly,andthe

earthwasdefiledwithsin,andtheyangeredGodthe Judge,whohadcreatedthem.

11ButGenungatheredtogethercompaniesupon companies,thatplayedonhornsandonalltheother instrumentswehavealreadymentioned,atthefootof theHolyMountain;andtheydidsoinorderthatthe childrenofSethwhowereontheHolyMountainshould hearit.

12ButwhenthechildrenofSethheardthenoise,they wondered,andcamebycompanies,andstoodonthetop ofthemountaintolookatthosebelow;andtheydidthus awholeyear.

13When,attheendofthatyear,Genunsawthatthey werebeingwonovertohimlittlebylittle,Satanentered intohim,andtaughthimtomakedyeing-stuffsfor garmentsofdiverspatterns,andmadehimunderstand howtodyecrimsonandpurpleandwhatnot.

14AndthesonsofCainwhowroughtallthis,andshone inbeautyandgorgeousapparel,gatheredtogetheratthe footofthemountaininsplendour,withhornsand gorgeousdresses,andhorseraces,committingall mannerofabominations

15MeanwhilethechildrenofSeth,whowereonthe HolyMountain,prayedandpraisedGod,intheplaceof thehostsofangelswhohadfallen;whereforeGodhad calledthem"angels,"becauseHerejoicedoverthem greatly

16Butafterthis,theynolongerkeptHiscommandment, norheldbythepromiseHehadmadetotheirfathers; buttheyrelaxedfromtheirfastingandpraying,and fromthecounselofJaredtheirfatherAndtheykepton gatheringtogetheronthetopofthemountain,tolook uponthechildrenofCain,frommorninguntilevening, anduponwhattheydid,upontheirbeautifuldressesand ornaments

17ThenthechildrenofCainlookedupfrombelow,and sawthechildrenofSeth,standingintroopsonthetopof themountain;andtheycalledtothemtocomedownto them

18ButthechildrenofSethsaidtothemfromabove, "Wedon'tknowtheway"ThenGenun,thesonof Lamech,heardthemsaytheydidnotknowtheway,and hebethoughthimselfhowhemightbringthemdown.

19ThenSatanappearedtohimbynight,saying,"There isnowayforthemtocomedownfromthemountainon whichtheydwell;butwhentheycometo-morrow,say tothem,'Comeyetothewesternsideofthemountain; thereyouwillfindthewayofastreamofwater,that comesdowntothefootofthemountain,betweentwo hills;comedownthatwaytous.'"

20Thenwhenitwasday,Genunblewthehornsand beatthedrumsbelowthemountain,ashewaswont.The childrenofSethheardit,andcameastheyusedtodo.

21ThenGenunsaidtothemfromdownbelow,"Goto thewesternsideofthemountain,thereyouwillfindthe waytocomedown."

22ButwhenthechildrenofSethheardthesewords fromhim,theywentbackintothecavetoJared,totell himalltheyhadheard.

23ThenwhenJaredheardit,hewasgrieved;forhe knewthattheywouldtransgresshiscounsel.

24AfterthisahundredmenofthechildrenofSeth gatheredtogether,andsaidamongthemselves,"Come, letusgodowntothechildrenofCain,andseewhatthey do,andenjoyourselveswiththem."

25ButwhenJaredheardthisofthehundredmen,his verysoulwasmoved,andhisheartwasgrieved.Hethen arosewithgreatfervour,andstoodinthemidstofthem, andadjuredthembythebloodofAbelthejust,"Letnot oneofyougodownfromthisholyandpuremountain, inwhichourfathershaveordereditstodwell."

26ButwhenJaredsawthattheydidnotreceivehis words,hesaiduntothem,"Omygoodandinnocentand holychildren,knowthatwhenonceyougodownfrom thisholymountain,Godwillnotallowyoutoreturn againtoit."

27Heagainadjuredthem,saying,"Iadjurebythedeath ofourfatherAdam,andbythebloodofAbel,ofSeth, ofEnos,ofCainan,andofMahalaleel,tohearkentome, andnottogodownfromthisholymountain;forthe momentyouleaveit,youwillbereftoflifeandof mercy;andyoushallnolongerbecalled'childrenof God,'but'childrenofthedevil'"

28Buttheywouldnothearkentohiswords

29Enochatthattimewasalreadygrownup,andinhis zealforGod,bearoseandsaid,"Hearme,Oyesonsof Seth,smallandgreat--whenyetransgressthe commandmentofourfathers,andgodownfromthis holymountain--yeshallnotcomeuphitheragainfor ever"

30ButtheyroseupagainstEnoch,andwouldnot hearkentohiswords,butwentdownfromtheHoly Mountain

31AndwhentheylookedatthedaughtersofCain,at theirbeautifulfigures,andattheirhandsandfeetdyed withcolour,andtattooedinornamentsontheirfaces,the fireofsinwaskindledinthem

32ThenSatanmadethemlookmostbeautifulbeforethe sonsofSeth,ashealsomadethesonsofSethappearof thefairestintheeyesofthedaughtersofCain,sothat thedaughtersofCainlustedafterthesonsofSethlike ravenousbeasts,andthesonsofSethafterthedaughters ofCain,untiltheycommittedabominationwiththem.

33Butaftertheyhadthusfallenintothisdefilement, theyreturnedbythewaytheyhadcome,andtriedto ascendtheHolyMountain.Buttheycouldnot,because thestonesofthatholymountainwereoffireflashing beforethem,byreasonofwhichtheycouldnotgoup again.

34AndGodwasangrywiththem,andrepentedofthem becausetheyhadcomedownfromglory,andhad therebylostorforsakentheirownpurityorinnocence, andwerefallenintothedefilementofsin.

35ThenGodsentHisWordtoJared,saying,"Thesethy children,whomthoudidstcall'Mychildren,'--behold theyhavetransgressedMycommandment,andhave gonedowntotheabodeofperdition,andofsin.Senda messengertothosethatareleft,thattheymaynotgo down,andbelost"

36ThenJaredweptbeforetheLord,andaskedofHim mercyandforgiveness.Buthewishedthathissoul mightdepartfromhisbody,ratherthanhearthesewords fromGodaboutthegoingdownofhischildrenfromthe HolyMountain.

37ButhefollowedGod'sorder,andpreacheduntothem nottogodownfromthatholymountain,andnottohold intercoursewiththechildrenofCain.

38Buttheyheedednothismessage,andwouldnotobey hiscounsel.

CHAPTER21

1Afterthisanothercompanygatheredtogether,and theywenttolookaftertheirbrethren;buttheyperished aswellasthey.Andsoitwas,companyaftercompany, untilonlyafewofthemwereleft.

2ThenJaredsickenedfromgrief,andhissicknesswas suchthatthedayofhisdeathdrewnear.

3ThenhecalledEnochhiseldestson,andMethuselah Enoch'sson,andLamechthesonofMethuselah,and NoahthesonofLamech

4Andwhentheywerecometohimheprayedoverthem andblessedthem,andsaidtothem,"Yearerighteous, innocentsons;goyenotdownfromthisholymountain; forbehold,yourchildrenandyourchildren'schildren havegonedownfromthisholymountain,andhave estrangedthemselvesfromthisholymountain,through theirabominablelustandtransgressionofGod's commandment

5"ButIknow,throughthepowerofGod,thatHewill notleaveyouonthisholymountain,becauseyour childrenhavetransgressedHiscommandmentandthat ofourfathers,whichwehadreceivedfromthem

6"But,Omysons,Godwilltakeyoutoastrangeland, andyenevershallagainreturntobeholdwithyoureyes thisgardenandthisholymountain

7"Therefore,Omysons,setyourheartsonyourown selves,andkeepthecommandmentofGodwhichis withyouAndwhenyougofromthisholymountain, intoastrangelandwhichyeknownot,takewithyouthe bodyofourfatherAdam,andwithitthesethree precious,giftsandofferings,namely,thegold,the incense,andthemyrrh;andletthembeintheplace wherethebodyofourfatherAdamshalllay.

8"Anduntohimofyouwhoshallbeleft,Omysons, shalltheWordofGodcome,andwhenhegoesoutof thislandheshalltakewithhimthebodyofourfather Adam,andshalllayitinthemiddleoftheearththe placeinwhichsalvationshallbewrought."

9ThenNoahsaiduntohim,"Whoisheofusthatshall beleft?"

10AndJaredanswered,"Thouarthethatshallbeleft. AndthoushalttakethebodyofourfatherAdamfrom thecave,andplaceitwiththeeinthearkwhentheflood comes.

11"AndthysonShem,whoshallcomeoutofthyloins, heitiswhoshalllaythebodyofourfatherAdaminthe middleoftheearth,intheplacewhencesalvationshall come"

12ThenJaredturnedtohissonEnoch,andsaidunto him,"Thou,myson,abideinthiscave,andminister diligentlybeforethebodyofourfatherAdamallthe daysofthylife;andfeedthypeopleinrighteousness andinnocence."

13AndJaredsaidnomore.Hishandswereloosened, hiseyesclosed,andheenteredintorestlikehisfathers. Hisdeathtookplaceinthethreehundredandsixtieth yearofNoah,andintheninehundredandeighty-ninth yearofhisownlife;onthetwelfthofTakhsasona Friday.

14ButasJareddied,tearsstreameddownhisfaceby reasonofhisgreatsorrow,forthechildrenofSeth,who hadfalleninhisdays.

15ThenEnoch,Methuselah,LamechandNoah,these four,weptoverhim;embalmedhimcarefully,andthen laidhimintheCaveofTreasures.Thentheyroseand mournedforhimfortydays

16Andwhenthesedaysofmourningwereended, Enoch,Methuselah,LamechandNoahremainedin sorrowofheart,becausetheirfatherhaddepartedfrom them,andtheysawhimnomore

CHAPTER22

1ButEnochkeptthecommandmentofJaredhisfather, andcontinuedtoministerinthecave

2ItisthisEnochtowhommanywondershappened,and whoalsowroteacelebratedbook;butthosewonders maynotbetoldinthisplace

3Thenafterthis,thechildrenofSethwentastrayand fell,they,theirchildrenandtheirwivesAndwhen Enoch,Methuselah,LamechandNoahsawthem,their heartssufferedbyreasonoftheirfallintodoubtfullof unbelief;andtheyweptandsoughtofGodmercy,to preservethem,andtobringthemoutofthatwicked generation

4EnochcontinuedinhisministrybeforetheLordthree hundredandeighty-fiveyears,andattheendofthat timehebecameawarethroughthegraceofGod,that Godintendedtoremovehimfromtheearth

5Hethensaidtohisson,"Omyson,IknowthatGod intendstobringthewatersoftheFloodupontheearth, andtodestroyourcreation.

6"Andyearethelastrulersoverthispeopleonthis mountain;forIknowthatnotonewillbeleftyouto begetchildrenonthisholymountain;neithershallany oneofyouruleoverthechildrenofhispeople;neither shallanygreatcompanybeleftofyou,onthis mountain."

7Enochsaidalsotothem,"Watchoveryoursouls,and holdfastbyyourfearofGodandbyyourserviceof Him,andworshipHiminuprightfaith,andserveHim inrighteousness,innocenceandjudgment,inrepentance andalsoinpurity."

8WhenEnochhadendedhiscommandmentstothem, Godtransportedhimfromthatmountaintothelandof life,tothemansionsoftherighteousandofthechosen, theabodeofParadiseofjoy,inlightthatreachesupto heaven;lightthatisoutsidethelightofthisworld;forit

isthelightofGod,thatfillsthewholeworld,butwhich noplacecancontain.

9Thus,becauseEnochwasinthelightofGod,hefound himselfoutofthereachofdeath;untilGodwouldhave himdie.

10Altogether,notoneofourfathersoroftheirchildren, remainedonthatholymountain,exceptthosethree, Methuselah,Lamech,andNoah.Foralltherestwent downfromthemountainandfellintosinwiththe childrenofCain.Thereforeweretheyforbiddenthat mountain,andnoneremainedonitbutthosethreemen.

TheBookofthe SecretsofEnoch

INTRODUCTION

Thisnewfragmentofearlyliteraturecametolight throughcertainmanuscriptswhichwererecently foundinRussiaandServiaandsofarasisyet knownhasbeenpreservedonlyinSlavonic.Little isknownofitsoriginexceptthatinitspresentform itwaswrittensomewhereaboutthebeginningof theChristianera.ItsfinaleditorwasaGreekand theplaceofitscompositionEgyptItsvalueliesin theunquestionedinfluencewhichithasexertedon thewritersoftheNewTestamentSomeofthedark passagesofthelatterbeingallbutinexplicable withoutitsaid.

Althoughtheveryknowledgethatsuchabookever existedwaslostforprobably1200years,it neverthelesswasmuchusedbybothChristianand hereticintheearlycenturiesandformsamost valuabledocumentinanystudyoftheformsof earlyChristianity.

Thewritingappealstothereaderwhothrillstolend wingstohisthoughtsandflytomysticalrealms. Hereisastrangedramatizationofeternity--with viewsonCreation,Anthropology,andEthics.As theworldwasmadeinsixdays,soitshistorywould beaccomplishedin6,000years(or6,000,000 years),andthiswouldbefollowedby1,000years ofrest(possiblywhenthebalanceofconflicting moralforceshasbeenstruckandhumanlifehas reachedtheidealstate).Atitsclosewouldbeginthe 8thEternalDay,whentimeshouldbenomore

CHAPTER1

1Therewasawiseman,agreatartificer,andthe Lordconceivedloveforhimandreceivedhim,that heshouldbeholdtheuppermostdwellingsandbe aneye-witnessofthewiseandgreatand inconceivableandimmutablerealmofGod Almighty,oftheverywonderfulandgloriousand brightandmany-eyedstationoftheLord'sservants, andoftheinaccessiblethroneoftheLord,andof thedegreesandmanifestationsoftheincorporeal hosts,andoftheineffableministrationofthe multitudeoftheelements,andofthevarious apparitionandinexpressiblesingingofthehostof Cherubim,andoftheboundlesslight.

2Atthattime,hesaid,whenmy165thyearwas completed,IbegatmysonMathusal.

3AfterthistooIlivedtwohundredyearsand completedofalltheyearsofmylifethreehundred andsixty-fiveyears

4OnthefirstdayofthefirstmonthIwasinmy housealoneandwasrestingonmycouchandslept.

5AndwhenIwasasleep,greatdistresscameup intomyheart,andIwasweepingwithmyeyesin sleep,andIcouldnotunderstandwhatthisdistress was,orwhatwouldhappentome

6Andthereappearedtometwomen,exceedingbig, sothatIneversawsuchonearth;theirfaceswere shininglikethesun,theireyestoowerelikea burninglight,andfromtheirlipswasfirecoming forthwithclothingandsingingofvariouskindsin appearancepurple,theirwingswerebrighterthan gold,theirhandswhiterthansnow

7Theywerestandingattheheadofmycouchand begantocallmebymyname.

8AndIarosefrommysleepandsawclearlythose twomenstandinginfrontofme.

9AndIsalutedthemandwasseizedwithfearand theappearanceofmyfacewaschangedfromterror, andthosemensaidtome:

10'Havecourage,Enoch,domotfear;theeternal Godsentustothee,andlo!thoushaltto-dayascend withusintoheaven,andthoushalttellthysonsand allthyhouseholdallthattheyshalldowithoutthee onearthinthyhouse,andletnooneseektheetill theLordreturntheetothem

11AndImadehastetoobeythemandwentout frommyhouse,andmadetothedoors,asitwas orderedme,andsummonedmysonsMathusaland RegimandGaidadandmadeknowntothemallthe marvelsthosemenhadtoldme

CHAPTER2

1Listentome,mychildren,IknownotwhitherI go,orwhatwillbefallme;nowtherefore,my children,Itellyou:turnnotfromGodbeforethe faceofthevain,whomadenotHeavenandearth, fortheseshallperishandthosewhoworshipthem, andmaytheLordmakeconfidentyourheartsinthe fearofhimAndnow,mychildren,letnoonethink toseekme,untiltheLordreturnmetoyou.

CHAPTER3

1Itcametopass,whenEnochhadtoldhissons, thattheangelstookhimontotheirwingsandbore himupontothefirstheavenandplacedhimonthe cloudsAndthereIlooked,andagainIlooked higher,andsawtheether,andtheyplacedmeon

thefirstheavenandshowedmeaverygreatSea, greaterthantheearthlysea.

CHAPTER4

1Theybroughtbeforemyfacetheeldersandrulers ofthestellarorders,andshowedmetwohundred angels,whorulethestarsandtheirservicestothe heavens,andflywiththeirwingsandcomeround allthosewhosail

CHAPTER5

1AndhereIlookeddownandsawthetreasurehousesofthesnow,andtheangelswhokeeptheir terriblestore-houses,andthecloudswhencethey comeoutandintowhichtheygo.

CHAPTER6

1Theyshowedmethetreasure-houseofthedew, likeoiloftheolive,andtheappearanceofitsform, asofalltheflowersoftheearth;furthermany angelsguardingthetreasure-housesofthesethings, andhowtheyaremadetoshutandopen.

CHAPTER7

1Andthosementookmeandledmeupontothe secondheaven,andshowedmedarkness,greater thanearthlydarkness,andthereIsawprisoners hanging,watched,awaitingthegreatandboundless judgement,andtheseangelsweredark-looking, morethanearthlydarkness,andincessantlymaking weepingthroughallhours.

2AndIsaidtothemenwhowerewithme: 'Whereforearetheseincessantlytortured?'they answeredme:'TheseareGod'sapostates,who obeyednotGod'scommands,buttookcounselwith theirownwill,andturnedawaywiththeirprince, whoalsoisfastenedonthefifthheaven'

3AndIfeltgreatpityforthem,andtheysalutedme, andsaidtome:'ManofGod,prayforustothe Lord';andIansweredtothem:'WhoamI,amortal man,thatIshouldprayforangels?whoknoweth whitherIgo,orwhatwillbefallme?orwhowill prayforme?'

CHAPTER8

1Andthosementookmethence,andledmeupon tothethirdheaven,andplacedmethere;andI lookeddownwards,andsantheproduceofthese places,suchashasneverbeenknownforgoodness

2AndIsawallthesweet-floweringtreesand beheldtheirfruits,whichweresweet-smelling,and allthefoodsbornebythembubblingwithfragrant exhalation.

3Andinthemidstofthetreesthatoflife,inthat placewhereontheLordrests,whenhegoesupinto paradise;andthistreeisofineffablegoodnessand fragrance,andadornedmorethaneveryexisting thing;andonallsidesitisinformgold-lookingand vermilionandfire-likeandcoversall,andithas producefromallfruits

4Itsrootisinthegardenattheearth'send.

5Andparadiseisbetweencorruptibilityand incorruptibility.

6Andtwospringscomeoutwhichsendforth honeyandmilk,andtheirspringssendforthoiland wine,andtheyseparateintofourparts,andgo roundwithquietcourse,andgodownintothe PARADISEOFEDEN,betweencorruptibilityand incorruptibility.

7Andthencetheygoforthalongtheearth,and havearevolutiontotheircircleevenasother elements

8Andherethereisnounfruitfultree,andevery placeisblessed.

9Andtherearethreehundredangelsverybright, whokeepthegarden,andwithincessantsweet singingandnever-silentvoicesservetheLord throughoutalldaysandhours.

10AndIsaid:'Howverysweetisthisplace,'and thosemensaidtome:

CHAPTER9

1Thisplace,OEnoch,ispreparedfortherighteous, whoendureallmannerofoffencefromthosethat exasperatetheirsouls,whoaverttheireyesfrom iniquity,andmakerighteousjudgement,andgive breadtothehungering,andcoverthenakedwith clothing,andraiseupthefallen,andhelpinjured orphans,andwhowalkwithoutfaultbeforetheface oftheLord,andservehimalone,andforthemis preparedthisplaceforeternalinheritance.

CHAPTER10

1AndthosetwomenledmeupontotheNorthern side,andshowedmethereaveryterribleplace,and therewereallmanneroftorturesinthatplace:cruel darknessandunilluminedgloom,andthereisno lightthere,butmurkyfireconstantlyflamethaloft, andthereisafieryrivercomingforth,andthat wholeplaceiseverywherefire,andeverywhere thereisfrostandice,thirstandshivering,whilethe bondsareverycruel,andtheangelsfearfuland

merciless,bearingangryweapons,mercilesstorture, andIsaid:

2'Woe,woe,howveryterribleisthisplace' 3Andthosemensaidtome:Thisplace,OEnoch, ispreparedforthosewhodishonourGod,whoon earthpractisesinagainstnature,whichischildcorruptionafterthesodomiticfashion,magicmaking,enchantmentsanddevilishwitchcrafts,and whoboastoftheirwickeddeeds,stealing,lies, calumnies,envy,rancour,fornication,murder,and who,accursed,stealthesoulsofmen,who,seeing thepoortakeawaytheirgoodsandthemselveswax rich,injuringthemforothermen'sgoods;who beingabletosatisfytheempty,madethehungering todie;beingabletoclothe,strippedthenaked;and whoknewnottheircreator,andboweddownto soulless(sc.lifeless)Gods,whocannotseenorhear, vaingods,whoalsobuilthewnimagesandbow downtouncleanhandiwork,foralltheseis preparedthisplaceamongstthese,foreternal inheritance

CHAPTER11

1Thosementookme,andledmeupontothe fourthheaven,andshowedmeallthesuccessive goings,andalltheraysofthelightofsunandmoon.

2AndImeasuredtheirgoingsandcomparedtheir light,andsawthatthesun'slightisgreaterthanthe moon's.

3Itscircleandthewheelsonwhichitgoesalways, likeawindgoingpastwithverymarvellousspeed, anddayandnightithasnorest

4Itspassageandreturnareaccompaniedbyfour greatstars,andeachstarhasunderitathousand stars,totherightofthesun'swheel,andbyfourto theleft,eachhavingunderitathousandstars, altogethereightthousand,issuingwiththesun continually

5Andbydayfifteenmyriadsofangelsattendit, andbynightathousand

6Andsix-wingedonesissuewiththeangelsbefore thesun'swheelintothefieryflames,andahundred angelskindlethesunandsetitalight

CHAPTER12

1AndIlookedandsawotherflyingelementsofthe sun,whosenamesarePhoenixesandChalkydri, marvellousandwonderful,withfeetandtailsinthe formofalion,andacrocodile'shead,their appearanceisempurpled,liketherainbow;their sizeisninehundredmeasures,theirwingsarelike thoseofangels,eachhastwelve,andtheyattend

andaccompanythesun,bearingheatanddew,asit isorderedthemfromGod.

2Thusthesunrevolvesandgoes,andrisesunder theheaven,anditscoursegoesundertheearthwith thelightofitsraysincessantly

CHAPTER13

1Thosemenboremeawaytotheeast,andplaced meatthesun'sgates,wherethesungoesforth accordingtotheregulationoftheseasonsandthe circuitofthemonthsofthewholeyear,andthe numberofthehoursdayandnight,

2AndIsawsixgatesopen,eachgatehavingsixtyonestadiaandaquarterofonestadium,andI measuredthemtruly,andunderstoodtheirsizeto besomuch,throughwhichthesungoesforth,and goestothewest,andismadeeven,andrises throughoutallthemonths,andturnsbackagain fromthesixgatesaccordingtothesuccessionofthe seasons;thustheperiodofthewholeyearis finishedafterthereturnsofthefourseasons,

CHAPTER14

1Andagainthosemenledmeawaytothewestern parts,andshowedmesixgreatgatesopen correspondingtotheEasterngates,oppositeto wherethesunsets,accordingtothenumberofthe daysthreehundredandsixty-fiveandaquarter.

2Thusagainitgoesdowntothewesterngates,and drawsawayitslight,thegreatnessofitsbrightness, undertheearth;forsincethecrownofitsshiningis inheavenwiththeLord,andguarded[byfour hundredangels,whilethesungoesroundonwheel undertheearth,andstandssevengreathoursin night,andspendshalfitscourseundertheearth, whenitcomestotheeasternapproachintheeighth hourofthenight,itbringsitslights,andthecrown ofshining,andthesunflamesforthmorethanfire.

CHAPTER15

1Thentheelementsofthesun,calledPhoenixes andChalkydribreakintosong,thereforeeverybird flutterswithitswings,rejoicingatthegiveroflight, andtheybrokeintosongatthecommandofthe Lord.

2Thegiveroflightcomestogivebrightnesstothe wholeworld,andthemorningguardtakesshape, whichistheraysofthesun,andthesunoftheearth goesout,andreceivesitsbrightnesstolightupthe wholefaceoftheearth,andtheyshowedmethis calculationofthesun'sgoing

3Andthegateswhichitenters,thesearethegreat gatesofthecomputationofthehoursoftheyear; forthisreasonthesunisagreatcreation,whose circuitlaststwenty-eightyears,andbeginsagain fromthebeginning

CHAPTER16

1Thosemenshowedmetheothercourse,thatof themoon,twelvegreatgates,crownedfromwestto east,bywhichthemoongoesinandoutofthe customarytimes.

2Itgoesinatthefirstgatetothewesternplacesof thesun,bythefirstgateswiththirty-onedays exactly,bythesecondgateswiththirty-onedays exactly,bythethirdwiththirtydaysexactly,bythe fourthwiththirtydaysexactly,bythefifthwith thirty-onedaysexactly,bythesixthwiththirty-one daysexactly,bytheseventhwiththirtydaysexactly, bytheeighthwiththirty-onedaysperfectly,bythe ninthwiththirty-onedaysexactly,bythetenthwith thirtydaysperfectly,bytheeleventhwiththirty-one daysexactly,bythetwelfthwithtwenty-eightdays exactly.

3Anditgoesthroughthewesterngatesintheorder andnumberoftheeastern,andaccomplishesthe threehundredandsixty-fiveandaquarterdaysof thesolaryear,whilethelunaryearhasthree hundredandfifty-four,andtherearewantingtoit twelvedaysofthesolarcircle,whicharethelunar epactsofthewholeyear

4[Thus,too,thegreatcirclecontainsfivehundred andthirty-twoyears]

5Thequarterofadayisomittedforthreeyears,the fourthfulfilsitexactly.

6Thereforetheyaretakenoutsideofheavenfor threeyearsandarenotaddedtothenumberofdays, becausetheychangethetimeoftheyearstotwo newmonthstowardscompletion,totwoothers towardsdiminution.

7Andwhenthewesterngatesarefinished,it returnsandgoestotheeasterntothelights,and goesthusdayandnightabouttheheavenlycircles, lowerthanallcircles,swifterthantheheavenly winds,andspiritsandelementsandangelsflying; eachangelhassixwings 8Ithasasevenfoldcourseinnineteenyears.

CHAPTER17

1InthemidstoftheheavensIsawarmedsoldiers, servingtheLord,withtympanaandorgans,with incessantvoice,withsweetvoice,withsweetand incessantvoiceandvarioussinging,whichitis impossibletodescribe,andwhichastonishesevery

mind,sowonderfulandmarvellousisthesingingof thoseangels,andIwasdelightedlisteningtoit.

CHAPTER18

1Thementookmeontothefifthheavenand placedme,andthereIsawmanyandcountless soldiers,calledGrigori,ofhumanappearance,and theirsizewasgreaterthanthatofgreatgiantsand theirfaceswithered,andthesilenceoftheirmouths perpetual,andtherewasnoserviceonthefifth heaven,andIsaidtothemenwhowerewithme:

2Whereforearetheseverywitheredandtheirfaces melancholy,andtheirmouthssilent,andwherefore istherenoserviceonthisheaven?

3Andtheysaidtome:ThesearetheGrigori,who withtheirprinceSatanailrejectedtheLordoflight, andafterthemarethosewhoareheldingreat darknessonthesecondheaven,andthreeofthem wentdownontoearthfromtheLord'sthrone,to theplaceErmon,andbrokethroughtheirvowson theshoulderofthehillErmon1andsawthe daughtersofmenhowgoodtheyare,andtookto themselveswives,andbefouledtheearthwiththeir deeds,whoinalltimesoftheiragemade lawlessnessandmixing,andgiantsarebornand marvellousbigmenandgreatenmity.

4AndthereforeGodjudgedthemwithgreat judgement,andtheyweepfortheirbrethrenand theywillbepunishedontheLord'sgreatday.

5AndIsaidtotheGrigori:'Isawyourbrethrenand theirworks,andtheirgreattorments,andIprayed forthem,buttheLordhascondemnedthemtobe underearthtillheavenandearthshallendforever'

6AndIsaid:'Whereforedoyouwait,brethren,and donotservebeforetheLord'sface,andhavenot putyourservicesbeforetheLord'sface,lestyou angeryourLordutterly?'

7Andtheylistenedtomyadmonition,andspoketo thefourranksinheaven,andlo!asIstoodwith thosetwomenfourtrumpetstrumpetedtogether withgreatvoice,andtheGrigoribrokeintosong withonevoice,andtheirvoicewentupbeforethe Lordpitifullyandaffectingly

CHAPTER19

1Andthencethosementookmeandboremeupon tothesixthheaven,andthereIsawsevenbandsof angels,verybrightandveryglorious,andtheir facesshiningmorethanthesun'sshining,glistening, andthereisnodifferenceintheirfaces,or behaviour,ormannerofdress;andthesemakethe orders,andlearnthegoingsofthestars,andthe

alterationofthemoon,orrevolutionofthesun,and thegoodgovernmentoftheworld.

2Andwhentheyseeevildoingtheymake commandmentsandinstruction,andsweetandloud singing,andallsongsofpraise

3Thesearethearchangelswhoareaboveangels, measurealllifeinheavenandonearth,andthe angelswhoareappointedoverseasonsandyears, theangelswhoareoverriversandsea,andwhoare overthefruitsoftheearth,andtheangelswhoare overeverygrass,givingfoodtoall,toeveryliving thing,andtheangelswhowriteallthesoulsofmen, andalltheirdeeds,andtheirlivesbeforetheLord's face;intheirmidstaresixPhoenixesandsix Cherubimandsixsix-wingedonescontinuallywith onevoicesingingonevoice,anditisnotpossibleto describetheirsinging,andtheyrejoicebeforethe Lordathisfootstool

CHAPTER20

1Andthosetwomenliftedmeupthenceontothe seventhHeaven,andIsawthereaverygreatlight, andfierytroopsofgreatarchangels,incorporeal forces,anddominions,ordersandgovernments, cherubimandseraphim,thronesandmany-eyed ones,nineregiments,theIoanitstationsoflight, andIbecameafraid,andbegantotremblewith greatterror,andthosementookme,andledme afterthem,andsaidtome:

2'Havecourage,Enoch,donotfear,'andshowed metheLordfromafar,sittingonHisveryhigh throneForwhatisthereonthetenthheaven,since theLorddwellshere?

3OnthetenthheavenisGod,intheHebrewtongue heiscalledAravat

4Andalltheheavenlytroopswouldcomeand standonthetenstepsaccordingtotheirrank,and wouldbowdowntotheLord,andwouldagaingo totheirplacesinjoyandfelicity,singingsongsin theboundlesslightwithsmallandtendervoices, gloriouslyservinghim.

CHAPTER21

1Andthecherubimandseraphimstandingabout thethrone,thesix-wingedandmany-eyedonesdo notdepart,standingbeforetheLord'sfacedoinghis will,andcoverhiswholethrone,singingwith gentlevoicebeforetheLord'sface:'Holy,holy, holy,LordRulerofSabaoth,heavensandearthare fullofThyglory.'

2WhenIsawallthesethings,thosemensaidtome: 'Enoch,thusfarisitcommandedustojourneywith

thee,'andthosemenwentawayfrommeand thereuponIsawthemnot.

3AndIremainedaloneattheendoftheseventh heavenandbecameafraid,andfellonmyfaceand saidtomyself:'Woeisme,whathasbefallenme?'

4AndtheLordsentoneofhisgloriousones,the archangelGabriel,andhesaidtome:'Havecourage, Enoch,donotfear,arisebeforetheLord'sfaceinto eternity,arise,comewithme.'

5AndIansweredhim,andsaidinmyself:'My Lord,mysoulisdepartedfromme,fromterrorand trembling,'andIcalledtothemenwholedmeupto thisplace,onthemIrelied,anditiswiththemIgo beforetheLord'sface.

6AndGabrielcaughtmeup,asaleafcaughtupby thewind,andplacedmebeforetheLord'sface

7AndIsawtheeighthHeaven,whichiscalledin theHebrewtongueMuzaloth,changerofthe seasons,ofdrought,andofwet,andofthetwelve signsofthezodiac,whichareabovetheseventh Heaven

8AndIsawtheninthHeaven,whichiscalledin HebrewKuchavim,wherearetheheavenlyhomes ofthetwelvesignsofthezodiac.

CHAPTER22

1OnthetenthHeaven,Aravoth,Isawthe appearanceoftheLord'sface,likeironmadeto glowinfire,andbroughtout,emittingsparks,andit burns

2ThusIsawtheLord'sface,buttheLord'sfaceis ineffable,marvellousandveryawful,andvery, veryterrible

3AndwhoamItotelloftheLord'sunspeakable being,andofhisverywonderfulface?AndIcannot tellthequantityofhismanyinstructions,and variousvoices,theLord'sthroneverygreatandnot madewithhands,northequantityofthosestanding roundhim,troopsofcherubimandseraphim,nor theirincessantsinging,norhisimmutablebeauty, andwhoshalltelloftheineffablegreatnessofhis glory?

4AndIfellproneandboweddowntotheLord,and theLordwithhislipssaidtome:

5'Havecourage,Enoch,donotfear,ariseandstand beforemyfaceintoeternity.'

6AndthearchistrategeMichaelliftedmeup,and ledmetobeforetheLord'sface

7AndtheLordsaidtohisservantstemptingthem: 'LetEnochstandbeforemyfaceintoeternity,'and thegloriousonesboweddowntotheLord,andsaid: 'LetEnochgoaccordingtoThyword.'

8AndtheLordsaidtoMichael:'GoandtakeEnoch fromouthisearthlygarments,andanointhimwith

mysweetointment,andputhimintothegarments ofMyglory.'

9AndMichaeldidthus,astheLordtoldhimHe anointedme,anddressedme,andtheappearanceof thatointmentismorethanthegreatlight,andhis ointmentislikesweetdew,anditssmellmild, shininglikethesun'sray,andIlookedatmyself, andwaslikeoneofhisgloriousones

10AndtheLordsummonedoneofhisarchangels bynamePravuil,whoseknowledgewasquickerin wisdomthantheotherarchangels,whowroteallthe deedsoftheLord;andtheLordsaidtoPravuil: 11'Bringoutthebooksfrommystore-houses,and areedofquick-writing,andgiveittoEnoch,and delivertohimthechoiceandcomfortingbooksout ofthyhand'

CHAPTER23

1Andhewastellingmealltheworksofheaven, earthandsea,andalltheelements,theirpassages andgoings,andthethunderingsofthethunders,the sunandmoon,thegoingsandchangesofthestars, theseasons,years,days,andhours,therisingsof thewind,thenumbersoftheangels,andthe formationoftheirsongs,andallhumanthings,the tongueofeveryhumansongandlife,the commandments,instructions,andsweet-voiced singings,andallthingsthatitisfittingtolearn.

2AndPravuiltoldme:'AllthethingsthatIhave toldthee,wehavewrittenSitandwriteallthe soulsofmankind,howevermanyofthemareborn, andtheplacespreparedforthemtoeternity;forall soulsarepreparedtoeternity,beforetheformation oftheworld.'

3Andalldoublethirtydaysandthirtynights,andI wroteoutallthingsexactly,andwrotethree hundredandsixty-sixbooks.

CHAPTER24

1AndtheLordsummonedme,andsaidtome: 'Enoch,sitdownonmyleftwithGabriel.'

2AndIboweddowntotheLord,andtheLord spoketome:Enoch,beloved,allthouseest,all thingsthatarestandingfinishedItelltotheeeven beforetheverybeginning,allthatIcreatedfrom non-being,andvisiblethingsfrominvisible.

3Hear,Enoch,andtakeinthesemywords,fornot toMyangelshaveItoldmysecret,andIhavenot toldthemtheirrise,normyendlessrealm,norhave theyunderstoodmycreating,whichItelltheetoday.

4Forbeforeallthingswerevisible,Ialoneusedto goaboutintheinvisiblethings,likethesunfrom easttowest,andfromwesttoeast

5Buteventhesunhaspeaceinitself,whileIfound nopeace,becauseIwascreatingallthings,andI conceivedthethoughtofplacingfoundations,and ofcreatingvisiblecreation.

CHAPTER25

1Icommandedintheverylowestparts,thatvisible thingsshouldcomedownfrominvisible,andAdoil camedownverygreat,andIbeheldhim,andlo!he hadabellyofgreatlight.

2AndIsaidtohim:'Becomeundone,Adoil,andlet thevisiblecomeoutofthee'

3Andhecameundone,andagreatlightcameout. AndIwasinthemidstofthegreatlight,andas thereisbornlightfromlight,therecamefortha greatage,andshowedallcreation,whichIhad thoughttocreate

4AndIsawthatitwasgood.

5AndIplacedformyselfathrone,andtookmy seatonit,andsaidtothelight:'Gothouuphigher andfixthyselfhighabovethethrone,andbea foundationtothehighestthings'

6Andabovethelightthereisnothingelse,andthen Ibentupandlookedupfrommythrone

CHAPTER26

1AndIsummonedtheverylowestasecondtime, andsaid:'LetArchascomeforthhard,'andhecame forthhardfromtheinvisible

2AndArchascameforth,hard,heavy,andveryred.

3AndIsaid:'Beopened,Archas,andlettherebe bornfromthee,'andhecameundone,anagecame forth,verygreatandverydark,bearingthecreation ofalllowerthings,andIsawthatitwasgoodand saidtohim:

4'Gothoudownbelow,andmakethyselffirm,and beforafoundationforthelowerthings,'andit happenedandhewentdownandfixedhimself,and becamethefoundationforthelowerthings,and belowthedarknessthereisnothingelse.

CHAPTER27

1AndIcommandedthatthereshouldbetakenfrom lightanddarkness,andIsaid:'Bethick,'andit becamethusandIspreaditoutwiththelight,andit becamewater,andIspreaditoutoverthedarkness, belowthelight,andthenImadefirmthewaters, thatistosaythebottomless,andImadefoundation oflightaroundthewater,andcreatedsevencircles

frominside,andimageditlikecrystalwetanddry, thatistosaylikeglass,andthecircumcessionof thewatersandtheotherelements,andIshowed eachoneofthemitsroad,andthesevenstarseach oneoftheminitsheaven,thattheygothus,andI sawthatitwasgood.

2AndIseparatedbetweenlightandbetween darkness,thatistosayinthemidstofthewater hitherandthither,andIsaidtothelight,thatit shouldbetheday,andtothedarkness,thatit shouldbethenight,andtherewaseveningand therewasmorningthefirstday.

CHAPTER28

1AndthenImadefirmtheheavenlycircle,and madethatthelowerwaterwhichisunderheaven collectitselftogether,intoonewhole,andthatthe chaosbecomedry,anditbecameso.

2OutofthewavesIcreatedrockhardandbig,and fromtherockIpiledupthedry,andthedryIcalled earth,andthemidstoftheearthIcalledabyss,that istosaythebottomless,Icollectedtheseainone placeandboundittogetherwithayoke.

3AndIsaidtothesea:'BeholdIgivetheethy eternallimits,andthoushaltnotbreakloosefrom thycomponentparts.'

4ThusImadefastthefirmamentThisdayIcalled methefirst-created.

CHAPTER29

1AndforalltheheavenlytroopsIimagedthe imageandessenceoffire,andmyeyelookedatthe veryhard,firmrock,andfromthegleamofmyeye thelightningreceiveditswonderfulnature,whichis bothfireinwaterandwaterinfire,andonedoes notputouttheother,nordoestheonedryupthe other,thereforethelightningisbrighterthanthesun, softerthanwaterandfirmerthanhardrock.

2AndfromtherockIcutoffagreatfire,andfrom thefireIcreatedtheordersoftheincorporealten troopsofangels,andtheirweaponsarefieryand theirraimentaburningflame,andIcommanded thateachoneshouldstandinhisorder.

3Andonefromouttheorderofangels,having turnedawaywiththeorderthatwasunderhim, conceivedanimpossiblethought,toplacehis thronehigherthanthecloudsabovetheearth,that hemightbecomeequalinranktomypower.

4AndIthrewhimoutfromtheheightwithhis angels,andhewasflyingintheaircontinuously abovethebottomless.

CHAPTER30

1OnthethirddayIcommandedtheearthtomake growgreatandfruitfultrees,andhills,andseedto sow,andIplantedParadise,andenclosedit,and placedasarmedguardiansflamingangels,andthus Icreatedrenewal.

2Thencameevening,andcamemorningthefourth day.

3[Wednesday]OnthefourthdayIcommanded thatthereshouldbegreatlightsontheheavenly circles.

4OnthefirstuppermostcircleIplacedthestars, Kruno,andonthesecondAphrodit,onthethird Aris,onthefifthZeus,onthesixthErmis,onthe seventhlesserthemoon,andadorneditwiththe lesserstars.

5AndonthelowerIplacedthesunforthe illuminationofday,andthemoonandstarsforthe illuminationofnight.

6Thesunthatitshouldgoaccordingtoeach animal(sc.signsofthezodiac),twelve,andI appointedthesuccessionofthemonthsandtheir namesandlives,theirthunderings,andtheirhourmarkings,howtheyshouldsucceed.

7Theneveningcameandmorningcamethefifth day.

8[Thursday]OnthefifthdayIcommandedthesea, thatitshouldbringforthfishes,andfeatheredbirds ofmanyvarieties,andallanimalscreepingoverthe earth,goingforthovertheearthonfourlegs,and soaringintheair,malesexandfemale,andevery soulbreathingthespiritoflife

9Andtherecameevening,andtherecamemorning thesixthday.

10[Friday]OnthesixthdayIcommandedmy wisdomtocreatemanfromsevenconsistencies: one,hisfleshfromtheearth;two,hisbloodfrom thedew;three,hiseyesfromthesun;four,his bonesfromstone;five,hisintelligencefromthe swiftnessoftheangelsandfromcloud;six,his veinsandhishairfromthegrassoftheearth;seven, hissoulfrommybreathandfromthewind.

11AndIgavehimsevennatures:totheflesh hearing,theeyesforsight,tothesoulsmell,the veinsfortouch,thebloodfortaste,thebonesfor endurance,totheintelligencesweetness(sc. enjoyment).

12Iconceivedacunningsayingtosay,Icreated manfrominvisibleandfromvisiblenature,ofboth arehisdeathandlifeandimage,heknowsspeech likesomecreatedthing,smallingreatnessand againgreatinsmallness,andIplacedhimonearth, asecondangel,honourable,greatandglorious,and Iappointedhimasrulertoruleonearthandtohave

mywisdom,andtherewasnonelikehimofearthof allmyexistingcreatures.

13AndIappointedhimaname,fromthefour componentparts,fromeast,fromwest,fromsouth, fromnorth,andIappointedforhimfourspecial stars,andIcalledhisnameAdam,andshowedhim thetwoways,thelightandthedarkness,andItold him:

14'Thisisgood,andthatbad,'thatIshouldlearn whetherhehaslovetowardsme,orhatred,thatit beclearwhichinhisraceloveme

15ForIhaveseenhisnature,buthehasnotseen hisownnature,thereforethroughnotseeinghewill sinworse,andIsaid'Aftersinwhatistherebut death?'

16AndIputsleepintohimandhefellasleepAnd Itookfromhimarib,andcreatedhimawife,that deathshouldcometohimbyhiswife,andItook hislastwordandcalledhernamemother,thatisto say,Eva.

CHAPTER31

1Adamhaslifeonearth,andIcreatedagardenin Edenintheeast,thatheshouldobservethe testamentandkeepthecommand

2Imadetheheavensopentohim,thatheshould seetheangelssingingthesongofvictory,andthe gloomlesslight.

3Andhewascontinuouslyinparadise,andthe devilunderstoodthatIwantedtocreateanother world,becauseAdamwaslordonearth,toruleand controlit

4Thedevilistheevilspiritofthelowerplaces,asa fugitivehemadeSotonafromtheheavensashis namewasSatanail,thushebecamedifferentfrom theangels,buthisnaturedidnotchangehis intelligenceasfarashisunderstandingofrighteous andsinfulthings

5Andheunderstoodhiscondemnationandthesin whichhehadsinnedbefore,thereforeheconceived thoughtagainstAdam,insuchformheenteredand seducedEva,butdidnottouchAdam.

6ButIcursedignorance,butwhatIhadblessed previously,thoseIdidnotcurse,Icursednotman, northeearth,norothercreatures,butman'sevil fruit,andhisworks.

CHAPTER32

1Isaidtohim:'Earththouart,andintotheearth whenceItooktheethoushaltgo,andIwillnotruin thee,butsendtheewhenceItookthee.

2ThenIcanagaintaketheeatMysecondcoming!

3AndIblessedallmycreaturesvisibleand invisible.AndAdamwasfiveandhalfhoursin paradise

4AndIblessedtheseventhday,whichisthe Sabbath,onwhichherestedfromallhisworks

CHAPTER33

1AndIappointedtheeighthdayalso,thatthe eighthdayshouldbethefirst-createdaftermywork, andthatthefirstsevenrevolveintheformofthe sevenththousand,andthatatthebeginningofthe eighththousandthereshouldbeatimeofnotcounting,endless,withneitheryearsnormonths norweeksnordaysnorhours.

2Andnow,Enoch,allthatIhavetoldthee,allthat thouhastunderstood,allthatthouhastseenof heavenlythings,allthatthouhastseenonearth,and allthatIhavewritteninbooksbymygreatwisdom, allthesethingsIhavedevisedandcreatedfromthe uppermostfoundationtothelowerandtotheend, andthereisnocounsellornorinheritortomy creations

3Iamself-eternal,notmadewithhands,and withoutchange.

4Mythoughtismycounsellor,mywisdomandmy wordaremade,andmyeyesobserveallthingshow theystandhereandtremblewithterror

5IfIturnawaymyface,thenallthingswillbe destroyed.

6Andapplythymind,Enoch,andknowhimwho isspeakingtothee,andtakethouthebookswhich thouthyselfhastwritten

7AndIgivetheeSamuilandRaguil,wholedthee up,andthebooks,andgodowntoearth,andtell thysonsallthatIhavetoldthee,andallthatthou hastseen,fromthelowerheavenuptomythrone, andallthetroops.

8ForIcreatedallforces,andthereisnonethat resistethmeorthatdoesnotsubjecthimselftome. Forallsubjectthemselvestomymonarchy,and labourformysolerule.

9Givethemthebooksofthehandwriting,andthey willreadthemandwillknowmeforthecreatorof allthings,andwillunderstandhowthereisnoother Godbutme

10Andletthemdistributethebooksofthy handwriting--childrentochildren,generationto generation,nationstonations

11AndIwillgivethee,Enoch,myintercessor,the archistrategeMichael,forthehandwritingsofthy fathersAdam,Seth,Enos,Cainan,Mahaleleel,and Jaredthyfather.

CHAPTER34

1Theyhaverejectedmycommandmentsandmy yoke,worthlessseedhascomeup,notfearingGod, andtheywouldnotbowdowntome,buthave beguntobowdowntovaingods,anddeniedmy unity,andhaveladenthewholeearthwithuntruths, offences,abominablelecheriesnamelyonewith another,andallmannerofotherunclean wickednesses,whicharedisgustingtorelate 2AndthereforeIwillbringdownadelugeuponthe earthandwilldestroyallmen,andthewholeearth willcrumbletogetherintogreatdarkness

CHAPTER35

1Beholdfromtheirseedshallariseanother generation,muchafterwards,butofthemmanywill beveryinsatiate.

2Hewhoraisesthatgeneration,shallrevealto themthebooksofthyhandwriting,ofthyfathers,to themtowhomhemustpointouttheguardianship oftheworld,tothefaithfulmenandworkersofmy pleasure,whodonotacknowledgemynameinvain.

3Andtheyshalltellanothergeneration,andthose othershavingreadshallbeglorifiedthereafter, morethanthefirst.

CHAPTER36

1Now,Enoch,Igivetheethetermofthirtydaysto spendinthyhouse,andtellthysonsandallthy household,thatallmayhearfrommyfacewhatis toldthembythee,thattheymayreadand understand,howthereisnootherGodbutme.

2Andthattheymayalwayskeepmy commandments,andbegintoreadandtakeinthe booksofthyhandwriting.

3AndafterthirtydaysIsallsendmyangelforthee, andhewilltaketheefromearthandfromthysons tome

CHAPTER37

1AndtheLordcalleduponeoftheolderangels, terribleandmenacing,andplacedhimbyme,in appearancewhiteassnow,andhishandslikeice, havingtheappearanceofgreatfrost,andhefroze myface,becauseIcouldnotenduretheterrorofthe Lord,justasitisnotpossibletoendureastove's fireandthesun'sheat,andthefrostoftheair

2AndtheLordsaidtome:'Enoch,ifthyfacebe notfrozenhere,nomanwillbeabletobeholdthy face'

CHAPTER38

1AndtheLordsaidtothosemenwhofirstledme up:'LetEnochgodownontoearthwithyou,and awaithimtillthedeterminedday'

2Andtheyplacedmebynightonmycouch.

3AndMathusalexpectingmycoming,keeping watchbydayandbynightatmycouch,wasfilled withawewhenheheardmycoming,andItoldhim, 'Letallmyhouseholdcometogether,thatItell themeverything'

CHAPTER39

1Ohmychildren,mybelovedones,hearthe admonitionofyourfather,asmuchasisaccording totheLord'swill.

2Ihavebeenletcometoyouto-day,andannounce toyou,notfrommylips,butfromtheLord'slips, allthatisandwasandallthatisnow,andallthat willbetilljudgement-day

3FortheLordhasletmecometoyou,youhear thereforethewordsofmylips,ofamanmadebig foryou,butIamonewhohasseentheLord'sface, likeironmadetoglowfromfireitsendsforth sparksandburns,

4Youlooknowuponmyeyes,theeyesofaman bigwithmeaningforyou,butIhaveseenthe Lord'seyes,shininglikethesun'sraysandfilling theeyesofmanwithawe.

5Youseenow,mychildren,therighthandofa manthathelpsyou,butIhaveseentheLord'sright handfillingheavenasbehelpedme

6Youseethecompassofmyworklikeyourown, butIhaveseentheLord'slimitlessandperfect compass,whichhasnoend

7Youhearthewordsofmylips,asIheardthe wordsoftheLord,likegreatthunderincessantly withhurlingofclouds

8Andnow,mychildren,hearthediscoursesofthe fatheroftheearth,howfearfulandawfulitisto comebeforethefaceoftheruleroftheearth,how muchmoreterribleandawfulitistocomebefore thefaceoftherulerofheaven,thecontrollerof quickanddead,andoftheheavenlytroops.Who canendurethatendlesspain?

CHAPTER40

1Andnow,mychildren,Iknowallthings,forthis isfromtheLord'slips,andthismyeyeshaveseen, frombeginningtoend.

2Iknowallthings,andhavewrittenallthingsinto books,theheavensandtheirend,andtheir plenitude,andallthearmiesandtheirmarchings.

3Ihavemeasuredanddescribedthestars,thegreat countlessmultitudeofthem.

4Whatmanhasseentheirrevolutions,andtheir entrances?Fornoteventheangelsseetheirnumber, whileIhavewrittenalltheirnames

5AndImeasuredthesun'scircle,andmeasuredits rays,countedthehours,Iwrotedowntooall'things thatgoovertheearthIhavewrittenthethingsthat arenourished,andallseedsownandunsown, whichtheearthproducesandallplants,andevery grassandeveryflower,andtheirsweetsmells,and theirnames,andthedwelling-placesoftheclouds, andtheircomposition,andtheirwings,andhow theybearrainandraindrops.

6AndIinvestigatedallthings,andwrotetheroad ofthethunderandofthelightning,andthey showedmethekeysandtheirguardians,theirrise, thewaytheygo;itisletoutinmeasure(scgently) byachain,lestbyaheavychainandviolenceit hurldowntheangrycloudsanddestroyallthings onearth

7Iwrotethetreasure-housesofthesnow,andthe store-housesofthecoldandthefrostyairs,andI observedtheirseason'skey-holder,hefillsthe cloudswiththem,anddoesnotexhaustthe treasure-houses

8AndIwrotetheresting-placesofthewindsand observedandsawhowtheirkey-holdersbear weighing-scalesandmeasures;first,theyputthem inoneweighing-scale,thenintheothertheweights andletthemoutaccordingtomeasurecunningly overthewholeearth,lestbyheavybreathingthey maketheearthtorock

9AndImeasuredoutthewholeearth,its mountains,andallhills,fields,trees,stones,rivers, allexistingthingsIwrotedown,theheightfrom earthtotheseventhheaven,anddownwardstothe verylowesthell,andthejudgement-place,andthe verygreat,openandweepinghell

10AndIsawhowtheprisonersareinpain, expectingthelimitlessjudgement

11AndIwrotedownallthosebeingjudgedbythe judge,andalltheirjudgements(sc.sentences)and alltheirworks

CHAPTER41

1AndIsawallforefathersfromalltimewithAdam andEva,andIsighedandbrokeintotearsandsaid oftheruinoftheirdishonour:

2'Woeismeformyinfirmityandforthatofmy forefathers,'andthoughtinmy,heartandsaid:

3'Blessedisthemanwhohasnotbeenbornorwho hasbeenbornandshallnotsinbeforetheLord's

face,thathecomenotintothisplace,norbringthe yokeofthisplace!

CHAPTER42

1Isawthekey-holdersandguardsofthegatesof hellstanding,likegreatserpents,andtheirfaces likeextinguishedlamps,andtheireyesoffire,their sharpteeth,andIsawalltheLord'sworks,how theyareright,whiletheworksofmanaresome good,andothersbad,andintheirworksareknown thosewholieevilly.

CHAPTER43

1Imychildren,measuredandwroteoutevery workandeverymeasureandeveryrighteous judgement

2Asoneyearismorehonourablethananother,so isonemanmorehonourablethananother,somefor greatpossessions,someforwisdomofheart,some forparticularintellect,someforcunning,onefor silenceoflip,anotherforcleanliness,onefor strength,anotherforcomeliness,oneforyouth, anotherforsharpwit,oneforshapeofbody, anotherforsensibility,letitbeheardeverywhere, butthereisnonebetterthanhewhofearsGod,he shallbemoregloriousintimetocome

CHAPTER44

1TheLordwithhishandshavingcreatedman,in thelikenessofhisownface,theLordmadehim smallandgreat

2Whoeverrevilestheruler'sface,andabhorsthe Lord'sface,hasdespisedtheLord'sface,andtie whoventsangeronanymanwithoutinjury,the Lord'sgreatangerwillcuthimdown,hewhospits onthefaceofmanreproachfully,willbecutdown attheLord'sgreatjudgement.

3Blessedisthemanwhodoesnotdirecthisheart withmaliceagainstanyman,andhelpstheinjured andcondemned,andraisesthebrokendown,and shalldocharitytotheneedy,becauseonthedayof thegreatjudgementeveryweight,everymeasure andeverymakeweightwillbeasinthemarket,that istosaytheyarehungonscalesandstandinthe market,andeveryoneshalllearnhisownmeasure, andaccordingtohismeasureshalltakehisreward

CHAPTER45

1Whoeverhastenstomakeofferingbeforethe Lord'sface,theLordforhispartwillhastenthat offeringbygrantingofhiswork.

2ButwhoeverincreaseshislampbeforetheLord's faceandmakenottruejudgement,theLordwillnot increasehistreasureintherealmofthehighest

3WhentheLorddemandsbread,orcandles,or flesh(sccattle),oranyothersacrifice,thenthatis nothing;butGoddemandspurehearts,andwithall thatonlyteststheheartofman.

CHAPTER46

1Hear,mypeople,andtakeinthewordsofmylips

2Ifanyonebringanygiftstoanearthlyruler,and havedisloyalthoughtsinhisheart,andtheruler knowthis,willhenotbeangrywithhim,andnot refusehisgifts,andnotgivehimovertojudgement?

3Orifonemanmakehimselfappeargoodto anotherbydeceitoftongue,buthaveevilinhis heart,thenwillnottheotherunderstandthe treacheryofhisheart,andhimselfbecondemned, sincehisuntruthwasplaintoall?

4AndwhentheLordshallsendagreatlight,then therewillbejudgementforthejustandtheunjust, andtherenooneshallescapenotice

CHAPTER47

1Andnow,mychildren,laythoughtonyourhearts, markwellthewordsofyourfather,whichareall cometoyoufromtheLord'slips.

2Takethesebooksofyourfather'shandwritingand readthem

3Forthebooksaremany,andinthemyouwill learnalltheLord'sworks,allthathasbeenfromthe beginningofcreation,andwillbetilltheendof time.

4Andifyouwillobservemyhandwriting,youwill notsinagainsttheLord;becausethereisnoother excepttheLord,neitherinheaven,norinearth,nor intheverylowestplaces,norintheonefoundation

5TheLordhasplacedthefoundationsinthe unknown,andhasspreadforthheavensvisibleand invisible;hefixedtheearthonthewaters,and createdcountlesscreatures,andwhohascounted thewaterandthefoundationoftheunfixed,orthe dustoftheearth,orthesandofthesea,orthedrops oftherain,orthemorningdew,orthewind's breathings?Whohasfilledearthandsea,andthe indissolublewinter?

6Icutthestarsoutoffire,anddecoratedheaven, andputitintheirmidst.

CHAPTER48

1Thatthesungoalongthesevenheavenlycircles, whicharethe,appointmentofonehundredand

eighty-twothrones,thatitgodownonashortday, andagainonehundredandeighty-two,thatitgo downonabigday,andhehastwothroneson whichherests,revolvinghitherandthitherabove thethronesofthemonths,fromtheseventeenthday ofthemonthTsivanitgoesdowntothemonth Thevan,fromtheseventeenthofThevanitgoesup.

2Andthusitgoesclosetotheearth,thentheearth isandmakesgrowitsfruit,andwhenitgoesaway, thentheearthissad,andtreesandallfruitshaveno florescence

3Allthishemeasured,withgoodmeasurementof hours,andfixedameasurebyhiswisdom,ofthe visibleandtheinvisible.

4Fromtheinvisiblehemadeallthingsvisible, himselfbeinginvisible

5ThusImakeknowntoyou,mychildren,and distributethebookstoyourchildren,intoallyour generations,andamongstthenationswhoshall havethesensetofearGod,letthemreceivethem, andmaytheycometolovethemmorethanany foodorearthlysweets,andreadthemandapply themselvestothem

6AndthosewhounderstandnottheLord,whofear notGod,whoacceptnot,butreject,whodonot receivethem(scthebooks),aterriblejudgement awaitsthese.

7Blessedisthemanwhoshallbeartheiryokeand shalldragthemalong,forheshallbereleasedon thedayofthegreatjudgement.

CHAPTER49

1Isweartoyou,mychildren,butIswearnotby anyoath,neitherbyheavennorbyearth,norbyany othercreaturewhichGodcreated

2TheLordsaid:'Thereisnooathinme,nor injustice,buttruth.'

3Ifthereisnotruthinmen,letthemswearbythe words'yea,yea,'orelse,'nay,nay!

4AndIsweartoyou,yea,yea,thattherehasbeen nomaninhismother'swomb,butthatalready before,eventoeachonethereisaplaceprepared forthereposeofthesoul,andameasurefixedhow muchitisintendedthatamanbetriedinthisworld.

5Yea,children,deceivenotyourselves,forthere hasbeenpreviouslypreparedaplaceforeverysoul ofman.

CHAPTER50

1Ihaveputeveryman'sworkinwritingandnone bornonearthcanremainhiddennorhisworks remainconcealed

2Iseeallthings.

3Nowtherefore,mychildren,inpatienceand meeknessspendthenumberofyourdays,thatyou inheritendlesslife

4EndureforthesakeoftheLordeverywound, everyinjury,everyevilwordandattack

5Ifill-requitalsbefallyou,returnthemnoteitherto neighbourorenemy,becausetheLordwillreturn themforyouandbeyouravengeronthedayof greatjudgement,thattherebenoavenginghere amongmen

6Whoeverofyouspendsgoldorsilverforhis brother'ssake,hewillreceiveampletreasureinthe worldtocome

7Injurenotwidowsnororphansnorstrangers,lest God'swrathcomeuponyou.

CHAPTER51

1Stretchoutyourhandstothepooraccordingto yourstrength.

2Hidenotyoursilverintheearth

3Helpthefaithfulmaninaffliction,andaffliction willnotfindyouinthetimeofyourtrouble

4Andeverygrievousandcruelyokethatcome uponyoubearallforthesakeoftheLord,andthus youwillfindyourrewardinthedayofjudgement

5Itisgoodtogomorning,midday,andevening intotheLord'sdwelling,forthegloryofyour creator.

6Becauseeverybreathingthingglorifieshim,and everycreaturevisibleandinvisiblereturnshim praise.

CHAPTER52

1Blessedisthemanwhoopenshislipsinpraiseof GodofSabaothandpraisestheLordwithhisheart.

2Cursedeverymanwhoopenshislipsforthe bringingintocontemptandcalumnyofhis neighbour,becausehebringsGodintocontempt.

3Blessedishewhoopenshislipsblessingand praisingGod.

4CursedishebeforetheLordallthedaysofhis life,whoopenshislipstocurseandabuse

5BlessedishewhoblessesalltheLord'sworks.

6CursedishewhobringstheLord'screationinto contempt.

7Blessedishewholooksdownandraisesthe fallen

8Cursedishewholookstoandiseagerforthe destructionofwhatisnothis

9Blessedishewhokeepsthefoundationsofhis fathersmadefirmfromthebeginning.

10Cursedishewhopervertsthedecreesofhis forefathers.

11Blessedishewhoimplantspeaceandlove.

12Cursedishewhodisturbsthosethatlovetheir neighbours

13Blessedishewhospeakswithhumbletongue andhearttoall

14Cursedishewhospeakspeacewithhis.tongue, whileinhisheartthereisnopeacebutasword.

15Forallthesethingswillbelaidbareinthe weighing-scalesandinthebooks,onthedayofthe greatjudgement

CHAPTER53

1Andnow,mychildren,donotsay:'Ourfatheris standingbeforeGod,andisprayingforoursins,' forthereistherenohelperofanymanwhohas sinned.

2YouseehowIwroteallworksofeveryman, beforehiscreation,allthatisdoneamongstallmen foralltime,andnonecantellorrelatemy handwriting,becausetheLordseesallthe imaginingsofman,howtheyarevain,wherethey lieinthetreasure-housesoftheheart

3Andnow,mychildren,markwellallthewordsof yourfather,thatItellyou,lestyouregret,saying: 'Whydidourfathernottellus?'

CHAPTER54

1Atthattime,notunderstandingthisletthese bookswhichIhavegivenyoubeforaninheritance ofyourpeace.

2Handthemtoallwhowantthem,andinstruct them,thattheymayseetheLord'sverygreatand marvellousworks.

CHAPTER55

1Mychildren,behold,thedayofmytermandthe timenaveapproached.

2Fortheangelswhoshallgowithmearestanding beforemeandurgemetomydeparturefromyou; theyarestandinghereonearth,awaitingwhathas beentoldthem

3FortomorrowIshallgoupontoheaven,tothe uppermostJerusalemtomyeternalinheritance

4ThereforeIbidyoudobeforetheLord'sfaceall hisgoodpleasure.

CHAPTER56

1MethosalamhavingansweredhisfatherEnoch, said:'Whatisagreeabletothyeyes,father,thatI maymakebeforethyface,thatthoumaystblessour dwellings,andthysons,andthatthypeoplemaybe

madegloriousthroughthee,andthenthatthou maystdepartthus,astheLordsaid?,

2EnochansweredtohissonMethosalamandsaid: 'Hear,child,fromthetimewhentheLordanointed mewiththeointmentofhisglory,therehasbeenno foodinme,andmysoulremembersnotearthly enjoyment,neitherdoIwantanythingearthly!

CHAPTER57

1MychildMethosalam,summonallthybrethren andourhouseholdandtheeldersofthepeople,that Imaytalktothemanddepart,asisplannedforme'

2AndMethosalam.madehaste,andsummonedhis brethren,Regim,Riman,Uchan,Chermion,Gaidad, andalltheeldersofthepeoplebeforethefaceof hisfatherEnoch;andheblessedthem,andsaidto them:

CHAPTER58

1Listentome,mychildren,today.

2InthosedayswhentheLordcamedownonto earthforAdam'ssake,andvisitedallhiscreatures, whichhecreatedhimself,afterallthesehecreated Adam,andtheLordcalledallthebeastsoftheearth, allthereptiles,andallthebirdsthatsoarintheair, andbroughtthemallbeforethefaceofourfather Adam.

3AndAdamgavethenamestoallthingslivingon earth

4AndtheLordappointedhimruleroverall,and subjectedtohimallthingsunderhishands,and madethemdumbandmadethemdullthattheybe commandedofman,andbeinsubjectionand obediencetohim

5ThusalsotheLordcreatedeverymanlordover allhispossessions.

6TheLordwillnotjudgeasinglesoulofbeastfor man'ssake,butadjudgesthesoulsofmentotheir beastsinthisworld;formenhaveaspecialplace

7Andaseverysoulofmanisaccordingtonumber, similarlybeastswillnotperish,norallsoulsof beastswhichtheLordcreated,tillthegreat judgement,andtheywillaccuseman,ifhefeed themill

CHAPTER59

1Whoeverdefilesthesoulofbeasts,defileshis ownsoul

2Formanbringscleananimalstomakesacrifice forsin,thathemayhavecureofhissoul.

3Andiftheybringforsacrificecleananimals,and birds,manhascure,hecureshissoul.

4Allisgivenyouforfood,binditbythefourfeet, thatistomakegoodthecure,hecureshissoul.

5Butwhoeverkillsbeastwithoutwounds,killshis ownsoulanddefileshisownflesh.

6Andhewhodoesanybeastanyinjurywhatsoever, insecret,itisevilpractice,andhedefileshisown soul.

CHAPTER60

1Hewhoworksthekillingofaman'ssoul,killshis ownsoul,andkillshisownbody,andthereisno cureforhimforalltime

2Hewhoputsamaninanysnare,shallstickinit himself,andthereisnocureforhimforalltime.

3Hewhoputsamaninanyvessel,hisretribution willnotbewantingatthegreatjudgementforall time

4Hewhoworkscrookedlyorspeaksevilagainst anysoul,willnotmakejusticeforhimselfforall time

CHAPTER61

1Andnow,mychildren,keepyourheartsfrom everyinjustice,whichtheLordhatesJustasaman asks(sc.something)forhisownsoulfromGod,so lethimdotoeverylivingsoul,becauseIknowall things,howinthegreattime(sc.tocome)aremany mansionspreparedformen,goodforthegood,and badforthebad,withoutnumbermany

2Blessedarethosewhoenterthegoodhouses,for inthebad(schouses)thereisnopeacenorreturn (scfromthem)

3Hear,mychildren,smallandgreat!Whenman putsagoodthoughtinhisheart,bringsgiftsfrom hislaboursbeforetheLord'sfaceandhishands madethemnot,thentheLordwillturnawayhis facefromthelabourofhishand,andhe(scman) cannotfindthelabourofhishands.

4Andifhishandsmadeit,buthisheartmurmur, andhisheartceasenotmakingmurmurincessantly, hehasnotanyadvantage.

CHAPTER62

1Blessedisthemanwhoinhispatiencebringshis giftswithfaithbeforetheLord'sface,becausehe willfindforgivenessofsins

2Butifhetakebackhiswordsbeforethetime, thereisnorepentanceforhim;andifthetimepass andhedonotofhisownwillwhatispromised, thereisnorepentanceafterdeath.

3Becauseeveryworkwhichmandoesbeforethe time,isalldeceitbeforemen,andsinbeforeGod.

CHAPTER63

1Whenmanclothesthenakedandfillsthehungry, hewillfindrewardfromGod.

2Butifhisheartmurmur,hecommitsadoubleevil: ruinofhimselfandofthatwhichhegives;andfor himtherewillbenofindingofrewardonaccount ofthat

3Andifhisownheartisfilledwithhisfoodandhis ownflesh(scclothed)withhisclothinghe commitscontempt,andforfeitallhisenduranceof poverty,andwillnotfindrewardofhisgooddeeds.

4Everyproudandmagniloquentmanishatefulto theLord,andeveryfalsespeech,clothedinuntruth; itwillbecutwiththebladeoftheswordofdeath, andthrownintothefire,andshallburnforalltime'

CHAPTER64

1WhenEnochhadspokenthesewordstohissons, allpeoplefarandnearheardhowtheLordwas callingEnoch.Theytookcounseltogether:

2'LetusgoandkissEnoch'andtwothousandmen cametogetherandcametotheplaceAchuzan whereEnochwas,andhissons.

3Andtheeldersofthepeople,thewholeassembly, cameandboweddownandbegantokissEnochand saidtohim:

4'OurfatherEnoch,bethoublessedoftheLord, theeternalruler,andnowblessthysonsandallthe people,thatwemaybeglorifiedto-daybeforethy face.

5ForthoushaltbeglorifiedbeforetheLord'sface foralltime,sincetheLordchosethee,ratherthan allmenonearth,anddesignatedtheewriterofall hiscreation,visibleandinvisible,andredeemerof thesinsofman,andhelperofthyhousehold.'

CHAPTER65

1AndEnochansweredallhispeoplesaying:'Hear, mychildren,beforethatallcreatureswerecreated, theLordcreatedthevisibleandinvisiblethings.

2Andasmuchtimeastherewasandwentpast, understandthatafterthathecreatedmaninthe likenessofhisownform,andputintohimeyesto see,andearstohear,andhearttoreflect,and intellectwherewithtodeliberate.

3AndtheLordsawallman'sworks,andcreatedall hiscreatures,anddividedtime,fromtimehefixed theyears,andfromtheyearsheappointedthe months,andfromthemonthsheappointedthedays, andofdaysheappointedseven.

4Andinthoseheappointedthehours,measured themoutexactly,thatmanmightreflectontime

andcountyears,months,andhours,their alternation,beginning,andend,andthathemight counthisownlife,fromthebeginninguntildeath, andreflectonhissinandwritehisworkbadand good;becausenoworkishiddenbeforetheLord, thateverymanmightknowhisworksandnever transgressallhiscommandments,andkeepmy handwritingfromgenerationtogeneration

5Whenallcreationvisibleandinvisible,asthe Lordcreatedit,shallend,theneverymangoesto thegreatjudgement,andthenalltimeshallperish, andtheyears,andthenceforwardtherewillbe neithermonthsnordaysnorhours,theywillbe stucktogetherandwillnotbecounted.

6Therewillbeoneaeon,andalltherighteouswho shallescapetheLord'sgreatjudgement,shallbe collectedinthegreataeon,fortherighteousthe greataeonwillbegin,andtheywillliveeternally, andthentootherewillbeamongstthemneither labour,norsickness,norhumiliation,noranxiety, norneed,norviolence,nornight,nordarkness,but greatlight.

7Andtheyshallhaveagreatindestructiblewall, andaparadisebrightandincorruptible,forall corruptiblethingsshallpassaway,andtherewillbe eternallife

CHAPTER66

1Andnow,mychildren,keepyoursoulsfromall injustice,suchastheLordhates

2Walkbeforehisfacewithterrorandtrembling andservehimalone

3BowdowntothetrueGod,nottodumbidols,but bowdowntohispicture,andbringalljustofferings beforetheLord'sfaceTheLordhateswhatis unjust.

4FortheLordseesallthings;whenmantakes thoughtinhisheart,thenhecounselstheintellects, andeverythoughtisalwaysbeforetheLord,who madefirmtheearthandputallcreaturesonit

5Ifyoulooktoheaven,theLordisthere;ifyou takethoughtofthesea'sdeepandalltheunderearth,theLordisthere

6FortheLordcreatedallthings.Bownotdownto thingsmadebyman,leavingtheLordofall creation,becausenoworkcanremainhiddenbefore theLord'sface.

7Walk,mychildren,inlongsuffering,inmeekness, honesty,inprovocation,ingrief,infaithandin truth,inrelianceonpromises,inillness,inabuse,in wounds,intemptation,innakedness,inprivation, lovingoneanother,tillyougooutfromthisageof ills,thatyoubecomeinheritorsofendlesstime

8Blessedarethejustwhoshallescapethegreat judgement,fortheyshallshineforthmorethanthe sunsevenfold,forinthisworldtheseventhpartis takenofffromall,light,darkness,food,enjoyment, sorrow,paradise,torture,fire,frost,andother things;heputalldowninwriting,thatyoumight readandunderstand.'

CHAPTER67

1WhenEnochhadtalkedtothepeople,theLord sentoutdarknessontotheearth,andtherewas darkness,anditcoveredthosemenstandingwith Enoch,andtheytookEnochupontothehighest heaven,wheretheLordis;andhereceivedhimand placedhimbeforehisface,andthedarknesswent offfromtheearth,andlightcameagain.

2Andthepeoplesawandunderstoodnothow Enochhadbeentaken,andglorifiedGod,and foundarollinwhichwastraced'theinvisibleGod'; andallwenttotheirhomes

CHAPTER68

1Enochwasbornonthesixthdayofthemonth Tsivan,andlivedthreehundredandsixty-fiveyears

2Hewastakenuptoheavenonthefirstdayofthe monthTsivanandremainedinheavensixtydays

3Hewroteallthesesignsofallcreation,whichthe Lordcreated,andwrotethreehundredandsixty-six books,andhandedthemovertohissonsand remainedonearththirtydays,andwasagaintaken uptoheavenonthesixthdayofthemonthTsivan, ontheverydayandhourwhenhewasborn

4Aseveryman'snatureinthislifeisdark,soare alsohisconception,birth,anddeparturefromthis life.

5Atwhathourhewasconceived,atthathourhe wasborn,andatthathourtoohedied

6Methosalamandhisbrethren,allthesonsof Enoch,madehaste,anderectedanaltarattheplace calledAchuzan,whenceandwhereEnochhadbeen takenuptoheaven.

7Andtheytooksacrificialoxenandsummonedall peopleandsacrificedthesacrificebeforetheLord's face

8Allpeople,theeldersofthepeopleandthewhole assemblycametothefeastandbroughtgiftstothe sonsofEnoch

9Andtheymadeagreatfeast,rejoicingand makingmerrythreedays,praisingGod,whohad giventhemsuchasignthroughEnoch,whohad foundfavourwithhim,andthattheyshouldhandit ontotheirsonsfromgenerationtogeneration,from agetoage.

INTRODUCTION

Thiscollectionofeighteenwarsongsarethegiftofan ancientSemiticwriterTheoriginalmanuscripthas perishedbutfortunatelyGreektranslationshavebeen preserved,andrecentlyaSyriacversionofthesamesongs hasturnedupandwaspublishedinEnglishforthefirst timein1909byDrRendelHarris

Thedateofthewritingmaybeestablishedatthemiddleof theFirstCenturyBCbecausethethemeofthesesongsis thatofPompey'sactionsinPalestineandhisdeathinEgypt in48BC

Thesepsalmshadanimportantpositionandwerewidely circulatedintheearlyChurchTheyarefrequentlyreferred tointhevariousCodexesandhistoriesofthefirstfew centuriesoftheChristianEra.

Later,theybecamelostthroughinexplicablereasons;and haveonlybeenrecoveredforouruseafterthelapseof manycenturies

Besidestheliteraryvalueofthetrumpet-likerhythmof theseverses,wehavehereachapterofstirringancient historywrittenbyaneyewitnessPompeycomesoutofthe West.Heusesbattering-ramsonthefortifications.His soldiersdefilethealtarHeisslaininEgyptafterafearful careerInthe"righteous"ofthesepsalmsweseethe Pharisees;inthe"sinners"weseetheSadduceesItisan epicofagreatpeopleinthethroesofagreatcrisis

CHAPTER1

IcrieduntotheLordwhenIwasindistress, UntoGodwhensinnersassailed. Suddenlythealarmofwarwasheardbeforeme; Isaid,HewillhearkentomeforIamfullof righteousness IthoughtinmyheartthatIwasfullofrighteousness, BecauseIwaswelloffandhadbecomerichinchildren. Theirwealthspreadtothewholeearth, Andtheirgloryuntotheendoftheearth Theywereexalteduntothestars; Theysaidtheywouldneverfan Buttheybecameinsolentintheirprosperity, Andtheywerewithoutunderstanding, Theirsinswereinsecret, AndevenIhadnoknowledgeofthem Theirtransgressionswentbeyondthoseoftheheathen beforethem; TheyutterlypollutedtheholythingsoftheLord

CHAPTER2

Whenthesinnerwaxedproud,withabattering-ramhecast downfortifiedwalls, Andthoudidstnotrestrainhim AliennationsascendedThinealtar, Theytrampleditproudlywiththeirsandals; BecausethesonsofJerusalemhaddefiledtheholythings oftheLord, HadprofanedwithiniquitiestheofferingsofGod

ThereforeHesaid:CastthemfarfromMe; ItwassetatnaughtbeforeGod, Itwasutterlydishonoured; Thesonsandthedaughtersweremgrievouscaptivity, Sealedwastheirneck,brandedwasitamongthenations.

AccordingtotheirsinshathHedoneuntothem, ForHehathlefttheminthehandsofthemthatprevailed. HehathturnedawayHisfacefrompityingthem, Youngandoldandtheirchildrentogether; Fortheyhaddoneeviloneandall,innothearkening. Andtheheavenswereangry, Andtheearthabhorredthem; Fornomanuponithaddonewhattheydid, Andtheearthrecognizedall Thyrighteousjudgements,OGod TheysetthesonsofJerusalemtobemockedatinreturn fortheharlotsinher; Everywayfarerenteredininthefulllightofday Theymademockwiththeirtransgressions,asthey themselveswerewonttodo; Inthefulllightofdaytheyrevealedtheiriniquities. AndthedaughtersofJerusalemweredefiledinaccordance withThyjudgement, Becausetheyhaddefiledthemselveswithunnatural intercourse.

Iampainedinmybowelsandmyinwardpartsforthese things

AndyetIwilljustifyThee,OGod,inuprightnessofheart, ForinThyjudgementsisThyrighteousnessdisplayed,O God

ForThouhastrenderedtothesinnersaccordingtotheir deeds,

Yea,accordingtotheirsins,whichwereverywicked. Thouhastuncoveredtheirsins,thatThyjudgementmight bemanifest;

Thouhastwipedouttheirmemorialfromtheearth Godisarighteousjudge, Andheisnorespecterofpersons.

ForthenationsreproachedJerusalem,tramplingitdown; Herbeautywasdraggeddownfromthethroneofglory. Shegirdedonsackclothinsteadofcomelyraiment, Aropewasaboutherheadinsteadofacrown SheputoffthegloriousdiademwhichGodhadsetupon her,

Indishonourwasherbeautycastupontheground

AndIsawandentreatedtheLordandsaid, Longenough,OLordhasThinehandbeenheavyon Israel,inbringingthenationsuponthem. Fortheyhavemadesportunsparinglyinwrathandfierce anger;

Andtheywillmakeanutterend,unlessThou,OLord, rebuketheminThywrath

Fortheyhavedoneitnotinzeal,butinlustofsoul, Pouringouttheirwrathuponuswithaviewtorapine. Delaynot,OGod,torecompensethemontheirheads, Toturntheprideofthedragonintodishonour AndIhadnotlongtowaitbeforeGodshowedmethe insolentone

SlainonthemountainsofEgypt, Esteemedoflessaccountthantheleast,onlandandsea; Hisbody,too,bornehitherandthitheronthebillowswith muchinsolence, Withnonetoburyhim,becauseHehadrejectedhimwith dishonour.

Hereflectednotthathewasman, Andreflectednotonthelatterend; Hesaid:Iwillbelordoflandandsea; AndherecognizednotthatitisGodwhoisgreat, MightyinHisgreatstrength. Heiskingovertheheavens, Andjudgethkingsandkingdoms ItisHewhosettethmeupinglory, Andbringethdowntheproudtoeternaldestructionin dishonour, BecausetheyknewHimnot.

Andnowbehold,yeprincesoftheearth,thejudgementof theLord, ForagreatkingandrighteousisHe,judgingallthatis underheaven.

BlessGod,yethatfeartheLordwithwisdom, ForthemercyoftheLordwill~euponthemthatfear Him,mtheJudgement;

SothatHewilldistinguishbetweentherighteousandthe sinner, Andrecompensethesinnersforeveraccordingtotheir deeds;

Andhavemercyontherighteous,deliveringhimfromthe afflictionofthesinner, Andrecompensingthesinnerforwhathebathdonetothe righteous FortheLordisgoodtothemthatcalluponHiminpatience, DoingaccordingtoHismercytoHispiousones, EstablishingthematalltimesbeforeHiminstrength

BlessedbetheLordforeverbeforeHisservants

CHAPTER3

Whysleepestthou,Omysoul, AndblessestnottheLord? Singanewsong, UntoGodwhoisworthytobepraised SingandbewakefulagainstHisawaking, ForgoodisapsalmsungtoGodfromagladheart

TherighteousremembertheLordatalltimes,

Withthanksgivinganddeclarationoftherighteousnessof theLord'sjudgements

TherighteousdespisethnotthechasteningoftheLord; HiswillisalwaysbeforetheLord TherighteousstumblethandholdeththeLordrighteous: HefallethandlookethoutforwhatGodwilldotohim; Heseekethoutwhencehisdeliverancewillcome ThesteadfastnessoftherighteousisfromGod,their deliverer;

Therelodgethnotinthehouseoftherighteoussinuponsin Therighteouscontinuallysearchethhishouse, Toremoveutterlyalliniquitydonebyhiminerror.

Hemakethatonementforsinsofignorancebyfastingand afflictinghissoul, AndtheLordcountethguiltlesseverypiousmanandhis house

Thesinnerstumblethandcursethhislife Thedaywhenhewasbegotten,andhismother'stravail. Headdethsinstosins,whileheliveth; Hefalleth--verilygrievousishisfall--andrisethnomore Thedestructionofthesinnerisforever, Andheshallnotberemembered,whentherighteousis visited Thisistheportionofsinnersforever.

ButtheythatfeartheLordshallrisetolifeeternal, AndtheirlifeshallbeinthelightoftheLord,andshall cometoanendnomore

CHAPTER4

Whereforesittestthou,Oprofaneman,inthecouncilofthe pious,

SeeingthatthyheartisfarremovedfromtheLord, ProvokingwithtransgressionstheGodofIsrael? Extravagantinspeech,extravagantinoutwardseeming beyondallmen,

Ishethatissevereofspeechincondemningsinnersin judgement.

Andhishandisfirstuponhimasthoughheactedinzeal, Andyetheishimselfguiltyinrespectofmanifoldsins andofwantonness Hiseyesareuponeverywomanwithoutdistinction; Histongueliethwhenhemakethcontractwithanoath. Bynightandinsecrethesinnethasthoughunseen, Withhiseyeshetalkethtoeverywomanofevilcompacts Heisswifttoentereveryhousewithcheerfulnessas thoughguileless.

LetGodremovethosethatliveinhypocrisyinthe companyofthepious, Eventhelifeofsuchanonewithcorruptionofhisflesh andpenury.

LetGodrevealthedeedsofthemen-pleasers, Thedeedsofsuchanonewithlaughterandderision; Thatthepiousmaycountrighteousthejudgementoftheir God,

Whensinnersareremovedfrombeforetherighteous, Eventheman-pleaserwhoutterethlawguilefully. Andtheireyesarefixeduponanyman'shousethatisstill secure,

Thattheymay,liketheSerpent,destroythewisdomof... withwordsoftransgressors, Hiswordsaredeceitfulthathemayaccomplishhiswicked desire.

Heneverceasethfromscatteringfamiliesasthoughthey wereorphans,

Yea,helayethwasteahouseonaccountofhislawless desire

Hedeceivethwithwords,saying,Thereisnonethatseeth, orjudgeth.

Hefillsonehousewithlawlessness, Andthenhiseyesarefixeduponthenexthouse, Todestroyitwithwordsthatgivewingtodesire. YetwithallthesehissoullikeSheol,isnotsated

Lethisportion,OLord,bedishonouredbeforethee; Lethimgoforthgroaning,andcomehomecursed. Lethislifebespentinanguish,andpenury,andwant,O Lord;

Lethissleepbebesetwithpainsandhisawakingwith perplexities

Letsleepbewithdrawnfromhiseyelidsatnight; Lethimfaildishonourablyineveryworkofhishands. Lethimcomehomeempty-handedtohishouse, Andhishousebevoidofeverythingwherewithhecould satehisappetite.

Lethisoldagebespentinchildlesslonelinessuntilhis removalbydeath

Letthefleshofthemen-pleasersberentbywildbeasts, Andletthebonesofthelawlessliedishonouredinthe sightofthesun.

Letravenspeckouttheeyesofthehypocrites Fortheyhavelaidwastemanyhousesofmen,indishonour, Andscatteredthemintheirlust; AndtheyhavenotrememberedGod, NorfearedGodinallthesethings; ButtheyhaveprovokedGod'sangerandvexedHim. MayHeremovethemfromofftheearth, Becausewithdeceittheybeguiledthesoulsofthe flawless.

BlessedaretheythatfeartheLordintheirflawlessness; TheLordshalldeliverthemfromguilefulmenand sinners, Anddeliverusfromeverystumbling-blockofthelawless (men)

LetGoddestroythemthatinsolentlyworkall unrighteousness, ForagreatandmightyjudgeistheLordourGodin righteousness

LetThymercy,OLord,beuponallthemthatloveThee

CHAPTER5

OLordGod,IwillpraiseThynamewithjoy, InthemidstofthemthatknowThyrighteousjudgements. ForThouartgoodandmerciful,therefugeofthepoor; WhenIcrytoThee,donotsilentlydisregardme Fornomantakethspoilfromamightyman; Who,then,cantakeaughtofathatThouhastmade, exceptThouThyselfgivest?

FormanandhisportionliebeforeTheeinthebalance; Hecannotaddto,soastoenlarge,whathasbeen prescribedbyThee

OGod,whenweareindistresswecalluponTheeforhelp, AndThoudostnotturnbackourpetition,forThouartour God.

CausenotThyhandtobeheavyuponus, Lestthroughnecessitywesin EventhoughThourestoreusnot,wewillnotkeepaway; ButuntoTheewillwecome ForifIhunger,untoTheewillIcry,OGod; AndThouwiltgivetome.

BirdsandfishdostThounourish, InthatThougivestraintothesteppesthatgreengrass mayspringup, Sotopreparefodderinthesteppeforeverylivingthing; Andiftheyhunger,untoTheedotheyliftuptheirface KingsandrulersandpeoplesThoudostnourish,OGod; Andwhoisthehelpofthepoorandneedy,ifnotThou,O Lord?

AndThouwilthearken--forwhoisgoodandgentlebut thou?--

MakinggladthesoulofthehumblebyopeningThine handinmercy.

Man'sgoodnessisbestowedgrudginglyand; Andifherepeatitwithoutmurmuring,eventhatis marvellous

ButThygiftisgreatingoodnessandwealth, AndhewhosehopeissetonTheeshallhavenolackof gifts

UponthewholeearthisThymercy,OLord,ingoodness

HappyishewhomGodrememberethingrantingtohima duesufficiency; Ifamanaboundovermuch,hesinneth. Sufficientaremoderatemeanswithrighteousness, AndherebytheblessingoftheLordbecomesabundance withrighteousness. TheythatfeartheLordrejoiceingoodgifts, AndthygoodnessisuponIsraelinThykingdom

BlessedisthegloryoftheLord,forHeisourking

CHAPTER6

Happyisthemanwhoseheartisfixedtocalluponthe nameoftheLord; WhenheremembereththenameoftheLord,hewillbe saved.

HiswaysaremadeevenbytheLord, AndtheworksofhishandsarepreservedbytheLordhis God. Atwhatheseesinhisbaddreams,hissoulshallnotbe troubled; Whenhepassesthroughriversandthetossingoftheseas, heshallnotbedismayed Hearisethfromhissleep,andblesseththenameofthe Lord:

Whenhisheartisatpeace,hesingethtothenameofhis God, AndheentreateththeLordforallhishouse. AndtheLordheareththeprayerofeveryonethatfeareth God, AndeveryrequestofthesoulthathopesforHimdoththe Lordaccomplish

BlessedistheLord,whoshowethmercytothosewholove Himinsincerity

CHAPTER7

MakenotThydwellingafarfromus,OGod; Lesttheyassailusthathateuswithoutcause. ForThouhastrejectedthem,OGod;

LetnottheirfoottrampleuponThyholyinheritance ChastenusThyselfinThygoodpleasure; Butgiveusnotuptothenations; For,ifThousendestpestilence, ThouThyselfgivestitchargeconcerningus; ForThouartmerciful, Andwiltnotbeangrytothepointofconsumingus

WhileThynamedwellethinourmidst,weshallfind mercy;

Andthenationsshallnotprevailagainstus ForThouartourshield, AndwhenwecalluponThee,Thouhearkenesttous; ForThouwiltpitytheseedofIsraelforever AndThouwiltnotrejectthem: Butweshall,beunderThyyokeforever, AndundertherodofThychastening ThouwiltestablishusinthetimethatThouhelpestus, ShowingmercytothehouseofJacobonthedaywherein Thoudidstpromisetohelpthem

CHAPTER8

Distressandthesoundofwarhathmyearheard, Thesoundofatrumpetannouncingslaughterand calamity, Thesoundofmuchpeopleasofanexceedinghighwind, Asatempestwithmightyfiresweepingthroughthe Negeb AndIsaidinmyheart,SurelyGodjudgethus;

AsoundIhearmovingtowardsJerusalem,theholycity MyloinswerebrokenatwhatIheard,mykneestottered; Myheartwasafraid,mybonesweredismayedlikeflax Isaid:Theyestablishtheirwaysinrighteousness

IthoughtuponthejudgmentsofGodsincethecreationof heavenandearth;

IheldGodrighteousinHisjudgementswhichhavebeen fromofold Godbaretheirsinsinthefulllightofday;

Alltheearthcametoknowtherighteousjudgementsof God

Insecretplacesundergroundtheiriniquitieswere committedtoprovokeHimtoanger; Theywroughtconfusion,sonwithmotherandfatherwith daughter;

Theycommittedadultery,everymanwithhisneighhour's wife

Theyconcludedcovenantswithoneanotherwithanoath touchingthesethings;

TheyplunderedthesanctuaryofGod,asthoughtherewas noavenger

TheytrodethealtaroftheLord,comingstraightfromall mannerofuncleanness;

Andwithmenstrualbloodtheydefiledthesacrifices,as thoughthesewerecommonflesh. Theyleftnosinundone,whereintheysurpassednotthe heathen

ThereforeGodmingledforthemaspiritofwandering;

Andgavethemtodrinkacupofundilutedwine,thatthey mightbecomedrunken.

Hebroughthimthatisfromtheendoftheearth,that smitethmightily;

HedecreedwaragainstJerusalem,andagainstherland. Theprincesofthelandwenttomeethimwithjoy:they saiduntohim:

Blessedbethyway!Comeye,enteryeinwithpeace. Theymadetheroughwayseven,beforehisenteringin; TheyopenedthegatestoJerusalem,theycrownedits walls.

Asafatherentereththehouseofhissons,soheentered Jerusaleminpeace; Heestablishedhisfeetthereingreatsafety HecapturedherfortressesandthewallofJerusalem; ForGodHimselfledhiminsafety,whiletheywandered. Hedestroyedtheirprincesandeveryonewiseincounsel; HepouredoutthebloodoftheinhabitantsofJerusalem, likethewaterofuncleanness. Heledawaytheirsonsanddaughters,whomtheyhad begottenindefilement

Theydidaccordingtotheiruncleanness,evenastheir fathershaddone:

TheydefiledJerusalemandthethingsthathadbeen hallowedtothenameofGod ButGodhathshownHimselfrighteousinHisjudgements uponthenationsoftheearth; AndthepiousservantsofGodarelikeinnocentlambsin theirmidst WorthytobepraisedistheLordthatjudgeththewhole earthinHisrighteousness

Behold,now,OGod,ThouhastshownusThyjudgement inThyrighteousness; OureyeshaveseenThyjudgements,OGod. WehavejustifiedThynamethatishonouredforever; ForThouaretheGodofrighteousness,judgingIsrael withchastening.

Turn,OGod,Thymercyuponus,andhavepityuponus; GathertogetherthedispersedofIsrael,withmercyand goodness; ForThyfaithfulnessiswithus, Andthoughwehavestiffenedourneck,yetThouartour chastener; Overlookusnot,OourGod,lestthenationsswallowus up,asthoughtherewerenonetodeliver.

ButThouartourGodfromthebeginning, AnduponTheeisourhopeset,OLord; AndwewillnotdepartfromThee, ForgoodareThyjudgementsuponus Oursandourchildren'sbeThygoodpleasureforever; OLord,ourSaviour,weshallnevermorebemoved TheLordisworthytobepraisedforHisjudgementswith themouthofHispiousones; AndblessedbeIsraeloftheLordforever

CHAPTER9

WhenIsraelwasledawaycaptiveintoastrangeland, WhentheyfellawayfromtheLordwhoredeemedthem,

Theywerecastawayfromtheinheritance,whichtheLord hadgiventhem

AmongeverynationwerethedispersedofIsraelaccording tothewordofGod, ThatThoumightestbejustified,OGod,inThy righteousnessbyreasonofourtransgressions:

ForThouartajustjudgeoverallthepeoplesoftheearth ForfromThyknowledgenonethatdoethunjustlyishidden, AndtherighteousdeedsofThypiousonesarebefore Thee,OLord;

Where,then,canamanhidehimselffromThyknowledge, OGod?

Ourworksaresubjecttoourownchoiceandpower Todorightorwrongintheworksofourhands; AndinThyrighteousnessThouvisitestthesonsofmen. Hethatdoethrighteousnesslayethuplifeforhimselfwith theLord;

Andhethatdoethwronglyforfeitshislifetodestruction; ForthejudgementsoftheLordaregiveninrighteousness toeverymanandhishouse

UntowhomartThougood,OGod,excepttothemthatcall upontheLord?

Hecleansethfromsinsasoulwhenitmakethconfession, whenitmakethacknowledgement;

Forshameisuponusanduonourfacesonaccountofall thesethings

AndtowhomdothHeforgivesins,excepttothemthat havesinned?

Thoublessesttherighteous,anddostnotreprovethemfor thesinsthattheyhavecommitted; AndThygoodnessisuponthemthatsin,whenthey repent.

And,now,ThouartourGod,andwethepeoplewhom Thouhastloved:

Beholdandshowpity,OGodofIsrael,forweareThine; AndremovenotThymercyfromus,lesttheyassailus. ForThoudidstchoosetheseedofAbrahambeforeallthe nations,

AnddidstsetThynameuponus,OLord, AndThouwiltnotrejectusforever

Thoumadestacovenantwithourfathersconcerningus; AndwehopeinThee,whenoursoulturnethuntoThee ThemercyoftheLordbeuponthehouseofIsraelfor everandever.

CHAPTER10

HappyisthemanwhomtheLordrememberethwith reproving,

AndwhomHerestrainethfromthewayofevilwith strokes

Thathemaybecleansedfromsin,thatitmaynotbe multiplied Hethatmakethreadyhisbackforstrokesshallbecleansed, FortheLordisgoodtothemthatendurechastening. ForHemakethstraightthewaysoftherighteous, AnddothnotpervertthembyHischastening AndthemercyoftheLordisuponthemthatloveHimin truth,

AndtheLordrememberethHisservantsinmercy Forthetestimonyisinthelawoftheeternalcovenant,

ThetestimonyoftheLordisonthewaysofmeninHis visitation

JustandkindisourLordinHisjudgementsforever, AndIsraelshallpraisethenameoftheLordingladness Andthepiousshallgivethanksintheassemblyofthe people;

AndonthepoorshallGodhavemercyinthegladnessof Israel; ForgoodandmercifulisGodforever, AndtheassembliesofIsraelshallglorifythenameofthe Lord

ThesalvationoftheLordbeuponthehouseofIsraelunto everlastinggladness!

CHAPTER11

BlowyeinZiononthetrumpettosummonthesaints, CauseyetobeheardinJerusalemthevoiceofhimthat bringethgoodtidings; ForGodhathhadpityonIsraelinvisitingthem. Standontheheight,OJerusalem,andbeholdthychildren, FromtheEastandtheWest,gatheredtogetherbythe Lord;

FromtheNorththeycomeinthegladnessoftheirGod, FromtheislesafaroffGodhathgatheredthem HighmountainshathHeabasedintoaplainforthem; Thehillsfledattheirentrance Thewoodsgavethemshelterastheypassedby; Everysweet-smellingtreeGodcausedtospringupfor them, ThatIsraelmightpassbyinthevisitationofthegloryof theirGod Puton,OJerusalem,thygloriousgarments; Makereadythyholyrobe; ForGodhathspokengoodconcerningIsrael,foreverand ever

LettheLorddowhatHehathspokenconcerningIsraeland Jerusalem; LettheLordraiseupIsraelbyHisgloriousname ThemercyoftheLordbeuponIsraelforeverandever

CHAPTER12

OLord,delivermysoulfromthelawlessandwickedman, Fromthetonguethatislawlessandslanderous,and speakethliesanddeceit Manifoldlytwistedarethewordsofthetongueofthe wickedman, Evenasamongapeopleafirethatburnethuptheirbeauty Sohedelightstofillhouseswithalyingtongue, Tocutdownthetreesofgladnesswhichsettethonfire transgressors, Toinvolvehouseholdsinwarfarebymeansofslanderous lips.

MayGodremovefarfromtheinnocentthelipsof transgressorsbybringingthemtowant Andmaythebonesofslanderersbescatteredfaraway fromthemthatfeartheLord! Inflamingfireperishtheslanderoustonguefaraway fromthepious!

MaytheLordpreservethequietsoulthathateththe unrighteous;

AndmaytheLordestablishthemanthatfollowethpeace athome

ThesalvationoftheLordbeuponIsraelHisservantfor ever;

Andletthesinnersperishtogetheratthepresenceofthe Lord;

ButlettheLord'spiousonesinheritthepromisesofthe Lord

CHAPTER13

TherighthandoftheLordhathcoveredme; TherighthandoftheLordhathsparedus. ThearmoftheLordhathsavedusfromtheswordthat passedthrough, Fromfamineandthedeathofsinners. Noisomebeastsranuponthem: Withtheirteeththeytoretheirflesh, Andwiththeirmolarscrushedtheirbones. ButfromallthesethingstheLorddeliveredus Therighteouswastroubledonaccountofhiserrors, Lestheshouldbetakenawayalongwiththesinners; Forterribleistheoverthrowofthesinner; Butnotoneofallthesethingstoucheththerighteous Fornotalikearethechasteningoftherighteousforsins doneinignorance, Andtheoverthrowofthesinners Secretlyistherighteouschastened, Lestthesinnerrejoiceovertherighteous ForHecorrecteththerighteousasabelovedson. Andhischastisementisasthatofafirst-born FortheLordsparethHispiousones, AndblottethouttheirerrorsbyHischastening. Forthelifeoftherighteousshallbeforever; Butsinnersshallbetakenawayintodestruction,, Andtheirmemorialshallbefoundnomore. ButuponthepiousisthemercyoftheLord, AnduponthemthatfearHimHismercy

CHAPTER14

FaithfulistheLordtothemthatloveHimintruth, TothemthatendureHischastening, TothemthatwalkintherighteousnessofHis commandments, InthelawwhichHecommandedusthatwemightlive ThepiousoftheLordshalllivebyitforever; TheParadiseoftheLord,thetreesoflife,areHispious ones

Theirplantingisrootedforever; Theyshallnotbepluckedupallthedaysofheaven: FortheportionandtheinheritanceofGodisIsrael Butnotsoarethesinnersandtransgressors, Wholovethebriefdayspentincompanionshipwiththeir sin; Theirdelightisinfleetingcorruption, AndtheyremembernotGod. ForthewaysofmenareknownbeforeHimatalltimes, AndHeknoweththesecretsoftheheartbeforetheycome topass.

ThereforetheirinheritanceisSheolanddarknessand destruction

Andtheyshallnotbefoundinthedaywhentherighteous obtainmercy; ButthepiousoftheLordshallinheritlifeingladness

CHAPTER15

WhenIwasindistressIcalleduponthenameoftheLord, IhopedforthehelpoftheGodofJacobandwassaved; ForthehopeandrefugeofthepoorartThou,OGod Forwho,OGod,isstrongexcepttogivethanksuntoThee intruth?

Andwhereinisamanpowerfulexceptingivingthanksto Thyname?

Anewpsalmwithsongingladnessofheart, Thefruitofthelipswiththewell-tunedinstrumentofthe tongue, Thefirstfruitsofthelipsfromapiousandrighteous heart--

Hethatoffereththesethingsshallneverbeshakenbyevil; Theflameoffireandthewrathagainsttheunrighteous shallnottouchhim, WhenitgoethforthfromthefaceoftheLordagainst sinners,

Todestroyallthesubstanceofsinners, ForthemarkofGodisupontherighteousthattheymaybe saved

Famineandswordandpestilenceshallbefarfromthe righteous, Fortheyshallfleeawayfromthepiousasmenpursuedin war;

Buttheyshallpursuesinnersandovertakethem, Andtheythatdolawlessnessshallnotescapethe judgementofGod; Asbyenemiesexperiencedinwarshalltheybeovertaken, Forthemarkofdestructionisupontheirforehead. Andtheinheritanceofsinnersisdestructionanddarkness, AndtheiriniquitiesshallpursuethemuntoSheolbeneath Theirinheritanceshallnotbefoundoftheirchildren, Forsinsshalllaywastethehousesofsinners AndsinnersshallperishforeverinthedayoftheLord's judgement, WhenGodvisiteththeearthwithHisjudgement ButtheythatfeartheLordshallfindmercytherein, AndshalllivebythecompassionoftheirGod; Butsinnersshallperishforever

CHAPTER16

WhenmysoulslumberedbeingafarfromtheLord,Ihad allbutslippeddowntothepit, WhenIwasfarfromGod,mysoulhadbeenwell-nigh pouredoutuntodeath, IhadbeennighuntothegatesofSheolwiththesinner, WhenmysouldepartedfromtheLordGodofIsrael-HadnottheLordhelpedmewithHiseverlastingmercy Heprickedme,asahorseispricked,thatImightserve Him, Mysaviourandhelperatalltimessavedme.

IwillgivethanksuntoThee,OGod,forThouhasthelped metomysalvation; Andhastnotcountedmewithsinnerstomydestruction. RemovenotThymercyfromme,OGod, NorThymemorialfrommyheartuntilIdie

Ruleme,OGod,keepingmebackfromwickedsin, Andfromeverywickedwomanthatcauseththesimpleto stumble

Andletnotthebeautyofalawlesswomanbeguileme, Noranyonethatissubjecttounprofitablesin

EstablishtheworksofmyhandsbeforeThee, AndpreservemygoingsintheremembranceofThee Protectmytongueandmylipswithwordsoftruth; Angerandunreasoningwrathputfarfromme. Murmuring,andimpatienceinaffliction,removefarfrom me

When,ifIsin,ThouchastenestmethatImayreturnunto Thee

Butwithgoodwillandcheerfulnesssupportmysoul; WhenThoustrengthenestmysoul,whatisgiventome willbesufficientforme

ForifThougivestnotstrength, Whocanendurechastisementwithpoverty? Whenamanisrebukedbymeansofhiscorruption, Thytestingofhimisinhisfleshandintheafflictionof poverty.

Iftherighteousendurethinallthesetrials,heshallreceive mercyfromtheLord

CHAPTER17

OLord,ThouartourKingforeverandever, ForinThee,OGod,dothoursoulglory Howlongarethedaysofman'slifeupontheearth?

Asarehisdays,soisthehopesetuponhim. ButwehopeinGod,ourdeliverer; ForthemightofourGodisforeverwithmercy, AndthekingdomofourGodisforeveroverthenations injudgement

Thou,OLord,didstchooseDavidtobekingoverIsrael, Andswaredsttohimtouchinghisseedthatnevershould hiskingdomfailbeforeThee. But,foroursins,sinnersroseupagainstus; Theyassailedusandthrustusout; WhatThouhadstnotpromisedtothem,theytookaway fromuswithviolence

TheyinnowiseglorifiedThyhonourablename; Theysetaworldlymonarchyinplaceofthatwhichwas theirexcellency; TheylaidwastethethroneofDavidintumultuous arrogance.

ButThou,OGod,didstcastthemdown,andremovetheir seedfromtheearth, Inthatthereroseupagainstthemamanthatwasaliento ourrace

AccordingtotheirsinsdidstThourecompensethem,O God;

Sothatitbefellthemaccordingtotheirdeeds Godshowedthemnopity; Hesoughtouttheirseedandletnotoneofthemgofree. FaithfulistheLordinallHisjudgements

WhichHedoethupontheearth

Thelawlessonelaidwasteourlandsothatnoneinhabited it, Theydestroyedyoungandoldandtheirchildrentogether IntheheatofHisangerHesentthemawayevenuntothe west,

AndHeexposedtherulersofthelandunsparinglyto derision.

Beinganalientheenemyactedproudly, AndhisheartwasalienfromOurGod AndallthingswhatsoeverhedidinJerusalem, Asalsothenationsinthecitiestotheirgods

Andthechildrenofthecovenantinthemidstofthe mingledpeoplessurpassedtheminevil Therewasnotamongthemonethatwroughtinthemidst ofJerusalemmercyandtruth. Theythatlovedthesynagoguesofthepiousfledfromthem, Assparrowsthatflyfromtheirnest Theywanderedindesertsthattheirlivesmightbesaved fromharm,

Andpreciousintheeyesofthemthatlivedabroadwas anythatescapedalivefromthem.

Overthewholeearthweretheyscatteredbylawlessmen Fortheheavenswithheldtherainfromdroppinguponthe earth,

Springswerestoppedthatsprangperenniallyoutofthe deeps,thatrandownfromloftymountains Fortherewasnoneamongthemthatwroughtrighteousness andjustice;

Fromthechiefofthemtotheleastofthemallweresinful; Thekingwasatransgressor,andthejudgedisobedient, andthepeoplesinful

Behold,OLord,andraiseupuntothemtheirking,theson ofDavid,

AtthetimeinthewhichThouseest,OGod,thathemay reignoverIsraelThyservant. Andgirdhimwithstrength,thathemayshatter unrighteousrulers,

AndthathemaypurgeJerusalemfromnationsthat trampleherdowntodestruction

Wisely,righteouslyheshallthrustoutsinnersfromthe inheritance,

Heshalldestroytheprideofthesinnerasapotter'svessel Witharodofironheshallbreakinpiecesalltheir substance, Heshalldestroythegodlessnationswiththewordofhis mouth;

Athisrebukenationsshallfleebeforehim, Andheshallreprovesinnersforthethoughtsoftheir heart

Andheshallgathertogetheraholypeople,whomheshall leadinrighteousness,

Andheshalljudgethetribesofthepeoplethathasbeen sanctifiedbytheLordhisGod Andheshallnotsufferunrighteousnesstolodgeanymore intheirmidst, Norshalltheredwellwiththemanymanthatknoweth wickedness, Forheshallknowthem,thattheyareallsonsoftheirGod.

Andheshalldividethemaccordingtotheirtribesuponthe land,

Andneithersojournernoralienshallsojournwiththem anymore Heshalljudgepeoplesandnationsinthewisdomofhis righteousness.Selah.

Andheshallhavetheheathennationstoservehimunder hisyoke;

AndheshallglorifytheLordinaplacetobeseenofall theearth;

AndheshallpurgeJerusalem,makingitholyasofold: Sothatnationsshallcomefromtheendsoftheearthtosee hisglory, Bringingasgiftshersonswhohadfainted.

AndtoseethegloryoftheLord,wherewithGodhath glorifiedher

Andheshallbearighteousking,taughtofGod,overthem, Andthereshallbenounrighteousnessinhisdaysintheir midst,

Forallshallbeholyandtheirkingtheanointedofthe Lord

Forheshallnotputhistrustinhorseandriderandbow, Norshallhemultiplyforhimselfgoldandsilverforwar,

Norshallhegatherconfidencefromamultitudefortheday ofbattle.

TheLordHimselfishisking,thehopeofhimthatis mightythroughhishopeinGod

Allnationsshallbeinfearbeforehim,

Forhewillsmitetheearthwiththewordofhismouthfor ever

HewillblessthepeopleoftheLordwithwisdomand gladness,

Andhehimselfwillbepurefromsin,sothathemayrule agreatpeople

Hewillrebukerulers,andremovesinnersbythemightof hisword;

AndrelyinguponhisGod,throughouthisdayshewillnot stumble;

ForGodwillmakehimmightybymeansofHisholyspirit, Andwisebymeansofthespiritofunderstanding,with strengthandrighteousness.

AndtheblessingoftheLordwillbewithhim:hewillbe strongandstumblenot;

HishopewillbeintheLord:whothencanprevailagainst him?

Hewill,bemightyinhisworks,andstronginthefearof God,

HewillbeshepherdingtheflockoftheLordfaithfully andrighteously,

Andwillsuffernoneamongthemtostumbleintheir pasture

Hewillleadthemallaright,

Andtherewillbenoprideamongthemthatanyamong themshouldbeoppressed

ThiswillbethemajestyofthekingofIsraelwhomGod knoweth;

HewillraisehimupoverthehouseofIsraeltocorrect him

Hiswordsshallbemorerefinedthancostlygold,the choicest;

Intheassemblieshewilljudgethepeoples,thetribesof thesanctified

Hiswordsshallbelikethewordsoftheholyonesinthe midstofsanctifiedpeoples Blessedbetheythatshallbeinthosedays, InthattheyshallseethegoodfortuneofIsraelwhichGod shallbringtopassinthegatheringtogetherofthetribes MaytheLordhastenHismercyuponIsrael!

MayHedeliverusfromtheuncleannessofunholy enemies!

TheLordHimselfisourkingforeverandever

CHAPTER18

Lord,ThymercyisovertheworksofThyhandsforever; ThygoodnessisoverIsraelwitharichgift Thineeyeslookuponthem,sothatnoneofthemsuffers want;

Thineearslistentothehopefulprayerofthepoor Thyjudgementsareexecuteduponthewholeearthin mercy;

AndThyloveistowardtheseedofAbraham,thechildren ofIsrael.

Thychastisementisuponusasuponafirst-born,onlybegottenson, Toturnbacktheobedientsoulfromfollythatiswrought inignorance.

MayGodcleanseIsraelagainstthedayofmercyand blessing, Againstthedayofchoicewhen Blessedshalltheybethatshallbeinthosedays, HebringethbackHisanointed.

InthattheyshallseethegoodnessoftheLordwhichHe shallperformforthegenerationthatistocome, UndertherodofchasteningoftheLord'sanointedinthe fearofhisGod, Inthespiritofwisdomandrighteousnessandstrength; Thathemaydirecteverymanintheworksof righteousnessbythefearofGod, ThathemayestablishthemallbeforetheLord, AgoodgenerationlivinginthefearofGodinthedaysof mercySelah

GreatisourGodandglorious,dwellinginthehighest. ItisHewhohathestablishedintheircoursesthelightsof heavenfordeterminingseasonsfromyeartoyear, AndtheyhavenotturnedasidefromthewaywhichHe appointedthem InthefearofGodtheypursuetheirpatheveryday, FromthedayGodcreatedthemandforevermore. AndtheyhaveerrednotsincethedayHecreatedthem Sincethegenerationsofoldtheyhavenotwithdrawn fromtheirpath, UnlessGodcommandedthemsotodobythecommand ofHisservants

INTRODUCTION

HEREaresomeofthemostbeautifulsongsofpeace andjoythattheworldpossessesYettheirorigin,the dateoftheirwriting,andtheexactmeaningofmany oftheversesremainoneofthegreatliterarymysteries.

Theyhavecomedowntousinasingleandvery ancientdocumentinSyriaclanguage.Evidentlythat documentisatranslationfromtheoriginalGreek CriticaldebatehasragedaroundtheseOdes;oneof themostplausibleexplanationsisthattheyaresongs ofnewlybaptizedChristiansoftheFirstCentury.

Theyarestrangelylackinginhistoricalallusions. Theirradianceisnoreflectionofotherdays.Theydo notborrowfromeithertheOldTestamentorthe GospelsTheinspirationoftheseversesisfirst-hand TheyremindyouofAristides'remark,"Anewpeople withwhomsomethingDivineismingled"Hereis vigorandinsighttowhichwecanfindparallelsonly inthemostexaltedpartsoftheScriptures.

Forthesedazzlingmysteryodes,weoweour translationtoJ.RendelHarris,MA.,Hon.Fellowof ClareCollege,Cambridge.Hesaysaboutthem: "Theredoesnotseemtobeanythingaboutwhich everyoneseemagreedunlessitbethattheOdesareof singularbeautyandhighspiritualvalue."

ODE1

1TheLordisonmyheadlikeacrown,andIshallnot bewithoutHim

2Theywoveformeacrownoftruth,anditcaused thybranchestobudinme.

3Foritisnotlikeawitheredcrownwhichbuddeth not:butthoulivestuponmyhead,andthouhast blossomeduponmyhead.

4Thyfruitsarefull-grownandperfect,theyarefull ofthysalvation

ODE2

(NopartofthisOdehaseverbeenidentified)

ODE3

1...Iputon:

2Andhismembersarewithhim.AndonthemdoI stand,andHelovesme:

3ForIshouldnothaveknownhowtolovetheLord, ifHehadnotlovedme.

4Forwhoisabletodistinguishlove,excepttheone thatisloved?

5IlovetheBeloved,andmysoullovesHim: 6AndwhereHisrestis,therealsoamI;

7AndIshallbenostranger,forwiththeLordMost HighandMercifulthereisnogrudging.

8IhavebeenunitedtoI-run,fortheLoverhasfound theBeloved,

9AndbecauseIshallloveHimthat,istheSon,Ishall becomeason;

10ForhethatisjoinedtoHimthatisimmortal,will alsohimselfbecomeimmortal;

11AndhewhohaspleasureintheLivingOne,will becomeliving

12ThisistheSpiritoftheLord,whichdothnotlie, whichteacheththesonsofmentoknowHisways.

13Bewiseandunderstandingandvigilant.Hallelujah.

ODE4

1Noman,OmyGod,changeththyholyplace; 2Anditisnot(possible)thatheshouldchangeitand putitinanotherplace:becausehehathnopowerover it:

3Forthysanctuarythouhastdesignedbeforethou didstmake(other)places:

4Thatwhichistheoldershallnotbealteredbythose thatareyoungerthanitself

5Thouhasgiventhyheart,OLord,tothybelievers: neverwiltthoufail,norbewithoutfruits:

6ForonehourofthyFaithismorepreciousthanall daysandyears

7Forwhoistherethatshallputonthygrace,andbe hurt?

8Forthysealisknown:andthycreaturesknowit: andthy(heavenly)hostspossessit:andtheelect archangelsarecladwithit.

9Thouhastgivenusthyfellowship:itwasnotthat thouwastinneedofus:butthatweareinneedof thee:

10Distillthydewsuponusandopenthyrich fountainsthatpourforthtousmilkandhoney: 11Forthereisnorepentancewiththeethatthou shouldestrepentofanythingthatthouhastpromised: 12Andtheendwasrevealedbeforethee:forwhat thougavest,thougavestfreely:

13Sothatthoumayest,notdrawthembackandtake themagain:

14ForallwasrevealedbeforetheeasGod,and orderedfromthebeginningbeforethee:andthou,O God,hastmadeallthingsHallelujah

1Iwillgivethanksuntothee,OLord,becauseIlove thee;

2OMostHigh,thouwiltnotforsakeme,forthouart myhope:

3FreelyIhavereceivedthygrace,Ishalllivethereby: 4Mypersecutorswillcomeandnotseeme: 5Acloudofdarknessshallfallontheireyes;andan airofthickgloomshalldarkenthem:

ODE5

6Andtheyshallhavenolighttosee:theymaynot takeholduponme.

7Lettheircounselbecomethickdarkness,andwhatI havecunninglydevised,letitreturnupontheirown heads:

8Fortheyhavedevisedacounsel,anditdidnot succeed:

9FormyhopeisupontheLord,andIwillnotfear, andbecausetheLordismysalvation,Iwillnotfear:

10AndHeisasagarlandonmyheadandIshallnot bemoved;evenifeverythingshouldbeshaken,I standfirm;

11Andifallthingsvisibleshouldperish,Ishallnot die;becausetheLordiswithmeandIamwithHim Hallelujah.

ODE6

1Asthehandmovesovertheharp,andthestrings speak

2SospeaksinmymemberstheSpiritoftheLord,and IspeakbyHislove.

3Foritdestroyswhatisforeign,andeverythingthat isbitter:

4Forthusitwasfromthebeginningandwillbetothe end,thatnothingshouldbeHisadversary,and nothingshouldstandupagainstHim

5TheLordhasmultipliedtheknowledgeofHimself, andiszealousthatthesethingsshouldbeknown, whichbyHisgracehavebeengiventous.

6AndthepraiseofHisnameHegaveus:ourspirits praiseHisholySpirit

7Fortherewentforthastreamandbecameariver greatandbroad;

8Foritfloodedandbrokeupeverythingandit brought(water)totheTemple:

9Andtherestrainersofthechildrenofmenwerenot abletorestrainit,northeartsofthosewhosebusiness itistorestrainwaters;

10Foritspreadoverthefaceofthewholeearth,and filledeverything:andallthethirstyuponearthwere giventodrinkofit;

11Andthirstwasrelievedandquenched:forfromthe MostHighthedraughtwasgiven

12Blessedthenaretheministersofthatdraughtwho areentrustedwiththatwaterofHis:

13Theyhaveassuagedthedrylips,andthewillthat hadfaintedtheyhaveraisedup;

14Andsoulsthatwereneardepartingtheyhave caughtbackfromdeath:

15Andlimbsthathadfallentheystraightenedandset up:

16Theygavestrengthfortheirfeeblenessandlightto theireyes:

17ForeveryoneknewthemintheLord,andthey livedbythewateroflifeforeverHallelujah

1Astheimpulseofangeragainstevil,soisthe impulseofjoyoverwhatislovely,andbringsinofits fruitswithoutrestraint:

2MyjoyistheLordandmyimpulseistowardHim: thispathofmineisexcellent:

3ForIhaveahelper,theLord

4HehathcausedmetoknowHimself,without grudging,byHissimplicity:Hiskindnesshas humbledHisgreatness

5Hebecamelikeme,inorderthatImightreceive Him:

6HewasreckonedlikemyselfinorderthatImight putHimon;

7AndItremblednotwhenIsawHim:becauseHe wasgracioustome:

8LikemynatureHebecamethatImightlearnHim andlikemyform,thatImightnotturnbackfrom Him:

9TheFatherofknowledgeisthewordofknowledge: 10HewhocreatedwisdomiswiserthanHisworks: 11AndHewhocreatedmewhenyetIwasnotknew whatIshoulddowhenIcameintobeing:

12WhereforeHepitiedmeinHisabundantgrace: andgrantedmetoaskfromHimandtoreceivefrom Hissacrifice:

13BecauseHeitisthatisincorrupt,thefulnessofthe agesandtheFatherofthem.

14HehathgivenHimtobeseenofthemthatareHis, inorderthattheymayrecognizeHimthatmadethem: andthattheymightnotsupposethattheycameof themselves:

15ForknowledgeHehathappointedasitsway,He hathwideneditandextendedit;andbroughttoall perfection;

16AndsetoveritthetracesofHislight,andIwalked thereinfromthebeginningeventotheend

17ForbyHimitwaswrought,andHewasrestingin theSon,andforitssalvationHewilltakeholdof everything;

18AndtheMostHighshallbeknowninHisSaints, toannouncetothosethathavesongsofthecomingof theLord;

19ThattheymaygoforthtomeetHim,andmaysing toHimwithjoyandwiththeharpofmanytones: 20TheseersshallcomebeforeHimandtheyshallbe seenbeforeHim,

21AndtheyshallpraisetheLordforHislove: becauseHeisnearandbeholdeth.

22Andhatredshallbetakenfromtheearth,andalong withjealousyitshallbedrowned:

23Forignorancehathbeendestroyed,becausethe knowledgeoftheLordhatharrived.

24Theywhomakesongsshallsingthegraceofthe LordMostHigh;

25Andtheyshallbringtheirsongs,andtheirheart shallbeliketheday:andliketheexcellentbeautyof theLordtheirpleasantsong:

26Andthereshallneitherbeanythingthatbreathes withoutknowledge,noranythatisdumb:

27ForHehathgivenamouthtoHiscreation,toopen thevoiceofthemouthtowardsHim,topraiseHim:

28ConfessyeHispower,andshowforthHisgrace Hallelujah.

ODE8

1Openye,openyeyourheartstotheexultationofthe Lord:

2Andletyourlovebemultipliedfromtheheartand eventothelips,

3TobringforthfruittotheLord[fruit],holy[fruit], andtotalkwithwatchfulnessinHislight

4Riseup,andstanderect,yewhosometimewere broughtlow:

5Tellforthyewhowereinsilence,thatyourmouth hathbeenopened.

6Ye,therefore,thatweredespised,behenceforth liftedup,becauseyourrighteousnesshathbeen exalted.

7FortherighthandoftheLordiswithyou:andHeis yourhelper:

8Andpeacewaspreparedforyou,beforeeveryour warwas.

9Hearthewordoftruth,andreceivetheknowledge oftheMostHigh

10YourfleshhasnotknownwhatIamsayingtoyou neitherhaveyourheartsknownwhatIamshowingto you

11Keepmysecret,yewhoarekeptbyit:

12Keepmyfaith,yewhoarekeptbyit.

13Andunderstandmyknowledge,yewhoknowme intruth

14Lovemewithaffection,yewholove:

15ForIdonotturnawaymyfacefromthemthatare mine;

16ForIknowthem,andbeforetheycameintobeing Itookknowledgeofthem,andontheirfacesIsetmy seal:

17Ifashionedtheirmembers:myownbreastsI preparedforthem,thattheymightdrinkmyholymilk andlivethereby

181tookpleasureinthemandamnotashamedof them:

19Formyworkmanshiparetheyandthestrengthof mythoughts:

20Whothenshallriseupagainstmyhandiwork,or whoistherethatisnotsubjecttothem?

21Iwilledandfashionedmindandheart:andtheyare mine,andbymyownrighthandIsetmyelectones:

22Andmyrighteousnessgoethbeforethemandthey shallnotbedeprivedofmyname,foritiswiththem.

23Ask,andaboundandabideintheloveoftheLord,

24AndyetbelovedonesintheBeloved:thosewho arekept,inHimthatliveth:

25AndtheythataresavedinHimthatwassaved; 26Andyeshallbefoundincorruptinallagestothe nameofyourFather.Hallelujah.

ODE9

1OpenyourearsandIwillspeaktoyou.Giveme yoursoulsthatImayalsogiveyoumysoul, 2ThewordoftheLordandHisgoodpleasures,the holythoughtwhichHehasdevisedconcerninghis Messiah.

3ForinthewilloftheLordisyoursalvation,andHis thoughtiseverlastinglife;andyourendis immortality.

qBeenrichedinGodtheFather,andreceivethe thoughtoftheMostHigh

5BestrongandberedeemedbyHisgrace.

6ForIannouncetoyoupeace,toyouHissaints;

7Thatnoneofthosewhohearmayfallinwar,and thatthoseagainwhohaveknownHimmaynotperish, andthatthosewhoreceivemaynotbeashamed.

8AneverlastingcrownforeverisTruthBlessedare theywhosetitontheirheads:

9Astoneofgreatpriceisit;andtherehavebeenwars onaccountofthecrown

10Andrighteousnesshathtakenitandhathgivenit toyou.

11PutonthecrowninthetruecovenantoftheLord. 12Andallthosewhohaveconqueredshallbewritten inHisbook

13Fortheirbookisvictorywhichisyours.Andshe (Victory)seesyoubeforeherandwillsthatyoushall besavedHallelujah

ODE10

1TheLordhathdirectedmymouthbyHisword:and HehathopenedmyheartbyHislight:andHehath causedtodwellinmeHisdeathlesslife;

2AndgavemethatImightspeakthefruitofHis peace:

3Toconvertthesoulsofthemwhoarewillingto cometoHim;andtoleadcaptiveagoodcaptivityfor freedom.

4Iwasstrengthenedandmademightyandtookthe worldcaptive;

5AnditbecametomeforthepraiseoftheMostHigh, andofGodmyFather.

6AndtheGentilesweregatheredtogetherwhowere scatteredabroad

7AndIwasunpollutedbymyloveforthem,because theyconfessedmeinhighplaces:andthetracesofthe lightweresetupontheirheart:

8Andtheywalkedinmylifeandweresavedand becamemypeopleforeverandever.Hallelujah.

1Myheartwasclovenanditsflowerappeared;and gracesprangupinit:anditbroughtforthfruittothe Lord,

2FortheMostHighclavemyheartbyHisHoly SpiritandsearchedmyaffectiontowardsHim:and filledmewithHislove

3AndHisopeningofmebecamemysalvation;andI raninHiswayinHispeace,eveninthewayoftruth:

4FromthebeginningandeventotheendIacquired Hisknowledge:

5AndIwasestablishedupontherockoftruth,where Hehadsetmeup:

6Andspeakingwaterstouchedmylipsfromthe fountainoftheLordplenteously:

7AndIdrankandwasinebriatedwiththeliving waterthatdothnotdie;

8Andmyinebriationwasnotonewithoutknowledge, butIforsookvanityandturnedtotheMostHighmy God,

9AndIwasenrichedbyHisbounty,andIforsookthe follywhichisdiffusedovertheearth;andIstrippedit offandcastitfromme:

10AndtheLordrenewedmeinHisraiment,and possessedmebyHislight,andfromaboveHegave merestinincorruption;

11AndIbecamelikethelandwhichblossomsand rejoicesinitsfruits:

12AndtheLordwaslikethesunshiningontheface oftheland;

13Helightenedmyeyes,andmyfacereceivedthe dew;andmynostrilsenjoyedthepleasantodourof theLord;

14AndHecarriedmetoHisParadise;whereisthe abundanceofthepleasureoftheLord;

15AndIworshippedtheLordonaccountofHisglory; andIsaid,Blessed,OLord,aretheywhoareplanted inthyland!andthosewhohaveaplaceinthy Paradise;

16AndtheygrowbythefruitsofthetreesAndthey havechangedfromdarknesstolight

17Behold!allthyservantsarefair,whodogood works,andturnawayfromwickednesstothe pleasantnessthatisthine:

18Andtheyhaveturnedbackthebitternessofthe treesfromthem,whentheywereplantedinthy,land;

19Andeverythingbecamelikearelicofthyself,and memorialforeverofthyfaithfulworks.

20ForthereisabundantroominthyParadise,and nothingisuselesstherein;

21Buteverythingisfilledwithfruit;glorybetothee, OGod,thedelightofParadiseforever.Hallelujah.

ODE12

1Hehathfilledmewithwordsoftruth;thatImay speakthesame;

2Andliketheflowofwatersflowstruthfrommy mouth,andmylipsshowforthHisfruit.

3AndHehascausedHisknowledgetoaboundinme, becausethemouthoftheLordisthetrueWord,and thedoorofHislight;

4AndtheMostHighhathgivenittoHiswords, whicharetheinterpretersofHisownbeauty,andthe repeatersofHispraise,andtheconfessorsofHis counsel,andtheheraldsofHisthought,andthe chastenersofHisservants

5FortheswiftnessoftheWordisinexpressible,and likeitsexpressionisitsswiftnessandforce;

6Anditscourseknowsnolimit.Neverdothitfail, butitstandssure,anditknowsnotdescentnorthe wayofit.

7Forasitsworkis,soisitsend:foritislightandthe dawningofthought;

8Andbyittheworldstalkonetotheother;andinthe Wordtherewerethosethatweresilent;

9Andfromitcameloveandconcord;andtheyspake onetotheotherwhateverwastheirs;andtheywere penetratedbytheWord;

10AndtheyknewHimwhomadethem,becausethey wereinconcord;forthemouthoftheMostHigh spaketothem;andHisexplanationranbymeansofit: 11Forthedwelling-placeoftheWordisman:andits truthislove

12Blessedaretheywhobymeansthereofhave understoodeverything,andhaveknowntheLordin Histruth.Hallelujah.

ODE13

1Behold!theLordisourmirror:opentheeyesand seetheminHim:andlearnthemannerofyourface: 2AndtellforthpraisetoHisspirit:andwipeoffthe filthfromyourface:andloveHisholinessandclothe yourselvestherewith:

3AndbewithoutstainatalltimesbeforeHim. Hallelujah.

ODE14

1Astheeyesofasontohisfather,soaremyeyes,O Lord,atalltimestowardsthee

2Forwiththeearemyconsolationsandmydelight.

3Turnnotawaythymerciesfromme,OLord:and takenotthykindnessfromme

4Stretchouttome,OLord,atalltimesthyrighthand: andbemyguideevenuntotheend,accordingtothy goodpleasure

5Letmebewell-pleasingbeforethee,becauseofthy gloryandbecauseofthyname:

6Letmebepreservedfromevil,andletthymeekness, OLord,abidewithme,andthefruitsofthylove

7TeachmethePsalmsofthytruth,thatImaybring forthfruitinthee:

8AndopentometheharpofthyHolySpirit,that withallitsnotesImaypraisethee,OLord.

9Andaccordingtothemultitudeofthytender mercies,sothoushaltgivetome;andhastentogrant ourpetitions;andthouartableforallourneeds. Hallelujah.

ODE15

1Asthesunisthejoytothemthatseekforits daybreak,soismyjoytheLord;

2BecauseHeismySunandHisrayshaveliftedme up;andHislighthathdispelledalldarknessfrommy face

3InHimIhaveacquiredeyesandhaveseenHisholy day:

4EarshavebecomemineandIhaveheardHistruth

5Thethoughtofknowledgehathbeenmine,andI havebeendelightedthroughHim.

6ThewayoferrorIhaveleft,andhavewalked towardsHimandhavereceivedsalvationfromHim, withoutgrudging.

7AndaccordingtoHisbountyHehathgiventome, andaccordingtoHisexcellentbeautyHehathmade me.

8IhaveputonincorruptionthroughHisname:and haveputoftcorruptionbyHisgrace

9Deathhathbeendestroyedbeforemyface:and Sheolhathbeenabolishedbymyword:

10AndtherehathgoneupdeathlesslifeintheLord's land,

11AndithathbeenmadeknowntoHisfaithfulones, andhathbeengivenwithoutstinttoallthosethattrust inHimHallelujah

ODE16

1Astheworkofthehusbandmanistheploughshare: andtheworkofthesteersmanistheguidanceofthe ship:

2SoalsomyworkisthePsalmoftheLord:mycraft andmyoccupationareinHispraises:

3BecauseHislovebathnourishedmyheart,andeven tomylipsHisfruitsHepouredout

4FormyloveistheLord,andthereforeIwillsing untoHim:

5ForIammadestronginHispraise,andIhavefaith inHim

6IwillopenmymouthandHisspiritwillutterinme thegloryoftheLordandHisbeauty;theworkofHis handsandtheoperationofHisfingers:

7ThemultitudeofHismerciesandthestrengthofHis word.

8ForthewordoftheLordsearchesoutallthings, boththeinvisibleandthatwhichrevealsHisthought; 9FortheeyeseesHisworks,andtheearhearsHis thought;

10HespreadouttheearthandHesettledthewaters inthesea:

11Hemeasuredtheheavensandfixedthestars:and Heestablishedthecreationandsetitup:

12AndHerestedfromHisworks:

13Andcreatedthingsrunintheircourses,anddo theirworks:

14Andtheyknownothowtostandandbeidle;and HisheavenlyhostsaresubjecttoHisword.

15Thetreasure-chamberofthelightisthesun,and thetreasuryofthedarknessisthenight:

16AndHemadethesunforthedaythatitmaybe bright,butnightbringsdarknessoverthefaceofthe land;

17Andtheiralternationsonetotheotherspeakthe beautyofGod:

ISAndthereisnothingthatiswithouttheLord;for Hewasbeforeanythingcameintobeing:

19AndtheworldsweremadebyHisword,andby thethoughtofHisheartGloryandhonourtoHis nameHallelujah

ODE17

1IwascrownedbymyGod:mycrownisliving: 2AndIwasjustifiedinmyLord:myincorruptible salvationisHe

3Iwasloosedfromvanity,andIwasnotcondemned: 4Thechokingbondswerecutoffbyherhands:I receivedthefaceandthefashionofanewperson:and Iwalkedinitandwassaved;

5AndthethoughtoftruthledmeonAndIwalked afteritanddidnotwander:

6Andallthathaveseenmewereamazed:andIwas regardedbythemasastrangeperson:

7AndHewhoknewandbroughtmeupistheMost HighinallHisperfection.AndHeglorifiedmeby Hiskindness,andraisedmythoughtstotheheightof Histruth.

8AndfromthenceHegavemethewayofHis preceptsandIopenedthedoorsthatwereclosed, 9Andbrakeinpiecesthebarsofiron;butmyiron meltedanddissolvedbeforeme;

10Nothingappearedclosedtome:becauseIwasthe doorofeverything

11AndIwentoverallmybondmentoloosethem; thatImightnotleaveanymanboundorbinding:

12AndIimpartedmyknowledgewithoutgrudging: andmyprayerwasinmylove:

13AndIsowedmyfruitsinhearts,andtransformed themintomyself:andtheyreceivedmyblessingand lived;

14Andtheyweregatheredtomeandweresaved; becausetheyweretomeasmyownmembersandI wastheirheadGlorytotheeourhead,theLord MessiahHallelujah

ODE18

1MyheartwasliftedupintheloveoftheMostHigh andwasenlarged:thatImightpraiseHimforHis name'ssake.

2Mymemberswerestrengthenedthattheymightnot fallfromHisstrength

3Sicknessesremovedfrommybody,anditstoodto theLordbyHiswill.ForHiskingdomistrue.

4OLord,forthesakeofthemthataredeficientdo notremovethywordfromme!

5Neitherforthesakeoftheirworksdothourestrain frommethyperfection!

6Letnottheluminarybeconqueredbythedarkness; norlettruthfleeawayfromfalsehood.

7Thouwiltappointmetovictory;ourSalvationis thyrighthandAndthouwiltreceivemenfromall quarters

8Andthouwiltpreservewhosoeverisheldinevils:

9ThouartmyGodFalsehoodanddeatharenotin thymouth:

10Forthywillisperfection;andvanitythouknowest not,

11Nordoesitknowthee

12Anderrorthouknowestnot, 13Neitherdoesitknowthee.

14Andignoranceappearedlikeablindman;andlike thefoamofthesea,

15Andtheysupposedofthatvainthingthatitwas somethinggreat;

16Andtheytoocameinlikenessofitandbecame vain;andthosehaveunderstoodwhohaveknownand meditated;

17Andtheyhavenotbeencorruptintheir imagination;forsuchwereinthemindoftheLord; 18Andtheymockedatthemthatwerewalkingin error;

19Andtheyspaketruthfromtheinspirationwhich theMostHighbreathedintothem;Praiseandgreat comelinesstoHisnameHallelujah.

ODE19

1Acupofmilkwasofferedtome:andIdrankitin thesweetnessofthedelightoftheLord

2TheSonisthecup,andHewhowasmilkedisthe Father:

3AndtheHolySpiritmilkedHim:becauseHis breastswerefull,anditwasnecessaryforHimthat Hismilkshouldbesufficientlyreleased;

4AndtheHolySpiritopenedHisbosomandmingled themilkfromthetwobreastsoftheFather;andgave themixturetotheworldwithouttheirknowing:

5Andtheywhoreceiveinitsfulnessaretheoneson therighthand

6TheSpiritopenedthewomboftheVirginandshe receivedconceptionandbroughtforth;andtheVirgin becameaMotherwithmanymercies;

7AndshetravailedandbroughtforthaSon,without incurringpain;

8Andbecauseshewasnotsufficientlyprepared,and shehadnotsoughtamidwife(forHebroughtherto bear)shebroughtforth,asifshewereaman,ofher ownwill;

9AndshebroughtHimforthopenly,andacquired Himwithgreatdignity, 10AndlovedHiminHisswaddlingclothesand guardedHimkindly,andshowedHiminMajesty Hallelujah

ODE20

1IamapriestoftheLord,andtoHimIdopriestly service:andtoHimIofferthesacrificeofHisthought. 2ForHisthoughtisnotlikethethoughtoftheworld northethoughtoftheflesh,norlikethemthatserve carnally.

3ThesacrificeoftheLordisrighteousness,and purityofheartandlips

4PresentyourreinsbeforeHimblamelessly:andlet notthyheartdoviolencetoheart,northysoultosoul. 5Thoushaltnotacquireastrangerbythepriceofthy silver,neithershaltthouseektodevourthyneighbour, 6Neithershaltthoudeprivehimofthecoveringofhis nakedness

7ButputonthegraceoftheLordwithoutstint;and comeintoHisParadiseandmaketheeagarlandfrom itstree,

8Andputitonthyheadandbeglad;andreclineon Hisrest,andgloryshallgobeforethee, 9AndthoushaltreceiveofHiskindnessandofHis grace;andthoushaltbeflourishingintruthinthe praiseofHisholinessPraiseandhonourbetoHis name.Hallelujah.

ODE21

1MyarmsIlifteduptotheMostHigh,eventothe graceoftheLord:becauseHehadcastoffmybonds fromme:andmyHelperhadliftedmeuptoHisgrace andtoHissalvation:

2AndIputoffdarknessandclothedmyselfwithlight, 3Andmysoulacquiredabodyfreefromsorrowor afflictionorpains.

4Andincreasinglyhelpfultomewasthethoughtof theLord,andHisfellowshipinincorruption: 5AndIwasliftedupinHislight;andIservedbefore Him,

6AndIbecameneartoHim,praisingandconfessing Him;

7Myheartranoverandwasfoundinmymouth:and itaroseuponmylips;andtheexultationoftheLord increasedonmyface,andHispraiselikewise Hallelujah

ODE22

1Hewhobroughtmedownfromonhigh,also broughtmeupfromtheregionsbelow;

2AndHewhogatherstogetherthethingsthatare betwixtisHealsowhocastmedown:

3Hewhoscatteredmyenemieshadexistedfrom ancientandmyadversaries:

4HewhogavemeauthorityoverbondsthatImight loosethem;

5Hethatoverthrewbymyhandsthedragonwith sevenheads:andthouhastsetmeoverhisrootsthatI mightdestroyhisseed.

6Thouwastthereanddidsthelpme,andinevery placethynamewasarampartme

7Thyrighthanddestroyedhiswickedpoison;andthy handlevelledthewayforthosewhobelieveinthee

8Andthoudidstchoosethemfromthegravesand didstseparatethemfromthedead.

9Thoudidsttakedeadbonesanddidstcoverthem withbodies

10Theyweremotionless,andthoudidstgivethem energyforlife.

11Thywaywaswithoutcorruption,andthyface; thoudidstbringthyworldtocorruption:that everythingmightbedissolved,andthenrenewed, 12Andthatthefoundationforeverythingmightbe thyrock:andonitthoudidstbuildthykingdom;and itbecamethedwellingplaceofthesaints.Hallelujah.

ODE23

1Joyisofthesaints!andwhoshallputiton,butthey alone?

2Graceisoftheelect!andwhoshallreceiveitexcept thosewhotrustinitfromthebeginning?

3Loveisoftheelect?Andwhoshallputitonexcept thosewhohavepossesseditfromthebeginning?

4WalkyeintheknowledgeoftheMostHighwithout grudging:toHisexultationandtotheperfectionof Hisknowledge

5AndHisthoughtwaslikealetter;Hiswill descendedfromonhigh,anditwassentlikeanarrow whichisviolentlyshotfromthebow:

6Andmanyhandsrushedtothelettertoseizeitand totakeandreadit:

7Anditescapedtheirfingersandtheywere affrightedatitandatthesealthatwasuponit

8Becauseitwasnotpermittedtothemtolooseits seal:forthepowerthatwasoverthesealwasgreater thanthey

9Butthosewhosawitwentaftertheletterthatthey mightknowwhereitwouldalight,andwhoshould readitandwhoshouldhearit.

10Butawheelreceiveditandcameoverit:

11AndtherewaswithitasignoftheKingdomandof theGovernment:

12Andeverythingwhichtriedtomovethewheelit mowedandcutdown:

13Anditgatheredthemultitudeofadversaries,and bridgedtheriversandcrossedoverandrootedup manyforestsandmadeabroadpath.

14Theheadwentdowntothefeet,fordowntothe feetranthewheel,andthatwhichwasasignuponit

15Theletterwasoneofcommand,fortherewere includedinitalldistricts;

16Andtherewasseenatitshead,theheadwhichwas revealedeventheSonofTruthfromtheMostHigh Father,

17AndHeinheritedandtookpossessionof everythingAndthethoughtofmanywasbroughtto nought.

18Andalltheapostateshastedandfledaway.And thosewhopersecutedandwereenragedbecame extinct

19Andtheletterwasagreatvolume,whichwas whollywrittenbythefingerofGod:

20AndthenameoftheFatherwasonit,andofthe SonandoftheHolySpirit,toruleforeverandever. Hallelujah.

ODE24

1TheDoveflutteredovertheMessiah,becauseHe washerhead;andshesangoverHimandhervoice washeard:

2Andtheinhabitantswereafraidandthesojourners weremoved:

3Thebirdsdroppedtheirwingsandallcreeping thingsdiedintheirholes:andtheabysseswere openedwhichhadbeenhidden;andtheycriedtothe Lordlikewomenintravail:

4Andnofoodwasgiventothem,becauseitdidnot belongtothem;

5Andtheysealeduptheabysseswiththesealofthe Lord.Andtheyperished,inthethought,thosethat hadexistedfromancienttimes;

6Fortheywerecorruptfromthebeginning;andthe endoftheircorruptionwaslife:

7Andeveryoneofthemthatwasimperfectperished: foritwasnotpossibletogivethemawordthatthey mightremain:

8AndtheLorddestroyedtheimaginationsofallthem thathadnotthetruthwiththem

9Fortheywhointheirheartswereliftedupwere deficientinwisdom,andsotheywererejected, becausethetruthwasnotwiththem.

10FortheLorddisclosedHisway,andspreadabroad Hisgrace:andthosewhounderstoodit,knowHis holiness.Hallelujah.

ODE25

1Iwasrescuedfrommybondsanduntothee,my God,Ifled:

2ForthouarttherighthandofmySalvationandmy helper.

3Thouhastrestrainedthosethatriseupagainstme, 4AndIshallseehimnomore:becausethyfacewas withme,whichsavedmebythygrace.

5ButIwasdespisedandrejectedintheeyeofmany: andIwasintheireyeslikelead,

6Andstrengthwasminefromthyselfandhelp

7Thoudidstsetmealampatmyrighthandandat myleft:andinmethereshallbenothingthatisnot bright:

8AndIwasclothedwiththecoveringofthySpirit, andthoudidstremovefrommemyraimentofskin;

9Forthyrighthandliftedmeupandremoved sicknessfromme:

10AndIbecamemightyin:thetruth,andholybythy righteousness;andallmyadversarieswereafraidof me;

11AndIbecameadmirablebythenameoftheLord, andwasjustifiedbyHisgentleness,andHisrestisfor everandeverHallelujah

ODE26

1IpouredoutpraisetotheLord,forIamHis:

2AndIwillspeakHisholysong,formyheartiswith Him

3ForHisharpisinmyhands,andtheOdesofHis restshallnotbesilent.

4Iwillcryuntohimfrommywholeheart:Iwill praiseandexaltHimwithallmymembers

5ForfromtheeastandeventothewestisHispraise: 6Andfromthesouthandeventothenorthisthe confessionofHim:

7Andfromthetopofthehillstotheirutmostbound isHisperfection.

8WhocanwritethePsalmsoftheLord,orwhoread them?

9Orwhocantrainhissoulforlife,thathissoulmay besaved,

10OrwhocanrestontheMostHigh,sothatwithHis mouthhemayspeak?

11WhoisabletointerpretthewondersoftheLord?

12Forhewhocouldinterpretwouldbedissolvedand wouldbecomethatwhichisinterpreted

13Foritsufficestoknowandtorest:forinrestthe singersstand,

14Likeariverwhichhasanabundantfountain,and flowstothehelpofthemthatseekit.Hallelujah.

ODE27

1IstretchedoutmyhandsandsanctifiedmyLord:

2FortheextensionofmyhandsisHissign: 3Andmyexpansionistheuprighttree[orcross]

ODE28

1Asthewingsofdovesovertheirnestlings;andthe mouthoftheirnestlingstowardstheirmouths 2SoalsoarethewingsoftheSpiritovermyheart: 3Myheartisdelightedandexults:likethebabewho exultsinthewombofhismother: 4Ibelieved;thereforeIwasatrest;forfaithfulisHe inwhomIhavebelieved:

5HehasrichlyblessedmeandmyheadiswithHim: andtheswordshallnotdividemefromHim,northe scimitar;

6ForIamreadybeforedestructioncomes;andIhave beensetonHisimmortalpinions:

7AndHeshowedmeHissign:forthandgivenmeto drink,andfromthatlifeisthespiritwithinme,andit cannotdie,foritlives

8Theywhosawmemarvelledatme,becauseIwas persecuted,andtheysupposedthatIwasswallowed up:forIseemedtothemasoneofthelost;

9Andmyoppressionbecamemysalvation;andIwas theirreprobationbecausetherewasnozealinme; 10BecauseIdidgoodtoeverymanIwashated, 11Andtheycameroundmelikemaddogs,who ignorantlyattacktheirmasters, 12Fortheirthoughtiscorruptandtheirunderstanding perverted

13ButIwascarryingwaterinmyrighthand,and theirbitternessIenduredbymysweetness; 14AndIdidnotperish,forIwasnottheirbrothernor wasmybirthliketheirs

15Andtheysoughtformydeathanddidnotfindit: forIwasolderthanthememorialofthem; 16Andvainlydidtheymakeattackuponmeand thosewho,withoutreward,cameafterme: 17Theysoughttodestroythememorialofhimwho wasbeforethem.

18ForthethoughtoftheMostHighcannotbe anticipated;andHisheartissuperiortoallwisdom. Hallelujah.

ODE29

1TheLordismyhope:inHimIshallnotbe confounded

2ForaccordingtoHispraiseHemademe,and accordingtoHisgoodnessevensoHegaveuntome: 3AndaccordingtoHismerciesHeexaltedme:and accordingtoHisexcellentbeautyHesetmeonhigh: 4AndbroughtmeupoutofthedepthsofSheol:and fromthemouthofdeathHedrewme: 5Andthoudidstlaymyenemieslow,andHe justifiedmebyHisgrace.

6ForIbelievedintheLord'sMessiah:andit appearedtomethatHeistheLord; 7AndHeshowedhimHissign:andHeledmebyHis light,andgavemetherodofHispower;

8ThatImightsubduetheimaginationsofthepeoples; andthepowerofthemenofmighttobringthemlow:

9TomakewarbyHisword,andtotakevictoryby Hispower

10AndtheLordoverthrewmyenemybyHisword: andhebecamelikethestubblewhichthewindcarries away;

11AndIgavepraisetotheMostHighbecauseHe exaltedmeHisservantandthesonofHishandmaid. Hallelujah

ODE30

1Fillyewatersforyourselvesfromtheliving fountainoftheLord,foritisopenedtoyou:

2Andcomeallyethirsty,andtakethedraught;and restbythefountainoftheLord

3Forfairitisandpureandgivesresttothesoul Muchmorepleasantareitswatersthanhoney;

4Andthehoneycombofbeesisnottobecompared withit

5ForitflowsforthfromthelipsoftheLordandfrom theheartoftheLordisitsname.

6Anditcameinfinitelyandinvisibly:anduntilitwas setinthemidsttheydidnotknowit:

7Blessedaretheywhohavedrunktherefromand havefoundresttherebyHallelujah

ODE31

1TheabyssesweredissolvedbeforetheLord:and darknesswasdestroyedbyHisappearance:

2ErrorwentastrayandperishedatHishand:and follyfoundnopathtowalkin,andwassubmergedby thetruthoftheLord

3HeopenedHismouthandspakegraceandjoy:and HespakeanewsongofpraisetoHisname:

4AndHeliftedupHisvoicetotheMostHigh,and offeredtoHimthesonsthatwerewithHim.

5AndHisfacewasjustified,forthusHisholyFather hadgiventoHim

6Comeforth,yethathavebeenafflictedandreceive joy,andpossessyoursoulsbyHisgrace;andtaketo youimmortallife

7AndtheymademeadebtorwhenIroseup,mewho hadbeenadebtor:andtheydividedmyspoil,though nothingwasduetothem

8ButIenduredandheldmypeaceandwassilent,as ifnot,movedbythem.

9ButIstoodunshakenlikeafirmrockwhichis beatenbythewavesandendures

10AndIboretheirbitternessforhumility'ssake:

11Inorder,thatImightredeemmypeople,and inherititandthatImightnotmakevoidmypromises tothefathers,towhomIpromisedthesalvationof theirseedHallelujah

ODE32

1Totheblessedthereisjoyfromtheirhearts,and lightfromHimthatdwellsinthem:

2AndwordsfromtheTruth,whowasself-originate: forHeisstrengthenedbytheholypoweroftheMost High:andHeisunperturbedforeverandever Hallelujah

ODE33

1AgainGraceranandforsookcorruption,andcame downinHimtobringittonought;

2AndHedestroyedperditionfrombeforeHim,and devastatedallitsorder;

3AndHestoodonaloftysummitandutteredHis voicefromoneendoftheearthtotheother:

4AnddrewtoHimallthosewhoobeyedHim;and theredidnotappearasitwereanevilperson.

5Buttherestoodaperfectvirginwhowas proclaimingandcallingandsaying, 6Oyesonsofmen,returnye,andyedaughtersof men,comeye:

7Andforsakethewaysofthatcorruptionanddraw nearuntome,andIwillenterintoyou,andwillbring youforthfromperdition,

8Andmakeyouwiseinthewaysoftruth:thatyoube notdestroyednorperish:

9Hearyemeandberedeemed.ForthegraceofGodI amtellingamongyou:andbymymeansyoushallbe redeemedandbecomeblessed

10Iamyourjudge;andtheywhohaveputmeon shallnotbeinjured:buttheyshallpossessthenew worldthatisincorrupt:

11Mychosenoneswalkinme,andmywaysIwill makeknowntothemthatseekme,andIwillmake themtrustinmyname.Hallelujah.

ODE34

1Nowayishardwherethereisasimpleheart

2Noristhereanywoundwherethethoughtsare upright:

3Noristhereanystorminthedepthofthe illuminatedthought:

4Whereoneissurroundedoneverysidebybeauty, thereisnothingthatisdivided

5Thelikenessofwhatisbelowisthatwhichisabove; foreverythingisabove:whatisbelowisnothingbut theimaginationofthosethatarewithoutknowledge.

6GracehasbeenrevealedforyoursalvationBelieve andliveandbesavedHallelujah

ODE35

1ThedewoftheLordinquietnessHedistilledupon me:

2AndthecloudofpeaceHecausedtoriseovermy head,whichguardedmecontinually;

3Itwastomeforsalvation:everythingwasshaken andtheywereaffrighted;

4Andtherecameforthfromthemasmokeanda judgment;andIwaskeepingquietintheorderofthe Lord:

5MorethanshelterwasHetome,andmorethan foundation.

6AndIwascarriedlikeachildbyhismother:andHe gavememilk,thedewoftheLord:

7AndIgrewgreatbyHisbounty,andrestedinHis perfection,

8AndIspreadoutmyhandsintheliftingupofmy soul:andIwasmaderightwiththeMostHigh,andI wasredeemedwithHimHallelujah

ODE36

1IrestedintheSpiritoftheLord:andtheSpirit raisedmeonhigh:

2Andmademestandonmyfeetintheheightofthe Lord,beforeHisperfectionandHisglory,whileIwas praisingHimbythecompositionofHissongs

3TheSpiritbroughtmeforthbeforethefaceofthe Lord:and,althoughasonofman,Iwasnamedthe Illuminate,theSonofGod:

4WhileIpraisedamongstthepraisingones,andgreat wasIamongstthemightyones.

5ForaccordingtothegreatnessoftheMostHigh,so Hemademe:andlikeHisownnewnessHerenewed me;andHeanointedmefromHisownperfection:

6AndIbecameoneofHisNeighbours;andmy mouthwasopened,likeacloudofdew,

7Andmyheartpouredoutasitwereagushing streamofrighteousness,

8AndmyaccesstoHimwasinpeace;andIwas establishedbytheSpiritofHisgovernment Hallelujah.

ODE37

1IstretchedoutmyhandstomyLord:andtothe MostIHighIraisedmyvoice:

2AndIspakewiththelipsofmyheart;andHeheard me,whenmyvoicereachedIHim: 3Hisanswercametome,andgavemethefruitsof mylabours;

4AnditgavemerestbythegraceoftheLord. Hallelujah.

ODE38

1Iwentuptothelightoftruthasifintoachariot:

2AndtheTruthtookmeandledme:andcarriedme acrosspitsandgulleys;andfromtherocksandthe wavesitpreservedme:

3AnditbecametomeahavenofSalvation:andset meonthearmsofimmortallife: 4Anditwentwithmeandmademerest,andsuffered menottowander,becauseitwastheTruth; 5AndIrannorisk,becauseIwalkedwithHim; 6AndIdidnotmakeanerrorinanythingbecauseI obeyedtheTruth

7ForErrorfleesawayfromit,andmeetsitnot:but theTruthproceedsintherightpath,and 8WhateverIdidnotknow,itmadecleartome,all thepoisonsoferror,andtheplaguesofdeathwhich theythinktobesweetness:

9AndIsawthedestroyerofdestruction,whenthe bridewhoiscorruptedisadorned:andthebridegroom whocorruptsandiscorrupted;

10AndIaskedtheTruth'Whoarethese?';andHe saidtome,'Thisisthedeceiverandtheerror: 11Andtheyarealikeinthebelovedandinhisbride: andtheyleadastrayandcorruptthewholeworld:

12Andtheyinvitemanytothebanquet,

13Andgivethemtodrinkofthewineoftheir intoxication,andremovetheirwisdomandknowledge, andsotheymakethemwithoutintelligence; 14Andthentheyleavethem;andthenthesegoabout likemadmencorrupting:seeingthat-theyarewithout heart,nordotheyseekforit!

15AndIwasmadewisesoasnottofallintothe handsofthedeceiver;andIcongratulatedmyself becausetheTruthwentwithme,

16AndIwasestablishedandlivedandwasredeemed, 17Andmyfoundationswerelaidonthehandofthe Lord:becauseHeestablishedme

18ForHesettherootandwatereditandfixeditand blessedit;anditsfruitsareforever.

19Itstruckdeepandsprungupandspreadout,and wasfullandenlarged;

20AndtheLordalonewasglorifiedinHisplanting andinHishusbandry:byHiscareandbytheblessing ofHislips,

21BythebeautifulplantingofHisrighthand:andby thediscoveryofHisplanting,andbythethoughtof HismindHallelujah

ODE39

1GreatriversarethepoweroftheLord:

2AndtheycarryheadlongthosewhodespiseHim: andentangletheirpaths:

3Andtheysweepawaytheirfords,andcatchtheir bodiesanddestroytheirlives.

4Fortheyaremoreswiftthanlightningandmore rapid,andthosewhocrosstheminfaitharenot moved;

5Andthosewhowalkonthemwithoutblemishshall notbeafraid

6ForthesigninthemistheLord;andthesignisthe wayofthosewhocrossinthenameoftheLord;

7Puton,therefore,thenameoftheMostHigh,and knowHim,andyoushallcrosswithoutdanger,forthe riverswillbesubjecttoyou.

8TheLordhasbridgedthembyHisword;andHe walkedandcrossedthemonfoot:

9AndHisfootstepsstandfirmonthewater,andare notinjured;theyareasfirmasatreethatistrulyset up

10Andthewaveswerelifteduponthissideandon that,butthefootstepsofourLordMessiahstandfirm andarenotobliteratedandarenotdefaced.

11Andawayhasbeenappointedforthosewhocross afterHimandforthosewhoadheretothecourseof faithinHimandworshipHisname.Hallelujah.

ODE40

1Asthehoneydistillsfromthecombofthebees, 2Andthemilkflowsfromthewomanthatlovesher children;

3SoalsoismyhopeonThee,myGod.

4Asthefountaingushesoutitswater,

5SomyheartgushesoutthepraiseoftheLordand mylipsutterpraisetoHim,andmytongueHis psalms

6AndmyfaceexultswithHisgladness,andmyspirit exultsinHislove,andmysoulshinesinHim:

7AndreverenceconfidesinHim;andredemptionin Himstandsassured:

8AndHisinheritanceisimmortallife,andthosewho participateinitareincorrupt.Hallelujah.

ODE41

1AlltheLord'schildrenwillpraiseHim,andwill collectthetruthofHisfaith

2AndHischildrenshallbeknowntoHim.Therefore wewillsinginHislove:

3WeliveintheLordbyHisgrace:andlifewe receiveinHisMessiah:

4Foragreatdayhasshineduponus:andmarvellous isHewhohasgivenusofHisglory

5Letus,therefore,allofusunitetogetherinthename oftheLord,andletushonourHiminHisgoodness, 6AndletourfacesshineinHislight:andletour heartsmeditateinHislovebynightandbyday 7LetusexultwiththejoyoftheLord.

8Allthosewillbeastonishedthatseeme.Forfrom anotherraceamI:

9FortheFatheroftruthrememberedme:Hewho possessedmefromthebeginning:

10ForHisbountybegatme,andthethoughtofHis heart:

11AndHisWordiswithusinallourway; 12TheSaviourwhomakesaliveanddoesnotreject oursouls-;

13Themanwhowashumbled,andexaltedbyHis ownrighteousness, 14TheSonoftheMostHighappearedinthe perfectionofHisFather; 15AndlightdawnedfromtheWordthatwas beforetimeinHim; 16TheMessiahistrulyone;andHewasknown beforethefoundationoftheworld, 17ThatHemightsavesoulsforeverbythetruthof Hisname:anewsongarisesfromthosewholove HimHallelujah

ODE42

1IstretchedoutmyhandsandapproachedmyLord: 2ForthestretchingofmyhandsisHissign: 3Myexpansionistheoutspreadtreewhichwasset uponthewayoftheRighteousOne 4AndIbecameofnoaccounttothosewhodidnot takeholdofme;andIshallbewiththosewholove me

5Allmypersecutorsaredead;andtheysoughtafter mewhohopedinme,becauseIwasalive:

6AndIroseupandamwiththem;andIwillspeakby theirmouths.

7Fortheyhavedespisedthosewhopersecutedthem; 8AndIliftedupoverthemtheyokeofmylove; 9Likethearmofthebridegroomoverthebride, 10Sowasmyyokeoverthosethatknowme: 11Andasthecouchthatisspreadinthehouseofthe bridegroomandbride, 12Soismyloveoverthosethatbelieveinme 13AndIwasnotrejectedthoughIwasreckonedto beso

14Ididnotperish,thoughtheydeviseditagainstme 15Sheolsawmeandwasmademiserable: 16Deathcastmeup,andmanyalongwithme. 17Ihadgallandbitterness,andIwentdownwith himtotheutmostofhisdepth:

18Andthefeetandtheheadheletgo,fortheywere notabletoenduremyface: 19AndImadeacongregationoflivingmenamongst hisdeadmen,andIspakewiththembylivinglips: 20Becausemywordshallnotbevoid: 21Andthosewhohaddiedrantowardsme:andthey criedandsaid,SonofGod,havepityonus,anddo withusaccordingtothykindness, 22Andbringusoutfromthebondsofdarkness:and opentousthedoorbywhichweshallcomeoutto thee.

23Forweseethatourdeathhasnottouchedthee 24Letusalsoberedeemedwiththee:forthouartour Redeemer.

25AndIheardtheirvoice;andmynameIsealed upontheirheads: 26Fortheyarefreemenandtheyaremine Hallelujah.

INTRODUCTION

IntheletterofAristeas,oneofthemostnoteworthyand ancientrecoveriesinthiscollection,wehavecomealongway fromAdamandEve,alongwayfromtheFloodThiswriting presentsaspectacleoftheresiliencyofthehumanrace,which hasrepeopledtheEarth,withpowerfulnationslivinginpomp andsplendor

Youwillreadhereofthefirstgreatbibliophile--Ptolemy PhiladelphusHedesirestocollectintohislibraryat Alexandria"allthebooksintheworld."Finallyinhispassion tosecureonegreatwork--theJewishLaws--hetrades100,000 captivesforthatbookThisisprobablythehighestpriceever paidforasinglework.Itpresentsanunusualreasonforthe endoftheGreatCaptivity

Theeventsofthisnarrativetookplaceduringthelifetimeof thefamousQueenArsinoe,whodied270BCTheexactdate ofthewritingisuncertain

Thedetailsofcourtlife,thediscussionofsocialproblemsof thedayareoftheutmostinterestandvividnessItisanodd discoveryinthisdayandagetoseethekingandhisguests playingatquestionsandanswersduringtheirbanqueting

Thestructureofthisabsorbingworkisasfollows:

1DedicationofthebooktoPhilocrates

2Preliminaryaction:

(a)TheproposaloftheLibrariantoliberatetheJewish captivesinexchangeforabook

(b)Theemancipation

(c)TheletterofPhiladelphustoEleazar.

(d)Thereply

(e)Thenamesofthecommitteeappointedtotranslatethe book

3Descriptionoftheroyalpresents:

(a)Thetable(probablythemostelaboratepieceoffurniture everproduced)

(b)Theotherpresents

4.DescriptionofJerusalem.

(a)Thetemple(andthewater-workssystem)

(b)Theceremony

(c)Thecitadel.

(d)Thecity

(e)Thecountryside

5.Eleazar'sfarewell.

6Eleazar'sexplanationofthelaw(thisisprofoundwisdom)

7Thereception

8.Thebanquet(72questionsandanswers).

9ThetranslationoftheBook

CHAPTER1

AtthetimeoftheJewishCaptivityinEgypt,Ptolemy Philadelphusrevealshimselfasthefirstgreatbibliophile.He desirestohaveallthebooksintheworldinhislibrary;in ordertogettheLawsofMosesheofferstotrade100,000 captivesforthatworkexclaiming,"Itisasmallboonindeed!"

1SinceIhavecollectedmaterialforamemorablehistoryof myvisittoEleazartheHighPriestoftheJews,andbecause you,Philocrates,asyoulosenoopportunityofremindingme, havesetgreatstoreuponreceivinganaccountofthemotives andobjectofmymission,Ihaveattemptedtodrawupclear expositionofthematterforyou,forIperceivethatyou possessanaturalloveoflearning,aqualitywhichisthe

highestpossessionofman--tobeconstantlyattempting'toadd tohisstockofknowledgeandacquirements'whetherthrough thestudyofhistoryorbyactuallyparticipatingintheevents themselves

2Itisbythismeans,bytakingupintoitselfthenoblest elements,thatthesoulisestablishedinpurity,andhaving fixeditsaimonpiety,thenoblestgoalofall,itusesthisasits infallibleguideandsoacquiresadefinitepurpose

3Itwasmydevotiontothepursuitofreligiousknowledge thatledmetoundertaketheembassytothemanIhave mentioned,whowasheldinthehighestesteembyhisown citizensandbyothers,bothforhisvirtueandhismajesty,and whohadinhispossessiondocumentsofthehighestvalueto theJewsinhisowncountryandinforeignlandsforthe interpretationofthedivinelaw,fortheirlawsarewrittenon leatherparchmentsinJewishcharacters

4ThisembassythenIundertookwithenthusiasm,havingfirst ofallfoundanopportunityofpleadingwiththekingonbehalf oftheJewishcaptiveswhohadbeentransportedfromJudea toEgyptbytheking'sfather,whenhefirstobtained possessionofthiscityandconqueredthelandofEgypt.

5ItisworthwhilethatIshouldtellyouthisstory,too,sinceI amconvincedthatyou,withyourdispositiontowardsholiness andyoursympathywithmenwhoarelivinginaccordance withtheholylaw,willallthemorereadilylistentothe accountwhichIpurposetosetforth,sinceyouyourselfhave latelycometousfromtheislandandareanxioustohear everythingthattendstobuildupthesoul

6Onaformeroccasiontoo,Isentyouarecordofthefacts whichIthoughtworthrelatingabouttheJewishrace,--the recordwhichIhadobtainedfromthemostlearnedhigh priestsofthemostlearnedlandofEgypt

7Asyouaresoeagertoacquiretheknowledgeofthose thingswhichcanbenefitthemind,I'feelitincumbentupon metoimparttoyoualltheinformationinmypower.

8Ishouldfeelthesamedutytowardsallwhopossessedthe samedispositionbutIfeelitespeciallytowardsyousinceyou haveaspirationswhicharesonoble,andsinceyouarenot onlymybrotherincharacter,nolessthaninblood,butare onewithmeaswellinthepursuitofgoodness

9Forneitherthepleasurederivedfromgoldnoranyotherof thepossessionswhichareprizedbyshallowmindsconfersthe samebenefitasthepursuitofcultureandthestudywhichwe expendinsecuringit.

10ButthatImaynotwearyyoubyatoolengthyintroduction, Iwillproceedatoncetothesubstanceofmynarrative

11DemetriusofPhalerum,thepresidentoftheking'slibrary, receivedvastsumofmoney,forthepurposeofcollecting together,asfarashepossiblycould,allthebooksintheworld 12Bymeansofpurchaseandtranscription,hecarriedout,to thebestofhisability,thepurposeoftheking

13OnoneoccasionwhenIwaspresenthewasasked,How manythousandbooksarethereinthelibrary?andhereplied, 'Morethantwohundredthousand,Oking,andIshallmake endeavourintheimmediatefuturetogathertogetherthe remainderalso,sothatthetotaloffivehundredthousandmay bereachedIamtoldthatthelawsoftheJewsareworth transcribinganddeserveaplaceinyourlibrary!

14'Whatistopreventyoufromdoingthis?'repliedtheking. 'Everythingthatisnecessaryhasbeenplacedatyourdisposal!

15'Theyneedtobetranslated,'answeredDemetrius'forinthe countryoftheJewstheyuseapeculiaralphabet(justasthe Egyptians,too,haveaspecialformofletters)andspeaka peculiardialect

16TheyaresupposedtousetheSyriactongue,butthisisnot thecase;theirlanguageisquitedifferent'

17Andthekingwhenheunderstoodallthefactsofthecase orderedalettertobewrittentotheJewishHighPriestthathis purpose(whichhasalreadybeendescribed)mightbe accomplished

18Thinkingthatthetimehadcometopressthedemand, whichIhadoftenlaidbeforeSosibiusofTarentumand Andreas,thechiefofthebodyguard,fortheemancipationof theJewswhohadbeentransportedfromJudeabytheking's father--forwhenbyacombinationofgoodfortuneand couragehehadbroughthisattackonthewholedistrictof Coele-SyriaandPhoeniciatoasuccessfulissue,intheprocess ofterrorisingthecountryintosubjection,hetransportedsome ofhisfoesandothershereducedtocaptivity

19Thenumberofthosewhomhetransportedfromthe countryoftheJewstoEgyptamountedtonolessthana hundredthousand

20Ofthesehearmedthirtythousandpickedmenandsettled themingarrisonsinthecountrydistricts.

21(AndevenbeforethistimelargenumbersofJewshad comeintoEgyptwiththePersian,andinanearlierperiodstill othershadbeensenttoEgypttohelpPsammetichusinhis campaignagainstthekingoftheEthiopiansButthesewere nothinglikesonumerousasthecaptiveswhomPtolemythe sonofLagustransported.)

22AsIhavealreadysaidPtolemypickedoutthebestofthese, themenwhowereintheprimeoflifeanddistinguishedfor theircourage,andarmedthem,butthegreatmassofthe others,thosewhoweretoooldortooyoungforthispurpose, andthewomentoo,hereducedtoslavery,notthathewished todothisofhisownfreewill,buthewascompelledbyhis soldierswhoclaimedthemasarewardfortheserviceswhich theyhadrenderedinwar

23Having,ashasalreadybeenstated,obtainedanopportunity forsecuringtheiremancipation,Iaddressedthekingwiththe followingarguments.'Letusnotbesounreasonableasto allowourdeedstogivethelietoourwords

24Sincethelawwhichwewishnotonlytotranscribebutalso totranslatebelongstothewholeJewishrace,what justificationshallwebeabletofindforourembassywhile suchvastnumbersofthemremaininastateofslaveryinyour kingdom?

25Intheperfectionandwealthofyourclemencyreleasethose whoareheldinsuchmiserablebondage,sinceasIhavebeen atpainstodiscover,theGodwhogavethemtheirlawisthe Godwhomaintainsyourkingdom

26TheyworshipthesameGod--theLordandCreatorofthe Universe,asallothermen,asweourselves,Oking,though wecallhimbydifferentnames,suchasZeus1orDis

27Thisnamewasveryappropriatelybestoweduponhimby ourfirstancestors,inordertosignifythatHe,throughwhom allthingsareendowedwithlifeandcomeintobeing,is necessarilytheRiderandLordoftheUniverse

28Setallmankindanexampleofmagnanimitybyreleasing thosewhoareheldinbondage'

29Afterabriefinterval,whileIwasofferingupanearnest prayertoGodthatHewouldsodisposethemindoftheking thatallthecaptivesmightbesetatliberty--(forthehuman race,beingthecreationofGod,isswayedandinfluencedby Him.

30ThereforewithmanydiversprayersIcalleduponHimwho ruleththeheartthatthekingmightbeconstrainedtograntmy request

31ForIhadgreathopeswithregardtothesalvationofthe mensinceIwasassuredthatGodwouldgrantafulfilmentof myprayer.

32Forwhenmenfrompuremotivesplansomeactioninthe interestofrighteousnessandtheperformanceofnobledeeds, AlmightyGodbringstheireffortsandpurposestoasuccessful issue)--thekingraisedhisheadandlookingupatmewitha cheerfulcountenanceasked,'Howmanythousandsdoyou thinktheywillnumber?'

33Andreas,whowasstandingnear,replied,'Alittlemore thanahundredthousand'

34'Itisasmallboonindeed,'saidtheking,'thatAristeasasks ofus!'

35ThenSosibiusandsomeotherswhowerepresentsaid'Yes, butitwillbeafittributetoyourmagnanimityforyoutooffer theenfranchisementofthesemenasanactofdevotiontothe supremeGod

36YouhavebeengreatlyhonouredbyAlmightyGodand exaltedaboveallyourforefathersingloryanditisonlyfitting thatyoushouldrendertoHimthegreatestthank-offeringin yourpower.'

37Extremelypleasedwiththeseargumentshegaveorders thatanadditionshouldbemadetothewagesofthesoldiers bytheamountoftheredemptionmoney,thattwenty drachmaeshouldbepaidtotheownersforeveryslave,thata publicordershouldbeissuedandthatregistersofthecaptives shouldbeattachedtoit.

38Heshowedthegreatestenthusiasminthebusiness,forit wasGodwhohadbroughtourpurposetofulfilmentinits entiretyandconstrainedhimtoredeemnotonlythosewho hadcomeintoEgyptwiththearmyofhisfatherbutanywho hadcomebeforethattimeorhadbeensubsequentlybrought intothekingdom

39Itwaspointedouttohimthattheransommoneywould exceedfourhundredtalents

40Ithinkitwillbeusefultoinsertacopyofthedecree,forin thiswaythemagnanimityoftheking,whowasempowered byGodtosavesuchvastmultitudes,willbemadeclearerand moremanifest

41Thedecreeofthekingranasfollows:'Allwhoservedin thearmyofourfatherinthecampaignagainstSyriaand PhoeniciaandintheattackuponthecountryoftheJewsand becamepossessedofJewishcaptivesandbroughtthemback tothecityofAlexandriaandthelandofEgyptorsoldthemto others--andinthesamewayanycaptiveswhowereinour landbeforethattimeorwerebroughthitherafterwards--all whopossesssuchcaptivesarerequiredtosetthematlibertyat once,receivingtwentydrachmaeperheadasransommoney

42Thesoldierswillreceivethismoneyasagiftaddedtotheir wages,theothersfromtheking'streasury.

43Wethinkthatitwasagainstourfather'swillandagainstall proprietythattheyshouldhavebeenmadecaptivesandthat thedevastationoftheirlandandthetransportationoftheJews toEgyptwasanactofmilitarywantonness

44Thespoilwhichfelltothesoldiersonthefieldofbattle wasallthebootywhichtheyshouldhaveclaimed.

45Toreducethepeopletoslaveryinadditionwasanactof absoluteinjustice

46Wherefore,sinceitisacknowledgedthatweare accustomedtorenderjusticetoallmenandespeciallytothose whoareunfairlyinaconditionofservitude,andsincewe strivetodealfairlywithallmenaccordingtothedemandsof justiceandpiety,wehavedecreed,inreferencetothepersons oftheJewswhoareinanyconditionofbondageinanypartof ourdominion,thatthosewhopossessthemshallreceivethe stipulatedsumofmoneyandsetthematlibertyandthatno manshallshowanytardinessindischarginghisobligations

47Withinthreedaysafterthepublicationofthisdecree,they mustmakelistsofslavesfortheofficersappointedtocarry

outourwill,andimmediatelyproducethepersonsofthe captives

48Forweconsiderthatitwillbeadvantageoustousandto ouraffairsthatthemattershouldbebroughttoaconclusion

49Anyonewholikesmaygiveinformationaboutanywho disobeythedecree,onconditionthatifthemanisproved guiltyhewillbecomehisslave;hisproperty,however,willbe handedovertotheroyaltreasury'

50Whenthedecreewasbroughttobereadovertotheking forhisapproval,itcontainedalltheotherprovisionsexcept thephrase'anycaptiveswhowereinthelandbeforethattime orwerebroughthitherafterwards,'andinhismagnanimity andthelargenessofhisheartthekinginsertedthisclauseand gaveordersthatthegrantofmoneyrequiredforthe redemptionshouldbedepositedinfullwiththepaymastersof theforcesandtheroyalbankers,andsothematterwas decidedandthedecreeratifiedwithinsevendays

51Thegrantfortheredemptionamountedtomorethansix hundredandsixtytalents;formanyinfantsatthebreastwere emancipatedtogetherwiththeirmothers

52Whenthequestionwasraisedwhetherthesumoftwenty talentswastobepaidforthese,thekingorderedthatitshould bedone,andthushecarriedouthisdecisioninthemost comprehensiveway.

CHAPTER2

Showinghowthemostcarefulrecordswerekeptofaffairsof stateGovernmentRedTapeAcommitteeofsixisappointed togototheHighPriestinJerusalemandarrangeforthe exchangeAristeasisputinchargeofthedelegation

1Whenthishadbeendone,heorderedDemetriustodrawup amemorialwithregardtothetranscriptionoftheJewish books

2Forallaffairsofstateusedtobecarriedoutbymeansof decreesandwiththemostpains-takingaccuracybythese Egyptiankings,andnothingwasdoneinaslipshodor haphazardfashion

3AndsoIhaveinsertedcopiesofthememorialandtheletters, thenumberofthepresentssentandthenatureofeach,since everyoneofthemexcelledinmagnificenceandtechnicalskill.

4ThefollowingisacopyofthememorialTheMemoryof Demetriustothegreatking'Sinceyouhavegivenme instructionsOking,thatthebookswhichareneededto completeyourlibraryshouldbecollectedtogether,andthat thosewhicharedefectiveshouldberepaired,Ihavedevoted myselfwiththeutmostcaretothefulfilmentofyourwishes, andInowhavethefollowingproposaltolaybeforeyou

5ThebooksofthelawoftheJews(withsomefewothers)are absentfromthelibrary.

6TheyarewrittenintheHebrewcharactersandlanguageand havebeencarelesslyinterpreted,anddonotrepresentthe originaltextasIaminformedbythosewhoknow;forthey haveneverhadaking'scaretoprotectthem

7Itisnecessarythattheseshouldbemadeaccurateforyour librarysincethelawwhichtheycontain,inasmuchasitisof divineorigin,isfullofwisdomandfreefromallblemish

8Forthisreasonliterarymenandpoetsandthemassof historicalwritershaveheldalooffromreferringtothesebooks andthemenwhohavelivedandarelivinginaccordancewith them,becausetheirconceptionoflifeissosacredand religious,asHecataeusofAbderasays

9Ifitpleaseyou,Oking,alettershallbewrittentotheHigh PriestinJerusalem,askinghimtosendsixeldersoutofevery tribe--menwhohavelivedthenoblestlifeandaremostskilled intheirlaw--thatwemayfindoutthepointsinwhichthe

majorityofthemareinagreement,andsohavingobtainedan accuratetranslationmayplaceitinaconspicuousplaceina mannerworthyoftheworkitselfandyourpurpose.

10Maycontinualprosperitybeyours!'

11Whenthismemorialhadbeenpresented,thekingordereda lettertobewrittentoEleazaronthematter,givingalsoan accountoftheemancipationoftheJewishcaptives

12Andhegavefiftytalentsweightofgoldandseventytalents ofsilverandalargequantityofpreciousstonestomakebowls andvialsandatableandlibationcups

13Healsogaveorderstothosewhohadthecustodyofhis cofferstoallowtheartificerstomakeaselectionofany materialstheymightrequireforthepurpose,andthata hundredtalentsinmoneyshouldbesenttoprovidesacrifices forthetempleandforotherneeds.

14IshallgiveyouafullaccountoftheworkmanshipafterI havesetbeforeyoucopiesofthelettersTheletteroftheking ranasfollows:

15'KingPtolemysendsgreetingandsalutationtotheHigh PriestEleazar

16SincetherearemanyJewssettledinourrealmwhowere carriedofffromJerusalembythePersiansatthetimeoftheir powerandmanymorewhocamewithmyfatherintoEgyptas captives--largenumbersoftheseheplacedinthearmyand paidthemhigherwagesthanusual,andwhenhehadproved theloyaltyoftheirleadershebuiltfortressesandplacedthem intheirchargethatthenativeEgyptiansmightbeintimidated bythem

17AndI,whenIascendedthethrone,adoptedakindly attitudetowardsallmysubjects,andmoreparticularlyto thosewhowerecitizensofyours--Ihavesetatlibertymore thanahundredthousandcaptives,payingtheirownersthe appropriatemarketpriceforthem,andifeverevilhasbeen donetoyourpeoplethroughthepassionsofthemob,Ihave madethemreparation.

18Themotivewhichpromptedmyactionhasbeenthedesire toactpiouslyandrenderuntothesupremeGodathankofferingformaintainingmykingdominpeaceandgreatglory inalltheworld

19Moreoverthoseofyourpeoplewhowereintheprimeof lifeIhavedraftedintomyarmy,andthosewhowerefittobe attachedtomypersonandworthyoftheconfidenceofthe court,Ihaveestablishedinofficialpositions

20NowsinceIamanxioustoshowmygratitudetothesemen andtotheJewsthroughouttheworldandtothegenerations yettocome,Ihavedeterminedthatyourlawshallbe translatedfromtheHebrewtonguewhichisinuseamongst youintotheGreeklanguage,thatthesebooksmaybeadded totheotherroyalbooksinmylibrary

21Itwillbeakindnessonyourpartandarewardformyzeal ifyouwillselectsixeldersfromeachofyourtribes,menof noblelifeandskilledinyourlawandabletointerpretit,that inquestionsofdisputewemaybeabletodiscovertheverdict inwhichthemajorityagree,fortheinvestigationisofthe highestpossibleimportance

22Ihopetowingreatrenownbytheaccomplishmentofthis work

23IhavesentAndreas,thechiefofmybodyguardand Aristeas--menwhomIholdinhighesteem--tolaythematter beforeyouandpresentyouwithahundredtalentsofsilver, thefirst-fruitsofmyofferingforthetempleandthesacrifices andotherreligiousrites

24Ifyouwillwritetomeconcerningyourwishesinthese matters,youwillconferagreatfavouruponmeandaffordme anewpledgeoffriendship,forallyourwishesshallbecarried outasspeedilyaspossibleFarewell!

25TothisletterEleazarrepliedappropriatelyasfollows: 'EleazartheHighPriestsendsgreetingstoKingPtolemyhis truefriend.

26Myhighestwishesareforyourwelfareandthewelfareof QueenArsinoe,yoursister,andyourchildren

27Ialsoamwell.Ihavereceivedyourletterandamgreatly rejoicedbyyourpurposeandyournoblecounsel

28Isummonedtogetherthewholepeopleandreadittothem thattheymightknowofyourdevotiontoourGod.

29Ishowedthemtoothecupswhichyousent,twentyofgold andthirtyofsilver,thefivebowlsandthetableofdedication, andthehundredtalentsofsilverfortheofferingofthe sacrificesandprovidingthethingsofwhichthetemplestands inneed

30ThesegiftswerebroughttomebyAndreas,oneofyour mosthonouredservants,andbyAristeas,bothgoodmenand true,distinguishedbytheirlearning,andworthyineveryway tobetherepresentativesofyourhighprinciplesandrighteous purposes

31Thesemenimpartedtomeyourmessageandreceived frommeananswerinagreementwithyourletter.Iwill consenttoeverythingwhichisadvantageoustoyoueven thoughyourrequestisveryunusual

32Foryouhavebestoweduponourcitizensgreatandnever tobeforgottenbenefitsinmanyways

33ImmediatelythereforeIofferedsacrificesonbehalfofyou, yoursister,yourchildren,andyourfriends,andallthepeople prayedthatyourplansmightprospercontinually,andthat AlmightyGodmightpreserveyourkingdominpeacewith honour,andthatthetranslationoftheholylawmightprove advantageoustoyouandbecarriedoutsuccessfully

34InthepresenceofallthepeopleIselectedsixeldersfrom eachtribe,goodmenandtrue,andIhavesentthemtoyou withacopyofourlaw

35Itwillbeakindness,Orighteousking,ifyouwillgive instructionthatassoonasthetranslationofthelawis completed,themenshallberestoredagaintousinsafety Farewell!

36Thefollowingarethenamesoftheelders:Ofthefirsttribe, Joseph,Ezekiah,Zachariah,John,Ezekiah,Elisha

37Ofthesecondtribe,Judas,Simon,Samuel,Adaeus, Mattathias,Eschlemias

38Ofthethirdtribe,Nehemia,Joseph,Theodosius,Baseas, Ornias,Dakis.

39Ofthefourthtribe,Jonathan,Abraeus,Elisha,Ananias, Chabrias

40Ofthefifthtribe,Isaac,Jacob,Jesus,Sabbataeus,Simon, Levi

41Ofthesixthtribe,Judas,Joseph,Simon,Zacharias,Samuel, Selemas.

42Oftheseventhtribe,Sabbataeus,Zedekiah,Jacob,Isaac, Jesias,Natthaeus

43Oftheeighthtribe,Theodosius,Jason,Jesus,Theodotus, John,Jonathan

44Oftheninthtribe,Theophilus,Abraham,Arsamos,Jason, Endemias,Daniel.

45Ofthetenthtribe,Jeremiah,Eleazar,Zachariah,Baneas, Elisha,Dathaeus

46Oftheeleventhtribe,Samuel,Joseph,Judas,Jonathes, Chabu,Dositheus

47Ofthetwelfthtribe,Isaelus,John,Theodosius,Arsamos, Abietes,Ezekiel

48Theywereseventy-twoinallSuchwastheanswerwhich Eleazarandhisfriendsgavetotheking'sletter

CHAPTER3

Inwhichisdescribedthemostexquisiteandbeautifultable everproducedAlsootherrichgifts,Interestinginthelightof recentexcavationsinEgypt

1Iwillnowproceedtoredeemmypromiseandgivea descriptionoftheworksofart

2Theywerewroughtwithexceptionalskill,fortheking sparednoexpenseandpersonallysuperintendedtheworkmen individually

3Theycouldnotthereforescampanypartoftheworkor finishitoffnegligently.

4FirstofallIwillgiveyouadescriptionofthetable

5Thekingwasanxiousthatthispieceofworkshouldbeof exceptionallylargedimensions,andhecausedenquiriestobe madeoftheJewsinthelocalitywithregardtothesizeofthe tablealreadyinthetempleatJerusalem

6Andwhentheydescribedthemeasurements,heproceeded toaskwhetherhemightmakealargerstructure

7AndsomeofthepriestsandtheotherJewsrepliedthatthere wasnothingtopreventhim.

8Andhesaidthathewasanxioustomakeitfivetimesthe size,buthehesitatedlestitshouldproveuselessforthe templeservices.

9Hewasdesirousthathisgiftshouldnotmerelybestationed inthetemple,foritwouldaffordhimmuchgreaterpleasureif themenwhosedutyitwastoofferthefittingsacrificeswere abletodosoappropriatelyonthetablewhichhehadmade

10Hedidnotsupposethatitwasowingtolackofgoldthat theformertablehadbeenmadeofsmallsize,butthereseems tohavebeen,hesaid,somereasonwhyitwasmadeof--this dimension

11Forhadtheorderbeengiven,therewouldhavebeenno lackofmeans

12Whereforewemustnottransgressorgobeyondtheproper measure

13Atthesametimeheorderedthemtopressintoserviceall themanifoldformsofart,forhewasamanofthemostlofty conceptionsandnaturehadendowedhimwithakeen imaginationwhichenabledhimtopicturetheappearance whichwouldbepresentedbythefinishedwork.

14Hegaveorderstoo,thatwheretherewerenoinstructions laiddownintheJewishScriptures,everythingshouldbemade asbeautifulaspossible.

15Whensuchinstructionswerelaiddown,theyweretobe carriedouttotheletter

16Theymadethetabletwocubits1long,onecubitbroad, oneandahalfcubitshighfashioningitofpuresolidgold

17WhatIamdescribingwasnotthingoldlaidoveranother foundation,butthewholestructurewasofmassivegold weldedtogether

18Andtheymadeaborderofahand'sbreadthroundaboutit

19Andtherewasawreathofwave-work,engravedinrelief intheformofropesmarvellouslywroughtonitsthreesides

20Foritwastriangularinshapeandthestyleoftheworkwas exactlythesameoneachofthesides,sothatwhicheverside theywereturned,theypresentedthesameappearance

21Ofthetwosidesundertheborder,theonewhichsloped downtothetablewasaverybeautifulpieceofwork,butit wastheoutersidewhichattractedthegazeofthespectator

22Nowtheupperedgeofthetwosides,beingelevated,was sharpsince,aswehavesaid,therimwasthree-sided,from whateverpointofviewoneapproachedit

23Andtherewerelayersofpreciousstonesonitinthemidst oftheembossedcord-work,andtheywereinterwovenwith oneanotherbyaninimitableartisticdevice

24Forthesakeofsecuritytheywereallfixedbygolden needleswhichwereinsertedinperforationsinthestones

25Atthesidestheywereclampedtogetherbyfasteningsto holdthemfirm

26Onthepartoftheborderroundthetablewhichslanted upwardsandmettheeyes,therewaswroughtapatternofeggs inpreciousstones,elaboratelyengravedbyacontinuouspiece offlutedrelief-work,closelyconnectedtogetherroundthe wholetable.

27Andunderthestoneswhichhadbeenarrangedtorepresent eggstheartistsmadeacrowncontainingallkindsoffruits, havingatitstopclustersofgrapesandearsofcorn,datesalso andapples,andpomegranatesandthelike,conspicuously arranged

28Thesefruitswerewroughtoutofpreciousstones,ofthe samecolourasthefruitsthemselvesandtheyfastenedthem edgewaysroundallthesidesofthetablewithabandofgold

29Andafterthecrownoffruithadbeenputon,underneath therewasinsertedanotherpatternofeggsinpreciousstones, andotherflutingandembossedwork,thatbothsidesofthe tablemightbeused,accordingtothewishesoftheownersand forthisreasonthewave-workandtheborderwereextended downtothefeetofthetable

30Theymadeandfastenedunderthewholewidthofthetable amassiveplatefourfingersthick,thatthefeetmightbe insertedintoit,andclampedfastwithlinch-pinswhichfitted intosocketsundertheborder,sothatwhicheversideofthe tablepeoplepreferred,mightbeused

31Thusitbecamemanifestlyclearthattheworkwasintended tobeusedeitherway

32Onthetableitselftheyengraveda'maeander,'having preciousstonesstandingoutinthemiddleofit,rubiesand emeraldsandanonyxtooandmanyotherkindsofstones whichexcelinbeauty

33Andnexttothe'maeander'therewasplacedawonderful pieceofnetwork,whichmadethecentreofthetableappear likearhomboidinshape,andonitacrystalandamber,asitis called,hadbeenwrought,whichproducedanincomparable impressiononthebeholders

34Theymadethefeetofthetablewithheadslikelilies,so thattheyseemedtobelikeliliesbendingdownbeneaththe table,andthepartswhichwerevisiblerepresentedleaves whichstoodupright

35Thebasisofthefootonthegroundconsistedofarubyand measuredahand'sbreadthhighallround

36Ithadtheappearanceofashoeandwaseightfingersbroad 37Uponitthewholeexpanseofthefootrested.

38Andtheymadethefootappearlikeivygrowingoutofthe stone,interwovenwithakanthusandsurroundedwithavine whichencircleditwithclustersofgrapes,whichwereworked instones,uptothetopofthefoot

39Allthefourfeetweremadeinthesamestyle,and everythingwaswroughtandfittedsoskilfully,andsuch remarkableskillandknowledgewereexpendeduponmaking ittruetonature,thatwhentheairwasstirredbyabreathof wind,movementwasimpartedtotheleaves,andeverything wasfashionedtocorrespondwiththeactualrealitywhichit represented

40Andtheymadethetopofthetableinthreepartslikea triptychon,andtheyweresofittedanddovetailedtogether withspigotsalongthewholebreadthofthework,thatthe meetingofthejointscouldnotbeseenorevendiscovered

41Thethicknessofthetablewasnotlessthanhalfacubit,so thatthewholeworkmusthavecostmanytalents

42Forsincethekingdidnotwishtoaddtoitssizehe expendedonthedetailsthesamesumofmoneywhichwould

havebeenrequiredifthetablecouldhavebeenoflarger dimensions

43Andeverythingwascompletedinaccordancewithhisplan, inamostwonderfulandremarkableway,withinimitableart andincomparablebeauty

44Ofthemixingbowls,twowerewroughtingold,andfrom thebasetothemiddlewereengravedwithreliefworkinthe patternofscales,andbetweenthescalesPreciousstoneswere insertedwithgreatartisticskill.

45Thentherewasa'maeander'acubitinheight,withits surfacewroughtoutofpreciousstonesofmanycolours, displayinggreatartisticeffortandbeauty.

46Uponthistherewasamosaic,workedintheformofa rhombus,havinganet-likeappearanceandreachingrightup tothebrim.

47Inthemiddle,smallshieldswhichweremadeofdifferent preciousstones,placedalternately,andvaryinginkind,not lessthanfourfingersbroad,enhancedthebeautyoftheir appearance

48Onthetopofthebrimtherewasanornamentofliliesin bloom,andintertwiningclustersofgrapeswereengravenall round

49Suchthenwastheconstructionofthegoldenbowls,and theyheldmorethantwofirkinseach.

50Thesilverbowlshadasmoothsurface,andwere wonderfullymadeasiftheywereintendedforlooking-glasses, sothateverythingwhichwasbroughtneartothemwas reflectedevenmoreclearlythaninmirrors

51Butitisimpossibletodescribetherealimpressionwhich theseworksofartproduceduponthemindwhentheywere finished

52For,whenthesevesselshadbeencompletedandplaced sidebyside,firstasilverbowlandthenagolden,thenanother silver,andthenanothergolden,theappearancetheypresented isaltogetherindescribable,andthosewhocametoseethem werenotabletotearthemselvesfromthebrilliantsightand entrancingspectacle

53Theimpressionsproducedbythespectaclewerevariousin kind

54Whenmenlookedatthegoldenvessels,andtheirminds madeacompletesurveyofeachdetailofworkmanship,their soulswerethrilledwithwonder

55Againwhenamanwishedtodirecthisgazetothesilver vessels,astheystoodbeforehim,everythingseemedtoflash withlightroundabouttheplacewherehewasstanding,and affordedastillgreaterdelighttotheonlookers

56Sothatitisreallyimpossibletodescribetheartisticbeauty oftheworks

57Thegoldenvialstheyengravedinthecentrewithvine wreaths.

58Andabouttherimstheywoveawreathofivyandmyrtle andoliveinreliefworkandinsertedpreciousstonesinit

59Theotherpartsofthereliefworktheywroughtindifferent patterns,sincetheymadeitapointofhonourtocomplete everythinginawayworthyofthemajestyoftheking

60Inaworditmaybesaidthatneitherintheking'streasury norinanyother,werethereanyworkswhichequalledthese incostlinessorinartisticskill

61Forthekingspentnolittlethoughtuponthem,forheloved togaingloryfortheexcellenceofhisdesigns

62Foroftentimeshewouldneglecthisofficialbusiness,and spendhistimewiththeartistsinhisanxietythattheyshould completeeverythinginamannerworthyoftheplacetowhich thegiftsweretobesent

63Soeverythingwascarriedoutonagrandscale,ina mannerworthyofthekingwhosentthegiftsandofthehigh priestwhowastheruleroftheland.

64Therewasnostintofpreciousstones,fornotlessthanfive thousandwereusedandtheywerealloflargesize

65Themostexceptionalartisticskillwasemployed,sothat thecostofthestonesandtheworkmanshipwasfivetimesas muchasthatofthegold

CHAPTER4

Vividdetailsofthesacrifice.Theunerringaccuracyofthe priestsisnotableAsavageorgyAdescriptionofthetemple anditswater-works

1IhavegivenyouthisdescriptionofthepresentsbecauseI thoughtitwasnecessary

2Thenextpointinthenarrativeisanaccountofourjourney toEleazar,butIwillfirstofallgiveyouadescriptionofthe wholecountry

3WhenwearrivedinthelandoftheJewswesawthecity situatedinthemiddleofthewholeofJudeaonthetopofa mountainofconsiderablealtitude

4Onthesummitthetemplehadbeenbuiltinallitssplendour

5Itwassurroundedbythreewallsmorethanseventycubits highandinlengthandbreadthcorrespondingtothestructure oftheedifice

6Allthebuildingswerecharacterisedbyamagnificenceand costlinessquiteunprecedented

7Itwasobviousthatnoexpensehadbeensparedonthedoor andthefastenings,whichconnecteditwiththedoor-posts, andthestabilityofthelintel

8Thestyleofthecurtaintoowasthoroughlyinproportionto thatoftheentrance.

9Itsfabricowingtothedraughtofwindwasinperpetual motion,andasthismotionwascommunicatedfromthe bottomandthecurtainbulgedouttoitshighestextent,it affordedapleasantspectaclefromwhichamancouldscarcely tearhimselfaway

10Theconstructionofthealtarwasinkeepingwiththeplace itselfandwiththeburntofferingswhichwereconsumedby fireuponit,andtheapproachtoitwasonasimilarscale.

11Therewasagradualslopeuptoit,convenientlyarranged forthepurposeofdecency,andtheministeringpriestswere robedinlinengarments,downtotheirankles.

12TheTemplefacestheeastanditsbackistowardthewest

13Thewholeofthefloorispavedwithstonesandslopes downtotheappointedplaces,thatwatermaybeconveyedto washawaythebloodfromthesacrifices,formanythousand beastsaresacrificedthereonthefeastdays

14Andthereisaninexhaustiblesupplyofwater,becausean abundantnaturalspringgushesupfromwithinthetemplearea

15Therearemoreoverwonderfulandindescribablecisterns underground,astheypointedouttome,atadistanceoffive furlongsallroundthesiteofthetemple,andeachofthemhas countlesspipessothatthedifferentstreamsconvergetogether

16Andallthesewerefastenedwithleadatthebottomandat thesidewalls,andoverthemagreatquantityofplasterhad beenspread,andeverypartoftheworkhadbeenmost carefullycarriedout.

17Therearemanyopeningsforwateratthebaseofthealtar whichareinvisibletoallexcepttothosewhoareengagedin theministration,sothatallthebloodofthesacrificeswhichis collectedingreatquantitiesiswashedawayinthetwinkling ofaneye

18Suchismyopinionwithregardtothecharacterofthe reservoirsandIwillnowshowyouhowitwasconfirmed

19Theyledmemorethanfourfurlongsoutsidethecityand bademepeerdowntowardsacertainspotandlistentothe noisethatwasmadebythemeetingofthewaters,sothatthe greatsizeofthereservoirsbecamemanifesttome,ashas alreadybeenpointedout

20Theministrationofthepriestsisineverywayunsurpassed bothforitsphysicalenduranceandforitsorderlyandsilent service

21Fortheyallworkspontaneously,thoughitentailsmuch painfulexertion,andeachonehasaspecialtaskallottedto him

22Theserviceiscarriedonwithoutinterruption--some providethewood,otherstheoil,othersthefinewheatflour, othersthespices;othersagainbringthepiecesoffleshforthe burntoffering,exhibitingawonderful,degreeofstrength.

23Fortheytakeupwithbothhandsthelimbsofacalf,each ofthemweighingmorethantwotalents,andthrowthemwith eachhandinawonderfulwayontothehighplaceofthealtar andnevermissplacingthemontheproperspot

24Inthesamewaythepiecesofthesheepandalsoofthe goatsarewonderfulbothfortheirweightandtheirfatness.

25Forthose,whosebusinessitis,alwaysselectthebeasts whicharewithoutblemishandspeciallyfat,andthusthe sacrificewhichIhavedescribed,iscarriedout.

26Thereisaspecialplacesetapartforthemtorestin,where thosewhoarerelievedfromdutysit

27Whenthistakesplace,thosewhohavealreadyrestedand arereadytoresumetheirdutiesriseupspontaneouslysince thereisnoonetogiveorderswithregardtothearrangement ofthesacrifices

28Themostcompletesilencereignssothatonemight imaginethattherewasnotasinglepersonpresent,though thereareactuallysevenhundredmenengagedinthework, besidesthevastnumberofthosewhoareoccupiedinbringing upthesacrifices.

29Everythingiscarriedoutwithreverenceandinaway worthyofthegreatGod

30Weweregreatlyastonished,whenwesawEleazarengaged intheministration,atthemodeofhisdress,andthemajesty ofhisappearance,whichwasrevealedintherobewhichhe woreandthepreciousstonesuponhisperson.

31Thereweregoldenbellsuponthegarmentwhichreached downtohisfeet,givingforthapeculiarkindofmelody,and onbothsidesofthemtherewerepomegranateswith variegatedflowersofawonderfulhue

32Hewasgirdedwithagirdleofconspicuousbeauty,woven inthemostbeautifulcolours.

33OnhisbreastheworetheoracleofGod,asitiscalled,on whichtwelvestones,ofdifferentkinds,wereinset,fastened togetherwithgold,containingthenamesoftheleadersofthe tribes,accordingtotheiroriginalorder,eachoneflashing forthinanindescribablewayitsownparticularcolour

34Onhisheadheworeatiara,asitiscalled,anduponthisin themiddleofhisforeheadaninimitableturban,theroyal diademfullofglorywiththenameofGodinscribedinsacred lettersonaplateofgold...havingbeenjudgedworthyto weartheseemblemsintheministrations

35Theirappearancecreatedsuchaweandconfusionofmind astomakeonefeelthatonehadcomeintothepresenceofa manwhobelongedtoadifferentworld

36Iamconvincedthatanyonewhotakespartinthespectacle whichIhavedescribedwillhefilledwithastonishmentand indescribablewonderandbeprofoundlyaffectedinhismind atthethoughtofthesanctitywhichisattachedtoeachdetail oftheservice.

37Butinorderthatwemightgaincompleteinformation,we ascendedtothesummitoftheneighboringcitadelandlooked aroundus.

38Itissituatedinaveryloftyspot,andisfortifiedwithmany towers,whichhavebeenbuiltuptotheverytop,ofimmense stones,withtheobject,aswewereinformed,ofguardingthe templeprecincts,sothatiftherewereanattack,oran insurrectionoranonslaughtoftheenemy,noonewouldbe abletoforceanentrancewithinthewallsthatsurroundthe temple

39Onthetowersofthecitadelenginesofwarwereplaced anddifferentkindsofmachines,andthepositionwasmuch higherthanthecircleofwallswhichIhavementioned

40Thetowerswereguardedtoobymosttrustymenwhohad giventheutmostproofoftheirloyaltytotheircountry.

41thesemenwereneverallowedtoleavethecitadel,except onfeastdaysandthenonlyindetachments,nordidthey permitanystrangertoenterit.

42Theywerealsoverycarefulwhenanycommandcame fromthechiefofficertoadmitanyvisitorstoinspecttheplace, asourownexperiencetaughtus.

43Theywereveryreluctanttoadmitus--thoughwewerebut twounarmedmen--toviewtheofferingofthesacrifices

44Andtheyassertedthattheywereboundbyanoathwhen thetrustwascommittedtothem,fortheyhadallswornand wereboundtocarryouttheoathsacredlytotheletter,that thoughtheywerefivehundredinnumbertheywouldnot permitmorethanfivementoenteratonetime

45Thecitadelwasthespecialprotectionofthetempleandits founderhadfortifieditsostronglythatitmightefficiently protectit

CHAPTER5

AdescriptionofthecityandthecountrysideCompareVerse 11withconditionsoftodayVerses89-41revealhowthe ancientsestimateascholarandagentleman

1Thesizeofthecityisofmoderatedimensions

2Itisaboutfortyfurlongsincircumference,asfarasone couldconjecture

3Ithasitstowersarrangedintheshapeofatheatre,with thoroughfaresleadingbetweenthemnowthecrossroadsofthe lowertowersarevisiblebutthoseoftheuppertowersare morefrequented.

4Forthegroundascends,sincethecityisbuiltupona mountain

5Therearestepstoowhichleaduptothecrossroads,and somepeoplearealwaysgoingup,andothersdownandthey keepasfarapartfromeachotheraspossibleontheroad becauseofthosewhoareboundbytherulesofpurity,lest theyshouldtouchanythingwhichisunlawful

6Itwasnotwithoutreasonthattheoriginalfoundersofthe citybuiltitindueproportions,fortheypossessedclearinsight withregardtowhatwasrequired

7Forthecountryisextensiveandbeautiful

8Somepartsofitarelevel,especiallythedistrictswhich belongtoSamaria,asitiscalled,andwhichborderonthe landoftheIdumeans,otherpartsaremountainous,especially thosewhicharecontiguoustothelandofJudea.

9Thepeoplethereforeareboundtodevotethemselvesto agricultureandthecultivationofthesoilthatbythismeans theymayhaveaplentifulsupplyofcrops

10Inthiswaycultivationofeverykindiscarriedonandan abundantharvestreapedinthewholeoftheaforesaidland

11Thecitieswhicharelargeandenjoyacorresponding prosperityarewell-populated,buttheyneglectthecountry

districts,sinceallmenareinclinedtoalifeofenjoyment,for everyonehasanaturaltendencytowardsthepursuitof pleasure.

12ThesamethinghappenedinAlexandria,whichexcelsall citiesinsizeandprosperity

13Countrypeoplebymigratingfromtheruraldistrictsand settlinginthecitybroughtagricultureintodisrepute:andsoto preventthemfromsettlinginthecity,thekingissuedorders thattheyshouldnotstayinitformorethantwentydays.

14Andinthesamewayhegavethejudgeswritten instructions,thatifitwasnecessarytoissueasummons againstanyonewholivedinthecountry,thecasemustbe settledwithinfivedays

15Andsinceheconsideredthematteroneofgreat importance,heappointedalsolegalofficersforeverydistrict withtheirassistants,thatthefarmersandtheiradvocates mightnotintheinterestsofbusinessemptythegranariesof thecity,Imean,oftheproduceofhusbandry.

16IhavepermittedthisdigressionbecauseitwasEleazar whopointedoutwithgreatclearnessthepointswhichhave beenmentioned.

17Forgreatistheenergywhichtheyexpendonthetillageof thesoil

18Forthelandisthicklyplantedwithmultitudesofolive trees,withcropsofcornandpulse,withvinestoo,andthereis abundanceofhoney

19Otherkindsoffruittreesanddatesdonotcountcompared withthese

20Therearecattleofallkindsingreatquantitiesandarich pasturageforthem

21Whereforetheyrightlyrecognisethatthecountrydistricts needalargepopulation,andtherelationsbetweenthecityand thevillagesareproperlyregulated.

22Agreatquantityofspicesandpreciousstonesandgoldis broughtintothecountrybytheArabs.

23Forthecountryiswelladaptednotonlyforagriculturebut alsoforcommerce,andthecityisrichintheartsandlacks noneofthemerchandisewhichisbroughtacrossthesea 24Itpossessestoosuitableandcommodiousharboursat Askalon,Joppa,andGaza,aswellmatPtolemaiswhichwas foundedbytheKingandholdsacentralpositioncompared withtheotherplacesnamed,beingnotfardistantfromanyof them

25Thecountryproduceseverythinginabundance,sinceitis wellwateredinalldirectionsandwellprotectedfromstorms 26TheriverJordan,asitiscalled,whichneverrunsdry, flowsthroughtheland.

27Originallythecountrycontainednotlessthan60million acres--thoughafterwardstheneighbouringpeoplesmade incursionsagainstit--and600,000menweresettleduponitin farmsofahundredacreseach

28TheriverliketheNilerisesinharvest-timeandirrigatesa largeportionoftheland.

29NearthedistrictbelongingtothepeopleofPtolemaisit issuesintoanotherriverandthisflowsoutintothesea

30Othermountaintorrents,astheyarecalled,flowdowninto theplainandencompassthepartsaboutGazaandthedistrict ofAshdod

31Thecountryisencircledbyanaturalfenceandisvery difficulttoattackandcannotbeassailedbylargeforces, owingtothenarrowpasses,withtheftoverhangingprecipices anddeepravines,andtheruggedcharacterofthemountainous regionswhichsurroundalltheland

32Weweretoldthatfromtheneighbouringmountainsof Arabiacopperandironwereformerlyobtained.

33Thiswasstopped,however,atthetimeofthePersianrule, sincetheauthoritiesofthetimespreadabroadafalsereport thattheworkingofthemineswasuselessandexpensivein ordertopreventtheircountryfrombeingdestroyedbythe mininginthesedistrictsandpossiblytakenawayfromthem owingtothePersianrule,sincebytheassistanceofthisfalse reporttheyfoundanexcuseforenteringthedistrict

34Ihavenow,mydearbrotherPhilocrates,givenyouallthe essentialinformationuponthissubjectinbriefform.

35Ishalldescribetheworkoftranslationinthesequel

36TheHighPriestselectedmenofthefinestcharacterand thehighestculture,suchasonewouldexpectfromtheirnoble parentage

37Theyweremenwhohadnotonlyacquiredproficiencyin Jewishliteraturebuthadstudiedmostcarefullythatofthe Greeksaswell

38Theywerespeciallyqualifiedthereforeforservingon embassiesandtheyundertookthisdutywheneveritwas necessary

39Theypossessedagreatfacilityforconferencesandthe discussionofproblemsconnectedwiththelaw.

40Theyespousedthemiddlecourse--andthisisalwaysthe bestcoursetopursue

41Theyabjuredtheroughanduncouthmanner,buttheywere altogetheraboveprideandneverassumedanairofsuperiority overothers,andinconversationtheywerereadytolistenand giveanappropriateanswertoeveryquestion.

42Andallofthemcarefullyobservedthisruleandwere anxiousaboveeverythingelsetoexceleachotherinits observanceandtheywereallofthemworthyoftheirleader andofhisvirtue

43AndonecouldobservehowtheylovedEleazarbytheir unwillingnesstobetornawayfromhimandhowheloved them

44Farbesidestheletterwhichhewrotetotheking concerningtheirsafereturn,healsoearnestlybesought Andreastoworkforthesameendandurgedme,too,toassist tothebestofmyability

45Andalthoughwepromisedtogiveourbestattentiontothe matter,hesaidthathewasstillgreatlydistressed,forheknew thatthekingoutofthegoodnessofhisnatureconsideredit hishighestprivilege,wheneverheheardofamanwhowas superiortohisfellowsincultureandwisdom,tosummonhim tohiscourt.

46ForIhaveheardofafinesayingofhistotheeffectthatby securingjustandprudentmenabouthispersonhewould securethegreatestprotectionforhiskingdom,sincesuch friendswouldunreservedlygivehimthemostbeneficial advice

47AndthemenwhowerenowbeingsenttohimbyEleazar undoubtedlypossessedthesequalities

48Andhefrequentlyasserteduponoaththathewouldnever letthemengoifitweremerelysomeprivateinterestofhis ownthatconstitutedtheimpellingmotive-butitwasforthe commonadvantageofallthecitizensthathewassending them.

49For,heexplained,thegoodlifeconsistsinthekeepingof theenactmentsofthelaw,andthisendisachievedmuchmore byhearingthanbyreading.

50Fromthisandothersimilarstatementsitwasclearwhathis feelingstowardsthemwere

CHAPTER6

Explanationsofthecustomsofthepeopleshowingwhatis meantbytheword,"Unclean"Theessenceandoriginofthe "God-Belief"Verses48-44giveapicturesquedescriptionof theDivinityofphysiology.

1Itisworthwhiletomentionbrieflytheinformationwhich hegaveinreplytoourquestions

2ForIsupposethatmostpeoplefeelacuriositywithregard tosomeoftheenactmentsinthelaw,especiallythoseabout meatsanddrinksandanimalsrecognisedasunclean

3Whenweaskedwhy,sincethereisbutoneformofcreation, someanimalsareregardedasuncleanforeating,andothers uncleaneventothetouch(forthoughthelawisscrupulouson mostpoints,itisspeciallyscrupulousonsuchmattersasthese) hebeganhisreplyasfollows:

4'Youobserve,'hesaid,'whataneffectourmodesoflifeand ourassociationsproduceuponus;byassociatingwiththebad, mencatchtheirdepravitiesandbecomemiserablethroughout theirlife;butiftheylivewiththewiseandprudent,theyfind themeansofescapingfromignoranceandamendingtheir lives

5Ourlawgiverfirstofalllaiddowntheprinciplesofpiety andrighteousnessandinculcatedthempointbypoint,not merelybyprohibitionsbutbytheuseofexamplesaswell, demonstratingtheinjuriouseffectsofsinandthepunishments inflictedbyGodupontheguilty.

6ForheprovedfirstofallthatthereisonlyoneGodandthat hispowerismanifestedthroughouttheuniverse,sinceevery placeisfilledwithhissovereigntyandnoneofthethings whicharewroughtinsecretbymenupontheearthescapes Hisknowledge

7Forallthatamandoesandallthatistocometopassinthe futurearemanifesttoHim

8Workingoutthesetruthscarefullyandhavingmadethem plain,heshowedthatevenifamanshouldthinkofdoingevil-tosaynothingofactuallyeffectingit,--hewouldnotescape detection,forhemadeitclearthatthepowerofGodpervaded thewholeofthelaw

9Beginningfromhisstartingpoint,hewentontoshowthat allmankindexceptourselvesbelieveintheexistenceofmany gods,thoughtheythemselvesaremuchmorepowerfulthan thebeingswhomtheyvainlyworship

10Forwhentheyhavemadestatuesofstoneandwood,they saythattheyaretheimagesofthosewhohaveinvented somethingusefulforlifeandtheyworshipthem,thoughthey haveclearproofthattheypossessnofeeling.

11Foritwouldbeutterlyfoolishtosupposethatanyone becameagodinvirtueofhisinventions

12Fortheinventorssimplytookcertainobjectsalready createdandbycombiningthemtogether,showedthatthey possessedafreshutility:theydidnotthemselvescreatethe substanceofthething,andsoitisavainandfoolishthingfor peopletomakegodsofmenlikethemselves

13Forinourtimestherearemanywhoaremuchmore inventiveandmuchmorelearnedthanthemenofformerdays whohavebeendeified,andyettheywouldnevercometo worshipthem

14Themakersandauthorsofthesemythsthinkthattheyare thewisestoftheGreeks

15Whyneedwespeakofotherinfatuatedpeople,Egyptians andthelike,whoplacetheirrelianceuponwildbeastsand mostkindsofcreepingthingsandcattle,andworshipthem, andoffersacrificestothembothwhilelivingandwhendead?

16NowourLawgiverbeingawisemanandspecially endowedbyGodtounderstandallthings,tooka

comprehensiveviewofeachparticulardetail,andfencedus roundwithimpregnablerampartsandwallsofiron,thatwe mightnotmingleatallwithanyoftheothernations,but remainpureinbodyandsoul,freefromallvainimaginations, worshippingtheoneAlmightyGodabovethewholecreation

17HencetheleadingEgyptianpriestshavinglookedcarefully intomanymatters,andbeingcognizantwithouraffairs,call us"menofGod"

18Thisisatitlewhichdoesnotbelongtotherestofmankind butonlytothosewhoworshipthetrueGod

19TherestaremennotofGodbutofmeatsanddrinksand clothing.

20Fortheirwholedispositionleadsthemtofindsolacein thesethingsarereckonedofnoaccount,butthroughouttheir things.

21Amongourpeoplesuchwholelifetheirmainconsideration isthesovereigntyofGod

22Thereforelestweshouldbecorruptedbyanyabomination, orourlivesbepervertedbyevilcommunications,hehedged usroundonallsidesbyrulesofpurity,affectingalikewhat weeat,ordrink,ortouch,orhear,orsee.

23Forthough,speakinggenerally,allthingsarealikeintheir naturalconstitution,sincetheyareallgovernedbyoneandthe samepower,yetthereisadeepreasonineachindividualcase whyweabstainfromtheuseofcertainthingsandenjoythe commonuseofothers

24ForthesakeofillustrationIwillrunoveroneortwopoints andexplainthemtoyou

25Foryoumustnotfallintothedegradingideathatitwasout ofregardtomiceandweaselsandothersuchthingsthat Mosesdrewuphislawswithsuchexceedingcare

26Alltheseordinancesweremadeforthesakeof righteousnesstoaidthequestforvirtueandtheperfectingof character

27Forallthebirdsthatweusearetameanddistinguishedby theircleanliness,feedingonvariouskindsofgrainandpulse, suchasforinstancepigeons,turtle-doves,locusts,partridges, geesealso,andallotherbirdsofthisclass

28Butthebirdswhichareforbiddenyouwillfindtobewild andcarnivorous,tyrannisingovertheothersbythestrength whichtheypossess,andcruellyobtainingfoodbypreyingof thetamebirdsenumeratedabove

29Andnotonlyso,buttheyseizelambsandkids,andinjure humanbeingstoo,whetherdeadoralive,andsobynaming themunclean,hegaveasignbymeansofthemthatthose,for whomthe legislationwasordained,mustpractiserighteousnessintheir heartsandnottyranniseoveranyoneinrelianceupontheir ownstrengthnorrobthemofanything,butsteertheircourse oflifeinaccordancewithjustice,justasthetamebirds, alreadymentioned,consumethedifferentkindsofpulsethat growupontheearthanddonottyrannisetothedestructionof theirownkindred.

30Ourlegislatortaughtusthereforethatitisbysuchmethods asthesethatindicationsaregiventothewise,thattheymust bejustandeffectnothingbyviolence,andrefrainfrom tyrannisingoverothersinrelianceupontheirownstrength

31Forsinceitisconsideredunseemlyeventotouchsuch uncleananimals,ashavebeenmentioned,onaccountoftheir particularhabits,oughtwenottotakeeveryprecautionlest ourowncharactersshouldbedestroyedtothesameextent?

32Whereforealltheruleswhichhehaslaiddownwithregard towhatispermittedinthecaseofthesebirdsandother animals,hehasenactedwiththeobjectofteachingusamoral lesson.

33Forthedivisionofthehoofandtheseparationoftheclaws areintendedtoteachusthatwemustdiscriminatebetween ourindividualactionswithaviewtothepracticeofvirtue.

34Forthestrengthofourwholebodyanditsactivitydepend uponourshouldersandlimbs

35Thereforehecompelsustorecognisethatwemustperform allouractionswithdiscriminationaccordingtothestandard ofrighteousness,--moreespeciallybecausewehavebeen distinctlyseparatedfromtherestofmankind.

36Formostothermendefilethemselvesbypromiscuous intercourse,therebyworkinggreatiniquity,andwhole countriesandcitiespridethemselvesuponsuchvices.

37Fortheynotonlyhaveintercoursewithmenbuttheydefile theirownmothersandeventheirdaughters

38Butwehavebeenkeptseparatefromsuchsins.

39Andthepeoplewhohavebeenseparatedinthe aforementionedwayarealsocharacterisedbytheLawgiveras possessingthegiftofmemory.

40Forallanimals"whicharecloven-footedandchewthe cud"representtotheinitiatedthesymbolofmemory

41Fortheactofchewingthecudisnothingelsethanthe reminiscenceoflifeandexistence

42Forlifeiswonttobesustainedbymeansoffood,wherefor heexhortsusintheScripturealsointhesewords:"Thoushalt surelyremembertheLordthatwroughtintheethosegreatand wonderfulthings"

43Forwhentheyareproperlyconceived,theyaremanifestly greatandglorious;firsttheconstructionofthebodyandthe dispositionofthefoodandtheseparationofeachindividual limband,formore,theorganisationofthesenses,the operationandinvisiblemovementofthemind,therapidityof itsparticularactionsanditsdiscoveryofthearts,displayan infiniteresourcefulness.

44Whereforeheexhortsustorememberthattheaforesaid partsarekepttogetherbythedivinepowerwithconsummate skill

45Forhehasmarkedouteverytimeandplacethatwemay continuallyremembertheGodwhorulesandpreservesus

46Forinthematterofmeatsanddrinkshebidsusfirstofall offerpartasasacrificeandthenforthwithenjoyourmeal

47Moreover,uponourgarmentshehasgivenusasymbolof remembrance,andinlikemannerhehasorderedustoputthe divineoraclesuponourgatesanddoorsasaremembranceof God.

48Anduponourhands,too,heexpresslyordersthesymbolto befastened,clearlyshowingthatweoughttoperformevery actinrighteousness,rememberingourowncreation,and aboveallthefearofGod

49Hebidsmenalso,whenlyingdowntosleepandrisingtip again,tomeditateupontheworksofGod,notonlyinword, butbyobservingdistinctlythechangeandimpression produceduponthem,whentheyaregoingtosleep,andalso theirwaking,howdivineandincomprehensiblethechange fromoneofthesestatestotheotheris

50Theexcellencyoftheanalogyinregardtodiscrimination andmemoryhasnowbeenpointedouttoyou,accordingto ourinterpretationof"theclovenhoofandthechewingofthe cud"

51Forourlawshavenotbeendrawnupatrandomorin accordancewiththefirstcasualthoughtthatoccurredtothe mind,butwithaviewtotruthandtheindicationofright reason

52Forbymeansofthedirectionswhichhegiveswithregard tomeatsanddrinksandparticularcasesoftouching,hebids usneithertodonorlistentoanythingthoughtlesslynorto resorttoinjusticebytheabuseofthepowerofreason

53Inthecaseofthewildanimals,too,thesameprinciplemay bediscovered

54Forthecharacteroftheweaselandofmiceandsuch animalsasthese,whichareexpresslymentioned,is destructive

55Micedefileanddamageeverything,notonlyfortheirown foodbuteventotheextentofrenderingabsolutelyuselessto manwhateveritfallsintheirwaytodamage

56Theweaselclass,too,ispeculiar:forbesideswhathas beensaid,ithasacharacteristicwhichisdefiling:Itconceives throughtheearsandbringsforththroughthemouth

57Anditisforthisreasonthatalikepracticeisdeclared uncleaninmen

58Forbyembodyinginspeechallthattheyreceivethrough theears,theyinvolveothersinevilsandworknoordinary impurity,beingthemselvesaltogetherdefiledbythepollution ofimpiety

59Andyourking,asweareinformed,doesquiterightin destroyingsuchmen'

60ThenIsaid'Isupposeyoumeantheinformers,forhe constantlyexposesthemtotorturesandtopainfulformsof death'

61'Yes,'hereplied,'thesearethemenImean;fortowatchfor men'sdestructionisanunholything.

62Andourlawforbidsustoinjureanyoneeitherbywordor deed

63Mybriefaccountofthesemattersoughttohaveconvinced you,thatallourregulationshavebeendrawnupwithaview torighteousness,andthatnothinghasbeenenactedinthe Scripturethoughtlesslyorwithoutduereason,butitspurpose istoenableusthroughoutourwholelifeandinallouractions topractiserighteousnessbeforeallmen,beingmindfulof AlmightyGod.

64Andsoconcerningmeatsandthingsunclean,creeping things,andwildbeasts,thewholesystemaimsat righteousnessandrighteousrelationshipsbetweenmanand man'

65Heseemedtometohavemadeagooddefenceonallthe points;forinreferencealsotothecalvesandramsandgoats whichareoffered,hesaidthatitwasnecessarytotakethem fromtheherdsandflocks,andsacrificetameanimalsand offernothingwild,thattheofferersofthesacrificesmight understandthesymbolicmeaningofthelawgiverandnotbe undertheinfluenceofanarrogantself-consciousness.

66Forhe,whooffersasacrifice,makesanofferingalsoofhis ownsoulinallitsmoods

67Ithinkthattheseparticularswithregardtoourdiscussion areworthnarrating,andonaccountofthesanctityandnatural meaningofthelaw,Ihavebeeninducedtoexplainthemto youclearly,Philocrates,becauseofyourowndevotionto learning

CHAPTER7

Thearrivaloftheenvoyswiththemanuscriptoftheprecious bookandgifts.Preparationsforaroyalbanquet.Thehost immediatelyuponbeingseatedattableentertainshisguests withquestionsandanswersSomesagecommentson sociology.

1AndEleazar,afterofferingthesacrifice,andselectingthe envoys,andpreparingmanygiftsfortheking,despatchedus onourjourneyingreatsecurity

2AndwhenwereachedAlexandria,thekingwasatonce informedofourarrival

3Onouradmissiontothepalace,AndreasandIwarmly greetedthekingandhandedovertohimtheletterwrittenby Eleazar.

4Thekingwasveryanxioustomeettheenvoys,andgave ordersthatalltheotherofficialsshouldbedismissedandthe envoyssummonedtohispresenceatonce.

5Nowthisexcitedgeneralsurprise,foritiscustomaryfor thosewhocometoseekanaudiencewiththekingonmatters ofimportancetobeadmittedtohispresenceonthefifthday, whileenvoysfromkingsorveryimportantcitieswith difficultysecureadmissiontotheCourtinthirtydays--but thesemenhecountedworthyofgreaterhonour,sinceheheld theirmasterinsuchhighesteem,andsoheimmediately dismissedthosewhosepresenceheregardedassuperfluous andcontinuedwalkingaboutuntiltheycameinandhewas abletowelcomethem

6Whentheyenteredwiththegiftswhichhadbeensentwith themandthevaluableparchments,onwhichthelawwas inscribedingoldinJewishcharacters,fortheparchmentwas wonderfullypreparedandtheconnexionbetweenthepages hadbeensoeffectedastobeinvisible,thekingassoonashe sawthembegantoaskthemaboutthebooks

7Andwhentheyhadtakentherollsoutoftheircoveringsand unfoldedthepages,thekingstoodstillforalongtimeand thenmakingobeisanceaboutseventimes,hesaid:

8'Ithankyou,myfriends,andIthankhimthatsentyoustill more,andmostofallGod,whoseoraclestheseare.'

9Andwhenall,theenvoysandtheotherswhowerepresent aswell,shoutedoutatonetimeandwithonevoice:'Godsave theKing!'heburstintotearsofjoy

10Forhisexaltationofsoulandthesenseofthe overwhelminghonourwhichhadbeenpaidhimcompelled himtoweepoverhisgoodfortune.

11Hecommandedthemtoputtherollsbackintheirplaces andthenaftersalutingthemen,said:'Itwasright,menofGod, thatIshouldfirstofallpaymyreverencetothebooksforthe sakeofwhichIsummonedyouhereandthenwhenIhaddone that,toextendtheright-handoffriendshiptoyou

12ItwasforthisreasonthatIdidthisfirst

13Ihaveenactedthatthisday,onwhichyouarrived,shallbe keptasagreatdayanditwillbecelebratedannually throughoutmylifetime

14Ithappensalsothatitistheanniversaryofmynaval victoryoverAntigonus.ThereforeIshallbegladtofeastwith youto-day

15Everythingthatyoumayhaveoccasiontouse,'hesaid, 'shallbepreparedforyouinabefittingmannerandforme alsowithyou'

16Aftertheyhadexpressedtheirdelight,hegaveordersthat thebestquartersnearthecitadelshouldbeassignedtothem, andthatpreparationsshouldbemadeforthebanquet

17AndNicanorsummonedthelordhighsteward,Dorotheus, whowasthespecialofficerappointedtolookaftertheJews, andcommandedhimtomakethenecessarypreparationfor eachone

18Forthisarrangementhadbeenmadebythekinganditis anarrangementwhichyouseemaintainedto-day

19Forasmanycitiesashavespecialcustomsinthematterof drinking,eating,andreclining,havespecialofficersappointed tolookaftertheirrequirements

20Andwhenevertheycometovisitthekings,preparations aremadeinaccordancewiththeirowncustoms,inorderthat theremaybenodiscomforttodisturbtheenjoymentoftheir visit

21The.sameprecautionwastakeninthecaseoftheJewish envoys

22NowDorotheuswhowasthepatronappointedtolookafter Jewishguestswasaveryconscientiousman

23Allthestoreswhichwereunderhiscontrolandsetapart forthereceptionofsuchguests,hebroughtoutforthefeast 24Hearrangedtheseatsintworowsinaccordancewiththe king'sinstructions.

25Forhehadorderedhimtomakehalfthemensitathisright handandtherestbehindhim,inorderthathemightnot withholdfromthemthehighestpossiblehonour.

26WhentheyhadtakentheirseatsheinstructedDorotheusto carryouteverythinginaccordancewiththecustomswhich wereinuseamongsthisJewishguests.

27Thereforehedispensedwiththeservicesofthesacred heraldsandthesacrificingpriestsandtheotherswhowere accustomedtooffertheprayers,andcalledupononeofour number,Eleazar,theoldestoftheJewishpriests,tooffer prayerinstead

28Andheroseupandmadearemarkableprayer.'May AlmightyGodenrichyou,Oking,withallthegoodthings whichHehasmadeandmayHegrantyouandyourwifeand yourchildrenandyourcomradesthecontinualpossessionof themaslongasyoulive!'

29Atthesewordsaloudandjoyousapplausebrokeoutwhich lastedforaconsiderabletime,andthentheyturnedtothe enjoymentofthebanquetwhichhadbeenprepared 30Allthearrangementsforserviceattablewerecarriedoutin accordancewiththeinjunctionofDorotheus.

31Amongtheattendantsweretheroyalpagesandotherswho heldplacesofhonourattheking'scourt

32Takinganopportunityaffordedbyapauseinthebanquet thekingaskedtheenvoywhosatintheseatofhonour(for theywerearrangedaccordingtoseniority),howhecouldkeep hiskingdomunimpairedtotheend?

33Afterponderingforamomenthereplied,'Youcouldbest establishitssecurityifyouweretoimitatetheunceasing benignityofGodForifyouexhibitclemencyandinflictmild punishmentsuponthosewhodeservetheminaccordancewith theirdeserts,youwillturnthemfromevilandleadthemto repentance'

34Thekingpraisedtheanswerandthenaskedthenextman, howhecoulddoeverythingforthebestinallhisactions?

35Andhereplied,'Ifamanmaintainsajustbearingtowards all,hewillalwaysactrightlyoneveryoccasion,remembering thateverythoughtisknowntoGod.Ifyoutakethefearof Godasyourstarting-point,youwillnevermissthegoal'

36Thekingcomplimentedthisman,too,uponhisanswerand askedanother,howhecouldhavefriendslike-mindedwith himself?

37Hereplied,'Iftheyseeyoustudyingtheinterestsofthe multitudesoverwhomyourule;youwilldowelltoobserve howGodbestowshisbenefitsonthehumanrace,providing forthemhealthandfoodand--allotherthingsindueseason' 38Afterexpressinghisagreementwiththereply,theking askedthenextguest,howingivingaudiencesandpassing judgmentshecouldgainthepraiseevenofthosewhofailedto wintheirsuit?

39Andhesaid,'Ifyouarefairinspeechtoallalikeandnever actinsolentlynortyrannicallyinyourtreatmentofoffenders AndyouwilldothisifyouwatchthemethodbywhichGod actsThepetitionsoftheworthyarealwaysfulfilled,while thosewhofailtoobtainananswertotheirprayersare informedbymeansofdreamsoreventsofwhatwasharmful intheirrequestsandthatGoddoesnotsmitethemaccording totheirsinsorthegreatnessofHisstrength,butactswith forbearancetowardsthem.'

40Thekingpraisedthemanwarmlyforhisanswerandasked thenextinorder,howhecouldbeinvincibleinmilitary affairs?

41Andhereplied,'Ifhedidnottrustentirelytohismultitudes orhiswarlikeforces,butcalleduponGodcontinuallytobring hisenterprisestoasuccessfulissue,whilehehimself. dischargedallhisdutiesinthespiritofjustice' 42Welcomingthisanswer,heaskedanotherhowhemight become.anobjectofdreadtohisenemies.

43Andhereplied,'Ifwhilemaintainingavastsupplyofarms andforcesherememberedthatthesethingswerepowerlessto achieveapermanentandconclusiveresult.ForevenGod instilsfearintothemindsofmenbygrantingreprievesand makingmerelyadisplayofthegreatnessofhispower' 44Thismanthekingpraisedandthensaidtothenext,'What isthehighestgoodinlife?'

45Andheanswered,'ToknowthatGodisLordofthe Universe,andthatinourfinestachievementsitisnotwewho attainsuccessbutGodwhobyhispowerbringsallthingsto fulfilmentandleadsustothegoal'

46Thekingexclaimedthatthemanhadansweredwelland thenaskedthenexthowhecouldkeepallhispossessions intactandfinallyhandthemdowntohissuccessorsinthe samecondition?

47Andheanswered,'ByprayingconstantlytoGodthatyou maybeinspiredwithhighmotivesinallyourundertakings andbywarningyourdescendantsnottobedazzledbyfameor wealth,foritisGodwhobestowsallthesegiftsandmen neverbythemselveswinthesupremacy'

48Thekingexpressedhisagreementwiththeanswerand inquiredofthenextguest,howhecouldbearwithequanimity whateverbefellhim?

49Andhesaid,'Ifyouhaveafirmgraspofthethoughtthat allmenareappointedbyGodtosharethegreatestevilaswell asthegreatestgood,sinceitisimpossibleforonewhoisa mantobeexemptfromtheseButGodtowhomweought alwaystopray,inspiresuswithcouragetoendure'

50Delightedwiththeman'sreply,thekingsaidthatalltheir answershadbeengood'Iwillputaquestiontooneother,'he added,'andthenIwillstopforthepresent:thatwemayturn ourattentiontotheenjoymentofthefeastandspenda pleasanttime'

51Thereuponheaskedtheman,'Whatisthetrueaimof courage?'

52Andheanswered,'Ifarightplaniscarriedoutinthehour ofdangerinaccordancewiththeoriginalintentionForall thingsareaccomplishedbyGodtoyouradvantage,Oking, sinceyourpurposeisgood'

53Whenallhadsignifiedbytheirapplausetheiragreement withtheanswer,thekingsaidtothephilosophers(fornota fewofthemwerepresent),'Itismyopinionthatthesemen excelinvirtueandpossessextraordinaryknowledge,sinceon thespurofthemomenttheyhavegivenfittinganswersto thesequestionswhichIhaveputtothem,andhaveallmade Godthestarting-pointoftheirwords'

54AndMenedemus,thephilosopherofEretria,said,'True,O King--forsincetheuniverseismanagedbyprovidenceand sincewerightlyperceivethatmanisthecreationofGod,it followsthatallpowerandbeautyofspeechproceedfrom God'

55Whenthekinghadnoddedhisassenttothissentiment,the speakingceasedandtheyproceededtoenjoythemselves Wheneveningcameon,thebanquetended

MorequestionsandanswersNoteVerse20withitsreference toflyingthroughtheairwrittenin150BC 1Onthefollowingdaytheysatdowntotableagainand continuedthebanquetaccordingtothesamearrangements.

2Whenthekingthoughtthatafittingopportunityhadarrived toputinquiriestohisguests,heproceededtoaskfurther questionsofthemenwhosatnextinordertothosewhohad givenanswersonthepreviousday

3Hebegantoopentheconversationwiththeeleventhman, forthereweretenwhohadbeenaskedquestionsonthe formeroccasion

4Whensilencewasestablished,heaskedhowhecould continuetoberich?

5Afterabriefreflection,themanwhohadbeenaskedthe questionreplied--'Ifhedidnothingunworthyofhisposition, neveractedlicentiously,neverlavishedexpenseonemptyand vainpursuits,butbyactsofbenevolencemadeallhissubjects welldisposedtowardshimselfForitisGodwhoistheauthor ofallgoodthingsandHimmanmustneedsobey.'

6Thekingbestowedpraiseuponhimandthenaskedanother howhecouldmaintainthetruth?

7Inreplytothequestionhesaid,'Byrecognizingthatalie bringsgreatdisgraceuponallmen,andmoreespeciallyupon kingsForsincetheyhavethepowertodowhatevertheywish, whyshouldtheyresorttolies?Inadditiontothisyoumust alwaysremember,OKing,thatGodisaloverofthetruth

8Thekingreceivedtheanswerwithgreatdelightandlooking atanothersaid,'Whatistheteachingofwisdom?'

9Andtheotherreplied,'Asyouwishthatnoevilshould befallyou,buttobeapartakerofallgoodthings,soyou shouldactonthesameprincipletowardsyoursubjectsand offenders,andyoushouldmildlyadmonishthenobleand good.ForGoddrawsallmentoHimselfbyhisbenignity.'

10Thekingpraisedhimandaskedthenextinorderhowhe couldbethefriendofmen?

11Andhereplied,'Byobservingthatthehumanrace increasesandisbornwithmuchtroubleandgreatsuffering: whereforeyoumustnotlightlypunishorinflicttormentsupon them,sinceyouknowthatthelifeofmenismadeupofpains andpenaltiesForifyouunderstoodeverythingyouwouldbe filledwithpity,forGodalsoitpitiful!

12Thekingreceivedtheanswerwithapprobationand inquiredofthenext,'Whatisthemostessentialqualification forruling?'

13'Tokeeponeself,'heanswered,'freefrombriberyandto practisesobrietyduringthegreaterpartofone'slife,tohonour rightousnessaboveallthings,andtomakefriendsofmenof thistype.ForGod,too,isaloverofjustice!

13Havingsignifiedhisapproval,thekingsaidtoanother, 'Whatisthetruemarkofpiety?'

14Andhereplied,'ToperceivethatGodconstantlyworksin theUniverseandknowsallthings,andnomanwhoacts unjustlyandworkswickednesscanescapeHisnoticeAsGod isthebenefactorofthewholeworld,soyou,too,mustimitate Himandbevoidofoffence!

15Thekingsignifiedhisagreementandsaidtoanother,'What istheessenceofkingship?'

16Andhereplied,'Toruleoneselfwellandnottobeled astraybywealthorfametoimmoderateorunseemlydesires, thisisthetruewayofrulingifyoureasonthematterwellout Forallthatyoureallyneedisyours,andGodisfreefrom needandbenignantwithalLetyourthoughtsbesuchas becomeaman,anddesirenotmanythingsbutonlysuchas arenecessaryforruling!

17Thekingpraisedhimandaskedanotherman,howhis deliberationsmightbeforthebest?

18Andhereplied,'Ifheconstantlysetjusticebeforehimin everythingandthoughtthatinjusticewasequivalentto deprivationoflifeForGodalwayspromisesthehighest blessingstothejust!'

19Havingpraisedhim,thekingaskedthenext,howhecould befreefromdisturbingthoughtsinhissleep?

20Andhereplied,'Youhaveaskedmea.questionwhichis verydifficulttoanswer,forwecannotbringourtrueselves intoplayduringthehoursforsleep,butareheldfastinthese byimaginationsthatcannotbecontrolledbyreason.Forour soulspossessthefeelingthattheyactuallyseethethingsthat enterintoourconsciousnessduringsleepButwemakea mistakeifwesupposethatweareactuallysailingonthesea inboatsorflyingthroughtheairortravellingtootherregions oranythingelseofthekindAndyetweactuallydoimagine suchthingstobetakingplace.

21Sofarasitispossibleformetodecide,Ihavereachedthe followingconclusionYoumustineverypossibleway,O King,governyourwordsandactionsbytheruleofpietythat youmayhavetheconsciousnessthatyouaremaintaining virtueandthatyouneverchoosetogratifyyourselfatthe expenseofreasonandneverbyabusingyourpowerdo despitetorighteousness

22Forthemindmostlybusiesitselfinsleepwiththesame thingswith,whichitoccupiesitselfwhenawake.Andhewho hasallhisthoughtsandactionssettowardsthenoblestends establisheshimselfinrighteousnessbothwhenheisawake andwhenheisasleepWhereforeyoumustbesteadfastin theconstantdisciplineofself

23Thekingbestowedpraiseonthemanandsaidtoanother-'Sinceyouarethetenthtoanswer,whenyouhavespoken,we willdevoteourselvestothebanquet'Andthenheputthe question,howcanIavoiddoinganythingunworthyofmyself?

24Andhereplied,'Lookalwaystoyourownfameandyour ownsupremeposition,thatyoumayspeakandthinkonly suchthingsasareconsistenttherewith,knowingthatallyour subjectsthinkandtalkaboutyouForyoumustnotappearto beworsethantheactors,whostudycarefullytherôle,which itisnecessaryforthemtoplay,andshapealltheiractionsin accordancewithitYouarenotactingapart,butarereallya king,sinceGodhasbestoweduponyouaroyalauthorityin keepingwithyourcharacter.'

25Whenthekinghadapplaudedloudandlonginthemost, graciousway,theguestswereurgedtoseekreposeSowhen theconversationceased,theydevotedthemselvestothenext courseofthefeast

26Onthefollowingday,thesamearrangementwasobserved, andwhenthekingfoundanopportunityofputtingquestions tothemen,hequestionedthefirstofthosewhohadbeenleft overforthenextinterrogation,Whatisthehighestformof government?

27Andhereplied,'Toruleoneselfandnottobecarriedaway byimpulsesForallmenpossessacertainnaturalbentof mind.Itisprobablethatmostmenhaveaninclinationtowards foodanddrinkandpleasure,andkingsabenttowardsthe acquisitionofterritoryandgreatrenownButitisgoodthat thereshouldbemoderationinallthings.

28WhatGodgives,thatyoumusttakeandkeep,butnever yearnforthingsthatarebeyondyourreach'

29Pleasedwiththesewords,thekingaskedthenext,howhe couldbefreefromenvy?

30Andheafterabriefpausereplied,'Ifyouconsiderfirstof allthatitisGodwhobestowsonallkingsgloryandgreat

wealthandnooneiskingbyhisownpowerAllmenwishto sharethisglorybutcannot,sinceitisthegiftofGod!

31Thekingpraisedthemaninalongspeechandthenasked another,howhecoulddespisehisenemies?

32Andhereplied,'ifyoushowkindnesstoallmenandwin theirfriendship,youneedfearnoone.Tobepopularwithall menisthebestofgoodgiftstoreceivefromGod!

33Havingpraisedthisanswerthekingorderedthenextman toreplytothequestion,howhecouldmaintainhisgreat renown?

34Andherepliedthat'Ifyouaregenerousandlarge-hearted inbestowingkindnessandactsofgraceuponothers,youwill neverloseyourrenown,butifyouwishtheaforesaidgraces tocontinueyours,youmustcalluponGodcontinually'

35Thekingexpressedhisapprovalandaskedthenext,To whomoughtamantoshowliberality?

36Andhereplied,'Allmenacknowledgethatweoughtto showliberalitytothosewhoarewelldisposedtowardsus,but Ithinkthatweoughttoshowthesamekeenspiritof generositytothosewhoareopposedtousthatbythismeans wemaywinthemovertotherightandtowhatis advantageoustoourselvesButwemustpraytoGodthatthis maybeaccomplished,forherulesthemindsofallmen' 37Havingexpressedhisagreementwiththeanswer,theking askedthesixthtoreplytothequestion,towhomoughtweto exhibitgratitude?

38Andhereplied,'Toourparentscontinually,forGodhas givenusamostimportantcommandmentwithregardtothe honourduetoparentsInthenextplaceHereckonsthe attitudeoffriendtowardsfriendforHespeaksof"afriend whichisasthineownsoul"Youdowellintryingtobringall menintofriendshipwithyourself'

39Thekingspokekindlytohimandthenaskedthenext, Whatisitthatresemblesbeautyinvalue?

40Andhesaid,'Piety,foritisthepre-eminentformofbeauty, anditspowerliesinlove,whichisthegiftofGodThisyou havealreadyacquiredandwithitalltheblessingsoflife'

41Thekinginthemostgraciouswayapplaudedtheanswer andaskedanother,how,ifheweretofail,hecouldregainhis reputationagaininthesamedegree?

42Andhesaid,'Itisnotpossibleforyoutofail,foryouhave sowninallmentheseedsofgratitudewhichproducea harvestofgoodwill,andthisismightierthanthestrongest weaponsandguaranteesthegreatestsecurity.Butifanyman doesfail,hemustneveragaindothosethingswhichcaused hisfailure,buthemustformfriendshipsandactjustlyForit isthegiftofGodtobeabletodogoodactionsandnotthe contrary'

43Delightedwiththesewords,thekingaskedanother,how hecouldbefreefromgrief?

44Andhereplied,'Ifheneverinjuredanyone,butdidgood toeverybodyandfollowedthepathwayofrighteousness,for itsfruitsbringfreedomfromgrief.ButwemustpraytoGod thatunexpectedevilssuchasdeathordiseaseorpainor anythingofthiskindmaynotcomeuponusandinjureusBut sinceyouaredevotedtopiety,nosuchmisfortunewillever comeuponyou'

45Thekingbestowedgreatpraiseuponhimandaskedthe tenth,Whatisthehighestformofglory?

46Andhesaid,'TohonourGod,andthisisdonenotwith giftsandsacrificesbutwithpurityofsoulandholyconviction, sinceallthingsarefashionedandgovernedbyGodin accordancewithHiswillOfthispurposeyouareinconstant possessionasallmencanshefromyourachievementsinthe pastandinthepresent.'

47Withloudvoicethekinggreetedthemallandspokekindly tothem,andallthosewhowerepresentexpressedtheir approval,especiallythephilosophers.Fortheywerefar superiortothem[iethephilosophers]bothinconductandin argument,sincetheyalwaysmadeGodtheirstarting-point

48Afterthisthekingtoshowhisgoodfeelingproceededto drinkthehealthofhisguests

CHAPTER9

Verse8epitomizesthevalueofknowledgeVerse28,parental affection.NoteespeciallythequestioninVerse26andthe answerAlsonotethequestioninVerse47andtheanswer Thisissageadviceforbusinessmen

1Onthefollowingdaythesamearrangementsweremadefor thebanquet,andtheking,assoonasanopportunityoccurred, begantoputquestionstothemenwhosatnexttothosewho hadalreadyresponded,andhesaidtothefirst'Iswisdom capableofbeingtaught?'

2Andhesaid,'Thesoulissoconstitutedthatitisablebythe divinepowertoreceiveallthegoodandrejectthecontrary.'

3Thekingexpressedapprovalandaskedthenextman,What isitthatismostbeneficialtohealth?

4Andhesaid,'Temperance,anditisnotpossibletoacquire thisunlessGodcreateadispositiontowardsit'

5Thekingspokekindlytothemanandsaidtoanother,'How canamanworthilypaythedebtofgratitudetohisparents?'

6Andhesaid,'Bynevercausingthempain,andthisisnot possibleunlessGoddisposethemindtothepursuitofthe noblestends'

7Thekingexpressedagreementandaskedthenext,howhe couldbecomeaneagerlistener?

8Andhesaid,'Byrememberingthatallknowledgeisuseful, becauseitenablesyoubythehelpofGodinatimeof emergencytoselectsomeofthethingswhichyouhave learnedandapplythemtothecrisiswhichconfrontsyouAnd sotheeffortsofmenarefulfilledbytheassistanceofGod' 9ThekingpraisedhimandaskedthenextHowhecould avoiddoinganythingcontrarytolaw?

10Andhesaid,'IfyourecognizethatitisGodwhohasput thethoughtsintotheheartsofthelawgiversthatthelivesof menmightbepreserved,youwillfollowthem'

11Thekingacknowledgedtheman'sanswerandsaidto another,'Whatistheadvantageofkinship?'

12Andhereplied,'Ifweconsiderthatweourselvesare afflictedbythemisfortuneswhichfalluponourrelativesand iftheirsufferingsbecomeourown--thenthestrengthof kinshipisapparentatonce,foritisonlywhensuchfeelingis shownthatweshallwinhonourandesteemintheireyesFor help,whenitislinkedwithkindliness,isofitselfabond whichisaltogetherindissolubleAndinthedayoftheir prosperitywemustnotcravetheirpossessions,butmustpray Godtobestowallmannerofgooduponthem.'

13Andhavingaccordedtohimthesamepraiseastotherest, thekingaskedanother,howhecouldattainfreedomfromfear?

14Andhesaid,'Whenthemindisconsciousthatithas wroughtnoevil,andwhenGoddirectsittoallnoble counsels'

15Thekingexpressedhisapprovalandaskedanother,howhe couldalwaysmaintainarightjudgement?

16Andhereplied,'Ifheconstantlysetbeforehiseyesthe misfortuneswhichbefallmenandrecognizedthatitisGod whotakesawayprosperityfromsomeandbringsothersto greathonourandglory'

17Thekinggaveakindlyreceptiontothemanandaskedthe nexttoanswerthequestion,howhecouldavoidalifeofease andpleasure?

18Andhereplied,'Ifhecontinuallyrememberedthathewas therulerofagreatempireandthelordofvastmultitudes,and thathismindoughtnottobeoccupiedwithotherthings,but, heoughtalwaystobeconsideringhowhecouldbestpromote theirwelfareHemustpray,too,toGodthatnodutymightbe neglected.'

19Havingbestowedpraiseuponhim,thekingaskedthetenth, howhecouldrecognizethosewhoweredealingtreacherously withhim?

20Andherepliedtothequestion,'Ifheobservedwhetherthe bearingofthoseabouthimwasnaturalandwhetherthey maintainedtheproperruleofprecedenceatreceptionsand councils,andintheirgeneralintercourse,nevergoingbeyond theboundsofproprietyincongratulationsorinothermatters ofdeportment.ButGodwillinclineyourmind,OKing,toall thatisnoble'

21Whenthekinghadexpressedhisloudapprovalandpraised themallindividually(amidtheplauditsofallwhowere present),theyturnedtotheenjoymentofthefeast

22Andonthenextday,whentheopportunityoffered,the kingaskedthenextman,Whatisthegrossestformofneglect?

23Andhereplied,'Ifamandoesnotcareforhischildrenand devoteeveryefforttotheireducationForwealwaysprayto Godnotsomuchforourselvesasforourchildrenthatevery blessingmaybetheirsOurdesirethatourchildrenmay possessself-controlisonlyrealizedbythepowerofGod'

24Thekingsaidthathehadspokenwellandthenasked another,howhecouldbepatriotic?

25'Bykeepingbeforeyourmind,'hereplied,'thethoughtthat itisgoodtoliveanddieinone'sowncountry.Residence abroadbringscontemptuponthepoorandshameuponthe richasthoughtheyhadbeenbanishedforacrime.Ifyou bestowbenefitsuponall,asyoucontinuallydo,Godwillgive youfavourwithallandyouwillbeaccountedpatriotic"

26Afterlisteningtothisman,thekingaskedthenextinorder, howhecouldliveamicablywithhiswife?

27Andheanswered,'Byrecognizingthatwomankindareby natureheadstrongandenergeticinthepursuitoftheirown desires,andsubjecttosuddenchangesofopinionthrough fallaciousreasoning,andtheirnatureisessentiallyweakItis necessarytodealwiselywiththemandnottoprovokestrife. Forthesuccessfulconductoflifethesteersmanmustknow thegoaltowardwhichheoughttodirecthiscourseItisonly bycallinguponthehelpofGodthatmencansteeratrue courseoflifeatalltimes'

28Thekingexpressedhisagreementandaskedthenext,how hecouldbefreefromerror?

29Andhereplied,'Ifyoualwaysactwithdeliberationand nevergivecredencetoslanders,butproveforyourselfthe thingsthataresaidtoyouanddecidebyyourownjudgement therequestswhicharemadetoyouandcarryouteverything inthelightofyourjudgement,youwillbefreefromerror,O King.Buttheknowledgeandpracticeofthesethingsisthe workoftheDivinepower'

30Delightedwiththesewords,thekingaskedanother,how hecouldbefreefromwrath?

31Andhesaidinreplytothequestion,'Ifherecognizedthat hehadpoweroveralleventoinflictdeathuponthem,ifhe gavewaytowrath,andthatitwouldbeuselessandpitifulif he,justbecausehewaslord,deprivedmanyoflife

32Whatneedwasthereforwrath,whenallmenwerein subjectionandnoonewashostiletohim?Itisnecessaryto recognizethatGodrulesthewholeworldinthespiritof

kindnessandwithoutwrathatall,andyou,'saidhe,'OKing, mustofnecessitycopyHisexample'

33Thekingsaidthathehadansweredwellandtheninquired ofthenextman,Whatisgoodcounsel?

34'Toactwellatalltimesandwithduereflection,'he explained,'comparingwhatisadvantageoustoourownpolicy withtheinjuriouseffectsthatwouldresultfromtheadoption oftheoppositeview,inorderthatbyweighingeverypointwe maybewelladvisedandourpurposemaybeaccomplished. Andmostimportantofall,bythepowerofGodeveryplanof yourswillfindfulfilmentbecauseyoupractisepiety'

35Thekingsaidthatthismanhadansweredwell,andasked another,Whatisphilosophy?

36Andheexplained,'Todeliberatewellinreferencetoany questionthatemergesandnevertobecarriedawayby impulses,buttoponderovertheinjuriesthatresultfromthe passions,andtoactrightlyasthecircumstancesdemand, practisingmoderation.ButwemustpraytoGodtoinstilinto ourmindaregardforthesethings'

37Thekingsignifiedhisconsentandaskedanother,howhe couldmeetwithrecognitionwhentravelingabroad?

38'Bybeingfairtoallmen,'hereplied,'andbyappearingto beinferiorratherthansuperiortothoseamongstwhomhewas traveling.ForitisarecognizedprinciplethatGodbyHisvery natureacceptsthehumbleAndthehumanracelovesthose whoarewillingtobeinsubjectiontothem'

39Havingexpressedhisapprovalatthisreply,thekingasked another,howhecouldbuildinsuchawaythathisstructures wouldendureafterhim?

40Andherepliedtothequestion,'Ifhiscreationswereona greatandnoblescale,sothatthebeholderswouldsparethem fortheirbeauty,andifheneverdismissedanyofthosewho wroughtsuchworksandnevercompelledotherstoministerto hisneedswithoutwages

41ForobservinghowGodprovidesforthehumanrace, grantingthemhealthandmentalcapacityandallothergifts, hehimselfshouldfollowHisexamplebyrenderingtomena recompensefortheirarduoustoilForitisthedeedsthatare wroughtinrighteousnessthatabidecontinually!

42Thekingsaidthatthisman,too,hadansweredwelland askedthetenth,Whatisthefruitofwisdom?

43Andhereplied,'Thatamanshouldbeconsciousinhimself thathehaswroughtnoevilandthatheshouldlivehislifein thetruth.Sinceitisfromthese,OmightyKing,thatthe greatestjoyandsteadfastnessofsoulandstrongfaithinGod accruetoyouifyouruleyourrealminpiety'

44Andwhentheyheardtheanswertheyallshoutedwithloud acclaim,andafterwardsthekinginthefullnessofhisjoy begantodrinktheirhealths

45Andonthenextdaythebanquetfollowedthesamecourse asonpreviousoccasions,andwhentheopportunitypresented itselfthekingproceededtoputquestionstotheremaining guests,andhesaidtothefirst,'Howcanamankeephimself frompride?'

46Andhereplied,'Ifhemaintainsequalityandrememberson alloccasionsthatheisamanrulingovermen.AndGod bringstheproudtonought,andexaltsthemeekandhumble! 47Thekingspokekindlytohimandaskedthenext,Whom oughtamantoselectashiscounsellors?

48Andhereplied,'Thosewhohavebeentestedinmany affairsandmaintainunmingledgoodwilltowardshimand partakeofhisowndispositionAndGodmanifestsHimselfto thosewhoareworthythattheseendsmaybeattained'

49Thekingpraisedhimandaskedanother,Whatisthemost necessarypossessionforaking?

50'Thefriendshipandloveofhissubjects,'hereplied,'forit isthroughthisthatthebondofgoodwillisrendered indissoluble.AnditisGodwhoensuresthatthismaycometo passinaccordancewithyourwish'

51Thekingpraisedhimandinquiredofanother,Whatisgoal ofspeech?Andhereplied,'Toconvinceyouropponentby showinghimhismistakesinawell-orderedarmyof arguments

52Forinthiswayyouwillwinyourhearer,notbyopposing him,butbybestowingpraiseuponhimwithaviewto persuadinghimAnditisbythepowerofGodthatpersuasion isaccomplished.'

53Thekingsaidthathehadgivenagoodanswer,andasked another,howhecouldliveamicablywiththemanydifferent raceswhoformedthepopulationofhiskingdom?

54'Byactingtheproperparttowardseach,'hereplied,'and takingrighteousnessasyourguide,asyouarenowdoingwith thehelpoftheinsightwhichGodbestowsuponyou.'

55Thekingwasdelightedbythisreply,andaskedanother, 'Underwhatcircumstancesoughtamantosuffergrief?'

56'Inthemisfortunesthatbefallourfriends,'hereplied,'when weseethattheyareprotractedandirremediableReasondoes notallowustogrieveforthosewhoaredeadandsetfreefrom evil,butallmendogrieveoverthembecausetheythinkonly ofthemselvesandtheirownadvantageItisbythepowerof Godalonethatwecanescapeallevil!

57Thekingsaidthathehadgivenafittinganswer,andasked another,howisreputationlost?

58Andhereplied,'Whenprideandunboundedselfconfidenceholdsway,dishonourandlossofreputationare engenderedForGodistheLordofallreputationandbestows itwhereHewill'

59Thekinggavehisconfirmationtotheanswer,andasked thenextman,Towhomoughtmentoentrustthemselves?

60'Tothose,'hereplied,'whoserveyoufromgoodwilland notfromfearorself-interest,thinkingonlyoftheirowngain Fortheoneisthesignoflove,theotherthemarkofillwill andtime-serving

61Forthemanwhoisalwayswatchingforhisowngainisa traitoratheartButyoupossesstheaffectionofallyour subjectsbythehelpofthegoodcounselwhichGodbestows uponyou'

62Thekingsaidthathehadansweredwisely,andasked another,Whatisitthatkeepsakingdomsafe?

63Andherepliedtothequestion,'Careandforethoughtthat noevilmaybewroughtbythosewhoareplacedinaposition ofauthorityoverthepeople,andthisyoualwaysdobythe helpofGodwhoinspiresyouwithgravejudgement'

64Thekingspokewordsofencouragementtohim,andasked another,Whatisitthatmaintainsgratitudeandhonour?

65Andhereplied,'Virtue,foritisthecreatorofgooddeeds, andbyitevilisdestroyed,evenasyouexhibitnobilityof charactertowardsallbythegiftwhichGodbestowsupon you'

66Thekinggraciouslyacknowledgedtheanswerandasked theeleventh(sincethereweretwomorethanseventy),howhe couldintimeofwarmaintaintranquillityofsoul?

67Andhereplied,'Byrememberingthathehaddonenoevil toanyofhissubjects,andthatallwouldfightforhimin returnforthebenefitswhichtheyhadreceived,knowingthat eveniftheylosetheirlives,youwillcareforthosedependent onthemForyouneverfailtomakereparationtoany--suchis thekind-heartednesswithwhichGodhasinspiredyou'

68Thekingloudlyapplaudedthemallandspokeverykindly tothemandthendrankalongdraughttothehealthofeach,

givinghimselfuptoenjoyment,andlavishingthemost generousandjoyousfriendshipuponhisguests

CHAPTER10

Thequestionsandanswerscontinue.Showinghowthearmy officersoughttobeselectedWhatmanisworthyof admirationandotherproblemsofdailylifeastruetodayas 2000yearsagoVerses15-17arenotableforrecommending thetheatreVerses21-22describethewisdomofelectinga presidentorhavingaking

1Ontheseventhdaymuchmoreextensivepreparationswere made,andmanyotherswerepresentfromthedifferentcities (amongthemalargenumberofambassadors)

2Whenanopportunityoccurred,thekingaskedthefirstof thosewhohadnotyetbeenquestioned,howhecouldavoid beingdeceivedbyfallaciousreasoning?

3Andhereplied,'Bynoticingcarefullythespeaker,thething spoken,andthesubjectunderdiscussion,andbyputtingthe samequestionsagainafteranintervalindifferentformsBut topossessanalertmindandtobeabletoformasound judgementineverycaseisoneofthegoodgiftsofGod,and youpossessit,OKing'

4Thekingloudlyapplaudedtheanswerandaskedanother, Whyisitthatthemajorityofmenneverbecomevirtuous?

5'Because,'hereplied,'allmenarebynatureintemperateand inclinedtopleasure.Hence,injusticespringsupandafloodof avariceThehabitofvirtueisahindrancetothosewhoare devotedtoalifeofpleasurebecauseitenjoinsuponthemthe preferenceoftemperanceandrighteousnessForitisGod whoisthemasterofthesethings'

6Thekingsaidthathehadansweredwell,andasked,What oughtkingstoobey?Andhesaid,'Thelaws,inorderthatby righteousenactmentstheymayrestorethelivesofmenEven asyoubysuchconductinobediencetotheDivinecommand havelaidupinstoreforyourselfaperpetualmemorial'

7Thekingsaidthatthisman,too,hadspokenwell,andasked thenext,Whomoughtwetoappointasgovernors?

SAndhereplied,'Allwhohatewickedness,andimitating yourownconductactrighteouslythattheymaymaintaina goodreputationconstantly.Forthisiswhatyoudo,Omighty King,'hesaid,'anditisGodwhohasbestoweduponyouthe crownofrighteousness'

9Thekingloudlyacclaimedtheanswerandthenlookingat thenextmansaid,'Whomoughtwetoappointasofficersover theforces?'

10Andheexplained,'Thosewhoexcelincourageand righteousnessandthosewhoaremoreanxiousaboutthe safetyoftheirmenthantogainavictorybyriskingtheirlives throughrashness.ForasGodactswelltowardsallmen,sotoo youinimitationofHimarethebenefactorofallyour subjects'

11Thekingsaidthathehadgivenagoodanswerandasked another,Whatmanisworthyofadmiration?

12Andhereplied,'Themanwhoisfurnishedwithreputation andwealthandpowerandpossessesasoulequaltoitall.You yourselfshowbyyouractionsthatyouaremostworthyof admirationthroughthehelpofGodwhomakesyoucarefor thesethings.'

113Thekingexpressedhisapprovalandsaidtoanother,'To whataffairsoughtkingstodevotemosttime?'

14Andhereplied,'Toreadingandthestudyoftherecordsof officialjourneys,whicharewritteninreferencetothevarious kingdoms,withaviewtothereformationandpreservationof thesubjects.Anditisbysuchactivitythatyouhaveattained

toaglorywhichhasneverbeenapproachedbyothers, throughthehelpofGodwhofulfilsallyourdesires'

15Thekingspokeenthusiasticallytothemanandasked another,howoughtamantooccupyhimselfduringhishours ofrelaxationandrecreation?

16Andhereplied,'Towatchthoseplayswhichcanbeacted withproprietyandtosetbeforeone'seyesscenestakenfrom lifeandenactedwithdignityanddecencyisprofitableand appropriate.

17Forthereissomeedificationtobefoundeveninthese amusements,foroftensomedesirablelessonistaughtbythe mostinsignificantaffairsoflife.Butbypractisingtheutmost proprietyinallyouractions,youhaveshownthatyouarea philosopherandyouarehonouredbyGodonaccountofyour virtue.'

18Theking,pleasedwiththewordswhichhadjustbeen spoken,saidtotheninthman,howoughtamantoconduct himselfatbanquets?

19Andhereplied,'Youshouldsummontoyoursidemenof learningandthosewhoareabletogiveyouusefulhintswith regardtotheaffairsofyourkingdomandthelivesofyour subjects(foryoucouldnotfindanythememoresuitableor moreeducativethanthis)sincesuchmenaredeartoGod becausetheyhavetrainedtheirmindstocontemplatethe noblestthemes--asyouindeedaredoingyourself,sinceall youractionsaredirectedbyGod'

20Delightedwiththereply,thekinginquiredofthenextman, Whatisbestforthepeople?Thataprivatecitizenshouldbe madekingoverthemoramemberoftheroyalfamily?

21Andhereplied,'HewhoisbestbynatureForkingswho comeofroyallineageareoftenharshandseveretowardstheir subjectsAndstillmoreisthisthecasewithsomeofthose whohaverisenfromtheranksofprivatecitizens,whoafter havingexperiencedevilandbornetheirshareofpoverty, whentheyruleovermultitudesturnouttobemorecruelthan thegodlesstyrants

22But,asIhavesaid,agoodnaturewhichhasbeenproperly trainediscapableofruling,andyouareagreatking,notso muchbecauseyouexcelinthegloryofyourruleandyour wealthbutratherbecauseyouhavesurpassedallmenin clemencyandphilanthropy,thankstoGodwhohasendowed youwiththesequalities'

23Thekingspentsometimeinpraisingthismanandthen askedthelastofall,Whatisthegreatestachievementinruling anempire?

24Andhereplied,'Thatthesubjectsshouldcontinuallydwell inastateofpeace,andthatjusticeshouldbespeedily administeredincasesofdispute'

25Theseresultsareachievedthroughtheinfluenceofthe ruler,whenheisamanwhohatesevilandlovesthegoodand devoteshisenergiestosavingthelivesofmen,justasyou considerinjusticetheworstformofevilandbyyourjust administrationhavefashionedforyourselfanundying reputation,sinceGodbestowsuponyouamindwhichispure anduntaintedbyanyevil'

26Andwhenheceased,loudandjoyfulapplausebrokeout forsomeconsiderabletimeWhenitstoppedthekingtooka cupandgaveatoastinhonourofallhisguestsandthewords whichtheyhaduttered.

27Theninconclusionhesaid,Ihavederivedthegreatest benefitfromyourpresenceIhaveprofitedmuchbythewise cachingwhichyouhavegivenmeinreferencetotheartof ruling'

28Thenheorderedthatthreetalentsofsilvershouldbe presentedtoeachofthem,andappointedoneofhisslavesto deliveroverthemoney

29Allatonceshoutedtheirapproval,andthebanquetbecame asceneofjoy,whilethekinggavehimselfuptoacontinuous roundoffestivity.

CHAPTER11

Foracommentonancientstenography,seeVerse7The translationissubmittedforapprovalandacceptedasread, and(Verse23)arisingvoteofapprovalistakenand unanimouslycarried

1Ihavewrittenatlengthandmustcraveyourpardon, Philocrates.

2Iwasastonishedbeyondmeasureatthemenandthewayin whichonthespurofthemomenttheygaveanswerswhich reallyneededalongtimetodevise.

3Forthoughthequestionerhadgivengreatthoughttoeach particularquestion,thosewhorepliedoneaftertheotherhad theiranswerstothequestionsreadyatonceandsothey seemedtomeandtoallwhowerepresentandespeciallyto thephilosopherstobeworthyofadmiration

4AndIsupposethatthethingwillseemincredibletothose whowillreadmynarrativeinthefuture

5Butitisunseemlytomisrepresentfactswhicharerecorded inthepublicarchives.

6Anditwouldnotberightformetotransgressinsucha matterasthisItellthestoryjustasithappened, conscientiouslyavoidinganyerror.

7Iwassoimpressedbytheforceoftheirutterances,thatI madeanefforttoconsultthosewhosebusinessitwastomake arecordofallthathappenedattheroyalaudiencesand banquets

8Foritisthecustom,asyouknow,fromthemomenttheking beginstotransactbusinessuntilthetimewhenheretiresto rest,forarecordtobetakenofallhissayingsanddoings--a mostexcellentandusefularrangement.

9Foronthefollowingdaytheminutesofthedoingsand sayingsofthepreviousdayarereadoverbeforebusiness commence,andiftherehasbeenanyirregularity,thematteris atoncesetright

10Iobtainedtherefore,ashasbeensaid,accurateinformation fromthepublicrecords,andIhavesetforththefactsinproper ordersinceIknowhoweageryouaretoobtainuseful information

11ThreedayslaterDemetriustookthemenandpassingalong thesea-wall,sevenstadialong,totheisland,crossedthe bridgeandmadeforthenortherndistrictsofPharos

12Thereheassembledtheminahouse,whichhadbeenbuilt uponthesea-shore,ofgreatbeautyandinasecludedsituation, andinvitedthemtocarryouttheworkoftranslation,since everythingthattheyneededforthepurposewasplacedat theirdisposal

13Sotheysettoworkcomparingtheirseveralresultsand makingthemagree,andwhatevertheyagreeduponwas suitablycopiedoutunderthedirectionofDemetrius

14Andthesessionlasteduntiltheninthhour;afterthisthey weresetfreetoministertotheirphysicalneeds.

15Everythingtheywantedwasfurnishedforthemonalavish scaleInadditiontothisDorotheusmadethesame preparationsforthemdailyasweremadeforthekinghimself-forthushehadbeencommandedbytheking

16IntheearlymorningtheyappeareddailyattheCourt,and aftersalutingthekingwentbacktotheirownplace

17AndasisthecustomofalltheJews,theywashedtheir handsintheseaandprayedtoGodandthendevoted themselvestoreadingandtranslatingtheparticularpassage

uponwhichtheywereengaged,andIputthequestiontothem, Whyitwasthattheywashedtheirhandsbeforetheyprayed?

18Andtheyexplainedthatitwasatokenthattheyhaddone noevil(foreveryformofactivityiswroughtbymeansofthe hands)sinceintheirnobleandholywaytheyregard everythingasasymbolofrighteousnessandtruth.

19AsIhavealreadysaid,theymettogetherdailyintheplace whichwasdelightfulforitsquietanditsbrightnessand appliedthemselvestotheirtask.

20Anditsochancedthattheworkoftranslationwas completedinseventy-twodays,justasifthishadbeen arrangedofsetpurpose.

21Whentheworkwascompleted,Demetriuscollected togethertheJewishpopulationintheplacewherethe translationhadbeenmade,andreaditovertoall,inthe presenceofthetranslators,whometwithagreatreception alsofromthepeople,becauseofthegreatbenefitswhichthey hadconferreduponthem.

22TheybestowedwarmpraiseuponDemetrius,too,and urgedhimtohavethewholelawtranscribedandpresenta copytotheirleaders.

23Afterthebookshadbeenread,thepriestsandtheeldersof thetranslatorsandtheJewishcommunityandtheleadersof thepeoplestoodupandsaid,thatsincesoexcellentand sacredandaccurateatranslationhadbeenmade,itwasonly rightthatitshouldremainasitwasandnoalterationshould bemadeinit

24Andwhenthewholecompanyexpressedtheirapproval, theybadethempronounceacurseinaccordancewiththeir customuponanyonewhoshouldmakeanyalterationeitherby addinganythingorchanginginanywaywhateveranyofthe wordswhichhadbeenwrittenormakinganyomission

25Thiswasaverywiseprecautiontoensurethatthebook mightbepreservedforallthefuturetimeunchanged

26Whenthematterwasreportedtotheking,herejoiced greatly,forhefeltthatthedesignwhichhehadformedhad beensafelycarriedout

27Thewholebookwasreadovertohimandhewasgreatly astonishedatthespiritofthelawgiver

28AndhesaidtoDemetrius,'Howisitthatnoneofthe historiansor'thepoetshaveeverthoughtitworththeirwhile toalludetosuchawonderfulachievement?'

29Andhereplied,'Becausethelawissacredandofdivine origin.Andsomeofthosewhoformedtheintentionofdealing withithavebeensmittenbyGodandthereforedesistedfrom theirpurpose'

30HesaidthathehadheardfromTheopompusthathehad beendrivenoutofhismindformorethanthirtydaysbecause heintendedtoinsertinhishistorysomeoftheincidentsfrom theearlierandsomewhatunreliabletranslationsofthelaw.

31Whenhehadrecoveredalittle,hebesoughtGodtomakeit cleartohimwhythemisfortunehadbefallenhim

32Anditwasrevealedtohiminadream,thatfromidle curiosityhewaswishingtocommunicatesacredtruthsto commonmen,andthatifhedesistedhewouldrecoverhis health.

33Ihaveheard,too,fromthelipsofTheodektes,oneofthe tragicpoets,thatwhenhewasabouttoadaptsomeofthe incidentsrecordedinthebookforoneofhisplays,hewas affectedwithcataractinbothhiseyes

34Andwhenheperceivedthereasonwhythemisfortunehad befallenhim,heprayedtoGodformanydaysandwas afterwardsrestored

35Andafter,theking,asIhavealreadysaid,hadreceivedthe explanationofDemetriusonthispoint,hedidhomageand

orderedthatgreatcareshouldbetakenofthebooks,andthat theyshouldbesacredlyguarded

36Andheurgedthetranslatorstovisithimfrequentlyafter theirreturntoJudea,foritwasonlyright,hesaid,thathe shouldnowsendthemhome

37Butwhentheycameback,hewouldtreatthemasfriends, aswasright,andtheywouldreceiverichpresentsfromhim

38Heorderedpreparationstobemadeforthemtoreturn home,andtreatedthemmostmunificently.

39Hepresentedeachoneofthemwiththreerobesofthe finestsort,twotalentsofgold,asideboardweighingone talent,allthefurnitureforthreecouches.

40AndwiththeescorthesentEleazartencoucheswithsilver legsandallthenecessaryequipment,asideboardworththirty talents,tenrobes,purple,andamagnificentcrown,anda hundredpiecesofthefinestwovenlinen,alsobowlsand dishes,andtwogoldenbeakerstobededicatedtoGod

41Heurgedhimalsoinaletterthatifanyofthemen preferredtocomebacktohim,nottohinderthem

42Forhecounteditagreatprivilegetoenjoythesocietyof suchlearnedmen,andhewouldratherlavishhiswealthupon themthanuponvanities

43AndnowPhilocrates,youhavethecompletestoryin accordancewithmypromise.

44Ithinkthatyoufindgreaterpleasureinthesemattersthan inthewritingsofthemythologists

45Foryouaredevotedtothestudyofthosethingswhichcan benefitthesoul,andspendmuchtimeuponitIshallattempt tonarratewhateverothereventsareworthrecording,thatby perusingthemyoumaysecurethehighestrewardforyour zeal

INTRODUCTION

Thisbookislikeafearfulpealofthunderechoingoutofthe dimhorrorsofancienttyrannyItisachapterbasedon persecutionbyAntiochus,thetyrantofSyria,whomsome calledEpiphanes,TheMadman.Romanhistoryofthefirst centuriesrecordstwosuchtyrants--theother,Caligula,the SecondBrilliantMadman

TheformofthiswritingisthatofanorationSocarefully timedaretherisingsandfallingsofthespeech;sodevastating areitsarguments;sounfalteringisitslogic;sodeepitsthrusts; socoolitsreasoning--thatittakesitsplaceasasampleofthe sheeresteloquence

Thekeynoteis--CourageThewriterbeginswithan impassionedstatementofthePhilosophyofInspiredReason WeliketothinkofthistwentiethCenturyastheAgeof ReasonandcontrastitwiththeAgeofMyths--yetawriting suchasthisisachallengetosuchanassumptionWefinda writerwhoprobablybelongedtothefirstcenturybeforethe ChristianErastatingaclear-cutphilosophyofReasonthatis justaspotenttodayasitwastwothousandyearsago

Thesettingoftheobservationsinthetorturechambersis unrelentingOnourmodernearsattunedtogentlerthingsit strikesappallingly.Thedetail'softhesuccessivetortures (suggestingtheinstrumentsoftheSpanishInquisition centurieslater)areelaboratedinawayshockingtoourtaste EventheemergenceofthestoicalcharactersoftheOldman, theSevenBrothers,andtheMother,doesnothingtosoftenthe ferocitywithwhichthisoratorconjuresCourage

TheancientFathersoftheChristianChurchcarefully preservedthisbook(wehaveitfromaSyriantranslation)asa workofhighmoralvalueandteaching,anditwas undoubtedlyfamiliartomanyoftheearlyChristianmartyrs, whowerearousedtothepitchofmartyrdombyreadingit

CHAPTER1

Anoutlineofphilosophyfromancienttimesconcerning InspiredReasonCivilizationhasneverachievedhigher thoughtAdiscussionof"Repressions"Verse48sumsupthe wholePhilosophyofmankind

1PhilosophicalinthehighestdegreeisthequestionIpropose todiscuss,namelywhethertheInspiredReasonissupreme ruleroverthepassions;andtothephilosophyofitIwould seriouslyentreatyourearnestattention

2Fornotonlyisthesubjectgenerallynecessaryasabranchof knowledge,butitincludesthepraiseofthegreatestofvirtues, wherebyImeanself-control

3Thatistosay,ifReasonisprovedtocontrolthepassions adversetotemperance,gluttonyandlust,itisalsoclearly showntobelordoverthepassions,likemalevolence,opposed tojustice,andoverthoseopposedtomanliness,namelyrage andpainandfear

4But,somemayask,iftheReasonismasterofthepassions, whydoesitnotcontrolforgetfulnessandignorance?their objectbeingtocastridicule

5TheansweristhatReasonisnotmasteroverdefects inheringintheminditself,butoverthepassionsormoral defectsthatareadversetojusticeandmanlinessand temperanceandjudgement;anditsactionintheircaseisnot toextirpatethepassions,buttoenableustoresistthem successfully

6Icouldbringbeforeyoumanyexamples,drawnfrom varioussources,whereReasonhasproveditselfmasterover thepassions,butthebestinstancebyfarthatIcangiveisthe nobleconductofthosewhodiedforthesakeofvirtue, Eleazar,andtheSevenBrethrenandtheMother 7Fortheseallbytheircontemptofpains,yea,evenunto death,provedthatReasonrisessuperiortothepassions 8Imightenlargehereinpraiseoftheirvirtues,they,themen withtheMother,dyingonthisdaywecelebratefortheloveof moralbeautyandgoodness,butratherwouldIfelicitatethem onthehonourstheyhaveattained

9Fortheadmirationfeltfortheircourageandendurance,not onlybytheworldatlargebutbytheirveryexecutioners, madethemtheauthorsofthedownfallofthetyrannyunder whichournationlay,theydefeatingthetyrantbytheir endurance,sothatthroughthemwastheircountrypurified

10ButIshallpresentlytakeopportunitytodiscussthis,after wehavebegunwiththegeneraltheory,asIaminthehabitof doing,andIwillthenproceedtotheirstory,givinggloryto theall-wiseGod

11Ourenquiry,then,iswhethertheReasonissupreme masteroverthepassions

12ButwemustdefinejustwhattheReasonisandwhat passionis,andhowmanyformsofpassionthereare,and whethertheReasonissupremeoverallofthem

13ReasonItaketobethemindpreferringwithclear deliberationthelifeofwisdom.

14WisdomItaketobetheknowledgeofthings,divineand human,andoftheircauses

15ThisItaketobethecultureacquiredundertheLaw, throughwhichwelearnwithduereverencethethingsofGod andforourworldlyprofitthethingsofman

16Nowwisdomismanifestedundertheformsofjudgement andjustice,andcourage,andtemperance

17Butjudgementorself-controlistheonethatdominates themall,forthroughit,intruth,Reasonassertsitsauthority overthepassions

18Butofthepassionstherearetwocomprehensivesources, namely,pleasureandpain,andeitherbelongsessentiallyalso tothesoulaswellastothebody

19Andwithrespectbothtopleasureandpaintherearemany caseswherethepassionshavecertainsequences

20Thuswhiledesiregoesbeforepleasure,satisfaction followsafter,andwhilefeargoesbeforepain,afterpain comessorrow

21Anger,again,ifamanwillretracethecourseofhis feelings,isapassioninwhichareblendedbothpleasureand pain

22Underpleasure,also,comesthatmoraldebasementwhich exhibitsthewidestvarietyofthepassions.

23Itmanifestsitselfinthesoulasostentation,and covetousness,andvain-glory,andcontentiousness,and backbiting,andinthebodyaseatingofstrangemeat,and gluttony,andgormandizinginsecret

24Nowpleasureandpainbeingasitweretwotrees,growing frombodyandsoul,manyoffshootsofthesepassionssprout up;andeachman'sReasonasmaster-gardener,weedingand pruningandbindingup,andturningonthewaterand directingithitherandthither,bringsthethicketofdispositions andpassionsunderdomestication

25ForwhileReasonistheguideofthevirtuesitismasterof thepassions

26Observe,now,inthefirstplace,thatReasonbecomes supremeoverthepassionsinvirtueoftheinhibitoryactionof temperance.

27Temperance,Itakeit,istherepressionofthedesires;but ofthedesiressomearementalandsomephysical,andboth kindsareclearlycontrolledbyReason;whenwearetempted towardsforbiddenmeats,howdowecometorelinquishthe pleasurestobederivedfromthem?

28IsitnotthatReasonhaspowertorepresstheappetites?In myopinionitisso

29Accordinglywhenwefeeladesiretoeatwater-animals andbirdsandbeastsandmeatsofeverydescriptionforbidden tousundertheLaw,weabstainthroughthepredominanceof Reason

30Forthepropensionsofourappetitesarecheckedand inhibitedbythetemperatemind,andallthemovementsofthe bodyobeythebridleofReason

31Andwhatistheretobesurprisedatifthenaturaldesire ofthesoultoenjoythefruitionofbeautyisquenched?

32This,certainly,iswhywepraisethevirtuousJoseph, becausebyhisReason,withamentaleffort,hecheckedthe carnalimpulseForhe,ayoungmanattheagewhenphysical desireisstrong,byhisReasonquenchedtheimpulseofhis passions.

33AndReasonisprovedtosubduetheimpulsenotonlyof sexualdesire,butofallsortsofcovetings

34FortheLawsays,'Thoushaltnotcovetthyneighbour's wife,noranythingthatisthyneighbour's' 35Verily,whentheLawordersusnottocovet,itshould,I think,confirmstronglytheargumentthattheReasonis capableofcontrollingcovetousdesires,evenasitdoesthe passionsthatmilitateagainstjustice

36Howelse,canaman,naturallygormandizingandgreedy anddrunken,betaughttochangehisnature,iftheReasonbe notmanifestlythemasterofthepassions?

37Certainly,assoonasamanordershislifeaccordingtothe Law,ifheismiserlyheactscontrarytohisnature,andlends moneytotheneedywithoutinterest,andattheseventh-year periodscancelsthedebt

38Andifheisparsimonious,heisoverruledbytheLaw throughtheactionofReason,andrefrainsfromgleaninghis stubblesorpickingthelastgrapesfromhisvineyards

39Andwithregardtoalltherestwecanrecognizethat Reasonisinthepositionofmasteroverthepassionsor affections

40FortheLawranksaboveaffectionforparents,sothata manmaynotfortheirsakessurrenderhisvirtue,andit overridesloveforawife,sothatifshetransgressaman shouldrebukeher,anditgovernsloveforchildren,sothatif theyarenaughtyamanshouldpunishthem,anditcontrols theclaimsoffriendship,sothatamanshouldreprovehis friendsiftheydoevil

41AnddonotthinkitaparadoxicalthingwhenReason throughtheLawisabletoovercomeevenhatred,sothata manrefrainsfromcuttingdowntheenemy'sorchards,and protectsthepropertyoftheenemyfromthespoilers,and gathersuptheirgoodsthathavebeenscattered

42AndtheruleofReasonislikewiseprovedtoextend throughthemoreaggressivepassionsorvices,ambition, vanity,ostentation,pride,andbackbiting

43Forthetemperatemindrepelsallthesedebasedpassions, evenasitdoesanger,foritconquerseventhis.

44Yea,MoseswhenhewasangeredagainstDathanand Abiramdidnotgivefreecoursetohiswrath,butgovernedhis angerbyhisReason

45Forthetemperatemindisable,asIsaid,towinthevictory overthepassions,modifyingsome,whilecrushingothers absolutely.

46WhyelsedidourwisefatherJacobblamethehousesof SimeonandLevifortheirunreasoningslaughterofthetribe oftheShechemites,saying,'Accursedbetheiranger!'

47ForhadnotReasonpossessedthepowertorestraintheir angerhewouldnothavespokenthus

48ForinthedaywhenGodcreatedman,heimplantedinhim hispassionsandinclinations,andalso,attheverysametime, setthemindonathroneamidstthesensestobehissacred guideinallthings;andtothemindhegavetheLaw,bythe whichifamanorderhimself,heshallreignoverakingdom thatistemperate,andjust,andvirtuous,andbrave

CHAPTER2

TherulingofDesireandAnger.ThestoryofDavid'sthirst. StirringchaptersofancienthistorySavageattemptstomake theJewseatswineInterestingreferencestoanancientbank (Verse21.)

1Wellthen,someonemayask,ifReasonismasterofthe passionswhyisitnotmasterofforgetfulnessandignorance?

2Buttheargumentissupremelyridiculous.ForReasonisnot showntobemasteroverpassionsordefectsinitself,butover thoseofthebody

3Forexample,noneofyouisabletoextirpateournatural desire,buttheReasoncanenablehimtoescapebeingmadea slavebydesire

4Noneofyouisabletoextirpateangerfromthesoul,butitis possiblefortheReasontocometohisaidagainstanger

5Noneofyoucanextirpateamalevolentdisposition,but Reasoncanbehispowerfulallyagainstbeingswayedby malevolence

6Reasonisnottheextirpateofthepassions,buttheir antagonist.

7ThecaseofthethirstofKingDavidmayserveatleastto makethisclearer.

8ForwhenDavidhadfoughtthelive-longdayagainstthe Philistines,andbythehelpofourcountry'swarriorshadslain manyofthem,hecameateventide,allfordonewithsweatand toil,totheroyaltent,aroundwhichwasencampedthewhole armyofourancestors

9Soallthehostfelltotheireveningmeal;buttheking,being consumedwithanintensethirst,thoughhehadabundanceof water,wasunabletoslakeit

10Instead,anirrationaldesireforthewaterthatwasinthe possessionoftheenemywithgrowingintensityburnedhim upandunmannedandconsumedhim

11Thenwhenhisbody-guardmurmuredagainstthecraving oftheking,twoyouths,mightywarriors,ashamedthattheir kingshouldlackhisdesire,putonalltheirarmour,andtooka water-vessel,andscaledtheenemy'sramparts;andstealing undetectedpasttheguardsatthegate,theysearchedthrough alltheenemy'scamp

12Andtheybravelyfoundthespring,anddrewfromita draughtfortheking

13ButDavid,thoughstillburningwiththethirst,considered thatsuchadraught,reckonedasequivalenttoblood,wasa grievousdangertohissoul

14Therefore,opposinghisReasontohisdesire,hepouredout thewaterasanofferingtoGod.

15Forthetemperatemindisabletoconquerthedictatesof thepassions,andtoquenchthefiresofdesire,andtowrestle victoriouslywiththepangsofourbodiesthoughtheybe exceedingstrong,andbythemoralbeautyandgoodnessof Reasontodefywithscornallthedominationofthepassions 16Andnowtheoccasioncallsustosetforththestoryofthe self-controlledReason

17Atatimewhenourfathersenjoyedgreatpeacethroughthe dueobservanceoftheLaw,andwereinhappycase,sothat SeleucusNicanor,thekingofAsia,sanctionedthetaxforthe temple-service,andrecognizedourpolity,preciselythen, certainmen,actingfactiouslyagainstthegeneralconcord, involvedusinmanyandvariouscalamities.

18Onias,amanofthehighestcharacter,beingthenhigh priestandhavingtheofficeforhislife,acertainSimonraised afactionagainsthim,butsincedespiteeverykindofslander hefailedtoinjurehimonaccountofthepeople,hefled abroadwithintenttobetrayhiscountry

19SohecametoApollonius,thegovernorofSyriaand PhoeniciaandCilicia,andsaid,'Beingloyaltotheking,Iam heretoinformyouthatinthetreasuriesofJerusalemare storedmanythousandsofprivatedeposits,notbelongingto thetempleaccount,andrightfullythepropertyofKing Seleucus'

20Apolloniushavingmadeinquiryintothedetailsofthe matter,praisedSimonforhisloyalservicetotheking,and hasteningtothecourtofSeleucus,disclosedtohimthe valuabletreasure;then,afterreceivingauthoritytodealwith thematter,hepromptlymarchedintoourcountry, accompaniedbytheaccursedSimonandaverypowerful army,andannouncedthathewastherebytheking'scommand totakepossessionoftheprivatedepositsinthetreasury

21Ourpeopleweredeeplyangeredbythisannouncement, andprotestedstrongly,consideringit,anoutrageousthingfor thosewhohadentrustedtheirdepositstothetempletreasury toberobbedofthem,andtheythrewallpossibleobstaclesin hisway

22Apollonius,however,withthreats,madehiswayintothe temple

23Thenthepriestsinthetempleandthewomenandchildren besoughtGodtocometotherescueofhisHolyPlacethatwas beingviolated;andwhenApolloniuswithhisarmedhost marchedintoseizethemoneys,thereappearedfromheaven angels,ridinguponhorses,withlightningflashingfromtheir arms,andcastgreatfearandtremblinguponthem

24AndApolloniusfelldownhalf-deadintheCourtofthe Gentiles,andstretchedouthishandstoheaven,andwithtears heentreatedtheHebrewsthattheywouldmakeintercession forhimandstaythewrathoftheheavenlyhost

25Forhesaidthathehadsinnedandwasworthyevenof death,andthatifheweregivenhislifehewouldlaudtoall mentheblessednessoftheHolyPlace

26Movedbythesewords,Onias,thehigh-priest,although mostscrupulousinothercases,madeintercessionforhimlest kingSeleucusshouldpossiblythinkthatApolloniushadbeen overthrownbyahumandeviceandnotbydivinejustice

27Apollonius,accordingly,afterhisastonishingdeliverance departedtoreporttothekingthethingsthathadbefallenhim 28ButSeleucusdying,hissuccessoronthethronewashis sonAntiochusEpiphanes,anoverweeningterribleman;who dismissedOniasfromhissacredoffice,andmadehisbrother Jasonhigh-priestinstead,theconditionbeingthatinreturnfor theappointmentJasonshouldpayhimthreethousandsix hundredandsixtytalentsyearly

29SoheappointedJasonhigh-priestandmadehimchiefruler overthepeople.

30Andhe(Jason)introducedtoourpeopleanewwayoflife andanewconstitutioninutterdefianceoftheLaw;sothatnot onlydidhelayoutagymnasiumontheMountofourfathers, butheactuallyabolishedtheserviceofthetemple

31Whereforethedivinejusticewaskindledtoangerand broughtAntiochushimselfasanenemyagainstus.

32ForwhenbewascarryingonwarwithPtolemyinEgypt andheardthatthepeopleofJerusalemhadrejoiced exceedinglyoverareportofhisdeath,heimmediately marchedbackagainstthem

33Andwhenhehadplunderedthecityhemadeadecree denouncingthepenaltyofdeathuponanywhoshouldbeseen toliveafterthelawofourfathers

34Buthefoundallhisdecreesofnoavailtobreakdownthe constancyofourpeopletotheLaw,andhebeheldallhis threatsandpenaltiesutterlydespised,sothatevenwomenfor circumcisingtheirsons,thoughtheyknewbeforehandwhat wouldbetheirfate,wereflung,togetherwiththeiroffspring, headlongfromtherocks

35Whenthereforehisdecreescontinuedtobecontemnedby themassofthepeople,hepersonallytriedtoforcebytortures eachmanseparatelytoeatuncleanmeatsandthusabjurethe Jewishreligion

36Accordingly,thetyrantAntiochus,accompaniedbyhis councillors,satinjudgementonacertainhighplacewithhis troopsdrawnuparoundhiminfullarmour,andheorderedhis guardstodragthereeverysinglemanoftheHebrewsand compelthemtoeatswine'sfleshandthingsofferedtoidols; butifanyshouldrefusetodefilethemselveswiththeunclean things,theyweretohetorturedandputtodeath.

37Andwhenmanyhadbeentakenbyforce,onemanfirst fromamongthecompanywasbroughtbeforeAntiochus,a HebrewwhosenamewasEleazar,apriestbybirth,trainedin knowledgeofthelaw,amanadvancedinyearsandwell knowntomanyofthetyrant'scourtforhisphilosophy

38AndAntiochus,lookingonhim,said:'BeforeIallowthe torturestobeginforyou,Ovenerableman,Iwouldgiveyou thiscounsel,thatyoushouldeatofthefleshoftheswineand saveyourlife;forIrespectyourageandyourgreyhairs, althoughtohavewornthemsolongatime,andstilltocling totheJewishreligion,makesmethinkyounophilosopher.

39FormostexcellentisthemeatofthisanimalwhichNature hasgraciouslybestoweduponus,andwhyshouldyou abominateit?Trulyitisfollynottoenjoyinnocentpleasures, anditiswrongtorejectNature'sfavours

40Butitwillbestillgreaterfolly,Ithink,onyourpartifwith idlevapouringabouttruthyoushallproceedtodefyevenme toyourownpunishment

41Willyounotawakefromyourpreposterousphilosophy? Willyounotflingasidethenonsenseofyourcalculationsand, adoptinganotherframeofmindbefittingyourmatureyears, learnthetruephilosophyofexpediency,andhowtomy charitablecounsel,andhavepityonyourownvenerableage?

42Forconsiderthis,too,thateveniftherebesomePower whoseeyeisuponthisreligionofyours,hewillalways pardonyouforatransgressiondoneundercompulsion.'

43busurgedbythetyranttotheunlawfuleatingofunclean meat,Eleazaraskedpermissiontospeak;andreceivingit,he beganhisspeechbeforethecourtasfollows:

44'We,OAntiochus,havingacceptedtheDivineLawasthe Lawofourcountry,donotbelieveanystrongernecessityis laiduponusthanthatofourobediencetotheLaw.

45Thereforewedosurelydeemitrightnotinanyway whatsoevertotransgresstheLaw

46Andyet,wereourLaw,asyousuggest,nottrulydivine, whilewevainlybelievedittobedivine,notevensowouldit berightforustodestroyourreputationforpiety

47Thinkitnot,then,asmallsinforustoeattheunclean thing,forthetransgressionoftheLaw,beitinsmallthingsor ingreat,isequallyheinous;forineithercaseequallytheLaw isdespised.

48Andyouscoffatourphilosophy,asifunderitwewere livinginamannercontrarytoreason

49Notso,fortheLawteachesusself-control,sothatweare mastersofallourpleasuresanddesiresandarethoroughly trainedinmanlinesssoastoendureallpainwithreadiness; anditteachesjustice,sothatwithallourvariousdispositions weactfairly,anditteachesrighteousness,sothatwithdue reverenceweworshiponlytheGodwhois

50Thereforedoweeatnouncleanmeat;forbelievingour LawtobegivenbyGod,weknowalsothattheCreatorofthe world,asaLawgiver,feelsforusaccordingtoournature

51Hehascommandedustoeatthethingsthatwillbe convenientforoursouls,andhehasforbiddenustoeatmeats thatwouldbethecontrary

52Butitistheactofatyrantthatyoushouldcompelusnot onlytotransgresstheLaw,butshouldalsomakeuseatin suchmannerthatyoumaymockat'thisdefilementsoutterly abominabletous.

53Butyoushallnotmockatmethus,neitherwillIbreakthe sacredoathsofmyancestorstokeeptheLaw,noteventhough youtearoutmineeyesandbumoutmineentrails.

54Iamnotsounmannedbyoldagebutthatwhen righteousnessisatstakethestrengthofyouthreturnstomy Reason.

55SotwisthardyourracksandblowyourfurnacehotterIdo notsopitymineoldageastobreaktheLawofmyfathersin mineownperson.

56Iwillnotbeliethee,OLawthatwastmyteacher;Iwillnot desertthee,Obelovedself-control;Iwillnotputtheeto shame,Owisdom-lovingReason,norwillIdenyye,O veneratedpriesthoodandknowledgeoftheLaw

57Neithershaltthousullythepuremouthofmineoldage andmylifelongconstancytotheLaw.Cleanshallmyfathers receiveme,unafraidofthytormentseventothedeath

58Forthouindeedmayestbetyrantoverunrighteousmen, butthoushaltnotlorditovermyresolutioninthematterof righteousnesseitherbythywordsorthroughthydeeds'

CHAPTER3

Eleazar,thegentlespiritedoldman,showssuchfortitudethat evenaswereadthesewords2000yearslater,theyseemlike aninextinguishablefire

1ButwhenEleazarrepliedthuseloquentlytotheexhortations ofthetyrants,theguardsaroundhimdraggedhimroughlyto thetorturingplace

2Andfirsttheyunclothedtheoldman,whowasadornedwith thebeautyofholiness

3Thenbindinghisarmsoneithersidetheyscourgedhim,a heraldstandingandshoutingoutoveragainsthim,'Obeythe ordersoftheking!'

4Butthegreat-souledandnobleman,anEleazarinverytruth, wasnomoremovedinhismindthanifhewerebeing tormentedinadream;yea,theoldmankeepinghiseyes steadfastlyraisedtoheavensufferedhisfleshtobetombythe scourgestillhewasbathedinbloodandhissidesbecamea massofwounds;andevenwhenhefelltothegroundbecause hisbodycouldnolongersupportthepainhestillkepthis Reasonerectandinflexible.

5Withhisfootthenoneofthecruetguardsashefellkicked himsavagelyinthesidetomakehimgetup

6Butheenduredtheanguish,anddespisedthecompulsion, andboreupunderthetorments,andlikeabraveathletetaking punishment,theoldmanoutworehistormentors

7Thesweatstoodonhisbrow,andhedrewhisbreathinhard gasps,tillhisnobilityofsoulextortedtheadmirationofhis tormentorsthemselves.

8Hereupon,partlyinpityforhisoldage,partlyinsympathy fortheirfriend,partlyinadmirationofhiscourage,someof thecourtiersofthekingwenttiptohimandsaid:

9'Why,OEleazar,dostthoumadlydestroythyselfinthis misery?Wewillbringtotheeoftheseethedmeats,butdo thoufeignonlytopartakeoftheswine'sflesh,andsosave thyself'

10AndEleazar,asiftheircounseldidbutaddtohistortures, criedloudly:'No.MaywesonsofAbrahamneverhavesoevil athoughtaswithfainthearttocounterfeitapartunseemlyto us

11ContrarytoReason,indeed,wereitforus,afterlivingunto thetruthtilloldage,andguardinginlawfulguisetherepute ofsoliving,nowtochangeandbecomeinourownpersonsa patterntotheyoungofimpiety,totheendthatweshould encouragethemtoeatuncleanmeat

12Shamewereitifweshouldliveonalittlelonger,during thatlittlebeingmockedofallmenforcowardice,andwhile despisedbythetyrantasunmanlyshouldfailtodefendthe DivineLawuntothedeath

13Therefore,OsonsofAbraham,doyedienoblyfor righteousness'sake;butasforyou,Ominionsofthetyrant, whypauseyeinyourwork?'

14Sothey,seeinghimthustriumphantoverthetorturesand unmovedevenbythepityofhisexecutioners,draggedhimto thefire

15Theretheycasthimonit,burninghimwithcruelly cunningdevices,andtheypouredbrothofevilodourintohis nostrils

16Butwhenthefirealreadyreachedtohisbonesandhewas abouttogiveuptheghost,helifteduphiseyestoGodand said:

17'Thou,OGod,knowestthatthoughImightsavemyselfI amdyingbyfierytormentsforthyLawBemercifuluntothy people,andletourpunishmentbeasatisfactionintheirbehalf Makemybloodtheirpurification,andtakemysoultoransom theirsouls,,

18Andwiththesewordstheholymannoblyyieldeduphis spiritunderthetortureIandforthesakeoftheLawheldout byhisReasonevenagainstthetormentsuntodeath 19Beyondquestion,then,theInspiredReasonismasterover thepassions;forifhispassionsorsufferingshadprevailed overhisReasonweshouldhavecreditedthemwiththis evidenceoftheirsuperiorpower.

20ButnowhisReasonhavingconqueredhispassions,we properlyattributetoitthepowerofcommandingthem 21Anditisrightthatweshouldadmitthatthemasterylies withReason,incasesatleastwhereitconquerspainsthat comefromoutsideourselves;foritwereridiculoustodenyit 22AndmyproofcoversnotonlythesuperiorityofReasonto pains,butitssuperioritytopleasuresalso;neitherdoesit surrendertothem

CHAPTER4

Thissocalled"AgeofReason"mayinthischapterreadthat thePhilosophyofReasonis2000yearsoldThestoryofseven sonsandtheirmother

1FortheReasonofourfatherEleazar,likeafinesteersman steeringtheshipofsanctityontheseaofthepassions,though buffetedbythethreatsofthetyrantandsweptbytheswelling wavesofthetortures,nevershiftedforonemomentthehelm ofsanctityuntilhesailedintothehavenofvictoryoverdeath

2Nocitybesiegedwithmanyandcunningenginesever defendeditselfsowellasdidthatholymanwhenhissacred soulwasattackedwithscourgeandrackandflame,andhe movedthemwhowerelayingsiegetohissoulthroughhis Reasonthatwastheshieldofsanctity

3ForourfatherEleazar,settinghismindfilmasabeetling sea-cliff,brokethemadonsetofthesurgesofthepassions

4Opriestworthyofthypriesthood,thoudidstnotdefilethy holyteeth,nordidstthoubefoulwithuncleanmeatthybelly thathadroomonlyforpietyandpurity

5OconfessoroftheLawandphilosopheroftheDivinelife! SuchshouldthosebewhoseofficeistoservetheLawand defenditwiththeirownbloodandhonourablesweatinthe faceofsufferingstothedeath

6Thou,Ofather,didstfortifyourfidelitytotheLawthrough thysteadfastnessuntoglory;andhavingspokeninhonourof holinessthoudidstnotbeliethyspeech,anddidstconfirmthe wordsofdivinephilosophybythydeeds,Oagedmanthat wastmoreforcefulthanthetortures

7Oreverendelderthatwasttenser-strungthantheflame,thou greatkingoverthepassions,Eleazar.

8ForasourfatherAaron,armedwiththecenser,ranthrough themassedcongregationagainstthefieryangelandovercame him,sothesonofAaron,Eleazar,beingconsumedbythe meltingheatofthefire,remainedunshakeninhisReason

9Andyetmostwonderfulofall,he,beinganoldman,with thesinewsofhisbodyunstrungandhismusclesrelaxedand hisnervesweakened,grewayoungmanagaininthespiritof hisReasonandwithIsaac-likeReasonturnedthehydraheadedtorturetoimpotence

10Oblessedage,Oreverendgreyhead,Olifefaithfultothe Lawandperfectedbythesealofdeath!

11Assuredly,then,ifanoldmandespisedthetormentsunto deathforrighteousness'sakeitmustbeadmittedthatthe InspiredReasonisabletoguidethepassions.

12Butsomeperhapsmayanswerthatnotallmenaremasters ofthepassionsbecausenotallmenhavetheirReason enlightened

13Butasmanyaswiththeirwholeheartmakerighteousness theirfirstthought,thesealoneareabletomastertheweakness oftheflesh,believingthatuntoGodtheydienot,asour patriarchs,AbrahamandIsaacandJacob,diednot,butthat theyliveuntoGod

14Thereforethereis-nothingcontradictoryincertainpersons appearingtobeslavestopassioninconsequenceofthe weaknessoftheirReason

15Forwhoistherethatbeingaphilosopherfollowing righteouslythewholeruleofphilosophy,andhavingputhis trustinGod,andknowingthatitisablessedthingtoendure allhardnessforthesakeofvirtue,wouldnotconquerhis passionsforthesakeofrighteousness?

16Forthewiseandself-controlledmanaloneisthebrave rulerofthepassions.

17Yea,bythismeansevenyoungboys,beingphilosophers byvirtueoftheReasonwhichisaccordingtorighteousness, havetriumphedoveryetmoregrievoustortures.

18Forwhenthetyrantfoundhimselfnotablydefeatedinhis firstattempt,andimpotenttocompelanoldmantoeat uncleanmeat,thentrulyinviolentrageheorderedtheguards tobringothersoftheyoungmenoftheHebrews,andifthey wouldeatuncleanmeattoreleasethemaftereatingit,butif theyrefused,totorturethemyetmoresavagely

19Andundertheseordersofthetyrantsevenbrethren togetherwiththeiragedmotherwerebroughtprisonersbefore him,allhandsome,andmodest,andwell-born,--andgenerally attractive

20Andwhenthetyrantsawthemthere,standingasifthey wereafestalchoirwiththeirmotherinthemidst,hetook noticeofthem,andstruckbytheirnobleanddistinguished bearinghesmiledatthem,andcallingthemnearersaid:

21'Oyoungmen,Iwishwelltoeachoneofyou,andadmire yourbeauty,andhonourhighlysolargeabandofbrothers;so notonlydoIadviseyounottopersistinthemadnessofthat oldmanwhohasalreadysuffered,butIevenentreatofyouto yieldtomeandbecomepartakersinmyfriendship.

22For,asIamabletopunishthosewhodisobeymyorders, soamIabletoadvancethosewhodoobeyme

23Beassuredthenthatyoushallbegivenpositionsof importanceandauthorityinmyserviceifyouwillrejectthe ancestrallawofyourpolity

24ShareintheHelleniclife,andwalkinanewway,andtake somepleasureinyouryouth;forifyoudrivemetoangerwith yourdisobedienceyouwillcompelmetoresorttoterrible penaltiesandputeverysingleoneofyoutodeathbytorture.

25Havepitythenonyourselves,whomevenI,youropponent, pityforyouryouthandyourbeauty

26Willyounotconsiderwithyourselvesthisthing,thatif youdisobeymethereisnothingbeforeyoubutdeathin torments?'

27Withthesewordsheorderedtheinstrumentsoftortureto bebroughtforwardinordertopersuadethembyfeartoeat uncleanmeat

28Butwhentheguardshadproducedwheels,andjointdislocators,andracks,andbone-crushers,andcatapults,and cauldrons,andbraziers,andthumb-screws,andironclaws, andwedges,andbrandingirons,thetyrantspokeagainand said:

29'Youhadbetterfeelfear,mylads,andthejusticeyou worshipwillpardonyourunwillingtransgression.'

30Butthey,hearinghispersuasions,andseeinghisdreadful engines,notonlyshowednofearbutactuallyarrayedtheir philosophyinoppositiontothetyrant,andbytheirright Reasondidabasehistyranny

31Andyetconsider;supposingsomeamongstthemtohave beenfaint-heartedandcowardly,whatsortoflanguagewould theyhaveused?woulditnothavebeentothiseffect?

32'Alas!miserablecreaturesthatweareandfoolishabove measure!Whenthekinginvitesusandappealstousonterms ofkindtreatmentshallwenotobeyhim?

33Whydoweencourageourselveswithvaindesiresanddare adisobediencethatistocostusourlives?Shallwenot,O menmybrothers,fearthedreadinstrumentsandweighwell histhreatsofthetortures,andabandontheseemptyvaunts andthisfatalbragging?

34Letustakepityonourownyouthandhavecompassionon ourmother'sage;andletuslaytoheartthatifwedisobeywe shalldie

35Andeventhedivinejusticewillhavemercyonus,if compelledbynecessityweyieldtothekinginfear.Why shouldwecastawayfromusthisdearlifeandrobourselves ofthissweetworld?

36Letusnotstriveagainstnecessitynorwithvainconfidence inviteourtorture

37EventheLawitselfdoesnotwillinglycondemnustodeath, webeinginterroroftheinstrumentsoftorture.

38Whydoessuchcontentiousnessinflameusandafatal obstinacyfindfavourwithus,whenwemighthaveapeaceful lifebyobeyingtheking?'

39Butnosuchwordsescapedtheseyoungmenatthe prospectofthetorture,nordidsuchthoughtsenterintotheir minds.

40Fortheyweredespisersofthepassionsandmastersover

CHAPTER5

Achapterofhorrorandtorturerevealingancienttyrannyat itsutmostsavageryVerse26isprofoundtruth

1Andthusnosoonerdidthetyrantconcludehisurgingof themtoeatuncleanmeatthanallwithonevoicetogether,and aswithonesoul,saidtohim:

2'Whydostthoudelay,Otyrant?Wearereadytodierather thantransgressthecommandmentsofourfathers.

3Forweshouldbeputtingourancestorsalsotoshame,ifwe didnotwalkinobediencetotheLawandtakeMosesasour counsellor.

4OtyrantthatcounsellestustotransgresstheLaw,donot, hatingus,pityusbeyondourselves

5Forweesteemthymercy,giving.usourlifeinreturnfora breachoftheLaw,athinghardertobearthandeathitself

6Thouwouldstterrifyuswiththythreatsofdeathunder torture,asifalittlewhileagothouhadstlearnednothingfrom Eleazar

7ButiftheoldmenoftheHebrewsenduredthetorturesfor righteousness'sake,yea,untiltheydied,morebefittinglywill weyoungmendiedespisingthetormentsofthycompulsion, overwhichheouragedteacheralsotriumphed

8Maketrialtherefore,Otyrant.Andifthoutakestourlives forthesakeofrighteousness,thinknotthatthouhurtestus withthytortures

9Forwethroughthisourevilentreatmentandourendurance ofitshallwintheprizeofvirtue;butthouforourcruel murdershaltsufferatthehandsofdivinejusticesufficient tormentbyfireforever.'

10Thesewordsoftheyouthsredoubledthewrathofthe tyrant,notattheirdisobedienceonlybutatwhathe consideredtheiringratitude

11Sobyhisordersthescourgersbroughtforwardtheeldest ofthemandstrippedhimofhisgarmentandboundhishands andarmsoneithersidewiththongs

12Butwhentheyhadscourgedhimtilltheywereweary,and gainednothingthereby,theycasthimuponthewheel.

13Andonitthenobleyouthwasrackedtillhisboneswere outofjointAndasjointafterjointgaveway,hedenounced thetyrantinthesewords:

14'Othoumostabominabletyrant,thouenemyofthejustice ofheavenandbloody-minded,thoudosttormentmeinthis fashionnotformanslayingnorforimpietybutfordefending theLawofGod'

15Andwhentheguardssaidtohim,'Consenttoeat,thatso youmaybereleasedfromyourtortures,'hesaidtothem, 'Yourmethod,Omiserableminions,isnotstrongenoughto leadcaptivemyReasonCutoffmylimbs,andburnmyflesh, andtwistmyjoints;throughallthetormentsIwillshowyou thatinbehalfofvirtuethesonsoftheHebrewsaloneare unconquerable'

16Ashethusspaketheysethotcoalsuponhimbesides,and intensifyingthetorturestrainedhimyettighteronthewheel

17Andallthewheelwasbesmearedwithhisblood,andthe heapedcoalswerequenchedbythehumoursofhisbody droppingdown,andtherentfleshranroundtheaxlesofthe machine

18Andwithhisbodilyframealreadyindissolutionthisgreatsouledyouth,likeatruesonofAbraham,groanednotatall; butasifheweresufferingachangebyfiretoincorruption,he noblyenduredthetorment,saying:

19'Followmyexample,ObrothersDonotforeverdesertme, andforswearnotourbrotherhoodinnobilityofsoul

20Waraholyandhonourablewarfareonbehalfof righteousness,throughwhichmaythejustProvidencethat watchedoverourfathersbecomemercifuluntohispeopleand takevengeanceontheaccursedtyrant.'

21Andwiththesewordstheholyyouthyieldeduptheghost 22Butwhileallwerewonderingathisconstancyofsoul,the guardsbroughtforwardthesecondinageofthe.sons,and grapplinghimwithsharp-clawedhandsofirontheyfastened himtotheenginesandthecatapult

23Butwhentheyheardhisnobleresolveinanswertotheir question,'Wouldheeatratherthanhetortured?'thesepantherlikebeaststoreathissinewswithclawsofiron,andrentaway allthefleshfromhischeeks,andtoreofftheskinfromhis head

24Buthesteadfastlyenduringthisagonysaid,'Howsweetis everyformofdeathforthesakeoftherighteousnessofour fathers!'

25Andtothetyranthesaid,'Omostruthlessoftyrants,doth notitseemtotheethatatthismomentthouthyselfsufferest torturesworsethanmineinseeingthytyranny'sarrogant intentionovercomebymyenduranceforrighteousness'sake?

26ForIamsupportedunderpainbythejoysthatcome throughvirtue,whereasthouartintormentwhilstgloryingin thyimpiety;neithershaltthouescape,Omostabominable tyrant,thepenaltiesofthedivinewrath.'

27Andwhenhehadbravelymethisgloriousdeath,thethird sonwasbroughtforwardandwasearnestlyentreatedbymany totasteandsotosavehimself

28Butheansweredinaloudvoice,'Areyeignorantthatthe samefatherbegatmeandmybrothersthataredead,andthe samemothergaveusbirth,andinthesamedoctrineswasI broughtup?

29Idonotforswearthenoblebondofbrotherhood.

30Thereforeifyehaveanyengineoftorment,applyittothis bodyofmine;formysoulyecannotreach,notifyewould'

31Buttheyweregreatlyangeredattheboldspeechofthe man,andtheydislocatedhishandsandhisfeetwiththeir dislocatingengines,andwrenchedhislimbsoutoftheir sockets,andunstrungthem;andtheytwistedroundhisfingers, andhisarms,andhislegs,andhiselbow-joints

32Andinnowisebeingabletostranglehisspiritthey strippedoffhisskin,takingthepointsofthefingerswithit, andtoreinScythianfashionthescalpfromhishead,and straightwaybroughthimtothewheel

33Andonthistheytwistedhisspinetillhesawhisownflesh hanginginstripsandgreatgoutsofbloodpouringdownfrom hisentrails

34Andatthepointofdeathhesaid,'We,Omostabominable tyrant,sufferthusforourupbringingandourvirtuethatareof God;butthouforthyimpietyandthycrueltyshallendure tormentswithoutend.'

35Andwhen'thismanhaddiedworthilyofhisbrothers,they broughtupthefourth,andsaidtohim,'Benotthoualsomad withthesamemadnessasthybrethren,butobeythekingand savethyself'

36Buthesaiduntothem,'Formeyehavenofireso exceedinghotastomakemeacoward.

37Bytheblesseddeathofmybrethren,bytheeternaldoom ofthetyrant,andbythegloriouslifeoftherighteous,Iwill notdenymynoblebrotherhood

38Inventtortures,Otyrant,inorderthatthoumayestlearn therebythatIambrotherofthosewhohavebeenalready tortured.'

39Whenheheardthisthebloodthirsty,murderous,and utterlyabominableAntiochusbadethemcutouthistongue

40Buthesaid,'Evenifthoudostremovemyorganofspeech, Godisaheareralsoofthespeechless

41Lo,Iputoutmytongueready:cutitout,forthoushaltnot therebysilencemyReason.

42Gladlydowegiveourbodilymemberstobemutilatedfor thecauseofGod

43ButGodwillspeedilypursueafterthee;forthoucuttestout thetonguethatsangsongsofpraiseuntohim'

44Butwhenthismanalsowasputtoadeathofagonywith thetortures,thefifthsprangforwardsaying,'Ishrinknot,O tyrant,fromdemandingthetortureforvirtue'ssake

45Yea,ofmyselfIcomeforward,inorderthat,slayingme also,thoumayestbyyetmoremisdeedsincreasethepenalty thouowesttothejusticeofHeaven

46Oenemyofvirtueandenemyofman,forwhatcrimedost thoudestroyusinthisway?

47DothitseemeviltotheethatweworshiptheCreatorofall andliveaccordingtohisvirtuousLaw?

48Butthesethingsareworthyofhonoursnotoftortures,if thoudidstunderstandhumanaspirationsandhadsthopeof salvationbeforeGod

49Lo,nowthouartGod'senemyandmakestwaronthose thatworshipGod'

50Ashespakethustheguardsboundhimandbroughthim beforethecatapult;andtheytiedhimtheretoonhisknees,and, fasteningthemtherewithironclamps,theywrenchedhisloins overtherolling'wedge'sothathewascompletelycurledback likeascorpionandeveryjointwasdisjointed

51Andthusingrievousstraitforbreathandanguishofbody heexclaimed,'Glorious,Otyrant,gloriousagainstthywillare theboonsthatthoubestowestonme,enablingmetoshowmy fidelitytotheLawthroughyetmorehonourabletortures'

52Andwhenthismanalsowasdead,thesixthwasbrought,a mereboy,whoinanswertothetyrant'sinquirywhetherhe waswillingtoeatandbereleased,said:

53'Iamnotsooldinyearsasmybrethren,butIamasoldin mindForwewerebornandrearedforthesamepurposeand areequallyboundalsotodieforthesamecause;soifthou choosethtotortureusfornoteatinguncleanmeat,torture.'

54Ashespakethesewordstheybroughthimtothewheel, andwithcaretheystretchedhimoutanddislocatedthebones ofhisbackandsetfireunderhim.

55Andtheymadesharpskewersred-hotandranthemintohis back,andpiercingthroughhissidestheyburnedawayhis entrailsalso.

56Butheinthemidstofhistorturesexclaimed,'Ocontest worthyofsaints,whereinsomanyofusbrethren,inthecause ofrighteousness,havebeenenteredforacompetitionin torments,andhavenotbeenconquered!

57Fortherighteousunderstanding,Otyrant,is unconquerable.

58InthearmourofvirtueIgotojoinmybrothersindeath, andtoaddinmyselfonestrongavengermoretopunishthee, Odeviserofthetorturesandenemyofthetrulyrighteous.

59Wesixyouthshaveoverthrownthytyranny'Forisnot thineimpotencetoalterourReasonorforceustoeatunclean meatanoverthrowforthee?

60Thyfireiscoolforus,thyenginesoftorturetormentnot, andthyviolenceisimpotent

61Fortheguardshavebeenofficersforus,notofatyrant,but oftheDivineLaw;andthereforehaveweourReasonyet unconquered'

CHAPTER6

Brotherlybondsandamother'slove

1Andwhenthisonealsodiedablesseddeath,beingcastinto thecauldron,theseventhson,theyoungestofthemall,came forward.

2Butthetyrant,althoughfiercelyexasperatedbyhisbrethren, feltpityfortheboy,andseeinghimtherealreadyboundhe hadhimbroughtnear,andsoughttopersuadehim,saying: 'Thouseesttheendofthefollyofthybrethren;forthrough theirdisobediencetheyhavebeenrackedtodeathThou,too, ifthoudostnotobey,wiltthyselfalsobemiserablytortured andputtodeathbeforethytime;butifthoudostobeythou shaltbemyfriend,andthoushaltbeadvancedtohighoffice inthebusinessofthekingdom.'

4Andwhilethusappealingtohimhesentfortheboy's mother,inorderthatinhersorrowforthelossofsomany sonsshemighturgethesurvivortoobeyandbesaved.

5Butthemother,speakingintheHebrewtongue,asIshall telllateron,encouragedtheboy,andhesaidtotheguards, 'Looseme,thatImayspeaktothekingandtoallhisfriends withhim'

6Andthey,rejoicingattheboy'srequest,madehastetoloose him.

7Andrunninguptothered-hotbrazier,'Oimpioustyrant,'he cried,'andmostungodlyofallsinners,artthounotashamed totakethyblessingsandthykingshipatthehandsofGod,and toslayhisservantsandtorturethefollowersofrighteousness?

8Forwhichthingsthedivinejusticedeliverstheeuntoamore rapidandaneternalfireandtormentswhichshallnotleave holdontheetoalleternity

9Artthounotashamed,beingaman,Owretchwiththeheart ofawildbeast,totakemenoflikefeelingswiththyself,made fromthesameelements,andtearouttheirtongues,and scourgeandtorturetheminthismanner?

10Butwhiletheyhavefulfilledtheirrighteousnesstowards Godintheirnobledeaths,thoushaltmiserablycry"Woeis met"forthyunjustslayingofthechampionsofvirtue' 11Andthenstandingonthebrinkofdeathhesaid,'Iamno renegadetothewitnessbornebymybrethren

12AndIcallupontheGodofmyfatherstobemercifulunto mynation

13AndtheewillhePunishbothinthispresentlifeandafter thatthouartdead.'

14Andwiththisprayerhecasthimselfintothered-hot brazier,andsogaveuptheghost

15Ifthereforethesevenbrethrendespisedthetorturesevento thedeath,itisuniversallyprovedthattheInspiredReasonis supremelordoverthepassions

16Foriftheyhadyieldedtotheirpassionsorsufferingsand eatenuncleanmeatweshouldhavesaidthattheyhadbeen conqueredthereby 17Butinthiscamitwasnotso;onthecontrarybytheir Reason,whichwascommendedinthesightofGod,theyrose superiortotheirpassions

18Anditisimpossibletodenythesupremacyofthemind; fortheywonthevictoryovertheirpassionsandtheirpains 19HowcanwedootherwisethanadmitrightReason's masteryoverpassionwiththesemenwhoshranknotbefore theagoniesofburning?

20Forevenastowersonharbour-molesrepulsetheassaults ofthewavesandofferacalmentrancetothoseenteringthe haven,sotheseven-toweredrightReasonoftheyouths defendedthehavenofrighteousnessandrepulsedthe tempestuousnessofthepassions.

21Theyformedaholychoirofrighteousnessastheycheered oneanotheron,saying:

22'Letusdielikebrothers,Obrethren,fortheLaw.

23LetusimitatetheThreeChildrenattheAssyriancourtwho despisedthissameordealofthefurnace

24Letusnotturncravensbeforetheproofofrighteousness.'

25Andonesaid,'Brother,beofgoodcheer,'andanother, 'Bearitoutnobly';andanotherrecallingthepast,'Remember ofwhatstockyeare,andatwhosefatherlyhandIsaacfor righteousness'sakeyieldedhimselftobeasacrifice'

26Andeachandallofthemtogether,lookingateachother brightlyandveryboldly,said,'Withawholeheartwillwe consecrateourselvesuntoGodwhogaveusoursouls,andlet uslendourbodiestothekeepingoftheLaw

27Letusnotfearhimwhothinkethhekills;foragreat struggleandperilofthesoulawaitsineternaltormentthose whotransgresstheordinanceofGod

28LetusthenarmourselveswithdivineReason'smasteryof thepassions

29Afterthisourpassion,Abraham,Isaac,andJacobshall receiveus,andallourforefathersshallpraiseus.'

30Andtoeachseparateoneofthebrothers,astheywere draggedoff,thosewhoseturnwasyettocomesaid,'Donot disgraceus,brother,norbefalsetoourbrethrenalreadydead.'

31Youarenotignorantoftheloveofbrethren,whereofthe divineandall-wiseProvidencehasgivenaninheritanceto thosewhoarebegottenthoughtheirfathers,implantingitin themeventhroughthemother'swomb;whereinbrethrendo dwellthelikeperiod,andtaketheirformduringthesametime, andarenourishedfromthesameblood,andarequickened withthesamesoul,andarebroughtintotheworldafterthe samespace,andtheydrawmilkfromthesamefounts, wherebytheirfraternalsoulsarenursedtogetherinarmsatthe breast;andtheyareknityetcloserthroughacommonnurture anddailycompanionshipandothereducation,andthroughour disciplineundertheLawofGod

32Thefeelingofbrotherlylovebeingthusnaturallystrong, thesevenbrethrenhadtheirmutualconcordmadeyetstronger FortrainedinthesameLaw,anddisciplinedinthesame virtues,andbroughtuptogetherintheuprightlife,theyloved oneanotherthemoreabundantly.Theircommonzealfor moralbeautyandgoodnessheightenedtheirmutualconcord, forinconjunctionwiththeirpietyitrenderedtheirbrotherly lovemorefervent.

33Butthoughnature,companionship,andtheirvirtuous dispositionincreasedtheardouroftheirbrotherlylove, neverthelessthesurvivingsonsthroughtheirreligion supportedthesightoftheirbrethren,whowereontherack, beingtorturedtodeath;naymore,theyevenencouragedthem tofacetheagony,soasnotonlytodespisetheirowntortures, butalsotoconquertheirpassionofbrotherlyaffectionfor theirbrethren

34OReasoningminds,morekinglythankings,thanfreemen morefree,oftheharmonyofthesevenbrethren,holyandwell attunedtothekeynoteofpiety!

35Noneofthesevenyouthsturnedcoward,noneshrunkin thefaceofdeath,butallhastenedtothedeathbytortureasif runningtheroadtoimmortality

36Forashandsandfeetmoveinharmonywiththe promptingsofthesoul,sothoseholyyouths,asifprompted bytheimmortalsoulofreligion,wentinharmonytodeathfor itssake

37Oall-holysevenfoldcompanionshipofbrethrenin harmony!

38Forasthesevendaysofthecreationoftheworlddoenring religion,sodidtheyouthschoir-likeenringtheirsevenfold

companionship,andmadetheterrorofthetorturesofno account

39Wenowshudderwhenwehearofthesufferingofthose youths;butthey,notonlyseeingitwiththeireyes,normerely hearingthespoken,imminentthreat,butactuallyfeelingthe pang,endureditthrough;andthatinthetorturebyfire,than whichwhatgreateragonycanbefound?

40Forsharpandstringentisthepoweroffire,andswiftlydid itbringtheirbodiestodissolution.

41AndthinkitnotwonderfulifwiththosemenReason triumphedoverthetortures,whenevenawoman'ssoul despisedayetgreaterdiversityofpains;forthemotherofthe sevenyouthsenduredthetormentsinflictedoneachseveral oneofherchildren

42Butconsiderhowmanifoldaretheyearningsofamother's heart,sothatherfeelingforheroffspringbecomesthecentre ofherwholeworld;andindeed, here,eventheirrationalanimalshavefortheiryoungan affectionandlovesimilartomen's

43Forexample,amongthebirds,thetameonessheltering underourroofsdefendtheirnestlings;andthosethatnest uponthemountaintops,andintherockclefts,andinthe holesoftrees,andinthebranches,andhatchtheiryoungthere, doalsodriveawaytheintruder.

44Andthen,iftheybeunabletodrivehimaway,theyflutter aroundthenestlingsinapassionoflove,callingtothemin theirownspeech,andtheygivesuccourtotheiryoungonesin whateverfashiontheycan

45Andwhatneedhaveweofexamplesoftheloveof offspringamongirrationalanimals,wheneventhebees,about theseasonofthemakingofthecomb,fendoffintruders,and stabwiththeirsting,aswithasword,thosewhoapproach theirbrood,anddobattleagainstthemeventothedeath?

46Butshe,themotherofthoseyoungmen,withasoullike Abraham,wasnotmovedfromherpurposebyheraffection forherchildren

CHAPTER7

Acomparisonofamother'sandfather'saffections,inthis chapteraresomemountainpeaksofeloquence

1Reasonofthesons,lordoverthepassions!Oreligion,that wastdearertothemotherthanherchildren!

2Themother,havingtwochoicesbeforeher,religionandthe presentsavingaliveofhersevensonsaccordingtothetyrant's promise,lovedratherreligion,whichsavethuntoeternallife accordingtoGod.

3OhowmayIexpressthepassionateloveofparentsfor children?Westampamarvellouslikenessofoursoulandof ourshapeonthetendernatureofthechild,andmostofall throughthemother'ssympathywithherchildrenbeingdeeper thanthefather's

4Forwomenaresofterofsoulthanmen,andthemore childrentheybearthemoredotheyaboundinloveforthem

5But,ofallmothers,sheofthesevensonsaboundedinlove beyondtherest,seeingthat,havinginsevenchild-bearings feltmaternaltendernessforthefruitofherwomb,andhaving beenconstrainedbecauseofthemanypangsinwhichshe boreeachtoacloseaffection,sheneverthelessthroughthe fearofGodrejectedthepresentsafetyofherchildren

6Ay,andmorethanthat,throughthemoralbeautyand goodnessofhersonsandtheirobediencetotheLaw,her maternalloveforthemwasmadestronger

7Fortheywerejust,andtemperate,andbraveandgreatsouled,andloversofeachotherandoftheirmotherinsuch

mannerthattheyobeyedherinthekeepingoftheLaweven untodeath

8Butnevertheless,thoughshehadsomanytemptationsto yieldtohermaternalinstincts,innosingleinstancedidthe dreadfulvarietyoftortureshavepowertoalterherReason; butthemotherurgedeachsonseparately,andalltogether,to diefortheirreligion

9Oholynature,andparentallove,andyearningofparentsfor offspring,andwagesofnursing,andunconquerableaffection ofmothers!

10Themother,seeingthemonebyonerackedandburned, remainedunshakeninsoulforreligion'ssake.

11Shesawthefleshofhersonsbeingconsumedinthefire, andtheextremitiesoftheirhandsandfeetscatteredonthe ground,andtheflesh-covering,tornofffromtheirheadsright totheircheeks,strewnaboutlikemasks

12Omother,whonowknewsharperpangsthanthepangsof labour!Owoman,aloneamongwomen,thefruitofwhose wombwasperfectreligion!

13Thyfirstborn,givinguptheghost,didnotalterthy resolution,northysecond,lookingwitheyesofpityonthee underhistortures,northythird,breathingouthisspirit

14Neitherdidstthouweepwhenthoubeheldesttheeyesof eachamidthetormentslookingboldlyonthesameanguish, andsawestintheirquiveringnostrilsthesignsofapproaching death

15Whenthousawestthefleshofonesonbeingseveredafter thefleshofanother,andhandafterhandbeingcutoff,and headafterheadbeingflayed,andcorpsecastuponcorpse,and theplacecrowdedwithspectatorsonaccountofthetorturesof thychildren,thousheddestnotatear

16Notthemelodiesofthesirensnorthesongsofswanswith sweetsounddosocharmthehearer'sears,assoundedthe voicesofthesons,speakingtothemotherfromamidthe torments.

17Howmanyandhowgreatwerethetortureswithwhichthe motherwastormentedwhilehersonswerebeingtorturedwith tormentsofrackandfire!

18ButInspiredReasonlentherheartaman'sstrengthunder herpassionofsuffering,andexaltedhertomakenoaccount ofthepresentyearningsofmother-love.

19Andalthoughshesawthedestructionofhersevenchildren andthemanyandvariedformsoftheirtorments,thenoble motherwillinglysurrenderedthemthroughfaithinGod.

20Forshebeheldinherownmind,evenasithadbeen cunningadvocatesinacouncil-chamber,nature,and parenthood,andmother-love,andherchildrenontherack, anditwasasifshe,themother,havingthechoicebetween twovotesinthecaseofherchildren,onefortheirdeathand onetosavethemalive,thereuponregardednotthesavingof hersevensonsforalittletime,but,asatruedaughterof Abraham,calledtomindhisGod-fearingcourage 21Omotheroftherace,vindicatorofourLaw,defenderof ourreligion,andwinneroftheprizeinthestrugglewithin thyself!

22Owoman,noblertoresistthanmen,andbraverthan warriorstoendure!

23ForastheArkofNoah,withthewholelivingworldforher burdenintheworld-whelmingDeluge,didwithstandthe mightysurges,sothou,thekeeperoftheLaw,beatenupon everysidebythesurgingwavesofthepassions,andstrained aswithstrongblastsbythetorturesofthysons,didstnobly weatherthestormsthatassailedtheeforreligion'ssake 24Thusthen,ifonebothawomanandadvancedinyears,and themotherofsevensons,enduredthesightofherchildren

beingtorturedtodeath,theInspiredReasonmustconfessedly besupremeruleroverthepassions

25Ihaveproved,accordingly,thatnotonlyhavemen triumphedovertheirsufferings,butthatawomanalsohas despisedthemostdreadfultortures

26AndnotsofiercewerethelionsaroundDaniel,notsohot wastheburningfieryfurnaceofMishael,asburnedinherthe instinctofmotherhoodatthesightofhersevensonsbeing tortured.

27Butbyherreligion-guidedReasonthemotherquenched herpassions,manyandstrongastheywere

28Forthereisthisalsotoconsider,thathadthewomanbeen weakofspirit,despitehermotherhood,shemighthavewept overthem,andperchancespokenthus:

29'Ah,thricewretchedme,andmorethanthricewretched! SevenchildrenhaveIborneandamleftchildless!

30InvainwasIseventimeswithchild,andtonoprofitwas mytenmonths'burdenseventimesborne,andfruitlesshave beenmynursings,andsorrowfulmysucklings

31Invainforyou,Omysons,didIendurethemanypangsof labour,andthemoredifficultcaresofyourupbringing.

32Alas,formysons,thatsomewereyetunwed,andthose thatwereweddedhadbegottennochildren;Ishallneversee childrenofyours,norshallIbecalledbythenameof grandparent

33Ahme,thathadmanybeautifulchildren,andamawidow anddesolateinmywoe!Neitherwilltherebeanysontobury mewhenIamdead!'

34ButtheholyandGod-fearingmotherwailednotwiththis lamentationoveranyoneofthem,neitherbesoughtsheanyto escapedeath,norlamentedoverthemasdyingmen;but,as thoughshehadasoulofadamantandwerebringingforththe numberofhersons,forasecondtime,intoimmortallife,she besoughtratherandentreatedofthemthattheyshoulddiefor religion'ssake.

35Omother,warriorofGodinthecauseofreligion,oldand awoman,thoudidstbothdefeatthetyrantbythyendurance, andwastfoundstrongerthanaman,indeedsaswellaswords

36Forverilywhenthouwastputinbondswiththysons,thou stoodestthereseeingEleazarbeingtortured,andthouspakest tothysonsintheHebrewtongue:

37'Mysons,nobleisthefight;anddoye,beingcalledthereto tobearwitnessforournation,fightthereinzealouslyon behalfoftheLawofourfathers.

38Foritwouldbeshamefulif,whilethisagedmanendured theagonyforreligion'ssake,youthatareyoungmenshrank beforethepain.

39RememberthatforthesakeofGodyehavecomeintothe world,andhaveenjoyedlife,andthatthereforeyeoweitto Godtoendureallpainforhissake;forwhomalsoourfather AbrahammadehastetosacrificehissonIsaac,theancestorof ournation;andIsaac,seeinghisfather'shandliftingtheknife againsthim,didnotshrink.

40AndDaniel,thejustman,wascasttothelions,and Ananias,Azarias,andMishaelwereflungintothefurnaceof fire,andtheyenduredforGod'ssake.

41Andyealso,havingthesamefaithuntoGod,benot troubled;foritwereagainstReasonthatye,knowing righteousness,shouldnotwithstandthepains.'

42Withthesewordsthemotherofthesevenencouraged everysingleoneofhersonstodieratherthantransgressthe ordinanceofGod;theythemselvesalsoknowingwellthat mendyingforGodliveuntoGod,asliveAbraham,andIsaac, andJacob,andallthepatriarchs

Thefamous"AthletesofRighteousness"Hereendsthestory ofcouragecalledtheFourthBookofMaccabees

1Someoftheguardsdeclaredthatwhenshealsowasaboutto beseizedandputtodeath,shecastherselfonthepyreinorder thatnomanmighttouchherbody

2Omother,thattogetherwiththysevensonsdidstbreakthe tyrant'sforce,andbringtonoughthisevildevices,andgavest anexampleofthenoblenessoffaith

3Thouwertnoblysetasaroofuponthysonsaspillars,and theearthquakeofthetormentsshooktheenotatall.

4Rejoicetherefore,pure-souledmother,havingthehopeof thyendurancecertainatthehandofGod

5Notsomajesticstandsthemoonamidthestarsinheavenas thou,havinglitthepathofthysevenstarlikesonsunto righteousness,standestinhonourwithGod;andthouartsetin heavenwiththem.

6Forthychild-bearingwasfromthesonofAbraham

7Andhaditbeenlawfulforustopaint,asmightsomeartist, thetaleofthypiety,wouldnotthespectatorshaveshuddered atthemotherofsevensonssufferingforrighteousness'sake multitudinoustorturesevenuntodeath?

8Andindeeditwerefittingtoinscribethesewordsovertheir resting-place,speakingforamemorialtofuturegenerationsof ourpeople:

HERELIEANAGEDPRIEST ANDAWOMANFULLOFYEARS ANDHERSEVENSONS THROUGHTHEVIOLENCEOFATYRANT DESIRINGTODESTROYTHEHEBREWNATION THEYVINDICATEDTHERIGHTSOFOURPEOPLE LOOKINGUNTOGODANDENDURING THETORMENTSEVENUNTO DEATH.

9FortrulyitwasaholywarwhichwasfoughtbythemFor onthatdayvirtue,provingthemthroughendurance,setbefore themtheprizeofvictoryinincorruptionineverlastinglife

10ButthefirstinthefightwasEleazar,andthemotherofthe sevensonsplayedherpart,andthebrethrenfought 11Thetyrantwastheiradversaryandtheworldandthelifeof manwerethespectators

12Andrighteousnesswonthevictorandgavethecrownto herathletes.WhobutwonderedattheathletesofthetrueLaw?

13Whowerenotamazedatthem?Thetyranthimselfandhis wholecounciladmiredtheirendurance,wherebytheynowdo bothStandbesidethethroneofGodandlivetheblessedage.

14ForMosessays,'Allalsowhohavesanctifiedthemselves areunderthyhands'

15Andthesemen,therefore,havingsanctifiedthemselvesfor God'ssake,notonlyhavereceivedthishonour,butalsothe honourthatthroughthemtheenemyhadnomorepowerover ourpeople,andthetyrantsufferedpunishment,andour countrywaspurified,theyhavingasitwerebecomearansom forournation'ssin;andthroughthebloodoftheserighteous menandthepropitiationoftheirdeath,thedivineProvidence deliveredIsraelthatbeforewasevilentreated

16ForwhenthetyrantAntiochussawtheheroismoftheir virtue,andtheirenduranceunderthetortures,hepubliclyheld uptheirendurancetohissoldiersasanexample;andhethus inspiredhismenwithasenseofhonourandheroismonthe fieldofbattleandinthelaboursofbesieging,sothathe plunderedandoverthrewallhisenemies

17OIsraelites,childrenbornoftheseedofAbraham,obey thisLaw,andberighteousinallways,recognizingthat InspiredReasonislordoverthepassions,andoverpains,not

onlyfromwithin,butfromwithoutourselves;bywhich meansthosemen,deliveringuptheirbodiestothetorturefor righteousness'sake,notonlywontheadmirationofmankind, butweredeemedworthyofadivineinheritance

18Andthroughthemthenationobtainedpeaceandrestoring theobservanceoftheLawinourcountryhathcapturedthe cityfromtheenemy

19AndvengeancehathpursuedthetyrantAntiochusupon earth,andindeathhesufferspunishment.

20Forwhenhefailedutterlytoconstrainthepeopleof JerusalemtolivelikeGentilesandabandonthecustomsof ourfathers,hethereuponleftJerusalemandmarchedaway againstthePersians

21Nowthesearethewordsthatthemotherofthesevensons, therighteouswoman,spaketoherchildren:

22'Iwasapuremaiden,andIstrayednotfrommyfather's house,andIkeptguardovertheribthatwasbuildedintoEve

23Noseducerofthedesert,nodeceiverinthefield,corrupted me;nordidthefalse,beguilingSerpentsullythepurityofmy maidenhood;Ilivedwithmyhusbandallthedaysofmy youth;butwhenthesemysonsweregrownup,theirfather died

24Happywashe;forhelivedalifeblessedwithchildren,and heneverknewthepainoftheirloss.

25Who,whilehewasyetwithus,taughtyoutheLawandthe prophetsHereadtousofAbelwhowasslainbyCain,andof Isaacwhowasofferedasaburnt-offering,andofJosephin theprison

26AndhespaketousofPhineas,thezealouspriest,andhe taughtyouthesongofAnanias,Azarias,andMishaelinthe fire

27AndheglorifiedalsoDanielinthedenoflions,and blessedhim;andhecalledtoyourmindsthesayingofIsaiah, 28"Yeaeventhoughthoupassthroughthefire,theflame shallnothurtthee."

29HesangtousthewordsofDavidthepsalmist,"Manyare theafflictionsofthejust"

30HequotedtoustheproverbofSolomon,"Heisatreeof lifetoallthemthatdohiswill"

31HeconfirmedthewordsofEzekiel,"Shallthesedrybones live?"ForheforgatnotthesongthatMosestaught,which teaches,"IwillslayandIwillmakealiveThisisyourlifeand theblessednessofyourdays"'

32Ah,cruelwastheday,andyetnotcruel,whenthecruel tyrantoftheGreekssetthefireblazingforhisbarbarous braziers,andwithhispassionsboilingbroughttothecatapult andbackagaintohistorturesthesevensonsofthedaughter ofAbraham,andblindedtheeyeballsoftheireyes,andcut outtheirtongues,andslewthemwithmanykindsoftorment 33ForwhichcausethejudgementofGodpursued,andshall pursue,theaccursedwretch

34ButthesonsofAbraham,withtheirvictoriousmother,are gatheredtogetheruntotheplaceoftheirancestors,having receivedpureandimmortalsoulsfromGod,towhombeglory foreverandever

INTRODUCTION

WehaveinTheStoryofAhikaroneofthemostancient sourcesofhumanthoughtandwisdom.Itsinfluencecan betracedthroughthelegendsofmanypeople,including theKoran,andtheOldandNewTestaments.

AmosaicfoundinTreves,Germany,picturedamong thewisemenoftheworldthecharacterofAhikar.Here ishiscolorfultale.

Thedateofthisstoryhasbeenasubjectoflively discussion.ScholarsfinallyputitdownabouttheFirst Centurywhentheywereprovedinerrorbytheoriginal storyturningupinanAramaicpapyrusof500B.C. amongtheruinsofElephantine.

ThestoryisobviouslyfictionandnothistoryInfactthe readercanmakeitsacquaintanceinthesupplementary pagesofTheArabianNights.Itisbrilliantlywritten,and thenarrativewhichisfullofaction,intrigue,andnarrow escapeholdstheattentiontothelastThelibertyof imaginationisthemostpreciouspossessionofthewriter

Thewritingdividesitselfintofourphases:(1)The Narrative;(2)TheTeaching(aremarkableseriesof Proverbs);(3)TheJourneytoEgypt;(4)TheSimilitudes orParables(withwhichAhikarcompletestheeducation ofhiserringnephew)

CHAPTER1

Ahikar,GrandVizierofAssyria,has60wivesbutis fatedtohavenosonThereforeheadoptshisnephew Hecramshimfullofwisdomandknowledgemorethan ofbreadandwater

1ThestoryofHaiqârtheWise,VizierofSennacherib theKing,andofNadan,sister'ssontoHaiqârtheSage

2TherewasaVizierinthedaysofKingSennacherib, sonofSarhadum,KingofAssyriaandNineveh,awise mannamedHaiqâr,andhewasVizieroftheking Sennacherib.

3Hehadafine,fortuneandmuchgoods,andhewas skilful,wise,aphilosopher,inknowledge,inopinion andingovernment,andhehadmarriedsixtywomen, andhadbuiltacastleforeachofthem.

4Butwithitallhehadnochildbyany.ofthesewomen, whomightbehisheir.

5Andhewasverysadonaccountofthis,andoneday heassembledtheastrologersandthelearnedmenand thewizardsandexplainedtothemhisconditionandthe matterofhisbarrenness.

6Andtheysaidtohim,'Go,sacrificetothegodsand beseechthemthatperchancetheymayprovidetheewith aboy.'

7Andhedidastheytoldhimandofferedsacrificesto theidols,andbesoughtthemandimploredthemwith request,andentreaty.

8Andtheyansweredhimnotoneword.Andhewent awaysorrowfulanddejected,departingwithapainat hisheart

9Andhereturned,andimploredtheMostHighGod, andbelieved,beseechingHimwithaburninginhis heart,saying,'OMostHighGod,OCreatorofthe Heavensandoftheearth,OCreatorofallcreatedthings! 10IbeseechTheetogivemeaboy,thatImaybe consoledbyhimthathemaybepresentatmyheath,that hemayclosemyeyes,andthathemayburyme.'

11Thentherecametohimavoicesaying,'Inasmuchas thouhastreliedfirstofallongravenimages,andhast offeredsacrificestothem,forthisreasonthoushalt remainchildlessthylifelong.

12ButtakeNadanthysister'sson,andmakehimthy childandteachhimthylearningandthygoodbreeding, andatthydeathheshallburythee.'

13ThereuponhetookNadanhissister'sson,whowasa littlesuckling.Andhehandedhimovertoeightwetnurses,thattheymightsucklehimandbringhimup.

14Andtheybroughthimupwithgoodfoodandgentle trainingandsilkenclothing,andpurpleandcrimson Andhewasseateduponcouchesofsilk

15AndwhenNadangrewbigandwalked,shootingup likeatallcedar,hetaughthimgoodmannersand writingandscienceandphilosophy

16AndaftermanydaysKingSennacheriblookedat Haiqârandsawthathehadgrownveryold,and moreoverhesaidtohim

17'Omyhonouredfriend,theskilful,thetrusty,the wise,thegovernor,mysecretary,myvizier,my Chancelloranddirector;verilythouartgrownveryold andweightedwithyears;andthydeparturefromthis worldmustbenear

18Tellmewhoshallhaveaplaceinmyserviceafter thee'AndHaiqârsaidtohim,'Omylord,maythyhead liveforever!ThereisNadanmysister'sson,Ihave madehimmychild

19AndIhavebroughthimupandtaughthimmy wisdomandmyknowledge'

20Andthekingsaidtohim,'OHaiqâr!bringhimtomy presence,thatImayseehim,andifIfindhimsuitable, puthiminthyplace;andthoushaltgothyway,totakea restandtolivetheremainderofthylifeinsweetrepose.'

21ThenHaiqârwentandpresentedNadanhissister's son.Andhedidhomageandwishedhimpowerand honour.

22Andhelookedathimandadmiredhimandrejoiced inhimandsaidtoHaiqâr:'Isthisthyson,OHaiqâr?I praythatGodmaypreservehim.Andasthouhast servedmeandmyfatherSarhadumsomaythisboyof thineservemeandfulfilmyundertakings,myneeds, andmybusiness,sothatImayhonourhimandmake himpowerfulforthysake.'

23AndHaiqârdidobeisancetothekingandsaidtohim, 'Maythyheadlive,Omylordtheking,forever!Iseek fromtheethatthoumaystbepatientwithmyboyNadan andforgivehismistakesthathemayservetheeasitis fitting.'

24Thenthekingsworetohimthathewouldmakehim thegreatestofhisfavourites,andthemostpowerfulof hisfriends,andthatheshouldbewithhiminallhonour andrespect.Andhekissedhishandsandbadehim farewell.

25AndhetookNadan.hissister'ssonwithhimand seatedhiminaparlourandsetaboutteachinghimnight anddaytillhehadcrammedhimwithwisdomand knowledgemorethanwithbreadandwater.

CHAPTER2

A"PoorRichard'sAlmanac"ofancientdaysImmortal preceptsofhumanconductconcerningmoney,women, dress,business,friends.Especiallyinterestingproverbs arefoundinVerses12,17,23,37,45,47Compare Verse63withsomeofthecynicismoftoday

1Thushetaughthim,saying:'Omyson!hearmy speechandfollowmyadviceandrememberwhatIsay.

2Omyson!ifthouhearestaword,letitdieinthyheart, andrevealitnottoanother,lestitbecomealivecoal andburnthytongueandcauseapaininthybody,and thougainareproach,andartshamedbeforeGodand man

3Omyson!ifthouhastheardareport,spreaditnot; andifthouhastseensomething,tellitnot

4Omyson!makethyeloquenceeasytothelistener, andbenothastytoreturnananswer 5Omyson!whenthouhastheardanything,hideitnot 6Omyson!loosenotasealedknot,noruntieit,and sealnotaloosenedknot

7Omyson!covetnotoutwardbeauty,foritwanesand passesaway,butanhonourableremembrancelastsfor aye

8Omyson!letnotasillywomandeceivetheewithher speech,lestthoudiethemostmiserableofdeaths,and sheentangletheeinthenettillthouartensnared 9Omyson!desirenotawomanbedizenedwithdress andwithointments,whoisdespicableandsillyinher soulWoeotheeifthoubestowonheranythingthatis thine,orcommittoherwhatisinthinehandandshe enticetheeintosin,andGodbewrothwiththee.

10Omyson!benotlikethealmond-tree,foritbrings forthleavesbeforeallthetrees,andediblefruitafter themall,butbelikethemulberry-tree,whichbrings forthediblefruitbeforeallthetrees,andleavesafter themall.

11Omyson!bendthyheadlowdown,andsoftenthy voice,andbecourteous,andwalkinthestraightpath, andbenotfoolish.Andraisenotthyvoicewhenthou laughestforifitwerebyaloudvoicethatahousewas built,theasswouldbuildmanyhouseseveryday;andif itwerebydintofstrengththattheploughweredriven, theploughwouldneverberemovedfromunderthe shouldersofthecamels.

12Omson!theremovingofstoneswithawisemanis betterthanthedrinkingofwinewithasorryman.

13Omyson!pouroutthywineonthetombsofthejust, anddrinknotwithignorant,contemptiblepeople.

14Omyson!cleavetowisemenwhofearGodandbe likethem,andgonotneartheignorant,lestthoubecome likehimandlearnhisways

15Omyson!whenthouhastgottheeacomradeora friend,tryhim,andafterwardsmakehimacomradeand afriend;anddonotpraisehimwithoutatrial;anddo notspoilthyspeechwithamanwholackswisdom.

16Omyson!whileashoestaysonthyfoot,walkwith itonthethorns,andmakearoadforthyson,andforthy householdandthychildren,andmakethyshiptaut beforeshegoesontheseaanditswavesandsinksand cannothesaved.

17Omyson!iftherichmaneatasnake,theysay,--"It isbyhiswisdom,"andifapoormaneatit,thepeople say,"Fromhishunger."

18Omyson!hecontentwiththydailybreadandthy goods,andcovetnotwhatisanother's.

19Omyson!benotneighbourtothefool,andeatnot breadwithhim,andrejoicenotinthecalamitiesofthy neighbours.Ifthineenemywrongthee,showhim kindness

20Omyson!amanwhofearsGoddothoufearhim andhonourhim

21Omyson!theignorantmanfallsandstumbles,and thewiseman,evenifhestumbles,heisnotshaken,and evenifhefallshegetsupquickly,andifheissick,he cantakecareofhislifeButasfortheignorant,stupid man,forhisdiseasethereisnodrug

22Omyson!ifamanapproachtheewhoisinferiorto thyself,goforwardtomeethim,andremainstanding, andifhecannotrecompensethee,hisLordwill recompensetheeforhim

23Omyson!sparenottobeatthyson,forthedrubbing ofthysonislikemanuretothegarden,andliketying themouthofapurse,andlikethetetheringofbeasts, andliketheboltingofthedoor

24Omyson!restrainthysonfromwickedness,and teachhimmannersbeforeherebelsagainsttheeand bringstheeintocontemptamongstthepeopleandthou hangthyheadinthestreetsandtheassembliesandthou bepunishedfortheevilofhiswickeddeeds

25Omyson!gettheeafatoxwithaforeskin,andan assgreatwithitshoofs,andgetnotanoxwithlarge horns,normakefriendswithatrickyman,norgeta quarrelsomeslave,norathievishhandmaid,for everythingwhichthoucommittesttothemtheywillruin.

26Omyson!letnotthyparentscursethee,andtheLord bepleasedwiththem;forithathbeensaid,"Hewho despisethhisfatherorhismotherlethimdiethedeath(I meanthedeathofsin);andhewhohonourethhis parentsshallprolonghisdaysandhislifeandshallsee allthatisgood."

27Omyson!walknotontheroadwithoutweapons,for thouknowestnotwhenthefoemaymeetthee,sothat thoumaystbereadyforhim.

28Omyson!benotlikeabare,leaflesstreethatdoth notgrow,butbelikeatreecoveredwithitsleavesand itsboughs;forthemanwhohasneitherwifenor childrenisdisgracedintheworldandishatedbythem, likealeaflessandfruitlesstree

29Omyson!belikeafruitfultreeontheroadside, whosefruitiseatenbyallwhopassby,andthebeastsof thedesertrestunderitsshadeandeatofitsleaves

30Omyson!everysheepthatwandersfromitspath anditscompanionsbecomesfoodforthewolf.

31Omyson!saynot,"MylordisafoolandIamwise," andrelatenotthespeechofignoranceandfolly,lest thoubedespisedbyhim.

32Omyson!benotoneofthoseservants,towhom theirlordssay,"Getawayfromus,"butbeoneofthose towhomtheysay,"Approachandcomeneartous."

33Omyson!caressnotthyslaveinthepresenceofhis companion,forthouknowestnotwhichofthemshallbe ofmostvaluetotheeintheend.

34Omyson!benotafraidofthyLordwhocreatedthee, lestHebesilenttothee.

35Omyson!makethyspeechfairandsweetenthy tongue;andpermitnotthycompaniontotreadonthy foot,lesthetreadatanothertimeonthybreast.

36Omyson!ifthoubeatawisemanwithawordof wisdom,itwilllurkinhisbreastlikeasubtlesenseof shame;butifthoudrubtheignorantwithastickhewill neitherunderstandnorhear

37Omyson!ifthousendawisemanforthyneeds,do notgivehimmanyorders,forhewilldothybusinessas thoudesirest:andifthousendafool,donotorderhim, butgothyselfanddothybusiness,forifthouorderhim, hewillnotdowhatthoudesirestIftheysendtheeon business,hastentofulfilitquickly

38Omyson!makenotanenemyofamanstrongerthan thyself,forhewilltakethymeasure,andhisrevengeon thee

39Omyson!maketrialofthyson,andofthyservant, beforethoucommittestthybelongingstothem,lestthey makeawaywiththem;forhewhohathafullhandis calledwise,evenifhebestupidandignorant,andhe whohathanemptyhandiscalledpoor,ignorant,evenif hebetheprinceofsages

40Omyson!Ihaveeatenacolocynth,andswallowed aloes,andIhavefoundnothingmorebitterthanpoverty andscarcity

41Omyson!teachthysonfrugalityandhunger,thathe maydowellinthemanagementofhishousehold.

42Omyson!teachnottotheignorantthelanguageof wisemen,foritwillbeburdensometohim.

43Omyson!displaynotthyconditiontothyfriend,lest thoubedespisedbyhim.

44Omyson!theblindnessoftheheartismoregrievous thantheblindnessoftheeyes,fortheblindnessofthe eyesmaybeguidedlittlebylittle,buttheblindnessof theheartisnotguided,anditleavesthestraightpath, andgoesinacrookedway.

45Omyson!thestumblingofamanwithhisfootis betterthanthestumblingofanwithhistongue.

46Omyson!afriendwhoisnearisbetterthanamore excellentbrotherwhoisfaraway.

47Omyson!beautyfadesbutlearninglasts,andthe worldwanesandbecomesvain,butagoodnameneither becomesvainnorwanes.

48Omyson!themanwhohathnorest,hisdeathwere betterthanhislife;andthesoundofweepingisbetter thanthesoundofsinging;forsorrowandweeping,ifthe fearofGodbeinthem,arebetterthanthesoundof singingandrejoicing.

49Omychild!thethighofafroginthyhandisbetter thanagooseinthepotofthyneighbour;andasheep neartheeisbetterthananoxfaraway;andasparrowin thyhandisbetterthanathousandsparrowsflying;and povertywhichgathersisbetterthanthescatteringof muchprovision;andalivingfoxisbetterthanadead lion;andapoundofwoolisbetterthanapoundof wealth,Imeanofgoldandsilver;forthegoldandthe silverarehiddenandcoveredupintheearth,andarenot seen;butthewoolstaysinthemarketsanditisseen, anditisabeautytohimwhowearsit.

50Omyson!asmallfortuneisbetterthanascattered fortune

51Omyson!alivingdogisbetterthanadeadpoorman. 52Omyson!apoormanwhodoesrightisbetterthana richmanwhoisdeadinsins

53Omyson!keepawordinthyheart,anditshallbe muchtothee,andbewarelostthourevealthesecretof thyfriend

54Omyson!letnotawordissuefromthymouthtill thouhasttakencounselwiththyheartAndstandnot betwixtpersonsquarrelling,becausefromabadword therecomesaquarrel,andfromaquarreltherecomes war,andfromwartherecomesfighting,andthouwilt beforcedtobearwitness;butrunfromthenceandrest thyself

55Omyson!withstandnotamanstrongerthanthyself, butgettheeapatientspirit,andenduranceandan uprightconduct,forthereisnothingmoreexcellentthan that

56Omyson!hatenotthyfirstfriend,forthesecondone maynotlast

57Omyson!visitthepoorinhisaffliction,andspeak ofhimintheSultan'spresence,anddothydiligenceto savehimfromthemouthofthelion

58Omyson!rejoicenotinthedeathofthineenemy,for afteralittlewhilethoushaltbehisneighbour,andhim whomockstheedothourespectandhonourandbe beforehandwithhimingreeting.

59Omyson!ifwaterwouldstandstillinheaven,anda blackcrowbecomewhite,andmyrrhgrowsweetas honey,thenignorantmenandfoolsmightunderstand andbecomewise.

60Omyson!ifthoudesiretobewise,restrainthy tonguefromlying,andthyhandfromstealing,andthine eyesfrombeholdingevil;thenthouwiltbecalledwise.

61Omyson!letthewisemanbeattheewitharod,but letnotthefoolanointtheewithsweetsalve.Behumble inthyyouthandthoushaltbehonouredinthineoldage.

62Omyson!withstandnotamaninthedaysofhis power,norariverinthedaysofitsflood.

63Omyson!benothastyintheweddingofawife,for ifitturnsoutwell,shewillsay,'Mylord,make provisionforme';andifitturnsoutill,shewillrateat himwhowasthecauseofit

64Omyson!whosoeveriselegantinhisdress,heisthe sameinhisspeech;andhewhohasameanappearance inhisdress,healsoisthesameinhisspeech

65Omyson!ifthouhastcommittedatheft,makeit knowntotheSultan,andgivehimashareofit,thatthou maystbedeliveredfromhim,forotherwisethouwilt endurebitterness.

66Omyson!makeafriendofthemanwhosehandis satisfiedandfilled,andmakenofriendoftheman whosehandisclosedandhungry.

67Therearefourthingsinwhichneitherthekingnor hisarmycanbesecure:oppressionbythevizier,and badgovernment,andperversionofthewill,andtyranny overthesubject;andfourthingswhichcannotbehidden: theprudent,andthefoolish,andtherich,andthepoor.'

CHAPTER3

Ahikarretiresfromactiveparticipationinaffairsof stateHeturnsoverhispossessionstohistreacherous nephewHereistheamazingstoryofhowathankless profligateturnsforgererAcleverplottoentangle Ahikarresultsinhisbeingcondemnedtodeath ApparentlytheendofAhikar

1ThusspakeHaiqâr,andwhenhehadfinishedthese injunctionsandproverbstoNadan,hissister'sson,he imaginedthathewouldkeepthemall,andheknewnot thatinsteadofthathewasdisplayingtohimweariness andcontemptandmockery

2ThereafterHaiqârsatstillinhishouseanddelivered overtoNadanallhisgoods,andtheslaves,andthe handmaidens,andthehorses,andthecattle,and everythingelsethathehadpossessedandgained;and thepowerofbiddingandofforbiddingremainedinthe handofNadan

3AndHaiqârsatatrestinhishouse,andeverynowand thenHaiqârwentandpaidhisrespectstotheking,and returnedhome

4NowwhenNadanperceivedthatthepowerofbidding andofforbiddingwasinhisownhand,hedespisedthe positionofHaiqârandscoffedathim,andsetabout blaminghimwheneverheappeared,saying,'Myuncle Haiqârisinhisdotage,andheknowsnothingnow.'

5Andhebegantobeattheslavesandthehandmaidens, andtosellthehorsesandthecamelsandbespendthrift withallthathisuncleHaiqârhadowned.

6AndwhenHaiqârsawthathehadnocompassionon hisservantsnoronhishousehold,hearoseandchased himfromhishouse,andsenttoinformthekingthathe hadscatteredhispossessionsandhisprovision.

7AndthekingaroseandcalledNadanandsaidtohim: 'WhilstHaiqârremainsinhealth,nooneshallruleover hisgoods,noroverhishousehold,noroverhis possessions.'

8AndthehandofNadanwasliftedofffromhisuncle Haiqârandfromallhisgoods,andinthemeantimehe wentneitherinnorout,nordidhegreethim.

9ThereuponHaiqârrepentedhimofhistoilwithNadan hissister'sson,andhecontinuedtobeverysorrowful.

10AndNadanhadayoungerbrothernamed Benuzârdân,soHaiqârtookhimtohimselfinplaceof Nadan,andbroughtupandhonouredhimwiththe utmosthonour.Andhedeliveredovertohimallthathe possessed,andmadehimgovernorofhishouse.

11NowwhenNadanperceivedwhathadhappenedhe wasseizedwithenvyandjealousy,andhebeganto complaintoeveryonewhoquestionedhim,andtomock his,uncleHaiqâr,saying:'Myunclehaschasedmefrom hishouse,andhaspreferredmybrothertome,butifthe MostHighGodgivemethepower,Ishallbringupon himthemisfortuneofbeingkilled.'

12AndNadancontinuedtomeditateastothe stumbling-blockhemightcontriveforhim.Andaftera whileNadanturneditoverinhismind,andwrotea lettertoAchish,sonofShahtheWise,kingofPersia, sayingthus:

13'Peaceandhealthandmightandhonourfrom SennacheribkingofAssyriaandNineveh,andfromhis vizierandhissecretaryHaiqâruntothee,Ogreatking! Lettherebepencebetweentheeandme

14Andwhenthisletterreachesthee,ifthouwiltarise andgoquicklytotheplainofNisrîn,andtoAssyria,and Nineveh,Iwilldeliverupthekingdomtotheewithout warandwithoutbattle-array'

15Andhewrotealsoanotherletterinthenameof HaiqârtoPharaohkingofEgypt'Lettherebepeace betweentheeandme,Omightyking!

16Ifatthetimeofthisletterreachingtheethouwilt ariseandgotoAssyriaandNinevehtotheplainof Nisrîn,Iwilldeliveruptotheethekingdomwithoutwar andwithoutfighting'

17AndthewritingofNadanwasliketothewritingof hisuncleHaiqâr

18Thenhefoldedthetwoletters,andsealedthemwith thesealofhisuncleHaiqâr;theywereneverthelessin theking'spalace

19Thenhewentandwrotealetterlikewisefromthe kingtohisuncleHaiqâr:'PeaceandhealthtomyVizier, mySecretary,myChancellor,Haiqâr

20OHaiqâr,whenthisletterreachesthee,assembleall thesoldierswhoarewiththee,andletthembeperfectin clothingandinnumbers,andbringthemtomeonthe fifthdayintheplainofNisrîn.

21Andwhenthoushaltseemetherecomingtowards thee,hasteandmakethearmymoveagainstmeasan enemywhowouldfightwithme,forIhavewithmethe ambassadorsofPharaohkingofEgypt,thattheymay seethestrengthofourarmyandmayfearus,forthey areourenemiesandtheyhateus.'

22ThenhesealedtheletterandsentittoHaiqârbyone oftheking'sservants.Andhetooktheotherletterwhich hehadwrittenandspreaditbeforethekingandreadit tohimandshowedhimtheseal.

23Andwhenthekingheardwhatwasintheletterhe wasperplexedwithagreatperplexityandwaswroth withagreatandfiercewrath,andsaid,'Ah,Ihave shownmywisdom!whathaveIdonetoHaiqârthathe haswrittentheseletterstomyenemies?Isthismy recompensefromhimformybenefitstohim?'

24AndNadansaidtohim,'Benotgrieved,Oking!nor bewroth,butletusgototheplainofNisrînandseeif thetalebetrueornot'

25ThenNadanaroseonthefifthdayandtooktheking andthesoldiersandthevizier,andtheywenttothe deserttotheplainofNisrîn.Andthekinglooked,andlo! Haiqârandthearmyweresetinarray.

26AndwhenHaiqârsawthatthekingwasthere,he approachedandsignalledtothearmytomoveasinwar andtofightinarrayagainstthekingasithadbeen foundintheletter,henotknowingwhatapitNadanhad diggedforhim.

27AndwhenthekingsawtheactofHaiqârhewas seizedwithanxietyandterrorandperplexity,andwas wrothwithagreatwrath.

28AndNadansaidtohim,'Hastthouseen,Omylord theking!whatthiswretchhasdone?butbenotthou wrothandbenotgrievednorpained,butgotothyhouse andsitonthythrone,andIwillbringHaiqârtothee boundandchainedwithchains,andIwillchaseaway thineenemyfromtheewithouttoil'

29Andthekingreturnedtohisthrone,beingprovoked aboutHaiqâr,anddidnothingconcerninghimAnd NadanwenttoHaiqârandsaidtohim,'W’allah,Omy uncle!Thekingverilyrejoicethintheewithgreatjoy andthankstheeforhavingdonewhathecommanded thee

30Andnowhehathsentmetotheethatthoumayst dismissthesoldierstotheirdutiesandcomethyselfto himwiththyhandsboundbehindthee,andthyfeet chained,thattheambassadorsofPharaohmayseethis, andthatthekingmaybefearedbythemandbytheir king'

31ThenansweredHaiqârandsaid,'Tohearistoobey' Andhearosestraightwayandboundhishandsbehind him,andchainedhisfeet

32AndNadantookhimandwentwithhimtotheking AndwhenHaiqârenteredtheking'spresencehedid obeisancebeforehimontheground,andwishedfor powerandperpetuallifetotheking

33Thensaidtheking,'OHaiqâr,mySecretary,the Governorofmyaffairs,myChancellor,therulerofmy State,tellmewhatevilhaveIdonetotheethatthouhast rewardedmebythisuglydeed.'

34Thentheyshowedhimthelettersinhiswritingand withhisseal.AndwhenHaiqârsawthis,hislimbs trembledandhistonguewastiedatonce,andhewas unabletospeakawordfromfear;buthehunghishead towardstheearthandwasdumb.

35Andwhenthekingsawthis,hefeltcertainthatthe thingwasfromhim,andhestraightwayaroseand commandedthemtokillHaiqâr,andtostrikehisneck withtheswordoutsideofthecity.

36ThenNadanscreamedandsaid,'OHaiqâr,O blackface!whatavailstheethymeditationorthypower inthedoingofthisdeedtotheking?'

37Thussaysthestory-teller.Andthenameofthe swordsmanwasAbuSamîk.Andthekingsaidtohim, 'Oswordsman!arise,go,cleavetheneckofHaiqârat

thedoorofhishouse,andcastawayhisheadfromhis bodyahundredcubits.'

38ThenHaiqârkneltbeforetheking,andsaid,'Letmy lordthekingliveforever!andifthoudesiretoslayme, letthywishbefulfilled;andIknowthatIamnotguilty, butthewickedmanbastogiveanaccountofhis wickedness;nevertheless,Omylordtheking!Ibegof theeandofthyfriendship,permittheswordsmantogive mybodytomyslaves,thattheymayburyme,andlet thyslavebethysacrifice.'

39Thekingaroseandcommandedtheswordsmantodo withhimaccordingtohisdesire.

40Andhestraightwaycommandedhisservantstotake Haiqârandtheswordsmanandgowithhimnakedthat theymightslayhim.

41AndwhenHaiqârknewforcertainthathewastobe slainhesenttohiswife,andsaidtoher,'Comeoutand meetme,andlettherebewiththeeathousandyoung virgins,anddressthemingownsofpurpleandsilkthat theymayweepformebeforemydeath.

42Andprepareatablefortheswordsmanandforhis servantsAndmingleplentyofwine,thattheymay drink'

43AndshedidallthathecommandedherAndshewas verywise,clever,andprudentAndsheunitedall possiblecourtesyandlearning

44Andwhenthearmyofthekingandtheswordsman arrivedthefoundthetablesetinorder,andthewineand theluxuriousviands,andtheybeganeatinganddrinking tilltheyweregorgedanddrunken

45ThenHaiqârtooktheswordsmanasideapartfromthe companyandsaid,'OAbuSamîk,dostthounotknow thatwhenSarhadumtheking,thefatherofSennacherib, wantedtokillthee,Itooktheeandhidtheeinacertain placetilltheking'sangersubsidedandheaskedforthee?

46AndwhenIbroughttheeintohispresencehe rejoicedinthee:andnowrememberthekindnessIdid thee

47AndIknowthatthekingwillrepenthimaboutme andwillbewrothwithagreatwrathaboutmyexecution

48ForIamnotguilty,anditshallbewhenthoushalt presentmebeforehiminhispalace,thoushaltmeet withgreatgoodfortune,andknowthatNadanmy sister'ssonhasdeceivedmeandhasdonethisbaddeed tome,andthekingwillrepentofhavingslainme;and nowIhaveacellarinthegardenofmyhouse,andno oneknowsofit.

49Hidemeinitwiththeknowledgeofmywife.AndI haveaslaveinprisonwhodeservestobekilled.

50Bringhimoutanddresshiminmyclothes,and commandtheservantswhentheyaredrunktoslayhim. Theywillnotknowwhoitistheyarekilling.

51Andcastawayhisheadahundredcubitsfromhis body,andgivehisbodytomyslavesthattheymaybury it.Andthoushalthavelaidupagreattreasurewithme.

52AndthentheswordsmandidasHaiqârhad commandedhim,andhewenttothekingandsaidto him,'Maythyheadliveforever!'

53ThenHaiqâr'swifeletdowntohiminthehidingplaceeveryweekwhatsufficedforhim,andnoone knewofitbutherself

54Andthestorywasreportedandrepeatedandspread abroadineveryplaceofhowHaiqârtheSagehadbeen slainandwasdead,andallthepeopleofthatcity mournedforhim.

55Andtheyweptandsaid:'Alasforthee,OHaiqâr!and forthylearningandthycourtesy!Howsadaboutthee andaboutthyknowledge!Wherecananotherlikethee befound?andwherecantherebeamansointelligent, solearned,soskilledinrulingastoresembletheethat hemayfillthyplace?'

56ButthekingwasrepentingaboutHaiqâr,andhis repentanceavailedhimnaught.

57ThenhecalledforNadanandsaidtohim,'Goand takethyfriendswiththeeandmakeamourninganda weepingforthyuncleHaiqâr,andlamentforhimasthe customis,doinghonourtohismemory.'

58ButwhenNadan,thefoolish,theignorant,the hardhearted,wenttothehouseofhisuncle,heneither weptnorsorrowednorwailed,butassembledheartless anddissolutepeopleandsetabouteatinganddrinking

59AndNadanbegantoseizethemaidservantsandthe slavesbelongingtoHaiqâr,andboundthemandtortured themanddrubbedthemwithasoredrubbing

60Andhedidnotrespectthewifeofhisuncle,shewho hadbroughthimuplikeherownboy,butwantedherto fallintosinwithhim

61ButHaiqârhadbeencutintothehiding-place,andhe heardtheweepingofhisslavesandhisneighbours,and hepraisedtheMostHighGod,theMercifulOne,and gavethanks,andhealwaysprayedandbesoughtthe MostHighGod

62Andtheswordsmancamefromtimetotimeto Haiqârwhilsthewasinthemidstofthehiding-place: andHaiqârcameandentreatedhimAndhecomforted himandwishedhimdeliverance

63Andwhenthestorywasreportedinothercountries thatHaiqârtheSagehadbeenslain,allthekingswere grievedanddespisedkingSennacherib,andthey lamentedoverHaiqârthesolverofriddles.

CHAPTER4

"TheRiddlesoftheSphinx."Whatreallyhappenedto Ahikar.Hisreturn.

1AndwhenthekingofEgypthadmadesurethat Haiqârwasslain,hearosestraightwayandwrotealetter tokingSennacherib,remindinghiminit'ofthepeace andthehealthandthemightandthehonourwhichwe wishspeciallyforthee,mybelovedbrother,king Sennacherib.

2Ihavebeendesiringtobuildacastlebetweenthe heavenandtheearth,andIwanttheetosendmeawise, clevermanfromthyselftobuilditforme,andtoanswer meallmyquestions,andthatImayhavethetaxesand thecustomdutiesofAssyriaforthreeyears.'

3ThenhesealedtheletterandsentittoSennacherib.

4Hetookitandreaditandgaveittohisviziersandto thenoblesofhiskingdom,andtheywereperplexedand ashamed,andhewaswrothwithagreatwrath,andwas puzzledabouthowheshouldact.

5Thenheassembledtheoldmenandthelearnedmen andthewisemenandthephilosophers,andthediviners andtheastrologers,andeveryonewhowasinhis country,andreadthemtheletterandsaidtothem,'Who amongstyouwillgotoPharaohkingofEgyptand answerhimhisquestions?'

6Andtheysaidtohim,'Oourlordtheking!knowthou thatthereisnoneinthykingdomwhoisacquaintedwith thesequestionsexceptHaiqâr,thyvizierandsecretary.

7Butasforus,wehavenoskillinthis,unlessitbe Nadan,hissister'sson,forhetaughthimallhiswisdom andlearningandknowledge.Callhimtothee,perchance hemayuntiethishardknot.'

8ThenthekingcalledNadanandsaidtohim,'Lookat thisletterandunderstandwhatisinit.'AndwhenNadan readit,hesaid,'Omylord!whoisabletobuildacastle betweentheheavenandtheearth?'

9AndwhenthekingheardthespeechofNadanhe sorrowedwithagreatandsoresorrow,andstepped downfromhisthroneandsatintheashes,andbeganto weepandwailoverHaiqâr

10Saying,'Omygrief!OHaiqâr,whodidstknowthe secretsandtheriddles!woeismeforthee,OHaiqâr!O teacherofmycountryandrulerofmykingdom,where shallIfindthylike?OHaiqâr,Oteacherofmycountry, whereshallIturnforthee?woeismeforthee!howdid Idestroythee!andIlistenedtothetalkofastupid, ignorantboywithoutknowledge,withoutreligion, withoutmanliness

11Ah!andagainAhformyself!whocangivetheeto mejustforonce,orbringmewordthatHaiqârisalive? andIwouldgivehimthehalfofmykingdom

12Whenceisthistome?Ah,Haiqâr!thatImightsee theejustforonce,thatImighttakemyfillofgazingat thee,anddelightinginthee

13Ah!Omygrieffortheetoalltime!OHaiqâr,how haveIkilledthee!andItarriednotinthycasetillIhad seentheendofthematter.'

14Andthekingwentonweepingnightandday.Now whentheswordsmansawthewrathofthekingandhis sorrowforHaiqâr,hisheartwassoftenedtowardshim,, andheapproachedintohispresenceandsaidtohim:

15'Omylord!commandthyservantstocutoffmy head.'Thensaidthekingtohim:'Woetothee,Abu Samîk,whatisthyfault?'

16Andtheswordsmansaiduntohim,'Omymaster! everyslavewhoactscontrarytothewordofhismaster iskilled,andIhaveactedcontrarytothycommand.'

17Thenthekingsaiduntohim.'Woeuntothee,OAbu Samîk,inwhathastthouactedcontrarytomy command?'

18Andtheswordsmansaiduntohim,'Omylord!thou didstcommandmetokillHaiqâr,andIknewthatthou wouldstrepenttheeconcerninghim,andthathehad beenwronged,andIhidhiminacertainplace,andI

killedoneofhisslaves,andheisnowsafeinthecistern, andifthoucommandmeIwillbringhimtothee.'

19Andthekingsaiduntohim'Woetothee,OAbu Samîk!thouhastmockedmeandIamthylord.'

20Andtheswordsmansaiduntohim,'Nay,butbythe lifeofthyhead,Omylord!Haiqârissafeandalive.'

21Andwhenthekingheardthatsaying,hefeltsureof thematter,andhisheadswam,andhefaintedfromjoy, andhecommandedthemtobringHaiqâr.

22Andhesaidtotheswordsman,'Otrustyservant!if thyspeechbetrue,Iwouldfainenrichthee,andexalt thydignityabovethatofallthyfriends.'

23Andtheswordsmanwentalongrejoicingtillhecame toHaiqâr'shouse.Andheopenedthedoorofthehidingplace,andwentdownandfoundHaiqârsitting,praising God,andthankingHim.

24Andheshoutedtohim,saying,'OHaiqâr,Ibringthe greatestofjoy,andhappiness,anddelight!'

25AndHaiqârsaidtohim,'Whatisthenews,OAbu Samîk?'AndhetoldhimallaboutPharaohfromthe beginningtotheendThenhetookhimandwenttothe king

26Andwhenthekinglookedathim,hesawhimina stateofwant,andthathishairhadgrownlonglikethe wildbeasts'andhisnailsliketheclawsofaneagle,and thathisbodywasdirtywithdust,andthecolourofhis facehadchangedandfadedandwasnowlikeashes

27Andwhenthekingsawhimhesorrowedoverhim androseatonceandembracedhimandkissedhim,and weptoverhimandsaid:'PraisebetoGod!whohath broughttheebacktome'

28ThenheconsoledhimandcomfortedhimAndhe strippedoffhisrobe,andputitontheswordsman,and wasverygracioustohim,andgavehimgreatwealth, andmadeHaiqârrest

29ThensaidHaiqârtotheking,'Letmylordtheking liveforever!Thesebethedeedsofthechildrenofthe worldIhaverearedmeapalm-treethatImightleanon it,anditbentsideways,andthrewmedown

30But,OmyLord!sinceIhaveappearedforethee,let notcareoppressthee!Andthekingsaidtohim:'Blessed beGod,whoshowedtheemercy,andknewthatthou wastwronged,andsavedtheeanddeliveredtheefrom beingslain.

31Butgotothewarmbath,andshavethyhead,andcut thynails,andchangethyclothes,andamusethyselffor thespaceoffortydays,thatthoumaystdogoodto thyselfandimprovethyconditionandthecolourofthy facemaycomebacktothee.'

32Thenthekingstrippedoffhiscostlyrobe,andputit onHaiqâr,andHaiqârthankedGodanddidobeisanceto theking,anddepartedtohisdwellinggladandhappy, praisingtheMostHighGod.

33Andthepeopleofhishouseholdrejoicedwithhim, andhisfriendsandeveryonewhoheardthathewas aliverejoicedalso.

CHAPTER5

Theletterofthe"riddles"isshowntoAhikarTheboys ontheeagles.Thefirst"airplane"ride.OfftoEgypt. Ahikar,beingamanofwisdomalsohasasenseof humor.(Verse27).

1Andhedidasthekingcommandedhim,andtookrest forfortydays.

2Thenhedressedhimselfhisgayestdress,andwent ridingtotheking,withhisslavesbehindhimandbefore him,rejoicinganddelighted.

3ButwhenNadanhissister'ssonperceivedwhatwas happening,feartookholdofhimandterror,andhewas perplexed,notknowingwhattodo.

4AndwhenHaiqârsawitheenteredintotheking's presenceandgreetedhim,andhereturnedthegreeting, andmadehimsitdownathisside,sayingtohim, 'OmydarlingHaiqâr!lookattheseletterswhichthe, kingofEgyptsenttous,afterhehadheardthatthou wastslain.

5Theyhaveprovokedusandovercomeus,andmanyof thepeopleofourcountryhavefledtoEgyptforfearof thetaxesthatthekingofEgypthassenttodemandfrom us

6ThenHaiqârtooktheletterandreaditandunderstood itscontents

7Thenhesaidtotheking'Benotwroth,Omylord!I willgotoEgypt,andIwillreturntheanswersto Pharaoh,andIwilldisplaythislettertohim,andIwill replytohimaboutthetaxes,andIwillsendbackall thosewhohaverunaway;andIwillputthyenemiesto shamewiththehelpoftheMostHighGod,andforthe Happinessofthykingdom'

8AndwhenthekingheardthisspeechfromHaiqârhe rejoicedwithagreatjoy,andhisheartwasexpanded andheshowedhimfavour

9AndHaiqârsaidtotheking:'Grantmeadelayofforty daysthatImayconsiderthisquestionandmanageit' Andthekingpermittedthis

10AndHaiqârwenttohisdwelling,andhecommanded thehuntsmentocapturetwoyoungeagletsforhim,and theycapturedthemandbroughtthemtohim:andhe commandedtheweaversofropestoweavetwocablesof cottonforhim,eachofthemtwothousandcubitslong, andhehadthecarpentersbroughtandorderedthemto maketwogreatboxes,andtheydidthis.

11Thenhetooktwolittlelads,andspenteveryday sacrificinglambsandfeedingtheeaglesandtheboys, andmakingtheboysrideonthebacksoftheeagles,and heboundthemwithafirmknot,andtiedthecabletothe feetoftheeagles,andletthemsoarupwardslittleby littleeveryday,toadistanceoftencubits,tilltheygrew accustomedandwereeducatedtoit;andtheyroseall thelengthoftheropetilltheyreachedthesky;theboys beingontheirbacks.Thenhedrewthemtohimself.

12AndwhenHaiqârsawthathisdesirewasfulfilledhe chargedtheboysthatwhentheywerebornealofttothe skytheyweretoshout,saying:

13'Bringusclayandstone,thatwemaybuildacastle forkingPharaoh,forweareidle'

14AndHaiqârwasneverdonetrainingthemand exercisingthemtilltheyhadreachedtheutmostpossible point(ofskill)

15Thenleavingthemhewenttothekingandsaidto him,'Omylord!theworkisfinishedaccordingtothy desire.ArisewithmethatImayshowtheethewonder.'

16SothekingsprangupandsatwithHaiqârandwent toawideplaceandsenttobringtheeaglesandtheboys, andHaiqârtiedthemandletthemoffintotheairallthe lengthoftheropes,andtheybegantoshoutashehad taughtthem.Thenhedrewthemtohimselfandputthem intheirplaces.

17Andthekingandthosewhowerewithhimwondered withagreatwonder:andthekingkissedHaiqârbetween hiseyesandsaidtohim,'Goinpeace,Omybeloved!O prideofmykingdom!toEgyptandanswerthequestions ofPharaohandovercomehimbythestrengthofthe MostHighGod'

18Thenhebadehimfarewell,andtookhistroopsand hisarmyandtheyoungmenandtheeagles,andwent towardsthedwellingsofEgypt;andwhenhehad arrived,heturnedtowardsthecountryoftheking 19AndwhenthepeopleofEgyptknewthat SennacheribhadsentamanofhisPrivyCounciltotalk withPharaohandtoanswerhisquestions,theycarried thenewstokingPharaoh,andhesentapartyofhis PrivyCouncillorstobringhimbeforehim

20Andhecameandenteredintothepresenceof Pharaoh,anddidobeisancetohimasitisfittingtodoto kings

21Andhesaidtohim:'Omylordtheking!Sennacherib thekinghailstheewithabundanceofpeaceandmight, andhonour

22Andhehassentme,whoamoneofhisslaves,thatI mayanswertheethyquestions,andmayfulfilallthy desire:forthouhastsenttoseekfrommylordthekinga manwhowillbuildtheeacastlebetweentheheavenand theearth

23AndIbythehelpoftheMostHighGodandthy noblefavourandthepowerofmylordthekingwill builditfortheeasthoudesirest

24But,Omylordtheking!whatthouhastsaidinit aboutthetaxesofEgyptforthreeyears--nowthe stabilityofakingdomisstrictjustice,andifthou winnestandmyhandhathnoskillinreplyingtothee, thenmylordthekingwillsendtheethetaxeswhich thouhastmentioned.

25AndifIshallhaveansweredtheeinthyquestions,it shallremainfortheetosendwhateverthouhast mentionedtomylordtheking.'

26AndwhenPharaohheardthatspeech,hewondered andwasperplexedbythefreedomofhistongueandthe pleasantnessofhisspeech.

27AndkingPharaohsaidtohim,'Oman!whatisthy name?'Andhesaid,'ThyservantisAbiqâm,andIa littleantoftheantsofkingSennacherib.'

28AndPharaohsaidtohim,'Hadthylordnooneof higherdignitythanthee,thathehassentmealittleant toreplytome,andtoconversewithme?'

29AndHaiqârsaidtohim,'Omylordtheking!Iwould toGodMostHighthatImayfulfilwhatisonthymind, forGodiswiththeweakthatHemayconfoundthe strong.'

30ThenPharaohcommandedthattheyshouldpreparea dwellingforAbiqâmandsupplyhimwithprovender, meat,anddrink,andallthatheneeded.

31Andwhenitwasfinished,threedaysafterwards Pharaohclothedhimselfinpurpleandredandsatonhis throne,andallhisviziersandthemagnatesofhis kingdomwerestandingwiththeirhandscrossed,their feetclosetogether,andtheirheadsbowed.

32AndPharaohsenttofetchAbiqâm,andwhenhewas presentedtohim,hedidobeisancebeforehim,and kissedthegroundinfrontofhim.

33AndkingPharaohsaidtohim,'OAbiqâm,whomam Ilike?andthenoblesofmykingdom,towhomarethey like?'

34AndHaiqârsaidtohim,'OmylordthekinIthouart liketheidolBel,andthenoblesofthykingdomarelike hisservants'

35Hesaidtohim,'Go,andcomebackhithertomorrow'SoHaiqârwentaskingPharaohhad commandedhim

36AndonthemorrowHaiqârwentintothepresenceof Pharaoh,anddidobeisance,andstoodbeforetheking AndPharaohwasdressedinaredcolour,andthenobles weredressedinwhite

37AndPharaohsaidtohim'OAbiqâm,whomamIlike? andthenoblesofmykingdom,towhomaretheylike?'

38AndAbiqâmsaidtohim,'Omylord!thouartlikethe sun,andthyservantsarelikeitsbeams'AndPharaoh saidtohim,'Gotothydwelling,andcomehithertomorrow'

39ThenPharaohcommandedhisCourttowearpure white,andPharaohwasdressedlikethemandsatupon histhrone,andhecommandedthemtofetchHaiqâr Andheenteredandsatdownbeforehim

40AndPharaohsaidtohim,'OAbiqâm,whomamI like?andmynobles,towhomaretheylike?'

41AndAbiqâmsaidtohim,'Omylord!thouartlikethe moon,andthynoblesareliketheplanetsandthestars.' AndPharaohsaidtohim,'Go,andto-morrowbethou here.'

42ThenPharaohcommandedhisservantstowearrobes ofvariouscolours,andPharaohworearedvelvetdress, andsatonhisthrone,andcommandedthemtofetch Abiqâm.Andheenteredanddidobeisancebeforehim.

43Andhesaid,'OAbiqâm,whomamIlike?andmy armies,towhomaretheylike?'Andhesaid,'Omylord! thouartlikethemonthofApril,andthyarmiesarelike itsflowers.'

44Andwhenthekinghearditherejoicedwithagreat joyandsaid,'OAbiqâm!thefirsttimethoudidst comparemetotheidolBel,andmynoblestohis servants.

45Andthesecondtimethoudidstcomparemetothe sun,andmynoblestothesunbeams.

46Andthethirdtimethoudidstcomparemetothe moon,andmynoblestotheplanetsandthestars

47Andthefourthtimethoudidstcomparemetothe monthofApril,andmynoblestoitsflowers.Butnow, OAbiqâm!tellme,thylord,kingSennacherib,whomis helike?andhisnobles,towhomaretheylike?'

48AndHaiqârshoutedwithaloudvoiceandsaid:'Beit farfrommetomakementionofmylordthekingand thouseatedonthythrone.ButgetuponthyfeetthatI maytelltheewhommylordthekingislikeandto whomhisnoblesarelike.'

49AndPharaohwasperplexedbythefreedomofhis tongueandhisboldnessinanswering.ThenPharaoh arosefromhisthrone,andstoodbeforeHaiqâr,andsaid tohim,'Tellmenow,thatImayperceivewhomthylord thekingislike,andhisnobles,towhomtheyarelike.'

50AndHaiqârsaidtohim:'MylordistheGodof heaven,andhisnoblesarethelightningsandthethunder, andwhenhewillsthewindsblowandtherainfalls.

51Andhecommandsthethunder,anditlightensand rains,andheholdsthesun,anditgivesnotitslight,and themoonandthestars,andtheycirclenot.

52Andhecommandsthetempest,anditblowsandthe rainfallsandittramplesonAprilanddestroysits flowersanditshouses'

53AndwhenPharaohheardthisspeech,hewasgreatly perplexedandwaswrothwithagreatwrath,andsaidto him:'Oman!tellmethetruth,andletmeknowwho thoureallyart'

54Andhetoldhimthetruth'IamHaiqârthescribe, greatestofthePrivyCouncillorsofkingSennacherib, andIamhisvizierandtheGovernorofhiskingdom, andhisChancellor'

55Andhesaidtohim,'Thouhasttoldthetruthinthis sayingButwehaveheardofHaiqâr,thatking Sennacheribhasslainhim,yetthoudostseemtobe aliveandwell'

56AndHaiqârsaidtohim,'Yes,soitwas,butpraisebe toGod,whoknowethwhatishidden,formylordthe kingcommandedmetobekilled,andhebelievedthe wordofprofligatemen,buttheLorddeliveredme,and blessedishewhotrustethinHim'

57AndPharaohsaidtoHaiqâr,'Go,andto-morrowbe thouhere,andtellmeawordthatIhaveneverheard frommynoblesnorfromthepeopleofmykingdomand mycountry.'

CHAPTER6

Therusesucceeds.Ahikaranswerseveryquestionof Pharaoh.Theboysontheeaglesaretheclimaxofthe day.Wit,sorarelyfoundintheancientScriptures,is revealedinVerses34-45.

1AndHaiqârwenttohisdwelling,andwrotealetter, sayinginitonthiswise:

2FromSennacheribkingofAssyria.andNinevehto PharaohkingofEgypt.

3'Peacebetothee,Omybrother!andwhatwemake knowntotheebythisisthatabrotherhasneedofhis brother,andkingsofeachother,andmyhopefromthee isthatthouwouldstlendmeninehundredtalentsofgold, forIneeditforthevictuallingofsomeofthesoldiers,

that,Imayspendituponthem.AndafteralittlewhileI willsenditthee.'

4Thenhefoldedtheletter,andpresenteditonthe morrowtoPharaoh.

5Andwhenhesawit,hewasperplexedandsaidtohim, 'VerilyIhaveneverheardanythinglikethislanguage fromanyone.'

6ThenHaiqârsaidtohim,'Trulythisisadebtwhich thouowesttomylordtheking.'

7AndPharaohacceptedthis,saying,'OHaiqâr,itisthe likeoftheewhoarehonestintheserviceofkings.

8BlessedbeGodwhohathmadetheeperfectinwisdom andhathadornedtheewithphilosophyandknowledge.

9Andnow,OHaiqâr,thereremainswhatwedesire fromthee,thatthoushouldstbuildasacastlebetween heavenandearth.'

10ThensaidHaiqâr,'Tohearistoobey.Iwillbuild theeacastleaccordingtothywishandchoice;but,O mylordIprepareuslimeandstoneandclayand workmen,andIhaveskilledbuilderswhowillbuildfor theeasthoudesirest'

11Andthekingpreparedallthatforhim,andtheywent toawideplace;andHaiqârandhisboyscametoit,and hetooktheeaglesandtheyoungmenwithhim;andthe kingandallhisnobleswentandthewholecity assembled,thattheymightseewhatHaiqârwoulddo

12ThenHaiqârlettheeaglesoutoftheboxes,andtied theyoungmenontheirbacks,andtiedtheropestothe eagles'feet,andletthemgointheairAndtheysoared upwards,tilltheyremainedbetweenheavenandearth 13Andtheboysbegantoshout,saying,'Bringbricks, bringclay,thatwemaybuildtheking'scastle,forwe arestandingidle!'

14Andthecrowdwereastonishedandperplexed,and theywonderedAndthekingandhisnobleswondered 15AndHaiqârandhisservantsbegantobeatthe workmen,andtheyshoutedfortheking'stroops,saying tothem,'Bringtotheskilledworkmenwhattheywant anddonothinderthemfromtheirwork'

16Andthekingsaidtohim,'Thouartmad;whocan bringanythinguptothatdistance?'

17AndHaiqârsaidtohim,'Omylord!howshallwe buildacastleintheair?andifmylordthekingwere here,hewouldhavebuiltseveralcastlesinasingleday.'

18AndPharaohsaidtohim,'Go,OHaiqâr,tothy dwelling,andrest,forwehavegivenupbuildingthe castle,andto-morrowcometome.'

19ThenHaiqârwenttohisdwellingandonthemorrow heappearedbeforePharaoh.AndPharaohsaid,'O Haiqâr,whatnewsisthereofthehorseofthylord?for whenheneighsinthecountryofAssyriaandNineveh, andourmareshearhisvoice,theycasttheiryoung.'

20AndwhenHaiqârheardthisspeechhewentandtook acat,andboundherandbegantoflogherwithaviolent floggingtilltheEgyptiansheardit,andtheywentand toldthekingaboutit.

21AndPharaohsenttofetchHaiqâr,andsaidtohim,'O Haiqâr,whereforedostthouflogthusandbeatthat dumbbeast?'

22AndHaiqârsaidtohim,mylordtheking!verilyshe hasdoneanuglydeedtome,andhasdeservedthis drubbingandflogging,formylordkingSennacherib hadgivenmeafinecock,andhehadastrongtruevoice andknewthehoursofthedayandthenight.

23Andthecatgotupthisverynightandcutoffitshead andwentaway,andbecauseofthisdeedIhavetreated hertothisdrubbing.'

24AndPharaohsaidtohim,'OHaiqâr,Iseefromall thisthatthouartgrowingoldandartinthydotage,for betweenEgyptandNinevehtherearesixty-eight parasangs,andhowdidshegothisverynightandcut offtheheadofthycockandcomeback?'

25AndHaiqârsaidtohim,'Omylord!iftherewere suchadistancebetweenEgyptandNinevehhowcould thymareshearwhenmylordtheking'shorseneighsand casttheiryoung?andhowcouldthevoiceofthehorse reachtoEgypt?'

26AndwhenPharaohheardthat,heknewthatHaiqâr hadansweredhisquestions.

27AndPharaohsaid,'OHaiqâr,Iwanttheetomakeme ropesofthesea-sand'

28AndHaiqârsaidtohim,"Omylordtheking!order themtobringmearopeoutofthetreasurythatImay makeonelikeit'

29ThenHaiqârwenttothebackofthehouse,andbored holesintheroughshoreofthesea,andtookahandfulof sandinhishand,sea-sand,andwhenthesunrose,and penetratedintotheholes,hespreadthesandinthesun tillitbecameasifwovenlikeropes

30AndHaiqârsaid,'Commandthyservantstotake theseropes,andwheneverthoudesirestit,Iwillweave theesomelikethem'

31AndPharaohsaid,'OHaiqâr,wehaveamillstone hereandithasbeenbrokenandIwanttheetosewitup'

32ThenHaiqârlookedatit,andfoundanotherstone

33AndhesaidtoPharaoh'Omylord!Iamaforeigner: andIhavenotoolforsewing

34ButIwanttheetocommandthyfaithfulshoemakers tocutawlsfromthisstone,thatImaysewthat millstone'

35ThenPharaohandallhisnobleslaughed.Andhesaid, 'BlessedbetheMostHighGod,whogavetheethiswit andknowledge.'

36AndwhenPharaohsawthatHaiqârhadovercome him,andreturnedhimhisanswers,heatoncebecame excited,andcommandedthemtocollectforhimthree years'taxes,andtobringthemtoHaiqâr.

37Andhestrippedoffhisrobesandputthemupon Haiqâr,andhissoldiers,andhisservants,andgavehim theexpensesofhisjourney.

38Andhesaidtohim,'Goinpeace,Ostrengthofhis lordandprideofhisDoctors!haveanyoftheSultans thylike?givemygreetingstothylordkingSennacherib, andsaytohimhowwehavesenthimgifts,forkingsare contentwithlittle.'

39ThenHaiqârarose,andkissedkingPharaoh'shands andkissedthegroundinfrontofhim,andwishedhim strengthandcontinuance,andabundanceinhistreasury,

andsaidtohim,'Omylord!Idesirefromtheethatnot oneofourcountrymenmayremaininEgypt.'

40AndPharaoharoseandsentheraldstoproclaimin thestreetsofEgyptthatnotoneofthepeopleofAssyria orNinevehshouldremaininthelandofEgypt,butthat theyshouldgowithHaiqâr.

41ThenHaiqârwentandtookleaveofkingPharaoh, andjourneyed,seekingthelandofAssyriaandNineveh; andhehadsometreasuresandagreatdealofwealth.

42AndwhenthenewsreachedkingSennacheribthat Haiqârwascoming,hewentouttomeethimand rejoicedoverhimexceedinglywithgreatjoyand embracedhimandkissedhimandsaidtohim, 'Welcomehome:Okinsman!mybrotherHaiqâr,the strengthofmykingdom,andprideofmyrealm.

43Askwhatthouwould'sthavefromme,evenifthou desirestthehalfofmykingdomandofmypossessions.'

44ThensaidHaiqâruntohim,'Omylordtheking,live forever!Showfavour,Omylordtheking!toAbu Samîkinmystead,formylifewasinthehandsofGod andinhis'

45ThensaidSennacheribtheking,'Honourbetothee, OmybelovedHaiqâr!IwillmakethestationofAbu SamîktheswordsmanhigherthanallmyPrivy Councillorsandmyfavourites'

46Thenthekingbegantoaskhimhowhehadgoton withPharaohfromhisfirstarrivaluntilhehadcome awayfromhispresence,andhowhehadansweredall hisquestions,andhowhehadreceivedthetaxesfrom him,andthechangesofraimentandthepresents

47AndSennacheribthekingrejoicedwithagreatjoy, andsaidtoHaiqâr,'Takewhatthouwouldstfainhaveof thistribute,foritisallwithinthegraspofthyhand'

48AndHaiqârmid:'Letthekingliveforever!Idesire naughtbutthesafetyofmylordthekingandthe continuanceofhisgreatness

49Omylord!whatcanIdowithwealthanditslike? butifthouwiltshowmefavour,givemeNadan,my sister'sson,thatImayrecompensehimforwhathehas donetome,andgrantmehisbloodandholdme guiltlessofit'

50AndSennacheribthekingsaid,'Takehim,Ihave givenhimtothee.'AndHaiqârtookNadan,hissister's son,andboundhishandswithchainsofiron,andtook himtohisdwelling,andputaheavyfetteronhisfeet, andtieditwithatightknot,andafterbindinghimthus hecasthimintoadarkroom,besidetheretiring-place, andappointedNebu-halassentineloverhimtogivehim aloafofbreadandalittlewatereveryday.

CHAPTER7

TheparablesofAhikarinwhichhecompleteshis nephewseducation.Strikingsimiles.Ahikarcallsthe boypicturesquenamesHereendsthestoryofAhikar 1AndwheneverHaiqârwentinorouthescoldedNadan, hissister'sson,sayingtohimwisely:

2'ONadan,myboy!Ihavedonetotheeallthatisgood andkindandthouhastrewardedmeforitwithwhatis uglyandbadandwithkilling

3'Omyson!itissaidintheproverbs:Hewholisteneth notwithhisear,theywillmakehimlistenwiththe scruffofhisneck'

4AndNadansaid,'Forwhatcauseartthouwrothwith me?'

5AndHaiqârsaidtohim,'BecauseIbroughttheeup, andtaughtthee,andgavetheehonourandrespectand madetheegreat,andrearedtheewiththebestof breeding,andseatedtheeinmyplacethatthoumightest bemyheirintheworld,andthoudidsttreatmewith killinganddidstrepaymewithmyruin.

6ButtheLordknewthatIwaswronged,andHesaved mefromthewarewhichthouhadstsetforme,forthe Lordhealeththebrokenheartsandhindereththeenvious andthehaughty.

7Omyboy!thouhastbeentomelikethescorpion whichwhenitstrikesonbrass,piercesit.

8Omyboy!thouartlikethegazellewhowaseatingthe rootsofthemadder,anditaddmeto-dayandto-morrow theywilltantheyhideinmyroots."

9Omyboy!thouhastbeentowhosawhiscomrade nakedinthechillytimeofwinter;andhetookcold waterandpoureditonhim

10Omyboy!thouhastbeentomelikeamanwhotook astone,andthrewituptoheaventostonehisLordwith itAndthestonedidnothit,anddidnotreachhigh enough,butitbecamethecauseofguiltandsin

11Omyboy!ifthouhadsthonouredmeandrespected meandhadstlistenedtomywordsthouwouldsthave beenmyheirandwouldsthavereignedovermy dominions

12Omyson!knowthouthatifthetailofthedogorthe pigweretencubitslongitwouldnotapproachtothe worthofthehorse'sevenifitwerelikesilk

13Omyboy!Ithoughtthatthouwouldsthavebeenmy heiratmydeath;andthouthroughthyenvyandthy insolencedidstdesiretokillmeButtheLorddelivered mefromthycunning

14Omyson!thouhastbeentomelikeatrapwhichwas setuponthedunghill,andtherecameasparrowand foundthetrapsetupAndthesparrowsaidtothetrap, "Whatdoestthouhere?"Saidthetrap,"Iampraying heretoGod."

15Andthelarkaskeditalso,"Whatisthepieceofwood thatthouholdest?"Saidthetrap,"ThatisayoungoaktreeonwhichIleanatthetimeofprayer."

16Saidthelark:"Andwhatisthatthinginthymouth?" Saidthetrap:"ThatisbreadandvictualswhichIcarry forallthehungryandthepoorwhocomeneartome."

17Saidthelark:"NowthenmayIcomeforwardandeat, forIamhungry?"Andthetrapsaidtohim,"Come forward."Andthelarkapproachedthatit,mighteat.

18Butthetrapsprangupandseizedthelarkbyitsneck.

19Andthelarkansweredandsaidtothetrap,"Ifthatis thybreadforthehungryGodacceptethnotthinealms andthykinddeeds.

20Andifthatisthyfastingandthyprayers,God acceptethfromtheeneitherthyfastnorthyprayer,and Godwillnotperfectwhatisgoodconcerningthee."

21Omyboy!thouhastbeentome(as)alionwhomade friendswithanass,andtheasskeptwalkingbeforethe lionforatime;andonedaythelionsprangupontheass andateitup.

22Omyboy!thouhastbeentomelikeaweevilinthe wheat,foritdoesnogoodtoanything,butspoilsthe wheatandgnawsit.

23Omyboy!thouhastbeenlikeamanwhosowedten measuresofwheat,andwhenitwasharvesttime,he aroseandreapedit,andgarneredit,andthreshedit,and toiledoverittotheveryutmost,anditturnedouttobe tenmeasures,anditsmastersaidtoit:"Othoulazy thing!thouhastnotgrownandthouhastnotshrunk."

24Omyboy!thouhastbeentomelikethepartridge thathadbeenthrownintothenet,andshecouldnotsave herself,butshecalledouttothepartridges,thatshe mightcastthemwithherselfintothenet.

25Omyson!thouhastbeentomelikethedogthatwas coldanditwentintothepotter'shousetogetwarm.

26Andwhenithadgotwarm,itbegantobarkatthem, andtheychaseditoutandbeatit,thatitmightnotbite them

27Omyson!thouhastbeentomelikethepigwho wentintothehotbathwithpeopleofquality,andwhen itcameoutofthehotbath,itsawafilthyholeandit wentdownandwallowedinit

28Omyson!thouhastbeentomelikethegoatwhich joineditscomradesontheirwaytothesacrifice,andit wasunabletosaveitself

29Omyboy!thedogwhichisnotfedfromitshunting becomesfoodforflies

30Omyson!thehandwhichdoesnotlabourand ploughand(which)isgreedyandcunningshallbecut awayfromitsshoulder

31Omyson!theeyeinwhichlightisnotseen,the ravensshallpickatitandpluckitout

32Omyboy!thouhastbeentomelikeatreewhose branchestheywerecutting,anditsaidtothem,"If somethingofmewerenotinyourhands,verilyyou wouldbeunabletocutme"

33Omyboy!thouartlikethecattowhomtheysaid: "Leaveoffthievingtillwemakefortheeachainofgold andfeedtheewithsugarandalmonds."

34Andshesaid,"Iamnotforgetfulofthecraftofmy fatherandmymother."

35Omyson!thouhastbeenliketheserpentridingona thorn-bushwhenhewasinthemidstofariver,anda wolfsawthemandsaid,"Mischiefuponmischief,and lethimwhoismoremischievousthantheydirectboth ofthem."

36Andtheserpentsaidtothewolf,"Thelambsandthe goatsandthesheepwhichthouhasteatenallthylife, wiltthoureturnthemtotheirfathersandtotheirparents orno?"

37Saidthewolf,"No."Andtheserpentsaidtohim,"I thinkthataftermyselfthouarttheworstofus."

38Omyboy!Ifedtheewithgoodfoodandthoudidst notfeedmewithdrybread.

39Omyboy!Igavetheesugaredwaterto.drinkand goodsyrup,andthoudidstnotgivemewaterfromthe welltodrink

40Omyboy!Itaughtthee,andbroughttheeup,and thoudidstdigahiding-placeformeanddidstconceal me.

41Omyboy!Ibroughttheeupwiththebestupbringing andtrainedtheelikeatallcedar;andthouhasttwisted andbentme.

42Omyboy!itwasmyhopeconcerningtheethatthou wouldstbuildmeafortifiedcastle,thatImightbe concealedfrommyenemiesinit,andthoudidstbecome tomelikeoneburyinginthedepthoftheearth;butthe Lordtookpityonmeanddeliveredmefromthy cunning.

43Omyboy!Iwishedtheewell,andthoudidstreward mewithevilandhatefulness,andnowIwouldfaintear outthineeyes,andmaketheefoodfordogs,andcutout thytongue,andtakeoffthyheadwiththeedgeofthe sword,andrecompensetheeforthineabominable deeds'

44AndwhenNadanheardthisspeechfromhisuncle Haiqâr,hesaid:'Omyuncle!dealwithmeaccordingto thyknowledge,andforgivememysins,forwhoisthere whohathsinnedlikeme,orwhoistherewhoforgives likethee?

45Acceptme,Omyuncle!NowIwillserveinthy house,andgroomthyhorsesandsweepupthedungof thycattle,andfeedthysheep,forIamthewickedand thouarttherighteous:Itheguiltyandthouthe forgiving'

46AndHaiqârsaidtohim,'Omyboy!thouartlikethe treewhichwasfruitlessbesidethewater,anditsmaster wasfaintocutitdown,anditsaidtohim,"Removeme toanotherplace,andifIdonotbearfruit,cutmedown"

47Anditsmastersaidtoit,"Thoubeingbesidethe waterhastnotbornefruit,howshaltthoubearfruit whenthouartinanotherplace?"

48Omyboy!theoldageoftheeagleisbetterthanthe youthofthecrow

49Omyboy!theysaidtothewolf,"Keepawayfrom thesheeplesttheirdustshouldharmthee."Andthewolf said,"Thedregsofthesheep'smilkaregoodformy eyes."

50Omyboy!theymadethewolfgotoschoolthathe mightlearntoreadandtheysaidtohim,"SayA,B."He said,"Lambandgoatinmybell"

51Omyboy!theysettheassdownatthetableandhe fell,andbegantorollhimselfinthedustandonesaid, "Lethimrollhimself,foritishisnature,hewillnot change.

52Omyboy!thesayinghasbeenconfirmedwhichruns: "Ifthoubegettestaboy,callhimthyson,andifthou rearestaboy,callhimthyslave."

53Omyboy!hewhodoethgoodshallmeetwithgood; andhewhodoethevilshallmeetwithevil,fortheLord requitethamanaccordingtothemeasureofhiswork.

54Omyboy!whatshallIsaymoretotheethanthese sayings?fortheLordknowethwhatishidden,andis acquaintedwiththemysteriesandthesecrets

55AndHewillrequitetheeandwilljudge,betwixtme andthee,andwillrecompensetheeaccordingtothy desert',

56AndwhenNadanheardthatspeechfromhisuncle Haiqâr,heswelledupimmediatelyandbecamelikea blown-outbladder.

57Andhislimbsswelledandhislegsandhisfeetand hisside,andhewastornandhisbellyburstasunderand hisentrailswerescattered,andheperished,anddied.

58Andhislatterendwasdestruction,andhewentto hell.Forhewhodigsapitforhisbrothershallfallintoit; andhewhosetsuptrapsshallbecaughtinthem.

59Thisiswhathappenedand(what)wefoundaboutthe taleofHaiqâr,andpraisebetoGodforever.Amen,and peace.

60ThischronicleisfinishedwiththehelpofGod,may Hebeexalted!Amen,Amen,Amen.

Judah,thefourthsonofJacobandLeah.Heisthegiant, athlete,warrior;herecountsheroicdeedsHerunssofast thathecanoutstripahind

1ThecopyofthewordsofJudah,whatthingshespaketo hissonsbeforehedied

2Theygatheredthemselvestogether,therefore,andcame tohim,andhesaidtothem:Hearken,mychildren,to Judahyourfather

3IwasthefourthsonborntomyfatherJacob;andLeah mymothernamedmeJudah,saying,Igivethankstothe Lord,becauseHehathgivenmeafourthsonalso 4Iwasswiftinmyyouth,andobedienttomyfatherin everything

5AndIhonouredmymotherandmymother'ssister

6Anditcametopass,whenIbecameaman,thatmy fatherblessedme,saying,Thoushaltbeaking,prospering inallthings

7AndtheLordshowedmefavourinallmyworksbothin thefieldandinthehouse

8IknowthatIracedahind,andcaughtit,andpreparedthe meatformyfather,andhedideat.

9AndtheroesIusedtomasterinthechase,andovertake allthatwasintheplains

10AwildmareIovertook,andcaughtitandtamedit.

11Islewalionandpluckedakidoutofitsmouth

12Itookabearbyitspawandhurleditdownthecliff,and itwascrushed

13Ioutranthewildboar,andseizingitasIran,Itoreitin sunder.

14AleopardinHebronleapeduponmydog,andIcaught itbythetail,andhurleditontherocks,anditwasbroken intwain

15Ifoundawildoxfeedinginthefields,andseizingitby thehorns,andwhirlingitroundandstunningit,Icastit frommeandslewit.

16AndwhenthetwokingsoftheCanaanitescame sheathed,inarmouragainstourflocks,andmuchpeople withthem,singlehandedIrusheduponthekingofHazor, andsmotehimonthegreivesanddraggedhimdown,and soIslewhim

17Andtheother,thekingofTappuah,ashesatuponhis horse,Islew,andsoIscatteredallhispeople

18Achor,theking,amanofgiantstature,Ifound,hurling javelinsbeforeandbehindashesatonhorseback,andI tookupastoneofsixtypoundsweight,andhurleditand smotehishorse,andkilledit

19AndIfoughtwiththisotherfortwohours;andIclave hisshieldintwain,andIchoppedoffhisfeet,andkilled him

20AndasIwasstrippingoffhisbreastplate,beholdnine menhiscompanionsbegantofightwithme,

21AndIwoundmygarmentonmyhand;andIslung stonesatthem,andkilledfourofthem,andtherestfled.

22AndJacobmyfatherslewBeelesath,kingofallthe kings,agiantinstrength,twelvecubitshigh

23Andfearfelluponthem,andtheyceasedwarring againstus

24Thereforemyfatherwasfreefromanxietyinthewars whenIwaswithmybrethren.

25Forhesawinavisionconcerningmethatanangelof mightfollowedmeeverywhere,thatIshouldnotbe overcome.

26Andinthesouththerecameuponusagreaterwarthan thatinShechem;andIjoinedinbattlearraywithmy brethren,andpursuedathousandmen,andslewofthem twohundredmenandfourkings

27AndIwentupuponthewall,andIslewfourmighty men.

28AndsowecapturedHazor,andtookallthespoil

29AndthenextdaywedepartedtoAretan,acitystrong andwalledandinaccessible,threateninguswithdeath.

30ButIandGadapproachedontheeastsideofthecity, andReubenandLevionthewest

31Andtheythatwereuponthewall,thinkingthatwewere alone,weredrawndownagainstus

32Andsomybrotherssecretlyclimbedupthewallon bothsidesbystakes,andenteredthecity,whilethemen knewitnot

33Andwetookitwiththeedgeofthesword

34Andasforthosewhohadtakenrefugeinthetower,we setfiretothetowerandtookbothitand,them

35AndasweweredepartingthemenofTappuahseized ourspoil,andseeingthiswefoughtwiththem.

36Andweslewthemallandrecoveredourspoil

37AndwhenIwasatthewatersofKozeba,themenof Jobelcameagainstustobattle.

38Andwefoughtwiththemandroutedthem;andtheir alliesfromShilohweslew,andwedidnotleavethem powertocomeinagainstus

39AndthemenofMakircameuponusthefifthday,to seizeourspoil;andweattackedthemandovercamethem infiercebattle:fortherewasahostofmightymen amongstthem,andweslewthembeforetheyhadgoneup theascent.

40Andwhenwecametotheircitytheirwomenrolled uponusstonesfromthebrowofthehillonwhichthecity stood.

41AndIandSimeonhadourselvesbehindthetown,and seizedupontheheights,anddestroyedthiscityalso

42Andthenextdayitwastoldusthatthekingofthecity ofGaashwithamightyhostwascomingagainstus 43I,therefore,andDanfeignedourselvestobeAmorites, andasallieswentintotheircity.

44Andinthedepthofnightourbrethrencameandwe openedtothemthegates;andwedestroyedallthemenand theirsubstance,andwetookforapreyallthatwastheirs, andtheirthreewallswecastdown

45AndwedrewneartoThamna,wherewasallthe substanceofthehostilekings.

46Thenbeinginsultedbythem,Iwasthereforewroth,and rushedagainstthemtothesummit;andtheykeptslinging againstmestonesanddarts.

47AndhadnotDanmybrotheraidedme,theywouldhave slainme

48Wecameuponthem,therefore,withwrath,andtheyall fled;andpassingbyanotherway,theyfoughtmyfather, andhemadepeacewiththem

49Andwedidtothemnohurt,andtheybecametributary tous,andwerestoredtothemtheirspoil

50AndIbuiltThamna,andmyfatherbuiltPabael 51Iwastwentyyearsoldwhenthiswarbefell.Andthe Canaanitesfearedmeandmybrethren

52AndIhadmuchcattle,andIhadforchiefherdsman IramtheAdullamite

53AndwhenIwenttohimIsawParsaba,kingofAdullam; andhespakeuntous,andhemadeusafeast;andwhenI washeatedhegavemehisdaughterBathshuatowife

54ShebaremeEr,andOnanandShelah;andtwoofthem theLordsmote:forShelahlived,andhischildrenareye

CHAPTER2

Judahdescribessomearcheologicalfindings,acitywith wallsofIronandgatesofbrassHehasanencounterwith anadventuress

1Andeighteenyearsmyfatherabodeinpeacewithhis brotherEsau,andhissonswithus,afterthatwecamefrom Mesopotamia,fromLaban.

2Andwheneighteenyearswerefulfilled,inthefortieth yearofmylife,Esau,thebrotherofmyfather,cameupon uswithamightyandstrongpeople.

3AndJacobsmoteEsauwithanarrow,andhewastaken upwoundedonMountSeir,andashewenthediedat Anoniram.

4AndwepursuedafterthesonsofEsau

5Nowtheyhadacitywithwallsofironandgatesofbrass; andwecouldnotenterintoit,andweencampedaround, andbesiegedit

6Andwhentheyopenednottousintwentydays,Isetup aladderinthesightofallandwithmyshielduponmy headIwentup,sustainingtheassaultofstones,upwardsof threetalentsweight;andIslewfouroftheirmightymen

7AndReubenandGadslewsixothers.

8Thentheyaskedfromustermsofpeace;andhaving takencounselwithourfather,wereceivedthemas tributaries.

9Andtheygaveusfivehundredcorsofwheat,five hundredbathsofoil,fivehundredmeasuresofwine,until thefamine,whenwewentdownintoEgypt

10AndafterthesethingsmysonErtooktowifeTamar, fromMesopotamia,adaughterofAram.

11NowErwaswicked,andhewasinneedconcerning Tamar,becauseshewasnotofthelandofCanaan

12AndonthethirdnightanangeloftheLordsmotehim.

13Andhehadnotknownheraccordingtotheevil craftinessofhismother,forhedidnotwishtohave childrenbyher

14InthedaysoftheweddingfeastIgaveOnantoherin marriage;andhealsoinwickednessknewhernot,though hespentwithherayear.

15AndwhenIthreatenedhimhewentinuntoher,buthe spilledtheseedontheground,accordingtothecommand ofhismother,andhealsodiedthroughwickedness.

16AndIwishedtogiveShelahalsotoher,buthismother didnotpermitit;forshewroughtevilagainstTamar, becauseshewasnotthedaughtersofCanaan,asshealso herselfwas

17AndIknewthattheraceoftheCanaaniteswaswicked, buttheimpulseofyouthblindedmymind.

18AndwhenIsawherpouringoutwine,owingtothe intoxicationofwineIwasdeceived,andtookheralthough myfatherhadnotcounselledit.

19AndwhileIwasawayshewentandtookforShelaha wifefromCanaan

20AndwhenIknewwhatshehaddone,Icursedherinthe anguishofmysoul

21Andshealsodiedthroughherwickednesstogetherwith hersons.

22Andafterthesethings,whileTamarwasawidow,she heardaftertwoyearsthatIwasgoingup,toshearmy sheep,andadornedherselfinbridalarray,andsatinthe cityEnaimbythegate

23ForitwasalawoftheAmorites,thatshewhowas abouttomarryshouldsitinfornicationsevendaysbythe gate

24Thereforebeingdrunkwithwine,Ididnotrecognize her;andherbeautydeceivedme,throughthefashionofher adorning

25AndIturnedasidetoher,andsaid:Letmegoinunto thee.

26Andshesaid:Whatwiltthougiveme?AndIgaveher mystaff,andmygirdle,andthediademofmykingdomin pledge.

27AndIwentinuntoher,andsheconceived

28AndnotknowingwhatIhaddone,Iwishedtoslayher; butsheprivilysentmypledges,andputmetoshame.

29AndwhenIcalledher,Iheardalsothesecretwords whichIspokewhenlyingwithherinmydrunkenness;and Icouldnotslayher,becauseitwasfromtheLord.

30ForIsaid,Lesthaplyshediditinsubtlety,having receivedthepledgefromanotherwoman

31ButIcamenotagainnearherwhileIlived,becauseI haddonethisabominationinallIsrael

32Moreover,theywhowereinthecitysaidtherewasno harlotinthegate,becauseshecamefromanotherplace, andsatforawhileinthegate

33AndIthoughtthatnooneknewthatIhadgoneintoher.

34AndafterthiswecameintoEgypttoJoseph,becauseof thefamine

35AndIwasfortyandsixyearsold,andseventyandthree yearslivedIinEgypt

CHAPTER3

Hecounselsagainstwineandlustastwinevils."Forhe whoisdrunkenreverencethnoman"(Verse13).

1AndnowIcommandyou,mychildren,hearkentoJudah yourfather,andkeepmysayingstoperformallthe ordinancesoftheLord,andtoobeythecommandsofGod 2Andwalknotafteryourlusts,norintheimaginationsof yourthoughtsinhaughtinessofheart;andglorynotinthe deedsandstrengthofyouryouth,forthisalsoisevilinthe eyesoftheLord.

3SinceIalsogloriedthatinwarsnocomelywoman'sface everenticedme,andreprovedReubenmybrother concerningBilhah,thewifeofmyfather,thespiritsof jealousyandoffornicationarrayedthemselvesagainstme, untilIlaywithBathshuatheCanaanite,andTamar,who wasespousedtomysons.

4ForIsaidtomyfather-in-law:Iwilltakecounselwith myfather,andsowillItakethydaughter

5Andhewasunwillingbutheshowedmeaboundless storeofgoldinhisdaughter'sbehalf;forbewasaking

6Andheadornedherwithgoldandpearls,andcausedher topouroutwineforusatthefeastwiththebeautyof women.

7Andthewineturnedasidemyeyes,andpleasureblinded myheart

8AndIbecameenamouredofandIlaywithher,and transgressedthecommandmentoftheLordandthe commandmentofmyfathers,andItookhertowife

9AndtheLordrewardedmeaccordingtotheimagination ofmyheart,inasmuchasIhadnojoyinherchildren

10Andnow,mychildren,Isayuntoyou,benotdrunk withwine;forwineturneththemindawayfrom,thetruth, andinspiresthepassionoflust,andleadeththeeyesinto error

11Forthespiritoffornicationhathwineasaministerto givepleasuretothemind;forthesetwoalsotakeawaythe mindofman

12Forifamandrinkwinetodrunkenness,itdisturbeththe mindwithfilthythoughtsleadingtofornication,and heateththebodytocarnalunion;andiftheoccasionofthe lustbepresent,heworkeththesin,andisnotashamed.

13Suchistheinebriatedman,mychildren;forhewhois drunkenreverencethnoman.

14For,lo,itmademealsotoerr,sothatIwasnot ashamedofthemultitudeinthecity,inthatbeforetheeyes ofallIturnedasideuntoTamar,andIwroughtagreatsin, andIuncoveredthecoveringofmysons'shame.

15AfterIhaddrunkwineIreverencednotthe commandmentofGod,andItookawomanofCanaanto wife

16Formuchdiscretionneedeththemanwhodrinkethwine, mychildren;andhereinisdiscretionindrinkingwine,a manmaydrinksolongashepreservethmodesty

17Butifhegobeyondthislimitthespiritofdeceit attackethhismind,anditmakeththedrunkardtotalk filthily,andtotransgressandnottobeashamed,buteven togloryinhisshame,andtoaccounthimselfhonourable

18Hethatcommittethfornicationisnotawarewhenhe suffersloss,andisnotashamedwhenputtodishonour

19Foreventhoughamanbeakingandcommit fornication,heisstrippedofhiskingshipbybecomingthe slaveoffornication,asImyselfalsosuffered

20ForIgavemystaff,thatis,thestayofmytribe;andmy girdle,thatis,mypower;andmydiadem,thatis,theglory ofmykingdom

21AndindeedIrepentedofthesethings;wineandfleshI eatnotuntilmyoldage,nordidIbeholdanyjoy.

22AndtheangelofGodshowedmethatforeverdo womenbearruleoverkingandbeggaralike

23Andfromthekingtheytakeawayhisglory,andfrom thevaliantmanhismight,andfromthebeggareventhat littlewhichisthestayofhispoverty

24Observe,therefore,mychildren,therightlimitinwine; forthereareinitfourevilspirits--oflust,ofhotdesire,of profligacy,offilthylucre

25Ifyedrinkwineingladness,beyemodestinthefearof God

26ForifinyourgladnessthefearofGoddeparteth,then drunkennessarisethandshamelessnessstealethin.

27Butifyewouldlivesoberlydonottouchwineatall, lestyesininwordsofoutrage,andinfightingsand slanders,andtransgressionsofthecommandmentsofGod, andyeperishbeforeyourtime

28Moreover,winerevealeththemysteriesofGodandmen, evenasIalsorevealedthecommandmentsofGodandthe mysteriesofJacobmyfathertotheCanaanitishwoman Bathshua,whichGodbademenottoreveal

29Andwineisacausebothofwarandconfusion

30Andnow,Icommandyou,mychildren,nottolove money,nortogazeuponthebeautyofwomen;becausefor thesakeofmoneyandbeautyIwasledastraytoBathshua theCanaanite.

31ForIknowthatbecauseofthesetwothingsshallmy racefallintowickedness

32Forevenwisemenamongmysonsshalltheymar,and shallcausethekingdomofJudahtobediminished,which theLordgavemebecauseofmyobediencetomyfather

33ForInevercausedgrieftoJacob,myfather;forall thingswhatsoeverhecommandedIdid

34AndIsaac,thefatherofmyfather,blessedmetobe kinginIsrael,andJacobfurtherblessedmeinlikemanner.

35AndIknowthatfrommeshallthekingdombe established

36AndIknowwhatevilsyewilldointhelastdays.

37Beware,therefore,mychildren,offornication,andthe loveofmoney,andhearkentoJudahyourfather.

38ForthesethingswithdrawaufromthelawofGod,and blindtheinclinationofthesoul,andteacharrogance,and suffernotamantohavecompassionuponhisneighbour

39Theyrobhissoulofallgoodness,andoppresshimwith toilsandtroubles,anddriveawaysleepfromhim,and devourhisflesh

40AndhehindereththesacrificesofGod;andhe rememberethnottheblessingofGod,hehearkenethnotto aprophetwhenhespeaketh,andresenteththewordsof godliness

41Forheisaslavetotwocontrarypassions,andcannot obeyGod,becausetheyhaveblindedhissoul,andhe walkethinthedayasinthenight.

42Mychildren,theloveofmoneyleadethtoidolatry; because,whenledastraythroughmoney,mennameas godsthosewhoarenotgods,anditcausethhimwhohath ittofallintomadness

43ForthesakeofmoneyIlostmychildren,andhadnot myrepentance,andmyhumiliation,andtheprayersofmy fatherbeenaccepted,Ishouldhavediedchildless

44ButtheGodofmyfathershadmercyonme,becauseI diditinignorance

45Andtheprinceofdeceitblindedme,andIsinnedasa manandasflesh,beingcorruptedthroughsins;andIlearnt myownweaknesswhilethinkingmyselfinvincible

46Know,therefore,mychildren,thattwospiritswaitupon man-thespiritoftruthandthespiritofdeceit.

47Andinthemidstisthespiritofunderstandingofthe mind,towhichitbelongethtoturnwhithersoeveritwill Andtheworksoftruthandtheworksofdeceitarewritten upontheheartsofmen,andeachoneofthemtheLord knoweth

49Andthereisnotimeatwhichtheworksofmencanbe hid;forontheheartitselfhavetheybeenwrittendown beforetheLord

50Andthespiritoftruthtestifiethallthings,andaccuseth all;andthesinnerisburntupbyhisownheart,andcannot raisehisfacetothejudge

Judahmakesavividsimileconcerningtyrannyandadire prophecyconcerningthemoralsofhislisteners

1Andnow,mychildren,Icommandyou,loveLevi,that yemayabide,andexaltnotyourselvesagainsthim,lestye beutterlydestroyed

2FortometheLordgavethekingdom,andtohimthe priesthood,andHesetthekingdombeneaththepriesthood

3TomeHegavethethingsupontheearth;tohimthe thingsintheheavens.

4Astheheavenishigherthantheearth,soisthe priesthoodofGodhigherthantheearthlykingdom,unless itfallsawaythroughsinfromtheLordandisdominatedby theearthlykingdom

5FortheangeloftheLordsaiduntome:TheLordchose himratherthanthee,todrawneartoHim,andtoeatofHis tableandtoofferHimthefirst-fruitsofthechoicethingsof thesonsofIsrael;butthoushaltbekingofJacob

6Andthoushaltbeamongstthemasthesea.

7Foras,onthesea,justandunjustaretossedabout,some takenintocaptivitywhilesomeareenriched,soalsoshall everyraceofmenbeinthee:someshallbeimpoverished, beingtakencaptive,andothersgrowrichbyplunderingthe possessionsofothers

8Forthekingsshallbeassea-monsters.

9Theyshallswallowmenlikefishes:thesonsand daughtersoffreemenshalltheyenslave;houses,lands, flocks,moneyshalltheyplunder:

10Andwiththefleshofmanyshalltheywrongfullyfeed theravensandthecranes;andtheyshalladvanceinevilin covetousnessuplifted,andthereshallbefalseprophetslike tempest,andtheyshallpersecuteallrighteousmen

11AndtheLordshallbringuponthemdivisionsone againstanother.

12AndthereshallbecontinualwarsinIsrael;andamong menofanotherraceshallmykingdombebroughttoan end,untilthesalvationofIsraelshallcome

13UntiltheappearingoftheGodofrighteousness,that Jacob,andalltheGentilesmayrestinpeace.

14AndHeshallguardthemightofmykingdomforever; fortheLordawaretomewithanoaththatHewouldnot destroythekingdomfrommyseedforever.

15NowIhavemuchgrief,mychildren,becauseofyour lewdnessandwitchcrafts,andidolatrieswhichyeshall practiseagainstthekingdom,followingthemthathave familiarspirits,diviners,anddemonsoferror

16Yeshallmakeyourdaughterssinginggirlsandharlots, andyeshallmingleintheabominationsoftheGentiles.

17Forwhichthings'saketheLordshallbringuponyou famineandpestilence,deathandthesword,beleaguering byenemies,andrevilingsoffriends,theslaughterof children,therapeofwives,theplunderingofpossessions, theburningofthetempleofGod,thelayingwasteofthe land,theenslavementofyourselvesamongtheGentiles.

18Andtheyshallmakesomeofyoueunuchsfortheir wives

19UntiltheLordvisityou,whenwithperfectheartye repentandwalkinallHiscommandments,andHebring youupfromcaptivityamongtheGentiles

20Andafterthesethingsshallastararisetoyoufrom Jacobinpeace,

21Andamanshallarisefrommyseed,likethesunof righteousness, 22Walkingwiththesonsofmeninmeeknessand righteousness;

23Andnosinshallbefoundinhim

24Andtheheavensshallbeopeneduntohim,topourout thespirit,eventheblessingoftheHolyFather;andHe shallpouroutthespiritofgraceuponyou;

25AndyeshallbeuntoHimsonsintruth,andyeshall walkinHiscommandmentsfirstandlast

26Thenshallthesceptreofmykingdomshineforth;and fromyourrootshallariseastem;andfromitshallgrowa rodofrighteousnesstotheGentiles,tojudgeandtosave allthatcallupontheLord

27AndafterthesethingsshallAbrahamandIsaacand Jacobariseuntolife;andIandmybrethrenshallbechiefs ofthetribesofIsrael:

28Levifirst,Ithesecond,Josephthird,Benjaminfourth, Simeonfifth,Issacharsixth,andsoallinorder

29AndtheLordblessedLevi,andtheAngelofthe Presence,me;thepowersofglory,Simeon;theheaven, Reuben;theearth,Issachar;thesea,Zebulun;the mountains,Joseph;thetabernacle,Benjamin;the luminaries,Dan;Eden,Naphtali;thesun,Gad;themoon, Asher

30AndyeshallbethepeopleoftheLord,andhaveone tongue;andthereshallbetherenospiritofdeceitofBeliar, forheshallbecastintothefireforever

31Andtheywhohavediedingriefshallariseinjoy,and theywhowerepoorfortheLord'ssakeshallbemaderich, andtheywhoareputtodeathfortheLord'ssakeshall awaketolife.

32AndthehartsofJacobshallruninjoyfulness,andthe eaglesofIsraelshallflyingladness;andallthepeople shallglorifytheLordforever.

33Observe,therefore,mychildren,allthelawoftheLord, forthereishopeforallthemwhoholdfastunto,Hisways 34Andhesaidtothem:Behold,Idiebeforeyoureyesthis day,ahundredandnineteenyearsold

35Letnooneburymeincostlyapparel,nortearopenmy bowels,forthisshalltheywhoarekingsdo;andcarryme uptoHebronwithyou

36AndJudah,whenhehadsaidthesethings,fellasleep; andhissonsdidaccordingtoallwhatsoeverhe commandedthem,andtheyburiedhiminHebron,withhis fathers

Issachar,thefifthsonofJacoband Leah.Thesinlesschildofhirefor mandrakesHeappealsforsimplicity

1ThecopyofthewordsofIssachar.

2Forhecalledhissonsandsaidto them:Hearken,mychildren,to Issacharyourfather;giveeartothe wordsofhimwhoisbelovedofthe Lord.

3IwasbornthefifthsontoJacob,by wayofhireforthemandrakes.

4ForReubenmybrotherbroughtin mandrakesfromthefield,andRachel methimandtookthem.

5AndReubenwept,andathisvoice Leahmymothercameforth.

6Nowthesemandrakesweresweetsmellingappleswhichwereproduced inthelandofHaranbelowaravineof water.

7AndRachelsaid:Iwillnotgive themtothee,buttheyshallbetome insteadofchildren.

8FortheLordhathdespisedme,andI havenotbornechildrentoJacob.

9Nowthereweretwoapples;and LeahsaidtoRachel:Letitsufficethee thatthouhasttakenmyhusband:wilt thoutakethesealso?

10AndRachelsaidtoher:Thoushalt haveJacobthisnightforthe mandrakesofthyson,

11AndLeahsaidtoher:Jacobismine, forIamthewifeofhisyouth.

12ButRachelsaid:Boastnot,and vauntnotthyself;forheespousedme beforethee,andformysakeheserved ourfatherfourteenyears.

13Andhadnotcraftincreasedonthe earthandthewickednessofmen prospered,thouwouldstnotnowsee thefaceofJacob.

14Forthouartnothiswife,butin craftwerttakentohiminmystead.

15Andmyfatherdeceivedme,and removedmeonthatnight,anddidnot sufferJacobtoseeme;forhadIbeen there,thishadnothappenedtohim.

16Nevertheless,forthemandrakesI amhiringJacobtotheeforonenight.

17AndJacobknewLeah,andshe conceivedandbareme,andon accountofthehireIwascalled Issachar.

18ThenappearedtoJacobanangelof theLord,saying:Twochildrenshall Rachelbear,inasmuchasshehath refusedcompanywithherhusband, andhathchosencontinency.

19AndhadnotLeahmymotherpaid thetwoapplesforthesakeofhis company,shewouldhaveborneeight sons;forthisreasonshebaresix,and Rachelbarethetwo:foronaccountof themandrakestheLordvisitedher.

20ForHeknewthatforthesakeof childrenshewishedtocompanywith Jacob,andnotforlustofpleasure.

21Foronthemorrowalsosheagain gaveupJacob.

22Becauseofthemandrakes, therefore,theLordhearkenedto Rachel.

23Forthoughshedesiredthem,she catthemnot,butofferedtheminthe houseoftheLord,presentingthemto thepriestoftheMostHighwhowasat thattime.

24When,therefore,Igrewup,my children,Iwalkedinuprightnessof heart,andIbecameahusbandmanfor myfatherandmybrethren,andI broughtinfruitsfromthefield accordingtotheirseason.

25Andmyfatherblessedme,forhe sawthatIwalkedinrectitudebefore him.

26AndIwasnotabusybodyinmy doings,norenviousandmalicious againstmyneighbour.

27Ineverslanderedanyone,nordidI censurethelifeofanyman,walkingas Ididinsinglenessofeye.

28Therefore,whenIwasthirty-five yearsold,Itooktomyselfawife,for mylabourworeawaymystrength,and Ineverthoughtuponpleasurewith women;butowingtomytoil,sleep overcameme.

29Andmyfatheralwaysrejoicedin myrectitude,becauseIoffered throughthepriesttotheLordallfirstfruits;thentomyfatheralso.

30AndtheLordincreasedten thousandfoldHisbenefitsinmyhands; andalsoJacob,myfather,knewthat Godaidedmysingleness.

31ForonallthepoorandoppressedI bestowedthegoodthingsoftheearth inthesinglenessofmyheart.

32Andnow,hearkentome,my children,andwalkinsinglenessof yourheart,forIhaveseeninitallthat iswell-pleasingtotheLord.'

33Thesingle-mindedmancoveteth notgold,heoverreachethnothis neighbour,helongethnotafter manifolddainties,hedelightethnotin variedapparel.

34Hedothnotdesiretolivealong life,butonlywaitethforthewillof God.

35Andthespiritsofdeceithaveno poweragainsthim,forhelookethnot onthebeautyofwomen,lestheshould pollutehismindwithcorruption.

36Thereisnoenvyinhisthoughts,no maliciouspersonmakethhissoulto pineaway,norworrywithinsatiable desireinhismind.

37Forhewalkethinsinglenessofsoul, andbeholdethallthingsinuprightness ofheart,shunningeyesmadeevil throughtheerroroftheworld,lesthe shouldseetheperversionofanyofthe commandmentsoftheLord.

38Keep,therefore,mychildren,the lawofGod,andgetsingleness,and walkinguilelessness,notplayingthe busybodywiththebusinessofyour neighbour,butlovetheLordandyour neighbour,havecompassiononthe poorandweak.

39Bowdownyourbackunto husbandry,andtoilinlaboursinall mannerofhusbandry,offeringgiftsto theLordwiththanksgiving.

40Forwiththefirst-fruitsoftheearth willtheLordblessyou,evenasHe blessedallthesaintsfromAbeleven untilnow.

41Fornootherportionisgiventoyou thanofthefatnessoftheearth,whose fruitsareraisedbytoil.

42ForourfatherJacobblessedme withblessingsoftheearthandoffirstfruits.

43AndLeviandJudahwereglorified bytheLordevenamongthesonsof Jacob;fortheLordgavetheman

inheritance,andtoLeviHegavethe priesthood,andtoJudahthekingdom.

44Anddoyethereforeobeythem,and walkinthesinglenessofyourfather; foruntoGadhathitbeengivento destroythetroopsthatarecoming uponIsrael.

CHAPTER2

1Knowyetherefore,mychildren,that inthelasttimesyoursonswillforsake singleness,andwillcleaveunto insatiabledesire.

2Andleavingguilelessness,willdraw neartomalice;andforsakingthe commandmentsoftheLord,theywill cleaveuntoBeliar.

3Andleavinghusbandry,theywill followaftertheirownwickeddevices, andtheyshallbedispersedamongthe Gentiles,andshallservetheirenemies.

4Anddoyouthereforegivethese commandstoyourchildren,that,if theysin,theymaythemorequickly returntotheLord;ForHeismerciful, andwilldeliverthem,eventobring thembackintotheirland.

5Behold,therefore,asyesee,Iama hundredandtwenty-sixyearsoldand amnotconsciousofcommittingany sin.

6ExceptmywifeIhavenotknown anywoman.Inevercommitted fornicationbytheupliftingofmyeyes.

7Idranknotwine,tobeledastray thereby;

8Icovetednotanydesirablethingthat wasmyneighbour's.

9Guilearosenotinmyheart;

10Aliepassednotthroughmylips.

11IfanymanwereindistressIjoined mysighswithhis,

12AndIsharedmybreadwiththe poor.

13Iwroughtgodliness,allmydaysI kepttruth.

14IlovedtheLord;likewisealso everymanwithallmyheart.

15Sodoyoualsothesethings,my children,andeveryspiritofBeliar shallfleefromyou,andnodeedof wickedmenshallruleoveryou;

16Andeverywildbeastshallye subdue,sinceyouhavewithyouthe Godofheavenandearthandwalk withmeninsinglenessofheart.

17Andhavingsaidthesethings,he commandedhissonsthattheyshould carryhimuptoHebron,andburyhim thereinthecavewithhisfathers.

18Andhestretchedouthisfeetand died,atagoodoldage;withevery limbsound,andwithstrength unabated,heslepttheeternalsleep.

CHAPTER1

Zebulun,thesixthsonofJacobandLeahThe inventorandphilanthropist.,Whathelearned asaresultoftheplotagainstJoseph

1ThecopyofthewordsofZebulun,whichhe enjoinedonhissonsbeforehediedinthe hundredandfourteenthyearofhislife,two yearsafterthedeathofJoseph 2Andhesaidtothem:Hearkentome,ye sonsofZebulunattendtothewordsofyour father.

3I,Zebulun,wasbornagoodgifttomy parents

4ForwhenIwasbornmyfatherwas increasedveryexceedingly,bothinflocksand herds,whenwiththestrakedrodshehadhis portion

5IamnotconsciousthatIhavesinnedallmy days,saveinthought.

6NoryetdoIrememberthatIhavedoneany iniquity,exceptthesinofignorancewhichI committedagainstJoseph;forIcovenanted withmybrethrennottotellmyfatherwhat hadbeendone.

7ButIweptinsecretmanydaysonaccount ofJoseph,forIfearedmybrethren,because theyhadallagreedthatifanyoneshould declarethesecret,heshouldbeslain.

8Butwhentheywishedtokillhim,Iadjured themmuchwithtearsnottobeguiltyofthis sin

9ForSimeonandGadcameagainstJosephto killhim,andhesaiduntothemwithtears: Pityme,mybrethren,havemercyuponthe bowelsofJacobourfather:laynotuponme yourhandstoshedinnocentblood,forIhave notsinnedagainstyou.

10AndifindeedIhavesinned,with chasteningchastiseme,mybrethren,butlay notuponmeyourhand,forthesakeofJacob ourfather,

11Andashespokethesewords,wailingas hedidso,Iwasunabletobearhis lamentations,andbegantoweep,andmy liverwaspouredout,andallthesubstanceof mybowelswasloosened.

12AndIweptwithJosephandmyheart sounded,andthejointsofmybodytrembled, andIwasnotabletostand.

13AndwhenJosephsawmeweepingwith him,andthemcomingagainsthimtoslayhim, hefledbehindme,beseechingthem.

14ButmeanwhileReubenaroseandsaid: Come,mybrethren,letusnotslayhim,but letuscasthimintooneofthesedrypits, whichourfathersdiggedandfoundnowater

15ForforthiscausetheLordforbadethat watershouldriseupintheminorderthat Josephshouldbepreserved.

16Andtheydidso,untiltheysoldhimtothe Ishmaelites

17ForinhispriceIhadnoshare,mychildren.

18ButSimeonandGadandsixotherofour brethrentookthepriceofJoseph,andbought sandalsforthemselves,andtheirwives,and theirchildren,saying:

19Wewillnoteatofit,foritisthepriceof ourbrother'sblood,butwewillassuredly treaditunderfoot,becausehesaidthathe wouldbekingoverus,andsoletusseewhat willbecomeofhisdreams.

20Thereforeitiswritteninthewritingofthe lawofMoses,thatwhosoeverwillnotraise upseedtohisbrother,hissandalshouldbe unloosed,andtheyshouldspitinhisface.

21AndthebrethrenofJosephwishednotthat theirbrothershouldlive,andtheLordloosed fromthemthesandalwhichtheyworeagainst Josephtheirbrother

22ForwhentheycameintoEgypttheywere unloosedbytheservantsofJosephoutsidethe gate,andsotheymadeobeisancetoJoseph afterthefashionofKingPharaoh.

23Andnotonlydidtheymakeobeisanceto him,butwerespituponalso,fallingdown beforehimforthwith,andsotheywereputto shamebefore.theEgyptians.

24ForafterthistheEgyptiansheardallthe evilsthattheyhaddonetoJoseph.

25Andafterhewassoldmybrotherssat downtoeatanddrink.

26ButI,throughpityforJoseph,didnoteat, butwatchedthepit,sinceJudahfearedlest Simeon,Dan,andGadshouldrushoffand slayhim

27ButwhentheysawthatIdidnoteat,they setmetowatchhim,tillhewassoldtothe Ishmaelites.

28AndwhenReubencameandheardthat whilehewasawayJosephhadbeensold,he renthisgarments,andmourning,said:

29HowshallIlookonthefaceofmyfather Jacob?Andhetookthemoneyandranafter themerchantsbutashefailedtofindthemhe returnedgrieving

30Butthemerchantshadleftthebroadroad andmarchedthroughtheTroglodytesbya shortcut.

31ButReubenwasgrieved,andatenofood thatday

32Danthereforecametohimandsaid:Weep not,neithergrieve;forwehavefoundwhat wecansaytoourfatherJacob.

33Letusslayakidofthegoats,anddipinit thecoatofJoseph;andletussendittoJacob, saying:Know,isthisthecoatofthyson?

34Andtheydidso.Fortheystrippedofffrom Josephhiscoatwhentheyweresellinghim, andputuponhimthegarmentofaslave

35NowSimeontookthecoat,andwouldnot giveitup,forhewishedtorenditwithhis sword,ashewasangrythatJosephlivedand thathehadnotslainhim.

36Thenweallroseupandsaiduntohim:If thougivestnotupthecoat,wewillsaytoour fatherthatthoualonedidstthisevilthingin Israel.

37Andsohegaveituntothem,andtheydid evenasDanhadsaid.

CHAPTER2

Heurgeshumansympathyandunderstanding ofone'sfellowmen

1Andnowchildren,Iyoutokeepthe commandsoftheLord,andtoshowmercyto yourneighbours,andtohavecompassion towardsall,nottowardsmenonly,butalso towardsbeasts.

2Forallthisthing'ssaketheLordblessedme, andwhenallmybrethrenweresick,Iescaped

withoutsickness,fortheLordknoweththe purposesofeach.

3Have,therefore,compassioninyourhearts, mychildren,becauseevenasamandoethto hisneighbour,evensoalsowilltheLorddo tohim.

4Forthesonsofmybrethrenweresickening andweredyingonaccountofJoseph,because theyshowednotmercyintheirhearts;butmy sonswerepreservedwithoutsickness,asye know.

5AndwhenIwasinthelandofCanaan,by thesea-coast,ImadeacatchoffishforJacob myfather;andwhenmanywerechokedinthe sea,Icontinuedunhurt

6Iwasthefirsttomakeaboattosailupon thesea,fortheLordgavemeunderstanding andwisdomtherein.

7AndIletdownarudderbehindit,andI stretchedasailuponanotheruprightpieceof woodinthemidst.

8AndIsailedthereinalongtheshores, catchingfishforthehouseofmyfatheruntil wecametoEgypt

9AndthroughcompassionIsharedmycatch witheverystranger.

10Andifamanwereastranger,orsick,or aged,Iboiledthefish,anddressedthemwell, andofferedthemtoallmen,aseverymanhad need,grievingwithandhavingcompassion uponthem

11WhereforealsotheLordsatisfiedmewith abundanceoffishwhencatchingfish;forhe thatsharethwithhisneighbourreceiveth manifoldmorefromtheLord

12ForfiveyearsIcaughtfishandgave thereoftoeverymanwhomIsaw,and sufficedforallthehouseofmyfather.

13AndinthesummerIcaughtfish,andin thewinterIkeptsheepwithmybrethren.

14NowIwilldeclareuntoyouwhatIdid.

15Isawamanindistressthroughnakedness inwintertime,andhadcompassionuponhim, andstoleawayagarmentsecretlyfrommy father'shouse,andgaveittohimwhowasin distress.

16Doyou,therefore,mychildren,fromthat whichGodbestowethuponyou,show compassionandmercywithouthesitationto

allmen,andgivetoeverymanwithagood heart.

17Andifyehavenotthewherewithaltogive tohimthatneedeth,havecompassionforhim inbowelsofmercy.

18Iknowthatmyhandfoundnotthe wherewithaltogivetohimthatneeded,andI walkedwithhimweepingforsevenfurlongs, andmybowelsyearnedtowardshimin compassion

19Have,therefore,yourselvesalso,my children,compassiontowardseverymanwith mercy,thattheLordalsomayhave compassionandmercyuponyou.

20Becausealsoin,thelastdaysGodwill sendHiscompassionontheearth,and wheresoeverHefindethbowelsofmercyHe dwellethinhim.

21Forinthedegreeinwhichamanhath compassionuponhisneighbours,inthesame degreehaththeLordalsouponhim.

22AndwhenwewentdownintoEgypt, Josephborenomaliceagainstus.

23Towhomtakingheed,doyealso,my children,approveyourselveswithoutmalice, andloveoneanother;anddonotsetdownin account,eachoneofyou,evilagainsthis brother.

24Forthisbreakethunityanddividethall kindred,andtroubleththesoul,andweareth awaythecountenance

25Observe,therefore,thewaters,andknow whentheyflowtogether,theysweepalong stones,trees,earth,andotherthings.

26Butiftheyaredividedintomanystreams, theearthswalloweththemup,andtheyvanish away.

27Soshallyealsobeifyebedivided.Benot Ye,therefore,dividedintotwoheadsfor everythingwhichtheLordmade.hathbutone head,andtwoshoulders,twohands,twofeet, andalltheremainingmembers

28ForIhavelearntinthewritingofmy fathers,thatyeshallbedividedinIsrael,and yeshallfollowtwokings,andshallwork everyabomination.

29Andyourenemiesshallleadyoucaptive, andyeshallbeevilentreatedamongthe

Gentiles,withmanyinfirmitiesand tribulations.

30Andafterthesethingsyeshallremember theLordandrepent,andHeshallhavemercy uponyou,forHeismercifuland compassionate.

31AndHesettethnotdowninaccountevil againstthesonsofmen,becausetheyare flesh,andaredeceivedthroughtheirown wickeddeeds

32Andafterthesethingsshalltherearise untoyoutheLordHimself,thelightof righteousness,andyeshallreturnuntoyour land.

33AndyeshallseeHiminJerusalem,forHis name'ssake.

34Andagainthroughthewickednessofyour worksshallyeprovokeHimtoanger, 35AndyeshallbecastawaybyHimuntothe timeofconsummation.

36Andnow,mychildren,grievenotthatIam dying,norbecastdowninthatIamcoming tomyend.

37ForIshallriseagaininthemidstofyou, asarulerinthemidstofhissons;andIshall rejoiceinthemidstofmytribe,asmanyas shallkeepthelawoftheLord,andthe commandmentsofZebuluntheirfather.

38ButupontheungodlyshalltheLordbring eternalfire,anddestroythemthroughoutall generations

39ButIamnowhasteningawaytomyrest, asdidalsomyfathers

40ButdoyefeartheLordourGodwithall yourstrengthallthedaysofyourlife

41Andwhenhehadsaidthesethingshefell asleep,atagoodoldage.

42Andhissonslaidhiminawoodencoffin. Andafterwardstheycarriedhimupand buriedhiminHebron,withhisfathers.

CHAPTER1

TheseventhsonofJacobandBilhah.The jealousoneHecounselsagainstanger sayingthat"itgivethpeculiarvision." Thisisanotablethesisonanger

1ThecopyofthewordsofDan,which hespaketohissonsinhislastdays,in thehundredandtwenty-fifthyearofhis life.

2ForhecalledtogetherhisIfamily,and said:Hearkentomywords,yesonsof Dan;andgiveheedtothewordsofyour father.

3Ihaveprovedinmyheart,andinmy wholelife,thattruth withjustdealingisgoodandwell pleasingtoGod,andthatlyingandanger areevil,becausetheyteachmanall wickedness.

4Iconfess,therefore,thisdaytoyou,my children,thatinmyheartIresolvedon thedeathofJosephmybrother,thetrue andgoodman..

5AndIrejoicedthathewassold, becausehisfatherlovedhimmorethan us.

6Forthespiritofjealousyandvainglory saidtome:Thouthyselfalsoarthisson.

7AndoneofthespiritsofBeliarstirred meup,saying:Takethissword,andwith itslayJoseph:soshallthyfatherlove theewhenheisdead.

8Nowthisisthespiritofangerthat persuadedmetocrushJosephasa leopardcrushethakid

9ButtheGodofmyfathersdidnot sufferhimtofallintomyhands,sothatI shouldfindhimaloneandslayhim,and causeasecondtribetobedestroyedin Israel.

10Andnow,mychildren,beholdIam dying,andItellyouofatruth,that

unlessyekeepyourselvesfromthespirit oflyingandofanger,andlovetruthand longsuffering,yeshallperish.

11Forangerisblindness,anddoesnot sufferonetoseethefaceofanyman withtruth

12Forthoughitbeafatheroramother, hebehavethtowardsthemasenemies; thoughitbeabrother,heknowethhim not;thoughitbeaprophetoftheLord, hedisobeyethhim;thougharighteous man,heregardethhimnot;thougha friend,hedothnotacknowledgehim.

13Forthespiritofangerencompasseth himwiththenetofdeceit,andblindeth hiseyes,andthroughlyingdarkenethhis mind,andgivethhimitsownpeculiar vision.

14Andwherewithencompassethithis eyes?Withhatredofheart,soastobe enviousofhisbrother.

15Forangerisanevilthing,mychildren, forittroubletheventhesoulitself.

16Andthebodyoftheangrymanit makethitsown,andoverhissoulit getteththemastery,anditbestoweth uponthebodypowerthatitmayworkall iniquity.

17Andwhenthebodydoesallthese things,thesouljustifiethwhatisdone, sinceitseethnotaright.

18Thereforehethatiswrathful,ifhebe amightyman,hathathreefoldpowerin hisanger:onebythehelpofhisservants; andasecondbyhiswealth,wherebyhe persuadethandovercomethwrongfully; andthirdly,havinghisownnatural powerheworkeththerebytheevil.

19Andthoughthewrathfulmanbeweak, yethathheapowertwofoldofthatwhich isbynature;forwratheveraidethsuchin lawlessness.

20Thisspiritgoethalwayswithlyingat therighthandofSatan,thatwithcruelty andlyinghisworksmaybewrought.

21Understandye,therefore,thepowerof wrath,thatitisvain.

22Foritfirstofallgivethprovocationby word;thenbydeedsitstrengthenethhim whoisangry,andwithsharplosses disturbethhismind,andsostirrethup withgreatwrathhissoul

23Therefore,whenanyone.speaketh againstyou,benotyemovedtoanger, andifanymanpraisethyouasholymen, benotuplifted:benotmovedeitherto delightortodisgust.

24Forfirstitpleaseththehearing,andso makeththemindkeentoperceivethe groundsforprovocation;andthenbeing enraged,hethinkeththatheisjustly angry.

25Ifyefallintoanylossorruin,my children,benotafflicted;forthisvery spiritmakethamandesirethatwhichis perishable,inorderthathemaybe enragedthroughtheaffliction.

26Andifyesufferlossvoluntarily,or involuntarily,benotvexed;forfrom vexationarisethwrathwithlying.

27Moreover,atwofoldmischiefiswrath withlying;andtheyassistoneanotherin ordertodisturbtheheart;andwhenthe souliscontinuallydisturbed,theLord departethfromit,andBeliarrulethover it.

CHAPTER2

Aprophecyofthesins,captivity,plagues, andultimaterestitutionofthenation TheystilltalkofEden(SeeVerse18). Verse23isremarkableinthelightof prophecy.

1Observe,therefore,mychildren,the commandmentsoftheLord,andkeep Hislaw;departfromwrath,andhate lying,thattheLordmaydwellamong you,andBeliarmayfleefromyou.

2Speaktrutheachonewithhis neighbour.Soshallyenotfallintowrath andconfusion;butyeshallbeinpeace, havingtheGodofpeace,soshallnowar prevailoveryou

3LovetheLordthroughallyourlife,and oneanotherwithatrueheart.

4Iknowthatinthelastdaysyeshall departfromtheLord,andyeshall provokeLeviuntoanger,andfight againstJudah;butyeshallnotprevail againstthem,foranangeloftheLord shallguidethemboth;forbythemshall Israelstand.

5Andwhensoeveryedepartfromthe Lord,yeshallwalkinallevilandwork theabominationsoftheGentiles,going a-whoringafterwomenofthelawless ones,whilewithallwickednessthe spiritsofwickednessworkinyou.

6ForIhavereadinthebookofEnoch, therighteous,thatyourprinceisSatan, andthatallthespiritsofwickednessand pridewillconspiretoattendconstantly onthesonsofLevi,tocausethemtosin beforetheLord.

7AndmysonswilldrawneartoLevi, andsinwiththeminallthings;andthe sonsofJudahwillbecovetous, plunderingothermen'sgoodslikelions.

8Thereforeshallyebeledawaywith themintocaptivity,andthereshallye receivealltheplaguesofEgypt,andall theevilsoftheGentiles.

9AndsowhenyereturntotheLordye shallobtainmercy,andHeshallbring youintoHissanctuary,andHeshallgive youpeace

10Andthereshallariseuntoyoufrom thetribeofJudahandofLevithe salvationoftheLord;andheshallmake waragainstBeliar

11Andexecuteaneverlastingvengeance onourenemies;andthecaptivityshallhe takefromBeliarthesoulsofthesaints, andturndisobedientheartsuntotheLord, andgivetothemthatcalluponhim eternalpeace

12AndthesaintsshallrestinEden,and intheNewJerusalemshalltherighteous rejoice,anditshallbeuntothegloryof Godforever.

13AndnolongershallJerusalemendure desolation,norIsraelbeledcaptive;for theLordshallbeinthemidstofit[living amongstmen],andtheHolyOneof Israelshallreignoveritinhumilityand inpoverty;andhewhobelievethonHim shallreignamongstmenintruth.

14Andnow,feartheLord,mychildren, andbewareofSatanandhisspirits.

15DrawnearuntoGodanduntothe angelthatintercedethforyou,forheisa mediatorbetweenGodandman,andfor thepeaceofIsraelheshallstandup againstthekingdomoftheenemy.

16Thereforeistheenemyeagerto destroyallthatcallupontheLord.

17Forheknoweththatuponthedayon whichIsraelshallrepent,thekingdomof theenemyshallbebroughttoanend.

18Fortheveryangelofpeaceshall strengthenIsrael,thatitfallnotintothe extremityofevil.

19Anditshallbeinthetimeofthe lawlessnessofIsrael,thattheLordwill notdepartfromthem,butwilltransform themintoanationthatdoethHiswill,for noneoftheangelswillbeequaluntohim

20AndHisnameshallbeineveryplace inIsrael,andamongtheGentiles

21Keep,therefore,yourselves,my children,fromeveryevilwork,andcast awaywrathandalllying,andlovetruth andlong-suffering

22Andthethingswhichyehaveheard fromyourfather,doyealsoimpartto yourchildrenthattheSaviourofthe Gentilesmayreceiveyou;forheistrue andlong-suffering,meekandlowly,and teachethbyhisworksthelawofGod

23Depart,therefore,fromall unrighteousness,andcleaveuntothe righteousnessofGod,andyourracewill besavedforever.

24Andburymenearmyfathers.

25Andwhenhehadsaidthesethingshe kissedthem,andfellasleepatagoodold age.

26Andhissonsburiedhim,andafter thattheycarrieduphisbones,andplaced themnearAbraham,andIsaac,andJacob.

27Nevertheless,Danprophesiedunto themthattheyshouldforgettheirGod, andshouldbealienatedfromthelandof theirinheritanceandfromtheraceof Israel,andfromthefamilyoftheirseed.

CHAPTER1

Naphtali,theeighthsonofJacobandBilhah TheRunner.Alessoninphysiology.

1Thecopyof,thetestamentofNaphtali, whichheordainedatthetimeofhisdeathin thehundredandthirtiethyearofhislife

2Whenhissonsweregatheredtogetherinthe seventhmonth,onthefirstdayofthemonth, whilestillingoodhealth,hemadethema feastoffoodandwine.

3Andafterhewasawakeinthemorning,he saidtothem,Iamdying;andtheybelieved himnot

4AndasheglorifiedtheLord,hegrewstrong andsaidthatafteryesterday'sfeastheshould die.

5Andhebeganthentosay:Hear,my children,yesonsofNaphtali,hearthewords ofyourfather.

6IwasbornfromBilhah,andbecauseRachel dealtcraftly,andgaveBilhahinplaceof herselftoJacob,andsheconceivedandbare meuponRachel'sknees,thereforeshecalled mynameNaphtali.

7ForRachellovedmeverymuchbecauseI wasbornuponherlap;andwhenIwasstill youngshewaswonttokissme,andsay:May Ihaveabrotherofthinefrommineown womb,likeuntothee

8WhencealsoJosephwaslikeuntomeinall things,accordingtotheprayersofRachel

9NowmymotherwasBilhah,daughterof RotheusthebrotherofDeborah,Rebecca's nurse,whowasbornononeandtheself-same daywithRachel.

10AndRotheuswasofthefamilyof Abraham,aChaldean,God-fearing,free-born, andnoble.

11Andhewastakencaptiveandwasbought byLaban;andhegavehimEunahis handmaidtowife,andsheboreadaughter, andcalledhernameZilpah,afterthenameof thevillageinwhichhehadbeentakencaptive.

12AndnextsheboreBilhah,saying:My daughterhastensafterwhatisnew,for immediatelythatshewasbornsheseizedthe breastandhastenedtosuckit

13AndIwasswiftonmyfeetlikethedeer, andmyfatherJacobappointedmeforall messages,andasadeerdidhegivemehis blessing.

14Forasthepotterknoweththevessel,how muchitistocontain,andbringethclay accordingly,soalsodoththeLordmakethe bodyafterthelikenessofthespirit,and accordingtothecapacityofthebodydothHe implantthespirit

15Andtheonedoesnotfallshortoftheother byathirdpartofahair;forbyweight,and measure,andrulewasallthecreationmade.

16Andasthepotterknoweththeuseofeach vessel,whatitismeetfor,soalsodoththe Lordknowthebody,howfaritwillpersistin goodness,andwhenitbeginnethinevil

17Forthereisnoinclinationorthought whichtheLordknowethnot,forHecreated everymanafterHisownimage.

18Forasaman'sstrength,soalsoinhiswork; ashiseye,soalsoinhissleep;ashissoul,so alsoinhiswordeitherinthelawoftheLord orinthelawofBeliar

19Andasthereisadivisionbetweenlight anddarkness,betweenseeingandhearing,so alsoisthereadivisionbetweenmanandman, andbetweenwomanandwoman;anditisnot tobesaidthattheoneisliketheothereither infaceorinmind.

20ForGodmadeallthingsgoodintheir order,thefivesensesinthehead,andHe joinedonthenecktothehead,addingtoitthe hairalsoforcomelinessandglory,thenthe heartforunderstanding,thebellyfor excrement,andthestomachforgrinding,the windpipefortakinginthebreath,theliverfor wrath,thegallforbitterness,thespleenfor laughter,thereinsforprudence,themuscles oftheloinsforpower,thelungsfordrawing in,theloinsforstrength,andsoforth.

21Sothen,mychildren,letallyourworksbe doneinorderwithgoodintentinthefearof God,anddonothingdisorderlyinscornorout ofitsdueseason.

22Forifthoubidtheeyetohear,itcannot;so neitherwhileyeareindarknesscanyedothe worksoflight.

23Beye,therefore,noteagertocorruptyour doingsthroughcovetousnessorwithvain wordstobeguileyoursouls;becauseifye keepsilenceinpurityofheart,yeshall understandhowtoholdfastthewillofGod, andtocastawaythewillofBeliar.

24Sunandmoonandstars,changenottheir order;sodoyealsochangenotthelawof Godinthedisorderlinessofyourdoings.

25TheGentileswentastray,andforsookthe Lord,andchargedtheirorder,andobeyed stocksandstones,spiritsofdeceit.

26Butyeshallnotbeso,mychildren, recognizinginthefirmament,intheearth,and inthesea,andinallcreatedthings,theLord whomadeallthings,thatyebecomenotas Sodom,whichchangedtheorderofnature

27InlikemannertheWatchersalsochanged theorderoftheirnature,whomtheLord cursedattheflood,onwhoseaccountHe madetheearthwithoutinhabitantsand fruitless.

28ThesethingsIsayuntoyou,mychildren, forIhavereadinthewritingofEnochthatye yourselvesalsoshalldepartfromtheLord, walkingaccordingtoallthelawlessnessof theGentiles,andyeshalldoaccordingtoall thewickednessofSodom.

29AndtheLordshallbringcaptivityupon you,andthereshallyeserveyourenemies, andyeshallbeboweddownwithevery afflictionandtribulation,untiltheLordhave consumedyouall

30Andafteryehavebecomediminishedand madefew,yereturnandacknowledgethe LordyourGod;andHeshallbringyouback intoyourland,accordingtoHisabundant mercy.

31Anditshallbe,thatafterthattheycome intothelandoftheirfathers,theyshallagain forgettheLordandbecomeungodly.

32AndtheLordshallscatterthemuponthe faceofalltheearth,untilthecompassionof theLordshallcome,amanworking righteousnessandworkingmercyuntoall themthatareafaroff,andtothemthatare near.

CHAPTER2

HemakesapleafororderlylivingNotable fortheireternalwisdomareVerses27-30.

1Forinthefortiethyearofmylife,Isawa visionontheMountofOlives,ontheeastof Jerusalem,thatthesunandthemoonwere standingstill.

2AndbeholdIsaac,thefatherofmyfather, saidtous;Runandlayholdofthem,eachone accordingtohisstrength;andtohimthat seizeththemwillthesunandmoonbelong.

3Andweallofusrantogether,andLevilaid holdofthesun,andJudahoutstrippedthe othersandseizedthemoon,andtheywere bothofthemliftedupwiththem

4AndwhenLevibecameasasun,lo,a certainyoungmangavetohimtwelve branchesofpalm;andJudahwasbrightasthe moon,andundertheirfeetweretwelverays.

5Andthetwo,LeviandJudah,ran,andlaid holdofthem.

6Andlo,abullupontheearth,withtwogreat horns,andaneagle'swingsuponitsback;and wewishedtoseizehim,butcouldnot.

7ButJosephcame,andseizedhim,and ascendedupwithhimonhigh.

8AndIsaw,forIwasthere,andbeholda holywritingappearedtous,saying:Assyrians, Medes,Persians,Chaldeans,Syrians,shall possessincaptivitythetwelvetribesofIsrael.

9Andagain,aftersevendays,Isawour fatherJacobstandingbytheseaofJamnia, andwewerewithhim

10Andbehold,therecameashipsailingby, withoutsailorsorpilot;andtherewaswritten upontheship,TheShipofJacob.

11Andourfathersaidtous:Come,letus embarkonourship.

12Andwhenhehadgoneonboard,there aroseavehementstorm,andamightytempest ofwind;andourfather,whowasholdingthe helm,departedfromus.

13Andwe,beingtostwiththetempest,were bornealongoverthesea;andtheshipwas filledwithwater,andwaspoundedbymighty waves,untilitwasbrokenup.

14AndJosephfledawayuponalittleboat, andwewerealldivideduponnineplanks,and LeviandJudahweretogether.

15Andwewereallscattereduntotheendsof theearth.

16ThenLevi,girtaboutwithsackcloth, prayedforusalluntotheLord.

17Andwhenthestormceased,theship reachedthelandasitwereinpeace.

18And,lo,ourfathercame,andweall rejoicedwithoneaccord.

19ThesetwodreamsItoldtomyfather;and hesaidtome:Thesethingsmustbefulfilled intheirseason,afterthatIsraelhathendured manythings

20Thenmyfathersaithuntome:Ibelieve GodthatJosephliveth,forIseealwaysthat theLordnumberethhimwithyou.

21Andhesaid,weeping:Ahme,myson Joseph,thoulivest,thoughIbeholdtheenot, andthouseestnotJacobthatbegatthee.

22Hecausedmealso,therefore,toweepby thesewords,andIburnedinmyheartto declarethatJosephhadbeensold,butIfeared mybrethren.

23Andlo!mychildren,Ihaveshownunto youthelasttimes,howeverythingshallcome topassinIsrael.

24Doyealso,therefore,chargeyourchildren thattheybeunitedtoLeviandtoJudah;for throughthemshallsalvationariseuntoIsrael, andinthemshallJacobbeblessed.

25ForthroughtheirtribesshallGodappear dwellingamongmenonearth,tosavethe raceofIsrael,andtogathertogetherthe righteousfromamongsttheGentiles.

26Ifyeworkthatwhichisgood,mychildren, bothmenandangelsshallblessyou;andGod shallbeglorifiedamongtheGentilesthrough you,andthedevilshallfleefromyou,andthe wildbeastsshallfearyou,andtheLordshall loveyou,andtheangelsshallcleavetoyou

27Asamanwhohastrainedachildwellis keptinkindlyremembrance;soalsofora goodworkthereisagoodremembrance beforeGod.

28Buthimthatdoethnotthatwhichisgood, bothangelsandmenshallcurse,andGod shallbedishonouredamongtheGentiles

throughhim,andthedevilshallmakehimas hisownpeculiarinstrument,andeverywild beastshallmasterhim,andtheLordshallhate him.

29Forthecommandmentsofthelaware twofold,andthroughprudencemusttheybe fulfilled.

30Forthereisaseasonforamantoembrace hiswife,andaseasontoabstaintherefromfor hisprayer

31So,then,therearetwocommandments; and,unlesstheybedoneindueorder,they bringverygreatsinuponmen.

32Soalsoisitwiththeothercommandments.

33BeyethereforewiseinGod,mychildren, andprudent,understandingtheorderofHis commandments,andthelawsofeveryword, thattheLordmayloveyou,

34Andwhenhehadchargedthemwithmany suchwords,heexhortedthemthatthey shouldremovehisbonestoHebron,andthat theyshouldburyhimwithhisfathers.

35Andwhenhehadeatenanddrunkenwitha merryheart,hecoveredhisfaceanddied 36Andhissonsdidaccordingtoallthat NaphtalitheirFatherhadcommandedthem.

Gad,theninthsonofJacobandZilpah. Shepherdandstrongmanbutamurderer atheart.Verse25isanotabledefinition ofhatred

1ThecopyofthetestamentofGad,what thingshespakeuntohissons,inthe hundredandtwenty-fifthyearofhislife, sayinguntothem:

2Hearken,mychildren,Iwastheninth sonborntoJacob,andIwasvaliantin keepingtheflocks.

3AccordinglyIguardedatnightthe flock;andwheneverthelioncame,orthe wolf,oranywildbeastagainstthefold,I pursuedit,andovertakingitIseizedits footwithmyhandandhurleditabouta stone'sthrow,andsokilledit.

4NowJosephmybrotherwasfeeding theflockwithusforupwardsofthirty days,andbeingyoung,hefellsickby reasonoftheheat.

5AndhereturnedtoHebrontoourfather, whomadehimliedownnearhim, becausehelovedhimgreatly.

6AndJosephtoldourfatherthatthesons ofZilpahandBilhahwereslayingthe bestoftheflockandeatingthemagainst thejudgementofReubenandJudah.

7ForhesawthatIhaddeliveredalamb outofthemouthofabear,andputthe beartodeath;buthadslainthelamb, beinggrievedconcerningitthatitcould notlive,andthatwehadeatenit.

8AndregardingthismatterIwaswroth withJosephuntilthedaythathewassold.

9Andthespiritofhatredwasinme,and IwishednoteithertohearofJosephwith theears,orseehimwiththeeyes, becauseherebukedustoourfaces sayingthatwewereeatingoftheflock withoutJudah.

10Forwhatsoeverthingshetoldour father,hebelievedhim.

11Iconfessnowmygin,mychildren, thatoftentimesIwishedtokillhim, becauseIhatedhimfrommyheart.

12Moreover,Ihatedhimyetmorefor hisdreams;andIwishedtolick1him outofthelandoftheliving,evenasan oxlickethupthegrassofthefield.

13AndJudahsoldhimsecretlytothe Ishmaelites.

14ThustheGodofourfathersdelivered himfromourhands,thatweshouldnot workgreatlawlessnessinIsrael.

15Andnow,mychildren,hearkentothe wordsoftruthtoworkrighteousness,and allthelawoftheMostHigh,andgonot astraythroughthespiritofhatred,forit isevilinallthedoingsofmen.

16Whatsoeveramandoeththehater abominatethhim:andthoughaman workeththelawoftheLord,hepraiseth himnot;thoughamanfeareththeLord, andtakethpleasureinthatwhichis righteous,helovethhimnot.

17Hedispraiseththetruth,heenvieth himthatprospereth,hewelcomethevilspeaking,helovetharrogance,forhatred blindethhissoul;asIalsothenlookedon Joseph.

18Beware,therefore,mychildrenof hatred,foritworkethlawlessnesseven againsttheLordHimself.

19ForitwillnothearthewordsofHis commandmentsconcerningthelovingof one's--neighbour,anditsinnethagainst God

20Forifabrotherstumble,itdelighteth immediatelytoproclaimittoallmen, andisurgentthatheshouldbejudgedfor it,andbepunishedandbeputtodeath 21Andifitbeaservantitstirrethhimup againsthismaster,andwithevery

afflictionitdevisethagainsthim,if possiblyhecanbeputtodeath.

22Forhatredworkethwithenvyalso againstthemthatprosper:solongasit hearethoforseeththeirsuccessitalways languisheth

23Foraslovewouldquickeneventhe dead,andwouldcallbackthemthatare condemnedtodie,sohatredwouldslay theliving,andthosethathadsinned veniallyitwouldnotsuffertolive.

24Forthespiritofhatredworketh togetherwithSatan,throughhastinessof spirits,inallthingstomen'sdeath;but thespiritofloveworkethtogetherwith thelawofGodinlong-sufferinguntothe salvationofmen.

25Hatred,therefore,isevil,forit constantlymatethwithlying,speaking againstthetruth;anditmakethsmall thingstobegreat,andcauseththelightto bedarkness,andcalleththesweetbitter, andteachethslander,andkindlethwrath, andstirrethupwar,andviolenceandall covetousness;itfilleththeheartwith evilsanddevilishpoison.

26Thesethings,therefore,Isaytoyou fromexperience,mychildren,thatye maydriveforthhatred,whichisofthe devil,andcleavetotheloveofGod.

27Righteousnesscastethouthatred, humilitydestroyethenvy.

28Forhethatisjustandhumbleis ashamedtodowhatisunjust,being reprovednotofanother,butofhisown heart,becausetheLordlookethonhis inclination

29Hespeakethnotagainstaholyman, becausethefearofGodovercometh hatred.

30Forfearinglestheshouldoffendthe Lord,hewillnotdowrongtoanyman, eveninthought

31ThesethingsIlearntatlast,afterIhad repentedconcerningJoseph.

32Fortruerepentanceafteragodlysort destroyethignorance,anddrivethaway thedarkness,andenlighteneththeeyes, andgivethknowledgetothesoul,and leadeththemindtosalvation.

33Andthosethingswhichithathnot learntfromman,itknoweththrough repentance

34ForGodbroughtuponmeadiseaseof theliver;andhadnottheprayersof Jacobmyfathersuccouredme,ithad hardlyfailedbutmyspirithaddeparted.

35Forbywhatthingsaman transgressethbythesamealsoishe punished.

36Since,therefore,myliverwasset mercilesslyagainstJoseph,inmyliver tooIsufferedmercilessly,andwas judgedforelevenmonths,forsolonga timeasIhadbeenangryagainstJoseph.

CHAPTER2

Gadexhortshislistenersagainsthatred showinghowithasbroughthimintoso muchtrouble.Verses8-11are memorable.

1Andnow,mychildren,Iexhortyou, loveyeeachonehisbrother,andput awayhatredfromyourhearts,loveone anotherindeed,andinword,andinthe inclinationofthesoul.

2ForinthepresenceofmyfatherIspake peaceablytoJoseph;andwhenIhad goneout,thespiritofhatreddarkened mymind,andstirredupmysoultoslay him

3Loveyeoneanotherfromtheheart; andifamansinagainstthee,speak peaceablytohim,andinthysoulhold

notguile;andifherepentandconfess, forgivehim.

4Butifhedenyit,donotgetintoa passionwithhim,lestcatchingthe poisonfromtheehetaketoswearingand sothousindoubly

5Letnotanothermanhearthysecrets whenengagedinlegalstrife,lesthe cometohatetheeandbecomethyenemy, andcommitagreatsinagainstthee;for ofttimesheaddresseththeeguilefullyor busiethhimselfabouttheewithwicked intent.

6Andthoughhedenyitandyethavea senseofshamewhenreproved,giveover reprovinghim.

7Forbewhodeniethmayrepentsoas notagaintowrongthee;yea,hemayalso honourthee,andfearandbeatpeace withthee.

8Andifhebeshamelessandpersistin hiswrong-doing,evensoforgivehim fromtheheart,andleavetoGodthe avenging.

9Ifamanprosperethmorethanyou,do notbevexed,butprayalsoforhim,that hemayhaveperfectprosperity.

10forsoitisexpedientforyou.

11Andifhebefurtherexalted,benot enviousofhim,rememberingthatall fleshshalldie;andofferpraisetoGod, whogiveththingsgoodandprofitableto allmen.

12SeekoutthejudgmentsoftheLord, andthymindwillrestandbeatpeace.

13Andthoughamanbecomerichby evilmeans,evenasEsau,thebrotherof myfather,benotjealous;butwaitforthe endoftheLord.

14Forifhetakethawayfromaman wealthgottenbyevilmeansHeforgiveth himifherepent,buttheunrepentantis reservedforeternalpunishment

15Forthepoorman,iffreefromenvyhe pleaseththeLordinallthings,isblessed beyondallmen,becausehehathnotthe travailofvainmen

16Putaway,therefore,jealousyfrom yoursouls,andloveoneanotherwith uprightnessofheart.

17Doyealsothereforetellthesethings toyourchildren,thattheyhonourJudah andLevi,forfromthemshalltheLord raiseupsalvationtoIsrael.

18ForIknowthatatthelastyour childrenshalldepartfromHim,andshall walkinOwickedness,andafflictionand corruptionbeforetheLord.

19Andwhenhehadrestedforalittle while,hesaidagain;Mychildren,obey yourfather,andburymeneartomy fathers.

20Andhedrewuphisfeet,andfell asleepinpeace.

21Andafterfiveyearstheycarriedhim uptoHebron,andlaidhimwithhis fathers.

CHAPTER1

Asher,thetenthsonofJacobandZilpahAn explanationofdualpersonality.ThefirstJekyll andHydestory.ForastatementoftheLawof CompensationthatEmersonwouldhave enjoyed,seeVerse27

1ThecopyoftheTestamentToAsher,what thingshespaketohissonsinthehundredand twenty-fifthyearofhislife

2Forwhilehewasstillinhealth,hesaidto them:Hearken,yechildrenofAsher,toyour father,andIwilldeclaretoyouallthatis uprightinthesightoftheLord

3TwowayshathGodgiventothesonsofmen, andtwoinclinations,andtwokindsofaction, andtwomodesofaction,andtwoissues.

4Thereforeallthingsarebytwos,oneover againsttheother.

5Fortherearetwowaysofgoodandevil,and withthesearethetwoinclinationsinour breastsdiscriminatingthem

6Thereforeifthesoultakepleasureinthegood inclination,allitsactionsareinrighteousness; andifitsinitstraightwayrepenteth.

7For,havingitsthoughtssetupon righteousness,andcastingawaywickedness,it straightwayoverthroweththeevil,and uprooteththesin.

8Butifitinclinetotheevilinclination,allits actionsareinwickedness,anditdrivethaway thegood,andcleavethtotheevil,andisruled byBeliar;eventhoughitworkwhatisgood,he pervertethittoevil

9Forwheneveritbeginnethtodogood,he forceththeissueoftheactionintoevilforhim, seeingthatthetreasureoftheinclinationis filledwithanevilspirit.

10Apersonthenmaywithwordshelpthegood forthesakeoftheevil,yettheissueofthe actionleadethtomischief.

11Thereisamanwhoshowethnocompassion uponhimwhoservethhisturninevil;andthis thingbathtwoaspects,butthewholeisevil.

12Andthereisamanthatlovethhimthat workethevil,becausehewouldpreferevento dieinevilforhissake;andconcerningthisitis clearthatitbathtwoaspects,butthewholeis anevilwork.

13Thoughindeedhehavelove,yetishe wickedwhoconcealethwhatisevilforthesake ofthegoodname,buttheendoftheaction tendethuntoevil.

14Anotherstealeth,doethunjustly,plundereth, defraudeth,andwithalpitieththepoor:thistoo bathatwofoldaspect,butthewholeisevil 15Hewhodefraudethhisneighbourprovoketh God,andswearethfalselyagainsttheMost High,andyetpitieththepoor:theLordwho commandedthelawhesettethatnoughtand provoketh,andyetherefresheththepoor.

16Hedefileththesoul,andmakethgaythe body;hekillethmany,andpitiethafew:this, too,bathatwofoldaspect,butthewholeisevil 17Anothercommittethadulteryandfornication, andabstainethfrommeats,andwhenhefasteth hedoethevil,andbythepowerofhiswealth overwhelmethmany;andnotwithstandinghis excessivewickednesshedoeththe commandments:this,too,hathatwofoldaspect, butthewholeisevil.

18Suchmenarehares;clean,--likethosethat dividethehoof,butinverydeedareunclean

19ForGodinthetablesofthecommandments haththusdeclared.

20Butdonotye,mychildren,weartwofaces likeuntothem,ofgoodnessandofwickedness; butcleaveuntogoodnessonly,forGodhathhis habitationtherein,andmendesireit.

21Butfromwickednessfleeaway,destroying theevilinclinationbyyourgoodworks;for theythataredouble-facedservenotGod,but theirownlusts,sothattheymaypleaseBeliar andmenlikeuntothemselves

22Forgoodmen,eventheythatareofsingle face,thoughtheybethoughtbythemthatare double-facedtosin,arejustbeforeGod.

23Formanyinkillingthewickeddotwoworks, ofgoodandevil;butthewholeisgood, becausehehathuprootedanddestroyedthat whichisevil.

24Onemanhateththemercifulandunjustman, andthemanwhocommittethadulteryand fasteth:this,too,hathatwofoldaspect,butthe wholeworkisgood,becausehefolloweththe Lord'sexample,inthatheacceptethnotthe seeminggoodasthegenuinegood

25Anotherdesirethnottoseegooddaywith themthatnot,lestbedefilehisbodyandpollute

hissoul;this,too,isdouble-faced,butthe wholeisgood.

26Forsuchmenareliketostagsandtohinds, becauseinthemannerofwildanimalsthey seemtobeunclean,buttheyarealtogether clean;becausetheywalkinzealfortheLord andabstainfromwhatGodalsohatethand forbiddethbyHiscommandments,wardingoff theevilfromthegood.

27Yesee,mychildren,howthattherearetwo inallthings,oneagainsttheother,andtheone ishiddenbytheother:inwealthishidden covetousness,inconvivialitydrunkenness,in laughtergrief,inwedlockprofligacy.

28Deathsucceedethtolife,dishonourtoglory, nighttoday,anddarknesstolight;andall thingsareundertheday,justthingsunderlife, unjustthingsunderdeath;whereforealso eternallifeawaitethdeath

29Normayitbesaidthattruthisalie,nor rightwrong;foralltruthisunderthelight,even asallthingsareunderGod.

30Allthesethings,therefore,Iprovedinmy life,andIwanderednotfromthetruthofthe Lord,andIsearchedoutthecommandmentsof theMostHigh,walkingaccordingtoallmy strengthwithsinglenessoffaceuntothatwhich isgood

31Takeheed,therefore,yealso,mychildren, tothecommandmentsoftheLord,following thetruthwithsinglenessofface

32Fortheythataredouble-facedareguiltyofa twofoldsin;fortheybothdotheevilthingand theyhavepleasureinthemthatdoit,following theexampleofthespiritsofdeceit,andstriving againstmankind

33Doye,therefore,mychildren,keepthelaw oftheLord,andgivenotheeduntoevilasunto good;butlookuntothethingthatisreallygood, andkeepitinallcommandmentsoftheLord, havingyourconversationtherein,andresting therein.

34Forthelatterendsofmendoshowtheir righteousnessorunrighteousness,whenthey meettheangelsoftheLordandofSatan.

35forwhenthesouldepartstroubled,itis tormentedbytheevilspiritwhichalsoitserved inlustsandevilworks

36Butifheispeacefulwithjoyhemeeteththe angelofpeace,andheleadethhimintoeternal life.

37Becomenot,mychildren,asSodom,which sinnedagainsttheangelsoftheLord,and perishedforever

38ForIknowthatyeshallsin,andbedelivered intothehandsofyourenemies;andyourland shallbemadedesolate,andyourholyplaces destroyed,andyeshallbescattereduntothe fourcornersoftheearth.

39Andyeshallbesetatnoughtinthe dispersionvanishingawayaswater.

40UntiltheMostHighshallvisittheearth, comingHimselfasman,withmeneatingand drinking,andbreakingtheheadofthedragonin thewater.

41HeshallsaveIsraelandalltheGentiles,God speakinginthepersonofman.

42Thereforedoyealso,mychildren,tellthese thingstoyourchildren,thattheydisobeyHim not

43ForIhaveknownthatyeshallassuredlybe disobedient,andassuredlyactungodly,not givingheedtothelawofGod,buttothe commandmentsofmen,beingcorrupted throughwickedness

44AndthereforeshallyebescatteredasGad andDanmybrethren,andyeshallknownot yourlands,tribe,andtongue.

45ButtheLordwillgatheryoutogetherinfaith throughHistendermercy,andforthesakeof Abraham,Isaac,andJacob.

46Andwhenhehadsaidthesethingsunto them,hecommandedthem,saying:Burymein Hebron.

47Andhefellasleepanddiedatagoodoldage. 48Andhissonsdidashehadcommandedthem, andtheycarriedhimuptoHebron,andburied himwithhisfathers.

Joseph,theeleventhsonofJacobandRachel,the beautifulandbeloved.HisstruggleagainsttheEgyptian temptress.

1ThecopyoftheTestamentofJoseph.

2Whenhewasabouttodiehecalledhissonsandhis brethrentogether,andsaidtothem:--

3Mybrethrenandmychildren,hearkentoJosephthe belovedofIsrael;giveear,mysons,untoyourfather.

4Ihaveseeninmylifeenvyanddeath,yetIwentnot astray,butperseveredinthetruth--oftheLord.

5Thesemybrethrenhatedme,buttheLordlovedme:

6Theywishedtoslayme,buttheGodofmyfathers guardedme:

7Theyletmedownintoapit,andtheMostHigh broughtmeupagain

8Iwassoldintoslavery,andtheLordofallmademe free:

9Iwastakenintocaptivity,andHisstronghand succouredme

10Iwasbesetwithhunger,andtheLordHimself nourishedme

11Iwasalone,andGodcomfortedme:

12Iwassick,andtheLordvisitedme

13Iwasinprison,andmyGodshowedfavouruntome; 14Inbonds,andHereleasedme;

15Slandered,andHepleadedmycause;

16BitterlyspokenagainstbytheEgyptians,andHe deliveredme;

17Enviedbymyfellow-slaves,andHeexaltedme

18AndthischiefcaptainofPharaohentrustedtomehis house

19AndIstruggledagainstashamelesswoman,urging metotransgresswithher;buttheGodofIsraelmy fatherdeliveredmefromtheburningflame

20Iwascastintoprison,Iwasbeaten,Iwasmocked; buttheLordgrantedmetofindmercy,inthesightofthe keeperoftheprison

21FortheLorddothnotforsakethemthatfearHim, neitherindarkness,norinbonds,norintribulations,nor innecessities.

22ForGodisnotputtoshameasaman,norastheson ofmanisheafraid,norasonethatisearth-bornisHe weakoraffrighted.

23ButinallthosethingsdothHegiveprotection,andin diverswaysdothHecomfort,thoughforalittlespace Hedepartethtotrytheinclinationofthesoul.

24IntentemptationsHeshowedmeapproved,andin allofthemIendured;forenduranceisamightycharm, andpatiencegivethmanygoodthings.

25HowoftendidtheEgyptianwomanthreatenmewith death!

26Howoftendidshegivemeovertopunishment,and thencallmebackandthreatenme,andwhenIwas unwillingtocompanywithher,shesaidtome:

27Thoushaltbelordofme,andallthatisinmyhouse, ifthouwiltgivethyselfuntome,andthoushaltbeas ourmaster

28ButIrememberedthewordsofmyfather,andgoing intomychamber,IweptandprayeduntotheLord.

29AndIfastedinthosesevenyears,andIappearedto theEgyptiansasonelivingdelicately,fortheythatfast forGod'ssakereceivebeautyofface.

30Andifmylordwereawayfromhome,Idrankno wine;norforthreedaysdidItakemyfood,butIgaveit tothepoorandsick.

31AndIsoughttheLordearly,andIweptforthe EgyptianwomanofMemphis,forveryunceasinglydid shetroubleme,foralsoatnightshecametomeunder pretenceofvisitingme.

32Andbecauseshehadnomalechildshepretendedto regardmeasason.

33Andforatimesheembracedmeasason,andIknew itnot;butlater,shesoughttodrawmeintofornication.

34AndwhenIperceiveditIsorroweduntodeath;and whenshehadgoneout,Icametomyself,andlamented forhermanydays,becauseIrecognizedherguileand herdeceit.

35AndIdeclareduntoherthewordsoftheMostHigh, ifhaplyshewouldturnfromherevillust

36Often,therefore,didsheflattermewithwordsasa holyman,andguilefullyinhertalkpraisemychastity beforeherhusband,whiledesiringtoensnaremewhen wewerealone

37Forshelaudedmeopenlyaschaste,andinsecretshe saiduntome:Fearnotmyhusband;forheispersuaded concerningthychastity:forevenshouldonetellhim concerningus,hewouldnotbelieve

38OwingtoallthesethingsIlayupontheground,and besoughtGodthattheLordwoulddelivermefromher deceit

39Andwhenshehadprevailednothingthereby,she cameagaintomeunderthepleaofinstruction,thatshe mightlearnthewordofGod

40Andshesaiduntome:IfthouwillestthatIshould leavemyidols,liewithme,andIwillpersuademy husbandtodepartfromhisidols,andwewillwalkinthe lawbythyLord

41AndIsaiduntoher:TheLordwillethnotthatthose whoreverenceHimshouldbeinuncleanness,nordoth Hetakepleasureinthemthatcommitadultery,butin thosethatapproachHimwithapureheartandundefiled lips.

42Butsheheedherpeace,longingtoaccomplishher evildesire.

43AndIgavemyselfyetmoretofastingandprayer, thattheLordmightdelivermefromher.

44Andagain,atanothertimeshesaiduntome:Ifthou wiltnotcommitadultery,Iwillkillmyhusbandby poison;andtaketheetobemyhusband.

45Itherefore,whenIheardthis,rentmygarments,and saiduntoher:

46Woman,reverenceGod,anddonotthisevildeed, lestthoubedestroyed;forknowindeedthatIwill declarethisthydeviceuntoallmen.

47Shetherefore,beingafraid,besoughtthatIwouldnot declarethisdevice.

48Andshedepartedsoothingmewithgifts,andsending tomeeverydelightofthesonsofmen.

49Andafterwardsshesentmefoodmingledwith enchantments.

50Andwhentheeunuchwhobroughtitcame,Ilooked upandbeheldaterriblemangivingmewiththedisha sword,andIperceivedthatherschemewastobeguile me.

51AndwhenhehadgoneoutIwept,nordidItastethat oranyotherofherfood.

52Sothenafteronedayshecametomeandobserved thefood,andsaiduntome:Whyisitthatthouhastnot eatenofthefood?

53AndIsaiduntoher:Itisbecausethouhastfilledit withdeadlyenchantments;andhowsaidstthou:Icome notneartoidolsbuttotheLordalone.

54NowthereforeknowthattheGodofmyfatherhath revealeduntomebyHisangelthywickedness,andI havekeptittoconvictthee,ifhaplythoumaystseeand repent.

55Butthatthoumaystlearnthatthewickednessofthe ungodlyhathnopoweroverthemthatworshipGodwith chastitybeholdIwilltakeofitandeatbeforethee 56Andhavingsosaid,Iprayedthus:TheGodofmy fathersandtheangelofAbraham,bewithme;andate 57,Andwhenshesawthisshefelluponherfaceatmy feet,weeping;andIraisedherupandadmonishedher

58Andshepromisedtodothisiniquitynomore

59Butherheartwasstillsetuponevil,andshelooked aroundhowtoensnareme,andsighingdeeplyshe becamedowncast,thoughshewasnotsick

60Andwhenherhusbandsawher,hesaiduntoher: Whyisthycountenancefallen?

61Andshesaiduntohim:Ihaveapainatmyheart,and thegroaningsofmyspiritoppressme;andsohe comfortedherwhowasnotsick

62Then,accordinglyseizinganopportunity,sherushed untomewhileherhusbandwasyetwithout,andsaid untome:Iwillhangmyself,orcastmyselfoveracliff, ifthouwiltnotliewithme

63AndwhenIsawthespiritofBeliarwastroublingher, IprayeduntotheLord,andsaiduntoher:

64Why,wretchedwoman,artthoutroubledand disturbed,blindedthroughsins?

65Rememberthatifthoukillthyself,Asteho,the concubineofthyhusband,thyrival,willbeatthy children,andthouwiltdestroythymemorialfromoff theearth.

66Andshesaiduntome:Lo,thenthoulovestme;let thissufficeme:onlystriveformylifeandmychildren, andIexpectthatIshallenjoymydesirealso.

67ButsheknewnotthatbecauseofmylordIspake thus,andnotbecauseofher.

68Forifamanhathfallenbeforethepassionofa wickeddesireandbecomeenslavedbyit,evenasshe, whatevergoodthinghemayhearwithregardtothat passion,hereceivethitwithaviewtohiswickeddesire.

69Ideclare,therefore,untoyou,mychildren,thatitwas aboutthesixthhourwhenshedepartedfromme;andI kneltbeforetheLordallday,andallthenight;and

aboutdawnIroseup,weepingthewhileandprayingfor areleasefromher.

70Atlast,then,shelaidholdofmygarments,forcibly draggingmetohaveconnexionwithher.

71When,therefore,Isawthatinhermadnessshewas holdingfasttomygarment,Ileftitbehind,andfled awaynaked.

72Andholdingfasttothegarmentshefalselyaccused me,andwhenherhusbandcamehecastmeintoprison inhishouse;andonthemorrowhescourgedmeand sentmeintoPharaoh'sprison.

73AndwhenIwasinbonds,theEgyptianwomanwas oppressedwithgrief,andshecameandheardhowI gavethanksuntotheLordandsangpraisesintheabode ofdarkness,andwithgladvoicerejoiced,glorifyingmy GodthatIwasdeliveredfromthelustfuldesireofthe Egyptianwoman.

74Andoftenhathshesentuntomesaying:Consentto fulfilmydesire,andIwillreleasetheefromthybonds, andIwillfreetheefromthedarkness.

75AndnoteveninthoughtdidIinclineuntoher

76ForGodlovethhimwhoinadenofwickedness combinesfastingwithchastity,ratherthanthemanwho inkings'chamberscombinesluxurywithlicense

77Andifamanlivethinchastity,anddesirethalso glory,andtheMostHighknoweththatitisexpedientfor him,Hebestoweththisalsouponme

78Howoften,thoughsheweresick,didshecomedown tomeatunlookedfortimes,andlistenedtomyvoiceas Iprayed!

79AndwhenIheardhergroaningsIheldmypeace 80ForwhenIwasinherhouseshewaswonttobareher arms,andbreasts,andlegs,thatImightliewithher;for shewasverybeautiful,splendidlyadornedinorderto beguileme

81AndtheLordguardedmefromherdevices

CHAPTER2

Josephisthevictimofmanyplotsbythewicked ingenuityoftheMemphianwoman.Foraninteresting propheticparable,seeVerses73-74

1Yesee,therefore,mychildren,howgreatthings patienceworketh,andprayerwithfasting.

2Soyetoo,ifyefollowafterchastityandpuritywith patienceandprayer,withfastinginhumilityofheart,the LordwilldwellamongyoubecauseHelovethchastity.

3AndwheresoevertheMostHighdwelleth,even thoughenvy,orslavery,orslanderbefallethaman,the Lordwhodwellethinhim,forthesakeofhischastity notonlydeliverethhimfromevil,butalsoexaltethhim evenasme.

4Forineverywaythemanisliftedup,whetherindeed, orinword,orinthought.

5Mybrethrenknewhowmyfatherlovedme,andyetI didnotexaltmyselfinmymind:althoughIwasachild, IhadthefearofGodinmyheart;forIknewthatall thingswouldpassaway

6AndIdidnotraisemyselfagainstthemwithevil intent,butIhonouredmybrethren;andoutofrespect forthem,evenwhenIwasbeingsold,Irefrainedfrom tellingtheIshmaelitesthatIwasasonofJacob,agreat manandamighty.

7Doyealso,mychildren,havethefearofGodinall yourworksbeforeyoureyes,andhonouryourbrethren.

8ForeveryonewhodoeththelawoftheLordshallbe lovedbyHim.

9AndwhenIcametotheIndocolpitaewiththe Ishmaelites,theyaskedme,saying:

10Artthouaslave?AndIsaidthatIwasahome-born slave,thatImightnotputmybrethrentoshame.

11Andtheeldestofthemsaiduntome:Thouartnota slave,foreventhyappearancedothmakeitmanifest.

12ButIsaidthatIwastheirslave.

13NowwhenwecameintoEgypttheystrove concerningme,whichofthemshouldbuymeandtake me.

14ThereforeitseemedgoodtoallthatIshouldremain inEgyptwiththemerchantoftheirtrade,untilthey shouldreturnbringingmerchandise

15AndtheLordgavemefavourintheeyesofthe merchant,andheentrusteduntomehishouse

16AndGodblessedhimbymymeans,andincreased himingoldandsilverandinhouseholdservants

17AndIwaswithhimthreemonthsandfivedays

18AndaboutthattimetheMemphianwoman,thewife ofPentephriscamedowninachariot,withgreatpomp, becauseshehadheardfromhereunuchsconcerningme

19Andshetoldherhusbandthatthemerchanthad becomerichbymeansofayoungHebrew,andtheysay thathehadassuredlybeenstolenoutofthelandof Canaan

20Now,therefore,renderjusticeuntohim,andtake awaytheyouthtothyhouse;soshalltheGodofthe Hebrewsblessthee,forgracefromheavenisuponhim 21AndPentephriswaspersuadedbyherwords,and commandedthemerchanttobebrought,andsaidunto him:

22WhatisthisthatIhearconcerningthee,thatthou stealestpersonsoutofthelandofCanaan,andsellest themforslaves?

23Butthemerchantfellathisfeet,andbesoughthim, saying:Ibeseechthee,mylord,Iknownotwhatthou sayest.

24AndPentephrissaiduntohim:Whence,then,isthe Hebrewslave?

25Andhesaid:TheIshmaelitesentrustedhimuntome untiltheyshouldreturn.

26Buthebelievedhimnot,butcommandedhimtobe strippedandbeaten.

27Andwhenhepersistedinthisstatement,Pentephris said:Lettheyouthbebrought.

28AndwhenIwasbroughtin,Ididobeisanceto Pentephrisforhewasthirdinrankoftheofficersof Pharaoh.

29Andhetookmeapartfromhim,andsaiduntome: Artthouaslaveorfree?

30AndIsaid:Aslave

31Andhesaid:Whose?

32AndIsaid:TheIshmaelites'.

33Andhesaid:Howdidstthoubecometheirslave?

34AndIsaid:Theyboughtmeoutofthelandof Canaan.

35Andhesaiduntome:Trulythouliest;and straightwayhecommandedmetobestrippedandbeaten.

36Now,theMemphianwomanwaslookingthrougha windowatmewhileIwasbeingbeaten,forherhouse wasnear,andshesentuntohimsaying:

37Thyjudgementisunjust;forthoudostpunishafree manwhohathbeenstolen,asthoughhewerea transgressor.

38AndwhenImadenochangeinmystatement,though Iwasbeaten,heorderedmetobeimprisoned,until,he said,theownersoftheboyshouldcome.

39Andthewomansaiduntoherhusband:Wherefore dostthoudetainthecaptiveandwellbornladinbonds, whooughtrathertobesetatliberty,andbewaitedupon?

40Forshewishedtoseemeoutofadesireofsin,butI wasignorantconcerningallthesethings

41Andhesaidtoher:Itisnotthecustomofthe Egyptianstotakethatwhichbelongethtoothersbefore proofisgiven

42This,therefore,hesaidconcerningthemerchant;but asforthelad,hemustbeimprisoned

43NowafterfourandtwentydayscametheIshmaelites; fortheyhadheardthatJacobmyfatherwasmourning muchconcerningme

44Andtheycameandsaiduntome:Howisitthatthou saidstthatthouwastaslave?andlo,wehavelearntthat thouartthesonofamightymaninthelandofCanaan, andthyfatherstillmournethfortheeinsackclothand ashes

45WhenIheardthismybowelsweredissolvedandmy heartmelted,andIdesiredgreatlytoweep,butI restrainedmyselfthatIshouldnotputmybrethrento shame

46AndIsaiduntothem,Iknownot,Iamaslave 47Then,therefore,theytookcounseltosellme,thatI shouldnotbefoundintheirhands

48Fortheyfearedmyfather,lestheshouldcomeand executeuponthemagrievousvengeance.

49FortheyhadheardthathewasmightywithGodand withmen.

50Thensaidthemerchantuntothem:Releasemefrom thejudgementofPentiphri.

51Andtheycameandrequestedme,saying:Saythat thouwastboughtbyuswithmoney,andhewillsetus free.

52NowtheMemphianwomansaidtoherhusband:Buy theyouth;forIhear,saidshe,thattheyaresellinghim. 53AndstraightwayshesentaeunuchtotheIshmaelites, andaskedthemtosellme.

54Butsincetheeunuchwouldnotagreetobuymeat theirpricehereturned,havingmadetrialofthem,and hemadeknowntohismistressthattheyaskedalarge pricefortheirslave.

55Andshesentanothereunuch,saying:Eventhough theydemandtwominas,givethem,donotsparethe gold;onlybuytheboy,andbringhimtome

56Theeunuchthereforewentandgavethemeighty piecesofgold,andhereceivedme;buttotheEgyptian womanhesaidIhavegivenahundred.

57AndthoughIknewthisIheldmypeace,lestthe eunuchshouldbeputtoshame.

58Yesee,therefore,mychildren,whatgreatthingsI enduredthatIshouldnotputmybrethrentoshame.

59Doyealso,therefore,loveoneanother,andwith long-sufferinghideyeoneanother'sfaults.

60ForGoddelightethintheunityofbrethren,andinthe purposeofaheartthattakespleasureinlove.

61AndwhenmybrethrencameintoEgypttheylearnt thatIhadreturnedtheirmoneyuntothem,and upbraidedthemnot,andcomfortedthem.

62AndafterthedeathofJacobmyfatherIlovedthem moreabundantly,andallthingswhatsoeverhe commandedIdidveryabundantlyforthem.

63AndIsufferedthemnottobeafflictedinthesmallest matter;andallthatwasinmyhandIgaveuntothem

64Andtheirchildrenweremychildren,andmy childrenastheirservants;andtheirlifewasmylife,and alltheirsufferingwasmysuffering,andalltheir sicknesswasmyinfirmity

65Mylandwastheirland,andtheircounselmycounsel

66AndIexaltednotmyselfamongtheminarrogance becauseofmyworldlyglory,butIwasamongthemas oneoftheleast

67Ifyealso,therefore,walkinthecommandmentsof theLord,mychildren,Hewillexaltyouthere,andwill blessyouwithgoodthingsforeverandever

68Andifanyoneseekethtodoeviluntoyou,dowell untohim,andprayforhim,andyeshallberedeemedof theLordfromallevil

69For,behold,yeseethatoutofmyhumilityand longsufferingItookuntowifethedaughterofthepriest ofHeliopolis

70Andahundredtalentsofgoldweregivenmewith her,andtheLordmadethemtoserveme

71AndHegavemealsobeautyasaflowerbeyondthe beautifulonesofIsrael;andHepreservedmeuntoold ageinstrengthandinbeauty,becauseIwaslikeinall thingstoJacob.

72Andhearye,mychildren,alsothevisionwhichIsaw.

73Thereweretwelvehartsfeeding:andtheninewere firstdispersedoveralltheearth,andlikewisealsothe three.

74AndIsawthatfromJudahwasbornavirginwearing alinengarment,andfromher,wasbornalamb,without spot;andonhislefthandtherewasasitwerealion;and allthebeastsrushedagainsthim,andthelambovercame them,anddestroyedthemandtrodthemunderfoot.

75Andbecauseofhimtheangelsandmenrejoiced,and alltheland.

76Andthesethingsshallcometopassintheirseason, inthelastdays.

77Doyetherefore,mychildren,observethe commandmentsoftheLord,andhonourLeviandJudah;

forfromthemshallariseuntoyoutheLambofGod, whotakethawaythesinoftheworld,onewhosavethall theGentilesandIsrael

78ForHiskingdomisaneverlastingkingdom,which shallnotpassaway;butmykingdomamongyoushall cometoanendasawatcher'shammock,whichafterthe summerdisappeareth.

79ForIknowthataftermydeaththeEgyptianswill afflictyou,butGodwillavengeyou,andwillbringyou intothatwhichHepromisedtoyourfathers.

80Butyeshallcarryupmyboneswithyou;forwhen mybonesarebeingtakenupthither,theLordshallbe withyouinlight,andBeliarshallbeindarknesswith theEgyptians.

81AndcarryyeupAsenathyourmothertothe Hippodrome,andnearRachelyourmotherburyher.

82Andwhenhehadsaidthesethingshestretchedout hisfeet,anddiedatagoodoldage

83AndallIsraelmournedforhim,andallEgypt,witha greatmourning.

84AndwhenthechildrenofIsraelwentoutofEgypt, theytookwiththemthebonesofJoseph,andthey buriedhiminHebronwithhisfathers,andtheyearsof hislifewereonehundredandtenyears

CHAPTER1

Benjamin,thetwelfthsonofJacobandRachel, thebabyofthefamily,turnsphilosopherand philanthropist.

1ThecopyofthewordsofBenjamin,whichhe commandedhissonstoobserve,afterhehad livedahundredandtwenty-fiveyears.

2Andhekissedthem,andsaid:AsIsaacwas borntoAbrahaminhisoldage,soalsowasIto Jacob.

3AndsinceRachelmymotherdiedingiving mebirth,Ihadnomilk;thereforeIwassuckled byBilhahherhandmaid

4ForRachelremainedbarrenfortwelveyears aftershehadborneJoseph;andsheprayedthe Lordwithfastingtwelvedays,andshe conceivedandbareMe

5FormyfatherlovedRacheldearly,and prayedthathemightseetwosonsbornfrom her.

6ThereforewasIcalledBenjamin,thatis,a sonofdays

7AndwhenIwentintoEgypt,toJoseph,and mybrotherrecognizedme,hesaiduntome: Whatdidtheytellmyfatherwhentheysoldme?

8AndIsaiduntohim,Theydabbledthycoat withbloodandsentit,andsaid:Knowwhether thisbethyson'scoat.

9Andhesaiduntome:Evenso,brother,when theyhadstrippedmeofmycoattheygaveme totheIshmaelites,andtheygavemealoin cloth,andscourgedme,andbademerun.

10Andasforoneofthemthathadbeatenme witharod,alionmethimandslewhim

11Andsohisassociateswereaffrighted.

12Doyealso,therefore,mychildren,lovethe LordGodofheavenandearth,andkeepHis commandments,followingtheexampleofthe goodandholymanJoseph.

13Andletyourmindbeuntogood,evenasye knowme;forhethatbathhismindrightseeth allthingsrightly

14FearyetheLord,andloveyourneighbour; andeventhoughthespiritsofBeliarclaimyou toafflictyouwitheveryevil,yetshalltheynot havedominionoveryou,evenastheyhadnot overJosephmybrother., 15Howmanymenwishedtoslayhim,and Godshieldedhim!

16ForhethatfearethGodandlovethhis neighbourcannotbesmittenbythespiritof Beliar,beingshieldedbythefearofGod

17Norcanheberuledoverbythedeviceof menorbeasts,forheishelpedbytheLord throughthelovewhichhehathtowardshis neighbour

18ForJosephalsobesoughtourfatherthathe wouldprayforhisbrethren,thattheLord wouldnotimputetothemassinwhateverevil theyhaddoneuntohim

19AndthusJacobcriedout:Mygoodchild, thouhastprevailedoverthebowelsofthy fatherJacob.

20Andheembracedhim,andkissedhimfor twohours,saying:

21Intheeshallbefulfilledtheprophecyof heavenconcerningtheLambofGod,and Saviouroftheworld,andthatablamelessone shallbedeliveredupforlawlessmen,anda sinlessoneshalldieforungodlymeninthe bloodofthecovenant,forthesalvationofthe GentilesandofIsrael,andshalldestroyBeliar andhisservants

22Seeye,therefore,mychildren,theendofthe goodman?

23Befollowersofhiscompassion,therefore, withagoodmind,thatyealsomaywear crownsofglory.

24Forthegoodmanhathnotadarkeye;forhe showethmercytoallmen,eventhoughtheybe sinners.

25Andthoughtheydevisewithevilintent. concerninghim,bydoinggoodheovercometh evil,beingshieldedbyGod;andheloveththe righteousashisownsoul

26Ifanyoneisglorified,heenviethhimnot;if anyoneisenriched,heisnotjealous;ifanyone isvaliant,hepraisethhim;thevirtuousmanhe laudeth;onthepoormanhehathmercy;onthe weakhehathcompassion;untoGodhesingeth praises.

27Andhimthathaththegraceofagoodspirit helovethashisownsoul

28Iftherefore,yealsohaveagoodmind,then willbothwickedmenbeatpeacewithyou,and theprofligatewillreverenceyouandturnunto good;andthecovetouswillnotonlyceasefrom theirinordinatedesire,butevengivetheobjects oftheircovetousnesstothemthatareafflicted.

29Ifyedowell,eventheuncleanspiritswill fleefromyou;andthebeastswilldreadyou.

30Forwherethereisreverenceforgoodworks andlightinthemind,evendarknessfleeth awayfromhim.

31Forifanyonedoesviolencetoaholyman, herepenteth;fortheholymanismercifultohis reviler,andholdethhispeace.

32Andifanyonebetrayetharighteousman, therighteousmanprayeth:thoughforalittlehe behumbled,yetnotlongafterheappearethfar moreglorious,aswasJosephmybrother.

33Theinclinationofthegoodmanisnotinthe powerofthedeceitofthespiritofBeliar,for theangelofpeaceguidethhissoul

34Andhegazethnotpassionatelyupon corruptiblethings,norgatherethtogetherriches throughadesireofpleasure.

35Hedelightethnotinpleasure,hegrievethnot hisneighbour,hesatethnothimselfwith luxuries,heerrethnotintheupliftingofthe eyes,fortheLordishisportion.

36Thegoodinclinationreceivethnotglorynor dishonourfrommen,anditknowethnotany guile,orlie,orfightingorreviling;fortheLord dwellethinhimandlightethuphissoul,andhe rejoicethtowardsallmenalways.

37Thegoodmindhathnottwotongues,of blessingandofcursing,ofcontumelyandof honour,ofsorrowandofjoy,ofquietnessand ofconfusion,ofhypocrisyandoftruth,of povertyandofwealth;butithathone disposition,uncorruptandpure,concerningall men.

38Ithathnodoublesight,nordoublehearing; forineverythingwhichhedoeth,orspeaketh, orseeth,heknoweththattheLordlookethon hissoul.

39Andhecleansethhismindthathemaynot becondemnedbymenaswellasbyGod 40AndinlikemannertheworksofBeliarare twofold,andthereisnosinglenessinthem.

41Therefore,mychildren,Itellyou,fleethe maliceofBeliar;forhegivethaswordtothem thatobeyhim.

42Andtheswordisthemotherofsevenevils. FirstthemindconceiveththroughBeliar,and firstthereisbloodshed;secondlyruin;thirdly, tribulation;fourthly,exile;fifthly,dearth; sixthly,panic;seventhly,destruction.

43'ThereforewasCainalsodeliveredoverto sevenvengeancesbyGod,forineveryhundred yearstheLordbroughtoneplagueuponhim

44Andwhenhewastwohundredyearsoldhe begantosuffer,andinthenine-hundredthyear hewasdestroyed.

45ForonaccountofAbel,hisbrother,with-all theevilswashejudged,butLamechwith seventytimesseven.

46Becauseforeverthose,whoarelikeCainin envyandhatredofbrethren,shallbepunished withthesamejudgement.

CHAPTER2

Verse3containsastrikingexampleofthe homeliness--yetvividnessofthefiguresof speechoftheseancientpatriarchs

1Anddoye,mychildren,fleeevil-doing,envy, andhatredofbrethren,andcleavetogoodness andlove

2Hethathathapuremindinlove,lookethnot afterawomanwithaviewtofornication;forhe hathnodefilementinhisheart,becausethe SpiritofGodrestethuponhim.

3Forasthesunisnotdefiledbyshiningon dungandmire,butratherdriethupbothand drivethawaytheevilsmell;soalsothepure mind,thoughencompassedbythedefilements ofearth,rathercleanseththemandisnotitself defiled.

4AndIbelievethattherewillbealsoevildoingsamongyou,fromthewordsofEnoch therighteous:thatyeshallcommitfornication withthefornicationofSodom,andshallperish, allsaveafew,andshallrenewwantondeeds withwomen;andthekingdomoftheLordshall notbeamongyou,forstraightwayHeshalltake itaway.

5NeverthelessthetempleofGodshallbein yourportion,andthelasttempleshallbemore gloriousthanthefirst

6Andthetwelvetribesshallbegathered togetherthere,andalltheGentiles,untilthe MostHighshallsendforthHissalvationinthe visitationofanonly-begottenprophet

7AndHeshallenterintothefirsttemple,and thereshalltheLordbetreatedwithoutrage,and Heshallbeliftedupuponatree.

8Andtheveilofthetempleshallberent,and theSpiritofGodshallpassontotheGentilesas firepouredforth

9AndHeshallascendfromHadesandshall passfromearthintoheaven.

10AndIknowhowlowlyHeshallbeupon earth,andhowgloriousinheaven

11NowwhenJosephwasinEgypt,Ilongedto seehisfigureandtheformofhiscountenance; andthroughtheprayersofJacobmyfatherI sawhim,whileawakeinthedaytime,evenhis entirefigureexactlyashewas.

12Andwhenhehadsaidthesethings,hesaid untothem:Knowye,therefore,mychildren, thatIamdying

13Doye,therefore,trutheachonetohis neighbour,andkeepthelawoftheLordand Hiscommandments.

14ForthesethingsdoIleaveyouinsteadof inheritance.

15Doyealso,therefore,givethemtoyour childrenforaneverlastingpossession;forso didbothAbraham,andIsaac,andJacob 16Forallthesethingstheygaveusforan inheritance,saying:Keepthecommandments ofGod,untiltheLordshallrevealHissalvation toallGentiles.

17AndthenshallyeseeEnoch,Noah,and Shem,andAbraham,andIsaac,andJacob, risingontherighthandingladness,

18Thenshallwealsorise,eachoneoverour tribe,worshippingtheKingofheaven,who appeareduponearthintheformofamanin humility.

19AndasmanyasbelieveonHimontheearth shallrejoicewithHim

20Thenalsoallmenshallrise,someuntoglory andsomeuntoshame.

21AndtheLordshalljudgeIsraelfirst,for theirunrighteousness;forwhenHeappearedas Godinthefleshtodeliverthemtheybelieved Himnot.

22AndthenshallHejudgealltheGentiles,as manyasbelievedHimnotwhenHeappeared uponearth.

23AndHeshallconvictIsraelthroughthe chosenonesoftheGentiles,evenasHe reprovedEsauthroughtheMidianites,who deceivedtheirbrethren,sothattheyfellinto fornication,andidolatry;andtheywere alienatedfromGod,becomingtherefore

childrenintheportionofthemthatfearthe Lord.

24Ifyetherefore,mychildren,walkinholiness accordingtothecommandmentsoftheLord,ye shallagaindwellsecurelywithme,andall IsraelshallbegathereduntotheLord.

25AndIshallnolongerbecalledaravening wolfonaccountofyourravages,butaworker oftheLorddistributingfoodtothemthatwork whatisgood.

26Andthereshallariseinthelatterdaysone belovedoftheLord,ofthetribeofJudahand Levi,adoerofHisgoodpleasureinhismouth, withnewknowledgeenlighteningtheGentiles.

27Untiltheconsummationoftheageshallhe beinthesynagoguesoftheGentiles,and amongtheirrulers,asastrainofmusicinthe mouthofall.

28Andheshallbeinscribedintheholybooks, bothhisworkandhisword,andheshallbea chosenoneofGodforever.

29Andthroughthemheshallgotoandfroas Jacobmyfather,saying:Heshallfillupthat whichlackethofthytribe

30Andwhenhehadsaidthesethingshe stretchedouthisfeet.

31Anddiedinabeautifulandgoodsleep.

32Andhissonsdidashehadenjoinedthem, andtheytookuphisbodyandburieditin Hebronwithhisfathers.

33Andthenumberofthedaysofhislifewasa hundredandtwenty-fiveyears.