English - The Lost Books of the Bible

TheGospelofthe BirthofMary

CHAPTER1

1TheblessedandevergloriousVirginMary,sprungfrom theroyalraceandfamilyofDavid,wasborninthecityof Nazareth,andeducatedatJerusalem,inthetempleofthe Lord

2Herfather'snamewasJoachim,andhermother'sAnna. ThefamilyofherfatherwasofGalileeandthecityof NazarethThefamilyofhermotherwasofBethlehem

3TheirliveswereplainandrightinthesightoftheLord, piousandfaultlessbeforemenFortheydividedalltheir substanceintothreeparts:

4Oneofwhichtheydevotedtothetempleandofficersof thetemple;anothertheydistributedamongstrangers,and personsinpoorcircumstances;andthethirdtheyreserved forthemselvesandtheusesoftheirownfamily.

5Inthismannertheylivedforabouttwentyyearschastely, inthefavourofGod,andtheesteemofmen,withoutany children

6Buttheyvowed,ifGodshouldfavourthemwithany issue,theywoulddevoteittotheserviceoftheLord;on whichaccounttheywentateveryfeastintheyeartothe templeoftheLord

7Anditcametopass,thatwhenthefeastofthededication drewnear,Joachim,withsomeothersofhistribe,wentup toJerusalem,andatthattime,Issacharwashigh-priest;

8Who,whenhesawJoachimalongwiththerestofhis neighbours,bringinghisoffering,despisedbothhimand hisofferings,andaskedhim,

9Whyhe,whohadnochildren,wouldpresumetoappear amongthosewhohad?Adding,thathisofferingscould neverbeacceptabletoGod,whowasjudgedbyhim unworthytohavechildren;theScripturehavingsaid, CursediseveryonewhoshallnotbegetamaleinIsrael

10Hefurthersaid,thatheoughtfirsttobefreefromthat cursebybegettingsomeissue,andthencomewithhis offeringsintothepresenceofGod

11ButJoachimbeingmuchconfoundedwiththeshameof suchreproach,retiredtotheshepherds,whowerewiththe cattleintheirpastures;

12Forhewasnotinclinedtoreturnhome,lesthis neighbours,whowerepresentandheardallthisfromthe high-priest,shouldpubliclyreproachhiminthesame manner

CHAPTER2

1Butwhenhehadbeenthereforsometime,onacertain daywhenhewasalone,theangeloftheLordstoodbyhim withaprodigiouslight

2Towhom,beingtroubledattheappearance,theangel whohadappearedtohim,endeavouringtocomposehim said:

3Benotafraid,Joachim,nortroubledatthesightofme, forIamanangeloftheLordsentbyhimtoyou,thatI mightinformyou,thatyourprayersareheard,andyour almsascendedinthesightofGod

4Forhehathsurelyseenyourshame,andheardyou unjustlyreproachedfornothavingchildren:forGodisthe avengerofsin,andnotofnature;

5Andsowhenheshutsthewombofanyperson,hedoesit forthisreason,thathemayinamorewonderfulmanner againopenit,andthatwhichisbornappeartobenotthe productoflust,butthegiftofGod

6ForthefirstmotherofyournationSarah,wasshenot barreneventillhereightiethyear:Andyetevenintheend ofheroldagebroughtforthIsaac,inwhomthepromise wasmadeablessingtoallnations

7Rachelalso,somuchinfavourwithGod,andbelovedso muchbyholyJacob,continuedbarrenforalongtime,yet afterwardswasthemotherofJoseph,whowasnotonly governorofEgypt,butdeliveredmanynationsfrom perishingwithhunger

8WhoamongthejudgeswasmorevaliantthanSamson,or moreholythanSamuel?Andyetboththeirmotherswere barren

9Butifreasonwillnotconvinceyouofthetruthofmy words,thattherearefrequentconceptionsinadvanced years,andthatthosewhowerebarrenhavebroughtforthto theirgreatsurprise;thereforeAnnayourwifeshallbring youadaughter,andyoushallcallhernameMary;

10Sheshall,accordingtoyourvow,bedevotedtothe Lordfromherinfancy,andbefilledwiththeHolyGhost fromhermother'swomb;

11Sheshallneithereatnordrinkanythingwhichis unclean,norshallherconversationbewithoutamongthe commonpeople,butinthetempleoftheLord;thatsoshe maynotfallunderanyslanderorsuspicionofwhatisbad

12Sointheprocessofheryears,assheshallbeina miraculousmannerbornofonethatwasbarren,soshe shall,whileyetavirgin,inawayunparalleled,bringforth theSonofthemostHighGod,whoshall,becalledJesus, and,accordingtothesignificationofhisname,bethe Saviourofallnations

13AndthisshallbeasigntoyouofthethingswhichI declare,namely,whenyoucometothegoldengateof Jerusalem,youshalltheremeetyourwifeAnna,whobeing verymuchtroubledthatyoureturnednosooner,shallthen rejoicetoseeyou

14Whentheangelhadsaidthishedepartedfromhim

CHAPTER3

1AfterwardstheangelappearedtoAnnahiswifesaying: Fearnot,neitherthinkthatwhichyouseeisaspirit

2ForIamthatangelwhohathofferedupyourprayersand almsbeforeGod,andamnowsenttoyou,thatImay informyou,thatadaughterwillbebornuntoyou,who shallbecalledMary,andshallbeblessedaboveallwomen 3Sheshallbe,immediatelyuponherbirth,fullofthegrace oftheLord,andshallcontinueduringthethreeyearsofher weaninginherfather'shouse,andafterwards,being devotedtotheserviceoftheLord,shallnotdepartfromthe temple,tillshearrivestoyearsofdiscretion

4Inaword,sheshallthereservetheLordnightanddayin fastingandprayer,shallabstainfromeveryuncleanthing, andneverknowanyman;

5But,beinganunparalleledinstancewithoutanypollution ordefilement,andavirginnotknowinganyman,shall bringforthason,andamaidshallbringforththeLord,

whobothbyhisgraceandnameandworks,shallbethe Saviouroftheworld

6Arisetherefore,andgouptoJerusalem,andwhenyou shallcometothatwhichiscalledthegoldengatebecauseit isgiltwithgold,asasignofwhatIhavetoldyou,you shallmeetyourhusband,forwhosesafetyyouhavebeen somuchconcerned

7Whenthereforeyoufindthesethingsthusaccomplished, believethatalltherestwhichIhavetoldyou,shallalso undoubtedlybeaccomplished

8Accordingthereforetothecommandoftheangel,bothof themlefttheplaceswheretheywere,andwhentheycame totheplacespecifiedintheangel'sprediction,theymet eachother

9Then,rejoicingateachother'svision,andbeingfully satisfiedinthepromiseofachild,theygaveduethanksto theLord,whoexaltsthehumble

10AfterhavingpraisedtheLord,theyreturnedhome,and livedinacheerfulandassuredexpectationofthepromise ofGod

11SoAnnaconceived,andbroughtforthadaughter,and, accordingtotheangel'scommand,theparentsdidcallher nameMary.

CHAPTER4

1Andwhenthreeyearswereexpired,andthetimeofher weaningcomplete,theybroughttheVirgintothetempleof theLordwithofferings

2Andtherewereaboutthetemple,accordingtothefifteen Psalmsofdegrees,fifteenstairstoascend

3Forthetemplebeingbuiltinamountain,thealtarof burnt-offering,whichwaswithout,couldnotbecomenear butbystairs;

4TheparentsoftheblessedVirginandinfantMaryputher upononeofthesestairs;

5Butwhiletheywereputtingofftheirclothes,inwhich theyhadtravelled,andaccordingtocustomputtingon somethatweremoreneatandclean,

6InthemeantimetheVirginoftheLordinsuchamanner wentupallthestairsoneafteranother,withoutthehelpof anytoleadorlifther,thatanyonewouldhavejudgedfrom hencethatshewasofperfectage

7ThustheLorddid,intheinfancyofhisVirgin,workthis extraordinarywork,andevidencebythismiraclehowgreat shewasliketobehereafter

8Buttheparentshavingoffereduptheirsacrifice, accordingtothecustomofthelaw,andperfectedtheirvow, lefttheVirginwithothervirginsintheapartmentsofthe temple,whoweretobebroughtupthere,andtheyreturned home

CHAPTER5

1ButtheVirginoftheLord,assheadvancedinfears, increasedalsoinperfections,andaccordingtothesaying ofthePsalmist,herfatherandmotherforsookher,butthe Lordtookcareofher

2Forsheeverydayhadtheconversationofangels,and everydayreceivedvisitorsfromGod,whichpreservedher fromallsortsofevil,andcausedhertoaboundwithall goodthings;

3Sothatwhenatlengthshearrivedtoherfourteenthyear, asthewickedcouldnotlayanythingtoherchargeworthy ofreproof,soallgoodpersons,whowereacquaintedwith her,admiredherlifeandconversation

4Atthattimethehigh-priestmadeapublicorderThatall thevirginswhohadpublicsettlementsinthetemple,and werecometothisage,shouldreturnhome,and,asthey werenowofapropermaturity,should,accordingtothe customoftheircountry,endeavourtobemarried.

5Towhichcommand,thoughalltheothervirginsreadily yieldedobedience,MarytheVirginoftheLordalone answered,thatshecouldnotcomplywithit.

6Assigningthesereasons,thatbothsheandherparents haddevotedhertotheserviceoftheLord;andbesides,that shehadvowedvirginitytotheLord,whichvowshewas resolvednevertobreakthroughbylyingwithaman

7Thehighpriestbeingherebybroughtintoadifficulty,

8Seeinghedurstneitherontheonehanddissolvethevow, anddisobeytheScripture,whichsays,Vowandpay,

9Norontheotherhandintroduceacustom,towhichthe peoplewerestrangers,commanded,

10Thatattheapproachingfeastalltheprincipalpersons bothofJerusalemandtheneighbouringplacesshouldmeet together,thathemighthavetheiradvice,howhehadbest proceedinsodifficultacase

11Whentheywereaccordinglymet,theyunanimously agreedtoseektheLord,andaskcounselfromhimonthis matter

12Andwhentheywereallengagedinprayer,thehighpriest,accordingtotheusualway,wenttoconsultGod

13Andimmediatelytherewasavoicefromtheark,and themercyseat,whichallpresentheard,thatitmustbe inquiredorsoughtoutbyaprophecyofIsaiahtowhomthe Virginshouldbegivenandbebetrothed;

14ForIsaiahsaith,thereshallcomefortharodoutofthe stemofJesse,andaflowershallspringoutofitsroot,

15AndtheSpiritoftheLordshallrestuponhim,theSpirit ofWisdomandUnderstanding,theSpiritofCounseland Might,theSpiritofKnowledgeandPiety,andtheSpiritof thefearoftheLordshallfillhim

16Then,accordingtothisprophecy,heappointed,thatall themenofthehouseandfamilyofDavid,whowere marriageable,andnotmarried,shouldbringtheirseveral rodstothealtar,

17Andoutofwhatsoeverperson'srodafteritwasbrought, aflowershouldbudforth,andonthetopofittheSpiritof theLordshouldsitintheappearanceofadove,heshould bethemantowhomtheVirginshouldbegivenandbe betrothed

CHAPTER6

1AmongtheresttherewasamannamedJoseph,ofthe houseandfamilyofDavid,andapersonveryfaradvanced inyears,whodrewbackhisrod,wheneveryonebesides presentedhis.

2Sothatwhennothingappearedagreeabletotheheavenly voice,thehigh-priestjudgeditpropertoconsultGodagain, 3WhoansweredthathetowhomtheVirginwastobe betrothedwastheonlypersonofthosewhowerebrought together,whohadnotbroughthisrod

4Josephthereforewasbetrayed.

5For,whenhedidbringhisrod,andadovecomingfrom Heavenpitcheduponthetopofit,everyoneplainlysaw, thattheVirginwastobebetrothedtohim:

6Accordingly,theusualceremoniesofbetrothingbeing over,hereturnedtohisowncityofBethlehem,tosethis houseinorder,andmaketheneedfulforthemarriage.

7ButtheVirginoftheLord,Mary,withsevenother virginsofthesameage,whohadbeenweanedatthesame time,andwhohadbeenappointedtoattendherbythe priest,returnedtoherparents’houseinGalilee

CHAPTER7

1NowatthistimeofherfirstcomingintoGalilee,the angelGabrielwassenttoherfromGod,todeclaretoher theconceptionofourSaviour,andthemannerandwayof herconceivinghim

2Accordinglygoingintoher,hefilledthechamberwhere shewaswithaprodigiouslight,andinamostcourteous mannersalutingher,hesaid,

3Hail,Mary!VirginoftheLordmostacceptable!O VirginfullofGrace!TheLordiswithyou,youareblessed aboveallwomen,youareblessedaboveallmen,that.have beenhithertoborn.

4ButtheVirgin,whohadbeforebeenwellacquainted withthecountenancesofangels,andtowhomsuchlight fromheavenwasnouncommonthing,

5Wasneitherterrifiedwiththevisionoftheangel,nor astonishedatthegreatnessofthelight,butonlytroubled abouttheangel'swords:

6Andbegantoconsiderwhatsoextraordinaryasalutation shouldmean,whatitdidportend,orwhatsortofendit wouldhave

7Tothisthoughttheangel,divinelyinspired,replies;

8Fearnot,Mary,asthoughIintendedanything inconsistentwithyourchastityinthissalutation:

9ForyouhavefoundfavourwiththeLord,becauseyou madevirginityyourchoice.

10ThereforewhileyouareaVirgin,youshallconceive withoutsin,andbringforthason

11Heshallbegreat,becauseheshallreignfromseatosea, andfromtheriverstotheendsoftheearth

12AndheshallbecalledtheSonoftheHighest;forhe whoisborninameanstateonearthreignsinanexalted oneinheaven

13AndtheLordshallgivehimthethroneofhisfather David,andheshallreignoverthehouseofJacobforever, andofhiskingdomthereshallbenoend

14ForheistheKingofKings,andLordofLords,andhis throneisforeverandever.

15TothisdiscourseoftheangeltheVirginrepliednot,as thoughshewereunbelieving,butwillingtoknowthe mannerofit.

16Shesaid,Howcanthatbe?Forseeing,accordingtomy vow,Ihaveneverknownanyman,howcanIbearachild withouttheadditionofaman'sseed?

17Tothistheangelrepliedandsaid,Thinknot,Mary,that youshallconceiveintheordinaryway

18For,withoutlyingwithaman,whileaVirgin,youshall conceive;whileaVirgin,youshallbringforth;andwhilea Virginshallgivesuck

19FortheHolyGhostshallcomeuponyou,andthepower oftheMostHighshallovershadowyou,withoutanyofthe heatsoflust.

20Sothatwhichshallbebornofyoushallbeonlyholy,be causeitonlyisconceivedwithoutsin,andbeingborn,shall becalledtheSonofGod.

21ThenMarystretchingforthherhands,andliftingher eyestoheaven,said,BeholdthehandmaidoftheLord!Let itbeuntomeaccordingtothyword.

CHAPTER8

1JosephthereforewentfromJudæatoGalilee,with intentiontomarrytheVirginwhowasbetrothedtohim:

2Foritwasnownearthreemonthssinceshewasbetrothed tohim

3Atlengthitplainlyappearedshewaswithchild,andit couldnotbehidfromJoseph:

4ForgoingtotheVirgininafreemanner,asoneespoused, andtalkingfamiliarlywithher,heperceivedhertobewith child.

5Andthereuponbegantobeuneasyanddoubtful,not knowingwhatcourseitwouldbebesttotake;

6Forbeingajustman,hewasnotwillingtoexposeher, nordefameherbythesuspicionofbeingawhore,sincehe wasapiousman

7Hepurposedthereforeprivatelytoputanendtotheir agreement,andasprivatelytoputheraway

8Butwhilehewasmeditatingthesethings,beholdthe angeloftheLordappearedtohiminhissleep,andsaid Joseph,sonofDavid,fearnot;

9BenotwillingtoentertainanysuspicionoftheVirgin's beingguiltyoffornication,ortothinkanythingamissof her,neitherbeafraidtotakehertowife;

10ForthatwhichisbegottenInherandnowdistresses yourmind,isnottheworkofman,buttheHolyGhost.

11ForsheofallwomenisthatonlyVirginwhoshallbring forththeSonofGod,andyoushallcallhisnameJesus, thatis,Saviour:forhewillsavehispeoplefromtheirsins

12Josephthereupon,accordingtothecommandofthe angel,marriedtheVirgin,anddidnotknowher,butkept herinchastity

13Andnowtheninthmonthfromherconceptiondrew near,whenJosephtookhiswifeandwhatotherthings werenecessarytoBethlehem,thecityfromwhencehe came

14Anditcametopass,whiletheywerethere,thedays werefulfilledforherbringingforth

15Andshebroughtforthherfirst-bornson,astheholy Evangelistshavetaught,evenourLordJesusChrist,who withtheFather,Son,andHolyGhost,livesandreignsto everlastingages

TheProtevangelion

CHAPTER1

1InthehistoryofthetwelvetribesofIsraelwereadtherewas acertainpersoncalledJoachim,whobeingveryrich,made double1offeringstotheLordGod,havingmadethis resolution:mysubstanceshallbeforthebenefitofthewhole people,andthatImayfindmercyfromtheLordGodforthe forgivenessofmysins.

2ButatacertaingreatfeastoftheLord,whenthechildrenof Israelofferedtheirgifts,andJoachimalsoofferedhis,Reuben thehigh-priestopposedhim,sayingitisnotlawfulfortheeto offerthygifts,seeingthouhastnotbegotanyissueinIsrael

3AtthisJoachimbeingconcernedverymuch,wentawayto consulttheregistriesofthetwelvetribes,toseewhetherhe wastheonlypersonwhohadbegotnoissue

4Butuponinquiryhefoundthatalltherighteoushadraised upseedinIsrael:

5ThenhecalledtomindthepatriarchAbraham,Howthat GodintheendofhislifehadgivenhimhissonIsaac;upon whichhewasexceedinglydistressed,andwouldnotbeseen byhiswife:

6Butretiredintothewilderness,andfixedhistentthere,and fastedfortydaysandfortynights,sayingtohimself,

7Iwillnotgodowneithertoeatordrink,tilltheLordmy Godshalllookdownuponme,butprayershallbemymeat anddrink

CHAPTER2

1InthemeantimehiswifeAnnawasdistressedandperplexed onadoubleaccount,andsaidIwillmournbothformy widowhoodandmybarrenness

2ThendrewnearagreatfeastoftheLord,andJudithher maidsaid,Howlongwillyouthusafflictyoursoul?Thefeast oftheLordisnowcome,whenitisunlawfulforanyoneto mourn

3Takethereforethishoodwhichwasgivenbyonewho makessuchthings,foritisnotfitthatI,whoamaservant, shouldwearit,butitwellsuitsapersonofyourgreater character.

4ButAnnareplied,Departfromme,Iamnotusedtosuch things;besides,theLordhathgreatlyhumbledme

5Ifearsomeill-designingpersonhathgiventheethis,and thouartcometopollutemewithmysin

6ThenJudithhermaidanswered,WhatevilshallIwishyou whenyouwillnothearkentome?

7Icannotwishyouagreatercursethanyouareunder,inthat Godhathshutupyourwomb,thatyoushouldnotbeamother inIsrael.

8AtthisAnnawasexceedinglytroubled,andhavingonher weddinggarment,wentaboutthreeo'clockintheafternoonto walkinhergarden.

9Andshesawalaurel-tree,andsatunderit,andprayedunto theLord,saying,

10OGodofmyfathers,blessmeandregardmyprayeras thoudidstblessthewombofSarah,andgavestherasonIsaac

CHAPTER3

1Andasshewaslookingtowardsheavensheperceiveda sparrow'snestinthelaurel,

2Andmourningwithinherself,shesaid,Woisme,whobegat me?andwhatwombdidbearme,thatIshouldbethus

accursedbeforethechildrenofIsrael,andthattheyshould reproachandderidemeinthetempleofmyGod:Woisme, towhatcanIbecompared?

3Iamnotcomparabletotheverybeastsoftheearth,foreven thebeastsoftheeartharefruitfulbeforethee,OLord!Wois me,towhatcanIbecompared?

4Iamnotcomparabletothebruteanimals,foreventhebrute animalsarefruitfulbeforethee,OLord!Woisme,towhat amIcomparable?

5Icannotbecomparedtothesewaters,foreventhewaters arefruitfulbeforethee,OLord!Woisme,towhatcanIbe compared?

6Iamnotcomparabletothewavesofthesea;forthese, whethertheyarecalm,orinmotion,withthefisheswhichare inthem,praisethee,OLord!Woisme,towhatcanIbe compared?

7Iamnotcomparabletotheveryearth,fortheearthproduces itsfruits,andpraisesthee,OLord!

CHAPTER4

1ThenanangeloftheLordstoodbyherandsaid,Anna, Anna,theLordhathheardthyprayer;thoushaltconceiveand bringforth,andthyprogenyshallbespokenofinallthe world

2AndAnnaanswered,AstheLordmyGodliveth,whateverI bringforth,whetheritbemaleorfemale,Iwilldevoteitto theLordmyGod,anditshallministertohiminholythings, duringitswholelife

3Andbeholdthereappearedtwoangels,sayinguntoher, BeholdJoachimthyhusbandiscomingwithhisshepherds

4ForanangeloftheLordhathalsocomedowntohim,and said,TheLordGodhathheardthyprayer,makehasteandgo hence,forbeholdAnnathywifeshallconceive

5AndJoachimwentdownandcalledhisshepherds,saying Bringmehithertenshe-lambswithoutspotorblemish,and theyshallbefortheLordmyGod

6Andbringmetwelvecalveswithoutblemish,andthetwelve calvesshallbeforthepriestsandtheelders

7Bringmealsoahundredgoats,andthehundredgoatsshall beforthewholepeople.

8AndJoachimwentdownwiththeshepherds,andAnna stoodbythegateandsawJoachimcomingwiththeshepherds

9Andsheran,andhangingabouthisneck,said,NowIknow thattheLordhathgreatlyblessedme:

10Forbehold,Iwhowasawidowamnolongerawidow,and Iwhowasbarrenshallconceive.

CHAPTER5

1AndJoachimabodethefirstdayinhishouse,butonthe morrowhebroughthisofferingsandsaid,

2IftheLordbepropitioustomelettheplatewhichisonthe priest'sforehead1makeitmanifest

3Andheconsultedtheplatewhichthepriestwore,andsawit, andbeholdsinwasnotfoundinhim.

4AndJoachimsaid,NowIknowthattheLordispropitiousto me,andhathtakenawayallmysins

5AndhewentdownfromthetempleoftheLordjustified, andhewenttohisownhouse

6AndwhenninemonthswerefulfilledtoAnna,shebrought forth,andsaidtothemidwife,WhathaveIbroughtforth?

7Andshetoldher,agirl

8ThenAnnasaid,theLordhaththisdaymagnifiedmysoul; andshelaidherinbed.

9Andwhenthedaysofherpurificationwereaccomplished, shegavesucktothechild,andcalledhernameMary

CHAPTER6

1Andthechildincreasedinstrengtheveryday,sothatwhen shewasninemonthsold,hermotherputherupontheground totryifshecouldstand;andwhenshehadwalkedninesteps, shecameagaintohermother'slap.

2Thenhermothercaughtherup,andsaid,AstheLordmy Godliveth,thoushaltnotwalkagainonthisearthtillIbring theeintothetempleoftheLord.

3Accordinglyshemadeherchamberaholyplace,and sufferednothinguncommonoruncleantocomenearher,but invitedcertainundefileddaughtersofIsrael,andtheydrew heraside

4Butwhenthechildwasayearold,Joachimmadeagreat feast,andinvitedthepriests,scribes,elders,andallthepeople ofIsrael;

5AndJoachimthenmadeanofferingofthegirltothechief priests,andtheyblessedher,saying,TheGodofourfathers blessthisgirl,andgiveheranamefamousandlastingthrough allgenerationsAndallthepeoplereplied,Sobeit,Amen

6ThenJoachimasecondtimeofferedhertothepriests,and theyblessedher,saying,OmosthighGod,regardthisgirl, andblessherwithaneverlastingblessing

7Uponthishermothertookherup,andgaveherthebreast, andsungthefollowingsongtotheLord

8IwillsinganewsonguntotheLordmyGod,forhehath visitedme,andtakenawayfrommethereproachofmine enemies,andhathgivenmethefruitofhisrighteousness,that itmaynowbetoldthesonsofReuben,thatAnnagivessuck

9Thensheputthechildtorestintheroomwhichshehad consecrated,andshewentoutandministereduntothem

10Andwhenthefeastwasended,theywentawayrejoicing andpraisingtheGodofIsrael

CHAPTER7

1Butthegirlgrew,andwhenshewastwoyearsold,Joachim saidtoAnna,LetusleadhertothetempleoftheLord,thatwe mayperformourvow,whichwehavevoweduntotheLord God,lestheshouldbeangrywithus,andourofferingbe unacceptable.

2ButAnnasaid,Letuswaitthethirdyear,lestsheshouldbe atalosstoknowherfatherAndJoachimsaid,Letusthen wait.

3Andwhenthechildwasthreeyearsold,Joachimsaid,Let usinvitethedaughtersoftheHebrews,whoareundefiled,and letthemtakeeachalamp,andletthembelighted,thatthe childmaynotturnbackagain,andhermindbesetagainstthe templeoftheLord

4Andtheydidthustilltheyascendedintothetempleofthe LordAndthehigh-priestreceivedher,andblessedher,and said,Mary,theLordGodhathmagnifiedthynametoall generations,andtotheveryendoftimebytheewilltheLord shewhisredemptiontothechildrenofIsrael,

5Andheplacedheruponthethirdstepofthealtar,andthe Lordgaveuntohergrace,andshedancedwithherfeet,and allthehouseofIsraellovedher

CHAPTER8

1Andherparentswentawayfilledwithwonder,andpraising God,becausethegirldidnotreturnbacktothem.

2ButMarycontinuedinthetempleasadoveeducatedthere, andreceivedherfoodfromthehandofanangel

3Andwhenshewastwelveyearsofage,thepriestsmetina council,andsaid,Behold,Maryistwelveyearsofage;what shallwedowithher,forfearlesttheholyplaceoftheLord ourGodshouldbedefiled?

4ThenrepliedtheprieststoZachariasthehigh-priest,Doyou standatthealtaroftheLord,andenterintotheholyplace, andmakepetitionsconcerningher,andwhatsoevertheLord shallmanifestuntoyou,thatdo

5Thenthehigh-priestenteredintotheHolyofHolies,and takingawaywithhimthebreastplateofjudgment1made prayersconcerningher;

6AndbeholdtheangeloftheLordcametohim,andsaid, Zacharias,Zacharias,Goforthandcalltogetherallthe widowersamongthepeople,andleteveryoneofthembring hisrod,andhebywhomtheLordshallshewasignshallbe thehusbandofMary.

7AndthecrierswentoutthroughallJudæa,andthetrumpet oftheLordsounded,andallthepeopleranandmettogether

8Josephalso,throwingawaythehatchet,wentouttomeet them;andwhentheyweremet,theywenttothehigh-priest, takingeverymanhisrod

9Afterthehigh-priesthadreceivedtheirrods,hewentinto thetempletopray;

10Andwhenhehadfinishedhisprayer,hetooktherods, Andwentforthanddistributedthem,andtherewasnomiracle attendedthem

11ThelastrodwastakenbyJoseph,andbeholdadove proceededoutoftherod,andflewupontheheadofJoseph

12Andthehigh-priestsaid,Joseph,Thouarttheperson chosentotaketheVirginoftheLord,tokeepherforhim: 13ButJosephrefused,saying,Iamanoldman,andhave children,butsheisyoung,andIfearlestIshouldappear ridiculousinIsrael.

14Thenthehigh-priestreplied,Joseph,feartheLordthyGod, andrememberhowGoddealtwithDathan,Korah,and Abiram,howtheearthopenedandswallowedthemup, becauseoftheircontradiction

15Nowtherefore,Joseph,fearGod,lestthelikethingsshould happeninyourfamily.

16Josephthenbeingafraid,tookheruntohishouse,and JosephsaiduntoMary,Behold,Ihavetakentheefromthe templeoftheLord,andnowIwillleavetheeinmyhouse;I mustgotomindmytradeofbuildingheLordbewiththee

CHAPTER9

1Anditcametopass,inacouncilofthepriests,itwassaid, Letusmakeanewveilforthetemple.

2Andthehigh-priestsaid,Calltogethertomeseven undefiledvirginsofthetribeofDavid

3Andtheservantswentandbroughtthemintothetempleof theLord,andthehigh-priestsaiduntothemCastlotsbefore menow,whoofyoushallspinthegoldenthread,whothe blue,whothescarlet,whothefinelinen,andwhothetrue purple

4Thenthehigh-priestknewMary,thatshewasofthetribeof David;andhecalledher,andthetruepurplefelltoherlotto spin,andshewentawaytoherownhouse

5ButfromthattimeZachariasthehigh-priestbecamedumb, andSamuelwasplacedinhisroomtillZachariasspokeagain 6ButMarytookthetruepurple,anddidspinit

7Andshetookapot,andwentouttodrawwater,andhearda voicesayinguntoher,Hailthouwhoartfullofgrace,1the Lordiswiththee;thouartblessedamongwomen

8Andshelookedroundtotherightandtotheleft(tosee) whencethatvoicecame,andthentremblingwentintoher house,andlayingdownthewater-potshetookthepurple,and satdowninherseattoworkit

9AndbeholdtheangeloftheLordstoodbyher,andsaid, Fearnot,Mary,forthouhastfoundfavourinthesightofGod; 10Whichwhensheheard,shereasonedwithherselfwhatthat sortofsalutationmeant

11Andtheangelsaiduntoher,TheLordiswiththee,and thoushaltconceive:

12Towhichshereplied,What!shallIconceivebytheliving God,andbringforthasallotherwomendo?

13Buttheangelreturnedanswer,Notso,OMary,butthe HolyGhostshallcomeuponthee,andthepoweroftheMost Highshallovershadowthee;

14Whereforethatwhichshallbebornoftheeshallbeholy, andshallbecalledtheSonoftheLivingGod,andthoushalt callhisnameJesus;forheshallsavehispeoplefromtheir sins

15AndbeholdthycousinElizabeth,shealsohathconceiveda soninheroldage.

16Andthisnowisthesixthmonthwithher,whowascalled barren;fornothingisimpossiblewithGod

17AndMarysaid,BeholdthehandmaidoftheLord;letitbe untomeaccordingtothyword

18Andwhenshehadwroughtherpurple,shecarriedittothe high-priest,andthehigh-priestblessedher,saying,Mary,the LordGodhathmagnifiedthyname,andthoushaltbeblessed inalltheagesoftheworld

19ThenMary,filledwithjoy,wentawaytohercousin Elizabeth,andknockedatthedoor

20WhichwhenElizabethheard,sheranandopenedtoher, andblessedher,andsaid,Whenceisthistome,thatthe motherofmyLordshouldcomeuntome?

21Forlo!assoonasthevoiceofthysalutationreachedmy ears,thatwhichisinmeleapedandblessedthee

22ButMary,beingignorantofallthosemysteriousthings whichthearchangelGabrielhadspokentoher,liftedupher eyestoheaven,andsaid,Lord!WhatamI,thatallthe generationsoftheearthshouldcallmeblessed?

23Butperceivingherselfdailytogrowbig,andbeingafraid, shewenthome,andhidherselffromthechildrenofIsrael; andwasfourteenyearsoldwhenallthesethingshappened

CHAPTER10

1Andwhenhersixthmonthwascome,Josephreturnedfrom hisbuildinghousesabroad,whichwashistrade,andentering intothehouse,foundtheVirgingrownbig:

2Thensmitinguponhisface,hesaid,WithwhatfacecanI lookuptotheLordmyGod?or,whatshallIsayconcerning thisyoungwoman?

3ForIreceivedheraVirginoutofthetempleoftheLordmy God,andhavenotpreservedhersuch!

4Whohasthusdeceivedme?Whohascommittedthisevilin myhouse,andseducingtheVirginfromme,hathdefiledher?

5IsnotthehistoryofAdamexactlyaccomplishedinme?

6Forintheveryinstantofhisglory,theserpentcameand foundEvealone,andseducedher.

7Justafterthesamemannerithashappenedtome

8ThenJosepharisingfromtheground,calledher,andsaid,O thouwhohastbeensomuchfavouredbyGod,whyhastthou donethis?

9Whyhastthouthusdebasedthysoul,whowasteducatedin theHolyofHolies,andreceivedthyfoodfromthehandof angels?

10Butshe,withafloodoftears,replied,Iaminnocent,and haveknownnoman

11ThensaidJoseph,Howcomesittopassyouarewithchild?

12Maryanswered,AstheLordmyGodliveth,Iknownotby whatmeans

13ThenJosephwasexceedinglyafraid,andwentawayfrom her,consideringwhatheshoulddowithher;andhethus reasonedwithhimself:

14IfIconcealhercrime,Ishallbefoundguiltybythelawof theLord;

15AndifIdiscoverhertothechildrenofIsrael,Ifear,lest shebeingwithchildbyanangel,Ishallbefoundtobetraythe lifeofaninnocentperson:

16WhatthereforeshallIdo?Iwillprivatelydismissher

17Thenthenightwascomeuponhim,whenbeholdanangel oftheLordappearedtohiminadream,andsaid,

18Benotafraidtotakethatyoungwoman,forthatwhichis withinherisoftheHolyGhost;.

19Andsheshallbringforthason,andthoushaltcallhis nameJesus,forheshallsavehispeoplefromtheirsins

20ThenJosepharosefromhissleep,andglorifiedtheGodof Israel,whohadshownhimsuchfavour,andpreservedthe Virgin

CHAPTER11

1ThencameAnnasthescribe,andsaidtoJoseph,Wherefore havewenotseenyousinceyourreturn?

2AndJosephreplied,BecauseIwaswearyaftermyjourney, andrestedthefirstday

3ButAnnasturningaboutperceivedtheVirginbigwithchild

4Andwentawaytothepriest,andtoldhim,Josephinwhom youplacedsomuchconfidence,isguiltyofanotoriouscrime, inthathehathdefiledtheVirginwhomhereceivedoutofthe templeoftheLord,andhathprivatelymarriedher,not discoveringittothechildrenofIsrael

5Thensaidthepriest,HathJosephdonethis?

6Annasreplied,Ifyousendanyofyourservants,youwill findthatsheiswithchild

7Andtheservantswent,andfounditashesaid

8UponthisbothsheandJosephwerebroughttotheirtrial, andthepriestsaiduntoher,Mary,whathastthoudone?

9Whyhastthoudebasedthysoul,andforgotthyGod,seeing thouwastbroughtupintheHolyofHolies,anddidstreceive thyfoodfromthehandsofangels,andheardesttheirsongs?

10Whyhastthoudonethis?

11Towhichwithafloodoftearssheanswered,AstheLord myGodliveth,Iaminnocentinhissight,seeingIknowno man

12ThenthepriestsaidtoJoseph,Whyhastthoudonethis?

13AndJosephanswered,AstheLordmyGodliveth,Ihave notbeenconcernedwithher

14Butthepriestsaid,Lienot,butdeclarethetruth;thouhast privatelymarriedher,andnotdiscoveredittothechildrenof Israel,andhumbledthyselfunderthemightyhandofGod, thatthyseedmightbeblessed.

15AndJosephwassilent

16ThensaidthepriesttoJoseph,Youmustrestoretothe templeoftheLordtheVirginwhichyoutookthence.

17Butheweptbitterly,andthepriestadded,Iwillcauseyou bothtodrinkthewateroftheLord,1whichisfortrial,andso youriniquityshallbelaidopenbeforeyou

18Thenthepriesttookthewater,andmadeJosephdrink,and senthimtoamountainousplace

19Andhereturnedperfectlywell,andallthepeople wonderedthathisguiltwasnotdiscovered

20Sothepriestsaid,SincetheLordhathnotmadeyoursins evident,neitherdoIcondemnyou

21Sohesentthemaway.

22ThenJosephtookMary,andwenttohishouse,rejoicing andpraisingtheGodofIsrael

CHAPTER12

1Anditcametopass,thattherewentforthadecreefromthe EmperorAugustus,thatalltheJewsshouldbetaxed,who wereofBethleheminJudæa:

2AndJosephsaid,Iwilltakecarethatmychildrenbetaxed: butwhatshallIdowiththisyoungwoman?

3TohavehertaxedasmywifeIamashamed;andifItaxher asmydaughter,allIsraelknowssheisnotmydaughter.

4WhenthetimeoftheLord'sappointmentshallcome,lethim doasseemsgoodtohim

5Andhesaddledtheass,andputheruponit,andJosephand Simonfollowedafterher,andarrivedatBethlehemwithin threemiles

6ThenJosephturningaboutsawMarysorrowful,andsaid withinhimself,Perhapssheisinpainthroughthatwhichis withinher

7Butwhenheturnedaboutagainhesawherlaughing,and saidtoher,

8Mary,howhappensit,thatIsometimesseesorrow,and sometimeslaughterandjoyinthycountenance?

9AndMaryrepliedtohim,Iseetwopeoplewithmineeyes, theoneweepingandmourning,theotherlaughingand rejoicing

10Andhewentagainacrosstheway,andMarysaidto Joseph,Takemedownfromtheass,forthatwhichisinme pressestocomeforth.

11ButJosephreplied,WhithershallItakethee?fortheplace isdesert.

12ThensaidMaryagaintoJoseph,takemedown,forthat whichiswithinmemightilypressesme

13AndJosephtookherdown

14Andhefoundthereacave,andletherintoit

CHAPTER13

1Andleavingherandhissonsinthecave,Josephwentforth toseekaHebrewmidwifeinthevillageofBethlehem.

2ButasIwasgoing,saidJoseph,Ilookedupintotheair,and Isawthecloudsastonished,andthefowlsoftheairstopping inthemidstoftheirflight.

3AndIlookeddowntowardstheearth,andsawatable spread,andworkingpeoplesittingaroundit,buttheirhands wereuponthetable,andtheydidnotmovetoeat.

4Theywhohadmeatintheirmouthsdidnoteat

5Theywholiftedtheirhandsuptotheirheadsdidnotdraw themback:

6Andtheywholiftedthemuptotheirmouthsdidnotput anythingin;

7Butalltheirfaceswerefixedupwards.

8AndIbeheldthesheepdispersed,andyetthesheepstood still

9Andtheshepherdlifteduphishandtosmitethem,andhis handcontinuedup

10AndIlookeduntoariver,andsawthekidswiththeir mouthsclosetothewater,andtouchingit,buttheydidnot drink

CHAPTER14

1ThenIbeheldawomancomingdownfromthemountains, andshesaidtome,Whereartthougoing,Oman?

2AndIsaidtoher,IgotoinquireforaHebrewmidwife

3Sherepliedtome,Whereisthewomanthatistobe delivered?

4AndIanswered,Inthecave,andsheisbetrothedtome

5Thensaidthemidwife,Isshenotthywife?

6Josephanswered,ItisMary,whowaseducatedintheHoly ofHolies,inthehouseoftheLord,andshefelltomylot,and isnotmywife,buthasconceivedbytheHolyGhost.

7Themidwifesaid,Isthistrue?

8Heanswered,Comeandsee

9Andthemidwifewentalongwithhim,andstoodinthecave. 10Thenabrightcloudovershadowedthecave,andthe midwifesaid,Thisdaymysoulismagnified,formineeyes haveseensurprisingthings,andsalvationisbroughtforthto Israel

11Butonasuddenthecloudbecameagreatlightinthecave, sothattheireyescouldnotbearit.

12Butthelightgraduallydecreased,untiltheinfantappeared, andsuckedthebreastofhismotherMary

13Thenthemidwifecriedout,andsaid,Howgloriousaday isthis,whereinmineeyeshaveseenthisextraordinarysight!

14Andthemidwifewentoutfromthecave,andSalomemet her.

15Andthemidwifesaidtoher,Salome,Salome,Iwilltell youamostsurprisingthingwhichIsaw,

16Avirginhathbroughtforth,whichisathingcontraryto nature

17TowhichSalomereplied,AstheLordmyGodliveth, unlessIreceiveparticularproofofthismatter,Iwillnot believethatavirginhathbroughtforth

18ThenSalomewentin,andthemidwifesaid,Mary,shew thyself,foragreatcontroversyisrisenconcerningthee

19AndSalomereceivedsatisfaction

20Butherhandwaswithered,andshegroanedbitterly

21Andsaid,Woetome,becauseofmineiniquity;forIhave temptedthelivingGod,andmyhandisreadytodropoff

22ThenSalomemadehersupplicationtotheLord,andsaid, OGodofmyfathers,rememberme,forIamoftheseedof Abraham,andIsaac,andJacob

23MakemenotareproachamongthechildrenofIsrael,but restoremesoundtomyparents

24Forthouwellknowest,OLord,thatIhaveperformed manyofficesofcharityinthyname,andhavereceivedmy rewardfromthee

25UponthisanangeloftheLordstoodbySalome,andsaid, TheLordGodhathheardthyprayer,reachforththyhandto thechild,andcarryhim,andbythatmeansthoushaltbe restored

26Salome,filledwithexceedingjoy,wenttothechild,and said,Iwilltouchhim:

27Andshepurposedtoworshiphim,forshesaid,Thisisa greatkingwhichisborninIsrael.

28AndstraightwaySalomewascured

29Thenthemidwifewentoutofthecave,beingapprovedby God.

30Andlo!avoicecametoSalome,Declarenotthestrange thingswhichthouhastseen,tillthechildshallcometo Jerusalem

31SoSalomealsodeparted,approvedbyGod

CHAPTER15

1ThenJosephwaspreparingtogoaway,becausetherearose agreatdisorderinBethlehembythecomingof1somewise menfromtheeast,

2Whosaid,WhereisthekingoftheJewsborn?Forwehave seenhisstarintheeast,andarecometoworshiphim

3WhenHerodheardthis,hewasexceedinglytroubled,and sentmessengerstothewisemen,andtothepriests,and inquiredoftheminthetown-hall,

4Andsaiduntothem,Wherehaveyouitwrittenconcerning Christtheking,orwhereshouldhebeborn?

5Thentheysayuntohim,InBethlehemofJudæa;forthusit iswritten:AndthouBethleheminthelandofJudah,artnot theleastamongtheprincesofJudah,foroutoftheeshall comearuler,whoshallrulemypeopleIsrael

6Andhavingsentawaythechiefpriests,heinquiredofthe meninthetown-hall,andsaiduntothem,Whatsignwasitye sawconcerningthekingthatisborn?

7Theyansweredhim,Wesawanextraordinarylargestar shiningamongthestarsofheaven,andsoout-shinedallthe otherstars,asthattheybecamenotvisible,andweknew therebythatagreatkingwasborninIsrael,andthereforewe arecometoworshiphim.

8ThensaidHerodtothem,Goandmakediligentinquiry;and ifyefindthechild,bringmewordagain,thatImaycomeand worshiphimalso.

9Sothewisemenwentforth,andbehold,thestarwhichthey sawintheeastwentbeforethem,tillitcameandstoodover thecavewheretheyoungchildwaswithMaryhismother

10Thentheybroughtforthoatoftheirtreasures,andoffered untohimgoldandfrankincense,andmyrrh

11Andbeingwarnedinadreambyanangel,thattheyshould notreturntoHerodthroughJudæa,theydepartedintotheir owncountrybyanotherway.

CHAPTER16

1ThenHerodperceivingthatehewasmockedbythewise men,andbeingveryangry,commandedcertainmentogoand tokillallthechildrenthatwereinBethlehem,fromtwoyears oldandunder

2ButMaryhearingthatthechildrenweretobekilled,being undermuchfear,tookthechild,andwrappedhimupin swaddlingclothes,andlaidhiminanox-manger,because therewasnoroomforthemintheinn

3Elizabethalso,hearingthathersonJohnwasabouttobe searchedfor,tookhimandwentupuntothemountains,and lookedaroundforaplacetohidehim;

4Andtherewasnosecretplacetobefound.

5Thenshegroanedwithinherself,andsaid,Omountainof theLord,receivethemotherwiththechild

6ForElizabethcouldnotclimbup.

7Andinstantlythemountainwasdividedandreceivedthem

8AndthereappearedtothemanangeloftheLord,to preservethem.

9ButHerodmadesearchafterJohn,andsentservantsto Zacharias,whenhewasministeringatthealtar,andsaidunto him,Wherehastthouhidthyson?

10Herepliedtothem,IamaministerofGod,andaservantat thealtar;howshouldIknowwheremysonis?

11Sotheservantswentback,andtoldHerodthewhole;at whichhewasincensed,andsaid,Isnotthissonofhisliketo bekinginIsrael?

12HesentthereforeagainhisservantstoZacharias,saying, Tellusthetruth,whereisthyson,foryouknowthatyourlife isinmyhand.

13Sotheservantswentandtoldhimallthis:

14ButZachariasrepliedtothem,IamamartyrforGod,and ifheshedmyblood,theLordwillreceivemysoul.

15Besidesknowthatyeshedinnocentblood

16HoweverZachariaswasmurderedintheentranceofthe templeandaltar,andaboutthepartition;

17ButthechildrenofIsraelknewnotwhenhewaskilled

18Thenatthehourofsalutationthepriestswentintothe temple,butZachariasdidnotaccordingtocustommeetthem andblessthem;

19Yettheystillcontinuedwaitingforhimtosalutethem;

20Andwhentheyfoundhedidnotinalongtimecome,one ofthemventuredintotheholyplacewherethealtarwas,and hesawbloodlyinguponthegroundcongealed;

21When,behold,avoicefromheavensaid,Zachariasis murdered,andhisbloodshallnotbewipedaway,untilthe revengerofhisbloodcome

22Butwhenheheardthis,hewasafraid,andwentforthand toldthepriestswhathehadseenandheard;andtheyallwent in,andsawthefact

23Thentheroofsofthetemplehowled,andwererentfrom thetoptothebottom:

24Andtheycouldnotfindthebody,butonlybloodmade hardlikestone.

25Andtheywentawry,andtoldthepeople,thatZacharias wasmurdered,andallthetribesofIsraelheardthereof,and mournedforhim,andlamentedthreedays

26Thentheprieststookcounseltogetherconcerningaperson tosucceedhim

27AndSimeonandtheotherpriestscastlots,andthelotfell uponSimeon

28ForhehadbeenassuredbytheHolySpirit,thatheshould notdie,tillhehadseenChristcomeintheflesh

TheFirstGospelofthe InfancyofJesusChrist

CHAPTER1

1ThefollowingaccountswefoundinthebookofJosephthe high-priest,calledbysomeCaiaphas

2Herelates,thatJesusspakeevenwhenhewasinthecradle,and saidtohismother:

3Mary,IamJesustheSonofGod,thatwordwhichthoudidst bringforthaccordingtothedeclarationoftheangelGabrielto thee,andmyfatherhathsentmeforthesalvationoftheworld.

4InthethreehundredandninthyearoftheæraofAlexander, Augustuspublishedadecreethatallpersonsshouldgotobe taxedintheirowncountry

5Josephthereforearose,andwithMaryhisspousehewentto Jerusalem,andthencametoBethlehem,thatheandhisfamily mightbetaxedinthecityofhisfathers

6Andwhentheycamebythecave,MaryconfessedtoJoseph thathertimeofbringingforthwascome,andshecouldnotgoon tothecity,andsaid,Letusgointothiscave

7Atthattimethesunwasveryneargoingdown

8ButJosephhastenedaway,thathemightfetchheramidwife; andwhenhesawanoldHebrewwomanwhowasofJerusalem, hesaidtoher,Praycomehither,goodwoman,andgointothat cave,andyouwillthereseeawomanjustreadytobringforth

9Itwasaftersunset,whentheoldwomanandJosephwithher reachedthecave,andtheybothwentintoit

10Andbehold,itwasallfilledwithlights,greaterthanthelight oflampsandcandles,andgreaterthanthelightofthesunitself

11Theinfantwasthenwrappedupinswaddlingclothes,and suckingthebreastsofhismotherStMary

12Whentheybothsawthislight,theyweresurprised;theold womanaskedStMary,Artthouthemotherofthischild?

13StMaryreplied,Shewas

14Onwhichtheoldwomansaid,Thouartverydifferentfromall otherwomen

15StMaryanswered,Asthereisnotanychildliketomyson,so neitheristhereanywomanliketohismother

16Theoldwomananswered,andsaid,OmyLady,Iamcome hitherthatImayobtainaneverlastingreward

17ThenourLady,StMary,saidtoher,Laythinehandsupon theinfant;which,whenshehaddone,shebecamewhole

18Andasshewasgoingforth,shesaid,Fromhenceforth,allthe daysofmylife,Iwillattenduponandbeaservantofthisinfant.

19Afterthis,whentheshepherdscame,andhadmadeafire,and theywereexceedinglyrejoicing,theheavenlyhostappearedto them,praisingandadoringthesupremeGod.

20Andastheshepherdswereengagedinthesameemployment, thecaveatthattimeseemedlikeaglorioustemple,becauseboth thetonguesofangelsandmenunitedtoadoreandmagnifyGod, onaccountofthebirthoftheLordChrist

21ButwhentheoldHebrewwomansawalltheseevident miracles,shegavepraisestoGod,andsaid,Ithankthee,OGod, thouGodofIsrael,forthatmineeyeshaveseenthebirthofthe Saviouroftheworld

CHAPTER2

1Andwhenthetimeofhiscircumcisionwascome,namely,the eighthday,onwhichthelawcommandedthechildtobe circumcised,theycircumcisedhiminthecave

2AndtheoldHebrewwomantooktheforeskin(otherssayshe tookthenavel-string),andpreserveditinanalabaster-boxofold oilofspikenard

3Andshehadasonwhowasadruggist,towhomshesaid,Take heedthousellnotthisalabasterboxofspikenard-ointment, althoughthoushouldstbeofferedthreehundredpenceforit

4Nowthisisthatalabaster-boxwhichMarythesinnerprocured, andpouredforththeointmentoutofitupontheheadandthefeet ofourLordJesusChrist,andwipeditoffwiththeIhairsofher head.

5ThenaftertendaystheybroughthimtoJerusalem,andonthe fortiethdayfromhisbirththeypresentedhiminthetemple beforetheLord,makingtheproperofferingsforhim,according totherequirementofthelawofMoses:namely,thateverymale whichopensthewombshallbecalledholyuntoGod.

6AtthattimeoldSimeonsawhimshiningasapillaroflight, whenSt.MarytheVirgin,hismother,carriedhiminherarms, andwasfilledwiththegreatestpleasureatthesight

7Andtheangelsstoodaroundhim,adoringhim,asaking's guardsstandaroundhim

8ThenSimeongoingneartoStMary,andstretchingforthhis handstowardsher,saidtotheLordChrist,Now,OmyLord,thy servantshalldepartinpeace,accordingtothyword;

9Formineeyeshaveseenthymercy,whichthouhastprepared forthesalvationofallnations;alighttoallpeople,andtheglory ofthypeopleIsrael

10Hannahtheprophetesswasalsopresent,anddrawingnear, shegavepraisestoGod,andcelebratedthehappinessofMary CHAPTER3

1Anditcametopass,whentheLordJesuswasbornat Bethlehem,acityofJudæa,inthetimeofHerodtheKing;the wisemencamefromtheEasttoJerusalem,accordingtothe prophecyofZoradascht,andbroughtwiththemofferings:namely, gold,frankincense,andmyrrh,andworshippedhim,andoffered tohimtheirgifts

2ThentheLadyMarytookoneofhisswaddlingclothesinwhich theinfantwaswrapped,andgaveittotheminsteadofablessing, whichtheyreceivedfromherasamostnoblepresent

3Andatthesametimethereappearedtothemanangelinthe formofthatstarwhichhadbeforebeentheirguideintheir journey;thelightofwhichtheyfollowedtilltheyreturnedinto theirowncountry

4Ontheirreturntheirkingsandprincescametotheminquiring, Whattheyhadseenanddone?Whatsortofjourneyandreturn theyhad?Whatcompanytheyhadontheroad?

5ButtheyproducedtheswaddlingclothwhichStMaryhad giventothem,onaccountwhereoftheykeptafeast

6Andhaving,accordingtothecustomoftheircountry,madea fire,theyworshippedit.

7Andcastingtheswaddlingclothintoit,thefiretookit,andkept it.

8Andwhenthefirewasputout,theytookforththeswaddling clothunhurt,asmuchasifthefirehadnottouchedit.

9Thentheybegantokissit,andputitupontheirheadsandtheir eyes,saying,Thisiscertainlyanundoubtedtruth,anditisreally surprisingthatthefirecouldnotburnit,andconsumeit.

10Thentheytookit,andwiththegreatestrespectlaiditup amongtheirtreasures

CHAPTER4

1NowHerod,perceivingthatthewisemendiddelay,andnot returntohim,calledtogetherthepriestsandwisemenandsaid, TellmeinwhatplacetheChristshouldbeborn?

2Andwhentheyreplied,inBethlehem,acityofJudaea,he begantocontriveinhisownmindthedeathoftheLordJesus Christ

3ButanangeloftheLordappearedtoJosephinhissleep,and said,Arise,takethechildandhismother,andgointoEgyptas soonasthecockcrowsSohearose,andwent

4Andashewasconsideringwithhimselfabouthisjourney,the morningcameuponhim

5Inthelengthofthejourneythegirtsofthesaddlebroke

6Andnowhedrewneartoagreatcity,inwhichtherewasan idol,towhichtheotheridolsandgodsofEgyptbroughttheir offeringsandvows.

7Andtherewasbythisidolapriestministeringtoit,who,as oftenasSatanspokeoutofthatidol,relatedthethingshesaidto theinhabitantsofEgypt,andthosecountries.

8Thispriesthadasonthreeyearsold,whowaspossessedwitha greatmultitudeofdevils,whoutteredmanystrangethings,and whenthedevilsseizedhim,walkedaboutnakedwithhisclothes torn,throwingstonesatthosewhomhesaw

9Neartothatidolwastheinnofthecity,intowhichwhen JosephandStMarywerecome,andhadturnedintothatinn,all theinhabitantsofthecitywereastonished.

10Andallthemagistratesandpriestsoftheidolsassembled beforethatidol,andmadeinquirythere,saying,Whatmeansall thisconsternation,anddread,whichhasfallenuponallour country?

11Theidolansweredthem,TheunknownGodiscomehither, whoistrulyGod;noristhereanyonebesideshim,whoisworthy ofdivineworship;forheistrulytheSonofGod

12Atthefameofhimthiscountrytrembled,andathiscomingit isunderthepresentcommotionandconsternation;andwe ourselvesareaffrightedbythegreatnessofhispower

13Andatthesameinstantthisidolfelldown,andathisfallall theinhabitantsofEgypt,besidesothers,rantogether

14Butthesonofthepriest,whenhisusualdisordercameupon him,goingintotheinn,foundthereJosephandStMary,whom alltheresthadleftbehindandforsook

15AndwhentheLadyStMaryhadwashedtheswaddling clothesoftheLordChrist,andhangedthemouttodryupona post,theboypossessedwiththedeviltookdownoneofthem, andputituponhishead

16Andpresentlythedevilsbegantocomeoutofhismouth,and flyawayintheshapeofcrowsandserpents

17FromthattimetheboywashealedbythepoweroftheLord Christ,andhebegantosingpraises,andgivethankstotheLord whohadhealedhim

18Whenhisfathersawhimrestoredtohisformerstateofhealth, hesaid,Myson,whathashappenedtothee,andbywhatmeans wertthoucured?

19Thesonanswered,Whenthedevilsseizedme,Iwentintothe inn,andtherefoundaveryhandsomewomanwithaboy,whose swaddlingclothesshehadjustbeforewashed,andhangedout uponapost

20OneoftheseItook,andputituponmyhead,andimmediately thedevilsleftme,andfledaway.

21Atthisthefatherexceedinglyrejoiced,andsaid,Myson, perhapsthisboyisthesonofthelivingGod,whomadethe heavensandtheearth.

22Forassoonashecameamongstus,theidolwasbroken,and allthegodsfelldown,andweredestroyedbyagreaterpower.

23Thenwasfulfilledtheprophecywhichsaith,OutofEgyptI havecalledmyson

CHAPTER5

1NowJosephandMary,whentheyheardthattheidolwasfallen downanddestroyed,wereseizedwithfearandtrembling,and said,WhenwewereinthelandofIsrael,Herod,intendingtokill Jesus,slewforthatpurposealltheinfantsatBethlehem,andthat neighbourhood

2AndthereisnodoubtbuttheEgyptiansiftheycometohear thatthisidolisbrokenandfallendown,willburnuswithfire

3Theywentthereforehencetothesecretplacesofrobbers,who robbedtravellersastheypassby,oftheircarriagesandtheir clothes,andcarriedthemawaybound

4Thesethievesupontheircomingheardagreatnoise,suchas thenoiseofakingwithagreatarmyandmanyhorses,andthe trumpetssoundingathisOverturefromhisowncity,atwhich theyweresoaffrightedastoleavealltheirbootybehindthem, andflyawayinhaste.

5Uponthistheprisonersarose,andloosedeachother'sbonds, andtakingeachmanhisbags,theywentaway,andsawJoseph andMarycomingtowardsthem,andinquired,Whereisthatking, thenoiseofwhoseapproachtherobbersheard,andleftus,sothat wearenowcomeoffsafe?

6Josephanswered,Hewillcomeafterus.

CHAPTER6

1Thentheywentintoanotherwheretherewasawoman possessedwithadevil,andinwhomSatan,thatcursedrebel,had takenuphisabode

2Onenight,whenshewenttofetchwater,shecouldneither endureherclotheson,nortobeinanyhouse;butasoftenasthey tiedherwithchainsorcords,shebrakethem,andwentoutinto desertplaces,andsometimesstandingwhereroadscrossed,and inchurchyards,wouldthrowstonesatmen

3WhenStMarysawthiswman,shepitiedher;whereupon Satanpresentlylefther,andfledawayintheformofayoung man,saying,Wotome,becauseofthee,Mary,andthyson 4Sothewomanwasdeliveredfromhertorment;butconsidering herselfnaked,sheblushed,andavoidedseeinganyman,and havingputonherclothes,wenthome,andgaveauaccountofher casetoherfatherandrelations,who,astheywerethebestofthe city,entertainedStMaryandJosephwiththegreatestrespect

5Thenextmorninghavingreceivedasufficientsupplyof provisionsfortheroad,theywentfromthem,andaboutthe eveningofthedayarrivedatanothertown,whereamarriagewas thenabouttobesolemnized;butbytheartsofSatanandthe practicesofsomesorcerers,thebridewasbecomesodumb,that shecouldnotsomuchasopenhermouth

6ButwhenthisdumbbridesawtheLadyStMaryenteringinto thetown,andcarryingtheLordChristinherarms,shestretched outherhandstotheLordChrist,andtookhiminherarms,and closelyhugginghim,veryoftenkissedhim,continuallymoving himandpressinghimtoherbody

7Straightwaythestringofhertonguewasloosed,andherears wereopened,andshebegantosingpraisesuntoGod,whohad restoredher.

8Sotherewasgreatjoyamongtheinhabitantsofthetownthat night,whothoughtthatGodandhisangelswerecomedown amongthem

9Inthisplacetheyabodethreedays,meetingwiththegreatest respectandmostsplendidentertainment.

10Andbeingthenfurnishedbythepeoplewithprovisionsforthe road,theydepartedandwenttoanothercity,inwhichtheywere inclinedtolodge,becauseitwasafamousplace.

11Therewasinthiscityagentlewoman,who,asshewentdown onedaytotherivertobathe,beholdcursedSatanleapeduponher intheformofaserpent,

12Andfoldedhimselfaboutherbelly,andeverynightlayupon her

13ThiswomanseeingtheLadyStMary,andtheLordChristthe infantinherbosom,askedtheLadyStMary,thatshewouldgive herthechildtokiss,andcarryinherarms

14Whenshehadconsented,andassoonasthewomanhad movedthechild,Satanlefther,andfledaway,nordidthewoman everafterwardsseehim

15HereuponalltheneighbourspraisedtheSupremeGod,andthe womanrewardedthemwithamplebeneficence

16Onthemorrowthesamewomanbroughtperfumedwaterto washtheLordJesus;andwhenshehadwashedhim,she preservedthewater

17Andtherewasagirlthere,whosebodywaswhitewitha leprosy,whobeingsprinkledwiththiswater,andwashed,was instantlycleansedfromherleprosy

18ThepeoplethereforesaidWithoutdoubtJosephandMary, andthatboyareGods,fortheydonotlooklikemortals.

19Andwhentheyweremakingreadytogoaway,thegirl,who hadbeentroubledwiththeleprosy,cameanddesiredtheywould permithertogoalongwiththem;sotheyconsented,andthegirl wentwiththemtill.theycametoacity,inwhichwasthepalace ofagreatking,andwhosehousewasnotfarfromtheinn.

20Heretheystaid,andwhenthegirlwentonedaytotheprince's wife,andfoundherinasorrowfulandmournfulcondition,she askedherthereasonofhertears

21Shereplied,Wondernotatmygroans,forIamunderagreat misfortune,ofwhichIdarenottellanyone

22But,saysthegirl,ifyouwillentrustmewithyourprivate grievance,perhapsImayfindyouaremedyforit

23Thou,therefore,saystheprince'swife,shaltkeepthesecret, andnotdiscoverittoanyonealive!

24Ihavebeenmarriedtothisprince,whorulesaskingover largedominions,andlivedlongwithhim,beforehehadanychild byme

25AtlengthIconceivedbyhim,butalas!Ibroughtfortha leprousson;which,whenhesaw,hewouldnotowntobehis,but saidtome,

26Eitherdothoukillhim,orsendhimtosomenurseinsucha place,thathemaybeneverheardof;andnowtakecareof yourself;Iwillneverseeyoumore

27SohereIpine,lamentingmywretchedandmiserable circumstancesAlas,myson!alas,myhusband!HaveIdisclosed ittoyou?

28Thegirlreplied,Ihavefoundaremedyforyourdisease, whichIpromiseyou,forIalsowasleprous,butGodhath cleansedme,evenhewhoiscalledJesus,thesonoftheLady Mary

29ThewomaninquiringwherethatGodwas,whomshespakeof, thegirlansweredHelodgeswithyouhereinthesamehouse

30Buthowcanthisbe?saysshe;whereishe?Behold,replied thegirl,JosephandMary;andtheinfantwhoiswiththemis calledJesus:anditishewhodeliveredmefrommydiseaseand torment

31Butbywhatmeans,saysshe,wereyoucleansedfromyour leprosy?Willyounottellmethat?

32Whynot?saysthegirl;Itookthewaterwithwhichhisbody hadbeenwashed,andpouredituponme,andmyleprosy vanished

33Theprince'swifethenaroseandentertainedthem,providinga greatfeastforJosephamongalargecompanyofmen.

34AndthenextdaytookperfumedwatertowashtheLordJesus, andafterwardspouredthesamewateruponherson,whomshe hadbroughtwithher,andhersonwasinstantlycleansedfromhis leprosy.

35ThenshesangthanksandpraisesuntoGod,andsaid,Blessed isthemotherthatbarethee,OJesus!

36Dostthouthuscuremenofthesamenaturewiththyself,with thewaterwithwhichthybodyiswashed?

37ShethenofferedverylargegiftstotheLadyMary,andsent herawaywithallimaginablerespect

CHAPTER7

THEYcameafterwardstoanothercity,andhadamindtolodge there

2Accordinglytheywenttoaman'shouse,whowasnewly married,butbytheinfluenceofsorcererscouldnotenjoyhis wife:

3Buttheylodgingathishousethatnight,themanwasfreedof hisdisorder:

4Andwhentheywerepreparingearlyinthemorningtogo forwardontheirjourney,thenewmarriedpersonhinderedthem, andprovidedanobleentertainmentforthem?

5Butgoingforwardonthemorrow,theycametoanothercity, andsawthreewomengoingfromacertaingravewithgreat weeping.

6WhenSt.Marysawthem,shespaketothegirlwhowastheir companion,saying,Goandinquireofthem,whatisthematter withthem,andwhatmisfortunehasbefallenthem?

7Whenthegirlaskedthem,theymadehernoanswer,butasked heragain,Whoareye,andwhereareyegoing?Forthedayisfar spent,andthenightisathand.

8Wearetravellers,saiththegirl,andareseekingforaninnto lodgeat.

9Theyreplied,Goalongwithus,andlodgewithus

10Theythenfollowedthem,andwereintroducedintoanew house,wellfurnishedwithallsortsoffurniture

11Itwasnowwinter-time,andthegirlwentintotheparlour wherethesewomenwere,andfoundthemweepingand lamenting,asbefore

12Bythemstoodamule,coveredoverwithsilk,andanebony collarhangingdownfromhisneck,whomtheykissed,andwere feeding

13Butwhenthegirlsaid,Howhandsome,ladies,thatmuleis! theyrepliedwithtears,andsaid,Thismule,whichyousee,was ourbrother,bornofthissamemotheraswe:

14Forwhenourfatherdied,andleftusaverylargeestate,and wehadonlythisbrother,andweendeavouredtoprocurehima suitablematch,andthoughtheshouldbemarriedasothermen, somegiddyandjealouswomanbewitchedhimwithoutour knowledge

15Andwe,onenight,alittlebeforeday,whilethedoorsofthe housewereallfastshut,sawthisourbrotherwaschangedintoa mule,suchasyounowseehimtobe:

16Andwe,inthemelancholyconditioninwhichyouseeus, havingnofathertocomfortus,haveappliedtoallthewisemen, magicians,anddivinersintheworld,buttheyhavebeenofno servicetous

17Asoftenthereforeaswefindourselvesoppressedwithgrief, weriseandgowiththisourmothertoourfather'stomb,where, whenwehavecriedsufficientlywereturnhome

18Whenthegirlhadheardthis,shesaid,Takecourage,and ceaseyourfears,foryouhavearemedyforyourafflictionsnear athand,evenamongyouandinthemidstofyourhouse,

19ForIwasalsoleprous;butwhenIsawthiswoman,andthis littleinfantwithher,whosenameisJesus,Isprinkledmybody withthewaterwithwhichhismotherhadwashedhim,andIwas presentlymadewell.

20AndIamcertainthatheisalsocapableofrelievingyouunder yourdistress.Wherefore,arise,gotomymistress,Mary,and whenyouhavebroughtherintoyourownparlour,disclosetoher thesecret,atthesametime,earnestlybeseechingherto compassionateyourcase.

21Assoonasthewomenhadheardthegirl'sdiscourse,they hastenedawaytotheLadySt.Mary,introducedthemselvesto her,andsittingdownbeforeher,theywept

22Andsaid,OourLadyStMary,pityyourhandmaids,forwe havenoheadofourfamily,nooneolderthanus;nofather,or brothertogoinandoutbeforeus

23Butthismule,whichyousee,wasourbrother,whichsome womanbywitchcrafthavebroughtintothisconditionwhichyou see:wethereforeentreatyoutocompassionateus

24HereuponStMarywasgrievedattheircase,andtakingthe LordJesus,puthimuponthebackofthemule

25Andsaidtoherson,OJesusChrist,restore(orheal)according tothyextraordinarypowerthismule,andgranthimtohaveagain theshapeofamanandarationalcreature,ashehadformerly 26ThiswasscarcesaidbytheLadyStMary,butthemule immediatelypassedintoahumanform,andbecameayoungman withoutanydeformity

27ThenheandhismotherandthesistersworshippedtheLadySt Mary,andliftingthechildupontheirheads,theykissedhim,and said,Blessedisthymother,OJesus,OSaviouroftheworld! Blessedaretheeyeswhicharesohappyastoseethee.

28Thenboththesisterstoldtheirmother,saying,Ofatruthour brotherisrestoredtohisformershapebythehelpoftheLord JesusChrist,andthekindnessofthatgirl,whotoldusofMary andherson.

29Andinasmuchasourbrotherisunmarried,itisfitthatwe marryhimtothisgirltheirservant.

30WhentheyhadconsultedMaryinthismatter,andshehad givenherconsent,theymadeasplendidweddingforthisgirl.

31Andsotheirsorrowbeingturnedintogladness,andtheir mourningintomirth,theybegantorejoice.andtomakemerry, andsing,beingdressedintheirrichestattire,withbracelets

32AfterwardstheyglorifiedandpraisedGod,saying,OJesus sonofDavidwhochangestsorrowintogladness,andmourning intomirth!

33AfterthisJosephandMarytarriedtheretendays,thenwent away,havingreceivedgreatrespectfromthosepeople; 34Who,whentheytooktheirleaveofthem,andreturnedhome, cried,

35Butespeciallythegirl

CHAPTER8

1Intheirjourneyfromhencetheycameintoadesertcountry, andweretolditwasinfestedwithrobbers;soJosephandSt Marypreparedtopassthroughitinthenight

2Andastheyweregoingalong,beholdtheysawtworobbers asleepintheroad,andwiththemagreatnumberofrobbers,who weretheirconfederates,alsoasleep

3ThenamesofthesetwowereTitusandDumachus;andTitus saidtoDumachus,Ibeseechtheeletthosepersonsgoalong quietly,thatourcompanymaynotperceiveanythingofthem:

4ButDumachusrefusing,Titusagainsaid,Iwillgivetheeforty groats,andasapledgetakemygirdle,whichhegavehimhehad donespeaking,thathemightnotopenhismouth,ormakeanoise

5WhentheLadyStMarysawthekindnesswhichthisrobber didshewthem,shesaidtohim,TheLordGodwillreceivethee tohisrighthand,andgranttheepardonofthysins

6ThentheLordJesusanswered,andsaidtohismother,When thirtyyearsareexpired,Omother,theJewswillcrucifymeat Jerusalem;

7Andthesetwothievesshallbewithmeatthesametimeupon thecross,Titusonmyrighthand,andDumachusonmyleft,and fromthattimeTitusshallgobeforemeintoparadise:

8Andwhenshehadsaid,Godforbidthisshouldbethylot,Omy son,theywentontoacityinwhichwereseveralidols;which,as soonastheycameneartoit,wasturnedintohillsofsand.

9Hencetheywenttothatsycamoretree,whichisnowcalled Matarea;

10AndinMatareatheLordJesuscausedawelltospringforth, inwhichSt.Marywashedhiscoat;

11Andabalsamisproduced,orgrows,inthatcountryfromthe sweatwhichrandowntherefromtheLordJesus

12ThencetheyproceededtoMemphis,andsawPharaoh,and abodethreeyearsinEgypt

13AndtheLordJesusdidverymanymiraclesinEgypt,which areneithertobefoundintheGospeloftheInfancynorinthe GospelofPerfection

14AttheendofthreeyearshereturnedoutofEgypt,andwhen hecameneartoJudas,Josephwasafraidtoenter;

15ForhearingthatHerodwasdead,andthatArchelaushisson reignedinhisstead,hewasafraid;

16AndwhenhewenttoJudæa,anangelofGodappearedtohim, andsaid,OJoseph,gointothecityNazareth,andabidethere

17Itisstrangeindeedthathe,whoistheLordofallcountries, shouldbethuscarriedbackwardandforwardthroughsomany countries

CHAPTER9

1WhentheycameafterwardsintothecityBethlehem,theyfound thereseveralverydesperatedistempers,whichbecameso troublesometochildrenbyseeingthem,thatmostofthemdied.

2Therewasthereawomanwhohadasickson,whomshe brought,whenhewasatthepointofdeath,totheLadySt.Mary, whosawherwhenshewaswashingJesusChrist.

3Thensaidthewoman,OmyLadyMary,lookdownuponthis myson,whoisafflictedwithmostdreadfulpains.

4St.Maryhearingher,said,Takealittleofthatwaterwith whichIhavewashedmyson,andsprinkleituponhim.

5Thenshetookalittleofthatwater,asStMaryhadcommanded, andsprinkledituponherson,whobeingweariedwithhisviolent pains,hadfallenasleep;andafterhehadsleptalittle,awaked perfectlywellandrecovered.

6Themotherbeingabundantlygladofthissuccess,wentagain toStMary,andStMarysaidtoher,GivepraisetoGod,who hathcuredthisthyson

7Therewasinthesameplaceanotherwoman,aneighbourofher, whosesonwasnowcured

8Thiswoman'ssonwasafflictedwiththesamedisease,andhis eyeswerenowalmostquiteshut,andshewaslamentingforhim dayandnight

9Themotherofthechildwhichwascured,saidtoher,Whydo younotbringyoursontoStMary,asIbroughtmysontoher, whenhewasintheagoniesofdeath;andhewascuredbythat water,withwhichthebodyofhersonJesuswaswashed?

10Whenthewomanheardhersaythis,shealsowent,andhaving procuredthesamewater,washedhersonwithit,whereuponhis bodyandhiseyeswereinstantlyrestoredtotheirformerstate 11AndwhenshebroughthersontoStMary,andopenedhis casetoher,shecommandedhertogivethankstoGodforthe recoveryofherson'shealth,andtellnoonewhathadhappened

CHAPTER10

1Therewereinthesamecitytwowivesofoneman,whohad eachasonsickOneofthemwascalledMaryandherson'sname wasCaleb

2Shearose,andtakingherson,wenttotheLadyStMary,the motherofJesus,andofferedheraveryhandsomecarpet,saying, OmyLadyMaryacceptthiscarpetofme,andinsteadofitgive measmallswaddlingcloth.

3TothisMaryagreed,andwhenthemotherofCalebwasgone, shemadeacoatforhersonoftheswaddlingcloth,putitonhim, andhisdiseasewascured;butthesonoftheotherwifedied 4Hereupontherearosebetweenthem,adifferenceindoingthe businessofthefamilybyturns,eachherweek.

5AndwhentheturnofMarythemotherofCalebcame,andshe washeatingtheoventobakebread,andwentawaytofetchthe meal,shelefthersonCalebbytheoven;

6Whom,theotherwife,herrival,seeingtobebyhimself,took andcasthimintotheoven,whichwasveryhot,andthenwent away.

7MaryonherreturnsawhersonCaleblyinginthemiddleofthe ovenlaughing,andtheovenquiteascoldasthoughithadnot beenbeforeheated,andknewthatherrivaltheotherwifehad thrownhimintothefire

8Whenshetookhimout,shebroughthimtotheLadyStMary, andtoldherthestory,towhomshereplied,Bequiet,Iam concernedlestthoushouldestmakethismatterknown

9Afterthisherrival,theotherwife,asshewasdrawingwaterat thewell,andsawCalebplayingbythewell,andthatnoonewas near,tookhim,andthrewhimintothewell

10Andwhensomemencametofetchwaterfromthewell,they sawtheboysittingonthesuperficiesofthewater,anddrewhim outwithropes,andwereexceedinglysurprisedatthechild,and praisedGod

11Thencamethemotherandtookhimandcarriedhimtothe LadyStMary,lamentingandsaying,OmyLady,seewhatmy rivalhathdonetomyson,andhowshehathcasthimintothe well,andIdonotquestionbutonetimeorothershewillbethe occasionofhisdeath.

12St.Maryrepliedtoher,Godwillvindicateyourinjuredcause.

13Accordinglyafewdaysafter,whentheotherwifecametothe welltodrawwater,herfootwasentangledintherope,sothatshe fellheadlongintothewell,andtheywhorantoherassistance, foundherskullbroken,andbonesbruised.

14Soshecametoabadend,andinherwasfulfilledthatsaying oftheauthor,Theydiggedawell,andmadeitdeep,butfell themselvesintothepitwhichtheyprepared

CHAPTER11

1Anotherwomaninthatcityhadlikewisetwosonssick

2Andwhenonewasdead,theother,wholayatthepointof death,shetookinherarmstotheLadyStMary,andinaflood oftearsaddressedherselftoher,saying,

3OmyLady,helpandrelieveme;forIhadtwosons,theoneI havejustnowburied,theotherIseeisjustatthepointofdeath, beholdhowIearnestlyseekfavourfromGod,andpraytohim

4Thenshesaid,OLord,thouartgracious,andmerciful,and kind;thouhastgivenmetwosons;oneofthemthouhasttakento thyself,Osparemethisother

5StMarythenperceivingthegreatnessofhersorrow,pitiedher andsaid,Dothouplacethysoninmyson'sbed,andcoverhim withhisclothes

6AndwhenshehadplacedhiminthebedwhereinChristlay,at themomentwhenhiseyeswerejustclosedbydeath;assoonas everthesmellofthegarmentsoftheLordJesusChristreached theboy,hiseyeswereopened,andcallingwithaloudvoiceto hismother,heaskedforbread,andwhenhehadreceivedit,he suckedit

7Thenhismothersaid,OLadyMary,nowIamassuredthatthe powersofGoddodwellinyou,sothatthysoncancurechildren whoareofthesamesortashimself,assoonastheytouchhis garments

8Thisboywhowasthuscured,isthesamewhointheGospelis calledBartholomew

CHAPTER12

1AgaintherewasaleprouswomanwhowenttotheLadySt Mary,themotherofJesus,andsaid,OmyLady,helpme

2StMaryreplied,whathelpdostthoudesire?Isitgoldorsilver, orthatthybodybecuredofitsleprosy?

3Who,saysthewoman,cangrantmethis?

4St.Maryrepliedtoher,WaitalittletillIhavewashedmyson Jesus,andputhimtobed.

5Thewomanwaited,asshewascommanded;andMarywhen shehadputJesusinbed,givingherthewaterwithwhichshehad washedhisbody,said,Takesomeofthewater,andpouritupon thybody;

6Whichwhenshehaddone,sheinstantlybecameclean,and praisedGod,andgavethankstohim

7Thenshewentaway,aftershehadabodewithherthreedays:

8Andgoingintothecity,shesawacertainprince,whohad marriedanotherprince'sdaughter;

9Butwhenhecametoseeher,heperceivedbetweenhereyes thesignsofleprosylikeastar,andthereupondeclaredthe marriagedissolvedandvoid

10Whenthewomansawthesepersonsinthiscondition, exceedinglysorrowful,andsheddingabundanceoftears,she inquiredofthemthereasonoftheircrying

11Theyreplied,Inquirenotintoourcircumstances;forweare netabletodeclareourmisfortunestoanypersonwhatsoever

12Butstillshepressedanddesiredthemtocommunicatetheir casetoher,intimating,thatperhapsshemightbeabletodirect themtoaremedy

13Sowhentheyshewedtheyoungwomantoher,andthesigns oftheleprosy,whichappearedbetweenhereyes,

14Shesaid,Ialso,whomyeseeinthisplace,wasafflictedwith thesamedistemper,andgoingonsomebusinesstoBethlehem,I wentintoacertaincave,andsawawomannamedMary,whohad asoncalledJesus.

15Sheseeingmetobeleprous,wasconcernedforme,andgave mesomewaterwithwhichshehadwashedherson'sbody;with thatIsprinkledmybody,andbecameclean.

16Thensaidthesewomen,Willyou,Mistress,goalongwithus, andshewtheLadySt.Marytous?

17Towhichsheconsenting,theyaroseandwenttotheLadySt Mary,takingwiththemverynoblepresents.

18Andwhentheycameinandofferedtheirpresentstoher,they showedtheleprousyoungwomanwhattheybroughtwiththem toher

19ThensaidStMary,ThemercyoftheLordJesusChristrest uponyou;

20Andgivingthemalittleofthatwaterwithwhichshehad washedthebodyofJesusChrist,shebadethemwashthe diseasedpersonwithit;whichwhentheyhaddone,shewas presentlycured;

21Sothey,andallwhowerepresent,praisedGod;andbeing filledwithjoy,theywentbacktotheirowncity,andgavepraise toGodonthataccount

22Thentheprincehearingthathiswifewascured,tookher homeandmadeasecondmarriage,givingthanksuntoGodfor therecoveryofhiswife'shealth

CHAPTER13

1Therewasalsoagirl,whowasafflictedbySatan;

2Forthatcursedspiritdidfrequentlyappeartoherintheshape ofadragon,andwasinclinedtoswallowherup,andhadso suckedoutallherblood,thatshelookedlikeadeadcarcase

3Asoftenasshecametoherself,withherhandswringedabout herheadshewouldcryout,andsay,Wo,Woisme,thatthereis noonetobefoundwhocandelivermefromthatimpiousdragon! 4Herfatherandmother,andallwhowereaboutherandsawher, mournedandweptoverher;

5Andallwhowerepresentwouldespeciallybeundersorrow andintears,whentheyheardherbewailing,andsaying,My brethrenandfriends,istherenoonewhocandelivermefromthis murderer?

6Thentheprince'sdaughter,whohadbeencuredofherleprosy, hearingthecomplaintofthatgirl,wentuponthetopofhercastle, andsawherwithherhandstwistedaboutherhead,pouringouta floodoftears,andallthepeoplethatwereaboutherinsorrow.

7Thensheaskedthehusbandofthepossessedperson,Whether hiswife'smotherwasalive?Hetoldher,Thatherfatherand motherwerebothalive.

8Thensheorderedhermothertobesenttoher:towhom,when shesawhercoming,shesaid,Isthispossessedgirlthydaughter? Shemoaningandbewailingsaid,Yes,madam,Iboreher

9Theprince'sdaughteranswered,Disclosethesecretofhercase tome,forIconfesstoyouthatIwasleprous,buttheLadyMary, themotherofJesusChrist,healedme

10Andifyoudesireyourdaughtertoberestoredtoherformer state,takehertoBethlehem,andinquireforMarythemotherof Jesus,anddoubtnotbutyourdaughterwillbecured;forIdonot questionbutyouwillcomehomewithgreatjoyatyour daughter'srecovery

11Assoonasevershehaddonespeaking,shearoseandwent withherdaughtertotheplaceappointed,andtoMary,andtold herthecaseofherdaughter

12WhenStMaryhadheardherstory,shegaveheralittleofthe waterwithwhichshehadwashedthebodyofhersonJesus,and badeherpourituponthebodyofherdaughter

13LikewiseshegaveheroneoftheswaddlingclothsoftheLord Jesus,andsaid,Takethisswaddlingclothandshewittothine enemyasoftenasthouseesthim;andshesentthemawayin peace.

14Aftertheyhadleftthatcityandreturnedhome,andthetime wascomeinwhichSatanwaswonttoseizeher,inthesame momentthiscursedspiritappearedtoherintheshapeofahuge dragon,andthegirlseeinghimwasafraid.

15Themothersaidtoher,Benotafraiddaughter;lethimalone tillhecomenearertothee!thenshewhimtheswaddlingcloth, whichtheLadyMarygaveus,andweshallseetheevent.

16Satanthencominglikeadreadfuldragon,thebodyofthegirl trembledforfear.

17Butassoonasshehadputtheswaddlingclothuponherhead, andabouthereyes,andshewedittohim,presentlythereissued forthfromtheswaddlingclothflamesandburningcoals,andfell uponthedragon

18Oh!howgreatamiraclewasthis,whichwasdone:assoonas thedragonsawtheswaddlingclothoftheLordJesus,firewent forthandwasscattereduponhisheadandeyes;sothathecried outwithaloudvoice,WhathaveItodowiththee,Jesus,thou sonofMary,WhithershallIfleefromthee?

19Sohedrewbackmuchaffrighted,andleftthegirl

20Andshewasdeliveredfromthistrouble,andsangpraisesand thankstoGod,andwithherallwhowerepresentattheworking ofthemiracle

CHAPTER14

1Anotherwomanlikewiselivedthere,whosesonwaspossessed bySatan

2Thisboy,namedJudas,asoftenasSatanseizedhim,was inclinedtobiteallthatwerepresent;andifhefoundnooneelse nearhim,hewouldbitehisownhandsandotherparts

3Butthemotherofthismiserableboy,hearingofStMaryand hersonJesus,arosepresently,andtakinghersoninherarms, broughthimtotheLadyMary

4Inthemeantime,JamesandJoseshadtakenawaytheinfant, theLordJesus,toplayataproperseasonwithotherchildren;and whentheywentforth,theysatdownandtheLordJesuswith them.

5ThenJudas,whowaspossessed,cameandsatdownattheright handofJesus

6WhenSatanwasactinguponhimasusual,hewentaboutto bitetheLordJesus.

7Andbecausehecouldnotdoit,hestruckJesusontherightside, sothathecriedout.

8AndinthesamemomentSatanwentoutoftheboy,andran awaylikeamaddog.

9ThissameboywhostruckJesus,andoutofwhomSatanwent intheformofadog,wasJudasIscariot,whobetrayedhimtothe Jews.

10Andthatsameside,onwhichJudasstruckhim,theJews piercedwithaspear

CHAPTER15

1AndwhentheLordJesuswassevenyearsofage,hewasona certaindaywithotherboyshiscompanionsaboutthesameage

2Whowhentheywereatplay,madeclayintoseveralshapes, namely,asses,oxen,birds,andotherfigures, 3Eachboastingofhiswork,andendeavouringtoexceedtherest

4ThentheLordJesussaidtotheboys,Iwillcommandthese figureswhichIhavemadetowalk

5Andimmediatelytheymoved,andwhenhecommandedthem toreturn,theyreturned

6Hehadalsomadethefiguresofbirdsandsparrows,which, whenhecommandedtofly,didfly,andwhenhecommandedto standstill,didstandstill;andifhegavethemmeatanddrink, theydideatanddrink.

7Whenatlengththeboyswentaway,andrelatedthesethingsto theirparents,theirfatherssaidtothem,Takeheed,children,for thefuture,ofhiscompany,forheisasorcerer;shunandavoid him,andfromhenceforthneverplaywithhim.

8Onacertaindayalso,whentheLordJesuswasplayingwith theboys,andrunningabout,hepassedbyadyer'sshop,whose namewasSalem.

9Andtherewereinhisshopmanypiecesofclothbelongingto thepeopleofthatcity,whichtheydesignedtodyeofseveral colours.

10ThentheLordJesusgoingintothedyer'sshop,tookallthe cloths,andthrewthemintothefurnace.

11WhenSalemcamehome,andsawtheclothsspoiled,hebegan tomakeagreatnoise,andtochidetheLordJesus,saying,

12Whathastthoudonetome,OthouSonofMary?Thouhast injuredbothmeandmyneighbours;theyalldesiredtheircloths ofapropercolour;butthouhastcome,andspoiledthemall

13TheLordJesusreplied,Iwillchangethecolourofeverycloth towhatcolourthoudesirest;

14Andthenhepresentlybegantotaketheclothsoutofthe furnace,andtheywerealldyedofthosesamecolourswhichthe dyerdesired

15AndwhentheJewssawthissurprisingmiracle,theypraised God

CHAPTER16

1AndJoseph,wheresoeverhewentinthecity,tooktheLord Jesuswithhim,wherehewassentfortoworktomakegates,or milk-pails,orsieves,orboxes;theLordJesuswaswithhim wheresoeverhewent

2AndasoftenasJosephhadanythinginhiswork,tomake longerorshorter,orwider,ornarrower,theLordJesuswould stretchhishandtowardsit

3AndpresentlyitbecameasJosephwouldhaveit

4Sothathehadnoneedtofinishanythingwithhisownhands, forhewasnotveryskilfulathiscarpenter'strade

5OnacertaintimetheKingofJerusalemsentforhim,andsaid, Iwouldhavetheemakemeathroneofthesamedimensionswith thatplaceinwhichIcommonlysit.

6Josephobeyed,andforthwithbeganthework,andcontinued twoyearsintheking'spalacebeforehefinishedit

7Andwhenhecametofixitinitsplace,hefounditwantedtwo spansoneachsideoftheappointedmeasure.

8Which,whenthekingsaw,hewasveryangrywithJoseph;

9AndJosephafraidoftheking'sanger,wenttobedwithouthis supper,takingnotanythingtoeat.

10ThentheLordJesusaskedhim,Whathewasafraidof?

11Josephreplied,BecauseIhavelostmylabourinthework whichIhavebeenaboutthesetwoyears.

12Jesussaidtohim,Fearnot,neitherbecastdown;

13Dothoulayholdononesideofthethrone,andIwilltheother, andwewillbringittoitsjustdimensions

14AndwhenJosephhaddoneastheLordJesussaid,andeachof themhadwithstrengthdrawnhisside,thethroneobeyed,and wasbroughttotheproperdimensionsoftheplace:

15Whichmiraclewhentheywhostoodbysaw,theywere astonished,andpraisedGod

16Thethronewasmadeofthesamewood,whichwasinbeing inSolomon'stime,namely,woodadornedwithvariousshapes andfigures

CHAPTER17

1OnanotherdaytheLordJesusgoingoutintothestreet,and seeingsomeboyswhoweremettoplay,joinedhimselftotheir company:

2Butwhentheysawhim,theyhidthemselves,andlefthimto seekforthem:

3TheLordJesuscametothegateofacertainhouse,andasked somewomenwhowerestandingthere,Wheretheboyswere gone?

4Andwhentheyanswered,Thattherewasnoonethere;theLord Jesussaid,Whoarethosewhomyeseeinthefurnace?

5Theyanswered,Theywerekidsofthreeyearsold

6ThenJesuscriedoutaloud,andsaid,Comeouthither,Oye kids,toyourshepherd;

7Andpresentlytheboyscameforthlikekids,andleapedabout him;whichwhenthewomensaw,theywereexceedinglyamazed, andtrembled

8ThentheyimmediatelyworshippedtheLordJesus,and beseechedhim,saying,OourLordJesus,sonofMary,thouart trulythatgoodshepherdofIsrael!havemercyonthyhandmaids, whostandbeforethee,whodonotdoubt,butthatthou,OLord, artcometosave,andnottodestroy

9Afterthat,whentheLordJesussaid,thechildrenofIsraelare likeEthiopiansamongthepeople;thewomensaid,Thou,Lord, knowestallthings,norisanythingconcealedfromthee;butnow weentreatthee,andbeseechofthymercythatthouwouldst restorethoseboystotheirformerstate

10ThenJesussaid,ComehitherOboys,thatwemaygoandplay; andimmediately,inthepresenceofthesewomen,thekidswere changedandreturnedintotheshapeofboys

CHAPTER18

1InthemonthAdarJesusgatheredtogethertheboys,andranked themasthoughhehadbeenaking

2Fortheyspreadtheirgarmentsonthegroundforhimtositon; andhavingmadeacrownofflowers,putituponhishead,and stoodonhisrightandleftastheguardsofaking

3Andifanyonehappenedtopassby,theytookhimbyforce, andsaid,Comehither,andworshiptheking,thatyoumayhavea prosperousjourney

4Inthemeantime,whilethesethingsweredoing,therecame certainmen,carryingaboyuponacouch;

5Forthisboyhavinggonewithhiscompanionstothemountain togatherwood,andhavingfoundthereapartridge'snest,andput hishandintotakeouttheeggs,wasstungbyapoisonousserpent, whichleapedoutofthenest;sothathewasforcedtocryoutfor thehelpofhiscompanions:who,whentheycame,foundhim lyingupontheearthlikeadeadperson.

6Afterwhichhisneighbourscameandcarriedhimbackintothe city.

7ButwhentheycametotheplacewheretheLordJesuswas sittinglikeaking,andtheotherboysstoodaroundhimlikehis ministers,theboysmadehastetomeethim,whowasbittenby theserpent,andsaidtohisneighbours,Comeandpayyour respectstotheking;

8Butwhen,byreasonoftheirsorrow,theyrefusedtocome,the boysdrewthem,andforcedthemagainsttheirwillstocome

9AndwhentheycametotheLordJesus,heinquired,Onwhat accounttheycarriedthatboy?

10Andwhentheyanswered,thataserpenthadbittenhim,the LordJesussaidtotheboys,Letusgoandkillthatserpent

11Butwhentheparentsoftheboydesiredtobeexcused, becausetheirsonlayatthepointofdeath;theboysmadeanswer, andsaid,Didnotyehearwhatthekingsaid?Letusgoandkill theserpent;andwillnotyeobeyhim?

12Sotheybroughtthecouchbackagain,whethertheywouldor not

13Andwhentheywerecometothenest,theLordJesussaidto theboys,Isthistheserpent'slurkingplace?Theysaid,Itwas

14ThentheLordJesuscallingtheserpent,itpresentlycame forthandsubmittedtohim;towhomhesaid,Goandsuckoutall thepoisonwhichthouhastinfusedintothatboy;

15Sotheserpentcrepttotheboy,andtookawayallitspoison again.

16ThentheLordJesuscursedtheserpentsothatitimmediately burstasunder,anddied.

17Andhetouchedtheboywithhishandtorestorehimtohis formerhealth;

18Andwhenhebegantocry,theLordJesussaid,Ceasecrying, forhereafterthoushaltbemydisciple;

19AndthisisthatSimontheCanaanite,whoismentionedinthe Gospel

CHAPTER19

1OnanotherdayJosephsenthissonJamestogatherwoodand theLordJesuswentwithhim;

2Andwhentheycametotheplacewherethewoodwas,and Jamesbegantogatherit,behold,avenomousviperbithim,so thathebegantocry,andmakeanoise

3TheLordJesusseeinghiminthiscondition,cametohim,and blowedupontheplacewheretheviperhadbithim,anditwas instantlywell

4OnacertaindaytheLordJesuswaswithsomeboys,whowere playingonthehousetop,andoneoftheboysfelldown,and presentlydied

5Uponwhichtheotherboysallrunningaway,theLordJesus wasleftaloneonthehouse-top

6Andtheboy'srelationscametohimandsaidtotheLordJesus, Thoudidstthrowoursondownfromthehousetop

7Buthedenyingit,theycriedout,Oursonisdead,andthisishe whokilledhim

8TheLordJesusrepliedtothem,Donotchargemewithacrime, ofwhichyouarenotabletoconvictme,butletusgoasktheboy himself,whowillbringthetruthtolight

9ThentheLordJesusgoingdownstoodovertheheadofthe deadboy,andsaidwithaloudvoice,Zeinunus,Zeinunus,who threwtheedownfromthehousetop?

10Thenthedeadboyanswered,thoudidstnotthrowmedown, butsuchaonedid

11AndwhentheLordJesusbadethosewhostoodbytotake noticeofhiswords,allwhowerepresentpraisedGodonaccount ofthatmiracle

12OnacertaintimetheLadyStMaryhadcommandedtheLord Jesustofetchhersomewateroutofthewell;

13Andwhenhehadgonetofetchthewater,thepitcher,whenit wasbroughtupfull,brake.

14ButJesusspreadinghismantlegatheredupthewateragain, andbroughtitinthattohismother.

15Who,beingastonishedatthiswonderfulthing,laidupthis, andalltheotherthingswhichshehadseen,inhermemory.

16AgainonanotherdaytheLordJesuswaswithsomeboysbya riverandtheydrewwateroutoftheriverbylittlechannels,and madelittlefish-pools

17ButtheLordJesushadmadetwelvesparrows,andplaced themabouthispooloneachside,threeonaside

18ButitwastheSabbathday,andthesonofHananiaJewcame by,andsawthemmakingthesethings,andsaid,Doyethusmake figuresofclayontheSabbath?Andherantothem,andbroke downtheirfish-pools

19ButwhentheLordJesusclappedhishandsoverthesparrows whichhehadmade,theyfledawaychirping

20AtlengththesonofHananicomingtothefish-poolofJesusto destroyit,thewatervanishedaway,andtheLordJesussaidto him,

21Inlikemannerasthiswaterhasvanished,soshallthylife vanish;andpresentlytheboydied

22Anothertime,whentheLordJesuswascominghomeinthe eveningwithJoseph,hemetaboy,whoransohardagainsthim, thathethrewhimdown;

23TowhomtheLordJesussaid,Asthouhastthrownmedown, soshaltthoufall,noreverrise.

24Andthatmomenttheboyfelldownanddied.

CHAPTER20

1TherewasalsoatJerusalemonenamedZaccheus,whowasa schoolmaster.

2AndhesaidtoJoseph,Joseph,whydostthounotsendJesusto me,thathemaylearnhisletters?

3Josephagreed,andtoldSt.Mary;

4Sotheybroughthimtothatmaster;who,assoonashesawhim, wroteoutanalphabetforhim.

5AndhebadehimsayAleph;andwhenhehadsaidAleph,the masterbadehimpronounceBeth

6ThentheLordJesussaidtohim,Tellmefirstthemeaningof theletterAleph,andthenIwillpronounceBeth

7Andwhenthemasterthreatenedtowhiphim,theLordJesus explainedtohimthemeaningofthelettersAlephandBeth;

8Alsowhichwerethestraightfiguresoftheletters,whichthe oblique,andwhatlettershaddoublefigures;whichhadpoints, andwhichhadnone;whyoneletterwentbeforeanother;and manyotherthingshebegantotellhim,andexplain,ofwhichthe masterhimselfhadneverheard,norreadinanybook

9TheLordJesusfarthersaidtothemaster,TakenoticehowIsay tothee;thenhebeganclearlyanddistinctlytosayAleph,Beth, Gimel,Daleth,andsoontotheendofthealphabet

10Atthisthemasterwassosurprised,thathesaid,Ibelievethis boywasbornbeforeNoah;

11AndturningtoJoseph,hesaid,Thouhastbroughtaboytome tobetaught,whoismorelearnedthananymaster

12HesaidalsountoStMary,Thisyoursonhasnoneedofany learning

13Theybroughthimthentoamorelearnedmaster,who,when hesawhim,said,sayAleph

14AndwhenhehadsaidAleph,themasterbadehimpronounce Beth;towhichtheLordJesusreplied,Tellmefirstthemeaning oftheletterAleph,andthenIwillpronounceBeth

15Butthismaster,whenheliftuphishandtowhiphim,hadhis handpresentlywithered,andhedied

16ThensaidJosephtoSt.Mary,henceforthwewillnotallow himtogooutofthehouse;foreveryonewhodispleaseshimis killed

CHAPTER21

1Andwhenhewastwelveyearsold,theybroughthimto Jerusalemtothefeast;andwhenthefeastwasover,theyreturned. 2ButtheLordJesuscontinuedbehindinthetempleamongthe doctorsandelders,andlearnedmenofIsrael;towhomhe proposedseveralquestionsoflearning,andalsogavethem answers:

3Forhesaidtothem,WhosesonistheMessiah?Theyanswered, thesonofDavid:

4Whythen,saidhe,doesheinthespiritcallhimLord?whenhe saith,TheLordsaidtomyLord,sitthouatmyrighthand,tillI havemadethineenemiesthyfootstool

5ThenacertainprincipalRabbiaskedhim,Hastthoureadbooks?

6Jesusanswered,hehadreadbothbooks,andthethingswhich werecontainedinbooks

7Andheexplainedtothemthebooksofthelaw,andprecepts, andstatutes:andthemysterieswhicharecontainedinthebooks oftheprophets;thingswhichthemindofnocreaturecouldreach

8ThensaidthatRabbi,Ineveryethaveseenorheardofsuch knowledge!Whatdoyouthinkthatboywillbe!

9Whenacertainastronomer,whowaspresent,askedtheLord Jesus,Whetherhehadstudiedastronomy?

10TheLordJesusreplied,andtoldhimthenumberofthe spheresandheavenlybodies,asalsotheirtriangular,square,and sextileaspect;theirprogressiveandretrogrademotion;theirsize andseveralprognostications;andotherthingswhichthereason ofmanhadneverdiscovered.

11Therewasalsoamongthemaphilosopherwellskilledin physicandnaturalphilosophy,whoaskedtheLordJesus, Whetherhehadstudiedphysic?

12Hereplied,andexplainedtohimphysicsandmetaphysics. 13Alsothosethingswhichwereaboveandbelowthepowerof nature;

14Thepowersalsoofthebody,itshumours,andtheireffects.

15Alsothenumberofitsmembers,andbones,veins,arteries, andnerves;

16Theseveralconstitutionsofbody,hotanddry,coldandmoist, andthetendenciesofthem;

17Howthesouloperateduponthebody;

18Whatitsvarioussensationsandfacultieswere;

19Thefacultyofspeaking,anger,desire;

20Andlastlythemannerofitscompositionanddissolution;and otherthings,whichtheunderstandingofnocreaturehadever reached

21Thenthatphilosopherarose,andworshippedtheLordJesus, andsaid,OLordJesus,fromhenceforthIwillbethydiscipleand servant

22Whiletheywerediscoursingontheseandsuchlikethings,the LadyStMarycamein,havingbeenthreedayswalkingabout withJoseph,seekingforhim

23Andwhenshesawhimsittingamongthedoctors,andinhis turnproposingquestionstothem,andgivinganswers,shesaidto him,Myson,whyhastthoudonethusbyus?BeholdIandthy fatherhavebeenatmuchpainsinseekingthee

24Hereplied,Whydidyeseekme?DidyenotknowthatIought tobeemployedinmyfather'shouse?

25Buttheyunderstoodnotthewordswhichhesaidtothem

26ThenthedoctorsaskedMary,Whetherthiswasherson?And whenshesaid,Hewas,theysaid,OhappyMary,whohastborne suchason

27ThenhereturnedwiththemtoNazareth,andobeyedthemin allthings

28Andhismotherkeptallthesethingsinhermind;

29AndtheLordJesusgrewinstatureandwisdom,andfavour withGodandman

CHAPTER22

1NowfromthistimeJesusbegantoconcealhismiraclesand secretworks,

2Andhegavehimselftothestudyofthelaw,tillhearrivedto theendofhisthirtiethyear;

3AtwhichtimetheFatherpubliclyownedhimatJordan, sendingdownthisvoicefromheaven,Thisismybelovedson,in whomIamwellpleased;

4TheHolyGhostbeingalsopresentintheformofadove.

5Thisishewhomweworshipwithallreverence,becausehe gaveusourlifeandbeing,andbroughtusfromourmother's womb

6Who,foroursakes,tookahumanbody,andhathredeemedus, sothathemightsoembraceuswitheverlastingmercy,andshew hisfree,large,bountifulgraceandgoodnesstous

7Tohimbegloryandpraise,andpower,anddominion,from henceforthandforevermore,Amen

InfancyofJesusChrist

CHAPTER1

1IThomas,anIsraelite,judgeditnecessarytomake knowntoourbrethrenamongtheGentiles,theactionsand miraclesofChristinhischildhood,whichourLordand GodJesusChristwroughtafterhisbirthinBethlehemin ourcountry,atwhichImyselfwasastonished;the beginningofwhichwasasfolloweth

2WhenthechildJesuswasfiveyearsofageandtherehad beenashowerofrain,whichwasnowover,Jesuswas playingwithotherHebrewboysbyarunningstream;and thewaterrunningoverthebanks,stoodinlittlelakes; 3Butthewaterinstantlybecameclearandusefulagain;he havingsmotethemonlybyhisword,theyreadilyobeyed him.

4Thenhetookfromthebankofthestreamsomesoftclay, andformedoutofittwelvesparrows;andtherewereother boysplayingwithhim.

5ButacertainJewseeingthethingswhichhewasdoing, namely,hisformingclayintothefiguresofsparrowson thesabbathday,wentpresentlyaway,andtoldhisfather Joseph,andsaid,

6Behold,thyboyisplayingbytheriverside,andhas takenclay,andformeditintotwelvesparrows,and profaneththesabbath

7ThenJosephcametotheplacewherehewas,andwhen hesawhim,calledtohim,andsaid,Whydoestthouthat whichitisnotlawfultodoonthesabbathday?

8ThenJesusclappingtogetherthepalmsofhishands, calledtothesparrows,andsaidtothem:Go,flyaway;and whileyeliverememberme

9Sothesparrowsfledaway,makinganoise

10TheJewsseeingthis,wereastonished,andwentaway, andtoldtheirchiefpersonswhatastrangemiracletheyhad seenwroughtbyJesus

CHAPTER2

1Besidesthis,thesonofAnnathescribewasstanding therewithJoseph,andtookaboughofawillowtree,and scatteredthewaterswhichJesushadgatheredintolakes

2ButtheboyJesusseeingwhathehaddone,became angry,andsaidtohim,Thoufool,whatharmdidthelake dothee,thatthoushouldestscatterthewater?

3Behold,nowthoushaltwitherasatree,andshaltnot bringfortheitherleaves,orbranches,orfruit

4Andimmediatelyhebecamewitheredallover.

5ThenJesuswentawayhome.Buttheparentsoftheboy whowaswithered,lamentingthemisfortuneofhisyouth, tookandcarriedhimtoJoseph,accusinghim,andsaid, Whydostthoukeepasonwhoisguiltyofsuchactions?

6ThenJesusattherequestofallwhowerepresentdidheal him,leavingonlysomesmallmembertocontinuewithered, thattheymighttakewarning

7AnothertimeJesuswentforthintothestreet,andaboy runningby,rusheduponhisshoulder;

8AtwhichJesusbeingangry,saidtohim,thoushaltgono farther

9Andheinstantlyfelldowndead:

10Whichwhensomepersonssaw,theysaid,Wherewas thisboyborn,thateverythingwhichhesayspresently comethtopass?

11ThentheparentsofthedeadbuygoingtoJoseph complained,saying,Youarenotfittolivewithus,inour city,havingsuchaboyasthat:

12Eitherteachhimthatheblessandnotcurse,orelse departhencewithhim,forhekillsourchildren.

13ThenJosephcallingtheboyJesusbyhimself,instructed himsaying,Whydoestthousuchthingstoinjurethe peopleso,thattheyhateusandprosecuteus?

14ButJesusreplied,Iknowthatwhatthousayestisnotof thyself,butforthysakeIwillsaynothing;

15Buttheywhohavesaidthesethingstothee,shallsuffer everlastingpunishment

16Andimmediatelytheywhohadaccusedhimbecame blind.

17Andalltheywhosawitwereexceedinglyafraidand confounded,andsaidconcerninghim,Whatsoeverhesaith, whethergoodorbad,immediatelycomethtopass:andthey wereamazed

18AndwhentheysawthisactionofChrist,Josepharose, andpluckedhimbytheear,atwhichtheboywasangry, andsaidtohim,Beeasy;

19Foriftheyseekforus,theyshallnotfindus:thouhast doneveryimprudently.

20DostthounotknowthatIamthine?Troublemeno more

CHAPTER3

1AcertainschoolmasternamedZacchæus,standingina certainplace,heardJesusspeakingthesethingstohis father.

2Andhewasmuchsurprised,thatbeingachild,heshould speaksuchthings;andafterafewdayshecametoJoseph, andsaid, 3Thouhastawiseandsensiblechild,sendhimtome,that hemaylearntoread

4WhenhesatdowntoteachtheletterstoJesus,hebegan withthefirstletterAleph;

5ButJesuspronouncedthesecondletterMpeth(Beth) Cghimel(Gimel),andsaidoveralltheletterstohimtothe end

6Thenopeningabook,hetaughthismastertheprophets: butbewasashamed,andwasatalosstoconceivehowhe cametoknowtheletters

7Andhearoseandwenthome,wonderfullysurprisedatso strangeathing.

CHAPTER4

1AsJesuswaspassingbyacertainshop,hesawayoung mandipping(ordyeing)someclothsandstockingsina furnace,ofasadcolour,doingthemaccordingtoevery person'sparticularorder;

2TheboyJesusgoingtotheyoungmanwhowasdoing this,tookalsosomeofthecloths.

TheEpistlesofJesusChristandAbgarusKingofEdessa

ThefirstwriterwhomakesanymentionoftheEpistlesthatpassedbetweenJesusChristand Abgarus,isEusebius,BishopofCaesarea,inPalestine,whoflourishedintheearlypartof thefourthcenturyFortheirgenuineness,heappealstothepublicregistersandrecordsofthe CityofEdessainMesopotamia,whereAbgarusreigned,affirmsthathefoundthemwritten, intheSyriaclanguage.HepublishedaGreektranslationofthem,inhisEcclesiastical History.Thelearnedworldhavebeenmuchdividedonthissubject;but,notwithstandingthat theeruditeGrabe,withArchbishopCave,Dr.Parker,andotherdivines,hasstrenuously contendedfortheiradmissionintothecanonofScripture,theyaredeemedapocryphal.The Rev.JeremiahJonesobserves,thatthecommonpeopleinEnglandhavethisEpistleintheir houses,inmanyplaces,fixedinaframe,withthepictureofChristbeforeit;andthatthey generally,withmuchhonestyanddevotion,regarditasthewordofGod,andthegenuine EpistleofChrist.

CHAPTER1

AcopyofaletterwrittenbyKingAbgarustoJesus,andsenttohimbyAnanias,hisfootman, toJerusalem,invitinghimtoEdessa.

1Abgarus,kingofEdessa,toJesusthegoodSaviour,whoappearsatJerusalem,greeting.

2Ihavebeeninformedconcerningyouandyourcures,whichareperformedwithouttheuse ofmedicinesandherbs.

3Foritisreported,thatyoucausetheblindtosee,thelametowalk,dobothcleanselepers, andcastoutuncleanspiritsanddevils,andrestorethemtohealthwhohavebeenlong diseased,andraisestupthedead;

4AllwhichwhenIheard,Iwaspersuadedofoneofthesetwo,viz:eitherthatyouareGod himselfdescendedfromheaven,whodothesethings,orthesonofGod.

5OnthisaccountthereforeIhavewrotetoyou,earnestlytodesireyouwouldtakethe troubleofajourneyhither,andcureadiseasewhichIamunder

6ForIheartheJewsridiculeyou,andintendyoumischief.

7Mycityisindeedsmall,butneat,andlargeenoughforusboth.

CHAPTER2

TheanswerofJesusbyAnaniasthefootmantoAbgarustheking,3decliningtovisitEdessa

1Abgarus,youarehappy,forasmuchasyouhavebelievedonme,whomyehavenotseen

2Foritiswrittenconcerningme,thatthosewhohaveseenmeshouldnotbelieveonme, thattheywhohavenotseenmightbelieveandlive.

3Astothatpartofyourletter,whichrelatestomygivingyouavisit,Imustinformyou,that Imustfulfilalltheendsofmymissioninthiscountry,andafterthatbereceivedupagainto himwhosentme.

4ButaftermyascensionIwillsendoneofmydisciples,whowillcureyourdisease,and givelifetoyou,andallthatarewithyou.

TheGospelofNicodemus, formerlycalledTheActs ofPontiusPilate

CHAPTER1

1AnnasandCaiaphas,andSummas,andDatam,Gamaliel, Judas,Levi,Nepthalim,Alexander,Cyrus,andotherJews, wenttoPilateaboutJesus,accusinghimwithmanybad crimes

2Andsaid,WeareassuredthatJesusisthesonofJosephthe carpenter,landbornofMary,andthathedeclareshimselfthe SonofGod,andaking;andnotonlyso,butattemptsthe dissolutionofthesabbath,andthelawsofourfathers.

3Pilatereplied;Whatisitwhichhedeclares?andwhatisit whichheattemptsdissolving?

4TheJewstoldhim,Wehavealawwhichforbidsdoing curesonthesabbathday;buthecuresboththelameandthe deaf,thoseafflictedwiththepalsy,theblind,andlepers,and demoniacs,onthatdaybywickedmethods

5Pilatereplied,Howcanhedothisbywickedmethods?They answered,Heisaconjurer,andcastsoutdevilsbytheprince ofthedevils;andsoallthingsbecomesubjecttohim

6ThensaidPilate,Castingoutdevilsseemsnottobethe workofanuncleanspirit,buttoproceedfromthepowerof God

7TheJewsrepliedtoPilate,Weentreatyourhighnessto summonhimtoappearbeforeyourtribunal,andhearhim yourself

8ThenPilatecalledamessengerandsaidtohim,Bywhat meanswillChristbebroughthither?

9Thenwentthemessengerforth,andknowingChrist, worshippedhim;andhavingspreadthecloakwhichhehadin hishandupontheground,hesaid,Lord,walkuponthis,and goin,forthegovernorcallsthee

10WhentheJewsperceivedwhatthemessengerhaddone theyexclaimed(againsthim)toPilate,andsaid,Whydidyou notgivehimhissummonsbyabeadle,andnotbya messenger?Forthemessenger,whenhesawhim, worshippedhim,andspreadthecloakwhichhehadinhis handuponthegroundbeforehim,andsaidtohim,Lord,the governorcallsthee

11ThenPilatecalledthemessenger,andsaid,Whyhastthou donethus?

12Themessengerreplied,Whenthousentestmefrom JerusalemtoAlexander,IsawJesussittinginameanfigure uponashe-ass,andthechildrenoftheHebrewscriedout, Hosannah,holdingboughsoftreesintheirhands

13Othersspreadtheirgarmentsintheway,andsaid,Saveus, thouwhoartinheaven;blessedishewhocomethinthename oftheLord

14ThentheJewscriedout,againstthemessenger,andsaid, ThechildrenoftheHebrewsmadetheiracclamationsinthe Hebrewlanguage;andhowcouldstthou,whoartaGreek, understandtheHebrew?

15Themessengeransweredthemandsaid,Iaskedoneofthe Jewsandsaid,Whatisthiswhichthechildrendocryoutin theHebrewlanguage?

16Andheexplainedittome,saying,theycryoutHosannah, whichbeinginterpreted,is,O,Lord,saveme;or,OLord, save

17Pilatethensaidtothem,Whydoyouyourselvestestifyto thewordsspokenbythechildren,namely,byyoursilence?In whathasthemessengerdoneamiss?Andtheyweresilent.

18Thenthegovernorsaiduntothemessenger,Goforthand endeavourbyanymeanstobringhimin

19Butthemessengerwentforth,anddidasbefore;andsaid, Lord,comein,forthegovernorcalleththee

20AndasJesuswasgoinginbytheensigns,whocarriedthe standards,thetopsofthemboweddownandworshipped Jesus

21WhereupontheJewsexclaimedmorevehementlyagainst theensigns.

22ButPilatesaidtotheJews,Iknowitisnotpleasingtoyou thatthetopsofthestandardsdidofthemselvesbowand worshipJesus;butwhydoyeexclaimagainsttheensigns,as iftheyhadbowedandworshipped?

23TheyrepliedtoPilate,Wesawtheensignsthemselves bowingandworshippingJesus.

24Thenthegovernorcalledtheensignsandsaiduntothem, Whydidyoudothus?

25TheensignssaidtoPilate,WeareallPagansandworship thegodsintemples;andhowshouldwethinkanythingabout worshippinghim?Weonlyheldthestandardsinourhands andtheybowedthemselvesandworshippedhim.

26ThensaidPilatetotherulersofthesynagogue,Doye yourselveschoosesomestrongmen,andletthemholdthe standards,andweshallseewhethertheywillthenbendof themselves

27SotheeldersoftheJewssoughtouttwelveofthemost strongandableoldmen,andmadethemholdthestandards andtheystoodinthepresenceofthegovernor

28ThenPilatesaidtothemessenger,TakeJesusout,andby somemeansbringhiminagain.AndJesusandthemessenger wentoutofthehall

29AndPilatecalledtheensignswhobeforehadbornethe standards,andsworetothem,thatiftheyhadnotbornethe standardsinthatmannerwhenJesusbeforeenteredin,he wouldcutofftheirheads

30ThenthegovernorcommandedJesustocomeinagain 31Andthemessengerdidashehaddonebefore,andvery muchentreatedJesusthathewouldgouponhiscloak,and walkonit,andhedidwalkuponit,andwentin

32AndwhenJesuswentin,thestandardsbowedthemselves asbefore,andworshippedhim.

CHAPTER2

1NowwhenPilatesawthis,hewasafraid,andwasaboutto risefromhisseat

2Butwhilehethoughttorise,hisownwifewhostoodata distance,senttohim,saying,Havethounothingtodowith thatjustman;forIhavesufferedmuchconcerninghimina visionthisnight.

3WhentheJewsheardthistheysaidtoPilate,Didwenotsay untothee,Heisaconjuror?Behold,hehathcausedthywife todream.

4PilatethencallingJesus,said,thouhastheardwhatthey testifyagainstthee,andmakestnoanswer?

5Jesusreplied,Iftheyhadnotapowerofspeaking,they couldnothavespoke;butbecauseeveryonehasthe commandofhisowntongue,tospeakbothgoodandbad,let himlooktoit

6ButtheeldersoftheJewsanswered,andsaidtoJesus,What shallwelookto?

7Inthefirstplace,weknowthisconcerningthee,thatthou wastbornthroughfornication;secondly,thatupontheaccount

ofthybirththeinfantswereslaininBethlehem;thirdly,that thyfatherandmotherMaryfledintoEgypt,becausethey couldnottrusttheirownpeople.

8SomeoftheJewswhostoodbyspakemorefavourably,We cannotsaythathewasbornthroughfornication;butweknow thathismotherMarywasbetrothedtoJoseph,andsohewas notbornthroughfornication

9ThensaidPilatetotheJewswhoaffirmedhimtobeborn throughfornication,Thisyouraccountisnottrue,seeingthere wasabetrothment,astheytestifywhoareofyourownnation

10AnnasandCaiaphasspaketoPilate,Allthismultitudeof peopleistoberegarded,whocryout,thathewasborn throughfornication,andisaconjuror;buttheywhodenyhim tobebornthroughfornication,arehisproselytesanddisciples 11PilateansweredAnnasandCaiaphas,Whoarethe proselytes?Theyanswered,Theyarethosewhoarethe childrenofPagans,andarenotbecomeJews,butfollowersof him.

12ThenrepliedEleazer,andAsterius,andAntonius,and James,CarasandSamuel,IsaacandPhinees,Crispusand Agrippa,AnnasandJudas,Wearenotproselytes,butchildren ofJews,andspeakthetruth,andwerepresentwhenMarywas betrothed

13ThenPilateaddressinghimselftothetwelvemenwho spakethis,saidtothem,IconjureyoubythelifeofCæsar, thatyefaithfullydeclarewhetherhewasbornthrough fornication,andthosethingsbetruewhichyehaverelated.

14TheyansweredPilate,Wehavealaw,wherebyweare forbidtoswear,itbeingasin:Letthemswearbythelifeof Cæsarthatitisnotaswehavesaid,andwewillbecontented tobeputtodeath

15ThensaidAnnasandCaiaphastoPilate,Thosetwelvemen willnotbelievethatweknowhimtobebaselyborn,andtobe aconjuror,althoughhepretendsthatheisthesonofGod,and aking:whichwearesofarfrombelieving,thatwetrembleto hear

16ThenPilatecommandedeveryonetogooutexceptthe twelvemenwhosaidhewasnotbornthroughfornication,and Jesustowithdrawtoadistance,andsaidtothem,Whyhave theJewsamindtokillJesus?

17Theyansweredhim,Theyareangrybecausehewrought curesontheSabbathdayPilatesaid,Willtheykillhimfor goodwork?Theysayuntohim,Yes,Sir

CHAPTER3

1ThenPilate,filledwithanger,wentoutofthehall,andsaid totheJews,IcallthewholeworldtowitnessthatIfindno faultinthatman

2TheJewsrepliedtoPilate,Ifhehadnotbeenawicked person,wehadnotbroughthimbeforethee

3Pilatesaidtothem,Doyetakehimandtryhimbyyourlaw

4ThentheJewssaid,Itisnotlawfulforustoputanyoneto death

5PilatesaidtotheJews,Thecommand,thereforethoushalt notkill,belongstoyou,butnottome.

6Andhewentagainintothehall,andcalledJesusbyhimself, andsaidtohim,ArtthouthekingoftheJews?

7AndJesusanswering,saidtoPilate,Dostthouspeakthisof thyself,ordidtheJewstellittheeconcerningme?

8Pilateanswering,saidtoJesus,AmIaJew?Thewhole nationandrulersoftheJewshavedeliveredtheeuptome Whathastthoudone?

9Jesusanswering,said,Mykingdomisnotofthisworld:if mykingdomwereofthisworld,thenwouldmyservantsfight,

andIshouldnothavebeendeliveredtotheJews;butnowmy kingdomisnotfromhence

10Pilatesaid,Artthouakingthen?Jesusanswered,Thou sayestthatIamaking:tothisendwasIborn,andforthisend cameIintotheworld;andforthispurposeIcame,thatI shouldbearwitnesstothetruth;andeveryonewhoisofthe truth,hearethmyvoice

11Pilatesaithtohim,Whatistruth?

12Jesussaid,Truthisfromheaven.

13Pilatesaid,Thereforetruthisnotonearth

14JesussaidtoPilate,Believethattruthisonearthamong those,whowhentheyhavethepowerofjudgment,are governedbytruth,andformrightjudgment

CHAPTER4

1ThenPilateleftJesusinthehall,andwentouttotheJews, andsaid,IfindnotanyonefaultinJesus.

2TheJewssayuntohim,Buthesaid,Icandestroythetemple ofGod,andinthreedaysbuilditupagain

3Pilatesaithuntothem,Whatsortoftempleisthatofwhich hespeaketh?

4TheJewssayuntohim,ThatwhichSolomonwasforty-six yearsinbuilding,hesaidhewoulddestroy,andinthreedays buildup

5Pilatesaidtothemagain,Iaminnocentfromthebloodof thatman;doyelooktoit.

6TheJewssaytohim,Hisbloodbeuponusandourchildren ThenPilatecallingtogethertheeldersandscribes,priestsand Levites,saithtothemprivately,Donotactthus;Ihavefound nothinginyourcharge(againsthim)concerninghiscuring sickpersons,andbreakingthesabbath,worthyofdeath

7ThePriestsandLevitesrepliedtoPilate,Bythelifeof Cæsar,ifanyonebeablasphemer,heisworthyofdeath;but thismanhathblasphemedagainsttheLord.

8ThenthegovernoragaincommandedtheJewstodepartout ofthehall;andcallingJesus,saidtohim,WhatshallIdowith thee?

9Jesusansweredhim,Doaccordingasitiswritten 10Pilatesaidtohim,Howisitwritten?

11Jesussaithtohim,Mosesandtheprophetshaveprophesied concerningmysufferingandresurrection

12TheJewshearingthis,wereprovoked,andsaidtoPilate, Whywiltthouanylongerheartheblasphemyofthatman?

13Pilatesaithtothem,Ifthesewordsseemtoyoublasphemy, doyetakehim,bringhimtoyourcourt,andtryhimaccording toyourlaw.

14TheJewsreplytoPilate,Ourlawsaith,heshallbeobliged toreceivenineandthirtystripes,butifafterthismannerhe shallblasphemeagainsttheLord,heshallbestoned.

15Pilatesaithuntothem,Ifthatspeechofhiswasblasphemy, doyetryhimaccordingtoyourlaw

16TheJewssaytoPilate,Ourlawcommandsusnottoput anyonetodeath:wedesirethathemaybecrucified,because hedeservesthedeathofthecross

17Pilatesaithtothem,Itisnotfitheshouldbecrucified:let himbeonlywhippedandsentaway

18Butwhenthegovernorlookeduponthepeoplethatwere presentandtheJews,hesawmanyoftheJewsintears,and saidtothechiefpriestsoftheJews,Allthepeopledonot desirehisdeath

19TheeldersoftheJewsansweredtoPilate,Weandallthe peoplecamehitherforthisverypurpose,thatheshoulddie 20Pilatesaithtothem,Whyshouldhedie?

21Theysaidtohim,Becausehedeclareshimselftobethe SonofGod,andaKing

1ButNicodemus,acertainJew,stoodbeforethegovernor, andsaid,Ientreatthee,Orighteousjudge,thatthouwouldst favourmewiththelibertyofspeakingafewwords

2Pilatesaidtohim,Speakon.

3Nicodemussaid,IspaketotheeldersoftheJews,andthe scribes,andpriestsandLevites,andallthemultitudeofthe Jews,intheirassembly;Whatisityewoulddowiththisman?

4Heisamanwhohathwroughtmanyusefulandglorious miracles,suchasnomanoneartheverwroughtbefore,nor willeverwork.Lethimgo,anddohimnoharm;ifhecometh fromGod,hismiracles,(hismiraculouscures)willcontinue; butiffrommen,theywillcometonought

5ThusMoses,whenhewassentbyGodintoEgypt,wrought themiracleswhichGodcommandedhim,beforePharaohking ofEgypt;andthoughthemagiciansofthatcountry,Jannes andJambres,wroughtbytheirmagicthesamemiracleswhich Mosesdid,yettheycouldnotworkallwhichhedid;

6Andthemiracleswhichthemagicianswrought,werenotof God,asyeknow,OScribesandPharisees;buttheywho wroughtthemperished,andallwhobelievedthem

7Andnowletthismango;becausetheverymiraclesfor whichyeaccusehim,arefromGod;andheisnotworthyof death

8TheJewsthensaidtoNicodemus,Artthoubecomehis disciple,andmakingspeechesinhisfavour?

9Nicodemussaidtothem,Isthegovernorbecomehis disciplealso,anddoeshemakespeechesforhim?Didnot Cæsarplacehiminthathighpost?

10WhentheJewsheardthistheytrembled,andgnashedtheir teethatNicodemus,andsaidtohim,Mayestthoureceivehis doctrinefortruth,andhavethylotwithChrist!

11Nicodemusreplied,Amen;Iwillreceivehisdoctrine,and mylotwithhim,asyehavesaid.

12ThenanothercertainJewroseup,anddesiredleaveofthe governortohearhimafewwords

13Andthegovernorsaid,Speakwhatthouhastamind

14Andhesaid,Ilayforthirty-eightyearsbythesheep-pool atJerusalem,labouringunderagreatinfirmity,andwaiting foracurewhichshouldbewroughtbythecomingofanangel, whoatacertaintimetroubledthewater;andwhosoeverfirst afterthetroublingofthewatersteppedin,wasmadewholeof whatsoeverdiseasehehad.

15AndwhenJesussawmelanguishingthere,hesaidtome, Wiltthoubemadewhole?AndIanswered,Sir,Ihavenoman, whenthewateristroubled,toputmeintothepool.

16Andhesaiduntome,Rise,takeupthybedandwalkAnd Iwasimmediatelymadewhole,andtookupmybedand walked.

17TheJewsthensaidtoPilate,OurLordGovernor,prayask himwhatdayitwasonwhichhewascuredofhisinfirmity

18Theinfirmpersonreplied,Itwasonthesabbath.

19TheJewssaidtoPilate,Didwenotsaythathewroughthis curesonthesabbath,andcastoutdevilsbytheprinceof devils?

20Thenanothercertain7Jewcameforth,andsaid,Iwas blind,couldhearsounds,butcouldnotseeanyone;andas Jesuswasgoingalong,Iheardthemultitudepassingby,andI askedwhatwasthere?

21TheytoldmethatJesuswaspassingby:thenIcriedout, saying,Jesus,SonofDavid,havemercyonmeAndhestood still,andcommandedthatIshouldbebroughttohim,andsaid tome,Whatwiltthou?

22Isaid,Lord,thatImayreceivemysight.

23Hesaidtome,Receivethysight:andpresentlyIsaw,and followedhim,rejoicingandgivingthanks

24AnotherJewalsocameforth,andsaid,Iwasaleper,and hecuredmebyhiswordonly,saying,Iwill,bethouclean; andpresentlyIwascleansedfrommyleprosy

25AndanotherJewcameforth,andsaid,Iwascrooked,and hemademestraightbyhisword

26AndacertainwomannamedVeronica,said,Iwasafflicted withanissueofbloodtwelveyears,andItouchedthehemof hisgarments,andpresentlytheissueofmybloodstopped

27TheJewsthensaid,Wehavealaw,thatawomanshallnot beallowedasanevidence.

28And,afterotherthings,anotherJewsaid,IsawJesus invitedtoaweddingwithhisdisciples,andtherewasawant ofwineinCanaofGalilee;

29Andwhenthewinewasalldrank,hecommandedthe servantsthattheyshouldfillsixpotswhichweretherewith water,andtheyfilledthemuptothebrim,andheblessed them,andturnedthewaterintowine,andallthepeopledrank, beingsurprisedatthismiracle

30AndanotherJewstoodforth,andsaid,IsawJesusteaching inthesynagogueatCapernaum;andtherewasinthe synagogueacertainmanwhohadadevil;andhecriedout, saying,letmealone;whathavewetodowiththee,Jesusof Nazareth?Artthoucometodestroyus?Iknowthatthouart theHolyOneofGod

31AndJesusrebukedhim,saying,Holdthypeace,unclean spirit,andcomeoutoftheman;andpresentlyhecameoutof him,anddidnotatallhurthim

32ThefollowingthingswerealsosaidbyaPharisee;Isaw thatagreatcompanycametoJesusfromGalileeandJudaea, andthesea-coast,andmanycountriesaboutJordan,andmany infirmpersonscametohim,andhehealedthemall.

33AndIheardtheuncleanspiritscryingout,andsaying, ThouarttheSonofGod.AndJesusstrictlychargedthem,that theyshouldnotmakehimknown

34Afterthisanotherperson,whosenamewasCenturio,said, IsawJesusinCapernaum,andIentreatedhim,saying,Lord, myservantliethathomesickofthepalsy

35AndJesussaidtome,Iwillcomeandcurehim

36ButIsaid,Lord,Iamnotworthythatthoushouldstcome undermyroof;butonlyspeaktheword,andmyservantshall behealed

37AndJesussaiduntome,Gothyway;andasthouhast believed,sobeitdoneuntotheeAndmyservantwashealed fromthatsamehour

38Thenacertainnoblemansaid,IhadasoninCapernaum, wholayatthepointofdeath;andwhenIheardthatJesuswas comeintoGalilee,Iwentandbesoughthimthathewould comedowntomyhouse,andhealmyson,forhewasatthe pointofdeath

39Hesaidtome,Gothyway,thysonliveth

40Andmysonwascuredfromthathour.

41Besidesthese,alsomanyothersoftheJews,bothmenand women,criedoutandsaid,HeistrulytheSonofGod,who curesalldiseasesonlybyhisword,andtowhomthedevils arealtogethersubject

42Someofthemfarthersaid,,Thispowercanproceedfro nonebutGod.

43PilatesaidtotheJews,Whyarenotthedevilssubjectyour doctors?

44Someofthemsaid,Thepowerofsubjectingdevilscannot proceedbutfromGod

45ButotherssaidtoPilateThathehad1raisedLazarusfrom thedead,afterhehadbeenfourdaysinhisgrave.

46Thegovernorhearingthis,tremblingsaidtothemultitude oftheJews,Whatwillitprofityoutoshedinnocentblood?

CHAPTER6

1ThenPilatehavingcalledtogetherNicodemus,andthe fifteenmenwhosaidthatJesuswasnotbornthrough fornication,saidtothem,WhatshallIdo,seeingthereislike tobeatumultamongthepeople.

2Theysaiduntohim,Weknownot;letthemlooktoitwho raisethetumult

3Pilatethencalledthemultitudeagain,andsaidtothem,Ye knowthatyehaveacustom,thatIshouldreleasetoyouone prisoneratthefeastofthepassover;

4Ihaveanotedprisoner,amurderer,whoiscalledBarabbas, andJesuswhoiscalledChrist,inwhomIfindnothingthat deservesdeath;whichofthemthereforehaveyouamindthat Ishouldreleasetoyou?

5Theyallcryout,andsay,ReleasetousBarabbas

6Pilatesaithtothem,WhatthenshallIdowithJesuswho,is calledChrist?

7Theyallanswer,Lethimbecrucified

8AgaintheycryoutandsaytoPilate,Youarenotthefriend ofCæsar,ifyoureleasethisman?forhehathdeclaredthathe istheSonofGod,andakingButareyouinclinedthathe shouldbeking,andnotCæsar?

9ThenPilatefilledwithangersaidtothem,Yournationhath alwaysbeenseditious,andyouarealwaysagainstthosewho havebeenserviceabletoyou?

10TheJewsreplied,Whoarethosewhohavebeen serviceabletous?

11Pilateansweredthem,YourGodwhodeliveredyoufrom thehardbondageoftheEgyptians,andbroughtyouoverthe RedSeaasthoughithadbeendryland,andfedyouinthe wildernesswithmannaandthefleshofquails,andbrought wateroutoftherock,andgaveyoualawfromheaven:

12Yeprovokedhimallways,anddesiredforyourselvesa moltencalf,andworshippedit,andsacrificedtoit,andsaid, TheseareThyGods,OIsrael,whichbroughttheeoutofthe landofEgypt

13OnaccountofwhichyourGodwasinclinedtodestroyyou; butMosesintercededforyou,andyourGodheardhim,and forgaveyouriniquity

14Afterwardsyewereenragedagainst,andwouldhavekilled yourprophets,MosesandAaron,whentheyfledtothe tabernacle,andyewerealwaysmurmuringagainstGodand hisprophets.

15Andarisingfromhisjudgmentseat,hewouldhavegone out;buttheJewsallcriedout,WeacknowledgeCæsartobe king,andnotJesus.

16Whereasthisperson,assoonashewasborn,thewisemen cameandofferedgiftsuntohim;whichwhenHerodheard,he wasexceedinglytroubled,andwouldhavekilledhim.

17Whenhisfatherknewthis,hefledwithhimandhismother MaryintoEgyptHerod,whenheheardhewasborn,would haveslainhim;andaccordinglysentandslewallthechildren whichwereinBethlehem,andinallthecoaststhereof,from twoyearsoldandunder

18WhenPilateheardthisaccount,hewasafraid;and commandingsilenceamongthepeople,whomadeanoise,he saidtoJesus,Artthouthereforeaking?

19AlltheJewsrepliedtoPilate,heistheverypersonwhom Herodsoughttohaveslain

20ThenPilatetakingwater,washedhishandsbeforethe peopleandsaid,Iaminnocentofthebloodofthisjustperson; lookyetoit

21TheJewsansweredandsaid,Hisbloodbeuponusandour children

22ThenPilatecommandedJesustobebroughtbeforehim, andspaketohiminthefollowingwords:

23Thyownnationhathchargedtheeasmakingthyselfaking; whereforeI,Pilate,sentencetheetobewhippedaccordingto thelawsofformergovernors;andthatthoubefirstbound, thenhangeduponacrossinthatplacewherethouartnowa prisoner;andalsotwocriminalswiththee,whosenamesare DimasandGestas

CHAPTER7

1ThenJesuswentoutofthehall,andthetwothieveswith him.

2AndwhentheycametotheplacewhichiscalledGolgotha, theystripthimofhisraiment,andgirthimaboutwithalinen cloth,andputacrownofthornsuponhishead,andputareed inhishand

3Andinlikemannerdidtheytothetwothieveswhowere crucifiedwithhim,DimasonhisrighthandandGestasonhis left

4ButJesussaid,MyFather,forgivethem;Fortheyknownot whattheydo.

5Andtheydividedhisgarments,anduponhisvesturethey castlots

6Thepeopleinthemeantimestoodby,andthechiefpriests andeldersoftheJewsmockedhim,saying,hesavedothers, lethimnowsavehimselfifhecan;ifhebethesonofGod,let himnowcomedownfromthecross

7Thesoldiersalsomockedhim,andtakingvinegarandgall offeredittohimtodrink,andsaidtohim,Ifthouartkingof theJewsdeliverthyself.

8ThenLonginus,acertainsoldier,takingaspear,1pierced hisside,andpresentlytherecameforthbloodandwater.

9AndPilatewrotethetitleuponthecrossinHebrew,Latin, andGreekletters,vizThisisthekingoftheJews

10ButoneofthetwothieveswhowerecrucifiedwithJesus, whosenamewasGestas,saidtoJesus,IfthouarttheChrist, deliverthyselfandus

11Butthethiefwhowascrucifiedonhisrighthand,whose namewasDimas,answering,rebukedhim,andsaid,Dostnot thoufearGod,whoartcondemnedtothispunishment?We indeedreceiverightlyandjustlythedemeritofouractions; butthisJesus,whatevilhathhedone?

12Afterthisgroaning,hesaidtoJesus,Lord,rememberme whenthoucomestintothykingdom.

13Jesusanswering,saidtohim,VerilyIsayuntothee,that thisdaythoushaltbewithmeinParadise

CHAPTER8

1Anditwasaboutthesixthhour,anddarknesswasuponthe faceofthewholeearthuntiltheninthhour

2Andwhilethesunwaseclipsed,beholdthevailofthe templewasrentfromthetoptothebottom;andtherocksalso wererent,andthegravesopened,andmanybodiesofsaints, whichslept,arose

3AndabouttheninthhourJesuscriedoutwithaloudvoice, saying,Hely,Hely,lamazabacthani?whichbeinginterpreted, is,MyGod,MyGod,whyhastthouforsakenme?

4Andafterthesethings,Jesussaid,Father,intothyhandsI commendmyspirit;andhavingsaidthis,hegaveuptheghost 5ButwhenthecenturionsawthatJesusthuscryingoutgave uptheghost,heglorifiedGod,andsaid,Ofatruththiswasa justman

6Andallthepeoplewhostoodby,wereexceedinglytroubled atthesight;andreflectinguponwhathadpassed,smoteupon theirbreasts,andthenreturnedtothecityofJerusalem.

7Thecenturionwenttothegovernor,andrelatedtohimall thathadpassed;

8Andwhenhehadheardallthesethings,hewasexceeding sorrowful;

9AndcallingtheJewstogether,saidtothem,Haveyeseen themiracleofthesun'seclipse,andtheotherthingswhich cametopass,whileJesuswasdying?

10WhichwhentheJewsheard,theyansweredtothegovernor, Theeclipseofthesunhappenedaccordingtoitsusualcustom.

11ButallthosewhoweretheacquaintanceofChrist,stoodat adistance,asdidthewomenwhohadfollowedJesusfrom Galilee,observingallthesethings.

12AndbeholdacertainmanofArimathæa,namedJoseph, whoalsowasadiscipleofJesus,butnotopenlyso,forfearof theJews,cametothegovernor,andentreatedthegovernor thathewouldgivehimleavetotakeawaythebodyofJesus fromthecross

13Andthegovernorgavehimleave.

14AndNicodemuscame,bringingwithhimamixtureof myrrhandaloesaboutahundredpoundweight;andtheytook downJesusfromthecrosswithtears,andboundhimwith linenclothswithspices,accordingtothecustomofburying amongtheJews,

15Andplacedhiminanewtomb,whichJosephhadbuilt, andcausedtobecutoutofarock,inwhichneveranyman hadbeenput;andtheyrolledagreatstonetothedoorofthe sepulchre

CHAPTER9

1WhentheunjustJewsheardthatJosephhadbeggedand buriedthebodyofJesus,theysoughtafterNicodemus;and thosefifteenmenwhohadtestifiedbeforetheGovernor,that Jesuswasnotbornthroughfornication,andothergood personswhohadshewnanygoodactionstowardshim

2Butwhentheyallconcealedthemselvesthroughfearofthe JewsNicodemusaloneshewedhimselftothem,andsaid, Howcansuchpersonsastheseenterintothesynagogue?

3TheJewsansweredhim,Buthowdurstthouenterintothe synagoguewhowastaconfederatewithChrist?Letthylotbe alongwithhimintheotherworld.

4Nicodemusanswered,Amen;somayitbe,thatImayhave mylotwithhiminhiskingdom

5InlikemannerJoseph,whenhecametotheJews,saidto themWhyareyeangrywithmefordesiringthebodyofJesus ofPilate?Behold,Ihaveputhiminmytomb,andwrapped himupincleanlinen,andputastoneatthedoorofthe sepulchre:

6Ihaveactedrightlytowardshim;butyehaveactedunjustly aghastthatjustperson,incrucifyinghim,givinghimvinegar todrink,crowninghimwiththorns,tearinghisbodywith whips,andprayeddowntheguiltofhisblooduponyou

7TheJewsatthehearingofthisweredisquieted,andtroubled; andtheyseizedJoseph,andcommandedhimtobeputin custodybeforethesabbath,andkepttheretillthesabbathwas over.

8Andtheysaidtohim,Makeconfession;foratthistimeitis notlawfultodotheeanyharm,tillthefirstdayoftheweek comeButweknowthatthouwiltnotbethoughtworthyofa burial;butwewillgivethyfleshtothebirdsoftheair,andthe beastsoftheearth

9Josephanswered,Thatspeechislikethespeechofproud Goliath,whoreproachedthelivingGodinspeakingagainst

DavidButyescribesanddoctorsknowthatGodsaithbythe prophet,Vengeanceismine,andIwillrepaytoyou1evil equaltothatwhichyehavethreatenedtome.

10TheGodwhomyouhavehangeduponthecross,isableto delivermeoutofyourhandsAllyourwickednesswillreturn uponyou.

11Forthegovernor,whenhewashedhishands,said,Iam clearfromthebloodofthisjustpersonButyeansweredand criedout,Hisbloodbeuponusandourchildren.According asyehavesaid,mayyeperishforever

12TheeldersoftheJewshearingthesewords,were exceedinglyenraged;andseizingJoseph,theyputhimintoa chamberwheretherewasnowindow;theyfastenedthedoor, andputasealuponthelock;

13AndAnnasandCaiaphasplacedaguarduponit,andtook counselwiththepriestsandLevites,thattheyshouldallmeet afterthesabbath,andtheycontrivedtowhatdeaththeyshould putJoseph.

14Whentheyhaddonethis,therulers,AnnasandCaiaphas, orderedJosephtobebroughtforth

CHAPTER10

1Whenalltheassemblyheardthis,theyadmiredandwere astonished,becausetheyfoundthesamesealuponthelockof thechamber,andcouldnotfindJoseph

2ThenAnnasandCaiaphaswentforth,andwhiletheywere alladmiringatJoseph'sbeinggone,beholdoneofthesoldiers, whokeptthesepulchreofJesus,spakeintheassembly

3ThatwhiletheywereguardingthesepulchreofJesus,there wasanearthquake;andwesawanangelofGodrollawaythe stoneofthesepulchreandsituponit;

4Andhiscountenancewaslikelightningandhisgarmentlike snow;andwebecamethroughfearlikepersonsdead

5Andweheardanangelsayingtothewomenatthesepulchre ofJesus,Donotfear;IknowthatyouseekJesuswhowas crucified;heisrisenasheforetold

6Comeandseetheplacewherehewaslaid;andgopresently, andtellhisdisciplesthatheisrisenfromthedead,andhewill gobeforeyouintoGalilee;thereyeshallseehimashetold you.

7ThentheJewscalledtogetherallthesoldierswhokeptthe sepulchreofJesus,andsaidtothem,Whoarethosewomen, towhomtheangelspoke?Whydidyenotseizethem?

8Thesoldiersansweredandsaid,Weknownotwhomthe womenwere;besideswebecameasdeadpersonsthroughfear, andhowcouldweseizethosewomen?

9TheJewssaidtothem,AstheLordlivethwedonotbelieve you

10ThesoldiersansweringsaidtotheJews,whenyesawand heardJesusworkingsomanymiracles,anddidnotbelieve him,howshouldyebelieveus?Yewellsaid,AstheLord liveth,fortheLordtrulydoeslive.

11WehaveheardthatyeshutupJoseph,whoburiedthebody ofJesus,inachamber,underalockwhichwassealed;and whenyeopenedit,foundhimnotthere.

12DoyethenproduceJosephwhomyeputunderguardin thechamber,andwewillproduceJesuswhomweguardedin thesepulchre.

13TheJewsansweredandsaid,WewillproduceJoseph,do yeproduceJesusButJosephisinhisowncityofArimathæa

14Thesoldiersreplied,IfJosephbeinArimathæa,andJesus inGalilee,weheardtheangelinformthewomen

15TheJewshearingthis,wereafraid,andsaidamong themselves,Ifbyanymeansthesethingsshouldbecome public,theneverybodywillbelieveinJesus

16Thentheygatheredalargesumofmoney,andgaveitto thesoldiers,saying,Doyetellthepeoplethatthedisciplesof Jesuscameinthenightwhenyewereasleepandstoleaway thebodyofJesus;andifPilatethegovernorshouldhearof this,wewillsatisfyhimandsecureyou

17Thesoldiersaccordinglytookthemoney,andsaidasthey wereinstructedbytheJews;andtheirreportwasspread abroadamongthepeople

18ButacertainpriestPhinees,Adaaschoolmaster,anda Levite,namedAgeus,theythreecamefromGalileeto Jerusalem,andtoldthechiefpriestsandallwhowereinthe synagogues,saying,

19WehaveseenJesus,whomyecrucified,talkingwithhis elevendisciples,andsittinginthemidstoftheminMount Olivet,andsayingtothem,

20Goforthintothewholeworld,preachtheGospeltoall nations,baptizingtheminthenameoftheFather,andtheSon, andtheHolyGhost;andwhosoevershallbelieveandbe baptized,shallbesaved

21Andwhenhehadsaidthesethingstohisdisciples,wesaw himascendinguptoheaven.

22Whenthechiefpriests,andelders,andLevitesheardthese things,theysaidtothesethreemen,GiveglorytotheGodof Israel,andmakeconfessiontohim,whetherthosethingsare true,whichyesayyehaveseenandheard

23Theyansweringsaid,AstheLordofourfathersliveth,the GodofAbraham,andtheGodofIsaac,andtheGodofJacob, accordingasweheardJesustalkingwithhisdisciples,and accordingaswesawhimascendinguptoheaven,sowehave relatedthetruthtoyou

24Andthethreemenfartheranswered,andsaid,addingthese words,IfweshouldnotownthewordswhichweheardJesus speak,andthatwesawhimascendingintoheaven,weshould beguiltyofsin

25Thenthechiefpriestsimmediatelyroseup,andholdingthe bookofthelawintheirhands,conjuredthesemen,saying,Ye shallnomorehereafterdeclarethosethingswhichyehave spokeconcerningJesus

26Andtheygavethemalargesumofmoney,andsentother personsalongwiththem,whoshouldconductthemtotheir owncountry,thattheymightnotbyanymeansmakeanystay atJerusalem

27ThentheJewsdidassemblealltogether,andhaving expressedthemostlamentableconcern,said,Whatisthis extraordinarythingwhichiscometopassinJerusalem?

28ButAnnasandCaiaphascomfortedthem,saying,Why shouldwebelievethesoldierswhoguardedthesepulchreof Jesus,intellingus,thatanangelrolledawaythestonefrom thedoorofthesepulchre?

29Perhapshisowndisciplestoldthemthis,andgavethem moneythattheyshouldsayso,andtheythemselvestookaway thebodyofJesus

30Besides,considerthis,thatthereisnocredittobegivento foreigners,becausetheyalsotookalargesumofus,andthey havedeclaredtousaccordingtotheinstructionswhichwe gavethem.Theymusteitherbefaithfultous,ortothe disciplesofJesus

CHAPTER11

1ThenNicodemusarose,andsaid,Yesayright,Osonsof Israel,yehaveheardwhatthosethreemenhaveswornbythe LawofGod,whosaid,WehaveseenJesusspeakingwithhis disciplesuponMountOlivet,andwesawhimascendingupto heaven.

2AndthescriptureteachethusthattheblessedprophetElijah wastakenuptoheaven;andElishabeingaskedbythesonsof theprophets,WhereisourfatherElijah?Hesaidtothem,that heistakenuptoheaven

3Andthesonsoftheprophetssaidtohim,Perhapsthespirit hathcarriedhimintooneofthemountainsofIsrael,there perhapsweshallfindhimAndtheybesoughtElisha,andhe walkedaboutwiththemthreedays,andtheycouldnotfind him.

4Andnowhearme,OsonsofIsrael,andletussendmeninto themountainsofIsrael,lestperhapsthespirithathcarried awayJesus,andthereperhapsweshallfindhim,andbe satisfied

5AndthecounselofNicodemuspleasedallthepeople;and theysentforthmenwhosoughtforJesus,butcouldnotfind him:andtheyreturning,said,Wewentallabout,butcould notfindJesus,butwehavefoundJosephinhiscityof Arimathæa.

6Therulershearingthis,andallthepeople,wereglad,and praisedtheGodofIsrael,becauseJosephwasfound,whom theyhadshutupinachamber,andcouldnotfind.

7Andwhentheyhadformedalargeassembly,thechief priestssaid,BywhatmeansshallwebringJosephtousto speakwithhim?

8Andtakingapieceofpaper,theywrotetohim,andsaid, Peacebewiththee,andallthyfamilyWeknowthatwehave offendedagainstGodandthee.Bepleasedtogiveavisittous yourfathers,forwewereperfectlysurprisedatyourescape fromprison

9Weknowthatitwasmaliciouscounselwhichwetook againstthee,andthattheLordtookcareofthee,andtheLord himselfdeliveredtheefromourdesignsPeacebeuntothee, Joseph,whoarthonourableamongallthepeople.

10AndtheychosesevenofJoseph'sfriends,andsaidtothem, WhenyecometoJoseph,salutehiminpeace,andgivehim thisletter

11Accordingly,whenthemencametoJoseph,theydidsalute himinpeace,andgavehimtheletter

12AndwhenJosephhadreadit,hesaid,BlessedbetheLord God,whodidstdelivermefromtheIsraelites,thattheycould notshedmyblood.BlessedbeGod,whohasprotectedme underthywings

13AndJosephkissedthem,andtookthemintohishouse Andonthemorrow,Josephmountedhisass,andwentalong withthemtoJerusalem

14AndwhenalltheJewsheardthesethings,theywentoutto meethim,andcriedout,saying,Peaceattendthycoming hither,fatherJoseph

15Towhichheanswered,ProsperityfromtheLordattendall thepeople.

16Andtheyallkissedhim;andNicodemustookhimtohis house,havingpreparedalargeentertainment

17Butonthemorrow,beingapreparation-day,Annas,and Caiaphas,andNicodemus,saidtoJoseph,Makeconfessionto theGodofIsrael,andanswertousallthosequestionswhich weshallaskthee;

18Forwehavebeenverymuchtroubled,thatthoudidstbury thebodyofJesus;andthat'whenwehadlockedtheeina chamber,wecouldnotfindthee;andwehavebeenafraidever since,tillthistimeofthyappearingamongusTellus thereforebeforeGod,allthatcametopass

19ThenJosephanswering,said,Yedidindeedputmeunder confinement,onthedayofpreparation,tillthemorning

20ButwhileIwasstandingatprayerinthemiddleofthe night,thehousewassurroundedwithfourangels;andIsaw

Jesusasthebrightnessofthesun,andfelldownuponthe earthforfear

21ButJesuslayingholdonmyhand,liftedmefromthe ground,andthedewwasthensprinkleduponme;buthe, wipingmyface,kissedme,andsaiduntome,Fearnot,Joseph; lookuponme,foritisI.

22ThenIlookeduponhim,andsaid,RabboniElias!He answeredme,IamnotElias,butJesusofNazareth,whose bodythoudidstbury.

23Isaidtohim,ShewmethetombinwhichIlaidthee

24ThenJesus,takingmebythehand,ledmeuntotheplace whereIlaidhim,andshewedmethelinenclothes,andnapkin whichIputroundhisheadThenIknewthatitwasJesus,and worshippedhim,andsaid,Blessedbehewhocomethinthe nameoftheLord.

25Jesusagaintakingmebythehand,ledmetoArimathæato myownhouse,andsaidtome,Peacebetothee;butgonot outofthyhousetillthefortiethday;butImustgotomy disciples

CHAPTER12

1Whenthechiefpriestsandheardallthesethings,theywere astonished,andfelldownwiththeirfacesonthegroundas deadmen,andcryingouttooneanothersaid,Whatisthis extraordinarysignwhichiscometopassinJerusalem?We knowthefatherandmotherofJesus.

2AndacertainLevitesaid,Iknowmanyofhisrelations, religiouspersons,whoarewonttooffersacrificesandburntofferingstotheGodofIsrael,inthetemple,withprayers

3AndwhenthehighpriestSimeontookhimupinhisarms hesaidtohim,Lord,nowlettestthouthyservantdepartin peace,accordingtothyword;formineeyeshaveseenthy salvation,whichthouhastpreparedbeforethefaceofall people:alighttoenlightentheGentiles,andthegloryofthy peopleIsrael

4SimeoninlikemannerblessedMarythemotherofJesus, andsaidtoher,Ideclaretotheeconcerningthatchild;Heis appointedforthefallandrisingagainofmany,andforasign whichshallbespokenagainst 5Yea,aswordshallpiercethroughthineownsoulalso,and thethoughtsofmanyheartsshallberevealed

6ThensaidalltheJews,Letussendtothosethreemen,who saidtheysawhimtalkingwithhisdisciplesinMountOlivet.

7Afterthis,theyaskedthemwhattheyhadseen;who answeredwithoneaccord,InthepresenceoftheGodofIsrael weaffirm,thatweplainlysawJesustalkingwithhisdisciples inMountOlivet,andascendinguptoheaven

8ThenAnnasandCaiaphastookthemintoseparateplaces, andexaminedthemseparately;whounanimouslyconfessed thetruth,andsaid,theyhadseenJesus

9ThenAnnasandCaiaphassaid"Ourlawsaith,Bythemouth oftwoorthreewitnesseseverywordshallbeestablished."

10Butwhathavewesaid?TheblessedEnochpleasedGod, andwastranslatedbythewordofGod;andtheburying-place oftheblessedMosesisknown.

11ButJesuswasdeliveredtoPilate,whipped,crownedwith thorns,spitupon,piercedwithaspear,crucified,diedupon thecross,andwasburied,andhisbodythehonorableJoseph buriedinanewsepulchre,andhetestifiesthathesawhim alive

12Andbesidesthesemenhavedeclared,thattheysawhim talkingwithhisdisciplesinMountOlivet,andascendingup toheaven

13ThenJosephrisingupsaidtoAnnasandCaiaphas,Ye maybejustlyunderagreatsurprise,thatyouhavebeentold, thatJesusisalive,andgoneuptoheaven.

14Itisindeedathingreallysurprising,thatheshouldnot onlyhimselfarisefromthedead,butalsoraiseothersfrom theirgraves,whohavebeenseenbymanyinJerusalem.

15Andnowhearmealittle:WeallknewtheblessedSimeon, thehigh-priest,whotookJesuswhenaninfantintohisarmsin thetemple.

16ThissameSimeonhadtwosonsofhisown,andwewere allpresentattheirdeathandfuneral

17Gothereforeandseetheirtombs,fortheseareopen,and theyarerisen:andbehold,theyareinthecityofArimathæa, spendingtheirtimetogetherinofficesofdevotion

18Some,indeed,haveheardthesoundoftheirvoicesin prayer,buttheywillnotdiscoursewithanyone,butthey continueasmuteasdeadmen

19Butcome,letusgotothem,andbehaveourselvestowards themwithallduerespectandcautionAndifwecanbring themtoswear,perhapstheywilltellussomeofthemysteries oftheirresurrection.

20WhentheJewsheardthis,theywereexceedinglyrejoiced 21ThenAnnasandCaiaphas,Nicodemus,Joseph,and Gamaliel,wenttoArimathæa,butdidnotfindthemintheir graves;butwalkingaboutthecity,theyboundthemontheir bendedkneesattheirdevotions:

22ThensalutingthemwithallrespectanddeferencetoGod, theybroughtthemtothesynagogueatJerusalem:andhaving shutthegates,theytookthebookofthelawoftheLord, 23Andputtingitintheirhands,sworethembyGodAdonai, andtheGodofIsrael,whospaketoourfathersbythelawand theprophets,saying,Ifyebelievehimwhoraisedyoufrom thedead,tobeJesus,telluswhatyehaveseen,andhowye wereraisedfromthedead

24CharinusandLenthius,thetwosonsofSimeon,trembled whentheyheardthesethings,andweredisturbed,and groaned;andatthesametimelookinguptoheaven,they madethesignofthecrosswiththeirfingersontheirtongues

25Andimmediatelytheyspake,andsaid,Giveeachofus somepaper,andwewillwritedownforyouallthosethings whichwehaveseen.Andtheyeachsatdownandwrote, saying,

CHAPTER13

1OLORDJesusandFather,whoartGod,alsothe resurrectionandlifeofthedead,giveusleavetodeclarethy mysteries,whichwesawafterdeath,belongingtothycross; forweareswornbythyname

2Forthouhastforbidthyservantstodeclarethesecretthings, whichwerewroughtbythydivinepowerinhell

3Whenwewereplacedwithourfathersinthedepthofhell, intheblacknessofdarkness,onasuddenthereappearedthe colourofthesunlikegold,andasubstantialpurple-coloured lightenlighteningtheplace

4Presentlyuponthis,Adam,thefatherofallmankind,with allthepatriarchsandprophets,rejoicedandsaid,Thatlightis theauthorofeverlastinglight,whohathpromisedtotranslate ustoeverlastinglight.

5ThenIsaiahtheprophetcriedout,andsaid,Thisisthelight oftheFather,andtheSonofGod,accordingtomyprophecy, whenIwasaliveuponearth

6ThelandofZabulon,andthelandofNephthalimbeyond Jordan,apeoplewhowalkedindarkness,sawagreatlight; andtothemwhodwelledintheregionoftheshadowofdeath,

lightisarisenAndnowheiscome,andhathenlightenedus whosatindeath

7Andwhilewewereallrejoicinginthelightwhichshone uponus,ourfatherSimeoncameamongus,and congratulatingallthecompany,said,GlorifytheLordJesus ChristtheSonofGod.

8WhomItookupinmyarmswhenaninfantinthetemple, andbeingmovedbytheHolyGhost,saidtohim,and acknowledged,1Thatnowmineeyeshaveseenthysalvation, whichthouhastpreparedbeforethefaceofallpeople,alight toenlightentheGentilesandthegloryofthypeopleIsrael

9Allthesaintswhowereinthedepthofhell,hearingthis, rejoicedthemore

10Afterwardstherecameforthonelikealittlehermit,and wasaskedbyeveryone,Whoartthou?

11Towhichhereplied,Iamthevoiceofonecryinginthe wilderness,JohntheBaptist,andtheprophetoftheMostHigh, whowentbeforehiscomingtopreparehisway,togivethe knowledgeofsalvationtohispeoplefortheforgivenessof sins

12AndIJohn,whenIsawJesuscomingtome,beingmoved bytheHolyGhost,Isaid,BeholdtheLambofGod,behold himwhotakesawaythesinsoftheworld

13AndIbaptizedhimintheriverJordan,andsawtheHoly Ghostdescendinguponhimintheformofadove,andhearda voicefromheaven,saying,ThisismybelovedSon,inwhom Iamwellpleased.

14AndnowwhileIwasgoingbeforehim,Icamedown hithertoacquaintyou,thattheSonofGodwillnextvisitus, and,astheday-springfromonhigh,willcometous,whoare indarknessandtheshadowofdeath

CHAPTER14

1ButwhenthefirstmanourfatherAdamheardthesethings, thatJesuswasbaptizedinJordan,hecalledouttohisson, Seth,andsaid,

2Declaretoyoursons,thepatriarchsandprophets,allthose things,whichthoudidsthearfromMichael,thearchangel, whenIsenttheetothegatesofParadise,toentreatGodthat hewouldanointmyheadwhenIwassick.

3ThenSeth,comingneartothepatriarchsandprophets,said, ISeth,whenIwasprayingtoGodatthegatesofParadise, beheldtheangeloftheLord,Michaelappearuntomesaying, IamsentuntotheefromtheLord;Iamappointedtopreside overhumanbodies

4ItelltheeSeth,donotpraytoGodintears,andentreathim fortheoilofthetreeofmercywherewithtoanointthyfather Adamforhishead-ache;

5Becausethoucanstnotbyanymeansobtainittillthelast dayandtimes,namely,tillfivethousandandfivehundred yearsbepast

6ThenwillChrist,themostmercifulSonofGod,comeon earthtoraiseagainthehumanbodyofAdam,andatthesame timetoraisethebodiesofthedead,andwhenhecomethhe willbebaptizedinJordan:

7Thenwiththeoilofhismercyhewillanointallthosewho believeonhim;andtheoilofhismercywillcontinueto futuregenerations,forthosewhoshallbebornofthewater andtheHolyGhostuntoeternallife

8AndwhenatthattimethemostmercifulSonofGod,Christ Jesus,shallcomedownonearth,hewillintroduceourfather AdamintoParadise,tothetreeofmercy

9Whenallthepatriarchsandprophetsheardallthesethings fromSeth,theyrejoicedmore.

CHAPTER15

1Whileallthesaintswerevvrejoicing,beholdSatan,the princeandcaptainofdeath,saidtotheprinceofhell, 2PreparetoreceiveJesusofNazarethhimself,whoboasted thathewastheSonofGod,andyetwasamanafraidofdeath, andsaid,Mysoulissorrowfuleventodeath

3Besideshedidmanyinjuriestomeandtomanyothers;for thosewhomImadeblindandlameandthosealsowhomI tormentedwithseveraldevils,hecuredbyhisword;yea,and thosewhomIbroughtdeadtothee,hebyforcetakesaway fromthee.

4TothistheprinceofhellrepliedtoSatan,Whoisthatsopowerfulprince,andyetamanwhoisafraidofdeath?

5Forallthepotentatesoftheeartharesubjecttomypower, whomthoubroughtesttosubjectionbythypower

6Butifbebesopowerfulinhishumannature,Iaffirmto theefortruth,thatheisalmightyinhisdivinenature,andno mancanresisthispower

7Whenthereforehesaidbewasafraidofdeath,hedesigned toensnarethee,andunhappyitwillbetotheeforeverlasting ages

8ThenSatanreplying,saidtotheprinceofhell,Whydidst thouexpressadoubt,andwastafraidtoreceivethatJesusof Nazareth,boththyadversaryandmine?

9Asforme,Itemptedhimandstirredupmyoldpeoplethe Jewswithzealandangeragainsthim?

10Isharpenedthespearforhissuffering;Imixedthegalland vinegar,andcommandedthatheshoulddrinkit;Iprepared thecrosstocrucifyhim,andthenailstopiercethroughIbis handsandfeet;andnowhisdeathisnearathand,Iwillbring himhither,subjectbothtotheeandme

11Thentheprinceofhellanswering,said,Thousaidsttome justnow,thathetookawaythedeadfrommebyforce

12Theywhohavebeenkeptheretilltheyshouldliveagain uponearth,weretakenawayhence,notbytheirownpower, butbyprayersmadetoGod,andtheiralmightyGodtook themfromme

13WhothenisthatJesusofNazareththatbyhiswordhath takenawaythedeadfrommewithoutprayertoGod?

14PerhapsitisthesamewhotookawayfrommeLazarus, afterhehadbeenfourdaysdead,anddidbothstinkandwas rotten,andofwhomIhadpossessionasadeadperson,yethe broughthimtolifeagainbyhispower.

15Satananswering,repliedtotheprinceofhell,Itisthevery sameperson,JesusofNazareth

16Whichwhentheprinceofhellheard,hesaidtohim,I adjuretheebythepowerswhichbelongtotheeandme,that thoubringhimnottome

17ForwhenIheardofthepowerofhisword,Itrembledfor fear,andallmyimpiouscompanywereatthesametime disturbed;

18AndwewerenotabletodetainLazarus,buthegave himselfashake,andwithallthesignsofmalice,he immediatelywentawayfromus;andtheveryearth,inwhich thedeadbodyofLazaruswaslodged,presentlyturnedhim outalive

19AndIknownowthatheisAlmightyGodwhocould performsuchthings,whoismightyinhisdominion,and mightyinhishumannature,whoistheSaviourofmankind 20Bringnotthereforethispersonhither,forhewillsetat libertyallthosewhomIholdinprisonunderunbelief,and boundwiththefettersoftheirsins,andwillconductthemto everlastinglife

1AndwhileSatanandtheprinceofhellwerediscoursing thustoeachother,onasuddentherewasavoiceasofthunder andtherushingofwinds,saying,Liftupyourgates,Oye princes;andbeyeliftup,Oeverlastinggates,andtheKingof Gloryshallcomein

2Whentheprinceofhellheardthis,hesaidtoSatan,Depart fromme,andbegoneoutofmyhabitations;ifthouarta powerfulwarrior,fightwiththeKingofGloryButwhathast thoutodowithhim?

3Andhecasthimforthfromhishabitations.

4Andtheprincesaidtohisimpiousofficers,Shutthebrass gatesofcruelty,andmakethemfastwithironbars,andfight courageously,lestwebetakencaptives.

5Butwhenallthecompanyofthesaintsheardthistheyspake withaloudvoiceofangertotheprinceofhell:

6OpenthygatesthattheKingofGlorymaycomein.

7AndthedivineprophetDavid,criedoutsaying,DidnotI whenonearthtrulyprophesyandsay,Othatmenwould praisetheLordforhisgoodness,andforhiswonderfulworks tothechildrenofmen

8Forhehathbrokenthegatesofbrass,andcutthebarsof ironinsunder.Hehathtakenthembecauseoftheiriniquity, andbecauseoftheirunrighteousnesstheyareafflicted

9Afterthisanotherprophet,namely,holyIsaiah,spakeinlike mannertoallthesaints,didnotIrightlyprophesytoyou whenIwasaliveonearth?

10Thedeadmenshalllive,andtheyshallriseagainwhoare intheirgraves,andtheyshallrejoicewhoareinearth;forthe dewwhichisfromtheLordshallbringdeliverancetothem

11AndIsaidinanotherplace,Odeath,whereisthyvictory? Odeath,whereisthysting?

12WhenallthesaintsheardthesethingsspokenbyIsaiah, theysaidtotheprinceofhell,Opennowthygates,andtake awaythineironbars;forthouwiltnowbebound,andhaveno power

13Thentherewasagreatvoice,asofthesoundofthunder saying,Liftupyourgates,Oprinces;andbeyeliftedup,ye gatesofhell,andtheKingofGlorywillenterin

14Theprinceofhellperceivingthesamevoicerepeated, criedoutasthoughhehadbeenignorant,WhoisthatKingof Glory?

15Davidrepliedtotheprinceofhell,andsaid,Iunderstand thewordsofthatvoice,becauseIspakethembyhisspirit Andnow,asIhaveabovesaid,Isayuntothee,theLord strongandpowerful,theLordmightyinbattle:heistheKing ofGlory,andheistheLordinheavenandinearth; 16Hehathlookeddowntohearthegroansoftheprisoners, andtosetloosethosethatareappointedtodeath.

17Andnow,thoufilthyandstinkingprinceofhell,openthy gates,thattheKingofGlorymayenterin;forheistheLord ofheavenandearth.

18WhileDavidwassayingthis,themightyLordappearedin theformofaman,andenlightenedthoseplaceswhichhad everbeforebeenindarkness,

19Andbrokeasunderthefetterswhichbeforecouldnotbe broken;andwithhisinvinciblepowervisitedthosewhosate inthedeepdarknessbyiniquity,andtheshadowofdeathby sin

CHAPTER17

1ImpiousDeathandhercruelofficershearingthesethings, wereseizedwithfearintheirseveralkingdoms,whenthey sawtheclearnessofthelight,

2AndChristhimselfonasuddenappearingintheir habitations;theycriedouttherefore,andsaid,Wearebound bythee;thouseemesttointendourconfusionbeforetheLord. 3Whoartthou,whohastnosignofcorruption,butthatbright appearancewhichisafullproofofthygreatness,ofwhichyet thouseemesttotakenonotice?

4Whoartthou,sopowerfulandsoweak,sogreatandsolittle, ameanandyetasoldierofthefirstrank,whocancommand intheformofaservantasacommonsoldier?

5TheKingofGlory,deadandalive,thoughonceslainupon thecross?

6Wholayestdeadinthegrave,andartcomedownalivetous, andinthydeathallthecreaturestrembled,andallthestars weremoved,andnowhastthouthylibertyamongthedead, andgivestdisturbancetoourlegions?

7Whoartthou,whodostreleasethecaptivesthatwereheld inchainsbyoriginalsin,andbringestthemintotheirformer liberty

8Whoartthou,whodostspreadsogloriousanddivinealight overthosewhoweremadeblindbythedarknessofsin?

9Inlikemannerallthelegionsofdevilswereseizedwiththe likehorror,andwiththemostsubmissivefearcriedout,and said,

10Whencecomesit,OthouJesusChrist,thatthouartaman sopowerfulandgloriousinmajesty,sobrightastohaveno spot,andsopureastohavenocrime?Forthatlowerworldof earth,whichwasevertillnowsubjecttous,andfromwhence wereceivedtribute,neversentussuchadeadmanbefore, neversentsuchpresentsasthesetotheprincesofhell

11Whothereforeartthou,whowithsuchcourageenterest amongourabodes,andartnotonlynotafraidtothreatenus withthegreatestpunishments,butalsoendeavouresttorescue allothersfromthechainsinwhichweholdthem?

12PerhapsthouartthatJesus,ofwhomSatanjustnowspoke toourprince,thatbythedeathofthecrossthouwertaboutto receivethepowerofdeath

13ThentheKingofGlorytramplingupondeath,seizedthe princeofhell,deprivedhimofallhispower,andtookour earthlyfatherAdamwithhimtohisglory

CHAPTER18

1ThentheprinceofhelltookSatan,andwithgreatindication saidtohim,Othouprinceofdestruction,authorof Beelzebub'sdefeatandbanishment,thescornofGod'sangels andloathedbyallrighteouspersons!Whatinclinedtheetoact thus?

2ThouwouldstcrucifytheKingofGlory,andbyhis destruction,hastmadeuspromisesofverylargeadvantages, butasafoolwertignorantofwhatthouwastabout.

3ForbeholdnowthatJesusofNazareth,withthebrightness ofhisgloriousdivinity,putstoflightallthehorridpowersof darknessanddeath;

4Hehasbrokedownourprisonsfromtoptobottom, dismissedallthecaptives,releasedallwhowerebound,and allwhowerewontformerlytogroanundertheweightoftheir tormentshavenowinsultedus,andweareliketobedefeated bytheirprayers

5Ourimpiousdominionsaresubdued,andnopartof mankindisnowleftinoursubjection,butontheotherhand, theyallboldlydefyus;

6Though,before,thedeadneverdurstbehavethemselves insolentlytowardsus,nor,beingprisoners,couldeveronany occasionbemerry

7OSatan,thouprinceofallthewicked,fatheroftheimpious andabandoned,whywouldestthouattemptthisexploit,

seeingourprisonerswerehithertoalwayswithouttheleast hopesofsalvationandlife?

8Butnowthereisnotoneofthemdoesevergroan,noris theretheleastappearanceofatearinanyoftheirfaces

9OprinceSatan,thougreatkeeperoftheinfernalregions,all thyadvantageswhichthoudidstacquirebytheforbiddentree, andthelossofParadise,thouhastnowlostbythewoodofthe cross;

10Andthyhappinessallthenexpired,whenthoudidst crucifyJesusChristtheKingofGlory

11Thouhastactedagainstthineowninterestandmine,as thouwiltpresentlyperceivebythoselargetormentsand infinitepunishmentswhichthouartabouttosuffer

12OSatan,princeofallevil,authorofdeath,andsourceof allpride,thoushouldestfirsthaveinquiredintotheevil crimesofJesusofNazareth,andthenthouwouldesthave foundthathewasguiltyofnofaultworthyofdeath

13Whydidstthouventure,withouteitherreasonorjustice,to crucifyhim,andhastbroughtdowntoourregionsaperson innocentandrighteous,andtherebyhastlostallthesinners, impiousandunrighteouspersonsinthewholeworld?

14WhiletheprinceofhellwasthusspeakingtoSatan,the KingofGlorysaidtoBeelzebub,theprinceofhell,Satan,the princeshallbesubjecttothydominionforever,intheroom ofAdamandhisrighteoussons,whoaremine

CHAPTER19

1ThenJesusstretchedforthhishand,andsaid,Cometome, allyemysaints,whowerecreatedinmyimage,whowere condemnedbythetreeofforbiddenfruit,andbythedeviland death;

2Livenowbythewoodofmycross;thedevil,theprinceof thisworld,isovercome,anddeathisconquered

3Thenpresentlyallthesaintswerejoinedtogetherunderthe handofthemosthighGod;andtheLordJesuslaidholdon Adam'shandandsaidtohim,Peacebetothee,andallthy righteousposterity,whichismine

4ThenAdam,castinghimselfatthefeetofJesus,addressed himselftohim,withtears,inhumblelanguage,andaloud voice,saying,

5Iwillextolthee,OLord,forthouhastliftedmeup,andhast notmademyfoestorejoiceovermeOLordmyGod,Icried untothee,andthouhasthealedme.

6OLordthouhastbroughtupmysoulfromthegrave;thou hastkeptmealive,thatIshouldnotgodowntothepit

7SinguntotheLord,allyesaintsofhis,andgivethanksat theremembranceofhisholinessForhisangerendurethbut foramoment;inhisfavourislife

8Inlikemannerallthesaints,prostrateatthefeetofJesus, saidwithonevoice,Thouartcome,ORedeemeroftheworld, andhastactuallyaccomplishedallthings,whichthoudidst foretellbythelawandthyholyprophets.

9Thouhastredeemedthelivingbythycross,andartcome downtous,thatbythedeathofthecrossthoumightest deliverusfromhell,andbythypowerfromdeath.

10O,Lord,asthouhastputtheensignsofthygloryinheaven, andhastsetupthesignofthyredemption,eventhycrosson earth!so,Lord,setthesignofthevictoryofthycrossinhell, thatdeathmayhavedominionnolonger

11ThentheLordstretchingforthhishand,madethesignof thecrossuponAdam,anduponallhissaints

12AndtakingholdofAdambyhisrighthand,heascended fromhell,andallthesaintsofGodfollowedhim

13ThentheroyalprophetDavidboldlycried,andsaid,1O singuntotheLordanewsong,forhehathdonemarvellous

things;hisrighthandandhisholyarmhavegottenhimthe victory

14TheLordhathmadeknownhissalvation,hisrighteousness hathheopenlyshewninthesightoftheheathen

15Andthewholemultitudeofsaintsanswered,saying,This honourhaveallhissaints,Amen,PraiseyetheLord.

16Afterwards,theprophetHabakkuk3criedout,andsaid, Thouwentestforthforthesalvationofthypeople,evenfor thesalvationofthypeople.

17Andallthesaintssaid,4Blessedishewhocomethinthe nameoftheLord;fortheLordhathenlightenedusThisisour Godforeverandever;heshallreignoverustoeverlasting ages,Amen

18Inlikemanneralltheprophetsspakethesacredthingsof hispraise,andfollowedtheLord.

CHAPTER20

1ThentheLordholdingAdambythehand,deliveredhimto Michaelthearchangel;andheledthemintoParadise,filled withmercyandglory;

2Andtwoveryancientmenmetthem,andwereaskedbythe saints,Whoareye,whohavenotyetbeenwithusinhell,and havehadyourbodiesplacedinParadise?

3Oneofthemanswering,said,IamEnoch,whowas translatedbythewordofGod:andthismanwhoiswithme, isElijahtheTishbite,whowastranslatedinafierychariot.

4Herewehavehithertobeen,andhavenottasteddeath,but arenowabouttoreturnatthecomingofAntichrist,being armedwithdivinesignsandmiracles,toengagewithhimin battle,andtobeslainbyhimatJerusalem,andtobetakenup aliveagainintotheclouds,afterthreedaysandahalf

5AndwhiletheholyEnochandEliaswererelatingthis, beholdtherecameanothermaninamiserablefigurecarrying thesignofthecrossuponhisshoulders.

6Andwhenallthesaintssawhim,theysaidtohim,Whoart thou?Forthycountenanceislikeathief's;andwhydostthou carryacrossuponthyshoulders?

7Towhichheanswering,said,Yesayright,forIwasathief whocommittedallsortsofwickednessuponearth

8AndtheJewscrucifiedmewithJesus;andIobservedthe surprisingthingswhichhappenedinthecreationatthe crucifixionoftheLordJesus

9AndIbelievedhimtobetheCreatorofallthings,andthe AlmightyKing;andIprayedtohim,saying,Lord,remember me,whenthoucomestintothykingdom

10Hepresentlyregardedmysupplication,andsaidtome, VerilyIsayuntothee,thisdaythoushaltbewithmein Paradise

11Andhegavemethissignofthecrosssaying,Carrythis, andgotoParadise;andiftheangelwhoistheguardof Paradisewillnotadmitthee,shewhimthesignofthecross, andsayuntohim:JesusChristwhoisnowcrucified,hathsent mehithertothee

12WhenIdidthis,andtoldtheangelwhoistheguardof Paradiseallthesethings,andheheardthem,hepresently openedthegates,introducedme,andplacedmeontherighthandinParadise,

13Saying,Stayherealittletime,tillAdam,thefatherofall mankind,shallenterin,withallhissons,whoaretheholyand righteousservantsofJesusChrist,whowascrucified

14Whentheyheardallthisaccountfromthethief,allthe patriarchssaidwithonevoice,Blessedbethou,OAlmighty God,theFatherofeverlastinggoodness,andtheFatherof mercies,whohastshewnsuchfavourtothosewhowere sinnersagainsthim,andhastbroughtthemtothemercyof

Paradise,andhastplacedthemamidstthylargeandspiritual provisions,inaspiritualandholylifeAmen

CHAPTER21

1Thesearethedivineandsacredmysterieswhichwesawand heardI,CharinusandLenthiusarenotallowedtodeclarethe othermysteriesofGod,asthearchangelMichaelorderedus, 2Saying,yeshallgowithmybrethrentoJerusalem,andshall continueinprayers,declaringandglorifyingtheresurrection ofJesusChrist,seeinghehathraisedyoufromthedeadatthe sametimewithhimself.

3Andyeshallnottalkwithanyman,butsitasdumbpersons tillthetimecomewhentheLordwillallowyoutorelatethe mysteriesofhisdivinity.

4ThearchangelMichaelfarthercommandedustogobeyond Jordan,toanexcellentandfatcountry,wheretherearemany whorosefromthedeadalongwithusfortheproofofthe resurrectionofChrist

5Forwehaveonlythreedaysallowedusfromthedead,who arosetocelebratethepassoverofourLordwithourparents, andtobearourtestimonyforChristtheLord,andwehave beenbaptizedintheholyriverofJordanAndnowtheyare notseenbyanyone.

6ThisisasmuchasGodallowedustorelatetoyou;giveye thereforepraiseandhonourtohim,andrepent,andhewill havemercyuponyou.PeacebetoyoufromtheLordGod JesusChrist,andtheSaviourofusallAmen,Amen,Amen

7Andaftertheyhadmadeanendofwritingandhadwrotein twodistinctpiecesofpaper,Charinusgavewhathewroteinto thehandsofAnnas,andCaiaphas,andGamaliel

8Lenthiuslikewisegavewhathewroteintothehandsof NicodemusandJoseph;andimmediatelytheywerechanged intoexceedingwhiteformsandwereseennomore

9Butwhattheyhadwrotewasfoundperfectlytoagree,the onenotcontainingonelettermoreorlessthantheother

10WhenalltheassemblyoftheJewsheardallthese surprisingrelationsofCharinusandLenthius,theysaidto eachother,TrulyallthesethingswerewroughtbyGod,and blessedbetheLordJesusforeverandever,Amen

11Andtheywentaboutwithgreatconcern,andfear,and trembling,andsmoteupontheirbreastsandwentawayevery onetohishome

12Butimmediatelyallthesethingswhichwererelatedbythe JewsintheirsynagoguesconcerningJesus,werepresently toldbyJosephandNicodemustothegovernor

13AndPilatewrotedownallthesetransactions,andplaced alltheseaccountsinthepublicrecordsofhishall

CHAPTER22

1AfterthesethingsPilatewenttothetempleoftheJews,and calledtogetheralltherulersandscribes,anddoctorsofthe law,andwentwiththemintoachapelofthetemple

2Andcommandingthatallthegatesshouldbeshut,saidto them,Ihaveheardthatyehaveacertainlargebookinthis temple;Idesireyoutherefore,thatitmaybebroughtbefore me

3Andwhenthegreatbook,carriedbyfourministersofthe temple,andadornedwithgoldandpreciousstones,was brought,Pilatesaidtothemall,IadjureyoubytheGodof yourFathers,whomadeandcommandedthistempletobe built,thatyeconcealnotthetruthfromme

4Yeknowallthethingswhicharewritteninthatbook;tell methereforenow,ifyeintheScriptureshavefoundanything

ofthatJesuswhomyecrucified,andatwhattimeoftheworld heoughttohavecome:shewitme

5ThenhavingswornAnnasandCaiaphas,theycommanded alltherestwhowerewiththemtogooutofthechapel

6Andtheyshutthegatesofthetempleandofthechapel,and saidtoPilate,Thouhastmadeustoswear,Ojudge,bythe buildingofthistemple,todeclaretotheethatwhichistrue andright

7AfterwehadcrucifiedJesus,notknowingthathewasthe SonofGod,butsupposinghewroughthismiraclesbysome magicalarts,wesummonedalargeassemblyinthistemple 8Andwhenweweredeliberatingamongoneanotherabout themiracleswhichJesushadwrought,wefoundmany witnessesofourowncountry,whodeclaredthattheyhadseen himaliveafterhisdeath,andthattheyheardhimdiscoursing withhisdisciples,andsawhimascendinguntotheheightof theheavens,andenteringintothem;

9Andwesawtwowitnesses,whosebodiesJesusraisedfrom thedead,whotoldusofmanystrangethingswhichJesusdid amongthedead,ofwhichwehaveawrittenaccountinour hands.

10Anditisourcustomannuallytoopenthisholybook beforeanassembly,andtosearchthereforthecounselofGod 11Andwefoundinthefirstoftheseventybooks,where MichaelthearchangelisspeakingtothethirdsonofAdam thefirstman,anaccountthatafterfivethousandfivehundred years,ChristthemostbelovedSonofGodwascomeonearth, 12Andwefurtherconsidered,thatperhapshewasthevery GodofIsraelwhospoketoMoses,Thoushaltmakethearkof thetestimony;twocubitsandahalfshallbethelengththereof, andacubitandahalfthebreadththereof,andacubitanda halftheheightthereof

13Bythesefivecubitsandahalfforthebuildingofthearkof theOldTestament,weperceivedandknewthatinfive thousandyearsandahalf(onethousand)years,JesusChrist wastocomeinthearkortabernacleofabody;

14AndsoourscripturestestifythatheisthesonofGod,and theLordandKingofIsrael

15Andbecauseafterhissuffering,ourchiefpriestswere surprisedatthesignswhichwerewroughtbyhismeans,we openedthatbooktosearchallthegenerationsdowntothe generationofJosephandMarythemotherofJesus,supposing himtobeoftheseedofDavid;

16Andwefoundtheaccountofthecreation,andatwhattime hemadetheheavenandtheearthandthefirstmanAdam,and thatfromthencetotheflood,weretwothousand,twohundred andtwelveyears.

17AndfromthefloodtoAbraham,ninehundredandtwelve AndfromAbrahamtoMoses,fourhundredandthirtyAnd fromMosestoDavidtheking,fivehundredandten.

18AndfromDavidtotheBabylonishcaptivity,fivehundred yearsAndfromtheBabylonishcaptivitytotheincarnationof Christ,fourhundredyears.

19Thesumofallwhichamountstofivethousandandhalf(a thousand)

20Andsoitappears,thatJesuswhomwecrucified,isJesus ChristtheSonofGod,andtrueandAlmightyGodAmen

ItisaffirmedbyAmbrose"thatthetwelveApostles,asskilfulartificersassembled together,andmadeakeybytheircommonadvice,thatis,theCreed;bywhichthe darknessofthedevilisdisclosed,thatthelightofChristmayappear."Othersfable thateveryApostleinsertedanarticle,bywhichthecreedisdividedintotwelvearticles; andasermon,fathereduponSt.Austin,andquotedbytheLordChancellorKing, fabricatesthateachparticulararticlewasthusinsertedbyeachparticularApostle.

Peter.1.IbelieveinGodtheFatherAlmighty;

John.2.Makerofheavenandearth;

James.3.AndinJesusChristhisonlySon,ourLord;

Andrew.4.WhowasconceivedbytheHolyGhost,bornoftheVirginMary;

Philip.5.SufferedunderPontiusPilate,wascrucified,deadandburied;

Thomas.6.Hedescendedintohell,thethirddayheroseagainfromthedead;

Bartholomew7Heascendedintoheaven,sittethattherighthandofGodtheFather Almighty;

Matthew.8.Fromthenceheshallcometojudgethequickandthedead;

James,thesonofAlpheus.9.IbelieveintheHolyGhost,theholyCatholicChurch; SimonZelotes.10.Thecommunionofsaints,theforgivenessofsins; JudethebrotherofJames.11.Theresurrectionofthebody; Matthias.12.Lifeeverlasting.Amen.

"Beforetheyear600,itwasnomorethanthis."Mr.JusticeBailey

1IBelieveinGodtheFatherAlmighty:

2AndinJesusChristhisonlybegottenSon,ourLord;

3WhowasbornoftheHolyGhostandVirginMary,

4AndwascrucifiedunderPontiusPilate,andwasburied;

5Andthethirddayroseagainfromthedead.

6Ascendedintoheaven,sittethontherighthandoftheFather;

7Whenceheshallcometojudgethequickandthedead;

8AndintheHolyGhost;

9TheHolyChurch;

10Theremissionofsins;

11Andtheresurrectionoftheflesh,Amen.

AsitstandsinthebookofCommonPrayeroftheUnitedChurchofEnglandand Irelandasbylawestablished.

1IBelieveinGodtheFatherAlmighty,makerofheavenandearth:

2AndinJesusChristhisonlySon,ourLord:

3WhowasconceivedbytheHolyGhost,bornoftheVirginMary,

4SufferedunderPontiusPilate,wascrucified,deadandburied;

5Hedescendedintohell;

6Thethirddayheroseagainfromthedead;

7Heascendedintoheaven,andsittethontherighthandofGodtheFatherAlmighty;

8Fromthenceheshallcometojudgethequickandthedead.

9IbelieveintheHolyGhost;

10TheholyCatholicChurch;thecommunionofsaints;

11Theforgivenessofsins;

12Theresurrectionofthebodyandthelifeeverlasting,Amen

TheEpistleofPaultheApostletotheLaodiceans

CHAPTER1

1PaulanApostle,notofmen,neitherbyman,butbyJesusChrist,tothe brethrenwhichareatLaodicea.

2Gracebetoyou,andPeace,fromGodtheFatherandourLordJesusChrist.

3IthankChristineveryprayerofmine,thatyemaycontinueandperseverein goodworkslookingforthatwhichispromisedinthedayofjudgment.

4Letnotthevainspeechesofanytroubleyouwhopervertthetruth,thatthey maydrawyouasidefromthetruthoftheGospelwhichIhavepreached.

5AndnowmayGodgrant,thatmyconvertsmayattaintoaperfectknowledge ofthetruthoftheGospel,bebeneficent,anddoinggoodworkswhich accompanysalvation.

6Andnowmybonds,whichIsufferinChrist,aremanifest,inwhichIrejoice andamglad.

7ForIknowthatthisshallturntomysalvationforever,whichshallbethrough yourprayer,andthesupplyoftheHolySpirit.

8WhetherIliveordie;fortometoliveshallbealifetoChrist,todiewillbejoy.

9AndourLordwillgrantushismercy,thatyemayhavethesamelove,andbe like-minded.

10Wherefore,mybeloved,asyehaveheardofthecomingoftheLord,sothink andactinfear,anditshallbetoyoulifeeternal;

11ForitisGodwhoworkethinyou;

12Anddoallthingswithoutsin.

13Andwhatisbest,mybeloved,rejoiceintheLordJesusChrist,andavoidall filthylucre.

14LetallyourrequestsbemadeknowntoGod,andbesteadyinthedoctrineof Christ.

15Andwhatsoeverthingsaresoundandtrue,andofgoodreport,andchaste,and just,andlovely,thesethingsdo.

16Thosethingswhichyehaveheard,andreceived,thinkonthesethings,and peaceshallbewithyou.

17Allthesaintssaluteyou.

18ThegraceofourLordJesusChristbewithyourspirit.Amen.

19CausethisEpistletobereadtotheColossians,andtheEpistleofthe Colossianstobereadamongyou.

TheEpistlesofPaul theApostletoSeneca, withSeneca'stoPaul

CHAPTER1

AnnæusSenecatoPaulGreeting

1Isuppose,Paul,youhavebeeninformedofthat conversation,whichpassedyesterdaybetweenmeandmy Lucilius,concerninghypocrisyandothersubjects;forthere weresomeofyourdisciplesincompanywithus;

2ForwhenwewereretiredintotheSallustiangardens, throughwhichtheywerealsopassing,andwouldhavegone anotherway,byourpersuasiontheyjoinedcompanywithus

3Idesireyoutobelieve,thatwemuchwishforyour conversation:

4WeweremuchdelightedwithyourbookofmanyEpistles, whichyouhavewrotetosomecitiesandchieftownsof provinces,andcontainwonderfulinstructionsformoral conduct:

5Suchsentiments,asIsupposeyouwerenottheauthorof, butonlytheinstrumentofconveying,thoughsometimesboth theauthorandtheinstrument

6Forsuchisthesublimityofthosedoctrines,andtheir grandeur,thatIsupposetheageofamanisscarcesufficient tobeinstructedandperfectedintheknowledgeofthem.I wishyourwelfare,mybrotherFarewell

CHAPTER2

PaultoSenecaGreeting

1Ireceivedyourletteryesterdaywithpleasure:towhichI couldimmediatelyhavewroteananswer,hadtheyoungman beenathome,whomIintendedtohavesenttoyou:

2Foryouknowwhen,andbywhom,atwhatseasons,andto whomImustdelivereverythingwhichIsend.

3Idesirethereforeyouwouldnotchargemewithnegligence, ifIwaitforaproperperson

4Ireckonmyselfveryhappyinhavingthejudgmentofso valuableaperson,thatyouaredelightedwithmyEpistles:

5Foryouwouldnotbeesteemedacensor,aphilosopher,or bethetutorofsogreataprince,andamasterofeverything,if youwerenotsincereIwishyoualastingprosperity

CHAPTER3

AnnæusSenecatoPaulGreeting

1Ihavecompletedsomevolumes,anddividedthemintotheir properparts.

2IamdeterminedtoreadthemtoCæsar,andifany favourableopportunityhappens,youalsoshallbepresent, whentheyareread;

3Butifthatcannotbe,Iwillappointandgiveyounoticeofa day,whenwewilltogetherreadovertheperformance

4Ihaddetermined,ifIcouldwithsafety,firsttohaveyour opinionofit,beforeIpublishedittoCæsar,thatyoumightbe convincedofmyaffectiontoyouFarewell,dearestPaul

CHAPTER4

PaultoSenecaGreeting.

1AsoftenasIreadyourletters,Iimagineyoupresentwith me;norindeeddoIthinkanyother,thanthatyouarealways withus

2Assoonthereforeasyoubegintocome,weshallpresently seeeachotherIwishyouallprosperity

CHAPTER5

AnnæusSenecatoPaulGreeting

1Weareverymuchconcernedatyourtoolongabsencefrom us

2Whatisit,orwhataffairsarethey,whichobstructyour coming?

3IfyoufeartheangerofCæsar,becauseyouhaveabandoned yourformerreligion,andmadeproselytesalsoofothers,you havethistoplead,thatyouractingthusproceedednotfrom inconstancy,butjudgmentFarewell

CHAPTER6

PaultoSenecaandLuciliusGreeting

1Concerningthosethingsaboutwhichyewrotetomeitis notproperformetomentionanythinginwritingwithpenand ink:theoneofwhichleavesmarks,andtheotherevidently declaresthings

2EspeciallysinceIknowthattherearenearyou,aswellas me,thosewhowillunderstandmymeaning

3Deferenceistobepaidtoallmen,andsomuchthemore,as theyaremorelikelytotakeoccasionsofquarrelling.

4Andifweshowasubmissivetemper,weshallovercome effectuallyinallpoints,ifsobetheyare,whoarecapableof seeingandacknowledgingthemselvestohavebeeninthe wrongFarewell

CHAPTER7

AnnæusSenecatoPaulGreeting

1Iprofessmyselfextremelypleasedwiththereadingyour letterstotheGalatians,Corinthians,andpeopleofAchaia.

2FortheHolyGhosthasinthembyyoudeliveredthose sentimentswhichareverylofty,sublime,deservingofall respect,andbeyondyourowninvention

3Icouldwishtherefore,thatwhenyouarewritingthingsso extraordinary,theremightnotbewantinganelegancyof speechagreeabletotheirmajesty

4AndImustownmybrother,thatImaynotatonce dishonestlyconcealanythingfromyou,andbeunfaithfulto myownconscience,thattheemperorisextremelypleased withthesentimentsofyourEpistles;

5Forwhenheheardthebeginningofthemread,hedeclared, Thathewassurprisedtofindsuchnotionsinaperson,who hadnothadaregulareducation

6TowhichIreplied,ThattheGodssometimesmadeuseof meaninnocentpersonstospeakby,andgavehimaninstance ofthisinameancountryman,namedVatienus,who,whenhe wasinthecountryofReate,hadtwomenappearedtohim, calledCastorandPollux,andreceivedarevelationfromthe godsFarewell

CHAPTER8

PaultoSenecaGreeting

1AlthoughIknowtheemperorisbothanadmirerand favourerofourreligion,yetgivemeleavetoadviseyou againstyoursufferinganyinjury,byshewingfavourtous

2Ithinkindeedyouventureduponaverydangerousattempt, whenyouwoulddeclaretotheemperorthatwhichissovery contrarytohisreligion,andwayofworship;seeingheisa worshipperoftheheathengods

3Iknownotwhatyouparticularlyhadinview,whenyoutold himofthis;butIsupposeyoudiditoutoftoogreatrespect forme.

4ButIdesirethatforthefutureyouwouldnotdoso;foryou hadneedbecareful,lestbyshewingyouraffectionforme, youshouldoffendyourmaster:

5Hisangerindeedwilldousnoharm,ifhecontinuea heathen;norwillhisnotbeingangrybeofanyservicetous:

6Andiftheempressactworthyofhercharacter,shewillnot beangry;butifsheactsasawoman,shewillbeaffronted Farewell

CHAPTER9

AnnæusSenecatoPaulGreeting

1Iknowthatmyletter,whereinIacquaintedyou,thatIhad readtotheEmperoryourEpistles,doesnotsomuchaffectof asthenatureofthethingscontainedinthem,

2Whichdosopowerfullydivertmen'smindsfromtheir formermannersandpractices,thatIhavealwaysbeen surprised,andhavebeenfullyconvincedofitbymany argumentsheretofore.

3Letusthereforebeginafresh;andifanythingheretoforehas beenimprudentlyacted,doyouforgive

4Ihavesentyouabookdecopiaverborum.Farewell,dearest Paul

CHAPTER10

PaultoSenecaGreeting

1AsoftenasIwritetoyou,andplacemynamebeforeyours, Idoathingbothdisagreeabletomyself;andcontrarytoour religion:

2ForIought,asIhaveoftendeclared,tobecomeallthingsto allmen,andtohavethatregardtoyourquality,whichthe Romanlawhashonouredallsenatorswith;namely,toputmy namelastintheinscriptionoftheEpistle,thatImaynotat lengthwithuneasinessandshamebeobligedtodothatwhich itwasalwaysmyinclinationtodoFarewell,mostrespected master.DatedthefifthofthecalendsofJuly,inthefourth consulshipofNero,andMessala

CHAPTER11

AnnæusSenecatoPaulGreeting

1Allhappinesstoyou,mydearestPaul

2Ifapersonsogreat,andeverywayagreeableasyouare, becomenotonlyacommon,butamostintimatefriendtome, howhappywillbethecaseofSeneca!

3Youtherefore,whoaresoeminent,andsofarexaltedabove all,eventhegreatest,donotthinkyourselfunfittobefirst namedintheinscriptionofanEpistle;

4LestIshouldsuspectyouintendnotsomuchtotryme,asto banterme;foryouknowyourselftobeaRomancitizen

5AndIcouldwishtobeinthatcircumstanceorstationwhich youare,andthatyouwereinthesamethatIam.Farewell, dearestPaulDatedthexthofthecalendsofApril,inthe consulshipofAprianusandCapito

CHAPTER12

AnnæusSenecatoPaulGreeting

1Allhappinesstoyou,mydearestPaul.DoyounotsupposeI amextremelyconcernedandgrievedthatyourinnocence shouldbringyouintosufferings?

2AndthatallthepeopleshouldsupposeyouChristiansso criminal,andimagineallthemisfortunesthathappentothe city,tobecausedbyyou?

3Butletusbearthechargewithapatienttemper,appealing forourinnocencetothecourtabove,whichistheonlyone ourhardfortunewillallowustoaddressto,tillatlengthour misfortunesshallendinunalterablehappiness.

4FormerageshaveproducedtyrantsAlexanderthesonof Philip,andDionysius;oursalsohasproducedCaiusCæsar; whoseinclinationsweretheironlylaws.

5AstothefrequentburningsofthecityofRome,thecauseis manifest;andifapersoninmymeancircumstancesmightbe allowedtospeak,andonemightdeclarethesedarkthings withoutdanger,everyoneshouldseethewholeofthematter

6TheChristiansandJewsareindeedcommonlypunishedfor thecrimeofburningthecity;butthatimpiousmiscreant,who delightsinmurdersandbutcheries,anddisguiseshisvillanies withlies,isappointedto,orreservedtill,hispropertime

7Andasthelifeofeveryexcellentpersonisnowsacrificed insteadofthatonepersonwhoistheauthorofthemischief,so thisoneshallbesacrificedformany,andheshallbedevoted tobeburntwithfireinsteadofall.

8Onehundredandthirty-twohouses,andfourwholesquares orislandswereburntdowninsixdays:theseventhputanend totheburning.Iwishyouallhappiness.

9DatedthefifthofthecalendsofApril,intheconsulshipof FrigiusandBassus

CHAPTER13

AnnæusSenecatoPaulGreeting

1Allhappinesstoyou,mydearestPaul.

2Youhavewrotemanyvolumesinanallegoricaland mysticalstyle,andthereforesuchmightymattersandbusiness beingcommittedtoyou,requirenottobesetoffwithany rhetoricalflourishesofspeech,butonlywithsomeproper elegance

3Irememberyouoftensay,thatmanybyaffectingsucha styledoinjurytotheirsubjects,andlosetheforceofthe matterstheytreatof

4ButinthisIdesireyoutoregardme,namely,tohave respecttotrueLatin,andtochoosejustwords,thatsoyou maythebettermanagethenobletrustwhichisreposedinyou.

5FarewellDatedvthofthenamesofJuly,LeoandSavinus consuls

CHAPTER14

PaultoSenecaGreeting

1Yourseriousconsiderationrequitedwiththesediscoveries, whichtheDivineBeinghasgrantedbuttofew

2IamtherebyassuredthatIsowthemoststrongseedina fertilesoil,notanythingmaterial,whichissubjectto corruption,butthedurablewordofGod,whichshallincrease andbringforthfruittoeternity

3Thatwhichbyyourwisdomyouhaveattainedto,shall abidewithoutdecayforever

4BelievethatyououghttoavoidthesuperstitionsofJewsand Gentiles.

5Thethingswhichyouhaveinsomemeasurearrivedto, prudentlymakeknowntotheemperor,hisfamily,andto faithfulfriends;

6Andthoughyoursentimentswillseemdisagreeable,andnot becomprehendedbythem,seeingmostofthemwillnot regardyourdiscourses,yettheWordofGodonceinfusedinto them,willatlengthmakethembecomenewmen,aspiring towardsGod

7FarewellSeneca,whoartmostdeartous.Datedonthe CalendsofAugust,intheconsulshipofLeoandSavinus

TheActsof PaulandThecla

CHAPTER1

1WhenPaulwentuptoIconium,afterhisflightfromAntioch, DemasandHermogenesbecamehiscompanions,whowerethen fullofhypocrisy

2ButPaullookingonlyatthegoodnessofGod,didthemno harm,butlovedthemgreatly

3Accordinglyheendeavouredtomakeagreeabletothem,allthe oraclesanddoctrinesofChrist,andthedesignoftheGospelof God'swell-belovedSon,instructingthemintheknowledgeof Christ,asitwasrevealedtohim

4AndacertainmannamedOnesiphorus,hearingthatPaulwas cometoIconium,wentoutspeedilytomeethim,togetherwith hiswifeLectra,andhissonsSimmiaandZeno,toinvitehimto theirhouse

5ForTitushadgiventhemadescriptionofPaul'spersonage, theyasyetnotknowinghiminperson,butonlybeingacquainted withhischaracter

6Theywentintheking'shighwaytoLystra,andstoodthere waitingforhim,comparingallwhopassedby,withthat descriptionwhichTitushadgiventhem

7Atlengththeysawamancoming(namelyPaul),ofalow stature,bald(orshaved)onthehead,crookedthighs,handsome legs,hollow-eyed;hadacrookednose;fullofgrace;for sometimesheappearedasaman,sometimeshehadthe countenanceofanangelAndPaulsawOnesiphorus,andwas glad

8AndOnesiphorussaid:Hail,thouservantoftheblessedGod Paulreplied,ThegraceofGodbewiththeeandthyfamily.

9ButDemosandHermogenesweremovedwithenvy,and,under ashowofgreatreligion,Demassaid,Andarenotwealso servantsoftheblessedGod?Whydidstthounotsaluteus?

10Onesiphorusreplied,BecauseIhavenotperceivedin,youthe fruitsofrighteousness;nevertheless,ifyeareofthatsort,yeshall bewelcometomyhousealso.

11ThenPaulwentintothehouseofOnesiphorus,andtherewas greatjoyamongthefamilyonthataccount:andtheyemployed themselvesinprayer,breakingofbread,andhearingPaulpreach thewordofGodconcerningtemperanceandtheresurrection,in thefollowingmanner:

12Blessedarethepureinheart;fortheyshallseeGod.

13Blessedaretheywhokeeptheirfleshundefiled(orpure);for theyshallbethetempleofGod

14Blessedarethetemperate(orchaste);forGodwillreveal himselftothem

15Blessedaretheywhoabandontheirsecularenjoyments;for theyshallbeacceptedofGod

16Blessedaretheywhohavewives,asthoughtheyhadthemnot; fortheyshallbemadeangelsofGod

17BlessedaretheywhotrembleatthewordofGod;forthey shallbecomforted

18Blessedaretheywhokeeptheirbaptismpure;fortheyshall findpeacewiththeFather,Son,andHolyGhost

19Blessedaretheywhopursuethewisdom(ordoctrine)ofJesus Christ;fortheyshallbecalledthesonsoftheMostHigh 20BlessedaretheywhoobservetheinstructionsofJesusChrist; fortheyshalldwellineternallight

21Blessedarethey,whofortheloveofChristabandonthe gloriesoftheworld;fortheyshalljudgeangels,andbeplacedat therighthandofChrist,andshallnotsufferthebitternessofthe lastjudgment

22Blessedarethebodiesandsoulsofvirgins;fortheyare acceptabletoGod,andshallnotlosetherewardoftheirvirginity; forthewordoftheir(heavenly)Fathershallproveeffectualto theirsalvationinthedayofhisSon,andtheyshallenjoyrestfor evermore.

CHAPTER2

1WhilePaulwaspreachthissermoninthechurchwhichwasin thehouseofOnesiphorus,acertainvirgin,namedThecla(whose mother'snamewasTheoclia,andwhowasbetrothedtoaman namedThamyris)satatacertainwindowinherhouse.

2Fromwhence,bytheadvantageofawindowinthehouse wherePaulwas,shebothnightanddayheardPaul'ssermons concerningGod,concerningcharity,concerningfaithinChrist, andconcerningprayer;

3Norwouldshedepartfromthewindow,tillwithexceedingjoy shewassubduedtothedoctrinesoffaith

4Atlength,whenshesawmanywomenandvirginsgoinginto Paul,sheearnestlydesiredthatshemightbethoughtworthyto appearinhispresence,andhearthewordofChrist;forshehad notyetseenPaul'sperson,butonlyheardhissermons,andthat alone

5Butwhenshewouldnotbeprevailedupontodepartfromthe window,hermothersenttoThamyris,whocamewiththe greatestpleasure,ashopingnowtomarryherAccordinglyhe saidtoTheoclia,WhereismyThecla?

6Theocliareplied,Thamyris,Ihavesomethingverystrangeto tellyou;forThecla,forthespaceofthreedays,willnotmove fromthewindownotsomuchastoeatordrink,butissointentin hearingtheartfulanddelusivediscoursesofacertainforeigner, thatIperfectlyadmire,Thamyris,thatayoungwomanofher knownmodesty,willsufferherselftobesoprevailedupon

7ForthatmanhasdisturbedthewholecityofIconium,andeven yourThecla,amongothers,Allthewomenandyoungmenflock tohimtoreceivehisdoctrine;who,besidesalltherest,tellsthem thatthereisbutoneGod,whoaloneistobeworshipped,andthat weoughttoliveinchastity

8Notwithstandingthis,mydaughterThecla,likeaspider'sweb fastenedtothewindow,iscaptivatedbythediscoursesofPaul, andattendsuponthemwithprodigiouseagerness,andvast delight;andthus,byattendingonwhathesays,theyoungwoman isseducedNowthendoyougo,andspeaktoher,forsheis betrothedtoyou.

9AccordinglyThamyriswent,andhavingsalutedher,andtaking carenottosurpriseher,hesaid,Thecla,myspouse,whysittest thouinthismelancholyposture?Whatstrangeimpressionsare madeuponthee?TurntoThamyris,andblush.

10Hermotheralsospaketoherafterthesamemanner,andsaid, Child,whydostthousitsomelancholy,and,likeoneastonished, makestnoreply?

11Thentheyweptexceedingly,Thamyria,thathehadlosthis spouse;Theoclia,thatshehadlostherdaughter;andthemaids, thattheyhadlosttheirmistress;andtherewasanuniversal mourninginthefamily.

12ButallthesethingsmadenoimpressionuponThecla,soasto inclinehersomuchastoturntothem,andtakenoticeofthem; forshestillregardedthediscoursesofPaul

13ThenThamyrisranforthintothestreettoobservewhothey werewhowentintoPaul,andcameoutfromhim;andhesaw twomenengagedinaverywarmdispute,andsaidtothem;

14Sirs,whatbusinesshaveyouhere?andwhoisthatmanwithin, belongingtoyou,whodeludesthemindsofmen,bothyoung menandvirgins,persuadingthem,thattheyoughtnottomarry, butcontinueastheyare?

15Ipromisetogiveyouaconsiderablesum,ifyouwillgiveme ajustaccountofhim;forIamthechiefpersonofthiscity

16DemasandHermogenesreplied,Wecannotsoexactlytell whoheis;butthisweknow,thathedeprivesyoungmenoftheir (intended)wives,andvirginsoftheir(intended)husbands,by

teaching,Therecanbenofutureresurrection,unlessyecontinue inchastity,anddonotdefileyourflesh

CHAPTER3

1ThensaidThamyris,Comealongwithmetomyhouse,and refreshyourselves.Sotheywenttoaverysplendidentertainment, wheretherewaswineinabundance,andveryrichprovision.

2Theywerebroughttoatablerichlyspread,andmadetodrink plentifullybyThamyris,onaccountofthelovehehadforThecla andhisdesiretomarryher.

3ThenThamyrissaid,Idesireyewouldinformmewhatthe doctrinesofthisPaulare,thatImayunderstandthem;forIam undernosmallconcernaboutThecla,seeingshesodelightsin thatstranger'sdiscourses,thatIamindangeroflosingmy intendedwife.

4ThenDemasandHermogenesansweredbothtogether,andsaid, LethimbebroughtbeforethegovernorCastellius,asonewho endeavourstopersuadethepeopleintothenewreligionofthe Christians,andhe,accordingtotheorderofCæsar,willputhim todeath,bywhichmeansyouwillobtainyourwife;

5Whileweatthesametimewillteachher,thattheresurrection whichhespeaksofisalreadycome,andconsistsinourhaving children;andthatwethenaroseagain,whenwecametothe knowledgeofGod

6Thamyrishavingthisaccountfromthem,wasfilledwithhot resentment:

7Andrisingearlyinthemorninghewenttothehouseof Onesiphorus,attendedbythemagistrates,thejailor,andagreat multitudeofpeoplewithstaves,andsaidtoPaul;

8ThouhastpervertedthecityofIconium,andamongtherest, Thecla,whoisbetrothedtome,sothatnowshewillnotmarry meThoushaltthereforegowithustothegovernorCastellius

9Andallthemultitudecriedout,Awaywiththis impostor(magician),forhehaspervertedthemindsofourwives, andallthepeoplehearkentohim

CHAPTER4

1ThenThamyrisstandingbeforethegovernor'sjudgment-seat, spakewithaloudvoiceinthefollowingmanner

2Ogovernor,Iknownotwhencethismancometh;butheisone whoteachesthatmatrimonyisunlawfulCommandhimtherefore todeclarebeforeyouforwhatreasonhepublishessuchdoctrines.

3Whilehewassayingthus,DemasandHermogenes(whispered toThamyris,and)said;SaythatheisaChristian,andhewill presentlybeputtodeath

4Butthegovernorwasmoredeliberate,andcallingtoPaul,he said,Whoartthou?Whatdostthouteach?Theyseemtolay grosscrimestothycharge.

5Paulthenspakewithaloudvoice,saying,AsIamnowcalled togiveanaccount,Ogovernor,ofmydoctrines,Idesireyour audience.

6ThatGod,whoisaGodofvengeance,andwhostandsinneed ofnothingbutthesalvationofhiscreatures,hassentmeto reclaimthemfromtheirwickednessandcorruptions,fromall (sinful)pleasures,andfromdeath;andtopersuadethemtosinno more

7Onthisaccount,GodsenthisSonJesusChrist,whomIpreach, andinwhomIinstructmentoplacetheirhopesasthatlperson whoonlyhadsuchcompassiononthedeludedworld,thatit mightnot,Ogovernor,becondemned,buthavefaith,thefearof God,theknowledgeofreligion,andtheloveoftruth

8SothatifIonlyteachthosethingswhichIhavereceivedby revelationfromGod,whereismycrime?

9Whenthegovernorheardthis,heorderedPaultobebound,and tobeputinprison,tillheshouldbemoreatleisuretohearhim morefully

10Butinthenight,Theclatakingoffherear-rings,gavethemto theturnkeyoftheprison,whothenopenedthedoorstoher,and letherin;

11Andwhenshemadeapresentofasilverlooking-glasstothe jailor,wasallowedtogointotheroomwherePaulwas;thenshe satdownathisfeet,andheardfromhimthegreatthingsofGod. 12AndassheperceivedPaulnottobeafraidofsuffering,but thatbydivineassistancehebehavedhimselfwithcourage,her faithsofarincreasedthatshekissedhischains.

CHAPTER5

1AtlengthTheclawasmissed,andsoughtforbythefamilyand byThamyrisineverystreet,asthoughshehadbeenlost,butone oftheporter'sfellow-servantstoldthem,thatshehadgoneoutin thenight-time.

2Thentheyexaminedtheporter,andhetoldthem,thatshewas gonetotheprisontothestrangeman

3Theywentthereforeaccordingtohisdirection,andtherefound her;andwhentheycameout,theygotamobtogether,andwent andtoldthegovernorallthathappened

4UponwhichheorderedPaultobebroughtbeforehisjudgment seat

5Theclainthemeantimelaywallowingonthegroundinthe prison,inthatsameplacewherePaulhadsattoteachher;upon whichthegovernoralsoorderedhertobebroughtbeforehis judgment-seat;whichsummonsshereceivedwithjoy,andwent

6WhenPaulwasbroughtthither,themobwithmorevehemence criedout,Heisamagician,lethimdie

7NeverthelessthegovernorattendedwithpleasureuponPaul's discoursesoftheholyworksofChrist;and,afteracouncilcalled, hesummonedThecla,andsaidtoher,Whydoyounot,according tothelawoftheIconians,marryThamyris?

8Shestoodstill,withhereyesfixeduponPaul;andfindingshe madenoreply,Theoclia,hermother,criedout,saying,Letthe unjustcreaturebeburnt;letherbeburntinthemidstofthe theatre,forrefusingThamyris,thatallwomenmaylearnfromher toavoidsuchpractices

9Thenthegovernorwasexceedinglyconcerned,andordered Paultobewhiptoutofthecity,andTheclatobeburnt

10Sothegovernorarose,andwentimmediatelyintothetheatre; andallthepeoplewentforthtoseethedismalsight

11ButThecla,justasalambinthewildernesslookseveryway toseehisshepherd,lookedaroundforPaul;

12Andasshewaslookinguponthemultitude,shesawtheLord JesusinthelikenessofPaul,andsaidtoherself,Pauliscometo seemeinmydistressedcircumstancesAndshefixedhereyes uponhim;butheinstantlyascendeduptoheaven,whileshe lookedonhim.

13Thentheyoungmenandwomenbroughtwoodandstrawfor theburningofThecla;who,beingbroughtnakedtothestake, extortedtearsfromthegovernor,withsurprisebeholdingthe greatnessofherbeauty.

14Andwhentheyhadplacedthewoodinorder,thepeople commandedhertogouponit;whichshedid,firstmakingthe signofthecross

15Thenthepeoplesetfiretothepile;thoughtheflamewas exceedinglarge,itdidnottouchher,forGodtookcompassionon her,andcausedagreateruptionfromtheearthbeneath,anda cloudfromabovetopourdowngreatquantitiesofrainandhail;

16Insomuchthatbytheruptureoftheearth,verymanywerein greatdanger,andsomewerekilled,thefirewasextinguished, andTheclapreserved

CHAPTER6

1InthemeantimePaul,togetherwithOnesiphorus,hiswifeand children,waskeepingafastinacertaincave,whichwasinthe roadfromIconiumtoDaphne

2Andwhentheyhadfastedforseveraldays,thechildrensaidto Paul,Father,wearehungry,andhavenotwherewithaltobuy bread;forOnesiphorushadleftallhissubstancetofollowPaul withhisfamily.

1.EntrancetotheconfinesofHell.

2.Charoninhisbark.

3.TheMinotaurroaringattheapproachofcondemnedsouls.

4.Soulsagitatedbytheimpurebreathofevilspirits.

5.Cerberusdevouringthesoulsofgourmands.

6.Theavariciousandprodigalcondemnedtocarryburdens.

7.TheenviousandangrycastintotheStyx.

8Towerandwalloftheevilcity

9.Inthisditcharethosewhohavesinnedagainsttheirneighbors; Centaursshootarrowsatthem

10.Thosewhohavesinnedagainstthemselvesarehere tormentedbyHarpies

11RainoffireforthosewhohavesinnedagainstGod

12SoulofthetyrantGerioncastintotheflames

13Debaucheesandcorruptorsofyouthfloggedbydevils

14Poisonousgulfintowhichflatterersareplunged

15LakeoffireinthecaldronsintowhichSimonaicsarecast

16Sorcerersanddiviners,theirfacesturnedbackward

17Bogofboilingpitchforcheats,thieves,anddeceivers

18Hypocritecrucified

19Perfidiousadvisersplungedintoaflamingditch

20Forscandalouspersons:oneholdshisheadinhishand

21Robbersandothercriminalstormentedbyacentaurarmed withserpents

22Alchemistsandquacksapreytoleprosy

23Wellofice,fortraitorsandtheungrateful

24Plutointhemidstofaglacierdevouringthedamned

25TheholycityofJerusalem

3ThenPaul,takingoffhiscoat,saidtotheboy,Go,child,and buybread,andbringithither

4Butwhiletheboywasbuyingthebread,hesawhisneighbour Theclaandwassurprised,andsaidtoherThecla,whereareyou going?

5Shereplied,IaminpursuitofPaul,havingbeendeliveredfrom theflames

6Theboythensaid,Iwillbringyoutohim,forheisundergreat concernonyouraccount,andhasbeeninprayerandfastingthese sixdays.

7WhenTheclacametothecave,shefoundPauluponhisknees prayingandsaying,OholyFather,OLordJesusChrist,grant thatthefiremaynottouchThecla;butbeherhelper,forsheis thyservant.

8Theclathenstandingbehindhim,criedoutinthefollowing words:OsovereignLord,Creatorofheavenandearth,theFather ofthybelovedandholySon,Ipraisetheethatthouhast preservedmefromthefire,toseePaulagain.

9Paulthenarose,andwhenhesawher,said,OGod,who searchesttheheart,FatherofmyLordJesusChrist,Ipraisethee thatthouhastansweredmyprayer.

10Andthereprevailedamongtheminthecaveanentire affectiontoeachother;Paul,Onesiphorus,andallthatwerewith thembeingfilledwithjoy

11Theyhadfiveloaves,someherbsandwater,andtheysolaced eachotherinreflectionsupontheholyworksofChrist

12ThensaidTheclatoPaul,Ifyoubepleasedwithit,Iwill followyouwhithersoeveryougo

13Herepliedtoher,Personsarenowmuchgiventofornication, andyoubeinghandsome,Iamafraidlestyoushouldmeetwith greatertemptationthantheformer,andshouldnotwithstand,but beovercomebyit

14Theclareplied,GrantmeonlythesealofChrist,andno temptationshallaffectme

15Paulanswered,Thecla,waitwithpatience,andyoushall receivethegiftofChrist

CHAPTER7

1ThenPaulsentbackOnesiphorusandhisfamilytotheirown home,andtakingTheclaalongwithhim,wentforAntioch;

2Andassoonastheycameintothecity,acertainSyrian,named Alexander,amagistrate,inthecity,whohaddonemany considerableservicesforthecityduringhismagistracy,saw Theclaandfellinlovewithher,andendeavouredbymanyrich presentstoengagePaulmhisinterest.

3ButPaultoldhim,Iknownotthewomanofwhomyouspeak, nordoesshebelongtome.

4ButhebeingapersonofgreatpowerinAntioch,seizedherin thestreetandkissedher;whichTheclawouldnotbear,but lookingaboutforPaul,criedoutinadistressedloudtone,Force menot,whoamastranger;forcemenot,whoamaservantof God;IamoneoftheprincipalpersonsofIconium,andwas obligedtoleavethatcitybecauseIwouldnotbemarriedto Thamyris

5ThenshelaidholdonAlexander,torehiscoat,andtookhis crownoffhishead,andmadehimappearridiculousbeforeallthe people

6ButAlexander,partlyashelovedher,andpartlybeing ashamedofwhathadbeendone,ledhertothegovernor,and uponherconfessionofwhatshehaddone,'hecondemnedherto bethrownamongthebeasts

CHAPTER8

1Whichwhenthepeoplesaw,theysaid:Thejudgmentspassed inthiscityareunjustButThecladesiredthefavourofthe governor,thatherchastitymightnotbeattacked,butpreserved tillsheshouldbecasttothebeasts

2Thegovernortheninquired,Whowouldentertainher;upon whichacertainveryrichwidow,namedTrifina,whosedaughter waslatelydead,desiredthatshemighthavethekeepingofher; andshebegantotreatherinherhouseasherowndaughter

3Atlengthadaycame,whenthebeastsweretobebroughtforth tobeseen;andTheclawasbroughttotheamphitheatre,andput intoadeninwhichwasanexceedingfierceshe-lion,inthe presenceofamultitudeofspectators

4Trifina,withoutanysurprise,accompaniedThecla,andtheshelionlickedthefeetofTheclaThetitlewrittenwhichdenotesher crime,was,SacrilegeThenthewomancriedout,OGod,the judgmentsofthiscityareunrighteous.

5Afterthebeastshadbeenshewn,TrifinatookTheclahome withher,andtheywenttobed;andbehold,thedaughterof Trifina,whowasdead,appearedtohermother,andsaid;Mother, lettheyoungwoman,Thecla,bereputedbyyouasyourdaughter inmystead;anddesireherthatsheshouldprayforme,thatI maybetranslatedtoastateofhappiness.

6UponwhichTrifina,withamournfulair,said,Mydaughter Falconillahasappearedtome,andorderedmetoreceiveyouin herroom;whereforeIdesire,Thecla,thatyouwouldprayformy daughter,thatshemaybetranslatedintoastateofhappiness,and tolifeeternal.

7WhenTheclaheardthis,sheimmediatelyprayedtotheLord, andsaid:OLordGodofheavenandearth,JesusChrist,thouSon oftheMostHigh,grantthatherdaughterFalconillamaylive foreverTrifinahearingthisgroanedagain,andsaid:O unrighteousjudgments!Ounreasonablewickedness!thatsucha creatureshould(again)becasttothebeasts!

8Onthemorrow,atbreakofday,AlexandercametoTrifina's house,andsaid:Thegovernorandthepeoplearewaiting;bring thecriminalforth

9ButTrifinaraninsoviolentlyuponhim,thathewasaffrighted, andranawayTrifinawasoneoftheroyalfamily;andshethus expressedhersorrow,andsaid;Alas!Ihavetroubleinmyhouse' nntwoaccounts,andthereisnoonewhowillrelieveme,either underthelossofmydaughter,ormybeingunabletosaveThecla Butnow,OLordGod,bethouthehelperofTheclathyservant

10Whileshewasthusengaged,thegovernorsentoneofhisown officerstobringTheclaTrifinatookherbythehand,and,going withher,said:IwentwithFalconillatohergrave,andnowmust gowithTheclatothebeasts.

11WhenTheclaheardthis,sheweepingprayed,andsaid:O LordGod,whomIhavemademyconfidenceandrefuge,reward Trifinaforhercompassiontome,andpreservingmychastity.

12Uponthistherewasagreatnoiseintheamphitheatre;the beastsroared,andthepeoplecriedout,Bringinthecriminal.

13Butthewomancriedout,andsaid:Letthewholecitysuffer forsuchcrimes;andorderallofus,Ogovernor,tothesame punishment.Ounjustjudgment!Ocruelsight!

14Otherssaid,Letthewholecitybedestroyedforthisvileaction Killusall,Ogovernor.Ocruelsight!Ounrighteousjudgment.

CHAPTER9

1ThenTheclawastakenoutofthehandofTrifina,stripped naked,hadagirdleputon,andthrownintotheplaceappointed forfightingwiththebeasts:andthelionsandthebearswerelet looseuponher

2Butashe-lion,whichwasofallthemostfierce,rantoThecla, andfelldownatherfeetUponwhichthemultitudeofwomen shoutedaloud

3Thenashe-bearranfiercelytowardsher;buttheshe-lionmet thebear,andtoreittopieces

4Again,ahe-lion,whohadbeenwonttodevourmen,andwhich belongedtoAlexander,rantowardsher;buttheshe-lion encounteredthehe-lion,andtheykilledeachother

5Thenthewomenwereunderagreaterconcern,becausetheshelion,whichhadhelpedThecla,wasdead

6Afterwardstheybroughtoutmanyotherwildbeasts;butThecla stoodwithherhandsstretchedtowardsheaven,andprayed;and whenshehaddonepraying,sheturnedabout,andsawapitof water,andsaid,Nowitisapropertimeformetobebaptized

7Accordinglyshethrewherselfintothewater,andsaid,Inthy name,OmyLordJesusChrist,IamthislastdaybaptizedThe womenandthepeopleseeingthis,criedout,andsaid,Donot throwyourselfintothewaterAndthegovernorhimselfcriedout, tothinkthatthefish(sea-calves)wereliketodevoursomuch beauty

8Notwithstandingallthis,Theclathrewherselfintothewater,in thenameofourLordJesusChrist

9Butthefish(sea-calves,)whentheysawthelightingandfire, werekilled,andswamdeaduponthesurfaceofthewater,anda cloudoffiresurroundedThecla,sothatasthebeastscouldnot comenearher,sothepeoplecouldnotseehernakedness

10Yettheyturnedotherwildbeastsuponher;uponwhichthey madeaverymournfuloutcry;andsomeofthemscattered spikenard,otherscassia,othersamomus(asortofspikenard,or theherbofJerusalem,orladies-rose)othersointment;sothatthe quantityofointmentwaslarge,inproportiontothenumberof people;anduponthisallthebeastslayasthoughtheyhadbeen fastasleep,anddidnottouchThecla.

11WhereuponAlexandersaidtotheGovernor,Ihavesomevery terriblebulls;letusbindhertothemTowhichthegovernor, withconcern,replied,Youmaydowhatyouthinkfit

12ThentheyputacordroundThecla'swaist,whichboundalso herfeet,andwithittiedhertothebulls,towhoseprivy-parts theyappliedred-hotirons,thatsotheybeingthemoretormented, mightmoreviolentlydragTheclaabout,tilltheyhadkilledher

13Thebullsaccordinglytoreabout,makingamosthideousnoise; buttheflamewhichwasaboutThecla,burntoffthecordswhich werefastenedtothemembersofthebulls,andshestoodinthe middleofthestage,asunconcernedasifshehadnotbeenbound

14ButinthemeantimeTrifina,whosatupononeofthebenches, faintedawayanddied;uponwhichthewholecitywasundera verygreatconcern

15AndAlexanderhimselfwasafraid,anddesiredthegovernor, saying:Ientreatyou,takecompassiononmeandthecity,and

releasethiswoman,whohasfoughtwiththebeasts;lest,both youandI,andthewholecitybedestroyed

16ForifCæsarshouldhaveanyaccountofwhathaspassednow, hewillcertainlyimmediatelydestroythecity,becauseTrifina,a personofroyalextract,andarelationofhis,isdeaduponherseat.

17UponthisthegovernorcalledTheclafromamongthebeasts tohim,andsaidtoher,Whoartthou?andwhatarethy circumstances,thatnotoneofthebeastswilltouchthee?

18Theclarepliedtohim;IamaservantofthelivingGod;andas tomystate,IamabelieveronJesusChristhisSon,inwhomGod iswellpleased;andforthatreasonnoneofthebeastscouldtouch me.

19Healoneisthewaytoeternalsalvation,andthefoundationof eternallife.Heisarefugetothosewhoareindistress;asupport totheafflicted,hopeanddefencetothosewhoarehopeless;and, inaword,allthosewhodonotbelieveonhim,shallnotlive,but suffereternaldeath

20Whenthegovernorheardthesethings,heorderedherclothes tobebrought,andsaidtoherputonyourclothes

21Theclareplied:MaythatGodwhoclothedmewhenIwas nakedamongthebeasts,inthedayofjudgmentclotheyoursoul withtherobeofsalvationThenshetookherclothes,andput themon;andthegovernorimmediatelypublishedanorderin thesewords;IreleasetoyouTheclatheservantofGod

22Uponwhichthewomencriedouttogetherwithaloudvoice, andwithoneaccordgavepraiseuntoGod,andsaid;Thereisbut oneGod,whoistheGodofThecla;theoneGodwhodelivered Thecla

23Soloudweretheirvoicesthatthewholecityseemedtobe shaken;andTrifinaherselfheardthegladtidings,andaroseagain, andranwiththemultitudetomeetThecla;andembracingher, said:NowIbelievethereshallbearesurrectionofthedead;now IampersuadedthatmydaughterisaliveComethereforehome withme,mydaughterThecla,andIwillmakeoverallthatIhave toyou

24SoTheclawentwithTrifina,andwasentertainedthereafew days,teachingherthewordoftheLord,wherebymanyyoung womenwereconverted;andtherewasgreatjoyinthefamilyof Trifina

25ButTheclalongedtoseePaul,andinquiredandsent everywheretofindhim;andwhenatlengthshewasinformed thathewasatMyra,inLycia,shetookwithhermanyyoungmen andwomen;andputtingonagirdle,anddressingherselfinthe habitofaman,shewenttohimtoMyrainLycia,andtherefound PaulpreachingthewordofGod;andshestoodbyhimamongthe throng

CHAPTER10

1ButitwasnosmallsurprisetoPaulwhenhesawherandthe peoplewithher;forheimaginedsomefreshtrialwascoining uponthem;

2WhichwhenTheclaperceived,shesaidtohim:Ihavebeen baptized,OPaul;forhewhoassistsyouinpreaching,has assistedmetobaptize.

3ThenPaultookher,andledhertothehouseofHermes;and TheclarelatedtoPaulallthathadbefallenherinAntioch, insomuchthatPaulexceedinglywondered,andallwhoheard wereconfirmedinthefaith,andprayedforTrifina'shappiness

4ThenTheclaarose,andsaidtoPaul,IamgoingtoIconium Paulrepliedtoher:Go,andteachthewordoftheLord

5ButTrifinahadsentlargesumsofmoneytoPaul,andalso clothingbythehandsofThecla,forthereliefofthepoor

6SoTheclawenttoIconiumAndwhenshecametothehouseof Onesiphorus,shefelldownuponthefloorwherePaulhadsatand preached,and,mixingtearswithherprayers,shepraisedand glorifiedGodinthefollowingwords:

7OLordtheGodofthishouse,inwhichIwasfirstenlightened bythee;OJesus,sonofthelivingGod,whowastmyhelper

beforethegovernor,myhelperinthefire,andmyhelperamong thebeasts;thoualoneartGodforeverandeverAmen

8Theclanow(onherreturn)foundThamyrisdead,buther motherliving.Socallinghermother,shesaidtoher:Theoclia, mymother,isitpossibleforyoutobebroughttoabelief,that thereisbutoneLordGod,whodwellsintheheavens?Ifyou desiregreatriches,Godwillgivethemtoyoubyme;ifyouwant yourdaughteragain,hereIam.

9Theseandmanyotherthingssherepresentedtohermother, (endeavouring)topersuadeher(toherownopinion).Buther motherTheocliagavenocredittothethingswhichweresaidby themartyrThecla.

10SothatTheclaperceivingshediscoursedtonopurpose, signingherwholebodywiththesign(ofthecross),leftthehouse andwenttoDaphine;andwhenshecamethere,shewenttothe cave,whereshehadfoundPaulwithOnesiphorus,andfelldown ontheground;andweptbeforeGod

11Whenshedepartedthence,shewenttoSeleucia,and enlightenedmanyintheknowledgeofChrist

12Andabrightcloudconductedherinherjourney

13AndaftershehadarrivedatSeleuciashewenttoaplaceout ofthecity,aboutthedistanceofafurlong,beingafraidofthe inhabitants,becausetheywereworshippersofidols

14Andshewasled(bythecloud)intoamountaincalled Calamon,orRodeonTheresheabodemanyyears,and underwentagreatmanygrievoustemptationsofthedevil,which sheboreinabecomingmanner,bytheassistancewhichshehad fromChrist

15AtlengthcertaingentlewomenhearingofthevirginThecla, wenttoher,andwereinstructedbyherintheoraclesofGod,and manyofthemabandonedthisworld,andledamonasticlifewith her

16HerebyagoodreportwasspreadeverywhereofThecla,and shewroughtseveral(miraculous)cures,sothatallthecityand adjacentcountriesbroughttheirsicktothatmountain,andbefore theycameasfarasthedoorofthecave,theywereinstantlycured ofwhatsoeverdistempertheyhad

17Theuncleanspiritswerecastout,makinganoise;allreceived theirsickmadewhole,andglorifiedGod,whohadbestowed suchpoweronthevirginThecla;

18InsomuchthatthephysiciansofSeleuciawerenowofnomore account,andlostalltheprofitoftheirtrade,becausenoone regardedthem;uponwhichtheywerefilledwithenvy,andbegan tocontrivewhatmethodstotakewiththisservantofChrist.

CHAPTER11

1Thedevilthensuggestedbadadvicetotheirminds;andbeing onacertaindaymettogethertoconsult,theyreasonedamong eachotherthus:Thevirginisapriestessofthegreatgoddess Diana,andwhatsoeversherequestsfromher,isgranted,because sheisavirgin,andsoisbelovedbyallthegods.

2Nowthenletusprocuresomerakishfellows,andafterwehave madethemsufficientlydrunk,andgiventhemagoodsumof money,letusorderthemtogoanddebauchthisvirgin,promising them,iftheydoit,alargerreward

3(Fortheythusconcludedamongthemselves,thatiftheybeable todebauchher,thegodswillnomoreregardher,norDianacure thesickforher)

4Theyproceededaccordingtothisresolution,andthefellows wenttothemountain,andasfierceaslionstothecave,knocking atthedoor

5TheholymartyrThecla,relyingupontheGodinwhomshe believed,openedthedoor,althoughshewasbeforeapprizedof theirdesign,andsaidtothem,Youngmen,whatisyourbusiness?

6Theyreplied,Isthereanyonewithin,whosenameisThecla? Sheanswered,Whatwouldyouhavewithher?Theysaid,We haveamindtoliewithher

7TheblessedTheclaanswered:ThoughIamameanoldwoman, IamtheservantofmyLordJesusChrist;andthoughyouhavea

viledesignagainstme,yeshallnotbeabletoaccomplishitThey replied:Itisimpossiblebutwemustbeabletodowithyouwhat wehaveamind

8Andwhiletheyweresayingthis,theylaidholdonherbymain force,andwouldhaveravishedher.Thenshewiththe(greatest) mildnesssaidtothem:Youngmenhavepatience,andseethe gloryoftheLord.

9Andwhiletheyheldher,shelookeduptoheavenandsaid;O Godmostreverend,towhomnonecanbelikened;whomakest thyselfgloriousoverthineenemies;whodidstdelivermefrom thefire,anddidstnotgivemeuptoThamyris,didstnotgiveme uptoAlexander;whodeliveredstmefromthewildbeasts;who didstpreservemeinthedeepwaters;whohasteverywherebeen myhelper,andhastglorifiedthynameinme;

10Nowalsodelivermefromthehandsofthesewickedand unreasonablemen,norsufferthemtodebauchmychastitywhich Ihavehithertopreservedforthyhonour;forIlovetheeandlong forthee,andworshipthee,OFather,Son,andHolyGhost,for evermoreAmen

11Thencameavoicefromheaven,saying,Fearnot,Thecla,my faithfulservant,forIamwiththeeLookandseetheplacewhich isopenedforthee:therethyeternalabodeshallbe;therethou shaltreceivethebeatificvision

12TheblessedTheclaobserving,sawtherockopenedtoaslarge adegreeasthatamanmightenterin;shedidasshewas commanded,bravelyfledfromthevilecrew,andwentintothe rock,whichinstantlysoclosed,thattherewasnotanycrack visiblewhereithadopened

13Themenstoodperfectlyastonishedatsoprodigiousamiracle, andhadnopowertodetaintheservantofGod;butonly,catching holdofherveil,orhood,theytoreoffapieceofit;

14AndeventhatwasbythepermissionofGod,forthe confirmationoftheirfaithwhoshouldcometoseethisvenerable place,andtoconveyblessingstothoseinsucceedingages,who shouldbelieveonourLordJesusChristfromapureheart

15ThussufferedthatfirstmartyrandapostleofGod,andvirgin, Thecla;whocamefromIconiumateighteenyearsofage; afterwards,partlyinjourneysandtravels,andpartlyina monasticlifeinthecave,shelivedseventy-twoyears;sothatshe wasninetyyearsoldwhentheLordtranslatedher

16Thusendsherlife

17Thedaywhichiskeptsacredtohermemory,isthetwentyfourthofSeptember,tothegloryoftheFather,andtheSon,and theHolyGhost,nowandforevermore.Amen.

TheFirstEpistle ofClementtothe Corinthians

CHAPTER1

1TheChurchofGodwhichisatRome,totheChurchofGod whichisatCorinth,elect,sanctifiedbythewillofGod, throughJesusChristourLord:graceandpeacefromthe AlmightyGod,byJesusChristbemultiplieduntoyou

2Brethren,thesuddenandunexpecteddangersandcalamities thathavefallenuponus,have,wefear,madeusthemore slowinourconsiderationofthosethingswhichyouinquired ofus:

3Asalsoofthatwickedanddetestablesedition,so unbecomingtheelectofGod,whichafewheadyandselfwilledmenhavefomentedtosuchadegreeofmadness,that yourvenerableandrenownedname,soworthyofallmento bebeloved,isgreatlyblasphemedthereby

4Forwhothathaseverbeenamongyouhasnotexperimented thefirmnessofyourfaith,anditsfruitfulnessinallgood works;andadmiredthetemperandmoderationofyour religioninChrist;andpublishedabroadthemagnificenceof yourhospitality,andthoughtyouhappyinyourperfectand certainknowledgeoftheGospel?

5Foryedidallthingswithoutrespectofpersonsandwalked accordingtothelawsofGod;beingsubjecttothosewhohad theruleoveryou,andgivingthehonourthatwasfittingtothe agedamongyou

6Yecommandedtheyoungmentothinkthosethingsthat weremodestandgrave

7Thewomenyeexhortedtodoallthingswithan unblameableandseemly,andpureconscience;lovingtheir ownhusbands,aswasfitting:andthatkeepingthemselves withintheboundsofadueobedience,theyshouldordertheir housesgravely,withalldiscretion.

8Yewereallofyouhumbleminded,notboastingofany thing:desiringrathertobesubjectthantogovern;togivethan toreceive;beingcontentwiththeportionGodhathdispensed toyou;

9Andhearkeningdiligentlytohisword,yewereenlargedin yourbowels,havinghissufferingalwaysbeforeyoureyes.

10Thusafirm,andblessedandprofitablepeacewasgiven untoyou;andanunsatiabledesireofdoinggood;anda plentifuleffusionoftheHolyGhostwasuponallofyou

11Andbeingfullofgooddesigns,yedidwithgreatreadiness ofmind,andwithareligiousconfidencestretchforthyour handstoGodAlmighty;beseechinghimtobemercifulunto you,ifinanythingyehadunwillinglysinnedagainsthim

12Yecontendeddayandnightforthewholebrotherhood; thatwithcompassionandagoodconscience,thenumberof hiselectmightbesaved

13Yeweresincere,andwithoutoffencetowardseachother; notmindfulofinjuries;allseditionandschismwasan abominationuntoyou

14Yebewailedeveryonehisneighbour'ssins,esteeming theirdefectsyourown

15Yewerekindonetoanotherwithoutgrudging;beingready toeverygoodwork.Andbeingadornedwithaconversation altogethervirtuousandreligious,yedidallthingsinthefear

ofGod;whosecommandmentswerewrittenuponthetables ofyourheart

CHAPTER2

1Allhonourandenlargementwasgivenuntoyou;andsowas fulfilledthatwhichiswritten,mybeloveddideatanddrink, hewasenlargedandwaxedfat,andhekicked

2Fromhencecameemulation,andenvy,andstrife,and sedition;persecutionanddisorder,warandcaptivity

3Sotheywhowereofnorenown,liftedupthemselves againstthehonourable;thoseofnoreputation,againstthose whowereinrespect;thefoolishagainstthewise;theyoung menagainsttheaged 4Thereforerighteousnessandpeacearedepartedfromyou, becauseeveryonehathforsakenthefearofGod;andisgrown blindinhisfaith;norwalkethbytheruleofGod's commandmentsnorlivethasisfittinginChrist:

5Buteveryonefollowshisownwickedlusts:havingtaken upanunjustandwickedenvy,bywhichdeathfirstentered intotheworld.

CHAPTER3

1Forthusitiswritten,Andinprocessoftimeitcametopass thatCainbroughtofthefruitofthegroundanofferingunto theLord.AndAbel,healsobroughtofthefirstlingsofhis flock,andofthefatthereof:

2AndtheLordhadrespectuntoAbel,andtohisofferingBut untoCainanduntohisofferinghehadnotrespectAndCain wasverysorrowful,andhiscountenancefell

3AndtheLordsaiduntoCain,Whyartthousorrowful?And whyisthycountenancefallen?Ifthoushaltofferaright,but notdividearight,hastthounotsinned?Holdthypeace:unto theeshallbehisdesire,andthoushaltruleoverhim.

4AndCainsaiduntoAbelhisbrother,Letusgodowninto thefieldAnditcametopass,astheywereinthefield,that CainroseupagainstAbelhisbrother,andslewhim

5Yesee,brethren,howenvyandemulationwroughtthe deathofabrotherForthisourfatherJacobfledfromtheface ofhisbrotherEsau.

6ItwasthisthatcausedJosephtobepersecutedevenunto death,andtocomeintobondageEnvyforcedMosestoflee fromthefaceofPharaohkingofEgypt,whenheheardhis owncountrymenaskhim,WhomadetheeaJudge,andaruler overus?WiltthoukillmeasthoudidsttheEgyptian yesterday?

7ThroughenvyAaronandMiriamwereshutoutofthecamp, fromtherestofthecongregationsevendays

8EmulationsentDathanandAbiramquickintothegrave becausetheyraisedupaseditionagainstMosestheservantof God

9ForthisDavidwasnotonlyhatedofstrangers,butwas persecutedevenbySaulthekingofIsrael

10Butnottoinsistuponantientexamples,letuscometo thoseworthiesthathavebeennearesttous;andtakethebrave examplesofourownage

11Throughzealandenvy,themostfaithfulandrighteous pillarsofthechurchhavebeenpersecutedeventothemost grievousdeaths

12LetussetbeforeoureyestheholyApostles;Peterby unjustenvyunderwentnotoneortwo,butmanysufferings;til atlastbeingmartyred,hewenttotheplaceofglorythatwas dueuntohim

13ForthesamecausedidPaulinlikemannerreceivethe rewardofhispatienceSeventimeshewasinbonds;hewas

whipped,wasstoned;hepreachedbothintheEastandinthe West;leavingbehindhimthegloriousreportofhisfaith:

14Andsohavingtaughtthewholeworldrighteousness,and forthatendtravelledeventotheutmostboundsoftheWest; heatlastsufferedmartyrdombythecommandofthe governors,

15Anddepartedoutoftheworld,andwentuntohisholy place;beingbecomeamosteminentpatternofpatienceunto allages.

16TotheseHolyApostleswerejoinedaverygreatnumberof others,whohavingthroughenvyundergoneinlikemanner manypainsandtorments,haveleftagloriousexampletous.

17Forthisnotonlymenbutwomenhavebeenpersecuted: andhavingsufferedverygrievousandcruelpunishments, havefinishedthecourseoftheirfaithwithfirmness;and thoughweakinbody,yetreceivedagloriousreward

18Thishasalienatedthemindsevenofwomenfromtheir husbands;andchangedwhatwasoncesaidbyourfather Adam;Thisisnowboneofmybone,andfleshofmyflesh

19Inaword,envyandstrife,haveoverturnedwholecities, androotedoutgreatnationsfromofftheearth.

CHAPTER4

1Thesethings,beloved,wewriteuntoyou,notonlyforyour instruction,butalsoforourownremembrance

2Forweareallinthesamelists,andthesamecombatis preparedforusall

3Whereforeletuslayasideallvainandemptycares;andlet uscomeuptothegloriousandvenerableruleofourholy calling

4Letusconsiderwhatisgood,andacceptableandwellpleasinginthesightofhimthatmadeus.

5LetuslooksteadfastlytothebloodofChrist,andseehow precioushisbloodisinthesightofGod:whichbeingshedfor oursalvation,hasobtainedthegraceofrepentanceforallthe world

6Letussearchintoalltheagesthathavegonebeforeus;and letuslearnthatourLordhasineveryoneofthemstillgiven placeforrepentancetoallsuchaswouldturntohim

7Noahpreachedrepentance;andasmanyashearkenedto himweresavedJonahdenounceddestructionagainstthe Ninevites:

8Howbeittheyrepentingoftheirsins,appeasedGodbytheir prayers:and1weresaved,thoughtheywerestrangerstothe covenantofGod

9HencewefindhowalltheministersofthegraceofGod havespokenbytheHolySpiritofrepentanceAndeventhe Lordofallhashimselfdeclaredwithanoathconcerningit; 10AsIlive,saiththeLord,Idesirenotthedeathofasinner, butthatheshouldrepentAddingfartherthisgoodsentence, saying:Turnfromyouriniquity,OhouseofIsrael

11Sayuntothechildrenofmypeople,Thoughyoursins shouldreachfromearthtoheaven;andthoughtheyshallbe redderthanscarlet,andblackerthansackcloth;yetifyeshall turntomewithallyourheart,andshallcallmefather,Iwill hearkentoyou,astoaholypeople

12Andinanotherplacehesaithonthiswise:Washye,make youclean;putawaytheevilofyourdoingsfrombeforemine eyes;ceasetodoevil,learntodowell;seekjudgment,relieve theoppressed,judgethefatherless,pleadforthewidow

13Comenowandletusreasontogether,saiththeLord: thoughyoursinsbeasscarlet,theyshallbeaswhiteassnow; thoughtheyheredascrimson,theyshallbeaswool

14Ifyehewillingandobedient,yeshalleatthegoodofthe land;butifyerefuseandrebel,yeshallbedevouredwiththe sword;forthemouthoftheLordhathspokenit.

15ThesethingshasGodestablishedbyhisAlmightywill, desiringthatallhisbelovedshouldcometorepentance

CHAPTER5

1Whereforeletusobeyhisexcellentandgloriouswill;and imploringhismercyandgoodness,letusfalldownuponour facesbeforehim,andcastourselvesuponhismercy;laying asideallvanity,andcontention,andenvywhichleadsunto death

2Letuslookuptothosewhohavethemostperfectly ministeredtohisexcellentglory.LetustakeEnochforour example;whobeingfoundrighteousinobedience,was translated,andhisdeathwasnotknown

3Noahbeingprovedtobefaithful,didbyhisministrypreach regenerationtotheworld;andtheLordsavedbyhimallthe livingcreatures,thatwentwithoneaccordintotheark

4Abraham,whowascalledGod'sfriend,wasinlikemanner foundfaithful;inasmuchasheobeyedthecommandsofGod 5Byobediencehewentoutofhisowncountry,andfromhis ownkindred,andfromhisfather'shouse:thatsoforsakinga smallcountry,andaweakaffinity,andalittlehouse,hemight inheritthepromisesofGod

6ForthusGodsaiduntohim;gettheeoutofthycountry,and fromthykindred,andfromthyfather'shouse,untoalandthat Iwillshowthee

7AndIwillmaketheeagreatnation,andwillblessthee,and makethynamegreat,andthoushaltbeblessedAndIwill blessthemthatblessthee,andcursethemthatcursethee;and intheeshallallfamiliesoftheearthbeblessed.

8AndagainwhenheseparatedhimselffromLot,Godsaid untohim;Liftupnowthineeyes,andlookfromtheplace wherethouartnorthwardandsouthwardandeastwardand westwardforallthelandwhichthouseest,totheewillIgive it,andtothyseedforever

9AndIwillmakethyseedasthedustoftheearth,sothatifa mancannumberthedustoftheearth,thenshallthyseedalso benumbered.

10Andagainhesaith:andGodbroughtforthAbraham,and saiduntohim;Looknowtowardheaven,andtellthestars,if thoubeabletonumberthem:soshallthyseedbe.

11AndAbrahambelievedGod,anditwascountedtohimfor righteousness

12Throughfaithandhospitality,hehadasongivenhimin hisoldage;andthroughobedienceheofferedhimupin sacrificetoGod,upononeofthemountainswhichGod showeduntohim.

CHAPTER6

1ByhospitalityandgodlinesswasLotsavedoutofSodom, whenallthecountryroundaboutwasdestroyedbyfireand brimstone:

2TheLordtherebymakingitmanifest,thathewillnot forsakethosethattrustinhim;butwillbringthedisobedient topunishmentandcorrection.

3Forhiswifewhowentoutwithhim,beingofadifferent mind,andnotcontinuinginthesameobedience,wasforthat reasonsetforthforanexample,beingturnedintoapillarof saltuntothisday

4Thatsoallmenmayknow,thatthosewhoaredouble minded,anddistrustfulofthepowerofGod,arepreparedfor condemnation,andtobeasigntoallsucceedingages

5ByfaithandhospitalitywasRahabtheharlotsavedFor whenthespiesweresentbyJoshuathesonofNun,tosearch outJerichoandthekingofJerichoknewthattheywerecome tospyouthiscountry;hesentmentotakethem,sothatthey mightbeputtodeath

6Rahabthereforebeinghospitable,receivedthem,andhid themunderthestalksofflax,onthetopofherhouse

7Andwhenthemessengersthatweresentbythekingcame untoher,andaskedher,saying,Therecamemenuntotheeto spyouttheland,bringthemforth,forsohaththeking commanded:Sheanswered,Thetwomenwhomyeseekcame untome,butpresentlytheydeparted,andaregone:Not discoveringthemuntothem

8Thenshesaidtothespies,IknowthattheLordyourGod hasgiventhiscityintoyourhands;forthefearofyouisfallen uponallthatdwellthereinWhen,therefore,yeshallhave takenityeshallsavemeandmyfather'shouse

9Andtheyansweredher,saying,Itshallbeasthouhast spokentousTherefore,whenthoushaltknowthatweare nearthoushaltgatherallthyfamilytogetheruponthe housetop,andtheyshallbesaved:butallthatshallbefound withoutthyhouse,shallbedestroyed

10Andtheygavehermoreoverasign:thatsheshouldhang outofherhouseascarletrope;sheavingthereby,thatbythe bloodofourLord,thereshouldberedemptiontoallthat believeandhopeinGodYesee,beloved,howtherewasnot onlyfaith,butprophecytoointhiswoman.

CHAPTER7

1Letus,therefore,humbleourselves,brethren,layingaside allpride,andboasting,andfoolishness,andanger:Andletus doasitiswritten.

2ForthussaiththeHolySpirit;Letnotthewisemangloryin hiswisdom,northestrongmaninhisstrength,northerich maninhisriches;butlethimthatglorieth,gloryintheLord, toseekhim,andtodojudgmentandjustice

3Aboveall,rememberingthewordsoftheLordJesus,which hespakeconcerningequityandlongsuffering,saying, 4Beyemercifulandyeshallobtainmercy;forgive,andye shallbeforgiven:asyedo,soshallitbedoneuntoyou:asye give,soshallitbegivenuntoyou:asyejudge,soshallyebe judged;asyearekindtootherssoshallGodbekindtoyou: withwhatmeasureyemete,withthesameshallitbe measuredtoyouagain

5Bythiscommand,andbytheserules,letusestablish ourselves,thatsowemayalwayswalkobedientlytohisholy words;beinghumbleminded:

6ForsosaystheHolyScripture;uponwhomshallIlook, evenuponhimthatispoorandofacontritespirit,andthat tremblesatmyword

7Itis,therefore,justandrighteous,menandbrethren,thatwe shouldbecomeobedientuntoGod,ratherthanfollowsuchas throughprideandsedition,havemadethemselvestheringleadersofadetestableemulation

8Foritisnotanordinaryharmthatweshalldoourselvesbut ratheraverygreatdangerthatweshallrun,ifweshallrashly giveupourselvestothewillsofmenwhopromotestrifeand seditions,toturnusasidefromthatwhichisfitting.

9Butletusbekindtooneanother,accordingtothe compassionandsweetnessofhimthatmadeus

10Foritiswritten,Themercifulshallinherittheearth;and theythatarewithoutevilshallbeleftuponit:butthe transgressorsshallperishfromoffthefaceofit

11Andagainhesaith,Ihaveseenthewickedingreatpower andspreadinghimselflikethecedarofLibanusIpassedby,

andlo!hewasnot;Isoughthisplace,butitcouldnotbe found

12Keepinnocently,anddothethingthatisright,forthere shallbearemnanttothepeaceableman

13Letus,therefore,holdfasttothosewhoreligiouslyfollow peace;andnottosuchasonlypretendtodesire.

14Forhesaithinacertainplace,Thispeoplehonourethme withtheirlips,buttheirheartisfarfromme

15Andagain,Theyblesswiththeirmouths,butcurseintheir hearts

16Andagainhesaith,Theylovedhimwiththeirmouths,and withtheirtonguestheyliedtohim.Fortheirheartwasnot rightwithhim,neitherwerethey,faithfulinhiscovenant 17Letalldeceitfullipsbecomedumb,andthetonguethat speakethproudthings.Whohavesaid,withourtonguewill weprevail;ourlipsareourown,whoisLordoverus

18Fortheoppressionofthepoor,forthesighingoftheneedy, nowwillIarisesaiththeLord;Iwillsethiminsafety,Iwill dealconfidentlywithhim

CHAPTER8

1ForChrististheirswhoarehumble,andnotwhoexalt themselvesoverhisflock.ThesceptreofthemajestyofGod, ourLordJesusChrist,camenotintheshewofprideand arrogance,thoughhecouldhavedoneso;butwithhumilityas theHolyGhosthadbeforespokenconcerninghim.

2Forthushesaith,Lord,whohathbelievedourreport,andto whomisthearmoftheLordrevealed?Forheshallgrowup beforehimasatenderplant,andasarootoutofadryground 3Hehathnoformorcomeliness,andwhenweshallseehim, thereisnobeautythatweshoulddesirehim

4Heisdespisedandrejectedofmen;amanofsorrowsand acquaintedwithgrief

5Andwehid,asitwere,ourfacesfromhim;hewasdespised, andweesteemedhimnot

6Surelyhehathbornourgriefs,andcarriedoursorrows:yet wedidesteemhimstricken,smittenofGod,andafflicted 7Buthewaswoundedforourtransgressions;hewasbruised forouriniquities;thechastisementofourpeacewasuponhim; andwithhisstripeswearehealed.

8Allwelikesheephavegoneastray;wehaveturnedevery onetohisownway,andtheLordhathlaidonhimtheiniquity ofusall.

9Hewasoppressed,andhewasafflicted,yetheopenednot hismouth:heisbroughtasalambtotheslaughter;andasa sheepbeforehershearersisdumb,soheopenethnothis mouth

10Hewastakenfromprison,andfromjudgment;andwho shalldeclarehisgeneration?Forhewascutoffoutoftheland oftheliving,forthetransgressionsofmypeoplewashe stricken

11Andhemadehisgravewiththewicked,andwiththerich inhisdeath;becausehehaddonenoviolence,neitherwasany deceitinhismouth

12YetitpleasedtheLordtobruisehim,hehathputhimto grief;whenthoushaltmakehissoulanofferingforsin,he shallseehisseed,heshallprolonghisdays;andthepleasure oftheLordshallprosperinhishand.

13Heshallseeofthetravailofhissoulandshallbesatisfied; byhisknowledgeshallmyrighteousservantjustifymany:for heshallbeartheiriniquities

14ThereforewillIdividehimaportionwiththegreat,andhe shalldividethespoilwiththestrong;becausehehathpoured outhissoulintodeath;andhewasnumberedwiththe

transgressors,andhebarethesinofmany,andmade intercessionforthetransgressors

15Andagainhehimselfsaith,Iamawormandnoman,a reproachofmen,anddespisedofthepeopleAlltheythatsee melaughmetoscorn;theyshootouttheirlips,theyshake theirheads,saying:HetrustedintheLordthathewould deliverhim,lethimdeliverhimseeinghedelightedinhim

16Yesee,beloved,whatthepatternisthathasbeengivento us.ForiftheLordthushumbledhimself,whatshouldwedo whoarebroughtbyhimundertheyokeofhisgrace?

17Letusbefollowersofthosewhowentaboutingoat-skins andsheep-skins;preachingthecomingofChrist.

18SuchwereElias,andElisæus,andEzekieltheprophets Andletusaddtothesesuchothersashavereceivedthelike testimony.

19Abrahamhasbeengreatlywitnessedof;havingbeencalled thefriendofGodAndyethesteadfastlybeholdingtheglory ofGod,sayswithallhumility,Iamdustandashes.

20AgainofJobitisthuswritten,Thathewasjustand withoutblame,true;onethatservedGod,andabstainedfrom allevil.Yetheaccusinghimself,says,Nomanisfreefrom pollution,nonotthoughheshouldlivebutoneday

21MoseswascalledfaithfulinallGod'sHouse;andbyhis conducttheLordpunishedIsraelbystripesandplagues.

22Andeventhisman,thoughthusgreatlyhonoured,spake notgreatlyofhimself;butwhentheoracleofGodwas deliveredtohimoutofthebushhesaid,WhoamI,thatthou dostsendme?Iamofaslendervoice,andaslowtongue

23Andagainhesaith,Iamasthesmokeofthepot

24AndwhatshallwesayofDavid,sohighlytestifiedofin theHolyScriptures?TowhomGodsaidIhavefoundaman aftermyownheart,DavidthesonofJesse,withmyholyoil haveIanointedhim.

25ButyetbehimselfsaithuntoGod,Havemercyuponme, OGod,accordingtothylovingkindness;accordinguntothe multitudeofthytendermercies,blotoutmytransgressions

26Washmethoroughlyfrommineiniquity,andcleanseme frommysin!ForIacknowledgemytransgressions,andmy siniseverbeforeme

27AgainstTheeonlyhaveIsinned,anddonethisevilinthy sight,thatthoumightestbejustifiedwhenthouspeakest,and beclearwhenthoujudgest

28BeholdIwasshapenininiquity,andinsindidmymother conceiveme.

29Behold,thoudesirethtruthintheinwardparts;andinthe hiddenpartthoushaltmakemetoknowwisdom

30PurgemewithhyssopandIshallbeclean,washmeandI shallbewhiterthansnow

31Makemetohearjoyandgladness,thattheboneswhich thouhastbrokenmayrejoice.

32Hidethyfacefrommysins,andblotoutallmineiniquities

33CreateinmeacleanheartOGod;andrenewarightspirit withinme.

34Castmenotawayfromthypresence,andtakenotthyholy spiritfromme

35Restoreuntomethejoyofthysalvation,andupholdme withthyfreespirit

36ThenIwillteachtransgressorsthyways,andsinnersshall beconverteduntothee.

37Delivermefromblood-guiltiness,OGod,thouGodofmy salvation,andmytongueshallsingaloudofthyrighteousness

38OLordopenthoumylips,andmymouthshallshowforth thypraise

39Forthoudesirestnotsacrifice,elsewouldIgiveit;thou delightestnotinburntofferings.

40ThesacrificesofGodareabrokenspirit,abrokenanda contriteheart,OGod,thouwiltnotdespise

CHAPTER9

1Thushasthehumilityandgodlyfearofthesegreatand excellentmen,recordedintheScriptures,throughobedience, madenotonlyus,butalsothegenerationsbeforeusbetter; evenasmanyashavereceivedhisholyoracleswithfearand truth

2Havingthereforesomany,andsuchgreatandglorious examples,letusreturntothatpeacewhichwasthemarkthat fromthebeginningwassetbeforeus;

3LetuslookuptotheFatherandCreatorofthewholeworld; andletusholdfasttohisgloriousandexceedinggiftsand benefitsofpeace

4Letusconsiderandbeholdwiththeeyesofour understandinghislong-sufferingwill;andthinkhowgentle andpatientheistowardshiswholecreation

5Theheavensmovingbyhisappointment,aresubjecttohim inpeace.

6Dayandnightaccomplishthecoursesthathehasallotted untothem,notdisturbingoneanother

7Thesunandmoon,andalltheseveralcompaniesand constellationsofthestars,runthecoursesthathehas appointedtotheminconcord,withoutdepartingintheleast fromthem.

8Thefruitfulearthyieldsitsfoodplentifullyindueseason bothtomanandbeast,andtoallanimalsthatareuponit, accordingtohiswill;notdisputing,noralteringanythingof whatwasorderedbyhim

9Soalsotheunfathomableandunsearchablefloodsofthe deep,arekeptinbyhiscommand;

10Andtheconfluxofthevastsea,beingbroughttogetherby hisorderintoitsseveralcollections,passesnotthebounds thathehassettoit;

11Butasheappointedit,soitremainsForhesaid,Hitherto shaltthoucome,andthyfloodsshallbebrokenwithinthee

12Theocean,unpassabletomankind,andtheworldsthatare beyondit,aregovernedbythesamecommandsoftheirgreat master.

13Springandsummer,autumnandwinter,giveplace peaceablytoeachother

14Theseveralquartersofthewindsfulfiltheirworkintheir seasons,withoutoffendingoneanother

15Theever-flowingfountains,madebothforpleasureand health,neverfailtoreachouttheirbreaststosupportthelife ofmen

16Eventhesmallestcreatureslivetogetherinpeaceand concordwitheachother.

17AllthesehastheGreatCreatorandLordofall, commandedtoobservepeaceandconcord;beinggoodtoall

18Butespeciallytouswhofleetohismercythroughour LordJesusChrist;towhombegloryandmajestyforeverand everAmen

CHAPTER10

1Takeheed,beloved,thathismanyblessingsbenottousto condemnation;exceptweshallwalkworthyofhim,doing withoneconsentwhatisgoodandpleasinginhissight

2ThespiritoftheLordisacandle,searchingouttheinward ofthebelly

3Letusthereforeconsiderhownearheistous;andhowthat noneofourthoughts,orreasoningswhichweframewithin ourselves,arehidfromhim

4Itisthereforejustthatweshouldnotforsakeourrank,by doingcontrarytohiswill

5Letuschoosetooffendafewfoolishandinconsideratemen, liftedupandgloryingintheirownpride,ratherthanGod

6LetusreverenceourLordJesusChristwhosebloodwas givenforus.

7Letushonourthosewhoaresetoverus;letusrespectthe agedthatareamongstus;andletusinstructtheyoungermen, inthedisciplineandfearoftheLord.

8Ourwivesletusdirecttodothatwhichisgood

9Letthemshowforthalovelyhabitofpurityinalltheir conversation;withasincereaffectionofmeekness.

10Letthegovernmentoftheirtonguesbemademanifestby theirsilence

11Lettheircharitybewithoutrespectofpersonsalike towardsallsuchasreligiouslyfearGod

12LetyourchildrenbebredupintheinstructionofChrist:

13Andespeciallyletthemlearnhowgreatapowerhumility haswithGod;howmuchapureandholycharityavailswith him;howexcellentandgreathisfearis;andhowitwillsave allsuchasturntohimwithholinessinapuremind.

14Forheisthesearcherofthethoughtsandcounselsofthe heart;whosebreathisinus,andwhenhepleaseshecantake itfromus.

CHAPTER11

1Butallthesethingsmustbeconfirmedbythefaithwhichis inChrist;forsohehimselfbespeaksusbytheHolyGhost

2Comeyechildrenandhearkenuntome,andIwillteachyou thefearoftheLordWhatmanistherethatdesirethlife,and lovethtoseegooddays?

3Keepthytonguefromevil,andthylipsthattheyspeakno guile

4Departfromevilanddogood;seekpeaceandensueit.

5TheeyesoftheLordareupontherighteous,andhisearsare openuntotheirprayers

6ButthefaceoftheLordisagainstthemthatdoevil,tocut offtheremembranceofthemfromtheearth

7Therighteouscried,andtheLordheardhim,anddelivered himoutofallhistroubles.

8Manyarethetroublesofthewicked;buttheythattrustin theLord,mercyshallencompassthemabout

9Ourall-mercifulandbeneficentFatherhathbowelsof compassiontowardsthemthatfearhim;andkindlyand lovinglybestowshisgracesuponallsuchascometohimwith asimplemind.

10Whereforeletusnotwaver,neitherletushaveanydoubt inourhearts,ofhisexcellentandgloriousgifts

11Letthatbefarfromuswhichiswritten,Miserablearethe double-minded,andthosewhoaredoubtfulintheirhearts

12Whosaythesethingshaveweheard,andourfathershave toldusthesethings.Butbeholdwearegrownold,andnoneof themhashappeneduntous

13Oyefools!considerthetrees:takethevineforanexample Firstitshedsitsleaves;thenitbuds;afterthatitspreadsits leaves;thenitflowers;thencomethesourgrapes;andafter themfollowstheripefruitYeseehowinalittletimethefruit ofthetreecomestomaturity.

14Ofatruth,yetalittlewhileandhiswillshallsuddenlybe accomplished

15TheHolyScriptureitselfbearingwitness,ThatHeshall quicklycomeandnottarry,andthattheLordshallsuddenly cometohistemple,eventheholyoneswhomyelookfor

16Letusconsider,beloved,howtheLorddoescontinually shewus,thatthereshallbeafutureresurrection;ofwhichhe

hasmadeourLordJesusChristthefirstfruits,raisinghim fromthedead

17Letuscontemplate,beloved,theresurrectionthatis continuallymadebeforeoureyes

18DayandnightmanifestaresurrectiontousThenightlies down,andthedayarises:mainthedaydeparts,andthenight comeson

19LetusbeholdthefruitsoftheearthEveryoneseeshow theseedissown.Thesowergoesforth,andcastsituponthe earth;andtheseedwhichwhenitwassownfelluponthe earthdryandnaked,intimedissolves

20Andfromthedissolution,thegreatpowerofthe providenceoftheLordraisesitagain;andofoneseedmany arise,andbringforthfruit

CHAPTER12

1Letusconsiderthatwonderfultypeoftheresurrection whichisseenintheEasterncountries;thatistosay,inArabia 2ThereisacertainbirdcalledaPhœnix;ofthisthereisnever butoneatatime:andthatlivesfivehundredyears.Andwhen thetimeofitsdissolutiondrawsnear,thatitmustdie,it makesitselfanestoffrankincense,andmyrrh,andother spicesintowhichwhenitstimeisfulfilleditentersanddies.

3Butitsfleshputrifying,breedsacertainworm,whichbeing nourishedwiththejuiceofthedeadbirdbringsforthfeathers; andwhenitisgrowntoaperfectstate,ittakesupthenestin whichthebonesofitsparentslie,andcarriesitfromArabia intoEgypt,toacitycalledHeliopolis:

4Andflyinginopendayinthesightofallmen,laysitupon thealtarofthesun,andsoreturnsfromwhenceitcame

5Theprieststhensearchintotherecordsofthetime;andfind thatitreturnedpreciselyattheendoffivehundredyears.

6And1shallwethenthinkittobeanyverygreatand strangethingfortheLordofalltoraiseupthosethat religiouslyhimintheassuranceofgoodfaith,whenevenbya birdheshewsusthegreatnessofhispowertofulfilhis promise?

7Forhesaysinacertainplace,Thoushaltraisemeup,andI shallconfessuntothee

8AndagainIlaidmedownandslept,andawaked,because thouartwithme

9Andagain,Jobsays,Thoushaltraiseupthisfleshofmine, thathassufferedallthesethings.

10Havingthereforethishope,letusholdfasttohimwhois faithfulinallhispromises,andrighteousinallhisjudgments; whohascommandedusnottolie:howmuchmorewillhenot himselflie?

11FornothingisimpossiblewithGodbuttolie

12Lethisfaiththenbestirredupagaininus;andletus considerthatallthingsarenighuntohim

13Bythewordofhispowerhemadeallthings;andbythe samewordheisable(wheneverhewill),todestroythem.

14Whoshallsayuntohim,whatdostthou?orwhoshall resistthepowerofhisstrength?

15When,andashepleased,hewilldoallthings;andnothing shallpassawayofallthathasbeendeterminedbyhim

16Allthingsareopenbeforehim;norcananythingbehid fromhiscouncil.

17TheheavensdeclarethegloryofGod,andthefirmament shewethhishandyworkDayuntodayutterethspeech,and nightuntonightshewethknowledgeThereisnospeechnor languagewheretheirvoiceisnotheard

CHAPTER13

1SeeingthenallthingsareseenandheardbyGod;letusfear him,andletuslayasideourwickedworkswhichproceed fromilldesires;thatthroughhismercywemaybedelivered fromthecondemnationtocome.

2Forwhithercananyofusfleefromhismightyhand?Or whatworldshallreceiveanyofthosewhorunawayfromhim?

3ForthussaiththeScriptureinacertainplace,Whithershall IfleefromthySpirit,orwhereshallIhidemyselffromthy presence?

4IfIascendupintoheaven,thouartthere;ifIshallgotothe utmostpartoftheearth,thereisthyrighthand:IfIshallmake mybedinthedeep,thySpiritisthere

5Whitherthenshallanyonego;orwhithershallherunfrom himthatcomprehendsallthings?

6Letusthereforecometohimwithholinessofheart,lifting upchasteandundefiledhandsuntohim;lovingourgracious andmercifulFather,whohasmadeustopartakeofhis election

7Forsoitiswritten,WhentheMostHighdividedthenations, whenheseparatedthesonsofAdam,hesettheboundsofthe nations,accordingtothenumberofhisangels;hispeople JacobbecametheportionoftheLord,andIsraelthelotofhis inheritance

8Andinanotherplacehesaith,BeholdtheLordtakethunto himselfanation,outofthemidstofthenations,asaman takeththefirst-fruitsofhisflower;theMostHolyshallcome outofthatnation

CHAPTER14

1WhereforewebeingapartoftheHolyOne,letusdoall thosethingsthatpertainuntoholiness:

2Fleeingallevil-speakingagainstoneanother;allfilthyand impureembraces,togetherwithalldrunkenness,youthful lusts,abominableconcupiscences,detestableadultery,and execrablepride

3ForGod,saithhe,resisteththeproud,butgivethgracetothe humble

4LetusthereforeholdfasttothosetowhomGodhasgiven Hisgrace

5Andletusputonconcord,beinghumble,temperate;free fromallwhisperinganddetraction;andjustifiedbyour actions,notourwords

6Forhesaith,Dothhethatspeakethandhearethmanythings, andthatisofareadytongue,supposethatheisrighteous?

Blessedishethatisbornofawoman,thatlivethbutafew days:usenotthereforemuchspeech

7LetourpraisebeofGod,notofourselves;forGodhateth thosethatcommendthemselves

8Letthewitnessofourgoodactionsbegiventousofothers, asitwasgiventotheholymenthatwentbeforeus.

9Rashness,andarrogance,andconfidence,belongtothem whoareaccursedofGod:butequity,andhumility,and mildness,tosuchasareblessedbyhim.

10Letusthenlayholdofhisblessing,andletusconsider whatarethewaysbywhichwemayattainuntoit

11Letuslookbackuponthosethingsthathavehappened fromthebeginning

12ForwhatwasourfatherAbrahamblessed?Wasitnot becausethatthroughfaithhewroughtrighteousnessandtruth?

13Isaacbeingfullypersuadedofwhatheknewwastocome, cheerfullyyieldedhimselfupforasacrificeJacobwith humilitydepartedoutofhisowncountry,fleeingfromhis

brother,andwentuntoLabanandservedhim;andsothe sceptreofthetwelvetribesofIsraelwasgivenuntohim

14NowwhatthegreatnessofthisGiftwas,willplainly appear,ifweshalltakethepainsdistinctlytoconsiderallthe partsofit

15ForfromhimcamethepriestsandLevites,whoall ministeredatthealtarofGod

16FromhimcameourLordJesusChristaccordingtothe flesh.

17Fromhimcamethekings,andprinces,andrulersinJudah 18Norweretherestofhistribesinanysmallglory:God havingpromisedthatthyseed(sayshe)shallbeasthestarsof heaven

19Theywereallthereforegreatlyglorified,notfortheirown sake,orfortheirownworks,orfortherighteousnessthatthey themselveswrought,butthroughhiswill

20AndwealsobeingcalledbythesamewillinChristJesus, arenotjustifiedbyourselves,neitherbyourownwisdom,or knowledge,orpiety,ortheworkswhichwehavedoneinthe holinessofourhearts:

21ButbythatfaithbywhichGodAlmightyhasjustifiedall menfromthebeginning;towhombegloryforeverandever Amen

CHAPTER15

1Whatshallwedotherefore,brethren?Shallwebeslothful inwell-doing,andlayasideourcharity?Godforbidthatany suchthingshouldbedonebyus

2Butratherletushastenwithallearnestnessandreadinessof mind,toperfecteverygoodworkForeventheCreatorand Lordofallthingshimselfrejoicesinhisownworks

3ByhisAlmightypowerhefixedtheheavens,andbyhis incomprehensiblewisdomheadornedthem

4Healsodividedtheearthfromthewater,withwhichitis encompassed;andfixeditasasecuretower,uponthe foundationofhisownwill

5Healsobyhisappointment,commandedalltheliving creaturesthatareuponit,toexist

6Solikewisethesea,andallthecreaturesthatareinit; havingfirstcreatedthem,heenclosedthemthereinbyhis power

7Andaboveall,hewithhisholyandpurehands,formedman, themostexcellent,and,astohisunderstanding,trulythe greatestofallothercreatures,thecharacterofhisownimage

8ForsoGodsays,Letusmakemaninourimage,afterour ownlikenessSoGodcreatedman,maleandfemalecreatedhe them

9Andhavingthusfinishedallthesethings,hecommendedall thathehadmade,andblessedthem,andsaid,increaseand multiply

10Weseehowallrighteousmenhavebeenadornedwith goodworks:WhereforeeventheLordhimself,having adornedhimselfwithhisworks,rejoiced

11Havingthereforesuchanexample,letuswithoutdelay, fulfilhiswill;andwithallourstrength,worktheworkof righteousness

CHAPTER16

1Thegoodworkmanwithconfidencereceivesthebreadof hislabour;butthesluggishandlazycannotlookhiminthe facethatsethimonwork

2Wemustthereforebereadyandforwardinwelldoing;for fromhimareallthings.

3Andthusheforetellsus,beholdtheLordcometh,andhis rewardiswithhim,evenbeforehisface,torendertoevery oneaccordingtohiswork.

4Hewarnsusthereforebeforehand,withallhishearttothis end,thatweshouldnotbeslothfulandnegligentinwelldoing

5Letourboasting,therefore,andourconfidencebeinGod: letussubmitourselvestohiswillLetusconsiderthewhole multitudeofhisangels,howreadytheystandtoministerunto hiswill.

6Assaiththescripture,thousandsofthousandsstoodbefore himandtenthousandtimestenthousandministereduntohim Andtheycried,saying,Holy,holy,holyistheLordof Sabaoth:Thewholeearthisfullofhisglory

7Whereforeletusalso,beingconscientiouslygathered togetherinconcordwithoneanother;asitwerewithone mouth,cryearnestlyuntohim,thathewouldmakeus partakersofhisgreatandgloriouspromises

8Forhesaith,Eyehathnotseen,norearheard,neitherhave enteredintotheheartofman,thethingswhichGodhas preparedforthemthatwaitforhim

CHAPTER17

1Howblessedandwonderful,beloved,arethegiftsofGod.

2Lifeinimmortality!brightnessinrighteousness!truthinfull assurance!faithinconfidence!temperanceinholiness!

3AndallthishasGodsubjectedtoourunderstandings: 4Whatthereforeshallthosethingsbewhichhehasprepared forthemthatwaitforhim?

5TheCreatorandFatherofspirits,theMostHoly;heonly knowsboththegreatnessandbeautyofthem

6Letusthereforestrivewithallearnestness,thatwemaybe foundinthenumberofthosethatwaitforhim,thatsowemay receivetherewardwhichhehaspromised

7Buthow,beloved,shallwedothis?Wemustfixourminds byfaithtowardsGod,andseekthosethingsthatarepleasing andacceptableuntohim

8Wemustactconformablytohisholywill;andfollowthe wayoftruth,castingofffromusallunrighteousnessand iniquity,togetherwithallcovetousness,strife,evilmanners, deceit,whispering,detractions;allhatredofGod,prideand boasting;vaingloryandambition;

9FortheythatdothesethingsareodioustoGod;andnotonly theythatdothem,butalsoallsuchasapproveofthosethatdo them

10ForthussaiththeScripture,Butuntothewicked,Godsaid, Whathastthoutodotodeclaremystatute,orthatthou shouldsttakemycovenantinthemouth?Seeingthatthou hatestinstruction,andcastestmywordsbehindthee

11Whenthousawestathief,thenthouconsentedstwithhim; andhastbeenpartakerwithadulterersThougivestthymouth toevil,andthytongueframethdeceitThousittestand speakestagainstthybrother;thouslanderestthineown mother'sson

12ThesethingshastthoudoneandIkeptsilence;thou thoughtestthatIwasaltogethersuchaoneasthyself:butI willreprovethee,andsettheminorderbeforethineeyes

13NowconsiderthisyethatforgetGod,lestItearyouin pieces,andtherebenonetodeliver.

14Whosoofferethpraise,glorifiethme:andtohimthat disposethhiswayaright,willIshewthesalvationofGod

15Thisistheway,beloved,inwhichwemayfindour Saviour,evenJesusChristthehigh-priestofallourofferings, thedefenderandhelperofourweakness

16Byhimwelookuptothehighestheavens;andbehold,as inaglass,hisspotlessandmostexcellentvisage

17Byhimaretheeyesofourheartsopened;byhimour foolishanddarkenedunderstandingrejoicethtobeholdhis wonderfullight.

18ByhimwouldGodhaveustotastetheknowledgeof immortality:whobeingthebrightnessofhisglory,isbyso muchgreaterthantheangels,ashehasbyinheritance obtainedamoreexcellentnamethanthey

19Forsoitiswritten,whomakethhisangelsspirits,andhis ministersaflameoffire:

20Buttohisson,thussaiththeLord,ThouartmySon,today haveIbegottenthee

21Askofme,andIwillgivetheetheheathenforthy inheritance,andtheutmostpartsoftheearthforthy possession

22Andagainhesaithuntohim,Sitthouonmyrighthand untilImakethineenemiesmyfootstool

23Butwhoarehisenemies?eventhewicked,andsuchwho opposetheirownwillstothewillofGod.

24Letusthereforemarchon,menandbrethren,withall earnestnessinhisholylaws

25Letusconsiderthosewhofightunderourearthly governors:Howorderly,howreadily,andwithwhatexact obediencetheyperformthosethingsthatarecommanded them.

26Allarenotgenerals,norcolonels,norcaptains,norinferior officers:

27Buteveryoneinhisrespectiverankdoeswhatis commandedhimbytheking,andthosewhohavethe authorityoverhim

28Theywhoaregreat,cannotsubsistwithoutthosethatare little;northelittlewithoutthegreat

29Buttheremustbeamixtureinallthings,andthenthere willbeuseandprofittoo.

30Letus,forexample,takeourbody:theheadwithoutthe feetisnothing,neitherthefeetwithoutthehead.

31Andeventhesmallestmembersofourbodyareyetboth necessaryandusefultothewholebody

32Butallconspiretogether,andaresubjecttoonecommon use,namely,thepreservationofthewholebody

33LetthereforeourwholebodybesavedinChristJesus;and leteveryonebesubjecttohisneighbour,accordingtothe orderinwhichheisplacedbythegiftofGod

34Letnotthestrongmandespisetheweak;andlettheweak seethathereverencethestrong.

35Lettherichmandistributetothenecessityofthepoor:and letthepoorblessGod,thathehasgivenoneuntohim,by whomhiswantmaybesupplied.

36Letthewisemanshewforthhiswisdom,notinwords,but ingoodworks

37Lethimthatishumble,notbearwitnesstohimself,butlet himleaveittoanothertobearwitnessofhim

38Lethimthatispureintheflesh,notgrowproudofit, knowingthatitwasfromanotherthathereceivedthegiftof continence

39Letusconsidertherefore,brethren,whereofwearemade; who,andwhatkindofmenwecameintotheworld,asitwere outofasepulchre,andfromouterdarkness

40Hethatmadeus,andformedus,broughtusintohisown world;havingpresenteduswithhisbenefits,evenbeforewe wereborn

41Wherefore,havingreceivedallthesethingsfromhim,we oughtineverythingtogivethanksuntohim;towhombe gloryforeverandeverAmen

1Foolishandunwisemenwhohaveneitherprudencenor learningmaymockandderideus;beingwillingtosetup themselvesintheirownconceits;

2Butwhatcanamortalmando?Orwhatstrengthistherein himthatismadeoutofthedust?

3Foritiswritten,therewasnoshapebeforemineeyes;onlyI heardasoundandavoice.

4Forwhat?ShallmanbepurebeforetheLord?Shallhebe blamelessinhisworks?

5Behold,hetrustethnotinhisservants;andhisangelshe chargethwithfolly

6Yes,theheavenisnotcleaninhissight,howmuchlessthey thatdwellinhousesofclay;ofwhichalsoweourselveswere made?

7Hesmotethemasamoth:andfrommorningevenuntothe eveningtheyendurenot.Becausetheywerenotabletohelp themselves,theyperished;hebreatheduponthemandthey died,becausetheyhadnowisdom

8Callnowiftherebeanythatwillanswerthee;andtowhich oftheangelswiltthoulook?

9Forwrathkilleththefoolishman,andenvyslayethhimthat isinerror.

10Ihaveseenthefoolishtakingroot,butlo,theirhabitation waspresentlyconsumed

11Theirchildrenwerefarfromsafety,theyperishedatthe gatesofthosewhowerelesserthanthemselves;andtherewas nomantohelpthem

12Forwhatwaspreparedforthem,therighteousdideat:and theyshallnotbedeliveredfromevil

13Seeingthenthesethingsaremanifestuntous,itwill behooveus,totakecarethatlookingintothedepthsofthe divineknowledge,wedoallthingsinorder,whatsoeverour Lordhascommandedustodo.

14Andparticularly,thatweperformourofferingsandservice toGod,attheirappointedseasons:forthesehehas commandedtobedone,notrashlyanddisorderly,butat certaindeterminatetimesandhours

15Andthereforehehasordainedbyhissupremewilland authority,bothwhere,andbywhatpersons,theyaretobe performed;thatsoallthingsbeingpiouslydoneuntoallwellpleasing,theymaybeacceptableuntohim

16Theythereforewhomaketheirofferingsattheappointed seasons,arehappyandaccepted:becausethatobeyingthe commandmentsoftheLord,theyarefreefromsin

17Andthesamecaremustbehadofthepersonsthatminister untohim

18Forthechief-priesthashisproperservices;andtothe prieststheirproperplaceisappointed;andtotheLevites appertaintheirproperministries:andthelaymanisconfined withintheboundsofwhatiscommandedtolaymen

19Leteveryoneofyoutherefore,brethren,blessGodinhis properstation,withagoodconscience,andwithallgravity, notexceedingtheruleofhisservicethatisappointedtohim

20Thedailysacrificesarenotofferedeverywhere;northe peace-offerings,northesacrificesappointedforsinsand transgressions;butonlyatJerusalem:norinanyplacethere, butonlyatthealtarbeforethetemple;thatwhichisoffered beingfirstdiligentlyexaminedbythehigh-priestandtheother ministerwebeforementioned

21Theythereforewhodoanythingwhichisnotagreeableto

Hiswillarepunishedwithdeath

22Consider,brethren,thatbyhowmuchthebetterknowledge Godhasvouchsafeduntousbysomuchthegreaterdangerare weexposedto

CHAPTER19

1TheApostleshavepreachedtousfromtheLordJesus Christ;JesusChristfromGod

2ChristthereforewassentbyGod,theApostlesbyChrist;so bothwereorderlysent,accordingtothewillofGod.

3Forhavingreceivedtheircommand,andbeingthoroughly assuredbytheresurrectionofourLordJesusChrist;and convincedbythewordofGod,withthefulnessoftheHoly Spirit,theywentabroad,publishing,ThatthekingdomofGod wasathand

4Andthuspreachingthroughcountriesandcities,they appointedthefirstfruitsoftheirconversiontobebishopsand ministersoversuchasshouldafterwardsbelieve,havingfirst provedthembytheSpirit.

5Norwasthisanynewthing:seeingthatlongbeforeitwas writtenconcerningbishopsanddeacons

6ForthussaiththeScripture,inacertainplace:Iwillappoint theiroverseersinrighteousness,andtheirministersinfaith

7Andwhatwonderifthey,towhomsuchaworkwas committedbyGodinChrist,establishedsuchofficersaswe beforementioned;wheneventhatblessedandfaithfulservant inallhishouse,Moses,setdownintheHolyScripturesall thingsthatwerecommandedhim.

8Whomalsoalltherestoftheprophetsfollowed,bearing witnesswithoneconsenttothosethingsthatwereappointed byhim.

9Forhe,perceivinganemulationtoariseamongthetribes concerningthepriesthood,andthattherewasastrifeaboutit, whichofthemshouldbeadornedwiththatgloriousname; commandedtheirtwelvecaptainstobringtohimtwelverods; everytribebeingwrittenuponitsrod,accordingtoitsname 10Andhetookthemandboundthemtogether,andsealed themwiththesealsofthetwelveprincesofthetribes;andlaid themupinthetabernacleofwitness,uponthetableofGod.

11Andwhenhehadshutthedoorofthetabernaclehesealed upthekeysofit,inlikemannerashehaddonetherods;and saiduntothem,Menandbrethren,whichsoevertribeshall haveitsrodblossom,thattribehasGodchosentoperformthe officeofapriest,andtoministeruntohiminholythings

12Andwhenthemorningwascome,hecalledtogetherall Israel,sixhundredthousandmen;andshewedtotheprinces theirseals;andopenedthetabernacleofwitness;andbrought forththerods.

13AndtherodofAaronwasfoundnotonlytohave blossomed,butalsotohavefruituponit

14Whatthinkyou,beloved?DidnotMosesbeforeknow whatshouldhappen?

15Yesverily:buttotheendtheremightbenodivision,nor tumultinIsrael,hedidinthismanner,thatthenameofthe trueandonlyGodmightbeglorified,tohimbehonourfor everandever,Amen

16SolikewiseourApostlesknewbyourLordJesusChrist, thatthereshouldcontentionsarise,uponaccountofthe ministry

17Andthereforehavingaperfectfore-knowledgeofthis, theyappointedpersons,aswehavebeforesaid,andthengave direction,how,whentheyshoulddie,otherchosenand approvedmenshouldsucceedintheirministry.

18Whereforewecannotthinkthatthosemayjustlybethrown outoftheirministry,whowereeitherappointedbythem,or afterwardschosenbyothereminentmen,withtheconsentof thewholechurch;andwhohavewithalllowlinessand innocencyministeredtotheflockofChrist,inpeace,and withoutself-interest,andwereforalongtimecommendedby all

19Foritwouldbenosmallsininus,shouldwecastoffthose fromtheirministrywhoholilyandwithoutblamefulfilthe dutiesofit.

20Blessedarethosepriests,whohavingfinishedtheircourse beforethesetimeshaveobtainedafruitfulandperfect dissolution:fortheyhavenofear,lestanyoneshouldturn themoutoftheplacewhichisnowappointedforthem

21Butweseehowyouhaveputoutsome,wholived reputablyamongyou,fromtheministry,whichbytheir innocencetheyhadadorned

CHAPTER20

1Yearecontentious,brethren,andzealousforthingsthat pertainnotuntosalvation.

2LookintotheHolyScriptures,whicharethetruewordsof theHolyGhostYeknowthatthereisnothingunjustor counterfeitwritteninthem.

3Thereyoushallnotfindthatrighteousmenwereevercast offbysuchasweregoodthemselves

4Theywerepersecuted,butitwasbythewickedandunjust.

5Theywerecastintoprison;buttheywerecastinbythose thatwereunholy

6Theywerestoned;butitwasbytransgressors.

7Theywerekilled;butbyaccursedmen,andsuchashad takenupanunjustenvyagainstthem

8Andallthesethingstheyunderwentgloriously.

9Forwhatshallwesay,brethren?WasDanielcastintothe denoflions,bymenfearingGod?Ananias,Azarius,and Misael,weretheycastintothefieryfurnacebymen, professingtheexcellentandgloriousworshipoftheMost High?Godforbid

10Whatkindofpersonsthenweretheythatdidthesethings? Theyweremenabominable,fullofallwickedness;whowere incensedtosogreatadegree,astobringthoseintosufferings, whowithaholyandunblameablepurposeofmind worshippedGod:notknowingthattheMostHighisthe protectoranddefenderofallsuchaswithapureconscience servehisholyname:towhombegloryforeverandever, Amen

11Buttheywhowithafullpersuasionhaveenduredthese things,andaremadepartakersofgloryandhonour:andare exaltedandliftedupbyGodintheirmemorialthroughoutall ages,Amen.

12Whereforeitwillbehooveusalso,brethren,tofollowsuch examplesasthese;foritiswritten,Holdfasttosuchasare holy;fortheythatdososhallbesanctified.

13Andagaininanotherplacehesaith,Withthepurethou shaltbepure,(andwiththeelectthoushaltbeelect),butwith theperversemanthoushaltbeperverse.

14Letusthereforejoinourselvestotheinnocentand righteous;forsucharetheelectofGod

15Whereforearetherestrifes,andanger,anddivisions,and schisms,andwars,amongus?

16HavewenotalloneGod,andoneChrist?Isnotonespirit ofgracepouredoutuponusall?Havewenotonecallingin Christ?

17Whythendowerendandtearinpiecesthemembersof Christ;andraiseseditiousagainstourownbody?Andare cometosuchaheightofmadness,astoforgetthatwewere membersoneofanother?

18RememberthewordsofourLordJesus,howhesaid,Wo tothatman,(bywhomoffencescome)Itwerebetterforhim thathehadneverbeenborn,thanthatheshouldhaveoffended oneofmyelect.Itwerebetterforhim,thatamillstoneshould

betiedabouthisneck,andheshouldbecastintothesea,than thatheshouldoffendoneofmylittleones

19Yourschismhaspervertedmany,hasdiscouragedmany:it hascauseddiffidenceinmany,andgriefinusallAndyet yourseditioncontinuesstill

20TaketheepistleoftheblessedPaultheApostleintoyour hands;Whatwasitthathewrotetoyouathisfirstpreaching theGospelamongyou?

21Verilyhedidbythespiritadmonishyouconcerning himself,andCephas,andApollos,becausethateventhenye hadbeguntofallintopartiesandfactionsamongyourselves

22Neverthelessyourpartialitythenledyouintoamuchless sin:forasmuchasyeplacedyouraffectionsuponApostles, menofeminentreputationinthechurch;anduponanother, whowasgreatlytriedandapprovedofbythem.

23Butconsider,weprayyou,whoaretheythathavenowled youastray;andlessenedthereputationofthatbrotherlylove thatwassoeminentamongyou?

24Itisashame,mybeloved,yea,averygreatshame,and unworthyofyourChristianprofession,tohearthatthemost firmandancientchurchoftheCorinthiansshould,byoneor twopersons,beledintoaseditionagainstitspriests

25Andthisreportiscomenotonlytous,buttothosealso thatdifferfromus.

26InsomuchthatthenameoftheLordisblasphemedthrough yourfolly;andevenyeyourselvesarebroughtintodangerby it.

27Letusthereforewithallhasteputanendtothissedition; andletusfalldownbeforetheLord,andbeseechHimwith tearsthatHewouldbefavourablyreconciledtous,andrestore usagaintoaseemlyandholycourseofbrotherlylove

28Forthisisthegateofrighteousness,openinguntolife:asit iswritten,Openuntomethegatesofrighteousness;Iwillgo inuntothemandwillpraisetheLordThisisthegateofthe Lord,therighteousshallenterintoit.

29Althoughthereforemanygatesareopened,yetthisgateof righteousnessisthatgateinChristatwhichblessedarethey thatenterin,anddirecttheirwayinholinessand righteousness,doingallthingswithoutdisorder 30Letamanbefaithful,lethimbepowerfulintheutterance ofknowledge:lethimbewiseinmakinganexactjudgmentof words;lethimbepureinallhisactions

31Butstillbyhowmuchthemoreheseemstobeabove othersbyreasonofthesethings,bysomuchthemorewillit behoovehimtobehumble-minded;andtoseekwhatis profitabletoallmen,andnothisownadvantage

CHAPTER21

1HethathasthelovethatisinChrist,lethimkeepthe commandmentsofChrist

2ForwhoisabletoexpresstheobligationoftheloveofGod? Whatmanissufficienttodeclare,andisfitting,theexcellency ofitsbeauty?

3Theheighttowhichcharityleadsisinexpressible 4CharityunitesustoGod;charitycoversthemultitudeof sins:charityenduresallthings,islong-sufferinginallthings

5Thereisnothingbaseandsordidincharity;charityliftsnot itselfupaboveothers;admitsofnodivisions;isnotseditious; butdoesallthingsinpeaceandconcord

6BycharitywerealltheelectofGodmadeperfect:Without itnothingispleasingandacceptableinthesightofGod

7ThroughcharitydidtheLordjoinusuntohimself;whilstfor thelovethatheboretowardsus,ourLordJesusChristgave hisownbloodforus,bythewillofGod;hisfleshforour flesh;hissoul,foroursouls

8Yesee,beloved,howgreatandwonderfulathingcharityis: andhowthatnoexpressionsaresufficienttodeclareits perfection.

9Butwhoisfittobefoundinit?EvensuchonlyasGodshall vouchsafetomakeso

10Letusthereforepraytohim,andbeseechhim,thatwemay beworthyofit;thatsowemayliveincharity;being unblameable,withouthumanpropensities,withoutrespectof persons.

11Alltheagesoftheworld,fromAdam,evenuntothisday, arepassedaway;buttheywhohavebeenmadeperfectinlove, havebythegraceofGodobtainedaplaceamongthe righteous;andshallbemademanifestinthejudgmentofthe kingdomofChrist

12Foritiswritten,Enterintothychambersforalittlespace, tillmyangerandindignationshallpassaway:AndIwill rememberthegoodday,andwillraiseyouupoutofyour graves.

13Happythenshallwebe,beloved,ifweshallhavefulfilled thecommandmentsofGod,intheunityoflove;thatso, throughlove,oursinsmaybeforgivenus.

14Forsoitiswritten,Blessedaretheywhoseiniquitiesare forgiven,andwhosesinsarecoveredBlessedisthemanto whomtheLordimputethnosin,andinwhosemouththereis noguile

15Nowthisblessingisfulfilledinthosewhoarechosenby GodthroughJesusChristourLord,towhombegloryforever andeverAmen

CHAPTER22

1Letustherefore,asmanyashavetransgressedbyanyofthe suggestionsoftheadversary,begGod'sforgiveness.

2Andasforthosewhohavebeentheheadsofthesedition andfactionamongyou,letthemlooktothecommonendof ourhope

3Forasmanyasareenduedwithfearandcharity,would rathertheythemselvesshouldfallintotrialsthantheir neighbours:Andchoosetobethemselvescondemned,rather thanthatthegoodandjustcharitydeliveredtous,should suffer.

4Foritisseemlyforamantoconfesswhereinhehas transgressed

5Andnottohardenhisheart,astheheartsofthosewere hardened,whoraisedupseditionagainstMosestheservantof God;whosepunishmentwasmanifestuntoallmen;forthey wentdownaliveintothegrave,deathswallowedthemup.

6Pharaohandhishost,andalltherulersofEgypt,their chariotsalsoandtheirhorsemen,werefornoothercause drowned,inthebottomoftheRedSea,andperished;but becausetheyhardenedtheirfoolishhearts,aftersomanysigns doneinthelandofEgypt,byMosestheservantofGod

7Beloved,Godisrotindigentofanything;nordoeshe demandanythingofus,butthatweshouldconfessoursins untohim

8ForsosaystheHolyDavid,IwillconfessuntotheLord, anditshallpleasehimbetterthanayoungbullockthathath hornsandhoofLetthepoorseeitandbeglad

9Andagainhesaith,OfferuntoGodthesacrificeofpraise, andpaythyvowsuntotheMostHighestAndcalluponmein thedayoftrouble,andIwilldeliverthee,andthoushalt glorifymeThesacrificeofGodisabrokenspirit

10Yeknow,beloved,yeknowfullwelltheHolyScriptures; andhavethoroughlysearchedintotheoraclesofGod:call themthereforetoyourremembrance.

11ForwhenMoseswentupintothemount,andtarriedthere fortydaysandfortynightsinfastingandhumiliation;God saiduntohim,Arise,Moses,andgettheedownquicklyfrom hence,forthypeoplewhomthoubroughtestoutofthelandof Egypt,havecommittedwickedness:theyhavesoon transgressedthewaythatIcommandedthem,andhavemade tothemselvesgravenimages

12AndtheLordsaiduntohim,Ihavespokenuntothee severaltimes,sayingIhaveseenthispeople,andbeholditisa stiffneckedpeople:letmethereforedestroythem,andputout theirnamefromunderheavenAndIwillmakeuntotheea greatandawonderfulnation,thatshallbemuchlargerthan this

13ButMosessaid,Notso,Lord;Forgivenowthispeople theirsin;orifthouwiltnot,blotmealsooutofthebookof! thelivingOadmirablecharity!Oinsuperableperfection!The servantspeaksfreelytohisLord;Hebeseecheshimeitherto forgivethepeople,ortodestroyhimtogetherwiththem.

14Whoisthereamongyouthatisgenerous?Whothatis compassionate?Whothathasanycharity?Lethimsay,ifthis sedition,thiscontention,andtheseschisms,beuponmy account,Iamreadytodepart;togoawaywhithersoeveryou please;anddowhatsoeveryeshallcommandme:Onlyletthe flockofChristbeinpeace,withtheeldersthataresetoverit. 15Hethatshalldothis,shallgettohimselfaverygreat honourintheLord;andthereisnoplacebutwhatwillbe readytoreceivehim:FortheearthistheLord'sandthe fulnessthereof

16Thesethingstheywhohavetheirconversationtowards Godnottoberepentedof,bothhavedoneandwillalwaysbe ready!todo

17NayandeventheGentilesthemselveshavegivenus! examplesofthiskind.

18Forweread,Howmanykingsandprinces,intimesof pestilence,beingwarnedbytheiroracles,havegivenup themselvesuntodeath:thatbytheirownblood,theymight delivertheircountryfromdestruction

19Othershaveforsakentheircities,sothattheymightputan endtotheseditionsofthem

20Weknowhowmanyamongourselves,havegivenup themselvesuntobonds,thattherebytheymightfreeothers fromthem

21Othershavesoldthemselvesintobondagethattheymight feedtheirbrethrenwiththepriceofthemselves.

22Andevenmanywomen,beingstrengthenedbythegraceof God,havedonemanygloriousandmanlythingsonsuch occasions.

23TheblessedJudith,whenhercitywasbesieged,desiredthe elders,thattheywouldsufferhertogointothecampoftheir enemies:andshewentoutexposingherselftodangerforthe lovesheboretohercountryandherpeoplethatwerebesieged; andtheLorddeliveredHolofernesintothehandsofawoman 24NordidEsther,beingperfectinfaith,exposeherselftoany lesshazard,forthedeliveryofthetwelvetribesofIsrael,in dangerofbeingdestroyedFor,byfastingandhumbling herself,sheentreatedtheGreatMakerofallthings,theGodof spirits;sothatbeholdingthehumilityofhersoul,hedelivered thepeople,forwhosesakeshewasinperil

CHAPTER23

1Whereforeletusalsoprayforsuchasarefallenintosin Thatbeingenduedwithhumilityandmoderation,theymay submitnotuntous,buttothewillofGod

2Forbythismeanstheyshallobtainafruitfulandperfect remembrance,withmercy,bothinourprayerstoGod,andin ourmentionofthembeforehissaints.

3Letusreceivecorrection,atwhichnomanoughttorepine

4Beloved,thereproofandthecorrectionwhichweexercise towardsoneanother,isgood,andexceedingprofitable:forit unitesusthemorecloselytothewillofGod

5ForsosaystheHolyScripture,TheLordcorrectedme,but hedidnotdelivermeoveruntodeath.ForwhomtheLord lovethhechasteneth,andscourgetheverysonwhomhe receiveth

67Therighteous,saithhe,shallinstructmeinmercyand reproveme;butletnotoilofsinnersmakefatmyhead

7Andagainhesaith,HappyisthemanwhomGodcorrecteth; thereforedespisenotthouthechasteningoftheAlmighty.

8Forhemakethsoreandbindethup;hewoundethandhis handsmakewhole

9Heshalldelivertheeinsixtroubles;yeainseventhereshall noeviltouchtheeInfamineheshallredeemtheefromdeath; andinwarfromthepowerofthesword

10Thoushaltbehidfromthescourgeofthetongue;neither shaltthoubeafraidofdestructionwhenitcometh

11Thoushaltlaughatthewickedandsinners;neithershalt thoubeafraidofthebeastsoftheearth.Thewildbeastshall beatpeacewiththee

12Thenshaltthouknowthatthyhouseshallbeinpeace;and thehabitationofthytabernacleshallnoterr.Thoushaltknow alsothatthyseedshallbegreatandthyoffspringasthegrass oftheearth

13Thoushaltcometothygraveastheripecorn,thatistaken induetime;likeasashockofcorncomethin,initsseason

14Yesee,beloved,howthereshallbeadefencetothosethat arecorrectedoftheLord.Forbeingagoodinstructor,heis willingtoadmonishusbyhisholydiscipline

15Doyethereforewholaidthefirstfoundationofthis sedition,submityourselvesuntoyourpriests;andbe instructeduntorepentance,bendingthekneesofyourhearts

16Learntobesubject,layingasideallproudandarrogant boastingofyourtongues

17Foritisbetterforyoutobefoundlittle,andapproved,in thesheepfoldofChrist,thantoseemtoyourselvesbetterthan others,andbecastoutofhisfold

18Forthusspeakstheexcellentandallvirtuouswisdom, BeholdIwillpouroutthewordofmyspirituponyou,Iwill makeknownmyspeechuntoyou

19BecauseIcalledandyewouldnothear,Istretchedoutmy wordsandyeregardednot.

20Butyehavesetatnoughtallmycounsel,andwouldnone ofmyreproofIwillalsolaughatyourcalamity,andmock whenyourfearcometh.

21Whenyourfearcomethasdesolation,andyourdestruction asawhirlwind,whendistressandanguishcomethuponyou

22Thenshallyecalluponme,butIwillnothearyou:the wickedshallseekme,buttheyshallnotfindmeForthatthey hatedknowledge,anddidnotseekthefearoftheLord

23Theywouldnothearkenuntomycounsel:theydespisedall myreproofThereforeshalltheyeatofthefruitoftheirown ways;andbefilledwiththeirownwickedness

CHAPTER24

1NowGod,theinspectorofallthings,theFatherofSpirits, andtheLordofallflesh,whohathchosenourLordJesus Christ,andusbyhim,tobehispeculiarpeople;

2Granttoeverysoulofmanthatcallethuponhisgloriousand holyname,faith,fear,peace,long-suffering,patience,

temperance,holinessandsobriety,untoallwell-pleasingin hissight;throughourHigh-PriestandProtectorJesusChrist, bywhombeglory,andmajesty,andpower,andhonour,unto himnowandforevermoreAmen

3Themessengerswhomwehavesentuntoyou,Claudius, Ephebus,andValeriosBito,withFortunatus,sendbacktous againwithallspeedinpeace,andwithjoy,thattheymaythe sooneracquaintuswithyourpeaceandconcord,somuch prayedforanddesiredbyus;andthatwemayrejoiceinyour goodorder

4TheGraceofourLordJesusChristbewithyou,andwithall thatareanywherecalledbyGodthroughhim:Towhombe honourandglory,andmightandmajesty,andeternal dominion,byChristJesus,fromeverlastingtoeverlasting Amen.

TheSecondEpistle ofClementtothe Corinthians

CHAPTER1

1Brethren,weoughtsotothinkofJesusChristasofGod:asof thejudgeoftheliving,andthedead;norshouldwethinkanyless ofoursalvation

2Forifwethinkmeanlyofhim,weshallhopeonlytoreceive somesmallthingsfromhim

3Andifwedoso;weshallsin;notconsideringfromwhencewe havebeencalled,andbywhom,andtowhatplace;andhow muchJesusChristvouchsafedtosufferforoursakes

4Whatrecompensethenshallwerenderuntohim?Orwhatfruit thatmaybeworthyofwhathehasgiventous?

5Forindeedhowgreatarethoseadvantageswhichweoweto himinrelationtoourholiness?Hehasilluminatedus:asafather, hehascalledushischildren;hehassaveduswhowerelostand undone

6Whatpraiseshallwegivetohim?Orwhatrewardthatmaybe answerabletothosethingswhichwehavereceived?

7Weweredefectiveinourunderstandings;worshippingstones andwood;gold,andsilver,andbrass,theworksofmen'shands; andourwholelifewasnothingelsebutdeath

8Whereforebeingencompassedwithdarkness,andhavingsuch amistbeforeoureyes,wehavelookedup,andthroughhiswill havelaidasidethecloudwherewithweweresurrounded

9Forhehadcompassionuponus,andbeingmovedinhisbowels towardsus,hesavedus;havingbeheldinusmucherror,and destruction;andseenthatwehadnohopeofsalvation,butonly throughhim

10Forhecalleduswhowerenot;andwaspleasedfromnothing togiveusbeing

CHAPTER2

1Rejoice,thoubarren,thatbearestnot,breakforthandcrythou thattravailestnot;forshethatisdesolatehathmanymore childrenthanshethathathanhusband.

2Inthathesaid,Rejoicethoubarrenthatbearestnot,hespakeof us:forourchurchwasbarrenbeforethatchildrenweregiven untoit.

3Andagain;whenhesaid,Crythouthattravailestnot;he impliedthusmuch:Thatafterthemannerofwomenintravail,we shouldnotceasetoputupourprayersuntoGodabundantly.

4Andforwhatfollows,becauseshethatisdesolatehathmore childrenthanshethathathanhusband:itwasthereforeadded, becauseourpeoplewhichseemtohavebeenforsakenbyGod, nowbelievinginhim,arebecomemorethantheywhoseemedto haveGod

5AndanotherScripturesaith,Icamenottocalltherighteousbut sinnerstorepentanceThemeaningofwhichisthis:thatthose whowerelostmustbesaved

6Forthatis,indeed,trulygreatandwonderful,nottoconfirm thosethingsthatareyetstanding,butthosewhicharefalling

7EvensodiditseemgoodtoChristtosavewhatwaslost;and whenhecameintotheworld,hesavedmany,andcalleduswho werealreadylost

8Seeingthenhehasshewedsogreatmercytowardsus;and chieflyforthat,wewhoarealive,donownolongersacrificeto deadGods,norpayanyworshiptothem,buthavebyhimbeen broughttotheknowledgeoftheFatheroftruth

9Wherebyshallweshewthatwedoindeedknowhim,butby notdenyinghimbywhomwehavecometotheknowledgeof him?

10Forevenhehimselfsaith,Whosoevershallconfessmebefore men,himwillIconfessbeforemyFather.Thisthereforeisour rewardifweshallconfesshimbywhomwehavebeensaved. 11But,whereinmustweconfesshim?Namely,indoingthose thingswhichhesaith,andnotdisobeyinghiscommandments:by worshippinghimnotwithourlipsonly,butwithallourheart, andwithallourmind.ForhesaithinIsaiah:Thispeople honourethmewiththeirlips,buttheirheartisfarfromme.

12LetusthennotonlycallhimLord;forthatwillnotsaveus. Forhesaith:NoteveryonethatsaithuntomeLord,Lord,shall besaved,buthethatdoethrighteousness.

13Wherefore,brethren,letusconfesshimbyourworks;by lovingoneanother;innotcommittingadultery,notspeakingevil againsteachother,notenvyingoneanother;butbybeing temperate,merciful,good

14Letusalsohaveamutualsenseofoneanother'ssufferings; andnotbecovetousofmoney:butletus,byourgoodworks, confessGod,andnotbythosethatareotherwise

15Alsoletusnotfearmen:butratherGodWherefore,ifwe shoulddosuchwickedthings,theLordhathsaid:Thoughye shouldbejoineduntome,eveninmyverybosom,andnotkeep mycommandments,Iwouldcastyouoff,andsayuntoyou: Departfromme;Iknownotwhenceyouare,yeworkersof iniquity

CHAPTER3

1Wherefore,brethren,leavingwillinglyforconsciencesakeour sojourninginthisworld,letusdothewillofhimwhohascalled us,andnotfeartodepartoutofthisworld

2FortheLordsaith,Yeshallbeassheepinthemidstofwolves Peteransweredandsaid,Whatifthewolvesshalltearinpieces thesheep?JesussaiduntoPeter,Letnotthesheepfearthe wolvesafterdeath:Andyealsofearnotthosethatkillyou,and afterthathavenomorethattheycandountoyou;butfearhim whoafteryouaredead,haspowertocastbothsoulandbodyinto hell-fire

3Forconsider,brethren,thatthesojourningofthisfleshinthe presentworld,isbutlittle,andofashortcontinuance,butthe promiseofChristisgreatandwonderful,eventherestofthe kingdomthatistocome,andofeternallife.

4Whatthenmustwedothatwemayattainuntoit?Wemust orderourconversationholilyandrighteously,andlookuponall thethingsofthisworldasnoneofours,andnotdesirethemFor, ifwedesiretopossessthemwefallfromthewayof righteousness.

5ForthussaiththeLord,Noservantcanservetwomasters.If thereforeweshalldesiretoserveGodandMammonitwillbe withoutprofittous.Forwhatwillitprofit,ifonegainthewhole world,andlosehisownsoul?

6Nowthisworldandthattocomearetwoenemies.This speakethofadulteryandcorruption,ofcovetousnessanddeceit; butrenouncesthesethings

7Wecannot,therefore,bethefriendsofboth;butwemust resolvebyforsakingtheone,toenjoytheotherAndwethinkit isbettertohatethepresentthings,aslittle,short-lived,and corruptible,andtolovethosewhicharetocome,whicharetruly goodandincorruptible

8For,ifwedothewillofChrist,weshallfindrest:butifnot, nothingshalldeliverusfrometernalpunishmentifweshall disobeyhiscommandsForeventhussaiththeScriptureinthe prophetEzekiel,IfNoah,Job,andDanielshouldriseup,they shallnotdelivertheirchildrenincaptivity

9Wherefore,ifsuchrighteousmenarenotablebytheir righteousnesstodelivertheirchildren;howcanwehopetoenter intothekingdomofGod,exceptwekeepourbaptismholyand

undefiled?Orwhoshallbeouradvocate,unlessweshallbe foundtohavedonewhatisholyandjust?

10Letus,therefore,mybrethren,contendwithallearnestness, knowingthatourcombatisathand;andthatmanygolong voyagestoencounterforacorruptiblereward.

11Andyetallarenotcrowned,buttheyonlythatlabourmuch, andstrivegloriously.Letus,therefore,socontend,thatwemay allbecrowned.Letusruninthestraightroad,theracethatis incorruptible:andletusingreatnumberspassuntoit,andstrive thatwemayreceivethecrown.Butandifwecannotallbe crowned,letuscomeasneartoitasweareable.

12Moreover,wemustconsider,thathewhocontendsina corruptiblecombat,ifhebefounddoinganythingthatisnotfair, istakenawayandscourged,andcastoutofthelists.Whatthink yethenthatheshallsuffer,whodoesanythingthatisnotfitting inthecombatofimmortality?

13Thusspeakstheprophetconcerningthosewhokeepnottheir seal;Theirwormshallnotdie,andtheirfireshallnotbe quenched;andtheyshallbeforaspectacleuntoallflesh

14Letusthereforerepent,whilstweareyetupontheearth:for weareasclayinthehandoftheartificerForasthepotterifhe makeavessel,anditbeturnedamissinhishands,orbroken, againformsitanew;butifhehavegonesofarastothrowitinto thefurnaceoffire,hecannomorebringanyremedytoit

15Sowe,whilstweareinthisworld,shouldrepentwithour wholeheartforwhatsoeverevilwehavedoneintheflesh;while wehaveyetthetimeofrepentance,thatwemaybesavedbythe Lord

16Forafterweshallhavedepartedoutofthisworld,weshallno longerbeabletoconfessoursinsorrepentintheother

17Wherefore,brethren,letusdoingthewilloftheFather,and keepingourfleshpure,andobservingthecommandmentsofthe Lord,layholdoneternallife:fortheLordsaithinthegospel,If yehavenotkeptthatwhichwaslittle,whowillgiveyouthat whichisgreat?ForIsayuntoyou,hethatisfaithfulinthat whichisleast,isfaithfulalsoinmuch

18This,therefore,iswhathesaith;keepyourbodiespure,and yoursealwithoutspot,thatyemayreceiveeternallife

CHAPTER4

1Andletnotanyoneamongyousay,thatthisveryfleshisnot judged,neitherraisedupConsider,inwhatwereyousaved;in whatdidyoulookup,ifnotwhilstyouwereinthisflesh.

2Wemust,therefore,keepourfleshasthetempleofGodForin likemannerasyewerecalledinthefleshyeshallalsocometo judgmentinthefleshOuroneLordJesusChrist,whohassaved us,beingfirstaspirit,wasmadeflesh,andsocalledus;evenso wealsoshallinthisfleshreceivethereward.

3Letus,therefore,loveoneanother,thatwemayattainuntothe kingdomofGod.Whilstwehavetimetobehealed,letusdeliver upourselvestoGodourphysician,givingourrewarduntohim.

4Andwhatrewardshallwegive?Repentanceoutofapure heart.Forheknowsallthingsbeforehand,andsearchesoutour veryhearts.

5Letus,therefore,givepraiseuntohim:notonlywithour mouths,butwithalloursouls;thathemayreceiveusaschildren ForsotheLordhathsaid;Theyaremybrethren,whodothewill ofmyfather

6Wherefore,mybrethren,letusdothewilloftheFather,who hathcalledus,thatwemayliveLetuspursuevirtue,andforsake wickedness,whichleadethusintosins;andletusfleeall ungodliness,thatevilsovertakeusnot

7For,ifweshalldoourdiligencetolivewell,peaceshallfollow usAndyethowhardisittofindamanthatdoesthis?Foralmost allareledbyhumanfears,choosingratherthepresent enjoyments,thanthefuturepromise

8Fortheyknownothowgreatatormentthepresentenjoyments bringwiththem;norwhatdelightsthefuturepromise

9Andiftheythemselvesonlydidthis,itmightthemoreeasily beendured;butnowtheygoontoinfectinnocentsoulswiththeir evildoctrines;notknowingthatboththemselves,andthosethat hearthem,shallreceiveadoublecondemnation.

10Letus,therefore,serveGodwithapureheart,andweshallbe righteous:butifweshallnotservehimbecausewedonotbelieve thepromiseofGod,weshallbemiserable.

11Forthussaiththeprophet;Miserablearethedoubleminded whodoubtintheirheart,andsay,thesethingswehaveheard, eveninthetimeofourfathers,butwehaveseennoneofthem, thoughwehaveexpectedthemfromdaytoday.

12Oyefools!compareyourselvestoatree;takethevineforan exampleFirstitshedsitsleaves,thenitbuds,thencomethesour grapes,thentheripefruit;evensomypeoplehaveborneits disordersandafflictions,butshallhereafterreceivegoodthings

13Whereforemybrethren,letusnotdoubtinourminds,butlet usexpectwithhope,thatwemayreceiveourreward;forheis faithful,whohaspromisedhewillrendertoeveryoneareward accordingtohisworks

14If,therefore,weshalldowhatisjustinthesightofGodwe shallenterintohiskingdom,Iandshallreceivethepromises; Whichneithereyehasseen,norearheard,norhaveenteredinto theheartofman

15WhereforeletuseveryhourexpectthekingdomofGodin loveandrighteousness;becauseweknownotthedayofGod's appearing

CHAPTER5

1FortheLordhimself,beingaskedbyacertainperson,When hiskingdomshouldcome?answered,Whentwoshallbeone,and thatwhichiswithoutasthatwhichiswithin;andthemalewith thefemale,neithermalenorfemale

2Nowtwoareone,whenwespeakthetruthtoeachother,and thereis(withouthypocrisy)onesoulintwobodies:

3Andthatwhichiswithoutasthatwhichiswithin;Hemeans this:hecallsthesoulthatwhichiswithin,andthebodythat whichiswithoutAsthereforethybodyappears,soletthysoul beseenbyitsgoodworks

4Andthemalewiththefemaleneithermalenorfemale;He meansthis;hecallsourangerthemale,ourconcupiscencethe female

5Whenthereforeamaniscometosuchapassthatheissubject neithertotheonenortheotherofthese(bothofwhich,through theprevalenceofcustom,andanevileducation,cloudand darkenthereason,)

6Butrather,havingdispelledthemistarisingfromthem,and beingfullofshame,shallbyrepentancehaveunitedbothhissoul andspiritintheobedienceofreason;then,asPaulsays,thereis inusneithermalenorfemale.

TheGeneralEpistle ofBarnabas

CHAPTER1

1Allhappinesstoyoumysonsanddaughters,inthenameof ourLordJesusChrist,wholovedus,inpeace

2Havingperceivedabundanceofknowledgeofthegreatand excellentlawsofGodtobeinyou,Iexceedinglyrejoicein yourblessedandadmirablesouls,becauseyehavesoworthily receivedthegracewhichwasgraftedinyou.

3ForwhichcauseIamfullofjoy,hopingtherathertohe saved;inasmuchasItrulyseeaspiritinfusedintoyou,from thepurefountainofGod:

4Havingthispersuasion,andbeingfullyconvincedthereof, becausethatsinceIhavebeguntospeakuntoyou,Ihavehad amorethanordinarygoodsuccessinthewayofthelawofthe LordwhichisinChrist

5Forwhichcausebrethren,IalsothinkverilythatIloveyou abovemyownsoul:becausethatthereindwelleththe greatnessoffaithandcharity,asalsothehopeofthatlife whichistocome.

6Whereforeconsideringthis,thatifIshalltakecareto communicatetoyouapartofwhatIhavereceived,itshall turntomyreward,thatIhaveservedsuchgoodsouls;Igave diligencetowriteinafewwordsuntoyou;thattogetherwith yourfaith,knowledgealsomaybeperfect

7TherearethereforethreethingsordainedbytheLord;the hopeoflife;thebeginningandthecompletionofit

8FortheLordhathbothdeclareduntous,bytheprophets thosethingsthatarepast;andopenedtousthebeginningsof thosethataretocome

9Wherefore,itwillbehooveus,ashehasspoken,tocome moreholily,andnearertohisaltar.

10Itherefore,notasateacher,butasoneofyou,will endeavourtolaybeforeyouafewthingsbywhichyoumay, onmanyaccounts,becomethemorejoyful.

CHAPTER2

1Seeingthenthedaysareexceedingevil,andtheadversary hasgotthepowerofthispresentworldweoughttogivethe morediligencetoinquireintotherighteousjudgmentsofthe Lord

2Nowtheassistantsofourfaitharefearandpatience;our fellow-combatants,long-sufferingandcontinence.

3WhilsttheseremainpureinwhatrelatesuntotheLord, wisdom,andunderstanding,andscience,andknowledge, rejoicetogetherwiththem.

4ForGodhasmanifestedtousbyalltheprophets,thathehas nooccasionforoursacrifices,orburnt-offerings,oroblations: sayingthus;Towhatpurposeisthemultitudeofyour sacrificesuntome,saiththeLord

5Iamfulloftheburnt-offeringsoframs,andthefatoffed beasts;andIdelightnotinthebloodofbullocks,orofhegoats

6Whenyecometoappearbeforeme;whohathrequiredthis atyourhands?Yeshallnomoretreadmycourts.

7Bringnomorevainoblations,incenseisanabomination untome;yournewmoonsandsabbaths;thecallingof assembliesIcannotawaywith,itisiniquity,eventhesolemn meeting;yournewmoonsandyourappointedfeastsmysoul hateth.

8ThesethingsthereforehathGodabolished,thatthenewlaw ofourLordJesusChrist,whichiswithouttheyokeofany suchnecessity,mighthavethespiritualofferingofmen themselves

9ForsotheLordsaithagaintothoseheretofore;DidIatall commandyourfatherswhentheycameoutofthelandof Egyptconcerningburnt-offeringsofsacrifices?

10ButthisIcommandedthem,saying,Letnoneofyou imagineevilinyourheartsagainsthisneighbour,andloveno falseoath

11Forasmuchthenaswearenotwithoutunderstanding,we oughttoapprehendthedesignofourmercifulFather.Forhe speakstous,beingwillingthatwewhohavebeeninthesame erroraboutthesacrifices,shouldseekandfindhowto approachuntohim.

12Andthereforehethusbespeaksus,ThesacrificeofGod(is abrokenspirit,)abrokenandcontriteheartGodwillnot despise.

13Whereforebrethren,weoughtthemorediligentlyto inquireafterthesethingsthatbelongtooursalvation,thatthe adversarymaynothaveanyentranceintous,anddepriveus ofourspirituallife

14Whereforeheagainspeakethtothem,concerningthese things;Yeshallnotfastasyedothisday,tomakeyourvoice tobeheardonhigh

15IsitsuchafastthatIhavechosen?adayforamanto afflicthissoul?Isittobowdownhisheadlikeabulrush,and tospreadsackclothandashesunderhim?Wiltthoucallthisa fast,andanacceptabledaytotheLord?

16ButtoushesaithonthiswiseIsnotthisthefastthatI havechosen,toloosethebandsofwickedness,toundothe heavyburdens,andtolettheoppressedgofree;andthatye breakeveryyoke?

17Isitnottodealthybreadtothehungry,andthatthoubring thepoorthatarecastouttothyhouse?Whenthouseestthe nakedthatthoucoverhim,andthatthouhidenotthyselffrom thineownflesh

18Thenshallthylightbreakforthasthemorning,andthy healthshallspringforthspeedily;andthyrighteousnessshall gobeforethee,thegloryoftheLordshallbethyreward

19ThenshaltthoucallandtheLordshallanswer;thoushalt cryandheshallsay,HereIamIfthouputawayfromthe midstoftheetheyoke,theputtingforthofthefinger,and speakingvanity;andifthoudrawoutthysoultothehungry; andsatisfytheafflictedsoul

20Inthisthereforebrethren,Godhasmanifestedhis foreknowledgeandloveforus;becausethepeoplewhichhe haspurchasedtohisbelovedSonweretobelieveinsincerity; andthereforehehasshewnthesethingstoallofus,thatwe shouldnotrunasproselytestotheJewishlaw.

CHAPTER3

1Whereforeitisnecessarythatsearchingdiligentlyintothose thingswhichareneartocometopass,weshouldwritetoyou whatmayservetokeepyouwhole.

2Towhichendletusfleefromeveryevilworkandhatethe errorsofthepresenttime,thatwemaybehappyinthatwhich istocome:

3Letusnotgiveourselvesthelibertyofdisputingwiththe wickedandsinners;lestweshouldchanceintimetobecome likeuntothem

4Fortheconsummationofsiniscome,asitiswritten,asthe prophetDanielsaysAndforthisendtheLordhathshortened thetimesandthedays,thathisbelovedmighthastenhis comingtohisinheritance

5Forsotheprophetspeaks;Thereshalltenkingsreigninthe heart,andthereshallriselastofallanotherlittleone,andhe shallhumblethreekings.

6AndagainDanielspeaksinlikemannerconcerningthe kingdoms;andIsawthefourthbeastdreadfulandterrible, andstrongexceedingly;andithadtenhorns.Iconsideredthe horns,andbeholdtherecameupamongthemanotherlittle horn,beforewhichwerethreeofthefirsthornspluckedupby theroots.

7Weoughtthereforetounderstandthisalso:AndIbeseech youasoneofyourownbrethren,lovingyouallbeyondmy ownlife,thatyoulookwelltoyourselves,andbenotliketo thosewhoaddsintosin,andsay:Thattheircovenantisours alsoNay,butitisoursonly:fortheyhaveforeverlostthat whichMosesreceived.

8ForthussaiththeScripture:AndMosescontinuedfasting fortydaysandfortynightsintheMount;andhereceivedthe covenantfromtheLord,eventhetwotablesofstone,written bythehandofGod

9Buthavingturnedthemselvestoidolstheylostit;asthe LordalsosaidtoMoses;Moses,godownquickly,forthy peoplewhichthouhastbroughtforthoutofEgypt,have corruptedthemselves,andturnedasidefromthewaywhichI commandedthem.AndMosescastthetwotablesoutofhis hands:andtheircovenantwasbroken;thattheloveofJesus mightbesealedinyourhearts,untothehopeofhisfaith

10Whereforeletusgiveheeduntothelasttimes.Forallthe timepastofourlife,andourfaithwillprofitusnothing; unlesswecontinuetohatewhatisevil,andtowithstandthe futuretemptationsSotheSonofGodtellsus;Letusresistall iniquityandhateit

11WhereforeconsidertheworksoftheevilwayDonot withdrawyourselvesfromothers,asifyouwerealready justified;butcomingaltogetherintooneplace,inquirewhatis agreeabletoandprofitableforthebelovedofGod.Forthe Scripturesaith;Woeuntothemthatarewiseintheirowneyes, andprudentintheirsight

12Letusbecomespiritual,aperfecttempletoGodAsmuch asinusliesletusmeditateuponthefearofGod;andstriveto theutmostofourpowertokeephiscommandments;thatwe mayrejoiceinhisrighteousjudgments.

13ForGodwilljudgetheworldwithoutrespectofpersons: andeveryoneshallreceiveaccordingtohisworks

14Ifamanshallbegood,hisrighteousnessshallgobefore him;ifwicked,therewardofhiswickednessshallfollowhim

15Takeheedthereforelestsittingstill,nowthatwearecalled, wefallasleepinoursins;andthewickedonegettingthe dominionoverus,stirusup,andshutusoutofthekingdom oftheLord

16Considerthisalso:althoughyouhaveseensogreatsigns andwondersdoneamongthepeopleoftheJews,yetthis notwithstandingtheLordhathforsakenthem

17Bewaretherefore,lestithappentous;asitiswritten. Theremaybemanycalled,butfewchosen

CHAPTER4

1ForthiscausedidourLordvouchsafetogiveuphisbodyto destruction,thatthroughtheforgivenessofoursinswemight besanctified;thatis,bythesprinklingofhisblood

2Nowforwhatconcernsthethingsthatarewrittenabouthim, somebelongtothepeopleoftheJews,andsometous

3ForthussaiththeScripture:Hewaswoundedforour transgressions,hewasbruisedforouriniquities,andbyhis bloodwearehealed.Hewasledasalambtotheslaughter,

andasasheepbeforehisshearersisdumb,soheopenednot hismouth

4WhereforeweoughtthemoretogivethanksuntoGod,for thathehathbothdeclareduntouswhatispassed,andnot sufferedustobewithoutunderstandingofthosethingsthat aretocome.

5Buttothemhesaith;Thenestsarenotunjustlyspreadfor thebirds

6Thishespake,becauseamanwilljustlyperish,ifhaving theknowledgeofthewayoftruth,heshallneverthelessnot refrainhimselffromthewayofdarkness

7AndforthiscausetheLordwascontenttosufferforour souls,althoughhebetheLordofthewholeearth;towhom Godsaidbeforethebeginningoftheworld,Letusmakeman afterourownimageandlikeness.

8Nowhowhesufferedforus,seeingitwasbymenthathe underwentit,Iwillshewyou

9Theprophetshavingreceivedfromhimthegiftofprophecy, spakebeforeconcerninghim:

10Buthe,thathemightabolishdeath,andmakeknownthe resurrectionfromthedead,wascontent,asitwasnecessary, toappearintheflesh,thathemightmakegoodthepromise beforegiventoourfathers,andpreparinghimselfanew people,mightdemonstratetothemwhilsthewasuponearth, thataftertheresurrectionhewouldjudgetheworld

11AndfinallyteachingthepeopleofIsrael,anddoingmany wondersandsignsamongthem,hepreachedtothem,and shewedtheexceedinggreatlovewhichhebaretowardsthem 12Andwhenhechosehisapostles,whichwereafterwardsto publishhisGospel,hetookmenwhohadbeenverygreat sinners;thattherebyhemightplainlyshew,Thathecamenot tocalltherighteousbutsinnerstorepentance

13ThenheclearlymanifestedhimselftobetheSonofGod. Forhadhenotcomeintheflesh,howshouldmenhavebeen abletolookuponhim,thattheymightbesaved?

14Seeingiftheybeheldonlythesun,whichwastheworkof hishands,andshallhereafterceasetobe,theyarenotableto enduresteadfastlytolookagainsttheraysofit

15WhereforetheSonofGodcameinthefleshforthiscause, thathemightfillupthemeasureoftheiriniquity,whohave persecutedhisprophetsuntodeath.Andforthesamereason alsohesuffered

16ForGodhathsaidofthestripesofhisflesh,thattheywere fromthem.And,Iwillsmitetheshepherd,andthesheepof theflockshallbescattered

17Thushewouldsuffer,becauseitbehoovedhimtosuffer uponthecross.

18Forthusonesaith,prophesyingconcerninghim;Sparemy soulfromtheswordAndagain,Piercemyfleshfromthyfear 19Andagain,thecongregationofwickeddoersroseup againstme,(Theyhavepiercedmyhandsandmyfeet)

20Andagainhesaith,Igavemybacktothesmiters,1and myfaceIsetasanhardrock.

CHAPTER5

1AndwhenhehadfulfilledthecommandmentofGod,What sayshe?Whowillcontendwithme?Lethimstandagainstme: orwhoishethatwillimpedeme?Lethimdrawneartothe servantoftheLordWobetoyou!Becauseyeshallallwax oldasagarment,themothshalleatyouup

2Andagaintheprophetadds,Heisputforastonefor stumblingBeholdIlayinZionforafoundation,aprecious stone,achoicecornerstone;anhonourablestoneAndwhat follows?Andhethathopethinhimshallliveforever.

3Whatthen?Isourhopebuiltuponastone?GodforbidBut becausetheLordhathhardenedhisfleshagainstsufferings,he saith,Ihaveputmeasafirmrock.

4Andagaintheprophetadds;Thestonewhichthebuilders refusedhasbecometheheadofthecornerAndagainhesaith; ThisisthegreatandwonderfuldaywhichtheLordhathmade. Iwritethesethingsthemoreplainlytoyouthatyemay understand:ForindeedIcouldbecontenteventodieforyour sakes.

5Butwhatsaiththeprophetagain?Thecounselofthewicked encompassedmeaboutTheycameaboutme,asbeesabout thehoney-comb:and,Uponmyvesturetheycastlots.

6ForasmuchthenasourSaviourwastoappearintheflesh andsuffer,hispassionwasherebyforetold

7ForthussaiththeprophetagainstIsrael:Woebetotheir soul,becausetheyhavetakenwickedcounselagainst themselves,saying,letuslaysnaresfortherighteous,because heisunprofitabletous.

8Mosesalsoinlikemannerspeakethtothem;Beholdthus saiththeLordGod;Enteryeintothegoodlandofwhichthe LordhathsworntoAbraham,andIsaac,andJacob,thathe wouldgiveityou,andpossessit;alandflowingwithmilk andhoney

9Nowwhatthespiritualmeaningofthisis,learn;Itisasifit hadbeensaid,PutyourtrustinJesus,whoshallbemanifested toyouinthefleshFormanistheearthwhichsuffers: forasmuchasoutofthesubstanceoftheearthAdamwas formed

10Whatthereforedoeshemeanwhenhesays,Intoagood landflowingwithmilkandhoney?BlessedbeourLord,who hasgivenuswisdom,andahearttounderstandhissecrets Forsosaystheprophet,Whoshallunderstandthehard sayingsoftheLord?Buthethatiswise,andintelligent,and thatloveshisLord

11Seeingthereforehehasrenewedusbytheremissionofour sins,hehasputusintoanotherframe,thatweshouldhave soulslikethoseofchildren,formingusagainhimselfbythe spirit

12ForthustheScripturesaithconcerningus,whereit introduceththeFatherspeakingtotheSon;Letusmakeman afterourlikenessandsimilitude;andletthemhavedominion overthebeastsoftheearth,andoverthefowlsoftheair,and thefishofthesea

13AndwhentheLordsawthemanwhichhehadformed,that beholdhewasverygood;hesaid,Increaseandmultiply,and replenishtheearthAndthishespaketohisson

14Iwillnowshewyou,howhemadeusanewcreature,in thelatterdays

15TheLordsaith;BeholdIwillmakethelastasthefirst Whereforetheprophetthusspake,Enterintothelandflowing withmilkandhoney,andhavedominionoverit

16Whereforeyeseehowweareagainformedanew;asalso hespeaksbyanotherprophet;BeholdsaiththeLord,Iwill takefromthem,thatis,fromthosewhomthespiritofthe Lordforesaw,theirheartsofstone,andIwillputintothem heartsofflesh.

17Becausehewasabouttobemademanifestinthefleshand todwellinus

18For,mybrethren,thehabitationofourheartisaholy templeuntotheLordFortheLordsaithagainInwhatplace shallIappearbeforetheLordmyGod,andbeglorified?

19HeanswersIwillconfessuntotheeinthecongregationin themidstofmybrethren;andwillsinguntotheeinthechurch ofthesaints

20Whereforewearetheywhomhehasbroughtintothatgood land

21Butwhatsignifiesthemilkandhoney?Becauseasthe childisnourishedfirstwithmilk,andthenwithhoney;sowe beingkeptalivebythebeliefofhispromises,andhisword, shallliveandhavedominionovertheland

22Forheforetoldabove,saying,increaseandmultiply,and havedominionoverthefishes,etc.

23Butwhoistherethatisnowabletohavethisdominion overthewildbeasts,orfishes,orfowlsoftheair?Foryou knowthattoruleistohavepower,thatamanshouldbeset overwhatherules

24Butforasmuchasthiswehavenotnow,hetellsuswhen weshallhaveit;namely,whenweshallbecomeperfect,that wemaybemadetheinheritorsofthecovenantoftheLord

CHAPTER6

1Understandthenmybelovedchildren,thatthegoodGod hathbeforemanifestedallthingsuntous,thatwemightknow towhomweoughtalwaystogivethanksandpraise

2IfthereforetheSonofGodwhetistheLordofall,andshall cometojudgeboththequickanddead,hathsuffered,thatby hisstripeswemightlive:letusbelievethattheSonofGod couldnothavesufferedbutforusButbeingcrucified,they gavehimvinegarandgalltodrink.

3Hearthereforehowthepriestsofthetempledidforeshew thisalso:theLordbyhiscommandwhichwaswritten, declaredthatwhosoeverdidnotfasttheappointedfasthe shoulddiethedeath:becausehealsowashimselfonedayto offeruphisbodyforoursins;thatsothetypeofwhatwas doneinIsaacmightbefulfilled,whowasoffereduponthe altar

4Whatthereforeisitthathesaysbytheprophet?Andlet themeatofthegoatwhichisofferedinthedayofthefastfor alltheirsinsHearkendiligentlymybrethren,andallthe priests,andtheyonlyshalleattheinwardsnotwashedwith vinegar

5Whyso?becauseIknowthatwhenIshallhereafteroffer myfleshforthesinsofanewpeople,yewillgivemevinegar todrinkmixedwithgall;thereforedoyeonlyeat,thepeople fastingthewhile,andlamentinginsackclothandashes

6Andthathemightforeshewthathewastosufferforthem, hearthenhowheappointedit

7Take,sayshe,twogoats,fairandalike,andofferthem,and letthehighpriesttakeoneofthemforaburntoffering.And whatmustbedonewiththeother?Letitsayshebeaccursed 8Considerhowexactlythisappearstohavebeenatypeof Jesus.Andletallthecongregationspituponit,andprickit; andputthescarletwoolaboutitshead,andthusletitbe carriedforthintothewilderness

9Andthisbeingdone,hethatwasappointedtoconveythe goat,leditintothewilderness,andtookawaythescarletwool, andputituponathornbush,whoseyoungsproutswhenwe findtheminthefieldwearewonttoeat:sothefruitofthat thornonlyissweet

10Andtowhatendwasthisceremony?Consider;onewas offereduponthealtar,theotherwasaccursed.

11Andwhywasthatwhichwasaccursedcrowned?Because theyshallseeChristinthatdayhavingascarletgarmentabout hisbody;andshallsay:Isnotthishewhomwecrucified; havingdespisedhim,piercedhim,mockedhim?Certainly, thisishe,whothensaid,thathewastheSonofGod

12Asthereforeheshallbethenliketowhathewasonearth, soweretheJewsheretoforecommanded,totaketwogoats fairandequalThatwhentheyshallseeourSaviourhereafter cominginthecloudsofheaven,theymaybeamazedatthe likenessofthegoats

13WhereforeyehereagainseeatypeofJesuswhowasto sufferforus

14Butwhatthensignifiesthis.Thatthewoolwastobeput intothemidstofthethorns?

15ThisalsoisafigureofJesus,sentouttothechurchForas hewhowouldtakeawaythescarletwoolmustundergomany difficulties,becausethatthornwasverysharp,andwith difficultygetit:Sothey,saysChrist,thatwillseeme,and cometomykingdom,mustthroughmanyafflictionsand troublesattainuntome

CHAPTER7

1Butwhattypedoyesupposeittohavebeen,whereitis commandedtothepeopleofIsrael,thatgrownpersonsin whomsinsarecometoperfection,shouldofferanheifer,and aftertheyhadkilleditshouldburnthesame

2Butthenyoungmenshouldtakeuptheashesandputthem invessels;andtieapieceofscarletwoolandhyssopupona stick,andsotheyoungmenshouldsprinkleeveryoneofthe people,andtheyshouldbeclearfromtheirsins.

3Considerhowallthesearedeliveredinafiguretous

4ThisheiferisJesusChrist;thewickedmenthatweretooffer itarethosesinnerswhobroughthimtodeath:whoafterwards havenomoretodowithit;thesinnershavenomorethe honourofhandlingofit:

5Buttheyoungmenthatperformedthesprinkling,signified thosewhopreachtoustheforgivenessofsinsandthe purificationoftheheart,towhomtheLordgaveauthorityto preachhisGospel:beingatthebeginningtwelve,tosignify thetribes,becausethereweretwelvetribesofIsrael

6Butwhyweretherethreeyoungmenappointedtosprinkle? TodenoteAbraham,andIsaac,andJacob,becausetheywere greatbeforeGod

7Andwhywasthewoolputuponastick?Becausethe kingdomofJesuswasfoundeduponthecross;andtherefore theythatputtheirtrustinhim,shallliveforever

8Butwhywasthewoolandhyssopputtogether?Tosignify thatinthekingdomofChristthereshallbeevilandfilthy days,inwhichhoweverweshallbesaved;andbecausehethat hasanydiseaseinthefleshbysomefilthyhumoursiscured byhyssop

9Whereforethesethingsbeingthusdone,aretousindeed evident,buttotheJewstheyareobscure;becausethey hearkenednotuntothevoiceoftheLord

CHAPTER8

1AndthereforetheScriptureagainspeaksconcerningour ears,thatGodhascircumcisedthem,togetherwithourhearts ForthussaiththeLordbytheholyprophets:Bythehearingof theeartheyobeyedme

2Andagain,theywhoareafaroff,shallhearandunderstand whatthingsIhavedoneAndagain,Circumciseyourhearts, saiththeLord

3Andagainhesaith,HearOIsrael!ForthussaiththeLord thyGodAndagaintheSpiritofGodprophesieth,saying: Whoistherethatwouldliveforever,lethimhearthevoiceof mySon.

4Andagain,Hear,OHeavenandgiveearOEarth!Because theLordhasspokenthesethingsforawitness

5Andagainhesaith,HearthewordoftheLord,yeprincesof thepeopleAndagain,HearOChildren!Thevoiceofone cryinginthewilderness

6Whereforehehascircumcisedourearsthatweshouldhear hisword,andbelieveButasforthatcircumcision,inwhich

theJewstrust,itisabolishedForthecircumcisionofwhich Godspake,wasnotoftheflesh;

7Buttheyhavetransgressedhiscommands,becausetheevil onehathdeceivedthemForthusGodbespeaksthem;Thus saiththeLordyourGod(HereIfindthenewlaw)Sownot amongthorns;butcircumciseyourselvestotheLordyour GodAndwhatdothhemeanbythissaying?Hearkenunto yourLord

8Andagainhesaith,Circumcisethehardnessofyourheart, andhardennotyourneckAndagain,Behold,saiththeLord, allthenationsareuncircumcised,(theyhavenotlosttheir fore-skin):butthispeopleisuncircumcisedinheart.

9ButyouwillsaytheJewswerecircumcisedforasignAnd soarealltheSyriansandArabians,andalltheidolatrous priests:butaretheythereforeofthecovenantofIsrael?And eventheEgyptiansthemselvesarecircumcised

10Understandtherefore,children,thesethingsmorefully, thatAbraham,whowasthefirstthatbroughtincircumcision, lookingforwardintheSpirittoJesus,circumcised,having receivedthemysteryofthreeletters

11FortheScripturesaysthatAbrahamcircumcisedthree hundredandeighteenmenofhishouseButwhattherefore wasthemysterythatwasmadeknownuntohim?

12Mark,firsttheeighteen,andnextthethreehundred.For thenumerallettersoftenandeightareIHAndthesedenote Jesus

13Andbecausethecrosswasthatbywhichweweretofind grace;thereforeheadds,threehundred;thenoteofwhichisT (thefigureofhiscross)Whereforebytwolettershesignified Jesus,andbythethirdhiscross

14Hewhohasputtheengraftedgiftofhisdoctrinewithinus, knowsthatInevertaughttoanyoneamorecertaintruth;butI trustthatyeareworthyofit.

CHAPTER9

1ButwhydidMosessay,Yeshallnoteatoftheswine, neithertheeaglenorthehawk;northecrow;noranyfishthat hasnotascaleuponhim?answer,thatinthespiritualsense, hecomprehendedthreedoctrines,thatweretobegathered fromthence.

2BesideswhichhesaystotheminthebookofDeuteronomy, AndIwillgivemystatutesuntothispeopleWhereforeitis notthecommandofGodthattheyshouldnoteatthesethings; butMosesinthespiritspakeuntothem

3Nowthesowheforbadethemtoeat;meaningthusmuch; thoushaltnotjointhyselftosuchpersonsasarelikeunto swine;whowhilsttheyliveinpleasure,forgettheirGod;but whenanywantpinchesthem,thentheyknowtheLord;asthe sowwhensheisfullknowsnothermaster;butwhensheis hungryshemakesanoise;andbeingagainfed,issilent

4Neither,sayshe,shaltthoueattheeagle,northehawk,nor thekite,northecrow;thatisthoushaltnotkeepcompany withsuchkindofmenasknownothowbytheirlabourand sweattogetthemselvesfood:butinjuriouslyravishawaythe thingsofothers;andwatchhow,tolaysnaresforthem;when atthesametimetheyappeartoliveinperfectinnocence

5Sothesebirdsaloneseeknotfoodforthemselves,butsitting idleseekhowtheymayeatofthefleshothershaveprovided; beingdestructivethroughtheirwickedness

6Neither,sayshe,shaltthoueatthelamprey,northepolypus, northecuttle-fish;thatis,thoushaltnotbelikesuchmen,by usingtoconversewiththem;whoarealtogetherwickedand adjudgedtodeathForsothosefishesarealoneaccursed,and wallowinthemire,norswimasotherfishes,buttumbleinthe dirtatthebottomofthedeep

7Butheadds,neithershaltthoueatofthehareTowhat end?Tosignifythistous;Thoushaltnotbeanadulterer; norlikenthyselftosuchpersons.Forthehareeveryyear multipliestheplacesofitsconception;andsomanyyearsasit lives,somanyithas

8Neithershaltthoueatofthehyena;thatis,again,benotan adulterer,noracorruptorofothers;neitherbeliketosuch Andwhereforeso?Becausethatcreatureeveryyearchanges itskind,andissometimesmaleandsometimesfemale.

9Forwhichcausealsohejustlyhatedtheweasel;totheend thattheyshouldnotbelikesuchpersonswhowiththeir mouthscommitwickednessbyreasonoftheiruncleanness; norjointhemselveswiththoseimpurewomen,whowiththeir mouthscommitwickednessBecausethatanimalconceives withitsmouth.

10Moses,therefore,speakingasconcerningmeats,delivered indeedthreegreatpreceptstotheminthespiritual significationofthosecommands.Buttheyaccordingtothe desiresoftheflesh,understoodhimasifhehadonlymeantit ofmeats

11AndthereforeDavidtookarighttheknowledgeofhis threefoldcommand,sayinginlikemanner

12Blessedisthemanthathathnotwalkedinthecounselof theungodly;asthefishesbeforementionedinthebottomof thedeepindarkness

13Norstoodinthewayofsinners,astheywhoseemtofear theLord,butyetsin,asthesow.

14Andhathnotsatintheseatofthescorners;asthosebirds whositandwatchthattheymaydevour

15Hereyouhavethelawconcerningmeatperfectlysetforth, andaccordingtothetrueknowledgeofit

16But,saysMoses,yeshalleatallthatdivideththehoof,and cheweththecud.Signifyingtherebysuchanoneashaving takenhisfood,knowshimthatnourishethhim;andresting uponhim,rejoicethinhim.

17Andinthishespakewell,havingrespecttothe commandmentWhat,therefore,isitthathesays?Thatwe shouldholdfasttothemthatfeartheLord;withthosewho meditateonthecommandofthewordwhichtheyhave receivedintheirheart;withthosethatdeclaretherighteous judgmentsoftheLord,andkeephiscommandments;

18Inshort,withthosewhoknowthattomeditateisaworkof pleasure,andthereforeexercisethemselvesinthewordofthe Lord.

19Butwhymighttheyeatthosethatclavethehoof?

Becausetherighteouslivethinthispresentworld;buthis expectationisfixedupontheother.See,brethren,how admirablyMosescommandedthesethings

20Buthowshouldwethusknowallthis,andunderstandit? We,therefore,understandingarightthecommandments,speak astheLordwouldhaveusWhereforehehascircumcisedour earsandourhearts,thatwemightknowthesethings

CHAPTER10

1LetusnowinquirewhethertheLordtookcaretomanifest anythingbeforehandconcerningwaterandthecross

2Nowfortheformerofthese,itiswrittentothepeopleof Israelhowtheyshallnotreceivethatbaptismwhichbringsto forgivenessofsins;butshallinstituteanothertothemselves thatcannot

3Forthussaiththeprophet:Beastonished,OHeaven!andlet theearthtrembleatit,becausethispeoplehavedonetwo greatandwickedthings;theyhaveleftme,thefountainof livingwater,andhavediggedforthemselvesbrokencisterns, thatcanholdnowater

4IsmyholymountainaZion,adesolatewilderness?Forye shallbeasayoungbirdwhenitsnestistakenaway

5Andagaintheprophetsaith,Iwillgobeforethee,andwill makeplainthemountains,andwillbreakthegatesofbrass, andwillsnapinsunderthebarsofiron;andwillgivethee dark,andhidden,andinvisibletreasures,thattheymayknow thatIamtheLordGod

6Andagain:Heshalldwellinthehighdenofthestrongrock Andthen,whatfollowsinthesameprophet?Hiswateris faithful;yeshallseethekingwithglory,andyoursoulshall learnthefearoftheLord

7Andagainhesaithinanotherprophet:Hethatdoesthese things;shallbelikeatree,plantedbythecurrentsofwater, whichshallgiveitsfruitinitsseasonItsleafalsoshallnot wither,andwhatsoeverhedothitshallprosper.

8Asforthewickeditisnotsowiththem;buttheyareasthe dustwhichthewindscatterethawayfromthefaceoftheearth

9Thereforetheungodlyshallnotstandinthejudgment, neitherthesinnersinthecounciloftherighteousForthe Lordknoweththewayoftherighteousandthewayofthe ungodlyshallperish.

10Considerhowhehasjoinedboththecrossandthewater together

11Forthushesaith:Blessedaretheywhoputtheirtrustinthe cross,descendintothewater;fortheyshallhavetheirreward induetime;then,saithhe,willIgiveitthem

12Butasconcerningthepresenttime,hesaith,theirleaves shallnotfall;meaningtherebythateverywordthatshallgo outofyourmouth,shallthroughfaithandcharitybetothe conversionandhopeofmany

13InlikemannerdothanotherprophetspeakAndthelandof Jacobwasthepraiseofalltheearth;magnifyingtherebythe vesselofhisspirit.

14Andwhatfollows?Andtherewasariverrunningonthe righthand,andbeautifultreesgrewupbyit;andhethatshall eatofthemshallliveforeverThesignificationofwhichis this:thatwegodownintothewaterfullofsinsandpollutions; butcomeupagain,bringingforthfruit;havinginourhearts thefearandhopewhichisinJesus,bythespiritAnd whosoevershalleatofthemshallliveforever

15Thatis,whosoevershallhearkentothosewhocallthem, andshallbelieve,shallliveforever

CHAPTER11

1Inlikemannerhedeterminesconcerningthecrossin anotherprophet,saying:Andwhenshallthesethingsbe fulfilled?

2TheLordanswers;Whenthetreethathasfallenshallrise, andwhenbloodshalldropdownfromthetree.Hereyouhave againmentionmade,bothofthecross,andofhimthatwasto becrucifieduponit

3AndyetfartherhesaithbyMoses;(whenIsraelwasfighting with,andbeatenby,astrangepeople;totheendthatGod mightputtheminmindhowthatfortheirsinstheywere delivereduntodeath)yea,theholyspiritputitintotheheart ofMoses,torepresentboththesignofthecross,andofhim thatwastosuffer;thatsotheymightknowthatiftheydidnot believeinhim,theyshouldbeovercomeforever.

4Mosesthereforepileduparmouruponarmourinthemiddle ofarisingground,andstandinguphighaboveallofthem, stretchedforthhisarms,andsoIsraelagainconquered 5Butnosoonerdidheletdownhishands,buttheywere againslainAndwhyso?Totheendtheymightknow,that excepttheytrustinhimtheycannotbesaved.

6Andinanotherprophet,hesaith,Ihavestretchedoutmy handsallthedaylongtoapeopledisobedient,andspeaking againstmyrighteousway.

7AndagainMosesmakesatypeofJesus,toshowthathewas todie,andthenthathe,whomtheythoughttobedead,wasto givelifetoothers;inthetypeofthosethatfellinIsrael.

8ForGodcausedallsortsofserpentstobitethem,andthey died;forasmuchasbyaserpenttransgressionbeganinEve: thatsohemightconvincethemthatfortheirtransgressions theyshallbedeliveredintothepainofdeath

9Mosesthenhimself,whohadcommandedthem,saying,Ye shallnotmaketoyourselvesanygravenormoltenimage,to beyourGod;yetnowdidsohimself,thathemightrepresent tothemthefigureoftheLordJesus

10Forhemadeabrazenserpent,andsetituponhigh,and calledthepeopletogetherbyaproclamation;wherebeing come,theyentreatedMosesthathewouldmakeanatonement forthem,andpraythattheymightbehealed.

11ThenMosesspakeuntothem,saying:whenanyone amongyoushallbebitten,lethimcomeuntotheserpentthat issetuponthepole;andlethimassuredlytrustinhim,that thoughhebedead,yetheisabletogivelife,andpresentlyhe shallbesaved;andsotheydidSeethereforehowherealso youhaveinthisthegloryofJesus;andthatinhimandtohim areallthings

12Again;WhatsaysMosestoJesusthesonofNun,whenhe gavethatnameuntohim,asbeingaprophetthatallthepeople mighthearhimalone,becausethefatherdidmanifestall thingsconcerninghissonJesus,inJesustheSonofNun;and gavehimthatnamewhenhesenthimtospyoutthelandof Canaan;hesaid:Takeabookinthinehands,andwritewhat theLordsaith:ForasmuchasJesustheSonofGodshallinthe lastdayscutoffbytherootsallthehouseofAmalek.Seehere againJesus,notthesonofman,buttheSonofGod,made manifestinatypeandintheflesh.

13Butbecauseitmighthereafterbesaid,thatChristwasthe SonofDavid;thereforeDavidfearingandwellknowingthe errorsofthewicked,saith;theLordsaithuntomyLord,sit thouonmyrighthanduntilImakethineenemiesthyfootstool 14AndagainIsaiahspeakethonthiswiseTheLordsaidunto ChristmyLord,Ihavelaidholdonhisrighthand,thatthe nationsshouldobeybeforehim,andIwillbreakthestrength ofkings

15Behold,howdothDavidandIsaiahcallhimLord,andthe SonofGod

CHAPTER12

1Butletusgoyetfarther,andinquirewhetherthispeoplebe theheir,ortheformer;andwhetherthecovenantbewithusor withthem

2Andfirst,asconcerningthepeople,hearnowwhatthe Scripturesaith.

3IsaacprayedforhiswifeRebekah,becauseshewasbarren; andsheconceivedAfterwardsRebekahwentforthtoinquire oftheLord.

4AndtheLordsaiduntoher;Therearetwonationsinthy womb,andtwopeopleshallcomefromthybody;andtheone shallhavepowerovertheother,andthegreatershallservethe lesserUnderstandherewhowasIsaac;whoRebekah;andof whomitwasforetold,thispeopleshallbegreaterthanthat

5AndinanotherprophecyJacobspeakethmoreclearlytohis sonJosephsaying;BeholdtheLordhathnotdeprivedmeof seeingthyface,bringmethysonsthatImayblessthemAnd hebroughtuntohisfatherManassehandEphraim,desiring thatheshouldblessManasseh,becausehewastheelder

6ThereforeJosephbroughthimtotherighthandofhisfather JacobButJacobbythespiritforesawthefigureoftheofthe peoplethatwastocome.

7AndwhatsaiththeScripture?AndJacobcrossedhishands, andputhisrighthanduponEphraim,hissecond,andthe youngerson,andblessedhim.AndJosephsaiduntoJacob; PutthyrighthandupontheheadofManasseh,forheismy first-bornsonAndJacobsaiduntoJoseph;Iknowit,myson, Iknowit;butthegreatershallservethelesser;thoughhealso shallbeblessed

8Yeseeofwhomheappointedit,thattheyshouldbethefirst people,andheirsofthecovenant.

9IfthereforeGodshallhaveyetfarthertakennoticeofthisby Abrahamtoo;ourunderstandingofitwillthenbeperfectly established.

10WhatthensaiththeScripturetoAbraham,whenhe believed,anditwasimputeduntohimforrighteousness?

BeholdIhavemadetheeafatherofthenations,which withoutcircumcisionbelieveintheLord

11LetusthereforenowinquirewhetherGodhasfulfilledthe covenant,whichheswaretoourfathers,thathewouldgive thispeople?Yes,verily,hegaveit:buttheywerenotworthy toreceiveitbyreasonoftheirsins

12Forthussaiththeprophet:AndMosescontinuedfastingin mountSinai,toreceivethecovenantoftheLordwiththe people,fortydaysandfortynights

13AndhereceivedoftheLordtwotableswrittenwiththe fingeroftheLord'shandintheSpiritAndMoseswhenhe hadreceivedthembroughtthemdownthathemightdeliver themtothepeople

14AndtheLordsaiduntoMoses;Moses,Moses,getthee downquickly,forthepeoplewhichthoubroughtestoutofthe landofEgypthavedonewickedly.

15AndMosesunderstoodthattheyhadagainsetupamolten image:andhecastthetwotablesoutofhishands;andthe tablesofthecovenantoftheLordwerebrokenMoses thereforereceivedthem,buttheywerenotworthy

16NowthenlearnhowwehavereceivedthemMoses,being aservant,tookthem;buttheLordhimselfhasgiventhem untous,thatwemightbethepeopleofhisinheritance,having sufferedforus.

17Hewasthereforemademanifest;thattheyshouldfillup themeasureoftheirsins,andthatwebeingmadeheirsbyhim, shouldreceivethecovenantoftheLordJesus.

18Andagaintheprophetsaith;Behold,Ihavesettheefora lightuntotheGentiles,tobethesaviourofalltheendsofthe earth,saiththeLordtheGodwhohathredeemedthee.

19Whoforthatveryendwasprepared,thatbyhisown appearinghemightredeemourhearts,alreadydevouredby death,anddeliveredovertotheirregularityoferror,from darkness;andestablishacovenantwithusbyhisword

20Forsoitiswrittenthatthefathercommandedhimby deliveringusfromdarkness,toprepareuntohimselfaholy people

21Whereforetheprophetsaith:ItheLordthyGodhave calledtheeinrighteousness,andIwilltaketheebythyhand andwillstrengthentheeAndgivetheeforacovenantofthe people,foralightoftheGentilesToopentheeyesofthe blind,tobringouttheprisonersfromtheprison,andthemthat sitindarknessoutoftheprisonhouse

22Considerthereforefromwhencewehavebeenredeemed Andagaintheprophetsaith:ThespiritoftheLordisuponme, becausehehathanointedme:hehathsentmetopreachglad tidingstothelowly;tohealthebrokeninheart;topreach remissiontothecaptives,andsightuntotheblind;toproclaim

theacceptableyearoftheLord,andthedayofrestitution;to comfortallthatmourn

CHAPTER13

1Furthermoreitiswrittenconcerningthesabbath,intheTen Commandments,whichGodspakeintheMountSinaito Moses,facetoface;SanctifythesabbathoftheLordwith purehands,andwithacleanheart.

2Andelsewherehesaith;Ifthychildrenshallkeepmy sabbaths,thenwillIputmymercyuponthem

3Andeveninthebeginningofthecreationhemakesmention ofthesabbathAndGodmadeinsixdaystheworksofhis hands;andhefinishedthemontheseventhday,andherested theseventhday,andsanctifiedit.

4Consider,mychildren,whatthatsignifies,hefinishedthem insixdaysThemeaningofitisthis;thatinsixthousand yearstheLordGodwillbringallthingstoanend.

5Forwithhimonedayisathousandyears;ashimself testifieth,saying,Beholdthisdayshallbeasathousandyears Therefore,children,insixdays,thatis,insixthousandyears, shallallthingsbeaccomplished

6Andwhatisthathesaith,Andherestedtheseventhday:he meaneththis;thatwhenhisSonshallcome,andabolishthe seasonoftheWickedOne,andjudgetheungodly;andshall changethesunandthemoon,andthestars;thenheshall gloriouslyrestinthatseventhday.

7Headdslastly;Thoushaltsanctifyitwithcleanhandsanda pureheartWhereforewearegreatlydeceivedifweimagine thatanyonecannowsanctifythatdaywhichGodhasmade holy,withouthavingaheartpureinallthings

8Beholdthereforehewillthentrulysanctifyitwithblessed rest,whenwe(havingreceivedtherighteouspromise,when iniquityshallbenomore,allthingsbeingrenewedbythe Lord)shallbeabletosanctifyit,beingourselvesfirstmade holy

9Lastly,hesaithuntothem:Yournewmoonsandyou: sabbathsIcannotbearthemConsiderwhathemeansbyit; thesabbaths,sayshe,whichyenowkeeparenotacceptable untome,butthosewhichIhavemade;whenrestingfromall thingsIshallbegintheeighthday,thatis,thebeginningofthe otherworld

10Forwhichcauseweobservetheeighthdaywithgladness, inwhichJesusrosefromthedead;andhavingmanifested himselftohisdisciples,ascendedintoheaven

11ItremainsyetthatIspeaktoyouconcerningthetemple howthesemiserablemenbeingdeceivedhaveputtheirtrust inthehouse,andnotinGodhimselfwhomadethem,asifit werethehabitationofGod

12FormuchafterthesamemannerastheGentiles,they consecratedhiminthetemple

13ButlearnthereforehowtheLordspeaketh,renderingthe templevain:Whohasmeasuredtheheavenwithaspan,and theearthwithhishand?IsitnotI?ThussaiththeLord, Heavenismythrone,andtheearthismyfootstoolWhatis thehousethatyewillbuildme?Orwhatistheplaceofmy rest?Knowthereforethatalltheirhopeisvain

14Andagainhespeakethafterthismanner:Beholdtheythat destroythistemple,eventheyshallagainbuilditup.Andsoit cametopass;forthroughtheirwarsitisnowdestroyedby theirenemies;andtheservantsoftheirenemiesbuiltitup

15Furthermoreithasbeenmademanifest,howboththecity andthetemple,andthepeopleofIsraelshouldbegivenup FortheScripturesaith;Anditshallcometopassinthelast days,thattheLordwilldeliverupthesheepofhispasture,

andtheirfold,andtheirtowerintodestructionAnditiscome topass,astheLordhathspoken

16Letusinquiretherefore,whethertherebeanytempleof God?Yesthereis;andthatthere,wherehimselfdeclaresthat hewouldbothmakeandperfectitForitiswritten;Andit shallbethatassoonastheweekshallbecompleted,the templeoftheLordshallbegloriouslybuiltinthenameofthe Lord

17Ifindthereforethatthereisatemple.Buthowshallitbe builtinthenameoftheLord?Iwillshewyou

18BeforethatwebelievedinGod,thehabitationofourheart wascorruptible,andfeeble,asatempletrulybuiltwithhands. 19Foritwasahousefullofidolatry,ahouseofdevils; inasmuchastherewasdoneinitwhatsoeverwascontrary untoGod.ButitshallbebuiltinthenameoftheLord.

20Consider,howthatthetempleoftheLordshallbevery gloriouslybuilt;andbywhatmeansthatshallbe,learn

21Havingreceivedremissionofoursins,andtrustinginthe nameoftheLord,wearebecomerenewed,beingagain createdasitwerefromthebeginningWhereforeGodtruly dwellsinourhouse,thatis,inus.

22Buthowdoeshedwellinus?Thewordofhisfaith,the callingofhispromise,thewisdomofhisrighteousjudgments, thecommandsofhisdoctrine;hehimselfprophesieswithinus, hehimselfdwellethinus,andopenethtouswhowerein bondageofdeaththegateofourtemple,thatis,themouthof wisdom,havinggivenrepentanceuntous;andbythismeans hasbroughtustobeanincorruptibletemple

23Hethereforethatdesirestobesavedlookethnotuntothe man,butuntohimthatdwellethinhim,andspeakethbyhim; beingstruckwithwonder,forasmuchashenevereitherheard himspeakingsuchwordsoutofhismouth,noreverdesiredto hearthem.

24ThisisthatspiritualtemplethatisbuiltuntotheLord

CHAPTER14

1Andthus,Itrust,Ihavedeclaredtoyouasmuch,andwith asgreatsimplicityasIcould,thosethingswhichmakefor yoursalvation,soasnottohaveomittedanythingthatmight berequisitethereunto.

2ForshouldIspeakfurtherofthethingsthatnoware,andof thosethataretocome,youwouldnotyetunderstandthem, seeingtheylieinparables.Thisthereforeshallsufficeasto thesethings

3Letusnowgoontotheotherkindofknowledgeand doctrineTherearetwowaysofdoctrineandpower;theoneof light,theotherofdarkness

4Butthereisagreatdealofdifferencebetweenthesetwo ways:foroveroneareappointedtheangelsofGod,the leadersofthewayoflight;overtheother,theangelsofSatan AndtheoneistheLordfromeverlastingtoeverlasting;the otheristheprinceofthetimeofunrighteousness.

5Nowthewayoflightisthis,ifanyonedesirestoattainto theplacethatisappointedforhim,andwillhastenthitherby hisworks.Andtheknowledgethathasbeengiventousfor walkinginit,tothiseffect:Thoushaltlovehimthatmade thee:thoushaltglorifyhimthathathredeemedtheefrom death.

6Thoushaltbesimpleinheart,andrichinthespiritThou shaltnotcleavetothosethatwalkinthewayofdeathThou shalthatetodoanythingthatisnotpleasinguntoGodThou shaltabhoralldissimulationThoushaltnotneglectanyofthe commandsoftheLord

7Thoushaltnotexaltthyself,butshaltbehumble.Thoushalt nottakehonourtothyselfThoushaltnotenterintoany

wickedcounselagainstthyneighbourThoushaltnotbeoverconfidentinthyheart

8Thoushaltnotcommitfornication,noradultery.Neither shaltthoucorruptthyselfwithmankindThoushaltnotmake useofthewordofGod,toanyimpurity

9Thoushaltnotacceptanyman'sperson,whenthou reprovestanyone'sfaultsThoushaltbegentleThoushaltbe quietThoushalttrembleatthewordswhichthouhastheard Thoushaltnotkeepanyhatredinthyheartagainstthybrother. Thoushaltnotentertainanydoubtwhetheritshallbeornot

10ThoushaltnottakethenameoftheLordinvainThou shaltlovethyneighbourabovethyownsoul.

11Thoushaltnotdestroythyconceptionsbeforetheyare broughtforth;norkillthemaftertheyareborn

12Thoushaltnotwithdrawthyhandfromthyson,orfrom thydaughter;butshallteachthemfromtheiryouththefearof theLord

13Thoushaltnotcovetthyneighbour'sgoods;neithershalt thoubeanextortionerNeithershallthyheartbejoinedto proudmen;butthoushaltbenumberedamongtherighteous andthelowly.Whatevereventsshallhappenuntothee,thou shaltreceivethemasgood

14Thoushaltnothedouble-minded,ordouble-tongued;fora doubletongueisthesnareofdeath.Thoushaltbesubjectunto theLordandtoinferiormastersastotherepresentativesof God,infearandreverence

15Thoushaltnotbebitterinthycommandstowardsanyof thyservantsthattrustinGod;lestthouchancenottofearhim whoisoverboth;becausehecamenottocallanywithrespect ofpersons,butwhomsoeverthespirithadprepared

16Thoushaltcommunicatetothyneighbourofallthouhast; thoushaltnotcallanythingthineown:forifyepartakein suchthingsasareincorruptible,howmuchmoreshouldyou doitinthosethatarecorruptible?

17Thoushaltnotbeforwardtospeak;forthemouthisthe snareofdeathStriveforthysoulwithallthymightReach notoutthinehandtoreceive,andwithholditnotwhenthou shouldestgive

18Thoushaltlove,astheappleofthineeye,everyonethat speakethuntotheetheWordoftheLordCalltothy remembrance,dayandnight,thefuturejudgment.

19Thoushaltseekouteverydaythepersonsoftherighteous: andbothconsiderandgoabouttoexhortothersbythe,word, andmeditatehowthoumayestsaveasoul.

20Thoushaltalsolabourwiththyhandstogivetothepoor, thatthysinsmaybeforgiventheeThoushaltnotdeliberate whetherthoushouldstgive:nor,havinggiven,murmuratit.

21Givetoeveryonethatasks:soshaltthouknowwhoisthe goodrewarderofthygifts

22Keepwhatthouhastreceived;thoushaltneitheraddtoit nortakefromit

23LetthewickedbealwaysthyaversionThoushaltjudge righteousjudgment.Thoushaltnevercausedivisions;but shaltmakepeacebetweenthosethatareatvariance,andbring themtogether

24Thoushaltconfessthysins;andnotcometothyprayer withanevilconscience

25Thisisthewayoflight

CHAPTER15

1ButthewayofdarknessiscrookedandfullofcursingFor itisthewayofeternaldeath,withpunishment;inwhichthey thatwalkmeetthosethingsthatdestroytheirownsouls

2Suchare;idolatry,confidence,prideofpower,hypocrisy, double-mindedness,adultery,murder,rapine,pride,

transgression,deceit,malice,arrogance,witchcraft, covetousness,andthewantofthefearofGod

3Inthiswalkthosewhoarethepersecutorsofthemthatare good;hatersoftruth;loversoflies;whoknownotthereward ofrighteousness,norcleavetoanythingthatisgood

4Whoadministernotrighteousjudgmenttothewidowand orphan;whowatchforwickedness,andnotforthefearofthe Lord:

5Fromwhomgentlenessandpatiencearefaroff;wholove vanity,andfollowafterrewards;havingnocompassionupon thepoor;nortakeanypainsforsuchasareheavyladenand oppressed.

6Readytoevilspeaking,notknowinghimthatmadethem; murderersofchildren;corruptersofthecreaturesofGod;that turnawayfromtheneedy;oppresstheafflicted;arethe advocatesoftherich,butunjustjudgesofthepoor;being altogethersinners

7Itisthereforefittingthatlearningthejustcommandsofthe Lord,whichwehavebeforementioned,weshouldwalkin themForhewhodoessuchthingsshallbeglorifiedinthe kingdomofGod.

8Buthethatchoosestheotherpart,shallbedestroyed, togetherwithhisworksForthiscausethereshallbebotha resurrection,andaretribution.

9Ibeseechthosethatareinhighestateamongyou,(ifsobe youwilltakethecounselwhichwithagoodintentionIoffer toyou,)youhavethosewithyoutowardswhomyoumaydo good;donotforsakethem

10Forthedayisathandinwhichallthingsshallbedestroyed, togetherwiththewickedoneTheLordisnear,andhis rewardiswithhim

11Ibeseechyou,therefore,again,andagain,beasgood lawgiverstooneanother;continuefaithfulcounsellorstoeach other;removefromamongyouallhypocrisy

12AndmayGod,theLordofalltheworldgiveyouwisdom, knowledge,counsel,andunderstandingofhisjudgmentsin patience

13BeyetaughtofGod;seekingwhatitistheLordrequiresof you,anddoingit;thatyemaybesavedinthedayofjudgment 14Andiftherebeamongyouanyremembranceofwhatis good,thinkofme;meditatinguponthesethings,thatbothmy desireandmywatchingforyoumayturntoagoodaccount

15Ibeseechyou;Iaskitasafavourofyou;whilstyouarein thisbeautifultabernacleofthebody,bewantinginnoneof thesethings;butwithoutceasingseekthem,andfulfilevery commandForthesethingsarefittingandworthytobedone

16WhereforeIhavegiventhemorediligencetowriteunto you,accordingtomyability,thatyoumightrejoiceFarewell, children,ofloveandpeace

17TheLordofgloryandofallgrace,bewithyourspirit, Amen

TheEpistleofIgnatius totheEphesians

CHAPTER1

1Ignatius,whoisalsocalledTheophorus,tothe churchwhichisatEphesusinAsia;mostdeservedly happy;beingblessedthroughthegreatnessand fulnessofGodtheFather,andpredestinatedbefore theworldbegan,thatitshouldbealwaysuntoan enduringandunchangeableglory;beingunitedand chosenthroughhistruepassion,accordingtothewill oftheFather,andJesusChristourGod;allhappiness, byJesusChrist,andhisundefiledgrace.

2IhaveheardofyournamemuchbelovedinGod; whichyehaveveryjustlyattainedbyahabitof righteousness,accordingtothefaithandlovewhichis inJesusChristourSaviour

3HowthatbeingfollowersofGod,andstirringup yourselvesbythebloodofChristyehaveperfectly accomplishedtheworkthatwascon-naturaluntoyou.

4ForhearingthatIcameboundfromSyria,forthe commonnameandhope,trustingthroughyour prayerstofightwithbeastsatRome;sothatby sufferingImaybecomeindeedthediscipleofhim whogavehimselftoGod,anofferingandsacrificefor us;(yehastenedtoseeme).Ireceived,therefore,in thenameofGod,yourwholemultitudeinOnesimus.

5Whobyinexpressibleloveisours,butaccordingto thefleshisyourbishop;whomIbeseechyou,by JesusChrist,tolove;andthatyouwouldallstriveto belikeuntohimAndblessedbeGod,whohas granteduntoyou,whoaresoworthyofhim,toenjoy suchanexcellentbishop.

6ForwhatconcernsmyfellowservantBurrhus,and yourmostblesseddeaconinthingspertainingtoGod; Ientreatyouthathemaytarrylonger,bothforyours, andyourbishop'shonour.

7AndCrocusalsoworthybothourGodandyou, whomIhavereceivedasthepatternofyourlove,has inallthingsrefreshedme,astheFatherofourLord JesusChristshallalsorefreshhim;togetherwith Onesimus,andBurrhus,andEuclus,andFronto,in whomIhave,astoyourcharity,seenallofyou.And mayIalways,havejoyofyou,ifIshallbeworthyof it

8Itisthereforefittingthatyoushouldbyallmeans glorifyJesusChristwhohathglorifiedyou:thatbya uniformobedienceyemaybeperfectlyjoined together,inthesamemind,andinthesamejudgment: andmayallspeakthesamethingsconcerning everything.

9Andthatbeingsubjecttoyourbishop,andthe presbytery,yemaybewhollyandthoroughly sanctified.

10ThesethingsIprescribetoyou,notasifIwere somebodyextraordinary:forthoughIamboundfor hisname,IamnotyetperfectinChristJesusBut nowIbegintolearn,andIspeaktoyouasfellow disciplestogetherwithme.

11ForIoughttohavebeenstirredupbyyou,infaith, inadmonition,inpatience,inlong-suffering;but forasmuchascharitysuffersmenottobesilent towardsyou,Ihavefirsttakenuponmetoexhortyou, thatyewouldallruntogetheraccordingtothewillof God

12ForevenJesusChrist,ourinseparablelife,issent bythewilloftheFather;asthebishops,appointed untotheutmostboundsoftheearth,arebythewillof JesusChrist.

13Whereforeitwillbecomeyoutoruntogether accordingtothewillofyourbishop,asalsoyedo

14Foryourfamouspresbytery,worthyofGod,is fittedasexactlytothebishop,asthestringsaretothe harp

15Thereforeinyourconcordandagreeingcharity, JesusChristissung;andeverysinglepersonamong youmakesupthechorus:

16Thatsobeingallconsonantinlove,andtakingup thesongofGod,yemayinaperfectunitywithone voice,singtotheFatherbyJesusChrist;totheend thathemaybothhearyou,andperceivebyyour works,thatyeareindeedthemembersofhisson

17Whereforeitisprofitableforyoutoliveinan unblameableunity,thatsoyemayalwayshavea fellowshipwithGod

CHAPTER2

1ForifIinthislittletimehavehadsuchafamiliarity withyourbishop,Imeannotacarnal,butspiritual acquaintancewithhim;howmuchmoremustIthink youhappywhoaresojoinedtohim,asthechurchis toJesusChrist,andJesusChristtotheFather;thatso allthingsmayagreeinthesameunity?

2Letnomandeceivehimself;ifamanbenotwithin thealtar,heisdeprivedofthebreadofGodForifthe prayersofoneortwobeofsuchforce,aswearetold; howmuchmorepowerfulshallthatofthebishopand thewholechurchbe?

3Hethereforethatdoesnotcometogetherinthe sameplacewithit,isproud,andhasalready condemnedhimselfForitiswritten,Godresisteth theproud.Letustakeheedtherefore,thatwedonot setourselvesagainstthebishop,thatwemaybe subjecttoGod

4Themoreanyoneseeshisbishopsilent,themore lethimreverehim.Forwhomsoeverthemasterofthe housesendstobeoverhisownhousehold,weought inlikemannertoreceivehim,aswewoulddohim thatsenthimItisthereforeevidentthatweoughtto lookuponthebishop,evenaswewoulddouponthe Lordhimself

5AndindeedOnesimushimselfdoesgreatly commendyourgoodorderinGod:thatyoualllive accordingtothetruth,andthatnoheresydwells amongyouForneitherdoyehearkentoanyone morethantoJesusChristspeakingtoyouintruth.

6Forsometherearewhocarryaboutthenameof

Christindeceitfulness,butdothingsunworthyofGod; whomyemustflee,asyewoulddosomanywild beasts.Fortheyareraveningdogs,whobitesecretly: againstwhomyemustguardyourselves,asmen hardlytobecured

7Thereisonephysician,bothfleshlyandspiritual; madeandnotmade;Godincarnate;truelifeindeath; bothofMaryandofGod;firstpassable,then impassible;evenJesusChristourLord.

8Whereforeletnomandeceiveyou;asindeed neitherareyedeceivedbeingwhollytheservantsof GodForinasmuchasthereisnocontentionnorstrife amongyou,totroubleyou,yemustneedslive accordingtoGod'swillMysoulbeforyours;andI myselftheexpiatoryofferingforyourchurchof Ephesus,sofamousthroughouttheworld.

9Theythatareofthefleshcannotdotheworksofthe spirit;neithertheythatareofthespirittheworksof theflesh.Ashethathasfaithcannotbeaninfidel;nor hethatisaninfidelhavefaith.Buteventhosethings whichyedoaccordingtotheflesharespiritual; forasmuchasyedoallthingsinJesusChrist

10NeverthelessIhaveheardofsomewhohave passedbyyou,havingperversedoctrine;whomyedid notsuffertosowamongyou;butstoppedyourears, thatyemightnotreceivethosethingsthatweresown bythem;asbecomingthestonesofthetempleofthe Father,preparedforhisbuilding;anddrawnupon highbytheCrossofChrist,asbyanengine

11UsingtheHolyGhostastherope:yourfaithbeing your;andyourcharitythewaythatleadsuntoGod.

12Yearetherefore,withallyourcompanionsinthe samejourney,fullofGod;hisspiritualtemples,full ofChrist,fullofholiness:adornedinallthingswith thecommandsofChrist

13InwhomalsoIrejoicethatIhavebeenthought worthybythispresentepistletoconverse,andjoy togetherwithyou;thatwithrespecttotheotherlife, yelovenothingbutGodonly

CHAPTER3

1Prayalsowithoutceasingforothermen:forthereis hopeofrepentanceinthem,thattheymayattainunto GodLetthemthereforeatleastbeinstructedbyyour works,iftheywillbenootherway

2Beyemildattheiranger;humbleattheirboasting; totheirblasphemiesreturnyourprayers:totheirerror, yourfirmnessinthefaith:whentheyarecruel,beye gentle;notendeavouringtoimitatetheirways

3Letusbetheirbrethreninallkindnessand moderation,butletusbefollowersoftheLord;for

whowasevermoreunjustlyused?Moredestitute? Moredespised?

4Thatsonoherbofthedevilmaybefoundinyou: butyemayremaininallholinessandsobrietybothof bodyandspirit,inChristJesus.

5Thelasttimesarecomeuponus:letusthereforebe veryreverentandfearthelong-sufferingofGod,that itbenottouseuntocondemnation

6Forletuseitherfearthewraththatistocome,orlet uslovethegracethatweatpresentenjoy:thatbythe one,orother,ofthesewemaybefoundinChrist Jesus,untotruelife.

7Besideshim,letnothingbeworthyofyou;for whomalsoIbearaboutthesebonds,thosespiritual jewels,inwhichIwouldtoGodthatImightarise throughyourprayers.

8OfwhichIentreatyoutomakemealwayspartaker, thatImaybefoundinthelotoftheChristiansof Ephesus,whohavealwaysagreedwiththeApostles, throughthepowerofJesusChrist

9IknowbothwhoIam,andtowhomIwrite;I,a personcondemned:ye,suchashaveobtainedmercy: I,exposedtodanger;ye,confirmedagainstdanger.

10YearethepassageofthosethatarekilledforGod; thecompanionsofPaulinthemysteriesoftheGospel; theHoly,themartyr,thedeservedlymosthappyPaul: atwhosefeetmayIbefound,whenIshallhave attaineduntoGod;whothroughoutallhisepistle, makesmentionofyouinChristJesus.

11Letitbeyourcarethereforetocomemorefully together,tothepraiseandgloryofGodForwhenye meetfullytogetherinthesameplace,thepowersof thedevilaredestroyed,andhismischiefisdissolved bytheunityoftheirfaith

12Andindeed,nothingisbetterthanpeace,bywhich allwarbothspiritualandearthlyisabolished.

13Ofallwhichnothingishidfromyou,ifyehave perfectfaithandcharityinChristJesus,whicharethe beginningandendoflife.

14Forthebeginningisfaith;theendischarity.And thesetwojoinedtogether,areofGod:butallother thingswhichconcernaholylifearetheconsequences ofthese.

15Nomanprofessingatruefaith,sinneth;neither doeshewhohascharityhateany

16Thetreeismademanifestbyitsfruit;sotheywho professthemselvestobeChristiansareknownby whattheydo

17ForChristianityisnottheworkofanoutward profession;butshowsitselfinthepoweroffaith,ifa manbefoundfaithfuluntotheend

18Itisbetterforamantoholdhispeace,andbe;than tosayheisaChristianandnottobe.

19Itisgoodtoteach;ifwhathesayshedoeslikewise.

20Thereisthereforeonemasterwhospake,andit wasdone;andeventhosethingswhichhedidwithout speaking,areworthyoftheFather.

21HethatpossessesthewordofJesusistrulyableto hearhisverysilence,thathemaybeperfect;andboth doaccordingtowhathespeaks,andbeknownby thosethingsofwhichheissilent

22ThereisnothinghidfromGod,butevenour secretsarenighuntohim.

23Letusthereforedoallthings,asbecomesthose whohaveGoddwellinginthem;thatwemaybehis temples,andhemaybeourGod:asalsoheis,and willmanifesthimselfbeforeourfaces,bythosethings forwhichwejustlylovehim

CHAPTER4

1Benotdeceived,mybrethren:thosethatcorrupt familiesinheritadultery,shallnotinheritthekingdom ofGod

2Ifthereforetheywhodothisaccordingtotheflesh, havesuffereddeath;howmuchmoreshallhedie, whobyhiswickeddoctrinecorruptsthefaithofGod, forwhichChristwascrucified?

3Hethatisthusdefiled,shalldepartinto unquenchablefire,andsoalsoshallhethathearkens tohim

4ForthiscausedidtheLordsuffertheointmenttobe pouredonhishead;thathemightbreathethebreath ofimmortalityuntohischurch

5Benotyethereforeanointedwiththeevilsavourof thedoctrineoftheprinceofthisworld:lethimnot takeyoucaptivefromthelifethatissetbeforeyou.

6Andwhyarewenotallwise,seeingwehave receivetheknowledgeofGod,whichisJesusChrist? Whydowesufferourselvesfoolishlytoperish;not consideringthegiftwhichtheLordhastrulysentto us?

7Letmylifebesacrificedforthedoctrineofthecross; whichisindeedascandaltotheunbelievers,buttous issalvationandlifeeternal

8Whereisthewiseman?Whereisthedisputer? Whereistheboastingofthosewhoarecalledwise?

9ForourGodJesusChristwasaccordingtothe dispensationofGodconceivedinthewombofMary, oftheseedofDavid,bytheHolyGhost;hewasborn andbaptized,thatthroughhispassionhemightpurify water,tothewashingawayofsin

10NowtheVirginityofMary,andhewhowasborn ofher,waskeptinsecretfromtheprinceofthisworld; aswasalsothedeathofourLord:threeofthe mysteriesthemostspokenofthroughouttheworld, yetdoneinsecretbyGod.

11HowthenwasourSaviourmanifestedtotheworld? Astarshoneinheavenbeyondalltheotherstars,and itslightwasinexpressible,anditsnoveltystruck terrorintomen'sminds.Alltherestofthestars, togetherwiththesunandmoon,werethechorusto thisstar;butthatsentoutitslightexceedinglyabove themall.

12Andmenbegantobetroubledtothinkwhencethis newstarcamesounliketoalltheothers.

13Henceallthepowerofmagicbecamedissolved; andeverybondofwickednesswasdestroyed:men's ignorancewastakenaway;andtheoldkingdom abolished;Godhimselfappearingintheformofa man,fortherenewalofeternallife

14FromthencebeganwhatGodhadprepared:from thenceforththingsweredisturbed;forasmuchashe designedtoabolishdeath

15ButifJesusChristshallgivemegracethrough yourprayers,anditbehiswill,Ipurposeinasecond epistlewhichIwillsuddenlywriteuntoyouto manifesttoyoumorefullythedispensationofwhichI havenowbeguntospeak,untothenewman,whichis JesusChrist;bothinhisfaith,andcharity;inhis suffering,andinhisresurrection

16EspeciallyiftheLordshallmakeknownuntome, thatyeallbynamecometogetherincommoninone faith,andinoneJesusChrist;whowasoftheraceof Davidaccordingtotheflesh;theSonofman,andSon ofGod;obeyingyourbishopandthepresbyterywith anentireaffection;breakingoneandthesamebread, whichisthemedicineofimmortality;ourantidote thatweshouldnotdie,butliveforeverinChristJesus. 17Mysoulbeforyours,andtheirswhomyehave senttothegloryofGod,evenuntoSmyrna;from whencealsoIwritetoyou;givingthanksuntothe LordandlovingPolycarpevenasIdoyou. Rememberme,asJesusChristdoesrememberyou. 18PrayforthechurchwhichisinSyria,fromwhence IamcarriedboundtoRome;beingtheleastofallthe faithfulwhicharethere,asIhavebeenthought worthytobefoundtothegloryofGod

19FareyewellinGodtheFather,andinJesusChrist, ourcommonHope.Amen.

TheEpistleofIgnatius totheMagnesians

CHAPTER1

1IgnatiuswhoisalsocalledTheophorus;tothe blessedchurchbythegraceofGodtheFatherin JesusChristourSaviour:inwhomIsalutethe churchwhichisatMagnesianeartheMæander:and wishitalljoyinGodtheFatherandinJesusChrist.

2WhenIheardofyourwellorderedloveand charityinGod,beingfullofjoy,Idesiredmuchto speakuntoyouinthefaithofJesusChrist.

3Forhavingbeenthoughtworthytoobtainamost excellentname,inthebondswhichIcarryabout,I salutethechurches;wishinginthemaunionbothof thebodyandspiritofJesusChrist,oureternallife: asalsooffaithandcharity,towhichnothingis preferred:butespeciallyofJesusandtheFatherin whomifweundergoalltheinjuriesoftheprinceof thispresentworld,andescape,weshallenjoyGod.

4SeeingthenIhavebeenjudgedworthytoseeyou, byDamasyourmostexcellentbishop;andbyyour veryworthypresbyters,BassusandApollonius;and bymyfellow-servantSotio,thedeacon;

5InwhomIrejoice,forasmuchasheisthesubject untohisbishopastothegraceofGod,andtothe presbyteryastothelawofJesusChrist;I determinedtowriteuntoyou.

6Whereforeitwillbecomeyoualsonottouseyour bishoptoofamiliarlyupontheaccountofhisyouth; buttoyieldallreverencetohimaccordingtothe powerofGodtheFather;asalsoIperceivethat yourholypresbytersdo:notconsideringhisage, whichindeedtoappearanceisyoung;butas becomesthosewhoareprudentinGod,submitting tohim,orrathernottohim,buttotheFatherofour LordJesusChrist,thebishopofusall

7Itwillthereforebehooveyouwithallsincerity,to obeyyourbishop;inhonourhimwhosepleasureit isthatyeshoulddoso.

8Becausehethatdoesnotdoso,deceivesnotthe bishopwhomhesees,butaffrontshimthatis invisible.Forwhatsoeverofthiskindisdone,it reflectsnotuponman,butuponGod,whoknows thesecretsofourhearts.

9Itisthereforefitting,thatweshouldnotonlybe calledChristians,butbeso

10Assomecallindeedtheirgovernor,bishop;but yetdoallthingswithouthim

11ButIcanneverthinkthatsuchasthesehavea goodconscience,seeingthattheyarenotgathered togetherthoroughlyaccordingtoGod's commandment.

CHAPTER2

1Seeingthenallthingshaveanend,therearethese twoindifferentlysetbeforeus,deathandlife:and everyoneshalldepartuntohisproperplace

2Forastherearetwosortsofcoins,theoneofGod, theotheroftheworld;andeachofthesehasits properinscriptionengravenuponit;soalsoisit here.

3Theunbelieversareofthisworld;butthefaithful, throughcharity,havethecharacterofGodthe FatherbyJesusChrist:bywhomifwearenot readilydisposedtodieafterthelikenessofhis passion,hislifeisnotinus.

4Forasmuch,therefore,asIhaveinthepersons beforementionedseenallofyouinfaithand charity;Iexhortyouthatyestudytodoallthingsin divineconcord:

5YourbishoppresidingintheplaceofGod;your presbytersintheplaceofthecouncilofthe Apostles;andyourdeaconsmostdeartomebeing entrustedwiththeministryofJesusChrist;who wastheFatherbeforeallages,andappearedinthe endtous.

6Whereforetakingthesameholycourse,seethat yeallreverenceoneanother:andletnoonelook uponhisneighbouraftertheflesh;butdoyeall mutuallyloveeachotherinJesusChrist

7Lettherebenothingthatmaybeabletomakea divisionamongyou;butbeyeunitedtoyourbishop, andthosewhopresideoveryou,tobeyourpattern anddirectioninthewaytoimmortality.

8AsthereforetheLorddidnothingwithoutthe Father,beingunitedtohim;neitherbyhimselfnor yetbyhisApostles,soneitherdoyedoanything withoutyourbishopandpresbyters:

9Neitherendeavourtoletanythingappearrational toyourselvesapart;

10Butbeingcometogetherintothesameplace haveonecommonprayer;onesupplication;one mind;onehope;oneincharity,andinjoyundefiled 11ThereisoneLordJesusChrist,thanwhom nothingisbetter.Whereforecomeyealltogetheras untoonetempleofGod;astoonealtar,astoone JesusChrist;whoproceededfromoneFather,and existsinone,andisreturnedtoone

CHAPTER3

1Benotdeceivedwithstrangedoctrines;norwith oldfableswhichareunprofitableForifwestill continuetoliveaccordingtotheJewishlaw,wedo confessourselvesnottohavereceivedgrace.For eventhemostholyprophetslivedaccordingto ChristJesus.

2Andforthiscauseweretheypersecuted,being inspiredbyhisgrace,toconvincetheunbelievers anddisobedientthatthereisoneGodwhohas manifestedhimselfbyJesusChristhisSon;whois hiseternalword,notcomingforthfromsilence, whoinallthingspleasedhimthatsenthim.

3Whereforeiftheywhowerebroughtupinthese ancientlawscameneverthelesstothenewnessof hope:nolongerobservingsabbaths,butkeepingthe Lord'sdayinwhichalsoourlifeissprungupby him,andthroughhisdeath,whomyetsomedeny:

4(Bywhichmysterywehavebeenbroughtto believeandthereforewaitthatwemaybefoundthe disciplesofJesusChrist,ouronlymaster:)

5Howshallwebeabletolivedifferentfromhim whosedisciplestheveryprophetsthemselvesbeing, didbythespiritexpecthimastheirmaster.

6Andthereforehewhomtheyjustlywaitedfor, beingcome,raisedthemupfromthedead.

7Letusnotthenbeinsensibleofhisgoodness;for shouldhehavedealtwithusaccordingtoourworks, wehadnotnohadabeing.

8Whereforebeingbecomehisdisciples,letuslearn toliveaccordingtotherulesofChristianity;for whosoeveriscalledbyanyothernamebesidesthis, heisnotofGod

9Layasidethereforetheoldandsourandevil leaven;andbeyechangedintothenewleaven, whichisJesusChrist.

10Beyesaltedinhim,lestanyoneamongyou shouldbecorrupted;forbyyoursavouryeshallbe judged.

11ItisabsurdtonameJesusChrist,andtoJudaize FortheChristianreligiondidnotembracethe Jewish,buttheJewishtheChristian;thatsoevery tonguethatbelievedmightbegatheredtogether untoGod.

12Thesethings,mybeloved,Iwriteuntoyou;not thatIknowofanyamongyouthatlieunderthis error;butasoneoftheleastamongyou,Iam desiroustoforewarnyou,thatyefallnotintothe snaresoffalsedoctrine.

13Butthatyebefullyinstructedinthebirth,and suffering,andresurrectionofJesusChrist,ourhope; whichwasaccomplishedinthetimeofthe governmentofPontiusPilate,andthatmosttruly andcertainlyandfromwhichGodforbidthatany amongyoushouldbeturnedaside.

CHAPTER4

1MayIthereforehavejoyofyouinallthings,ifI shallbeworthyofit.ForthoughIambound,yetI amnotworthytobecomparedtooneofyouthat areatliberty.

2Iknowthatyearenotpuffedup;foryehave JesusChristinyourhearts.

3AndespeciallywhenIcommendyou,Iknowthat yeareashamed,asitiswritten,Thejustman condemnethhimself

4Studythereforetobeconfirmedinthedoctrineof ourLord,andofhisApostles;thatsowhateverye do,yemayprosperbothinbodyandspirit,infaith andcharity,intheSon,andintheFatherandinthe HolySpirit:inthebeginning,andintheend

5Togetherwithyourmostworthybishop,andthe well-wroughtspiritualcrownofyourpresbytery, andyourdeacons,whichareaccordingtoGod

6Besubjecttoyourbishop,andtooneanother,as JesusChristtotheFather,accordingtotheflesh: andtheApostlesbothtoChrist,andtotheFather, andtotheHolyGhost:thatsoyemaybeunited bothinbodyandspirit

7KnowingyoutobefullofGod,Ihavethemore brieflyexhortedyou.

8Bemindfulofmeinyourprayers,thatImay attainuntoGod,andoftheChurchthatisinSyria, fromwhichIamnotworthytobecalled

9ForIstandinneedofyourjointprayersinGod, andofyourcharity,thatthechurchwhichisin Syriamaybethoughtworthytobenourishedby yourchurch.

10TheEphesiansfromSmyrnasaluteyou,from whichplaceIwriteuntoyou:(beingpresenthereto thegloryofGod,inlikemannerasyouare,)who haveinallthingsrefreshedme,togetherwith Polycarp,thebishopoftheSmyrnæans.

11TherestofthechurchesinthehonourofJesus Christ,saluteyou

12Farewell,andbeyestrengthenedintheconcord ofGod:enjoyinghisinseparablespirit,whichis JesusChrist.

TheEpistleofIgnatius totheTrallians

CHAPTER1

1Ignatius,whoisalsocalledTheophorus,totheholychurchwhich isatTrallesinAsia:belovedofGodtheFatherofJesusChrist,elect andworthyofGod,havingpeacethroughthefleshandblood,and passionofJesusChristourhope,intheresurrectionwhichisbyhim: whichalsoIsaluteinitsfulness,continuingintheapostolical character,wishingalljoyandhappinessuntoit

2Ihaveheardofyourblamelessandconstantdispositionthrough patience,whichnotonlyappearsinyouroutwardconversation,butis naturallyrootedandgroundedinyou

3InlikemannerasPolybiusyourbishophasdeclareduntome,who cametometoSmyrna,bythewillofGodandJesusChrist,andso rejoicedtogetherwithmeinmybondsforJesusChrist,thatineffect Isawyourwholechurchinhim

4Havingthereforereceivedtestimonyofyourgoodwilltowardsme forGod'ssake,byhim;Iseemedtofindyou,asalsoIknewthatye werethefollowersofGod

5ForwhereasyearesubjecttoyourbishopastoJesusChrist,ye appeartometolivenotafterthemannerofmen,butaccordingto JesusChrist;whodiedforus,thatsobelievinginhisdeath,yemight escapedeath

6Itisthereforenecessary,thatasyedo,sowithoutyourbishop,you shoulddonothing:alsobeyesubjecttoyourpresbyters,astothe ApostlesofJesusChristourhope;inwhomifwewalk,weshallbe foundinhim

7Thedeaconsalso,asbeingtheministersofthemysteriesofJesus Christ,mustbyallmeanspleaseye.Fortheyarenottheministersof meatanddrink,butofthechurchofGodWhereforetheymustavoid alloffences,astheywoulddofire

8InlikemannerletusreverencethedeaconsasJesusChrist;andthe bishopasthefather;andthepresbytersastheSanhedrimofGod,and collegeoftheApostles

9Withoutthesethereisnochurch.ConcerningallwhichIam persuadedthatyethinkaftertheverysamemanner:forIhave received,andevennowhavewithme,thepatternofyourlove,in yourbishop

10Whoseverylookisinstructive;andwhosemildnesspowerful: whomIampersuaded,theveryAtheiststhemselvescannotbut reverence

11ButbecauseIhavealovetowardsyou,Iwillnotwriteanymore sharplyuntoyouaboutthismatter,thoughIverywellmight;but nowIhavedoneso;lestbeingacondemnedman,Ishouldseemto prescribetoyouasanApostle

12IhavegreatknowledgeinGod;butIrefrainmyself,lestIshould perishinmyboasting

13FornowIoughtthemoretofear;andnottohearkentothosethat wouldpuffmeup

14Fortheythatspeaktome,inmypraise,chastenme

15ForIindeeddesiretosuffer,butIcannottellwhetherIamworthy sotodo

16Andthisdesire,thoughtoothersitdoesnotappear,yettomyself itisforthatveryreasonthemoreviolent.Ihave,therefore,needof moderation;bywhichtheprinceofthisworldisdestroyed

17AmInotabletowritetoyouofheavenlythings?ButIfearlest Ishouldharmyou,whoareyetbutbabesinChrist:(excusemethis care;)andlestperchancebeingnotabletoreceivethem,yeshould bechokenwiththem

18ForevenImyself,althoughIaminbonds,yetamnottherefore abletounderstandheavenlythings:

19Astheplacesoftheangels,andtheseveralcompaniesofthem, undertheirrespectiveprinces;thingsvisibleandinvisible;butin theseIamyetalearner

20Formanythingsarewantingtous,thatwecomenotshortofGod

CHAPTER2

1Iexhortyoutherefore,orrathernotI,buttheloveofJesusChrist; thatyeusenonebutChristiannourishment;abstainingfrompasture whichisofanotherkind,Imeanheresy

2Fortheythatareheretics,confoundtogetherthedoctrineofJesus Christ,withtheirownpoison:whilsttheyseemworthyofbelief: 3Asmengiveadeadlypotionmixedwithsweetwine;whichhewho drinksof,doeswiththetreacherouspleasuresweetlydrinkinhis owndeath

4Whereforeguardyourselvesagainstsuchpersons.Andthatyou willdoifyouarenotpuffedup;butcontinueinseparablefromJesus ChristourGod,andfromyourbishop,andfromthecommandsofthe Apostles.

5Hethatiswithinthealtarispure;buthethatiswithout,thatis,that doesanythingwithoutthebishop,thepresbyters,anddeacons,isnot pureinhisconscience.

6NotthatIknowthereisanythingofthisnatureamongyou;butI fore-armyou,asbeinggreatlybelovedbyme,foreseeingthesnares ofthedevil.

7Whereforeputtingonmeekness,renewyourselvesinfaith,thatis, thefleshoftheLord;andincharity,thatis,thebloodofJesusChrist 8Letnomanhaveanygrudgeagainsthisneighbour.Giveno occasiontotheGentiles;lestbymeansofafewfoolishmen,the wholecongregationofGodbeevilspokenof

9Forwoetothatmanthroughwhosevanitymynameisblasphemed byany

10Stopyourearstherefore,asoftenasanyoneshallspeakcontrary toJesusChrist;whowasoftheraceofDavid,oftheVirginMary

11Whowastrulybornanddideatanddrink;wastrulypersecuted underPontiusPilate;wastrulycrucifiedanddead;boththosein heavenandonearth,beingspectatorsofit

12WhowasalsotrulyraisedfromthedeadbyhisFatherafterthe samemannerashewillalsoraiseupuswhobelieveinhimbyChrist Jesus;withoutwhomwehavenotruelife

13Butif,assomewhoareAtheists,thatistosayinfidels,pretend, thatheonlyseemedtosuffer:(theythemselvesonlyseemingtoexist) whythenamIbound?WhydoIdesiretofightwithbeasts?

ThereforedoIdieinvain:thereforeIwillnotspeakfalselyagainst theLord

14Fleethereforetheseevilsproutswhichbringforthdeadlyfruit;of whichifanyonetaste,heshallpresentlydie.

15ForthesearenottheplantsoftheFather;seeingiftheywere,they wouldappeartobethebranchesofthecross,andtheirfruitwouldbe incorruptible;bywhichheinvitesyouthroughhispassion,whoare membersofhim

16Fortheheadcannotbewithoutitsmembers,Godhaving promisedaunion,thatishimself.

CHAPTER3

1IsaluteyoufromSmyrna,togetherwiththechurchesofGodthat arepresentwithme;whohaverefreshedmeinallthings,bothinthe fleshandinthespirit

2Mybonds,whichIcarryaboutmeforthesakeofChrist, beseechinghimthatImayattainuntoGodexhortyou,thatyou continueinconcordamongyourselvesandinprayerwithone another

3Foritbecomeseveryoneofyou,especiallythepresbyters,to refreshthebishop,tothehonouroftheFatherofJesusChristandof theApostles

4Ibeseechyou,thatyouhearkentomeinlove;thatImaynotby thosethingswhichIwrite,riseupinwitnessagainstyou

5Prayalsoforme;whothroughthemercyofGodstandinneedof yourprayers,thatImaybeworthyoftheportionwhichIamaboutto obtainthatIbenotfoundareprobate

6TheloveofthosewhoareatSmyrnaandEphesussaluteyou

RememberinyourprayersthechurchofSyria,fromwhichIamnot worthytobecalled,beingoneoftheleastofit

7FareyewellinJesusChrist;beingsubjecttoyourbishopastothe commandofGod;andsolikewisetothepresbytery

8LoveeveryonehisbrotherwithanunfeignedheartMysoulbe yourexpiation,notonlynow,butwhenIshallhaveattainedunto God;forIamyetunderdanger

9ButtheFatherisfaithfulinJesusChrist,tofulfilbothmineand yourpetition;inwhommayyebefoundunblamable.

TheEpistleofIgnatius totheRomans

CHAPTER1

1Ignatius,whoisalsocalledTheophorus,tothechurchwhichhas obtainedmercyfromthemajestyoftheMostHighFather,andhis onlybegottenSonJesusChrist;beloved,andilluminatedthroughthe willofwhowillethallthingswhichareaccordingtotheloveofJesus ChristourGodwhichalsopresidesintheplaceoftheregionofthe Romans;andwhichIsaluteinthenameofJesusChristasbeing unitedbothinfleshandspirittoallhiscommands,andfilledwiththe graceofGod;alljoyinJesusChristourGod

2ForasmuchasIhaveatlastobtainedthroughmyprayerstoGod,to seeyourfaces,whichImuchdesiredtodo;beingboundinJesus Christ,Ihopeerelongtosaluteyou,ifitshallbethewillofGodto grantmetoattainuntotheendIlongfor

3Forthebeginningiswelldisposed,ifIshallbuthavegrace, withouthindrance,toreceivewhatisappointedforme

4ButIfearyourlove,lestitdomeaninjuryForitiseasyforyouto dowhatyouplease;butitwillbehardformetoattainuntoGod,if youspareme

5ButIwouldnotthatyeshouldpleasemen,butGodwhomalsoye dopleaseForneithershallIhereafterhavesuchanopportunityof goinguntoGod;norwillyouifyeshallnowbesilent,everbe entitledtoabetterworkForifyoushallbesilentinmybehalf,I shallbemadepartakerofGod

6Butifyoushalllovemybody,Ishallhavemycourseagaintorun Whereforeyecannotdomeagreaterkindness,thantosuffermeto besacrificeduntoGod,nowthatthealtarisalreadyprepared:

7Thatwhenyeshallbegatheredtogetherinlove,yemaygive thankstotheFatherthroughChristJesus;thathehasvouchsafedto bringabishopofSyriauntoyou,beingcalledfromtheeastuntothe west

8Foritisgoodformetosetfromtheworld,untoGod;thatImay riseagainuntohim

9Yehaveneverenviedanyone;yehavetaughtotherIwould thereforethatyeshouldnowdothosethingsyourselves,whichin yourinstructionsyouhaveprescribedtoothers

10Onlyprayforme,thatGodwouldgivemebothinwardand outwardstrength,thatImaynotonlysay,butwill;norbeonlycalled aChristian,butbefoundone

11ForifIshallbefoundaChristian,Imaythendeservedlybecalled one;andbethoughtfaithful,whenIshallnolongerappeartothe world

12Nothingisgood,thatisseen

13ForevenourGod,JesusChrist,nowthatheisintheFather,does somuchthemoreappear

14AChristianisnotaworkofopinion;butofgreatnessofmind, especiallywhenheishatedbytheworld

CHAPTER2

1Iwritetothechurches,andsignifytothemall,thatamwillingto dieforGod,unlesshinderme

2Ibeseechyouthatyoushewnotanunseasonablegoodwilltowards meSuffermetobefoodtothewildbeasts;bywhomIshallattain untoGod.

3ForIamthewheatofGod;andIshallbegroundbytheteethofthe wildbeasts,thatImaybefoundthepurebreadofChrist

4Ratherencouragethebeasts,thattheymaybecomemysepulchre; andmayleavenothingofmybody;thatbeingdeadImazynotbe troublesometoany

5ThenshallIbetrulythediscipleofJesusChrist,whentheworld shallnotseesomuchasmybody,PraythereforeuntoChristforme, thatbytheseinstrumentsImaybemadethesacrificeofGod

6Idonot,asPeterandPaul,commandyouTheywereApostles,Ia condemnedman;theywerefree,butIameventothisdayaservant: 7ButifIshallsuffer,IshallthenbecomethefreemanofJesusChrist, andshallrisefree.Andnow,beinginbonds,Ilearn,nottodesire anything

8FromSyriaevenuntoRome,Ifightwithbeastsbothbyseaand land;bothnightandday:beingboundtotenleopards,thatistosay, tosuchabandofsoldiers;who,thoughtreatedwithallmannerof kindness,aretheworseforit

9ButIamthemoreinstructedbytheirinjuries;yetamInot thereforejustified

10MayIenjoythewildbeaststhatarepreparedforme;whichalsoI wishmayexercisealltheirfiercenessuponme

11AndwhomforthatendIwillencourage,thattheymaybesureto devourme,andnotservemeastheyhavedonesome,whomoutof feartheyhavenottouchedBut,andiftheywillnotdoitwillingly,I willprovokethemtoit

12Pardonmeinthismatter;IknowwhatisprofitableformeNowI begintobeadiscipleNorshallanythingmoveme,whethervisible orinvisible,thatImayattaintoJesusChrist.

13Letfire,andthecross;letthecompaniesofwildbeasts;let breakingsofbonesandtearingofmembers;lettheshatteringin piecesofthewholebody,andallthewickedtormentsofthedevil comeuponme;onlyletmeenjoyJesusChrist

14Alltheendsoftheworld,andthekingdomsofit,willprofitme nothing:IwouldratherdieforJesusChrist,thanruletotheutmost endsoftheearthHimIseekwhodiedforus;himIdesire,thatrose againforusThisisthegainthatislaidupforme

15Pardonme,mybrethren,yeshallnothindermefromliving.Nor seeingIdesiretogotoGod,mayyouseparatemefromhim,forthe sakeofthisworld;norreducemebyanyofthedesiresofitSuffer metoenterintopurelight:Wherebeingcome,Ishallbeindeedthe servantofGod

16PermitmetoimitatethepassionofmyGodIfanyonehashim withinhimself,lethimconsiderwhatIdesire;andlethimhave compassiononme,asknowinghowIamstraightened

CHAPTER3

1Theprinceofthisworldwouldfaincarrymeaway,andcorruptmy resolutiontowardsmyGodLetnoneofyouthereforehelphim: Ratherdoyejoinwithme,thatis,withGod

2DonotspeakwithJesusChrist,andyetcovettheworldLetnot anyenvydwellwithyou;NonotthoughImyselfwhenIshallbe comeuntoyou,shouldexhortyoutoit,yetdonotyehearkentome; butratherbelievewhatInowwritetoyou

3ForthoughIamalive,atthewritingthis,yetmydesireistodie Myloveiscrucified;andthefirethatiswithinmedoesnotdesire anywater;butbeingaliveandspringingwithinme,says,Cometo theFather 4Itakenopleasureinthefoodofcorruption,norinthepleasuresof thislife.

5IdesirethebreadofGodwhichisthefleshofJesusChrist,ofthe seedofDavid;andthedrinkthatIlongforishisblood,whichis incorruptiblelove

6Ihavenodesiretoliveanylongerafterthemannerofmen,neither shallI,ifyouconsentBeyethereforewilling,thatyeyourselves alsomaybepleasingtoGod.Iexhortyouinafewwords;Iprayyou believeme

7JesusChristwillshewyouthatIspeaktrulyMymouthiswithout deceit,andtheFatherhathtrulyspokenbyit.Praythereforeforme, thatImayaccomplishwhatIdesire

8Ihavenotwrittentoyouaftertheflesh,butaccordingtothewillof GodIfIshallsuffer,yehavelovedme;butifIshallberejected,ye havehatedme

9RememberinyourprayersthechurchofSyria,whichnowenjoys Godforitsshepherdinsteadofme:LetJesusChristonlyoverseeit, andyourcharity

10ButIamevenashamedtobereckonedasoneofthem:Forneither amIworthy,beingtheleastamongthem,andasonebornoutofdue seasonButthroughmercyIhaveobtainedtobesomebody,ifIshall getuntoGod

11Myspiritsalutesyou;andthecharityofthechurchesthathave receivedmeinthenameofJesusChrist;notasapassengerForeven theythatwerenotneartomeintheway,havegonebeforemetothe nextcitytomeetme

12ThesethingsIwritetoyoufromSmyrna,bythemostworthyof thechurchofEphesus

13Thereisnowwithme,togetherwithmanyothers,Crocus,most belovedofme.AsforthosewhicharecomefromSyria,andaregone beforemetoRome,tothegloryofGod,Isupposeyouarenot ignorantofthem

14Yeshallthereforesignifytothem,thatIdrawnear,fortheyareall worthybothofGodandofyou:Whomitisfitthatyourefreshinall things

15ThishaveIwrittentoyou,thedaybeforetheninthofthecalends ofSeptemberBestronguntotheend,inthepatienceofJesusChrist

TheEpistleofIgnatius tothePhiladelphians

CHAPTER1

1Ignatius,whoisalsocalledTheophorus,tothechurchofGodthe Father,andourLordJesusChrist,whichisatPhiladelphiainAsia; whichhasobtainedmercy,beingfixedintheconcordofGod,and rejoicingevermoreinthepassionofourLord,andbeingfulfilledin allmercythroughhisresurrection:WhichalsoIsaluteinthebloodof JesusChrist,whichisoureternalandundefiledjoy;especiallyifthey areatunitywiththebishop,andpresbyterswhoarewithhim,and thedeaconsappointedaccordingtothemindofJesusChrist;whom hehassettledaccordingtohisownwillinallfirmnessbyhisHoly Spirit:

2WhichbishopIknowobtainedthatgreatministryamongyou,not ofhimself,neitherbymen,noroutofvainglory;butbytheloveof GodtheFather,andourLordJesusChrist

3WhosemoderationIadmire;whobyhissilenceisabletodomore thanotherswithalltheirvaintalkForheisfittedtothecommands, astheharptoitsstrings

4WhereforemysoulesteemshismindtowardsGodmosthappy, knowingittobefruitfulinallvirtue,andperfect;fullofconstancy, freefrompassion,andaccordingtoallthemoderationoftheliving God

5Whereforeasbecomesthechildrenbothofthelightandoftruth; fleedivisionsandfalsedoctrines;butwhereyourshepherdis,there doye,assheep,followafter.

6Fortherearemanywolveswhoseemworthyofbeliefwithafalse pleasureleadcaptivethosethatruninthecourseofGod;butinthe concordtheyshallfindnoplace.

7AbstainthereforefromevilherbswhichJesusdoesnotdress; becausesucharenottheplantationoftheFatherNotthatIhave foundanydivisionamongyou,butratherallmannerofpurity

8ForasmanyasareofGod,andofJesusChrist,arealsowiththeir bishopAndasmanyasshallwithrepentancereturnintotheunityof thechurch,eventheseshallalsobetheservantsofGod,thatthey mayliveaccordingtoJesus

9Benotdeceived,brethren;ifanyonefollowshimthatmakesa schisminthechurch,heshallnotinheritthekingdomofGodIfany onewalksafteranyotheropinion,heagreesnotwiththepassionof Christ

10Whereforeletitbeyourendeavourtopartakeallofthesameholy eucharist

11ForthereisbutonefleshofourLordJesusChrist;andonecupin theunityofhisblood;onealtar;

12Asalsothereisonebishop,togetherwithhispresbytery,andthe deaconsmyfellow-servants:thatsowhatsoeveryedo,yemaydoit accordingtothewillofGod

CHAPTER2

1Mybrethren,theloveIhavetowardsyoumakesmethemorelarge; andhavingagreatjoyinyou,Iendeavourtosecureyouagainst danger;orrathernotI,butJesusChrist;inwhombeingboundIthe morefear,asbeingyetonlyonthewaytosuffering.

2ButyourprayertoGodshallmakemeperfect,thatImayattainto thatportion,whichbyGod'smercyisallottedtome:Fleeingtothe GospelastothefleshofChrist;andtotheApostlesastothe presbyteryofthechurch

3Letusalsolovetheprophets,forasmuchastheyalsohaveledusto theGospel,andtohopeinChrist,andtoexpecthim.

4InwhomalsobelievingtheyweresavedintheunityofJesusChrist; beingholymen,worthytobeloved,andhadinwonder;

5WhohavereceivedtestimonyfromJesusChrist,andarenumbered intheGospelofourcommonhope

6ButifanyoneshallpreachtheJewishlawuntoyou,hearkennot untohim;foritisbettertoreceivethedoctrineofChristfromone thathasbeencircumcised,thanJudaismfromonethathasnot

7Butifeithertheone,orother,donotspeakconcerningChristJesus, theyseemtometobebutasmonumentsandsepulchresofthedead, uponwhicharewrittenonlythenamesofmen

8Fleethereforethewickedartsandsnaresoftheprinceofthisworld; lestatanytimebeingoppressedbyhiscunningyegrowcoldinyour

charityButcomealltogetherintothesameplacewithanundivided heart

9AndIblessmyGodthatIhaveagoodconsciencetowardsyou, andthatnooneamongyouhaswhereoftoboasteitheropenlyor privately,thatIhavebeenburthensometohiminmuchorlittle

10AndIwishtoallamongwhomIhaveconversed,thatitmaynot turntoawitnessagainstthem

11Foralthoughsomewouldhavedeceivedmeaccordingtotheflesh, yetthespirit,beingfromGod,isnotdeceived;foritknowsboth whenceitcomesandwhitheritgoes,andreprovesthesecretsofthe heart.

12IcriedwhilstIwasamongyou;Ispakewithaloudvoice:attend tothebishop,andtothepresbytery,andtothedeacons

13NowsomesupposedthatIspakethisasforeseeingthedivision thatshouldcomeamongyou

14ButheismywitnessforwhosesakeIaminbondsthatIknew nothingfromanyman.Butthespiritspake,sayingonthiswise:Do nothingwithoutthebishop:

15KeepyourbodiesasthetemplesofGod:Loveunity;Flee divisions;BethefollowersofChrist,ashewasofhisFather.

16Ithereforedidasbecameme,asamancomposedtounityFor wherethereisdivision,andwrath,Goddwellethnot

17ButtheLordforgivesallthatrepent,iftheyreturntotheunityof God,andtothecouncilofthebishop

18ForItrustinthegraceofJesusChristthathewillfreeyoufrom everybond

19NeverthelessIexhortyouthatyoudonothingoutofstrife,but accordingtotheinstructionofChrist

20BecauseIhaveheardofsomewhosay;unlessIfinditwrittenin theoriginals,IwillnotbelieveittobewrittenintheGospelAnd whenIsaid,Itiswritten;theyansweredwhatlaybeforethemintheir corruptedcopies

21ButtomeJesusChristisinsteadofalltheuncorrupted monumentsintheworld;togetherwiththoseundefiledmonuments, hiscross,anddeath,andresurrection,andthefaithwhichisbyhim; bywhichIdesire,throughyourprayers,tobejustified

22Thepriestsindeedaregood;butmuchbetteristheHighPriestto whomtheHolyofHolieshasbeencommitted;andwhoalonehas beenentrustedwiththesecretsofGod.

23HeisthedooroftheFather;bywhichAbraham,andIsaac,and Jacob,andalltheprophets,enterin;aswellastheApostles,andthe church.

24AndallthesethingstendtotheunitywhichisofGodHowbeit theGospelhassomewhatinitfaraboveallotherdispensations; namely,theappearanceofourSaviour,theLordJesusChrist,his passionandresurrection

25Forthebelovedprophetsreferredtohim;butthegospelisthe perfectionofincorruption.Allthereforetogetheraregood,ifye believewithcharity

CHAPTER3

1NowasconcerningthechurchofAntiochwhichisinSyria,seeing Iamtoldthatthroughyourprayersandthebowelswhichyehave towardsitinJesusChrist,itisinpeace;itwillbecomeyou,asthe churchofGod,toordainsomedeacontogotothemthitherasthe ambassadorofGod;thathemayrejoicewiththemwhentheymeet together,andglorifyGod'sname

2BlessedbethatmaninJesusChrist,whoshallbefoundworthyof suchaministry;andyeyourselvesalsoshallbeglorified

3Nowifyoubewilling,itisnotimpossibleforyoutodothisforthe graceofGod;asalsotheotherneighbouringchurcheshavesentthem, somebishops,somepriestsanddeacons

4AsconcerningPhilothedeaconofCilicia,amostworthyman,he stillministersuntomeinthewordofGod:togetherwithRheusof Agathopolis,asingulargoodperson,whohasfollowedmeevenfrom Syria,notregardinghislife:Thesealsobearwitnessuntoyou

5AndImyselfgivethankstoGodforyouthatyoureceivethemas theLordshallreceiveyouButforthosethatdishonouredthem,may theybeforgiventhroughthegraceofJesusChrist.

6ThecharityofthebrethrenthatareatTroassalutesyou:from whencealsoInowwritebyBurrhus,whowassenttogetherwithme bythoseofEphesusandSmyrna,forrespectsake.

7MayourLordJesusChristhonourthem;inwhomtheyhope,both inflesh,andsoul,andspirit;infaith,inlove,inunityFarewellin ChristJesusourcommonhope.

TheEpistleofIgnatius totheSmyrnaeans

CHAPTER1

1Ignatius,whoisalsocalledTheophorus,tothe churchofGodtheFather,andofthebelovedJesus Christ,whichGodhathmercifullyblessedwith everygoodgift;beingfilledwithfaithandcharity, sothatthisiswantinginnogift;mostworthyof God,andfruitfulinsaints:thechurchwhichisat SmyrnainAsia;alljoy,throughhisimmaculate spirit,andthewordofGod

2IglorifyGod,evenJesusChrist,whohasgiven yousuchwisdom.

3ForIhaveobservedthatyouaresettledinan immovablefaith,asifyouwerenailedtothecross ofourLordJesusChrist,bothinthefleshandinthe spirit;andareconfirmedinlovethroughtheblood ofChrist;beingfullypersuadedofthosethings whichrelateuntoourLord

4WhotrulywasoftheraceofDavidaccordingto theflesh,buttheSonofGodaccordingtothewill andpowerofGod;trulybornoftheVirgin,and baptizedofJohn;thatsoallrighteousnessmightbe fulfilledbyhim

5HewasalsotrulycrucifiedbyPontiusPilate,and HerodtheTetrarch,beingnailedforusintheflesh; bythefruitsofwhichweare,evenbyhismost blessedpassion.

6Thathemightsetupatokenforallagesthrough hisresurrection,toallhisholyandfaithfulservants, whethertheybeJewsorGentiles,inonebodyof hischurch

7Nowallthesethingshesufferedforusthatwe mightbesaved.Andhesufferedtruly,ashealso trulyraiseduphimself:Andnot,assome unbelieverssay,thatheonlyseemedtosuffer,they themselvesonlyseemingtobe.

8Andastheybelievesoshallithappenuntothem; whenbeingdivestedofthebodytheyshallbecome merespirits

9ButIknowthatevenafterhisresurrectionhewas intheflesh;andIbelievedthatheisstillso.

10AndwhenhecametothosewhowerewithPeter, hesaiduntothem,Take,handleme,andseethatI amnotanincorporealdæmon.Andstraightway theyfeltandbelieved;beingconvincedbothbyhis fleshandspirit

11Forthiscausetheydespiseddeath,andwere foundtobeaboveit.

12Butafterhisresurrectionhedideatanddrink withthem,ashewasflesh;althoughastohisSpirit hewasunitedtotheFather

CHAPTER2

1Nowthesethings,beloved,putyouinmindof, notquestioningbutthatyouyourselvesalsobelieve thattheyareso

2ButIarmyoubefore-handagainstcertainbeasts intheshapeofmenwhomyoumustnotonlynot receive,butifitbepossiblemustnotmeetwith

3Onlyyoumustprayforthem,thatifitbethewill ofGodtheymayrepent;whichyetwillbevery hard.ButofthisourLordJesusChristhasthe power,whoisourtruelife.

4Forifallthesethingsweredoneonlyinshewby ourLord,thendoIalsoseemonlytobebound.

5AndwhyhaveIgivenupmyselftodeath,tothe fire,tothesword,towildbeasts!

6ButnowthenearerIamtothesword,thenearerI amtoGod:whenIshallcomeamongthewild beasts,IshallcometoGod.

7OnlyinthenameofJesusChrist,Iundergoall,to suffertogetherwithhim;hewhowasmadea perfectmanstrengtheningme.

8Whomsomenotknowing,dodeny;orratherhave beendeniedbyhim,beingtheadvocatesofdeath, ratherthanofthetruthWhomneitherthe prophecies,northelawofMoseshavepersuaded; northeGospelitselfeventothisday,northe sufferingsofeveryoneofus.

9FortheythinkalsothesamethingsofusFor whatdoesamanprofitme,ifheshallpraiseme, andblasphememyLord;notconfessingthathewas trulymademan?

10Nowhethatdothnotsaythis,doesineffect denyhim,andisindeath.Butforthenamesofsuch asdothis,theybeingunbelievers,Ithoughtitnot fittingtowritethemuntoyou.

11Yea,GodforbidthatIshouldmakeanymention ofthem,tilltheyshallrepenttoatruebeliefof Christ'spassion,whichisourresurrection.

12Letnomandeceivehimself;boththethings whichareinheavenandthegloriousangels,and princes,whethervisibleorinvisible,iftheybelieve notinthebloodofChrist,itshallbetothemto condemnation.

13Hethatisabletoreceivethis,lethimreceiveit Letnoman'splaceorstateintheworldpuffhimup: thatwhichisworthallhisfaithandcharity,to whichnothingistobepreferred.

14Butconsiderthosewhoareofadifferentopinion fromus,astowhatconcernsthegraceofJesus Christwhichiscomeuntous,howcontrarytheyare tothedesignofGod.

15Theyhavenoregardtocharity,nocareofthe widow,thefatherless,andtheoppressed;ofthe bondorfree,ofthehungryorthirsty.

16Theyabstainfromtheeucharist,andfromthe publicoffices;becausetheyconfessnotthe eucharisttobethefleshofourSaviourJesusChrist; whichsufferedforoursins,andwhichtheFatherof hisgoodness,raisedagainfromthedead.

17AndforthiscausecontradictingthegiftofGod, theydieintheirdisputes:butmuchbetterwouldit beforthemtoreceiveit,thattheymightoneday risethroughit.

18Itwillthereforebecomeyoutoabstainfrom suchpersons;andnottospeakwiththemneitherin privatenorinpublic.

19Buttohearkentotheprophets,andespeciallyto theGospel,inwhichbothChrist'spassionis manifesteduntous,andhisresurrectionperfectly declared.

20Butfleealldivisions,asthebeginningofevils.

CHAPTER3

1Seethatyeallfollowyourbishop,asJesusChrist, theFather;andthepresbytery,astheApostlesAnd reverencethedeacons,asthecommandofGod.

2Letnomandoanythingofwhatbelongstothe churchseparatelyfromthebishop.

3Letthateucharistbelookeduponaswell established,whichiseitherofferedbythebishop, orbyhimtowhomthebishophasgivenhisconsent. 4Wheresoeverthebishopshallappear,thereletthe peoplealsobe:aswhereJesusChristis,thereisthe Catholicchurch.

5Itisnotlawfulwithoutthebishop,neitherto baptize,nortocelebratetheHolyCommunion;but whatsoeverheshallapproveof,thatisalsopleasing untoGod;thatsowhateverisdone,maybesure andwelldone.

6Forwhatremains,itisveryreasonablethatwe shouldrepentwhilstthereisyettimetoreturnunto God.

7ItisagoodthingtohaveadueregardbothtoGod, andtothebishop:hethathonoursthebishop,shall behonouredofGodButhethatdoesanything withouthisknowledge,ministersuntothedevil.

8Letallthingsthereforeaboundtoyouincharity; seeingthatyeareworthy.

9Yehaverefreshedmeinallthings;soshallJesus Christyou.YehavelovedmebothwhenIwas presentwithyou,andnowbeingabsent,yecease nottodoso.

10MayGodbeyourreward,fromwhomwhilstye undergoallthings,yeshallattainuntohim.

11YehavedonewellinthatyehavereceivedPhilo, andRheusAgathopus,whofollowedmeforthe wordofGod,asthedeaconsofChristourGod

12WhoalsogavethanksuntotheLordforyou, forasmuchasyehaverefreshedtheminallthings. Norshallanythingthatyouhavedonebelostto you

13Mysoulbeforyours,andmybondswhichye havenotdespised,norbeenashamedof.Wherefore neithershallJesusChrist,ourperfectfaith,be ashamedofyou

14YourprayeriscometothechurchofAntioch whichisinSyria.Fromwhencebeingsentbound withchainsbecomingGod,Isalutethechurches;

beingnotworthytobecalledfromthence,asbeing theleastamongthem

15NeverthelessbythewillofGodIhavebeen thoughtworthyofthishonour;notforthatIthinkI havedeservedit,butbythegraceofGod

16WhichIwishmaybeperfectlygivenuntome, thatthroughyourprayersImayattainuntoGod.

17Andthereforethatyourworkmaybefully accomplishedbothuponearthandinheaven;itwill befitting,andforthehonourofGod,thatyour churchappointsomeworthydelegate,whobeing comeasfarasSyria,mayrejoicetogetherwith themthattheyareinpeace;andthattheyareagain restoredtotheirformerstate,andhaveagain receivedtheirproperbody.

18WhereforeIshouldthinkitaworthyaction,to sendsomeonefromyouwithanepistle,to congratulatewiththemtheirpeaceinGod;andthat throughyourprayerstheyhavenowgottentotheir harbor.

19Forinasmuchasyeareperfectyourselves,you oughttothinkthosethingsthatareperfect.For whenyouaredesiroustodowell,Godisreadyto enableyouthereunto

20TheloveofthebrethrenthatareatTroassalute you;fromwhenceIwritetoyoubyBurrhuswhom yousentwithme,togetherwiththeEphesiansyour brethren;andwhohasinallthingsrefreshedme.

21AndIwouldtoGodthatallwouldimitatehim, asbeingapatternoftheministryofGod.Mayhis gracefullyrewardhim.

22Isaluteyourveryworthybishop,andyour venerablepresbytery;andyourdeacons,myfellowservants;andallofyouingeneral,andeveryonein particular,inthenameofJesusChrist,andinhis fleshandblood;inhispassionandresurrectionboth fleshlyandspiritually;andintheunityofGodwith you.

23Gracebewithyou,andmercy,andpeace,and patience,forevermore.

24Isalutethefamiliesofmybrethren,withtheir wivesandchildren;andthevirginsthatarecalled widows.BestronginthepoweroftheHolyGhost. Philo,whoispresentwithmesalutesyou.

25IsalutethehouseofTavias,andpraythatitmay bestrengthenedinfaithandcharity,bothofflesh andspirit.

26IsaluteAlcemywell-beloved,togetherwiththe incomparableDaphnus,andEutechnus,andallby name

27FarewellinthegraceofGod.

TheEpistleofIgnatius toPolycarp

CHAPTER1

1Ignatius,whoisalsocalledTheophorus,toPolycarp,bishopof thechurchwhichisatSmyrna;theiroverseer,butratherhimself overlookedbyGodtheFather,andtheLordJesusChrist:all happiness.

2HavingknownthatthymindtowardsGod,isfixedasitwere uponanimmovablerock;Iexceedinglygivethanks,thatIhave beenthoughtworthytobeholdthyblessedface,inwhichmayI alwaysrejoiceinGod

3WhereforeIbeseechtheebythegraceofGodwithwhichthou artclothed,topressforwardinthycourse,andtoexhortallothers thattheymaybesaved.

4Maintainthyplacewithallcarebothoffleshandspirit:Makeit thyendeavourtopreserveunity,thanwhichnothingisbetter Bearwithallmen,evenastheLordwiththee

5Supportallinlove,asalsothoudostPraywithoutceasing:ask moreunderstandingthanwhatthoualreadyhastBewatchful, havingthyspiritalwaysawake

6SpeaktoeveryoneaccordingasGodshallenabletheeBearthe infirmitiesofall,asaperfectcombatant;wherethelabourisgreat, thegainisthemore

7Ifthoushaltlovethegooddisciples,whatthankisit?Butrather dothousubjecttotheethosethataremischievous,inmeekness

8Everywoundisnothealedwiththesameplaster:ifthe accessionsofthediseasebevehement,modifythemwithsoft remedies:beinallthingswiseasaserpent,butharmlessasa dove

9Forthiscausethouartcomposedoffleshandspirit;thatthou mayestmodifythosethingsthatappearbeforethyface

10Andasforthosethatarenotseen,praytoGodthathewould revealthemuntothee,thatsothoumayestbewantinginnothing, butmayestaboundineverygift

11Thetimesdemandthee,asthepilotsthewinds;andhethatis tossedinatempest,thehavenwherehewouldbe;thatthou maystattainuntoGod

12BesoberasthecombatantofGod:thecrownproposedtothee isimmortality,andeternallife;concerningwhichthouartalso fullypersuadedIwillbethysuretyinallthings,andmybonds, whichthouhastloved

13Letnotthosethatseemworthyofcredit,butteachother doctrines,disturbtheeStandfirmandimmovable,asauanvil whenitisbeatenupon.

14Itisthepartofabravecombatanttobewounded,andyet overcome.ButespeciallyweoughttoendureallthingsforGod's sake,thathemaybearwithus.

15Beeverydaybetterthanother:considerthetimes;andexpect him,whoisabovealltime,eternal,invisible,thoughforour sakesmadevisible:impalpable,andimpassable,yetforus subjectedtosufferings;enduringallmannerofwaysforour salvation.

CHAPTER2

1Letnotthewidowsbeneglected:bethouafterGod,their guardian

2Letnothingbedonewithoutthyknowledgeandconsent; neitherdothouanythingbutaccordingtothewillofGod;asalso thoudost,withallconstancy

3Letyourassembliesbemorefull:inquireintoallbyname

4Overlooknotthemenandmaidservants;neitherletthembe puffedup:butratherletthembethemoresubjecttothegloryof God,thattheymayobtainfromhimabetterliberty

5Letthemnotdesiretobesetfreeatthepubliccost,thattheybe notslavestotheirownlusts

6Fleeevilarts;orrather,makenotanymentionofthem

7Saytomysisters,thattheylovetheLord;andbesatisfiedwith theirownhusbands,bothinthefleshandspirit.

8Inlikemanner,exhortmybrethren,inthenameofJesusChrist, thattheylovetheirwives,evenastheLordtheChurch.

9Ifanymancanremaininavirginstate,tothehonourofthe fleshofChrist,lethimremainwithoutboasting;butifheboast, heisundone.Andifhedesiretobemoretakennoticeofthanthe bishopheiscorrupted.

10Butitbecomesallsuchasaremarried,whethermenor womentocometogetherwiththeconsentofthebishop,thatso theirmarriagemaybeaccordingtogodliness,andnotinlust. 11LetallthingsbedonetothehonourofGod

12Hearkenuntothebishop,thatGodalsomayhearkenuntoyou. Mysoulbesecurityforthemthatsubmittotheirbishop,with theirpresbytersanddeaconsAndmaymyportionbetogether withtheirsinGod

13Labourwithoneanother;contendtogether,runtogether, suffertogether;sleeptogether,andrisetogether;asthestewards, andassessors,andministersofGod

14Pleasehimunderwhomyewar,andfromwhomyereceive yourwagesLetnoneofyoubefoundadeserter;butletyour baptismremain,asyourarms;yourfaith,asyourhelmet;your charity,asyourspear;yourpatience,asyourwholearmour

15Letyourworksbeyourcharge,thatsoyoumayreceivea suitablerewardBelongsufferingthereforetowardseachotherin meekness:asGodistowardsyou

16Letmehavejoyofyouinallthings

CHAPTER3

1NowforasmuchasthechurchofAntiochinSyria,is,asIam told,throughyourprayers;Ialsohavebeenthemorecomforted andwithoutcareinGod;ifsobethatbysuffering,Ishallattain untoGod;thatthroughyourprayersImaybefoundadiscipleof Christ

2Itwillbeveryfit,OmostworthyPolycarp,tocallaselect council,andchoosesomeonewhomyeparticularlylove,and whoispatientoflabour;thathemaybethemessengerofGod; andthatgoinguntoSyria,hemayglorifyyourincessantlove,to thepraiseofChrist

3AChristianhasnotthepowerofhimself:butmustbealwaysat leisureforGod'sserviceNowthisworkisbothGod'sandyour's: whenyeshallhaveperfectedit

4ForItrustthroughthegraceofGodthatyearereadytoevery goodworkthatisfittingforyouintheLord.

5Knowingthereforeyourearnestaffectionforthetruth,Ihave exhortedyoubytheseshortletters.

6ButforasmuchasIhavenotbeenabletowritetoallthe churches,becauseImustsuddenlysailfromTroastoNeapolis; forsoisthecommandofthosetowhosepleasureIamsubject;do youwritetothechurchesthatarenearyou,asbeinginstructedin thewillofGod,thattheyalsomaydoinlikemanner.

7Letthosethatareablesendmessengers;andlettherestsend theirlettersbythosewhoshallbesentbyyou:thatyoumaybe glorifiedtoalleternity,ofwhichyouareworthy

8Isaluteallbyname,particularlythewifeofEpitropus,withall herhouseandchildrenIsaluteAttalusmywell-beloved

9Isalutehimwhoshallbethoughtworthytobesentbyyouinto SyriaLetgracebeeverwithhim,andwithPolycarpwhosends him

10IwishyouallhappinessinourGod,JesusChrist;inwhom continue,intheunityandprotectionofGod

11IsaluteAlcemywell-belovedFarewellintheLord

TheEpistleofPolycarp tothePhilippians

CHAPTER1

1Polycarp,andthepresbytersthatarewithhim,tothechurch ofGodwhichisatPhilippi:mercyuntoyouandpeacefrom GodAlmighty;andtheLordJesusChrist,ourSaviour,be multiplied

2IrejoicedgreatlywithyouinourLordJesusChrist,thatye receivedtheimagesofatruelove,andaccompanied,asitis behoovedyou,thosewhowereinbonds,becomingsaints; whicharethecrownsofsuchasaretrulychosenbyGodand ourLord:

3Asalsothattherootofthefaithwhichwaspreachedfrom ancienttimes,remainsfirminyoutothisday;andbringsforth fruittoourLordJesusChrist,whosufferedhimselftobe broughteventothedeathforoursins

4WhomGodhathraisedup,havingloosedthepainsofdeath, whomhavingnotseen,yelove;inwhomthoughnowyesee himnot,yetbelievingyerejoicewithjoyunspeakableandfull ofglory.

5Intowhichmanydesiretoenter;knowingthatbygraceye aresaved;notbyworks,butbythewillofGodthroughJesus Christ.

6Whereforegirdinguptheloinsofyourminds;servethe Lordwithfear,andintruth:layingasideallemptyandvain speech,andtheerrorofmany;believinginhimthatraisedup ourLordJesusChristfromthedead,andhathgivenhimglory andathroneathisrighthand

7Towhomallthingsaremadesubject,boththatarein heaven,andthatareinearth;whomeverylivingcreatureshall worship;whoshallcometobethejudgeofthequickand dead.:whosebloodGodshallrequireofthemthatbelievein him

8ButhethatraisedupChristfromthedead,shallalsoraise upusinlikemanner,ifwedohiswillandwalkaccordingto hiscommandments;andlovethosethingswhichheloved:

9Abstainingfromallunrighteousness;inordinateaffection, andloveofmoney;fromevilspeaking;falsewitness;not renderingevilforevil,orrailingforrailing,orstrikingfor striking,orcursingforcursing

10ButrememberingwhattheLordhastaughtussaying, Judgenot,andyeshallnotbejudged;forgiveandyeshallbe forgiven;beyemerciful,andyeshallobtainmercy;forwith thesamemeasurethatyemetewithal,itshallbemeasuredto youagain

11Andagain,thatblessedarethepoor,andtheythatare persecutedforrighteousness’sake;fortheirsisthekingdom ofGod

CHAPTER2

1Thesethings,mybrethren,Itooknotthelibertyofmyselfto writeuntoyouconcerningrighteousness,butyouyourselves beforeencouragedmetoit

2ForneithercanI,noranyothersuchasIam,comeuptothe wisdomoftheblessedandrenownedPaul:whobeinghimself inpersonwiththosewhothenlived,didwithallexactness andsoundnessteachthewordoftruth;andbeinggonefrom youwroteanepistletoyou

3Intowhichifyoulook,youwillbeabletoedifyyourselves inthefaiththathasbeendelivereduntoyou;whichisthe motherofusall;beingfollowedwithhope,andledonbya generallove,bothtowardsGodandtowardsChrist,and towardsourneighbour

4Forifanymanhasthesethingshehasfulfilledthelawof righteousness:forhethathascharityisfarfromallsin

5ButtheloveofmoneyistherootofallevilKnowing thereforethataswebroughtnothingintothisworld,soneither maywecarryanythingout;letusarmourselveswiththe armourofrighteousness

6Andteachourselvesfirsttowalkaccordingtothe commandmentsoftheLord;andthenyourwivestowalk likewiseaccordingtothefaiththatisgiventothem;incharity, andinpurity;lovingtheirownhusbandswithallsincerity, andallothersalikewithalltemperance;andtobringuptheir childrenintheinstructionandfearoftheLord

7Thewidowslikewiseteachthattheybesoberastowhat concernsthefaithoftheLord:prayingalwaysforallmen; beingfarfromalldetraction,evilspeaking,falsewitness; fromcovetousness,andfromallevil.

8KnowingthattheyarethealtarsofGod,whoseesall blemishes,andfromwhomnothingishid;whosearchesout theveryreasonings,andthoughts,andsecretsofourhearts.

9KnowingthereforethatGodisnotmocked,weoughtto walkworthybothofhiscommandandofhisglory

10Alsothedeaconsmustbeblamelessbeforehim,asthe ministersofGodinChrist,andnotofmenNotfalseaccusers; notdoubletongued;notloversofmoney;butmoderateinall things;compassionate,careful;walkingaccordingtothetruth oftheLord,whowastheservantofall

11Whomifwepleaseinthispresentworldweshallalsobe madepartakersofthatwhichistocome,accordingashehas promisedtous,thathewillraiseusfromthedead;andthatif weshallwalkworthyofhim,weshallalsoreigntogetherwith him,ifwebelieve

12Inlikemannertheyoungermenmustbeunblameableinall things;aboveall,takingcareoftheirpurity,andtorestrain themselvesfromallevilForitisgoodtobecutofffromthe luststhatareintheworld;becauseeverysuchlustwarreth againstthespirit:andneitherfornicators,noreffeminate,nor abusersofthemselveswithmankind,shallinheritthekingdom ofGod;northeywhodosuchthingsasarefoolishand unreasonable.

13Whereforeyemustneedsabstainfromallthesethings, beingsubjecttothepriestsanddeacons,asuntoGodand Christ.

14Thevirginsadmonishtowalkinaspotlessandpure conscience

15Andlettheeldersbecompassionateandmercifultowards all;turningthemfromtheirerrors;seekingoutthosethatare weak;notforgettingthewidows,thefatherless,andthepoor; butalwaysprovidingwhatisgoodbothinthesightofGod andman

16Abstainingfromallwrath,respectofpersons,and unrighteousjudgment:andespeciallybeingfreefromall covetousness

17Noteasytobelieveanythingagainstany;notseverein judgment;knowingthatwearealldebtorsinpointofsin.

18IfthereforewepraytotheLordthathewouldforgiveus, weoughtalsotoforgiveothers;forweareallinthesightof ourLordandGod;andmustallstandbeforethejudgmentseat ofChrist;andshalleveryonegiveanaccountofhimself

19Letusthereforeservehiminfear,andwithallreverenceas bothhimselfhathcommanded;andastheApostleswhohave

preachedtheGospeluntous,andtheprophetswhohave foretoldthecomingofourLordhavetaughtus

20Beingzealousofwhatisgood;abstainingfromalloffence, andfromfalsebrethren;andfromthosewhobearthenameof Christinhypocrisy;whodeceivevainmen

CHAPTER3

1ForwhosoeverdoesnotconfessthatJesusChristiscomein theflesh,heisAntichrist:andwhoeverdoesnotconfesshis sufferinguponthecross,isfromthedevil

2AndwhosoeverpervertstheoraclesoftheLordtohisown lusts;andsaysthatthereshallneitherbeanyresurrection,nor judgment,heisthefirst-bornofSatan

3Whereforeleavingthevanityofmany,andtheirfalse doctrines;letusreturntothewordthatwasdeliveredtous fromthebeginning;Watchinguntoprayer;andperseveringin fasting.

4WithsupplicationbeseechingtheallseeingGodnottolead usintotemptation;astheLordhathsaid,Thespiritistruly willing,butthefleshisweak.

5Letusthereforewithoutceasingholdsteadfastlytohimwho isourhope,andtheearnestofourrighteousness,evenJesus Christ;Whohisownselfbareoursinsinhisownbodyonthe tree:whodidnosin,neitherwasguilefoundinhismouthBut sufferedallforusthatwemightlivethroughhim

6Letusthereforeimitatehispatience;andifwesufferforhis name,letusglorifyhim;forthisexamplehehasgivenusby himself,andsohavewebelieved

7WhereforeIexhortallofyouthatyeobeythewordof righteousness,andexerciseallpatience;whichyehaveseen setforthbeforeoureyes,notonlyintheblessedIgnatius,and Zozimus,andRufus;butinothersamongyourselves;andin Paulhimself,andtherestoftheApostles:

8Beingconfidentofthis,thatall,thesehavenotruninvain; butinfaithandrighteousness,andaregonetotheplacethat wasduetothemfromtheLord;withwhomtheyalsosuffered

9Fortheylovednotthispresentworld;buthimwhodied,and wasraisedagainbyGodforus

10Standthereforeinthesethings,andfollowtheexampleof theLord;beingfirmandimmutableinthefaith,loversofthe brotherhood,loversofoneanother:companionstogetherin thetruth,beingkindandgentletowardseachother,despising none.

11Whenitisinyourpowertodogood,deferitnot,for charitydeliveredfromdeath

12Beallofyousubjectonetoanother,havingyour conversationhonestamongtheGentiles;thatbyyourgood works,bothyeyourselvesmayreceivepraise,andtheLord maynotbeblasphemedthroughyou.Butwoebetohimby whomthenameoftheLordisblasphemed

13Thereforeteachallmensobriety;inwhichdoyealso exerciseyourselves.

CHAPTER4

1IamgreatlyafflictedforValens,whowasonceapresbyter amongyou;thatheshouldsolittleunderstandtheplacethat wasgiventohiminthechurch.WhereforeIadmonishyou thatyeabstainfromcovetousness;andthatyebechaste,and trueofspeech

2KeepyourselvesfromallevilForhethatinthesethings cannotgovernhimselfhowshallhebeabletoprescribethem toanother?

3Ifamandoesnotkeephimselffromcovetousness,heshall bepollutedwithidolatryandbejudgedasifhewereaGentile

4ButwhoofyouareignorantofthejudgmentofGod?Dowe notknowthatthesaintsshalljudgetheworld,asPaulteaches?

5ButIhaveneitherperceivednorheardanythingofthiskind inyou,amongwhomtheblessedPaullaboured;andwhoare namedinthebeginningofhisEpistle

6Forhegloriesofyouinallthechurcheswhothenonlyknew God;forwedidnotthenknowhimWherefore,mybrethren, Iamexceedinglysorrybothforhim,andforhiswife;to whomGodgrantatruerepentance.

7Andbeyealsomoderateuponthisoccasion;andlooknot uponsuchasenemies,butcallthembackassuffering,and erringmembers,thatyemaysaveyourwholebody:forbyso doing,yeshalledifyyourownselves

8ForItrustthatyearewellexercisedintheHolyScriptures, andthatnothingishidfromyou;butatpresentitisnot granteduntometopracticethatwhichiswritten,Beangry andsinnot;andagain,Letnotthesungodownuponyour wrath.

9Blessedbehethatbelievethandremembereththesethings; whichalsoItrustyoudo

10NowtheGodandFatherofourLordJesusChrist;andhe himselfwhoisoureverlastinghigh-priest,theSonofGod, evenJesusChrist,buildyouupinfaithandintruthandinall meeknessandlenity;inpatienceandlong-suffering,in forbearanceandchastity

11Andgrantuntoyoualotandportionamonghissaints;and uswithyou,andtoallthatareundertheheavens,whoshall believeinourLordJesusChrist,andinhisFatherwhoraised himfromthedead

12Prayforallthesaints:prayalsoforkings,andallthatare inauthority;andforthosewhopersecuteyou,andhateyou, andfortheenemiesofthecross;thatyourfruitmaybe manifestinall;andthatyemaybeperfectinChrist.

13Yewrotetome,bothye,andalsoIgnatius,thatifanyone wentfromhenceintoSyria,heshouldbringyourletterswith him;whichalsoIwilltakecareof,assoonasIshallhavea convenientopportunity;eitherbymyself,orhimwhomIshall senduponyouraccount

14TheEpistlesofIgnatiuswhichhewroteuntous,together withwhatothersofhishavecometoourhands,wehavesent toyou,accordingtoyourorder;whicharesubjoinedtothis epistle

15Bywhichwemaybegreatlyprofited;fortheytreatoffaith andpatience,andofallthingsthatpertaintoedificationinthe LordJesus

16WhatyouknowcertainlyofIgnatius,andthosethatare withhimsignifytous.

17IfThesethingshaveIwrittenuntoyoubyCrescens,whom bythispresentepistleIhaverecommendedtoyou,anddo nowagaincommend.

18Forhehashadhisconversationwithoutblameamongus; andIsupposealsowithyou

19Yewillalsohaveregarduntohissisterwhensheshall comeuntoyou

20BeyesafeintheLordJesusChrist;andinfavourwithall yours.Amen.

1Hewhohadbredmeupsoldacertainyoungmaidat Rome;whomwhenIsawmanyyearsafter,Iremembered her,andbegantoloveherasasisterIthappenedsome timeafterwards,thatIsawherwashingintheriverTyber; andIreachedoutmyhanduntoher,andbroughtheroutof theriver

2AndwhenIsawherIthoughtwithmyself,saying,How happyshouldIbeifIhadsuchawife,bothforbeautyand mannersThisIthoughtwithmyself;nordidIthinkany more.Butnotlongafter,asIwaswalkingandmusingon thesethoughts,IbegantohonourthiscreatureofGod, thinkingwithmyself;hownobleandbeautifulshewas

3AndwhenIhadwalkedalittle,Ifellasleep.Andthe spiritcaughtmeaway,andcarriedmethroughacertain placetowardtheright-hand,throughwhichnomancould pass.Itwasaplaceamongrocks,verysteep,and unpassableforwater

4WhenIwaspastthisplace,Icameintoaplain;andthere fallingdownuponmyknees,IbegantoprayuntotheLord, andtoconfessmysins

5AndasIwaspraying,theheavenwasopened,andIsaw thewomanwhichIhadcoveted,salutingmefromheaven, andsaying,Hermas,hail!andIlookinguponher,answered, Lady,whatdostthoudohere?Sheansweredme,Iam takenuphithertoaccusetheeofsinbeforetheLord.

6Lady,saidI,wiltthouconvinceme?No,saidshe:but hearthewordswhichIamabouttospeakuntotheeGod whodwellethinheaven,andhathmadeallthingsoutof nothing,andhathmultipliedthemforhisholychurch's sake,isangrywiththeebecausethouhastsinnedagainst me

7AndIansweringsaiduntoher,Lady,ifIhavesinned againstthee,tellmewhere,orinwhatplace,orwhendidI everspeakanunseemlyordishonestworduntothee?

8HaveInotalwaysesteemedtheeasalady?HaveInot alwaysreverencedtheeasasister?Whythendostthou imaginethesewickedthingsagainstme?

9Thenshe,smilinguponme,said:thedesireof naughtinesshasrisenupinthyheart.Doesitnotseemto theetobeanillthingforarighteousmantohaveanevil desireriseupinhisheart?

10Itisindeedasin,andthataverygreatone,tosuchaone; forarighteousmanthinkeththatwhichisrighteousAnd whilsthedoesso,andwalkethuprightly,heshallhavethe Lordinheavenfavorableuntohiminallhisbusiness.

11Butasforthosewhothinkwickedlyintheirhearts,they taketothemselvesdeathandcaptivity;andespeciallythose wholovethispresentworld,andgloryintheirriches,and regardnotthegoodthingsthataretocome;theirsouls wanderupanddown,andknownotwheretofix

12Nowthisisthecaseofsuchasaredouble-minded,who trustnotintheLord,anddespiseandneglecttheirownlife

13ButdothouprayuntotheLord,andhewillhealthysins, andthesinsofthywholehouse,andofallhissaints.

14Assoonasshehadspokenthesewordstheheavens wereshut,andIremainedutterlyswallowedupwith sadnessandfear;andsaidwithinmyself,ifthisbelaid againstmeforsin,howcanIbesaved?

15OrhowshallIeverbeabletoentreattheLordformy manyandgreatsins?WithwhatwordsshallIbeseechhim tobemercifuluntome?

16AsIwasthinkingoverthesethings,andmeditatingin myselfuponthem,beholdachairwassetoveragainstme ofthewhitestwool,asbrightassnow.

17Andtherecameanoldwomaninabrightgarment, havingabookinherhand,andsatalone,andsalutedme, saying,Hermas,hail!andIbeingfullofsorrow,and weeping,answered,Hail,Lady!

18Andshesaiduntome,Whyartthousad,Hermas,who wertwonttobepatient,andmodest,andalwayscheerful?I answered,andsaidtoher,Lady,areproachhasbeenlaidto mychargebyanexcellentwoman,whotellsme,thatI havesinnedagainsther.

19Shereplied,Farbeanysuchthingfromtheservantof GodButitmaybethedesireofherhasrisenupinthy heart.Forindeedsuchathoughtmakeththeservantsof Godguiltyofsin

20Noroughtsuchadetestablethoughttobeintheservant ofGod:norshouldhewhoisapprovedbytheSpiritdesire thatwhichisevil;butespeciallyHermas,whocontains himselffromallwickedlusts,andisfullofallsimplicity, andofgreatinnocence.

21NeverthelesstheLordisnotsomuchangrywiththee forthineownsake,asupontheaccountofthyhouse, whichhascommittedwickednessagainsttheLord,and againsttheirparents

22Andforthatoutofthyfondnesstowardsthysons,thou hastnotadmonishedthyhouse,buthastpermittedthemto livewickedly;forthiscausetheLordisangrywiththee: buthewillhealalltheevilsthataredoneinthyhouseFor throughtheirsinsandiniquities,thouartwhollyconsumed insecularaffairs

23ButnowthemercyofGodhathtakencompassionupon thee,anduponthinehouse,andhathgreatlycomforted theeOnlyasforthee,donotwander,butbeofaneven mind,andcomfortthyhouse.

24Astheworkmanbringingforthhiswork,offersitto whomsoeverhepleaseth;soshaltthoubyteachingevery daywhatisjustcutoffagreatsin.Whereforeceasenotto admonishthysons,fortheLordknowsthattheywill repentwithalltheirheart,andtheyshallbewritteninthe bookoflife.

25Andwhenshehadsaidthis,sheaddeduntome;Wilt thouhearmeread?Iansweredher,Lady,Iwill 26Hearthen,saidshe;andopeningthebooksheread, gloriously,greatly,andwonderfully,suchthingsasIcould notkeepinmymemoryFortheywereterriblewords,such asnomancouldbear.

27HowbeitIcommittedherlastwordstomy remembrance;fortheywerebutfew,andofgreatusetous 28BeholdthemightyLord,whobyhisinvisiblepower, andwithhisexcellentwisdommadetheworld,andbyhis gloriouscounselbeautifiedhiscreature,andwiththeword ofhisstrengthfixedtheheaven,andfoundedtheearth uponthewaters;andbythispowerfulvirtueestablishedhis HolyChurch,whichhehathblessed

29Beholdhewillremovetheheavens,andthemountains, thehills,andtheseas;andallthingsshallbemadeplainfor hiselect;thathemayrenderuntothemthepromisewhich hehaspromised,withmuchhonourandjoy;ifsobethat theyshallkeepthecommandmentsofGod,whichthey havereceivedwithgreatfaith

30Andwhenshehadmadeanendofreading,sheroseout ofthechair;andbeholdfouryoungmencame,andcarried thechairtotheeast.

31Andshecalledmeuntoher,andtouchedmybreast,and saiduntome,Didmyreadingpleasethee?Ianswered, Lady,theselastthingspleaseme;butwhatwentbefore wassevereandhard

32Shesaiduntome,theselastthingsarefortherighteous, buttheforegoingfortherevoltersandheathen.

33Andasshewastalkingwithme,twomenappeared,and tookherupontheirshouldersandwenttotheeastwhere thechairwas.

34Andshewentcheerfullyaway;andasshewasgoing, saiduntome,Hermas,beofgoodcheer

VISION2

1AsIwasonthewaytoCuma,aboutthesametimethatI wenttheyearbefore,IbegantocalltomindthevisionI formerlyhadAndagainthespiritcarriedmeaway,and broughtmeintothesameplace,inwhichIhadbeenthe yearbefore

2AndwhenIwascomeintotheplace,Ifelldownupon myknees,andbegantoprayuntotheLord,andtoglorify hisname,thathehadesteemedmeworthy,andhad manifesteduntomemyformersins

3AndwhenIarosefromprayer,beholdIsawoveragainst metheoldwomanwhomIhadseenthelastyear,walking andreadinginacertainbook

4Andshesaiduntome,Canstthoutellthesethingstothe electofGod?Iansweredandsaiduntoher,Lady,Icannot retainsomanythingsinmymemory,butgivemethebook, andIwillwritethemdown

5Takeit,saysshe,andseethatthourestoreitagaintome

6AssoonasIhadreceivedit,Iwentasideintoacertain placeofthefield,andtranscribedeveryletter,forIfound nosyllables

7AndassoonasIhadfinishedwhatwaswritteninthe book,thebookwassuddenlycaughtoutofmyhand,but bywhomIsawnot

8Afterfifteendays,whenIhadfasted,andentreatedthe Lordwithallearnestness,theknowledgeofthewritingwas revealeduntomeNowthewritingwasthis:

9Thyseed,OHermas!hathsinnedagainsttheLord,and havebetrayedtheirparents,throughtheirgreatwickedness Andtheyhavebeencalledthebetrayersoftheirparents, andhavegoneonintheirtreachery.

10Andnowhavetheyaddedlewdnesstotheirothersins, andthepollutionsoftheirnaughtiness:thushavethey filledupthemeasureoftheiriniquities.Butdothou upbraidthysonswithallthesewords;andthywife,which shallbethysister;andletherlearntorefrainhertongue, withwhichshecalumniates.

11Andwhensheshallhearthesethings,shewillrefrain herself,andshallobtainmercy

12Andtheyalsoshallbeinstructed,whenthoushalthave reproachedthemwiththesewords,whichtheLordhas commandedtoberevealeduntothee

13Thenshalltheirsinsbeforgiven,whichtheyhave heretoforecommitted,andthesinsofallthesaintswho havesinnedevenuntothisday;iftheyshallrepentwithall theirhearts,andremovealldoubtsoutoftheirhearts.

14FortheLordhathswornbyhisgloryconcerninghis elect,havingdeterminedthisverytime,thatifanyone shall5evennowsin,heshallnotbesaved.

15Fortherepentanceoftherighteoushasitsend;thedays ofrepentancearefulfilledtoallthesaints;buttothe heathen,thereisrepentanceevenuntothelastday.

16Thoushaltthereforesaytothosewhoareoverthe church;thattheyordertheirwaysinrighteousness,that theymayfullyreceivethepromisewithmuchglory.

17Standfastthereforeyethatworkrighteousnessand continuetodoit,thatyourdeparturemaybewiththeholy angels.

18Happyareye,asmanyasshallendurethegreattrial thatisathand,andwhosoevershallnotdenyhislife

19FortheLordhathswornbyhisSon,thatwhosodenieth hisSonandhim,beingafraidofhislife,hewillalsodeny himintheworldthatistocome

20Butthosewhoshallneverdenyhim,hewillofhis exceedinggreatmercybefavourableuntothem

21Butthou,OHermas!remembernottheevilswhichthy sonshavedone,neitherneglectthysister,buttakecarethat theyamendoftheirformersins

22Fortheywillbeinstructedbythisdoctrine,ifthoushalt notbemindfulofwhattheyhavedonewickedly.

23Fortheremembranceofevilsworkethdeath,butthe forgettingofthemlifeeternal

24Butthou,OHermits!hastundergoneagreatmany worldlytroublesfortheoffencesofthyhouse,because thouhastneglectedthem,asthingsthatdidnotbelongunto thee;andthouartwhollytakenupwiththygreatbusiness

25Nevertheless,forthiscauseshaltthoubesaved,that thouhastnotdepartedfromthelivingGod,andthy simplicityandsingularcontinencyshallpreservethee,if thoushaltcontinueinthem

26Yea,theyshallsaveallsuchasdosuchthings,andwalk ininnocenceandsimplicity.

27Theywhoareofthiskindshallprevailagainstall impiety,andcontinueuntillifeeternal.

28Happyarealltheythatdorighteousness,theyshallnot beconsumedforever

29Butthouwiltsay,Beholdthereisagreattrialcoming.If itseemgoodtothee,denyhimagain

30TheLordisnightothemthatturntohim,asitiswritten inthebookofHeldamandModal,whoprophesiedtothe peopleofIsraelinthewilderness

31Moreover,brethren,itwasrevealedtome,asIwasI sleeping,byaverygoodlyyoungman,sayinguntome, Whatthinkestthouofthatoldwomanfromwhomthou receivedstthebook;whoisshe?Ianswered,aSybil

32Thouartmistaken,saidhe,sheisnot.Ireplied,Whois shethen,sir?Heansweredme,ItisthechurchofGod

33AndIsaiduntohim,Whythendoessheappearold? Sheistherefore,saidhe,anoldwoman,becauseshewas thefirstofallthecreation,andtheworldwasmadeforher

34AfterthisIsawavisionathomeinmyownhouse,and theoldwomanwhomIhadseenbefore,cametomeand askedme,whetherIhadyetdeliveredherbooktothe eldersofthechurch?AndIanswered,thatIhadnotyet 35Shereplied,Thouhastwelldone,forIhavecertain wordsmoretotelltheeButwhenIshallhavefinishedall thewords,theyshallbeclearlyunderstoodbytheelect

36Andthoushaltwritetwobooks,andsendoneto ClementandonetoGrapteForClementshallsendittothe

foreigncities,becauseitispermittedtohimsotodo:but Grapteshalladmonishthewidowsandorphans

37Butthoushaltreadinthiscitywiththeeldersofthe church

VISION3

1ThevisionwhichIsaw,brethren,wasthis

2WhenIhadoftenfastedandprayeduntotheLord,thathe wouldmanifestuntometherevelation,whichhehad promisedbytheoldwomantoshewuntome;thesame nightsheappeareduntome,andsaiduntome:

3Becausethoudostthusafflictthyself,andartsodesirous toknowallthings,comeintothefield,wherethouwilt, andaboutthesixthhour,Iwillappearuntothee,andshew theewhatthoumustsee

4Iaskedher,saying:Lady,intowhatpartofthefield?She answered,whereverthouwilt,onlychooseagoodanda privateplaceAndbeforeIbegantospeakandtellherthe place,shesaiduntome:Iwillcomewherethouwilt

5Iwastherefore,brethren,inthefield,andIobservedthe hoursandcameintotheplacewhereIhadappointedherto come.

6AndIbeheldabenchplaced;itwasalinenpillow,and overitspreadacoveringoffinelinen

7WhenIsawthesethingsorderedinthismanner,andthat therewasnobodyintheplace,Ibegantobeastonished, andmyhairstoodonend,andakindofhorrorseizedme; forIwasalone

8But,beingcometomyself,andcallingtomindtheglory ofGad,andtakingcourage,Ifelldownuponmyknees, andbeganagaintoconfessmysinsasbefore.

9AndwhilstIwasdoingthis,theoldwomancamethither withthesixyoungmenwhomIhadseenbefore,andstood behindmeasIwaspraying,andheardmeprayingand confessingmysinsuntotheLord.

10Andtouchingme,shesaid:Leaveofftopraynowonly forthysins;prayalsoforrighteousness,thatthoumayest receivepartofherinthyhouse

11Andsheliftedmeupfromtheplace,andtookmebythe hand,andbroughtmetotheseat;andsaidtotheyoung men;go,andbuild

12Assoonastheyweredeparted,andwewerealone,she saiduntome:sithere.Iansweredher:Lady,letthosewho areeldersitfirstShereplied,SitdownasIbidyou

13AndwhenIwouldhavesatontherightside,she sufferedmenot,butmadeasigntomewithherhand,that Ishouldsitontheleft

14AsIwasthereforemusing,andfullofsorrow,thatshe wouldnotsuffermetositontherightside,shesaidunto me,Hermes,whyartthousad?

15Theplacewhichisontherighthandistheirswhohave alreadyattaineduntoGod,andhavesufferedforhisnamesakeButthereisyetagreatdealremaininguntothee, beforethouBanatsitwiththem

16Butcontinueasthoudoestinthysincerity,andthou shaltsitwiththem:asallothersshallthatdotheirworks, andshallbearwhattheyhaveborne

17Isaidtoher:Lady,Iwouldknowwhatitisthatthey havesuffered?Hearthen,saidshe:wildbeasts,scourgings, imprisonments,andcrossesforhisname-sake

18Forthiscausetherighthandofholinessbelongstothem, andtoallothersasmanyasshallsufferforthenameof God;buttheleftbelongstotherest.

19Howbeitthegiftsandthepromisesbelongtoboth,to themontheright,andtothoseonthelefthand;onlythat sittingontherighthandtheyhavesomegloryabovethe others

20Butthouartdesiroustositontherighthandwiththem, andyetthydefectsaremany.Butthoushaltbepurged fromthydefects,asalsoallwhodoubtnotshallbe cleansedfromallthesinswhichtheyhavecommittedunto thisday.

21Andwhenshehadsaidthisshewouldhavedeparted

22Wherefore,fallingdownbeforeherfeet,Ibeganto entreather,fortheLord'ssake,hatshewouldshewmethe visionwhichshehadpromised

23Thensheagaintookmebythehand,andliftedmeup, andmademesitupontheseatontheleftside;andholding upacertainbrightwand,saiduntome,Seestthouthat greatthing?Ireplied,Lady,Iseenothing

24Sheanswered,Dostthounotseeoveragainsttheea greattower,whichisbuiltuponthewater,withbright squarestones?

25Forthetowerwasbuiltuponasquarebythesesix youngmenthatcamewithher

26Butmanythousandofothermenbroughtstones;some drewthemoutofthedeep,otherscarriedthemfromthe ground,andgavethemtothesixyoungmenAndthey tookthemandbuilt

27Asforthosestoneswhichweredrawnoutofthedeep, theyputthemallintothebuilding;fortheywerepolished, andtheirsquaresexactlyansweredoneanother,andsoone wasjoinedinsuchwisetotheother,thattherewasno spacetobeseenwheretheyjoined,insomuchthatthe wholetowerappearedtobebuiltasitwereofonestone.

28Butasfortheotherstonesthatweretakenofffromthe ground,someofthemtheyrejected,otherstheyfittedinto thebuilding.

29Asforthosewhichwererejected,sometheycutout, andcastthematadistancefromthetower;butmanyothers ofthemlayroundaboutthetower,whichtheymadenouse ofinthebuilding

30Forsomeofthesewererough,othershadcleftsinthem, otherswerewhiteandround,notproperforthebuildingof thetower

31ButIsawtheotherstonescastafarofffromthetower, andfallingintothehigh-way,andyetnotcontinuinginthe way,butwererolledfromthewayintoadesertplace

32OthersIsawfallingintothefireandburning;othersfell nearthewater,yetcouldnotrollthemselvesintoit,though verydesiroustofallintothewater

33Andwhenshehadshewedmethesethingsshewould havedeparted:butIsaidtoher,Lady,whatdothitprofit metoseethesethings,andnotunderwstandwhatthey mean?

34Sheansweredandsaiduntome:Youareverycunning, inthatyouaredesiroustoknowthosethingswhichrelate tothetowerYea,saidI,Lady,thatImaydeclarethem untothebrethren,andtheymayrejoice,andhearingthese thingsmayglorifyGodwithgreatglory

35Thenshesaid,Manyindeedshallhearthem,andwhen theyshallhaveheardthem,someshallrejoice,andothers

weepAndyeteventhese,iftheyshallrepent,shallrejoice too

36HearthereforewhatIshallsayconcerningtheparable ofthetower,andafterthisbenolongerimportunatewith meabouttherevelation

37Fortheserevelationshaveanend,seeingtheyare fulfilledButthoudostnotleaveofftodesirerevelations, forthouartveryurgent

38Asforthetowerwhichthouseestbuilt,itismyself, namelythechurch,whichhaveappearedtotheebothnow andheretoforeWhereforeaskwhatthouwiltconcerning thetower,andIwillrevealituntothee,thatthoumayst rejoicewiththesaints

39Isaiduntoher,Lady,becausethouhastthoughtme onceworthytoreceivefromtheetherevelationofallthese things,declarethemuntome

40Sheansweredme,Whatsoeverisfittoberevealedunto theeshallberevealed:onlyletthyheartbewiththeLord, anddoubtnot,whatsoeverthoushaltsee

41Iaskedher,Lady,whyisthetowerbuiltuponthewater?

Shereplied,Isaidbeforetotheethatthouwertverywiseto inquirediligentlyconcerningthebuilding,thereforethou shaltfindthetruth.

42Hearthereforewhythetowerisbuiltuponthewater: becauseyourlifeisandshallbesavedbywaterForitis foundedbythewordofthealmightyandhonourablename, andissupportedbytheinvisiblepowerandvirtueofGod.

43AndIanswering,saiduntoher,Thesethingsarevery admirable;but,lady,whoarethosesixyoungmenthat build?

44Theyare,saidshe,theangelsofGod,whichwerefirst appointed,andtowhomtheLordhasdeliveredallhis creatures,toframeandbuildthemup,andtoruleover themForbythesethebuildingofthetowershallbe finished.

45Andwhoaretherestwhobringthemstones?

46TheyalsoaretheholyangelsoftheLord;buttheother aremoreexcellentthanthese.Whereforewhenthewhole buildingofthetowershallbefinished,theyshallallfeast togetherbesidethetower,andshallglorifyGod,because thestructureofthetowerisfinished.

47Iaskedher,saying,Iwouldknowtheconditionofthe stones,andthemeaningofthem,whatitis?

48Sheanswering,saiduntome,Artthoubetterthanall othersthatthisshouldberevealeduntothee?Forothersare bothbeforethee,andbetterthanthouart,towhomthese visionsshouldbemademanifest.

49Nevertheless,thatthenameofGodmayheglorified,it hasbeen,andshallberevealeduntothee,forthesakeof thosewhoaredoubtful,andthinkintheirheartswhether thesethingsaresoornot

50Tellthemthatallthesethingsaretrue,andthatthereis nothinginthemthatisnottrue;butallarefirmandtruly established

51Hearnowthenconcerningthestonesthatareinthe building.

52Thesquareandwhitestoneswhichagreeexactlyin theirjoints,aretheapostles,andbishops,anddoctors,and ministers,whothroughthemercyofGodhavecomein, andgoverned,andtaughtandministeredholilyand modestlytotheelectofGod,boththeythathavefallen asleep,andwhichyetremain;andhavealwaysagreedwith

them,andhavehadpeacewithinthemselves,andhave heardeachother

53Forwhichcausetheirjointsexactlymeettogetherinthe buildingofthetower

54Theywhicharedrawnoutofthedeepandputintothe building,andwhosejointsagreewiththeotherstones whicharealreadybuilt,arethosewhicharealreadyfallen asleep,andhavesufferedforthesakeoftheLord'sname 55Andwhataretheotherstones,lady,thatarebrought fromtheearth?Iwouldknowwhatarethey

56Sheanswered,Theywhichlieuponthegroundandare notpolished,arethosewhichGodhasapproved,because theyhavewalkedinthelawoftheLord,anddirectedtheir waysinhiscommandments

57Theywhicharebroughtandputinthebuildingofthe tower,aretheyounginfaithandthefaithfulAndtheseare admonishedbytheangelstodowellbecausethatiniquity isnotfoundinthem.

58Butwhoarethosewhomtheyrejected,andlaidbeside thetower?

59Theyaresuchashavesinnedandarewillingtorepent; forwhichcausetheyarenotcastfarfromthetower, becausetheywillbeusefulforthebuilding,iftheyshall repent.

60Theythereforethatareyettorepent,iftheyshallrepent, shallbecomestronginthefaith;thatis,iftheyrepentnow, whilstthetowerisbuilding.Forifthebuildingshallbe finishedtherewillthenbenoplaceforthemtobeputin, buttheyshallberejected;forheonlyhasthisprivilege whoshallnowbeoutintothetower

61Butwouldyouknowwhotheyarethatwerecutout, andcastafarofffromthetower?Lady,saidI,Idesireit. 62Theyarethechildrenofiniquity,whobelievedonlyin hypocrisy,butdepartednotfromtheirevilways;forthis causetheyshallnotbesaved,becausetheyarenotofany useinthebuildingbyreasonoftheirsins.

63Whereforetheyarecutout,andcastafaroff,becauseof theangeroftheLord,andbecausetheyhaveprovokedhim toangeragainstthem

64Asforthegreatnumberofotherstoneswhichthouhast seenplacedaboutthetower,butnotputintothebuildings; thosewhicharerugged,aretheywhohaveknownthetruth, buthavenotcontinuedinit,norbeenjoinedtothesaints, andthereforeareunprofitable.

65Thosethathavecleftsinthem,aretheythatkeepup discordintheirheartsagainsteachother,andlivenotin peace;thatarefriendlywhenpresentwiththeirbrethren, butassoonastheyaredepartedfromoneanother,their wickednessstillcontinuesintheirhearts:thesearethe cleftswhichareseeninthosestones.

66Thosethataremaimedandshort,aretheywhohave believedindeed,butstillareingreatmeasurefullof wickedness:forthiscausetheyaremaimedandnotwhole.

67Butwhatarethewhiteandroundstones,lady,and whicharenotproperforthebuildingofthetower?

68Sheansweringsaiduntome:Howlongwiltthou continuefoolishandwithoutunderstanding,asking everythinganddiscerningnothing?

69Theyaresuchashavefaithindeed,buthavewithalthe richesofthispresentworldWhenthereforeanytroubles arise,forthesakeoftheirrichesandtraffic,theydenythe Lord.

70Ianswering,saiduntoher,Whenthereforewilltheybe profitabletotheLord?Whentheirrichesshallbecutaway, saysshe,inwhichtheytakedelight,thentheywillbe profitableuntotheLordforhisbuilding

71Forasaroundstone,unlessitbecutaway,andcast somewhatoff,itsbulkcannotbemadesquare,sotheywho arerichinthisworld,unlesstheirrichesbeparedoff, cannotbemadeprofitableuntotheLord

72Learnthisfromthyownexperience;whenthouwert rich,thouwastunprofitable;butnowthouartprofitable, andfitforthelifewhichthouhastundertaken;forthou alsooncewastoneofthosestones.

73Asfortherestofthestoneswhichthousawestcastafar offfromthetower,andrunningintheway,andtumbled outofthewayintodesertplaces,theyaresuchashave believedindeed,butthroughtheirdoubtinghaveforsaken thetrueway,thinkingthattheycouldfindabetterBut theywanderandaremiserable,goingintodesolateways.

74Thenforthosestoneswhichfellintothefireandwere burnt,theyarethosewhohaveforeverdepartedfromthe livingGod;nordothitevercomeintotheirheartstorepent, byreasonoftheaffectionwhichtheybeartotheirlustsand wickednesseswhichtheycommit.

75Andwhataretherestwhichfellbythewater,andcould notrollintothewater?

76Theyaresuchashaveheardtheword,andwerewilling tobebaptizedinthenameoftheLord;butconsideringthe greatholinesswhichthetruthrequires,havewithdrawn themselves,andwalkedagainaftertheirwickedlusts

77Thusshefinishedtheexplicationofthetower

78ButIbeingstillurgent,askedher,Isthererepentance allowedtoallthosestoneswhicharethuscastaway.and werenotsuitabletothebuildingofthetower;andshall theyfindplaceinthistower?

79Theymayrepent,saidshe,buttheycannotcomeinto thistower;buttheyshallbeplacedinamuchlowerrank, andthisafterthattheyshallhavebeenafflicted,and fulfilledthedaysoftheirsins.

80Andforthiscausetheyshallberemoved,becausethey havereceivedthewordofrighteousness:andthenthey shallbetranslatedfromtheirafflictions,iftheyshallhavea truesenseintheirheartsofwhattheyhavedoneamiss

81Butiftheyshallnothavethissenseintheirhearts,they shallnotbesavedbyreasonofthehardnessoftheirhearts.

82WhenthereforeIhaddoneaskingherconcerningall thesethings,shesaiduntome,Wiltthouseesomewhatelse? Andbeingdesirousofseeingit,Ibecameverycheerfulof countenance

83Shethereforelookingbackuponme,andsmilingalittle, saiduntome,Seestthousevenwomenaboutthetower? Lady,saidI,Iseethem

84Thistower,repliedshe,issupportedbythem,according tothecommandoftheLord:hearthereforetheeffectsof them

85Thefirstofthem,whichholdsfastwithherhand,is calledFaith,byhertheelectshallbesaved.Thenext, whichisgirtup,andlooksmanly,isnamedAbstinence: sheisthedaughterofFaith

86Whosoeverthereforeshallfollowhershallbehappyin allhislife,becauseheshallabstainfromallevilworks, believingthatifheshallcontainhimselffromall concupiscence,heshallbetheheirofeternallife.And what,lady,saidI,aretheotherfive?

87Theyare,repliedshe,thedaughtersofoneanotherThe firstofthemiscalledSimplicity;thenextInnocence;the thirdModesty;thenDiscipline;andthelastofallisCharity. Whenthereforethoushalthavefulfilledtheworksoftheir mother,thoushaltbeabletodoallthings

88Lady,saidI,Iwouldknowwhatparticularvirtueevery oneofthesehas

89Hearthen,repliedshe;theyhaveequalvirtues,andtheir virtuesareknittogether,andfollowoneanotherasthey wereborn

90FromFaithproceedsAbstinence;fromAbstinence, Simplicity;fromSimplicity,Innocence;fromInnocence, Modesty;fromModesty,DisciplineandCharityTherefore theworksoftheseareholy,andchaste,andright

91Whoeverthereforeshallservethese,andholdfastto theirworks,heshallhavehisdwellinginthetowerwith thesaintsofGod

92ThenIaskedherconcerningthetimes,whethertheend werenowathand;

93Butshecriedoutwithaloudvoice,saying,Ofoolish man!Dostthounotseethetoweryetabuilding?When thereforethetowershallbefinished,andbuilt,itshallhave anend;andindeeditshallsoonbeaccomplished.

94Butdonotaskmeanymorequestions.Whathasbeen saidmaysufficetheeandallthesaintsfortherefreshment ofyourspiritsForthesethingshavenotbeenrevealedto theeonly,butthatthoumayestmakethemmanifestunto all

95Fortherefore,OHermes,afterthreedaysthoumust understandthesewordswhichIbegintospeakuntothee, thatthoumayestspeakthemintheearsofthesaints;that whentheyshallhaveheardanddonethem,theymaybe cleansedfromtheiriniquities,andthoutogetherwiththem

96Hearmetherefore,OmysonsIhavebredyouupin muchsimplicity,andinnocency,andmodestyforthelove ofGod,whichhasdroppeddownuponyouin righteousness,thatyoushouldbesanctifiedandjustified fromallsinandwickedness;butyewillnotceasefrom yourevildoings

97Nowthereforehearkenuntome,andhavepeaceone withanother,andvisitoneanother,andreceiveone another,anddonotenjoythecreaturesofGodalone

98GivefreelytothemthatareinneedForsomebytoo freefeedingcontractaninfirmityintheirflesh,anddo injurytotheirbodies;whilstthefleshofotherswhohave notfood,withersaway,becausetheywantsufficient nourishment,andthebodiesareconsumed.

99Whereforethisintemperanceishurtfultoyou,whohave, anddonotcommunicatetothemthatwantPrepareforthe judgmentthatisabouttocomeuponyou.

100Yethatarethemoreeminent,searchoutthemthatare hungry,whilstthetowerisyetunfinishedForwhenthe towershallbefinished,yeshallbewillingtodogood,and shallnotfindanyplaceinit

101Beware,therefore,yethatgloryinyourriches,lest perhapstheygroanwhoareinwant,andtheirsighing comeupuntoGod,andyebeshutoutwithyourgoods withoutthegateofthetower

102BeholdInowwarnyouwhoaresetoverthechurch, andlovethehighestseats,benotyelikeuntothosethat workmischief

103Andtheyindeedcarryabouttheirpoisoninboxes,but yecontainyourpoisonandinfectioninyourhearts,and

willnotpurgethem,andmixyoursensewithapureheart, thatyemayfindmercywiththeGreatKing

104Takeheed,mychildren,thatyourdissensionsdeprive younotofyourlivesHowwillyeinstructtheelectofGod, whenyeyourselveswantcorrection?Whereforeadmonish oneanother,andbeatpeaceamongyourselves,thatI, standingbeforeyourfather,maygiveanaccountforyou untotheLord

105Andwhenshehadmadeanendoftalkingwithme,the sixyoungmenthatbuilt,cameandcarriedhertothetower; andfourotherstookuptheseatonwhichshesate,andthey alsowentawayagaintothetower.Isawnotthefacesof these,fortheirbacksweretowardsme

106Asshewasgoingaway,Iaskedher,thatshewould revealtomewhatconcernedthethreeforms,inwhichshe hadappeareduntome

107Butsheansweringsaiduntome,concerningthese thingsthoumustasksomeother,thattheymayberevealed untothee

108Now,brethren,inthefirstvisionthelastyear,she appeareduntomeexceedingold,andsittinginachair.

109Inanothervision,shehadindeedayouthfulface,but herfleshandhairwereold;butshetalkedwithme standing,andwasmorecheerfulthanthefirsttime.

110Inthethirdvision,shewasinallrespectsmuch younger,andcomelytotheeye;onlyshehadthehairofan agedperson;yetshelookedcheerful,andsateuponaseat.

111Iwasthereforeverysadconcerningthesethings,until Imightunderstandthevision

112WhereforeIsawthesameoldwomaninavisionofthe nightsayinguntome,AllprayerneedethhumiliationFast, therefore,andthoushaltlearnfromtheLordthatwhich thoudostaskIfastedthereforeoneday

113Thesamenightayoungmanappearedtomeandsaid, WhydostthouthusoftendesireRevelationsinthyprayers? Takeheedthatbyaskingmanythings,thouhurtnotthe bodyLettheseRevelationssufficethee

114CanstthouseemorenotableRevelationsthanthose whichthouhastalreadyreceived?

115Iansweredandsaiduntohim,Sir,Ionlyaskthisone thingupontheaccountofthethreefiguresoftheold womanthatappearedtome,thattheRevelationmaybe complete

116Heansweredme,Youarenotwithoutunderstanding, butyourdoubtsmakeyouso;forasmuchasyouhavenot yourheartwiththeLord

117Irepliedandsaid,Butweshalllearnthesethingsmore carefullyfromyou

118Hearthen,sayshe,concerningthefiguresaboutwhich youinquire.

119Andfirst,inthefirstvisionsheappearedtotheeinthe shapeofanoldwomansittinginachair,becauseyourold spiritwasdecayed,andwithoutstrength,byreasonofyour infirmities,andthedoubtfulnessofyourheart

120Forastheywhoareoldhavenohopeofrenewing themselves,norexpectanythingbuttheirdeparture;so youbeingweakenedthroughyourworldlyaffairsgave yourselfuptosloth,andcastnotawayyoursolicitudefrom yourselfupontheLord:andyoursensewasconfused,and yougrowoldinyoursadness

121But,sir,Iwouldknowwhyshesateuponachair?

122Heanswered,becauseeveryonethatisweaksitteth uponachairbyreasonofhisinfirmity,thathisweakness

maybeupheldBeholdthereforethefigureofthefirst vision

123Inthesecondvisionyousawherstanding,andhaving ayouthfulface,andmorecheerfulthanherformer;buther fleshandherhairwereancientHear,saidhe,thisparable also.

124Whenanyonegrowsold,hedespairsofhimselfby reasonofhisinfirmityandpoverty,andexpectsnothing butthelastdayofhislife.

125Butonasuddenaninheritanceislefttohim,andhe hearsofit,andrises;andbeingbecomecheerful,heputs onnewstrength.Andhenownolongersitsdown,but stands,andisdeliveredfromhisformersorrow;andsits not,butactsmanfully

126Soyou,havingheardtheRevelationwhichGod revealeduntoyoubecauseGodhadcompassionuponyou, andrenewedyourspirit,bothlaidasideyourinfirmities, andstrengthcametoyou,andyougrewstronginthefaith; andGod,seeingyourstrength,rejoiced

127Forthiscauseheshewedyouthebuildingofthetower, andwillshewotherthingsuntoyou,ifyoushallhave peacewithallyourheartamongeachother

128Butinthethirdvisionyousawheryetyounger,fair andcheerful,andofaserenecountenance.

129Forasifsomegoodnewscomestohimthatissad,he straightwayforgetshissadness,andregardsnothingelse butthegoodnewswhichhehasheard;andfortheresthe iscomforted,andhisspiritisrenewedthroughthejoy whichhehasreceived:evensoyouhavebeenrefreshedin yourspiritbyseeingthesegoodthings

130Andforthatyousawhersittinguponabench,it denotesastrongposition;becauseabenchhasfourfeet andstandsstronglyAndeventheworlditselfisupheldby thefourelements

131Theythereforethatrepentperfectly,shallbeyoung; andtheythatturnfromtheirsinswiththeirwholeheart, shallbeestablished

132AndnowyouhavetheRevelationfully,asknomore tohaveanythingfartherrevealeduntoyou

133Butifanythingbetoberevealed,itshallbemade manifestuntoyou.

VISION4

1Isawavision,brethren,twentydaysaftertheformer vision;arepresentationofthetribulationthatisathandI waswalkinginthefieldway.

2NowfromthepublicwaytotheplacewhitherIwentis abouttenfurlongs;itisawayverylittlefrequented:

3AndasIwaswalkingaloneIentreatedtheLordthathe wouldconfirmtheRevelationswhichhehadshewedunto mebyhisholyChurch:

4Andwouldgrantrepentancetoallhisservantswhohad beenoffended,thathisgreatandhonourablenamemight beglorified,andbecausehethoughtmeworthytowhom hemightshewhiswonders,and,thatImighthonourhim, andgivethanksuntohim

5Andbeholdsomewhatlikeavoiceansweredme;Doubt not,Hermas.WhereforeIbegantothink,andsaywithin myself;whyshouldIdoubt,seeingIamthussettledbythe Lord,andhaveseensuchgloriousthings?

6Ihadgonebutalittlefarther,brethren,whenbeholdI sawadustriseuptoheavenIbegantosaywithinmyself, isthereadroveofcattlecoming,thatraisessuchadust?

7ItwasaboutafurlongofffrommeAndbeholdIsawthe dustrisemoreandmore,insomuchthatIbegantosuspect thattherewassomewhatextraordinaryinit.

8Andthesunshonealittle:andbeholdIsawagreatbeast, asitwereawhale;andfierylocustscameoutofhismouth Theheightofthebeastwasaboutahundredfeet,andhe hadaheadlikealargeearthenvessel

9Ibegantoweep,andtoprayuntotheLordthathewould delivermefromit.ThenIcalledtomindthewordwhichI hadheard;Doubtnot,Hermas

10Wherefore,brethren,puttingonadivinefaith,and rememberingwhoitwasthathadtaughtmegreatthings,I deliveredmyselfbodilyuntothebeast

11Nowthebeastcameoninsuchamanner,asifitcould atoncehavedevouredacity.

12Icamenearuntoit,andthebeastextendeditswhole bulkupontheground,andputforthnothingbutitstongue, noroncemoveditselftillIhadquitepassedbyit.

13Nowthebeasthaduponitsheadfourcolours;first black,thenaredandbloodycolour,thenagolden,and thenawhite.

14AfterthatIhadpassedbyit,andwasgoneforward aboutthirtyfeet,beholdtheremetmeacertainvirgin,well adornedasifshehadbeenjustcomeoutofherbride chamber,allinwhite,havingonwhiteshoes,andaveil downherface,andcoveredwithshininghair

15NowIknewbymyformervisionsthatitwasthechurch, andthereupongrewthemorecheerfulShesalutedme saying,Hail,OMan!Ireturnedthesalutation,saying, Lady,Hail!

16Sheansweringsaiduntome,Didnothingmeetyou,O man?Ireplied,Lady,theremetmesuchabeast,asseemed abletodevourawholepeople;butbythepowerofGod, andthroughhissingularmercy,Iescapedit

17Thoudidstescapeitwell,saidshe,becausethoudidst castthywholecareuponGod,andopenedthyheartunto him,believingthatthoucouldstbesafebynootherthanby hisgreatandhonourablename.

18ForthiscausetheLordsenthisangel,whoisoverthe beast,whosenameisHegrin,andstoppedhismouth,that heshouldnotdevourthee.Thouhastescapedagreattrial throughthyfaith,andbecausethoudidstnotdoubtforsuch aterriblebeast

19Gotherefore,andrelatetotheelectofGodthegreat thingsthathehathdonefortheeAndthoushaltsayunto them,thatthisbeastisthefigureofthetrialthatisaboutto came.

20Iftherefore,yeshallhavepreparedyourselves,yemay escapeit,ifyourheartbepureandwithoutspot;andifye shallserveGodalltherestofyourdayswithoutcomplaint.

21CastallyourcaresupontheLord,andhewilldirect themBelieveinGod,yedoubtful,becausehecandoall things;hecanbothturnawayhiswrathfromyou,andsend youhelpandsecurity

22Woetothedoubtful,tothosewhoshallhearthese words,andshalldespisethem:ithadbeenbetterforthem thattheyhadnotbeenborn

23ThenIaskedherconcerningthefourcolourswhichthe beasthaduponitshead.Butsheansweredmesaying;

Againthouartcuriousinthatthouaskethconcerningthese thingsButIsaidtoher,Lady,shewmewhattheyare 24Hear,saidshe;Theblackwhichthousawestdenotesthe worldinwhichyoudwellThefieryandbloodycolour signifiesthatthisagemustbedestroyedbyfireandblood 25Thegoldenpartareye,whohaveescapedoutofit.For asgoldistriedbythefire,andismadeprofitable,soareye alsoinlikemannertriedwhodwellamongthemenofthis world.

26Theytherefore,thatshallenduretotheend,andbe provedbythemshallbepurgedAndasgold,bythistrial, iscleansedandlosesitsdross,soshallyealsocastawayall sorrowandtrouble,andbemadepureforthebuildingof thetower

27Butthewhitecolourdenotesthetimeoftheworld whichistocome,inwhichtheelectofGodshalldwell: becausetheelectofGodshallbepureandwithoutspot untillifeeternal.

28Whereforedonotthouceasetospeakthesethingsinthe earsofthesaintsHereyehavethefigureofthegreat tribulationthatisabouttocome;which,ifyoupleaseshall benothingtoyouKeepthereforeinmindthethingsthatI havesaiduntoyou.

29Whenshehadspokenthusmuch,shedeparted;butI sawnotwhithershewentButsuddenlyIheardanoise, andIturnedback,beingafraid,forIthoughtthatthebeast wascomingtowardme.

INTRODUCTION

1WhenIhadprayedathome,andwassatdownuponthebed,a certainmancameintomewithareverendlook,inthehabitofa shepherd,clothedwithawhitecloak,havinghisbaguponhis back,andhisstaffinhishand,andsalutedme.

2Ireturnedhissalutation,andimmediatelyhesatdownbyme, andsaiduntome,Iamsentbythatvenerablemessenger,thatI shoulddwellwiththeealltheremainingdaysofthylife.

3ButIthoughtthathewascometotryme,andsaiduntohim, Whoareyou?ForIknowtowhomIamcommitted.Hesaidunto me,Doyounotknowme?Iansweredno.Iam,saidhe,that shepherdtowhosecareyouaredelivered

4Whilsthewasyetspeaking,hisshapewaschanged;andwhenI knewthatitwashetowhomIwascommitted,Iwasashamed, andasuddenfearcameuponme,andIwasutterlyovercome withsadness,becauseIhadspokensofoolishlyuntohim 5Buthesaiduntome,Benotashamed,butreceivestrengthin thymind,throughthecommandswhichIamabouttodeliver untotheeFor,saidhe,Iamsenttoshewuntotheeallthose thingsagain,whichthouhastseenbefore,butespeciallysuchof themasmaybeofmostuseuntothee

6AndfirstofallwritemyCommandsandSimilitudes,therest thoushaltsowriteasIshallshewuntotheeButIthereforebid theefirstofallwritemyCommandsandSimilitudes,thatby oftenreadingofthemthoumayestthemoreeasilykeepthemin memory

7WhereuponIwrotehisCommandsandSimilitudes,ashebade me

8Whichthingsifwhenyouhaveheard,yeshallobservetodo them,andshallwalkaccordingtothem,andexerciseyourselves inthemwithapuremind,yeshallreceivefromtheLordthose thingswhichbehaspromiseduntoyou

9Butifhavingheardthemyeshallnotrepent,butshallstillgo ontoaddtoyoursins,yeshallbepunishedbyhim

10AllthesethingsthatShepherd,theangelofrepentance, commandedmetowrite

COMMAND1

1FirstofallbelievethatthereisoneGodwhocreatedand framedallthingsofnothingintoabeing

2Hecomprehendsallthings,andisonlyimmense,nottobe comprehendedbyany.

3Whocanneitherbedefinedbyanywords,norconceivedbythe mind

4Thereforebelieveinhim;andfearhim;andfearinghimabstain fromallevil.

5Keepthesethings,andcastalllustandiniquityfarfromthee, andputonrighteousness,andthoushaltlivetoGod,ifthoushalt keepthiscommandment.

COMMAND2

1Hesaiduntome,Beinnocentandwithoutdisguise;soshalt thoubelikeaninfantwhoknowsnomalicewhichdestroysthe lifeofman

2Especiallyseethatthouspeakevilofnone,norwillinglyhear anyonespeakevilofany

3Forifthouobservestnotthis,thoualsowhohearestshaltbe partakerofthesinofhimthatspeakethevil,bybelievingthe slander,andthoualsoshalthavesin,becausethoubelieved-est himthatspokeevilofthybrother

4Detractionisaperniciousthing;aninconstant,evilspirit;that nevercontinuesinpeace,butisalwaysindiscordWherefore refrainthyselffromit,andkeeppeaceevermorewiththybrother

5Putonanholyconstancy,inwhichtherearenosins,butallis fullofjoy;anddogoodofthylabours

6Givewithoutdistinctiontoallthatareinwant,notdoubtingto whomthougivest

7Butgivetoall,forGodwillhaveusgivetoall,ofallhisown giftsTheythereforethatreceiveshallgiveanaccounttoGod, bothwhereforetheyreceivedandforwhatend

8Andtheythatreceivewithoutarealneed,shallgiveanaccount forit;buthethatgivesshallbeinnocent.

9ForhehasfulfilledhisdutyashereceiveditfromGod;not makinganychoicetowhomheshouldgive,andtowhomnot. AndthisservicehedidwithsimplicityandtothegloryofGod. 10KeepthereforethiscommandaccordingasIhavedeliveredit untothee;thatthyrepentancemaybefoundtobesincere,and thatgoodmaycometothyhouse;andhaveapureheart.

COMMAND3

1Moreoverhesaiduntome,lovetruth;andletallthespeechbe truewhichproceedsoutofthymouth.

2ThatthespiritwhichtheLordhathgiventodwellinthyflesh maybefoundtruetowardsallmen;andtheLordbeglorified, whohathgivensuchaspirituntothee:becauseGodistrueinall hiswords,andinhimthereisnolie

3Theythereforethatlie,denytheLord,andbecomerobbersof theLord,notrenderingtoGodwhattheyreceivedfromhim

4Fortheyreceivedthespiritfreefromlying:Ifthereforethey makethataliar,theydefilewhatwascommittedtothembythe Lord,andbecomedeceivers

5WhenIheardthis,Iweptbitterly;andwhenhesawme weeping,hesaiduntome,Whyweepestthou?AndIsaid, Because,sir,IdoubtwhetherIcanbesaved?

6Heaskedme,Wherefore?Ireplied,becausesir,Ineverspakea truewordinmylife;butalwayslivedindissimulation,and affirmedaliefortruthtoallmen;andnomancontradictedme, butallgavecredittomywordsHowthencanIlive,seeingI havedoneinthis,manner?

7Andhesaiduntome,ThouthinkestwellandtrulyForthou oughtest,astheservantofGod,tohavewalkedinthetruth,and nothavejoinedanevilconsciencewiththespiritoftruth,nor havegrievedtheholyandtrueSpiritofGod

8AndIreplieduntohim,sir,Ineverbeforehearkenedso diligentlytothesethingsHeanswered,Nowthouhearestthem: Takecarefromhenceforth,thateventhosethingswhichthouhast formerlyspokenfalselyforthesakeofthybusiness,may,bythy presenttruthreceivecredit

9Foreventhosethingsmaybecredited,ifforthetimetocome thoushaltspeakthetruth;andbysodoingthoumayestattain untolife

10Andwhosoevershallhearkenuntothiscommand,anddoit, andshalldepartfromalllying,heshallliveuntoGod

COMMAND4

1Furthermore,saidhe,Icommandthee,thatthoukeepthyself chaste;andthatthousuffernotanythoughtofanyothermarriage, oroffornication,toenterintothyheart:forsuchathought producesgreatsin.

2ButbethouatalltimesmindfuloftheLord,andthoushalt neversinForifsuchanevilthoughtshouldariseinthyheart, thoushouldestbeguiltyofagreatsin;andtheywhodosuch thingsfollowthewayofdeath

3Lookthereforetothyself,andkeepthyselffromsuchathought; forwherechastityremainsintheheartofarighteousman,there anevilthoughtoughtnevertoarise

4AndIsaiduntohim,Sir,suffermetospeakalittletoyouHe bademesayonAndIanswered,Sir,ifamanthatisfaithfulin theLordshallhaveawife,andshallcatchherinadultery;dotha mansinthatcontinuestolivestillwithher?

5Andhesaiduntome,Aslongasheisignorantofhersin,he commitsnofaultinlivingwithher;butifamanshallknowhis wifetohaveoffended,andsheshallnotrepentofhersin,butgo onstillinherfornication,andamanshallcontinuenevertheless

tolivewithher,heshallbecomeguiltyofhersin,andpartake withherinheradultery

6AndIsaiduntohim,Whatthereforeistobedone,ifthewoman continuesoninhersin?Heanswered,Letherhusbandputher away,andlethimcontinuebyhimself.Butifheshallputaway hiswife,andmarryanotherhealsodothcommitadultery.

7AndIsaid,Whatifthewomanthatissoputaway,shallrepent, andbewillingtoreturntoherhusband,shallshenotbereceived byhim?Hesaiduntome,Yes;andifherhusbandshallnot receiveher,hewillsin,andcommitagreatoffenceagainst himself;butheoughttoreceivetheoffender,ifsherepents;only notoften.

8FortotheservantsofGodthereisbutonerepentanceAndfor thiscauseamanthatputtethawayhiswifeoughtnottotake another,becauseshemayrepent

9Thisactisalikebothinthemanandinthewoman.Nowthey commitadultery,notonlywhopollutetheirflesh,butwhoalso makeanimageIfthereforeawomanperseveresinanythingof thiskind,andrepentsnot,departfromher,andlivenotwithher, otherwisethoualsoshaltbepartakerofhersin

10Butitisthereforecommandedthatboththemanandthe womanshouldremainunmarriedbecausesuchpersonsmay repent

11NordoIinthisadministeranyoccasionforthedoingofthese things;butratherthatwhosohasoffended,shouldnotoffendany more

12Butfortheirformersins,Godwhohasthepowerofhealing willgivearemedy;forhehasthepowerofallthings

13Iaskedhimagainandsaid,SeeingtheLordhaththoughtme worthythatthoushouldestdwellwithmecontinually,speaka fewwordsuntome,becauseIunderstandnothing,andmyheart ishardenedthroughmyformerconversation;andopenmy understandingbecauseIamverydull,andapprehendnothingat all

14Andheansweringsaiduntome,Iamtheministerof repentance,andgiveunderstandingtoallthatrepentDoesitnot seemtotheetobeaverywisethingtorepent?Becausehethat doessogetsgreatunderstanding

15Forheissensiblethathehathsinnedanddonewickedlyinthe sightoftheLord,andherememberswithinhimselfthathehas offended,andrepentsanddoesnomorewickedly,butdoesthat whichisgood,andhumbleshissoulandafflictsit,becausehe hasoffendedYouseethereforethatrepentanceisgreatwisdom

16AndIsaiduntohim,Forthiscause,sir,Iinquirediligently intoallthings,becauseIamasinner,thatImayknowwhatI mustdothatImaylive;becausemysinsaremany

17Andhesaiduntome,Thoushaltliveifthoushaltkeepthese mycommandments.Andwhosoevershallhearanddothese commandsshallliveuntoGod.

18¶AndIsaiduntohim,Ihaveevennowheardfromcertain teachers,thatthereisnootherrepentancebesidethatofbaptism; whenwegodownintothewater,andreceivetheforgivenessof oursins;andthatafterthat,wemustsinnomore,butlivein purity.

19Andhesaiduntome,Thouhasbeenrightlyinformed. Neverthelessseeingnowthouinquirestdiligentlyintoallthings,I willmanifestthisalsountothee:yetnotsoastogiveany occasionofsinningeithertothosewhoshallhereafterbelieve,or tothosewhohavealreadybelievedintheLord

20Forneithertheywhohavenewlybelieved,orwhoshall hereafterbelieve,haveanyrepentanceofsins,butforgivenessof them

21Butastothosewhohavebeencalledtothefaith,andsince thatarefallenintoanygrosssin,theLordhathappointed repentance,becauseGodknoweththethoughtsofallmen'shearts, andtheirinfirmities,andthemanifoldwickednessofthedevil, whoisalwayscontrivingsomethingagainsttheservantsofGod, andmaliciouslylayssnaresforthem

22ThereforeourmercifulLordhadcompassiontowardshis creature,andappointedthatrepentance,andgaveuntomethe

powerofitAndthereforeIsayuntothee,ifanyoneafterthat greatandholycallingshallbetemptedbythedevilandsin,he hasonerepentanceButifheshalloftensinandrepentitshallnot profitsuchaone;forheshallhardlyliveuntoGod.

23AndIsaid,Sir,IamrestoredagaintolifesinceIhavethus diligentlyhearkenedtothesecommands.ForIperceivethatifI shallnothereafteraddanymoretomysins,Ishallbesaved.

24Andhesaid,Thoushaltbesaved:andsoshallallothers,as manyasshallobservethesecommandments.

25AndagainIsaiduntohim,Sir,seeingthouhearestme patientlyshewmeyetonethingmore.Tellme,saithhe,whatitis.

26AndIsaid,Ifahusbandorawifedie,andthepartywhich survivesmarryagain,doeshesininsodoing?Hethatmarries sayshe,sinsnot:howbeit,ifheshallremainsingle,heshall therebygaintohimselfgreathonourbeforetheLord

27Keepthereforethychastityandmodesty,andthoushaltlive untoGodObservefromhenceforththosethingswhichIspeak withthee,andcommandtheetoobserve,fromthetimethatI havebeendelivereduntothee,anddwellinthyhouse 28Soshallthyformersinsbeforgiven,ifthoushaltkeepthese mycommandmentsAndinlikemannershallaltothersbe forgiven,whoshallobservethesemycommandments

COMMAND5

1Bepatient,sayshe,andlongsuffering;soshaltthouhave dominionoverallwickedworks,andshaltfulfilallrighteousness 2Forifthoushaltbepatient,theHolySpiritwhichdwellethin theeshallbepure,andnotbedarkenedbyanyevilspirit;but beingfullofjoyshallbeenlarged,andfeastinthebodyinwhich itdwells,andservetheLordwithjoy,andingreatpeace

3Butifanyangershallovertakethee,presentlytheHolySpirit whichisintheewillbestraightenedandseektodepartfromthee 4Forheischokedbytheevilspirit,andhasnotthelibertyof servingtheLordashewouldforheisgrievedbyangerWhen, therefore,boththesespiritsdwelltogether,itisdestructivetoa man

5Asifoneshouldtakealittlewormwood,andputitintoavessel ofhoney,thewholehoneywouldbespoiled;andagreatquantity ofhoneyiscorruptedbyaverylittlewormwood,andlosesthe sweetnessofhoney,andisnolongeracceptabletoitsLord becausethewholehoneyismadebitter,andlosesitsuse

6Butifnowormwoodbeputintothehoney,itissweetand profitabletoitsLord.Thusisforbearancesweeterthanhoney, andprofitabletotheLordwhodwellethinit

7ButangerisunprofitableIfthereforeangershallbemixedwith forbearance,thesoulisdistressed,anditsprayerisnotprofitable withGod.

8AndIsaiduntohim,Sir,Iwouldknowthesinfulnessofanger, thatImaykeepmyselffromit.Andhesaiduntome,Thoushalt knowit;andifthoushaltnotkeepthyselffromit,thoushaltlose thyhopewithallthyhouse.Whereforedepartfromit.

9ForIthemessengerofrighteousnessamwiththee;andallthat departfromit,asmanyasshallrepentwithalltheirhearts,shall liveuntoGod;andIwillbewiththem,andwillkeepthemall.

10Forallsuchashaverepentedhavebeenjustifiedbythemost holymessenger,whoisaministerofsalvation

11Andnow,sayshe,hearthewickednessofanger;howeviland hurtfulitis,andhowitoverthrowstheservantsofGod;forit cannothurtthosethatarefulloffaithbecausethepowerofGod iswiththem;butitoverthrowsthedoubtful,andthosethatare destituteoffaith

12Forasoftenasitseessuchmen,itcastsitselfintotheirhearts; andsoamanorwomanisinbitternessfornothing,forthethings oflife,orforsustenance,orforavainword,ifanyshouldchance tofallin;orbyreasonofanyfriend,orforadebt,orforany othersuperfluousthingsofthelikenature

13Forthesethingsarefoolish,andsuperfluous,andvaintothe servantsofGodButequanimityisstrong,andforcible;andof

greatpower,andsittethingreatenlargement;ischeerful, rejoicinginpeace;andglorifyingGodatalltimeswithmeekness

14Andthislong-sufferingdwellswiththosethatarefulloffaith Butangerisfoolish,andlight,andempty.Nowbitternessisbred throughfolly;bybitterness,anger;byanger,fury.Andthisfury arisingfromsomanyevilprinciples,workethagreatand incurablesin.

15Forwhenallthesethingsareinthesamemaninwhichthe HolySpiritdwells,thevesselcannotcontainthem,butrunsover: andbecausetheSpiritbeingtendercannottarrywiththeevilone; itdepartsanddwellswithhimthatismeek.

16When,therefore,itisdepartedfromthemaninwhomitdwelt; thatmanbecomesdestituteoftheHolySpirit,andisafterwards filledwithwickedspirits,andisblindedwithevilthoughts.Thus dothithappentoallangrymen

17Whereforedepartthoufromangerandputonequanimity,and resistwrath;sothoushaltbefoundwithmodestyandchastityby GodTakegoodheedthereforethatthouneglectnotthis commandment

18Forifthoushaltobeythiscommand,thenshaltthoualsobe abletoobservetheothercommandments,whichIshallcommand thee

19Whereforestrengthenthyselfnowinthesecommands,that thoumayestliveuntoGodAndwhosoevershallobservethese commandmentsshallliveuntoGod

COMMAND6

1Icommandedthee,saidhe,inmyfirstcommandments,that thoushouldstkeepfaithandfear,andrepentanceYes,Sir,saidI 2Hecontinued:ButnowIwillshewtheethevirtuesofthese commands,thatthoumayestknowtheireffects;howtheyare prescribedaliketothejustandunjust

3Dothouthereforebelievetherighteous,butgivenocreditto theunrighteousForrighteousnesskeepeththerightway,but unrighteousnessthewickedway

4Dothouthereforekeeptherightway,andleavethatwhichis evilFortheevilwayhasnotagoodend,buthathmany stumbling-blocks;itisruggedandfullofthorns,andleadsto destruction;anditishurtfultoallsuchaswalkinit

5Buttheywhogointherightway,walkwithevenness,and withoutoffence;becauseitisnotroughnorthorny

6ThouseestthereforehowitisbesttowalkinthiswayThou shaltthereforego,sayshe,andallothers,asmanyasbelievein Godwithalltheirheart,shallothroughit

7Andnow,sayshe;understandfirstofallwhatbelongstofaith Therearetwoangelswithman;oneofrighteousness,theotherof iniquity.

8AndIsaiduntohim:Sir,howshallIknowthattherearetwo suchangelswithman?Hearsayshe,andunderstand.

9Theangelofrighteousness,ismildandmodest,andgentle,and quiet.Whentherefore,hegetsintothyheart,immediatelyhe talkswiththeeofrighteousness,ofmodesty,ofchastity,of bountifulness,offorgiveness,ofcharity,andpiety.

10Whenallthesethingscomeintothyheart,knowthenthatthe angelofrighteousnessiswiththeeWhereforehearkentothis angelandtohisworks

11LearnalsotheworksoftheangelofiniquityHeisfirstofall bitter,andangry,andfoolish;andhisworksarepernicious,and overthrowtheservantsofGodWhenthereforethesethingscome intothyheart;thoushaltknowbyhisworks,thatthisistheangel ofiniquity

12AndIsaiduntohim,Sir,howshallIunderstandthesethings? Hearsayshe,andunderstandWhenangerovertakesthee,or bitterness,knowthatheisinthee:

13Asalso,whenthedesireofmanythings,andofthebestmeats andofdrunkenness;whentheloveofwhatbelongstoothers, pride,andmuchspeakingandambition,andthelikethings,come uponthee

14Whenthereforethesethingsariseinthyheart,knowthatthe angelofiniquityiswiththeeSeeingthereforethouknowesthis works,departfromthemall,andgivenocredittohim:because hisworksareevil,andbecomenottheservantsofGod.

15Herethereforethouhasttheworksofboththeseangels. Understandnowandbelievetheangelofrighteousness,because hisinstructionisgood.

16Forletamanbeneversohappy;yetifthethoughtsofthe otherangelariseinhisheart,thatmanorwomanmustneedssin. 17Butletmanorwomanbeneversowicked,iftheworksofthe angelofrighteousnesscomeintohisheart,thatmanorwoman mustneedsdosomegood.

18Thouseestthereforehowitisgoodtofollowtheangelof righteousness.Ifthereforethoushallfollowhim,and2submitto hisworks,thoushaltliveuntoGodAndasmanyasshallsubmit tohiswork,shalllivealsountoGod.

COMMAND7

1FearGod,sayshe,andkeephiscommandmentsForifthou keepesthiscommandmentsthoushaltbepowerfulineverywork, andallthyworksshallbeexcellentForbyfearingGod,thou shaltdoeverythingwell

2Thisisthatfearwithwhichthoumustbeaffectedthatthou mayestbesavedButfearnotthedevil:forifthoufearestthe Lord,thoushalthavedominionoverhim;becausethereisno powerinhim

3Nowiftherebenopowerinhim,thenneitherishetobefeared Butheinwhomthereisexcellentpower,heistobefeared:for everyonethathaspower,istobefearedButhethathasno powerisdespisedbyeveryone

4Feartheworksofthedevil,becausetheyareevilForby fearingtheLord,thouwiltfearandnotdotheworksofthedevil, butkeepthyselffromthem

5Thereisthereforeatwofoldfear;ifthouwiltnotdoevil,fear theLordandthoushaltnotdoitButifthouwiltdogood,the fearoftheLordisstrong,andgreatandglorious

6Wherefore,fearGodandthoushaltlive:andwhosoevershall fearhim,andkeephiscommandments,theirlifeiswiththeLord Buttheywhokeepthemnot,neitherislifeinthem

COMMAND8

1Ihavetoldthee,saidhe,thattherearetwokindsofcreaturesof theLord,andthatthereisatwo-foldabstinenceFromsome thingsthereforethoumustabstain,andfromothersnot 2Ianswered,Declaretome,sir,fromwhatImustabstain,and fromwhatnot.Hearken,saidhe.Keepthyselffromevil,anddoit not;butabstainnotfromgood,butdoit.Forifthoushaltabstain fromwhatisgood,andnotdoit,thoushaltsin.Abstaintherefore fromallevil,andthoushaltknowallrighteousness.

3Isaid,WhatevilthingsaretheyfromwhichImustabstain? Hearken,saidhe:fromadultery,fromdrunkenness,fromriots, fromexcessofeating,fromdaintinessanddishonesty,frompride, fromfraud,fromlying,fromdetraction,fromhypocrisy,from remembranceofinjuries,andfromallevilspeaking

4Forthesearetheworksofiniquity,fromwhichtheservantof GodmustabstainForhethatcannotkeephimselffromthese things,cannotliveuntoGod

5Buthear,saidhe,whatfollowsofthesekindofthings:for indeedmanymoretherearefromwhichtheservantofGodmust abstainFromtheft,andcheating;fromfalsewitness,from covetousness,fromboasting,andallotherthingsofthelike nature

6Dothesethingsseemtotheetobeevilornot?Indeedtheyare veryeviltotheservantsofGodWhereforetheservantofGod mustabstainfromalltheseworks

7Keepthyselfthereforefromthem,thatthoumayestliveunto God,andbewrittenamongthosethatabstainfromthemAnd

thushaveIshowntheewhatthingsthoumustavoid:nowlearn fromwhatthoumustnotabstain

8Abstainnotfromanygoodworks,butdothemHear,saidhe, whatthevirtueofthosegoodworksiswhichthoumustdo,that thoumayestbesaved.Thefirstofallisfaith;thefearoftheLord; charity;concord;equity;truth;patience;chastity.

9Thereisnothingbetterthanthesethingsinthelifeofman;who shallkeepanddothesethingsintheirlife.Hearnextwhatfollow these.

10Toministertothewidows;nottodespisethefatherlessand poor;toredeemtheservantsofGodfromnecessity;tobe hospitable;(forinhospitalitythereissometimesgreatfruit)not tobecontentious,butbequiet

11Tobehumbleaboveallmen;toreverencetheaged;tolabour toberighteous;torespectthebrotherhood;tobearaffronts;tobe long-suffering;nottocastawaythosethathavefallenfromthe faith,buttoconvertthem,andmakethembeofgoodcheer;to admonishsinners;nottooppressthosethatareourdebtors;and allotherthingsofalikekind

12Dothesethingsseemtotheetobegoodornot?AndIsaid, Whatcanbebetterthanthesewords?Livethen,saidhe,inthese commandments,anddonotdepartfromthemForifthoushalt keepallthesecommandments,thoushaltliveuntoGodAndall theythatshallkeepthesecommandmentsshallliveuntoGod

COMMAND9

1Againhesaiduntome;removefromtheealldoubting;and questionnothingatall,whenthouaskestanythingoftheLord; sayingwithinthyself:howshallIbeabletoaskanythingofthe Lordandreceiveit,seeingIhavesogreatlysinnedagainsthim?

2Donotthinkthus,butturnuntotheLordwithallthyheart,and askofhimwithoutdoubting,andthoushaltknowthemercyof theLord;howthathewillnotforsakethee,butwillfulfilthe requestofthysoul

3ForGodisnotasmen,mindfuloftheinjurieshehasreceived; butheforgetsinjuries,andhascompassionuponhiscreature

4Whereforepurifythyheartfromallthevicesofthispresent world;andobservethecommandsIhavebeforedeliveredunto theefromGod;andthoushaltreceivewhatsoevergoodthings thoushaltask,andnothingshallbewantinguntotheeofallthy petitions;ifthoushaltaskoftheLordwithoutdoubting

5Buttheythatarenotsuch,shallobtainnoneofthosethings whichtheyask.Fortheythatarefulloffaithaskallthingswith confidence,andreceivefromtheLord,becausetheyaskwithout doubtingButhethatdoubts,shallhardlyliveuntoGod,except herepent

6Whereforepurifythyheartfromdoubting,andputonfaith,and trustinGod,andthoushaltreceiveallthatthoushaltask.Butand ifthoushouldestchancetoasksomewhatandnot(immediately) receiveit,yetdonotthereforedoubt,becausethouhastnot presentlyreceivedthepetitionofthysoul.

7Foritmaybethoushaltnotpresentlyreceiveitforthytrial,or elseforsomesinwhichthouknowestnot.Butdonotthouleave offtoask,andthenthoushaltreceive.Elseifthoushaltceaseto ask,thoumustcomplainofthyself,andnotofGod,thathehas notgivenuntotheewhatthoudidstdesire

8Considerthereforethisdoubting,howcruelandperniciousitis; andhowitutterlyrootsoutmanyfromthefaith,whowerevery faithfulandfirmForthisdoubtingisthedaughterofthedevil, anddealsverywickedlywiththeservantsofGod

9Despiseittherefore,andthoushaltruleoveritonevery occasionPutonafirmandpowerfulfaith:forfaithpromisesall thingsandperfectsallthingsButdoubtingwillnotbelieve,that itshallobtainanything,byallthatitcando

10Thouseesttherefore,sayshe,howfaithcomethfromabove, fromGod;andhathgreatpowerButdoubtingisanearthlyspirit, andproceedethfromthedevil,andhasnostrength

11Dothouthereforekeepthevirtueoffaith,anddepartfrom doubting,inwhichisnovirtue,andthoushaltliveuntoGodAnd allshallliveuntoGod,asmanyasdothesethings

COMMAND10

1Putallsadnessfarfromthee;foritisthesisterofdoubtingand ofanger.How,sir,saidI,isitthesisterofthese?forsadness,and anger,anddoubting,seemtometobeverydifferentfromone another.

2Andheanswered:Artthouwithoutsensethatthoudostnot understandit?Forsadnessisthemostmischievousofallspirits, andtheworsttotheservantsofGod:Itdestroysthespiritsofall men,andtormentstheHolySpirit;andagain,itsaves.

3Sir,saidI,Iamveryfoolish,andunderstandnotthesethingsI cannotapprehendhowitcantorment,andyetsave.Hear,saidhe, andunderstandTheywhoneversoughtoutthetruth,nor inquiredconcerningthemajestyofGod,butonlybelieved,are involvedintheaffairsoftheheathen

4Andthereisanotherlyingprophetthatdestroysthemindsof theservantsofGod;thatisofthosethataredoubtful,notofthose thatfullytrustintheLordNowthosedoubtfulpersonscometo him,astoadivinespirit,andinquireofhimwhatshallbefall them

5Andthislyingprophethavingnopowerinhimofthedivine Spirit,answersthemaccordingtotheirdemands,andfillstheir soulswithpromisesaccordingastheydesireHowbeitthat prophetisvain,andanswersvainthingstothosewhoare themselvesvain

6Andwhatsoeverisaskedofhimbyvainmen,heanswersthem vainlyNeverthelesshespeakethsomethingstrulyForthedevil fillshimwithhisspirit,thathemayoverthrowsomeofthe righteous

7WhosoeverthereforearestronginthefaithoftheLord,and haveputonthetruth:theyarenotjoinedtosuchspirits,but departfromthemButtheythataredoubtful,andoftenrepenting liketheheathens,consultthem,andheapuptothemselvesgreat sin,servingidols

8Asmanythereforeasaresuch,inquireofthemuponevery occasion;worshipidols;andarefoolish,andvoidofthetruth

9ForeveryspiritthatisgivenfromGodneedsnottobeasked; buthavingthepowerofdivinityspeaksallthingsofitself; becausehecomesfromabove,fromthepowerofGod

10Buthethatbeingaskedspeaksaccordingtomen'sdesires,and concerningmanyotheraffairsofthepresentworld,understands notthethingswhichrelateuntoGodForthesespiritsare darkenedthroughsuchaffairs,andcorruptedandbroken 11Asgoodvinesiftheyareneglected,areoppressedwithweeds andthorns,andatlastkilledbythem;soarethemenwhobelieve suchspirits.

12Theyfallintomanyactionsandbusinesses,andarevoidof sense,andwhentheythinkofthingspertaininguntoGod,they understandnothingatall:butifatanytimetheychancetohear anythingconcerningtheLord,theirthoughtsareupontheir business.

13ButtheythathavethefearoftheLord,andsearchoutthe truthconcerningGod,havingalltheirthoughtstowardstheLord; apprehendwhatsoeverissaidtothem,andforthwithunderstandit, becausetheyhavethefearoftheLordinthem

14ForwherethespiritoftheLorddwells,thereisalsomuch understandingaddedWhereforejointhyselftotheLord,and thoushaltunderstandallthings

15Learnnow,Ounwiseman!howsadnesstroubleththeHoly Spirit,andhowitsavesWhenamanthatisdoubtfulisengaged inanyaffair,anddoesnotaccomplishitbyreasonofhis doubting,thissadnessentersintohim,andgrievestheHolySpirit, andmakeshimsad

16Again,angerwhenitovertakesanymanforanybusinessheis greatlymoved;andthenagainsadnessenterethintotheheartof

him,whowasmovedwithanger,andheistroubledforwhathe hathdone,andrepenteth,becausehehathdoneamiss

17Thissadnessthereforeseemethtobringsalvation,becausehe repentethofhisevildeed.Butboththeotherthings,namely, doubtingandsadness,suchasbeforewasmentioned,vexthe spirit:doubting,becausehisworkdidnotsucceed:andsadness, becauseheangeredtheHolySpirit.

18Removethereforesadnessfromthyself,andafflictnotthe HolySpiritwhichdwellethinthee,lestheentreatGod,and departfromthee.ForthespiritoftheLordwhichisgivento dwellintheflesh,endurethnosuchsadness.

19Whereforeclothethyselfwithcheerfulness,whichhasalways favourwiththeLord,andthoushaltrejoiceinitForevery cheerfulmandoeswell;andrelishesthosethingsthataregood, anddespisessadness

20Butthesadmandoesalwayswickedly.First,hedoth wickedly,becausehegrieveththeHolySpirit,whichisgivento man,beingofacheerfulnatureAndagainhedoesill,becausehe prayswithsadnessuntotheLord,andmakethnotafirstthankful acknowledgmentuntohimofformermercies,andobtainsnotof Godwhatheasks

21Fortheprayerofasadmanhasnotalwaysefficacytocome uptothealtarofGodAndIsaiduntohim,Sir,whyhasnotthe prayerofasadmanvirtuetocomeuptothealtarofGod? because,saidhe,thatsadnessremainethinhisheart

22Whenthereforeaman'sprayershallbeaccompaniedwith sadness,itwillnotsufferhisrequeststoascendpuretothealtar ofGodForaswinewhenitismingledwithvinegar,hasnotthe sweetnessithadbefore;sosadnessbeingmixedwiththeHoly Spirit,suffersnotaman'sprayertobethesameasitwouldbe otherwise

23Whereforecleansethyselffromsadness,whichisevil,and thoushaltliveuntoGodAndallothersshallliveuntoGod,as manyasshalllayasidesadnessandputoncheerfulness

COMMAND11

1Heshewedmecertainmensittinguponbenches,andone sittinginachair:andhesaiduntomeseestthouwhosituponthe benches?Sir,saidI,IseethemHeanswered,Theyarethe faithful;andhewhositsinthechairisanearthlyspirit

2Forhecomethnotintotheassemblyofthefaithful,butavoids itButhejoinshimselftothedoubtfulandempty;andprophesies tothemincornersandhiddenplaces;andpleasesthemby speakingaccordingtoallthedesiresoftheirhearts

3Forheplacinghimselfamongemptyvessels,isnotbroken,but theonefitteththeotherButwhenhecomethintothecompanyof justmen,whoarefullofthespiritofGod,andtheyprayuntothe Lord;thatmanisemptiedbecausethatearthlyspiritfliesfrom him,andheisdumb,andcannotspeakanything.

4Asifinastore-houseyoushallstopupwineoroil;andamong thosevesselsshallplaceanemptyjar;andshallafterwardscome toopenit,youshallfinditemptyasyoustoppeditup:sothose emptyprophetswhentheycomeamongthespiritsofthejust,are foundtobesuchastheycame.

5Isaid,Howthenshallamanbeabletodiscernthem?Consider whatIamgoingtosayconsideringbothkindsofmen;andasI speakuntotheesoshaltthouprovetheprophetofGod,andthe falseprophet

6AndfirsttrythemanwhohaththespiritofGod;becausethe spiritwhichisfromaboveishumble,andquiet;anddepartsfrom allwickedness;andfromthevaindesiresofthepresentworld; andmakeshimselfmorehumblethanallmen;andanswersto nonewhenheisasked;nortoeveryonesingly:fortheSpiritof Goddothnotspeaktoamanwhenhewill,butwhenGodpleases 7WhenthereforeamanwhohaththeSpiritofGodshallcome intothechurchoftherighteous,whohavethefaithofGod,and theyprayuntotheLord;thentheholyangelofGodfillsthatman withtheblessedSpirit,andhespeaksinthecongregationasheis movedofGod

8ThusthereforeisthespiritofGodknown,becausewhosoever speakethbytheSpiritofGod,speakethastheLordwill 9Hearnowconcerningtheearthlyspirit,whichisemptyand foolish,andwithoutvirtue.Andfirstofallthemanwhois supposedtohavetheSpirit,(whereashehathitnotinreality), exaltethhimself,anddesirestohavethefirstseat,andiswicked, andfullofwords.

10Andspendshistimeinpleasure,andinallmannerof voluptuousness;andreceivestherewardofhisdivination;which ifhereceivesnot,hedoesnotdivine.

11ShouldtheSpiritofGodreceiverewardanddivine?Itdoth notbecomeaprophetofGodsotodo.

12Thusyouseethelifeofeachofthesekindofprophets Whereforeprovethatmanbyhislifeandworks,whosaysthathe haththeHolySpiritAndbelievetheSpiritwhichcomesfrom God,andhaspowerassuch.Butbelievenottheearthlyand emptyspirit,whichisfromthedevil,inwhomthereisnofaith norvirtue

13HearnowthesimilitudewhichIamabouttospeakuntothee Takeastone,andthrowituptowardsheaven;ortakeaspoutof water,andmountitupthitherward;andseeifthoucanstreach untoheaven

14Sir,saidI,howcanthisbedone?Forneitherofthosethings whichyouhavementioned,arepossibletobedoneAndhe answered,Thereforeasthesethingscannotbedone,soisthe earthlyspiritwithoutvirtue,andwithouteffect

15Understandyetfartherthepowerwhichcomethfromabove, inthissimilitudeThegrainsofhailthatdropdownare exceedinglysmall;andyetwhentheyfallupontheheadofaman, howdotheycausepaintoit?

16Andagain;considerthedroppingsofahouse:howthelittle dropsfallingupontheearth,workahollowinthestones

17Soinlikemannertheleastthingswhichcomefromabove, andfallupontheearth,havegreatforceWhereforejointhyself tothisspirit,whichhasthepower;anddepartfromtheother whichisempty

COMMAND12

1Againhesaiduntome;removefromtheeallevildesires,and putongoodandholydesiresForhavingputonagooddesire, thoushalthatethatwhichisevil,andbridleitasthouwiltButan evildesireisdreadfulandhardtobetamed

2Itisveryhorribleandwild:andbyitswildnessconsumesmen. AndespeciallyifaservantofGodshallchancetofallintoit, excepthebeverywise,heisruinedbyitForitdestroysthose whohavenotthegarmentofagooddesire:andareengagedin theaffairsofthispresentworld;anddeliversthemuntodeath.

3Sir,saidI,whataretheworksofanevildesire,whichbring menuntodeath?Shewthemtome,thatImaydepartfromthem. Hearsaidhe,bywhatworksanevildesirebringeththeservants ofGoduntodeath.

4Firstofall,itisanevildesiretocovetanotherman'swife;or forawomantocovetanother'shusband;asalsotodesirethe daintiesofriches:andmultitudeofsuperfluousmeats;and drunkenness;andmanydelights

5Forinmuchdelicacythereisfolly;andmanypleasuresare needlesstotheservantsofGodSuchlustingthereforeiseviland pernicious,whichbringstodeaththeservantsofGodForall suchlustingisfromthedevil

6Whosoeverthereforeshalldepartfromallevildesires,shalllive untoGod;buttheythataresubjectuntothemshalldieforever ForthisevillustingisdeadlyDothouthereforeputonthedesire ofrighteousness,andbeingarmedwiththefearoftheLord,resist allwickedlusting

7Forthisfeardwellethingooddesires;andwhenevilcoveting shallseetheearmedwiththefearoftheLord,andresistingit,it willflyfarfromthee,andnotappearingbeforethee,butbeafraid ofthyarmour

8Andthoushalthavethevictory,andbecrownedforit;and shaltattaintothatdesirewhichisgood;andshaltgivethevictory whichthouhastobtaineduntoGod,andshaltservehimindoing whatthouthyselfwouldestdo.

9Forifthoushaltservegooddesires,andbesubjecttothem; thoushaltbeabletogetthedominionoverthywickedlustings; andtheyshallbesubjecttotheeasthouwilt.

10AndIsaid,Sir,Iwouldknowhowtoservethatdesirewhich isgood?Hearken,saithhe,FearGodandputthytrustinhim,and lovetruth,andrighteousness,anddothatwhichisgood.

11Ifthoushaltdothesethings,thoushaltbeanapprovedservant ofGod;andshaltservehim:andallotherswhoshallinlike mannerserveagooddesireshallliveuntoGod

12Andwhenhehadfulfilledthesetwelvecommands,hesaid untome,Thouhastnowthesecommands,walkinthem;and exhortthosethathearthemthatrepent,andthattheykeeptheir repentancepurealltheremainingdaysoftheirlife

13AndfulfildiligentlythisministrywhichIcommittothee,and thoushaltreceivegreatadvantagebyit;andshaltfindfavour withallsuchasshallrepent,andshallbelievethywordsForI amwiththee,andwillforcethemtobelieve

14AndIsaiduntohim,Sir,thosecommandsaregreatand excellent,andabletocheertheheartofthatmanthatshallbe abletokeepthemBut,Sir,Icannottell,whethertheycanbe observedbyanyman?

15Heanswered,Thoushalteasilykeepthesecommands,and theyshallnotbehard:howbeit,ifthoushaltsufferitonceto enterintothyheartthattheycannotbekeptbyanyone,thou shaltnotfulfilthem

16ButnowIsayuntotheeifthoushaltnotobservethese commands,butshallneglectthem,thoushaltnotbesaved,nor thychildren,northyhouse;becausethouhastjudgedthatthese cannotbekeptbyman

17Thesethingshespakeveryangrilyuntome,insomuchthathe greatlyaffrightedmeFurhechangedhiscountenance,sothata mattcouldnotbearhisanger

18Andwhenhesawmealtogethertroubledandconfounded,he begantospeakmoremoderatelyandcheerfully,saying,Ofoolish, andwithoutunderstanding!

19Unconstant,notknowingthemajestyofGodhowgreatand wonderfulheis;whocreatedtheworldforman,andhathmade everycreaturesubjectuntohim:andgivenhimallpower,thathe shouldbeabletofulfilallthesecommands

20Heisable,saidhe,tofulfilallthesecommands,whohathe Lordinhisheart:buttheywhohavetheLordonlyintheir mouths,andtheirheartishardened,andtheyarefarfromthe Lord;tosuchpersonsthesecommandsarehardanddifficult

21Puttherefore,yethatareemptyandlightinthefaith,theLord yourGodinyourheartsandyeshallperceivehowthatnothingis moreeasythanthesecommands,normorepleasant,normore gentleandholy.

22AndturnyourselvestotheLordyourGod,andforsakethe devilandhispleasures,becausetheyareevil,andbitter,and impure.Andfearnotthedevil,becausehehasnopoweroveryou.

23ForIamwithyou,themessengerofrepentance,whohavethe dominionoverhimThedevildothindeedaffrightmen;buthis terrorisvainWhereforefearhimnot,andhewillfleefromyou

24AndIsaiduntohim;Sir,hearmespeakafewwordsuntoyou Heanswered,Sayon:Amanindeeddesirestokeepthe commandmentsofGod:andthereisnoonebutwhatpraysunto God,thathemaybeabletokeephiscommandments

25Butthedevilishard,andbyhispowerrulesovertheservants ofGodAndhesaidHecannotruleovertheservantsofGod, whotrustinhimwithalltheirhearts

26Thedevilmaystrive,buthecannotovercomethem

27Forifyeresisthim,hewillfloeawaywithconfusionfrom youButtheythatarenotfullinthefaith,fearthedevil,asifhe hadsomegreatpowerForthedeviltriestheiservantsofGod andifhefindsthemempty,hedestroysthem

28Forasman,whenhefillsupvesselswithgoodwine,and amongthemputsafewvesselshalffull,andcomestotryand tasteofthevessels,dothnottrythosethatarefull,becauseho knowsthattheyaregood;buttastesthosethatarehalffull,lest theyshouldgrowsour;(forvesselshalffullsoongrowsour,and losethetasteofwine:)sothedevilcomestotheservantsofGod totrythem.

29Theythatarefulloffaithresisthimstoutly,andhedeparts fromthem,becausehefindsnoplacewheretoenterintothem: thenhegoestothosethatarenotfulloffaith,andbecausehehas placeofentrance,hegoesintothem,anddoeswhathewillwith them,andtheybecomehisservants.

30ButI,themessengerofrepentance,sayuntoyou,fearnotthe devil,forIamsentuntoyou,thatImayhewithyou,asmanyas shallrepentwithyourwholeheart,andthatImayconfirmyouin thefaith.

31Believetherefore,yewhobyreasonofyourtransgressions haveforgotGod,andyourownsalvation;andaddingtoyoursins havemadeyourlifeveryheavy

32ThatifyeshallturntotheLordwithyourwholehearts,and shallservehimaccordingtohiswill;hewillhealyouofyour formersins,andyeshallhavedominionoveralltheworksofthe devil

33Benotthenafraidintheleastofhisthreatenings,fortheyare withoutforce,asthenervesofadeadmanButhearkenuntome, andfeartheLordAlmighty,whoisabletosaveandtodestroy you;andkeephiscommands,thatyemayliveuntoGod

34AndIsaiduntohim;Sir,Iamnowconfirmedinallthe commandsoftheLordwhilstthatyouarewithme,andIknow thatyouwillbreakallthepowerofthedevil

35Andwealsoshallovercomehim,ifweshallbeable,through thehelpoftheLord,tokeepthesecommandswhichyouhave delivered

36Thoushaltkeepthem,saidhe,ifthoushaltpurifythyheart towardstheLordAndalltheyalsoshallkeepthemwhoshall cleansetheirheartsfromthevaindesiresofthepresentworld, andshallliveuntoGod

1Andhesaiduntome;Yeknowthatyewhoarethe servantsoftheLord,livehereasinapilgrimage;for yourcityisfarofffromthiscity.

2If,therefore,yeknowyourcityinwhichyeareto dwell,whydoyeherebuyestates,andprovide yourselveswithdelicacies,andstatelybuildings,and superfluoushouses?Forhethatprovideshimselfthese thingsinthiscity,doesnotthinkofreturningintohis owncity.

3Ofoolish,anddoubtful,andwretchedman;who understandestnotthatallthesethingsbelongtoother men,andareunderthepowerofanother.FortheLord ofthiscitysaithuntothee;Eitherobeymylaws,or departoutofmycity.

4Whatthereforeshaltthoudowhoartsubjecttoalaw inthineowncity?Canstthouforthyestate,orforanyof thosethingswhichthouhastprovided,denythylaw? Butifthoushaltdenyit,andwiltafterwardsreturninto thyowncity,thoushaltnotbereceived,butshallbe excludedthence

5Seetherefore,thatlikeamaninanothercountry,thou procurenomoretothyselfthanwhatisnecessary,and sufficientforthee?andbeready,thatwhentheGodor Lordofthiscityshalldrivetheeoutofit,thoumayst opposehislaw,andgointothineowncity;wherethou maystwithallcheerfulnessliveaccordingtothineown lawwithnowrong

6TakeheedthereforeyethatserveGod,andhavehim inyourhearts:workyetheworksofGod,beingmindful bothofhiscommandsandofhispromises,whichhehas promised;andbeassuredthathewillmakethemgood untoyou;ifyeshallkeephiscommandments

7Insteadthereforeofthepossessionsthatyewould otherwisepurchase,redeemthosethatareinwantfrom theirnecessities,aseveryoneisable;justifythewidows; judgethecauseofthefatherless;andspendyourriches andyourwealthinsuchworksasthese

8For,forthisendhasGodenrichedyou,thatyemight fulfilthesekindofservicesItismuchbettertodothis, thantobuylandsorhouses;becauseallsuchthingsshall perishwiththispresenttime.

9ButwhatyeshalldoforthenameoftheLord,yeshall findinyourcity,andshallhavejoywithoutsadnessor fear.Whereforecovetnottherichesoftheheathen;for theyaredestructivetotheservantsofGod.

10Buttradewithyourownricheswhichyoupossess, bywhichyemayattainuntoeverlastingjoy.

11Anddonotcommitadultery,nortouchanyother man'swife,nordesireher;butcovetthatwhichisthy ownbusiness,andthoushaltbesaved.

SIMILITUDE2

1AsIwaswalkingintothefield,andconsideredthe elmandthevine,andthoughtwithmyselfoftheirfruits, anangelappeareduntome,andsaiduntome;Whatisit thatthouthinkestuponthuslongwithinthyself?

2AndIsaiduntohim,Sir,Ithinkofthisvineandthis elmbecausetheirfruitsarefair.Andhesaiduntome; Thesetwotreesaresetforapatterntotheservantsof God.

3AndIsaiduntohim,Sir,Iwouldknowinwhatthe patternofthesetreeswhichthoumentionest,does consist.Hearken,saithhe;seestthouthisvineandthis elm;Sir,saidI,Iseethem,

4Thisvine,saithhe,isfruitful,buttheelmisatree withoutfruit.Neverthelessthisvineunlessitweresetby thiselm,andsupportedbyit,wouldnotbearmuchfruit; butlyingalongupontheground,wouldbearbutillfruit, becauseitdidnothangupontheelm;whereas,being supportedupontheelm,itbearsfruitbothforitselfand forthat.

5See,therefore,howtheelmgivesnoless,butrather morefruit,thanthevine.How,Sir,saidI,doesitbear morefruitthanthevine?Because,saidhe,thevine beingsupportedupontheelmgivesbothmuchandgood fruit;whereas,ifitlayalongupontheground,itwould bearbutlittle,andthatveryilltoo

6Thissimilitude,therefore,issetforthtotheservantsof God;anditrepresentstherichandpoormanIanswered, Sir,makethismanifestuntomeHear,saidhe;therich manhaswealth;howbeittowardstheLordheispoor; forheistakenupabouthisriches,andpraysbutlittleto theLord;andtheprayerswhichhemakesarelazyand withoutforce

7When,therefore,therichmanreachesouttothepoor thosethingswhichhewants,thepoormanpraysunto theLordfortherich;andGodgrantsuntotherichman allgoodthings,becausethepoormanisrichinprayer; andhisrequestshavegreatpowerwiththeLord

8Thentherichmanministersallthingstothepoor, becauseheperceivesthatheisheardbytheLord:andhe themorewillinglyandwithoutdoubting,affordshim whathewants,andtakescarethatnothingbelackingto him

9AndthepoormangivesthanksuntotheLordforthe rich;becausetheydoboththeirworkfromtheLord 10Withmentherefore,theelmisnotthoughttogive anyfruit;andtheyknownotneitherunderstandthatits companybeingaddedtothevine,thevinebearsa doubleincrease,bothforitselfandfortheelm.

11EvensothepoorprayinguntotheLordfortherich, areheardbyhim;andtheirrichesareincreased,because theyministertothepooroftheirwealth.Theyare thereforebothmadepartakersofeachother'sgood works.

12Whosoever,therefore,shalldothesethings,heshall notbeforsakenbytheLord,butshallbewritteninthe bookoflife.

13Happyaretheywhoarerich,andperceive themselvestobeincreased:forhethatissensibleofthis, willbeabletoministersomewhattoothers.

SIMILITUDE3

1Againheshowedmemanytreeswhoseleaveswere shed,andwhichseemedtometobewithered,forthey

wereallalike.Andhesaiduntome,Seestthouthese trees?Isaid,Sir,Iseethattheylooklikedrytrees.

2Heanswering,saiduntome;Thesetreesarelikeunto themenwholiveinthepresentworld.Ireplied:Sir, whyaretheylikeuntodriedtrees?Because,saidhe, neithertherighteous,norunrighteous,areknownfrom oneanother;butallarealikeinthispresentworld.

3Forthisworldisasthewintertotherighteousmen, becausetheyarenotknown,butdwellamongsinners.

4Asinthewinterallthetreeshavinglosttheirleaves, arelikedrytrees;norcanitbediscernedwhicharedry andwhicharegreen:sointhispresentworldneitherthe righteousnorwickedarediscernedfromeachother;but theyareallalike.

SIMILITUDE4

1Againheshowedmemanyothertrees,ofwhichsome hadleaves,andothersappeareddryandwithered.And hesaiduntome,Seestthouthesetrees?Ianswered,Sir,I seethem;andsomearedry,andothersfullofleaves

2Thesetrees,saithhe,whicharegreen,arethe righteouswhichshallpossesstheworldtocomeForthe worldtocome,isthesummertotherighteous;butto sinnersitisthewinter

3When,therefore,themercyoftheLordshallshine forth,thentheywhoserveGodshallbemademanifest, andplainuntoallForasinthesummerthefruitof everytreeisshownandmademanifest,soalsothe worksoftherighteousshallbedeclaredandmade manifest,andtheyshallberestoredinthatworldmerry andjoyful

4Fortheotherkindofmen,namelythewicked,likethe treeswhichthousawestdry,shallassuchbefounddry andwithoutfruitinthatotherworld;andlikedrywood shallbeburnt;anditshallbemademanifestthatthey havedoneevilallthetimeoftheirlife;

5Andtheyshallbeburntbecausetheyhavesinnedand havenotrepentedoftheirsinsAndalsoalltheother nationsshallbeburnt,becausetheyhavenot acknowledgedGodtheirCreator

6Dothouthereforebringforthgoodfruit,thatinthe summerthyfruitmaybeknown;andkeepthyselffrom muchbusiness,andthoushaltnotoffend.Fortheywho areinvolvedinmuchbusiness,sinmuch;becausethey aretakenupwiththeiraffairs,andservenotGod.

7AndhowcanamanthatdoesnotserveGod,ask anythingofGod,andreceiveit?Buttheywhoservehim, askandreceivewhattheydesire.

8But,ifamanhasonlyonethingtofollow,hemay serve

God,becausehismindisnottakenofffromGodbuthe serveshimwithapuremind.

9If,therefore,thoushaltdothis,thoumayesthavefruit intheworldtocome;andall,asmanyasshalldoinlike manner,shallbringforthfruit.

SIMILITUDE5

1AsIwasfasting,andsittingdowninacertain mountain,andgivingthanksuntoGodforallthethings thathehaddoneuntome;beholdIsawtheshepherd, whowaswonttoconversewithme,sittingbyme,and sayinguntome:Whathasbroughttheehitherthusearly inthemorning?Ianswered,Sir,todayIkeepastation. 2Heanswered,Whatisastation?Ireplied,itisafast. Hesaid,Whatisthatfast?Ianswered,Ifast,asIhave beenwonttodo.Yeknownot,saidhe,whatitistofast untoGod;noristhisafastwhichyefast,profiting nothingwithGod.

3Sir,saidI,whatmakesyouspeakthus?Hereplied,I speakit,becausethisisnotthetruefastwhichyouthink thatyoufast;butIwillshowyouwhatthatiswhichisa completefast,andacceptableuntoGod.

4Hearken,saidhe,TheLorddoesnotdesiresucha needlessfast:forbyfastinginthismanner,thou advancestnothinginrighteousness.

5Butthetruefastisthis:Donothingwickedlyinthy life,butserveGodwithapuremind;andkeephis commandmentsandwalkaccordingtohisprecepts,nor sufferanywickeddesiretoenterintothemind

6ButtrustintheLord,thatifthoudostthesethings,and fearesthim,andabstainethfromeveryevilwork,thou shaltliveuntoGod

7Ifthoushaltdothis,thoushaltperfectagreatfast,and anacceptableoneuntotheLord

8HearkenuntothesimilitudewhichIamaboutto proposeuntothee,astothismatter

9Acertainmanhavingafarm,andmanyservants, plantedavineyardinacertainpartofhisestateforhis posterity:

10Andtakingajourneyintoafarcountry,choseoneof hisservantswhichhethoughtthemostfaithfuland approved,anddeliveredthevineyardintohiscare; commandinghimthatheshouldtakeupthevines Whichifhedid,andfulfilledhiscommand,hepromised togivehimhislibertyNordidhecommandhimtodo anythingmore;andsowentintoafarcountry

11Andafterthatservanthadtakenthatchargeuponhim, hedidwhatsoeverhislordcommandedhim.Andwhen hehadstakedthevineyard,andfoundittobefullof weeds,hebegantothinkwithhimself,saying;

12Ihavedonewhatmylordcommandedme,Iwillnow digthisvineyard,andwhenitisdigged,itwillbemore beautiful;andtheweedsbeingpulledup,itwillbring forthmorefruitandnotbechokedbytheweeds.

13Sosettingaboutthisworkhediggedit,andplucked upalltheweedsthatwereinit;andsothevineyard becameverybeautifulandprosperous,notbeingchoked withweeds.

14Aftersometimethelordofthevineyardcomesand goesintothevineyard,andwhenhesawthatitwas handsomelystakedanddigged,andtheweedsplucked upthatwereinit,andthevinesflourishing,herejoiced greatlyatthecareofhisservant.

15Andcallinghissonwhomheloved,andwhowasto behisheir,andhisfriendswithwhomhewaswontto

consult;hetellsthemwhathehadcommandedhis servanttodo,andwhathisservanthaddonemore;and theyimmediatelycongratulatedthatservant,thathehad receivedsofullatestimonyfromhislord.

16Thenhesaidtothem,Iindeedpromisedthisservant hisliberty,ifheobservedthecommandwhichIgave him;andheobservedit,andbesideshasdoneagood worktomyvineyard,whichhasexceedinglypleasedme.

17Wherefore,forthisworkwhichhehathdone,Iwill makehimmyheirtogetherwithmyson,becausethat whenhesawwhatwasgood,heneglecteditnot,butdid it.

18Thisdesignofthelordbothhissonandhisfriends approved,namely,thathisservantshouldbeheir togetherwithhisson.

19Notlongafterthis,themasterofthefamilycalling togetherhisfriends,sentfromhissupperseveralkinds offoodtothatservant

20Whichwhenhehadreceived,hetooksomuchof themaswassufficientforhimself,anddividedtherest amonghisfellowservants

21Whichwhentheyhadreceived,theyrejoiced;and wishedthathemightfindyetgreaterfavourwithhis lord,forwhathehaddonetothem

22Whenhislordheardallthesethings,hewasagain filledwithgreatjoy;andcallingagainhisfriendsand hissontogether,herelatedtothemwhathisservanthad donewiththemeatswhichhehadsentuntothem

23Theythereforesomuchthemoreassentedtothe masterofthehousehold;andheoughttomakethat servanthisheirtogetherwithhisson

24Isaiduntohim,Sir,Iknownotthesesimilitudes, neithercanIunderstandthem,unlessyouexpoundthem untomeIwill,sayshe,expoundallthingsuntothee whatsoeverIhavetalkedwiththee,orshewnuntothee

25KeepthecommandmentsoftheLordandthoushalt beapproved,andshaltbewritteninthenumberofthose thatkeephiscommandmentsButifbesidesthosethings whichtheLordhathcommanded,thoushaltaddsome goodthing;thoushaltpurchasetothyselfagreater dignity,andbeinmorefavourwiththeLordthanthou shouldstotherwisehavebeen.

26Ifthereforethoushaltkeepthecommandmentsofthe Lord,andshaltaddtothemthesestations,thoushalt rejoice;butespeciallyifthoushaltkeepthemaccording tomycommands.

27Isaiduntohim,Sir,whatsoeverthoushaltcommand me,Iwillobserve;forIknowthatthouwiltbewithme. Iwill,saidhe,bewiththeewhohasttakenupsucha resolution;andIwillbewithallthosewhopurposein likemanner.

28Thisfast,saithhe,whilstthoudostalsoobservethe commandmentsoftheLord,isexceedinggood.Thus shaltthere.forethoukeepit.

29Firstofall,takeheedtothyself,andkeepthyself fromevery1wickedact,andfromeveryfilthyword, andfromeveryhurtfuldesire;andpurifythymindfrom allthevanityofthispresentworld.Ifthoushaltobserve thesethings,thisfastshallberight.

30Thusthereforedo.Havingperformedwhatisbefore written,thatdayonwhichthoufastestthoushalttaste nothingatallbutbreadandwater;andcomputingthe quantityoffoodwhichthouartwonttoeatuponother days,thoushaltlayasidetheexpensewhichthou shouldesthavemadethatday,andgiveituntothe widow,thefatherless,andthepoor.

31Andthusthoushaltperfectthehumiliationofthy soul;thathewhoreceivesofitmaysatisfyhissoul,and hisprayercomeuptotheLordGodforthee.

32Ifthereforethoushaltthusaccomplishthyfast,asI commandthee,thysacrificeshallbeacceptableuntothe Lord,andthyfastshallbewritteninhisbook.

33Thisstation,thusperformed,isgoodandpleasing, andacceptableuntotheLord.Thesethingsifthoushalt observewiththychildrenandwithallthyhouse,thou shaltbehappy.

34Andwhosoeverwhentheyhearthesethings,shalldo them,theyalsoshallbehappy;andwhatsoeverthey shallaskoftheLordtheyshallreceiveit.

35AndIprayedhimthathewouldexpounduntomethe similitudeofthefarm,andtheLord,andofthevineyard, andoftheservantthathadstakedthevineyard;andof theweedsthatwerepluckedoutofthevineyard;andof hissonandhisfriendswhichhetookintocouncilwith himForIunderstandthatthatwasasimilitude

36Hesaiduntome,Thouartveryboldinasking:for thououghtestnottoaskanything;becauseifitbefitting toshewituntothee,itshallbesheweduntothee

37Iansweredhim;Sir,whatsoeverthoushaltshewme, withoutexplainingituntome,Ishallinvainseeit,ifI donotunderstandwhatitisAndifthoushaltpropose anysimilitudes,andnotexpoundthem,Ishallinvain hearthem

38Heansweredmeagain,saying:Whosoeveristhe servantofGod,andhastheLordinhisheart,hedesires understandingofhim,andreceivesit;andheexplains everysimilitude,andunderstandsthewordsoftheLord whichneedaninquiry

39Buttheythatarelazyandslowtopray,doubttoseek fromtheLord;althoughtheLordbeofsuchan extraordinarygoodness,thatwithoutceasinghegiveth allthingstothemthataskofhim.

40Thouthereforewhoartstrengthenedbythat venerablemessenger,andhastreceivedsuchapowerful giftofprayer;seeingthouartnotslothful,whydostthou notnowaskunderstandingoftheLord,andreceiveit?

41Isaiduntohim;seeingIhavetheepresent,itis necessarythatIshouldseekitofthee,andaskthee;for thoushowestallthingsuntome,andspeakesttome whenthouartpresent.

42ButifIshouldseeorhearthesethingswhenthou wertnotpresent,IwouldthenasktheLordthathe wouldshewthemuntome.

43Andhereplied,Isaidalittlebeforethatthouwert subtleandbold,inthatthouaskeththemeaningofthese similitudes.

44Butbecausethoustillpersistest,Iwillunfoldtothee thisparablewhichthoudesirest,thatthoumayestmake itknownuntoallmen

45Heartherefore,saidhe,andunderstand.Thefarm beforementioneddenotesthewholeearth.TheLordof thefarmishewhocreatedandfinishedallthings,and gavevirtueuntothem.

46HissonistheHolySpirit:theservantistheSonof God:thevineyardisthepeoplewhomhesaves.The stakesarethemessengerswhicharesetoverthembythe Lord,tosupporthispeople.Theweedsthatareplucked upoutofthevineyard,arethesinswhichtheservantsof

Godhadcommitted.

47Thefoodwhichhesenthimfromhissupper,arethe commandswhichhegavetohispeoplebyhisSon.The friendswhomhecalledtocounselwithhim,aretheholy angelswhomhefirstcreated.Theabsenceofthemaster ofthehousehold,isthetimethatremainsuntohis coming.

48Isaiduntohim,Sir,allthesethingsareveryexcellent, andwonderful,andgoodBut,continuedI,couldIor anyothermanbesidesthoughneversowise,have understoodthesethings?

49Whereforenow,sir,tellme,whatIaskHereplied, askmewhatthouwiltWhy,saidI,istheSonofGodin thisparable,putintheplaceofaservant?

50Hearken,hesaid;theSonofGodisnotputinthe conditionofaservant,butingreatpowerandauthority Isaiduntohim'how,sir?Iunderstanditnot'

51Because,saidhe,theSonsethismessengersover thosewhomtheFatherdelivereduntohim,tokeep everyoneofthem;buthehimselflaboredverymuch, andsufferedmuch,thathemightblotouttheiroffences

52Fornovineyardcanbediggedwithoutmuchlabour andpainsWhereforehavingblottedoutthesinsofhis people,heshewedtothemthepathsoflife,givingthem thelawwhichhehadreceivedoftheFather

53Yousee,saidhe,thatheistheLordofhispeople, havingreceivedallpowerfromhisFatherButwhythe LorddidtakehisSonintocounsel,aboutdividingthe inheritance,andthegoodangels,hearnow

54ThatHolySpirit,whichwascreatedfirstofall,he placedinthebodyinwhichGodshoulddwell;namely, inachosenbody,asitseemedgoodtohimThisbody thereforeintowhichtheHolySpiritwasbrought,served thatSpirit,walkedrightlyandpurelyinmodesty;nor everdefiledthatSpirit.

55Seeingthereforethebodyatalltimesobeyedthe HolySpirit,andlabouredrightlyandchastelywithhim, norfalteredatanytime;thatbodybeingwearied conversedindeedservilely,butbeingmightilyapproved toGodwiththeHolySpirit,wasacceptedbyhim.

56ForsuchastoutcoursepleasedGod,becausehewas notdefiledintheearth,keepingtheHolySpirit.He calledthereforetocounselhisSon,andthegoodangels, thattheremightbesomeplaceofstandinggiventothis bodywhichhadservedtheHolySpiritwithoutblame; lestitshouldseemtohavelosttherewardofitsservice.

57Foreverypurebodyshallreceiveitsreward;thatis foundwithoutspot,inwhichtheHolySpirithasbeen appointedtodwell.Andthusyouhavenowthe expositionofthisparablealso.

58Sir,saidI,Inowunderstandyourmeaning,sinceI haveheardthisexposition.Hearkenfurther,saidhe: keepthisthybodycleanandpure,thattheSpiritwhich shalldwellinitmaybearwitnessuntoit,andbejudged tohavebeenwiththee.

59Alsotakeheedthatitbenotinstilledintothymind thatthisbodyperishes,andthouabuseittoanylust.For ifthoushaltdefilethybody,thoushaltalsoatthesame timedefiletheHolySpirit;andifthoushaltdefilethe HolySpirit,thoushaltnotlive.

60AndIsaid,Whatifthroughignorancethisshould havebeenalreadycommitted,beforeamanheardthese words;Howcanheattainuntosalvation,whohasthus defiledhisbody?

61Hereplied,Asformen'sformeractionswhich throughignorancetheyhavecommitted,Godonlycan affordaremedyuntothem;forallthepowerbelongeth untohim

62Butnowguardthyself;andseeingGodisalmighty andmerciful,hewillgrantaremedytowhatthouhast formerlydoneamiss,ifforthetimetocomethoushalt notdefilethybodyandspirit;

63Fortheyarecompanionstogether,andtheonecannot bedefiledbuttheotherwillbesotooKeeptherefore bothofthempure,andthoushaltliveuntoGod

SIMILITUDE6

1AsIwassittingathome,andpraisingGodforallthe thingswhichIhadseen;andwasthinkingconcerning thecommands,thattheywereexceedinggood,andgreat, andhonest,andpleasant;andsuchaswereabletobring amantosalvation;Isaidthuswithinmyself;Ishallbe happyifIshallwalkaccordingtothesecommands,and whosoevershallwalkinthemshallliveuntoGod

2WhilstIwasspeakingonthiswisewithinmyself,I sawhimwhomIhadbeforebeenwonttosee,sittingby me;andhespakethusuntome:

3WhatdoubtestthouconcerningmycommandswhichI havedelivereduntothee?Theyaregood,doubtnot,but trustintheLord,andthoushaltwalkinthemForIwill givetheestrengthtofulfilthem.

4Thesecommandsareprofitabletothosewhoshall repentofthosesinswhichtheyhaveformerly committed;ifforthetimetocometheyshallnot continueinthem.

5Whosoeverthereforeyebethatrepent,castawayfrom youthenaughtinessofthepresentworld;andputonall virtue,andrighteousness,andsoshallyebeabletokeep thesecommands;andnotsinfromhenceforthanymore.

6Forifyeshallkeepyourselvesfromsinfromthetime tocome,yeshallcutoffagreatdealofyourformersins. Walkinmycommands,andyeshallliveuntoGod: ThesethingshaveIspokenuntoyou.

7Andwhenhehadsaidthis,headded;letusgointothe field,andIwillshowtheeshepherdsofsheep.Ireplied, sir,letusgo.

8Andwecameintoacertainfield,andthereheshowed meayoungshepherd,finelyarrayed,withhisgarments ofapurplecolourAndhefedlargeflocks;andhis

sheepwerefullofpleasure,andinmuchdelightand cheerfulness;andtheyskipping,ranhereandthere.

9Andtheshepherdtookverygreatsatisfactioninhis flock;andthecountenanceofthatshepherdwascheerful, runningupanddownamonghisflock.

10Thentheangelsaiduntome,Seestthouthisshepherd?

Ianswered,sir,Iseehim.Hesaiduntome,thisisthe3 messengerofdelightandpleasure.Hethereforecorrupts themindsoftheservantsofGod,andturnsthemfrom thetruth,delightingthemwithmanypleasures,andthey perish.

11FortheyforgetthecommandsofthelivingGod,and liveinluxuryandinvainpleasures,andarecorruptedby theevilangel,someofthemevenuntodeath;andothers toafallingaway.

12Ireplied;Iunderstandnotwhatyoumean,bysaying untodeath,andtoafallingaway.Hear,sayshe;allthese sheepwhichthousawestexceedingjoyful,aresuchas haveforeverdepartedfromGod,andgiventhemselves uptothelustsofthispresenttime.

13Tothesethereforethereisnoreturn,byrepentance untolife;becausethattotheirothersinstheyhaveadded this,thattheyhaveblasphemedthenameoftheLord Thesekindofmenareordaineduntodeath

14Butthosesheepwhichthousawestnotleaping,but feedinginoneplace,aresuchashaveindeedgiven themselvesuptopleasuresanddelights;buthavenot spokenanythingwickedlyagainsttheLord

15Thesethereforeareonlyfallenofffromthetruth,and sohaveyethopelaidupfortheminrepentanceFor suchafallingoffhathsomehopestillleftofarenewal; buttheythataredead,areutterlygoneforever

16Againwewentalittlefartherforward;andhe showedmeagreatshepherd,whohadasitwerearustic figure,cladwithawhitegoat'sskin,havinghisbagupon hisshoulder,andinhishandastickfullofknots,and veryhard,andawhipinhisotherhand;andhis countenancewassternandsour;enoughtoaffrighta man;suchwashislook

17Hetookfromthatyoungshepherdsuchsheepas livedinpleasures,butdidnotskipupanddown;and drovethemintoacertainsteepcraggyplacefullof thornsandbriars,insomuchthattheycouldnotget themselvesfreefromthem.

18Butbeingentangledinthem,feduponthornsand briars,andweregrievouslytormentedwithhiswhipping. Forhestilldrovethemon,andaffordedthemnotany placeortimetostandstill.

19WhenthereforeIsawthemsocruellywhippedand afflicted,Iwasgrievedforthem;becausetheywere greatlytormented,norhadtheyanyrestaffordedthem.

20AndIsaiduntotheshepherdthatwaswithme;Sir, whoisthiscruelandimplacableshepherd,whois movedwithnocompassiontowardsthesesheep?He answered,Thisshepherdisindeedoneoftheholy angels,butisappointedforthepunishmentofsinners.

21Tohimthereforearedeliveredthosewhohaveerred fromGod,andservedthelustsandpleasuresofthis world.Forthiscausehepunishesthemeveryone

accordingtotheirdeserts,withcruelandvariouskinds ofpains.

22Sir,saidI,Iwouldknow,whatkindofpainstheyare whicheveryoneundergoes?Hearken,saidhe;The severalpainsandtormentsarethosewhichmenevery dayundergointheirpresentlives.Forsomesuffer losses;otherspoverty;othersdiverssicknesses.Some areunsettled;otherssufferinjuriesfromthosethatare unworthy;othersfallundermanyothertrialsand inconveniences.

23Formanywithanunsettleddesignaimatmany things,anditprofiteththemnot;andtheysaythatthey havenotsuccessintheirundertakings.

24Theydonotcalltotheirmindwhattheyhavedone amiss,andtheycomplainoftheLord.Whentherefore theyshallhaveundergoneallkindofvexationand inconvenience;thentheyaredeliveredovertomefor goodinstruction,andareconfirmedinthefaithofthe Lord,andservetheLordalltherestoftheirdayswitha puremind.

25Andwhentheybegintorepentoftheirsins,thenthey calltomindtheirworkswhichtheyhavedoneamiss, andgivehonourtoGod,saying,ThatheisajustJudge, andtheyhavedeservedlysufferedallthingsaccording totheirdeeds

26Thenforwhatremainsoftheirlives,theyserveGod withapuremind;andhavesuccessinalltheir undertakings,andreceivefromtheLordwhateverthey desire

27AndthentheygivethanksuntotheLordthatthey weredelivereduntome;nordotheysufferanymore cruelty

28Isaiduntohim;Sir,Ientreatyoustilltoshowme nowonethingWhat,saidhe,dostthouask?Isaidunto him;AretheywhodepartfromthefearofGod, tormentedforthesametimethattheyenjoyedtheirfalse delightandpleasures?Heansweredme:Theyare tormentedforthesametime

29AndIsaiduntohim;Theyarethentormentedbut little;whereastheywhoenjoytheirpleasuressoasto forgetGod,oughttoendureseventimesasmuch punishment.

30Heansweredme;Thouartfoolish,neither understandestthoutheefficacyofthispunishment.I saiduntohim;Sir,ifIunderstoodit,Iwouldnotdesire youtotellme.

31Hearken,saidhe,andlearnwhattheforceofbothis, bothofthepleasureandofthepunishment.Anhourof pleasureisterminatedwithinitsownspace;butonehour ofpunishmenthastheefficacyofthirtydays. Whosoeverthereforeenjoyshisfalsepleasureforone day,andisonedaytormented;thatonedayof punishmentisequivalenttoawholeyear'sspace.

32Thuslookhowmanydaysanyonepursueshis pleasures,somanyyearsishepunishedforit.Yousee thereforehowthatthetimeofworldlyenjoymentsisbut short;butthatofpainandtormentsagreatdealmore.

33Ireplied;Sir,forasmuchasIdonotunderstandatall thesetimesofpleasureandpain;

Ientreatyouthatyouwouldexplainyourselfmore clearlyconcerningthem.Heansweredme,saying;Thy foolishnessstillsticksuntothee

34Shouldstthounotratherpurifythymind,andserve God?Takeheed,lestwhenthytimeisfulfilled,thoube foundstillunwise.Hearthen,asthoudesirest,thatthou mayestthemoreeasilyunderstand.

35Hethatgiveshimselfuponedaytohispleasuresand delights,anddoeswhatsoeverhissouldesires,isfullof greatfolly,norunderstandswhathedoes,buttheday followingforgetswhathedidthedaybefore.

36Fordelightandworldlypleasurearenotkeptin memory,byreasonofthefollythatisrootedinthem. Butwhenpainandtormentbefalamanaday,heisin effecttroubledthewholeyearafter;becausehis punishmentcontinuesfirminhismemory.

37Whereforeheremembersitwithsorrowthewhole year;andthencallstomindhisvainpleasureanddelight, andperceivesthatforthesakeofthathewaspunished.

38Whosoeverthereforehavedeliveredthemselvesover tosuchpleasures,arethuspunished;becausethatwhen theyhadlife,theyrenderedthemselvesliabletodeath

39Isaiduntohim;Sir,whatpleasuresarehurtful?He answered;Thatispleasuretoeverymanwhichhedoth willingly

40Fortheangryman,gratifyinghispassion,perceives pleasureinit;andsotheadultereranddrunkard;the slandererandliar;thecovetousmanandthedefrauder; andwhosoevercommitsanythinglikeuntothese, becausehefollowethhisevildisposition,hereceivesa satisfactioninthedoingofit

41Allthesepleasuresanddelightsarehurtfultothe servantsofGodForthesethereforetheyaretormented andsufferpunishment

42Therearealsopleasuresthatbringsalvationunto menFormany,whentheydowhatisgood,find pleasureinit,andareattractedbythedelightsofit

43NowthispleasureisprofitabletotheservantsofGod, andbringslifetosuchmen;butthosehurtfulpleasures, whichwerebeforementioned,bringtormentsand punishment

44Andwhosoevershallcontinueinthem,andshallnot repentofwhattheyhavedone,shallbringdeathupon themselves.

SIMILITUDE7

1AfterafewdaysIsawthesamepersonthatbefore talkedwithme,inthesamefield,inwhichIhadseen thoseshepherds.Andhesaiduntome;Whatseekest thou?

2Sir,saidI,Icametoentreatyouthatyouwould commandtheshepherd,whoistheministerof punishment,todepartoutofmyhouse,becausehe greatlyafflictsme.

3Andheanswered,Itisnecessaryfortheetoendure inconveniencesandvexations;forsothatgoodangel hathcommandedconcerningthee,becausehewouldtry thee.

4Sir,saidI;WhatsogreatoffencehaveIcommitted, thatIshouldbedeliveredtothismessenger?Hearken, saidhe:Thouartindeedguiltyofmanysins,yetnotso manythatthoushouldestbedeliveredtothismessenger. 5Butthyhousehathcommittedmanysinsandoffences, andthereforethatgoodmessengerbeinggrievedattheir doingscommandedthatforsometimethoushouldst sufferaffliction;thattheymaybothrepentofwhatthey havedone,andmaywashthemselvesfromallthelusts ofthispresentworld.

6Whenthereforetheyshallhaverepented,andbe purified,thenthatmessengerwhichisappointedover thypunishment,shalldepartfromthee.

7Isaiduntohim;Sir,iftheyhavebehavedthemselves soastoangerthatgoodangel,yetwhathaveIdone?He answered:Theycannototherwisebeafflicted,unless thou,whoarttheheadofthefamily,suffer.

8Forwhatsoeverthoushaltsuffer,theymustneedsfeel it;butaslongasthoushaltstandwellestablished,they cannotexperienceanyvexation.

9Ireplied;But,sir,beholdtheyalsonowrepentwithall theirheartsIknow,sayshe,thattheyrepentwithall theirhearts;butdostthouthereforethinkthattheir offenceswhorepentareimmediatelyblottedout?

10No,theyarenotpresently;buthethatrepentsmust afflicthissoulandshewhimselfhumbleinallhisaffairs, andundergomanyanddiversvexations

11Andwhenheshallhavesufferedallthingsthatwere appointedforhim;thenperhapshethatmadehim,and formedallthingsbesides,willbemovedwith compassiontowardshim,andaffordhimsomeremedy; andespeciallyifheshallperceivehisheart,whorepents, tobepurefromeveryevilwork

12Butatpresentitisexpedientforthee,andforthy house,tobegrieved;anditisneedfulthatthoushouldest enduremuchvexation,astheangeloftheLordwho committedtheeuntome,hascommanded

13RathergivethanksuntotheLord,thatknowingwhat wastocome,hethoughttheeworthytowhomheshould foretellthattroublewascominguponthee,whoartable tobearit

14Isaiduntohim;Sir,bebutthoualsowithme,andI shalleasilyundergoanytrouble.Iwill,saidhe,bewith thee;andIwillentreatthemessengerwhoissetoverthy punishment,thathewouldmoderatehisafflictions towardsthee.

15Andmoreoverthoushaltsufferadversitybutfora littletime;andthenthoushaltagainberestoredtothy formerstate;onlycontinueoninthehumilityofthy mind.

16ObeytheLordwithapureheart;thou,andthyhouse, andthychildren;andwalkinthecommandswhichI havedelivereduntothee;andthenthyrepentancemay befirmandpure.

17Andifthoushaltkeepthesethingswiththyhouse, thyinconveniencesshalldepartfromthee.

18Andallvexationshallinlikemannerdepartfromall those,whosoevershallwalkaccordingtothese commands.

1Againheshewedmealowwhichcoveredthefields andthemountains,underwhoseshadowcameallsuch aswerecalledbythenameoftheLord.

2AndbythatwillowstoodanangeloftheLordvery excellentandlofty;anddidcutdownboughsfromthat willowwithagreathook;andreachedouttothepeople thatwereundertheshadowofthatwillowlittlerods,as itwereaboutafootlong.

3Andwhenallofthemhadtakenthem,helaidasidehis hook,andthetreecontinuedentire,asIhadbeforeseen it.AtwhichIwondered,andmusedwithinmyself.

4Thenthatshepherdsaiduntome;Forbeartowonder thatthattreecontinueswhole,notwithstandingsomany boughshavebeencutofffromit,butstayalittle,for nowitshallbeshewnthee,whatthatangelmeans,who gavethoserodstothepeople

5Soheagaindemandedtherodsofthem,andinthe sameorderthateveryonehadreceivedthem,washe calledtohim,andrestoredhisrod;whichwhenhehad received,heexaminedthem

6Fromsomehereceivedthemdryandrotten,andasit weretouchedwiththemoth;thosehecommandedtobe separatedfromtherestandplacedbythemselvesOthers gaveintheirrodsdryindeed,butnottouchedwiththe moth:thesealsoheorderedtobesetbythemselves

7Othersgaveintheirrodshalfdry;thesealsowereset apartOthersgaveintheirrodshalfdryandcleft;these tooweresetbythemselvesOthersbroughtintheirrods halfdryandhalfgreen,andthesewereinlikemanner placedbythemselves

8Othersdelivereduptheirrodstwopartsgreen,andthe thirddry;andtheytooweresetapartOthersbrought theirrodstwopartsdry,andthethirdgreen;andwere alsoplacedbythemselves

9Othersdelivereduptheirrodslessdry,(fortherewas butaverylittle,towit,theirtopsdry)buttheyhadclefts, andtheseweresetinlikemannerbythemselvesInthe rodsofotherstherewasbutalittlegreen,andtherest dry;andtheseweresetasidebythemselves

10Otherscame,andbroughttheirrodsgreenasthey hadreceivedthem,andthegreatestpartofthepeople broughttheirrodsthus;andthemessengergreatly rejoicedatthese,andtheyalsowereputapartby themselves.

11Othersbroughtintheirrodsnotonlygreen,butfull ofbranches;andtheseweresetaside,beingalso receivedbytheangelwithgreatjoy.Othersbrought theirrodsgreenwithbranches,andthosealsosomefruit uponthem.

12Theywhohadsuchrods,wereverycheerful;andthe angelhimselftookgreatjoyatthem;norwasthe shepherdthatstoodwithme,lesspleasedwiththem.

13ThentheangeloftheLordcommandedcrownstobe brought:andthecrownswerebroughtmadeofpalms; andtheangelcrownedthosemeninwhoserodshe foundtheyoungbrancheswithfruit;andcommanded themtogointothetower.

14Healsosentthoseintothetower,inwhoserodshe foundbrancheswithoutfruit,givingasealuntothem. Fortheyhadthesamegarment,thatis,onewhiteas snow;withwhichhebadethemgointothetower.And sohedidtothosewhoreturnedtheirrodsgreenashe hadreceivedthem;givingthemawhitegarment,andso sentthemawaytogointothetower.

15Havingdonethis,hesaidtotheshepherdthatwas withme,Igomyway;butdothousendthesewithinthe walls,everyoneintotheplaceinwhichbehasdeserved todwell;examiningfirsttheirrods,butexaminethem diligentlythatnoonedeceivethee.Butandifanyone shallescapethee,Iwilltrythemuponthealtar.Having saidthistotheshepherd,hedeparted.

16Afterhewasgone,theshepherdsaiduntome:Letus taketherodsfromthem,andplantthem;ifperchance theymaygrowgreenagain.Isaiduntohim;Sir,how canthosedryrodsevergrowgreenagain?

17Heansweredme;Thattreeisawillow,andalways lovestolive.Ifthereforetheserodsshallbeplanted,and receivealittlemoisture,manyofthemwillrecover themselves

18WhereforeIwilltry,andwillpourwateruponthem, andifanyofthemcanlive,Iwillrejoicewithhim;but ifnot,atleastbythismeansIshallbefoundnottohave neglectedmypart

19Thenhecommandedmetocallthem;andtheyall cameuntohim,everyoneintherankinwhichhestood, andgavehimtheirrods;whichhavingreceived,he plantedeveryoneofthemintheirseveralorders

20Andafterhehadplantedthemall,hepouredmuch wateruponthem,insomuchthattheywerecoveredwith water,anddidnotappearaboveitThenwhenhehad wateredthem,hesaiduntome;Letusdepart,andaftera littletimewewillreturnandvisitthem

21Forhewhocreatedthistree,wouldhaveallthose livethatreceivedrodsfromitAndIhopenowthat theserodsarethuswatered,manyofthemreceivingin themoisture,willrecover

22Isaiduntohim,Sir,tellmewhatthistreedenotes? ForIamgreatlyastonished,thataftersomanybranches havebeencutoff,itseemsstilltobewhole;nordoes thereanythingthelessofitappeartoremain,which greatlyamazesme.

23Heanswered,Hearken.Thisgreattreewhichcovers theplainsandthemountains,andalltheearth,isthelaw ofGod,publishedthroughoutthewholeworld.

24NowthislawistheSonofGod,whoispreachedto alltheendsoftheearth.Thepeoplethatstandunderits shadow,arethosewhichhaveheardhispreaching,and believed.

25Thegreatandvenerableangelwhichyousaw,was Michael,whohasthepoweroverhispeople,and governsthem.Forhehasplantedthelawintheheartsof thosewhohavebelieved;andthereforehevisitsthemto whomhehasgiventhelaw,toseeiftheyhavekeptit.

26Andheexamineseveryone'srod;andofthose,many thatareweakened:forthoserodsarethelawoftheLord. Thenhediscernsallthosewhohavenotkeptthelaw, knowingtheplaceofeveryoneofthem

27Isaiduntohim,Sir,whydidhesendawaysometo thetower,andleftothersheretoyou?Hereplied,those whohavetransgressedthelaw,whichtheyreceived fromhim,areleftinmypower,thattheymayrepentof theirsins:buttheywhofulfilledthelawandkeptit,are underhispower.

28Butwhothen,saidI,arethose,whowentintothe towercrowned?Herepliedallsuchashavingstriven withthedevil,haveovercomehim,arecrowned:and theyarethose,whohavesufferedhardthings,thatthey mightkeepthelaw.

29Buttheywhogaveuptheirrodsgreen,andwith youngbranches,butwithoutfruit,haveindeedendured troubleforthesamelaw,buthavenotsuffereddeath; neitherhavetheydeniedtheirholylaw.

30Theywhodelivereduptheirrodsgreenasthey receivedthem,arethosewhoweremodestandjust,and havelivedwithaverypuremind,andkeptthe commandmentsofGod.

31Therestthoushaltknow,whenIshallhave consideredthoserodswhichIhaveplantedandwatered 32Afterafewdayswereturned,andinthesameplace stoodthatgloriousangel,andIstoodbyhim,Thenhe saiduntome;Girdthyselfwitha1towel,andserveme

33AndIgirdedmyselfwithacleantowel,whichwas madeofcoarseclothAndwhenhesawmegirded,and readytoministeruntohim,hesaid,Callthosemen whoserodshavebeenplanted,everyoneinhisorderas hegavethem

34Andhebroughtmeintothefield,andIcalledthem all,andtheyallstoodreadyintheirseveralranksThen hesaiduntothem;leteveryonepluckuphisrod,and bringituntomeAndfirsttheydeliveredtheirs,whose rodshadbeendryandrotten

35Andthosewhoserodsstillcontinuedso,he commandedtostandapartThentheycamewhoserods hadbeendrybutnotrottenSomeofthesedeliveredin theirrodsgreen;othersdryandrotten,asiftheyhad beentouchedbythemoth

36Thosewhogavethemupgreen,hecommandedto standapart;butthosewhoserodsweredryandrotten,he causedtostandwiththefirstsort.Thencamethey whoserodshadbeenhalfdry,andcleft:manyofthese gaveuptheirrodsgreen,anduncleft.

37Othersdeliveredthemupgreenwithbranches,and fruituponthebranches,likeuntothosewhowent crownedintothetower.Othersdeliveredthemupdry, butnotrotten;andsomegavethemupastheywere before,halfdry,andcleft.

38Everyoneoftheseheorderedtostandapart;someby themselves,othersintheirrespectiveranks.

39Thencametheywhoserodshadbeengreen,butcleft. Thesedeliveredtheirrodsaltogethergreen,andstoodin theirownorder.Andtheshepherdrejoicedatthese, becausetheywereallchanged,andfreefromtheirclefts.

40Thentheygaveintheirrods,whohadthemhalf greenandhalfdry.Ofthesesomewerefoundwholly green,othershalfdry;othersgreen,withyoungshoots. Andalltheseweresentaway,everyonetohisproper rank

41Thentheygaveuptheirrods,whohadthembefore twopartsgreen,andthethirddry.Manyofthosegavein theirrodsgreen;manyhalfdry;therestdrybutnot rotten.Sotheseweresentaway,eachtohisproperplace.

42Thencametheywhohadbeforetheirrodstwoparts dryandthethirdgreen;manyofthesedelivereduptheir rodshalfdry,othersdryandrotten;othershalfdryand cleft;butfewgreen.Andallthesewereseteveryonein hisownrank.

43Thentheyreachedintheirrods,inwhichtherewas beforebutalittlegreen,andtherestdry.Theirrods wereforthemostpartfoundgreen,havinglittleboughs, withfruituponthem,andtherestaltogethergreen.

44Andtheshepherduponsightoftheserejoiced exceedingly,becausehehadfoundthemthus;andthey alsowenttotheirproperorders.

45Nowafterhehadexaminedalltheirrods,hesaid untomeItoldtheethatthistreelovedlife:thouseest howmanyhaverepented,andattaineduntosalvation. Sir,saidI,Iseeit.

46Thatthoumightestknow,saithhe,thatthegoodness andmercyoftheLordisgreat,andtobehadinhonour; whogavehisspirittothemthatwerefoundworthyof repentance

47Ianswered,Sir,whythendidnotallofthemrepent? Hereplied,ThosewhosemindstheLordforesawwould bepure,andthattheywouldservehimwithalltheir hearts,tothemhegaverepentance

48Butforthosewhosedeceitandwickednesshebeheld, andperceivedthattheywouldnottrulyreturnuntohim; tothemhedeniedanyreturnuntorepentance,lestthey shouldagainblasphemehislawwithwickedwords

49Isaiduntohim;Now,Sir,makeknownuntome, whatistheplaceofeveryoneofthose,whohavegiven uptheirrods,andwhattheir2portion;thatwhenthey mayhavenotkepttheirsealentire,buthavewastedthe sealwhichtheyreceived,shallhearandbelievethese things,theymayacknowledgetheirevildeedsand repent;

50Andreceivingagaintheirsealfromyou,maygive glorytoGod,thathewasmovedwithcompassion towardsthem,andsentyoutorenewtheirspirits.

51Hearken,saidhe:theywhoserodshavebeenfound dryandrotten,andasitweretouchedwiththemoth;are thedesertersandthebetrayersofthechurch.

52Whowiththerestoftheircrimes,havealso blasphemedtheLord,anddeniedhisnamewhichhad beencalleduponthem.Thereforeallthesearedeadunto God:andthouseestthatnoneofthemhaverepented, althoughtheyhaveheardmycommandswhichthouhast delivereduntothem.Fromthesementhereforelifeisfar distant.

53Theyalsowhohavedelivereduptheirrodsdry,but notrotten,havenotbeenfarfromthem.Fortheyhave beencounterfeits,andbroughtinevildoctrines;and havepervertedtheservantsofGod:butespeciallythose whohadsinned;notsufferingthemtoreturnunto repentance,butkeepingthembackbytheirfalse doctrines.

54Thesethereforehavehope;andthouseestthatmany ofthemhaverepented,sincethetimethatthouhastlaid mycommandsbeforethem;andmanymorewillyet repent.Buttheythatshallnotrepentshallloseboth repentanceandlife.

55Buttheythathaverepented,theirplaceisbeguntobe withinthefirstwalls,andsomeofthemareevengone intothetower.Thouseesttherefore,saidhe,thatinthe repentanceofsinnersthereislife;butforthosewho repentnot,deathisprepared.

56Hearnowconcerningthosewhogaveintheirrods halfdryandfullofclefts.Thosewhoserodswereonly halfdry,arethedoubtful;fortheyareneitherlivingnor dead.

57Buttheywhodeliveredintheirrods,notonlyhalf drybutalsofullofclefts,arebothdoubtfulandevil speakers;whodetractfromthosewhoareabsent,and haveneverpeaceamongthemselves,andthatenvyone another.

58Howbeittothosealsorepentanceisoffered;forthou seestthatsomeofthesehaverepented

59Nowallthoseofthiskindwhohavequicklyrepented, shallhaveaplaceinthetower;buttheywhohavebeen moreslowintheirrepentance,shalldwellwithinthe walls;buttheythatshallnotrepent,butshallcontinue onintheirwickeddoings,shalldiethedeath

60Asforthosewhohadtheirrodsgreen,butyetcleft; theyaresuchaswerealwaysfaithfulandgood,butthey hadsomeenvyandstrifeamongthemselvesconcerning dignityandpre-eminence

61Nowallsucharevainandwithoutunderstanding,as contendwithoneanotheraboutthesethings

62Nevertheless,seeingtheyareotherwisegood,if whentheyshallhearthesecommandstheyshallamend themselves,andshallatmypersuasionsuddenlyrepent; theyshallatlastdwellinthetower,astheywhohave trulyandworthilyrepented

63Butifanyoneshallagainreturntohisdissension;he shallbeshutoutfromthetower,andshalllosehislife Forthelifeofthosewhokeepthecommandmentsofthe Lordconsistsindoingwhattheyarecommanded;notin principality,orinanyotherdignity.

64Forbyforbearanceandhumilityofmind,menshall attainuntolife;butbyseditionsandcontemptofthelaw, theyshallpurchasedeathuntothemselves.

65Theywhointheirrodshadhalfdryandhalfgreen, arethosewhoareengagedinmanyaffairsoftheworld, andarenotjoinedtothesaints.Forwhichcausehalfof themliveth,andhalfisdead.

66Whereforemanyofthesesincethetimethatthey haveheardmycommands,haverepented,andbegunto dwellinthetower.Butsomeofthemhavewhollyfallen away;tothesethereisnomoreplaceforrepentance.

67Forbyreasonoftheirpresentinterests,theyhave blasphemedanddeniedGod:andforthiswickedness theyhavelostlife.Andofthesemanyarestillindoubt; thesemayyetreturn;andiftheyshallquicklyrepent, theyshallhaveaplaceinthetower;butiftheyshallbe moreslow,theyshalldwellwithinthewalls;butifthey shallnotrepent,theyshalldie

68Asforthosewhohadtwopartsoftheirrodsgreen, andthethirddry;theyhavebymanifoldwaysdenied theLordOfthosemanyhaverepented,andfounda placeinthetower:andmanyhavealtogetherdeparted fromGod.Thesehaveutterlylostlife.

69Andsomebeinginadoubtfulstate,haveraisedup dissensions:thesemayyetreturn,iftheyshallsuddenly repentandnotcontinueintheirlusts;butiftheyshall continueintheirevildoingtheyshalldie.

70Theywhogaveintheirrodstwopartsdry,andthe othergreen;arethosewhohaveindeedbeenfaithful,but withalrichandfullofgoodthings;andthereuponhave desiredtobefamousamongtheheathenwhichare without,andhavetherebyfallenintogreatpride,and beguntoaimathighmatters,andtoforsakethetruth.

71Norweretheyjoinedtothesaints,butlivedwiththe heathen;andthislifeseemedthemorepleasanttothem. HowbeittheyhavenotdepartedfromGod,but continuedinthefaith;onlytheyhavenotwroughtthe worksoffaith.

72Manythereforeofthesehaverepented,andbegunto dwellinthetowerYetothersstilllivingamongthe heathenpeople,andbeingliftedupwiththeirvanities, haveutterlyfallenawayfromGod,andfollowedthe worksandwickednessesoftheheathenThesekindof menthereforearereckonedamongstrangerstothe Gospel

73Othersofthesebegantobedoubtfulintheirminds; despairingbyreasonoftheirwickeddoingseverto attainuntosalvation:Othersbeingthusmadedoubtful, didmoreoverstirupdissensions

74Tothesetherefore,andtothosewhobyreasonof theirdoingsarebecomedoubtful,thereisstillhopeof return;buttheymustrepentquickly,thattheirplacemay beinthetowerButtheythatrepentnot,butcontinue stillintheirpleasures,arenighuntodeath

75Asforthosewhogaveintheirrodsgreen,excepting theirtops,whichonlyweredry,andhadclefts;these werealwaysgood,andfaithful,and2uprightbefore God:neverthelesstheysinnedalittle,byreasonoftheir emptypleasuresandtriflingthoughtswhichtheyhad withinthemselves.

76Whereforemanyofthemwhentheyheardmywords, repentedforthwith,andbegantodwellinthetower. Neverthelesssomegrewdoubtful,andotherstotheir doubtfulmindsaddeddissensions.Tothesetherefore thereisstillhopeofreturn,becausetheywerealways good;buttheyshallnothardlybemoved.

77Asforthose,lastly,whogaveintheirrodsdry,their topsonlyexcepted,whichaloneweregreen:theyare suchashavebelievedindeedinGod,buthavelivedin wickedness;yetwithoutdepartingfromGod:having alwayswillinglybornethenameoftheLord;andreadily receivedintotheirhousestheservantsofGod.

78Whereforehearingthesethingstheyreturned,and withoutdelayrepented,andlivedinallrighteousness. Andsomeofthemsuffereddeath:othersreadily underwentmanytrials,beingmindfuloftheirevil doings.

79Andwhenhehadendedhisexplicationsofallthe rods,hesaiduntome,Go,andsayuntoallmenthatthey repent,aidtheyshallliveuntoGod:becausetheLord beingmovedwithgreatclemencyhathsentmetopreach repentanceuntoall.

80Evenuntothosewhobyreasonoftheirevildoings, deservenottoattainuntosalvation.ButtheLordwillbe patient,andkeeptheinvitationthatwasmadebyhisSon.

81Isaiduntohim,Sir,Ihopethatallwhentheyshall hearthesethings,willrepent.ForItrustthateveryone acknowledginghiscrimes,andtakingupthefearofthe Lord,willreturnuntorepentance.

82Hesaiduntome,Whosoevershallrepentwithall theirhearts,andcleansethemselvesfromalltheevils thatIhavebeforementioned,andnotaddanythingmore totheirsins,shallreceivefromtheLordthecureoftheir formeriniquities,iftheyshallnotmakeanydoubtof thesecommands,andshallliveuntoGod

83Buttheythatshallcontinuetoaddtotheir transgressions,andshallstillconversewiththelustsof thepresentworld,shallcondemnthemselvesuntodeath Butdothouwalkinthesecommands,andwhosoever shallwalkinthese,andexercisethemrightly,shalllive untoGod

84Andhavingshewedmeallthesethings,hesaid;I willshewtheetherestinafewdays

SIMILITUDE9

1AfterIhadwrittentheCommandsandSimilitudesof theShepherd,theAngelofRepentance;hecameunto me,andsaidtome,Iwillshewtheeallthosethings whichtheSpiritspakewiththeeunderthefigureofthe ChurchForthatSpiritistheSonofGod

2Andbecausethouwertweakinbody,itwasnot declareduntotheebytheangel,untilthouwert strengthenedbytheSpirit,andincreasedinforce,that thoumightestalsoseetheangel

3Forthenindeedthebuildingofthetowerwasvery wellandgloriouslyshewnuntotheebythechurch; neverthelessthousawestallthingsshewnuntotheeasit werebyavirgin.

4Butnowthouartenlightenedbytheangel,butyetby thesameSpirit.Butthoumustconsiderallthings diligently;forthereforeamIsentintothyhousebythat venerablemessenger,thatwhenthoushalthaveseenall thingspowerfully,thoumayestnotbeafraidasbefore.

5AndheledmetotheheightofamountaininArcadia, andwesatuponitstop.Andheshowedmeagreatplain, andaboutittwelvemountainsindifferentfigures.

6Thefirstwasblackassoot.Thesecondwassmooth, withoutherbs.Thethirdwasfullofthornsandthistles.

Thefourthhadherbshalfdried;ofwhichtheupperpart wasgreen,butthatnexttherootwasdry;andsomeof theherbs,whenthesungrewhot,weredry.

7Thefifthmountainwasveryrugged;butyethadgreen herbs.Thesixthmountainwasfullofclefts,somelesser, andsomegreater;andinthesecleftsgrewgrass,not flourishing,butwhichseemedtobewithering

8Theseventhmountainhaddelightfulpasture,andwas whollyfruitful:andallkindsofcattle,andofthebirds ofheaven,feduponit;andthemoretheyfedofit,the moreandbetterdidthegrassgrow.

9Theeighthmountainwasfulloffountains,andfrom thosefountainswerewateredallkindsofthecreatures ofGod.Theninthmountainhadnowateratall,butwas whollydestituteofit;andnourisheddeadlyserpents, anddestructivetomen.

10Thetenthmountainwasfulloftalltrees,and altogethershady:andundertheshadeofthemlaycattle restingandchewingthecud.

11Theeleventhmountainwasfullofthethickesttrees; andthosetreesseemedtobeloadedwithseveralsortsof fruits;thatwhosoeversawthemcouldnotchoosebut desiretoeatoftheirfruit.

12Thetwelfthmountainwasaltogetherwhite,andofa mostpleasantaspect,anditselfgaveamostexcellent beautytoitself.

13¶Inthemiddleofthe1plainheshowedmeahuge whiterock,whichroseoutoftheplain,andtherockwas higherthanthosemountains,andwassquare;sothatit seemedcapableofsupportingthewholeworld

14Itlookedtometobeold,yetithadinitanewgate, whichseemedtohavebeennewlyhewnoutinitNow thatgatewasbrightbeyondthesunitself;insomuch, thatIgreatlyadmiredatitslight

15Aboutthegatestoodtwelvevirgins;ofwhichfour thatstoodatthecornersofthegate,seemedtometobe thechiefest,althoughtherestwerealsoofworth:and theystoodatthefourpartsofthegate

16Itaddedalsotothegraceofthosevirgins,thatthey stoodinpairs,clothedwithlinengarments,anddecently girded,theirrightarmsbeingatliberty,asiftheywere abouttoliftupsome2burthen;forsotheywere adorned,andwereexceedingcheerfulandready

17WhenIsawthis,Iwonderedwithmyselftoseesuch greatandnoblethingsAndagainIadmireduponthe accountofthosevirgins,thattheyweresohandsome anddelicate;andstoodwithsuchfirmnessand constancy,asiftheywouldcarrythewholeheaven

18AndasIwasthinkingthuswithinmyself,the shepherdsaiduntome:Whatthmkestthouwithin thyself,andartdisquieted,andfillestthyselfwithcare?

19Donotseemtoconsider,asifthouwertwise,what thoudoestnotunderstand,butprayuntotheLord,that thoumayesthaveabilitytounderstandit:whatisto comethoucanstnotunderstand,butthouseestthat whichisbeforethee.

20Benotthereforedisquietedatthosethingswhich thoucanstnotsee;butgettheunderstandingofthose whichthouseest.

21Forbeartobecurious;andIwillshewtheeallthings thatIoughttodeclareuntothee;butfirstconsiderwhat yetremains.

22¶AndwhenhehadsaidthisuntomeIlookedup,and beholdIsawsixtallandvenerablemencoming;their countenanceswereallalike;andtheycalledacertain multitudeofmen;andtheywhocameattheircallwere alsotallandstout

23Andthosesixcommandedthemtobuildacertain toweroverthatgate.Andimmediatelytherebegantobe agreatnoiseofthosemenrunninghereandthereabout thegate,whowerecometogethertobuildthetower.

24Butthosevirginswhichstoodaboutthegate perceivedthatthebuildingofthetowerwastobe hastenedbythem.Andtheystretchedouttheirhands,as iftheyweretoreceivesomewhatfromthemtodo.

25Thenthosesixmencommanded,thattheyshouldlift upstonesoutofacertaindeepplace,andpreparethem forthebuildingofthetower.Andtherewereliftedup tenwhitestones,square,andnotcutround.

26Thenthosesixmencalledthetenvirginstothem, andcommandedthemtocarryallthestonesthatwereto beputintothebuildingandhavingcarriedthemthrough thegatetodeliverthemtothosethatwereabouttobuild thetower.

27Immediatelythevirginsbeganallofthemtogetherto liftupthosestones,thatwerebeforetakenoutofthe deep.

28¶Andtheywhoalsostoodaboutthegatedidcarry stonesinsuchamanner,thatthosestoneswhichseemed tobethestrongestwerelaidatthecorners,therestwere putintothesides

29Andthustheycarriedallthestones,andbringing themthroughthegatedeliveredthemtothebuilders,as theyhadbeencommanded:whoreceivingthemattheir hands,builtwiththem

30Butthisbuildingwasmadeuponthatgreatrock,and overthegate;andbythesethewholetowerwas supportedButthebuildingofthetenstonesfilledthe wholegate,whichbegantobemadeforthefoundation ofthattower

31Afterthosetenstonesdidfiveandtwentyothersrise upoutofthedeep;andthesewereplacedinthebuilding ofthesametower;beingliftedupbythosevirgins,as theothershadbeenbefore

32Afterthesedidfiveandthirtyothersriseup;and thesewerealsoinlikemannerfittedintothesamework Thenfortyotherstoneswerebroughtup,andallthese wereaddeduntothebuildingofthattower

33Sotherebegantobefourranksinthefoundationof thattower;andthestonesceasedtoriseoutofthedeep; andtheyalsowhichbuiltrestedalittle.

34Againthosesixmencommandedthemultitude,that theyshouldbringstonesoutofthosetwelvemountains tothebuildingofthesametower.

35Sotheycutoutofallthemountainsstonesofdivers colours,andbroughtthemandgavethemtothevirgins; whichwhentheyhadreceivedtheycarriedthem,and deliveredthemintothebuildingofthetower,

36Inwhichwhentheywerebuilttheybecamewhite, anddifferentfromwhattheywerebefore;fortheywere allalike,anddidchangetheirformercolours.Andsome werereachedupbythementhemselves,whichwhen theycameintothebuilding,continuedsuchastheywere putin.

37Theseneitherbecamewhite,nordifferentfromwhat theywerebefore;becausetheywerenotcarriedbythe virginsthroughthegateWhereforethesestoneswere

disagreeableinthebuilding:which,whenthosesixmen perceived,theycommandedthemtoberemoved,and putagainintheplacefromwhichtheywerebrought 38Andtheysaidtothosewhobroughtthosestones;Do notyereachuptousanystonesforthisbuilding,butlay themdownbythetower,andthesevirginsmaycarry themandreachthemtous.

39Forunlesstheyshallbecarriedbythesevirgins throughthisgate,theycannotchangetheircolours; thereforedonotlabourinvain.

40¶Sothebuildingthatdaywasdone,howbeitthe towerwasnotfinished;foritwasafterwardstobebuilt, thereforenowalsotherewassomedelaymadeofit.

41Andthesesixmencommandedthosethatbuiltto depart,andasitweretorestforsometime;butthey orderedthosevirginsthattheyshouldnotdepartfrom thetower;nowtheyseemedtometobeleftforthe guardingofit

42Whenallweredeparted,Isaiduntothatshepherd;Sir, whyisnotthebuildingofthetowerfinished?Becauseit cannot,saidhe,befinisheduntilitsLordcomes,and approvesofthebuilding;thatifheshallfindanystones initthatarenotgoodtheymaybechanged;forthis towerisbuiltaccordingtohiswill

43Sir,saidI,Iwouldknowwhatthebuildingofthis towersignifies;asalsoIwouldbeinformedconcerning thisrock,andthisgate

44Andconcerningthemountains,andthevirgins,and thestonesthatdidriseoutofthedeep,andwerenotcut, butputintothebuildingjustastheycameforth;and whythetenstoneswerefirstlaidinthefoundation;then thetwenty-five;thenthirty-five;thenforty?

45Alsoconcerningthesestonesthatwereputintothe building,andagaintakenout,andcarriedbackintotheir place?Fulfil,Ipray,thedesireofmysoulastoallthese thingsandmanifestalluntome

46Andhesaiduntome;Ifthoushaltnotbedull,thou shaltknowall,andshaltseealltheotherthingsthatare abouttohappeninthistower;andshaltunderstand diligentlyallthesesimilitudes

47Andafterafewdayswecameintothesameplace wherewehadsatbefore;andhesaiduntome,Letusgo untothetower;fortheLordofitwillcomeandexamine it.

48Sowecamethither,andfoundnonebutthosevirgins there.AndheaskedthemwhethertheLordofthattower wascomethither?Andtheyreplied,thathewouldbe therepresentlytoexaminethebuilding.

49¶AfteraverylittlewhileIsawagreatmultitudeof mencoming,andinthemiddleofthemamansotall, thathesurpassedthetowerinheight.

50Abouthimwerethosesix,whobeforecommandedin thebuilding,andalltherestofthosewhohadbuiltthat tower,andmanyothersofgreatdignity:andthevirgins thatkeptthetowerrantomeethim,andkissedhim,and begantowalknearuntohim.

51Butheexaminedthebuildingwithsomuchcarethat hehandledeverystone;andstruckeveryonewitharod whichheheldinhishand:

52Ofwhichsomebeingsostruckturnedblackassoot; otherswererough;somelookedasiftheyhadcracksin them;othersseemedmaimed:someneitherblacknor white;somelookedsharp,andagreednotwiththeother stones,andotherswerefullofspots.

53Theseweretheseveralkindsofthosestoneswhich werenotfoundproperinthebuilding;allwhichthe Lordcommandedtobetakenoutofthetower,andlaid nearit,andotherstonestobebroughtandputintheir places.

54Andtheythatbuilt,askedhimfromwhichofthe mountainshewouldhavestonesbroughttoputinthe placeofthosethatwerelaidaside.Butheforbadthem tobringanyfromthemountains,andcommandedthat theyshouldtakeoutofacertainfieldthatwasnear.

55Sotheydiggedinthefield,andfoundmanybright squarestones,andsomealsothatwereround.Howbeit, allthatwerefoundinthatfieldweretakenaway,and carriedthroughthegatebythosevirgins;andthoseof themthatweresquarewerefittedandputintotheplaces ofthosethatwerepulledout

56Buttheroundoneswerenotputintothebuilding, becausetheywerehard,anditwouldhaverequiredtoo muchtimetocutthem;buttheywereplacedaboutthe tower,asiftheyshouldhereafterbecutsquare,andput intothebuilding;fortheywereverywhite

57¶Whenhewhowaschiefindignity,andlordofthe wholetowersawthis,hecalledtohimtheshepherdthat waswithmeandgavehimthestonesthatwererejected andlaidaboutthetowerandsaiduntohim;cleanse thesestoneswithallcare,andfitthemintothebuilding ofthetower,thattheymayagreewiththerest;butthose thatwillnotsuitwiththerest,castawayafarofffrom thetower

58Whenhehadthuscommandedhim,hedeparted,with allthosethatcamewithhimtothetower:butthose virginsstillstoodaboutthetowertokeepit

59AndIsaiduntothatshepherd,Howcanthesestones, seeingtheyhavebeenrejected,returnintothebuilding ofthistower?Hereplied;Iwillcutoffthegreatestpart frontthesestones,andwilladdthemtothebuilding,and theywillagreewiththerest.

60AndIsaid,Sir,howwilltheybeabletofillthesame place,whentheyshallbesomuchcutaway?He answered;Theythatshallbefoundtoolittleshallbeput intothemiddleofthebuilding,andthegreatershallbe placedwithout,andkeepthemin.

61Whenhehadsaidthusuntome,headded;Letusgo, andafterthreedayswewillreturn,andIwillputthese stones,beingcleansed,intothetower.

62Forallthesethatareaboutthetowermustbe cleansed,lestthemasterofthehousechancetocome uponthesudden,andfindthosewhichareaboutthe towerunclean;andbesoexasperated,thatthesestones shouldneverbeputintothebuildingofthistower,andI shallbelookedupontohavebeenunmindfulofmy master'scommands.

63Whenthereforewecameafterthreedaystothetower, hesaiduntome;Letusexamineallthesestones,andlet

usseewhichofthemmaygointothebuilding.I answered,Sir,letussee.

64¶Andfirstofallwebeguntoconsiderthosewhich hadbeenblack;fortheywerefoundjustsuchasthey werewhentheywerepulledoutofthetower:wherefore hecommandedthemtoberemovedfromthetowerand putbythemselves.

65Thenheexaminedthosewhichhadbeenrough;and commandedmanyofthosetobecutround,andtobe fittedbythevirginsintothebuildingofthetower;so theytookthem,andfittedthemintothemiddleofthe building;andhecommandedtheresttobelaidbywith theblackones,fortheyalsowerebecomeblack.

66Nextheconsideredthosewhichwerefullofcracks, andmanyofthosealsoheorderedtobeparedaway,and sotobeaddedtotherestofthebuildingbythesame virgins.

67Thesewereplacedwithoutbecausetheywerefound entire;buttheresiduethroughthemultitudeoftheir crackscouldnotbereformed,andthereforewerecast awayfromthebuildingofthetower

68Thenheconsideredthosethathadbeenmaimed; manyofthesehadcracks,andwerebecomeblack; otherswerelargeclefts;thesehecommandedtobe placedwiththosethatwererejected

69Buttherestbeingcleansedandreformed,he commandedtobeputinthebuildingThesetherefore thosevirginstookup,andfittedintothemiddleofthe building,becausetheywerebutweak

70Aftertheseheexaminedthosewhichwerefoundhalf whiteandhalfblack;andmanyofthosewerenowblack; thesealsoheorderedtobelaidamongthosethatwere castaway

71Therestwerefoundaltogetherwhite;thosewere takenupbythevirgins,andfittedintothesametower: andthesewereputintheoutside,becausetheywere foundentire;thatsotheymightkeepinthosethatwere placedinthemiddle,fornothingwascutofffromthem

72Nexthelookeduponthosewhichhadbeenhardand sharp;butfewoftheseweremadeuseof,becausethey couldnotbecut,fortheywerefoundveryhard:butthe restwereformed,andfittedbythevirginsintothe middleofthebuilding,becausetheyweremoreweak.

73Thenheconsideredthosewhichhadspots;ofthesea fewwerefoundblack,andthesewerecarriedtotheir fellows.Therestwerewhiteandentire;andtheywere fittedbythevirginsintothebuilding,andplacedinthe outside,byreasonoftheirstrength.

74¶Afterthishecametoconsiderthosestoneswhich werewhiteandround:andhesaiduntome,Whatshall wedowiththesestones?Ianswered,Sir,Icannottell.

75Hereplied,Canstthouthinkofnothingthenforthese? Ianswered,Sir,Iunderstandnotthisart;neitheramIa stone-cutter,norcanItellanything.

76Andhesaid,seestthounotthattheyareveryround? Nowtomakethemsquare,Imustcutoffagreatdeal fromthem;howbeit,itisnecessarythatsomeofthese shouldgointothebuildingofthetower.

77Ianswered;Ifitbenecessary,whydoyouperplex yourself,andnotratherchoose,ifyouhaveanychoice amongthem,andfitthemintothebuilding

78Uponthishechoseoutthelargestandbrightest,and squaredthem;whichwhenhehaddonethevirginstook themup,andplacedthemintheoutsideofthebuilding.

79Anddierestthatremainedwerecarriedbackintothe samefieldfromwhichtheyweretaken;howbeit,they werenotcastaway;because,saidhe,thereisnotyeta littlewantingtothistower,whichistobebuilt;and perhapstheLordwillhavethesestonesfittedintothis building,becausetheyareexceedingwhite.

80Thenweretherecalledtwelveverystatelywomen, clothedwithablackgarment,girded,andtheirshoulders free,andtheirhairloose.Theseseemedtometobe countrywomen.

81Andtheshepherdcommandedthemtotakeupthose stoneswhichwerecastoutofthebuilding,andcarry thembacktothemountainsoutofwhichtheywere taken.

82Andtheytookthemallupjoyfully,andcarriedthem backtotheirplacesfromwhencetheyhadbeentaken

83Whennotonestoneremainedaboutthetower,he saiduntome,Letusgoaboutthistower,andsee whetheranythingbewantingtoit

84Webeganthereforetogoroundaboutit;andwhen hesawthatitwashandsomelybuilt,hebegantobevery glad;foritwassobeautifullyframed,thatanyonethat hadseenitmusthavebeeninlovewiththebuilding:

85Foritseemedtobeallbutonestone,nordidajoint anywhereappear;butitlookedasifithadallbeencut outofonerock

86¶AndwhenIdiligentlyconsideredwhatatowerit was,Iwasextremelypleased:andhesaiduntome, Bringhithersomelimeandlittleshells,thatImayfillup thespacesofthosestonesthatweretakenoutofthe building,andputinagain;forallthingsaboutthetower mustbemadeeven

87AndIdidashecommandedme,andhesaiduntome, Bereadytohelpme,andthisworkwillquicklybe finished

88Hethereforefilledupthespacesofthosestones,and commandedtheplaceaboutthetowertobecleansed.

89Thenthosevirginstookbesoms,andcleansedallthe placearoundandtookawayalltherubbish,andthrew wateron;whichbeingdone,theplacebecamedelightful, andthetowerbeauteous.

90Thenhesaiduntome,Allisnowclean:iftheLord shouldcometofinishthetower,hewillfindnothing wherebytocomplainofus.

91Whenhehadsaidthishewouldhavedeparted.ButI laidholdonhisbag,andbegantoentreathimforthe Lord'ssake,thathewouldexplaintomeallthingsthat hehadshownme.

92Hesaiduntome,Ihaveatpresentalittlebusiness; butIwillsuddenlyexplainallthingsuntothee.Tarry hereformetillIcome.

93Isaiduntohim,Sir,whatshallIdoherealone?He answered,Thouartnotalone,seeingallthesevirginsare withthee

94Isaid,Sir,delivermethenuntothem.Thenhecalled themandsaiduntothem,Icommendthismanuntoyou untilIshallcome

95SoIremainedwiththosevirgins:nowtheywere cheerfulandcourteousuntome;especiallythefour, whichseemedtobethechiefestamongthem.

96¶Thenthosevirginssaiduntome,thatshepherdwill notreturnhithertoday.Isaiduntothem,Whatthen shallIdo?Theyanswered,Tarryforhimtilltheevening, ifperhapshemaycomeandspeakwiththee;butifnot, yetthoushaltcontinuewithustillhedoescoma.

97Isaiduntothem,Iwilltarryforhimtillevening;but ifbecomesnotbythattime,Iwillgohome,andreturn hitheragainthenextmorning.

98Theyansweredme,Thouartdelivereduntous,thou mayestnotdepartfromus.Isaid,WhereshallItarry?

99Theyreplied,Thoushaltsleepwithusasabrother, notasahusband:forthouartourbrother,andweare readyfromhenceforthtodwellwiththee;forthouart verydeartous.

100HowbeitIwasashamedtocontinuewiththemBut shethatseemedtobethechiefestamongstthem, embracedme,andbegantokissmeAndtherestwhen theysawthatIwaskissedbyher,beganalsotokissme asabrother;andledmeaboutthetower,andplayed withme

101Someofthemalsosungpsalms,othersmadeupthe choruswiththemButIwalkedaboutthetowerwith them,rejoicingsilently,andseemingtomyselftobe grownyoungagain

102Whentheeveningcameon,Iwouldforthwithhave gonehome,buttheywithheldme,andsufferedmenot todepartWhereforeIcontinuedwiththemthatnight nearthesametower

103Sotheyspreadtheirlinengarmentsupontheground; andplacedmeinthemiddle,nordidtheyanythingelse, onlytheyprayed

104Ialsoprayedwiththemwithoutceasing,norless thantheyWhowhentheysawmeprayinthatmanner, rejoicedgreatly;andIcontinuedtherewiththemtillthe nextday

105AndwhenwehadworshippedGod,thenthe shepherdcameandsaiduntothem:Youhavedoneno injurytothisman.Theyanswered,Askhim.Isaidunto him,Sir,Ihavereceivedagreatdealofsatisfactionin thathaveremainedwiththem.

106Andhesaiduntome,Howthousup?Ianswered, Sir,IfeastedthewholenightuponthewordsoftheLord. Theyreceivedtheewellthen,saidhe;Isaid,Sir,very well.

107Heanswered,Wiltthounowlearnwhatthoudidst desire?Ireplied,Sir,Iwill:andfirstIpraytheethat thoushouldestshewmeallthingsintheorderthatI askedthem.

108Heanswered,Iwilldoallasthouwouldsthaveme, norwillIhideanythingfromthee.

109¶Firstofall,Sir,saidI,tellme,whatthisrock,and thisgatedenote?Hearken,saidhe;thisrock,andthis gate,aretheSonofGod.Ireplied,Sir,howcanthatbe; seeingtherockisold,butthegatenew

110Hear,saidhe,Ofoolishman!andunderstand.The SonofGodisindeedmoreancientthananycreature; insomuchthathewasincouncilwithhisFatheratthe creationofallthings.

111Butthegateisthereforenew,becauseheappeared inthelastdaysinthefulnessoftime;thattheywhoshall attainuntosalvation,maybyitenterintothekingdomof God.

112Youhaveseen,saidhe,thosestoneswhichwere carriedthroughthegate,howtheywereplacedinthe buildingofthetower;butthatthosewhichwerenot carriedthroughthegate,weresentawayintotheirown places?

113Ianswered,Sir,Isawit.Thus,saidhe,nomanshall enterintothekingdomofGod,buthewhoshalltake uponhimthenameoftheSonofGod.

114Forifyouwouldenterintoanycity,andthatcity shouldwbeencompassedwithawall,andhadonlyone gate,couldyounenterintothatcityexceptbythatgate?

115Ianswered,Sir,howcouldIdootherwise?As therefore,saidhe,therewouldbenootherwayof enteringintothatcitybutbyitsgate,soneithercanany oneenterintothekingdomofGod,butonlybythename ofhisSon,whoismostdearuntohim

116Andhesaiduntome,Didstthouseethemultitude ofthosethatbuiltthattower?Sir,saidI,IsawitHe answered,Allthosearetheangels,venerableintheir dignity

117WiththoseistheLordencompassedaswithawall: butthegateistheSonofGod,whoistheonlywayof cominguntoGodFornomanshallgotoGod,butby hisSon

118Thousawestalso,saidhe,thesixmen,andinthe middleofthemthatvenerablegreatman,whowalked aboutthetower,andrejectedthestonesoutofthetower?

119Sir,saidI,IsawthemHeanswered,thattallman wastheSonofGod:andthosesixwerehisangelsof mosteminentdignity,whichstandabouthimonthe righthandandontheleft

120OftheseexcellentangelsnonecomesinuntoGod withouthimHeadded,Whosoeverthereforeshallnot takeuponhimhisname,heshallnotenterintothe kingdomofGod.

121¶ThenIsaid,Whatisthistower?This,saidhe,is thechurch.Andwhat,Sir,arethesevirgins?Hesaid untome,Thesearetheholyspirits,fornomancanenter intothekingdomofGod,excepttheseclothehimwith theirgarment.

122Foritwillavailtheenothingtotakeupthenameof theSonofGod,unlessthoushaltalsoreceivetheir garmentfromthem.Forthesevirginsarethepowersof theSonofGod.Soshallamaninvainbearhisname, unlessheshallbealsoenduedwithhispowers.

123Andhesaiduntome,sawestthouthosestonesthat werecastaway?Theyboreindeedthename,butputnot ontheirgarment.Isaid,Sir,whatistheirgarment?Their verynames,saidhe,aretheirgarment.

124ThereforewhosoeverbeareththenameoftheSonof God,oughttobeartheirnamesalso;fortheSonofGod alsohimselfbeareththeirnames

125Asforthosestones,continuedhe,whichbeing deliveredbytheirhands,thousawestremaininthe building,theywereclothedwiththeirpower;forwhich causethouseestthewholetowerofthesamecolour withtherock,andmadeasitwereofonestone.

126SoalsothosewhohavebelievedinGodbyhisSon, haveputonhisspirit.Beholdthereshallbeonespirit, andonebody,andonecolouroftheirgarments;andall theyshallattainthis,whoshallbearthenamesofthese virgins.

127AndIsaid,Sir,whythenwerethosestonescast awaywhichwererejected,seeingtheyalsowerecarried throughthegate,anddeliveredbythehandsofthese virginsintothebuildingofthistower?

128Seeing,saidhe,thoutakestcaretoinquirediligently intoallthings,hearalsoconcerningthosestoneswhich wererejected.AllthesereceivedthenameoftheSonof God,andwiththatthepowerofthesevirgins

129Havingthereforereceivedthesespirits,theywere perfected,andbroughtintothenumberoftheservantsof God;andtheybegantobeonebody,andtohaveone garment,fortheywere3enduedwiththesame righteousness,whichtheyalikeexercised

130Butafterthattheybeheldthosewomenwhichthou sawestclothedwithablackgarment,withtheir shouldersatlibertyandtheirhairloose;theyfixedtheir desiresuponthem,beingtemptedwiththeirbeauty;and wereclothedwiththeirpower,andcastofftheclothing ofthevirgins:

131ThereforeweretheycastofffromthehouseofGod, anddeliveredtothosewomenButtheythatwerenot corruptedwiththeirbeauty,remainedinthehouseof GodThis,saidhe,isthesignificationofthosestones whichwererejected

132¶AndIsaid,Sir,whatifanyofthesemenshall repent,andcastawaytheirdesireofthosewomen,and beconverted,andreturntothesevirgins,andputon againtheirvirtue;shalltheynotenterintothehouseof God?

133Theyshallenter,saidhe,iftheyshalllayasideall theworksofthosewomen,andshallresumethepower ofthesevirgins,andshallwalkintheirworks.

134Andforthiscausethereisastopinthebuilding, thatiftheyshallrepent,theymaybeaddedtothe buildingofthistower;butiftheyshallnotrepent,that othersmaybebuiltintheirplaces,andsotheymaybe utterlycastaway.

135ForallthesethingsIgavethanksuntotheLord,that beingmovedwithmercytowardsallthoseuponwhom hisnameiscalled,hesenttoustheangelofrepentance topresideoveruswhohavesinnedagainsthim;andthat hehasrefreshedourspiritswhichwerealmostgone,and whohadnohopeofsalvation,butarenowrefreshedto therenewaloflife.

136ThenIsaid,Shewmenow,Sir,whythistoweris notbuiltupontheground,butuponarock,anduponthe gate?Hereplied,thouartfoolish,andwithout understanding,thereforethouaskeththis.

137AndIsaid,Sir,Imustneedsaskallthingsofyou, becauseIunderstandnothingatallForallyouranswers

aregreatandexcellent;andwhichamancanhardly understand.

138Hear,saidhe:ThenameoftheSonofGodisgreat andwithoutbounds,andthewholeworldissupported byit.Iftherefore,saidI,everycreatureofGodbe sustainedbyhisSon,whyshouldhenotsupportthose alsowhohavebeeninvitedbyhim,andwhocarryhis name,andwalkinhiscommandments?

139Seestthounot,saidhe,thathedothsupportthem, whowithalltheirheartbearhis'name?Hethereforeis theirfoundation,andgladlysupportsthosewhodonot denyhisname,butwillinglybearit.

140¶AndIsaid:Sir,tellmethenamesofthesevirgins; andofthosewomenthatwereclothedwiththeblack garment.

141Hear,saidhe,thenamesofthosevirginswhichare themorepowerful,andstandatthecornersofthegate. Thesearetheirnames:

142ThefirstiscalledFaith;thesecondContinence;the third,Power;thefourth,Patience;therestwhichstand beneaththeseare,Simplicity,Innocence,Chastity, Cheerfulness,Truth,Understanding,Concord,Charity

143Whosoeverthereforebearthesenames,andthe namesoftheSonofGod,shallenterintothekingdomof God

144Hearnow,saidhe,thenamesofthosewomen, whichwereclothedwiththeblackgarmentOfthese, fouraretheprincipal:thefirstisPerfidiousness;the second,Incontinence;thethird,Infidelity;thefourth, Pleasure

145Andtherestwhichfollowarecalledthus,Sadness, Malice,Lust,Anger,Lying,Foolishness,Pride,and HatredTheservantofGod,whichcarriesthesespirits, shallseeindeedthekingdomofGod,butheshallnot enterintoit

146But,Sir,whatarethosestoneswhichweretakenout ofthedeepandfittedintothebuilding?Theten,saidhe, whichwereplacedatthefoundation,arethefirstage; thefollowingfive-and-twenty,thesecond,ofrighteous men

147Thenextthirty-five,aretheprophetsandministers oftheLord.Andtheforty,aretheApostlesanddoctors ofthepreachingoftheSonofGod.

148AndIsaid,Sir,whydidthevirginsputeventhose stonesintothebuildingaftertheywerecarriedthrough thegate?Andhesaid,Becausethesefirstcarriedthose spirits,andtheydepartednotonefromtheone,neither themenfromthespirits,northespiritsfromthemen:

149Butthespiritswerejoinedtothosemeneventothe dayoftheirdeath;whoiftheyhadnothadthesespirits withthem,theycouldnothavebeenusefultothe buildingofthistower.

150AndIsaid,Sir,shewmethisfarther.Heanswered, Whatdostthouask?Whydidthesestonescomeoutof thedeep,andwereplacedintothebuildingofthistower, seeingthattheylongagocarriedthoseholyspirits.

151Itwasnecessary,saidhe,forthemtoascendby water,thattheymightbeatrest.Fortheycouldnot otherwiseenterintothekingdomofGod,butbylaying asidethemortalityoftheirformerlife

152Theythereforebeingdead,wereneverthelesssealed withthesealoftheSonofGod,andsoenteredintothe kingdomofGod

153ForbeforeamanreceivesthenameoftheSonof God,heisordaineduntodeath;butwhenhereceives thatseal,heisfreedfromdeath,andassigneduntolife.

154Nowthatsealisthewaterofbaptism,intowhich mengodownundertheobligationuntodeath,butcome upappointeduntolife.

155Whereforetothosealsowasthissealpreached,and theymadeuseofit,thattheymightenterthekingdomof God.

156AndIsaid,Whythen,sir,didthesefortystonesalso ascendwiththemoutofthedeep,havingalready receivedthatseal?

157Heanswered,BecausetheseApostlesandteachers, whopreachedthenameoftheSonofGod,dyingafter theyhadreceivedhisfaithandpower,preachedtothem whoweredeadbefore;andtheygavethissealtothem.

158Theywentdownthereforeintothewaterwiththem, andagaincameupButthesewentdownwhilstthey werealive,andcameupagainalive:whereasthosewho werebeforedead,wentdowndead,butcameupalive;

159Throughthesethereforetheyreceivedlife,and knewtheSonofGod:forwhichcausetheycameup withthem,andwerefittocomeintothebuildingofthe tower;andwerenotcut,butputinentire;becausethey diedinrighteousness,andingreatpurity;onlythisseal waswantingtothem

160Thusyouhavetheexplicationofthesethings

161¶Ianswered:Sir,tellmenowwhatconcernsthose mountains,whyaretheysodifferent;someofoneform, andsomeofanother

162Hear,saidhe;Thesetwelvemountainswhichthou seest,aretwelvenations,whichmakeupthewhole worldWhereforetheSonofGodispreachedtothem, bythosewhomhesentuntothem

163Butwhy,saidI,aretheydifferent,andeveryoneof afigure?Hereplied,HearkenThosetwelvenations whichpossessthewholeworld,aretwelvepeople

164Andasthouhastbeheldthesemountainsdifferent, soarethey.Iwillthereforeopentotheethemeaning andactionsofeverymountain.

165Butfirst,sir,saidI,shewmethis;Seeingthese mountainsaresodifferent,howhavetheyagreedinto thebuildingofthistower;andbeenbroughttoone colour;andarenolessbrightthanthosethatcameoutof thedeep?

166Because,repliedhe,allthenationswhichareunder heaven,haveheardandbelievedinthesameonename oftheSonofGodbywhomtheyarecalled.

167Whereforehavingreceivedhisseal,theyhaveall beenmadepartakersofthesame1understandingand2 knowledge;andtheirfaithandcharityhavebeenthe same;andtheyhavecarriedthespiritsofthesevirgins togetherwithhisname.

168Andthereforethebuildingofthistowerappearedto beofthesamecolour,anddidshinelikethebrightness ofthesun.

169Butafterthattheyhadthusagreedinonemindthere begantobeonebodyofthemall;howbeitsomeofthem pollutedthemselves,andwerecastofffromthekindof therighteous,andagainreturnedtotheirformerstate, andbecameevenworsethantheywerebefore.

170¶How,saidI,sir,weretheyworsewhoknewthe Lord?Heanswered:IfhewhoknowsnottheLordliveth wickedly,thepunishmentofhiswickednessattendshim.

171ButhewhohasknowntheLord,oughttoabstain altogetherfromallwickedness,andmoreandmoretobe theservantofrighteousness.

172Anddoesnothethenseemtotheetosinmorewho oughttofollowgoodness,ifheshallpreferthepartof sin;thanhewhooffendswithoutknowingthepowerof God?

173Whereforetheseareindeedordaineduntodeath;but theywhohaveknowntheLord,andhaveseenhis wonderfulworks,iftheyshalllivewickedly,theyshall bedoublypunished,andshalldieforever.

174Asthereforethouhastseenthatafterthestones werecastoutofthetower,whichhadbeenrejected;they weredeliveredtowickedandcruelspirits;andthou beheldestthetowersocleansed,asifithadallbeen madeofonestone:

175SothechurchofGod,whenitshallbepurified:(the wickedandcounterfeits,themischievousanddoubtful, andallthathavebehavedthemselveswickedlyinit,and committeddiverskindsofsin,beingcastout)shall becomeonebody,andthereshallbeoneunderstanding, oneopinion,onefaith,andthesamecharity

176AndthenshalltheSonofGodrejoiceamongthem, andshallreceivehispeoplewithapurewill

177AndIsaid;Sir,allthesethingsaregreatand honourable;butnowshewuntometheeffectandforce ofeverymountain:thateverysoulwhichtrustethinthe Lord,whenitshallhearthesethingsmayhonourhis great,andwonderful,andholyname

178Hear,saidhe,thevarietyofthesemountains,thatis, ofthetwelvenations

179¶Theywhohavebelievedofthefirstmountain, whichisblack,arethosewhohaverevoltedfromthe faith;andspokenwickedthingsagainsttheLord;and betrayedtheservantsofGod.

180Thesearecondemnedtodeath,thereisno repentanceforthem:andthereforetheyareblack, becausetheirkindiswicked.

181Ofthesecondmountainwhichwassmooth,arethe hypocrites,whohavebelieved,andtheteachersof naughtiness:andthesearenexttotheforegoing,which havenotinthemthefruitofrighteousness.

182Forastheirmountainisbarrenandwithoutfruit;so alsosuchkindofmenhaveindeedthenameof Christians,butareemptyoffaith;noristhereanyfruit ofthetruthinthem.

183Neverthelessthereisroomlefttothemfor repentance,iftheyshallsuddenlypursueit:butifthey shalldelay,theyalsoshallbepartakersofdeathwiththe foregoingkind.

184Isaid,Sir,whyisthereroomlefttothosefor repentance,andnottotheforegoingkind,seeingtheir sinsarewellnighthesame?

185Thereistherefore,saidhetotheseareturnuntolife byrepentance,becausetheyhavenotblasphemed againsttheirLord,norbetrayedtheservantsofGod:but bytheirdesireofgainhavedeceivedmen,leadingthem accordingtothelustsofsinners;whereforetheyshall sufferforthisthing.

186Howbeitthereisstillleftthemroomforrepentance, becausetheyhavenotspokenanythingwickedly againsttheLord.

187¶Theywhoareofthethirdmountainwhichhad thornsandbrambles,arethosewhobelieved,butwere someofthemrich,otherstakenupwithmanyaffairs: thebramblesaretheirriches:thethorns,thoseaffairsin whichtheywereengaged.

188Nowtheywhoareentangledinmuchbusiness,and indiversityofaffairs,joinnotthemselvestotheservants ofGod,butwander,beingcalledawaybythoseaffairs withwhichtheyarechoked

189Andsotheywhicharerich,withdifficultyyield themselvestotheconversationoftheservantsofGod; fearinglestanythingshouldbeaskedofthemThese thereforeshallhardlyenterintothekingdomofGod

190Forasmenwalkwithdifficultybare-footover thorns,evensothesekindofmenshallscarcelyenter intothekingdomofGod

191Neverthelessthereisatfordedtoalltheseareturn untorepentance;ifthattheyshallquicklyreturntoit; thatbecauseintheirformerdaystheyhaveneglectedto work,inthetimethatistocometheymaydosomegood

192Ifthereforehavingrepentedtheyshalldotheworks ofrighteousness,theyshalllive;butiftheyshall continueintheirevilcourses,theyshallbedeliveredto thosewomenthatwilltakeawaytheirlife

193¶Asforthefourthmountain,whichhadmanyherbs, theupperpartofwhichisgreen,buttherootsdry,and someofwhichbeingtouchedwiththeheatofthesun arewithered;

194Itdenotesthedoubtful,whohavebelieved,and someotherswhocarrytheLordintheirtongues,but havehimnotintheirheart:thereforetheirgrassisdry, andwithoutroot;becausetheyliveonlyinwords,but theirworksaredead.

195Thesethereforeareneitherdeadnorliving,and withalaredoubtful.Forthedoubtfulareneithergreen nordry;thatis,neitherdeadnoralive.

196Forastheherbsdryawayatthesightofthesun;so thedoubtfulassoonastheyhearofpersecution,andfear inconveniences,returntotheiridols,andagainserve them,andareashamedtobearthenameoftheirLord.

197Thiskindofmenthenisneitherdeadnoralive; neverthelessthesealsomaylive,iftheyshallpresently repent;butifnot,theyshallbedeliveredtothosewomen, whoshalltakeawaytheirlife.

198¶Asconcerningthefifthmountainthatiscraggy, andyethasgreengrass:theyareofthiskindwhohave believed,andarefaithfulindeed,butbelievewith

difficulty;andarebold,andself-conceited;thatwould bethoughttoknowallthings,butreallyknownothing.

199Wherefore,byreasonofthisconfidence,knowledge isdepartedfromthem;andarashpresumptionisentered intothem.

200Buttheycarrythemselveshigh,andasprudentmen; andthoughtheyarefools,yetwouldseemtobeteachers.

201Nowbyreasonofthisfollymanyofthem,whilst theymagnifythemselves,arebecomevainandempty. Forboldnessandvainconfidenceisaveryevilspirit.

202Whereforemanyofthesearecastaway;butothers acknowledgingtheirerror,haverepented,andsubmitted themselvestothosewhoareknowing.

203Andtoalltherestofthiskindthereisrepentance allowed;forasmuchastheywerenotsomuchwickedas foolish,asvoidofunderstanding.

204Ifthesethereforeshallrepent,theyshallliveunto God;butifnot,theyshalldwellwiththosewomen,who shallexercisetheirwickednessuponthem.

205¶Forwhatconcernsthesixthmountainhaving greaterandlesserclefts,theyaresuchashavebelieved; butthoseinwhichwerelessercleftsaretheywhohave hadcontroversiesamongthemselves;andbyreasonof theirquarrelslanguishinthefaith;

206Neverthelessmanyofthesehaverepented,andso willtherestwhentheyshallhearmycommands;for theircontroversiesarebutsmall,andtheywilleasily returnuntorepentance

207Butthosewhohavethegreaterclefts,willbeasstiff stones,mindfulofgrudgesandoffences,andfullof angeramongthemselvesThesethereforearecastfrom thetower,andrefusedtobeputintoitsbuilding;forthis kindofmenshallhardlylive

208OurGodandLord,whorulethoverallthings,and haspoweroverallhiscreatures,willnotrememberour offences,butiseasilyappeasedbythosewhoconfess theirsins:butmanbeinglanguid,mortal,infirm,and fullofsins,perseveresinhisangeragainstman;asifit wereinhispowertosaveordestroyhim

209ButI,astheangelwhoamsetoveryourrepentance, admonishyou,thatwhosoeveramongyouhasanysuch purposeheshouldlayitaside,andreturnunto repentance;andtheLordwillhealyourformersins,if youshallpurgeyourselvesfromthisevilspirit;butif youshallnotdoit,yeshallbedeliveredtohimunto death.

210¶Asfortheseventhmountaininwhichthegrass wasgreenandflourishing,andthewholemountain faithful;andallkindofcattlefeduponthegrassofit, andthemorethegrasswaseatensomuchthemoreit flourished:

211Theyaresuchasbelieved,andwerealwaysgood andupright;andwithoutanydifferencesamong themselves,butstillrejoicedintheservantsofGod, havingputonthespiritofthesevirgins;andbeen alwaysforwardtoshewmercytoallmen,readilygiving toallmenoftheirlabourswithoutupbraiding,and withoutdeliberation.

212WhereforetheLordseeingtheirsimplicityand innocence,hasincreasedthemintheworksoftheir hands,andgiventhemgraceinalltheirworks

213ButI,whoamtheangelappointedoveryour repentance,exhortyou,thatasmanyasareofthiskind wouldcontinueinthesamepurpose,thatyourseedmay notberootedoutforever.

214FortheLordhathtriedyou,andwrittenyouintoour number;andallyourseedshalldwellwiththeSonof God;foryeareallofhisspirit.

215¶Asconcerningtheeighthmountaininwhichwere agreatmanysprings,bywhicheverykindofallthe creaturesofGodwaswatered;theyaresuchashave believedtheApostleswhichtheLordsentintoallthe worldtopreach;

216Andsomeofthembeingteachershavepreached andtaughtpurelyandsincerely,andhavenotintheleast yieldedtoanyevildesires,buthaveconstantlywalked inrighteousnessandtruth.

217Thesethereforehavetheirconversationsamongthe angels

218¶Again;asforwhatconcernstheninthmountain whichisdesert,andfullofserpents;theyaresuchas havebelieved,buthadmanystains:

219Thesearesuchministersasdischargetheirministry amiss;ravishingawaythegoodsofthewidowsand fatherless;andservethemselves,notothers,outofthose thingswhichtheyhavereceived

220These,iftheycontinueinthiscovetousness,have deliveredthemselvesuntodeath,norshalltherebeany hopeoflifeforthemButiftheyshallbeconverted,and shalldischargetheirministrysincerely,theymaylive 221Asforthosewhichwerefoundrough,theyaresuch ashavedeniedthenameoftheLord,andnotreturned againtotheLord,buthavebecomesavageandwild;not applyingthemselvestotheservantsofGod;butbeing separatedfromthem,haveforalittlecarelessnesslost theirlives

222Forasavinethatisforsakeninahedge,andnever dressed,perishesandischokedbytheweeds,andin timebecomeswild,andceasestobeusefultoitslord;so thiskindofmendespairingofthemselves,andbeing soured,havebeguntobeunprofitabletotheirLord.

223Howbeittothesethereis,afterall,repentance allowed,iftheyshallnotbefoundfromtheirheartsto havedeniedChrist;butifanyoftheseshallbefoundto havedeniedhimfromhisheart,Icannottellwhether suchaonecanattainuntolife.

224Isaythereforethatifanyonehathdenied,heshould inthesedaysreturnuntorepentance;foritcannotbethat anyonewhonowdeniestheLord,canafterwardsattain untosalvation:neverthelessrepentanceisproposedunto themwhohaveformerlydenied.

225Buthewhowillrepentmusthastenonhis repentance,beforethebuildingofthistowerisfinished: otherwiseheshallbedeliveredbythosewomenunto death.

226Buttheythataremaimedarethedeceitful;and thosewhomixwithoneanother,thesearetheserpents thatyousawmingledinthatmountain

227Forasthepoisonofserpentsisdeadlyuntomen;so thewordsofsuchpersonsinfectanddestroymen.They arethereforemaimedintheirfaith,byreasonofthat kindoflifewhichtheylead.

228Howbeitsomeofthem,havingrepented,havebeen saved,andsoshallothersofthesamekindbealsosaved, iftheyshallrepent;butifnot,theyshalldiebythose womenwhosepowerandforcetheypossess.

229¶Forwhatconcernsthetenthmountain,inwhich werethetreescoveringthecattle,theyaresuchashave believed,andsomeofthemhavebeenbishops,thatis, governorsofthechurches.

230Others,aresuchstonesashavenotfeignedly,but withacheerfulmindentertainedtheservantsofGod.

231Thensuchashavebeensetoverinferiorministries; andhaveprotectedthepoorandthewidows;andhave alwayskeptachasteconversation:thereforetheyalso areprotectedbytheLord

232Whosoevershalldoonthiswise,arehonoredwith theLord;andtheirplaceisamongtheangels,ifthey shallcontinuetoobeytheLordevenuntotheend

233¶Astotheeleventhmountaininwhichweretrees loadedwithseveralsortsoffruits,theyaresuchashave believed,andsuffereddeath,forthenameoftheLord; andhaveenduredwithareadymind,andhavegivenup theirliveswithalltheirhearts

234AndIsaid,Whythen,sir,haveallthesefruitindeed, butyetsomefairerthanothers?

235Hearken,saidhe:Whosoeverhavesufferedforthe nameoftheLordareesteemedhonourablebytheLord; andalltheiroffencesareblottedout,becausetheyhave suffereddeathforthenameoftheSonofGod

236Hearnow,whytheirfruitsaredifferent,andsome ofthemexcelothers,theywhobeingbroughtbefore magistrates,andbeingasked,deniednottheLord,but sufferedwithareadymind;thesearemorehonourable withtheLordThefruitsthereforethatarethemostfair arethese

237Buttheywhowerefearfulanddoubtful,andhave deliberatedwiththemselveswhethertheyshouldconfess ordenyChrist,andyethavesuffered;theirfruitsare smaller,becausethatthisthoughtcameintotheirhearts.

238Foritisawickedandevilthoughtforaservantto deliberatewhetherheshoulddenyhismaster.Takeheed thereforeyewhohavesuchthoughts,thatthismind continuenotinyou,andyedieuntoGod.

239Butyewhosufferdeathforhisnamesake,oughtto honourtheLord,thathehasesteemedyouworthyto bearhisname;andthatyoushouldbedeliveredfromall yoursins.

240Andwhythereforedoyounotratheresteem yourselveshappy?Yeathinkverilythatifanyone amongyousuffer,heperformsagreatwork?Forthe Lordgivethyoulife,andyeunderstanditnot.Foryour offencesdidoppressyou;andifyehadnotsufferedfor hisnamesake,yehadnowbeendeaduntotheLord,

241WhereforeIspeakthisuntoyouwhodeliberate whetheryeshouldconfessordenyhim;confessthatye havetheLordforyourGod;lestatanytimedenying him,yebedeliverednotintobonds

242Forallnationspunishtheirservantswhichdeny theirmasters;whatthinkyouthattheLordwilldounto you,whohasthepowerofallthings?

243Removethereforeoutofheartsthesedoubts,thatye mayliveforeveruntoGod.

244Asforthetwelfthmountain,whichwaswhite,they aresuchashavebelievedlikesincerechildren,into whosethoughtstherenevercameanymalice,norhave theyeverknownwhatsinwas,buthavealways continuedintheirintegrity.

245Whereforethiskindofmenshallwithoutalldoubt inheritthekingdomofGod;becausetheyhaveneverin anythingdefiledthecommandmentsofGod,buthave continuedwithsincerityinthesameconditionallthe daysoftheirlife.

246Whosoevertherefore,saidhe,shallcontinueas childrenwithoutmalice;shallbemorehonourablethan allthoseofwhomIhaveyetspoken:forallsuch childrenarehonouredbytheLord,andesteemedthe firstofall.

247Happythereforeareyewhoshallremoveallmalice fromyou,andputoninnocence;becauseyeshallfirst seetheLord

248Andafterhehadthusendedhisexplicationofall themountains,Isaiduntohim,Sir,showmenowalso whatconcernsthestonesthatwerebroughtoutofthe plain,andputintothetowerintheroomofthosethat wererejected:

249Asalsoconcerningthoseroundstoneswhichwere addedintothebuildingofthetower:andalsoofthose whostillcontinuedround

250¶Hearnow,sayshe,concerningthosestoneswhich werebroughtoutoftheplainintothebuildingofthe tower,andplacedintheroomofthosethatwererejected; theyaretherootsofthatwhitemountain

251Whereforebecausethosewhohavebelievedofthat mountainwereveryinnocent;thelordofthistower commandedthattheywhichwereoftherootsofthis mountainshouldbeplacedintothebuilding

252Forheknewthatiftheywereputintothisbuilding theywouldcontinuebright;norwouldanyofthemany morebemadeblack.

253Butifhehadaddedonthismannerfromtherestof themountains,hewouldalmosthaveneededagainto visitthetowerandtocleanseit.

254Nowallthesewhitestonesaretheyoungmenwho havebelieved,orshallbelieve;fortheyareallofthe samekind.Happyisthiskind,becauseitisinnocent.

255Hearnowalsoconcerningthoseroundandbright stones:alltheseareofthiswhitemountain.Buttheyare thereforefoundround,becausetheirricheshavealittle darkenedthemfromthetruthanddazzledtheireyes:

256HowbeittheyhaveneverdepartedfromtheLord, norhasanywickedwordproceededoutoftheirmouths; butallrighteousness,andvirtue,andtruth.

257WhenthereforetheLordsawtheirmind,andthat theymightadornthetruth;hecommandedthatthey shouldcontinuegood,andthattheirrichesshouldbe paredaway:

258Forhewouldnothavethemtakenwhollyaway,to theendtheymightdosomegoodwiththatwhichwas left,andliveuntoGod;becausetheyalsoareofagood kind.

259Thereforewastherealittlecutofffromthem,and sotheywereputintothebuildingofthistower.

260¶Asfortherestwhichcontinuedstillround,and werenotfoundfitforthebuildingofthistower,because theyhavenotyetreceivedtheseal;theywerecarried backtotheirplace,becausetheywerefoundveryround.

261Butthispresentworldmustbecutawayfromthem, andthevanitiesoftheirriches;andthentheywillbefit forthekingdomofGod.Fortheymustenterintothe kingdomofGod,becauseGodhasblessedthisinnocent kind.

262Ofthiskindthereforenoneshallfallaway;for thoughanyofthembeingtemptedbythedevilshould offend,heshallsoonreturntohisLordGod

263Itheangelofrepentanceesteemyouhappy, whosoeverareinnocentaslittlechildren,becauseyour portionisgoodandhonourablewiththeLord

264AndIsayuntoallyouwhohavereceivedthisseal; keepsimplicity,andremembernottheoffenceswhich arecommittedagainstyou,norcontinueinmalice,orin bitterness,throughthememoryofoffences

265Butbecomeonespirit,andprovideremediesfor theseevilrents,andremovethemfromyou;thatthelord ofthesheepmayrejoiceatit;forhewillrejoice,ifhe shallfindallwhole

266Butifanyofthesesheepshallbefoundscattered away,Woshallbetotheshepherds;butandifthe shepherdsthemselvesshallbescattered;whatwillthey answertothelordofthesheepfold?Willtheysaythat theyweretroubledbythesheep?Buttheyshallnotbe believed

267Foritisanincrediblethingthattheshepherdshould sufferbyhisflock;andheshallbethemorepunished forhislie

268NowIamtheshepherd;andespeciallymustgivean accountofyou

269¶Whereforetakecareofyourselveswhilstthe towerisyetbuilding.TheLorddwellsinthosethatlove peace;forpeaceisbeloved;butheisfarofffromthe contentious,andthosewhoarefullofmalice.

270Whereforerestoreuntohimthespiritentire,asye receivedit.Forifthoushaltgiveuntoafulleragarment newandwhole,thouwiltexpecttoreceiveitwhole again;ifthereforethefullershallrestoreituntotheetorn, wouldestthoureceiveit?

271Wouldstthounotpresentlybeangry;andreproach him,saying;Igavemygarmenttotheewhole;whyhast thourentit,andmadeituselesstome?Nowitisofno usetome,byreasonoftherentwhichthouhastmadein it.Wouldstthounotsayallthistoafuller,fortherent whichhemadeinthygarment?

272Ifthereforethouwouldstbeconcernedforthy garment,andcomplainthatthouhadstnotreceivedit whole;whatthinkestthouthattheLordwilldo,who gavehisSpirittotheeentire,andthouhastrenderedhim altogetherunprofitable,sothathecanbeofnouseunto

hisLord?Forbeingcorruptedbythee,heisnolonger profitabletohim.

273WillnotthereforetheLorddothesameconcerning hisSpirit,byreasonofthydeed?Undoubtedly,saidI,he willdothesametoallthosewhomheshallfindto continueintheremembranceofinjuries.

274Treadnotthenunderfoothesaid,hismercy;but ratherhonourhim,becauseheissopatientwithrespect toyouroffences,andnotlikeoneofyou;butrepent,for thatwillbeprofitableforyou.

275¶Allthesethingswhichareabovewritten,Ithe shepherd,theangelofrepentance,haveshownand spokentotheservantsofGod.

276Ifthereforeyeshallbelieveandhearkentothese words,andshallwalkinthem,andshallcorrectyour ways,yeshalllive.Butifyeshallcontinueinmalice, andintheremembranceofinjuries,nosuchsinnersshall liveuntoGod

277AllthesethingswhichweretobespokenbymeI havethusdelivereduntoyou.Thentheshepherdsaid untome,Hastthouaskedallthingsofme?Ianswered, Sir,Ihave

278Why,then,saidhe,hastthounotaskedconcerning thespacesofthesestonesthatwereputinthebuilding, thatImayexplainthatalsountothee?Ianswered,Sir,I forgotitHear,then,saidhe,concerningthesealso

279Theyarethosewhohavenowheardthese commands,andhaverepentedwithalltheirhearts;

280AndwhentheLordsawthattheirrepentancewas goodandpure,andthattheycouldcontinueinit,he commandedtheirformersinstobeblottedoutForthese spacesweretheirsins,andtheyarethereforemadeeven thattheymightnotappear

SIMILITUDE10

1AfterthatIhadwrittenthisbook,theangelwhichhad deliveredmetothatshepherd,cameintothehouse whereIwasandsatuponthebed,andthatshepherd stoodathisrighthand

2Thenhecalledmeandsaiduntome;Ideliveredthee andthyhousetothisshepherd,thatthoumightestbe protectedbyhim.Isaid,Yes,Lord.

3Iftherefore,saidhe,thouwiltbeprotectedfromall vexationsandfromallcruelty,andhavesuccessin everygoodwordandwork;andhaveallvirtueand righteousness;walkinthosecommandswhichhehas giventhee,andthoushalthavedominionoverallsin.

4Forifthoukeepestthosecommands,allthelustand pleasureofthispresentworldshallbesubjecttothee; andsuccessshallfollowtheeineverygoodundertaking.

5Takethereforehisgravityandmodestytowardsthee, andsayuntoall,thatheisingreathonourandrenown withGod,andisaprinceofgreatauthorityandpowerful inhisoffice.

6Tohimonlyisthepowerofrepentancecommitted throughoutthewholeworld.Doeshenotseemtotheeto beofgreatauthority?

7Butyedespisehisgoodness,andthemodestywhich hechewstowardsyou

8¶Isaiduntohim;Sir,askhimsincethetimethathe cameintomyhousewhetherIhavedoneanything disorderly,orhaveoffendedhiminanything?

9Iknow,saidhe,thatthouhastdonenothingdisorderly, neitherwiltthouhereafterdoanysuchthing;and thereforeIspeakthesethingswiththeethatthoumayest persevere;forhehasgivenmeagoodaccount concerningthee,

10Butthoushaltspeakthesethingstoothers,thatthey whoeitherhaverepented,orshallrepent,maybelikemindedwiththee;andhemaygivemeasgoodan accountofthemalso,andImaydothesameuntothe Lord.

11Ianswered;Sir,Ideclaretoallmenthewonderful worksofGod;andIhopethatallwholovethemand havebeforesinned,whentheyshallhearthesethings, willrepent,andrecoverlife.

12Continuetherefore,saidhe,inthisministry,and fulfilit.Andwhosoevershalldoaccordingtothe commandsofthisshepherd,heshalllive;andshallhave greathonourbothhereandwiththeLord

13Buttheythatshallnotkeephiscommands,fleefrom theirlife,andareadversariestoitAndtheythatfollow nothiscommands,shalldeliverthemselvesuntodeath, andshallbeeveryoneguiltyofhisownblood

14ButIsayuntothee,keepthesecommandments,and thoushaltfindacureforallthysins

15¶Moreover,Ihavesentthesevirginstodwellwith thee;forIhaveseenthattheyareverykindtothee Thoushaltthereforehavethemforthyhelpers,thatthou mayestthebetterkeepthecommandswhichhehath giventhee;forthesecommandscannotbekeptwithout thesevirgins

16AndIseehowtheyarewillingtobewiththee;andI willalsocommandthemthattheyshallnotalldepart fromthyhouse

17Onlydothoupurifythyhouse,fortheywillreadily dwellinacleanhouseFortheyarecleanandchaste, andindustrious;andallofthemhavegracewiththe Lord

18Iftherefore,thoushalthavethyhousepure,theywill abidewiththee.Butifitshallbeneversolittlepolluted, theywillimmediatelydepartfromthyhouse:forthese virginscannotendureanymannerofpollution.

19Isaiduntohim;Sir,IhopethatIshallsopleasethem, thattheyshallalwaysdelighttodwellinmyhouse.And ashetowhomyouhavecommittedme,makesno complaintofme;soneithershalltheycomplain.

20Thenhesaidtothatshepherd:Iseethattheservant ofGodwillliveandkeepthesecommandments,and placethesevirginsinapurehabitation.

21Whenhehadsaidthis,hedeliveredmeagaintothat shepherd,andcalledthevirgins,andsaiduntothem; forasmuchasIseethatyewillreadilydwellinthis man'shouse,Icommendhimandhishousetoyou,that yemaynotatalldepartfromhishouse.Andthey willinglyheardthesewords.

22¶Thenhesaiduntome,Goonmanfullyinthy ministry;declaretoallmenthegreatthingsofGod,and thoushaltfindgraceinthisministry

23Andwhosoevershallwalkinthesecommands,shall live,andbehappyinhislife.Buthethatshallneglect them,shallnotlive,andshallbeunhappyinhislife

24Sayuntoallthatwhosoevercandowell,ceasenotto exercisethemselvesingoodworks,foritisprofitable untothem.ForIwouldthatallmenshouldbedelivered fromtheinconveniencestheylieunder.

25Forhethatwants,andsuffersinconveniencesinhis dailylife,isingreattormentandnecessity.Whosoever thereforedeliverssuchasoulfromnecessity,getsgreat joyuntohimself.

26Forhethatisgrievedwithsuchinconveniencesis equallytormented,asifhewereinchains.Andmany upontheaccountofsuchcalamities,beingnotableto bearthem,havechoseneventodestroythemselves.

27Hethereforethatknowsthecalamityofsuchaman, anddoesnotfreehimfromit,commitsagreatsin,and isguiltyofhisblood

28Whereforeexerciseyourselvesingoodworks,as manyashavereceivedabilityfromtheLord;lestwhilst yedelaytodothem,thebuildingofthetowerbe finished;becauseforyoursakesthebuildingisstopped

29Exceptthereforeyeshallmakehastetodowell,the towershallbefinished,andyeshallbeshutoutofit

30Andafterhehadthusspokenwithme,heroseup fromthebedanddeparted,takingtheshepherdand virginswithhim

31Howbeithesaiduntomethathewouldsendbackthe shepherdandvirginsuntomyhouseAmen

HerodtoPontiusPilatetheGovernorofJerusalem: Peace.

Iamingreatanxiety.Iwritethesethingsuntothee,that whenthouhastheardthemthoumayestbegrievedfor me.ForasmydaughterHerodias,whoisdeartome, wasplayinguponapoolofwaterwhichhadiceuponit, itbrokeunderher,andallherbodywentdown,andher headwascutoffandremainedonthesurfaceoftheice. Andbehold,hermotherisholdingherheaduponher kneesinherlap,andmywholehouseisingreatsorrow. ForI,whenIheardofthemanJesus,wishedtocometo thee,thatImightseehimalone,andhearhisword, whetheritwaslikethatofthesonsofmen.Anditis certainthatbecauseofthemanyevilthingswhichwere donebymetoJohntheBaptist,andbecauseImocked theChrist,beholdIreceivetherewardofrighteousness, forIhaveshedmuchbloodofothers’childrenuponthe earthThereforethejudgmentsofGodarerighteous;for everymanreceivesaccordingtohisthoughtButsince thouwastworthytoseethatGod-man,thereforeit becomethyoutoprayforme

MysonAzboniusalsoisintheagonyofthehourof death

AndItooaminafflictionandgreattrial,becauseIhave thedropsy;andamingreatdistress,becauseI persecutedtheintroducerofbaptismbywater,which wasJohnTherefore,mybrother,thejudgmentsofGod arerighteous

Andmywife,again,throughallhergriefforher daughter,isbecomeblindinherlefteye,becausewe desiredtoblindtheEyeofrighteousnessThereisno peacetothedoersofevil,saiththeLordForalready greatafflictioncomethuponthepriestsanduponthe writersofthelaw;becausetheydelivereduntotheethe JustOne.Forthisistheconsummationoftheworld,that theyconsentedthattheGentilesshouldbecomeheirs. Forthechildrenoflightshallbecastout,fortheyhave notobservedthethingswhichwerepreachedconcerning theLord,andconcerninghisSon.Thereforegirdupthy loins,andreceiverighteousness,thouwiththywife rememberingJesusnightandday;andthekingdomshall belongtoyouGentiles,forwethe(chosen)peoplehave mockedtheRighteousOne.

Nowifthereisplaceforourrequest,OPilate,because wewereatonetimeinpower,burymyhousehold carefully;foritisrightthatweshouldbeburiedbythee, ratherthanbythepriests,whom,afteralittletime,as theScripturessay,atthecomingofJesusChrist, vengeanceshallovertake.

Faretheewell,withProclathywife.

Isendtheetheearringsofmydaughterandmyownring, thattheymaybeuntotheeamemorialofmydecease. Foralreadydowormsbegintoissuefrommybody,and lo,Iamreceivingtemporaljudgment,andIamafraidof thejudgmenttocome.Forinbothwestandbeforethe worksofthelivingGod;butthisjudgment,whichis temporal,isforatime,whilethattocomeisjudgment forever.

EndoftheLettertoPilatetheGovernor.

LETTEROFPILATETOHEROD.

PilatetoHerodtheTetrarch:Peace.

Knowandsee,thatinthedaywhenthoudidstdeliver Jesusuntome,Itookpityonmyself,andtestifiedby washingmyhands(thatIwasinnocent),concerninghim whorosefromthegraveafterthreedays,andhad performedthypleasureinhim,forthoudidstdesireme tobeassociatedwiththeeinhiscrucifixionButInow learnfromtheexecutionersandfromthesoldierswho watchedhissepulchrethatherosefromthedeadAndI haveespeciallyconfirmedwhatwastoldme,thathe appearedbodilyinGalilee,tothesameform,andwith thesamevoice,andwiththesamedoctrine,andwiththe sanedisciples,nothavingchangedinanything,but preachingwithboldnesshisresurrection,andan everlastingkingdom

Andbehold,heavenandearthrejoice;andbehold, Proclamywifeisbelievinginthevisionswhich appeareduntoher,whenthousentestthatIshould deliverJesustothepeopleofIsrael,becauseoftheillwilltheyhad

NowwhenProcla,mywife,heardthatJesuswasrisen, andhadappearedinGalilee,shetookwithherLonginus thecenturionandtwelvesoldiers,thesamethathad watchedatthesepulchre,andwenttogreetthefaceof Christ,asiftoagreatspectacle,andsawhimwithhis disciples.

Nowwhiletheywerestanding,andwondering,and gazingathim,helookedatthem,andsaidtothem, Whatisit?Doyebelieveinme?Procla,knowthatin thecovenantwhichGodgavetothefathers,itissaid thateverybodywhichhadperishedshouldliveby meansofmydeath,whichyehaveseen.Andnow,ye seethatIlive,whomyecrucified.AndIsufferedmany things,tillthatIwaslaidinthesepulchre.Butnow,hear me,andbelieveinmyFatherGodwhoisinme.ForI loosedthecordsofdeath,andbrakethegatesofSheol; andmycomingshallbehereafter.

AndwhenProclamywifeandtheRomansheardthese things,theycameandtoldme,weeping;fortheyalso wereagainsthim,whentheydevisedtheevilswhich theyhaddoneuntohim.Sothat,Ialsowasonthecouch ofmybedinaffliction,andputonagarmentof

mourning,andtookuntomefiftyRomanswithmywife andwentintoGalilee.

AndwhenIwasgoinginthewayItestifiedthesethings; thatHeroddidthesethingsbyme,thathetookcounsel withme,andconstrainedmetoarmmyhandsagainst him,andtojudgehimthatjudgethall,andtoscourge theJustOne,Lordofthejust.Andwhenwedrewnigh tohim,OHerod,agreatvoicewasheardfromheaven, anddreadfulthunder,andtheearthtrembled,andgave forthasweetsmell,likeuntowhichwasneverperceived eveninthetempleofJerusalem.NowwhileIstoodin theway,ourLordsawmeashestoodandtalkedwith hisdisciples.ButIprayedinmyheart,forIknewthatit washewhomyedelivereduntome,thathewasLordof createdthingsandCreatorofall.Butwe,whenwesaw him,allofusfelluponourfacesbeforehisfeet.AndI saidwithaloudvoice,Ihavesinned,OLord,inthatI satandjudgedthee,whoavengestallintruth.Andlo,I knowthatthouartGod,theSonofGod,andIbeheld thyhumanityandnotthydivinityButHerod,withthe childrenofIsrael,constrainedmetodoeviluntothee Havepity,therefore,uponme,OGodofIsrael!

Andmywife,ingreatanguish,said,Godofheavenand ofearth,GodofIsrael,rewardmenotaccordingtothe deedsofPontiusPilate,noraccordingtothewillofthe childrenofIsrael,noraccordingtothethoughtofthe sonsofthepriests;butremembermyhusbandinthy glory!

NowourLorddrewnearandraisedupmeandmywife, andtheRomans;andIlookedathimandsawtherewere onhimthescarsofhiscrossAndhesaid,Thatwhich alltherighteousfathershopedtoreceive,andsawnot inthytimetheLordofTime,theSonofMan,theSonof theMostHigh,whoisforever,arosefromthedead,and isglorifiedonhighbyallthathecreated,and establishedforeverandever

1Justinus,oneofthewritersthatwereinthedaysof AugustusandTiberiusandGains,wroteinhisthird discourse:NowMarytheGalilæan,whobaretheChrist thatwascrucifiedinJerusalem,hadnotbeenwitha husband.AndJosephdidnotabandonher;butJoseph continuedinsanctitywithoutawife,heandhisfivesons byaformerwife;andMarycontinuedwithouta husband.

2.TheodoruswrotetoPilatetheGovernor:Whowasthe man,againstwhomtherewasacomplaintbeforethee, thathewascrucifiedbythemenofPalestine?Ifthe manydemandedthisrighteously,whydidstthounot consenttotheirrighteousness?Andiftheydemanded thisunrighteously,howdidstthoutransgressthelawand commandwhatwasfarfromrighteousness?

Pilatesenttohim:BecausehewroughtsignsIdidnot wishtocrucifyhim:andsincehisaccuserssaid,He callethhimselfaking,Icrucifiedhim

3.Josephussaith:Agrippa,theking,wasclothedina robewovenwithsilver,andsawthespectacleinthe theatreofCæsarea.Whenthepeoplesawthathis raimentflashed,theysaidtohim,Hithertowefeared theeasaman:henceforththouartexaltedabovethe natureofmortals.Andhesawanangelstandingover him,andhesmotehimasuntodeath.

EndoftheLetterofPilatetoHerod.

THEEPISTLEOFPONTIUSPILATE,Whichhe WrotetotheRomanEmperorConcerningourLord JesusChrist.

PontiusPilatetoTiberiusCæsarGreeting:

UponJesusChrist,whomIfullymadeknowntotheein mylast,abitterpunishmenthathatlengthbeeninflicted bythewillofthepeople,althoughIwasunwillingand apprehensiveIngoodtruth,noageeverhadorwill haveamansogoodandstrictButthepeoplemadea wonderfuleffort,andalltheirscribes,chiefsandelders agreedtocrucifythisambassadoroftruth,theirown prophets,liketheSibylswithus,advisingthecontrary; andwhenhewashangedsupernaturalsignsappeared, andinthejudgmentofphilosophersmenacedthewhole worldwithruinHisdisciplesflourish,notbelyingtheir masterbytheirbehaviorandcontinenceoflife;nay,in hisnametheyaremostbeneficent1HadInotfeareda seditionmightariseamongthepeople,whowerealmost furious,perhapsthismanwouldhaveyetbeenliving withusAlthough,beingrathercompelledbyfidelityto thydignity,thanledbymyowninclination,Ididnot strivewithallmymighttopreventthesaleandsuffering ofrighteousblood,guiltlessofeveryaccusation, unjustly,indeed,throughthemaliciousnessofmen,and yet,astheScripturesinterpret,totheirowndestruction

FarewellThe5thoftheCalendsofApril

THEREPORTOFPILATETHEGOVERNOR, ConcerningourLordJesusChrist;whichwasSent toAugustusCæsar,inRome.

Inthosedays,whenourLordJesusChristwascrucified underPontiusPilate,thegovernorofPalestineand Phoenicia,thethingshererecordedcametopassin Jerusalem,andweredonebytheJewsagainsttheLord. PilatethereforesentthesametoCæsarinRome,along withhisprivatereport,writingthus:

Tothemostpotent,august,divineandawfulAugustus Cæsar,Pilate,theadministratoroftheEasternProvince:

Ihavereceivedinformation,mostexcellentone,in consequenceofwhichIamseizedwithfearand trembling.ForinthisprovincewhichIadminister,one ofwhosecitiesiscalledJerusalem,thewholemultitude ofJewsdelivereduntomeacertainmancalledJesus,

andbroughtmanyaccusationsagainsthim,whichthey wereunabletoestablishbyconsistentevidence.But theychargedhimwithoneheresyinparticular,namely, ThatJesussaidtheSabbathwasnotarest,nortobe observedbythem.Forheperformedmanycuresonthat day,andmadetheblindsee,andthelamewalk,raised thedead,cleansedlepers,healedtheparalyticwhowere whollyunabletomovetheirbodyorbracetheirnerves, butcouldonlyspeakanddiscourse,andhegavethem powertowalkandrun,removingtheirinfirmitybyhis wordalone.Thereisanotherverymightydeedwhichis strangetothegodswehave:heraisedupamanwhohad beenfourdaysdead,summoninghimbyhiswordalone, whenthedeadmanhadbeguntodecay,andhisbody wascorruptedbythewormswhichhadbeenbred,and hadthestenchofadog;but,seeinghimlyinginthe tombhecommandedhimtorun,nordidthedeadmanat alldelay,butasabridegroomoutofhischamber,sodid hegoforthfromhistomb,filledwithabundantperfume. Moreover,evensuchaswerestrangers,andclearly demoniacs,whohadtheirdwellingindeserts,and devouredtheirownflesh,andwanderedaboutlikecattle andcreepingthings,heturnedintoinhabitersofcities, andbyawordrenderedthemrational,andprepared themtobecomewiseandpowerful,andillustrious, takingtheirfoodwithalltheenemiesoftheunclean spiritswhichweredestructiveinthem,andwhichhe castintothedepthofthesea

And,again,therewasanotherwhohadawitheredhand, andnotonlythehandbutratherthehalfofthebodyof themanwaslikeastone,andhehadneithertheshapeof amannorthesymmetryofabody:evenhimHehealed withawordandrenderedwholeAndawomanalso, whohadanissueofbloodforalongtime,andwhose veinsandarterieswereexhausted,andwhodidnotbear ahumanbody,beinglikeonedead,anddailyspeechless, sothatallthephysiciansofthedistrictwereunableto cureher,forthereremaineduntohernotahopeoflife; butasJesuspassedbyshemysteriouslyreceived strengthbyhisshadowfallingonher,frombehindshe touchedthehemofhisgarment,andimmediately,in thatveryhour,strengthfilledherexhaustedlimbs,and asifshehadneversufferedanything,shebegantorun alongtowardsCapernaum,herowncity,sothatshe reacheditinasixdays’journey.

AndIhavemadeknownthesethingswhichIhave recentlybeeninformedof,andwhichJesusdidonthe Sabbath.Andhedidothermiraclesgreaterthanthese,so thatIhaveobservedgreaterworksofwonderdoneby himthanbythegodswhomweworship.

ButHerodandArchelausandPhilip,Annasand Caiaphas,withallthepeople,deliveredhimtome, makingagreattumultagainstmeinorderthatImight tryhim.Therefore,Icommandedhimtobecrucified, whenIhadfirstscourgedhim,thoughIfoundnocause inhimforevilaccusationsordealings.

Nowwhenhewascrucified,therewasdarknessoverall theworld,andthesunwasobscuredforhalfaday,and thestarsappeared,butnolustrewasseeninthem;and themoonlostitsbrightness,asthoughtingedwithblood; andtheworldofthedepartedwasswallowedup;sothat theverysanctuaryofthetemple,astheycallit,didnot appeartotheJewsthemselvesattheirfall,butthey perceivedachasmintheearth,andtherollingof successivethunders.Andamidthisterrorthedead appearedrisingagain,astheJewsthemselvesbore witness,andsaidthatitwasAbraham,andIsaac,and Jacob,andthetwelvepatriarchs,andMoses,andJob, whohaddiedbefore,astheysay,somethreethousand fivehundredyears.AndtherewereverymanywhomI myselfsawappearinginthebody,andtheymade lamentationovertheJews,becauseofthetransgression whichwascommittedbythem,andbecauseofthe destructionoftheJewsandoftheirlaw

Andtheterroroftheearthquakecontinuedfromthe sixthhourofthepreparationuntiltheninthhour;and whenitwaseveningonthefirstdayoftheweek,there cameasoundfromheaven,andtheheavenbecame seventimesmoreluminousthanonallotherdaysAnd atthethirdhourofthenightthesunappearedmore luminousthanithadevershone,lightingupthewhole hemisphereAndaslightning-flashessuddenlycome forthinastorm,sotherewereseenmen,loftyinstature, andsurpassinginglory,acountlesshost,cryingout,and theirvoicewasheardasthatofexceedinglyloud thunder,Jesusthatwascrucifiedisrisenagain:comeup fromHadesyethatwereenslavedinthesubterraneous recessesofHadesAndthechasmintheearthwasasif ithadnobottom;butitwassothattheveryfoundations oftheearthappeared,withthosethatshoutedinheaven, andwalkedinthebodyamongthedeadthatwereraised AndHethatraisedupallthedeadandboundHadessaid, SaytomydisciplesHegoethbeforeyouintoGalilee, thereshallyeseeHim

AndallthatnightthelightceasednotshiningAnd manyoftheJewsdiedinthechasmoftheearth,being swallowedup,sothatonthemorrowmostofthosewho hadbeenagainstJesuswerenottobefound.Otherssaw theapparitionofmenrisingagainwhomnoneofushad everseen.OnesynagogueoftheJewswasaloneleftin Jerusalemitself,fortheyalldisappearedinthatruin.

Thereforebeingastoundedbythatterror,andbeing possessedwiththemostdreadfultrembling,Ihave writtenwhatIsawatthattimeandsentittothine excellency;andIhaveinsertedwhatwasdoneagainst JesusbytheJews,andsentittothydivinity,mylord.

THEREPORTOFPONTIUSPILATE,Governorof Judea;WhichwassenttoTiberiusCæsarinRome.

Tothemostpotent,august,dreadful,anddivine Augustus,PontiusPilate,administratoroftheEastern Province

Ihaveundertakentocommunicatetothygoodnessby thismywriting,thoughpossessedwithmuchfearand trembling,mostexcellentking,thepresentstateof affairs,astheresulthathshown.ForasIadministered thisprovince,mylord,accordingtothecommandofthy serenity,whichisoneoftheeasterncitiescalled Jerusalem,whereinthetempleofthenationoftheJews iserected,allthemultitudeoftheJews,beingassembled, delivereduptomeacertainmancalledJesus,bringing manyandendlessaccusationsagainsthim;butthey couldnotconvicthiminanything.Buttheyhadone heresyagainsthim,thathesaidthesabbathwasnottheir properrest.

Nowthatmanwroughtmanycuresandgoodworks:he causedtheblindtosee,hecleansedlepers,heraisedthe dead,hehealedparalytics,whocouldnotmoveatall, buthadonlyvoice,andalltheirbonesintheirplaces; andhegavethemstrengthtowalkandrun,enjoiningit byhiswordaloneAndhedidanotheryetmoremighty work,whichhadbeenstrangeevenamongourgods,he raisedfromthedeadoneLazarus,whohadbeendead fourdays,commandingbyawordalonethatthedead manshouldberaised,whenhisbodywasalready corruptedbywormswhichbredinhiswoundsAndhe commandedthefetidbody,whichlayinthegrave,to run,andasbridegroomfromhischambersohewent forthfromhisgrave,fullofsweetperfumeAndsome thatweregrievouslyafflictedbydemons,andhadtheir dwellingsindesertplaces,anddevouredthefleshof theirownlimbs,andwentupanddownamongcreeping thingsandwildbeasts,hecausedtodwellincitiesin theirownhouses,andbyawordmadethemreasonable, andcausedtobecomewiseandhonorablethosethat werevexedbyuncleanspirits,andthedemonsthatwere inthemhesentoutintoaherdofswineintotheseaand drownedthemAgain,anotherwhohadawitheredhand, andlivedinsuffering,andhadnoteventhehalfofhis bodysound,hemadewholebyawordaloneAnda womanwhohadanissueofbloodforalongtime,so thatbecauseofthedischargeallthejointsofherbones wereseenandshonethroughlikeglass,forallthe physicianshaddismissedherwithouthope,andhadnot cleansedher,fortherewasinhernohopeofhealthatall; butonce,asJesuswaspassingbyshetouchedfrom behindthehemofhisgarments,andinthatveryhour thestrengthofherbodywasrestored,andshewasmade whole,asifshehadnoaffliction,andbegantorunfast towardsherowncityofPaneas.Andthesethings happenedthus:buttheJewsreportedthatJesusdidthese thingsonthesabbath.AndIsawthatgreatermarvels hadbeenwroughtbyhimthanbythegodswhomwe worship.HimthenHerodandArchelausandPhilip,and AnnasandCaiaphas,withallthepeople,deliveredupto me,toputhimonhistrial.Andbecausemanyraiseda tumultagainstme,Icommandedthatheshouldbe crucified.

Nowwhenhewascrucifieddarknesscameoverallthe world;thesunwasaltogetherhidden,andthesky appeareddarkwhileitwasyetday,sothatthestarswere seen,thoughstilltheyhadtheirlustreobscured, wherefore,Isupposeyourexcellencyisnotunawarethat inalltheworldtheylightedtheirlampsfromthesixth houruntilevening.Andthemoon,whichwaslikeblood, didnotshineallnightlong,althoughitwasatthefull, andthestarsandOrionmadelamentationovertheJews, becauseofthetransgressioncommittedbythem.

Andonthefirstdayoftheweek,aboutthethirdhourof thenight,thesunappearedasitnevershonebefore,and thewholeheavenbecamebright.Andaslightnings comeinastorm,socertainmenofloftystature,in beautifularray,andofindescribableglory,appearedin theair,andacountlesshostofangels,cryingoutand saying,GlorytoGodinthehighest,andonearthpeace, goodwillamongmen:ComeupfromHades,yewhoare inbondageinthedepthsofHades.Andattheirvoiceall themountainsandhillsweremoved,andtherockswere rent,andgreatchasmsweremadeintheearth,sothat theveryplacesoftheabysswerevisible

Andamidtheterrordeadmenwereseenrisingagain,so thattheJewswhosawitsaid,WebeheldAbrahamand Isaac,andJacob,andthetwelvepatriarchs,whodied sometwothousandfivehundredyearsbefore,andwe beheldNoahclearlyinthebodyAndallthemultitude walkedaboutandsanghymnstoGodwithaloudvoice, saying,TheLordourGod,whohathrisenfromthedead, hathmadealiveallthedead,andHadeshehathspoiled andslain

Therefore,mylordking,allthatnightthelightceased notButmanyoftheJewsdied,andweresunkand swallowedupinthechasmsthatnight,sothatnoteven theirbodiesweretobeseenNowImean,thatthoseof theJewssufferedwhospakeagainstJesusAndbutone synagogueremainedinJerusalem,forallthe synagogueswhichhadbeenagainstJesuswere overwhelmed.

Throughthatterror,therefore,beingamazedandbeing seizedwithgreattrembling,inthatveryhour,Iordered whathadbeendonebythemalltobewritten,andIhave sentittothymightiness.

THETRIALANDCONDEMNATIONOFPILATE.

NowwhentheletterscametothecityoftheRomans, andwerereadtoCæsarwithnofewstandingthere,they wereallterrified,because,throughthetransgressionof Pilate,thedarknessandtheearthquakehadhappenedto alltheworld.AndCæsar,beingfilledwithanger,sent soldiersandcommandedthatPilateshouldbebroughtas aprisoner.

AndwhenhewasbroughttothecityoftheRomans,and Cæsarheardthathewascome,hesatinthetempleof

thegods,aboveallthesenate,andwithallthearmy,and withallthemultitudeofhispower,andcommandedthat PilateshouldstandintheentranceAndCæsarsaidto him,Mostimpiousone,whenthousawestsogreatsigns donebythatman,whydidstthoudaretodothus?By daringtodoanevildeedthouhastruinedalltheworld.

AndPilatesaid,KingandAutocrat,Iamnotguiltyof thesethings,butitisthemultitudeoftheJewswhoare precipitateandguilty.AndCæsarsaid,Andwhoare they?Pilatesaith,Herod,Archelaus,Philip,Annasand Caiaphas,andallthemultitudeoftheJews.Cæsarsaith, Forwhatcausedidstthouexecutetheirpurpose?And Pilatesaid,Theirnationisseditiousandinsubordinate, andnotsubmissivetothypower.AndCæsarsaid,When theydeliveredhimtotheethououghtesttohavemade himsecureandsenthimtome,andnotconsentedto themtocrucifysuchaman,whowasjustandwrought suchgreatandgoodmiracles,asthousaidstinthyreport. 1ForbysuchmiraclesJesuswasmanifestedtobethe Christ,theKingoftheJews

AndwhenCæsarsaidthisandhimselfnamedthename ofChrist,allthemultitudeofthegodsfelldown together,andbecamelikedustwhereCæsarsatwiththe senateAndallthepeoplethatstoodnearCæsarwere filledwithtremblingbecauseoftheutteranceofthe wordandthefalloftheirgods,andbeingseizedwith feartheyallwentaway,everymantohishouse, wonderingatwhathadhappenedAndCæsar commandedPilatetobesafelykept,thathemightknow thetruthaboutJesus

AndonthemorrowwhenCæsarsatinthecapitolwith allthesenate,heundertooktoquestionPilateagainAnd Cæsarsaid,Saythetruth,mostimpiousone,forthrough thyimpiousdeedwhichthoudidstcommitagainstJesus, evenherethedoingofthyevilworksweremanifested, inthatthegodswerebroughttoruinSaythen,whois hethatwascrucified,forhisnamehathdestroyedallthe gods?Pilatesaid,Andverilyhisrecordsaretrue;for evenImyselfwasconvincedbyhisworksthathewas greaterthanallthegodswhomwevenerate.AndCæsar said,Forwhatcausethendidstthouperpetrateagainst himsuchdaringanddoing,notbeingignorantofhim,or assuredlydesigningsomemischieftomygovernment? AndPilatesaid,Ididitbecauseofthetransgressionand seditionofthelawlessandungodlyJews.

AndCæsarwasfilledwithanger,andheldacouncil withallhissenateandofficers,andorderedadecreeto bewrittenagainsttheJewsthus:

ToLicianuswhoholdeththefirstplaceintheEast Country.Greeting:

Ihavebeeninformedoftheaudacityperpetratedvery recentlybytheJewsinhabitingJerusalemandthecities roundabout,andtheirlawlessdoing,howthey compelledPilatetocrucifyacertaingodcalledJesus,

throughwhichgreattransgressionoftheirstheworld wasdarkenedanddrawnintoruin.Determinetherefore, withabodyofsoldiers,togotothemthereatonceand proclaimtheirsubjectiontobondagebythisdecree.By obeyingandproceedingagainstthem,andscattering themabroadinallnations,enslavethem,andbydriving theirnationfromallJudeaassoonaspossibleshow, whereverthishathnotyetappeared,thattheyarefullof evil.

AndwhenthisdecreecameintotheEastCountry, Licianusobeyed,throughfearofthedecree,andlaid wasteallthenationoftheJews,andcausedthosethat wereleftinJudea,togointoslaverywiththemthatwere scatteredamongtheGentiles,thatitmightbeknownby CæsarthatthesethingshadbeendonebyLicianus againsttheJewsintheEastCountry,andtopleasehim.

AndagainCæsarresolvedtohavePilatequestioned,and commandedacaptain,Albiusbyname,tocutoffPilate's head,saying,Ashelaidhandsuponthejustman,thatis calledChrist,healsoshallfallinlikemanner,andfind nodeliverance

AndwhenPilatecametotheplaceheprayedinsilence, saying,OLord,destroynotmewiththewicked Hebrews,forIshouldnothavelaidhandsuponthee,but forthenationoflawlessJews,becausetheyprovoked seditionagainstmssbutthouknowestthatIdiditin ignoranceDestroymenot,therefore,forthismysin, norbemindfuloftheevilthatisinme,OLord,andin thyservantProclawhostandethwithmeinthisthehour ofmydeath,whomthoutaughtesttoprophecythatthou mustbenailedtothecrossDonotpunishhertooinmy sin,butforgiveus,andnumberusintheportionofthy justonesAndbehold,whenPilatehadfinishedhis prayer,therecameavoicefromheaven,saying,All generationsandthefamiliesoftheGentilesshallcall theeblessed,becauseundertheewerefulfilledallthese thingsthatwerespokenbytheprophetsconcerningme; andthouthyselfmustappearasmywitnessatmy secondcoming,whenIshalljudgethetwelvetribesof Israel,andthemthathavenotconfessedmyname.And thePrefectcutofftheheadofPilate,andbeholdan angeloftheLordreceivedit.AndwhenhiswifeProcla sawtheangelcomingandreceivinghishead,shealso, beingfilledwithjoy,forthwithgaveuptheghost,and wasburiedwithherhusband.

THEDEATHOFPILATE,WHOCONDEMNED JESUS.

NowwhereasTiberiusCæsaremperoroftheRomans wassufferingfromagrievoussickness,andhearingthat therewasatJerusalemacertainphysician,Jesusby name,whohealedalldiseasesbyhiswordalone;not knowingthattheJewsandPilatehadputhimtodeath, hethusbadeoneofhisattendants,Volusianusbyname, saying,Goasquicklyasthoucanstacrossthesea,and tellPilate,myservantandfriend,tosendmethis

physiciantorestoremetomyoriginalhealth.And Volusianus,havingheardtheorderoftheemperor, immediatelydeparted,andcametoPilate,asitwas commandedhim.AndhetoldthesamePilatewhathad beencommittedtohimbyTiberiusCæsar,saying, TiberiusCæsar,emperoroftheRomans,thyLord, havingheardthatinthiscitythereisaphysicianwho healethdiseasesbyhiswordalone,earnestlyentreateth theetosendhimtohimtohealhisdisease.AndPilate wasgreatlyterrifiedonhearingthis,knowingthat throughenvyhehadcausedhimtobeslain.Pilate answeredthemessenger,sayingthus,Thismanwasa malefactor,andamanwhodrewafterhimselfallthe people;so,aftercounseltakenofthewisemenofthe city,Icausedhimtobecrucified.Andasthemessenger returnedtohislodgingshemetacertainwomannamed Veronica,whohadbeenacquaintedwithJesus,andhe said,Owoman,therewasacertainphysicianinthiscity, whohealedthesickbyhiswordalone,whyhavethe Jewsslainhim?Andshebegantoweep,saying,Ah,me, mylord,itwasmyGodandmyLordwhomPilate throughenvydeliveredup,condemned,andcommanded tobecrucifiedThenhe,grievinggreatly,said,Iam exceedinglysorrythatIcannotfulfilthatforwhichmy lordhathsentme

Veronicasaidtohim,WhenmyLordwentabout preaching,andIwasveryunwillinglydeprivedofhis presence,Idesiredtohavehispicturepaintedforme, thatwhileIwasdeprivedofhispresence,atleastthe figureofhislikenessmightgivemeconsolationAnd whenIwastakingthecanvastothepaintertobepainted, myLordmetmeandaskedwhitherIwasgoingAnd whenIhadmadeknowntohimthecauseofmyjourney, Heaskedmeforthecanvas,andgaveitbacktome printedwiththelikenessofhisvenerablefaceTherefore, ifthylordwilldevoutlylookuponthesightofthis,he willstraightwayenjoythebenefitofhealth

Isalikenessofthiskindtobeprocuredwithgoldor silver?heaskedNo,saidshe,butwithapious sentimentofdevotion.Therefore,Iwillgowiththee, andcarrythelikenesstoCæsartolookupon,andwill return.

SoVolusianuscamewithVeronicatoRome,andsaidto Tiberiustheemperor,Jesus,whomthouhastlong desired,PilateandtheJewshavesurrenderedtoan unjustdeath,andthroughenvyfastenedtothewoodof thecross.Therefore,acertainmatronhathcomewith mebringingthelikenessofthesameJesus,andifthou wiltdevoutlygazeuponit,thouwiltpresentlyobtainthe benefitofthyhealth.SoCæsarcausedthewaytobe spreadwithclothsofsilk,andorderedtheportraittobe presentedtohim;andassoonashehadlookeduponit heregainedhisoriginalhealth.

ThenPontiusPilatewasapprehendedbycommandof CæsarandbroughttoRome.Cæsar,hearingthatPilate hadcometoRome,wasfilledwithexceedingwrath

againsthim,andcausedhimtobebroughttohim.Now PilatebroughtwithhimtheseamlesscoatofJesus,and woreitwhenbeforetheemperorAssoonasthe emperorsawhimhelaidasideallhiswrath,and forthwithrosetohim,andwasunabletospeakharshly tohiminanything:andhewhoinhisabsenceseemedso terribleandfiercenowinhispresenceisfound comparativelygentle.

Andwhenhehaddismissedhim,hesoonbecame terriblyinflamedagainsthim,declaringhimself wretched,becausehehadnotexpressedtohimtheanger ofhisbosom.Andimmediatelyhehadhimrecalled, swearingandprotestingthathewasachildofdeath,and unfittedtoliveuponearth.Andwhenhesawhimhe instantlygreetedhim,andlaidasideallthefuryofhis mind.

Allwereastonished,andhewasastonishedhimself,that hewassoenragedagainstPilatewhileabsent,andcould saynothingtohimsharplywhilehewaspresentAt length,byDivinesuggestion,orperhapsbythe persuasionofsomeChristian,hehadhimstrippedofthe coat,andsoonresumedagainsthimhisoriginalfuryof mindAndwhentheemperorwaswonderingverymuch aboutthis,theytoldhimithadbeenthecoatoftheLord JesusThentheemperorcommandedhimtobekeptin prisontillheshouldtakecounselwiththewisemen whatoughttobedonewithhimAndafterafewdays sentencewasgivenagainstPilatethatheshouldbe condemnedtothemostignominiousdeathWhenPilate heardthisheslewhimselfwithhisowndagger,andby suchadeathputanendtohislife

WhenPilate'sdeathwasmadeknownCæsarsaid,Truly hehasdiedamostignominiousdeath,whoseownhand hasnotsparedhimHewasthereforefastenedtoagreat blockofstoneandsunkintheriverTiberButwicked anduncleanspirits,rejoicinginhiswickedandunclean body,allmovedaboutinthewater,andcausedintheair dreadfullightningandtempests,thunderandhail,sothat allwereseizedwithhorriblefear.Onwhichaccountthe RomansdraggedhimoutoftheriverTiber,borehim awayinderisiontoVienne,andsunkhimintheriver Rhone.ForViennemeans,asitwere,WayofGehenna, becauseitwasthenaplaceofcursing.Andevilspirits werethereanddidthesamethings.

Thosemen,therefore,notenduringtobesoharassedby demons,removedthevesselofcursingfromthemand sentittobeburiedintheterritoryofLosania.Butwhen theyweretroubledexceedinglybytheaforesaid vexations,theyputitawayfromthemandsunkitina certainpoolsurroundedbymountains,whereevenyet, accordingtotheaccountofsome,sundrydiabolical contrivancesaresaidtoissueforth.

TheLostGospel

AccordingtoPeter

1ButoftheJewsnonewashedhishands,neitherHerodnoranyone ofhisjudgesAndwhentheyhadrefusedtowashthem,Pilaterose up.AndthenHerodthekingcommandeththattheLordbetaken sayingtothem,WhatthingssoeverIcommandedyoutodountohim, do

2AndtherewasstandingthereJosephthefriendofPilateandofthe Lord;and,knowingthattheywereabouttocrucifyhim,hecameto PilateandaskedthebodyoftheLordforburialAndPilatesentto HerodandaskedhisbodyAndHerodsaid,BrotherPilate,evenifno onehasaskedforhim,wepurposedtoburyhim,especiallyasthe sabbathdrawethon:foritiswritteninthelaw,thatthesunsetnot upononethathathbeenputtodeath

3Andhedeliveredhimtothepeopleonthedaybeforethe unleavenedbread,theirfeastAndtheytooktheLordandpushed himastheyran,andsaid,LetusdragawaytheSonofGod,having obtainedpoweroverhimAndtheyclothedhimwithpurple,andset himontheseatofjudgment,saying,Judgerighteously,Okingof IsraelAndoneofthembroughtacrownofthornsandputitonthe headoftheLordAndothersstoodandspatinhiseyes,andothers smotehischeeks:othersprickedhimwithareed;andsomescourged him,saying,WiththishonorletushonortheSonofGod 4Andtheybroughttwomalefactors,andtheycrucifiedtheLord betweenthemButheheldhispeace,asthoughhavingnopainAnd whentheyhadraisedthecross,theywrotethetitle:Thisistheking ofIsraelAndhavingsethisgarmentsbeforehimtheypartedthem amongthem,andcastlotsforthemAndoneofthosemalefactors reproachedthem,saying,Wefortheevilsthatwehavedonehave sufferedthus,butthisman,whohathbecometheSaviourofmen, whatwronghathhedonetoyou?Andthey,beingangeredathim, commandedthathislegsshouldnotbebroken,thathemightdiein torment

5Anditwasnoon,anddarknesscameoverallJudæa:andtheywere troubledanddistressed,lestthesunhadset,whilsthewasyetalive: foritiswrittenforthem,thatthesunsetnotonhimthathathbeen puttodeathAndoneofthemsaid,Givehimtodrinkgallwith vinegarAndtheymixedandgavehimtodrink,andfulfilledall things,andaccomplishedtheirsinsagainsttheirownhead.And manywentaboutwithlamps,supposingthatitwasnight,andfell downAndtheLordcriedout,saying,Mypower,mypower,thou hastforsakenmeAndwhenhehadsaidithewastakenupAndin thathourthevailofthetempleofJerusalemwasrentintwain 6AndthentheydrewoutthenailsfromthehandsoftheLord,and laidhimupontheearth,andthewholeearthquaked,andgreatfear arose.Thenthesunshone,anditwasfoundtheninthhour:andthe Jewsrejoiced,andgavehisbodytoJosephthathemightburyit, sincehehadseenwhatgoodthingshehaddoneAndhetookthe Lord,andhim,androlledhiminalinencloth,andbroughthimto hisowntomb,whichwascalledtheGardenofJoseph

7ThentheJewsandtheeldersandthepriests,perceivingwhatevil theyhaddonetothemselves,begantolamentandtosay,Woefor oursins:thejudgmenthathdrawnnigh,andtheendofJerusalem. AndIwithmycompanionswasgrieved;andbeingwoundedinmind wehidourselves:forwewerebeingsoughtforbythemas malefactors,andaswishingtosetfiretothetemple.Anduponall thesethingswefastedandsatmourningandweepingnightandday untilthesabbath

8ButthescribesandPhariseesandeldersbeinggatheredtogether onewithanother,whentheyheardthatallthepeoplemurmuredand beattheirbreastssaying,Ifbyhisdeaththesemostmightysigns havecometopass,seehowrighteousheis,theelderswereafraid andcametoPilatebeseechinghimandsaying,Giveussoldiers,that wemayguardhissepulchreforthreedays,lesthisdisciplescome andstealhimaway,andthepeoplesupposethatheisrisenfromthe deadanddousevil.AndPilategavethemPetroniusthecenturion withsoldierstoguardthetombAndwiththemcameeldersand scribestothesepulchre,andhavingrolledagreatstonetogetherwith

thecenturionandthesoldiers,theyalltogetherwhoweretheresetit atthedoorofthesepulchre;andtheyaffixedsevenseals,andthey pitchedatentthereandguardeditAndearlyinthemorningasthe sabbathwasdrawingon,therecameamultitudefromJerusalemand theregionroundabout,thattheymightseethesepulchrethatwas sealed.

9AndinthenightinwhichtheLord'sdaywasdrawingon,asthe soldierskeptguardtwobytwoinawatch,therewasagreatvoicein theheaven;andtheysawtheheavensopened,andtwomendescend fromthencewithgreatlightandapproachthetombAndthatstone whichwasputatthedoorrolledofitselfandmadewayinpart;and thetombwasopened,andboththeyoungmenenteredin 10Whenthereforethosesoldierssawit,theyawakenedthecenturion andtheelders;fortheytoowerehardbykeepingguardAndasthey declaredwhatthingstheyhadseen,againtheyseethreemencome forthfromthetomb,andtwoofthemsupportingone,andacross followingthem:andofthetwotheheadreacheduntotheheaven,but theheadofhimwhowasleadbythemoverpassedtheheavensAnd theyheardavoicefromtheheavens,saying,Thouhastpreachedto themthatsleepAndaresponsewasheardfromthecross,Yea 11Theythereforeconsideredonewithanotherwhethertogoaway andshewthesethingstoPilateAndwhiletheyyetthoughtthereon, theheavensagainareseentoopen,andacertainmantodescendand enterintothesepulchreWhenthecenturionandtheythatwerewith himsawthesethings,theyhastenedinthenighttoPilate,leavingthe tombwhichtheywerewatching,anddeclaredallthingswhichthey hadseen,beinggreatlydistressedandsaying,TrulyhewastheSon ofGodPilateansweredandsaid,Iampurefromthebloodofthe SonofGod:butitwasyewhodeterminedthisThentheyalldrew nearandbesoughthimandentreatedhimtocommandthecenturion andthesoldierstosaynothingofthethingswhichtheyhadseen:For itisbetter,saythey,forustobeguiltyofthegreatestsinbeforeGod, andnottofallintothehandsofthepeopleoftheJewsandtobe stonedPilatethereforecommandedthecenturionandthesoldiersto saynothing

12AndatdawnupontheLord'sdayMaryMagdalene,adiscipleof theLord,fearingbecauseoftheJews,sincetheywereburningwith wrath,hadnotdoneattheLord'ssepulchrethethingswhichwomen arewonttodoforthosethatdieandforthosethatarebelovedby themshetookherfriendswithherandcametothesepulchrewhere hewaslaidAndtheyfearedlesttheJewsshouldseethem,andthey said,Althoughonthatdayonwhichhewascrucifiedwecouldnot weepandlament,yetnowletusdothesethingsathissepulchre.But whoshallrollawayforusthestonethatwaslaidatthedoorofthe sepulchre,thatwemayenterinandsitbyhimanddothethingsthat aredue?Forthestonewasgreat,andwefearlestsomeoneseeus Andifwecannot,yetifwebutsetatthedoorthethingswhichwe bringasamemorialofhim,wewillweepandlament,untilwecome untoourhome

13Andtheywentandfoundthetombopened,andcomingnearthey lookedinthere;andtheyseethereacertainyoungmansittinginthe midstofthetomb,beautifulandclothedinarobeexceedingbright; whosaidtothem,Whereforeareyecome?Whomseekye?Himthat wascrucified?HeisrisenandgoneButifyebelievenot,lookinand seetheplacewherehelay,thatheisnothere;forheisrisenand gonethither,whencehewassentThenthewomenfearedandfled 14Nowitwasthelastdayoftheunleavenedbread,andmanywere goingforth,returningtotheirhomes,asthefeastwasendedButwe, thetwelvedisciplesoftheLord,weptandweregrieved:andeach one,beinggrievedforthatwhichwascometopass,departedtohis homeButISimonPeterandAndrewmybrothertookournetsand wenttothesea;andtherewaswithusLevithesonofAlphæus, whomtheLord