The Project Gutenberg eBook of Deuterocanonical Books of the Bible

Published：2026-07-31 01:04:51 Source: best electric train sets for 8 year olds Author: Mini Plush

Deuterocanonical Books of the Bible

Contents

The First Book of Esdras

1:1 And Josias held the feast of the passover in Jerusalem unto his Lord, andoffered the passover the fourteenth day of the first month;

1:2 Having set the priests according to their daily courses, being arrayed inlong garments, in the temple of the Lord.

1:3 And he spake unto the Levites, the holy ministers of Israel, that theyshould hallow themselves unto the Lord, to set the holy ark of the Lord in thehouse that king Solomon the son of David had built:

1:4 And said, Ye shall no more bear the ark upon your shoulders: now thereforeserve the Lord your God, and minister unto his people Israel, and prepare youafter your families and kindreds,

1:5 According as David the king of Israel prescribed, and according to themagnificence of Solomon his son: and standing in the temple according to theseveral dignity of the families of you the Levites, who minister in thepresence of your brethren the children of Israel,

1:6 Offer the passover in order, and make ready the sacrifices for yourbrethren, and keep the passover according to the commandment of the Lord, whichwas given unto Moses.

1:7 And unto the people that was found there Josias gave thirty thousand lambsand kids, and three thousand calves: these things were given of theking’s allowance, according as he promised, to the people, to thepriests, and to the Levites.

1:8 And Helkias, Zacharias, and Syelus, the governors of the temple, gave tothe priests for the passover two thousand and six hundred sheep, and threehundred calves.

1:9 And Jeconias, and Samaias, and Nathanael his brother, and Assabias, andOchiel, and Joram, captains over thousands, gave to the Levites for thepassover five thousand sheep, and seven hundred calves.

1:10 And when these things were done, the priests and Levites, having theunleavened bread, stood in very comely order according to the kindreds,

1:11 And according to the several dignities of the fathers, before the people,to offer to the Lord, as it is written in the book of Moses: and thus did theyin the morning.

1:12 And they roasted the passover with fire, as appertaineth: as for thesacrifices, they sod them in brass pots and pans with a good savour,

1:13 And set them before all the people: and afterward they prepared forthemselves, and for the priests their brethren, the sons of Aaron.

1:14 For the priests offered the fat until night: and the Levites prepared forthemselves, and the priests their brethren, the sons of Aaron.

1:15 The holy singers also, the sons of Asaph, were in their order, accordingto the appointment of David, to wit, Asaph, Zacharias, and Jeduthun, who was ofthe king’s retinue.

1:16 Moreover the porters were at every gate; it was not lawful for any to gofrom his ordinary service: for their brethren the Levites prepared for them.

1:17 Thus were the things that belonged to the sacrifices of the Lordaccomplished in that day, that they might hold the passover,

1:18 And offer sacrifices upon the altar of the Lord, according to thecommandment of king Josias.

1:19 So the children of Israel which were present held the passover at thattime, and the feast of sweet bread seven days.

1:20 And such a passover was not kept in Israel since the time of the prophetSamuel.

1:21 Yea, all the kings of Israel held not such a passover as Josias, and thepriests, and the Levites, and the Jews, held with all Israel that were founddwelling at Jerusalem.

1:22 In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josias was this passover kept.

1:23 And the works or Josias were upright before his Lord with an heart full ofgodliness.

1:24 As for the things that came to pass in his time, they were written informer times, concerning those that sinned, and did wickedly against the Lordabove all people and kingdoms, and how they grieved him exceedingly, so thatthe words of the Lord rose up against Israel.

1:25 Now after all these acts of Josias it came to pass, that Pharaoh the kingof Egypt came to raise war at Carchamis upon Euphrates: and Josias went outagainst him.

1:26 But the king of Egypt sent to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, Oking of Judea?

1:27 I am not sent out from the Lord God against thee; for my war is uponEuphrates: and now the Lord is with me, yea, the Lord is with me hasting meforward: depart from me, and be not against the Lord.

1:28 Howbeit Josias did not turn back his chariot from him, but undertook tofight with him, not regarding the words of the prophet Jeremy spoken by themouth of the Lord:

1:29 But joined battle with him in the plain of Magiddo, and the princes cameagainst king Josias.

1:30 Then said the king unto his servants, Carry me away out of the battle; forI am very weak. And immediately his servants took him away out of the battle.

1:31 Then gat he up upon his second chariot; and being brought back toJerusalem died, and was buried in his father’s sepulchre.

1:32 And in all Jewry they mourned for Josias, yea, Jeremy the prophet lamentedfor Josias, and the chief men with the women made lamentation for him unto thisday: and this was given out for an ordinance to be done continually in all thenation of Israel.

1:33 These things are written in the book of the stories of the kings of Judah,and every one of the acts that Josias did, and his glory, and his understandingin the law of the Lord, and the things that he had done before, and the thingsnow recited, are reported in the book of the kings of Israel and Judea.

1:34 And the people took Joachaz the son of Josias, and made him king insteadof Josias his father, when he was twenty and three years old.

1:35 And he reigned in Judea and in Jerusalem three months: and then the kingof Egypt deposed him from reigning in Jerusalem.

1:36 And he set a tax upon the land of an hundred talents of silver and onetalent of gold.

1:37 The king of Egypt also made king Joacim his brother king of Judea andJerusalem.

1:38 And he bound Joacim and the nobles: but Zaraces his brother heapprehended, and brought him out of Egypt.

1:39 Five and twenty years old was Joacim when he was made king in the land ofJudea and Jerusalem; and he did evil before the Lord.

1:40 Wherefore against him Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon came up, andbound him with a chain of brass, and carried him into Babylon.

1:41 Nabuchodonosor also took of the holy vessels of the Lord, and carried themaway, and set them in his own temple at Babylon.

1:42 But those things that are recorded of him, and of his uncleaness andimpiety, are written in the chronicles of the kings.

1:43 And Joacim his son reigned in his stead: he was made king being eighteenyears old;

1:44 And reigned but three months and ten days in Jerusalem; and did evilbefore the Lord.

1:45 So after a year Nabuchodonosor sent and caused him to be brought intoBabylon with the holy vessels of the Lord;

1:46 And made Zedechias king of Judea and Jerusalem, when he was one and twentyyears old; and he reigned eleven years:

1:47 And he did evil also in the sight of the Lord, and cared not for the wordsthat were spoken unto him by the prophet Jeremy from the mouth of the Lord.

1:48 And after that king Nabuchodonosor had made him to swear by the name ofthe Lord, he forswore himself, and rebelled; and hardening his neck, his heart,he transgressed the laws of the Lord God of Israel.

1:49 The governors also of the people and of the priests did many thingsagainst the laws, and passed all the pollutions of all nations, and defiled thetemple of the Lord, which was sanctified in Jerusalem.

1:50 Nevertheless the God of their fathers sent by his messenger to call themback, because he spared them and his tabernacle also.

1:51 But they had his messengers in derision; and, look, when the Lord spakeunto them, they made a sport of his prophets:

1:52 So far forth, that he, being wroth with his people for their greatungodliness, commanded the kings of the Chaldees to come up against them;

1:53 Who slew their young men with the sword, yea, even within the compass oftheir holy temple, and spared neither young man nor maid, old man nor child,among them; for he delivered all into their hands.

1:54 And they took all the holy vessels of the Lord, both great and small, withthe vessels of the ark of God, and the king’s treasures, and carried themaway into Babylon.

1:55 As for the house of the Lord, they burnt it, and brake down the walls ofJerusalem, and set fire upon her towers:

1:56 And as for her glorious things, they never ceased till they had consumedand brought them all to nought: and the people that were not slain with thesword he carried unto Babylon:

1:57 Who became servants to him and his children, till the Persians reigned, tofulfil the word of the Lord spoken by the mouth of Jeremy:

1:58 Until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths, the whole time of her desolationshall she rest, until the full term of seventy years.

2:1 In the first year of Cyrus king of the Persians, that the word of the Lordmight be accomplished, that he had promised by the mouth of Jeremy;

2:2 The Lord raised up the spirit of Cyrus the king of the Persians, and hemade proclamation through all his kingdom, and also by writing,

2:3 Saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of the Persians; The Lord of Israel, the mosthigh Lord, hath made me king of the whole world,

2:4 And commanded me to build him an house at Jerusalem in Jewry.

2:5 If therefore there be any of you that are of his people, let the Lord, evenhis Lord, be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem that is in Judea, andbuild the house of the Lord of Israel: for he is the Lord that dwelleth inJerusalem.

2:6 Whosoever then dwell in the places about, let them help him, those, I say,that are his neighbours, with gold, and with silver,

2:7 With gifts, with horses, and with cattle, and other things, which have beenset forth by vow, for the temple of the Lord at Jerusalem.

2:8 Then the chief of the families of Judea and of the tribe of Benjamin stoodup; the priests also, and the Levites, and all they whose mind the Lord hadmoved to go up, and to build an house for the Lord at Jerusalem,

2:9 And they that dwelt round about them, and helped them in all things withsilver and gold, with horses and cattle, and with very many free gifts of agreat number whose minds were stirred up thereto.

2:10 King Cyrus also brought forth the holy vessels, which Nabuchodonosor hadcarried away from Jerusalem, and had set up in his temple of idols.

2:11 Now when Cyrus king of the Persians had brought them forth, he deliveredthem to Mithridates his treasurer:

2:12 And by him they were delivered to Sanabassar the governor of Judea.

2:13 And this was the number of them; A thousand golden cups, and a thousand ofsilver, censers of silver twenty nine, vials of gold thirty, and of silver twothousand four hundred and ten, and a thousand other vessels.

2:14 So all the vessels of gold and of silver, which were carried away, werefive thousand four hundred threescore and nine.

2:15 These were brought back by Sanabassar, together with them of thecaptivity, from Babylon to Jerusalem.

2:16 But in the time of Artexerxes king of the Persians Belemus, andMithridates, and Tabellius, and Rathumus, and Beeltethmus, and Semellius thesecretary, with others that were in commission with them, dwelling in Samariaand other places, wrote unto him against them that dwelt in Judea and Jerusalemthese letters following;

2:17 To king Artexerxes our lord, Thy servants, Rathumus the storywriter, andSemellius the scribe, and the rest of their council, and the judges that are inCelosyria and Phenice.

2:18 Be it now known to the lord king, that the Jews that are up from you tous, being come into Jerusalem, that rebellious and wicked city, do build themarketplaces, and repair the walls of it and do lay the foundation of thetemple.

2:19 Now if this city and the walls thereof be made up again, they will notonly refuse to give tribute, but also rebel against kings.

2:20 And forasmuch as the things pertaining to the temple are now in hand, wethink it meet not to neglect such a matter,

2:21 But to speak unto our lord the king, to the intent that, if it be thypleasure it may be sought out in the books of thy fathers:

2:22 And thou shalt find in the chronicles what is written concerning thesethings, and shalt understand that that city was rebellious, troubling bothkings and cities:

2:23 And that the Jews were rebellious, and raised always wars therein; for thewhich cause even this city was made desolate.

2:24 Wherefore now we do declare unto thee, O lord the king, that if this citybe built again, and the walls thereof set up anew, thou shalt from henceforthhave no passage into Celosyria and Phenice.

2:25 Then the king wrote back again to Rathumus the storywriter, toBeeltethmus, to Semellius the scribe, and to the rest that were in commission,and dwellers in Samaria and Syria and Phenice, after this manner;

2:26 I have read the epistle which ye have sent unto me: therefore I commandedto make diligent search, and it hath been found that that city was from thebeginning practising against kings;

2:27 And the men therein were given to rebellion and war: and that mighty kingsand fierce were in Jerusalem, who reigned and exacted tributes in Celosyria andPhenice.

2:28 Now therefore I have commanded to hinder those men from building the city,and heed to be taken that there be no more done in it;

2:29 And that those wicked workers proceed no further to the annoyance ofkings,

2:30 Then king Artexerxes his letters being read, Rathumus, and Semellius thescribe, and the rest that were in commission with them, removing in hastetoward Jerusalem with a troop of horsemen and a multitude of people in battlearray, began to hinder the builders; and the building of the temple inJerusalem ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of thePersians.

3:1 Now when Darius reigned, he made a great feast unto all his subjects, andunto all his household, and unto all the princes of Media and Persia,

3:2 And to all the governors and captains and lieutenants that were under him,from India unto Ethiopia, of an hundred twenty and seven provinces.

3:3 And when they had eaten and drunken, and being satisfied were gone home,then Darius the king went into his bedchamber, and slept, and soon afterawaked.

3:4 Then three young men, that were of the guard that kept the king’sbody, spake one to another;

3:5 Let every one of us speak a sentence: he that shall overcome, and whosesentence shall seem wiser than the others, unto him shall the king Darius givegreat gifts, and great things in token of victory:

3:6 As, to be clothed in purple, to drink in gold, and to sleep upon gold, anda chariot with bridles of gold, and an headtire of fine linen, and a chainabout his neck:

3:7 And he shall sit next to Darius because of his wisdom, and shall be calledDarius his cousin.

3:8 And then every one wrote his sentence, sealed it, and laid it under kingDarius his pillow;

3:9 And said that, when the king is risen, some will give him the writings; andof whose side the king and the three princes of Persia shall judge that hissentence is the wisest, to him shall the victory be given, as was appointed.

3:10 The first wrote, Wine is the strongest.

3:11 The second wrote, The king is strongest.

3:12 The third wrote, Women are strongest: but above all things Truth bearethaway the victory.

3:13 Now when the king was risen up, they took their writings, and deliveredthem unto him, and so he read them:

3:14 And sending forth he called all the princes of Persia and Media, and thegovernors, and the captains, and the lieutenants, and the chief officers;

3:15 And sat him down in the royal seat of judgment; and the writings were readbefore them.

3:16 And he said, Call the young men, and they shall declare their ownsentences. So they were called, and came in.

3:17 And he said unto them, Declare unto us your mind concerning the writings.Then began the first, who had spoken of the strength of wine;

3:18 And he said thus, O ye men, how exceeding strong is wine! it causeth allmen to err that drink it:

3:19 It maketh the mind of the king and of the fatherless child to be all one;of the bondman and of the freeman, of the poor man and of the rich:

3:20 It turneth also every thought into jollity and mirth, so that a manremembereth neither sorrow nor debt:

3:21 And it maketh every heart rich, so that a man remembereth neither king norgovernor; and it maketh to speak all things by talents:

3:22 And when they are in their cups, they forget their love both to friendsand brethren, and a little after draw out swords:

3:23 But when they are from the wine, they remember not what they have done.

3:24 O ye men, is not wine the strongest, that enforceth to do thus? And whenhe had so spoken, he held his peace.

4:1 Then the second, that had spoken of the strength of the king, began to say,

4:2 O ye men, do not men excel in strength that bear rule over sea and land andall things in them?

4:3 But yet the king is more mighty: for he is lord of all these things, andhath dominion over them; and whatsoever he commandeth them they do.

4:4 If he bid them make war the one against the other, they do it: if he sendthem out against the enemies, they go, and break down mountains walls andtowers.

4:5 They slay and are slain, and transgress not the king’s commandment:if they get the victory, they bring all to the king, as well the spoil, as allthings else.

4:6 Likewise for those that are no soldiers, and have not to do with wars, butuse husbundry, when they have reaped again that which they had sown, they bringit to the king, and compel one another to pay tribute unto the king.

4:7 And yet he is but one man: if he command to kill, they kill; if he commandto spare, they spare;

4:8 If he command to smite, they smite; if he command to make desolate, theymake desolate; if he command to build, they build;

4:9 If he command to cut down, they cut down; if he command to plant, theyplant.

4:10 So all his people and his armies obey him: furthermore he lieth down, heeateth and drinketh, and taketh his rest:

4:11 And these keep watch round about him, neither may any one depart, and dohis own business, neither disobey they him in any thing.

4:12 O ye men, how should not the king be mightiest, when in such sort he isobeyed? And he held his tongue.

4:13 Then the third, who had spoken of women, and of the truth, (this wasZorobabel) began to speak.

4:14 O ye men, it is not the great king, nor the multitude of men, neither isit wine, that excelleth; who is it then that ruleth them, or hath the lordshipover them? are they not women?

4:15 Women have borne the king and all the people that bear rule by sea andland.

4:16 Even of them came they: and they nourished them up that planted thevineyards, from whence the wine cometh.

4:17 These also make garments for men; these bring glory unto men; and withoutwomen cannot men be.

4:18 Yea, and if men have gathered together gold and silver, or any othergoodly thing, do they not love a woman which is comely in favour and beauty?

4:19 And letting all those things go, do they not gape, and even with openmouth fix their eyes fast on her; and have not all men more desire unto herthan unto silver or gold, or any goodly thing whatsoever?

4:20 A man leaveth his own father that brought him up, and his own country, andcleaveth unto his wife.

4:21 He sticketh not to spend his life with his wife, and remembereth neitherfather, nor mother, nor country.

4:22 By this also ye must know that women have dominion over you: do ye notlabour and toil, and give and bring all to the woman?

4:23 Yea, a man taketh his sword, and goeth his way to rob and to steal, tosail upon the sea and upon rivers;

4:24 And looketh upon a lion, and goeth in the darkness; and when he hathstolen, spoiled, and robbed, he bringeth it to his love.

4:25 Wherefore a man loveth his wife better than father or mother.

4:26 Yea, many there be that have run out of their wits for women, and becomeservants for their sakes.

4:27 Many also have perished, have erred, and sinned, for women.

4:28 And now do ye not believe me? is not the king great in his power? do notall regions fear to touch him?

4:29 Yet did I see him and Apame the king’s concubine, the daughter ofthe admirable Bartacus, sitting at the right hand of the king,

4:30 And taking the crown from the king’s head, and setting it upon herown head; she also struck the king with her left hand.

4:31 And yet for all this the king gaped and gazed upon her with open mouth: ifshe laughed upon him, he laughed also: but if she took any displeasure at him,the king was fain to flatter, that she might be reconciled to him again.

4:32 O ye men, how can it be but women should be strong, seeing they do thus?

4:33 Then the king and the princes looked one upon another: so he began tospeak of the truth.

4:34 O ye men, are not women strong? great is the earth, high is the heaven,swift is the sun in his course, for he compasseth the heavens round about, andfetcheth his course again to his own place in one day.

4:35 Is he not great that maketh these things? therefore great is the truth,and stronger than all things.

4:36 All the earth crieth upon the truth, and the heaven blesseth it: all worksshake and tremble at it, and with it is no unrighteous thing.

4:37 Wine is wicked, the king is wicked, women are wicked, all the children ofmen are wicked, and such are all their wicked works; and there is no truth inthem; in their unrighteousness also they shall perish.

4:38 As for the truth, it endureth, and is always strong; it liveth andconquereth for evermore.

4:39 With her there is no accepting of persons or rewards; but she doeth thethings that are just, and refraineth from all unjust and wicked things; and allmen do well like of her works.

4:40 Neither in her judgment is any unrighteousness; and she is the strength,kingdom, power, and majesty, of all ages. Blessed be the God of truth.

4:41 And with that he held his peace. And all the people then shouted, andsaid, Great is Truth, and mighty above all things.

4:42 Then said the king unto him, Ask what thou wilt more than is appointed inthe writing, and we will give it thee, because thou art found wisest; and thoushalt sit next me, and shalt be called my cousin.

4:43 Then said he unto the king, Remember thy vow, which thou hast vowed tobuild Jerusalem, in the day when thou camest to thy kingdom,

4:44 And to send away all the vessels that were taken away out of Jerusalem,which Cyrus set apart, when he vowed to destroy Babylon, and to send them againthither.

4:45 Thou also hast vowed to build up the temple, which the Edomites burnedwhen Judea was made desolate by the Chaldees.

4:46 And now, O lord the king, this is that which I require, and which I desireof thee, and this is the princely liberality proceeding from thyself: I desiretherefore that thou make good the vow, the performance whereof with thine ownmouth thou hast vowed to the King of heaven.

4:47 Then Darius the king stood up, and kissed him, and wrote letters for himunto all the treasurers and lieutenants and captains and governors, that theyshould safely convey on their way both him, and all those that go up with himto build Jerusalem.

4:48 He wrote letters also unto the lieutenants that were in Celosyria andPhenice, and unto them in Libanus, that they should bring cedar wood fromLibanus unto Jerusalem, and that they should build the city with him.

4:49 Moreover he wrote for all the Jews that went out of his realm up intoJewry, concerning their freedom, that no officer, no ruler, no lieutenant, nortreasurer, should forcibly enter into their doors;

4:50 And that all the country which they hold should be free without tribute;and that the Edomites should give over the villages of the Jews which then theyheld:

4:51 Yea, that there should be yearly given twenty talents to the building ofthe temple, until the time that it were built;

4:52 And other ten talents yearly, to maintain the burnt offerings upon thealtar every day, as they had a commandment to offer seventeen:

4:53 And that all they that went from Babylon to build the city should havefree liberty, as well they as their posterity, and all the priests that wentaway.

4:54 He wrote also concerning the charges, and the priests’ vestmentswherein they minister;

4:55 And likewise for the charges of the Levites, to be given them until theday that the house were finished, and Jerusalem builded up.

4:56 And he commanded to give to all that kept the city pensions and wages.

4:57 He sent away also all the vessels from Babylon, that Cyrus had set apart;and all that Cyrus had given in commandment, the same charged he also to bedone, and sent unto Jerusalem.

4:58 Now when this young man was gone forth, he lifted up his face to heaventoward Jerusalem, and praised the King of heaven,

4:59 And said, From thee cometh victory, from thee cometh wisdom, and thine isthe glory, and I am thy servant.

4:60 Blessed art thou, who hast given me wisdom: for to thee I give thanks, OLord of our fathers.

4:61 And so he took the letters, and went out, and came unto Babylon, and toldit all his brethren.

4:62 And they praised the God of their fathers, because he had given themfreedom and liberty

4:63 To go up, and to build Jerusalem, and the temple which is called by hisname: and they feasted with instruments of musick and gladness seven days.

5:1 After this were the principal men of the families chosen according to theirtribes, to go up with their wives and sons and daughters, with theirmenservants and maidservants, and their cattle.

5:2 And Darius sent with them a thousand horsemen, till they had brought themback to Jerusalem safely, and with musical [instruments] tabrets and flutes.

5:3 And all their brethren played, and he made them go up together with them.

5:4 And these are the names of the men which went up, according to theirfamilies among their tribes, after their several heads.

5:5 The priests, the sons of Phinees the son of Aaron: Jesus the son ofJosedec, the son of Saraias, and Joacim the son of Zorobabel, the son ofSalathiel, of the house of David, out of the kindred of Phares, of the tribe ofJudah;

5:6 Who spake wise sentences before Darius the king of Persia in the secondyear of his reign, in the month Nisan, which is the first month.

5:7 And these are they of Jewry that came up from the captivity, where theydwelt as strangers, whom Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon had carried awayunto Babylon.

5:8 And they returned unto Jerusalem, and to the other parts of Jewry, everyman to his own city, who came with Zorobabel, with Jesus, Nehemias, andZacharias, and Reesaias, Enenius, Mardocheus, Beelsarus, Aspharasus, Reelius,Roimus, and Baana, their guides.

5:9 The number of them of the nation, and their governors, sons of Phoros, twothousand an hundred seventy and two; the sons of Saphat, four hundred seventyand two:

5:10 The sons of Ares, seven hundred fifty and six:

5:11 The sons of Phaath Moab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve:

5:12 The sons of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four: the sons ofZathul, nine hundred forty and five: the sons of Corbe, seven hundred and five:the sons of Bani, six hundred forty and eight:

5:13 The sons of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three: the sons of Sadas, threethousand two hundred twenty and two:

5:14 The sons of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and seven: the sons of Bagoi, twothousand sixty and six: the sons of Adin, four hundred fifty and four:

5:15 The sons of Aterezias, ninety and two: the sons of Ceilan and Azetasthreescore and seven: the sons of Azuran, four hundred thirty and two:

5:16 The sons of Ananias, an hundred and one: the sons of Arom, thirty two: andthe sons of Bassa, three hundred twenty and three: the sons of Azephurith, anhundred and two:

5:17 The sons of Meterus, three thousand and five: the sons of Bethlomon, anhundred twenty and three:

5:18 They of Netophah, fifty and five: they of Anathoth, an hundred fifty andeight: they of Bethsamos, forty and two:

5:19 They of Kiriathiarius, twenty and five: they of Caphira and Beroth, sevenhundred forty and three: they of Pira, seven hundred:

5:20 They of Chadias and Ammidoi, four hundred twenty and two: they of Ciramaand Gabdes, six hundred twenty and one:

5:21 They of Macalon, an hundred twenty and two: they of Betolius, fifty andtwo: the sons of Nephis, an hundred fifty and six:

5:22 The sons of Calamolalus and Onus, seven hundred twenty and five: the sonsof Jerechus, two hundred forty and five:

5:23 The sons of Annas, three thousand three hundred and thirty.

5:24 The priests: the sons of Jeddu, the son of Jesus among the sons ofSanasib, nine hundred seventy and two: the sons of Meruth, a thousand fifty andtwo:

5:25 The sons of Phassaron, a thousand forty and seven: the sons of Carme, athousand and seventeen.

5:26 The Levites: the sons of Jessue, and Cadmiel, and Banuas, and Sudias,seventy and four.

5:27 The holy singers: the sons of Asaph, an hundred twenty and eight.

5:28 The porters: the sons of Salum, the sons of Jatal, the sons of Talmon, thesons of Dacobi, the sons of Teta, the sons of Sami, in all an hundred thirtyand nine.

5:29 The servants of the temple: the sons of Esau, the sons of Asipha, the sonsof Tabaoth, the sons of Ceras, the sons of Sud, the sons of Phaleas, the sonsof Labana, the sons of Graba,

5:30 The sons of Acua, the sons of Uta, the sons of Cetab, the sons of Agaba,the sons of Subai, the sons of Anan, the sons of Cathua, the sons of Geddur,

5:31 The sons of Airus, the sons of Daisan, the sons of Noeba, the sons ofChaseba, the sons of Gazera, the sons of Azia, the sons of Phinees, the sons ofAzare, the sons of Bastai, the sons of Asana, the sons of Meani, the sons ofNaphisi, the sons of Acub, the sons of Acipha, the sons of Assur, the sons ofPharacim, the sons of Basaloth,

5:32 The sons of Meeda, the sons of Coutha, the sons of Charea, the sons ofCharcus, the sons of Aserer, the sons of Thomoi, the sons of Nasith, the sonsof Atipha.

5:33 The sons of the servants of Solomon: the sons of Azaphion, the sons ofPharira, the sons of Jeeli, the sons of Lozon, the sons of Israel, the sons ofSapheth,

5:34 The sons of Hagia, the sons of Pharacareth, the sons of Sabi, the sons ofSarothie, the sons of Masias, the sons of Gar, the sons of Addus, the sons ofSuba, the sons of Apherra, the sons of Barodis, the sons of Sabat, the sons ofAllom.

5:35 All the ministers of the temple, and the sons of the servants of Solomon,were three hundred seventy and two.

5:36 These came up from Thermeleth and Thelersas, Charaathalar leading them,and Aalar;

5:37 Neither could they shew their families, nor their stock, how they were ofIsrael: the sons of Ladan, the son of Ban, the sons of Necodan, six hundredfifty and two.

5:38 And of the priests that usurped the office of the priesthood, and were notfound: the sons of Obdia, the sons of Accoz, the sons of Addus, who marriedAugia one of the daughters of Barzelus, and was named after his name.

5:39 And when the description of the kindred of these men was sought in theregister, and was not found, they were removed from executing the office of thepriesthood:

5:40 For unto them said Nehemias and Atharias, that they should not bepartakers of the holy things, till there arose up an high priest clothed withdoctrine and truth.

5:41 So of Israel, from them of twelve years old and upward, they were all innumber forty thousand, beside menservants and womenservants two thousand threehundred and sixty.

5:42 Their menservants and handmaids were seven thousand three hundred fortyand seven: the singing men and singing women, two hundred forty and five:

5:43 Four hundred thirty and five camels, seven thousand thirty and six horses,two hundred forty and five mules, five thousand five hundred twenty and fivebeasts used to the yoke.

5:44 And certain of the chief of their families, when they came to the templeof God that is in Jerusalem, vowed to set up the house again in his own placeaccording to their ability,

5:45 And to give into the holy treasury of the works a thousand pounds of gold,five thousand of silver, and an hundred priestly vestments.

5:46 And so dwelt the priests and the Levites and the people in Jerusalem, andin the country, the singers also and the porters; and all Israel in theirvillages.

5:47 But when the seventh month was at hand, and when the children of Israelwere every man in his own place, they came all together with one consent intothe open place of the first gate which is toward the east.

5:48 Then stood up Jesus the son of Josedec, and his brethren the priests andZorobabel the son of Salathiel, and his brethren, and made ready the altar ofthe God of Israel,

5:49 To offer burnt sacrifices upon it, according as it is expressly commandedin the book of Moses the man of God.

5:50 And there were gathered unto them out of the other nations of the land,and they erected the altar upon his own place, because all the nations of theland were at enmity with them, and oppressed them; and they offered sacrificesaccording to the time, and burnt offerings to the Lord both morning andevening.

5:51 Also they held the feast of tabernacles, as it is commanded in the law,and offered sacrifices daily, as was meet:

5:52 And after that, the continual oblations, and the sacrifice of thesabbaths, and of the new moons, and of all holy feasts.

5:53 And all they that had made any vow to God began to offer sacrifices to Godfrom the first day of the seventh month, although the temple of the Lord wasnot yet built.

5:54 And they gave unto the masons and carpenters money, meat, and drink, withcheerfulness.

5:55 Unto them of Zidon also and Tyre they gave carrs, that they should bringcedar trees from Libanus, which should be brought by floats to the haven ofJoppa, according as it was commanded them by Cyrus king of the Persians.

5:56 And in the second year and second month after his coming to the temple ofGod at Jerusalem began Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, and Jesus the son ofJosedec, and their brethren, and the priests, and the Levites, and all theythat were come unto Jerusalem out of the captivity:

5:57 And they laid the foundation of the house of God in the first day of thesecond month, in the second year after they were come to Jewry and Jerusalem.

5:58 And they appointed the Levites from twenty years old over the works of theLord. Then stood up Jesus, and his sons and brethren, and Cadmiel his brother,and the sons of Madiabun, with the sons of Joda the son of Eliadun, with theirsons and brethren, all Levites, with one accord setters forward of thebusiness, labouring to advance the works in the house of God. So the workmenbuilt the temple of the Lord.

5:59 And the priests stood arrayed in their vestments with musical instrumentsand trumpets; and the Levites the sons of Asaph had cymbals,

5:60 Singing songs of thanksgiving, and praising the Lord, according as Davidthe king of Israel had ordained.

5:61 And they sung with loud voices songs to the praise of the Lord, becausehis mercy and glory is for ever in all Israel.

5:62 And all the people sounded trumpets, and shouted with a loud voice,singing songs of thanksgiving unto the Lord for the rearing up of the house ofthe Lord.

5:63 Also of the priests and Levites, and of the chief of their families, theancients who had seen the former house came to the building of this withweeping and great crying.

5:64 But many with trumpets and joy shouted with loud voice,

5:65 Insomuch that the trumpets might not be heard for the weeping of thepeople: yet the multitude sounded marvellously, so that it was heard afar off.

5:66 Wherefore when the enemies of the tribe of Judah and Benjamin heard it,they came to know what that noise of trumpets should mean.

5:67 And they perceived that they that were of the captivity did build thetemple unto the Lord God of Israel.

5:68 So they went to Zorobabel and Jesus, and to the chief of the families, andsaid unto them, We will build together with you.

5:69 For we likewise, as ye, do obey your Lord, and do sacrifice unto him fromthe days of Azbazareth the king of the Assyrians, who brought us hither.

5:70 Then Zorobabel and Jesus and the chief of the families of Israel said untothem, It is not for us and you to build together an house unto the Lord ourGod.

5:71 We ourselves alone will build unto the Lord of Israel, according as Cyrusthe king of the Persians hath commanded us.

5:72 But the heathen of the land lying heavy upon the inhabitants of Judea, andholding them strait, hindered their building;

5:73 And by their secret plots, and popular persuasions and commotions, theyhindered the finishing of the building all the time that king Cyrus lived: sothey were hindered from building for the space of two years, until the reign ofDarius.

6:1 Now in the second year of the reign of Darius Aggeus and Zacharias the sonof Addo, the prophets, prophesied unto the Jews in Jewry and Jerusalem in thename of the Lord God of Israel, which was upon them.

6:2 Then stood up Zorobabel the son of Salatiel, and Jesus the son of Josedec,and began to build the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, the prophets of the Lordbeing with them, and helping them.

6:3 At the same time came unto them Sisinnes the governor of Syria and Phenice,with Sathrabuzanes and his companions, and said unto them,

6:4 By whose appointment do ye build this house and this roof, and perform allthe other things? and who are the workmen that perform these things?

6:5 Nevertheless the elders of the Jews obtained favour, because the Lord hadvisited the captivity;

6:6 And they were not hindered from building, until such time as significationwas given unto Darius concerning them, and an answer received.

6:7 The copy of the letters which Sisinnes, governor of Syria and Phenice, andSathrabuzanes, with their companions, rulers in Syria and Phenice, wrote andsent unto Darius; To king Darius, greeting:

6:8 Let all things be known unto our lord the king, that being come into thecountry of Judea, and entered into the city of Jerusalem we found in the cityof Jerusalem the ancients of the Jews that were of the captivity

6:9 Building an house unto the Lord, great and new, of hewn and costly stones,and the timber already laid upon the walls.

6:10 And those works are done with great speed, and the work goeth onprosperously in their hands, and with all glory and diligence is it made.

6:11 Then asked we these elders, saying, By whose commandment build ye thishouse, and lay the foundations of these works?

6:12 Therefore to the intent that we might give knowledge unto thee by writing,we demanded of them who were the chief doers, and we required of them the namesin writing of their principal men.

6:13 So they gave us this answer, We are the servants of the Lord which madeheaven and earth.

6:14 And as for this house, it was builded many years ago by a king of Israelgreat and strong, and was finished.

6:15 But when our fathers provoked God unto wrath, and sinned against the Lordof Israel which is in heaven, he gave them over into the power ofNabuchodonosor king of Babylon, of the Chaldees;

6:16 Who pulled down the house, and burned it, and carried away the peoplecaptives unto Babylon.

6:17 But in the first year that king Cyrus reigned over the country of BabylonCyrus the king wrote to build up this house.

6:18 And the holy vessels of gold and of silver, that Nabuchodonosor hadcarried away out of the house at Jerusalem, and had set them in his own templethose Cyrus the king brought forth again out of the temple at Babylon, and theywere delivered to Zorobabel and to Sanabassarus the ruler,

6:19 With commandment that he should carry away the same vessels, and put themin the temple at Jerusalem; and that the temple of the Lord should be built inhis place.

6:20 Then the same Sanabassarus, being come hither, laid the foundations of thehouse of the Lord at Jerusalem; and from that time to this being still abuilding, it is not yet fully ended.

6:21 Now therefore, if it seem good unto the king, let search be made among therecords of king Cyrus:

6:22 And if it be found that the building of the house of the Lord at Jerusalemhath been done with the consent of king Cyrus, and if our lord the king be sominded, let him signify unto us thereof.

6:23 Then commanded king Darius to seek among the records at Babylon: and so atEcbatane the palace, which is in the country of Media, there was found a rollwherein these things were recorded.

6:24 In the first year of the reign of Cyrus king Cyrus commanded that thehouse of the Lord at Jerusalem should be built again, where they do sacrificewith continual fire:

6:25 Whose height shall be sixty cubits and the breadth sixty cubits, withthree rows of hewn stones, and one row of new wood of that country; and theexpences thereof to be given out of the house of king Cyrus:

6:26 And that the holy vessels of the house of the Lord, both of gold andsilver, that Nabuchodonosor took out of the house at Jerusalem, and brought toBabylon, should be restored to the house at Jerusalem, and be set in the placewhere they were before.

6:27 And also he commanded that Sisinnes the governor of Syria and Phenice, andSathrabuzanes, and their companions, and those which were appointed rulers inSyria and Phenice, should be careful not to meddle with the place, but sufferZorobabel, the servant of the Lord, and governor of Judea, and the elders ofthe Jews, to build the house of the Lord in that place.

6:28 I have commanded also to have it built up whole again; and that they lookdiligently to help those that be of the captivity of the Jews, till the houseof the Lord be finished:

6:29 And out of the tribute of Celosyria and Phenice a portion carefully to begiven these men for the sacrifices of the Lord, that is, to Zorobabel thegovernor, for bullocks, and rams, and lambs;

6:30 And also corn, salt, wine, and oil, and that continually every yearwithout further question, according as the priests that be in Jerusalem shallsignify to be daily spent:

6:31 That offerings may be made to the most high God for the king and for hischildren, and that they may pray for their lives.

6:32 And he commanded that whosoever should transgress, yea, or make light ofany thing afore spoken or written, out of his own house should a tree be taken,and he thereon be hanged, and all his goods seized for the king.

6:33 The Lord therefore, whose name is there called upon, utterly destroy everyking and nation, that stretcheth out his hand to hinder or endamage that houseof the Lord in Jerusalem.

6:34 I Darius the king have ordained that according unto these things it bedone with diligence.

7:1 Then Sisinnes the governor of Celosyria and Phenice, and Sathrabuzanes,with their companions following the commandments of king Darius,

7:2 Did very carefully oversee the holy works, assisting the ancients of theJews and governors of the temple.

7:3 And so the holy works prospered, when Aggeus and Zacharias the prophetsprophesied.

7:4 And they finished these things by the commandment of the Lord God ofIsrael, and with the consent of Cyrus, Darius, and Artexerxes, kings of Persia.

7:5 And thus was the holy house finished in the three and twentieth day of themonth Adar, in the sixth year of Darius king of the Persians

7:6 And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and others thatwere of the captivity, that were added unto them, did according to the thingswritten in the book of Moses.

7:7 And to the dedication of the temple of the Lord they offered an hundredbullocks two hundred rams, four hundred lambs;

7:8 And twelve goats for the sin of all Israel, according to the number of thechief of the tribes of Israel.

7:9 The priests also and the Levites stood arrayed in their vestments,according to their kindreds, in the service of the Lord God of Israel,according to the book of Moses: and the porters at every gate.

7:10 And the children of Israel that were of the captivity held the passoverthe fourteenth day of the first month, after that the priests and the Leviteswere sanctified.

7:11 They that were of the captivity were not all sanctified together: but theLevites were all sanctified together.

7:12 And so they offered the passover for all them of the captivity, and fortheir brethren the priests, and for themselves.

7:13 And the children of Israel that came out of the captivity did eat, evenall they that had separated themselves from the abominations of the people ofthe land, and sought the Lord.

7:14 And they kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days, making merrybefore the Lord,

7:15 For that he had turned the counsel of the king of Assyria toward them, tostrengthen their hands in the works of the Lord God of Israel.

8:1 And after these things, when Artexerxes the king of the Persians reignedcame Esdras the son of Saraias, the son of Ezerias, the son of Helchiah, theson of Salum,

8:2 The son of Sadduc, the son of Achitob, the son of Amarias, the son ofEzias, the son of Meremoth, the son of Zaraias, the son of Savias, the son ofBoccas, the son of Abisum, the son of Phinees, the son of Eleazar, the son ofAaron the chief priest.

8:3 This Esdras went up from Babylon, as a scribe, being very ready in the lawof Moses, that was given by the God of Israel.

8:4 And the king did him honour: for he found grace in his sight in all hisrequests.

8:5 There went up with him also certain of the children of Israel, of thepriest of the Levites, of the holy singers, porters, and ministers of thetemple, unto Jerusalem,

8:6 In the seventh year of the reign of Artexerxes, in the fifth month, thiswas the king’s seventh year; for they went from Babylon in the first dayof the first month, and came to Jerusalem, according to the prosperous journeywhich the Lord gave them.

8:7 For Esdras had very great skill, so that he omitted nothing of the law andcommandments of the Lord, but taught all Israel the ordinances and judgments.

8:8 Now the copy of the commission, which was written from Artexerxes the king,and came to Esdras the priest and reader of the law of the Lord, is this thatfolloweth;

8:9 King Artexerxes unto Esdras the priest and reader of the law of the Lordsendeth greeting:

8:10 Having determined to deal graciously, I have given order, that such of thenation of the Jews, and of the priests and Levites being within our realm, asare willing and desirous should go with thee unto Jerusalem.

8:11 As many therefore as have a mind thereunto, let them depart with thee, asit hath seemed good both to me and my seven friends the counsellors;

8:12 That they may look unto the affairs of Judea and Jerusalem, agreeably tothat which is in the law of the Lord;

8:13 And carry the gifts unto the Lord of Israel to Jerusalem, which I and myfriends have vowed, and all the gold and silver that in the country of Babyloncan be found, to the Lord in Jerusalem,

8:14 With that also which is given of the people for the temple of the Lordtheir God at Jerusalem: and that silver and gold may be collected for bullocks,rams, and lambs, and things thereunto appertaining;

8:15 To the end that they may offer sacrifices unto the Lord upon the altar ofthe Lord their God, which is in Jerusalem.

8:16 And whatsoever thou and thy brethren will do with the silver and gold,that do, according to the will of thy God.

8:17 And the holy vessels of the Lord, which are given thee for the use of thetemple of thy God, which is in Jerusalem, thou shalt set before thy God inJerusalem.

8:18 And whatsoever thing else thou shalt remember for the use of the temple ofthy God, thou shalt give it out of the king’s treasury.

8:19 And I king Artexerxes have also commanded the keepers of the treasures inSyria and Phenice, that whatsoever Esdras the priest and the reader of the lawof the most high God shall send for, they should give it him with speed,

8:20 To the sum of an hundred talents of silver, likewise also of wheat even toan hundred cors, and an hundred pieces of wine, and other things in abundance.

8:21 Let all things be performed after the law of God diligently unto the mosthigh God, that wrath come not upon the kingdom of the king and his sons.

8:22 I command you also, that ye require no tax, nor any other imposition, ofany of the priests, or Levites, or holy singers, or porters, or ministers ofthe temple, or of any that have doings in this temple, and that no man haveauthority to impose any thing upon them.

8:23 And thou, Esdras, according to the wisdom of God ordain judges andjustices, that they may judge in all Syria and Phenice all those that know thelaw of thy God; and those that know it not thou shalt teach.

8:24 And whosoever shall transgress the law of thy God, and of the king, shallbe punished diligently, whether it be by death, or other punishment, by penaltyof money, or by imprisonment.

8:25 Then said Esdras the scribe, Blessed be the only Lord God of my fathers,who hath put these things into the heart of the king, to glorify his house thatis in Jerusalem:

8:26 And hath honoured me in the sight of the king, and his counsellors, andall his friends and nobles.

8:27 Therefore was I encouraged by the help of the Lord my God, and gatheredtogether men of Israel to go up with me.

8:28 And these are the chief according to their families and several dignities,that went up with me from Babylon in the reign of king Artexerxes:

8:29 Of the sons of Phinees, Gerson: of the sons of Ithamar, Gamael: of thesons of David, Lettus the son of Sechenias:

8:30 Of the sons of Pharez, Zacharias; and with him were counted an hundred andfifty men:

8:31 Of the sons of Pahath Moab, Eliaonias, the son of Zaraias, and with himtwo hundred men:

8:32 Of the sons of Zathoe, Sechenias the son of Jezelus, and with him threehundred men: of the sons of Adin, Obeth the son of Jonathan, and with him twohundred and fifty men:

8:33 Of the sons of Elam, Josias son of Gotholias, and with him seventy men:

8:34 Of the sons of Saphatias, Zaraias son of Michael, and with him threescoreand ten men:

8:35 Of the sons of Joab, Abadias son of Jezelus, and with him two hundred andtwelve men:

8:36 Of the sons of Banid, Assalimoth son of Josaphias, and with him an hundredand threescore men:

8:37 Of the sons of Babi, Zacharias son of Bebai, and with him twenty and eightmen:

8:38 Of the sons of Astath, Johannes son of Acatan, and with him an hundred andten men:

8:39 Of the sons of Adonikam the last, and these are the names of them,Eliphalet, Jewel, and Samaias, and with them seventy men:

8:40 Of the sons of Bago, Uthi the son of Istalcurus, and with him seventy men.

8:41 And these I gathered together to the river called Theras, where we pitchedour tents three days: and then I surveyed them.

8:42 But when I had found there none of the priests and Levites,

8:43 Then sent I unto Eleazar, and Iduel, and Masman,

8:44 And Alnathan, and Mamaias, and Joribas, and Nathan, Eunatan, Zacharias,and Mosollamon, principal men and learned.

8:45 And I bade them that they should go unto Saddeus the captain, who was inthe place of the treasury:

8:46 And commanded them that they should speak unto Daddeus, and to hisbrethren, and to the treasurers in that place, to send us such men as mightexecute the priests’ office in the house of the Lord.

8:47 And by the mighty hand of our Lord they brought unto us skilful men of thesons of Moli the son of Levi, the son of Israel, Asebebia, and his sons, andhis brethren, who were eighteen.

8:48 And Asebia, and Annus, and Osaias his brother, of the sons of Channuneus,and their sons, were twenty men.

8:49 And of the servants of the temple whom David had ordained, and theprincipal men for the service of the Levites to wit, the servants of the templetwo hundred and twenty, the catalogue of whose names were shewed.

8:50 And there I vowed a fast unto the young men before our Lord, to desire ofhim a prosperous journey both for us and them that were with us, for ourchildren, and for the cattle:

8:51 For I was ashamed to ask the king footmen, and horsemen, and conduct forsafeguard against our adversaries.

8:52 For we had said unto the king, that the power of the Lord our God shouldbe with them that seek him, to support them in all ways.

8:53 And again we besought our Lord as touching these things, and found himfavourable unto us.

8:54 Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Esebrias, andAssanias, and ten men of their brethren with them:

8:55 And I weighed them the gold, and the silver, and the holy vessels of thehouse of our Lord, which the king, and his council, and the princes, and allIsrael, had given.

8:56 And when I had weighed it, I delivered unto them six hundred and fiftytalents of silver, and silver vessels of an hundred talents, and an hundredtalents of gold,

8:57 And twenty golden vessels, and twelve vessels of brass, even of finebrass, glittering like gold.

8:58 And I said unto them, Both ye are holy unto the Lord, and the vessels areholy, and the gold and the silver is a vow unto the Lord, the Lord of ourfathers.

8:59 Watch ye, and keep them till ye deliver them to the chief of the priestsand Levites, and to the principal men of the families of Israel, in Jerusalem,into the chambers of the house of our God.

8:60 So the priests and the Levites, who had received the silver and the goldand the vessels, brought them unto Jerusalem, into the temple of the Lord.

8:61 And from the river Theras we departed the twelfth day of the first month,and came to Jerusalem by the mighty hand of our Lord, which was with us: andfrom the beginning of our journey the Lord delivered us from every enemy, andso we came to Jerusalem.

8:62 And when we had been there three days, the gold and silver that wasweighed was delivered in the house of our Lord on the fourth day unto Marmoththe priest the son of Iri.

8:63 And with him was Eleazar the son of Phinees, and with them were Josabadthe son of Jesu and Moeth the son of Sabban, Levites: all was delivered them bynumber and weight.

8:64 And all the weight of them was written up the same hour.

8:65 Moreover they that were come out of the captivity offered sacrifice untothe Lord God of Israel, even twelve bullocks for all Israel, fourscore andsixteen rams,

8:66 Threescore and twelve lambs, goats for a peace offering, twelve; all ofthem a sacrifice to the Lord.

8:67 And they delivered the king’s commandments unto the king’sstewards’ and to the governors of Celosyria and Phenice; and theyhonoured the people and the temple of God.

8:68 Now when these things were done, the rulers came unto me, and said,

8:69 The nation of Israel, the princes, the priests and Levites, have not putaway from them the strange people of the land, nor the pollutions of theGentiles to wit, of the Canaanites, Hittites, Pheresites, Jebusites, and theMoabites, Egyptians, and Edomites.

8:70 For both they and their sons have married with their daughters, and theholy seed is mixed with the strange people of the land; and from the beginningof this matter the rulers and the great men have been partakers of thisiniquity.

8:71 And as soon as I had heard these things, I rent my clothes, and the holygarment, and pulled off the hair from off my head and beard, and sat me downsad and very heavy.

8:72 So all they that were then moved at the word of the Lord God of Israelassembled unto me, whilst I mourned for the iniquity: but I sat still full ofheaviness until the evening sacrifice.

8:73 Then rising up from the fast with my clothes and the holy garment rent,and bowing my knees, and stretching forth my hands unto the Lord,

8:74 I said, O Lord, I am confounded and ashamed before thy face;

8:75 For our sins are multiplied above our heads, and our ignorances havereached up unto heaven.

8:76 For ever since the time of our fathers we have been and are in great sin,even unto this day.

8:77 And for our sins and our fathers’ we with our brethren and our kingsand our priests were given up unto the kings of the earth, to the sword, and tocaptivity, and for a prey with shame, unto this day.

8:78 And now in some measure hath mercy been shewed unto us from thee, O Lord,that there should be left us a root and a name in the place of thy sanctuary;

8:79 And to discover unto us a light in the house of the Lord our God, and togive us food in the time of our servitude.

8:80 Yea, when we were in bondage, we were not forsaken of our Lord; but hemade us gracious before the kings of Persia, so that they gave us food;

8:81 Yea, and honoured the temple of our Lord, and raised up the desolate Sion,that they have given us a sure abiding in Jewry and Jerusalem.

8:82 And now, O Lord, what shall we say, having these things? for we havetransgressed thy commandments, which thou gavest by the hand of thy servantsthe prophets, saying,

8:83 That the land, which ye enter into to possess as an heritage, is a landpolluted with the pollutions of the strangers of the land, and they have filledit with their uncleanness.

8:84 Therefore now shall ye not join your daughters unto their sons, neithershall ye take their daughters unto your sons.

8:85 Moreover ye shall never seek to have peace with them, that ye may bestrong, and eat the good things of the land, and that ye may leave theinheritance of the land unto your children for evermore.

8:86 And all that is befallen is done unto us for our wicked works and greatsins; for thou, O Lord, didst make our sins light,

8:87 And didst give unto us such a root: but we have turned back again totransgress thy law, and to mingle ourselves with the uncleanness of the nationsof the land.

8:88 Mightest not thou be angry with us to destroy us, till thou hadst left usneither root, seed, nor name?

8:89 O Lord of Israel, thou art true: for we are left a root this day.

8:90 Behold, now are we before thee in our iniquities, for we cannot stand anylonger by reason of these things before thee.

8:91 And as Esdras in his prayer made his confession, weeping, and lying flatupon the ground before the temple, there gathered unto him from Jerusalem avery great multitude of men and women and children: for there was great weepingamong the multitude.

8:92 Then Jechonias the son of Jeelus, one of the sons of Israel, called out,and said, O Esdras, we have sinned against the Lord God, we have marriedstrange women of the nations of the land, and now is all Israel aloft.

8:93 Let us make an oath to the Lord, that we will put away all our wives,which we have taken of the heathen, with their children,

8:94 Like as thou hast decreed, and as many as do obey the law of the Lord.

8:95 Arise and put in execution: for to thee doth this matter appertain, and wewill be with thee: do valiantly.

8:96 So Esdras arose, and took an oath of the chief of the priests and Levitesof all Israel to do after these things; and so they sware.

9:1 Then Esdras rising from the court of the temple went to the chamber ofJoanan the son of Eliasib,

9:2 And remained there, and did eat no meat nor drink water, mourning for thegreat iniquities of the multitude.

9:3 And there was a proclamation in all Jewry and Jerusalem to all them thatwere of the captivity, that they should be gathered together at Jerusalem:

9:4 And that whosoever met not there within two or three days according as theelders that bare rule appointed, their cattle should be seized to the use ofthe temple, and himself cast out from them that were of the captivity.

9:5 And in three days were all they of the tribe of Judah and Benjamin gatheredtogether at Jerusalem the twentieth day of the ninth month.

9:6 And all the multitude sat trembling in the broad court of the templebecause of the present foul weather.

9:7 So Esdras arose up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed the law inmarrying strange wives, thereby to increase the sins of Israel.

9:8 And now by confessing give glory unto the Lord God of our fathers,

9:9 And do his will, and separate yourselves from the heathen of the land, andfrom the strange women.

9:10 Then cried the whole multitude, and said with a loud voice, Like as thouhast spoken, so will we do.

9:11 But forasmuch as the people are many, and it is foul weather, so that wecannot stand without, and this is not a work of a day or two, seeing our sin inthese things is spread far:

9:12 Therefore let the rulers of the multitude stay, and let all them of ourhabitations that have strange wives come at the time appointed,

9:13 And with them the rulers and judges of every place, till we turn away thewrath of the Lord from us for this matter.

9:14 Then Jonathan the son of Azael and Ezechias the son of Theocanusaccordingly took this matter upon them: and Mosollam and Levis and Sabbatheushelped them.

9:15 And they that were of the captivity did according to all these things.

9:16 And Esdras the priest chose unto him the principal men of their families,all by name: and in the first day of the tenth month they sat together toexamine the matter.

9:17 So their cause that held strange wives was brought to an end in the firstday of the first month.

9:18 And of the priests that were come together, and had strange wives, therewere found:

9:19 Of the sons of Jesus the son of Josedec, and his brethren; Matthelas andEleazar, and Joribus and Joadanus.

9:20 And they gave their hands to put away their wives and to offer rams tomake reconcilement for their errors.

9:21 And of the sons of Emmer; Ananias, and Zabdeus, and Eanes, and Sameius,and Hiereel, and Azarias.

9:22 And of the sons of Phaisur; Elionas, Massias Israel, and Nathanael, andOcidelus and Talsas.

9:23 And of the Levites; Jozabad, and Semis, and Colius, who was calledCalitas, and Patheus, and Judas, and Jonas.

9:24 Of the holy singers; Eleazurus, Bacchurus.

9:25 Of the porters; Sallumus, and Tolbanes.

9:26 Of them of Israel, of the sons of Phoros; Hiermas, and Eddias, andMelchias, and Maelus, and Eleazar, and Asibias, and Baanias.

9:27 Of the sons of Ela; Matthanias, Zacharias, and Hierielus, and Hieremoth,and Aedias.

9:28 And of the sons of Zamoth; Eliadas, Elisimus, Othonias, Jarimoth, andSabatus, and Sardeus.

9:29 Of the sons of Babai; Johannes, and Ananias and Josabad, and Amatheis.

9:30 Of the sons of Mani; Olamus, Mamuchus, Jedeus, Jasubus, Jasael, andHieremoth.

9:31 And of the sons of Addi; Naathus, and Moosias, Lacunus, and Naidus, andMathanias, and Sesthel, Balnuus, and Manasseas.

9:32 And of the sons of Annas; Elionas and Aseas, and Melchias, and Sabbeus,and Simon Chosameus.

9:33 And of the sons of Asom; Altaneus, and Matthias, and Baanaia, Eliphalet,and Manasses, and Semei.

9:34 And of the sons of Maani; Jeremias, Momdis, Omaerus, Juel, Mabdai, andPelias, and Anos, Carabasion, and Enasibus, and Mamnitanaimus, Eliasis, Bannus,Eliali, Samis, Selemias, Nathanias: and of the sons of Ozora; Sesis, Esril,Azaelus, Samatus, Zambis, Josephus.

9:35 And of the sons of Ethma; Mazitias, Zabadaias, Edes, Juel, Banaias.

9:36 All these had taken strange wives, and they put them away with theirchildren.

9:37 And the priests and Levites, and they that were of Israel, dwelt inJerusalem, and in the country, in the first day of the seventh month: so thechildren of Israel were in their habitations.

9:38 And the whole multitude came together with one accord into the broad placeof the holy porch toward the east:

9:39 And they spake unto Esdras the priest and reader, that he would bring thelaw of Moses, that was given of the Lord God of Israel.

9:40 So Esdras the chief priest brought the law unto the whole multitude fromman to woman, and to all the priests, to hear law in the first day of theseventh month.

9:41 And he read in the broad court before the holy porch from morning untomidday, before both men and women; and the multitude gave heed unto the law.

9:42 And Esdras the priest and reader of the law stood up upon a pulpit ofwood, which was made for that purpose.

9:43 And there stood up by him Mattathias, Sammus, Ananias, Azarias, Urias,Ezecias, Balasamus, upon the right hand:

9:44 And upon his left hand stood Phaldaius, Misael, Melchias, Lothasubus, andNabarias.

9:45 Then took Esdras the book of the law before the multitude: for he sathonourably in the first place in the sight of them all.

9:46 And when he opened the law, they stood all straight up. So Esdras blessedthe Lord God most High, the God of hosts, Almighty.

9:47 And all the people answered, Amen; and lifting up their hands they fell tothe ground, and worshipped the Lord.

9:48 Also Jesus, Anus, Sarabias, Adinus, Jacubus, Sabateas, Auteas, Maianeas,and Calitas, Asrias, and Joazabdus, and Ananias, Biatas, the Levites, taughtthe law of the Lord, making them withal to understand it.

9:49 Then spake Attharates unto Esdras the chief priest and reader, and to theLevites that taught the multitude, even to all, saying,

9:50 This day is holy unto the Lord; (for they all wept when they heard thelaw:)

9:51 Go then, and eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send part to them thathave nothing;

9:52 For this day is holy unto the Lord: and be not sorrowful; for the Lordwill bring you to honour.

9:53 So the Levites published all things to the people, saying, This day isholy to the Lord; be not sorrowful.

9:54 Then went they their way, every one to eat and drink, and make merry, andto give part to them that had nothing, and to make great cheer;

9:55 Because they understood the words wherein they were instructed, and forthe which they had been assembled.

The Second Book of Esdras

1:1 The second book of the prophet Esdras, the son of Saraias, the son ofAzarias, the son of Helchias, the son of Sadamias, the sou of Sadoc, the son ofAchitob,

1:2 The son of Achias, the son of Phinees, the son of Heli, the son of Amarias,the son of Aziei, the son of Marimoth, the son of And he spake unto the ofBorith, the son of Abisei, the son of Phinees, the son of Eleazar,

1:3 The son of Aaron, of the tribe of Levi; which was captive in the land ofthe Medes, in the reign of Artexerxes king of the Persians.

1:4 And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

1:5 Go thy way, and shew my people their sinful deeds, and their children theirwickedness which they have done against me; that they may tell theirchildren’s children:

1:6 Because the sins of their fathers are increased in them: for they haveforgotten me, and have offered unto strange gods.

1:7 Am not I even he that brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the houseof bondage? but they have provoked me unto wrath, and despised my counsels.

1:8 Pull thou off then the hair of thy head, and cast all evil upon them, forthey have not been obedient unto my law, but it is a rebellious people.

1:9 How long shall I forbear them, into whom I have done so much good?

1:10 Many kings have I destroyed for their sakes; Pharaoh with his servants andall his power have I smitten down.

1:11 All the nations have I destroyed before them, and in the east I havescattered the people of two provinces, even of Tyrus and Sidon, and have slainall their enemies.

1:12 Speak thou therefore unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord,

1:13 I led you through the sea and in the beginning gave you a large and safepassage; I gave you Moses for a leader, and Aaron for a priest.

1:14 I gave you light in a pillar of fire, and great wonders have I done amongyou; yet have ye forgotten me, saith the Lord.

1:15 Thus saith the Almighty Lord, The quails were as a token to you; I gaveyou tents for your safeguard: nevertheless ye murmured there,

1:16 And triumphed not in my name for the destruction of your enemies, but everto this day do ye yet murmur.

1:17 Where are the benefits that I have done for you? when ye were hungry andthirsty in the wilderness, did ye not cry unto me,

1:18 Saying, Why hast thou brought us into this wilderness to kill us? it hadbeen better for us to have served the Egyptians, than to die in thiswilderness.

1:19 Then had I pity upon your mournings, and gave you manna to eat; so ye dideat angels’ bread.

1:20 When ye were thirsty, did I not cleave the rock, and waters flowed out toyour fill? for the heat I covered you with the leaves of the trees.

1:21 I divided among you a fruitful land, I cast out the Canaanites, thePherezites, and the Philistines, before you: what shall I yet do more for you?saith the Lord.

1:22 Thus saith the Almighty Lord, When ye were in the wilderness, in the riverof the Amorites, being athirst, and blaspheming my name,

1:23 I gave you not fire for your blasphemies, but cast a tree in the water,and made the river sweet.

1:24 What shall I do unto thee, O Jacob? thou, Juda, wouldest not obey me: Iwill turn me to other nations, and unto those will I give my name, that theymay keep my statutes.

1:25 Seeing ye have forsaken me, I will forsake you also; when ye desire me tobe gracious unto you, I shall have no mercy upon you.

1:26 Whensoever ye shall call upon me, I will not hear you: for ye have defiledyour hands with blood, and your feet are swift to commit manslaughter.

1:27 Ye have not as it were forsaken me, but your own selves, saith the Lord.

1:28 Thus saith the Almighty Lord, Have I not prayed you as a father his sons,as a mother her daughters, and a nurse her young babes,

1:29 That ye would be my people, and I should be your God; that ye would be mychildren, and I should be your father?

1:30 I gathered you together, as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings:but now, what shall I do unto you? I will cast you out from my face.

1:31 When ye offer unto me, I will turn my face from you: for your solemnfeastdays, your new moons, and your circumcisions, have I forsaken.

1:32 I sent unto you my servants the prophets, whom ye have taken and slain,and torn their bodies in pieces, whose blood I will require of your hands,saith the Lord.

1:33 Thus saith the Almighty Lord, Your house is desolate, I will cast you outas the wind doth stubble.

1:34 And your children shall not be fruitful; for they have despised mycommandment, and done the thing that is an evil before me.

1:35 Your houses will I give to a people that shall come; which not havingheard of me yet shall believe me; to whom I have shewed no signs, yet theyshall do that I have commanded them.

1:36 They have seen no prophets, yet they shall call their sins to remembrance,and acknowledge them.

1:37 I take to witness the grace of the people to come, whose little onesrejoice in gladness: and though they have not seen me with bodily eyes, yet inspirit they believe the thing that I say.

1:38 And now, brother, behold what glory; and see the people that come from theeast:

1:39 Unto whom I will give for leaders, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Oseas, Amos,and Micheas, Joel, Abdias, and Jonas,

1:40 Nahum, and Abacuc, Sophonias, Aggeus, Zachary, and Malachy, which iscalled also an angel of the Lord.

2:1 Thus saith the Lord, I brought this people out of bondage, and I gave themmy commandments by menservants the prophets; whom they would not hear, butdespised my counsels.

2:2 The mother that bare them saith unto them, Go your way, ye children; for Iam a widow and forsaken.

2:3 I brought you up with gladness; but with sorrow and heaviness have I lostyou: for ye have sinned before the Lord your God, and done that thing that isevil before him.

2:4 But what shall I now do unto you? I am a widow and forsaken: go your way, Omy children, and ask mercy of the Lord.

2:5 As for me, O father, I call upon thee for a witness over the mother ofthese children, which would not keep my covenant,

2:6 That thou bring them to confusion, and their mother to a spoil, that theremay be no offspring of them.

2:7 Let them be scattered abroad among the heathen, let their names be put outof the earth: for they have despised my covenant.

2:8 Woe be unto thee, Assur, thou that hidest the unrighteous in thee! O thouwicked people, remember what I did unto Sodom and Gomorrha;

2:9 Whose land lieth in clods of pitch and heaps of ashes: even so also will Ido unto them that hear me not, saith the Almighty Lord.

2:10 Thus saith the Lord unto Esdras, Tell my people that I will give them thekingdom of Jerusalem, which I would have given unto Israel.

2:11 Their glory also will I take unto me, and give these the everlastingtabernacles, which I had prepared for them.

2:12 They shall have the tree of life for an ointment of sweet savour; theyshall neither labour, nor be weary.

2:13 Go, and ye shall receive: pray for few days unto you, that they may beshortened: the kingdom is already prepared for you: watch.

2:14 Take heaven and earth to witness; for I have broken the evil in pieces,and created the good: for I live, saith the Lord.

2:15 Mother, embrace thy children, and bring them up with gladness, make theirfeet as fast as a pillar: for I have chosen thee, saith the Lord.

2:16 And those that be dead will I raise up again from their places, and bringthem out of the graves: for I have known my name in Israel.

2:17 Fear not, thou mother of the children: for I have chosen thee, saith theLord.

2:18 For thy help will I send my servants Esau and Jeremy, after whose counselI have sanctified and prepared for thee twelve trees laden with divers fruits,

2:19 And as many fountains flowing with milk and honey, and seven mightymountains, whereupon there grow roses and lilies, whereby I will fill thychildren with joy.

2:20 Do right to the widow, judge for the fatherless, give to the poor, defendthe orphan, clothe the naked,

2:21 Heal the broken and the weak, laugh not a lame man to scorn, defend themaimed, and let the blind man come into the sight of my clearness.

2:22 Keep the old and young within thy walls.

2:23 Wheresoever thou findest the dead, take them and bury them, and I willgive thee the first place in my resurrection.

2:24 Abide still, O my people, and take thy rest, for thy quietness still come.

2:25 Nourish thy children, O thou good nurse; stablish their feet.

2:26 As for the servants whom I have given thee, there shall not one of themperish; for I will require them from among thy number.

2:27 Be not weary: for when the day of trouble and heaviness cometh, othersshall weep and be sorrowful, but thou shalt be merry and have abundance.

2:28 The heathen shall envy thee, but they shall be able to do nothing againstthee, saith the Lord.

2:29 My hands shall cover thee, so that thy children shall not see hell.

2:30 Be joyful, O thou mother, with thy children; for I will deliver thee,saith the Lord.

2:31 Remember thy children that sleep, for I shall bring them out of the sidesof the earth, and shew mercy unto them: for I am merciful, saith the LordAlmighty.

2:32 Embrace thy children until I come and shew mercy unto them: for my wellsrun over, and my grace shall not fail.

2:33 I Esdras received a charge of the Lord upon the mount Oreb, that I shouldgo unto Israel; but when I came unto them, they set me at nought, and despisedthe commandment of the Lord.

2:34 And therefore I say unto you, O ye heathen, that hear and understand, lookfor your Shepherd, he shall give you everlasting rest; for he is nigh at hand,that shall come in the end of the world.

2:35 Be ready to the reward of the kingdom, for the everlasting light shallshine upon you for evermore.

2:36 Flee the shadow of this world, receive the joyfulness of your glory: Itestify my Saviour openly.

2:37 O receive the gift that is given you, and be glad, giving thanks unto himthat hath led you to the heavenly kingdom.

2:38 Arise up and stand, behold the number of those that be sealed in the feastof the Lord;

2:39 Which are departed from the shadow of the world, and have receivedglorious garments of the Lord.

2:40 Take thy number, O Sion, and shut up those of thine that are clothed inwhite, which have fulfilled the law of the Lord.

2:41 The number of thy children, whom thou longedst for, is fulfilled: beseechthe power of the Lord, that thy people, which have been called from thebeginning, may be hallowed.

2:42 I Esdras saw upon the mount Sion a great people, whom I could not number,and they all praised the Lord with songs.

2:43 And in the midst of them there was a young man of a high stature, tallerthan all the rest, and upon every one of their heads he set crowns, and wasmore exalted; which I marvelled at greatly.

2:44 So I asked the angel, and said, Sir, what are these?

2:45 He answered and said unto me, These be they that have put off the mortalclothing, and put on the immortal, and have confessed the name of God: now arethey crowned, and receive palms.

2:46 Then said I unto the angel, What young person is it that crowneth them,and giveth them palms in their hands?

2:47 So he answered and said unto me, It is the Son of God, whom they haveconfessed in the world. Then began I greatly to commend them that stood sostiffly for the name of the Lord.

2:48 Then the angel said unto me, Go thy way, and tell my people what manner ofthings, and how great wonders of the Lord thy God, thou hast seen.

3:1 In the thirtieth year after the ruin of the city I was in Babylon, and laytroubled upon my bed, and my thoughts came up over my heart:

3:2 For I saw the desolation of Sion, and the wealth of them that dwelt atBabylon.

3:3 And my spirit was sore moved, so that I began to speak words full of fearto the most High, and said,

3:4 O Lord, who bearest rule, thou spakest at the beginning, when thou didstplant the earth, and that thyself alone, and commandedst the people,

3:5 And gavest a body unto Adam without soul, which was the workmanship ofthine hands, and didst breathe into him the breath of life, and he was madeliving before thee.

3:6 And thou leadest him into paradise, which thy right hand had planted,before ever the earth came forward.

3:7 And unto him thou gavest commandment to love thy way: which hetransgressed, and immediately thou appointedst death in him and in hisgenerations, of whom came nations, tribes, people, and kindreds, out of number.

3:8 And every people walked after their own will, and did wonderful thingsbefore thee, and despised thy commandments.

3:9 And again in process of time thou broughtest the flood upon those thatdwelt in the world, and destroyedst them.

3:10 And it came to pass in every of them, that as death was to Adam, so wasthe flood to these.

3:11 Nevertheless one of them thou leftest, namely, Noah with his household, ofwhom came all righteous men.

3:12 And it happened, that when they that dwelt upon the earth began tomultiply, and had gotten them many children, and were a great people, theybegan again to be more ungodly than the first.

3:13 Now when they lived so wickedly before thee, thou didst choose thee a manfrom among them, whose name was Abraham.

3:14 Him thou lovedst, and unto him only thou shewedst thy will:

3:15 And madest an everlasting covenant with him, promising him that thouwouldest never forsake his seed.

3:16 And unto him thou gavest Isaac, and unto Isaac also thou gavest Jacob andEsau. As for Jacob, thou didst choose him to thee, and put by Esau: and soJacob became a great multitude.

3:17 And it came to pass, that when thou leadest his seed out of Egypt, thoubroughtest them up to the mount Sinai.

3:18 And bowing the heavens, thou didst set fast the earth, movedst the wholeworld, and madest the depths to tremble, and troubledst the men of that age.

3:19 And thy glory went through four gates, of fire, and of earthquake, and ofwind, and of cold; that thou mightest give the law unto the seed of Jacob, anddiligence unto the generation of Israel.

3:20 And yet tookest thou not away from them a wicked heart, that thy law mightbring forth fruit in them.

3:21 For the first Adam bearing a wicked heart transgressed, and was overcome;and so be all they that are born of him.

3:22 Thus infirmity was made permanent; and the law (also) in the heart of thepeople with the malignity of the root; so that the good departed away, and theevil abode still.

3:23 So the times passed away, and the years were brought to an end: then didstthou raise thee up a servant, called David:

3:24 Whom thou commandedst to build a city unto thy name, and to offer incenseand oblations unto thee therein.

3:25 When this was done many years, then they that inhabited the city forsookthee,

3:26 And in all things did even as Adam and all his generations had done: forthey also had a wicked heart:

3:27 And so thou gavest thy city over into the hands of thine enemies.

3:28 Are their deeds then any better that inhabit Babylon, that they shouldtherefore have the dominion over Sion?

3:29 For when I came thither, and had seen impieties without number, then mysoul saw many evildoers in this thirtieth year, so that my heart failed me.

3:30 For I have seen how thou sufferest them sinning, and hast spared wickeddoers: and hast destroyed thy people, and hast preserved thine enemies, andhast not signified it.

3:31 I do not remember how this way may be left: Are they then of Babylonbetter than they of Sion?

3:32 Or is there any other people that knoweth thee beside Israel? or whatgeneration hath so believed thy covenants as Jacob?

3:33 And yet their reward appeareth not, and their labour hath no fruit: for Ihave gone here and there through the heathen, and I see that they flow inwealth, and think not upon thy commandments.

3:34 Weigh thou therefore our wickedness now in the balance, and theirs alsothat dwell the world; and so shall thy name no where be found but in Israel.

3:35 Or when was it that they which dwell upon the earth have not sinned in thysight? or what people have so kept thy commandments?

3:36 Thou shalt find that Israel by name hath kept thy precepts; but not theheathen.

4:1 And the angel that was sent unto me, whose name was Uriel, gave me ananswer,

4:2 And said, Thy heart hath gone to far in this world, and thinkest thou tocomprehend the way of the most High?

4:3 Then said I, Yea, my lord. And he answered me, and said, I am sent to shewthee three ways, and to set forth three similitudes before thee:

4:4 Whereof if thou canst declare me one, I will shew thee also the way thatthou desirest to see, and I shall shew thee from whence the wicked heartcometh.

4:5 And I said, Tell on, my lord. Then said he unto me, Go thy way, weigh methe weight of the fire, or measure me the blast of the wind, or call me againthe day that is past.

4:6 Then answered I and said, What man is able to do that, that thou shouldestask such things of me?

4:7 And he said unto me, If I should ask thee how great dwellings are in themidst of the sea, or how many springs are in the beginning of the deep, or howmany springs are above the firmament, or which are the outgoings of paradise:

4:8 Peradventure thou wouldest say unto me, I never went down into the deep,nor as yet into hell, neither did I ever climb up into heaven.

4:9 Nevertheless now have I asked thee but only of the fire and wind, and ofthe day wherethrough thou hast passed, and of things from which thou canst notbe separated, and yet canst thou give me no answer of them.

4:10 He said moreover unto me, Thine own things, and such as are grown up withthee, canst thou not know;

4:11 How should thy vessel then be able to comprehend the way of the Highest,and, the world being now outwardly corrupted to understand the corruption thatis evident in my sight?

4:12 Then said I unto him, It were better that we were not at all, than that weshould live still in wickedness, and to suffer, and not to know wherefore.

4:13 He answered me, and said, I went into a forest into a plain, and the treestook counsel,

4:14 And said, Come, let us go and make war against the sea that it may departaway before us, and that we may make us more woods.

4:15 The floods of the sea also in like manner took counsel, and said, Come,let us go up and subdue the woods of the plain, that there also we may make usanother country.

4:16 The thought of the wood was in vain, for the fire came and consumed it.

4:17 The thought of the floods of the sea came likewise to nought, for the sandstood up and stopped them.

4:18 If thou wert judge now betwixt these two, whom wouldest thou begin tojustify? or whom wouldest thou condemn?

4:19 I answered and said, Verily it is a foolish thought that they both havedevised, for the ground is given unto the wood, and the sea also hath his placeto bear his floods.

4:20 Then answered he me, and said, Thou hast given a right judgment, but whyjudgest thou not thyself also?

4:21 For like as the ground is given unto the wood, and the sea to his floods:even so they that dwell upon the earth may understand nothing but that which isupon the earth: and he that dwelleth above the heavens may only understand thethings that are above the height of the heavens.

4:22 Then answered I and said, I beseech thee, O Lord, let me haveunderstanding:

4:23 For it was not my mind to be curious of the high things, but of such aspass by us daily, namely, wherefore Israel is given up as a reproach to theheathen, and for what cause the people whom thou hast loved is given over untoungodly nations, and why the law of our forefathers is brought to nought, andthe written covenants come to none effect,

4:24 And we pass away out of the world as grasshoppers, and our life isastonishment and fear, and we are not worthy to obtain mercy.

4:25 What will he then do unto his name whereby we are called? of these thingshave I asked.

4:26 Then answered he me, and said, The more thou searchest, the more thoushalt marvel; for the world hasteth fast to pass away,

4:27 And cannot comprehend the things that are promised to the righteous intime to come: for this world is full of unrighteousness and infirmities.

4:28 But as concerning the things whereof thou askest me, I will tell thee; forthe evil is sown, but the destruction thereof is not yet come.

4:29 If therefore that which is sown be not turned upside down, and if theplace where the evil is sown pass not away, then cannot it come that is sownwith good.

4:30 For the grain of evil seed hath been sown in the heart of Adam from thebeginning, and how much ungodliness hath it brought up unto this time? and howmuch shall it yet bring forth until the time of threshing come?

4:31 Ponder now by thyself, how great fruit of wickedness the grain of evilseed hath brought forth.

4:32 And when the ears shall be cut down, which are without number, how great afloor shall they fill?

4:33 Then I answered and said, How, and when shall these things come to pass?wherefore are our years few and evil?

4:34 And he answered me, saying, Do not thou hasten above the most Highest: forthy haste is in vain to be above him, for thou hast much exceeded.

4:35 Did not the souls also of the righteous ask question of these things intheir chambers, saying, How long shall I hope on this fashion? when cometh thefruit of the floor of our reward?

4:36 And unto these things Uriel the archangel gave them answer, and said, Evenwhen the number of seeds is filled in you: for he hath weighed the world in thebalance.

4:37 By measure hath he measured the times; and by number hath he numbered thetimes; and he doth not move nor stir them, until the said measure be fulfilled.

4:38 Then answered I and said, O Lord that bearest rule, even we all are fullof impiety.

4:39 And for our sakes peradventure it is that the floors of the righteous arenot filled, because of the sins of them that dwell upon the earth.

4:40 So he answered me, and said, Go thy way to a woman with child, and ask ofher when she hath fulfilled her nine months, if her womb may keep the birth anylonger within her.

4:41 Then said I, No, Lord, that can she not. And he said unto me, In the gravethe chambers of souls are like the womb of a woman:

4:42 For like as a woman that travaileth maketh haste to escape the necessityof the travail: even so do these places haste to deliver those things that arecommitted unto them.

4:43 From the beginning, look, what thou desirest to see, it shall be shewedthee.

4:44 Then answered I and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, and if itbe possible, and if I be meet therefore,

4:45 Shew me then whether there be more to come than is past, or more past thanis to come.

4:46 What is past I know, but what is for to come I know not.

4:47 And he said unto me, Stand up upon the right side, and I shall expound thesimilitude unto thee.

4:48 So I stood, and saw, and, behold, an hot burning oven passed by before me:and it happened that when the flame was gone by I looked, and, behold, thesmoke remained still.

4:49 After this there passed by before me a watery cloud, and sent down muchrain with a storm; and when the stormy rain was past, the drops remained still.

4:50 Then said he unto me, Consider with thyself; as the rain is more than thedrops, and as the fire is greater than the smoke; but the drops and the smokeremain behind: so the quantity which is past did more exceed.

4:51 Then I prayed, and said, May I live, thinkest thou, until that time? orwhat shall happen in those days?

4:52 He answered me, and said, As for the tokens whereof thou askest me, I maytell thee of them in part: but as touching thy life, I am not sent to shewthee; for I do not know it.

5:1 Nevertheless as coming the tokens, behold, the days shall come, that theywhich dwell upon earth shall be taken in a great number, and the way of truthshall be hidden, and the land shall be barren of faith.

5:2 But iniquity shall be increased above that which now thou seest, or thatthou hast heard long ago.

5:3 And the land, that thou seest now to have root, shalt thou see wastedsuddenly.

5:4 But if the most High grant thee to live, thou shalt see after the thirdtrumpet that the sun shall suddenly shine again in the night, and the moonthrice in the day:

5:5 And blood shall drop out of wood, and the stone shall give his voice, andthe people shall be troubled:

5:6 And even he shall rule, whom they look not for that dwell upon the earth,and the fowls shall take their flight away together:

5:7 And the Sodomitish sea shall cast out fish, and make a noise in the night,which many have not known: but they shall all hear the voice thereof.

5:8 There shall be a confusion also in many places, and the fire shall be oftsent out again, and the wild beasts shall change their places, and menstruouswomen shall bring forth monsters:

5:9 And salt waters shall be found in the sweet, and all friends shall destroyone another; then shall wit hide itself, and understanding withdraw itself intohis secret chamber,

5:10 And shall be sought of many, and yet not be found: then shallunrighteousness and incontinency be multiplied upon earth.

5:11 One land also shall ask another, and say, Is righteousness that maketh aman righteous gone through thee? And it shall say, No.

5:12 At the same time shall men hope, but nothing obtain: they shall labour,but their ways shall not prosper.

5:13 To shew thee such tokens I have leave; and if thou wilt pray again, andweep as now, and fast even days, thou shalt hear yet greater things.

5:14 Then I awaked, and an extreme fearfulness went through all my body, and mymind was troubled, so that it fainted.

5:15 So the angel that was come to talk with me held me, comforted me, and setme up upon my feet.

5:16 And in the second night it came to pass, that Salathiel the captain of thepeople came unto me, saying, Where hast thou been? and why is thy countenanceso heavy?

5:17 Knowest thou not that Israel is committed unto thee in the land of theircaptivity?

5:18 Up then, and eat bread, and forsake us not, as the shepherd that leavethhis flock in the hands of cruel wolves.

5:19 Then said I unto him, Go thy ways from me, and come not nigh me. And heheard what I said, and went from me.

5:20 And so I fasted seven days, mourning and weeping, like as Uriel the angelcommanded me.

5:21 And after seven days so it was, that the thoughts of my heart were verygrievous unto me again,

5:22 And my soul recovered the spirit of understanding, and I began to talkwith the most High again,

5:23 And said, O Lord that bearest rule, of every wood of the earth, and of allthe trees thereof, thou hast chosen thee one only vine:

5:24 And of all lands of the whole world thou hast chosen thee one pit: and ofall the flowers thereof one lily:

5:25 And of all the depths of the sea thou hast filled thee one river: and ofall builded cities thou hast hallowed Sion unto thyself:

5:26 And of all the fowls that are created thou hast named thee one dove: andof all the cattle that are made thou hast provided thee one sheep:

5:27 And among all the multitudes of people thou hast gotten thee one people:and unto this people, whom thou lovedst, thou gavest a law that is approved ofall.

5:28 And now, O Lord, why hast thou given this one people over unto many? andupon the one root hast thou prepared others, and why hast thou scattered thyonly one people among many?

5:29 And they which did gainsay thy promises, and believed not thy covenants,have trodden them down.

5:30 If thou didst so much hate thy people, yet shouldest thou punish them withthine own hands.

5:31 Now when I had spoken these words, the angel that came to me the nightafore was sent unto me,

5:32 And said unto me, Hear me, and I will instruct thee; hearken to the thingthat I say, and I shall tell thee more.

5:33 And I said, Speak on, my Lord. Then said he unto me, Thou art soretroubled in mind for Israel’s sake: lovest thou that people better thanhe that made them?

5:34 And I said, No, Lord: but of very grief have I spoken: for my reins painme every hour, while I labour to comprehend the way of the most High, and toseek out part of his judgment.

5:35 And he said unto me, Thou canst not. And I said, Wherefore, Lord?whereunto was I born then? or why was not my mother’s womb then my grave,that I might not have seen the travail of Jacob, and the wearisome toil of thestock of Israel?

5:36 And he said unto me, Number me the things that are not yet come, gather metogether the dross that are scattered abroad, make me the flowers green againthat are withered,

5:37 Open me the places that are closed, and bring me forth the winds that inthem are shut up, shew me the image of a voice: and then I will declare to theethe thing that thou labourest to know.

5:38 And I said, O Lord that bearest rule, who may know these things, but hethat hath not his dwelling with men?

5:39 As for me, I am unwise: how may I then speak of these things whereof thouaskest me?

5:40 Then said he unto me, Like as thou canst do none of these things that Ihave spoken of, even so canst thou not find out my judgment, or in the end thelove that I have promised unto my people.

5:41 And I said, Behold, O Lord, yet art thou nigh unto them that be reservedtill the end: and what shall they do that have been before me, or we that benow, or they that shall come after us?

5:42 And he said unto me, I will liken my judgment unto a ring: like as thereis no slackness of the last, even so there is no swiftness of the first.

5:43 So I answered and said, Couldest thou not make those that have been made,and be now, and that are for to come, at once; that thou mightest shew thyjudgment the sooner?

5:44 Then answered he me, and said, The creature may not haste above the maker;neither may the world hold them at once that shall be created therein.

5:45 And I said, As thou hast said unto thy servant, that thou, which givestlife to all, hast given life at once to the creature that thou hast created,and the creature bare it: even so it might now also bear them that now bepresent at once.

5:46 And he said unto me, Ask the womb of a woman, and say unto her, If thoubringest forth children, why dost thou it not together, but one after another?pray her therefore to bring forth ten children at once.

5:47 And I said, She cannot: but must do it by distance of time.

5:48 Then said he unto me, Even so have I given the womb of the earth to thosethat be sown in it in their times.

5:49 For like as a young child may not bring forth the things that belong tothe aged, even so have I disposed the world which I created.

5:50 And I asked, and said, Seeing thou hast now given me the way, I willproceed to speak before thee: for our mother, of whom thou hast told me thatshe is young, draweth now nigh unto age.

5:51 He answered me, and said, Ask a woman that beareth children, and she shalltell thee.

5:52 Say unto her, Wherefore are unto they whom thou hast now brought forthlike those that were before, but less of stature?

5:53 And she shall answer thee, They that be born in the strength of youth areof one fashion, and they that are born in the time of age, when the wombfaileth, are otherwise.

5:54 Consider thou therefore also, how that ye are less of stature than thosethat were before you.

5:55 And so are they that come after you less than ye, as the creatures whichnow begin to be old, and have passed over the strength of youth.

5:56 Then said I, Lord, I beseech thee, if I have found favour in thy sight,shew thy servant by whom thou visitest thy creature.

6:1 And he said unto me, In the beginning, when the earth was made, before theborders of the world stood, or ever the winds blew,

6:2 Before it thundered and lightened, or ever the foundations of paradise werelaid,

6:3 Before the fair flowers were seen, or ever the moveable powers wereestablished, before the innumerable multitude of angels were gathered together,

6:4 Or ever the heights of the air were lifted up, before the measures of thefirmament were named, or ever the chimneys in Sion were hot,

6:5 And ere the present years were sought out, and or ever the inventions ofthem that now sin were turned, before they were sealed that have gathered faithfor a treasure:

6:6 Then did I consider these things, and they all were made through me alone,and through none other: by me also they shall be ended, and by none other.

6:7 Then answered I and said, What shall be the parting asunder of the times?or when shall be the end of the first, and the beginning of it that followeth?

6:8 And he said unto me, From Abraham unto Isaac, when Jacob and Esau were bornof him, Jacob’s hand held first the heel of Esau.

6:9 For Esau is the end of the world, and Jacob is the beginning of it thatfolloweth.

6:10 The hand of man is betwixt the heel and the hand: other question, Esdras,ask thou not.

6:11 I answered then and said, O Lord that bearest rule, if I have found favourin thy sight,

6:12 I beseech thee, shew thy servant the end of thy tokens, whereof thoushewedst me part the last night.

6:13 So he answered and said unto me, Stand up upon thy feet, and hear a mightysounding voice.

6:14 And it shall be as it were a great motion; but the place where thoustandest shall not be moved.

6:15 And therefore when it speaketh be not afraid: for the word is of the end,and the foundation of the earth is understood.

6:16 And why? because the speech of these things trembleth and is moved: for itknoweth that the end of these things must be changed.

6:17 And it happened, that when I had heard it I stood up upon my feet, andhearkened, and, behold, there was a voice that spake, and the sound of it waslike the sound of many waters.

6:18 And it said, Behold, the days come, that I will begin to draw nigh, and tovisit them that dwell upon the earth,

6:19 And will begin to make inquisition of them, what they be that have hurtunjustly with their unrighteousness, and when the affliction of Sion shall befulfilled;

6:20 And when the world, that shall begin to vanish away, shall be finished,then will I shew these tokens: the books shall be opened before the firmament,and they shall see all together:

6:21 And the children of a year old shall speak with their voices, the womenwith child shall bring forth untimely children of three or four months old, andthey shall live, and be raised up.

6:22 And suddenly shall the sown places appear unsown, the full storehousesshall suddenly be found empty:

6:23 And tha trumpet shall give a sound, which when every man heareth, theyshall be suddenly afraid.

6:24 At that time shall friends fight one against another like enemies, and theearth shall stand in fear with those that dwell therein, the springs of thefountains shall stand still, and in three hours they shall not run.

6:25 Whosoever remaineth from all these that I have told thee shall escape, andsee my salvation, and the end of your world.

6:26 And the men that are received shall see it, who have not tasted death fromtheir birth: and the heart of the inhabitants shall be changed, and turned intoanother meaning.

6:27 For evil shall be put out, and deceit shall be quenched.

6:28 As for faith, it shall flourish, corruption shall be overcome, and thetruth, which hath been so long without fruit, shall be declared.

6:29 And when he talked with me, behold, I looked by little and little upon himbefore whom I stood.

6:30 And these words said he unto me; I am come to shew thee the time of thenight to come.

6:31 If thou wilt pray yet more, and fast seven days again, I shall tell theegreater things by day than I have heard.

6:32 For thy voice is heard before the most High: for the Mighty hath seen thyrighteous dealing, he hath seen also thy chastity, which thou hast had eversince thy youth.

6:33 And therefore hath he sent me to shew thee all these things, and to sayunto thee, Be of good comfort and fear not

6:34 And hasten not with the times that are past, to think vain things, thatthou mayest not hasten from the latter times.

6:35 And it came to pass after this, that I wept again, and fasted seven daysin like manner, that I might fulfil the three weeks which he told me.

6:36 And in the eighth night was my heart vexed within me again, and I began tospeak before the most High.

6:37 For my spirit was greatly set on fire, and my soul was in distress.

6:38 And I said, O Lord, thou spakest from the beginning of the creation, eventhe first day, and saidst thus; Let heaven and earth be made; and thy word wasa perfect work.

6:39 And then was the spirit, and darkness and silence were on every side; thesound of man’s voice was not yet formed.

6:40 Then commandedst thou a fair light to come forth of thy treasures, thatthy work might appear.

6:41 Upon the second day thou madest the spirit of the firmament, andcommandedst it to part asunder, and to make a division betwixt the waters, thatthe one part might go up, and the other remain beneath.

6:42 Upon the third day thou didst command that the waters should be gatheredin the seventh part of the earth: six pats hast thou dried up, and kept them,to the intent that of these some being planted of God and tilled might servethee.

6:43 For as soon as thy word went forth the work was made.

6:44 For immediately there was great and innumerable fruit, and many and diverspleasures for the taste, and flowers of unchangeable colour, and odours ofwonderful smell: and this was done the third day.

6:45 Upon the fourth day thou commandedst that the sun should shine, and themoon give her light, and the stars should be in order:

6:46 And gavest them a charge to do service unto man, that was to be made.

6:47 Upon the fifth day thou saidst unto the seventh part, where the waterswere gathered that it should bring forth living creatures, fowls and fishes:and so it came to pass.

6:48 For the dumb water and without life brought forth living things at thecommandment of God, that all people might praise thy wondrous works.

6:49 Then didst thou ordain two living creatures, the one thou calledst Enoch,and the other Leviathan;

6:50 And didst separate the one from the other: for the seventh part, namely,where the water was gathered together, might not hold them both.

6:51 Unto Enoch thou gavest one part, which was dried up the third day, that heshould dwell in the same part, wherein are a thousand hills:

6:52 But unto Leviathan thou gavest the seventh part, namely, the moist; andhast kept him to be devoured of whom thou wilt, and when.

6:53 Upon the sixth day thou gavest commandment unto the earth, that beforethee it should bring forth beasts, cattle, and creeping things:

6:54 And after these, Adam also, whom thou madest lord of all thy creatures: ofhim come we all, and the people also whom thou hast chosen.

6:55 All this have I spoken before thee, O Lord, because thou madest the worldfor our sakes

6:56 As for the other people, which also come of Adam, thou hast said that theyare nothing, but be like unto spittle: and hast likened the abundance of themunto a drop that falleth from a vessel.

6:57 And now, O Lord, behold, these heathen, which have ever been reputed asnothing, have begun to be lords over us, and to devour us.

6:58 But we thy people, whom thou hast called thy firstborn, thy only begotten,and thy fervent lover, are given into their hands.

6:59 If the world now be made for our sakes, why do we not possess aninheritance with the world? how long shall this endure?

7:1 And when I had made an end of speaking these words, there was sent unto methe angel which had been sent unto me the nights afore:

7:2 And he said unto me, Up, Esdras, and hear the words that I am come to tellthee.

7:3 And I said, Speak on, my God. Then said he unto me, The sea is set in awide place, that it might be deep and great.

7:4 But put the case the entrance were narrow, and like a river;

7:5 Who then could go into the sea to look upon it, and to rule it? if he wentnot through the narrow, how could he come into the broad?

7:6 There is also another thing; A city is builded, and set upon a broad field,and is full of all good things:

7:7 The entrance thereof is narrow, and is set in a dangerous place to fall,like as if there were a fire on the right hand, and on the left a deep water:

7:8 And one only path between them both, even between the fire and the water,so small that there could but one man go there at once.

7:9 If this city now were given unto a man for an inheritance, if he nevershall pass the danger set before it, how shall he receive this inheritance?

7:10 And I said, It is so, Lord. Then said he unto me, Even so also isIsrael’s portion.

7:11 Because for their sakes I made the world: and when Adam transgressed mystatutes, then was decreed that now is done.

7:12 Then were the entrances of this world made narrow, full of sorrow andtravail: they are but few and evil, full of perils,: and very painful.

7:13 For the entrances of the elder world were wide and sure, and broughtimmortal fruit.

7:14 If then they that live labour not to enter these strait and vain things,they can never receive those that are laid up for them.

7:15 Now therefore why disquietest thou thyself, seeing thou art but acorruptible man? and why art thou moved, whereas thou art but mortal?

7:16 Why hast thou not considered in thy mind this thing that is to come,rather than that which is present?

7:17 Then answered I and said, O Lord that bearest rule, thou hast ordained inthy law, that the righteous should inherit these things, but that the ungodlyshould perish.

7:18 Nevertheless the righteous shall suffer strait things, and hope for wide:for they that have done wickedly have suffered the strait things, and yet shallnot see the wide.

7:19 And he said unto me. There is no judge above God, and none that hathunderstanding above the Highest.

7:20 For there be many that perish in this life, because they despise the lawof God that is set before them.

7:21 For God hath given strait commandment to such as came, what they should doto live, even as they came, and what they should observe to avoid punishment.

7:22 Nevertheless they were not obedient unto him; but spake against him, andimagined vain things;

7:23 And deceived themselves by their wicked deeds; and said of the most High,that he is not; and knew not his ways:

7:24 But his law have they despised, and denied his covenants; in his statuteshave they not been faithful, and have not performed his works.

7:25 And therefore, Esdras, for the empty are empty things, and for the fullare the full things.

7:26 Behold, the time shall come, that these tokens which I have told theeshall come to pass, and the bride shall appear, and she coming forth shall beseen, that now is withdrawn from the earth.

7:27 And whosoever is delivered from the foresaid evils shall see my wonders.

7:28 For my son Jesus shall be revealed with those that be with him, and theythat remain shall rejoice within four hundred years.

7:29 After these years shall my son Christ die, and all men that have life.

7:30 And the world shall be turned into the old silence seven days, like as inthe former judgments: so that no man shall remain.

7:31 And after seven days the world, that yet awaketh not, shall be raised up,and that shall die that is corrupt

7:32 And the earth shall restore those that are asleep in her, and so shall thedust those that dwell in silence, and the secret places shall deliver thosesouls that were committed unto them.

7:33 And the most High shall appear upon the seat of judgment, and misery shallpass away, and the long suffering shall have an end:

7:34 But judgment only shall remain, truth shall stand, and faith shall waxstrong:

7:35 And the work shall follow, and the reward shall be shewed, and the gooddeeds shall be of force, and wicked deeds shall bear no rule.

7:36 Then said I, Abraham prayed first for the Sodomites, and Moses for thefathers that sinned in the wilderness:

7:37 And Jesus after him for Israel in the time of Achan:

7:38 And Samuel and David for the destruction: and Solomon for them that shouldcome to the sanctuary:

7:39 And Helias for those that received rain; and for the dead, that he mightlive:

7:40 And Ezechias for the people in the time of Sennacherib: and many for many.

7:41 Even so now, seeing corruption is grown up, and wickedness increased, andthe righteous have prayed for the ungodly: wherefore shall it not be so nowalso?

7:42 He answered me, and said, This present life is not the end where muchglory doth abide; therefore have they prayed for the weak.

7:43 But the day of doom shall be the end of this time, and the beginning ofthe immortality for to come, wherein corruption is past,

7:44 Intemperance is at an end, infidelity is cut off, righteousness is grown,and truth is sprung up.

7:45 Then shall no man be able to save him that is destroyed, nor to oppresshim that hath gotten the victory.

7:46 I answered then and said, This is my first and last saying, that it hadbeen better not to have given the earth unto Adam: or else, when it was givenhim, to have restrained him from sinning.

7:47 For what profit is it for men now in this present time to live inheaviness, and after death to look for punishment?

7:48 O thou Adam, what hast thou done? for though it was thou that sinned, thouart not fallen alone, but we all that come of thee.

7:49 For what profit is it unto us, if there be promised us an immortal time,whereas we have done the works that bring death?

7:50 And that there is promised us an everlasting hope, whereas ourselves beingmost wicked are made vain?

7:51 And that there are laid up for us dwellings of health and safety, whereaswe have lived wickedly?

7:52 And that the glory of the most High is kept to defend them which have leda wary life, whereas we have walked in the most wicked ways of all?

7:53 And that there should be shewed a paradise, whose fruit endureth for ever,wherein is security and medicine, since we shall not enter into it?

7:54 (For we have walked in unpleasant places.)

7:55 And that the faces of them which have used abstinence shall shine abovethe stars, whereas our faces shall be blacker than darkness?

7:56 For while we lived and committed iniquity, we considered not that weshould begin to suffer for it after death.

7:57 Then answered he me, and said, This is the condition of the battle, whichman that is born upon the earth shall fight;

7:58 That, if he be overcome, he shall suffer as thou hast said: but if he getthe victory, he shall receive the thing that I say.

7:59 For this is the life whereof Moses spake unto the people while he lived,saying, Choose thee life, that thou mayest live.

7:60 Nevertheless they believed not him, nor yet the prophets after him, no norme which have spoken unto them,

7:61 That there should not be such heaviness in their destruction, as shall bejoy over them that are persuaded to salvation.

7:62 I answered then, and said, I know, Lord, that the most High is calledmerciful, in that he hath mercy upon them which are not yet come into theworld,

7:63 And upon those also that turn to his law;

7:64 And that he is patient, and long suffereth those that have sinned, as hiscreatures;

7:65 And that he is bountiful, for he is ready to give where it needeth;

7:66 And that he is of great mercy, for he multiplieth more and more mercies tothem that are present, and that are past, and also to them which are to come.

7:67 For if he shall not multiply his mercies, the world would not continuewith them that inherit therein.

7:68 And he pardoneth; for if he did not so of his goodness, that they whichhave committed iniquities might be eased of them, the ten thousandth part ofmen should not remain living.

7:69 And being judge, if he should not forgive them that are cured with hisword, and put out the multitude of contentions,

7:70 There should be very few left peradventure in an innumerable multitude.

8:1 And he answered me, saying, The most High hath made this world for many,but the world to come for few.

8:2 I will tell thee a similitude, Esdras; As when thou askest the earth, itshall say unto thee, that it giveth much mould whereof earthen vessels aremade, but little dust that gold cometh of: even so is the course of thispresent world.

8:3 There be many created, but few shall be saved.

8:4 So answered I and said, Swallow then down, O my soul, understanding, anddevour wisdom.

8:5 For thou hast agreed to give ear, and art willing to prophesy: for thouhast no longer space than only to live.

8:6 O Lord, if thou suffer not thy servant, that we may pray before thee, andthou give us seed unto our heart, and culture to our understanding, that theremay come fruit of it; how shall each man live that is corrupt, who beareth theplace of a man?

8:7 For thou art alone, and we all one workmanship of thine hands, like as thouhast said.

8:8 For when the body is fashioned now in the mother’s womb, and thougivest it members, thy creature is preserved in fire and water, and nine monthsdoth thy workmanship endure thy creature which is created in her.

8:9 But that which keepeth and is kept shall both be preserved: and when thetime cometh, the womb preserved delivereth up the things that grew in it.

8:10 For thou hast commanded out of the parts of the body, that is to say, outof the breasts, milk to be given, which is the fruit of the breasts,

8:11 That the thing which is fashioned may be nourished for a time, till thoudisposest it to thy mercy.

8:12 Thou broughtest it up with thy righteousness, and nurturedst it in thylaw, and reformedst it with thy judgment.

8:13 And thou shalt mortify it as thy creature, and quicken it as thy work.

8:14 If therefore thou shalt destroy him which with so great labour wasfashioned, it is an easy thing to be ordained by thy commandment, that thething which was made might be preserved.

8:15 Now therefore, Lord, I will speak; touching man in general, thou knowestbest; but touching thy people, for whose sake I am sorry;

8:16 And for thine inheritance, for whose cause I mourn; and for Israel, forwhom I am heavy; and for Jacob, for whose sake I am troubled;

8:17 Therefore will I begin to pray before thee for myself and for them: for Isee the falls of us that dwell in the land.

8:18 But I have heard the swiftness of the judge which is to come.

8:19 Therefore hear my voice, and understand my words, and I shall speak beforethee. This is the beginning of the words of Esdras, before he was taken up: andI said,

8:20 O Lord, thou that dwellest in everlastingness which beholdest from abovethings in the heaven and in the air;

8:21 Whose throne is inestimable; whose glory may not be comprehended; beforewhom the hosts of angels stand with trembling,

8:22 Whose service is conversant in wind and fire; whose word is true, andsayings constant; whose commandment is strong, and ordinance fearful;

8:23 Whose look drieth up the depths, and indignation maketh the mountains tomelt away; which the truth witnesseth:

8:24 O hear the prayer of thy servant, and give ear to the petition of thycreature.

8:25 For while I live I will speak, and so long as I have understanding I willanswer.

8:26 O look not upon the sins of thy people; but on them which serve thee intruth.

8:27 Regard not the wicked inventions of the heathen, but the desire of thosethat keep thy testimonies in afflictions.

8:28 Think not upon those that have walked feignedly before thee: but rememberthem, which according to thy will have known thy fear.

8:29 Let it not be thy will to destroy them which have lived like beasts; butto look upon them that have clearly taught thy law.

8:30 Take thou no indignation at them which are deemed worse than beasts; butlove them that always put their trust in thy righteousness and glory.

8:31 For we and our fathers do languish of such diseases: but because of ussinners thou shalt be called merciful.

8:32 For if thou hast a desire to have mercy upon us, thou shalt be calledmerciful, to us namely, that have no works of righteousness.

8:33 For the just, which have many good works laid up with thee, shall out oftheir own deeds receive reward.

8:34 For what is man, that thou shouldest take displeasure at him? or what is acorruptible generation, that thou shouldest be so bitter toward it?

8:35 For in truth them is no man among them that be born, but he hath dealtwickedly; and among the faithful there is none which hath not done amiss.

8:36 For in this, O Lord, thy righteousness and thy goodness shall be declared,if thou be merciful unto them which have not the confidence of good works.

8:37 Then answered he me, and said, Some things hast thou spoken aright, andaccording unto thy words it shall be.

8:38 For indeed I will not think on the disposition of them which have sinnedbefore death, before judgment, before destruction:

8:39 But I will rejoice over the disposition of the righteous, and I willremember also their pilgrimage, and the salvation, and the reward, that theyshall have.

8:40 Like as I have spoken now, so shall it come to pass.

8:41 For as the husbandman soweth much seed upon the ground, and planteth manytrees, and yet the thing that is sown good in his season cometh not up, neitherdoth all that is planted take root: even so is it of them that are sown in theworld; they shall not all be saved.

8:42 I answered then and said, If I have found grace, let me speak.

8:43 Like as the husbandman’s seed perisheth, if it come not up, andreceive not thy rain in due season; or if there come too much rain, and corruptit:

8:44 Even so perisheth man also, which is formed with thy hands, and is calledthine own image, because thou art like unto him, for whose sake thou hast madeall things, and likened him unto the husbandman’s seed.

8:45 Be not wroth with us but spare thy people, and have mercy upon thine owninheritance: for thou art merciful unto thy creature.

8:46 Then answered he me, and said, Things present are for the present, andthings to cometh for such as be to come.

8:47 For thou comest far short that thou shouldest be able to love my creaturemore than I: but I have ofttimes drawn nigh unto thee, and unto it, but neverto the unrighteous.

8:48 In this also thou art marvellous before the most High:

8:49 In that thou hast humbled thyself, as it becometh thee, and hast notjudged thyself worthy to be much glorified among the righteous.

8:50 For many great miseries shall be done to them that in the latter timeshall dwell in the world, because they have walked in great pride.

8:51 But understand thou for thyself, and seek out the glory for such as belike thee.

8:52 For unto you is paradise opened, the tree of life is planted, the time tocome is prepared, plenteousness is made ready, a city is builded, and rest isallowed, yea, perfect goodness and wisdom.

8:53 The root of evil is sealed up from you, weakness and the moth is hid fromyou, and corruption is fled into hell to be forgotten:

8:54 Sorrows are passed, and in the end is shewed the treasure of immortality.

8:55 And therefore ask thou no more questions concerning the multitude of themthat perish.

8:56 For when they had taken liberty, they despised the most High, thoughtscorn of his law, and forsook his ways.

8:57 Moreover they have trodden down his righteous,

8:58 And said in their heart, that there is no God; yea, and that knowing theymust die.

8:59 For as the things aforesaid shalt receive you, so thirst and pain areprepared for them: for it was not his will that men should come to nought:

8:60 But they which be created have defiled the name of him that made them, andwere unthankful unto him which prepared life for them.

8:61 And therefore is my judgment now at hand.

8:62 These things have I not shewed unto all men, but unto thee, and a few likethee. Then answered I and said,

8:63 Behold, O Lord, now hast thou shewed me the multitude of the wonders,which thou wilt begin to do in the last times: but at what time, thou hast notshewed me.

9:1 He answered me then, and said, Measure thou the time diligently in itself:and when thou seest part of the signs past, which I have told thee before,

9:2 Then shalt thou understand, that it is the very same time, wherein theHighest will begin to visit the world which he made.

9:3 Therefore when there shall be seen earthquakes and uproars of the people inthe world:

9:4 Then shalt thou well understand, that the most High spake of those thingsfrom the days that were before thee, even from the beginning.

9:5 For like as all that is made in the world hath a beginning and an end, andthe end is manifest:

9:6 Even so the times also of the Highest have plain beginnings in wonder andpowerful works, and endings in effects and signs.

9:7 And every one that shall be saved, and shall be able to escape by hisworks, and by faith, whereby ye have believed,

9:8 Shall be preserved from the said perils, and shall see my salvation in myland, and within my borders: for I have sanctified them for me from thebeginning.

9:9 Then shall they be in pitiful case, which now have abused my ways: and theythat have cast them away despitefully shall dwell in torments.

9:10 For such as in their life have received benefits, and have not known me;

9:11 And they that have loathed my law, while they had yet liberty, and, whenas yet place of repentance was open unto them, understood not, but despised it;

9:12 The same must know it after death by pain.

9:13 And therefore be thou not curious how the ungodly shall be punished, andwhen: but enquire how the righteous shall be saved, whose the world is, and forwhom the world is created.

9:14 Then answered I and said,

9:15 I have said before, and now do speak, and will speak it also hereafter,that there be many more of them which perish, than of them which shall besaved:

9:16 Like as a wave is greater than a drop.

9:17 And he answered me, saying, Like as the field is, so is also the seed; asthe flowers be, such are the colours also; such as the workman is, such also isthe work; and as the husbandman is himself, so is his husbandry also: for itwas the time of the world.

9:18 And now when I prepared the world, which was not yet made, even for themto dwell in that now live, no man spake against me.

9:19 For then every one obeyed: but now the manners of them which are createdin this world that is made are corrupted by a perpetual seed, and by a lawwhich is unsearchable rid themselves.

9:20 So I considered the world, and, behold, there was peril because of thedevices that were come into it.

9:21 And I saw, and spared it greatly, and have kept me a grape of the cluster,and a plant of a great people.

9:22 Let the multitude perish then, which was born in vain; and let my grape bekept, and my plant; for with great labour have I made it perfect.

9:23 Nevertheless, if thou wilt cease yet seven days more, (but thou shalt notfast in them,

9:24 But go into a field of flowers, where no house is builded, and eat onlythe flowers of the field; taste no flesh, drink no wine, but eat flowers only;)

9:25 And pray unto the Highest continually, then will I come and talk withthee.

9:26 So I went my way into the field which is called Ardath, like as hecommanded me; and there I sat among the flowers, and did eat of the herbs ofthe field, and the meat of the same satisfied me.

9:27 After seven days I sat upon the grass, and my heart was vexed within me,like as before:

9:28 And I opened my mouth, and began to talk before the most High, and said,

9:29 O Lord, thou that shewest thyself unto us, thou wast shewed unto ourfathers in the wilderness, in a place where no man treadeth, in a barren place,when they came out of Egypt.

9:30 And thou spakest saying, Hear me, O Israel; and mark my words, thou seedof Jacob.

9:31 For, behold, I sow my law in you, and it shall bring fruit in you, and yeshall be honoured in it for ever.

9:32 But our fathers, which received the law, kept it not, and observed not thyordinances: and though the fruit of thy law did not perish, neither could it,for it was thine;

9:33 Yet they that received it perished, because they kept not the thing thatwas sown in them.

9:34 And, lo, it is a custom, when the ground hath received seed, or the sea aship, or any vessel meat or drink, that, that being perished wherein it wassown or cast into,

9:35 That thing also which was sown, or cast therein, or received, doth perish,and remaineth not with us: but with us it hath not happened so.

9:36 For we that have received the law perish by sin, and our heart also whichreceived it

9:37 Notwithstanding the law perisheth not, but remaineth in his force.

9:38 And when I spake these things in my heart, I looked back with mine eyes,and upon the right side I saw a woman, and, behold, she mourned and wept with aloud voice, and was much grieved in heart, and her clothes were rent, and shehad ashes upon her head.

9:39 Then let I my thoughts go that I was in, and turned me unto her,

9:40 And said unto her, Wherefore weepest thou? why art thou so grieved in thymind?

9:41 And she said unto me, Sir, let me alone, that I may bewail myself, and addunto my sorrow, for I am sore vexed in my mind, and brought very low.

9:42 And I said unto her, What aileth thee? tell me.

9:43 She said unto me, I thy servant have been barren, and had no child, thoughI had an husband thirty years,

9:44 And those thirty years I did nothing else day and night, and every hour,but make my, prayer to the Highest.

9:45 After thirty years God heard me thine handmaid, looked upon my misery,considered my trouble, and gave me a son: and I was very glad of him, so was myhusband also, and all my neighbours: and we gave great honour unto theAlmighty.

9:46 And I nourished him with great travail.

9:47 So when he grew up, and came to the time that he should have a wife, Imade a feast.

10:1 And it so came to pass, that when my son was entered into his weddingchamber, he fell down, and died.

10:2 Then we all overthrew the lights, and all my neighbours rose up to comfortme: so I took my rest unto the second day at night.

10:3 And it came to pass, when they had all left off to comfort me, to the endI might be quiet; then rose I up by night and fled, and came hither into thisfield, as thou seest.

10:4 And I do now purpose not to return into the city, but here to stay, andneither to eat nor drink, but continually to mourn and to fast until I die.

10:5 Then left I the meditations wherein I was, and spake to her in anger,saying,

10:6 Thou foolish woman above all other, seest thou not our mourning, and whathappeneth unto us?

10:7 How that Sion our mother is full of all heaviness, and much humbled,mourning very sore?

10:8 And now, seeing we all mourn and are sad, for we are all in heaviness, artthou grieved for one son?

10:9 For ask the earth, and she shall tell thee, that it is she which ought tomourn for the fall of so many that grow upon her.

10:10 For out of her came all at the first, and out of her shall all otherscome, and, behold, they walk almost all into destruction, and a multitude ofthem is utterly rooted out.

10:11 Who then should make more mourning than she, that hath lost so great amultitude; and not thou, which art sorry but for one?

10:12 But if thou sayest unto me, My lamentation is not like the earth’s,because I have lost the fruit of my womb, which I brought forth with pains, andbare with sorrows;

10:13 But the earth not so: for the multitude present in it according to thecourse of the earth is gone, as it came:

10:14 Then say I unto thee, Like as thou hast brought forth with labour; evenso the earth also hath given her fruit, namely, man, ever since the beginningunto him that made her.

10:15 Now therefore keep thy sorrow to thyself, and bear with a good couragethat which hath befallen thee.

10:16 For if thou shalt acknowledge the determination of God to be just, thoushalt both receive thy son in time, and shalt be commended among women.

10:17 Go thy way then into the city to thine husband.

10:18 And she said unto me, That will I not do: I will not go into the city,but here will I die.

10:19 So I proceeded to speak further unto her, and said,

10:20 Do not so, but be counselled by me: for how many are the adversities ofSion? be comforted in regard of the sorrow of Jerusalem.

10:21 For thou seest that our sanctuary is laid waste, our altar broken down,our temple destroyed;

10:22 Our psaltery is laid on the ground, our song is put to silence, ourrejoicing is at an end, the light of our candlestick is put out, the ark of ourcovenant is spoiled, our holy things are defiled, and the name that is calledupon us is almost profaned: our children are put to shame, our priests areburnt, our Levites are gone into captivity, our virgins are defiled, and ourwives ravished; our righteous men carried away, our little ones destroyed, ouryoung men are brought in bondage, and our strong men are become weak;

10:23 And, which is the greatest of all, the seal of Sion hath now lost herhonour; for she is delivered into the hands of them that hate us.

10:24 And therefore shake off thy great heaviness, and put away the multitudeof sorrows, that the Mighty may be merciful unto thee again, and the Highestshall give thee rest and ease from thy labour.

10:25 And it came to pass while I was talking with her, behold, her face upon asudden shined exceedingly, and her countenance glistered, so that I was afraidof her, and mused what it might be.

10:26 And, behold, suddenly she made a great cry very fearful: so that theearth shook at the noise of the woman.

10:27 And I looked, and, behold, the woman appeared unto me no more, but therewas a city builded, and a large place shewed itself from the foundations: thenwas I afraid, and cried with a loud voice, and said,

10:28 Where is Uriel the angel, who came unto me at the first? for he hathcaused me to fall into many trances, and mine end is turned into corruption,and my prayer to rebuke.

10:29 And as I was speaking these words behold, he came unto me, and lookedupon me.

10:30 And, lo, I lay as one that had been dead, and mine understanding wastaken from me: and he took me by the right hand, and comforted me, and set meupon my feet, and said unto me,

10:31 What aileth thee? and why art thou so disquieted? and why is thineunderstanding troubled, and the thoughts of thine heart?

10:32 And I said, Because thou hast forsaken me, and yet I did according to thywords, and I went into the field, and, lo, I have seen, and yet see, that I amnot able to express.

10:33 And he said unto me, Stand up manfully, and I will advise thee.

10:34 Then said I, Speak on, my lord, in me; only forsake me not, lest I diefrustrate of my hope.

10:35 For I have seen that I knew not, and hear that I do not know.

10:36 Or is my sense deceived, or my soul in a dream?

10:37 Now therefore I beseech thee that thou wilt shew thy servant of thisvision.

10:38 He answered me then, and said, Hear me, and I shall inform thee, and tellthee wherefore thou art afraid: for the Highest will reveal many secret thingsunto thee.

10:39 He hath seen that thy way is right: for that thou sorrowest continuallyfor thy people, and makest great lamentation for Sion.

10:40 This therefore is the meaning of the vision which thou lately sawest:

10:41 Thou sawest a woman mourning, and thou begannest to comfort her:

10:42 But now seest thou the likeness of the woman no more, but there appearedunto thee a city builded.

10:43 And whereas she told thee of the death of her son, this is the solution:

10:44 This woman, whom thou sawest is Sion: and whereas she said unto thee,even she whom thou seest as a city builded,

10:45 Whereas, I say, she said unto thee, that she hath been thirty yearsbarren: those are the thirty years wherein there was no offering made in her.

10:46 But after thirty years Solomon builded the city and offered offerings:and then bare the barren a son.

10:47 And whereas she told thee that she nourished him with labour: that wasthe dwelling in Jerusalem.

10:48 But whereas she said unto thee, That my son coming into his marriagechamber happened to have a fail, and died: this was the destruction that cameto Jerusalem.

10:49 And, behold, thou sawest her likeness, and because she mourned for herson, thou begannest to comfort her: and of these things which have chanced,these are to be opened unto thee.

10:50 For now the most High seeth that thou art grieved unfeignedly, andsufferest from thy whole heart for her, so hath he shewed thee the brightnessof her glory, and the comeliness of her beauty:

10:51 And therefore I bade thee remain in the field where no house was builded:

10:52 For I knew that the Highest would shew this unto thee.

10:53 Therefore I commanded thee to go into the field, where no foundation ofany building was.

10:54 For in the place wherein the Highest beginneth to shew his city, therecan no man’s building be able to stand.

10:55 And therefore fear not, let not thine heart be affrighted, but go thy wayin, and see the beauty and greatness of the building, as much as thine eyes beable to see:

10:56 And then shalt thou hear as much as thine ears may comprehend.

10:57 For thou art blessed above many other, and art called with the Highest;and so are but few.

10:58 But to morrow at night thou shalt remain here;

10:59 And so shall the Highest shew thee visions of the high things, which themost High will do unto them that dwell upon the earth in the last days. So Islept that night and another, like as he commanded me.

11:1 Then saw I a dream, and, behold, there came up from the sea an eagle,which had twelve feathered wings, and three heads.

11:2 And I saw, and, behold, she spread her wings over all the earth, and allthe winds of the air blew on her, and were gathered together.

11:3 And I beheld, and out of her feathers there grew other contrary feathers;and they became little feathers and small.

11:4 But her heads were at rest: the head in the midst was greater than theother, yet rested it with the residue.

11:5 Moreover I beheld, and, lo, the eagle flew with her feathers, and reignedupon earth, and over them that dwelt therein.

11:6 And I saw that all things under heaven were subject unto her, and no manspake against her, no, not one creature upon earth.

11:7 And I beheld, and, lo, the eagle rose upon her talons, and spake to herfeathers, saying,

11:8 Watch not all at once: sleep every one in his own place, and watch bycourse:

11:9 But let the heads be preserved for the last.

11:10 And I beheld, and, lo, the voice went not out of her heads, but from themidst of her body.

11:11 And I numbered her contrary feathers, and, behold, there were eight ofthem.

11:12 And I looked, and, behold, on the right side there arose one feather, andreigned over all the earth;

11:13 And so it was, that when it reigned, the end of it came, and the placethereof appeared no more: so the next following stood up, and reigned, and hada great time;

11:14 And it happened, that when it reigned, the end of it came also, like asthe first, so that it appeared no more.

11:15 Then came there a voice unto it, and said,

11:16 Hear thou that hast borne rule over the earth so long: this I say untothee, before thou beginnest to appear no more,

11:17 There shall none after thee attain unto thy time, neither unto the halfthereof.

11:18 Then arose the third, and reigned as the other before, and appeared nomore also.

11:19 So went it with all the residue one after another, as that every onereigned, and then appeared no more.

11:20 Then I beheld, and, lo, in process of time the feathers that followedstood up upon the right side, that they might rule also; and some of themruled, but within a while they appeared no more:

11:21 For some of them were set up, but ruled not.

11:22 After this I looked, and, behold, the twelve feathers appeared no more,nor the two little feathers:

11:23 And there was no more upon the eagle’s body, but three heads thatrested, and six little wings.

11:24 Then saw I also that two little feathers divided themselves from the six,and remained under the head that was upon the right side: for the fourcontinued in their place.

11:25 And I beheld, and, lo, the feathers that were under the wing thought toset up themselves and to have the rule.

11:26 And I beheld, and, lo, there was one set up, but shortly it appeared nomore.

11:27 And the second was sooner away than the first.

11:28 And I beheld, and, lo, the two that remained thought also in themselvesto reign:

11:29 And when they so thought, behold, there awaked one of the heads that wereat rest, namely, it that was in the midst; for that was greater than the twoother heads.

11:30 And then I saw that the two other heads were joined with it.

11:31 And, behold, the head was turned with them that were with it, and did eatup the two feathers under the wing that would have reigned.

11:32 But this head put the whole earth in fear, and bare rule in it over allthose that dwelt upon the earth with much oppression; and it had the governanceof the world more than all the wings that had been.

11:33 And after this I beheld, and, lo, the head that was in the midst suddenlyappeared no more, like as the wings.

11:34 But there remained the two heads, which also in like sort ruled upon theearth, and over those that dwelt therein.

11:35 And I beheld, and, lo, the head upon the right side devoured it that wasupon the left side.

11:36 Then I head a voice, which said unto me, Look before thee, and considerthe thing that thou seest.

11:37 And I beheld, and lo, as it were a roaring lion chased out of the wood:and I saw that he sent out a man’s voice unto the eagle, and said,

11:38 Hear thou, I will talk with thee, and the Highest shall say unto thee,

11:39 Art not thou it that remainest of the four beasts, whom I made to reignin my world, that the end of their times might come through them?

11:40 And the fourth came, and overcame all the beasts that were past, and hadpower over the world with great fearfulness, and over the whole compass of theearth with much wicked oppression; and so long time dwelt he upon the earthwith deceit.

11:41 For the earth hast thou not judged with truth.

11:42 For thou hast afflicted the meek, thou hast hurt the peaceable, thou hastloved liars, and destroyed the dwellings of them that brought forth fruit, andhast cast down the walls of such as did thee no harm.

11:43 Therefore is thy wrongful dealing come up unto the Highest, and thy prideunto the Mighty.

11:44 The Highest also hath looked upon the proud times, and, behold, they areended, and his abominations are fulfilled.

11:45 And therefore appear no more, thou eagle, nor thy horrible wings, nor thywicked feathers nor thy malicious heads, nor thy hurtful claws, nor all thyvain body:

11:46 That all the earth may be refreshed, and may return, being delivered fromthy violence, and that she may hope for the judgment and mercy of him that madeher.

12:1 And it came to pass, whiles the lion spake these words unto the eagle, Isaw,

12:2 And, behold, the head that remained and the four wings appeared no more,and the two went unto it and set themselves up to reign, and their kingdom wassmall, and fill of uproar.

12:3 And I saw, and, behold, they appeared no more, and the whole body of theeagle was burnt so that the earth was in great fear: then awaked I out of thetrouble and trance of my mind, and from great fear, and said unto my spirit,

12:4 Lo, this hast thou done unto me, in that thou searchest out the ways ofthe Highest.

12:5 Lo, yet am I weary in my mind, and very weak in my spirit; and littlestrength is there in me, for the great fear wherewith I was afflicted thisnight.

12:6 Therefore will I now beseech the Highest, that he will comfort me unto theend.

12:7 And I said, Lord that bearest rule, if I have found grace before thysight, and if I am justified with thee before many others, and if my prayerindeed be come up before thy face;

12:8 Comfort me then, and shew me thy servant the interpretation and plaindifference of this fearful vision, that thou mayest perfectly comfort my soul.

12:9 For thou hast judged me worthy to shew me the last times.

12:10 And he said unto me, This is the interpretation of the vision:

12:11 The eagle, whom thou sawest come up from the sea, is the kingdom whichwas seen in the vision of thy brother Daniel.

12:12 But it was not expounded unto him, therefore now I declare it unto thee.

12:13 Behold, the days will come, that there shall rise up a kingdom uponearth, and it shall be feared above all the kingdoms that were before it.

12:14 In the same shall twelve kings reign, one after another:

12:15 Whereof the second shall begin to reign, and shall have more time thanany of the twelve.

12:16 And this do the twelve wings signify, which thou sawest.

12:17 As for the voice which thou heardest speak, and that thou sawest not togo out from the heads but from the midst of the body thereof, this is theinterpretation:

12:18 That after the time of that kingdom there shall arise great strivings,and it shall stand in peril of failing: nevertheless it shall not then fall,but shall be restored again to his beginning.

12:19 And whereas thou sawest the eight small under feathers sticking to herwings, this is the interpretation:

12:20 That in him there shall arise eight kings, whose times shall be butsmall, and their years swift.

12:21 And two of them shall perish, the middle time approaching: four shall bekept until their end begin to approach: but two shall be kept unto the end.

12:22 And whereas thou sawest three heads resting, this is the interpretation:

12:23 In his last days shall the most High raise up three kingdoms, and renewmany things therein, and they shall have the dominion of the earth,

12:24 And of those that dwell therein, with much oppression, above all thosethat were before them: therefore are they called the heads of the eagle.

12:25 For these are they that shall accomplish his wickedness, and that shallfinish his last end.

12:26 And whereas thou sawest that the great head appeared no more, itsignifieth that one of them shall die upon his bed, and yet with pain.

12:27 For the two that remain shall be slain with the sword.

12:28 For the sword of the one shall devour the other: but at the last shall hefall through the sword himself.

12:29 And whereas thou sawest two feathers under the wings passing over thehead that is on the right side;

12:30 It signifieth that these are they, whom the Highest hath kept unto theirend: this is the small kingdom and full of trouble, as thou sawest.

12:31 And the lion, whom thou sawest rising up out of the wood, and roaring,and speaking to the eagle, and rebuking her for her unrighteousness with allthe words which thou hast heard;

12:32 This is the anointed, which the Highest hath kept for them and for theirwickedness unto the end: he shall reprove them, and shall upbraid them withtheir cruelty.

12:33 For he shall set them before him alive in judgment, and shall rebukethem, and correct them.

12:34 For the rest of my people shall he deliver with mercy, those that havebeen pressed upon my borders, and he shall make them joyful until the coming ofthe day of judgment, whereof I have spoken unto thee from the beginning.

12:35 This is the dream that thou sawest, and these are the interpretations.

12:36 Thou only hast been meet to know this secret of the Highest.

12:37 Therefore write all these things that thou hast seen in a book, and hidethem:

12:38 And teach them to the wise of the people, whose hearts thou knowest maycomprehend and keep these secrets.

12:39 But wait thou here thyself yet seven days more, that it may be shewedthee, whatsoever it pleaseth the Highest to declare unto thee. And with that hewent his way.

12:40 And it came to pass, when all the people saw that the seven days werepast, and I not come again into the city, they gathered them all together, fromthe least unto the greatest, and came unto me, and said,

12:41 What have we offended thee? and what evil have we done against thee, thatthou forsakest us, and sittest here in this place?

12:42 For of all the prophets thou only art left us, as a cluster of thevintage, and as a candle in a dark place, and as a haven or ship preserved fromthe tempest.

12:43 Are not the evils which are come to us sufficient?

12:44 If thou shalt forsake us, how much better had it been for us, if we alsohad been burned in the midst of Sion?

12:45 For we are not better than they that died there. And they wept with aloud voice. Then answered I them, and said,

12:46 Be of good comfort, O Israel; and be not heavy, thou house of Jacob:

12:47 For the Highest hath you in remembrance, and the Mighty hath notforgotten you in temptation.

12:48 As for me, I have not forsaken you, neither am I departed from you: butam come into this place, to pray for the desolation of Sion, and that I mightseek mercy for the low estate of your sanctuary.

12:49 And now go your way home every man, and after these days will I come untoyou.

12:50 So the people went their way into the city, like as I commanded them:

12:51 But I remained still in the field seven days, as the angel commanded me;and did eat only in those days of the flowers of the field, and had my meat ofthe herbs

13:1 And it came to pass after seven days, I dreamed a dream by night:

13:2 And, lo, there arose a wind from the sea, that it moved all the wavesthereof.

13:3 And I beheld, and, lo, that man waxed strong with the thousands of heaven:and when he turned his countenance to look, all the things trembled that wereseen under him.

13:4 And whensoever the voice went out of his mouth, all they burned that heardhis voice, like as the earth faileth when it feeleth the fire.

13:5 And after this I beheld, and, lo, there was gathered together a multitudeof men, out of number, from the four winds of the heaven, to subdue the manthat came out of the sea

13:6 But I beheld, and, lo, he had graved himself a great mountain, and flew upupon it.

13:7 But I would have seen the region or place whereout the hill was graven,and I could not.

13:8 And after this I beheld, and, lo, all they which were gathered together tosubdue him were sore afraid, and yet durst fight.

13:9 And, lo, as he saw the violence of the multitude that came, he neitherlifted up his hand, nor held sword, nor any instrument of war:

13:10 But only I saw that he sent out of his mouth as it had been a blast offire, and out of his lips a flaming breath, and out of his tongue he cast outsparks and tempests.

13:11 And they were all mixed together; the blast of fire, the flaming breath,and the great tempest; and fell with violence upon the multitude which wasprepared to fight, and burned them up every one, so that upon a sudden of aninnumerable multitude nothing was to be perceived, but only dust and smell ofsmoke: when I saw this I was afraid.

13:12 Afterward saw I the same man come down from the mountain, and call untohim another peaceable Multitude.

13:13 And there came much people unto him, whereof some were glad, some weresorry, and some of them were bound, and other some brought of them that wereoffered: then was I sick through great fear, and I awaked, and said,

13:14 Thou hast shewed thy servant these wonders from the beginning, and hastcounted me worthy that thou shouldest receive my prayer:

13:15 Shew me now yet the interpretation of this dream.

13:16 For as I conceive in mine understanding, woe unto them that shall be leftin those days and much more woe unto them that are not left behind!

13:17 For they that were not left were in heaviness.

13:18 Now understand I the things that are laid up in the latter days, whichshall happen unto them, and to those that are left behind.

13:19 Therefore are they come into great perils and many necessities, like asthese dreams declare.

13:20 Yet is it easier for him that is in danger to come into these things,than to pass away as a cloud out of the world, and not to see the things thathappen in the last days. And he answered unto me, and said,

13:21 The interpretation of the vision shall I shew thee, and I will open untothee the thing that thou hast required.

13:22 Whereas thou hast spoken of them that are left behind, this is theinterpretation:

13:23 He that shall endure the peril in that time hath kept himself: they thatbe fallen into danger are such as have works, and faith toward the Almighty.

13:24 Know this therefore, that they which be left behind are more blessed thanthey that be dead.

13:25 This is the meaning of the vision: Whereas thou sawest a man coming upfrom the midst of the sea:

13:26 The same is he whom God the Highest hath kept a great season, which byhis own self shall deliver his creature: and he shall order them that are leftbehind.

13:27 And whereas thou sawest, that out of his mouth there came as a blast ofwind, and fire, and storm;

13:28 And that he held neither sword, nor any instrument of war, but that therushing in of him destroyed the whole multitude that came to subdue him; thisis the interpretation:

13:29 Behold, the days come, when the most High will begin to deliver them thatare upon the earth.

13:30 And he shall come to the astonishment of them that dwell on the earth.

13:31 And one shall undertake to fight against another, one city againstanother, one place against another, one people against another, and one realmagainst another.

13:32 And the time shall be when these things shall come to pass, and the signsshall happen which I shewed thee before, and then shall my Son be declared,whom thou sawest as a man ascending.

13:33 And when all the people hear his voice, every man shall in their own landleave the battle they have one against another.

13:34 And an innumerable multitude shall be gathered together, as thou sawestthem, willing to come, and to overcome him by fighting.

13:35 But he shall stand upon the top of the mount Sion.

13:36 And Sion shall come, and shall be shewed to all men, being prepared andbuilded, like as thou sawest the hill graven without hands.

13:37 And this my Son shall rebuke the wicked inventions of those nations,which for their wicked life are fallen into the tempest;

13:38 And shall lay before them their evil thoughts, and the torments wherewiththey shall begin to be tormented, which are like unto a flame: and he shalldestroy them without labour by the law which is like unto me.

13:39 And whereas thou sawest that he gathered another peaceable multitude untohim;

13:40 Those are the ten tribes, which were carried away prisoners out of theirown land in the time of Osea the king, whom Salmanasar the king of Assyria ledaway captive, and he carried them over the waters, and so came they intoanother land.

13:41 But they took this counsel among themselves, that they would leave themultitude of the heathen, and go forth into a further country, where nevermankind dwelt,

13:42 That they might there keep their statutes, which they never kept in theirown land.

13:43 And they entered into Euphrates by the narrow places of the river.

13:44 For the most High then shewed signs for them, and held still the flood,till they were passed over.

13:45 For through that country there was a great way to go, namely, of a yearand a half: and the same region is called Arsareth.

13:46 Then dwelt they there until the latter time; and now when they shallbegin to come,

13:47 The Highest shall stay the springs of the stream again, that they may gothrough: therefore sawest thou the multitude with peace.

13:48 But those that be left behind of thy people are they that are foundwithin my borders.

13:49 Now when he destroyeth the multitude of the nations that are gatheredtogether, he shall defend his people that remain.

13:50 And then shall he shew them great wonders.

13:51 Then said I, O Lord that bearest rule, shew me this: Wherefore have Iseen the man coming up from the midst of the sea?

13:52 And he said unto me, Like as thou canst neither seek out nor know thethings that are in the deep of the sea: even so can no man upon earth see mySon, or those that be with him, but in the day time.

13:53 This is the interpretation of the dream which thou sawest, and wherebythou only art here lightened.

13:54 For thou hast forsaken thine own way, and applied thy diligence unto mylaw, and sought it.

13:55 Thy life hast thou ordered in wisdom, and hast called understanding thymother.

13:56 And therefore have I shewed thee the treasures of the Highest: afterother three days I will speak other things unto thee, and declare unto theemighty and wondrous things.

13:57 Then went I forth into the field, giving praise and thanks greatly untothe most High because of his wonders which he did in time;

13:58 And because he governeth the same, and such things as fall in theirseasons: and there I sat three days.

14:1 And it came to pass upon the third day, I sat under an oak, and, behold,there came a voice out of a bush over against me, and said, Esdras, Esdras.

14:2 And I said, Here am I, Lord And I stood up upon my feet.

14:3 Then said he unto me, In the bush I did manifestly reveal myself untoMoses, and talked with him, when my people served in Egypt:

14:4 And I sent him and led my people out of Egypt, and brought him up to themount of where I held him by me a long season,

14:5 And told him many wondrous things, and shewed him the secrets of thetimes, and the end; and commanded him, saying,

14:6 These words shalt thou declare, and these shalt thou hide.

14:7 And now I say unto thee,

14:8 That thou lay up in thy heart the signs that I have shewed, and the dreamsthat thou hast seen, and the interpretations which thou hast heard:

14:9 For thou shalt be taken away from all, and from henceforth thou shaltremain with my Son, and with such as be like thee, until the times be ended.

14:10 For the world hath lost his youth, and the times begin to wax old.

14:11 For the world is divided into twelve parts, and the ten parts of it aregone already, and half of a tenth part:

14:12 And there remaineth that which is after the half of the tenth part.

14:13 Now therefore set thine house in order, and reprove thy people, comfortsuch of them as be in trouble, and now renounce corruption,

14:14 Let go from thee mortal thoughts, cast away the burdens of man, put offnow the weak nature,

14:15 And set aside the thoughts that are most heavy unto thee, and haste theeto flee from these times.

14:16 For yet greater evils than those which thou hast seen happen shall bedone hereafter.

14:17 For look how much the world shall be weaker through age, so much the moreshall evils increase upon them that dwell therein.

14:18 For the time is fled far away, and leasing is hard at hand: for nowhasteth the vision to come, which thou hast seen.

14:19 Then answered I before thee, and said,

14:20 Behold, Lord, I will go, as thou hast commanded me, and reprove thepeople which are present: but they that shall be born afterward, who shalladmonish them? thus the world is set in darkness, and they that dwell thereinare without light.

14:21 For thy law is burnt, therefore no man knoweth the things that are doneof thee, or the work that shall begin.

14:22 But if I have found grace before thee, send the Holy Ghost into me, and Ishall write all that hath been done in the world since the beginning, whichwere written in thy law, that men may find thy path, and that they which willlive in the latter days may live.

14:23 And he answered me, saying, Go thy way, gather the people together, andsay unto them, that they seek thee not for forty days.

14:24 But look thou prepare thee many box trees, and take with thee Sarea,Dabria, Selemia, Ecanus, and Asiel, these five which are ready to writeswiftly;

14:25 And come hither, and I shall light a candle of understanding in thineheart, which shall not be put out, till the things be performed which thoushalt begin to write.

14:26 And when thou hast done, some things shalt thou publish, and some thingsshalt thou shew secretly to the wise: to morrow this hour shalt thou begin towrite.

14:27 Then went I forth, as he commanded, and gathered all the people together,and said,

14:28 Hear these words, O Israel.

14:29 Our fathers at the beginning were strangers in Egypt, from whence theywere delivered:

14:30 And received the law of life, which they kept not, which ye also havetransgressed after them.

14:31 Then was the land, even the land of Sion, parted among you by lot: butyour fathers, and ye yourselves, have done unrighteousness, and have not keptthe ways which the Highest commanded you.

14:32 And forasmuch as he is a righteous judge, he took from you in time thething that he had given you.

14:33 And now are ye here, and your brethren among you.

14:34 Therefore if so be that ye will subdue your own understanding, and reformyour hearts, ye shall be kept alive and after death ye shall obtain mercy.

14:35 For after death shall the judgment come, when we shall live again: andthen shall the names of the righteous be manifest, and the works of the ungodlyshall be declared.

14:36 Let no man therefore come unto me now, nor seek after me these fortydays.

14:37 So I took the five men, as he commanded me, and we went into the field,and remained there.

14:38 And the next day, behold, a voice called me, saying, Esdras, open thymouth, and drink that I give thee to drink.

14:39 Then opened I my mouth, and, behold, he reached me a full cup, which wasfull as it were with water, but the colour of it was like fire.

14:40 And I took it, and drank: and when I had drunk of it, my heart utteredunderstanding, and wisdom grew in my breast, for my spirit strengthened mymemory:

14:41 And my mouth was opened, and shut no more.

14:42 The Highest gave understanding unto the five men, and they wrote thewonderful visions of the night that were told, which they knew not: and theysat forty days, and they wrote in the day, and at night they ate bread.

14:43 As for me. I spake in the day, and I held not my tongue by night.

14:44 In forty days they wrote two hundred and four books.

14:45 And it came to pass, when the forty days were filled, that the Highestspake, saying, The first that thou hast written publish openly, that the worthyand unworthy may read it:

14:46 But keep the seventy last, that thou mayest deliver them only to such asbe wise among the people:

14:47 For in them is the spring of understanding, the fountain of wisdom, andthe stream of knowledge.

14:48 And I did so.

15:1 Behold, speak thou in the ears of my people the words of prophecy, which Iwill put in thy mouth, saith the Lord:

15:2 And cause them to be written in paper: for they are faithful and true.

15:3 Fear not the imaginations against thee, let not the incredulity of themtrouble thee, that speak against thee.

15:4 For all the unfaithful shall die in their unfaithfulness.

15:5 Behold, saith the Lord, I will bring plagues upon the world; the sword,famine, death, and destruction.

15:6 For wickedness hath exceedingly polluted the whole earth, and theirhurtful works are fulfilled.

15:7 Therefore saith the Lord,

15:8 I will hold my tongue no more as touching their wickedness, which theyprofanely commit, neither will I suffer them in those things, in which theywickedly exercise themselves: behold, the innocent and righteous blood criethunto me, and the souls of the just complain continually.

15:9 And therefore, saith the Lord, I will surely avenge them, and receive untome all the innocent blood from among them.

15:10 Behold, my people is led as a flock to the slaughter: I will not sufferthem now to dwell in the land of Egypt:

15:11 But I will bring them with a mighty hand and a stretched out arm, andsmite Egypt with plagues, as before, and will destroy all the land thereof.

15:12 Egypt shall mourn, and the foundation of it shall be smitten with theplague and punishment that God shall bring upon it.

15:13 They that till the ground shall mourn: for their seeds shall fail throughthe blasting and hail, and with a fearful constellation.

15:14 Woe to the world and them that dwell therein!

15:15 For the sword and their destruction draweth nigh, and one people shallstand up and fight against another, and swords in their hands.

15:16 For there shall be sedition among men, and invading one another; theyshall not regard their kings nor princes, and the course of their actions shallstand in their power.

15:17 A man shall desire to go into a city, and shall not be able.

15:18 For because of their pride the cities shall be troubled, the houses shallbe destroyed, and men shall be afraid.

15:19 A man shall have no pity upon his neighbour, but shall destroy theirhouses with the sword, and spoil their goods, because of the lack of bread, andfor great tribulation.

15:20 Behold, saith God, I will call together all the kings of the earth toreverence me, which are from the rising of the sun, from the south, from theeast, and Libanus; to turn themselves one against another, and repay the thingsthat they have done to them.

15:21 Like as they do yet this day unto my chosen, so will I do also, andrecompense in their bosom. Thus saith the Lord God;

15:22 My right hand shall not spare the sinners, and my sword shall not ceaseover them that shed innocent blood upon the earth.

15:23 The fire is gone forth from his wrath, and hath consumed the foundationsof the earth, and the sinners, like the straw that is kindled.

15:24 Woe to them that sin, and keep not my commandments! saith the Lord.

15:25 I will not spare them: go your way, ye children, from the power, defilenot my sanctuary.

15:26 For the Lord knoweth all them that sin against him, and thereforedelivereth he them unto death and destruction.

15:27 For now are the plagues come upon the whole earth and ye shall remain inthem: for God shall not deliver you, because ye have sinned against him.

15:28 Behold an horrible vision, and the appearance thereof from the east:

15:29 Where the nations of the dragons of Arabia shall come out with manychariots, and the multitude of them shall be carried as the wind upon earth,that all they which hear them may fear and tremble.

15:30 Also the Carmanians raging in wrath shall go forth as the wild boars ofthe wood, and with great power shall they come, and join battle with them, andshall waste a portion of the land of the Assyrians.

15:31 And then shall the dragons have the upper hand, remembering their nature;and if they shall turn themselves, conspiring together in great power topersecute them,

15:32 Then these shall be troubled bled, and keep silence through their power,and shall flee.

15:33 And from the land of the Assyrians shall the enemy besiege them, andconsume some of them, and in their host shall be fear and dread, and strifeamong their kings.

15:34 Behold clouds from the east and from the north unto the south, and theyare very horrible to look upon, full of wrath and storm.

15:35 They shall smite one upon another, and they shall smite down a greatmultitude of stars upon the earth, even their own star; and blood shall be fromthe sword unto the belly,

15:36 And dung of men unto the camel’s hough.

15:37 And there shall be great fearfulness and trembling upon earth: and theythat see the wrath shall be afraid, and trembling shall come upon them.

15:38 And then shall there come great storms from the south, and from thenorth, and another part from the west.

15:39 And strong winds shall arise from the east, and shall open it; and thecloud which he raised up in wrath, and the star stirred to cause fear towardthe east and west wind, shall be destroyed.

15:40 The great and mighty clouds shall be puffed up full of wrath, and thestar, that they may make all the earth afraid, and them that dwell therein; andthey shall pour out over every high and eminent place an horrible star,

15:41 Fire, and hail, and flying swords, and many waters, that all fields maybe full, and all rivers, with the abundance of great waters.

15:42 And they shall break down the cities and walls, mountains and hills,trees of the wood, and grass of the meadows, and their corn.

15:43 And they shall go stedfastly unto Babylon, and make her afraid.

15:44 They shall come to her, and besiege her, the star and all wrath shallthey pour out upon her: then shall the dust and smoke go up unto the heaven,and all they that be about her shall bewail her.

15:45 And they that remain under her shall do service unto them that have puther in fear.

15:46 And thou, Asia, that art partaker of the hope of Babylon, and art theglory of her person:

15:47 Woe be unto thee, thou wretch, because thou hast made thyself like untoher; and hast decked thy daughters in whoredom, that they might please andglory in thy lovers, which have always desired to commit whoredom with thee.

15:48 Thou hast followed her that is hated in all her works and inventions:therefore saith God,

15:49 I will send plagues upon thee; widowhood, poverty, famine, sword, andpestilence, to waste thy houses with destruction and death.

15:50 And the glory of thy Power shall be dried up as a flower, the heat shallarise that is sent over thee.

15:51 Thou shalt be weakened as a poor woman with stripes, and as one chastisedwith wounds, so that the mighty and lovers shall not be able to receive thee.

15:52 Would I with jealousy have so proceeded against thee, saith the Lord,

15:53 If thou hadst not always slain my chosen, exalting the stroke of thinehands, and saying over their dead, when thou wast drunken,

15:54 Set forth the beauty of thy countenance?

15:55 The reward of thy whoredom shall be in thy bosom, therefore shalt thoureceive recompence.

15:56 Like as thou hast done unto my chosen, saith the Lord, even so shall Goddo unto thee, and shall deliver thee into mischief

15:57 Thy children shall die of hunger, and thou shalt fall through the sword:thy cities shall be broken down, and all thine shall perish with the sword inthe field.

15:58 They that be in the mountains shall die of hunger, and eat their ownflesh, and drink their own blood, for very hunger of bread, and thirst ofwater.

15:59 Thou as unhappy shalt come through the sea, and receive plagues again.

15:60 And in the passage they shall rush on the idle city, and shall destroysome portion of thy land, and consume part of thy glory, and shall return toBabylon that was destroyed.

15:61 And thou shalt be cast down by them as stubble, and they shall be untothee as fire;

15:62 And shall consume thee, and thy cities, thy land, and thy mountains; allthy woods and thy fruitful trees shall they burn up with fire.

15:63 Thy children shall they carry away captive, and, look, what thou hast,they shall spoil it, and mar the beauty of thy face.

16:1 Woe be unto thee, Babylon, and Asia! woe be unto thee, Egypt and Syria!

16:2 Gird up yourselves with cloths of sack and hair, bewail your children, andbe sorry; for your destruction is at hand.

16:3 A sword is sent upon you, and who may turn it back?

16:4 A fire is sent among you, and who may quench it?

16:5 Plagues are sent unto you, and what is he that may drive them away?

16:6 May any man drive away an hungry lion in the wood? or may any one quenchthe fire in stubble, when it hath begun to burn?

16:7 May one turn again the arrow that is shot of a strong archer?

16:8 The mighty Lord sendeth the plagues and who is he that can drive themaway?

16:9 A fire shall go forth from his wrath, and who is he that may quench it?

16:10 He shall cast lightnings, and who shall not fear? he shall thunder, andwho shall not be afraid?

16:11 The Lord shall threaten, and who shall not be utterly beaten to powder athis presence?

16:12 The earth quaketh, and the foundations thereof; the sea ariseth up withwaves from the deep, and the waves of it are troubled, and the fishes thereofalso, before the Lord, and before the glory of his power:

16:13 For strong is his right hand that bendeth the bow, his arrows that heshooteth are sharp, and shall not miss, when they begin to be shot into theends of the world.

16:14 Behold, the plagues are sent, and shall not return again, until they comeupon the earth.

16:15 The fire is kindled, and shall not be put out, till it consume thefoundation of the earth.

16:16 Like as an arrow which is shot of a mighty archer returneth not backward:even so the plagues that shall be sent upon earth shall not return again.

16:17 Woe is me! woe is me! who will deliver me in those days?

16:18 The beginning of sorrows and great mournings; the beginning of famine andgreat death; the beginning of wars, and the powers shall stand in fear; thebeginning of evils! what shall I do when these evils shall come?

16:19 Behold, famine and plague, tribulation and anguish, are sent as scourgesfor amendment.

16:20 But for all these things they shall not turn from their wickedness, norbe always mindful of the scourges.

16:21 Behold, victuals shall be so good cheap upon earth, that they shall thinkthemselves to be in good case, and even then shall evils grow upon earth,sword, famine, and great confusion.

16:22 For many of them that dwell upon earth shall perish of famine; and theother, that escape the hunger, shall the sword destroy.

16:23 And the dead shall be cast out as dung, and there shall be no man tocomfort them: for the earth shall be wasted, and the cities shall be cast down.

16:24 There shall be no man left to till the earth, and to sow it

16:25 The trees shall give fruit, and who shall gather them?

16:26 The grapes shall ripen, and who shall tread them? for all places shall bedesolate of men:

16:27 So that one man shall desire to see another, and to hear his voice.

16:28 For of a city there shall be ten left, and two of the field, which shallhide themselves in the thick groves, and in the clefts of the rocks.

16:29 As in an orchard of Olives upon every tree there are left three or fourolives;

16:30 Or as when a vineyard is gathered, there are left some clusters of themthat diligently seek through the vineyard:

16:31 Even so in those days there shall be three or four left by them thatsearch their houses with the sword.

16:32 And the earth shall be laid waste, and the fields thereof shall wax old,and her ways and all her paths shall grow full of thorns, because no man shalltravel therethrough.

16:33 The virgins shall mourn, having no bridegrooms; the women shall mourn,having no husbands; their daughters shall mourn, having no helpers.

16:34 In the wars shall their bridegrooms be destroyed, and their husbandsshall perish of famine.

16:35 Hear now these things and understand them, ye servants of the Lord.

16:36 Behold, the word of the Lord, receive it: believe not the gods of whomthe Lord spake.

16:37 Behold, the plagues draw nigh, and are not slack.

16:38 As when a woman with child in the ninth month bringeth forth her son,with two or three hours of her birth great pains compass her womb, which pains,when the child cometh forth, they slack not a moment:

16:39 Even so shall not the plagues be slack to come upon the earth, and theworld shall mourn, and sorrows shall come upon it on every side.

16:40 O my people, hear my word: make you ready to thy battle, and in thoseevils be even as pilgrims upon the earth.

16:41 He that selleth, let him be as he that fleeth away: and he that buyeth,as one that will lose:

16:42 He that occupieth merchandise, as he that hath no profit by it: and hethat buildeth, as he that shall not dwell therein:

16:43 He that soweth, as if he should not reap: so also he that planteth thevineyard, as he that shall not gather the grapes:

16:44 They that marry, as they that shall get no children; and they that marrynot, as the widowers.

16:45 And therefore they that labour labour in vain:

16:46 For strangers shall reap their fruits, and spoil their goods, overthrowtheir houses, and take their children captives, for in captivity and famineshall they get children.

16:47 And they that occupy their merchandise with robbery, the more they decktheir cities, their houses, their possessions, and their own persons:

16:48 The more will I be angry with them for their sin, saith the Lord.

16:49 Like as a whore envieth a right honest and virtuous woman:

16:50 So shall righteousness hate iniquity, when she decketh herself, and shallaccuse her to her face, when he cometh that shall defend him that diligentlysearcheth out every sin upon earth.

16:51 And therefore be ye not like thereunto, nor to the works thereof.

16:52 For yet a little, and iniquity shall be taken away out of the earth, andrighteousness shall reign among you.

16:53 Let not the sinner say that he hath not sinned: for God shall burn coalsof fire upon his head, which saith before the Lord God and his glory, I havenot sinned.

16:54 Behold, the Lord knoweth all the works of men, their imaginations, theirthoughts, and their hearts:

16:55 Which spake but the word, Let the earth be made; and it was made: Let theheaven be made; and it was created.

16:56 In his word were the stars made, and he knoweth the number of them.

16:57 He searcheth the deep, and the treasures thereof; he hath measured thesea, and what it containeth.

16:58 He hath shut the sea in the midst of the waters, and with his word hathhe hanged the earth upon the waters.

16:59 He spreadeth out the heavens like a vault; upon the waters hath hefounded it.

16:60 In the desert hath he made springs of water, and pools upon the tops ofthe mountains, that the floods might pour down from the high rocks to water theearth.

16:61 He made man, and put his heart in the midst of the body, and gave himbreath, life, and understanding.

16:62 Yea and the Spirit of Almighty God, which made all things, and searchethout all hidden things in the secrets of the earth,

16:63 Surely he knoweth your inventions, and what ye think in your hearts, eventhem that sin, and would hide their sin.

16:64 Therefore hath the Lord exactly searched out all your works, and he willput you all to shame.

16:65 And when your sins are brought forth, ye shall be ashamed before men, andyour own sins shall be your accusers in that day.

16:66 What will ye do? or how will ye hide your sins before God and his angels?

16:67 Behold, God himself is the judge, fear him: leave off from your sins, andforget your iniquities, to meddle no more with them for ever: so shall God leadyou forth, and deliver you from all trouble.

16:68 For, behold, the burning wrath of a great multitude is kindled over you,and they shall take away certain of you, and feed you, being idle, with thingsoffered unto idols.

16:69 And they that consent unto them shall be had in derision and in reproach,and trodden under foot.

16:70 For there shall be in every place, and in the next cities, a greatinsurrection upon those that fear the Lord.

16:71 They shall be like mad men, sparing none, but still spoiling anddestroying those that fear the Lord.

16:72 For they shall waste and take away their goods, and cast them out oftheir houses.

16:73 Then shall they be known, who are my chosen; and they shall be tried asthe gold in the fire.

16:74 Hear, O ye my beloved, saith the Lord: behold, the days of trouble are athand, but I will deliver you from the same.

16:75 Be ye not afraid neither doubt; for God is your guide,

16:76 And the guide of them who keep my commandments and precepts, saith theLord God: let not your sins weigh you down, and let not your iniquities lift upthemselves.

16:77 Woe be unto them that are bound with their sins, and covered with theiriniquities like as a field is covered over with bushes, and the path thereofcovered with thorns, that no man may travel through!

16:78 It is left undressed, and is cast into the fire to be consumed therewith.

The Book of Tobit

1:1 The book of the words of Tobit, son of Tobiel, the son of Ananiel, the sonof Aduel, the son of Gabael, of the seed of Asael, of the tribe of Nephthali;

1:2 Who in the time of Enemessar king of the Assyrians was led captive out ofThisbe, which is at the right hand of that city, which is called properlyNephthali in Galilee above Aser.

1:3 I Tobit have walked all the days of my life in the ways of truth andjustice, and I did many almsdeeds to my brethren, and my nation, who came withme to Nineve, into the land of the Assyrians.

1:4 And when I was in mine own country, in the land of Israel being but young,all the tribe of Nephthali my father fell from the house of Jerusalem, whichwas chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, that all the tribes shouldsacrifice there, where the temple of the habitation of the most High wasconsecrated and built for all ages.

1:5 Now all the tribes which together revolted, and the house of my fatherNephthali, sacrificed unto the heifer Baal.

1:6 But I alone went often to Jerusalem at the feasts, as it was ordained untoall the people of Israel by an everlasting decree, having the firstfruits andtenths of increase, with that which was first shorn; and them gave I at thealtar to the priests the children of Aaron.

1:7 The first tenth part of all increase I gave to the sons of Aaron, whoministered at Jerusalem: another tenth part I sold away, and went, and spent itevery year at Jerusalem:

1:8 And the third I gave unto them to whom it was meet, as Debora myfather’s mother had commanded me, because I was left an orphan by myfather.

1:9 Furthermore, when I was come to the age of a man, I married Anna of mineown kindred, and of her I begat Tobias.

1:10 And when we were carried away captives to Nineve, all my brethren andthose that were of my kindred did eat of the bread of the Gentiles.

1:11 But I kept myself from eating;

1:12 Because I remembered God with all my heart.

1:13 And the most High gave me grace and favour before Enemessar, so that I washis purveyor.

1:14 And I went into Media, and left in trust with Gabael, the brother ofGabrias, at Rages a city of Media ten talents of silver.

1:15 Now when Enemessar was dead, Sennacherib his son reigned in his stead;whose estate was troubled, that I could not go into Media.

1:16 And in the time of Enemessar I gave many alms to my brethren, and gave mybread to the hungry,

1:17 And my clothes to the naked: and if I saw any of my nation dead, or castabout the walls of Nineve, I buried him.

1:18 And if the king Sennacherib had slain any, when he was come, and fled fromJudea, I buried them privily; for in his wrath he killed many; but the bodieswere not found, when they were sought for of the king.

1:19 And when one of the Ninevites went and complained of me to the king, thatI buried them, and hid myself; understanding that I was sought for to be put todeath, I withdrew myself for fear.

1:20 Then all my goods were forcibly taken away, neither was there any thingleft me, beside my wife Anna and my son Tobias.

1:21 And there passed not five and fifty days, before two of his sons killedhim, and they fled into the mountains of Ararath; and Sarchedonus his sonreigned in his stead; who appointed over his father’s accounts, and overall his affairs, Achiacharus my brother Anael’s son.

1:22 And Achiacharus intreating for me, I returned to Nineve. Now Achiacharuswas cupbearer, and keeper of the signet, and steward, and overseer of theaccounts: and Sarchedonus appointed him next unto him: and he was mybrother’s son.

2:1 Now when I was come home again, and my wife Anna was restored unto me, withmy son Tobias, in the feast of Pentecost, which is the holy feast of the sevenweeks, there was a good dinner prepared me, in the which I sat down to eat.

2:2 And when I saw abundance of meat, I said to my son, Go and bring what poorman soever thou shalt find out of our brethren, who is mindful of the Lord;and, lo, I tarry for thee.

2:3 But he came again, and said, Father, one of our nation is strangled, and iscast out in the marketplace.

2:4 Then before I had tasted of any meat, I started up, and took him up into aroom until the going down of the sun.

2:5 Then I returned, and washed myself, and ate my meat in heaviness,

2:6 Remembering that prophecy of Amos, as he said, Your feasts shall be turnedinto mourning, and all your mirth into lamentation.

2:7 Therefore I wept: and after the going down of the sun I went and made agrave, and buried him.

2:8 But my neighbours mocked me, and said, This man is not yet afraid to be putto death for this matter: who fled away; and yet, lo, he burieth the deadagain.

2:9 The same night also I returned from the burial, and slept by the wall of mycourtyard, being polluted and my face was uncovered:

2:10 And I knew not that there were sparrows in the wall, and mine eyes beingopen, the sparrows muted warm dung into mine eyes, and a whiteness came in mineeyes: and I went to the physicians, but they helped me not: moreoverAchiacharus did nourish me, until I went into Elymais.

2:11 And my wife Anna did take women’s works to do.

2:12 And when she had sent them home to the owners, they paid her wages, andgave her also besides a kid.

2:13 And when it was in my house, and began to cry, I said unto her, Fromwhence is this kid? is it not stolen? render it to the owners; for it is notlawful to eat any thing that is stolen.

2:14 But she replied upon me, It was given for a gift more than the wages.Howbeit I did not believe her, but bade her render it to the owners: and I wasabashed at her. But she replied upon me, Where are thine alms and thy righteousdeeds? behold, thou and all thy works are known.

3:1 Then I being grieved did weep, and in my sorrow prayed, saying,

3:2 O Lord, thou art just, and all thy works and all thy ways are mercy andtruth, and thou judgest truly and justly for ever.

3:3 Remember me, and look on me, punish me not for my sins and ignorances, andthe sins of my fathers, who have sinned before thee:

3:4 For they obeyed not thy commandments: wherefore thou hast delivered us fora spoil, and unto captivity, and unto death, and for a proverb of reproach toall the nations among whom we are dispersed.

3:5 And now thy judgments are many and true: deal with me according to my sinsand my fathers’: because we have not kept thy commandments, neither havewalked in truth before thee.

3:6 Now therefore deal with me as seemeth best unto thee, and command my spiritto be taken from me, that I may be dissolved, and become earth: for it isprofitable for me to die rather than to live, because I have heard falsereproaches, and have much sorrow: command therefore that I may now be deliveredout of this distress, and go into the everlasting place: turn not thy face awayfrom me.

3:7 It came to pass the same day, that in Ecbatane a city of Media Sara thedaughter of Raguel was also reproached by her father’s maids;

3:8 Because that she had been married to seven husbands, whom Asmodeus the evilspirit had killed, before they had lain with her. Dost thou not know, saidthey, that thou hast strangled thine husbands? thou hast had already sevenhusbands, neither wast thou named after any of them.

3:9 Wherefore dost thou beat us for them? if they be dead, go thy ways afterthem, let us never see of thee either son or daughter.

3:10 Whe she heard these things, she was very sorrowful, so that she thought tohave strangled herself; and she said, I am the only daughter of my father, andif I do this, it shall be a reproach unto him, and I shall bring his old agewith sorrow unto the grave.

3:11 Then she prayed toward the window, and said, Blessed art thou, O Lord myGod, and thine holy and glorious name is blessed and honourable for ever: letall thy works praise thee for ever.

3:12 And now, O Lord, I set I mine eyes and my face toward thee,

3:13 And say, Take me out of the earth, that I may hear no more the reproach.

3:14 Thou knowest, Lord, that I am pure from all sin with man,

3:15 And that I never polluted my name, nor the name of my father, in the landof my captivity: I am the only daughter of my father, neither hath he any childto be his heir, neither any near kinsman, nor any son of his alive, to whom Imay keep myself for a wife: my seven husbands are already dead; and why shouldI live? but if it please not thee that I should die, command some regard to behad of me, and pity taken of me, that I hear no more reproach.

3:16 So the prayers of them both were heard before the majesty of the greatGod.

3:17 And Raphael was sent to heal them both, that is, to scale away thewhiteness of Tobit’s eyes, and to give Sara the daughter of Raguel for awife to Tobias the son of Tobit; and to bind Asmodeus the evil spirit; becauseshe belonged to Tobias by right of inheritance. The selfsame time came Tobithome, and entered into his house, and Sara the daughter of Raguel came downfrom her upper chamber.

4:1 In that day Tobit remembered the money which he had committed to Gabael inRages of Media,

4:2 And said with himself, I have wished for death; wherefore do I not call formy son Tobias that I may signify to him of the money before I die?

4:3 And when he had called him, he said, My son, when I am dead, bury me; anddespise not thy mother, but honour her all the days of thy life, and do thatwhich shall please her, and grieve her not.

4:4 Remember, my son, that she saw many dangers for thee, when thou wast in herwomb: and when she is dead, bury her by me in one grave.

4:5 My son, be mindful of the Lord our God all thy days, and let not thy willbe set to sin, or to transgress his commandments: do uprightly all thy lifelong, and follow not the ways of unrighteousness.

4:6 For if thou deal truly, thy doings shall prosperously succeed to thee, andto all them that live justly.

4:7 Give alms of thy substance; and when thou givest alms, let not thine eye beenvious, neither turn thy face from any poor, and the face of God shall not beturned away from thee.

4:8 If thou hast abundance give alms accordingly: if thou have but a little, benot afraid to give according to that little:

4:9 For thou layest up a good treasure for thyself against the day ofnecessity.

4:10 Because that alms do deliver from death, and suffereth not to come intodarkness.

4:11 For alms is a good gift unto all that give it in the sight of the mostHigh.

4:12 Beware of all whoredom, my son, and chiefly take a wife of the seed of thyfathers, and take not a strange woman to wife, which is not of thyfather’s tribe: for we are the children of the prophets, Noe, Abraham,Isaac, and Jacob: remember, my son, that our fathers from the beginning, eventhat they all married wives of their own kindred, and were blessed in theirchildren, and their seed shall inherit the land.

4:13 Now therefore, my son, love thy brethren, and despise not in thy heart thybrethren, the sons and daughters of thy people, in not taking a wife of them:for in pride is destruction and much trouble, and in lewdness is decay andgreat want: for lewdness is the mother of famine.

4:14 Let not the wages of any man, which hath wrought for thee, tarry withthee, but give him it out of hand: for if thou serve God, he will also repaythee: be circumspect my son, in all things thou doest, and be wise in all thyconversation.

4:15 Do that to no man which thou hatest: drink not wine to make thee drunken:neither let drunkenness go with thee in thy journey.

4:16 Give of thy bread to the hungry, and of thy garments to them that arenaked; and according to thine abundance give alms: and let not thine eye beenvious, when thou givest alms.

4:17 Pour out thy bread on the burial of the just, but give nothing to thewicked.

4:18 Ask counsel of all that are wise, and despise not any counsel that isprofitable.

4:19 Bless the Lord thy God alway, and desire of him that thy ways may bedirected, and that all thy paths and counsels may prosper: for every nationhath not counsel; but the Lord himself giveth all good things, and he humblethwhom he will, as he will; now therefore, my son, remember my commandments,neither let them be put out of thy mind.

4:20 And now I signify this to they that I committed ten talents to Gabael theson of Gabrias at Rages in Media.

4:21 And fear not, my son, that we are made poor: for thou hast much wealth, ifthou fear God, and depart from all sin, and do that which is pleasing in hissight.

5:1 Tobias then answered and said, Father, I will do all things which thou hastcommanded me:

5:2 But how can I receive the money, seeing I know him not?

5:3 Then he gave him the handwriting, and said unto him, Seek thee a man whichmay go with thee, whiles I yet live, and I will give him wages: and go andreceive the money.

5:4 Therefore when he went to seek a man, he found Raphael that was an angel.

5:5 But he knew not; and he said unto him, Canst thou go with me to Rages? andknowest thou those places well?

5:6 To whom the angel said, I will go with thee, and I know the way well: for Ihave lodged with our brother Gabael.

5:7 Then Tobias said unto him, Tarry for me, till I tell my father.

5:8 Then he said unto him, Go and tarry not. So he went in and said to hisfather, Behold, I have found one which will go with me. Then he said, Call himunto me, that I may know of what tribe he is, and whether he be a trusty man togo with thee.

5:9 So he called him, and he came in, and they saluted one another.

5:10 Then Tobit said unto him, Brother, shew me of what tribe and family thouart.

5:11 To whom he said, Dost thou seek for a tribe or family, or an hired man togo with thy son? Then Tobit said unto him, I would know, brother, thy kindredand name.

5:12 Then he said, I am Azarias, the son of Ananias the great, and of thybrethren.

5:13 Then Tobit said, Thou art welcome, brother; be not now angry with me,because I have enquired to know thy tribe and thy family; for thou art mybrother, of an honest and good stock: for I know Ananias and Jonathas, sons ofthat great Samaias, as we went together to Jerusalem to worship, and offeredthe firstborn, and the tenths of the fruits; and they were not seduced with theerror of our brethren: my brother, thou art of a good stock.

5:14 But tell me, what wages shall I give thee? wilt thou a drachm a day, andthings necessary, as to mine own son?

5:15 Yea, moreover, if ye return safe, I will add something to thy wages.

5:16 So they were well pleased. Then said he to Tobias, Prepare thyself for thejourney, and God send you a good journey. And when his son had prepared allthings far the journey, his father said, Go thou with this man, and God, whichdwelleth in heaven, prosper your journey, and the angel of God keep youcompany. So they went forth both, and the young man’s dog with them.

5:17 But Anna his mother wept, and said to Tobit, Why hast thou sent away ourson? is he not the staff of our hand, in going in and out before us?

5:18 Be not greedy to add money to money: but let it be as refuse in respect ofour child.

5:19 For that which the Lord hath given us to live with doth suffice us.

5:20 Then said Tobit to her, Take no care, my sister; he shall return insafety, and thine eyes shall see him.

5:21 For the good angel will keep him company, and his journey shall beprosperous, and he shall return safe.

5:22 Then she made an end of weeping.

6:1 And as they went on their journey, they came in the evening to the riverTigris, and they lodged there.

6:2 And when the young man went down to wash himself, a fish leaped out of theriver, and would have devoured him.

6:3 Then the angel said unto him, Take the fish. And the young man laid hold ofthe fish, and drew it to land.

6:4 To whom the angel said, Open the fish, and take the heart and the liver andthe gall, and put them up safely.

6:5 So the young man did as the angel commanded him; and when they had roastedthe fish, they did eat it: then they both went on their way, till they drewnear to Ecbatane.

6:6 Then the young man said to the angel, Brother Azarias, to what use is theheart and the liver and the gal of the fish?

6:7 And he said unto him, Touching the heart and the liver, if a devil or anevil spirit trouble any, we must make a smoke thereof before the man or thewoman, and the party shall be no more vexed.

6:8 As for the gall, it is good to anoint a man that hath whiteness in hiseyes, and he shall be healed.

6:9 And when they were come near to Rages,

6:10 The angel said to the young man, Brother, to day we shall lodge withRaguel, who is thy cousin; he also hath one only daughter, named Sara; I willspeak for her, that she may be given thee for a wife.

6:11 For to thee doth the right of her appertain, seeing thou only art of herkindred.

6:12 And the maid is fair and wise: now therefore hear me, and I will speak toher father; and when we return from Rages we will celebrate the marriage: for Iknow that Raguel cannot marry her to another according to the law of Moses, buthe shall be guilty of death, because the right of inheritance doth ratherappertain to thee than to any other.

6:13 Then the young man answered the angel, I have heard, brother Azarias thatthis maid hath been given to seven men, who all died in the marriage chamber.

6:14 And now I am the only son of my father, and I am afraid, lest if I go inunto her, I die, as the other before: for a wicked spirit loveth her, whichhurteth no body, but those which come unto her; wherefore I also fear lest Idie, and bring my father’s and my mother’s life because of me tothe grave with sorrow: for they have no other son to bury them.

6:15 Then the angel said unto him, Dost thou not remember the precepts whichthy father gave thee, that thou shouldest marry a wife of thine own kindred?wherefore hear me, O my brother; for she shall be given thee to wife; and makethou no reckoning of the evil spirit; for this same night shall she be giventhee in marriage.

6:16 And when thou shalt come into the marriage chamber, thou shalt take theashes of perfume, and shalt lay upon them some of the heart and liver of thefish, and shalt make a smoke with it:

6:17 And the devil shall smell it, and flee away, and never come again anymore: but when thou shalt come to her, rise up both of you, and pray to Godwhich is merciful, who will have pity on you, and save you: fear not, for sheis appointed unto thee from the beginning; and thou shalt preserve her, and sheshall go with thee. Moreover I suppose that she shall bear thee children. Nowwhen Tobias had heard these things, he loved her, and his heart was effectuallyjoined to her.

7:1 And when they were come to Ecbatane, they came to the house of Raguel, andSara met them: and after they had saluted one another, she brought them intothe house.

7:2 Then said Raguel to Edna his wife, How like is this young man to Tobit mycousin!

7:3 And Raguel asked them, From whence are ye, brethren? To whom they said, Weare of the sons of Nephthalim, which are captives in Nineve.

7:4 Then he said to them, Do ye know Tobit our kinsman? And they said, We knowhim. Then said he, Is he in good health?

7:5 And they said, He is both alive, and in good health: and Tobias said, He ismy father.

7:6 Then Raguel leaped up, and kissed him, and wept,

7:7 And blessed him, and said unto him, Thou art the son of an honest and goodman. But when he had heard that Tobit was blind, he was sorrowful, and wept.

7:8 And likewise Edna his wife and Sara his daughter wept. Moreover theyentertained them cheerfully; and after that they had killed a ram of the flock,they set store of meat on the table. Then said Tobias to Raphael, BrotherAzarias, speak of those things of which thou didst talk in the way, and letthis business be dispatched.

7:9 So he communicated the matter with Raguel: and Raguel said to Tobias, Eatand drink, and make merry:

7:10 For it is meet that thou shouldest marry my daughter: nevertheless I willdeclare unto thee the truth.

7:11 I have given my daughter in marriage to seven men, who died that nightthey came in unto her: nevertheless for the present be merry. But Tobias said,I will eat nothing here, till we agree and swear one to another.

7:12 Raguel said, Then take her from henceforth according to the manner, forthou art her cousin, and she is thine, and the merciful God give you goodsuccess in all things.

7:13 Then he called his daughter Sara, and she came to her father, and he tookher by the hand, and gave her to be wife to Tobias, saying, Behold, take herafter the law of Moses, and lead her away to thy father. And he blessed them;

7:14 And called Edna his wife, and took paper, and did write an instrument ofcovenants, and sealed it.

7:15 Then they began to eat.

7:16 After Raguel called his wife Edna, and said unto her, Sister, prepareanother chamber, and bring her in thither.

7:17 Which when she had done as he had bidden her, she brought her thither: andshe wept, and she received the tears of her daughter, and said unto her,

7:18 Be of good comfort, my daughter; the Lord of heaven and earth give theejoy for this thy sorrow: be of good comfort, my daughter.

8:1 And when they had supped, they brought Tobias in unto her.

8:2 And as he went, he remembered the words of Raphael, and took the ashes ofthe perfumes, and put the heart and the liver of the fish thereupon, and made asmoke therewith.

8:3 The which smell when the evil spirit had smelled, he fled into the utmostparts of Egypt, and the angel bound him.

8:4 And after that they were both shut in together, Tobias rose out of the bed,and said, Sister, arise, and let us pray that God would have pity on us.

8:5 Then began Tobias to say, Blessed art thou, O God of our fathers, andblessed is thy holy and glorious name for ever; let the heavens bless thee, andall thy creatures.

8:6 Thou madest Adam, and gavest him Eve his wife for an helper and stay: ofthem came mankind: thou hast said, It is not good that man should be alone; letus make unto him an aid like unto himself.

8:7 And now, O Lord, I take not this my sister for lust, but uprightly:therefore mercifully ordain that we may become aged together.

8:8 And she said with him, Amen.

8:9 So they slept both that night. And Raguel arose, and went and made a grave,

8:10 Saying, I fear lest he also be dead.

8:11 But when Raguel was come into his house,

8:12 He said unto his wife Edna. Send one of the maids, and let her see whetherhe be alive: if he be not, that we may bury him, and no man know it.

8:13 So the maid opened the door, and went in, and found them both asleep,

8:14 And came forth, and told them that he was alive.

8:15 Then Raguel praised God, and said, O God, thou art worthy to be praisedwith all pure and holy praise; therefore let thy saints praise thee with allthy creatures; and let all thine angels and thine elect praise thee for ever.

8:16 Thou art to be praised, for thou hast made me joyful; and that is not cometo me which I suspected; but thou hast dealt with us according to thy greatmercy.

8:17 Thou art to be praised because thou hast had mercy of two that were theonly begotten children of their fathers: grant them mercy, O Lord, and finishtheir life in health with joy and mercy.

8:18 Then Raguel bade his servants to fill the grave.

8:19 And he kept the wedding feast fourteen days.

8:20 For before the days of the marriage were finished, Raguel had said untohim by an oath, that he should not depart till the fourteen days of themarriage were expired;

8:21 And then he should take the half of his goods, and go in safety to hisfather; and should have the rest when I and my wife be dead.

9:1 Then Tobias called Raphael, and said unto him,

9:2 Brother Azarias, take with thee a servant, and two camels, and go to Ragesof Media to Gabael, and bring me the money, and bring him to the wedding.

9:3 For Raguel hath sworn that I shall not depart.

9:4 But my father counteth the days; and if I tarry long, he will be verysorry.

9:5 So Raphael went out, and lodged with Gabael, and gave him the handwriting:who brought forth bags which were sealed up, and gave them to him.

9:6 And early in the morning they went forth both together, and came to thewedding: and Tobias blessed his wife.

10:1 Now Tobit his father counted every day: and when the days of the journeywere expired, and they came not,

10:2 Then Tobit said, Are they detained? or is Gabael dead, and there is no manto give him the money?

10:3 Therefore he was very sorry.

10:4 Then his wife said unto him, My son is dead, seeing he stayeth long; andshe began to bewail him, and said,

10:5 Now I care for nothing, my son, since I have let thee go, the light ofmine eyes.

10:6 To whom Tobit said, Hold thy peace, take no care, for he is safe.

10:7 But she said, Hold thy peace, and deceive me not; my son is dead. And shewent out every day into the way which they went, and did eat no meat on thedaytime, and ceased not whole nights to bewail her son Tobias, until thefourteen days of the wedding were expired, which Raguel had sworn that heshould spend there. Then Tobias said to Raguel, Let me go, for my father and mymother look no more to see me.

10:8 But his father in law said unto him, Tarry with me, and I will send to thyfather, and they shall declare unto him how things go with thee.

10:9 But Tobias said, No; but let me go to my father.

10:10 Then Raguel arose, and gave him Sara his wife, and half his goods,servants, and cattle, and money:

10:11 And he blessed them, and sent them away, saying, The God of heaven giveyou a prosperous journey, my children.

10:12 And he said to his daughter, Honour thy father and thy mother in law,which are now thy parents, that I may hear good report of thee. And he kissedher. Edna also said to Tobias, The Lord of heaven restore thee, my dearbrother, and grant that I may see thy children of my daughter Sara before Idie, that I may rejoice before the Lord: behold, I commit my daughter unto theeof special trust; where are do not entreat her evil.

11:1 After these things Tobias went his way, praising God that he had given hima prosperous journey, and blessed Raguel and Edna his wife, and went on his waytill they drew near unto Nineve.

11:2 Then Raphael said to Tobias, Thou knowest, brother, how thou didst leavethy father:

11:3 Let us haste before thy wife, and prepare the house.

11:4 And take in thine hand the gall of the fish. So they went their way, andthe dog went after them.

11:5 Now Anna sat looking about toward the way for her son.

11:6 And when she espied him coming, she said to his father, Behold, thy soncometh, and the man that went with him.

11:7 Then said Raphael, I know, Tobias, that thy father will open his eyes.

11:8 Therefore anoint thou his eyes with the gall, and being pricked therewith,he shall rub, and the whiteness shall fall away, and he shall see thee.

11:9 Then Anna ran forth, and fell upon the neck of her son, and said unto him,Seeing I have seen thee, my son, from henceforth I am content to die. And theywept both.

11:10 Tobit also went forth toward the door, and stumbled: but his son ran untohim,

11:11 And took hold of his father: and he strake of the gall on hisfathers’ eyes, saying, Be of good hope, my father.

11:12 And when his eyes began to smart, he rubbed them;

11:13 And the whiteness pilled away from the corners of his eyes: and when hesaw his son, he fell upon his neck.

11:14 And he wept, and said, Blessed art thou, O God, and blessed is thy namefor ever; and blessed are all thine holy angels:

11:15 For thou hast scourged, and hast taken pity on me: for, behold, I see myson Tobias. And his son went in rejoicing, and told his father the great thingsthat had happened to him in Media.

11:16 Then Tobit went out to meet his daughter in law at the gate of Nineve,rejoicing and praising God: and they which saw him go marvelled, because he hadreceived his sight.

11:17 But Tobias gave thanks before them, because God had mercy on him. Andwhen he came near to Sara his daughter in law, he blessed her, saying, Thou artwelcome, daughter: God be blessed, which hath brought thee unto us, and blessedbe thy father and thy mother. And there was joy among all his brethren whichwere at Nineve.

11:18 And Achiacharus, and Nasbas his brother’s son, came:

11:19 And Tobias’ wedding was kept seven days with great joy.

12:1 Then Tobit called his son Tobias, and said unto him, My son, see that theman have his wages, which went with thee, and thou must give him more.

12:2 And Tobias said unto him, O father, it is no harm to me to give him halfof those things which I have brought:

12:3 For he hath brought me again to thee in safety, and made whole my wife,and brought me the money, and likewise healed thee.

12:4 Then the old man said, It is due unto him.

12:5 So he called the angel, and he said unto him, Take half of all that yehave brought and go away in safety.

12:6 Then he took them both apart, and said unto them, Bless God, praise him,and magnify him, and praise him for the things which he hath done unto you inthe sight of all that live. It is good to praise God, and exalt his name, andhonourably to shew forth the works of God; therefore be not slack to praisehim.

12:7 It is good to keep close the secret of a king, but it is honourable toreveal the works of God. Do that which is good, and no evil shall touch you.

12:8 Prayer is good with fasting and alms and righteousness. A little withrighteousness is better than much with unrighteousness. It is better to givealms than to lay up gold:

12:9 For alms doth deliver from death, and shall purge away all sin. Those thatexercise alms and righteousness shall be filled with life:

12:10 But they that sin are enemies to their own life.

12:11 Surely I will keep close nothing from you. For I said, It was good tokeep close the secret of a king, but that it was honourable to reveal the worksof God.

12:12 Now therefore, when thou didst pray, and Sara thy daughter in law, I didbring the remembrance of your prayers before the Holy One: and when thou didstbury the dead, I was with thee likewise.

12:13 And when thou didst not delay to rise up, and leave thy dinner, to go andcover the dead, thy good deed was not hid from me: but I was with thee.

12:14 And now God hath sent me to heal thee and Sara thy daughter in law.

12:15 I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels, which present the prayers ofthe saints, and which go in and out before the glory of the Holy One.

12:16 Then they were both troubled, and fell upon their faces: for they feared.

12:17 But he said unto them, Fear not, for it shall go well with you; praiseGod therefore.

12:18 For not of any favour of mine, but by the will of our God I came;wherefore praise him for ever.

12:19 All these days I did appear unto you; but I did neither eat nor drink,but ye did see a vision.

12:20 Now therefore give God thanks: for I go up to him that sent me; but writeall things which are done in a book.

12:21 And when they arose, they saw him no more.

12:22 Then they confessed the great and wonderful works of God, and how theangel of the Lord had appeared unto them.

13:1 Then Tobit wrote a prayer of rejoicing, and said, Blessed be God thatliveth for ever, and blessed be his kingdom.

13:2 For he doth scourge, and hath mercy: he leadeth down to hell, and bringethup again: neither is there any that can avoid his hand.

13:3 Confess him before the Gentiles, ye children of Israel: for he hathscattered us among them.

13:4 There declare his greatness, and extol him before all the living: for heis our Lord, and he is the God our Father for ever.

13:5 And he will scourge us for our iniquities, and will have mercy again, andwill gather us out of all nations, among whom he hath scattered us.

13:6 If ye turn to him with your whole heart, and with your whole mind, anddeal uprightly before him, then will he turn unto you, and will not hide hisface from you. Therefore see what he will do with you, and confess him withyour whole mouth, and praise the Lord of might, and extol the everlasting King.In the land of my captivity do I praise him, and declare his might and majestyto a sinful nation. O ye sinners, turn and do justice before him: who can tellif he will accept you, and have mercy on you?

13:7 I will extol my God, and my soul shall praise the King of heaven, andshall rejoice in his greatness.

13:8 Let all men speak, and let all praise him for his righteousness.

13:9 O Jerusalem, the holy city, he will scourge thee for thy children’sworks, and will have mercy again on the sons of the righteous.

13:10 Give praise to the Lord, for he is good: and praise the everlasting King,that his tabernacle may be builded in thee again with joy, and let him makejoyful there in thee those that are captives, and love in thee for ever thosethat are miserable.

13:11 Many nations shall come from far to the name of the Lord God with giftsin their hands, even gifts to the King of heaven; all generations shall praisethee with great joy.

13:12 Cursed are all they which hate thee, and blessed shall all be which lovethee for ever.

13:13 Rejoice and be glad for the children of the just: for they shall begathered together, and shall bless the Lord of the just.

13:14 O blessed are they which love thee, for they shall rejoice in thy peace:blessed are they which have been sorrowful for all thy scourges; for they shallrejoice for thee, when they have seen all thy glory, and shall be glad forever.

13:15 Let my soul bless God the great King.

13:16 For Jerusalem shall be built up with sapphires and emeralds, and preciousstone: thy walls and towers and battlements with pure gold.

13:17 And the streets of Jerusalem shall be paved with beryl and carbuncle andstones of Ophir.

13:18 And all her streets shall say, Alleluia; and they shall praise him,saying, Blessed be God, which hath extolled it for ever.

14:1 So Tobit made an end of praising God.

14:2 And he was eight and fifty years old when he lost his sight, which wasrestored to him after eight years: and he gave alms, and he increased in thefear of the Lord God, and praised him.

14:3 And when he was very aged he called his son, and the sons of his son, andsaid to him, My son, take thy children; for, behold, I am aged, and am ready todepart out of this life.

14:4 Go into Media my son, for I surely believe those things which Jonas theprophet spake of Nineve, that it shall be overthrown; and that for a time peaceshall rather be in Media; and that our brethren shall lie scattered in theearth from that good land: and Jerusalem shall be desolate, and the house ofGod in it shall be burned, and shall be desolate for a time;

14:5 And that again God will have mercy on them, and bring them again into theland, where they shall build a temple, but not like to the first, until thetime of that age be fulfilled; and afterward they shall return from all placesof their captivity, and build up Jerusalem gloriously, and the house of Godshall be built in it for ever with a glorious building, as the prophets havespoken thereof.

14:6 And all nations shall turn, and fear the Lord God truly, and shall burytheir idols.

14:7 So shall all nations praise the Lord, and his people shall confess God,and the Lord shall exalt his people; and all those which love the Lord God intruth and justice shall rejoice, shewing mercy to our brethren.

14:8 And now, my son, depart out of Nineve, because that those things which theprophet Jonas spake shall surely come to pass.

14:9 But keep thou the law and the commandments, and shew thyself merciful andjust, that it may go well with thee.

14:10 And bury me decently, and thy mother with me; but tarry no longer atNineve. Remember, my son, how Aman handled Achiacharus that brought him up, howout of light he brought him into darkness, and how he rewarded him again: yetAchiacharus was saved, but the other had his reward: for he went down intodarkness. Manasses gave alms, and escaped the snares of death which they hadset for him: but Aman fell into the snare, and perished.

14:11 Wherefore now, my son, consider what alms doeth, and how righteousnessdoth deliver. When he had said these things, he gave up the ghost in the bed,being an hundred and eight and fifty years old; and he buried him honourably.

14:12 And when Anna his mother was dead, he buried her with his father. ButTobias departed with his wife and children to Ecbatane to Raguel his father inlaw,

14:13 Where he became old with honour, and he buried his father and mother inlaw honourably, and he inherited their substance, and his father Tobit’s.

14:14 And he died at Ecbatane in Media, being an hundred and seven and twentyyears old.

14:15 But before he died he heard of the destruction of Nineve, which was takenby Nabuchodonosor and Assuerus: and before his death he rejoiced over Nineve.

The Book of Judith

1:1 In the twelfth year of the reign of Nabuchodonosor, who reigned in Nineve,the great city; in the days of Arphaxad, which reigned over the Medes inEcbatane,

1:2 And built in Ecbatane walls round about of stones hewn three cubits broadand six cubits long, and made the height of the wall seventy cubits, and thebreadth thereof fifty cubits:

1:3 And set the towers thereof upon the gates of it an hundred cubits high, andthe breadth thereof in the foundation threescore cubits:

1:4 And he made the gates thereof, even gates that were raised to the height ofseventy cubits, and the breadth of them was forty cubits, for the going forthof his mighty armies, and for the setting in array of his footmen:

1:5 Even in those days king Nabuchodonosor made war with king Arphaxad in thegreat plain, which is the plain in the borders of Ragau.

1:6 And there came unto him all they that dwelt in the hill country, and allthat dwelt by Euphrates, and Tigris and Hydaspes, and the plain of Arioch theking of the Elymeans, and very many nations of the sons of Chelod, assembledthemselves to the battle.

1:7 Then Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians sent unto all that dwelt inPersia, and to all that dwelt westward, and to those that dwelt in Cilicia, andDamascus, and Libanus, and Antilibanus, and to all that dwelt upon the seacoast,

1:8 And to those among the nations that were of Carmel, and Galaad, and thehigher Galilee, and the great plain of Esdrelom,

1:9 And to all that were in Samaria and the cities thereof, and beyond Jordanunto Jerusalem, and Betane, and Chelus, and Kades, and the river of Egypt, andTaphnes, and Ramesse, and all the land of Gesem,

1:10 Until ye come beyond Tanis and Memphis, and to all the inhabitants ofEgypt, until ye come to the borders of Ethiopia.

1:11 But all the inhabitants of the land made light of the commandment ofNabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians, neither went they with him to the battle;for they were not afraid of him: yea, he was before them as one man, and theysent away his ambassadors from them without effect, and with disgrace.

1:12 Therefore Nabuchodonosor was very angry with all this country, and swareby his throne and kingdom, that he would surely be avenged upon all thosecoasts of Cilicia, and Damascus, and Syria, and that he would slay with thesword all the inhabitants of the land of Moab, and the children of Ammon, andall Judea, and all that were in Egypt, till ye come to the borders of the twoseas.

1:13 Then he marched in battle array with his power against king Arphaxad inthe seventeenth year, and he prevailed in his battle: for he overthrew all thepower of Arphaxad, and all his horsemen, and all his chariots,

1:14 And became lord of his cities, and came unto Ecbatane, and took thetowers, and spoiled the streets thereof, and turned the beauty thereof intoshame.

1:15 He took also Arphaxad in the mountains of Ragau, and smote him throughwith his darts, and destroyed him utterly that day.

1:16 So he returned afterward to Nineve, both he and all his company of sundrynations being a very great multitude of men of war, and there he took his ease,and banqueted, both he and his army, an hundred and twenty days.

2:1 And in the eighteenth year, the two and twentieth day of the first month,there was talk in the house of Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians that heshould, as he said, avenge himself on all the earth.

2:2 So he called unto him all his officers, and all his nobles, andcommunicated with them his secret counsel, and concluded the afflicting of thewhole earth out of his own mouth.

2:3 Then they decreed to destroy all flesh, that did not obey the commandmentof his mouth.

2:4 And when he had ended his counsel, Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrianscalled Holofernes the chief captain of his army, which was next unto him, andsaid unto him.

2:5 Thus saith the great king, the lord of the whole earth, Behold, thou shaltgo forth from my presence, and take with thee men that trust in their ownstrength, of footmen an hundred and twenty thousand; and the number of horseswith their riders twelve thousand.

2:6 And thou shalt go against all the west country, because they disobeyed mycommandment.

2:7 And thou shalt declare unto that they prepare for me earth and water: for Iwill go forth in my wrath against them and will cover the whole face of theearth with the feet of mine army, and I will give them for a spoil unto them:

2:8 So that their slain shall fill their valleys and brooks and the river shallbe filled with their dead, till it overflow:

2:9 And I will lead them captives to the utmost parts of all the earth.

2:10 Thou therefore shalt go forth, and take beforehand for me all theircoasts: and if they will yield themselves unto thee, thou shalt reserve themfor me till the day of their punishment.

2:11 But concerning them that rebel, let not thine eye spare them; but put themto the slaughter, and spoil them wheresoever thou goest.

2:12 For as I live, and by the power of my kingdom, whatsoever I have spoken,that will I do by mine hand.

2:13 And take thou heed that thou transgress none of the commandments of thylord, but accomplish them fully, as I have commanded thee, and defer not to dothem.

2:14 Then Holofernes went forth from the presence of his lord, and called allthe governors and captains, and the officers of the army of Assur;

2:15 And he mustered the chosen men for the battle, as his lord had commandedhim, unto an hundred and twenty thousand, and twelve thousand archers onhorseback;

2:16 And he ranged them, as a great army is ordered for the war.

2:17 And he took camels and asses for their carriages, a very great number; andsheep and oxen and goats without number for their provision:

2:18 And plenty of victual for every man of the army, and very much gold andsilver out of the king’s house.

2:19 Then he went forth and all his power to go before king Nabuchodonosor inthe voyage, and to cover all the face of the earth westward with theirchariots, and horsemen, and their chosen footmen.

2:20 A great number also sundry countries came with them like locusts, and likethe sand of the earth: for the multitude was without number.

2:21 And they went forth of Nineve three days’ journey toward the plainof Bectileth, and pitched from Bectileth near the mountain which is at the lefthand of the upper Cilicia.

2:22 Then he took all his army, his footmen, and horsemen and chariots, andwent from thence into the hill country;

2:23 And destroyed Phud and Lud, and spoiled all the children of Rasses, andthe children of Ismael, which were toward the wilderness at the south of theland of the Chellians.

2:24 Then he went over Euphrates, and went through Mesopotamia, and destroyedall the high cities that were upon the river Arbonai, till ye come to the sea.

2:25 And he took the borders of Cilicia, and killed all that resisted him, andcame to the borders of Japheth, which were toward the south, over againstArabia.

2:26 He compassed also all the children of Madian, and burned up theirtabernacles, and spoiled their sheepcotes.

2:27 Then he went down into the plain of Damascus in the time of wheat harvest,and burnt up all their fields, and destroyed their flocks and herds, also hespoiled their cities, and utterly wasted their countries, and smote all theiryoung men with the edge of the sword.

2:28 Therefore the fear and dread of him fell upon all the inhabitants of thesea coasts, which were in Sidon and Tyrus, and them that dwelt in Sur andOcina, and all that dwelt in Jemnaan; and they that dwelt in Azotus and Ascalonfeared him greatly.

3:1 So they sent ambassadors unto him to treat of peace, saying,

3:2 Behold, we the servants of Nabuchodonosor the great king lie before thee;use us as shall be good in thy sight.

3:3 Behold, our houses, and all our places, and all our fields of wheat, andflocks, and herds, and all the lodges of our tents lie before thy face; usethem as it pleaseth thee.

3:4 Behold, even our cities and the inhabitants thereof are thy servants; comeand deal with them as seemeth good unto thee.

3:5 So the men came to Holofernes, and declared unto him after this manner.

3:6 Then came he down toward the sea coast, both he and his army, and setgarrisons in the high cities, and took out of them chosen men for aid.

3:7 So they and all the country round about received them with garlands, withdances, and with timbrels.

3:8 Yet he did cast down their frontiers, and cut down their groves: for he haddecreed to destroy all the gods of the land, that all nations should worshipNabuchodonosor only, and that all tongues and tribes should call upon him asgod.

3:9 Also he came over against Esdraelon near unto Judea, over against the greatstrait of Judea.

3:10 And he pitched between Geba and Scythopolis, and there he tarried a wholemonth, that he might gather together all the carriages of his army.

4:1 Now the children of Israel, that dwelt in Judea, heard all that Holofernesthe chief captain of Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians had done to thenations, and after what manner he had spoiled all their temples, and broughtthem to nought.

4:2 Therefore they were exceedingly afraid of him, and were troubled forJerusalem, and for the temple of the Lord their God:

4:3 For they were newly returned from the captivity, and all the people ofJudea were lately gathered together: and the vessels, and the altar, and thehouse, were sanctified after the profanation.

4:4 Therefore they sent into all the coasts of Samaria, and the villages and toBethoron, and Belmen, and Jericho, and to Choba, and Esora, and to the valleyof Salem:

4:5 And possessed themselves beforehand of all the tops of the high mountains,and fortified the villages that were in them, and laid up victuals for theprovision of war: for their fields were of late reaped.

4:6 Also Joacim the high priest, which was in those days in Jerusalem, wrote tothem that dwelt in Bethulia, and Betomestham, which is over against Esdraelontoward the open country, near to Dothaim,

4:7 Charging them to keep the passages of the hill country: for by them therewas an entrance into Judea, and it was easy to stop them that would come up,because the passage was straight, for two men at the most.

4:8 And the children of Israel did as Joacim the high priest had commandedthem, with the ancients of all the people of Israel, which dwelt at Jerusalem.

4:9 Then every man of Israel cried to God with great fervency, and with greatvehemency did they humble their souls:

4:10 Both they, and their wives and their children, and their cattle, and everystranger and hireling, and their servants bought with money, put sackcloth upontheir loins.

4:11 Thus every man and women, and the little children, and the inhabitants ofJerusalem, fell before the temple, and cast ashes upon their heads, and spreadout their sackcloth before the face of the Lord: also they put sackcloth aboutthe altar,

4:12 And cried to the God of Israel all with one consent earnestly, that hewould not give their children for a prey, and their wives for a spoil, and thecities of their inheritance to destruction, and the sanctuary to profanationand reproach, and for the nations to rejoice at.

4:13 So God heard their prayers, and looked upon their afflictions: for thepeople fasted many days in all Judea and Jerusalem before the sanctuary of theLord Almighty.

4:14 And Joacim the high priest, and all the priests that stood before theLord, and they which ministered unto the Lord, had their loins girt withsackcloth, and offered the daily burnt offerings, with the vows and free giftsof the people,

4:15 And had ashes on their mitres, and cried unto the Lord with all theirpower, that he would look upon all the house of Israel graciously.

5:1 Then was it declared to Holofernes, the chief captain of the army of Assur,that the children of Israel had prepared for war, and had shut up the passagesof the hill country, and had fortified all the tops of the high hills and hadlaid impediments in the champaign countries:

5:2 Wherewith he was very angry, and called all the princes of Moab, and thecaptains of Ammon, and all the governors of the sea coast,

5:3 And he said unto them, Tell me now, ye sons of Chanaan, who this people is,that dwelleth in the hill country, and what are the cities that they inhabit,and what is the multitude of their army, and wherein is their power andstrength, and what king is set over them, or captain of their army;

5:4 And why have they determined not to come and meet me, more than all theinhabitants of the west.

5:5 Then said Achior, the captain of all the sons of Ammon, Let my lord nowhear a word from the mouth of thy servant, and I will declare unto thee thetruth concerning this people, which dwelleth near thee, and inhabiteth the hillcountries: and there shall no lie come out of the mouth of thy servant.

5:6 This people are descended of the Chaldeans:

5:7 And they sojourned heretofore in Mesopotamia, because they would not followthe gods of their fathers, which were in the land of Chaldea.

5:8 For they left the way of their ancestors, and worshipped the God of heaven,the God whom they knew: so they cast them out from the face of their gods, andthey fled into Mesopotamia, and sojourned there many days.

5:9 Then their God commanded them to depart from the place where theysojourned, and to go into the land of Chanaan: where they dwelt, and wereincreased with gold and silver, and with very much cattle.

5:10 But when a famine covered all the land of Chanaan, they went down intoEgypt, and sojourned there, while they were nourished, and became there a greatmultitude, so that one could not number their nation.

5:11 Therefore the king of Egypt rose up against them, and dealt subtilly withthem, and brought them low with labouring in brick, and made them slaves.

5:12 Then they cried unto their God, and he smote all the land of Egypt withincurable plagues: so the Egyptians cast them out of their sight.

5:13 And God dried the Red sea before them,

5:14 And brought them to mount Sina, and Cades-Barne, and cast forth all thatdwelt in the wilderness.

5:15 So they dwelt in the land of the Amorites, and they destroyed by theirstrength all them of Esebon, and passing over Jordan they possessed all thehill country.

5:16 And they cast forth before them the Chanaanite, the Pherezite, theJebusite, and the Sychemite, and all the Gergesites, and they dwelt in thatcountry many days.

5:17 And whilst they sinned not before their God, they prospered, because theGod that hateth iniquity was with them.

5:18 But when they departed from the way which he appointed them, they weredestroyed in many battles very sore, and were led captives into a land that wasnot theirs, and the temple of their God was cast to the ground, and theircities were taken by the enemies.

5:19 But now are they returned to their God, and are come up from the placeswhere they were scattered, and have possessed Jerusalem, where their sanctuaryis, and are seated in the hill country; for it was desolate.

5:20 Now therefore, my lord and governor, if there be any error against thispeople, and they sin against their God, let us consider that this shall betheir ruin, and let us go up, and we shall overcome them.

5:21 But if there be no iniquity in their nation, let my lord now pass by, lesttheir Lord defend them, and their God be for them, and we become a reproachbefore all the world.

5:22 And when Achior had finished these sayings, all the people standing roundabout the tent murmured, and the chief men of Holofernes, and all that dwelt bythe sea side, and in Moab, spake that he should kill him.

5:23 For, say they, we will not be afraid of the face of the children ofIsrael: for, lo, it is a people that have no strength nor power for a strongbattle

5:24 Now therefore, lord Holofernes, we will go up, and they shall be a prey tobe devoured of all thine army.

6:1 And when the tumult of men that were about the council was ceased,Holofernes the chief captain of the army of Assur said unto Achior and all theMoabites before all the company of other nations,

6:2 And who art thou, Achior, and the hirelings of Ephraim, that thou hastprophesied against us as to day, and hast said, that we should not make warwith the people of Israel, because their God will defend them? and who is Godbut Nabuchodonosor?

6:3 He will send his power, and will destroy them from the face of the earth,and their God shall not deliver them: but we his servants will destroy them asone man; for they are not able to sustain the power of our horses.

6:4 For with them we will tread them under foot, and their mountains shall bedrunken with their blood, and their fields shall be filled with their deadbodies, and their footsteps shall not be able to stand before us, for theyshall utterly perish, saith king Nabuchodonosor, lord of all the earth: for hesaid, None of my words shall be in vain.

6:5 And thou, Achior, an hireling of Ammon, which hast spoken these words inthe day of thine iniquity, shalt see my face no more from this day, until Itake vengeance of this nation that came out of Egypt.

6:6 And then shall the sword of mine army, and the multitude of them that serveme, pass through thy sides, and thou shalt fall among their slain, when Ireturn.

6:7 Now therefore my servants shall bring thee back into the hill country, andshall set thee in one of the cities of the passages:

6:8 And thou shalt not perish, till thou be destroyed with them.

6:9 And if thou persuade thyself in thy mind that they shall be taken, let notthy countenance fall: I have spoken it, and none of my words shall be in vain.

6:10 Then Holofernes commanded his servants, that waited in his tent, to takeAchior, and bring him to Bethulia, and deliver him into the hands of thechildren of Israel.

6:11 So his servants took him, and brought him out of the camp into the plain,and they went from the midst of the plain into the hill country, and came untothe fountains that were under Bethulia.

6:12 And when the men of the city saw them, they took up their weapons, andwent out of the city to the top of the hill: and every man that used a slingkept them from coming up by casting of stones against them.

6:13 Nevertheless having gotten privily under the hill, they bound Achior, andcast him down, and left him at the foot of the hill, and returned to theirlord.

6:14 But the Israelites descended from their city, and came unto him, andloosed him, and brought him to Bethulia, and presented him to the governors ofthe city:

6:15 Which were in those days Ozias the son of Micha, of the tribe of Simeon,and Chabris the son of Gothoniel, and Charmis the son of Melchiel.

6:16 And they called together all the ancients of the city, and all their youthran together, and their women, to the assembly, and they set Achior in themidst of all their people. Then Ozias asked him of that which was done.

6:17 And he answered and declared unto them the words of the council ofHolofernes, and all the words that he had spoken in the midst of the princes ofAssur, and whatsoever Holofernes had spoken proudly against the house ofIsrael.

6:18 Then the people fell down and worshipped God, and cried unto God, saying,

6:19 O Lord God of heaven, behold their pride, and pity the low estate of ournation, and look upon the face of those that are sanctified unto thee this day.

6:20 Then they comforted Achior, and praised him greatly.

6:21 And Ozias took him out of the assembly unto his house, and made a feast tothe elders; and they called on the God of Israel all that night for help.

7:1 The next day Holofernes commanded all his army, and all his people whichwere come to take his part, that they should remove their camp againstBethulia, to take aforehand the ascents of the hill country, and to make waragainst the children of Israel.

7:2 Then their strong men removed their camps in that day, and the army of themen of war was an hundred and seventy thousand footmen, and twelve thousandhorsemen, beside the baggage, and other men that were afoot among them, a verygreat multitude.

7:3 And they camped in the valley near unto Bethulia, by the fountain, and theyspread themselves in breadth over Dothaim even to Belmaim, and in length fromBethulia unto Cynamon, which is over against Esdraelon.

7:4 Now the children of Israel, when they saw the multitude of them, weregreatly troubled, and said every one to his neighbour, Now will these men lickup the face of the earth; for neither the high mountains, nor the valleys, northe hills, are able to bear their weight.

7:5 Then every man took up his weapons of war, and when they had kindled firesupon their towers, they remained and watched all that night.

7:6 But in the second day Holofernes brought forth all his horsemen in thesight of the children of Israel which were in Bethulia,

7:7 And viewed the passages up to the city, and came to the fountains of theirwaters, and took them, and set garrisons of men of war over them, and hehimself removed toward his people.

7:8 Then came unto him all the chief of the children of Esau, and all thegovernors of the people of Moab, and the captains of the sea coast, and said,

7:9 Let our lord now hear a word, that there be not an overthrow in thine army.

7:10 For this people of the children of Israel do not trust in their spears,but in the height of the mountains wherein they dwell, because it is not easyto come up to the tops of their mountains.

7:11 Now therefore, my lord, fight not against them in battle array, and thereshall not so much as one man of thy people perish.

7:12 Remain in thy camp, and keep all the men of thine army, and let thyservants get into their hands the fountain of water, which issueth forth of thefoot of the mountain:

7:13 For all the inhabitants of Bethulia have their water thence; so shallthirst kill them, and they shall give up their city, and we and our peopleshall go up to the tops of the mountains that are near, and will camp uponthem, to watch that none go out of the city.

7:14 So they and their wives and their children shall be consumed with famine,and before the sword come against them, they shall be overthrown in the streetswhere they dwell.

7:15 Thus shalt thou render them an evil reward; because they rebelled, and metnot thy person peaceably.

7:16 And these words pleased Holofernes and all his servants, and he appointedto do as they had spoken.

7:17 So the camp of the children of Ammon departed, and with them five thousandof the Assyrians, and they pitched in the valley, and took the waters, and thefountains of the waters of the children of Israel.

7:18 Then the children of Esau went up with the children of Ammon, and campedin the hill country over against Dothaim: and they sent some of them toward thesouth, and toward the east over against Ekrebel, which is near unto Chusi, thatis upon the brook Mochmur; and the rest of the army of the Assyrians camped inthe plain, and covered the face of the whole land; and their tents andcarriages were pitched to a very great multitude.

7:19 Then the children of Israel cried unto the Lord their God, because theirheart failed, for all their enemies had compassed them round about, and therewas no way to escape out from among them.

7:20 Thus all the company of Assur remained about them, both their footmen,chariots, and horsemen, four and thirty days, so that all their vessels ofwater failed all the inhibitants of Bethulia.

7:21 And the cisterns were emptied, and they had not water to drink their fillfor one day; for they gave them drink by measure.

7:22 Therefore their young children were out of heart, and their women andyoung men fainted for thirst, and fell down in the streets of the city, and bythe passages of the gates, and there was no longer any strength in them.

7:23 Then all the people assembled to Ozias, and to the chief of the city, bothyoung men, and women, and children, and cried with a loud voice, and saidbefore all the elders,

7:24 God be judge between us and you: for ye have done us great injury, in thatye have not required peace of the children of Assur.

7:25 For now we have no helper: but God hath sold us into their hands, that weshould be thrown down before them with thirst and great destruction.

7:26 Now therefore call them unto you, and deliver the whole city for a spoilto the people of Holofernes, and to all his army.

7:27 For it is better for us to be made a spoil unto them, than to die forthirst: for we will be his servants, that our souls may live, and not see thedeath of our infants before our eyes, nor our wives nor our children to die.

7:28 We take to witness against you the heaven and the earth, and our God andLord of our fathers, which punisheth us according to our sins and the sins ofour fathers, that he do not according as we have said this day.

7:29 Then there was great weeping with one consent in the midst of theassembly; and they cried unto the Lord God with a loud voice.

7:30 Then said Ozias to them, Brethren, be of good courage, let us yet endurefive days, in the which space the Lord our God may turn his mercy toward us;for he will not forsake us utterly.

7:31 And if these days pass, and there come no help unto us, I will doaccording to your word.

7:32 And he dispersed the people, every one to their own charge; and they wentunto the walls and towers of their city, and sent the women and children intotheir houses: and they were very low brought in the city.

8:1 Now at that time Judith heard thereof, which was the daughter of Merari,the son of Ox, the son of Joseph, the son of Ozel, the son of Elcia, the son ofAnanias, the son of Gedeon, the son of Raphaim, the son of Acitho, the son ofEliu, the son of Eliab, the son of Nathanael, the son of Samael, the son ofSalasadal, the son of Israel.

8:2 And Manasses was her husband, of her tribe and kindred, who died in thebarley harvest.

8:3 For as he stood overseeing them that bound sheaves in the field, the heatcame upon his head, and he fell on his bed, and died in the city of Bethulia:and they buried him with his fathers in the field between Dothaim and Balamo.

8:4 So Judith was a widow in her house three years and four months.

8:5 And she made her a tent upon the top of her house, and put on sackclothupon her loins and ware her widow’s apparel.

8:6 And she fasted all the days of her widowhood, save the eves of thesabbaths, and the sabbaths, and the eves of the new moons, and the new moonsand the feasts and solemn days of the house of Israel.

8:7 She was also of a goodly countenance, and very beautiful to behold: and herhusband Manasses had left her gold, and silver, and menservants andmaidservants, and cattle, and lands; and she remained upon them.

8:8 And there was none that gave her an ill word; for she feared God greatly.

8:9 Now when she heard the evil words of the people against the governor, thatthey fainted for lack of water; for Judith had heard all the words that Oziashad spoken unto them, and that he had sworn to deliver the city unto theAssyrians after five days;

8:10 Then she sent her waitingwoman, that had the government of all things thatshe had, to call Ozias and Chabris and Charmis, the ancients of the city.

8:11 And they came unto her, and she said unto them, Hear me now, O yegovernors of the inhabitants of Bethulia: for your words that ye have spokenbefore the people this day are not right, touching this oath which ye made andpronounced between God and you, and have promised to deliver the city to ourenemies, unless within these days the Lord turn to help you.

8:12 And now who are ye that have tempted God this day, and stand instead ofGod among the children of men?

8:13 And now try the Lord Almighty, but ye shall never know any thing.

8:14 For ye cannot find the depth of the heart of man, neither can ye perceivethe things that he thinketh: then how can ye search out God, that hath made allthese things, and know his mind, or comprehend his purpose? Nay, my brethren,provoke not the Lord our God to anger.

8:15 For if he will not help us within these five days, he hath power to defendus when he will, even every day, or to destroy us before our enemies.

8:16 Do not bind the counsels of the Lord our God: for God is not as man, thathe may be threatened; neither is he as the son of man, that he should bewavering.

8:17 Therefore let us wait for salvation of him, and call upon him to help us,and he will hear our voice, if it please him.

8:18 For there arose none in our age, neither is there any now in these daysneither tribe, nor family, nor people, nor city among us, which worship godsmade with hands, as hath been aforetime.

8:19 For the which cause our fathers were given to the sword, and for a spoil,and had a great fall before our enemies.

8:20 But we know none other god, therefore we trust that he will not dispiseus, nor any of our nation.

8:21 For if we be taken so, all Judea shall lie waste, and our sanctuary shallbe spoiled; and he will require the profanation thereof at our mouth.

8:22 And the slaughter of our brethren, and the captivity of the country, andthe desolation of our inheritance, will he turn upon our heads among theGentiles, wheresoever we shall be in bondage; and we shall be an offence and areproach to all them that possess us.

8:23 For our servitude shall not be directed to favour: but the Lord our Godshall turn it to dishonour.

8:24 Now therefore, O brethren, let us shew an example to our brethren, becausetheir hearts depend upon us, and the sanctuary, and the house, and the altar,rest upon us.

8:25 Moreover let us give thanks to the Lord our God, which trieth us, even ashe did our fathers.

8:26 Remember what things he did to Abraham, and how he tried Isaac, and whathappened to Jacob in Mesopotamia of Syria, when he kept the sheep of Laban hismother’s brother.

8:27 For he hath not tried us in the fire, as he did them, for the examinationof their hearts, neither hath he taken vengeance on us: but the Lord dothscourge them that come near unto him, to admonish them.

8:28 Then said Ozias to her, All that thou hast spoken hast thou spoken with agood heart, and there is none that may gainsay thy words.

8:29 For this is not the first day wherein thy wisdom is manifested; but fromthe beginning of thy days all the people have known thy understanding, becausethe disposition of thine heart is good.

8:30 But the people were very thirsty, and compelled us to do unto them as wehave spoken, and to bring an oath upon ourselves, which we will not break.

8:31 Therefore now pray thou for us, because thou art a godly woman, and theLord will send us rain to fill our cisterns, and we shall faint no more.

8:32 Then said Judith unto them, Hear me, and I will do a thing, which shall gothroughout all generations to the children of our nation.

8:33 Ye shall stand this night in the gate, and I will go forth with mywaitingwoman: and within the days that ye have promised to deliver the city toour enemies the Lord will visit Israel by mine hand.

8:34 But enquire not ye of mine act: for I will not declare it unto you, tillthe things be finished that I do.

8:35 Then said Ozias and the princes unto her, Go in peace, and the Lord God bebefore thee, to take vengeance on our enemies.

8:36 So they returned from the tent, and went to their wards.

9:1 Then Judith fell upon her face, and put ashes upon her head, and uncoveredthe sackcloth wherewith she was clothed; and about the time that the incense ofthat evening was offered in Jerusalem in the house of the Lord Judith criedwith a loud voice, and said,

9:2 O Lord God of my father Simeon, to whom thou gavest a sword to takevengeance of the strangers, who loosened the girdle of a maid to defile her,and discovered the thigh to her shame, and polluted her virginity to herreproach; for thou saidst, It shall not be so; and yet they did so:

9:3 Wherefore thou gavest their rulers to be slain, so that they dyed their bedin blood, being deceived, and smotest the servants with their lords, and thelords upon their thrones;

9:4 And hast given their wives for a prey, and their daughters to be captives,and all their spoils to be divided among thy dear children; which were movedwith thy zeal, and abhorred the pollution of their blood, and called upon theefor aid: O God, O my God, hear me also a widow.

9:5 For thou hast wrought not only those things, but also the things which fellout before, and which ensued after; thou hast thought upon the things which arenow, and which are to come.

9:6 Yea, what things thou didst determine were ready at hand, and said, Lo, weare here: for all thy ways are prepared, and thy judgments are in thyforeknowledge.

9:7 For, behold, the Assyrians are multiplied in their power; they are exaltedwith horse and man; they glory in the strength of their footmen; they trust inshield, and spear, and bow, and sling; and know not that thou art the Lord thatbreakest the battles: the Lord is thy name.

9:8 Throw down their strength in thy power, and bring down their force in thywrath: for they have purposed to defile thy sanctuary, and to pollute thetabernacle where thy glorious name resteth and to cast down with sword the hornof thy altar.

9:9 Behold their pride, and send thy wrath upon their heads: give into minehand, which am a widow, the power that I have conceived.

9:10 Smite by the deceit of my lips the servant with the prince, and the princewith the servant: break down their stateliness by the hand of a woman.

9:11 For thy power standeth not in multitude nor thy might in strong men: forthou art a God of the afflicted, an helper of the oppressed, an upholder of theweak, a protector of the forlorn, a saviour of them that are without hope.

9:12 I pray thee, I pray thee, O God of my father, and God of the inheritanceof Israel, Lord of the heavens and earth, Creator of the waters, king of everycreature, hear thou my prayer:

9:13 And make my speech and deceit to be their wound and stripe, who havepurposed cruel things against thy covenant, and thy hallowed house, and againstthe top of Sion, and against the house of the possession of thy children.

9:14 And make every nation and tribe to acknowledge that thou art the God ofall power and might, and that there is none other that protecteth the people ofIsrael but thou.

10:1 Now after that she had ceased to cry unto the God of Israel, and had madean end of all these words.

10:2 She rose where she had fallen down, and called her maid, and went downinto the house in the which she abode in the sabbath days, and in her feastdays,

10:3 And pulled off the sackcloth which she had on, and put off the garments ofher widowhood, and washed her body all over with water, and anointed herselfwith precious ointment, and braided the hair of her head, and put on a tireupon it, and put on her garments of gladness, wherewith she was clad during thelife of Manasses her husband.

10:4 And she took sandals upon her feet, and put about her her bracelets, andher chains, and her rings, and her earrings, and all her ornaments, and deckedherself bravely, to allure the eyes of all men that should see her.

10:5 Then she gave her maid a bottle of wine, and a cruse of oil, and filled abag with parched corn, and lumps of figs, and with fine bread; so she foldedall these things together, and laid them upon her.

10:6 Thus they went forth to the gate of the city of Bethulia, and foundstanding there Ozias and the ancients of the city, Chabris and Charmis.

10:7 And when they saw her, that her countenance was altered, and her apparelwas changed, they wondered at her beauty very greatly, and said unto her.

10:8 The God, the God of our fathers give thee favour, and accomplish thineenterprizes to the glory of the children of Israel, and to the exaltation ofJerusalem. Then they worshipped God.

10:9 And she said unto them, Command the gates of the city to be opened untome, that I may go forth to accomplish the things whereof ye have spoken withme. So they commanded the young men to open unto her, as she had spoken.

10:10 And when they had done so, Judith went out, she, and her maid with her;and the men of the city looked after her, until she was gone down the mountain,and till she had passed the valley, and could see her no more.

10:11 Thus they went straight forth in the valley: and the first watch of theAssyrians met her,

10:12 And took her, and asked her, Of what people art thou? and whence comestthou? and whither goest thou? And she said, I am a woman of the Hebrews, and amfled from them: for they shall be given you to be consumed:

10:13 And I am coming before Holofernes the chief captain of your army, todeclare words of truth; and I will shew him a way, whereby he shall go, and winall the hill country, without losing the body or life of any one of his men.

10:14 Now when the men heard her words, and beheld her countenance, theywondered greatly at her beauty, and said unto her,

10:15 Thou hast saved thy life, in that thou hast hasted to come down to thepresence of our lord: now therefore come to his tent, and some of us shallconduct thee, until they have delivered thee to his hands.

10:16 And when thou standest before him, be not afraid in thine heart, but shewunto him according to thy word; and he will entreat thee well.

10:17 Then they chose out of them an hundred men to accompany her and her maid;and they brought her to the tent of Holofernes.

10:18 Then was there a concourse throughout all the camp: for her coming wasnoised among the tents, and they came about her, as she stood without the tentof Holofernes, till they told him of her.

10:19 And they wondered at her beauty, and admired the children of Israelbecause of her, and every one said to his neighbour, Who would despise thispeople, that have among them such women? surely it is not good that one man ofthem be left who being let go might deceive the whole earth.

10:20 And they that lay near Holofernes went out, and all his servants and theybrought her into the tent.

10:21 Now Holofernes rested upon his bed under a canopy, which was woven withpurple, and gold, and emeralds, and precious stones.

10:22 So they shewed him of her; and he came out before his tent with silverlamps going before him.

10:23 And when Judith was come before him and his servants they all marvelledat the beauty of her countenance; and she fell down upon her face, and didreverence unto him: and his servants took her up.

11:1 Then said Holofernes unto her, Woman, be of good comfort, fear not inthine heart: for I never hurt any that was willing to serve Nabuchodonosor, theking of all the earth.

11:2 Now therefore, if thy people that dwelleth in the mountains had not setlight by me, I would not have lifted up my spear against them: but they havedone these things to themselves.

11:3 But now tell me wherefore thou art fled from them, and art come unto us:for thou art come for safeguard; be of good comfort, thou shalt live thisnight, and hereafter:

11:4 For none shall hurt thee, but entreat thee well, as they do the servantsof king Nabuchodonosor my lord.

11:5 Then Judith said unto him, Receive the words of thy servant, and sufferthine handmaid to speak in thy presence, and I will declare no lie to my lordthis night.

11:6 And if thou wilt follow the words of thine handmaid, God will bring thething perfectly to pass by thee; and my lord shall not fail of his purposes.

11:7 As Nabuchodonosor king of all the earth liveth, and as his power liveth,who hath sent thee for the upholding of every living thing: for not only menshall serve him by thee, but also the beasts of the field, and the cattle, andthe fowls of the air, shall live by thy power under Nabuchodonosor and all hishouse.

11:8 For we have heard of thy wisdom and thy policies, and it is reported inall the earth, that thou only art excellent in all the kingdom, and mighty inknowledge, and wonderful in feats of war.

11:9 Now as concerning the matter, which Achior did speak in thy council, wehave heard his words; for the men of Bethulia saved him, and he declared untothem all that he had spoken unto thee.

11:10 Therefore, O lord and governor, respect not his word; but lay it up inthine heart, for it is true: for our nation shall not be punished, neither cansword prevail against them, except they sin against their God.

11:11 And now, that my lord be not defeated and frustrate of his purpose, evendeath is now fallen upon them, and their sin hath overtaken them, wherewiththey will provoke their God to anger whensoever they shall do that which is notfit to be done:

11:12 For their victuals fail them, and all their water is scant, and they havedetermined to lay hands upon their cattle, and purposed to consume all thosethings, that God hath forbidden them to eat by his laws:

11:13 And are resolved to spend the firstfruits of the corn, and the tenths ofwine and oil, which they had sanctified, and reserved for the priests thatserve in Jerusalem before the face of our God; the which things it is notlawful for any of the people so much as to touch with their hands.

11:14 For they have sent some to Jerusalem, because they also that dwell therehave done the like, to bring them a licence from the senate.

11:15 Now when they shall bring them word, they will forthwith do it, and theyshall be given to thee to be destroyed the same day.

11:16 Wherefore I thine handmaid, knowing all this, am fled from theirpresence; and God hath sent me to work things with thee, whereat all the earthshall be astonished, and whosoever shall hear it.

11:17 For thy servant is religious, and serveth the God of heaven day andnight: now therefore, my lord, I will remain with thee, and thy servant will goout by night into the valley, and I will pray unto God, and he will tell mewhen they have committed their sins:

11:18 And I will come and shew it unto thee: then thou shalt go forth with allthine army, and there shall be none of them that shall resist thee.

11:19 And I will lead thee through the midst of Judea, until thou come beforeJerusalem; and I will set thy throne in the midst thereof; and thou shalt drivethem as sheep that have no shepherd, and a dog shall not so much as open hismouth at thee: for these things were told me according to my foreknowledge, andthey were declared unto me, and I am sent to tell thee.

11:20 Then her words pleased Holofernes and all his servants; and theymarvelled at her wisdom, and said,

11:21 There is not such a woman from one end of the earth to the other, bothfor beauty of face, and wisdom of words.

11:22 Likewise Holofernes said unto her. God hath done well to send thee beforethe people, that strength might be in our hands and destruction upon them thatlightly regard my lord.

11:23 And now thou art both beautiful in thy countenance, and witty in thywords: surely if thou do as thou hast spoken thy God shall be my God, and thoushalt dwell in the house of king Nabuchodonosor, and shalt be renowned throughthe whole earth.

12:1 Then he commanded to bring her in where his plate was set; and bade thatthey should prepare for her of his own meats, and that she should drink of hisown wine.

12:2 And Judith said, I will not eat thereof, lest there be an offence: butprovision shall be made for me of the things that I have brought.

12:3 Then Holofernes said unto her, If thy provision should fail, how should wegive thee the like? for there be none with us of thy nation.

12:4 Then said Judith unto him As thy soul liveth, my lord, thine handmaidshall not spend those things that I have, before the Lord work by mine hand thethings that he hath determined.

12:5 Then the servants of Holofernes brought her into the tent, and she slepttill midnight, and she arose when it was toward the morning watch,

12:6 And sent to Holofernes, saving, Let my lord now command that thinehandmaid may go forth unto prayer.

12:7 Then Holofernes commanded his guard that they should not stay her: thusshe abode in the camp three days, and went out in the night into the valley ofBethulia, and washed herself in a fountain of water by the camp.

12:8 And when she came out, she besought the Lord God of Israel to direct herway to the raising up of the children of her people.

12:9 So she came in clean, and remained in the tent, until she did eat her meatat evening.

12:10 And in the fourth day Holofernes made a feast to his own servants only,and called none of the officers to the banquet.

12:11 Then said he to Bagoas the eunuch, who had charge over all that he had,Go now, and persuade this Hebrew woman which is with thee, that she come untous, and eat and drink with us.

12:12 For, lo, it will be a shame for our person, if we shall let such a womango, not having had her company; for if we draw her not unto us, she will laughus to scorn.

12:13 Then went Bagoas from the presence of Holofernes, and came to her, and hesaid, Let not this fair damsel fear to come to my lord, and to be honoured inhis presence, and drink wine, and be merry with us and be made this day as oneof the daughters of the Assyrians, which serve in the house of Nabuchodonosor.

12:14 Then said Judith unto him, Who am I now, that I should gainsay my lord?surely whatsoever pleaseth him I will do speedily, and it shall be my joy untothe day of my death.

12:15 So she arose, and decked herself with her apparel and all herwoman’s attire, and her maid went and laid soft skins on the ground forher over against Holofernes, which she had received of Bagoas far her dailyuse, that she might sit and eat upon them.

12:16 Now when Judith came in and sat down, Holofernes his heart was ravishedwith her, and his mind was moved, and he desired greatly her company; for hewaited a time to deceive her, from the day that he had seen her.

12:17 Then said Holofernes unto her, Drink now, and be merry with us.

12:18 So Judith said, I will drink now, my lord, because my life is magnifiedin me this day more than all the days since I was born.

12:19 Then she took and ate and drank before him what her maid had prepared.

12:20 And Holofernes took great delight in her, and drank more wine than he haddrunk at any time in one day since he was born.

13:1 Now when the evening was come, his servants made haste to depart, andBagoas shut his tent without, and dismissed the waiters from the presence ofhis lord; and they went to their beds: for they were all weary, because thefeast had been long.

13:2 And Judith was left along in the tent, and Holofernes lying along upon hisbed: for he was filled with wine.

13:3 Now Judith had commanded her maid to stand without her bedchamber, and towait for her coming forth, as she did daily: for she said she would go forth toher prayers, and she spake to Bagoas according to the same purpose.

13:4 So all went forth and none was left in the bedchamber, neither little norgreat. Then Judith, standing by his bed, said in her heart, O Lord God of allpower, look at this present upon the works of mine hands for the exaltation ofJerusalem.

13:5 For now is the time to help thine inheritance, and to execute mineenterprizes to the destruction of the enemies which are risen against us.

13:6 Then she came to the pillar of the bed, which was at Holofernes’head, and took down his fauchion from thence,

13:7 And approached to his bed, and took hold of the hair of his head, andsaid, Strengthen me, O Lord God of Israel, this day.

13:8 And she smote twice upon his neck with all her might, and she took awayhis head from him.

13:9 And tumbled his body down from the bed, and pulled down the canopy fromthe pillars; and anon after she went forth, and gave Holofernes his head to hermaid;

13:10 And she put it in her bag of meat: so they twain went together accordingto their custom unto prayer: and when they passed the camp, they compassed thevalley, and went up the mountain of Bethulia, and came to the gates thereof.

13:11 Then said Judith afar off, to the watchmen at the gate, Open, open nowthe gate: God, even our God, is with us, to shew his power yet in Jerusalem,and his forces against the enemy, as he hath even done this day.

13:12 Now when the men of her city heard her voice, they made haste to go downto the gate of their city, and they called the elders of the city.

13:13 And then they ran all together, both small and great, for it was strangeunto them that she was come: so they opened the gate, and received them, andmade a fire for a light, and stood round about them.

13:14 Then she said to them with a loud voice, Praise, praise God, praise God,I say, for he hath not taken away his mercy from the house of Israel, but hathdestroyed our enemies by mine hands this night.

13:15 So she took the head out of the bag, and shewed it, and said unto them,behold the head of Holofernes, the chief captain of the army of Assur, andbehold the canopy, wherein he did lie in his drunkenness; and the Lord hathsmitten him by the hand of a woman.

13:16 As the Lord liveth, who hath kept me in my way that I went, mycountenance hath deceived him to his destruction, and yet hath he not committedsin with me, to defile and shame me.

13:17 Then all the people were wonderfully astonished, and bowed themselves andworshipped God, and said with one accord, Blessed be thou, O our God, whichhast this day brought to nought the enemies of thy people.

13:18 Then said Ozias unto her, O daughter, blessed art thou of the most highGod above all the women upon the earth; and blessed be the Lord God, which hathcreated the heavens and the earth, which hath directed thee to the cutting offof the head of the chief of our enemies.

13:19 For this thy confidence shall not depart from the heart of men, whichremember the power of God for ever.

13:20 And God turn these things to thee for a perpetual praise, to visit theein good things because thou hast not spared thy life for the affliction of ournation, but hast revenged our ruin, walking a straight way before our God. Andall the people said; So be it, so be it.

14:1 Then said Judith unto them, Hear me now, my brethren, and take this head,and hang it upon the highest place of your walls.

14:2 And so soon as the morning shall appear, and the sun shall come forth uponthe earth, take ye every one his weapons, and go forth every valiant man out ofthe city, and set ye a captain over them, as though ye would go down into thefield toward the watch of the Assyrians; but go not down.

14:3 Then they shall take their armour, and shall go into their camp, and raiseup the captains of the army of Assur, and shall run to the tent of Holofernes,but shall not find him: then fear shall fall upon them, and they shall fleebefore your face.

14:4 So ye, and all that inhabit the coast of Israel, shall pursue them, andoverthrow them as they go.

14:5 But before ye do these things, call me Achior the Ammonite, that he maysee and know him that despised the house of Israel, and that sent him to us asit were to his death.

14:6 Then they called Achior out of the house of Ozias; and when he was come,and saw the head of Holofernes in a man’s hand in the assembly of thepeople, he fell down on his face, and his spirit failed.

14:7 But when they had recovered him, he fell at Judith’s feet, andreverenced her, and said, Blessed art thou in all the tabernacles of Juda, andin all nations, which hearing thy name shall be astonished.

14:8 Now therefore tell me all the things that thou hast done in these days.Then Judith declared unto him in the midst of the people all that she had done,from the day that she went forth until that hour she spake unto them.

14:9 And when she had left off speaking, the people shouted with a loud voice,and made a joyful noise in their city.

14:10 And when Achior had seen all that the God of Israel had done, he believedin God greatly, and circumcised the flesh of his foreskin, and was joined untothe house of Israel unto this day.

14:11 And as soon as the morning arose, they hanged the head of Holofernes uponthe wall, and every man took his weapons, and they went forth by bands unto thestraits of the mountain.

14:12 But when the Assyrians saw them, they sent to their leaders, which cameto their captains and tribunes, and to every one of their rulers.

14:13 So they came to Holofernes’ tent, and said to him that had thecharge of all his things, Waken now our lord: for the slaves have been bold tocome down against us to battle, that they may be utterly destroyed.

14:14 Then went in Bagoas, and knocked at the door of the tent; for he thoughtthat he had slept with Judith.

14:15 But because none answered, he opened it, and went into the bedchamber,and found him cast upon the floor dead, and his head was taken from him.

14:16 Therefore he cried with a loud voice, with weeping, and sighing, and amighty cry, and rent his garments.

14:17 After he went into the tent where Judith lodged: and when he found hernot, he leaped out to the people, and cried,

14:18 These slaves have dealt treacherously; one woman of the Hebrews hathbrought shame upon the house of king Nabuchodonosor: for, behold, Holoferneslieth upon the ground without a head.

14:19 When the captains of the Assyrians’ army heard these words, theyrent their coats and their minds were wonderfully troubled, and there was a cryand a very great noise throughout the camp.

15:1 And when they that were in the tents heard, they were astonished at thething that was done.

15:2 And fear and trembling fell upon them, so that there was no man that durstabide in the sight of his neighbour, but rushing out all together, they fledinto every way of the plain, and of the hill country.

15:3 They also that had camped in the mountains round about Bethulia fled away.Then the children of Israel, every one that was a warrior among them, rushedout upon them.

15:4 Then sent Ozias to Betomasthem, and to Bebai, and Chobai, and Cola and toall the coasts of Israel, such as should tell the things that were done, andthat all should rush forth upon their enemies to destroy them.

15:5 Now when the children of Israel heard it, they all fell upon them with oneconsent, and slew them unto Chobai: likewise also they that came fromJerusalem, and from all the hill country, (for men had told them what thingswere done in the camp of their enemies) and they that were in Galaad, and inGalilee, chased them with a great slaughter, until they were past Damascus andthe borders thereof.

15:6 And the residue that dwelt at Bethulia, fell upon the camp of Assur, andspoiled them, and were greatly enriched.

15:7 And the children of Israel that returned from the slaughter had that whichremained; and the villages and the cities, that were in the mountains and inthe plain, gat many spoils: for the multitude was very great.

15:8 Then Joacim the high priest, and the ancients of the children of Israelthat dwelt in Jerusalem, came to behold the good things that God had shewed toIsrael, and to see Judith, and to salute her.

15:9 And when they came unto her, they blessed her with one accord, and saidunto her, Thou art the exaltation of Jerusalem, thou art the great glory ofIsrael, thou art the great rejoicing of our nation:

15:10 Thou hast done all these things by thine hand: thou hast done much goodto Israel, and God is pleased therewith: blessed be thou of the Almighty Lordfor evermore. And all the people said, So be it.

15:11 And the people spoiled the camp the space of thirty days: and they gaveunto Judith Holofernes his tent, and all his plate, and beds, and vessels, andall his stuff: and she took it and laid it on her mule; and made ready hercarts, and laid them thereon.

15:12 Then all the women of Israel ran together to see her, and blessed her,and made a dance among them for her: and she took branches in her hand, andgave also to the women that were with her.

15:13 And they put a garland of olive upon her and her maid that was with her,and she went before all the people in the dance, leading all the women: and allthe men of Israel followed in their armour with garlands, and with songs intheir mouths.

16:1 Then Judith began to sing this thanksgiving in all Israel, and all thepeople sang after her this song of praise.

16:2 And Judith said, Begin unto my God with timbrels, sing unto my Lord withcymbals: tune unto him a new psalm: exalt him, and call upon his name.

16:3 For God breaketh the battles: for among the camps in the midst of thepeople he hath delivered me out of the hands of them that persecuted me.

16:4 Assur came out of the mountains from the north, he came with ten thousandsof his army, the multitude whereof stopped the torrents, and their horsemenhave covered the hills.

16:5 He bragged that he would burn up my borders, and kill my young men withthe sword, and dash the sucking children against the ground, and make mineinfants as a prey, and my virgins as a spoil.

16:6 But the Almighty Lord hath disappointed them by the hand of a woman.

16:7 For the mighty one did not fall by the young men, neither did the sons ofthe Titans smite him, nor high giants set upon him: but Judith the daughter ofMerari weakened him with the beauty of her countenance.

16:8 For she put off the garment of her widowhood for the exaltation of thosethat were oppressed in Israel, and anointed her face with ointment, and boundher hair in a tire, and took a linen garment to deceive him.

16:9 Her sandals ravished his eyes, her beauty took his mind prisoner, and thefauchion passed through his neck.

16:10 The Persians quaked at her boldness, and the Medes were daunted at herhardiness.

16:11 Then my afflicted shouted for joy, and my weak ones cried aloud; but theywere astonished: these lifted up their voices, but they were overthrown.

16:12 The sons of the damsels have pierced them through, and wounded them asfugatives’ children: they perished by the battle of the Lord.

16:13 I will sing unto the Lord a new song: O Lord, thou art great andglorious, wonderful in strength, and invincible.

16:14 Let all creatures serve thee: for thou spakest, and they were made, thoudidst send forth thy spirit, and it created them, and there is none that canresist thy voice.

16:15 For the mountains shall be moved from their foundations with the waters,the rocks shall melt as wax at thy presence: yet thou art merciful to them thatfear thee.

16:16 For all sacrifice is too little for a sweet savour unto thee, and all thefat is not sufficient for thy burnt offering: but he that feareth the Lord isgreat at all times.

16:17 Woe to the nations that rise up against my kindred! the Lord Almightywill take vengeance of them in the day of judgment, in putting fire and wormsin their flesh; and they shall feel them, and weep for ever.

16:18 Now as soon as they entered into Jerusalem, they worshipped the Lord; andas soon as the people were purified, they offered their burnt offerings, andtheir free offerings, and their gifts.

16:19 Judith also dedicated all the stuff of Holofernes, which the people hadgiven her, and gave the canopy, which she had taken out of his bedchamber, fora gift unto the Lord.

16:20 So the people continued feasting in Jerusalem before the sanctuary forthe space of three months and Judith remained with them.

16:21 After this time every one returned to his own inheritance, and Judithwent to Bethulia, and remained in her own possession, and was in her timehonourable in all the country.

16:22 And many desired her, but none knew her all the days of her life, afterthat Manasses her husband was dead, and was gathered to his people.

16:23 But she increased more and more in honour, and waxed old in herhusband’s house, being an hundred and five years old, and made her maidfree; so she died in Bethulia: and they buried her in the cave of her husbandManasses.

16:24 And the house of Israel lamented her seven days: and before she died, shedid distribute her goods to all them that were nearest of kindred to Manassesher husband, and to them that were the nearest of her kindred.

16:25 And there was none that made the children of Israel any more afraid inthe days of Judith, nor a long time after her death.

The Greek Additions to Esther
[The Rest of the Chapters of the Book of Esther]

10:4 Then Mardocheus said, God hath done these things.

10:5 For I remember a dream which I saw concerning these matters, and nothingthereof hath failed.

10:6 A little fountain became a river, and there was light, and the sun, andmuch water: this river is Esther, whom the king married, and made queen:

10:7 And the two dragons are I and Aman.

10:8 And the nations were those that were assembled to destroy the name of theJews:

10:9 And my nation is this Israel, which cried to God, and were saved: for theLord hath saved his people, and the Lord hath delivered us from all thoseevils, and God hath wrought signs and great wonders, which have not been doneamong the Gentiles.

10:10 Therefore hath he made two lots, one for the people of God, and anotherfor all the Gentiles.

10:11 And these two lots came at the hour, and time, and day of judgment,before God among all nations.

10:12 So God remembered his people, and justified his inheritance.

10:13 Therefore those days shall be unto them in the month Adar, the fourteenthand fifteenth day of the same month, with an assembly, and joy, and withgladness before God, according to the generations for ever among his people.

11:1 In the fourth year of the reign of Ptolemeus and Cleopatra, Dositheus, whosaid he was a priest and Levite, and Ptolemeus his son, brought this epistle ofPhurim, which they said was the same, and that Lysimachus the son of Ptolemeus,that was in Jerusalem, had interpreted it.

11:2 In the second year of the reign of Artexerxes the great, in the first dayof the month Nisan, Mardocheus the son of Jairus, the son of Semei, the son ofCisai, of the tribe of Benjamin, had a dream;

11:3 Who was a Jew, and dwelt in the city of Susa, a great man, being aservitor in the king’s court.

11:4 He was also one of the captives, which Nabuchodonosor the king of Babyloncarried from Jerusalem with Jechonias king of Judea; and this was his dream:

11:5 Behold a noise of a tumult, with thunder, and earthquakes, and uproar inthe land:

11:6 And, behold, two great dragons came forth ready to fight, and their crywas great.

11:7 And at their cry all nations were prepared to battle, that they mightfight against the righteous people.

11:8 And lo a day of darkness and obscurity, tribulation and anguish,affliction and great uproar, upon earth.

11:9 And the whole righteous nation was troubled, fearing their own evils, andwere ready to perish.

11:10 Then they cried unto God, and upon their cry, as it were from a littlefountain, was made a great flood, even much water.

11:11 The light and the sun rose up, and the lowly were exalted, and devouredthe glorious.

11:12 Now when Mardocheus, who had seen this dream, and what God had determinedto do, was awake, he bare this dream in mind, and until night by all means wasdesirous to know it.

12:1 And Mardocheus took his rest in the court with Gabatha and Tharra, the twoeunuchs of the king, and keepers of the palace.

12:2 And he heard their devices, and searched out their purposes, and learnedthat they were about to lay hands upon Artexerxes the king; and so he certifiedthe king of them.

12:3 Then the king examined the two eunuchs, and after that they had confessedit, they were strangled.

12:4 And the king made a record of these things, and Mardocheus also wrotethereof.

12:5 So the king commanded Mardocheus to serve in the court, and for this herewarded him.

12:6 Howbeit Aman the son of Amadathus the Agagite, who was in great honourwith the king, sought to molest Mardocheus and his people because of the twoeunuchs of the king.

13:1 The copy of the letters was this: The great king Artexerxes writeth thesethings to the princes and governors that are under him from India unto Ethiopiain an hundred and seven and twenty provinces.

13:2 After that I became lord over many nations and had dominion over the wholeworld, not lifted up with presumption of my authority, but carrying myselfalways with equity and mildness, I purposed to settle my subjects continuallyin a quiet life, and making my kingdom peaceable, and open for passage to theutmost coasts, to renew peace, which is desired of all men.

13:3 Now when I asked my counsellors how this might be brought to pass, Aman,that excelled in wisdom among us, and was approved for his constant good willand steadfast fidelity, and had the honour of the second place in the kingdom,

13:4 Declared unto us, that in all nations throughout the world there wasscattered a certain malicious people, that had laws contrary to all nations,and continually despised the commandments of kings, so as the uniting of ourkingdoms, honourably intended by us cannot go forward.

13:5 Seeing then we understand that this people alone is continually inopposition unto all men, differing in the strange manner of their laws, andevil affected to our state, working all the mischief they can that our kingdommay not be firmly established:

13:6 Therefore have we commanded, that all they that are signified in writingunto you by Aman, who is ordained over the affairs, and is next unto us, shallall, with their wives and children, be utterly destroyed by the sword of theirenemies, without all mercy and pity, the fourteenth day of the twelfth monthAdar of this present year:

13:7 That they, who of old and now also are malicious, may in one day withviolence go into the grave, and so ever hereafter cause our affairs to be wellsettled, and without trouble.

13:8 Then Mardocheus thought upon all the works of the Lord, and made hisprayer unto him,

13:9 Saying, O Lord, Lord, the King Almighty: for the whole world is in thypower, and if thou hast appointed to save Israel, there is no man that cangainsay thee:

13:10 For thou hast made heaven and earth, and all the wondrous things underthe heaven.

13:11 Thou art Lord of all things, and there is no man that can resist thee,which art the Lord.

13:12 Thou knowest all things, and thou knowest, Lord, that it was neither incontempt nor pride, nor for any desire of glory, that I did not bow down toproud Aman.

13:13 For I could have been content with good will for the salvation of Israelto kiss the soles of his feet.

13:14 But I did this, that I might not prefer the glory of man above the gloryof God: neither will I worship any but thee, O God, neither will I do it inpride.

13:15 And now, O Lord God and King, spare thy people: for their eyes are uponus to bring us to nought; yea, they desire to destroy the inheritance, thathath been thine from the beginning.

13:16 Despise not the portion, which thou hast delivered out of Egypt for thineown self.

13:17 Hear my prayer, and be merciful unto thine inheritance: turn our sorrowinto joy, that we may live, O Lord, and praise thy name: and destroy not themouths of them that praise thee, O Lord.

13:18 All Israel in like manner cried most earnestly unto the Lord, becausetheir death was before their eyes.

14:1 Queen Esther also, being in fear of death, resorted unto the Lord:

14:2 And laid away her glorious apparel, and put on the garments of anguish andmourning: and instead of precious ointments, she covered her head with ashesand dung, and she humbled her body greatly, and all the places of her joy shefilled with her torn hair.

14:3 And she prayed unto the Lord God of Israel, saying, O my Lord, thou onlyart our King: help me, desolate woman, which have no helper but thee:

14:4 For my danger is in mine hand.

14:5 From my youth up I have heard in the tribe of my family that thou, O Lord,tookest Israel from among all people, and our fathers from all theirpredecessors, for a perpetual inheritance, and thou hast performed whatsoeverthou didst promise them.

14:6 And now we have sinned before thee: therefore hast thou given us into thehands of our enemies,

14:7 Because we worshipped their gods: O Lord, thou art righteous.

14:8 Nevertheless it satisfieth them not, that we are in bitter captivity: butthey have stricken hands with their idols,

14:9 That they will abolish the thing that thou with thy mouth hast ordained,and destroy thine inheritance, and stop the mouth of them that praise thee, andquench the glory of thy house, and of thine altar,

14:10 And open the mouths of the heathen to set forth the praises of the idols,and to magnify a fleshly king for ever.

14:11 O Lord, give not thy sceptre unto them that be nothing, and let them notlaugh at our fall; but turn their device upon themselves, and make him anexample, that hath begun this against us.

14:12 Remember, O Lord, make thyself known in time of our affliction, and giveme boldness, O King of the nations, and Lord of all power.

14:13 Give me eloquent speech in my mouth before the lion: turn his heart tohate him that fighteth against us, that there may be an end of him, and of allthat are likeminded to him:

14:14 But deliver us with thine hand, and help me that am desolate, and whichhave no other help but thee.

14:15 Thou knowest all things, O Lord; thou knowest that I hate the glory ofthe unrighteous, and abhor the bed of the uncircumcised, and of all theheathen.

14:16 Thou knowest my necessity: for I abhor the sign of my high estate, whichis upon mine head in the days wherein I shew myself, and that I abhor it as amenstruous rag, and that I wear it not when I am private by myself.

14:17 And that thine handmaid hath not eaten at Aman’s table, and that Ihave not greatly esteemed the king’s feast, nor drunk the wine of thedrink offerings.

14:18 Neither had thine handmaid any joy since the day that I was broughthither to this present, but in thee, O Lord God of Abraham.

14:19 O thou mighty God above all, hear the voice of the forlorn and deliver usout of the hands of the mischievous, and deliver me out of my fear.

15:1 And upon the third day, when she had ended her prayers, she laid away hermourning garments, and put on her glorious apparel.

15:2 And being gloriously adorned, after she had called upon God, who is thebeholder and saviour of all things, she took two maids with her:

15:3 And upon the one she leaned, as carrying herself daintily;

15:4 And the other followed, bearing up her train.

15:5 And she was ruddy through the perfection of her beauty, and hercountenance was cheerful and very amiable: but her heart was in anguish forfear.

15:6 Then having passed through all the doors, she stood before the king, whosat upon his royal throne, and was clothed with all his robes of majesty, allglittering with gold and precious stones; and he was very dreadful.

15:7 Then lifting up his countenance that shone with majesty, he looked veryfiercely upon her: and the queen fell down, and was pale, and fainted, andbowed herself upon the head of the maid that went before her.

15:8 Then God changed the spirit of the king into mildness, who in a fearleaped from his throne, and took her in his arms, till she came to herselfagain, and comforted her with loving words and said unto her,

15:9 Esther, what is the matter? I am thy brother, be of good cheer:

15:10 Thou shalt not die, though our commandment be general: come near.

15:11 And so be held up his golden sceptre, and laid it upon her neck,

15:12 And embraced her, and said, Speak unto me.

15:13 Then said she unto him, I saw thee, my lord, as an angel of God, and myheart was troubled for fear of thy majesty.

15:14 For wonderful art thou, lord, and thy countenance is full of grace.

15:15 And as she was speaking, she fell down for faintness.

15:16 Then the king was troubled, and all his servants comforted her.

16:1 The great king Artexerxes unto the princes and governors of an hundred andseven and twenty provinces from India unto Ethiopia, and unto all our faithfulsubjects, greeting.

16:2 Many, the more often they are honoured with the great bounty of theirgracious princes, the more proud they are waxen,

16:3 And endeavour to hurt not our subjects only, but not being able to bearabundance, do take in hand to practise also against those that do them good:

16:4 And take not only thankfulness away from among men, but also lifted upwith the glorious words of lewd persons, that were never good, they think toescape the justice of God, that seeth all things and hateth evil.

16:5 Oftentimes also fair speech of those, that are put in trust to managetheir friends’ affairs, hath caused many that are in authority to bepartakers of innocent blood, and hath enwrapped them in remediless calamities:

16:6 Beguiling with the falsehood and deceit of their lewd disposition theinnocency and goodness of princes.

16:7 Now ye may see this, as we have declared, not so much by ancienthistories, as ye may, if ye search what hath been wickedly done of late throughthe pestilent behaviour of them that are unworthily placed in authority.

16:8 And we must take care for the time to come, that our kingdom may be quietand peaceable for all men,

16:9 Both by changing our purposes, and always judging things that are evidentwith more equal proceeding.

16:10 For Aman, a Macedonian, the son of Amadatha, being indeed a stranger fromthe Persian blood, and far distant from our goodness, and as a strangerreceived of us,

16:11 Had so far forth obtained the favour that we shew toward every nation, asthat he was called our father, and was continually honoured of all the nextperson unto the king.

16:12 But he, not bearing his great dignity, went about to deprive us of ourkingdom and life:

16:13 Having by manifold and cunning deceits sought of us the destruction, aswell of Mardocheus, who saved our life, and continually procured our good, asalso of blameless Esther, partaker of our kingdom, with their whole nation.

16:14 For by these means he thought, finding us destitute of friends to havetranslated the kingdom of the Persians to the Macedonians.

16:15 But we find that the Jews, whom this wicked wretch hath delivered toutter destruction, are no evildoers, but live by most just laws:

16:16 And that they be children of the most high and most mighty, living God,who hath ordered the kingdom both unto us and to our progenitors in the mostexcellent manner.

16:17 Wherefore ye shall do well not to put in execution the letters sent untoyou by Aman the son of Amadatha.

16:18 For he that was the worker of these things, is hanged at the gates ofSusa with all his family: God, who ruleth all things, speedily renderingvengeance to him according to his deserts.

16:19 Therefore ye shall publish the copy of this letter in all places, thatthe Jews may freely live after their own laws.

16:20 And ye shall aid them, that even the same day, being the thirteenth dayof the twelfth month Adar, they may be avenged on them, who in the time oftheir affliction shall set upon them.

16:21 For Almighty God hath turned to joy unto them the day, wherein the chosenpeople should have perished.

16:22 Ye shall therefore among your solemn feasts keep it an high day with allfeasting:

16:23 That both now and hereafter there may be safety to us and the wellaffected Persians; but to those which do conspire against us a memorial ofdestruction.

16:24 Therefore every city and country whatsoever, which shall not do accordingto these things, shall be destroyed without mercy with fire and sword, andshall be made not only unpassable for men, but also most hateful to wild beastsand fowls for ever.

The Book of Wisdom
[The Wisdom of Solomon]

1:1 Love righteousness, ye that be judges of the earth: think of the Lord witha good (heart,) and in simplicity of heart seek him.

1:2 For he will be found of them that tempt him not; and sheweth himself untosuch as do not distrust him.

1:3 For froward thoughts separate from God: and his power, when it is tried,reproveth the unwise.

1:4 For into a malicious soul wisdom shall not enter; nor dwell in the bodythat is subject unto sin.

1:5 For the holy spirit of discipline will flee deceit, and remove fromthoughts that are without understanding, and will not abide whenunrighteousness cometh in.

1:6 For wisdom is a loving spirit; and will not acquit a blasphemer of hiswords: for God is witness of his reins, and a true beholder of his heart, and ahearer of his tongue.

1:7 For the Spirit of the Lord filleth the world: and that which containeth allthings hath knowledge of the voice.

1:8 Therefore he that speaketh unrighteous things cannot be hid: neither shallvengeance, when it punisheth, pass by him.

1:9 For inquisition shall be made into the counsels of the ungodly: and thesound of his words shall come unto the Lord for the manifestation of his wickeddeeds.

1:10 For the ear of jealousy heareth all things: and the noise of murmurings isnot hid.

1:11 Therefore beware of murmuring, which is unprofitable; and refrain yourtongue from backbiting: for there is no word so secret, that shall go fornought: and the mouth that belieth slayeth the soul.

1:12 Seek not death in the error of your life: and pull not upon yourselvesdestruction with the works of your hands.

1:13 For God made not death: neither hath he pleasure in the destruction of theliving.

1:14 For he created all things, that they might have their being: and thegenerations of the world were healthful; and there is no poison of destructionin them, nor the kingdom of death upon the earth:

1:15 (For righteousness is immortal:)

1:16 But ungodly men with their works and words called it to them: for whenthey thought to have it their friend, they consumed to nought, and made acovenant with it, because they are worthy to take part with it.

2:1 For the ungodly said, reasoning with themselves, but not aright, Our lifeis short and tedious, and in the death of a man there is no remedy: neither wasthere any man known to have returned from the grave.

2:2 For we are born at all adventure: and we shall be hereafter as though wehad never been: for the breath in our nostrils is as smoke, and a little sparkin the moving of our heart:

2:3 Which being extinguished, our body shall be turned into ashes, and ourspirit shall vanish as the soft air,

2:4 And our name shall be forgotten in time, and no man shall have our works inremembrance, and our life shall pass away as the trace of a cloud, and shall bedispersed as a mist, that is driven away with the beams of the sun, andovercome with the heat thereof.

2:5 For our time is a very shadow that passeth away; and after our end there isno returning: for it is fast sealed, so that no man cometh again.

2:6 Come on therefore, let us enjoy the good things that are present: and letus speedily use the creatures like as in youth.

2:7 Let us fill ourselves with costly wine and ointments: and let no flower ofthe spring pass by us:

2:8 Let us crown ourselves with rosebuds, before they be withered:

2:9 Let none of us go without his part of our voluptuousness: let us leavetokens of our joyfulness in every place: for this is our portion, and our lotis this.

2:10 Let us oppress the poor righteous man, let us not spare the widow, norreverence the ancient gray hairs of the aged.

2:11 Let our strength be the law of justice: for that which is feeble is foundto be nothing worth.

2:12 Therefore let us lie in wait for the righteous; because he is not for ourturn, and he is clean contrary to our doings: he upbraideth us with ouroffending the law, and objecteth to our infamy the transgressings of oureducation.

2:13 He professeth to have the knowledge of God: and he calleth himself thechild of the Lord.

2:14 He was made to reprove our thoughts.

2:15 He is grievous unto us even to behold: for his life is not like othermen’s, his ways are of another fashion.

2:16 We are esteemed of him as counterfeits: he abstaineth from our ways asfrom filthiness: he pronounceth the end of the just to be blessed, and makethhis boast that God is his father.

2:17 Let us see if his words be true: and let us prove what shall happen in theend of him.

2:18 For if the just man be the son of God, he will help him, and deliver himfrom the hand of his enemies.

2:19 Let us examine him with despitefulness and torture, that we may know hismeekness, and prove his patience.

2:20 Let us condemn him with a shameful death: for by his own saying he shallbe respected.

2:21 Such things they did imagine, and were deceived: for their own wickednesshath blinded them.

2:22 As for the mysteries of God, they knew them not: neither hoped they forthe wages of righteousness, nor discerned a reward for blameless souls.

2:23 For God created man to be immortal, and made him to be an image of his owneternity.

2:24 Nevertheless through envy of the devil came death into the world: and theythat do hold of his side do find it.

3:1 But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and there shall notorment touch them.

3:2 In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their departure is takenfor misery,

3:3 And their going from us to be utter destruction: but they are in peace.

3:4 For though they be punished in the sight of men, yet is their hope full ofimmortality.

3:5 And having been a little chastised, they shall be greatly rewarded: for Godproved them, and found them worthy for himself.

3:6 As gold in the furnace hath he tried them, and received them as a burntoffering.

3:7 And in the time of their visitation they shall shine, and run to and frolike sparks among the stubble.

3:8 They shall judge the nations, and have dominion over the people, and theirLord shall reign for ever.

3:9 They that put their trust in him shall understand the truth: and such as befaithful in love shall abide with him: for grace and mercy is to his saints,and he hath care for his elect.

3:10 But the ungodly shall be punished according to their own imaginations,which have neglected the righteous, and forsaken the Lord.

3:11 For whoso despiseth wisdom and nurture, he is miserable, and their hope isvain, their labours unfruitful, and their works unprofitable:

3:12 Their wives are foolish, and their children wicked:

3:13 Their offspring is cursed. Wherefore blessed is the barren that isundefiled, which hath not known the sinful bed: she shall have fruit in thevisitation of souls.

3:14 And blessed is the eunuch, which with his hands hath wrought no iniquity,nor imagined wicked things against God: for unto him shall be given the specialgift of faith, and an inheritance in the temple of the Lord more acceptable tohis mind.

3:15 For glorious is the fruit of good labours: and the root of wisdom shallnever fall away.

3:16 As for the children of adulterers, they shall not come to theirperfection, and the seed of an unrighteous bed shall be rooted out.

3:17 For though they live long, yet shall they be nothing regarded: and theirlast age shall be without honour.

3:18 Or, if they die quickly, they have no hope, neither comfort in the day oftrial.

3:19 For horrible is the end of the unrighteous generation.

4:1 Better it is to have no children, and to have virtue: for the memorialthereof is immortal: because it is known with God, and with men.

4:2 When it is present, men take example at it; and when it is gone, theydesire it: it weareth a crown, and triumpheth for ever, having gotten thevictory, striving for undefiled rewards.

4:3 But the multiplying brood of the ungodly shall not thrive, nor take deeprooting from bastard slips, nor lay any fast foundation.

4:4 For though they flourish in branches for a time; yet standing not last,they shall be shaken with the wind, and through the force of winds they shallbe rooted out.

4:5 The imperfect branches shall be broken off, their fruit unprofitable, notripe to eat, yea, meet for nothing.

4:6 For children begotten of unlawful beds are witnesses of wickedness againsttheir parents in their trial.

4:7 But though the righteous be prevented with death, yet shall he be in rest.

4:8 For honourable age is not that which standeth in length of time, nor thatis measured by number of years.

4:9 But wisdom is the gray hair unto men, and an unspotted life is old age.

4:10 He pleased God, and was beloved of him: so that living among sinners hewas translated.

4:11 Yea speedily was he taken away, lest that wickedness should alter hisunderstanding, or deceit beguile his soul.

4:12 For the bewitching of naughtiness doth obscure things that are honest; andthe wandering of concupiscence doth undermine the simple mind.

4:13 He, being made perfect in a short time, fulfilled a long time:

4:14 For his soul pleased the Lord: therefore hasted he to take him away fromamong the wicked.

4:15 This the people saw, and understood it not, neither laid they up this intheir minds, That his grace and mercy is with his saints, and that he hathrespect unto his chosen.

4:16 Thus the righteous that is dead shall condemn the ungodly which areliving; and youth that is soon perfected the many years and old age of theunrighteous.

4:17 For they shall see the end of the wise, and shall not understand what Godin his counsel hath decreed of him, and to what end the Lord hath set him insafety.

4:18 They shall see him, and despise him; but God shall laugh them to scorn:and they shall hereafter be a vile carcase, and a reproach among the dead forevermore.

4:19 For he shall rend them, and cast them down headlong, that they shall bespeechless; and he shall shake them from the foundation; and they shall beutterly laid waste, and be in sorrow; and their memorial shall perish.

4:20 And when they cast up the accounts of their sins, they shall come withfear: and their own iniquities shall convince them to their face.

5:1 Then shall the righteous man stand in great boldness before the face ofsuch as have afflicted him, and made no account of his labours.

5:2 When they see it, they shall be troubled with terrible fear, and shall beamazed at the strangeness of his salvation, so far beyond all that they lookedfor.

5:3 And they repenting and groaning for anguish of spirit shall say withinthemselves, This was he, whom we had sometimes in derision, and a proverb ofreproach:

5:4 We fools accounted his life madness, and his end to be without honour:

5:5 How is he numbered among the children of God, and his lot is among thesaints!

5:6 Therefore have we erred from the way of truth, and the light ofrighteousness hath not shined unto us, and the sun of righteousness rose notupon us.

5:7 We wearied ourselves in the way of wickedness and destruction: yea, we havegone through deserts, where there lay no way: but as for the way of the Lord,we have not known it.

5:8 What hath pride profited us? or what good hath riches with our vauntingbrought us?

5:9 All those things are passed away like a shadow, and as a post that hastedby;

5:10 And as a ship that passeth over the waves of the water, which when it isgone by, the trace thereof cannot be found, neither the pathway of the keel inthe waves;

5:11 Or as when a bird hath flown through the air, there is no token of her wayto be found, but the light air being beaten with the stroke of her wings andparted with the violent noise and motion of them, is passed through, andtherein afterwards no sign where she went is to be found;

5:12 Or like as when an arrow is shot at a mark, it parteth the air, whichimmediately cometh together again, so that a man cannot know where it wentthrough:

5:13 Even so we in like manner, as soon as we were born, began to draw to ourend, and had no sign of virtue to shew; but were consumed in our ownwickedness.

5:14 For the hope of the ungodly is like dust that is blown away with the wind;like a thin froth that is driven away with the storm; like as the smoke whichis dispersed here and there with a tempest, and passeth away as the remembranceof a guest that tarrieth but a day.

5:15 But the righteous live for evermore; their reward also is with the Lord,and the care of them is with the most High.

5:16 Therefore shall they receive a glorious kingdom, and a beautiful crownfrom the Lord’s hand: for with his right hand shall he cover them, andwith his arm shall he protect them.

5:17 He shall take to him his jealousy for complete armour, and make thecreature his weapon for the revenge of his enemies.

5:18 He shall put on righteousness as a breastplate, and true judgment insteadof an helmet.

5:19 He shall take holiness for an invincible shield.

5:20 His severe wrath shall he sharpen for a sword, and the world shall fightwith him against the unwise.

5:21 Then shall the right aiming thunderbolts go abroad; and from the clouds,as from a well drawn bow, shall they fly to the mark.

5:22 And hailstones full of wrath shall be cast as out of a stone bow, and thewater of the sea shall rage against them, and the floods shall cruelly drownthem.

5:23 Yea, a mighty wind shall stand up against them, and like a storm shallblow them away: thus iniquity shall lay waste the whole earth, and ill dealingshall overthrow the thrones of the mighty.

6:1 Hear therefore, O ye kings, and understand; learn, ye that be judges of theends of the earth.

6:2 Give ear, ye that rule the people, and glory in the multitude of nations.

6:3 For power is given you of the Lord, and sovereignty from the Highest, whoshall try your works, and search out your counsels.

6:4 Because, being ministers of his kingdom, ye have not judged aright, norkept the law, nor walked after the counsel of God;

6:5 Horribly and speedily shall he come upon you: for a sharp judgment shall beto them that be in high places.

6:6 For mercy will soon pardon the meanest: but mighty men shall be mightilytormented.

6:7 For he which is Lord over all shall fear no man’s person, neithershall he stand in awe of any man’s greatness: for he hath made the smalland great, and careth for all alike.

6:8 But a sore trial shall come upon the mighty.

6:9 Unto you therefore, O kings, do I speak, that ye may learn wisdom, and notfall away.

6:10 For they that keep holiness holily shall be judged holy: and they thathave learned such things shall find what to answer.

6:11 Wherefore set your affection upon my words; desire them, and ye shall beinstructed.

6:12 Wisdom is glorious, and never fadeth away: yea, she is easily seen of themthat love her, and found of such as seek her.

6:13 She preventeth them that desire her, in making herself first known untothem.

6:14 Whoso seeketh her early shall have no great travail: for he shall find hersitting at his doors.

6:15 To think therefore upon her is perfection of wisdom: and whoso watchethfor her shall quickly be without care.

6:16 For she goeth about seeking such as are worthy of her, sheweth herselffavourably unto them in the ways, and meeteth them in every thought.

6:17 For the very true beginning of her is the desire of discipline; and thecare of discipline is love;

6:18 And love is the keeping of her laws; and the giving heed unto her laws isthe assurance of incorruption;

6:19 And incorruption maketh us near unto God:

6:20 Therefore the desire of wisdom bringeth to a kingdom.

6:21 If your delight be then in thrones and sceptres, O ye kings of the people,honour wisdom, that ye may reign for evermore.

6:22 As for wisdom, what she is, and how she came up, I will tell you, and willnot hide mysteries from you: but will seek her out from the beginning of hernativity, and bring the knowledge of her into light, and will not pass over thetruth.

6:23 Neither will I go with consuming envy; for such a man shall have nofellowship with wisdom.

6:24 But the multitude of the wise is the welfare of the world: and a wise kingis the upholding of the people.

6:25 Receive therefore instruction through my words, and it shall do you good.

7:1 I myself also am a mortal man, like to all, and the offspring of him thatwas first made of the earth,

7:2 And in my mother’s womb was fashioned to be flesh in the time of tenmonths, being compacted in blood, of the seed of man, and the pleasure thatcame with sleep.

7:3 And when I was born, I drew in the common air, and fell upon the earth,which is of like nature, and the first voice which I uttered was crying, as allothers do.

7:4 I was nursed in swaddling clothes, and that with cares.

7:5 For there is no king that had any other beginning of birth.

7:6 For all men have one entrance into life, and the like going out.

7:7 Wherefore I prayed, and understanding was given me: I called upon God, andthe spirit of wisdom came to me.

7:8 I preferred her before sceptres and thrones, and esteemed riches nothing incomparison of her.

7:9 Neither compared I unto her any precious stone, because all gold in respectof her is as a little sand, and silver shall be counted as clay before her.

7:10 I loved her above health and beauty, and chose to have her instead oflight: for the light that cometh from her never goeth out.

7:11 All good things together came to me with her, and innumerable riches inher hands.

7:12 And I rejoiced in them all, because wisdom goeth before them: and I knewnot that she was the mother of them.

7:13 I learned diligently, and do communicate her liberally: I do not hide herriches.

7:14 For she is a treasure unto men that never faileth: which they that usebecome the friends of God, being commended for the gifts that come fromlearning.

7:15 God hath granted me to speak as I would, and to conceive as is meet forthe things that are given me: because it is he that leadeth unto wisdom, anddirecteth the wise.

7:16 For in his hand are both we and our words; all wisdom also, and knowledgeof workmanship.

7:17 For he hath given me certain knowledge of the things that are, namely, toknow how the world was made, and the operation of the elements:

7:18 The beginning, ending, and midst of the times: the alterations of theturning of the sun, and the change of seasons:

7:19 The circuits of years, and the positions of stars:

7:20 The natures of living creatures, and the furies of wild beasts: theviolence of winds, and the reasonings of men: the diversities of plants and thevirtues of roots:

7:21 And all such things as are either secret or manifest, them I know.

7:22 For wisdom, which is the worker of all things, taught me: for in her is anunderstanding spirit holy, one only, manifold, subtil, lively, clear,undefiled, plain, not subject to hurt, loving the thing that is good, quick,which cannot be letted, ready to do good,

7:23 Kind to man, steadfast, sure, free from care, having all power, overseeingall things, and going through all understanding, pure, and most subtil,spirits.

7:24 For wisdom is more moving than any motion: she passeth and goeth throughall things by reason of her pureness.

7:25 For she is the breath of the power of God, and a pure influence flowingfrom the glory of the Almighty: therefore can no defiled thing fall into her.

7:26 For she is the brightness of the everlasting light, the unspotted mirrorof the power of God, and the image of his goodness.

7:27 And being but one, she can do all things: and remaining in herself, shemaketh all things new: and in all ages entering into holy souls, she makeththem friends of God, and prophets.

7:28 For God loveth none but him that dwelleth with wisdom.

7:29 For she is more beautiful than the sun, and above all the order of stars:being compared with the light, she is found before it.

7:30 For after this cometh night: but vice shall not prevail against wisdom.

8:1 Wisdom reacheth from one end to another mightily: and sweetly doth sheorder all things.

8:2 I loved her, and sought her out from my youth, I desired to make her myspouse, and I was a lover of her beauty.

8:3 In that she is conversant with God, she magnifieth her nobility: yea, theLord of all things himself loved her.

8:4 For she is privy to the mysteries of the knowledge of God, and a lover ofhis works.

8:5 If riches be a possession to be desired in this life; what is richer thanwisdom, that worketh all things?

8:6 And if prudence work; who of all that are is a more cunning workman thanshe?

8:7 And if a man love righteousness her labours are virtues: for she teachethtemperance and prudence, justice and fortitude: which are such things, as mencan have nothing more profitable in their life.

8:8 If a man desire much experience, she knoweth things of old, andconjectureth aright what is to come: she knoweth the subtilties of speeches,and can expound dark sentences: she foreseeth signs and wonders, and the eventsof seasons and times.

8:9 Therefore I purposed to take her to me to live with me, knowing that shewould be a counsellor of good things, and a comfort in cares and grief.

8:10 For her sake I shall have estimation among the multitude, and honour withthe elders, though I be young.

8:11 I shall be found of a quick conceit in judgment, and shall be admired inthe sight of great men.

8:12 When I hold my tongue, they shall bide my leisure, and when I speak, theyshall give good ear unto me: if I talk much, they shall lay their hands upontheir mouth.

8:13 Moreover by the means of her I shall obtain immortality, and leave behindme an everlasting memorial to them that come after me.

8:14 I shall set the people in order, and the nations shall be subject unto me.

8:15 Horrible tyrants shall be afraid, when they do but hear of me; I shall befound good among the multitude, and valiant in war.

8:16 After I am come into mine house, I will repose myself with her: for herconversation hath no bitterness; and to live with her hath no sorrow, but mirthand joy.

8:17 Now when I considered these things in myself, and pondered them in myheart, how that to be allied unto wisdom is immortality;

8:18 And great pleasure it is to have her friendship; and in the works of herhands are infinite riches; and in the exercise of conference with her,prudence; and in talking with her, a good report; I went about seeking how totake her to me.

8:19 For I was a witty child, and had a good spirit.

8:20 Yea rather, being good, I came into a body undefiled.

8:21 Nevertheless, when I perceived that I could not otherwise obtain her,except God gave her me; and that was a point of wisdom also to know whose giftshe was; I prayed unto the Lord, and besought him, and with my whole heart Isaid,

9:1 O God of my fathers, and Lord of mercy, who hast made all things with thyword,

9:2 And ordained man through thy wisdom, that he should have dominion over thecreatures which thou hast made,

9:3 And order the world according to equity and righteousness, and executejudgment with an upright heart:

9:4 Give me wisdom, that sitteth by thy throne; and reject me not from amongthy children:

9:5 For I thy servant and son of thine handmaid am a feeble person, and of ashort time, and too young for the understanding of judgment and laws.

9:6 For though a man be never so perfect among the children of men, yet if thywisdom be not with him, he shall be nothing regarded.

9:7 Thou hast chosen me to be a king of thy people, and a judge of thy sons anddaughters:

9:8 Thou hast commanded me to build a temple upon thy holy mount, and an altarin the city wherein thou dwellest, a resemblance of the holy tabernacle, whichthou hast prepared from the beginning.

9:9 And wisdom was with thee: which knoweth thy works, and was present whenthou madest the world, and knew what was acceptable in thy sight, and right inthy commandments.

9:10 O send her out of thy holy heavens, and from the throne of thy glory, thatbeing present she may labour with me, that I may know what is pleasing untothee.

9:11 For she knoweth and understandeth all things, and she shall lead mesoberly in my doings, and preserve me in her power.

9:12 So shall my works be acceptable, and then shall I judge thy peoplerighteously, and be worthy to sit in my father’s seat.

9:13 For what man is he that can know the counsel of God? or who can think whatthe will of the Lord is?

9:14 For the thoughts of mortal men are miserable, and our devices are butuncertain.

9:15 For the corruptible body presseth down the soul, and the earthy tabernacleweigheth down the mind that museth upon many things.

9:16 And hardly do we guess aright at things that are upon earth, and withlabour do we find the things that are before us: but the things that are inheaven who hath searched out?

9:17 And thy counsel who hath known, except thou give wisdom, and send thy HolySpirit from above?

9:18 For so the ways of them which lived on the earth were reformed, and menwere taught the things that are pleasing unto thee, and were saved throughwisdom.

10:1 She preserved the first formed father of the world, that was createdalone, and brought him out of his fall,

10:2 And gave him power to rule all things.

10:3 But when the unrighteous went away from her in his anger, he perished alsoin the fury wherewith he murdered his brother.

10:4 For whose cause the earth being drowned with the flood, wisdom againpreserved it, and directed the course of the righteous in a piece of wood ofsmall value.

10:5 Moreover, the nations in their wicked conspiracy being confounded, shefound out the righteous, and preserved him blameless unto God, and kept himstrong against his tender compassion toward his son.

10:6 When the ungodly perished, she delivered the righteous man, who fled fromthe fire which fell down upon the five cities.

10:7 Of whose wickedness even to this day the waste land that smoketh is atestimony, and plants bearing fruit that never come to ripeness: and a standingpillar of salt is a monument of an unbelieving soul.

10:8 For regarding not wisdom, they gat not only this hurt, that they knew notthe things which were good; but also left behind them to the world a memorialof their foolishness: so that in the things wherein they offended they couldnot so much as be hid.

10:9 But wisdom delivered from pain those that attended upon her.

10:10 When the righteous fled from his brother’s wrath she guided him inright paths, shewed him the kingdom of God, and gave him knowledge of holythings, made him rich in his travels, and multiplied the fruit of his labours.

10:11 In the covetousness of such as oppressed him she stood by him, and madehim rich.

10:12 She defended him from his enemies, and kept him safe from those that layin wait, and in a sore conflict she gave him the victory; that he might knowthat goodness is stronger than all.

10:13 When the righteous was sold, she forsook him not, but delivered him fromsin: she went down with him into the pit,

10:14 And left him not in bonds, till she brought him the sceptre of thekingdom, and power against those that oppressed him: as for them that hadaccused him, she shewed them to be liars, and gave him perpetual glory.

10:15 She delivered the righteous people and blameless seed from the nationthat oppressed them.

10:16 She entered into the soul of the servant of the Lord, and withstooddreadful kings in wonders and signs;

10:17 Rendered to the righteous a reward of their labours, guided them in amarvellous way, and was unto them for a cover by day, and a light of stars inthe night season;

10:18 Brought them through the Red sea, and led them through much water:

10:19 But she drowned their enemies, and cast them up out of the bottom of thedeep.

10:20 Therefore the righteous spoiled the ungodly, and praised thy holy name, OLord, and magnified with one accord thine hand, that fought for them.

10:21 For wisdom opened the mouth of the dumb, and made the tongues of themthat cannot speak eloquent.

11:1 She prospered their works in the hand of the holy prophet.

11:2 They went through the wilderness that was not inhabited, and pitched tentsin places where there lay no way.

11:3 They stood against their enemies, and were avenged of their adversaries.

11:4 When they were thirsty, they called upon thee, and water was given themout of the flinty rock, and their thirst was quenched out of the hard stone.

11:5 For by what things their enemies were punished, by the same they in theirneed were benefited.

11:6 For instead of a fountain of a perpetual running river troubled with foulblood,

11:7 For a manifest reproof of that commandment, whereby the infants wereslain, thou gavest unto them abundance of water by a means which they hoped notfor:

11:8 Declaring by that thirst then how thou hadst punished their adversaries.

11:9 For when they were tried albeit but in mercy chastised, they knew how theungodly were judged in wrath and tormented, thirsting in another manner thanthe just.

11:10 For these thou didst admonish and try, as a father: but the other, as asevere king, thou didst condemn and punish.

11:11 Whether they were absent or present, they were vexed alike.

11:12 For a double grief came upon them, and a groaning for the remembrance ofthings past.

11:13 For when they heard by their own punishments the other to be benefited,they had some feeling of the Lord.

11:14 For whom they rejected with scorn, when he was long before thrown out atthe casting forth of the infants, him in the end, when they saw what came topass, they admired.

11:15 But for the foolish devices of their wickedness, wherewith being deceivedthey worshipped serpents void of reason, and vile beasts, thou didst send amultitude of unreasonable beasts upon them for vengeance;

11:16 That they might know, that wherewithal a man sinneth, by the same alsoshall he be punished.

11:17 For thy Almighty hand, that made the world of matter without form, wantednot means to send among them a multitude of bears or fierce lions,

11:18 Or unknown wild beasts, full of rage, newly created, breathing out eithera fiery vapour, or filthy scents of scattered smoke, or shooting horriblesparkles out of their eyes:

11:19 Whereof not only the harm might dispatch them at once, but also theterrible sight utterly destroy them.

11:20 Yea, and without these might they have fallen down with one blast, beingpersecuted of vengeance, and scattered abroad through the breath of thy power:but thou hast ordered all things in measure and number and weight.

11:21 For thou canst shew thy great strength at all times when thou wilt; andwho may withstand the power of thine arm?

11:22 For the whole world before thee is as a little grain of the balance, yea,as a drop of the morning dew that falleth down upon the earth.

11:23 But thou hast mercy upon all; for thou canst do all things, and winkestat the sins of men, because they should amend.

11:24 For thou lovest all the things that are, and abhorrest nothing which thouhast made: for never wouldest thou have made any thing, if thou hadst hated it.

11:25 And how could any thing have endured, if it had not been thy will? orbeen preserved, if not called by thee?

11:26 But thou sparest all: for they are thine, O Lord, thou lover of souls.

12:1 For thine incorruptible Spirit is in all things.

12:2 Therefore chastenest thou them by little and little that offend, andwarnest them by putting them in remembrance wherein they have offended, thatleaving their wickedness they may believe on thee, O Lord.

12:3 For it was thy will to destroy by the hands of our fathers both those oldinhabitants of thy holy land,

12:4 Whom thou hatedst for doing most odious works of witchcrafts, and wickedsacrifices;

12:5 And also those merciless murderers of children, and devourers ofman’s flesh, and the feasts of blood,

12:6 With their priests out of the midst of their idolatrous crew, and theparents, that killed with their own hands souls destitute of help:

12:7 That the land, which thou esteemedst above all other, might receive aworthy colony of God’s children.

12:8 Nevertheless even those thou sparedst as men, and didst send wasps,forerunners of thine host, to destroy them by little and little.

12:9 Not that thou wast unable to bring the ungodly under the hand of therighteous in battle, or to destroy them at once with cruel beasts, or with onerough word:

12:10 But executing thy judgments upon them by little and little, thou gavestthem place of repentance, not being ignorant that they were a naughtygeneration, and that their malice was bred in them, and that their cogitationwould never be changed.

12:11 For it was a cursed seed from the beginning; neither didst thou for fearof any man give them pardon for those things wherein they sinned.

12:12 For who shall say, What hast thou done? or who shall withstand thyjudgment? or who shall accuse thee for the nations that perish, whom thou made?or who shall come to stand against thee, to be revenged for the unrighteousmen?

12:13 For neither is there any God but thou that careth for all, to whom thoumightest shew that thy judgment is not unright.

12:14 Neither shall king or tyrant be able to set his face against thee for anywhom thou hast punished.

12:15 Forsomuch then as thou art righteous thyself, thou orderest all thingsrighteously: thinking it not agreeable with thy power to condemn him that hathnot deserved to be punished.

12:16 For thy power is the beginning of righteousness, and because thou art theLord of all, it maketh thee to be gracious unto all.

12:17 For when men will not believe that thou art of a full power, thou shewestthy strength, and among them that know it thou makest their boldness manifest.

12:18 But thou, mastering thy power, judgest with equity, and orderest us withgreat favour: for thou mayest use power when thou wilt.

12:19 But by such works hast thou taught thy people that the just man should bemerciful, and hast made thy children to be of a good hope that thou givestrepentance for sins.

12:20 For if thou didst punish the enemies of thy children, and the condemnedto death, with such deliberation, giving them time and place, whereby theymight be delivered from their malice:

12:21 With how great circumspection didst thou judge thine own sons, unto whosefathers thou hast sworn, and made covenants of good promises?

12:22 Therefore, whereas thou dost chasten us, thou scourgest our enemies athousand times more, to the intent that, when we judge, we should carefullythink of thy goodness, and when we ourselves are judged, we should look formercy.

12:23 Wherefore, whereas men have lived dissolutely and unrighteously, thouhast tormented them with their own abominations.

12:24 For they went astray very far in the ways of error, and held them forgods, which even among the beasts of their enemies were despised, beingdeceived, as children of no understanding.

12:25 Therefore unto them, as to children without the use of reason, thou didstsend a judgment to mock them.

12:26 But they that would not be reformed by that correction, wherein hedallied with them, shall feel a judgment worthy of God.

12:27 For, look, for what things they grudged, when they were punished, thatis, for them whom they thought to be gods; [now] being punished in them, whenthey saw it, they acknowledged him to be the true God, whom before they deniedto know: and therefore came extreme damnation upon them.

13:1 Surely vain are all men by nature, who are ignorant of God, and could notout of the good things that are seen know him that is: neither by consideringthe works did they acknowledge the workmaster;

13:2 But deemed either fire, or wind, or the swift air, or the circle of thestars, or the violent water, or the lights of heaven, to be the gods whichgovern the world.

13:3 With whose beauty if they being delighted took them to be gods; let themknow how much better the Lord of them is: for the first author of beauty hathcreated them.

13:4 But if they were astonished at their power and virtue, let them understandby them, how much mightier he is that made them.

13:5 For by the greatness and beauty of the creatures proportionably the makerof them is seen.

13:6 But yet for this they are the less to be blamed: for they peradventureerr, seeking God, and desirous to find him.

13:7 For being conversant in his works they search him diligently, and believetheir sight: because the things are beautiful that are seen.

13:8 Howbeit neither are they to be pardoned.

13:9 For if they were able to know so much, that they could aim at the world;how did they not sooner find out the Lord thereof?

13:10 But miserable are they, and in dead things is their hope, who call themgods, which are the works of men’s hands, gold and silver, to shew artin, and resemblances of beasts, or a stone good for nothing, the work of anancient hand.

13:11 Now a carpenter that felleth timber, after he hath sawn down a tree meetfor the purpose, and taken off all the bark skilfully round about, and hathwrought it handsomely, and made a vessel thereof fit for the service ofman’s life;

13:12 And after spending the refuse of his work to dress his meat, hath filledhimself;

13:13 And taking the very refuse among those which served to no use, being acrooked piece of wood, and full of knots, hath carved it diligently, when hehad nothing else to do, and formed it by the skill of his understanding, andfashioned it to the image of a man;

13:14 Or made it like some vile beast, laying it over with vermilion, and withpaint colouring it red, and covering every spot therein;

13:15 And when he had made a convenient room for it, set it in a wall, and madeit fast with iron:

13:16 For he provided for it that it might not fall, knowing that it was unableto help itself; for it is an image, and hath need of help:

13:17 Then maketh he prayer for his goods, for his wife and children, and isnot ashamed to speak to that which hath no life.

13:18 For health he calleth upon that which is weak: for life prayeth to thatwhich is dead; for aid humbly beseecheth that which hath least means to help:and for a good journey he asketh of that which cannot set a foot forward:

13:19 And for gaining and getting, and for good success of his hands, askethability to do of him, that is most unable to do any thing.

14:1 Again, one preparing himself to sail, and about to pass through the ragingwaves, calleth upon a piece of wood more rotten than the vessel that carriethhim.

14:2 For verily desire of gain devised that, and the workman built it by hisskill.

14:3 But thy providence, O Father, governeth it: for thou hast made a way inthe sea, and a safe path in the waves;

14:4 Shewing that thou canst save from all danger: yea, though a man went tosea without art.

14:5 Nevertheless thou wouldest not that the works of thy wisdom should beidle, and therefore do men commit their lives to a small piece of wood, andpassing the rough sea in a weak vessel are saved.

14:6 For in the old time also, when the proud giants perished, the hope of theworld governed by thy hand escaped in a weak vessel, and left to all ages aseed of generation.

14:7 For blessed is the wood whereby righteousness cometh.

14:8 But that which is made with hands is cursed, as well it, as he that madeit: he, because he made it; and it, because, being corruptible, it was calledgod.

14:9 For the ungodly and his ungodliness are both alike hateful unto God.

14:10 For that which is made shall be punished together with him that made it.

14:11 Therefore even upon the idols of the Gentiles shall there be avisitation: because in the creature of God they are become an abomination, andstumblingblocks to the souls of men, and a snare to the feet of the unwise.

14:12 For the devising of idols was the beginning of spiritual fornication, andthe invention of them the corruption of life.

14:13 For neither were they from the beginning, neither shall they be for ever.

14:14 For by the vain glory of men they entered into the world, and thereforeshall they come shortly to an end.

14:15 For a father afflicted with untimely mourning, when he hath made an imageof his child soon taken away, now honoured him as a god, which was then a deadman, and delivered to those that were under him ceremonies and sacrifices.

14:16 Thus in process of time an ungodly custom grown strong was kept as a law,and graven images were worshipped by the commandments of kings.

14:17 Whom men could not honour in presence, because they dwelt far off, theytook the counterfeit of his visage from far, and made an express image of aking whom they honoured, to the end that by this their forwardness they mightflatter him that was absent, as if he were present.

14:18 Also the singular diligence of the artificer did help to set forward theignorant to more superstition.

14:19 For he, peradventure willing to please one in authority, forced all hisskill to make the resemblance of the best fashion.

14:20 And so the multitude, allured by the grace of the work, took him now fora god, which a little before was but honoured as a man.

14:21 And this was an occasion to deceive the world: for men, serving eithercalamity or tyranny, did ascribe unto stones and stocks the incommunicablename.

14:22 Moreover this was not enough for them, that they erred in the knowledgeof God; but whereas they lived in the great war of ignorance, those so greatplagues called they peace.

14:23 For whilst they slew their children in sacrifices, or used secretceremonies, or made revellings of strange rites;

14:24 They kept neither lives nor marriages any longer undefiled: but eitherone slew another traiterously, or grieved him by adultery.

14:25 So that there reigned in all men without exception blood, manslaughter,theft, and dissimulation, corruption, unfaithfulness, tumults, perjury,

14:26 Disquieting of good men, forgetfulness of good turns, defiling of souls,changing of kind, disorder in marriages, adultery, and shameless uncleanness.

14:27 For the worshipping of idols not to be named is the beginning, the cause,and the end, of all evil.

14:28 For either they are mad when they be merry, or prophesy lies, or liveunjustly, or else lightly forswear themselves.

14:29 For insomuch as their trust is in idols, which have no life; though theyswear falsely, yet they look not to be hurt.

14:30 Howbeit for both causes shall they be justly punished: both because theythought not well of God, giving heed unto idols, and also unjustly swore indeceit, despising holiness.

14:31 For it is not the power of them by whom they swear: but it is the justvengeance of sinners, that punisheth always the offence of the ungodly.

15:1 But thou, O God, art gracious and true, longsuffering, and in mercyordering all things,

15:2 For if we sin, we are thine, knowing thy power: but we will not sin,knowing that we are counted thine.

15:3 For to know thee is perfect righteousness: yea, to know thy power is theroot of immortality.

15:4 For neither did the mischievous invention of men deceive us, nor an imagespotted with divers colours, the painter’s fruitless labour;

15:5 The sight whereof enticeth fools to lust after it, and so they desire theform of a dead image, that hath no breath.

15:6 Both they that make them, they that desire them, and they that worshipthem, are lovers of evil things, and are worthy to have such things to trustupon.

15:7 For the potter, tempering soft earth, fashioneth every vessel with muchlabour for our service: yea, of the same clay he maketh both the vessels thatserve for clean uses, and likewise also all such as serve to the contrary: butwhat is the use of either sort, the potter himself is the judge.

15:8 And employing his labours lewdly, he maketh a vain god of the same clay,even he which a little before was made of earth himself, and within a littlewhile after returneth to the same, out when his life which was lent him shallbe demanded.

15:9 Notwithstanding his care is, not that he shall have much labour, nor thathis life is short: but striveth to excel goldsmiths and silversmiths, andendeavoureth to do like the workers in brass, and counteth it his glory to makecounterfeit things.

15:10 His heart is ashes, his hope is more vile than earth, and his life ofless value than clay:

15:11 Forasmuch as he knew not his Maker, and him that inspired into him anactive soul, and breathed in a living spirit.

15:12 But they counted our life a pastime, and our time here a market for gain:for, say they, we must be getting every way, though it be by evil means.

15:13 For this man, that of earthly matter maketh brittle vessels and gravenimages, knoweth himself to offend above all others.

15:14 And all the enemies of thy people, that hold them in subjection, are mostfoolish, and are more miserable than very babes.

15:15 For they counted all the idols of the heathen to be gods: which neitherhave the use of eyes to see, nor noses to draw breath, nor ears to hear, norfingers of hands to handle; and as for their feet, they are slow to go.

15:16 For man made them, and he that borrowed his own spirit fashioned them:but no man can make a god like unto himself.

15:17 For being mortal, he worketh a dead thing with wicked hands: for hehimself is better than the things which he worshippeth: whereas he lived once,but they never.

15:18 Yea, they worshipped those beasts also that are most hateful: for beingcompared together, some are worse than others.

15:19 Neither are they beautiful, so much as to be desired in respect ofbeasts: but they went without the praise of God and his blessing.

16:1 Therefore by the like were they punished worthily, and by the multitude ofbeasts tormented.

16:2 Instead of which punishment, dealing graciously with thine own people,thou preparedst for them meat of a strange taste, even quails to stir up theirappetite:

16:3 To the end that they, desiring food, might for the ugly sight of thebeasts sent among them lothe even that, which they must needs desire; butthese, suffering penury for a short space, might be made partakers of a strangetaste.

16:4 For it was requisite, that upon them exercising tyranny should comepenury, which they could not avoid: but to these it should only be shewed howtheir enemies were tormented.

16:5 For when the horrible fierceness of beasts came upon these, and theyperished with the stings of crooked serpents, thy wrath endured not for ever:

16:6 But they were troubled for a small season, that they might be admonished,having a sign of salvation, to put them in remembrance of the commandment ofthy law.

16:7 For he that turned himself toward it was not saved by the thing that hesaw, but by thee, that art the Saviour of all.

16:8 And in this thou madest thine enemies confess, that it is thou whodeliverest from all evil:

16:9 For them the bitings of grasshoppers and flies killed, neither was therefound any remedy for their life: for they were worthy to be punished by such.

16:10 But thy sons not the very teeth of venomous dragons overcame: for thymercy was ever by them, and healed them.

16:11 For they were pricked, that they should remember thy words; and werequickly saved, that not falling into deep forgetfulness, they might becontinually mindful of thy goodness.

16:12 For it was neither herb, nor mollifying plaister, that restored them tohealth: but thy word, O Lord, which healeth all things.

16:13 For thou hast power of life and death: thou leadest to the gates of hell,and bringest up again.

16:14 A man indeed killeth through his malice: and the spirit, when it is goneforth, returneth not; neither the soul received up cometh again.

16:15 But it is not possible to escape thine hand.

16:16 For the ungodly, that denied to know thee, were scourged by the strengthof thine arm: with strange rains, hails, and showers, were they persecuted,that they could not avoid, and through fire were they consumed.

16:17 For, which is most to be wondered at, the fire had more force in thewater, that quencheth all things: for the world fighteth for the righteous.

16:18 For sometime the flame was mitigated, that it might not burn up thebeasts that were sent against the ungodly; but themselves might see andperceive that they were persecuted with the judgment of God.

16:19 And at another time it burneth even in the midst of water above the powerof fire, that it might destroy the fruits of an unjust land.

16:20 Instead whereof thou feddest thine own people with angels’ food,and didst send them from heaven bread prepared without their labour, able tocontent every man’s delight, and agreeing to every taste.

16:21 For thy sustenance declared thy sweetness unto thy children, and servingto the appetite of the eater, tempered itself to every man’s liking.

16:22 But snow and ice endured the fire, and melted not, that they might knowthat fire burning in the hail, and sparkling in the rain, did destroy thefruits of the enemies.

16:23 But this again did even forget his own strength, that the righteous mightbe nourished.

16:24 For the creature that serveth thee, who art the Maker increaseth hisstrength against the unrighteous for their punishment, and abateth his strengthfor the benefit of such as put their trust in thee.

16:25 Therefore even then was it altered into all fashions, and was obedient tothy grace, that nourisheth all things, according to the desire of them that hadneed:

16:26 That thy children, O Lord, whom thou lovest, might know, that it is notthe growing of fruits that nourisheth man: but that it is thy word, whichpreserveth them that put their trust in thee.

16:27 For that which was not destroyed of the fire, being warmed with a littlesunbeam, soon melted away:

16:28 That it might be known, that we must prevent the sun to give thee thanks,and at the dayspring pray unto thee.

16:29 For the hope of the unthankful shall melt away as the winter’s hoarfrost, and shall run away as unprofitable water.

17:1 For great are thy judgments, and cannot be expressed: therefore unnurturedsouls have erred.

17:2 For when unrighteous men thought to oppress the holy nation; they beingshut up in their houses, the prisoners of darkness, and fettered with the bondsof a long night, lay [there] exiled from the eternal providence.

17:3 For while they supposed to lie hid in their secret sins, they werescattered under a dark veil of forgetfulness, being horribly astonished, andtroubled with [strange] apparitions.

17:4 For neither might the corner that held them keep them from fear: butnoises [as of waters] falling down sounded about them, and sad visions appearedunto them with heavy countenances.

17:5 No power of the fire might give them light: neither could the brightflames of the stars endure to lighten that horrible night.

17:6 Only there appeared unto them a fire kindled of itself, very dreadful: forbeing much terrified, they thought the things which they saw to be worse thanthe sight they saw not.

17:7 As for the illusions of art magick, they were put down, and their vauntingin wisdom was reproved with disgrace.

17:8 For they, that promised to drive away terrors and troubles from a sicksoul, were sick themselves of fear, worthy to be laughed at.

17:9 For though no terrible thing did fear them; yet being scared with beaststhat passed by, and hissing of serpents,

17:10 They died for fear, denying that they saw the air, which could of no sidebe avoided.

17:11 For wickedness, condemned by her own witness, is very timorous, and beingpressed with conscience, always forecasteth grievous things.

17:12 For fear is nothing else but a betraying of the succours which reasonoffereth.

17:13 And the expectation from within, being less, counteth the ignorance morethan the cause which bringeth the torment.

17:14 But they sleeping the same sleep that night, which was indeedintolerable, and which came upon them out of the bottoms of inevitable hell,

17:15 Were partly vexed with monstrous apparitions, and partly fainted, theirheart failing them: for a sudden fear, and not looked for, came upon them.

17:16 So then whosoever there fell down was straitly kept, shut up in a prisonwithout iron bars,

17:17 For whether he were husbandman, or shepherd, or a labourer in the field,he was overtaken, and endured that necessity, which could not be avoided: forthey were all bound with one chain of darkness.

17:18 Whether it were a whistling wind, or a melodious noise of birds among thespreading branches, or a pleasing fall of water running violently,

17:19 Or a terrible sound of stones cast down, or a running that could not beseen of skipping beasts, or a roaring voice of most savage wild beasts, or arebounding echo from the hollow mountains; these things made them to swoon forfear.

17:20 For the whole world shined with clear light, and none were hindered intheir labour:

17:21 Over them only was spread an heavy night, an image of that darkness whichshould afterward receive them: but yet were they unto themselves more grievousthan the darkness.

18:1 Nevertheless thy saints had a very great light, whose voice they hearing,and not seeing their shape, because they also had not suffered the same things,they counted them happy.

18:2 But for that they did not hurt them now, of whom they had been wrongedbefore, they thanked them, and besought them pardon for that they had beenenemies.

18:3 Instead whereof thou gavest them a burning pillar of fire, both to be aguide of the unknown journey, and an harmless sun to entertain them honourably.

18:4 For they were worthy to be deprived of light and imprisoned in darkness,who had kept thy sons shut up, by whom the uncorrupt light of the law was to begiven unto the world.

18:5 And when they had determined to slay the babes of the saints, one childbeing cast forth, and saved, to reprove them, thou tookest away the multitudeof their children, and destroyedst them altogether in a mighty water.

18:6 Of that night were our fathers certified afore, that assuredly knowingunto what oaths they had given credence, they might afterwards be of goodcheer.

18:7 So of thy people was accepted both the salvation of the righteous, anddestruction of the enemies.

18:8 For wherewith thou didst punish our adversaries, by the same thou didstglorify us, whom thou hadst called.

18:9 For the righteous children of good men did sacrifice secretly, and withone consent made a holy law, that the saints should be like partakers of thesame good and evil, the fathers now singing out the songs of praise.

18:10 But on the other side there sounded an ill according cry of the enemies,and a lamentable noise was carried abroad for children that were bewailed.

18:11 The master and the servant were punished after one manner; and like asthe king, so suffered the common person.

18:12 So they all together had innumerable dead with one kind of death; neitherwere the living sufficient to bury them: for in one moment the noblestoffspring of them was destroyed.

18:13 For whereas they would not believe any thing by reason of theenchantments; upon the destruction of the firstborn, they acknowledged thispeople to be the sons of God.

18:14 For while all things were in quiet silence, and that night was in themidst of her swift course,

18:15 Thine Almighty word leaped down from heaven out of thy royal throne, as afierce man of war into the midst of a land of destruction,

18:16 And brought thine unfeigned commandment as a sharp sword, and standing upfilled all things with death; and it touched the heaven, but it stood upon theearth.

18:17 Then suddenly visions of horrible dreams troubled them sore, and terrorscame upon them unlooked for.

18:18 And one thrown here, and another there, half dead, shewed the cause ofhis death.

18:19 For the dreams that troubled them did foreshew this, lest they shouldperish, and not know why they were afflicted.

18:20 Yea, the tasting of death touched the righteous also, and there was adestruction of the multitude in the wilderness: but the wrath endured not long.

18:21 For then the blameless man made haste, and stood forth to defend them;and bringing the shield of his proper ministry, even prayer, and thepropitiation of incense, set himself against the wrath, and so brought thecalamity to an end, declaring that he was thy servant.

18:22 So he overcame the destroyer, not with strength of body, nor force ofarms, but with a word subdued him that punished, alleging the oaths andcovenants made with the fathers.

18:23 For when the dead were now fallen down by heaps one upon another,standing between, he stayed the wrath, and parted the way to the living.

18:24 For in the long garment was the whole world, and in the four rows of thestones was the glory of the fathers graven, and thy Majesty upon the daidem.

18:25 Unto these the destroyer gave place, and was afraid of them: for it wasenough that they only tasted of the wrath.

19:1 As for the ungodly, wrath came upon them without mercy unto the end: forhe knew before what they would do;

19:2 How that having given them leave to depart, and sent them hastily away,they would repent and pursue them.

19:3 For whilst they were yet mourning and making lamentation at the graves ofthe dead, they added another foolish device, and pursued them as fugitives,whom they had intreated to be gone.

19:4 For the destiny, whereof they were worthy, drew them unto this end, andmade them forget the things that had already happened, that they might fulfilthe punishment which was wanting to their torments:

19:5 And that thy people might pass a wonderful way: but they might find astrange death.

19:6 For the whole creature in his proper kind was fashioned again anew,serving the peculiar commandments that were given unto them, that thy childrenmight be kept without hurt:

19:7 As namely, a cloud shadowing the camp; and where water stood before, dryland appeared; and out of the Red sea a way without impediment; and out of theviolent stream a green field:

19:8 Wherethrough all the people went that were defended with thy hand, seeingthy marvellous strange wonders.

19:9 For they went at large like horses, and leaped like lambs, praising thee,O Lord, who hadst delivered them.

19:10 For they were yet mindful of the things that were done while theysojourned in the strange land, how the ground brought forth flies instead ofcattle, and how the river cast up a multitude of frogs instead of fishes.

19:11 But afterwards they saw a new generation of fowls, when, being led withtheir appetite, they asked delicate meats.

19:12 For quails came up unto them from the sea for their contentment.

19:13 And punishments came upon the sinners not without former signs by theforce of thunders: for they suffered justly according to their own wickedness,insomuch as they used a more hard and hateful behaviour toward strangers.

19:14 For the Sodomites did not receive those, whom they knew not when theycame: but these brought friends into bondage, that had well deserved of them.

19:15 And not only so, but peradventure some respect shall be had of those,because they used strangers not friendly:

19:16 But these very grievously afflicted them, whom they had received withfeastings, and were already made partakers of the same laws with them.

19:17 Therefore even with blindness were these stricken, as those were at thedoors of the righteous man: when, being compassed about with horrible greatdarkness, every one sought the passage of his own doors.

19:18 For the elements were changed in themselves by a kind of harmony, like asin a psaltery notes change the name of the tune, and yet are always sounds;which may well be perceived by the sight of the things that have been done.

19:19 For earthly things were turned into watery, and the things, that beforeswam in the water, now went upon the ground.

19:20 The fire had power in the water, forgetting his own virtue: and the waterforgat his own quenching nature.

19:21 On the other side, the flames wasted not the flesh of the corruptibleliving things, though they walked therein; neither melted they the icy kind ofheavenly meat that was of nature apt to melt.

19:22 For in all things, O Lord, thou didst magnify thy people, and glorifythem, neither didst thou lightly regard them: but didst assist them in everytime and place.

The Book of Sirach (or Ecclesiasticus)
[The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus]

A Prologue made by an uncertain Author

This Jesus was the son of Sirach, and grandchild to Jesus of the same name withhim: this man therefore lived in the latter times, after the people had beenled away captive, and called home again, and almost after all the prophets. Nowhis grandfather Jesus, as he himself witnesseth, was a man of great diligenceand wisdom among the Hebrews, who did not only gather the grave and shortsentences of wise men, that had been before him, but himself also uttered someof his own, full of much understanding and wisdom. When as therefore the firstJesus died, leaving this book almost perfected, Sirach his son receiving itafter him left it to his own son Jesus, who, having gotten it into his hands,compiled it all orderly into one volume, and called it Wisdom, intituling itboth by his own name, his father’s name, and his grandfather’s;alluring the hearer by the very name of Wisdom to have a greater love to thestudy of this book. It containeth therefore wise sayings, dark sentences, andparables, and certain particular ancient godly stories of men that pleased God;also his prayer and song; moreover, what benefits God had vouchsafed hispeople, and what plagues he had heaped upon their enemies. This Jesus didimitate Solomon, and was no less famous for wisdom and learning, both beingindeed a man of great learning, and so reputed also.

The Prologue of the Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach.

Whereas many and great things have been delivered unto us by the law and theprophets, and by others that have followed their steps, for the which thingsIsrael ought to be commended for learning and wisdom; and whereof not only thereaders must needs become skilful themselves, but also they that desire tolearn be able to profit them which are without, both by speaking and writing:my grandfather Jesus, when he had much given himself to the reading of the law,and the prophets, and other books of our fathers, and had gotten therein goodjudgment, was drawn on also himself to write something pertaining to learningand wisdom; to the intent that those which are desirous to learn, and areaddicted to these things, might profit much more in living according to thelaw. Wherefore let me intreat you to read it with favour and attention, and topardon us, wherein we may seem to come short of some words, which we havelaboured to interpret. For the same things uttered in Hebrew, and translatedinto another tongue, have not the same force in them: and not only thesethings, but the law itself, and the prophets, and the rest of the books, haveno small difference, when they are spoken in their own language. For in theeight and thirtieth year coming into Egypt, when Euergetes was king, andcontinuing there some time, I found a book of no small learning: therefore Ithought it most necessary for me to bestow some diligence and travail tointerpret it; using great watchfulness and skill in that space to bring thebook to an end, and set it forth for them also, which in a strange country arewilling to learn, being prepared before in manners to live after the law.

1:1 All wisdom cometh from the Lord, and is with him for ever.

1:2 Who can number the sand of the sea, and the drops of rain, and the days ofeternity?

1:3 Who can find out the height of heaven, and the breadth of the earth, andthe deep, and wisdom?

1:4 Wisdom hath been created before all things, and the understanding ofprudence from everlasting.

1:5 The word of God most high is the fountain of wisdom; and her ways areeverlasting commandments.

1:6 To whom hath the root of wisdom been revealed? or who hath known her wisecounsels?

1:7 [Unto whom hath the knowledge of wisdom been made manifest? and who hathunderstood her great experience?]

1:8 There is one wise and greatly to be feared, the Lord sitting upon histhrone.

1:9 He created her, and saw her, and numbered her, and poured her out upon allhis works.

1:10 She is with all flesh according to his gift, and he hath given her to themthat love him.

1:11 The fear of the Lord is honour, and glory, and gladness, and a crown ofrejoicing.

1:12 The fear of the Lord maketh a merry heart, and giveth joy, and gladness,and a long life.

1:13 Whoso feareth the Lord, it shall go well with him at the last, and heshall find favour in the day of his death.

1:14 To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and it was created with thefaithful in the womb.

1:15 She hath built an everlasting foundation with men, and she shall continuewith their seed.

1:16 To fear the Lord is fulness of wisdom, and filleth men with her fruits.

1:17 She filleth all their house with things desirable, and the garners withher increase.

1:18 The fear of the Lord is a crown of wisdom, making peace and perfect healthto flourish; both which are the gifts of God: and it enlargeth their rejoicingthat love him.

1:19 Wisdom raineth down skill and knowledge of understanding standing, andexalteth them to honour that hold her fast.

1:20 The root of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and the branches thereof are longlife.

1:21 The fear of the Lord driveth away sins: and where it is present, itturneth away wrath.

1:22 A furious man cannot be justified; for the sway of his fury shall be hisdestruction.

1:23 A patient man will bear for a time, and afterward joy shall spring up untohim.

1:24 He will hide his words for a time, and the lips of many shall declare hiswisdom.

1:25 The parables of knowledge are in the treasures of wisdom: but godliness isan abomination to a sinner.

1:26 If thou desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord shall give herunto thee.

1:27 For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction: and faith and meeknessare his delight.

1:28 Distrust not the fear of the Lord when thou art poor: and come not untohim with a double heart.

1:29 Be not an hypocrite in the sight of men, and take good heed what thouspeakest.

1:30 Exalt not thyself, lest thou fall, and bring dishonour upon thy soul, andso God discover thy secrets, and cast thee down in the midst of thecongregation, because thou camest not in truth to the fear of the Lord, but thyheart is full of deceit.

2:1 My son, if thou come to serve the Lord, prepare thy soul for temptation.

2:2 Set thy heart aright, and constantly endure, and make not haste in time oftrouble.

2:3 Cleave unto him, and depart not away, that thou mayest be increased at thylast end.

2:4 Whatsoever is brought upon thee take cheerfully, and be patient when thouart changed to a low estate.

2:5 For gold is tried in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace ofadversity.

2:6 Believe in him, and he will help thee; order thy way aright, and trust inhim.

2:7 Ye that fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; and go not aside, lest ye fall.

2:8 Ye that fear the Lord, believe him; and your reward shall not fail.

2:9 Ye that fear the Lord, hope for good, and for everlasting joy and mercy.

2:10 Look at the generations of old, and see; did ever any trust in the Lord,and was confounded? or did any abide in his fear, and was forsaken? or whom didhe ever despise, that called upon him?

2:11 For the Lord is full of compassion and mercy, longsuffering, and verypitiful, and forgiveth sins, and saveth in time of affliction.

2:12 Woe be to fearful hearts, and faint hands, and the sinner that goeth twoways!

2:13 Woe unto him that is fainthearted! for he believeth not; therefore shallhe not be defended.

2:14 Woe unto you that have lost patience! and what will ye do when the Lordshall visit you?

2:15 They that fear the Lord will not disobey his Word; and they that love himwill keep his ways.

2:16 They that fear the Lord will seek that which is well, pleasing unto him;and they that love him shall be filled with the law.

2:17 They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and humble their soulsin his sight,

2:18 Saying, We will fall into the hands of the Lord, and not into the hands ofmen: for as his majesty is, so is his mercy.

3:1 Hear me your father, O children, and do thereafter, that ye may be safe.

3:2 For the Lord hath given the father honour over the children, and hathconfirmed the authority of the mother over the sons.

3:3 Whoso honoureth his father maketh an atonement for his sins:

3:4 And he that honoureth his mother is as one that layeth up treasure.

3:5 Whoso honoureth his father shall have joy of his own children; and when hemaketh his prayer, he shall be heard.

3:6 He that honoureth his father shall have a long life; and he that isobedient unto the Lord shall be a comfort to his mother.

3:7 He that feareth the Lord will honour his father, and will do service untohis parents, as to his masters.

3:8 Honour thy father and mother both in word and deed, that a blessing maycome upon thee from them.

3:9 For the blessing of the father establisheth the houses of children; but thecurse of the mother rooteth out foundations.

3:10 Glory not in the dishonour of thy father; for thy father’s dishonouris no glory unto thee.

3:11 For the glory of a man is from the honour of his father; and a mother indishonour is a reproach to the children.

3:12 My son, help thy father in his age, and grieve him not as long as heliveth.

3:13 And if his understanding fail, have patience with him; and despise him notwhen thou art in thy full strength.

3:14 For the relieving of thy father shall not be forgotten: and instead ofsins it shall be added to build thee up.

3:15 In the day of thine affliction it shall be remembered; thy sins also shallmelt away, as the ice in the fair warm weather.

3:16 He that forsaketh his father is as a blasphemer; and he that angereth hismother is cursed: of God.

3:17 My son, go on with thy business in meekness; so shalt thou be beloved ofhim that is approved.

3:18 The greater thou art, the more humble thyself, and thou shalt find favourbefore the Lord.

3:19 Many are in high place, and of renown: but mysteries are revealed unto themeek.

3:20 For the power of the Lord is great, and he is honoured of the lowly.

3:21 Seek not out things that are too hard for thee, neither search the thingsthat are above thy strength.

3:22 But what is commanded thee, think thereupon with reverence, for it is notneedful for thee to see with thine eyes the things that are in secret.

3:23 Be not curious in unnecessary matters: for more things are shewed untothee than men understand.

3:24 For many are deceived by their own vain opinion; and an evil suspicionhath overthrown their judgment.

3:25 Without eyes thou shalt want light: profess not the knowledge thereforethat thou hast not.

3:26 A stubborn heart shall fare evil at the last; and he that loveth dangershall perish therein.

3:27 An obstinate heart shall be laden with sorrows; and the wicked man shallheap sin upon sin.

3:28 In the punishment of the proud there is no remedy; for the plant ofwickedness hath taken root in him.

3:29 The heart of the prudent will understand a parable; and an attentive earis the desire of a wise man.

3:30 Water will quench a flaming fire; and alms maketh an atonement for sins.

3:31 And he that requiteth good turns is mindful of that which may comehereafter; and when he falleth, he shall find a stay.

4:1 My son, defraud not the poor of his living, and make not the needy eyes towait long.

4:2 Make not an hungry soul sorrowful; neither provoke a man in his distress.

4:3 Add not more trouble to an heart that is vexed; and defer not to give tohim that is in need.

4:4 Reject not the supplication of the afflicted; neither turn away thy facefrom a poor man.

4:5 Turn not away thine eye from the needy, and give him none occasion to cursethee:

4:6 For if he curse thee in the bitterness of his soul, his prayer shall beheard of him that made him.

4:7 Get thyself the love of the congregation, and bow thy head to a great man.

4:8 Let it not grieve thee to bow down thine ear to the poor, and give him afriendly answer with meekness.

4:9 Deliver him that suffereth wrong from the hand of the oppressor; and be notfainthearted when thou sittest in judgment.

4:10 Be as a father unto the fatherless, and instead of an husband unto theirmother: so shalt thou be as the son of the most High, and he shall love theemore than thy mother doth.

4:11 Wisdom exalteth her children, and layeth hold of them that seek her.

4:12 He that loveth her loveth life; and they that seek to her early shall befilled with joy.

4:13 He that holdeth her fast shall inherit glory; and wheresoever sheentereth, the Lord will bless.

4:14 They that serve her shall minister to the Holy One: and them that love herthe Lord doth love.

4:15 Whoso giveth ear unto her shall judge the nations: and he that attendethunto her shall dwell securely.

4:16 If a man commit himself unto her, he shall inherit her; and his generationshall hold her in possession.

4:17 For at the first she will walk with him by crooked ways, and bring fearand dread upon him, and torment him with her discipline, until she may trusthis soul, and try him by her laws.

4:18 Then will she return the straight way unto him, and comfort him, and shewhim her secrets.

4:19 But if he go wrong, she will forsake him, and give him over to his ownruin.

4:20 Observe the opportunity, and beware of evil; and be not ashamed when itconcerneth thy soul.

4:21 For there is a shame that bringeth sin; and there is a shame which isglory and grace.

4:22 Accept no person against thy soul, and let not the reverence of any mancause thee to fall.

4:23 And refrain not to speak, when there is occasion to do good, and hide notthy wisdom in her beauty.

4:24 For by speech wisdom shall be known: and learning by the word of thetongue.

4:25 In no wise speak against the truth; but be abashed of the error of thineignorance.

4:26 Be not ashamed to confess thy sins; and force not the course of the river.

4:27 Make not thyself an underling to a foolish man; neither accept the personof the mighty.

4:28 Strive for the truth unto death, and the Lord shall fight for thee.

4:29 Be not hasty in thy tongue, and in thy deeds slack and remiss.

4:30 Be not as a lion in thy house, nor frantick among thy servants.

4:31 Let not thine hand be stretched out to receive, and shut when thoushouldest repay.

5:1 Set thy heart upon thy goods; and say not, I have enough for my life.

5:2 Follow not thine own mind and thy strength, to walk in the ways of thyheart:

5:3 And say not, Who shall controul me for my works? for the Lord will surelyrevenge thy pride.

5:4 Say not, I have sinned, and what harm hath happened unto me? for the Lordis longsuffering, he will in no wise let thee go.

5:5 Concerning propitiation, be not without fear to add sin unto sin:

5:6 And say not His mercy is great; he will be pacified for the multitude of mysins: for mercy and wrath come from him, and his indignation resteth uponsinners.

5:7 Make no tarrying to turn to the Lord, and put not off from day to day: forsuddenly shall the wrath of the Lord come forth, and in thy security thou shaltbe destroyed, and perish in the day of vengeance.

5:8 Set not thine heart upon goods unjustly gotten, for they shall not profitthee in the day of calamity.

5:9 Winnow not with every wind, and go not into every way: for so doth thesinner that hath a double tongue.

5:10 Be stedfast in thy understanding; and let thy word be the same.

5:11 Be swift to hear; and let thy life be sincere; and with patience giveanswer.

5:12 If thou hast understanding, answer thy neighbour; if not, lay thy handupon thy mouth.

5:13 Honour and shame is in talk: and the tongue of man is his fall.

5:14 Be not called a whisperer, and lie not in wait with thy tongue: for a foulshame is upon the thief, and an evil condemnation upon the double tongue.

5:15 Be not ignorant of any thing in a great matter or a small.

6:1 Instead of a friend become not an enemy; for [thereby] thou shalt inheritan ill name, shame, and reproach: even so shall a sinner that hath a doubletongue.

6:2 Extol not thyself in the counsel of thine own heart; that thy soul be nottorn in pieces as a bull [straying alone.]

6:3 Thou shalt eat up thy leaves, and lose thy fruit, and leave thyself as adry tree.

6:4 A wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it, and shall make him to belaughed to scorn of his enemies.

6:5 Sweet language will multiply friends: and a fairspeaking tongue willincrease kind greetings.

6:6 Be in peace with many: nevertheless have but one counsellor of a thousand.

6:7 If thou wouldest get a friend, prove him first and be not hasty to credithim.

6:8 For some man is a friend for his own occasion, and will not abide in theday of thy trouble.

6:9 And there is a friend, who being turned to enmity, and strife will discoverthy reproach.

6:10 Again, some friend is a companion at the table, and will not continue inthe day of thy affliction.

6:11 But in thy prosperity he will be as thyself, and will be bold over thyservants.

6:12 If thou be brought low, he will be against thee, and will hide himselffrom thy face.

6:13 Separate thyself from thine enemies, and take heed of thy friends.

6:14 A faithfull friend is a strong defence: and he that hath found such an onehath found a treasure.

6:15 Nothing doth countervail a faithful friend, and his excellency isinvaluable.

6:16 A faithful friend is the medicine of life; and they that fear the Lordshall find him.

6:17 Whoso feareth the Lord shall direct his friendship aright: for as he is,so shall his neighbour be also.

6:18 My son, gather instruction from thy youth up: so shalt thou find wisdomtill thine old age.

6:19 Come unto her as one that ploweth and soweth, and wait for her goodfruits: for thou shalt not toil much in labouring about her, but thou shalt eatof her fruits right soon.

6:20 She is very unpleasant to the unlearned: he that is without understandingwill not remain with her.

6:21 She will lie upon him as a mighty stone of trial; and he will cast herfrom him ere it be long.

6:22 For wisdom is according to her name, and she is not manifest unto many.

6:23 Give ear, my son, receive my advice, and refuse not my counsel,

6:24 And put thy feet into her fetters, and thy neck into her chain.

6:25 Bow down thy shoulder, and bear her, and be not grieved with her bonds.

6:26 Come unto her with thy whole heart, and keep her ways with all thy power.

6:27 Search, and seek, and she shall be made known unto thee: and when thouhast got hold of her, let her not go.

6:28 For at the last thou shalt find her rest, and that shall be turned to thyjoy.

6:29 Then shall her fetters be a strong defence for thee, and her chains a robeof glory.

6:30 For there is a golden ornament upon her, and her bands are purple lace.

6:31 Thou shalt put her on as a robe of honour, and shalt put her about thee asa crown of joy.

6:32 My son, if thou wilt, thou shalt be taught: and if thou wilt apply thymind, thou shalt be prudent.

6:33 If thou love to hear, thou shalt receive understanding: and if thou bowthine ear, thou shalt be wise,

6:34 Stand in the multitude of the elders; and cleave unto him that is wise.

6:35 Be willing to hear every godly discourse; and let not the parables ofunderstanding escape thee.

6:36 And if thou seest a man of understanding, get thee betimes unto him, andlet thy foot wear the steps of his door.

6:37 Let thy mind be upon the ordinances of the Lord and meditate continuallyin his commandments: he shall establish thine heart, and give thee wisdom atthine own desire.

7:1 Do no evil, so shall no harm come unto thee.

7:2 Depart from the unjust, and iniquity shall turn away from thee.

7:3 My son, sow not upon the furrows of unrighteousness, and thou shalt notreap them sevenfold.

7:4 Seek not of the Lord preeminence, neither of the king the seat of honour.

7:5 Justify not thyself before the Lord; and boast not of thy wisdom before theking.

7:6 Seek not to be judge, being not able to take away iniquity; lest at anytime thou fear the person of the mighty, an stumblingblock in the way of thyuprightness.

7:7 Offend not against the multitude of a city, and then thou shalt not castthyself down among the people.

7:8 Bind not one sin upon another; for in one thou shalt not be unpunished.

7:9 Say not, God will look upon the multitude of my oblations, and when I offerto the most high God, he will accept it.

7:10 Be not fainthearted when thou makest thy prayer, and neglect not to givealms.

7:11 Laugh no man to scorn in the bitterness of his soul: for there is onewhich humbleth and exalteth.

7:12 Devise not a lie against thy brother; neither do the like to thy friend.

7:13 Use not to make any manner of lie: for the custom thereof is not good.

7:14 Use not many words in a multitude of elders, and make not much babblingwhen thou prayest.

7:15 Hate not laborious work, neither husbandry, which the most High hathordained.

7:16 Number not thyself among the multitude of sinners, but remember that wrathwill not tarry long.

7:17 Humble thyself greatly: for the vengeance of the ungodly is fire andworms.

7:18 Change not a friend for any good by no means; neither a faithful brotherfor the gold of Ophir.

7:19 Forego not a wise and good woman: for her grace is above gold.

7:20 Whereas thy servant worketh truly, entreat him not evil, nor the hirelingthat bestoweth himself wholly for thee.

7:21 Let thy soul love a good servant, and defraud him not of liberty.

7:22 Hast thou cattle? have an eye to them: and if they be for thy profit, keepthem with thee.

7:23 Hast thou children? instruct them, and bow down their neck from theiryouth.

7:24 Hast thou daughters? have a care of their body, and shew not thyselfcheerful toward them.

7:25 Marry thy daughter, and so shalt thou have performed a weighty matter: butgive her to a man of understanding.

7:26 Hast thou a wife after thy mind? forsake her not: but give not thyselfover to a light woman.

7:27 Honour thy father with thy whole heart, and forget not the sorrows of thymother.

7:28 Remember that thou wast begotten of them; and how canst thou recompensethem the things that they have done for thee?

7:29 Fear the Lord with all thy soul, and reverence his priests.

7:30 Love him that made thee with all thy strength, and forsake not hisministers.

7:31 Fear the Lord, and honor the priest; and give him his portion, as it iscommanded thee; the firstfruits, and the trespass offering, and the gift of theshoulders, and the sacrifice of sanctification, and the firstfruits of the holythings.

7:32 And stretch thine hand unto the poor, that thy blessing may be perfected.

7:33 A gift hath grace in the sight of every man living; and for the deaddetain it not.

7:34 Fail not to be with them that weep, and mourn with them that mourn.

7:35 Be not slow to visit the sick: for that shall make thee to be beloved.

7:36 Whatsoever thou takest in hand, remember the end, and thou shalt never doamiss.

8:1 Strive not with a mighty man, lest thou fall into his hands.

8:2 Be not at variance with a rich man, lest he overweigh thee: for gold hathdestroyed many, and perverted the hearts of kings.

8:3 Strive not with a man that is full of tongue, and heap not wood upon hisfire.

8:4 Jest not with a rude man, lest thy ancestors be disgraced.

8:5 Reproach not a man that turneth from sin, but remember that we are allworthy of punishment.

8:6 Dishonour not a man in his old age: for even some of us wax old.

8:7 Rejoice not over thy greatest enemy being dead, but remember that we dieall.

8:8 Despise not the discourse of the wise, but acquaint thyself with theirproverbs: for of them thou shalt learn instruction, and how to serve great menwith ease.

8:9 Miss not the discourse of the elders: for they also learned of theirfathers, and of them thou shalt learn understanding, and to give answer as needrequireth.

8:10 Kindle not the coals of a sinner, lest thou be burnt with the flame of hisfire.

8:11 Rise not up [in anger] at the presence of an injurious person, lest he liein wait to entrap thee in thy words

8:12 Lend not unto him that is mightier than thyself; for if thou lendest him,count it but lost.

8:13 Be not surety above thy power: for if thou be surety, take care to pay it.

8:14 Go not to law with a judge; for they will judge for him according to hishonour.

8:15 Travel not by the way with a bold fellow, lest he become grievous untothee: for he will do according to his own will, and thou shalt perish with himthrough his folly.

8:16 Strive not with an angry man, and go not with him into a solitary place:for blood is as nothing in his sight, and where there is no help, he willoverthrow thee.

8:17 Consult not with a fool; for he cannot keep counsel.

8:18 Do no secret thing before a stranger; for thou knowest not what he willbring forth.

8:19 Open not thine heart to every man, lest he requite thee with a shrewdturn.

9:1 Be not jealous over the wife of thy bosom, and teach her not an evil lessonagainst thyself.

9:2 Give not thy soul unto a woman to set her foot upon thy substance.

9:3 Meet not with an harlot, lest thou fall into her snares.

9:4 Use not much the company of a woman that is a singer, lest thou be takenwith her attempts.

9:5 Gaze not on a maid, that thou fall not by those things that are precious inher.

9:6 Give not thy soul unto harlots, that thou lose not thine inheritance.

9:7 Look not round about thee in the streets of the city, neither wander thouin the solitary place thereof.

9:8 Turn away thine eye from a beautiful woman, and look not uponanother’s beauty; for many have been deceived by the beauty of a woman;for herewith love is kindled as a fire.

9:9 Sit not at all with another man’s wife, nor sit down with her inthine arms, and spend not thy money with her at the wine; lest thine heartincline unto her, and so through thy desire thou fall into destruction.

9:10 Forsake not an old friend; for the new is not comparable to him: a newfriend is as new wine; when it is old, thou shalt drink it with pleasure.

9:11 Envy not the glory of a sinner: for thou knowest not what shall be hisend.

9:12 Delight not in the thing that the ungodly have pleasure in; but rememberthey shall not go unpunished unto their grave.

9:13 Keep thee far from the man that hath power to kill; so shalt thou notdoubt the fear of death: and if thou come unto him, make no fault, lest he takeaway thy life presently: remember that thou goest in the midst of snares, andthat thou walkest upon the battlements of the city.

9:14 As near as thou canst, guess at thy neighbour, and consult with the wise.

9:15 Let thy talk be with the wise, and all thy communication in the law of themost High.

9:16 And let just men eat and drink with thee; and let thy glorying be in thefear of the Lord.

9:17 For the hand of the artificer the work shall be commended: and the wiseruler of the people for his speech.

9:18 A man of an ill tongue is dangerous in his city; and he that is rash inhis talk shall be hated.

10:1 A wise judge will instruct his people; and the government of a prudent manis well ordered.

10:2 As the judge of the people is himself, so are his officers; and whatmanner of man the ruler of the city is, such are all they that dwell therein.

10:3 An unwise king destroyeth his people; but through the prudence of themwhich are in authority the city shall be inhabited.

10:4 The power of the earth is in the hand of the Lord, and in due time he willset over it one that is profitable.

10:5 In the hand of God is the prosperity of man: and upon the person of thescribe shall he lay his honour.

10:6 Bear not hatred to thy neighbour for every wrong; and do nothing at all byinjurious practices.

10:7 Pride is hateful before God and man: and by both doth one commit iniquity.

10:8 Because of unrighteous dealings, injuries, and riches got by deceit, thekingdom is translated from one people to another.

10:9 Why is earth and ashes proud? There is not a more wicked thing than acovetous man: for such an one setteth his own soul to sale; because while heliveth he casteth away his bowels.

10:10 The physician cutteth off a long disease; and he that is to day a king tomorrow shall die.

10:11 For when a man is dead, he shall inherit creeping things, beasts, andworms.

10:12 The beginning of pride is when one departeth from God, and his heart isturned away from his Maker.

10:13 For pride is the beginning of sin, and he that hath it shall pour outabomination: and therefore the Lord brought upon them strange calamities, andoverthrew them utterly.

10:14 The Lord hath cast down the thrones of proud princes, and set up the meekin their stead.

10:15 The Lord hath plucked up the roots of the proud nations, and planted thelowly in their place.

10:16 The Lord overthrew countries of the heathen, and destroyed them to thefoundations of the earth.

10:17 He took some of them away, and destroyed them, and hath made theirmemorial to cease from the earth.

10:18 Pride was not made for men, nor furious anger for them that are born of awoman.

10:19 They that fear the Lord are a sure seed, and they that love him anhonourable plant: they that regard not the law are a dishonourable seed; theythat transgress the commandments are a deceivable seed.

10:20 Among brethren he that is chief is honorable; so are they that fear theLord in his eyes.

10:21 The fear of the Lord goeth before the obtaining of authority: butroughness and pride is the losing thereof.

10:22 Whether he be rich, noble, or poor, their glory is the fear of the Lord.

10:23 It is not meet to despise the poor man that hath understanding; neitheris it convenient to magnify a sinful man.

10:24 Great men, and judges, and potentates, shall be honoured; yet is therenone of them greater than he that feareth the Lord.

10:25 Unto the servant that is wise shall they that are free do service: and hethat hath knowledge will not grudge when he is reformed.

10:26 Be not overwise in doing thy business; and boast not thyself in the timeof thy distress.

10:27 Better is he that laboureth, and aboundeth in all things, than he thatboasteth himself, and wanteth bread.

10:28 My son, glorify thy soul in meekness, and give it honour according to thedignity thereof.

10:29 Who will justify him that sinneth against his own soul? and who willhonour him that dishonoureth his own life?

10:30 The poor man is honoured for his skill, and the rich man is honoured forhis riches.

10:31 He that is honoured in poverty, how much more in riches? and he that isdishonourable in riches, how much more in poverty?

11:1 Wisdom lifteth up the head of him that is of low degree, and maketh him tosit among great men.

11:2 Commend not a man for his beauty; neither abhor a man for his outwardappearance.

11:3 The bee is little among such as fly; but her fruit is the chief of sweetthings.

11:4 Boast not of thy clothing and raiment, and exalt not thyself in the day ofhonour: for the works of the Lord are wonderful, and his works among men arehidden.

11:5 Many kings have sat down upon the ground; and one that was never thoughtof hath worn the crown.

11:6 Many mighty men have been greatly disgraced; and the honourable deliveredinto other men’s hands.

11:7 Blame not before thou hast examined the truth: understand first, and thenrebuke.

11:8 Answer not before thou hast heard the cause: neither interrupt men in themidst of their talk.

11:9 Strive not in a matter that concerneth thee not; and sit not in judgmentwith sinners.

11:10 My son, meddle not with many matters: for if thou meddle much, thou shaltnot be innocent; and if thou follow after, thou shalt not obtain, neither shaltthou escape by fleeing.

11:11 There is one that laboureth, and taketh pains, and maketh haste, and isso much the more behind.

11:12 Again, there is another that is slow, and hath need of help, wantingability, and full of poverty; yet the eye of the Lord looked upon him for good,and set him up from his low estate,

11:13 And lifted up his head from misery; so that many that saw it marvelled athim.

11:14 Prosperity and adversity, life and death, poverty and riches, come of theLord.

11:15 Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of the law, are of the Lord: love,and the way of good works, are from him.

11:16 Error and darkness had their beginning together with sinners: and evilshall wax old with them that glory therein.

11:17 The gift of the Lord remaineth with the godly, and his favour bringethprosperity for ever.

11:18 There is that waxeth rich by his wariness and pinching, and this is theportion of his reward:

11:19 Whereas he saith, I have found rest, and now will eat continually of mygoods; and yet he knoweth not what time shall come upon him, and that he mustleave those things to others, and die.

11:20 Be stedfast in thy covenant, and be conversant therein, and wax old inthy work.

11:21 Marvel not at the works of sinners; but trust in the Lord, and abide inthy labour: for it is an easy thing in the sight of the Lord on the sudden tomake a poor man rich.

11:22 The blessing of the Lord is in the reward of the godly, and suddenly hemaketh his blessing flourish.

11:23 Say not, What profit is there of my service? and what good things shall Ihave hereafter?

11:24 Again, say not, I have enough, and possess many things, and what evilcan come to me hereafter?

11:25 In the day of prosperity there is a forgetfulness of affliction: and inthe day of affliction there is no more remembrance of prosperity.

11:26 For it is an easy thing unto the Lord in the day of death to reward a manaccording to his ways.

11:27 The affliction of an hour maketh a man forget pleasure: and in his endhis deeds shall be discovered.

11:28 Judge none blessed before his death: for a man shall be known in hischildren.

11:29 Bring not every man into thine house: for the deceitful man hath manytrains.

11:30 Like as a partridge taken [and kept] in a cage, so is the heart of theproud; and like as a spy, watcheth he for thy fall:

11:31 For he lieth in wait, and turneth good into evil, and in things worthypraise will lay blame upon thee.

11:32 Of a spark of fire a heap of coals is kindled: and a sinful man layethwait for blood.

11:33 Take heed of a mischievous man, for he worketh wickedness; lest he bringupon thee a perpetual blot.

11:34 Receive a stranger into thine house, and he will disturb thee, and turnthee out of thine own.

12:1 When thou wilt do good know to whom thou doest it; so shalt thou bethanked for thy benefits.

12:2 Do good to the godly man, and thou shalt find a recompence; and if notfrom him, yet from the most High.

12:3 There can no good come to him that is always occupied in evil, nor to himthat giveth no alms.

12:4 Give to the godly man, and help not a sinner.

12:5 Do well unto him that is lowly, but give not to the ungodly: hold back thybread, and give it not unto him, lest he overmaster thee thereby: for [else]thou shalt receive twice as much evil for all the good thou shalt have doneunto him.

12:6 For the most High hateth sinners, and will repay vengeance unto theungodly, and keepeth them against the mighty day of their punishment.

12:7 Give unto the good, and help not the sinner.

12:8 A friend cannot be known in prosperity: and an enemy cannot be hidden inadversity.

12:9 In the prosperity of a man enemies will be grieved: but in his adversityeven a friend will depart.

12:10 Never trust thine enemy: for like as iron rusteth, so is his wickedness.

12:11 Though he humble himself, and go crouching, yet take good heed and bewareof him, and thou shalt be unto him as if thou hadst wiped a lookingglass, andthou shalt know that his rust hath not been altogether wiped away.

12:12 Set him not by thee, lest, when he hath overthrown thee, he stand up inthy place; neither let him sit at thy right hand, lest he seek to take thyseat, and thou at the last remember my words, and be pricked therewith.

12:13 Who will pity a charmer that is bitten with a serpent, or any such ascome nigh wild beasts?

12:14 So one that goeth to a sinner, and is defiled with him in his sins, whowill pity?

12:15 For a while he will abide with thee, but if thou begin to fall, he willnot tarry.

12:16 An enemy speaketh sweetly with his lips, but in his heart he imaginethhow to throw thee into a pit: he will weep with his eyes, but if he findopportunity, he will not be satisfied with blood.

12:17 If adversity come upon thee, thou shalt find him there first; and thoughhe pretend to help thee, yet shall he undermine thee.

12:18 He will shake his head, and clap his hands, and whisper much, and changehis countenance.

13:1 He that toucheth pitch shall be defiled therewith; and he that hathfellowship with a proud man shall be like unto him.

13:2 Burden not thyself above thy power while thou livest; and have nofellowship with one that is mightier and richer than thyself: for how agree thekettle and the earthen pot together? for if the one be smitten against theother, it shall be broken.

13:3 The rich man hath done wrong, and yet he threateneth withal: the poor iswronged, and he must intreat also.

13:4 If thou be for his profit, he will use thee: but if thou have nothing, hewill forsake thee.

13:5 If thou have any thing, he will live with thee: yea, he will make theebare, and will not be sorry for it.

13:6 If he have need of thee, he will deceive thee, and smile upon thee, andput thee in hope; he will speak thee fair, and say, What wantest thou?

13:7 And he will shame thee by his meats, until he have drawn thee dry twice orthrice, and at the last he will laugh thee to scorn afterward, when he seeththee, he will forsake thee, and shake his head at thee.

13:8 Beware that thou be not deceived and brought down in thy jollity.

13:9 If thou be invited of a mighty man, withdraw thyself, and so much the morewill he invite thee.

13:10 Press thou not upon him, lest thou be put back; stand not far off, lestthou be forgotten.

13:11 Affect not to be made equal unto him in talk, and believe not his manywords: for with much communication will he tempt thee, and smiling upon theewill get out thy secrets:

13:12 But cruelly he will lay up thy words, and will not spare to do thee hurt,and to put thee in prison.

13:13 Observe, and take good heed, for thou walkest in peril of thyoverthrowing: when thou hearest these things, awake in thy sleep.

13:14 Love the Lord all thy life, and call upon him for thy salvation.

13:15 Every beast loveth his like, and every man loveth his neighbor.

13:16 All flesh consorteth according to kind, and a man will cleave to hislike.

13:17 What fellowship hath the wolf with the lamb? so the sinner with thegodly.

13:18 What agreement is there between the hyena and a dog? and what peacebetween the rich and the poor?

13:19 As the wild ass is the lion’s prey in the wilderness: so the richeat up the poor.

13:20 As the proud hate humility: so doth the rich abhor the poor.

13:21 A rich man beginning to fall is held up of his friends: but a poor manbeing down is thrust away by his friends.

13:22 When a rich man is fallen, he hath many helpers: he speaketh things notto be spoken, and yet men justify him: the poor man slipped, and yet theyrebuked him too; he spake wisely, and could have no place.

13:23 When a rich man speaketh, every man holdeth his tongue, and, look, whathe saith, they extol it to the clouds: but if the poor man speak, they say,What fellow is this? and if he stumble, they will help to overthrow him.

13:24 Riches are good unto him that hath no sin, and poverty is evil in themouth of the ungodly.

13:25 The heart of a man changeth his countenance, whether it be for good orevil: and a merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.

13:26 A cheerful countenance is a token of a heart that is in prosperity; andthe finding out of parables is a wearisome labour of the mind.

14:1 Blessed is the man that hath not slipped with his mouth, and is notpricked with the multitude of sins.

14:2 Blessed is he whose conscience hath not condemned him, and who is notfallen from his hope in the Lord.

14:3 Riches are not comely for a niggard: and what should an envious man dowith money?

14:4 He that gathereth by defrauding his own soul gathereth for others, thatshall spend his goods riotously.

14:5 He that is evil to himself, to whom will he be good? he shall not takepleasure in his goods.

14:6 There is none worse than he that envieth himself; and this is a recompenceof his wickedness.

14:7 And if he doeth good, he doeth it unwillingly; and at the last he willdeclare his wickedness.

14:8 The envious man hath a wicked eye; he turneth away his face, and despisethmen.

14:9 A covetous man’s eye is not satisfied with his portion; and theiniquity of the wicked drieth up his soul.

14:10 A wicked eye envieth [his] bread, and he is a niggard at his table.

14:11 My son, according to thy ability do good to thyself, and give the Lordhis due offering.

14:12 Remember that death will not be long in coming, and that the covenant ofthe grave is not shewed unto thee.

14:13 Do good unto thy friend before thou die, and according to thy abilitystretch out thy hand and give to him.

14:14 Defraud not thyself of the good day, and let not the part of a gooddesire overpass thee.

14:15 Shalt thou not leave thy travails unto another? and thy labours to bedivided by lot?

14:16 Give, and take, and sanctify thy soul; for there is no seeking ofdainties in the grave.

14:17 All flesh waxeth old as a garment: for the covenant from the beginningis, Thou shalt die the death.

14:18 As of the green leaves on a thick tree, some fall, and some grow; so isthe generation of flesh and blood, one cometh to an end, and another is born.

14:19 Every work rotteth and consumeth away, and the worker thereof shall gowithal.

14:20 Blessed is the man that doth meditate good things in wisdom, and thatreasoneth of holy things by his understanding.

14:21 He that considereth her ways in his heart shall also have understandingin her secrets.

14:22 Go after her as one that traceth, and lie in wait in her ways.

14:23 He that prieth in at her windows shall also hearken at her doors.

14:24 He that doth lodge near her house shall also fasten a pin in her walls.

14:25 He shall pitch his tent nigh unto her, and shall lodge in a lodging wheregood things are.

14:26 He shall set his children under her shelter, and shall lodge under herbranches.

14:27 By her he shall be covered from heat, and in her glory shall he dwell.

15:1 He that feareth the Lord will do good, and he that hath the knowledge ofthe law shall obtain her.

15:2 And as a mother shall she meet him, and receive him as a wife married of avirgin.

15:3 With the bread of understanding shall she feed him, and give him the waterof wisdom to drink.

15:4 He shall be stayed upon her, and shall not be moved; and shall rely uponher, and shall not be confounded.

15:5 She shall exalt him above his neighbours, and in the midst of thecongregation shall she open his mouth.

15:6 He shall find joy and a crown of gladness, and she shall cause him toinherit an everlasting name.

15:7 But foolish men shall not attain unto her, and sinners shall not see her.

15:8 For she is far from pride, and men that are liars cannot remember her.

15:9 Praise is not seemly in the mouth of a sinner, for it was not sent him ofthe Lord.

15:10 For praise shall be uttered in wisdom, and the Lord will prosper it.

15:11 Say not thou, It is through the Lord that I fell away: for thou oughtestnot to do the things that he hateth.

15:12 Say not thou, He hath caused me to err: for he hath no need of the sinfulman.

15:13 The Lord hateth all abomination; and they that fear God love it not.

15:14 He himself made man from the beginning, and left him in the hand of hiscounsel;

15:15 If thou wilt, to keep the commandments, and to perform acceptablefaithfulness.

15:16 He hath set fire and water before thee: stretch forth thy hand untowhether thou wilt.

15:17 Before man is life and death; and whether him liketh shall be given him.

15:18 For the wisdom of the Lord is great, and he is mighty in power, andbeholdeth all things:

15:19 And his eyes are upon them that fear him, and he knoweth every work ofman.

15:20 He hath commanded no man to do wickedly, neither hath he given any manlicence to sin.

16:1 Desire not a multitude of unprofitable children, neither delight inungodly sons.

16:2 Though they multiply, rejoice not in them, except the fear of the Lord bewith them.

16:3 Trust not thou in their life, neither respect their multitude: for onethat is just is better than a thousand; and better it is to die withoutchildren, than to have them that are ungodly.

16:4 For by one that hath understanding shall the city be replenished: but thekindred of the wicked shall speedily become desolate.

16:5 Many such things have I seen with mine eyes, and mine ear hath heardgreater things than these.

16:6 In the congregation of the ungodly shall a fire be kindled; and in arebellious nation wrath is set on fire.

16:7 He was not pacified toward the old giants, who fell away in the strengthof their foolishness.

16:8 Neither spared he the place where Lot sojourned, but abhorred them fortheir pride.

16:9 He pitied not the people of perdition, who were taken away in their sins:

16:10 Nor the six hundred thousand footmen, who were gathered together in thehardness of their hearts.

16:11 And if there be one stiffnecked among the people, it is marvel if heescape unpunished: for mercy and wrath are with him; he is mighty to forgive,and to pour out displeasure.

16:12 As his mercy is great, so is his correction also: he judgeth a manaccording to his works.

16:13 The sinner shall not escape with his spoils: and the patience of thegodly shall not be frustrate.

16:14 Make way for every work of mercy: for every man shall find according tohis works.

16:15 The Lord hardened Pharaoh, that he should not know him, that his powerfulworks might be known to the world.

16:16 His mercy is manifest to every creature; and he hath separated his lightfrom the darkness with an adamant.

16:17 Say not thou, I will hide myself from the Lord: shall any remember mefrom above? I shall not be remembered among so many people: for what is my soulamong such an infinite number of creatures?

16:18 Behold, the heaven, and the heaven of heavens, the deep, and the earth,and all that therein is, shall be moved when he shall visit.

16:19 The mountains also and foundations of the earth be shaken with trembling,when the Lord looketh upon them.

16:20 No heart can think upon these things worthily: and who is able toconceive his ways?

16:21 It is a tempest which no man can see: for the most part of his works arehid.

16:22 Who can declare the works of his justice? or who can endure them? for hiscovenant is afar off, and the trial of all things is in the end.

16:23 He that wanteth understanding will think upon vain things: and a foolishman erring imagineth follies.

16:24 My son, hearken unto me, and learn knowledge, and mark my words with thyheart.

16:25 I will shew forth doctrine in weight, and declare his knowledge exactly.

16:26 The works of the Lord are done in judgment from the beginning: and fromthe time he made them he disposed the parts thereof.

16:27 He garnished his works for ever, and in his hand are the chief of themunto all generations: they neither labour, nor are weary, nor cease from theirworks.

16:28 None of them hindereth another, and they shall never disobey his word.

16:29 After this the Lord looked upon the earth, and filled it with hisblessings.

16:30 With all manner of living things hath he covered the face thereof; andthey shall return into it again.

17:1 The Lord created man of the earth, and turned him into it again.

17:2 He gave them few days, and a short time, and power also over the thingstherein.

17:3 He endued them with strength by themselves, and made them according to hisimage,

17:4 And put the fear of man upon all flesh, and gave him dominion over beastsand fowls.

17:5 They received the use of the five operations of the Lord, and in the sixthplace he imparted them understanding, and in the seventh speech, an interpreterof the cogitations thereof.

17:6 Counsel, and a tongue, and eyes, ears, and a heart, gave he them tounderstand.

17:7 Withal he filled them with the knowledge of understanding, and shewed themgood and evil.

17:8 He set his eye upon their hearts, that he might shew them the greatness ofhis works.

17:9 He gave them to glory in his marvellous acts for ever, that they mightdeclare his works with understanding.

17:10 And the elect shall praise his holy name.

17:11 Beside this he gave them knowledge, and the law of life for an heritage.

17:12 He made an everlasting covenant with them, and shewed them his judgments.

17:13 Their eyes saw the majesty of his glory, and their ears heard hisglorious voice.

17:14 And he said unto them, Beware of all unrighteousness; and he gave everyman commandment concerning his neighbour.

17:15 Their ways are ever before him, and shall not be hid from his eyes.

17:16 Every man from his youth is given to evil; neither could they make tothemselves fleshy hearts for stony.

17:17 For in the division of the nations of the whole earth he set a ruler overevery people; but Israel is the Lord’s portion:

17:18 Whom, being his firstborn, he nourisheth with discipline, and giving himthe light of his love doth not forsake him.

17:19 Therefore all their works are as the sun before him, and his eyes arecontinually upon their ways.

17:20 None of their unrighteous deeds are hid from him, but all their sins arebefore the Lord

17:21 But the Lord being gracious and knowing his workmanship, neither left norforsook them, but spared them.

17:22 The alms of a man is as a signet with him, and he will keep the gooddeeds of man as the apple of the eye, and give repentance to his sons anddaughters.

17:23 Afterwards he will rise up and reward them, and render their recompenceupon their heads.

17:24 But unto them that repent, he granted them return, and comforted thosethat failed in patience.

17:25 Return unto the Lord, and forsake thy sins, make thy prayer before hisface, and offend less.

17:26 Turn again to the most High, and turn away from iniquity: for he willlead thee out of darkness into the light of health, and hate thou abominationvehemently.

17:27 Who shall praise the most High in the grave, instead of them which liveand give thanks?

17:28 Thanksgiving perisheth from the dead, as from one that is not: the livingand sound in heart shall praise the Lord.

17:29 How great is the lovingkindness of the Lord our God, and his compassionunto such as turn unto him in holiness!

17:30 For all things cannot be in men, because the son of man is not immortal.

17:31 What is brighter than the sun? yet the light thereof faileth; and fleshand blood will imagine evil.

17:32 He vieweth the power of the height of heaven; and all men are but earthand ashes.

18:1 He that liveth for ever created all things in general.

18:2 The Lord only is righteous, and there is none other but he,

18:3 Who governeth the world with the palm of his hand, and all things obey hiswill: for he is the King of all, by his power dividing holy things among themfrom profane.

18:4 To whom hath he given power to declare his works? and who shall find outhis noble acts?

18:5 Who shall number the strength of his majesty? and who shall also tell outhis mercies?

18:6 As for the wondrous works of the Lord, there may nothing be taken fromthem, neither may any thing be put unto them, neither can the ground of them befound out.

18:7 When a man hath done, then he beginneth; and when he leaveth off, then heshall be doubtful.

18:8 What is man, and whereto serveth he? what is his good, and what is hisevil?

18:9 The number of a man’s days at the most are an hundred years.

18:10 As a drop of water unto the sea, and a gravelstone in comparison of thesand; so are a thousand years to the days of eternity.

18:11 Therefore is God patient with them, and poureth forth his mercy uponthem.

18:12 He saw and perceived their end to be evil; therefore he multiplied hiscompassion.

18:13 The mercy of man is toward his neighbour; but the mercy of the Lord isupon all flesh: he reproveth, and nurtureth, and teacheth and bringeth again,as a shepherd his flock.

18:14 He hath mercy on them that receive discipline, and that diligently seekafter his judgments.

18:15 My son, blemish not thy good deeds, neither use uncomfortable words whenthou givest any thing.

18:16 Shall not the dew asswage the heat? so is a word better than a gift.

18:17 Lo, is not a word better than a gift? but both are with a gracious man.

18:18 A fool will upbraid churlishly, and a gift of the envious consumeth theeyes.

18:19 Learn before thou speak, and use physick or ever thou be sick.

18:20 Before judgment examine thyself, and in the day of visitation thou shaltfind mercy.

18:21 Humble thyself before thou be sick, and in the time of sins shewrepentance.

18:22 Let nothing hinder thee to pay thy vow in due time, and defer not untildeath to be justified.

18:23 Before thou prayest, prepare thyself; and be not as one that tempteth theLord.

18:24 Think upon the wrath that shall be at the end, and the time of vengeance,when he shall turn away his face.

18:25 When thou hast enough, remember the time of hunger: and when thou artrich, think upon poverty and need.

18:26 From the morning until the evening the time is changed, and all thingsare soon done before the Lord.

18:27 A wise man will fear in every thing, and in the day of sinning he willbeware of offence: but a fool will not observe time.

18:28 Every man of understanding knoweth wisdom, and will give praise unto himthat found her.

18:29 They that were of understanding in sayings became also wise themselves,and poured forth exquisite parables.

18:30 Go not after thy lusts, but refrain thyself from thine appetites.

18:31 If thou givest thy soul the desires that please her, she will make thee alaughingstock to thine enemies that malign thee.

18:32 Take not pleasure in much good cheer, neither be tied to the expencethereof.

18:33 Be not made a beggar by banqueting upon borrowing, when thou hast nothingin thy purse: for thou shalt lie in wait for thine own life, and be talked on.

19:1 A labouring man that is given to drunkenness shall not be rich: and hethat contemneth small things shall fall by little and little.

19:2 Wine and women will make men of understanding to fall away: and he thatcleaveth to harlots will become impudent.

19:3 Moths and worms shall have him to heritage, and a bold man shall be takenaway.

19:4 He that is hasty to give credit is lightminded; and he that sinneth shalloffend against his own soul.

19:5 Whoso taketh pleasure in wickedness shall be condemned: but he thatresisteth pleasures crowneth his life.

19:6 He that can rule his tongue shall live without strife; and he that hatethbabbling shall have less evil.

19:7 Rehearse not unto another that which is told unto thee, and thou shaltfare never the worse.

19:8 Whether it be to friend or foe, talk not of other men’s lives; andif thou canst without offence, reveal them not.

19:9 For he heard and observed thee, and when time cometh he will hate thee.

19:10 If thou hast heard a word, let it die with thee; and be bold, it will notburst thee.

19:11 A fool travaileth with a word, as a woman in labour of a child.

19:12 As an arrow that sticketh in a man’s thigh, so is a word within afool’s belly.

19:13 Admonish a friend, it may be he hath not done it: and if he have done it,that he do it no more.

19:14 Admonish thy friend, it may be he hath not said it: and if he have, thathe speak it not again.

19:15 Admonish a friend: for many times it is a slander, and believe not everytale.

19:16 There is one that slippeth in his speech, but not from his heart; and whois he that hath not offended with his tongue?

19:17 Admonish thy neighbour before thou threaten him; and not being angry,give place to the law of the most High.

19:18 The fear of the Lord is the first step to be accepted [of him,] andwisdom obtaineth his love.

19:19 The knowledge of the commandments of the Lord is the doctrine of life:and they that do things that please him shall receive the fruit of the tree ofimmortality.

19:20 The fear of the Lord is all wisdom; and in all wisdom is the performanceof the law, and the knowledge of his omnipotency.

19:21 If a servant say to his master, I will not do as it pleaseth thee; thoughafterward he do it, he angereth him that nourisheth him.

19:22 The knowledge of wickedness is not wisdom, neither at any time thecounsel of sinners prudence.

19:23 There is a wickedness, and the same an abomination; and there is a foolwanting in wisdom.

19:24 He that hath small understanding, and feareth God, is better than onethat hath much wisdom, and transgresseth the law of the most High.

19:25 There is an exquisite subtilty, and the same is unjust; and there is onethat turneth aside to make judgment appear; and there is a wise man thatjustifieth in judgment.

19:26 There is a wicked man that hangeth down his head sadly; but inwardly heis full of deceit,

19:27 Casting down his countenance, and making as if he heard not: where he isnot known, he will do thee a mischief before thou be aware.

19:28 And if for want of power he be hindered from sinning, yet when he findethopportunity he will do evil.

19:29 A man may be known by his look, and one that hath understanding by hiscountenance, when thou meetest him.

19:30 A man’s attire, and excessive laughter, and gait, shew what he is.

20:1 There is a reproof that is not comely: again, some man holdeth his tongue,and he is wise.

20:2 It is much better to reprove, than to be angry secretly: and he thatconfesseth his fault shall be preserved from hurt.

20:3 How good is it, when thou art reproved, to shew repentance! for so shaltthou escape wilful sin.

20:4 As is the lust of an eunuch to deflower a virgin; so is he that executethjudgment with violence.

20:5 There is one that keepeth silence, and is found wise: and another by muchbabbling becometh hateful.

20:6 Some man holdeth his tongue, because he hath not to answer: and somekeepeth silence, knowing his time.

20:7 A wise man will hold his tongue till he see opportunity: but a babbler anda fool will regard no time.

20:8 He that useth many words shall be abhorred; and he that taketh to himselfauthority therein shall be hated.

20:9 There is a sinner that hath good success in evil things; and there is again that turneth to loss.

20:10 There is a gift that shall not profit thee; and there is a gift whoserecompence is double.

20:11 There is an abasement because of glory; and there is that lifteth up hishead from a low estate.

20:12 There is that buyeth much for a little, and repayeth it sevenfold.

20:13 A wise man by his words maketh him beloved: but the graces of fools shallbe poured out.

20:14 The gift of a fool shall do thee no good when thou hast it; neither yetof the envious for his necessity: for he looketh to receive many things forone.

20:15 He giveth little, and upbraideth much; he openeth his mouth like a crier;to day he lendeth, and to morrow will he ask it again: such an one is to behated of God and man.

20:16 The fool saith, I have no friends, I have no thank for all my good deeds,and they that eat my bread speak evil of me.

20:17 How oft, and of how many shall he be laughed to scorn! for he knoweth notaright what it is to have; and it is all one unto him as if he had it not.

20:18 To slip upon a pavement is better than to slip with the tongue: so thefall of the wicked shall come speedily.

20:19 An unseasonable tale will always be in the mouth of the unwise.

20:20 A wise sentence shall be rejected when it cometh out of a fool’smouth; for he will not speak it in due season.

20:21 There is that is hindered from sinning through want: and when he takethrest, he shall not be troubled.

20:22 There is that destroyeth his own soul through bashfulness, and byaccepting of persons overthroweth himself.

20:23 There is that for bashfulness promiseth to his friend, and maketh him hisenemy for nothing.

20:24 A lie is a foul blot in a man, yet it is continually in the mouth of theuntaught.

20:25 A thief is better than a man that is accustomed to lie: but they bothshall have destruction to heritage.

20:26 The disposition of a liar is dishonourable, and his shame is ever withhim.

20:27 A wise man shall promote himself to honour with his words: and he thathath understanding will please great men.

20:28 He that tilleth his land shall increase his heap: and he that pleasethgreat men shall get pardon for iniquity.

20:29 Presents and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, and stop up his mouth thathe cannot reprove.

20:30 Wisdom that is hid, and treasure that is hoarded up, what profit is inthem both?

20:31 Better is he that hideth his folly than a man that hideth his wisdom.

20:32 Necessary patience in seeking the Lord is better than he that leadeth hislife without a guide.

21:1 My son, hast thou sinned? do so no more, but ask pardon for thy formersins.

21:2 Flee from sin as from the face of a serpent: for if thou comest too nearit, it will bite thee: the teeth thereof are as the teeth of a lion, slayingthe souls of men.

21:3 All iniquity is as a two edged sword, the wounds whereof cannot be healed.

21:4 To terrify and do wrong will waste riches: thus the house of proud menshall be made desolate.

21:5 A prayer out of a poor man’s mouth reacheth to the ears of God, andhis judgment cometh speedily.

21:6 He that hateth to be reproved is in the way of sinners: but he thatfeareth the Lord will repent from his heart.

21:7 An eloquent man is known far and near; but a man of understanding knowethwhen he slippeth.

21:8 He that buildeth his house with other men’s money is like one thatgathereth himself stones for the tomb of his burial.

21:9 The congregation of the wicked is like tow wrapped together: and the endof them is a flame of fire to destroy them.

21:10 The way of sinners is made plain with stones, but at the end thereof isthe pit of hell.

21:11 He that keepeth the law of the Lord getteth the understanding thereof:and the perfection of the fear of the Lord is wisdom.

21:12 He that is not wise will not be taught: but there is a wisdom whichmultiplieth bitterness.

21:13 The knowledge of a wise man shall abound like a flood: and his counsel islike a pure fountain of life.

21:14 The inner parts of a fool are like a broken vessel, and he will hold noknowledge as long as he liveth.

21:15 If a skilful man hear a wise word, he will commend it, and add unto it:but as soon as one of no understanding heareth it, it displeaseth him, and hecasteth it behind his back.

21:16 The talking of a fool is like a burden in the way: but grace shall befound in the lips of the wise.

21:17 They enquire at the mouth of the wise man in the congregation, and theyshall ponder his words in their heart.

21:18 As is a house that is destroyed, so is wisdom to a fool: and theknowledge of the unwise is as talk without sense.

21:19 Doctrine unto fools is as fetters on the feet, and like manacles on theright hand.

21:20 A fool lifteth up his voice with laughter; but a wise man doth scarcesmile a little.

21:21 Learning is unto a wise man as an ornament of gold, and like a braceletupon his right arm.

21:22 A foolish man’s foot is soon in his [neighbour’s] house: buta man of experience is ashamed of him.

21:23 A fool will peep in at the door into the house: but he that is wellnurtured will stand without.

21:24 It is the rudeness of a man to hearken at the door: but a wise man willbe grieved with the disgrace.

21:25 The lips of talkers will be telling such things as pertain not unto them:but the words of such as have understanding are weighed in the balance.

21:26 The heart of fools is in their mouth: but the mouth of the wise is intheir heart.

21:27 When the ungodly curseth Satan, he curseth his own soul.

21:28 A whisperer defileth his own soul, and is hated wheresoever he dwelleth.

22:1 A slothful man is compared to a filthy stone, and every one will hiss himout to his disgrace.

22:2 A slothful man is compared to the filth of a dunghill: every man thattakes it up will shake his hand.

22:3 An evilnurtured son is the dishonour of his father that begat him: and a[foolish] daughter is born to his loss.

22:4 A wise daughter shall bring an inheritance to her husband: but she thatliveth dishonestly is her father’s heaviness.

22:5 She that is bold dishonoureth both her father and her husband, but theyboth shall despise her.

22:6 A tale out of season [is as] musick in mourning: but stripes andcorrection of wisdom are never out of time.

22:7 Whoso teacheth a fool is as one that glueth a potsherd together, and as hethat waketh one from a sound sleep.

22:8 He that telleth a tale to a fool speaketh to one in a slumber: when hehath told his tale, he will say, What is the matter?

22:9 If children live honestly, and have wherewithal, they shall cover thebaseness of their parents.

22:10 But children, being haughty, through disdain and want of nurture do stainthe nobility of their kindred.

22:11 Weep for the dead, for he hath lost the light: and weep for the fool, forhe wanteth understanding: make little weeping for the dead, for he is at rest:but the life of the fool is worse than death.

22:12 Seven days do men mourn for him that is dead; but for a fool and anungodly man all the days of his life.

22:13 Talk not much with a fool, and go not to him that hath no understanding:beware of him, lest thou have trouble, and thou shalt never be defiled with hisfooleries: depart from him, and thou shalt find rest, and never be disquietedwith madness.

22:14 What is heavier than lead? and what is the name thereof, but a fool?

22:15 Sand, and salt, and a mass of iron, is easier to bear, than a man withoutunderstanding.

22:16 As timber girt and bound together in a building cannot be loosed withshaking: so the heart that is stablished by advised counsel shall fear at notime.

22:17 A heart settled upon a thought of understanding is as a fair plaisteringon the wall of a gallery.

22:18 Pales set on an high place will never stand against the wind: so afearful heart in the imagination of a fool cannot stand against any fear.

22:19 He that pricketh the eye will make tears to fall: and he that prickeththe heart maketh it to shew her knowledge.

22:20 Whoso casteth a stone at the birds frayeth them away: and he thatupbraideth his friend breaketh friendship.

22:21 Though thou drewest a sword at thy friend, yet despair not: for there maybe a returning [to favour.]

22:22 If thou hast opened thy mouth against thy friend, fear not; for there maybe a reconciliation: except for upbraiding, or pride, or disclosing of secrets,or a treacherous wound: for these things every friend will depart.

22:23 Be faithful to thy neighbour in his poverty, that thou mayest rejoice inhis prosperity: abide stedfast unto him in the time of his trouble, that thoumayest be heir with him in his heritage: for a mean estate is not always to becontemned: nor the rich that is foolish to be had in admiration.

22:24 As the vapour and smoke of a furnace goeth before the fire; so revilingbefore blood.

22:25 I will not be ashamed to defend a friend; neither will I hide myself fromhim.

22:26 And if any evil happen unto me by him, every one that heareth it willbeware of him.

22:27 Who shall set a watch before my mouth, and a seal of wisdom upon my lips,that I fall not suddenly by them, and that my tongue destroy me not?

23:1 O Lord, Father and Governor of all my whole life, leave me not to theircounsels, and let me not fall by them.

23:2 Who will set scourges over my thoughts, and the discipline of wisdom overmine heart? that they spare me not for mine ignorances, and it pass not by mysins:

23:3 Lest mine ignorances increase, and my sins abound to my destruction, and Ifall before mine adversaries, and mine enemy rejoice over me, whose hope is farfrom thy mercy.

23:4 O Lord, Father and God of my life, give me not a proud look, but turn awayfrom thy servants always a haughty mind.

23:5 Turn away from me vain hopes and concupiscence, and thou shalt hold him upthat is desirous always to serve thee.

23:6 Let not the greediness of the belly nor lust of the flesh take hold of me;and give not over me thy servant into an impudent mind.

23:7 Hear, O ye children, the discipline of the mouth: he that keepeth it shallnever be taken in his lips.

23:8 The sinner shall be left in his foolishness: both the evil speaker and theproud shall fall thereby.

23:9 Accustom not thy mouth to swearing; neither use thyself to the naming ofthe Holy One.

23:10 For as a servant that is continually beaten shall not be without a bluemark: so he that sweareth and nameth God continually shall not be faultless.

23:11 A man that useth much swearing shall be filled with iniquity, and theplague shall never depart from his house: if he shall offend, his sin shall beupon him: and if he acknowledge not his sin, he maketh a double offence: and ifhe swear in vain, he shall not be innocent, but his house shall be full ofcalamities.

23:12 There is a word that is clothed about with death: God grant that it benot found in the heritage of Jacob; for all such things shall be far from thegodly, and they shall not wallow in their sins.

23:13 Use not thy mouth to intemperate swearing, for therein is the word ofsin.

23:14 Remember thy father and thy mother, when thou sittest among great men. Benot forgetful before them, and so thou by thy custom become a fool, and wishthat thou hadst not been born, and curse the day of thy nativity.

23:15 The man that is accustomed to opprobrious words will never be reformedall the days of his life.

23:16 Two sorts of men multiply sin, and the third will bring wrath: a hot mindis as a burning fire, it will never be quenched till it be consumed: afornicator in the body of his flesh will never cease till he hath kindled afire.

23:17 All bread is sweet to a whoremonger, he will not leave off till he die.

23:18 A man that breaketh wedlock, saying thus in his heart, Who seeth me? I amcompassed about with darkness, the walls cover me, and no body seeth me; whatneed I to fear? the most High will not remember my sins:

23:19 Such a man only feareth the eyes of men, and knoweth not that the eyes ofthe Lord are ten thousand times brighter than the sun, beholding all the waysof men, and considering the most secret parts.

23:20 He knew all things ere ever they were created; so also after they wereperfected he looked upon them all.

23:21 This man shall be punished in the streets of the city, and where hesuspecteth not he shall be taken.

23:22 Thus shall it go also with the wife that leaveth her husband, andbringeth in an heir by another.

23:23 For first, she hath disobeyed the law of the most High; and secondly, shehath trespassed against her own husband; and thirdly, she hath played the whorein adultery, and brought children by another man.

23:24 She shall be brought out into the congregation, and inquisition shall bemade of her children.

23:25 Her children shall not take root, and her branches shall bring forth nofruit.

23:26 She shall leave her memory to be cursed, and her reproach shall not beblotted out.

23:27 And they that remain shall know that there is nothing better than thefear of the Lord, and that there is nothing sweeter than to take heed unto thecommandments of the Lord.

23:28 It is great glory to follow the Lord, and to be received of him is longlife.

24:1 Wisdom shall praise herself, and shall glory in the midst of her people.

24:2 In the congregation of the most High shall she open her mouth, and triumphbefore his power.

24:3 I came out of the mouth of the most High, and covered the earth as acloud.

24:4 I dwelt in high places, and my throne is in a cloudy pillar.

24:5 I alone compassed the circuit of heaven, and walked in the bottom of thedeep.

24:6 In the waves of the sea and in all the earth, and in every people andnation, I got a possession.

24:7 With all these I sought rest: and in whose inheritance shall I abide?

24:8 So the Creator of all things gave me a commandment, and he that made mecaused my tabernacle to rest, and said, Let thy dwelling be in Jacob, and thineinheritance in Israel.

24:9 He created me from the beginning before the world, and I shall never fail.

24:10 In the holy tabernacle I served before him; and so was I established inSion.

24:11 Likewise in the beloved city he gave me rest, and in Jerusalem was mypower.

24:12 And I took root in an honourable people, even in the portion of theLord’s inheritance.

24:13 I was exalted like a cedar in Libanus, and as a cypress tree upon themountains of Hermon.

24:14 I was exalted like a palm tree in En-gaddi, and as a rose plant inJericho, as a fair olive tree in a pleasant field, and grew up as a plane treeby the water.

24:15 I gave a sweet smell like cinnamon and aspalathus, and I yielded apleasant odour like the best myrrh, as galbanum, and onyx, and sweet storax,and as the fume of frankincense in the tabernacle.

24:16 As the turpentine tree I stretched out my branches, and my branches arethe branches of honour and grace.

24:17 As the vine brought I forth pleasant savour, and my flowers are the fruitof honour and riches.

24:18 I am the mother of fair love, and fear, and knowledge, and holy hope: Itherefore, being eternal, am given to all my children which are named of him.

24:19 Come unto me, all ye that be desirous of me, and fill yourselves with myfruits.

24:20 For my memorial is sweeter than honey, and mine inheritance than thehoneycomb.

24:21 They that eat me shall yet be hungry, and they that drink me shall yet bethirsty.

24:22 He that obeyeth me shall never be confounded, and they that work by meshall not do amiss.

24:23 All these things are the book of the covenant of the most high God, eventhe law which Moses commanded for an heritage unto the congregations of Jacob.

24:24 Faint not to be strong in the Lord; that he may confirm you, cleave untohim: for the Lord Almighty is God alone, and beside him there is no otherSaviour.

24:25 He filleth all things with his wisdom, as Phison and as Tigris in thetime of the new fruits.

24:26 He maketh the understanding to abound like Euphrates, and as Jordan inthe time of the harvest.

24:27 He maketh the doctrine of knowledge appear as the light, and as Geon inthe time of vintage.

24:28 The first man knew her not perfectly: no more shall the last find herout.

24:29 For her thoughts are more than the sea, and her counsels profounder thanthe great deep.

24:30 I also came out as a brook from a river, and as a conduit into a garden.

24:31 I said, I will water my best garden, and will water abundantly my gardenbed: and, lo, my brook became a river, and my river became a sea.

24:32 I will yet make doctrine to shine as the morning, and will send forth herlight afar off.

24:33 I will yet pour out doctrine as prophecy, and leave it to all ages forever.

24:34 Behold that I have not laboured for myself only, but for all them thatseek wisdom.

25:1 In three things I was beautified, and stood up beautiful both before Godand men: the unity of brethren, the love of neighbours, a man and a wife thatagree together.

25:2 Three sorts of men my soul hateth, and I am greatly offended at theirlife: a poor man that is proud, a rich man that is a liar, and an old adultererthat doateth.

25:3 If thou hast gathered nothing in thy youth, how canst thou find any thingin thine age?

25:4 O how comely a thing is judgment for gray hairs, and for ancient men toknow counsel!

25:5 O how comely is the wisdom of old men, and understanding and counsel tomen of honour.

25:6 Much experience is the crown of old men, and the fear of God is theirglory.

25:7 There be nine things which I have judged in mine heart to be happy, andthe tenth I will utter with my tongue: A man that hath joy of his children; andhe that liveth to see the fall of his enemy:

25:8 Well is him that dwelleth with a wife of understanding, and that hath notslipped with his tongue, and that hath not served a man more unworthy thanhimself:

25:9 Well is him that hath found prudence, and he that speaketh in the ears ofthem that will hear:

25:10 O how great is he that findeth wisdom! yet is there none above him thatfeareth the Lord.

25:11 But the love of the Lord passeth all things for illumination: he thatholdeth it, whereto shall he be likened?

25:12 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of his love: and faith is thebeginning of cleaving unto him.

25:13 [Give me] any plague, but the plague of the heart: and any wickedness,but the wickedness of a woman:

25:14 And any affliction, but the affliction from them that hate me: and anyrevenge, but the revenge of enemies.

25:15 There is no head above the head of a serpent; and there is no wrath abovethe wrath of an enemy.

25:16 I had rather dwell with a lion and a dragon, than to keep house with awicked woman.

25:17 The wickedness of a woman changeth her face, and darkeneth hercountenance like sackcloth.

25:18 Her husband shall sit among his neighbours; and when he heareth it shallsigh bitterly.

25:19 All wickedness is but little to the wickedness of a woman: let theportion of a sinner fall upon her.

25:20 As the climbing up a sandy way is to the feet of the aged, so is a wifefull of words to a quiet man.

25:21 Stumble not at the beauty of a woman, and desire her not for pleasure.

25:22 A woman, if she maintain her husband, is full of anger, impudence, andmuch reproach.

25:23 A wicked woman abateth the courage, maketh an heavy countenance and awounded heart: a woman that will not comfort her husband in distress makethweak hands and feeble knees.

25:24 Of the woman came the beginning of sin, and through her we all die.

25:25 Give the water no passage; neither a wicked woman liberty to gad abroad.

25:26 If she go not as thou wouldest have her, cut her off from thy flesh, andgive her a bill of divorce, and let her go.

26:1 Blessed is the man that hath a virtuous wife, for the number of his daysshall be double.

26:2 A virtuous woman rejoiceth her husband, and he shall fulfil the years ofhis life in peace.

26:3 A good wife is a good portion, which shall be given in the portion of themthat fear the Lord.

26:4 Whether a man be rich or poor, if he have a good heart toward the Lord, heshall at all times rejoice with a cheerful countenance.

26:5 There be three things that mine heart feareth; and for the fourth I wassore afraid: the slander of a city, the gathering together of an unrulymultitude, and a false accusation: all these are worse than death.

26:6 But a grief of heart and sorrow is a woman that is jealous over anotherwoman, and a scourge of the tongue which communicateth with all.

26:7 An evil wife is a yoke shaken to and fro: he that hath hold of her is asthough he held a scorpion.

26:8 A drunken woman and a gadder abroad causeth great anger, and she will notcover her own shame.

26:9 The whoredom of a woman may be known in her haughty looks and eyelids.

26:10 If thy daughter be shameless, keep her in straitly, lest she abuseherself through overmuch liberty.

26:11 Watch over an impudent eye: and marvel not if she trespass against thee.

26:12 She will open her mouth, as a thirsty traveller when he hath found afountain, and drink of every water near her: by every hedge will she sit down,and open her quiver against every arrow.

26:13 The grace of a wife delighteth her husband, and her discretion willfatten his bones.

26:14 A silent and loving woman is a gift of the Lord; and there is nothing somuch worth as a mind well instructed.

26:15 A shamefaced and faithful woman is a double grace, and her continent mindcannot be valued.

26:16 As the sun when it ariseth in the high heaven; so is the beauty of a goodwife in the ordering of her house.

26:17 As the clear light is upon the holy candlestick; so is the beauty of theface in ripe age.

26:18 As the golden pillars are upon the sockets of silver; so are the fairfeet with a constant heart.

26:19 My son, keep the flower of thine age sound; and give not thy strength tostrangers.

26:20 When thou hast gotten a fruitful possession through all the field, sow itwith thine own seed, trusting in the goodness of thy stock.

26:21 So thy race which thou leavest shall be magnified, having the confidenceof their good descent.

26:22 An harlot shall be accounted as spittle; but a married woman is a toweragainst death to her husband.

26:23 A wicked woman is given as a portion to a wicked man: but a godly womanis given to him that feareth the Lord.

26:24 A dishonest woman contemneth shame: but an honest woman will reverenceher husband.

26:25 A shameless woman shall be counted as a dog; but she that is shamefacedwill fear the Lord.

26:26 A woman that honoureth her husband shall be judged wise of all; but shethat dishonoureth him in her pride shall be counted ungodly of all.

26:27 A loud crying woman and a scold shall be sought out to drive away theenemies.

26:28 There be two things that grieve my heart; and the third maketh me angry:a man of war that suffereth poverty; and men of understanding that are not setby; and one that returneth from righteousness to sin; the Lord prepareth suchan one for the sword.

26:29 A merchant shall hardly keep himself from doing wrong; and an huckstershall not be freed from sin.

27:1 Many have sinned for a small matter; and he that seeketh for abundancewill turn his eyes away.

27:2 As a nail sticketh fast between the joinings of the stones; so doth sinstick close between buying and selling.

27:3 Unless a man hold himself diligently in the fear of the Lord, his houseshall soon be overthrown.

27:4 As when one sifteth with a sieve, the refuse remaineth; so the filth ofman in his talk.

27:5 The furnace proveth the potter’s vessels; so the trial of man is inhis reasoning.

27:6 The fruit declareth if the tree have been dressed; so is the utterance ofa conceit in the heart of man.

27:7 Praise no man before thou hearest him speak; for this is the trial of men.

27:8 If thou followest righteousness, thou shalt obtain her, and put her on, asa glorious long robe.

27:9 The birds will resort unto their like; so will truth return unto them thatpractise in her.

27:10 As the lion lieth in wait for the prey; so sin for them that workiniquity.

27:11 The discourse of a godly man is always with wisdom; but a fool changethas the moon.

27:12 If thou be among the indiscreet, observe the time; but be continuallyamong men of understanding.

27:13 The discourse of fools is irksome, and their sport is the wantonness ofsin.

27:14 The talk of him that sweareth much maketh the hair stand upright; andtheir brawls make one stop his ears.

27:15 The strife of the proud is bloodshedding, and their revilings aregrievous to the ear.

27:16 Whoso discovereth secrets loseth his credit; and shall never find friendto his mind.

27:17 Love thy friend, and be faithful unto him: but if thou betrayest hissecrets, follow no more after him.

27:18 For as a man hath destroyed his enemy; so hast thou lost the love of thyneighbor.

27:19 As one that letteth a bird go out of his hand, so hast thou let thyneighbour go, and shalt not get him again

27:20 Follow after him no more, for he is too far off; he is as a roe escapedout of the snare.

27:21 As for a wound, it may be bound up; and after reviling there may bereconcilement: but he that betrayeth secrets is without hope.

27:22 He that winketh with the eyes worketh evil: and he that knoweth him willdepart from him.

27:23 When thou art present, he will speak sweetly, and will admire thy words:but at the last he will writhe his mouth, and slander thy sayings.

27:24 I have hated many things, but nothing like him; for the Lord will hatehim.

27:25 Whoso casteth a stone on high casteth it on his own head; and a deceitfulstroke shall make wounds.

27:26 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that setteth a trap shallbe taken therein.

27:27 He that worketh mischief, it shall fall upon him, and he shall not knowwhence it cometh.

27:28 Mockery and reproach are from the proud; but vengeance, as a lion, shalllie in wait for them.

27:29 They that rejoice at the fall of the righteous shall be taken in thesnare; and anguish shall consume them before they die.

27:30 Malice and wrath, even these are abominations; and the sinful man shallhave them both.

28:1 He that revengeth shall find vengeance from the Lord, and he will surelykeep his sins [in remembrance.]

28:2 Forgive thy neighbour the hurt that he hath done unto thee, so shall thysins also be forgiven when thou prayest.

28:3 One man beareth hatred against another, and doth he seek pardon from theLord?

28:4 He sheweth no mercy to a man, which is like himself: and doth he askforgiveness of his own sins?

28:5 If he that is but flesh nourish hatred, who will intreat for pardon of hissins?

28:6 Remember thy end, and let enmity cease; [remember] corruption and death,and abide in the commandments.

28:7 Remember the commandments, and bear no malice to thy neighbour: [remember]the covenant of the Highest, and wink at ignorance.

28:8 Abstain from strife, and thou shalt diminish thy sins: for a furious manwill kindle strife,

28:9 A sinful man disquieteth friends, and maketh debate among them that be atpeace.

28:10 As the matter of the fire is, so it burneth: and as a man’sstrength is, so is his wrath; and according to his riches his anger riseth; andthe stronger they are which contend, the more they will be inflamed.

28:11 An hasty contention kindleth a fire: and an hasty fighting sheddethblood.

28:12 If thou blow the spark, it shall burn: if thou spit upon it, it shall bequenched: and both these come out of thy mouth.

28:13 Curse the whisperer and doubletongued: for such have destroyed many thatwere at peace.

28:14 A backbiting tongue hath disquieted many, and driven them from nation tonation: strong cities hath it pulled down, and overthrown the houses of greatmen.

28:15 A backbiting tongue hath cast out virtuous women, and deprived them oftheir labours.

28:16 Whoso hearkeneth unto it shall never find rest, and never dwell quietly.

28:17 The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh: but the stroke of thetongue breaketh the bones.

28:18 Many have fallen by the edge of the sword: but not so many as have fallenby the tongue.

28:19 Well is he that is defended through the venom thereof; who hath not drawnthe yoke thereof, nor hath been bound in her bands.

28:20 For the yoke thereof is a yoke of iron, and the bands thereof are bandsof brass.

28:21 The death thereof is an evil death, the grave were better than it.

28:22 It shall not have rule over them that fear God, neither shall they beburned with the flame thereof.

28:23 Such as forsake the Lord shall fall into it; and it shall burn in them,and not be quenched; it shall be sent upon them as a lion, and devour them as aleopard.

28:24 Look that thou hedge thy possession about with thorns, and bind up thysilver and gold,

28:25 And weigh thy words in a balance, and make a door and bar for thy mouth.

28:26 Beware thou slide not by it, lest thou fall before him that lieth inwait.

29:1 He that is merciful will lend unto his neighbour; and he thatstrengtheneth his hand keepeth the commandments.

29:2 Lend to thy neighbour in time of his need, and pay thou thy neighbouragain in due season.

29:3 Keep thy word, and deal faithfully with him, and thou shalt always findthe thing that is necessary for thee.

29:4 Many, when a thing was lent them, reckoned it to be found, and put them totrouble that helped them.

29:5 Till he hath received, he will kiss a man’s hand; and for hisneighbour’s money he will speak submissly: but when he should repay, hewill prolong the time, and return words of grief, and complain of the time.

29:6 If he prevail, he shall hardly receive the half, and he will count as ifhe had found it: if not, he hath deprived him of his money, and he hath gottenhim an enemy without cause: he payeth him with cursings and railings; and forhonour he will pay him disgrace.

29:7 Many therefore have refused to lend for other men’s ill dealing,fearing to be defrauded.

29:8 Yet have thou patience with a man in poor estate, and delay not to shewhim mercy.

29:9 Help the poor for the commandment’s sake, and turn him not awaybecause of his poverty.

29:10 Lose thy money for thy brother and thy friend, and let it not rust undera stone to be lost.

29:11 Lay up thy treasure according to the commandments of the most High, andit shall bring thee more profit than gold.

29:12 Shut up alms in thy storehouses: and it shall deliver thee from allaffliction.

29:13 It shall fight for thee against thine enemies better than a mighty shieldand strong spear.

29:14 An honest man is surety for his neighbour: but he that is impudent willforsake him.

29:15 Forget not the friendship of thy surety, for he hath given his life forthee.

29:16 A sinner will overthrow the good estate of his surety:

29:17 And he that is of an unthankful mind will leave him [in danger] thatdelivered him.

29:18 Suretiship hath undone many of good estate, and shaken them as a wave ofthe sea: mighty men hath it driven from their houses, so that they wanderedamong strange nations.

29:19 A wicked man transgressing the commandments of the Lord shall fall intosuretiship: and he that undertaketh and followeth other men’s businessfor gain shall fall into suits.

29:20 Help thy neighbour according to thy power, and beware that thou thyselffall not into the same.

29:21 The chief thing for life is water, and bread, and clothing, and an houseto cover shame.

29:22 Better is the life of a poor man in a mean cottage, than delicate fare inanother man’s house.

29:23 Be it little or much, hold thee contented, that thou hear not thereproach of thy house.

29:24 For it is a miserable life to go from house to house: for where thou arta stranger, thou darest not open thy mouth.

29:25 Thou shalt entertain, and feast, and have no thanks: moreover thou shalthear bitter words:

29:26 Come, thou stranger, and furnish a table, and feed me of that thou hastready.

29:27 Give place, thou stranger, to an honourable man; my brother cometh to belodged, and I have need of mine house.

29:28 These things are grievous to a man of understanding; the upbraiding ofhouseroom, and reproaching of the lender.

30:1 He that loveth his son causeth him oft to feel the rod, that he may havejoy of him in the end.

30:2 He that chastiseth his son shall have joy in him, and shall rejoice of himamong his acquaintance.

30:3 He that teacheth his son grieveth the enemy: and before his friends heshall rejoice of him.

30:4 Though his father die, yet he is as though he were not dead: for he hathleft one behind him that is like himself.

30:5 While he lived, he saw and rejoiced in him: and when he died, he was notsorrowful.

30:6 He left behind him an avenger against his enemies, and one that shallrequite kindness to his friends.

30:7 He that maketh too much of his son shall bind up his wounds; and hisbowels will be troubled at every cry.

30:8 An horse not broken becometh headstrong: and a child left to himself willbe wilful.

30:9 Cocker thy child, and he shall make thee afraid: play with him, and hewill bring thee to heaviness.

30:10 Laugh not with him, lest thou have sorrow with him, and lest thou gnashthy teeth in the end.

30:11 Give him no liberty in his youth, and wink not at his follies.

30:12 Bow down his neck while he is young, and beat him on the sides while heis a child, lest he wax stubborn, and be disobedient unto thee, and so bringsorrow to thine heart.

30:13 Chastise thy son, and hold him to labour, lest his lewd behaviour be anoffence unto thee.

30:14 Better is the poor, being sound and strong of constitution, than a richman that is afflicted in his body.

30:15 Health and good estate of body are above all gold, and a strong bodyabove infinite wealth.

30:16 There is no riches above a sound body, and no joy above the joy of theheart.

30:17 Death is better than a bitter life or continual sickness.

30:18 Delicates poured upon a mouth shut up are as messes of meat set upon agrave.

30:19 What good doeth the offering unto an idol? for neither can it eat norsmell: so is he that is persecuted of the Lord.

30:20 He seeth with his eyes and groaneth, as an eunuch that embraceth a virginand sigheth.

30:21 Give not over thy mind to heaviness, and afflict not thyself in thine owncounsel.

30:22 The gladness of the heart is the life of man, and the joyfulness of a manprolongeth his days.

30:23 Love thine own soul, and comfort thy heart, remove sorrow far from thee:for sorrow hath killed many, and there is no profit therein.

30:24 Envy and wrath shorten the life, and carefulness bringeth age before thetime.

30:25 A cheerful and good heart will have a care of his meat and diet.

31:1 Watching for riches consumeth the flesh, and the care thereof driveth awaysleep.

31:2 Watching care will not let a man slumber, as a sore disease breakethsleep,

31:3 The rich hath great labour in gathering riches together; and when heresteth, he is filled with his delicates.

31:4 The poor laboureth in his poor estate; and when he leaveth off, he isstill needy.

31:5 He that loveth gold shall not be justified, and he that followethcorruption shall have enough thereof.

31:6 Gold hath been the ruin of many, and their destruction was present.

31:7 It is a stumblingblock unto them that sacrifice unto it, and every foolshall be taken therewith.

31:8 Blessed is the rich that is found without blemish, and hath not gone aftergold.

31:9 Who is he? and we will call him blessed: for wonderful things hath he doneamong his people.

31:10 Who hath been tried thereby, and found perfect? then let him glory. Whomight offend, and hath not offended? or done evil, and hath not done it?

31:11 His goods shall be established, and the congregation shall declare hisalms.

31:12 If thou sit at a bountiful table, be not greedy upon it, and say not,There is much meat on it.

31:13 Remember that a wicked eye is an evil thing: and what is created morewicked than an eye? therefore it weepeth upon every occasion.

31:14 Stretch not thine hand whithersoever it looketh, and thrust it not withhim into the dish.

31:15 Judge not thy neighbour by thyself: and be discreet in every point.

31:16 Eat as it becometh a man, those things which are set before thee; anddevour not, lest thou be hated.

31:17 Leave off first for manners’ sake; and be not unsatiable, lest thouoffend.

31:18 When thou sittest among many, reach not thine hand out first of all.

31:19 A very little is sufficient for a man well nurtured, and he fetcheth nothis wind short upon his bed.

31:20 Sound sleep cometh of moderate eating: he riseth early, and his wits arewith him: but the pain of watching, and choler, and pangs of the belly, arewith an unsatiable man.

31:21 And if thou hast been forced to eat, arise, go forth, vomit, and thoushalt have rest.

31:22 My son, hear me, and despise me not, and at the last thou shalt find as Itold thee: in all thy works be quick, so shall there no sickness come untothee.

31:23 Whoso is liberal of his meat, men shall speak well of him; and the reportof his good housekeeping will be believed.

31:24 But against him that is a niggard of his meat the whole city shallmurmur; and the testimonies of his niggardness shall not be doubted of.

31:25 Shew not thy valiantness in wine; for wine hath destroyed many.

31:26 The furnace proveth the edge by dipping: so doth wine the hearts of theproud by drunkeness.

31:27 Wine is as good as life to a man, if it be drunk moderately: what life isthen to a man that is without wine? for it was made to make men glad.

31:28 Wine measurably drunk and in season bringeth gladness of the heart, andcheerfulness of the mind:

31:29 But wine drunken with excess maketh bitterness of the mind, with brawlingand quarrelling.

31:30 Drunkenness increaseth the rage of a fool till he offend: it diminishethstrength, and maketh wounds.

31:31 Rebuke not thy neighbour at the wine, and despise him not in his mirth:give him no despiteful words, and press not upon him with urging him [todrink.]

32:1 If thou be made the master [of a feast,] lift not thyself up, but be amongthem as one of the rest; take diligent care for them, and so sit down.

32:2 And when thou hast done all thy office, take thy place, that thou mayestbe merry with them, and receive a crown for thy well ordering of the feast.

32:3 Speak, thou that art the elder, for it becometh thee, but with soundjudgment; and hinder not musick.

32:4 Pour not out words where there is a musician, and shew not forth wisdomout of time.

32:5 A concert of musick in a banquet of wine is as a signet of carbuncle setin gold.

32:6 As a signet of an emerald set in a work of gold, so is the melody ofmusick with pleasant wine.

32:7 Speak, young man, if there be need of thee: and yet scarcely when thou arttwice asked.

32:8 Let thy speech be short, comprehending much in few words; be as one thatknoweth and yet holdeth his tongue.

32:9 If thou be among great men, make not thyself equal with them; and whenancient men are in place, use not many words.

32:10 Before the thunder goeth lightning; and before a shamefaced man shall gofavour.

32:11 Rise up betimes, and be not the last; but get thee home without delay.

32:12 There take thy pastime, and do what thou wilt: but sin not by proudspeech.

32:13 And for these things bless him that made thee, and hath replenished theewith his good things.

32:14 Whoso feareth the Lord will receive his discipline; and they that seekhim early shall find favour.

32:15 He that seeketh the law shall be filled therewith: but the hypocrite willbe offended thereat.

32:16 They that fear the Lord shall find judgment, and shall kindle justice asa light.

32:17 A sinful man will not be reproved, but findeth an excuse according to hiswill.

32:18 A man of counsel will be considerate; but a strange and proud man is notdaunted with fear, even when of himself he hath done without counsel.

32:19 Do nothing without advice; and when thou hast once done, repent not.

32:20 Go not in a way wherein thou mayest fall, and stumble not among thestones.

32:21 Be not confident in a plain way.

32:22 And beware of thine own children.

32:23 In every good work trust thy own soul; for this is the keeping of thecommandments.

32:24 He that believeth in the Lord taketh heed to the commandment; and he thattrusteth in him shall fare never the worse.

33:1 There shall no evil happen unto him that feareth the Lord; but intemptation even again he will deliver him.

33:2 A wise man hateth not the law; but he that is an hypocrite therein is as aship in a storm.

33:3 A man of understanding trusteth in the law; and the law is faithful untohim, as an oracle.

33:4 Prepare what to say, and so thou shalt be heard: and bind up instruction,and then make answer.

33:5 The heart of the foolish is like a cartwheel; and his thoughts are like arolling axletree.

33:6 A stallion horse is as a mocking friend, he neigheth under every one thatsitteth upon him.

33:7 Why doth one day excel another, when as all the light of every day in theyear is of the sun?

33:8 By the knowledge of the Lord they were distinguished: and he alteredseasons and feasts.

33:9 Some of them hath he made high days, and hallowed them, and some of themhath he made ordinary days.

33:10 And all men are from the ground, and Adam was created of earth:

33:11 In much knowledge the Lord hath divided them, and made their waysdiverse.

33:12 Some of them hath he blessed and exalted and some of them he sanctified,and set near himself: but some of them hath he cursed and brought low, andturned out of their places.

33:13 As the clay is in the potter’s hand, to fashion it at his pleasure:so man is in the hand of him that made him, to render to them as liketh himbest.

33:14 Good is set against evil, and life against death: so is the godly againstthe sinner, and the sinner against the godly.

33:15 So look upon all the works of the most High; and there are two and two,one against another.

33:16 I awaked up last of all, as one that gathereth after the grapegatherers:by the blessing of the Lord I profited, and filled my winepress like a gathererof grapes.

33:17 Consider that I laboured not for myself only, but for all them that seeklearning.

33:18 Hear me, O ye great men of the people, and hearken with your ears, yerulers of the congregation.

33:19 Give not thy son and wife, thy brother and friend, power over thee whilethou livest, and give not thy goods to another: lest it repent thee, and thouintreat for the same again.

33:20 As long as thou livest and hast breath in thee, give not thyself over toany.

33:21 For better it is that thy children should seek to thee, than that thoushouldest stand to their courtesy.

33:22 In all thy works keep to thyself the preeminence; leave not a stain inthine honour.

33:23 At the time when thou shalt end thy days, and finish thy life, distributethine inheritance.

33:24 Fodder, a wand, and burdens, are for the ass; and bread, correction, andwork, for a servant.

33:25 If thou set thy servant to labour, thou shalt find rest: but if thou lethim go idle, he shall seek liberty.

33:26 A yoke and a collar do bow the neck: so are tortures and torments for anevil servant.

33:27 Send him to labour, that he be not idle; for idleness teacheth much evil.

33:28 Set him to work, as is fit for him: if he be not obedient, put on moreheavy fetters.

33:29 But be not excessive toward any; and without discretion do nothing.

33:30 If thou have a servant, let him be unto thee as thyself, because thouhast bought him with a price.

33:31 If thou have a servant, entreat him as a brother: for thou hast need ofhim, as of thine own soul: if thou entreat him evil, and he run from thee,which way wilt thou go to seek him?

34:1 The hopes of a man void of understanding are vain and false: and dreamslift up fools.

34:2 Whoso regardeth dreams is like him that catcheth at a shadow, andfolloweth after the wind.

34:3 The vision of dreams is the resemblance of one thing to another, even asthe likeness of a face to a face.

34:4 Of an unclean thing what can be cleansed? and from that thing which isfalse what truth can come?

34:5 Divinations, and soothsayings, and dreams, are vain: and the heartfancieth, as a woman’s heart in travail.

34:6 If they be not sent from the most High in thy visitation, set not thyheart upon them.

34:7 For dreams have deceived many, and they have failed that put their trustin them.

34:8 The law shall be found perfect without lies: and wisdom is perfection to afaithful mouth.

34:9 A man that hath travelled knoweth many things; and he that hath muchexperience will declare wisdom.

34:10 He that hath no experience knoweth little: but he that hath travelled isfull of prudence.

34:11 When I travelled, I saw many things; and I understand more than I canexpress.

34:12 I was ofttimes in danger of death: yet I was delivered because of thesethings.

34:13 The spirit of those that fear the Lord shall live; for their hope is inhim that saveth them.

34:14 Whoso feareth the Lord shall not fear nor be afraid; for he is his hope.

34:15 Blessed is the soul of him that feareth the Lord: to whom doth he look?and who is his strength?

34:16 For the eyes of the Lord are upon them that love him, he is their mightyprotection and strong stay, a defence from heat, and a cover from the sun atnoon, a preservation from stumbling, and an help from falling.

34:17 He raiseth up the soul, and lighteneth the eyes: he giveth health, life,and blessing.

34:18 He that sacrificeth of a thing wrongfully gotten, his offering isridiculous; and the gifts of unjust men are not accepted.

34:19 The most High is not pleased with the offerings of the wicked; neither ishe pacified for sin by the multitude of sacrifices.

34:20 Whoso bringeth an offering of the goods of the poor doeth as one thatkilleth the son before his father’s eyes.

34:21 The bread of the needy is their life: he that defraudeth him thereof is aman of blood.

34:22 He that taketh away his neighbour’s living slayeth him; and he thatdefraudeth the labourer of his hire is a bloodshedder.

34:23 When one buildeth, and another pulleth down, what profit have they thenbut labour?

34:24 When one prayeth, and another curseth, whose voice will the Lord hear?

34:25 He that washeth himself after the touching of a dead body, if he touch itagain, what availeth his washing?

34:26 So is it with a man that fasteth for his sins, and goeth again, and doeththe same: who will hear his prayer? or what doth his humbling profit him?

35:1 He that keepeth the law bringeth offerings enough: he that taketh heed tothe commandment offereth a peace offering.

35:2 He that requiteth a good turn offereth fine flour; and he that giveth almssacrificeth praise.

35:3 To depart from wickedness is a thing pleasing to the Lord; and to forsakeunrighteousness is a propitiation.

35:4 Thou shalt not appear empty before the Lord.

35:5 For all these things [are to be done] because of the commandment.

35:6 The offering of the righteous maketh the altar fat, and the sweet savourthereof is before the most High.

35:7 The sacrifice of a just man is acceptable, and the memorial thereof shallnever be forgotten.

35:8 Give the Lord his honour with a good eye, and diminish not the firstfruitsof thine hands.

35:9 In all thy gifts shew a cheerful countenance, and dedicate thy tithes withgladness.

35:10 Give unto the most High according as he hath enriched thee; and as thouhast gotten, give with a cheerful eye.

35:11 For the Lord recompenseth, and will give thee seven times as much.

35:12 Do not think to corrupt with gifts; for such he will not receive: andtrust not to unrighteous sacrifices; for the Lord is judge, and with him is norespect of persons.

35:13 He will not accept any person against a poor man, but will hear theprayer of the oppressed.

35:14 He will not despise the supplication of the fatherless; nor the widow,when she poureth out her complaint.

35:15 Do not the tears run down the widow’s cheeks? and is not her cryagainst him that causeth them to fall?

35:16 He that serveth the Lord shall be accepted with favour, and his prayershall reach unto the clouds.

35:17 The prayer of the humble pierceth the clouds: and till it come nigh, hewill not be comforted; and will not depart, till the most High shall behold tojudge righteously, and execute judgment.

35:18 For the Lord will not be slack, neither will the Mighty be patient towardthem, till he have smitten in sunder the loins of the unmerciful, and repayedvengeance to the heathen; till he have taken away the multitude of the proud,and broken the sceptre of the unrighteous;

35:19 Till he have rendered to every man according to his deeds, and to theworks of men according to their devices; till he have judged the cause of hispeople, and made them to rejoice in his mercy.

35:20 Mercy is seasonable in the time of affliction, as clouds of rain in thetime of drought.

36:1 Have mercy upon us, O Lord God of all, and behold us:

36:2 And send thy fear upon all the nations that seek not after thee.

36:3 Lift up thy hand against the strange nations, and let them see thy power.

36:4 As thou wast sanctified in us before them: so be thou magnified among thembefore us.

36:5 And let them know thee, as we have known thee, that there is no God butonly thou, O God.

36:6 Shew new signs, and make other strange wonders: glorify thy hand and thyright arm, that they may set forth thy wondrous works.

36:7 Raise up indignation, and pour out wrath: take away the adversary, anddestroy the enemy.

36:8 Sake the time short, remember the covenant, and let them declare thywonderful works.

36:9 Let him that escapeth be consumed by the rage of the fire; and let themperish that oppress the people.

36:10 Smite in sunder the heads of the rulers of the heathen, that say, Thereis none other but we.

36:11 Gather all the tribes of Jacob together, and inherit thou them, as fromthe beginning.

36:12 O Lord, have mercy upon the people that is called by thy name, and uponIsrael, whom thou hast named thy firstborn.

36:13 O be merciful unto Jerusalem, thy holy city, the place of thy rest.

36:14 Fill Sion with thine unspeakable oracles, and thy people with thy glory:

36:15 Give testimony unto those that thou hast possessed from the beginning,and raise up prophets that have been in thy name.

36:16 Reward them that wait for thee, and let thy prophets be found faithful.

36:17 O Lord, hear the prayer of thy servants, according to the blessing ofAaron over thy people, that all they which dwell upon the earth may know thatthou art the Lord, the eternal God.

36:18 The belly devoureth all meats, yet is one meat better than another.

36:19 As the palate tasteth divers kinds of venison: so doth an heart ofunderstanding false speeches.

36:20 A froward heart causeth heaviness: but a man of experience willrecompense him.

36:21 A woman will receive every man, yet is one daughter better than another.

36:22 The beauty of a woman cheereth the countenance, and a man loveth nothingbetter.

36:23 If there be kindness, meekness, and comfort, in her tongue, then is nother husband like other men.

36:24 He that getteth a wife beginneth a possession, a help like unto himself,and a pillar of rest.

36:25 Where no hedge is, there the possession is spoiled: and he that hath nowife will wander up and down mourning.

36:26 Who will trust a thief well appointed, that skippeth from city to city?so [who will believe] a man that hath no house, and lodgeth wheresoever thenight taketh him?

37:1 Every friend saith, I am his friend also: but there is a friend, which isonly a friend in name.

37:2 Is it not a grief unto death, when a companion and friend is turned to anenemy?

37:3 O wicked imagination, whence camest thou in to cover the earth withdeceit?

37:4 There is a companion, which rejoiceth in the prosperity of a friend, butin the time of trouble will be against him.

37:5 There is a companion, which helpeth his friend for the belly, and takethup the buckler against the enemy.

37:6 Forget not thy friend in thy mind, and be not unmindful of him in thyriches.

37:7 Every counsellor extolleth counsel; but there is some that counselleth forhimself.

37:8 Beware of a counsellor, and know before what need he hath; for he willcounsel for himself; lest he cast the lot upon thee,

37:9 And say unto thee, Thy way is good: and afterward he stand on the otherside, to see what shall befall thee.

37:10 Consult not with one that suspecteth thee: and hide thy counsel from suchas envy thee.

37:11 Neither consult with a woman touching her of whom she is jealous; neitherwith a coward in matters of war; nor with a merchant concerning exchange; norwith a buyer of selling; nor with an envious man of thankfulness; nor with anunmerciful man touching kindness; nor with the slothful for any work; nor withan hireling for a year of finishing work; nor with an idle servant of muchbusiness: hearken not unto these in any matter of counsel.

37:12 But be continually with a godly man, whom thou knowest to keep thecommandments of the Lord, whose mind is according to thy mind, and will sorrowwith thee, if thou shalt miscarry.

37:13 And let the counsel of thine own heart stand: for there is no man morefaithful unto thee than it.

37:14 For a man’s mind is sometime wont to tell him more than sevenwatchmen, that sit above in an high tower.

37:15 And above all this pray to the most High, that he will direct thy way intruth.

37:16 Let reason go before every enterprize, and counsel before every action.

37:17 The countenance is a sign of changing of the heart.

37:18 Four manner of things appear: good and evil, life and death: but thetongue ruleth over them continually.

37:19 There is one that is wise and teacheth many, and yet is unprofitable tohimself.

37:20 There is one that sheweth wisdom in words, and is hated: he shall bedestitute of all food.

37:21 For grace is not given, him from the Lord, because he is deprived of allwisdom.

37:22 Another is wise to himself; and the fruits of understanding arecommendable in his mouth.

37:23 A wise man instructeth his people; and the fruits of his understandingfail not.

37:24 A wise man shall be filled with blessing; and all they that see him shallcount him happy.

37:25 The days of the life of man may be numbered: but the days of Israel areinnumerable.

37:26 A wise man shall inherit glory among his people, and his name shall beperpetual.

37:27 My son, prove thy soul in thy life, and see what is evil for it, and givenot that unto it.

37:28 For all things are not profitable for all men, neither hath every soulpleasure in every thing.

37:29 Be not unsatiable in any dainty thing, nor too greedy upon meats:

37:30 For excess of meats bringeth sickness, and surfeiting will turn intocholer.

37:31 By surfeiting have many perished; but he that taketh heed prolongeth hislife.

38:1 Honour a physician with the honour due unto him for the uses which ye mayhave of him: for the Lord hath created him.

38:2 For of the most High cometh healing, and he shall receive honour of theking.

38:3 The skill of the physician shall lift up his head: and in the sight ofgreat men he shall be in admiration.

38:4 The Lord hath created medicines out of the earth; and he that is wise willnot abhor them.

38:5 Was not the water made sweet with wood, that the virtue thereof might beknown?

38:6 And he hath given men skill, that he might be honoured in his marvellousworks.

38:7 With such doth he heal [men,] and taketh away their pains.

38:8 Of such doth the apothecary make a confection; and of his works there isno end; and from him is peace over all the earth,

38:9 My son, in thy sickness be not negligent: but pray unto the Lord, and hewill make thee whole.

38:10 Leave off from sin, and order thine hands aright, and cleanse thy heartfrom all wickedness.

38:11 Give a sweet savour, and a memorial of fine flour; and make a fatoffering, as not being.

38:12 Then give place to the physician, for the Lord hath created him: let himnot go from thee, for thou hast need of him.

38:13 There is a time when in their hands there is good success.

38:14 For they shall also pray unto the Lord, that he would prosper that, whichthey give for ease and remedy to prolong life.

38:15 He that sinneth before his Maker, let him fall into the hand of thephysician.

38:16 My son, let tears fall down over the dead, and begin to lament, as ifthou hadst suffered great harm thyself; and then cover his body according tothe custom, and neglect not his burial.

38:17 Weep bitterly, and make great moan, and use lamentation, as he is worthy,and that a day or two, lest thou be evil spoken of: and then comfort thyselffor thy heaviness.

38:18 For of heaviness cometh death, and the heaviness of the heart breakethstrength.

38:19 In affliction also sorrow remaineth: and the life of the poor is thecurse of the heart.

38:20 Take no heaviness to heart: drive it away, and member the last end.

38:21 Forget it not, for there is no turning again: thou shalt not do him good,but hurt thyself.

38:22 Remember my judgment: for thine also shall be so; yesterday for me, andto day for thee.

38:23 When the dead is at rest, let his remembrance rest; and be comforted forhim, when his Spirit is departed from him.

38:24 The wisdom of a learned man cometh by opportunity of leisure: and he thathath little business shall become wise.

38:25 How can he get wisdom that holdeth the plough, and that glorieth in thegoad, that driveth oxen, and is occupied in their labours, and whose talk is ofbullocks?

38:26 He giveth his mind to make furrows; and is diligent to give the kinefodder.

38:27 So every carpenter and workmaster, that laboureth night and day: and theythat cut and grave seals, and are diligent to make great variety, and givethemselves to counterfeit imagery, and watch to finish a work:

38:28 The smith also sitting by the anvil, and considering the iron work, thevapour of the fire wasteth his flesh, and he fighteth with the heat of thefurnace: the noise of the hammer and the anvil is ever in his ears, and hiseyes look still upon the pattern of the thing that he maketh; he setteth hismind to finish his work, and watcheth to polish it perfectly:

38:29 So doth the potter sitting at his work, and turning the wheel about withhis feet, who is alway carefully set at his work, and maketh all his work bynumber;

38:30 He fashioneth the clay with his arm, and boweth down his strength beforehis feet; he applieth himself to lead it over; and he is diligent to make cleanthe furnace:

38:31 All these trust to their hands: and every one is wise in his work.

38:32 Without these cannot a city be inhabited: and they shall not dwell wherethey will, nor go up and down:

38:33 They shall not be sought for in publick counsel, nor sit high in thecongregation: they shall not sit on the judges’ seat, nor understand thesentence of judgment: they cannot declare justice and judgment; and they shallnot be found where parables are spoken.

38:34 But they will maintain the state of the world, and [all] their desire isin the work of their craft.

39:1 But he that giveth his mind to the law of the most High, and is occupiedin the meditation thereof, will seek out the wisdom of all the ancient, and beoccupied in prophecies.

39:2 He will keep the sayings of the renowned men: and where subtil parablesare, he will be there also.

39:3 He will seek out the secrets of grave sentences, and be conversant in darkparables.

39:4 He shall serve among great men, and appear before princes: he will travelthrough strange countries; for he hath tried the good and the evil among men.

39:5 He will give his heart to resort early to the Lord that made him, and willpray before the most High, and will open his mouth in prayer, and makesupplication for his sins.

39:6 When the great Lord will, he shall be filled with the spirit ofunderstanding: he shall pour out wise sentences, and give thanks unto the Lordin his prayer.

39:7 He shall direct his counsel and knowledge, and in his secrets shall hemeditate.

39:8 He shall shew forth that which he hath learned, and shall glory in the lawof the covenant of the Lord.

39:9 Many shall commend his understanding; and so long as the world endureth,it shall not be blotted out; his memorial shall not depart away, and his nameshall live from generation to generation.

39:10 Nations shall shew forth his wisdom, and the congregation shall declarehis praise.

39:11 If he die, he shall leave a greater name than a thousand: and if he live,he shall increase it.

39:12 Yet have I more to say, which I have thought upon; for I am filled as themoon at the full.

39:13 Hearken unto me, ye holy children, and bud forth as a rose growing by thebrook of the field:

39:14 And give ye a sweet savour as frankincense, and flourish as a lily, sendforth a smell, and sing a song of praise, bless the Lord in all his works.

39:15 Magnify his name, and shew forth his praise with the songs of your lips,and with harps, and in praising him ye shall say after this manner:

39:16 All the works of the Lord are exceeding good, and whatsoever hecommandeth shall be accomplished in due season.

39:17 And none may say, What is this? wherefore is that? for at time convenientthey shall all be sought out: at his commandment the waters stood as an heap,and at the words of his mouth the receptacles of waters.

39:18 At his commandment is done whatsoever pleaseth him; and none can hinder,when he will save.

39:19 The works of all flesh are before him, and nothing can be hid from hiseyes.

39:20 He seeth from everlasting to everlasting; and there is nothing wonderfulbefore him.

39:21 A man need not to say, What is this? wherefore is that? for he hath madeall things for their uses.

39:22 His blessing covered the dry land as a river, and watered it as a flood.

39:23 As he hath turned the waters into saltness: so shall the heathen inherithis wrath.

39:24 As his ways are plain unto the holy; so are they stumblingblocks unto thewicked.

39:25 For the good are good things created from the beginning: so evil thingsfor sinners.

39:26 The principal things for the whole use of man’s life are water,fire, iron, and salt, flour of wheat, honey, milk, and the blood of the grape,and oil, and clothing.

39:27 All these things are for good to the godly: so to the sinners they areturned into evil.

39:28 There be spirits that are created for vengeance, which in their fury layon sore strokes; in the time of destruction they pour out their force, andappease the wrath of him that made them.

39:29 Fire, and hail, and famine, and death, all these were created forvengeance;

39:30 Teeth of wild beasts, and scorpions, serpents, and the sword punishingthe wicked to destruction.

39:31 They shall rejoice in his commandment, and they shall be ready uponearth, when need is; and when their time is come, they shall not transgress hisword.

39:32 Therefore from the beginning I was resolved, and thought upon thesethings, and have left them in writing.

39:33 All the works of the Lord are good: and he will give every needful thingin due season.

39:34 So that a man cannot say, This is worse than that: for in time they shallall be well approved.

39:35 And therefore praise ye the Lord with the whole heart and mouth, andbless the name of the Lord.

40:1 Great travail is created for every man, and an heavy yoke is upon the sonsof Adam, from the day that they go out of their mother’s womb, till theday that they return to the mother of all things.

40:2 Their imagination of things to come, and the day of death, [trouble] theirthoughts, and [cause] fear of heart;

40:3 From him that sitteth on a throne of glory, unto him that is humbled inearth and ashes;

40:4 From him that weareth purple and a crown, unto him that is clothed with alinen frock.

40:5 Wrath, and envy, trouble, and unquietness, fear of death, and anger, andstrife, and in the time of rest upon his bed his night sleep, do change hisknowledge.

40:6 A little or nothing is his rest, and afterward he is in his sleep, as in aday of keeping watch, troubled in the vision of his heart, as if he wereescaped out of a battle.

40:7 When all is safe, he awaketh, and marvelleth that the fear was nothing.

40:8 [Such things happen] unto all flesh, both man and beast, and that issevenfold more upon sinners.

40:9 Death, and bloodshed, strife, and sword, calamities, famine, tribulation,and the scourge;

40:10 These things are created for the wicked, and for their sakes came theflood.

40:11 All things that are of the earth shall turn to the earth again: and thatwhich is of the waters doth return into the sea.

40:12 All bribery and injustice shall be blotted out: but true dealing shallendure for ever.

40:13 The goods of the unjust shall be dried up like a river, and shall vanishwith noise, like a great thunder in rain.

40:14 While he openeth his hand he shall rejoice: so shall transgressors cometo nought.

40:15 The children of the ungodly shall not bring forth many branches: but areas unclean roots upon a hard rock.

40:16 The weed growing upon every water and bank of a river shall be pulled upbefore all grass.

40:17 Bountifulness is as a most fruitful garden, and mercifulness endureth forever.

40:18 To labour, and to be content with that a man hath, is a sweet life: buthe that findeth a treasure is above them both.

40:19 Children and the building of a city continue a man’s name: but ablameless wife is counted above them both.

40:20 Wine and musick rejoice the heart: but the love of wisdom is above themboth.

40:21 The pipe and the psaltery make sweet melody: but a pleasant tongue isabove them both.

40:22 Thine eye desireth favour and beauty: but more than both corn while it isgreen.

40:23 A friend and companion never meet amiss: but above both is a wife withher husband.

40:24 Brethren and help are against time of trouble: but alms shall delivermore than them both.

40:25 Gold and silver make the foot stand sure: but counsel is esteemed abovethem both.

40:26 Riches and strength lift up the heart: but the fear of the Lord is abovethem both: there is no want in the fear of the Lord, and it needeth not to seekhelp.

40:27 The fear of the Lord is a fruitful garden, and covereth him above allglory.

40:28 My son, lead not a beggar’s life; for better it is to die than tobeg.

40:29 The life of him that dependeth on another man’s table is not to becounted for a life; for he polluteth himself with other men’s meat: but awise man well nurtured will beware thereof.

40:30 Begging is sweet in the mouth of the shameless: but in his belly thereshall burn a fire.

41:1 O death, how bitter is the remembrance of thee to a man that liveth atrest in his possessions, unto the man that hath nothing to vex him, and thathath prosperity in all things: yea, unto him that is yet able to receive meat!

41:2 O death, acceptable is thy sentence unto the needy, and unto him whosestrength faileth, that is now in the last age, and is vexed with all things,and to him that despaireth, and hath lost patience!

41:3 Fear not the sentence of death, remember them that have been before thee,and that come after; for this is the sentence of the Lord over all flesh.

41:4 And why art thou against the pleasure of the most High? there is noinquisition in the grave, whether thou have lived ten, or an hundred, or athousand years.

41:5 The children of sinners are abominable children, and they that areconversant in the dwelling of the ungodly.

41:6 The inheritance of sinners’ children shall perish, and theirposterity shall have a perpetual reproach.

41:7 The children will complain of an ungodly father, because they shall bereproached for his sake.

41:8 Woe be unto you, ungodly men, which have forsaken the law of the most highGod! for if ye increase, it shall be to your destruction:

41:9 And if ye be born, ye shall be born to a curse: and if ye die, a curseshall be your portion.

41:10 All that are of the earth shall turn to earth again: so the ungodly shallgo from a curse to destruction.

41:11 The mourning of men is about their bodies: but an ill name of sinnersshall be blotted out.

41:12 Have regard to thy name; for that shall continue with thee above athousand great treasures of gold.

41:13 A good life hath but few days: but a good name endureth for ever.

41:14 My children, keep discipline in peace: for wisdom that is hid, and atreasure that is not seen, what profit is in them both?

41:15 A man that hideth his foolishness is better than a man that hideth hiswisdom.

41:16 Therefore be shamefaced according to my word: for it is not good toretain all shamefacedness; neither is it altogether approved in every thing.

41:17 Be ashamed of whoredom before father and mother: and of a lie before aprince and a mighty man;

41:18 Of an offence before a judge and ruler; of iniquity before a congregationand people; of unjust dealing before thy partner and friend;

41:19 And of theft in regard of the place where thou sojournest, and in regardof the truth of God and his covenant; and to lean with thine elbow upon themeat; and of scorning to give and take;

41:20 And of silence before them that salute thee; and to look upon an harlot;

41:21 And to turn away thy face from thy kinsman; or to take away a portion ora gift; or to gaze upon another man’s wife.

41:22 Or to be overbusy with his maid, and come not near her bed; or ofupbraiding speeches before friends; and after thou hast given, upbraid not;

41:23 Or of iterating and speaking again that which thou hast heard; and ofrevealing of secrets.

41:24 So shalt thou be truly shamefaced and find favour before all men.

42:1 Of these things be not thou ashamed, and accept no person to sin thereby:

42:2 Of the law of the most High, and his covenant; and of judgment to justifythe ungodly;

42:3 Of reckoning with thy partners and travellers; or of the gift of theheritage of friends;

42:4 Of exactness of balance and weights; or of getting much or little;

42:5 And of merchants’ indifferent selling; of much correction ofchildren; and to make the side of an evil servant to bleed.

42:6 Sure keeping is good, where an evil wife is; and shut up, where many handsare.

42:7 Deliver all things in number and weight; and put all in writing that thougivest out, or receivest in.

42:8 Be not ashamed to inform the unwise and foolish, and the extreme aged thatcontendeth with those that are young: thus shalt thou be truly learned, andapproved of all men living.

42:9 The father waketh for the daughter, when no man knoweth; and the care forher taketh away sleep: when she is young, lest she pass away the flower of herage; and being married, lest she should be hated:

42:10 In her virginity, lest she should be defiled and gotten with child in herfather’s house; and having an husband, lest she should misbehave herself;and when she is married, lest she should be barren.

42:11 Keep a sure watch over a shameless daughter, lest she make thee alaughingstock to thine enemies, and a byword in the city, and a reproach amongthe people, and make thee ashamed before the multitude.

42:12 Behold not every body’s beauty, and sit not in the midst of women.

42:13 For from garments cometh a moth, and from women wickedness.

42:14 Better is the churlishness of a man than a courteous woman, a woman, Isay, which bringeth shame and reproach.

42:15 I will now remember the works of the Lord, and declare the things that Ihave seen: In the words of the Lord are his works.

42:16 The sun that giveth light looketh upon all things, and the work thereofis full of the glory of the Lord.

42:17 The Lord hath not given power to the saints to declare all his marvellousworks, which the Almighty Lord firmly settled, that whatsoever is might beestablished for his glory.

42:18 He seeketh out the deep, and the heart, and considereth their craftydevices: for the Lord knoweth all that may be known, and he beholdeth the signsof the world.

42:19 He declareth the things that are past, and for to come, and revealeth thesteps of hidden things.

42:20 No thought escapeth him, neither any word is hidden from him.

42:21 He hath garnished the excellent works of his wisdom, and he is fromeverlasting to everlasting: unto him may nothing be added, neither can he bediminished, and he hath no need of any counsellor.

42:22 Oh how desirable are all his works! and that a man may see even to aspark.

42:23 All these things live and remain for ever for all uses, and they are allobedient.

42:24 All things are double one against another: and he hath made nothingimperfect.

42:25 One thing establisheth the good or another: and who shall be filled withbeholding his glory?

43:1 The pride of the height, the clear firmament, the beauty of heaven, withhis glorious shew;

43:2 The sun when it appeareth, declaring at his rising a marvellousinstrument, the work of the most High:

43:3 At noon it parcheth the country, and who can abide the burning heatthereof?

43:4 A man blowing a furnace is in works of heat, but the sun burneth themountains three times more; breathing out fiery vapours, and sending forthbright beams, it dimmeth the eyes.

43:5 Great is the Lord that made it; and at his commandment runneth hastily.

43:6 He made the moon also to serve in her season for a declaration of times,and a sign of the world.

43:7 From the moon is the sign of feasts, a light that decreaseth in herperfection.

43:8 The month is called after her name, increasing wonderfully in herchanging, being an instrument of the armies above, shining in the firmament ofheaven;

43:9 The beauty of heaven, the glory of the stars, an ornament giving light inthe highest places of the Lord.

43:10 At the commandment of the Holy One they will stand in their order, andnever faint in their watches.

43:11 Look upon the rainbow, and praise him that made it; very beautiful it isin the brightness thereof.

43:12 It compasseth the heaven about with a glorious circle, and the hands ofthe most High have bended it.

43:13 By his commandment he maketh the snow to fall apace, and sendeth swiftlythe lightnings of his judgment.

43:14 Through this the treasures are opened: and clouds fly forth as fowls.

43:15 By his great power he maketh the clouds firm, and the hailstones arebroken small.

43:16 At his sight the mountains are shaken, and at his will the south windbloweth.

43:17 The noise of the thunder maketh the earth to tremble: so doth thenorthern storm and the whirlwind: as birds flying he scattereth the snow, andthe falling down thereof is as the lighting of grasshoppers:

43:18 The eye marvelleth at the beauty of the whiteness thereof, and the heartis astonished at the raining of it.

43:19 The hoarfrost also as salt he poureth on the earth, and being congealed,it lieth on the top of sharp stakes.

43:20 When the cold north wind bloweth, and the water is congealed into ice, itabideth upon every gathering together of water, and clotheth the water as witha breastplate.

43:21 It devoureth the mountains, and burneth the wilderness, and consumeth thegrass as fire.

43:22 A present remedy of all is a mist coming speedily, a dew coming afterheat refresheth.

43:23 By his counsel he appeaseth the deep, and planteth islands therein.

43:24 They that sail on the sea tell of the danger thereof; and when we hear itwith our ears, we marvel thereat.

43:25 For therein be strange and wondrous works, variety of all kinds of beastsand whales created.

43:26 By him the end of them hath prosperous success, and by his word allthings consist.

43:27 We may speak much, and yet come short: wherefore in sum, he is all.

43:28 How shall we be able to magnify him? for he is great above all his works.

43:29 The Lord is terrible and very great, and marvellous is his power.

43:30 When ye glorify the Lord, exalt him as much as ye can; for even yet willhe far exceed: and when ye exalt him, put forth all your strength, and be notweary; for ye can never go far enough.

43:31 Who hath seen him, that he might tell us? and who can magnify him as heis?

43:32 There are yet hid greater things than these be, for we have seen but afew of his works.

43:33 For the Lord hath made all things; and to the godly hath he given wisdom.

44:1 Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers that begat us.

44:2 The Lord hath wrought great glory by them through his great power from thebeginning.

44:3 Such as did bear rule in their kingdoms, men renowned for their power,giving counsel by their understanding, and declaring prophecies:

44:4 Leaders of the people by their counsels, and by their knowledge oflearning meet for the people, wise and eloquent are their instructions:

44:5 Such as found out musical tunes, and recited verses in writing:

44:6 Rich men furnished with ability, living peaceably in their habitations:

44:7 All these were honoured in their generations, and were the glory of theirtimes.

44:8 There be of them, that have left a name behind them, that their praisesmight be reported.

44:9 And some there be, which have no memorial; who are perished, as thoughthey had never been; and are become as though they had never been born; andtheir children after them.

44:10 But these were merciful men, whose righteousness hath not been forgotten.

44:11 With their seed shall continually remain a good inheritance, and theirchildren are within the covenant.

44:12 Their seed standeth fast, and their children for their sakes.

44:13 Their seed shall remain for ever, and their glory shall not be blottedout.

44:14 Their bodies are buried in peace; but their name liveth for evermore.

44:15 The people will tell of their wisdom, and the congregation will shewforth their praise.

44:16 Enoch pleased the Lord, and was translated, being an example ofrepentance to all generations.

44:17 Noah was found perfect and righteous; in the time of wrath he was takenin exchange [for the world;] therefore was he left as a remnant unto the earth,when the flood came.

44:18 An everlasting covenant was made with him, that all flesh should perishno more by the flood.

44:19 Abraham was a great father of many people: in glory was there none likeunto him;

44:20 Who kept the law of the most High, and was in covenant with him: heestablished the covenant in his flesh; and when he was proved, he was foundfaithful.

44:21 Therefore he assured him by an oath, that he would bless the nations inhis seed, and that he would multiply him as the dust of the earth, and exalthis seed as the stars, and cause them to inherit from sea to sea, and from theriver unto the utmost part of the land.

44:22 With Isaac did he establish likewise [for Abraham his father’ssake] the blessing of all men, and the covenant, And made it rest upon the headof Jacob. He acknowledged him in his blessing, and gave him an heritage, anddivided his portions; among the twelve tribes did he part them.

45:1 And he brought out of him a merciful man, which found favour in the sightof all flesh, even Moses, beloved of God and men, whose memorial is blessed.

45:2 He made him like to the glorious saints, and magnified him, so that hisenemies stood in fear of him.

45:3 By his words he caused the wonders to cease, and he made him glorious inthe sight of kings, and gave him a commandment for his people, and shewed himpart of his glory.

45:4 He sanctified him in his faithfuless and meekness, and chose him out ofall men.

45:5 He made him to hear his voice, and brought him into the dark cloud, andgave him commandments before his face, even the law of life and knowledge, thathe might teach Jacob his covenants, and Israel his judgments.

45:6 He exalted Aaron, an holy man like unto him, even his brother, of thetribe of Levi.

45:7 An everlasting covenant he made with him and gave him the priesthood amongthe people; he beautified him with comely ornaments, and clothed him with arobe of glory.

45:8 He put upon him perfect glory; and strengthened him with rich garments,with breeches, with a long robe, and the ephod.

45:9 And he compassed him with pomegranates, and with many golden bells roundabout, that as he went there might be a sound, and a noise made that might beheard in the temple, for a memorial to the children of his people;

45:10 With an holy garment, with gold, and blue silk, and purple, the work ofthe embroiderer, with a breastplate of judgment, and with Urim and Thummim;

45:11 With twisted scarlet, the work of the cunning workman, with preciousstones graven like seals, and set in gold, the work of the jeweller, with awriting engraved for a memorial, after the number of the tribes of Israel.

45:12 He set a crown of gold upon the mitre, wherein was engraved Holiness, anornament of honour, a costly work, the desires of the eyes, goodly andbeautiful.

45:13 Before him there were none such, neither did ever any stranger put themon, but only his children and his children’s children perpetually.

45:14 Their sacrifices shall be wholly consumed every day twice continually.

45:15 Moses consecrated him, and anointed him with holy oil: this was appointedunto him by an everlasting covenant, and to his seed, so long as the heavensshould remain, that they should minister unto him, and execute the office ofthe priesthood, and bless the people in his name.

45:16 He chose him out of all men living to offer sacrifices to the Lord,incense, and a sweet savour, for a memorial, to make reconciliation for hispeople.

45:17 He gave unto him his commandments, and authority in the statutes ofjudgments, that he should teach Jacob the testimonies, and inform Israel in hislaws.

45:18 Strangers conspired together against him, and maligned him in thewilderness, even the men that were of Dathan’s and Abiron’s side,and the congregation of Core, with fury and wrath.

45:19 This the Lord saw, and it displeased him, and in his wrathful indignationwere they consumed: he did wonders upon them, to consume them with the fieryflame.

45:20 But he made Aaron more honourable, and gave him an heritage, and dividedunto him the firstfruits of the increase; especially he prepared bread inabundance:

45:21 For they eat of the sacrifices of the Lord, which he gave unto him andhis seed.

45:22 Howbeit in the land of the people he had no inheritance, neither had heany portion among the people: for the Lord himself is his portion andinheritance.

45:23 The third in glory is Phinees the son of Eleazar, because he had zeal inthe fear of the Lord, and stood up with good courage of heart: when the peoplewere turned back, and made reconciliation for Israel.

45:24 Therefore was there a covenant of peace made with him, that he should bethe chief of the sanctuary and of his people, and that he and his posterityshould have the dignity of the priesthood for ever:

45:25 According to the covenant made with David son of Jesse, of the tribe ofJuda, that the inheritance of the king should be to his posterity alone: so theinheritance of Aaron should also be unto his seed.

45:26 God give you wisdom in your heart to judge his people in righteousness,that their good things be not abolished, and that their glory may endure forever.

46:1 Jesus the son a Nave was valiant in the wars, and was the successor ofMoses in prophecies, who according to his name was made great for the saving ofthe elect of God, and taking vengeance of the enemies that rose up againstthem, that he might set Israel in their inheritance.

46:2 How great glory gat he, when he did lift up his hands, and stretched outhis sword against the cities!

46:3 Who before him so stood to it? for the Lord himself brought his enemiesunto him.

46:4 Did not the sun go back by his means? and was not one day as long as two?

46:5 He called upon the most high Lord, when the enemies pressed upon him onevery side; and the great Lord heard him.

46:6 And with hailstones of mighty power he made the battle to fall violentlyupon the nations, and in the descent [of Beth-horon] he destroyed them thatresisted, that the nations might know all their strength, because he fought inthe sight of the Lord, and he followed the Mighty One.

46:7 In the time of Moses also he did a work of mercy, he and Caleb the son ofJephunne, in that they withstood the congregation, and withheld the people fromsin, and appeased the wicked murmuring.

46:8 And of six hundred thousand people on foot, they two were preserved tobring them in to the heritage, even unto the land that floweth with milk andhoney.

46:9 The Lord gave strength also unto Caleb, which remained with him unto hisold age: so that he entered upon the high places of the land, and his seedobtained it for an heritage:

46:10 That all the children of Israel might see that it is good to follow theLord.

46:11 And concerning the judges, every one by name, whose heart went not awhoring, nor departed from the Lord, let their memory be blessed.

46:12 Let their bones flourish out of their place, and let the name of themthat were honoured be continued upon their children.

46:13 Samuel, the prophet of the Lord, beloved of his Lord, established akingdom, and anointed princes over his people.

46:14 By the law of the Lord he judged the congregation, and the Lord hadrespect unto Jacob.

46:15 By his faithfulness he was found a true prophet, and by his word he wasknown to be faithful in vision.

46:16 He called upon the mighty Lord, when his enemies pressed upon him onevery side, when he offered the sucking lamb.

46:17 And the Lord thundered from heaven, and with a great noise made his voiceto be heard.

46:18 And he destroyed the rulers of the Tyrians, and all the princes cf thePhilistines.

46:19 And before his long sleep he made protestations in the sight of the Lordand his anointed, I have not taken any man’s goods, so much as a shoe:and no man did accuse him.

46:20 And after his death he prophesied, and shewed the king his end, andlifted up his voice from the earth in prophecy, to blot out the wickedness ofthe people.

47:1 And after him rose up Nathan to prophesy in the time of David.

47:2 As is the fat taken away from the peace offering, so was David chosen outof the children of Israel.

47:3 He played with lions as with kids, and with bears as with lambs.

47:4 Slew he not a giant, when he was yet but young? and did he not take awayreproach from the people, when he lifted up his hand with the stone in thesling, and beat down the boasting of Goliath?

47:5 For he called upon the most high Lord; and he gave him strength in hisright hand to slay that mighty warrior, and set up the horn of his people.

47:6 So the people honoured him with ten thousands, and praised him in theblessings of the Lord, in that he gave him a crown of glory.

47:7 For he destroyed the enemies on every side, and brought to nought thePhilistines his adversaries, and brake their horn in sunder unto this day.

47:8 In all his works he praised the Holy One most high with words of glory;with his whole heart he sung songs, and loved him that made him.

47:9 He set singers also before the altar, that by their voices they might makesweet melody, and daily sing praises in their songs.

47:10 He beautified their feasts, and set in order the solemn times until theend, that they might praise his holy name, and that the temple might sound frommorning.

47:11 The Lord took away his sins, and exalted his horn for ever: he gave him acovenant of kings, and a throne of glory in Israel.

47:12 After him rose up a wise son, and for his sake he dwelt at large.

47:13 Solomon reigned in a peaceable time, and was honoured; for God made allquiet round about him, that he might build an house in his name, and preparehis sanctuary for ever.

47:14 How wise wast thou in thy youth and, as a flood, filled withunderstanding!

47:15 Thy soul covered the whole earth, and thou filledst it with darkparables.

47:16 Thy name went far unto the islands; and for thy peace thou wast beloved.

47:17 The countries marvelled at thee for thy songs, and proverbs, andparables, and interpretations.

47:18 By the name of the Lord God, which is called the Lord God of Israel, thoudidst gather gold as tin and didst multiply silver as lead.

47:19 Thou didst bow thy loins unto women, and by thy body thou wast broughtinto subjection.

47:20 Thou didst stain thy honour, and pollute thy seed: so that thoubroughtest wrath upon thy children, and wast grieved for thy folly.

47:21 So the kingdom was divided, and out of Ephraim ruled a rebelliouskingdom.

47:22 But the Lord will never leave off his mercy, neither shall any of hisworks perish, neither will he abolish the posterity of his elect, and the seedof him that loveth him he will not take away: wherefore he gave a remnant untoJacob, and out of him a root unto David.

47:23 Thus rested Solomon with his fathers, and of his seed he left behind himRoboam, even the foolishness of the people, and one that had no understanding,who turned away the people through his counsel. There was also Jeroboam the sonof Nebat, who caused Israel to sin, and shewed Ephraim the way of sin:

47:24 And their sins were multiplied exceedingly, that they were driven out ofthe land.

47:25 For they sought out all wickedness, till the vengeance came upon them.

48:1 Then stood up Elias the prophet as fire, and his word burned like a lamp.

48:2 He brought a sore famine upon them, and by his zeal he diminished theirnumber.

48:3 By the word of the Lord he shut up the heaven, and also three timesbrought down fire.

48:4 O Elias, how wast thou honoured in thy wondrous deeds! and who may glorylike unto thee!

48:5 Who didst raise up a dead man from death, and his soul from the place ofthe dead, by the word of the most High:

48:6 Who broughtest kings to destruction, and honorable men from their bed:

48:7 Who heardest the rebuke of the Lord in Sinai, and in Horeb the judgment ofvengeance:

48:8 Who annointedst kings to take revenge, and prophets to succeed after him:

48:9 Who was taken up in a whirlwind of fire, and in a chariot of fiery horses:

48:10 Who wast ordained for reproofs in their times, to pacify the wrath of theLord’s judgment, before it brake forth into fury, and to turn the heartof the father unto the son, and to restore the tribes of Jacob.

48:11 Blessed are they that saw thee, and slept in love; for we shall surelylive.

48:12 Elias it was, who was covered with a whirlwind: and Eliseus was filledwith his spirit: whilst he lived, he was not moved with the presence of anyprince, neither could any bring him into subjection.

48:13 No word could overcome him; and after his death his body prophesied.

48:14 He did wonders in his life, and at his death were his works marvellous.

48:15 For all this the people repented not, neither departed they from theirsins, till they were spoiled and carried out of their land, and were scatteredthrough all the earth: yet there remained a small people, and a ruler in thehouse of David:

48:16 Of whom some did that which was pleasing to God, and some multipliedsins.

48:17 Ezekias fortified his city, and brought in water into the midst thereof:he digged the hard rock with iron, and made wells for waters.

48:18 In his time Sennacherib came up, and sent Rabsaces, and lifted up hishand against Sion, and boasted proudly.

48:19 Then trembled their hearts and hands, and they were in pain, as women intravail.

48:20 But they called upon the Lord which is merciful, and stretched out theirhands toward him: and immediately the Holy One heard them out of heaven, anddelivered them by the ministry of Esay.

48:21 He smote the host of the Assyrians, and his angel destroyed them.

48:22 For Ezekias had done the thing that pleased the Lord, and was strong inthe ways of David his father, as Esay the prophet, who was great and faithfulin his vision, had commanded him.

48:23 In his time the sun went backward, and he lengthened the king’slife.

48:24 He saw by an excellent spirit what should come to pass at the last, andhe comforted them that mourned in Sion.

48:25 He shewed what should come to pass for ever, and secret things or everthey came.

49:1 The remembrance of Josias is like the composition of the perfume that ismade by the art of the apothecary: it is sweet as honey in all mouths, and asmusick at a banquet of wine.

49:2 He behaved himself uprightly in the conversion of the people, and tookaway the abominations of iniquity.

49:3 He directed his heart unto the Lord, and in the time of the ungodly heestablished the worship of God.

49:4 All, except David and Ezekias and Josias, were defective: for they forsookthe law of the most High, even the kings of Juda failed.

49:5 Therefore he gave their power unto others, and their glory to a strangenation.

49:6 They burnt the chosen city of the sanctuary, and made the streetsdesolate, according to the prophecy of Jeremias.

49:7 For they entreated him evil, who nevertheless was a prophet, sanctified inhis mother’s womb, that he might root out, and afflict, and destroy; andthat he might build up also, and plant.

49:8 It was Ezekiel who saw the glorious vision, which was shewed him upon thechariot of the cherubims.

49:9 For he made mention of the enemies under the figure of the rain, anddirected them that went right.

49:10 And of the twelve prophets let the memorial be blessed, and let theirbones flourish again out of their place: for they comforted Jacob, anddelivered them by assured hope.

49:11 How shall we magnify Zorobabel? even he was as a signet on the righthand:

49:12 So was Jesus the son of Josedec: who in their time builded the house, andset up an holy temple to the Lord, which was prepared for everlasting glory.

49:13 And among the elect was Neemias, whose renown is great, who raised up forus the walls that were fallen, and set up the gates and the bars, and raised upour ruins again.

49:14 But upon the earth was no man created like Enoch; for he was taken fromthe earth.

49:15 Neither was there a young man born like Joseph, a governor of hisbrethren, a stay of the people, whose bones were regarded of the Lord.

49:16 Sem and Seth were in great honour among men, and so was Adam above everyliving thing in creation.

50:1 Simon the high priest, the son of Onias, who in his life repaired thehouse again, and in his days fortified the temple:

50:2 And by him was built from the foundation the double height, the highfortress of the wall about the temple:

50:3 In his days the cistern to receive water, being in compass as the sea, wascovered with plates of brass:

50:4 He took care of the temple that it should not fall, and fortified the cityagainst besieging:

50:5 How was he honoured in the midst of the people in his coming out of thesanctuary!

50:6 He was as the morning star in the midst of a cloud, and as the moon at thefull:

50:7 As the sun shining upon the temple of the most High, and as the rainbowgiving light in the bright clouds:

50:8 And as the flower of roses in the spring of the year, as lilies by therivers of waters, and as the branches of the frankincense tree in the time ofsummer:

50:9 As fire and incense in the censer, and as a vessel of beaten gold set withall manner of precious stones:

50:10 And as a fair olive tree budding forth fruit, and as a cypress tree whichgroweth up to the clouds.

50:11 When he put on the robe of honour, and was clothed with the perfection ofglory, when he went up to the holy altar, he made the garment of holinesshonourable.

50:12 When he took the portions out of the priests’ hands, he himselfstood by the hearth of the altar, compassed about, as a young cedar in Libanus;and as palm trees compassed they him round about.

50:13 So were all the sons of Aaron in their glory, and the oblations of theLord in their hands, before all the congregation of Israel.

50:14 And finishing the service at the altar, that he might adorn the offeringof the most high Almighty,

50:15 He stretched out his hand to the cup, and poured of the blood of thegrape, he poured out at the foot of the altar a sweetsmelling savour unto themost high King of all.

50:16 Then shouted the sons of Aaron, and sounded the silver trumpets, and madea great noise to be heard, for a remembrance before the most High.

50:17 Then all the people together hasted, and fell down to the earth upontheir faces to worship their Lord God Almighty, the most High.

50:18 The singers also sang praises with their voices, with great variety ofsounds was there made sweet melody.

50:19 And the people besought the Lord, the most High, by prayer before himthat is merciful, till the solemnity of the Lord was ended, and they hadfinished his service.

50:20 Then he went down, and lifted up his hands over the whole congregation ofthe children of Israel, to give the blessing of the Lord with his lips, and torejoice in his name.

50:21 And they bowed themselves down to worship the second time, that theymight receive a blessing from the most High.

50:22 Now therefore bless ye the God of all, which only doeth wondrous thingsevery where, which exalteth our days from the womb, and dealeth with usaccording to his mercy.

50:23 He grant us joyfulness of heart, and that peace may be in our days inIsrael for ever:

50:24 That he would confirm his mercy with us, and deliver us at his time!

50:25 There be two manner of nations which my heart abhorreth, and the third isno nation:

50:26 They that sit upon the mountain of Samaria, and they that dwell among thePhilistines, and that foolish people that dwell in Sichem.

50:27 Jesus the son of Sirach of Jerusalem hath written in this book theinstruction of understanding and knowledge, who out of his heart poured forthwisdom.

50:28 Blessed is he that shall be exercised in these things; and he that layeththem up in his heart shall become wise.

50:29 For if he do them, he shall be strong to all things: for the light of theLord leadeth him, who giveth wisdom to the godly. Blessed be the name of theLord for ever. Amen, Amen.

[A Prayer of Jesus the son of Sirach.]

51:1 I will thank thee, O Lord and King, and praise thee, O God my Saviour: Ido give praise unto thy name:

51:2 For thou art my defender and helper, and has preserved my body fromdestruction, and from the snare of the slanderous tongue, and from the lipsthat forge lies, and has been mine helper against mine adversaries:

51:3 And hast delivered me, according to the multitude of thy mercies andgreatness of thy name, from the teeth of them that were ready to devour me, andout of the hands of such as sought after my life, and from the manifoldafflictions which I had;

51:4 From the choking of fire on every side, and from the midst of the firewhich I kindled not;

51:5 From the depth of the belly of hell, from an unclean tongue, and fromlying words.

51:6 By an accusation to the king from an unrighteous tongue my soul drew neareven unto death, my life was near to the hell beneath.

51:7 They compassed me on every side, and there was no man to help me: I lookedfor the succour of men, but there was none.

51:8 Then thought I upon thy mercy, O Lord, and upon thy acts of old, how thoudeliverest such as wait for thee, and savest them out of the hands of theenemies.

51:9 Then lifted I up my supplications from the earth, and prayed fordeliverance from death.

51:10 I called upon the Lord, the Father of my Lord, that he would not leave mein the days of my trouble, and in the time of the proud, when there was nohelp.

51:11 I will praise thy name continually, and will sing praises withthanksgiving; and so my prayer was heard:

51:12 For thou savedst me from destruction, and deliveredst me from the eviltime: therefore will I give thanks, and praise thee, and bless thy name, OLord.

51:13 When I was yet young, or ever I went abroad, I desired wisdom openly inmy prayer.

51:14 I prayed for her before the temple, and will seek her out even to theend.

51:15 Even from the flower till the grape was ripe hath my heart delighted inher: my foot went the right way, from my youth up sought I after her.

51:16 I bowed down mine ear a little, and received her, and gat much learning.

51:17 I profited therein, therefore will I ascribe glory unto him that givethme wisdom.

51:18 For I purposed to do after her, and earnestly I followed that which isgood; so shall I not be confounded.

51:19 My soul hath wrestled with her, and in my doings I was exact: I stretchedforth my hands to the heaven above, and bewailed my ignorances of her.

51:20 I directed my soul unto her, and I found her in pureness: I have had myheart joined with her from the beginning, therefore shall I not be foresaken.

51:21 My heart was troubled in seeking her: therefore have I gotten a goodpossession.

51:22 The Lord hath given me a tongue for my reward, and I will praise himtherewith.

51:23 Draw near unto me, ye unlearned, and dwell in the house of learning.

51:24 Wherefore are ye slow, and what say ye to these things, seeing your soulsare very thirsty?

51:25 I opened my mouth, and said, Buy her for yourselves without money.

51:26 Put your neck under the yoke, and let your soul receive instruction: sheis hard at hand to find.

51:27 Behold with your eyes, how that I have but little labour, and have gottenunto me much rest.

51:28 Get learning with a great sum of money, and get much gold by her.

51:29 Let your soul rejoice in his mercy, and be not ashamed of his praise.

51:30 Work your work betimes, and in his time he will give you your reward.

The Book of Baruch

1:1 And these are the words of the book, which Baruch the son of Nerias, theson of Maasias, the son of Sedecias, the son of Asadias, the son of Chelcias,wrote in Babylon,

1:2 In the fifth year, and in the seventh day of the month, what time as theChaldeans took Jerusalem, and burnt it with fire.

1:3 And Baruch did read the words of this book in the hearing of Jechonias theson of Joachim king of Juda, and in the ears of all the people that came tohear the book,

1:4 And in the hearing of the nobles, and of the king’s sons, and in thehearing of the elders, and of all the people, from the lowest unto the highest,even of all them that dwelt at Babylon by the river Sud.

1:5 Whereupon they wept, fasted, and prayed before the Lord.

1:6 They made also a collection of money according to every man’s power:

1:7 And they sent it to Jerusalem unto Joachim the high priest, the son ofChelcias, son of Salom, and to the priests, and to all the people which werefound with him at Jerusalem,

1:8 At the same time when he received the vessels of the house of the Lord,that were carried out of the temple, to return them into the land of Juda, thetenth day of the month Sivan, namely, silver vessels, which Sedecias the son ofJosias king of Jada had made,

1:9 After that Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon had carried away Jechonias, andthe princes, and the captives, and the mighty men, and the people of the land,from Jerusalem, and brought them unto Babylon.

1:10 And they said, Behold, we have sent you money to buy you burnt offerings,and sin offerings, and incense, and prepare ye manna, and offer upon the altarof the Lord our God;

1:11 And pray for the life of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon, and for the lifeof Balthasar his son, that their days may be upon earth as the days of heaven:

1:12 And the Lord will give us strength, and lighten our eyes, and we shalllive under the shadow of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon, and under the shadowof Balthasar his son, and we shall serve them many days, and find favour intheir sight.

1:13 Pray for us also unto the Lord our God, for we have sinned against theLord our God; and unto this day the fury of the Lord and his wrath is notturned from us.

1:14 And ye shall read this book which we have sent unto you, to makeconfession in the house of the Lord, upon the feasts and solemn days.

1:15 And ye shall say, To the Lord our God belongeth righteousness, but unto usthe confusion of faces, as it is come to pass this day, unto them of Juda, andto the inhabitants of Jerusalem,

1:16 And to our kings, and to our princes, and to our priests, and to ourprophets, and to our fathers:

1:17 For we have sinned before the Lord,

1:18 And disobeyed him, and have not hearkened unto the voice of the Lord ourGod, to walk in the commandments that he gave us openly:

1:19 Since the day that the Lord brought our forefathers out of the land ofEgypt, unto this present day, we have been disobedient unto the Lord our God,and we have been negligent in not hearing his voice.

1:20 Wherefore the evils cleaved unto us, and the curse, which the Lordappointed by Moses his servant at the time that he brought our fathers out ofthe land of Egypt, to give us a land that floweth with milk and honey, like asit is to see this day.

1:21 Nevertheless we have not hearkened unto the voice of the Lord our God,according unto all the words of the prophets, whom he sent unto us:

1:22 But every man followed the imagination of his own wicked heart, to servestrange gods, and to do evil in the sight of the Lord our God.

2:1 Therefore the Lord hath made good his word, which he pronounced against us,and against our judges that judged Israel, and against our kings, and againstour princes, and against the men of Israel and Juda,

2:2 To bring upon us great plagues, such as never happened under the wholeheaven, as it came to pass in Jerusalem, according to the things that werewritten in the law of Moses;

2:3 That a man should eat the flesh of his own son, and the flesh of his owndaughter.

2:4 Moreover he hath delivered them to be in subjection to all the kingdomsthat are round about us, to be as a reproach and desolation among all thepeople round about, where the Lord hath scattered them.

2:5 Thus we were cast down, and not exalted, because we have sinned against theLord our God, and have not been obedient unto his voice.

2:6 To the Lord our God appertaineth righteousness: but unto us and to ourfathers open shame, as appeareth this day.

2:7 For all these plagues are come upon us, which the Lord hath pronouncedagainst us

2:8 Yet have we not prayed before the Lord, that we might turn every one fromthe imaginations of his wicked heart.

2:9 Wherefore the Lord watched over us for evil, and the Lord hath brought itupon us: for the Lord is righteous in all his works which he hath commanded us.

2:10 Yet we have not hearkened unto his voice, to walk in the commandments ofthe Lord, that he hath set before us.

2:11 And now, O Lord God of Israel, that hast brought thy people out of theland of Egypt with a mighty hand, and high arm, and with signs, and withwonders, and with great power, and hast gotten thyself a name, as appeareththis day:

2:12 O Lord our God, we have sinned, we have done ungodly, we have dealtunrighteously in all thine ordinances.

2:13 Let thy wrath turn from us: for we are but a few left among the heathen,where thou hast scattered us.

2:14 Hear our prayers, O Lord, and our petitions, and deliver us for thine ownsake, and give us favour in the sight of them which have led us away:

2:15 That all the earth may know that thou art the Lord our God, because Israeland his posterity is called by thy name.

2:16 O Lord, look down from thine holy house, and consider us: bow down thineear, O Lord, to hear us.

2:17 Open thine eyes, and behold; for the dead that are in the graves, whosesouls are taken from their bodies, will give unto the Lord neither praise norrighteousness:

2:18 But the soul that is greatly vexed, which goeth stooping and feeble, andthe eyes that fail, and the hungry soul, will give thee praise andrighteousness, O Lord.

2:19 Therefore we do not make our humble supplication before thee, O Lord ourGod, for the righteousness of our fathers, and of our kings.

2:20 For thou hast sent out thy wrath and indignation upon us, as thou hastspoken by thy servants the prophets, saying,

2:21 Thus saith the Lord, Bow down your shoulders to serve the king of Babylon:so shall ye remain in the land that I gave unto your fathers.

2:22 But if ye will not hear the voice of the Lord, to serve the king ofBabylon,

2:23 I will cause to cease out of the cites of Judah, and from withoutJerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of joy, the voice of thebridegroom, and the voice of the bride: and the whole land shall be desolate ofinhabitants.

2:24 But we would not hearken unto thy voice, to serve the king of Babylon:therefore hast thou made good the words that thou spakest by thy servants theprophets, namely, that the bones of our kings, and the bones of our fathers,should be taken out of their place.

2:25 And, lo, they are cast out to the heat of the day, and to the frost of thenight, and they died in great miseries by famine, by sword, and by pestilence.

2:26 And the house which is called by thy name hast thou laid waste, as it isto be seen this day, for the wickedness of the house of Israel and the house ofJuda.

2:27 O Lord our God, thou hast dealt with us after all thy goodness, andaccording to all that great mercy of thine,

2:28 As thou spakest by thy servant Moses in the day when thou didst commandhim to write the law before the children of Israel, saying,

2:29 If ye will not hear my voice, surely this very great multitude shall beturned into a small number among the nations, where I will scatter them.

2:30 For I knew that they would not hear me, because it is a stiffneckedpeople: but in the land of their captivities they shall remember themselves.

2:31 And shall know that I am the Lord their God: for I will give them anheart, and ears to hear:

2:32 And they shall praise me in the land of their captivity, and think upon myname,

2:33 And return from their stiff neck, and from their wicked deeds: for theyshall remember the way of their fathers, which sinned before the Lord.

2:34 And I will bring them again into the land which I promised with an oathunto their fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and they shall be lords of it:and I will increase them, and they shall not be diminished.

2:35 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them to be their God, andthey shall be my people: and I will no more drive my people of Israel out ofthe land that I have given them.

3:1 O Lord Almighty, God of Israel, the soul in anguish the troubled spirit,crieth unto thee.

3:2 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy; as thou art merciful: and have pity upon us,because we have sinned before thee.

3:3 For thou endurest for ever, and we perish utterly.

3:4 O Lord Almighty, thou God of Israel, hear now the prayers of the deadIsraelites, and of their children, which have sinned before thee, and nothearkened unto the voice of thee their God: for the which cause these plaguescleave unto us.

3:5 Remember not the iniquities of our forefathers: but think upon thy powerand thy name now at this time.

3:6 For thou art the Lord our God, and thee, O Lord, will we praise.

3:7 And for this cause thou hast put thy fear in our hearts, to the intent thatwe should call upon thy name, and praise thee in our captivity: for we havecalled to mind all the iniquity of our forefathers, that sinned before thee.

3:8 Behold, we are yet this day in our captivity, where thou hast scattered us,for a reproach and a curse, and to be subject to payments, according to all theiniquities of our fathers, which departed from the Lord our God.

3:9 Hear, Israel, the commandments of life: give ear to understand wisdom.

3:10 How happeneth it Israel, that thou art in thine enemies’ land, thatthou art waxen old in a strange country, that thou art defiled with the dead,

3:11 That thou art counted with them that go down into the grave?

3:12 Thou hast forsaken the fountain of wisdom.

3:13 For if thou hadst walked in the way of God, thou shouldest have dwelled inpeace for ever.

3:14 Learn where is wisdom, where is strength, where is understanding; thatthou mayest know also where is length of days, and life, where is the light ofthe eyes, and peace.

3:15 Who hath found out her place? or who hath come into her treasures?

3:16 Where are the princes of the heathen become, and such as ruled the beastsupon the earth;

3:17 They that had their pastime with the fowls of the air, and they thathoarded up silver and gold, wherein men trust, and made no end of theirgetting?

3:18 For they that wrought in silver, and were so careful, and whose works areunsearchable,

3:19 They are vanished and gone down to the grave, and others are come up intheir steads.

3:20 Young men have seen light, and dwelt upon the earth: but the way ofknowledge have they not known,

3:21 Nor understood the paths thereof, nor laid hold of it: their children werefar off from that way.

3:22 It hath not been heard of in Chanaan, neither hath it been seen in Theman.

3:23 The Agarenes that seek wisdom upon earth, the merchants of Meran and ofTheman, the authors of fables, and searchers out of understanding; none ofthese have known the way of wisdom, or remember her paths.

3:24 O Israel, how great is the house of God! and how large is the place of hispossession!

3:25 Great, and hath none end; high, and unmeasurable.

3:26 There were the giants famous from the beginning, that were of so greatstature, and so expert in war.

3:27 Those did not the Lord choose, neither gave he the way of knowledge untothem:

3:28 But they were destroyed, because they had no wisdom, and perished throughtheir own foolishness.

3:29 Who hath gone up into heaven, and taken her, and brought her down from theclouds?

3:30 Who hath gone over the sea, and found her, and will bring her for puregold?

3:31 No man knoweth her way, nor thinketh of her path.

3:32 But he that knoweth all things knoweth her, and hath found her out withhis understanding: he that prepared the earth for evermore hath filled it withfourfooted beasts:

3:33 He that sendeth forth light, and it goeth, calleth it again, and itobeyeth him with fear.

3:34 The stars shined in their watches, and rejoiced: when he calleth them,they say, Here we be; and so with cheerfulness they shewed light unto him thatmade them.

3:35 This is our God, and there shall none other be accounted of in comparisonof him

3:36 He hath found out all the way of knowledge, and hath given it unto Jacobhis servant, and to Israel his beloved.

3:37 Afterward did he shew himself upon earth, and conversed with men.

4:1 This is the book of the commandments of God, and the law that endureth forever: all they that keep it shall come to life; but such as leave it shall die.

4:2 Turn thee, O Jacob, and take hold of it: walk in the presence of the lightthereof, that thou mayest be illuminated.

4:3 Give not thine honour to another, nor the things that are profitable untothee to a strange nation.

4:4 O Israel, happy are we: for things that are pleasing to God are made knownunto us.

4:5 Be of good cheer, my people, the memorial of Israel.

4:6 Ye were sold to the nations, not for [your] destruction: but because yemoved God to wrath, ye were delivered unto the enemies.

4:7 For ye provoked him that made you by sacrificing unto devils, and not toGod.

4:8 Ye have forgotten the everlasting God, that brought you up; and ye havegrieved Jerusalem, that nursed you.

4:9 For when she saw the wrath of God coming upon you, she said, Hearken, O yethat dwell about Sion: God hath brought upon me great mourning;

4:10 For I saw the captivity of my sons and daughters, which the Everlastingbrought upon them.

4:11 With joy did I nourish them; but sent them away with weeping and mourning.

4:12 Let no man rejoice over me, a widow, and forsaken of many, who for thesins of my children am left desolate; because they departed from the law ofGod.

4:13 They knew not his statutes, nor walked in the ways of his commandments,nor trod in the paths of discipline in his righteousness.

4:14 Let them that dwell about Sion come, and remember ye the captivity of mysons and daughters, which the Everlasting hath brought upon them.

4:15 For he hath brought a nation upon them from far, a shameless nation, andof a strange language, who neither reverenced old man, nor pitied child.

4:16 These have carried away the dear beloved children of the widow, and lefther that was alone desolate without daughters.

4:17 But what can I help you?

4:18 For he that brought these plagues upon you will deliver you from the handsof your enemies.

4:19 Go your way, O my children, go your way: for I am left desolate.

4:20 I have put off the clothing of peace, and put upon me the sackcloth of myprayer: I will cry unto the Everlasting in my days.

4:21 Be of good cheer, O my children, cry unto the Lord, and he will deliveryou from the power and hand of the enemies.

4:22 For my hope is in the Everlasting, that he will save you; and joy is comeunto me from the Holy One, because of the mercy which shall soon come unto youfrom the Everlasting our Saviour.

4:23 For I sent you out with mourning and weeping: but God will give you to meagain with joy and gladness for ever.

4:24 Like as now the neighbours of Sion have seen your captivity: so shall theysee shortly your salvation from our God which shall come upon you with greatglory, and brightness of the Everlasting.

4:25 My children, suffer patiently the wrath that is come upon you from God:for thine enemy hath persecuted thee; but shortly thou shalt see hisdestruction, and shalt tread upon his neck.

4:26 My delicate ones have gone rough ways, and were taken away as a flockcaught of the enemies.

4:27 Be of good comfort, O my children, and cry unto God: for ye shall beremembered of him that brought these things upon you.

4:28 For as it was your mind to go astray from God: so, being returned, seekhim ten times more.

4:29 For he that hath brought these plagues upon you shall bring youeverlasting joy with your salvation.

4:30 Take a good heart, O Jerusalem: for he that gave thee that name willcomfort thee.

4:31 Miserable are they that afflicted thee, and rejoiced at thy fall.

4:32 Miserable are the cities which thy children served: miserable is she thatreceived thy sons.

4:33 For as she rejoiced at thy ruin, and was glad of thy fall: so shall she begrieved for her own desolation.

4:34 For I will take away the rejoicing of her great multitude, and her prideshall be turned into mourning.

4:35 For fire shall come upon her from the Everlasting, long to endure; and sheshall be inhabited of devils for a great time.

4:36 O Jerusalem, look about thee toward the east, and behold the joy thatcometh unto thee from God.

4:37 Lo, thy sons come, whom thou sentest away, they come gathered togetherfrom the east to the west by the word of the Holy One, rejoicing in the gloryof God.

5:1 Put off, O Jerusalem, the garment of mourning and affliction, and put onthe comeliness of the glory that cometh from God for ever.

5:2 Cast about thee a double garment of the righteousness which cometh fromGod; and set a diadem on thine head of the glory of the Everlasting.

5:3 For God will shew thy brightness unto every country under heaven.

5:4 For thy name shall be called of God for ever The peace of righteousness,and The glory of God’s worship.

5:5 Arise, O Jerusalem, and stand on high, and look about toward the east, andbehold thy children gathered from the west unto the east by the word of theHoly One, rejoicing in the remembrance of God.

5:6 For they departed from thee on foot, and were led away of their enemies:but God bringeth them unto thee exalted with glory, as children of the kingdom.

5:7 For God hath appointed that every high hill, and banks of long continuance,should be cast down, and valleys filled up, to make even the ground, thatIsrael may go safely in the glory of God,

5:8 Moreover even the woods and every sweetsmelling tree shall overshadowIsrael by the commandment of God.

5:9 For God shall lead Israel with joy in the light of his glory with the mercyand righteousness that cometh from him.

The Epistle [or Letter] of Jeremiah [Jeremy]
[The Epistle of Jeremy [sometimes Chapter Six of Baruch]]

6:1 A copy of an epistle, which Jeremy sent unto them which were to be ledcaptives into Babylon by the king of the Babylonians, to certify them, as itwas commanded him of God.

6:2 Because of the sins which ye have committed before God, ye shall be ledaway captives into Babylon by Nabuchodonosor king of the Babylonians.

6:3 So when ye be come unto Babylon, ye shall remain there many years, and fora long season, namely, seven generations: and after that I will bring you awaypeaceably from thence.

6:4 Now shall ye see in Babylon gods of silver, and of gold, and of wood, borneupon shoulders, which cause the nations to fear.

6:5 Beware therefore that ye in no wise be like to strangers, neither be yeafraid of them, when ye see the multitude before them and behind them,worshipping them.

6:6 But say ye in your hearts, O Lord, we must worship thee.

6:7 For mine angel is with you, and I myself caring for your souls.

6:8 As for their tongue, it is polished by the workman, and they themselves aregilded and laid over with silver; yet are they but false, and cannot speak.

6:9 And taking gold, as it were for a virgin that loveth to go gay, they makecrowns for the heads of their gods.

6:10 Sometimes also the priests convey from their gods gold and silver, andbestow it upon themselves.

6:11 Yea, they will give thereof to the common harlots, and deck them as menwith garments, [being] gods of silver, and gods of gold, and wood.

6:12 Yet cannot these gods save themselves from rust and moth, though they becovered with purple raiment.

6:13 They wipe their faces because of the dust of the temple, when there ismuch upon them.

6:14 And he that cannot put to death one that offendeth him holdeth a sceptre,as though he were a judge of the country.

6:15 He hath also in his right hand a dagger and an ax: but cannot deliverhimself from war and thieves.

6:16 Whereby they are known not to be gods: therefore fear them not.

6:17 For like as a vessel that a man useth is nothing worth when it is broken;even so it is with their gods: when they be set up in the temple, their eyes befull of dust through the feet of them that come in.

6:18 And as the doors are made sure on every side upon him that offendeth theking, as being committed to suffer death: even so the priests make fast theirtemples with doors, with locks, and bars, lest their gods be spoiled withrobbers.

6:19 They light them candles, yea, more than for themselves, whereof theycannot see one.

6:20 They are as one of the beams of the temple, yet they say their hearts aregnawed upon by things creeping out of the earth; and when they eat them andtheir clothes, they feel it not.

6:21 Their faces are blacked through the smoke that cometh out of the temple.

6:22 Upon their bodies and heads sit bats, swallows, and birds, and the catsalso.

6:23 By this ye may know that they are no gods: therefore fear them not.

6:24 Notwithstanding the gold that is about them to make them beautiful, exceptthey wipe off the rust, they will not shine: for neither when they were moltendid they feel it.

6:25 The things wherein there is no breath are bought for a most high price.

6:26 They are borne upon shoulders, having no feet whereby they declare untomen that they be nothing worth.

6:27 They also that serve them are ashamed: for if they fall to the ground atany time, they cannot rise up again of themselves: neither, if one set themupright, can they move of themselves: neither, if they be bowed down, can theymake themselves straight: but they set gifts before them as unto dead men.

6:28 As for the things that are sacrificed unto them, their priests sell andabuse; in like manner their wives lay up part thereof in salt; but unto thepoor and impotent they give nothing of it.

6:29 Menstruous women and women in childbed eat their sacrifices: by thesethings ye may know that they are no gods: fear them not.

6:30 For how can they be called gods? because women set meat before the gods ofsilver, gold, and wood.

6:31 And the priests sit in their temples, having their clothes rent, and theirheads and beards shaven, and nothing upon their heads.

6:32 They roar and cry before their gods, as men do at the feast when one isdead.

6:33 The priests also take off their garments, and clothe their wives andchildren.

6:34 Whether it be evil that one doeth unto them, or good, they are not able torecompense it: they can neither set up a king, nor put him down.

6:35 In like manner, they can neither give riches nor money: though a man makea vow unto them, and keep it not, they will not require it.

6:36 They can save no man from death, neither deliver the weak from the mighty.

6:37 They cannot restore a blind man to his sight, nor help any man in hisdistress.

6:38 They can shew no mercy to the widow, nor do good to the fatherless.

6:39 Their gods of wood, and which are overlaid with gold and silver, are likethe stones that be hewn out of the mountain: they that worship them shall beconfounded.

6:40 How should a man then think and say that they are gods, when even theChaldeans themselves dishonour them?

6:41 Who if they shall see one dumb that cannot speak, they bring him, andintreat Bel that he may speak, as though he were able to understand.

6:42 Yet they cannot understand this themselves, and leave them: for they haveno knowledge.

6:43 The women also with cords about them, sitting in the ways, burn bran forperfume: but if any of them, drawn by some that passeth by, lie with him, shereproacheth her fellow, that she was not thought as worthy as herself, nor hercord broken.

6:44 Whatsoever is done among them is false: how may it then be thought or saidthat they are gods?

6:45 They are made of carpenters and goldsmiths: they can be nothing else thanthe workmen will have them to be.

6:46 And they themselves that made them can never continue long; how shouldthen the things that are made of them be gods?

6:47 For they left lies and reproaches to them that come after.

6:48 For when there cometh any war or plague upon them, the priests consultwith themselves, where they may be hidden with them.

6:49 How then cannot men perceive that they be no gods, which can neither savethemselves from war, nor from plague?

6:50 For seeing they be but of wood, and overlaid with silver and gold, itshall be known hereafter that they are false:

6:51 And it shall manifestly appear to all nations and kings that they are nogods, but the works of men’s hands, and that there is no work of God inthem.

6:52 Who then may not know that they are no gods?

6:53 For neither can they set up a king in the land, nor give rain unto men.

6:54 Neither can they judge their own cause, nor redress a wrong, being unable:for they are as crows between heaven and earth.

6:55 Whereupon when fire falleth upon the house of gods of wood, or laid overwith gold or silver, their priests will flee away, and escape; but theythemselves shall be burned asunder like beams.

6:56 Moreover they cannot withstand any king or enemies: how can it then bethought or said that they be gods?

6:57 Neither are those gods of wood, and laid over with silver or gold, able toescape either from thieves or robbers.

6:58 Whose gold, and silver, and garments wherewith they are clothed, they thatare strong do take, and go away withal: neither are they able to helpthemselves.

6:59 Therefore it is better to be a king that sheweth his power, or else aprofitable vessel in an house, which the owner shall have use of, than suchfalse gods; or to be a door in an house, to keep such things therein, than suchfalse gods, or a pillar of wood in a palace, than such false gods.

6:60 For sun, moon, and stars, being bright and sent to do their offices, areobedient.

6:61 In like manner the lightning when it breaketh forth is easy to be seen;and after the same manner the wind bloweth in every country.

6:62 And when God commandeth the clouds to go over the whole world, they do asthey are bidden.

6:63 And the fire sent from above to consume hills and woods doeth as it iscommanded: but these are like unto them neither in shew nor power.

6:64 Wherefore it is neither to be supposed nor said that they are gods,seeing, they are able neither to judge causes, nor to do good unto men.

6:65 Knowing therefore that they are no gods, fear them not,

6:66 For they can neither curse nor bless kings:

6:67 Neither can they shew signs in the heavens among the heathen, nor shine asthe sun, nor give light as the moon.

6:68 The beasts are better than they: for they can get under a cover and helpthemselves.

6:69 It is then by no means manifest unto us that they are gods: therefore fearthem not.

6:70 For as a scarecrow in a garden of cucumbers keepeth nothing: so are theirgods of wood, and laid over with silver and gold.

6:71 And likewise their gods of wood, and laid over with silver and gold, arelike to a white thorn in an orchard, that every bird sitteth upon; as also to adead body, that is cast into the dark.

6:72 And ye shall know them to be no gods by the bright purple that rottethupon them: and they themselves afterward shall be eaten, and shall be areproach in the country.

6:73 Better therefore is the just man that hath none idols: for he shall be farfrom reproach.

The Song of the Three Holy Children

Which followeth in the third Chapter of DANIEL after this place,—felldown bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.—Verse 23.That which followeth is not in the Hebrew, to wit, And theywalked—unto these words. Then Nebuchadnezzar—verse 24.

1 And they walked in the midst of the fire, praising God, and blessing theLord.

2 Then Azarias stood up, and prayed on this manner; and opening his mouth inthe midst of the fire said,

3 Blessed art thou, O Lord God of our fathers: thy name is worthy to be praisedand glorified for evermore:

4 For thou art righteous in all the things that thou hast done to us: yea, trueare all thy works, thy ways are right, and all thy judgments truth.

5 In all the things that thou hast brought upon us, and upon the holy city ofour fathers, even Jerusalem, thou hast executed true judgment: for according totruth and judgment didst thou bring all these things upon us because of oursins.

6 For we have sinned and committed iniquity, departing from thee.

7 In all things have we trespassed, and not obeyed thy commandments, nor keptthem, neither done as thou hast commanded us, that it might go well with us.

8 Wherefore all that thou hast brought upon us, and every thing that thou hastdone to us, thou hast done in true judgment.

9 And thou didst deliver us into the hands of lawless enemies, most hatefulforsakers of God, and to an unjust king, and the most wicked in all the world.

10 And now we cannot open our mouths, we are become a shame and reproach to thyservants, and to them that worship thee.

11 Yet deliver us not up wholly, for thy name’s sake, neither disannulthou thy covenant:

12 And cause not thy mercy to depart from us, for thy beloved Abraham’ssake, for thy servant Isaac’s sake, and for thy holy Israel’s sake;

13 To whom thou hast spoken and promised, that thou wouldest multiply theirseed as the stars of heaven, and as the sand that lieth upon the seashore.

14 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and be kept under this dayin all the world because of our sins.

15 Neither is there at this time prince, or prophet, or leader, or burntoffering, or sacrifice, or oblation, or incense, or place to sacrifice beforethee, and to find mercy.

16 Nevertheless in a contrite heart and an humble spirit let us be accepted.

17 Like as in the burnt offerings of rams and bullocks, and like as in tenthousands of fat lambs: so let our sacrifice be in thy sight this day, andgrant that we may wholly go after thee: for they shall not be confounded thatput their trust in thee.

18 And now we follow thee with all our heart, we fear thee, and seek thy face.

19 Put us not to shame: but deal with us after thy lovingkindness, andaccording to the multitude of thy mercies.

20 Deliver us also according to thy marvellous works, and give glory to thyname, O Lord: and let all them that do thy servants hurt be ashamed;

21 And let them be confounded in all their power and might, and let theirstrength be broken;

22 And let them know that thou art Lord, the only God, and glorious over thewhole world.

23 And the king’s servants, that put them in, ceased not to make the ovenhot with rosin, pitch, tow, and small wood;

24 So that the flame streamed forth above the furnace forty and nine cubits.

25 And it passed through, and burned those Chaldeans it found about thefurnace.

26 But the angel of the Lord came down into the oven together with Azarias andhis fellows, and smote the flame of the fire out of the oven;

27 And made the midst of the furnace as it had been a moist whistling wind, sothat the fire touched them not at all, neither hurt nor troubled them.

28 Then the three, as out of one mouth, praised, glorified, and blessed, God inthe furnace, saying,

29 Blessed art thou, O Lord God of our fathers: and to be praised and exaltedabove all for ever.

30 And blessed is thy glorious and holy name: and to be praised and exaltedabove all for ever.

31 Blessed art thou in the temple of thine holy glory: and to be praised andglorified above all for ever.

32 Blessed art thou that beholdest the depths, and sittest upon the cherubims:and to be praised and exalted above all for ever.

33 Blessed art thou on the glorious throne of thy kingdom: and to be praisedand glorified above all for ever.

34 Blessed art thou in the firmament of heaven: and above all to be praised andglorified for ever.

35 O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him aboveall for ever.

36 O ye heavens, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.

37 O ye angels of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above allfor ever.

38 O all ye waters that be above the heaven, bless ye the Lord: praise andexalt him above all for ever.

39 O all ye powers of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him aboveall for ever.

40 O ye sun and moon, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all forever.

41 O ye stars of heaven, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all forever.

42 O every shower and dew, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above allfor ever.

43 O all ye winds, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.

44 O ye fire and heat, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all forever.

45 O ye winter and summer, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above allfor ever.

46 O ye dews and storms of snow, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him aboveall for ever.

47 O ye nights and days, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all forever.

48 O ye light and darkness, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above allfor ever.

49 O ye ice and cold, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all forever.

50 O ye frost and snow, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all forever.

51 O ye lightnings and clouds, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him aboveall for ever.

52 O let the earth bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.

53 O ye mountains and little hills, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt himabove all for ever.

54 O all ye things that grow on the earth, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalthim above all for ever.

55 O ye fountains, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.

56 O ye seas and rivers, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all forever.

57 O ye whales, and all that move in the waters, bless ye the Lord: praise andexalt him above all for ever.

58 O all ye fowls of the air, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above allfor ever.

59 O all ye beasts and cattle, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him aboveall for ever.

60 O ye children of men, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all forever.

61 O Israel, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.

62 O ye priests of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above allfor ever.

63 O ye servants of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above allfor ever.

64 O ye spirits and souls of the righteous, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalthim above all for ever.

65 O ye holy and humble men of heart, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt himabove all for ever.

66 O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt himabove all for ever: for he hath delivered us from hell, and saved us from thehand of death, and delivered us out of the midst of the furnace and burningflame: even out of the midst of the fire hath he delivered us.

67 O give thanks unto the Lord, because he is gracious: for his mercy endurethfor ever.

68 O all ye that worship the Lord bless the God of gods, praise him, and givehim thanks: for his mercy endureth for ever.

The Book of Susanna [in Daniel]
[The History of Susanna [in Daniel]]

Set apart from the beginning of Daniel, because it is not in the Hebrew, asneither the Narration of Bel and the Dragon.

1:1 There dwelt a man in Babylon, called Joacim:

1:2 And he took a wife, whose name was Susanna, the daughter of Chelcias, avery fair woman, and one that feared the Lord.

1:3 Her parents also were righteous, and taught their daughter according to thelaw of Moses.

1:4 Now Joacim was a great rich man, and had a fair garden joining unto hishouse: and to him resorted the Jews; because he was more honourable than allothers.

1:5 The same year were appointed two of the ancients of the people to bejudges, such as the Lord spake of, that wickedness came from Babylon fromancient judges, who seemed to govern the people.

1:6 These kept much at Joacim’s house: and all that had any suits in lawcame unto them.

1:7 Now when the people departed away at noon, Susanna went into herhusband’s garden to walk.

1:8 And the two elders saw her going in every day, and walking; so that theirlust was inflamed toward her.

1:9 And they perverted their own mind, and turned away their eyes, that theymight not look unto heaven, nor remember just judgments.

1:10 And albeit they both were wounded with her love, yet durst not one shewanother his grief.

1:11 For they were ashamed to declare their lust, that they desired to have todo with her.

1:12 Yet they watched diligently from day to day to see her.

1:13 And the one said to the other, Let us now go home: for it is dinner time.

1:14 So when they were gone out, they parted the one from the other, andturning back again they came to the same place; and after that they had askedone another the cause, they acknowledged their lust: then appointed they a timeboth together, when they might find her alone.

1:15 And it fell out, as they watched a fit time, she went in as before withtwo maids only, and she was desirous to wash herself in the garden: for it washot.

1:16 And there was no body there save the two elders, that had hid themselves,and watched her.

1:17 Then she said to her maids, Bring me oil and washing balls, and shut thegarden doors, that I may wash me.

1:18 And they did as she bade them, and shut the garden doors, and went outthemselves at privy doors to fetch the things that she had commanded them: butthey saw not the elders, because they were hid.

1:19 Now when the maids were gone forth, the two elders rose up, and ran untoher, saying,

1:20 Behold, the garden doors are shut, that no man can see us, and we are inlove with thee; therefore consent unto us, and lie with us.

1:21 If thou wilt not, we will bear witness against thee, that a young man waswith thee: and therefore thou didst send away thy maids from thee.

1:22 Then Susanna sighed, and said, I am straitened on every side: for if I dothis thing, it is death unto me: and if I do it not I cannot escape your hands.

1:23 It is better for me to fall into your hands, and not do it, than to sin inthe sight of the Lord.

1:24 With that Susanna cried with a loud voice: and the two elders cried outagainst her.

1:25 Then ran the one, and opened the garden door.

1:26 So when the servants of the house heard the cry in the garden, they rushedin at the privy door, to see what was done unto her.

1:27 But when the elders had declared their matter, the servants were greatlyashamed: for there was never such a report made of Susanna.

1:28 And it came to pass the next day, when the people were assembled to herhusband Joacim, the two elders came also full of mischievous imaginationagainst Susanna to put her to death;

1:29 And said before the people, Send for Susanna, the daughter of Chelcias,Joacim’s wife. And so they sent.

1:30 So she came with her father and mother, her children, and all her kindred.

1:31 Now Susanna was a very delicate woman, and beauteous to behold.

1:32 And these wicked men commanded to uncover her face, (for she was covered)that they might be filled with her beauty.

1:33 Therefore her friends and all that saw her wept.

1:34 Then the two elders stood up in the midst of the people, and laid theirhands upon her head.

1:35 And she weeping looked up toward heaven: for her heart trusted in theLord.

1:36 And the elders said, As we walked in the garden alone, this woman came inwith two maids, and shut the garden doors, and sent the maids away.

1:37 Then a young man, who there was hid, came unto her, and lay with her.

1:38 Then we that stood in a corner of the garden, seeing this wickedness, ranunto them.

1:39 And when we saw them together, the man we could not hold: for he wasstronger than we, and opened the door, and leaped out.

1:40 But having taken this woman, we asked who the young man was, but she wouldnot tell us: these things do we testify.

1:41 Then the assembly believed them as those that were the elders and judgesof the people: so they condemned her to death.

1:42 Then Susanna cried out with a loud voice, and said, O everlasting God,that knowest the secrets, and knowest all things before they be:

1:43 Thou knowest that they have borne false witness against me, and, behold, Imust die; whereas I never did such things as these men have maliciouslyinvented against me.

1:44 And the Lord heard her voice.

1:45 Therefore when she was led to be put to death, the Lord raised up the holyspirit of a young youth whose name was Daniel:

1:46 Who cried with a loud voice, I am clear from the blood of this woman.

1:47 Then all the people turned them toward him, and said, What mean thesewords that thou hast spoken?

1:48 So he standing in the midst of them said, Are ye such fools, ye sons ofIsrael, that without examination or knowledge of the truth ye have condemned adaughter of Israel?

1:49 Return again to the place of judgment: for they have borne false witnessagainst her.

1:50 Wherefore all the people turned again in haste, and the elders said untohim, Come, sit down among us, and shew it us, seeing God hath given thee thehonour of an elder.

1:51 Then said Daniel unto them, Put these two aside one far from another, andI will examine them.

1:52 So when they were put asunder one from another, he called one of them, andsaid unto him, O thou that art waxen old in wickedness, now thy sins which thouhast committed aforetime are come to light.

1:53 For thou hast pronounced false judgment and hast condemned the innocentand hast let the guilty go free; albeit the Lord saith, The innocent andrighteous shalt thou not slay.

1:54 Now then, if thou hast seen her, tell me, Under what tree sawest thou themcompanying together? Who answered, Under a mastick tree.

1:55 And Daniel said, Very well; thou hast lied against thine own head; foreven now the angel of God hath received the sentence of God to cut thee in two.

1:56 So he put him aside, and commanded to bring the other, and said unto him,O thou seed of Chanaan, and not of Juda, beauty hath deceived thee, and lusthath perverted thine heart.

1:57 Thus have ye dealt with the daughters of Israel, and they for fearcompanied with you: but the daughter of Juda would not abide your wickedness.

1:58 Now therefore tell me, Under what tree didst thou take them companyingtogether? Who answered, Under an holm tree.

1:59 Then said Daniel unto him, Well; thou hast also lied against thine ownhead: for the angel of God waiteth with the sword to cut thee in two, that hemay destroy you.

1:60 With that all the assembly cried out with a loud voice, and praised God,who saveth them that trust in him.

1:61 And they arose against the two elders, for Daniel had convicted them offalse witness by their own mouth:

1:62 And according to the law of Moses they did unto them in such sort as theymaliciously intended to do to their neighbour: and they put them to death. Thusthe innocent blood was saved the same day.

1:63 Therefore Chelcias and his wife praised God for their daughter Susanna,with Joacim her husband, and all the kindred, because there was no dishonestyfound in her.

1:64 From that day forth was Daniel had in great reputation in the sight of thepeople.

The History of the Destruction of
Bel and the Dragon

Cut off from the end of Daniel.

1:1 And king Astyages was gathered to his fathers, and Cyrus of Persia receivedhis kingdom.

1:2 And Daniel conversed with the king, and was honoured above all his friends.

1:3 Now the Babylons had an idol, called Bel, and there were spent upon himevery day twelve great measures of fine flour, and forty sheep, and six vesselsof wine.

1:4 And the king worshipped it and went daily to adore it: but Danielworshipped his own God. And the king said unto him, Why dost not thou worshipBel?

1:5 Who answered and said, Because I may not worship idols made with hands, butthe living God, who hath created the heaven and the earth, and hath sovereigntyover all flesh.

1:6 Then said the king unto him, Thinkest thou not that Bel is a living God?seest thou not how much he eateth and drinketh every day?

1:7 Then Daniel smiled, and said, O king, be not deceived: for this is but claywithin, and brass without, and did never eat or drink any thing.

1:8 So the king was wroth, and called for his priests, and said unto them, Ifye tell me not who this is that devoureth these expences, ye shall die.

1:9 But if ye can certify me that Bel devoureth them, then Daniel shall die:for he hath spoken blasphemy against Bel. And Daniel said unto the king, Let itbe according to thy word.

1:10 Now the priests of Bel were threescore and ten, beside their wives andchildren. And the king went with Daniel into the temple of Bel.

1:11 So Bel’s priests said, Lo, we go out: but thou, O king, set on themeat, and make ready the wine, and shut the door fast and seal it with thineown signet;

1:12 And to morrow when thou comest in, if thou findest not that Bel hath eatenup all, we will suffer death: or else Daniel, that speaketh falsely against us.

1:13 And they little regarded it: for under the table they had made a privyentrance, whereby they entered in continually, and consumed those things.

1:14 So when they were gone forth, the king set meats before Bel. Now Danielhad commanded his servants to bring ashes, and those they strewed throughoutall the temple in the presence of the king alone: then went they out, and shutthe door, and sealed it with the king’s signet, and so departed.

1:15 Now in the night came the priests with their wives and children, as theywere wont to do, and did eat and drinck up all.

1:16 In the morning betime the king arose, and Daniel with him.

1:17 And the king said, Daniel, are the seals whole? And he said, Yea, O king,they be whole.

1:18 And as soon as he had opened the dour, the king looked upon the table, andcried with a loud voice, Great art thou, O Bel, and with thee is no deceit atall.

1:19 Then laughed Daniel, and held the king that he should not go in, and said,Behold now the pavement, and mark well whose footsteps are these.

1:20 And the king said, I see the footsteps of men, women, and children. Andthen the king was angry,

1:21 And took the priests with their wives and children, who shewed him theprivy doors, where they came in, and consumed such things as were upon thetable.

1:22 Therefore the king slew them, and delivered Bel into Daniel’s power,who destroyed him and his temple.

1:23 And in that same place there was a great dragon, which they of Babylonworshipped.

1:24 And the king said unto Daniel, Wilt thou also say that this is of brass?lo, he liveth, he eateth and drinketh; thou canst not say that he is no livinggod: therefore worship him.

1:25 Then said Daniel unto the king, I will worship the Lord my God: for he isthe living God.

1:26 But give me leave, O king, and I shall slay this dragon without sword orstaff. The king said, I give thee leave.

1:27 Then Daniel took pitch, and fat, and hair, and did seethe them together,and made lumps thereof: this he put in the dragon’s mouth, and so thedragon burst in sunder: and Daniel said, Lo, these are the gods ye worship.

1:28 When they of Babylon heard that, they took great indignation, andconspired against the king, saying, The king is become a Jew, and he hathdestroyed Bel, he hath slain the dragon, and put the priests to death.

1:29 So they came to the king, and said, Deliver us Daniel, or else we willdestroy thee and thine house.

1:30 Now when the king saw that they pressed him sore, being constrained, hedelivered Daniel unto them:

1:31 Who cast him into the lions’ den: where he was six days.

1:32 And in the den there were seven lions, and they had given them every daytwo carcases, and two sheep: which then were not given to them, to the intentthey might devour Daniel.

1:33 Now there was in Jewry a prophet, called Habbacuc, who had made pottage,and had broken bread in a bowl, and was going into the field, for to bring itto the reapers.

1:34 But the angel of the Lord said unto Habbacuc, Go, carry the dinner thatthou hast into Babylon unto Daniel, who is in the lions’ den.

1:35 And Habbacuc said, Lord, I never saw Babylon; neither do I know where theden is.

1:36 Then the angel of the Lord took him by the crown, and bare him by the hairof his head, and through the vehemency of his spirit set him in Babylon overthe den.

1:37 And Habbacuc cried, saying, O Daniel, Daniel, take the dinner which Godhath sent thee.

1:38 And Daniel said, Thou hast remembered me, O God: neither hast thouforsaken them that seek thee and love thee.

1:39 So Daniel arose, and did eat: and the angel of the Lord set Habbacuc inhis own place again immediately.

1:40 Upon the seventh day the king went to bewail Daniel: and when he came tothe den, he looked in, and behold, Daniel was sitting.

1:41 Then cried the king with a loud voice, saying, Great art Lord God ofDaniel, and there is none other beside thee.

1:42 And he drew him out, and cast those that were the cause of his destructioninto the den: and they were devoured in a moment before his face.

The Prayer of Manasses
King of Judah

O Lord, Almighty God of our fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and of theirrighteous seed; who hast made heaven and earth, with all the ornament thereof;who hast bound the sea by the word of thy commandment; who hast shut up thedeep, and sealed it by thy terrible and glorious name; whom all men fear, andtremble before thy power; for the majesty of thy glory cannot be borne, andthine angry threatening toward sinners is importable: but thy merciful promiseis unmeasurable and unsearchable; for thou art the most high Lord, of greatcompassion, longsuffering, very merciful, and repentest of the evils of men.Thou, O Lord, according to thy great goodness hast promised repentance andforgiveness to them that have sinned against thee: and of thine infinitemercies hast appointed repentance unto sinners, that they may be saved. Thoutherefore, O Lord, that art the God of the just, hast not appointed repentanceto the just, as to Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, which have not sinned againstthee; but thou hast appointed repentance unto me that am a sinner: for I havesinned above the number of the sands of the sea. My transgressions, O Lord, aremultiplied: my transgressions are multiplied, and I am not worthy to behold andsee the height of heaven for the multitude of mine iniquities. I am bowed downwith many iron bands, that I cannot life up mine head, neither have anyrelease: for I have provoked thy wrath, and done evil before thee: I did notthy will, neither kept I thy commandments: I have set up abominations, and havemultiplied offences. Now therefore I bow the knee of mine heart, beseechingthee of grace. I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned, and I acknowledge mineiniquities: wherefore, I humbly beseech thee, forgive me, O Lord, forgive me,and destroy me not with mine iniquites. Be not angry with me for ever, byreserving evil for me; neither condemn me to the lower parts of the earth. Forthou art the God, even the God of them that repent; and in me thou wilt shewall thy goodness: for thou wilt save me, that am unworthy, according to thygreat mercy. Therefore I will praise thee for ever all the days of my life: forall the powers of the heavens do praise thee, and thine is the glory for everand ever. Amen.

The First Book of the Maccabees

1:1 And it happened, after that Alexander son of Philip, the Macedonian, whocame out of the land of Chettim, had smitten Darius king of the Persians andMedes, that he reigned in his stead, the first over Greece,

1:2 And made many wars, and won many strong holds, and slew the kings of theearth,

1:3 And went through to the ends of the earth, and took spoils of many nations,insomuch that the earth was quiet before him; whereupon he was exalted and hisheart was lifted up.

1:4 And he gathered a mighty strong host and ruled over countries, and nations,and kings, who became tributaries unto him.

1:5 And after these things he fell sick, and perceived that he should die.

1:6 Wherefore he called his servants, such as were honourable, and had beenbrought up with him from his youth, and parted his kingdom among them, while hewas yet alive.

1:7 So Alexander reigned twelve years, and then died.

1:8 And his servants bare rule every one in his place.

1:9 And after his death they all put crowns upon themselves; so did their sonsafter them many years: and evils were multiplied in the earth.

1:10 And there came out of them a wicked root Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, sonof Antiochus the king, who had been an hostage at Rome, and he reigned in thehundred and thirty and seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks.

1:11 In those days went there out of Israel wicked men, who persuaded many,saying, Let us go and make a covenant with the heathen that are round about us:for since we departed from them we have had much sorrow.

1:12 So this device pleased them well.

1:13 Then certain of the people were so forward herein, that they went to theking, who gave them licence to do after the ordinances of the heathen:

1:14 Whereupon they built a place of exercise at Jerusalem according to thecustoms of the heathen:

1:15 And made themselves uncircumcised, and forsook the holy covenant, andjoined themselves to the heathen, and were sold to do mischief.

1:16 Now when the kingdom was established before Antiochus, he thought to reignover Egypt that he might have the dominion of two realms.

1:17 Wherefore he entered into Egypt with a great multitude, with chariots, andelephants, and horsemen, and a great navy,

1:18 And made war against Ptolemee king of Egypt: but Ptolemee was afraid ofhim, and fled; and many were wounded to death.

1:19 Thus they got the strong cities in the land of Egypt and he took thespoils thereof.

1:20 And after that Antiochus had smitten Egypt, he returned again in thehundred forty and third year, and went up against Israel and Jerusalem with agreat multitude,

1:21 And entered proudly into the sanctuary, and took away the golden altar,and the candlestick of light, and all the vessels thereof,

1:22 And the table of the shewbread, and the pouring vessels, and the vials,and the censers of gold, and the veil, and the crown, and the golden ornamentsthat were before the temple, all which he pulled off.

1:23 He took also the silver and the gold, and the precious vessels: also hetook the hidden treasures which he found.

1:24 And when he had taken all away, he went into his own land, having made agreat massacre, and spoken very proudly.

1:25 Therefore there was a great mourning in Israel, in every place where theywere;

1:26 So that the princes and elders mourned, the virgins and young men weremade feeble, and the beauty of women was changed.

1:27 Every bridegroom took up lamentation, and she that sat in the marriagechamber was in heaviness,

1:28 The land also was moved for the inhabitants thereof, and all the house ofJacob was covered with confusion.

1:29 And after two years fully expired the king sent his chief collector oftribute unto the cities of Juda, who came unto Jerusalem with a greatmultitude,

1:30 And spake peaceable words unto them, but all was deceit: for when they hadgiven him credence, he fell suddenly upon the city, and smote it very sore, anddestroyed much people of Israel.

1:31 And when he had taken the spoils of the city, he set it on fire, andpulled down the houses and walls thereof on every side.

1:32 But the women and children took they captive, and possessed the cattle.

1:33 Then builded they the city of David with a great and strong wall, and withmighty towers, and made it a strong hold for them.

1:34 And they put therein a sinful nation, wicked men, and fortified themselvestherein.

1:35 They stored it also with armour and victuals, and when they had gatheredtogether the spoils of Jerusalem, they laid them up there, and so they became asore snare:

1:36 For it was a place to lie in wait against the sanctuary, and an eviladversary to Israel.

1:37 Thus they shed innocent blood on every side of the sanctuary, and defiledit:

1:38 Insomuch that the inhabitants of Jerusalem fled because of them: whereuponthe city was made an habitation of strangers, and became strange to those thatwere born in her; and her own children left her.

1:39 Her sanctuary was laid waste like a wilderness, her feasts were turnedinto mourning, her sabbaths into reproach her honour into contempt.

1:40 As had been her glory, so was her dishonour increased, and her excellencywas turned into mourning.

1:41 Moreover king Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom, that all should be onepeople,

1:42 And every one should leave his laws: so all the heathen agreed accordingto the commandment of the king.

1:43 Yea, many also of the Israelites consented to his religion, and sacrificedunto idols, and profaned the sabbath.

1:44 For the king had sent letters by messengers unto Jerusalem and the citiesof Juda that they should follow the strange laws of the land,

1:45 And forbid burnt offerings, and sacrifice, and drink offerings, in thetemple; and that they should profane the sabbaths and festival days:

1:46 And pollute the sanctuary and holy people:

1:47 Set up altars, and groves, and chapels of idols, and sacrificeswine’s flesh, and unclean beasts:

1:48 That they should also leave their children uncircumcised, and make theirsouls abominable with all manner of uncleanness and profanation:

1:49 To the end they might forget the law, and change all the ordinances.

1:50 And whosoever would not do according to the commandment of the king, hesaid, he should die.

1:51 In the selfsame manner wrote he to his whole kingdom, and appointedoverseers over all the people, commanding the cities of Juda to sacrifice, cityby city.

1:52 Then many of the people were gathered unto them, to wit every one thatforsook the law; and so they committed evils in the land;

1:53 And drove the Israelites into secret places, even wheresoever they couldflee for succour.

1:54 Now the fifteenth day of the month Casleu, in the hundred forty and fifthyear, they set up the abomination of desolation upon the altar, and buildedidol altars throughout the cities of Juda on every side;

1:55 And burnt incense at the doors of their houses, and in the streets.

1:56 And when they had rent in pieces the books of the law which they found,they burnt them with fire.

1:57 And whosoever was found with any the book of the testament, or if anyconsented to the law, the king’s commandment was, that they should puthim to death.

1:58 Thus did they by their authority unto the Israelites every month, to asmany as were found in the cities.

1:59 Now the five and twentieth day of the month they did sacrifice upon theidol altar, which was upon the altar of God.

1:60 At which time according to the commandment they put to death certainwomen, that had caused their children to be circumcised.

1:61 And they hanged the infants about their necks, and rifled their houses,and slew them that had circumcised them.

1:62 Howbeit many in Israel were fully resolved and confirmed in themselves notto eat any unclean thing.

1:63 Wherefore the rather to die, that they might not be defiled with meats,and that they might not profane the holy covenant: so then they died.

1:64 And there was very great wrath upon Israel.

2:1 In those days arose Mattathias the son of John, the son of Simeon, a priestof the sons of Joarib, from Jerusalem, and dwelt in Modin.

2:2 And he had five sons, Joannan, called Caddis:

2:3 Simon; called Thassi:

2:4 Judas, who was called Maccabeus:

2:5 Eleazar, called Avaran: and Jonathan, whose surname was Apphus.

2:6 And when he saw the blasphemies that were committed in Juda and Jerusalem,

2:7 He said, Woe is me! wherefore was I born to see this misery of my people,and of the holy city, and to dwell there, when it was delivered into the handof the enemy, and the sanctuary into the hand of strangers?

2:8 Her temple is become as a man without glory.

2:9 Her glorious vessels are carried away into captivity, her infants are slainin the streets, her young men with the sword of the enemy.

2:10 What nation hath not had a part in her kingdom and gotten of her spoils?

2:11 All her ornaments are taken away; of a free woman she is become abondslave.

2:12 And, behold, our sanctuary, even our beauty and our glory, is laid waste,and the Gentiles have profaned it.

2:13 To what end therefore shall we live any longer?

2:14 Then Mattathias and his sons rent their clothes, and put on sackcloth, andmourned very sore.

2:15 In the mean while the king’s officers, such as compelled the peopleto revolt, came into the city Modin, to make them sacrifice.

2:16 And when many of Israel came unto them, Mattathias also and his sons cametogether.

2:17 Then answered the king’s officers, and said to Mattathias on thiswise, Thou art a ruler, and an honourable and great man in this city, andstrengthened with sons and brethren:

2:18 Now therefore come thou first, and fulfil the king’s commandment,like as all the heathen have done, yea, and the men of Juda also, and such asremain at Jerusalem: so shalt thou and thy house be in the number of theking’s friends, and thou and thy children shall be honoured with silverand gold, and many rewards.

2:19 Then Mattathias answered and spake with a loud voice, Though all thenations that are under the king’s dominion obey him, and fall away everyone from the religion of their fathers, and give consent to his commandments:

2:20 Yet will I and my sons and my brethren walk in the covenant of ourfathers.

2:21 God forbid that we should forsake the law and the ordinances.

2:22 We will not hearken to the king’s words, to go from our religion,either on the right hand, or the left.

2:23 Now when he had left speaking these words, there came one of the Jews inthe sight of all to sacrifice on the altar which was at Modin, according to theking’s commandment.

2:24 Which thing when Mattathias saw, he was inflamed with zeal, and his reinstrembled, neither could he forbear to shew his anger according to judgment:wherefore he ran, and slew him upon the altar.

2:25 Also the king’s commissioner, who compelled men to sacrifice, hekilled at that time, and the altar he pulled down.

2:26 Thus dealt he zealously for the law of God like as Phinees did unto Zambrithe son of Salom.

2:27 And Mattathias cried throughout the city with a loud voice, saying,Whosoever is zealous of the law, and maintaineth the covenant, let him followme.

2:28 So he and his sons fled into the mountains, and left all that ever theyhad in the city.

2:29 Then many that sought after justice and judgment went down into thewilderness, to dwell there:

2:30 Both they, and their children, and their wives; and their cattle; becauseafflictions increased sore upon them.

2:31 Now when it was told the king’s servants, and the host that was atJerusalem, in the city of David, that certain men, who had broken theking’s commandment, were gone down into the secret places in thewilderness,

2:32 They pursued after them a great number, and having overtaken them, theycamped against them, and made war against them on the sabbath day.

2:33 And they said unto them, Let that which ye have done hitherto suffice;come forth, and do according to the commandment of the king, and ye shall live.

2:34 But they said, We will not come forth, neither will we do the king’scommandment, to profane the sabbath day.

2:35 So then they gave them the battle with all speed.

2:36 Howbeit they answered them not, neither cast they a stone at them, norstopped the places where they lay hid;

2:37 But said, Let us die all in our innocency: heaven and earth will testifyfor us, that ye put us to death wrongfully.

2:38 So they rose up against them in battle on the sabbath, and they slew them,with their wives and children and their cattle, to the number of a thousandpeople.

2:39 Now when Mattathias and his friends understood hereof, they mourned forthem right sore.

2:40 And one of them said to another, If we all do as our brethren have done,and fight not for our lives and laws against the heathen, they will now quicklyroot us out of the earth.

2:41 At that time therefore they decreed, saying, Whosoever shall come to makebattle with us on the sabbath day, we will fight against him; neither will wedie all, as our brethren that were murdered in the secret places.

2:42 Then came there unto him a company of Assideans who were mighty men ofIsrael, even all such as were voluntarily devoted unto the law.

2:43 Also all they that fled for persecution joined themselves unto them, andwere a stay unto them.

2:44 So they joined their forces, and smote sinful men in their anger, andwicked men in their wrath: but the rest fled to the heathen for succour.

2:45 Then Mattathias and his friends went round about, and pulled down thealtars:

2:46 And what children soever they found within the coast of Israeluncircumcised, those they circumcised valiantly.

2:47 They pursued also after the proud men, and the work prospered in theirhand.

2:48 So they recovered the law out of the hand of the Gentiles, and out of thehand of kings, neither suffered they the sinner to triumph.

2:49 Now when the time drew near that Mattathias should die, he said unto hissons, Now hath pride and rebuke gotten strength, and the time of destruction,and the wrath of indignation:

2:50 Now therefore, my sons, be ye zealous for the law, and give your lives forthe covenant of your fathers.

2:51 Call to remembrance what acts our fathers did in their time; so shall yereceive great honour and an everlasting name.

2:52 Was not Abraham found faithful in temptation, and it was imputed unto himfor righteousness?

2:53 Joseph in the time of his distress kept the commandment and was made lordof Egypt.

2:54 Phinees our father in being zealous and fervent obtained the covenant ofan everlasting priesthood.

2:55 Jesus for fulfilling the word was made a judge in Israel.

2:56 Caleb for bearing witness before the congregation received the heritage ofthe land.

2:57 David for being merciful possessed the throne of an everlasting kingdom.

2:58 Elias for being zealous and fervent for the law was taken up into heaven.

2:59 Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, by believing were saved out of the flame.

2:60 Daniel for his innocency was delivered from the mouth of lions.

2:61 And thus consider ye throughout all ages, that none that put their trustin him shall be overcome.

2:62 Fear not then the words of a sinful man: for his glory shall be dung andworms.

2:63 To day he shall be lifted up and to morrow he shall not be found, becausehe is returned into his dust, and his thought is come to nothing.

2:64 Wherefore, ye my sons, be valiant and shew yourselves men in the behalf ofthe law; for by it shall ye obtain glory.

2:65 And behold, I know that your brother Simon is a man of counsel, give earunto him alway: he shall be a father unto you.

2:66 As for Judas Maccabeus, he hath been mighty and strong, even from hisyouth up: let him be your captain, and fight the battle of the people.

2:67 Take also unto you all those that observe the law, and avenge ye the wrongof your people.

2:68 Recompense fully the heathen, and take heed to the commandments of thelaw.

2:69 So he blessed them, and was gathered to his fathers.

2:70 And he died in the hundred forty and sixth year, and his sons buried himin the sepulchres of his fathers at Modin, and all Israel made greatlamentation for him.

3:1 Then his son Judas, called Maccabeus, rose up in his stead.

3:2 And all his brethren helped him, and so did all they that held with hisfather, and they fought with cheerfulness the battle of Israel.

3:3 So he gat his people great honour, and put on a breastplate as a giant, andgirt his warlike harness about him, and he made battles, protecting the hostwith his sword.

3:4 In his acts he was like a lion, and like a lion’s whelp roaring forhis prey.

3:5 For He pursued the wicked, and sought them out, and burnt up those thatvexed his people.

3:6 Wherefore the wicked shrunk for fear of him, and all the workers ofiniquity were troubled, because salvation prospered in his hand.

3:7 He grieved also many kings, and made Jacob glad with his acts, and hismemorial is blessed for ever.

3:8 Moreover he went through the cities of Juda, destroying the ungodly out ofthem, and turning away wrath from Israel:

3:9 So that he was renowned unto the utmost part of the earth, and he receivedunto him such as were ready to perish.

3:10 Then Apollonius gathered the Gentiles together, and a great host out ofSamaria, to fight against Israel.

3:11 Which thing when Judas perceived, he went forth to meet him, and so hesmote him, and slew him: many also fell down slain, but the rest fled.

3:12 Wherefore Judas took their spoils, and Apollonius’ sword also, andtherewith he fought all his life long.

3:13 Now when Seron, a prince of the army of Syria, heard say that Judas hadgathered unto him a multitude and company of the faithful to go out with him towar;

3:14 He said, I will get me a name and honour in the kingdom; for I will gofight with Judas and them that are with him, who despise the king’scommandment.

3:15 So he made him ready to go up, and there went with him a mighty host ofthe ungodly to help him, and to be avenged of the children of Israel.

3:16 And when he came near to the going up of Bethhoron, Judas went forth tomeet him with a small company:

3:17 Who, when they saw the host coming to meet them, said unto Judas, Howshall we be able, being so few, to fight against so great a multitude and sostrong, seeing we are ready to faint with fasting all this day?

3:18 Unto whom Judas answered, It is no hard matter for many to be shut up inthe hands of a few; and with the God of heaven it is all one, to deliver with agreat multitude, or a small company:

3:19 For the victory of battle standeth not in the multitude of an host; butstrength cometh from heaven.

3:20 They come against us in much pride and iniquity to destroy us, and ourwives and children, and to spoil us:

3:21 But we fight for our lives and our laws.

3:22 Wherefore the Lord himself will overthrow them before our face: and as foryou, be ye not afraid of them.

3:23 Now as soon as he had left off speaking, he leapt suddenly upon them, andso Seron and his host was overthrown before him.

3:24 And they pursued them from the going down of Bethhoron unto the plain,where were slain about eight hundred men of them; and the residue fled into theland of the Philistines.

3:25 Then began the fear of Judas and his brethren, and an exceeding greatdread, to fall upon the nations round about them:

3:26 Insomuch as his fame came unto the king, and all nations talked of thebattles of Judas.

3:27 Now when king Antiochus heard these things, he was full of indignation:wherefore he sent and gathered together all the forces of his realm, even avery strong army.

3:28 He opened also his treasure, and gave his soldiers pay for a year,commanding them to be ready whensoever he should need them.

3:29 Nevertheless, when he saw that the money of his treasures failed and thatthe tributes in the country were small, because of the dissension and plague,which he had brought upon the land in taking away the laws which had been ofold time;

3:30 He feared that he should not be able to bear the charges any longer, norto have such gifts to give so liberally as he did before: for he had aboundedabove the kings that were before him.

3:31 Wherefore, being greatly perplexed in his mind, he determined to go intoPersia, there to take the tributes of the countries, and to gather much money.

3:32 So he left Lysias, a nobleman, and one of the blood royal, to oversee theaffairs of the king from the river Euphrates unto the borders of Egypt:

3:33 And to bring up his son Antiochus, until he came again.

3:34 Moreover he delivered unto him the half of his forces, and the elephants,and gave him charge of all things that he would have done, as also concerningthem that dwelt in Juda and Jerusalem:

3:35 To wit, that he should send an army against them, to destroy and root outthe strength of Israel, and the remnant of Jerusalem, and to take away theirmemorial from that place;

3:36 And that he should place strangers in all their quarters, and divide theirland by lot.

3:37 So the king took the half of the forces that remained, and departed fromAntioch, his royal city, the hundred forty and seventh year; and having passedthe river Euphrates, he went through the high countries.

3:38 Then Lysias chose Ptolemee the son of Dorymenes, Nicanor, and Gorgias,mighty men of the king’s friends:

3:39 And with them he sent forty thousand footmen, and seven thousand horsemen,to go into the land of Juda, and to destroy it, as the king commanded.

3:40 So they went forth with all their power, and came and pitched by Emmaus inthe plain country.

3:41 And the merchants of the country, hearing the fame of them, took silverand gold very much, with servants, and came into the camp to buy the childrenof Israel for slaves: a power also of Syria and of the land of the Philistinesjoined themselves unto them.

3:42 Now when Judas and his brethren saw that miseries were multiplied, andthat the forces did encamp themselves in their borders: for they knew how theking had given commandment to destroy the people, and utterly abolish them;

3:43 They said one to another, Let us restore the decayed estate of ourpeople, and let us fight for our people and the sanctuary.

3:44 Then was the congregation gathered together, that they might be ready forbattle, and that they might pray, and ask mercy and compassion.

3:45 Now Jerusalem lay void as a wilderness, there was none of her childrenthat went in or out: the sanctuary also was trodden down, and aliens kept thestrong hold; the heathen had their habitation in that place; and joy was takenfrom Jacob, and the pipe with the harp ceased.

3:46 Wherefore the Israelites assembled themselves together, and came toMaspha, over against Jerusalem; for in Maspha was the place where they prayedaforetime in Israel.

3:47 Then they fasted that day, and put on sackcloth, and cast ashes upon theirheads, and rent their clothes,

3:48 And laid open the book of the law, wherein the heathen had sought to paintthe likeness of their images.

3:49 They brought also the priests’ garments, and the firstfruits, andthe tithes: and the Nazarites they stirred up, who had accomplished their days.

3:50 Then cried they with a loud voice toward heaven, saying, What shall we dowith these, and whither shall we carry them away?

3:51 For thy sanctuary is trodden down and profaned, and thy priests are inheaviness, and brought low.

3:52 And lo, the heathen are assembled together against us to destroy us: whatthings they imagine against us, thou knowest.

3:53 How shall we be able to stand against them, except thou, O God, be ourhelp?

3:54 Then sounded they with trumpets, and cried with a loud voice.

3:55 And after this Judas ordained captains over the people, even captains overthousands, and over hundreds, and over fifties, and over tens.

3:56 But as for such as were building houses, or had betrothed wives, or wereplanting vineyards, or were fearful, those he commanded that they shouldreturn, every man to his own house, according to the law.

3:57 So the camp removed, and pitched upon the south side of Emmaus.

3:58 And Judas said, arm yourselves, and be valiant men, and see that ye be inreadiness against the morning, that ye may fight with these nations, that areassembled together against us to destroy us and our sanctuary:

3:59 For it is better for us to die in battle, than to behold the calamities ofour people and our sanctuary.

3:60 Nevertheless, as the will of God is in heaven, so let him do.

4:1 Then took Gorgias five thousand footmen, and a thousand of the besthorsemen, and removed out of the camp by night;

4:2 To the end he might rush in upon the camp of the Jews, and smite themsuddenly. And the men of the fortress were his guides.

4:3 Now when Judas heard thereof he himself removed, and the valiant men withhim, that he might smite the king’s army which was at Emmaus,

4:4 While as yet the forces were dispersed from the camp.

4:5 In the mean season came Gorgias by night into the camp of Judas: and whenhe found no man there, he sought them in the mountains: for said he, Thesefellows flee from us

4:6 But as soon as it was day, Judas shewed himself in the plain with threethousand men, who nevertheless had neither armour nor swords to their minds.

4:7 And they saw the camp of the heathen, that it was strong and wellharnessed, and compassed round about with horsemen; and these were expert ofwar.

4:8 Then said Judas to the men that were with him, Fear ye not their multitude,neither be ye afraid of their assault.

4:9 Remember how our fathers were delivered in the Red sea, when Pharaohpursued them with an army.

4:10 Now therefore let us cry unto heaven, if peradventure the Lord will havemercy upon us, and remember the covenant of our fathers, and destroy this hostbefore our face this day:

4:11 That so all the heathen may know that there is one who delivereth andsaveth Israel.

4:12 Then the strangers lifted up their eyes, and saw them coming over againstthem.

4:13 Wherefore they went out of the camp to battle; but they that were withJudas sounded their trumpets.

4:14 So they joined battle, and the heathen being discomfited fled into theplain.

4:15 Howbeit all the hindmost of them were slain with the sword: for theypursued them unto Gazera, and unto the plains of Idumea, and Azotus, andJamnia, so that there were slain of them upon a three thousand men.

4:16 This done, Judas returned again with his host from pursuing them,

4:17 And said to the people, Be not greedy of the spoil inasmuch as there is abattle before us,

4:18 And Gorgias and his host are here by us in the mountain: but stand ye nowagainst our enemies, and overcome them, and after this ye may boldly take thespoils.

4:19 As Judas was yet speaking these words, there appeared a part of themlooking out of the mountain:

4:20 Who when they perceived that the Jews had put their host to flight andwere burning the tents; for the smoke that was seen declared what was done:

4:21 When therefore they perceived these things, they were sore afraid, andseeing also the host of Judas in the plain ready to fight,

4:22 They fled every one into the land of strangers.

4:23 Then Judas returned to spoil the tents, where they got much gold, andsilver, and blue silk, and purple of the sea, and great riches.

4:24 After this they went home, and sung a song of thanksgiving, and praisedthe Lord in heaven: because it is good, because his mercy endureth forever.

4:25 Thus Israel had a great deliverance that day.

4:26 Now all the strangers that had escaped came and told Lysias what hadhappened:

4:27 Who, when he heard thereof, was confounded and discouraged, becauseneither such things as he would were done unto Israel, nor such things as theking commanded him were come to pass.

4:28 The next year therefore following Lysias gathered together threescorethousand choice men of foot, and five thousand horsemen, that he might subduethem.

4:29 So they came into Idumea, and pitched their tents at Bethsura, and Judasmet them with ten thousand men.

4:30 And when he saw that mighty army, he prayed and said, Blessed art thou, OSaviour of Israel, who didst quell the violence of the mighty man by the handof thy servant David, and gavest the host of strangers into the hands ofJonathan the son of Saul, and his armourbearer;

4:31 Shut up this army in the hand of thy people Israel, and let them beconfounded in their power and horsemen:

4:32 Make them to be of no courage, and cause the boldness of their strength tofall away, and let them quake at their destruction:

4:33 Cast them down with the sword of them that love thee, and let all thosethat know thy name praise thee with thanksgiving.

4:34 So they joined battle; and there were slain of the host of Lysias aboutfive thousand men, even before them were they slain.

4:35 Now when Lysias saw his army put to flight, and the manliness ofJudas’ soldiers, and how they were ready either to live or die valiantly,he went into Antiochia, and gathered together a company of strangers, andhaving made his army greater than it was, he purposed to come again into Judea.

4:36 Then said Judas and his brethren, Behold, our enemies are discomfited: letus go up to cleanse and dedicate the sanctuary.

4:37 Upon this all the host assembled themselves together, and went up intomount Sion.

4:38 And when they saw the sanctuary desolate, and the altar profaned, and thegates burned up, and shrubs growing in the courts as in a forest, or in one ofthe mountains, yea, and the priests’ chambers pulled down;

4:39 They rent their clothes, and made great lamentation, and cast ashes upontheir heads,

4:40 And fell down flat to the ground upon their faces, and blew an alarm withthe trumpets, and cried toward heaven.

4:41 Then Judas appointed certain men to fight against those that were in thefortress, until he had cleansed the sanctuary.

4:42 So he chose priests of blameless conversation, such as had pleasure in thelaw:

4:43 Who cleansed the sanctuary, and bare out the defiled stones into anunclean place.

4:44 And when as they consulted what to do with the altar of burnt offerings,which was profaned;

4:45 They thought it best to pull it down, lest it should be a reproach tothem, because the heathen had defiled it: wherefore they pulled it down,

4:46 And laid up the stones in the mountain of the temple in a convenientplace, until there should come a prophet to shew what should be done with them.

4:47 Then they took whole stones according to the law, and built a new altaraccording to the former;

4:48 And made up the sanctuary, and the things that were within the temple, andhallowed the courts.

4:49 They made also new holy vessels, and into the temple they brought thecandlestick, and the altar of burnt offerings, and of incense, and the table.

4:50 And upon the altar they burned incense, and the lamps that were upon thecandlestick they lighted, that they might give light in the temple.

4:51 Furthermore they set the loaves upon the table, and spread out the veils,and finished all the works which they had begun to make.

4:52 Now on the five and twentieth day of the ninth month, which is called themonth Casleu, in the hundred forty and eighth year, they rose up betimes in themorning,

4:53 And offered sacrifice according to the law upon the new altar of burntofferings, which they had made.

4:54 Look, at what time and what day the heathen had profaned it, even in thatwas it dedicated with songs, and citherns, and harps, and cymbals.

4:55 Then all the people fell upon their faces, worshipping and praising theGod of heaven, who had given them good success.

4:56 And so they kept the dedication of the altar eight days and offered burntofferings with gladness, and sacrificed the sacrifice of deliverance andpraise.

4:57 They decked also the forefront of the temple with crowns of gold, and withshields; and the gates and the chambers they renewed, and hanged doors uponthem.

4:58 Thus was there very great gladness among the people, for that the reproachof the heathen was put away.

4:59 Moreover Judas and his brethren with the whole congregation of Israelordained, that the days of the dedication of the altar should be kept in theirseason from year to year by the space of eight days, from the five andtwentieth day of the month Casleu, with mirth and gladness.

4:60 At that time also they builded up the mount Sion with high walls andstrong towers round about, lest the Gentiles should come and tread it down asthey had done before.

4:61 And they set there a garrison to keep it, and fortified Bethsura topreserve it; that the people might have a defence against Idumea.

5:1 Now when the nations round about heard that the altar was built and thesanctuary renewed as before, it displeased them very much.

5:2 Wherefore they thought to destroy the generation of Jacob that was amongthem, and thereupon they began to slay and destroy the people.

5:3 Then Judas fought against the children of Esau in Idumea at Arabattine,because they besieged Israel: and he gave them a great overthrow, and abatedtheir courage, and took their spoils.

5:4 Also he remembered the injury of the children of Bean, who had been a snareand an offence unto the people, in that they lay in wait for them in the ways.

5:5 He shut them up therefore in the towers, and encamped against them, anddestroyed them utterly, and burned the towers of that place with fire, and allthat were therein.

5:6 Afterward he passed over to the children of Ammon, where he found a mightypower, and much people, with Timotheus their captain.

5:7 So he fought many battles with them, till at length they were discomfitedbefore him; and he smote them.

5:8 And when he had taken Jazar, with the towns belonging thereto, he returnedinto Judea.

5:9 Then the heathen that were at Galaad assembled themselves together againstthe Israelites that were in their quarters, to destroy them; but they fled tothe fortress of Dathema.

5:10 And sent letters unto Judas and his brethren, The heathen that are roundabout us are assembled together against us to destroy us:

5:11 And they are preparing to come and take the fortress whereunto we arefled, Timotheus being captain of their host.

5:12 Come now therefore, and deliver us from their hands, for many of us areslain:

5:13 Yea, all our brethren that were in the places of Tobie are put to death:their wives and their children also they have carried away captives, and borneaway their stuff; and they have destroyed there about a thousand men.

5:14 While these letters were yet reading, behold, there came other messengersfrom Galilee with their clothes rent, who reported on this wise,

5:15 And said, They of Ptolemais, and of Tyrus, and Sidon, and all Galilee ofthe Gentiles, are assembled together against us to consume us.

5:16 Now when Judas and the people heard these words, there assembled a greatcongregation together, to consult what they should do for their brethren, thatwere in trouble, and assaulted of them.

5:17 Then said Judas unto Simon his brother, Choose thee out men, and go anddeliver thy brethren that are in Galilee, for I and Jonathan my brother will gointo the country of Galaad.

5:18 So he left Joseph the son of Zacharias, and Azarias, captains of thepeople, with the remnant of the host in Judea to keep it.

5:19 Unto whom he gave commandment, saying, Take ye the charge of this people,and see that ye make not war against the heathen until the time that we comeagain.

5:20 Now unto Simon were given three thousand men to go into Galilee, and untoJudas eight thousand men for the country of Galaad.

5:21 Then went Simon into Galilee, where he fought many battles with theheathen, so that the heathen were discomfited by him.

5:22 And he pursued them unto the gate of Ptolemais; and there were slain ofthe heathen about three thousand men, whose spoils he took.

5:23 And those that were in Galilee, and in Arbattis, with their wives andtheir children, and all that they had, took he away with him, and brought theminto Judea with great joy.

5:24 Judas Maccabeus also and his brother Jonathan went over Jordan, andtravelled three days’ journey in the wilderness,

5:25 Where they met with the Nabathites, who came unto them in a peaceablemanner, and told them every thing that had happened to their brethren in theland of Galaad:

5:26 And how that many of them were shut up in Bosora, and Bosor, and Alema,Casphor, Maked, and Carnaim; all these cities are strong and great:

5:27 And that they were shut up in the rest of the cities of the country ofGalaad, and that against to morrow they had appointed to bring their hostagainst the forts, and to take them, and to destroy them all in one day.

5:28 Hereupon Judas and his host turned suddenly by the way of the wildernessunto Bosora; and when he had won the city, he slew all the males with the edgeof the sword, and took all their spoils, and burned the city with fire,

5:29 From whence he removed by night, and went till he came to the fortress.

5:30 And betimes in the morning they looked up, and, behold, there was aninnumerable people bearing ladders and other engines of war, to take thefortress: for they assaulted them.

5:31 When Judas therefore saw that the battle was begun, and that the cry ofthe city went up to heaven, with trumpets, and a great sound,

5:32 He said unto his host, Fight this day for your brethren.

5:33 So he went forth behind them in three companies, who sounded theirtrumpets, and cried with prayer.

5:34 Then the host of Timotheus, knowing that it was Maccabeus, fled from him:wherefore he smote them with a great slaughter; so that there were killed ofthem that day about eight thousand men.

5:35 This done, Judas turned aside to Maspha; and after he had assaulted it hetook and slew all the males therein, and received the spoils thereof, and burntit with fire.

5:36 From thence went he, and took Casphon, Maged, Bosor, and the other citiesof the country of Galaad.

5:37 After these things gathered Timotheus another host and encamped againstRaphon beyond the brook.

5:38 So Judas sent men to espy the host, who brought him word, saying, All theheathen that be round about us are assembled unto them, even a very great host.

5:39 He hath also hired the Arabians to help them and they have pitched theirtents beyond the brook, ready to come and fight against thee. Upon this Judaswent to meet them.

5:40 Then Timotheus said unto the captains of his host, When Judas and his hostcome near the brook, if he pass over first unto us, we shall not be able towithstand him; for he will mightily prevail against us:

5:41 But if he be afraid, and camp beyond the river, we shall go over unto him,and prevail against him.

5:42 Now when Judas came near the brook, he caused the scribes of the people toremain by the brook: unto whom he gave commandment, saying, Suffer no man toremain in the camp, but let all come to the battle.

5:43 So he went first over unto them, and all the people after him: then allthe heathen, being discomfited before him, cast away their weapons, and fledunto the temple that was at Carnaim.

5:44 But they took the city, and burned the temple with all that were therein.Thus was Carnaim subdued, neither could they stand any longer before Judas.

5:45 Then Judas gathered together all the Israelites that were in the countryof Galaad, from the least unto the greatest, even their wives, and theirchildren, and their stuff, a very great host, to the end they might come intothe land of Judea.

5:46 Now when they came unto Ephron, (this was a great city in the way as theyshould go, very well fortified) they could not turn from it, either on theright hand or the left, but must needs pass through the midst of it.

5:47 Then they of the city shut them out, and stopped up the gates with stones.

5:48 Whereupon Judas sent unto them in peaceable manner, saying, Let us passthrough your land to go into our own country, and none shall do you any hurt;we will only pass through on foot: howbeit they would not open unto him.

5:49 Wherefore Judas commanded a proclamation to be made throughout the host,that every man should pitch his tent in the place where he was.

5:50 So the soldiers pitched, and assaulted the city all that day and all thatnight, till at the length the city was delivered into his hands:

5:51 Who then slew all the males with the edge of the sword, and rased thecity, and took the spoils thereof, and passed through the city over them thatwere slain.

5:52 After this went they over Jordan into the great plain before Bethsan.

5:53 And Judas gathered together those that came behind, and exhorted thepeople all the way through, till they came into the land of Judea.

5:54 So they went up to mount Sion with joy and gladness, where they offeredburnt offerings, because not one of them were slain until they had returned inpeace.

5:55 Now what time as Judas and Jonathan were in the land of Galaad, and Simonhis brother in Galilee before Ptolemais,

5:56 Joseph the son of Zacharias, and Azarias, captains of the garrisons, heardof the valiant acts and warlike deeds which they had done.

5:57 Wherefore they said, Let us also get us a name, and go fight against theheathen that are round about us.

5:58 So when they had given charge unto the garrison that was with them, theywent toward Jamnia.

5:59 Then came Gorgias and his men out of the city to fight against them.

5:60 And so it was, that Joseph and Azaras were put to flight, and pursued untothe borders of Judea: and there were slain that day of the people of Israelabout two thousand men.

5:61 Thus was there a great overthrow among the children of Israel, becausethey were not obedient unto Judas and his brethren, but thought to do somevaliant act.

5:62 Moreover these men came not of the seed of those, by whose handdeliverance was given unto Israel.

5:63 Howbeit the man Judas and his brethren were greatly renowned in the sightof all Israel, and of all the heathen, wheresoever their name was heard of;

5:64 Insomuch as the people assembled unto them with joyful acclamations.

5:65 Afterward went Judas forth with his brethren, and fought against thechildren of Esau in the land toward the south, where he smote Hebron, and thetowns thereof, and pulled down the fortress of it, and burned the towersthereof round about.

5:66 From thence he removed to go into the land of the Philistines, and passedthrough Samaria.

5:67 At that time certain priests, desirous to shew their valour, were slain inbattle, for that they went out to fight unadvisedly.

5:68 So Judas turned to Azotus in the land of the Philistines, and when he hadpulled down their altars, and burned their carved images with fire, and spoiledtheir cities, he returned into the land of Judea.

6:1 About that time king Antiochus travelling through the high countries heardsay, that Elymais in the country of Persia was a city greatly renowned forriches, silver, and gold;

6:2 And that there was in it a very rich temple, wherein were coverings ofgold, and breastplates, and shields, which Alexander, son of Philip, theMacedonian king, who reigned first among the Grecians, had left there.

6:3 Wherefore he came and sought to take the city, and to spoil it; but he wasnot able, because they of the city, having had warning thereof,

6:4 Rose up against him in battle: so he fled, and departed thence with greatheaviness, and returned to Babylon.

6:5 Moreover there came one who brought him tidings into Persia, that thearmies, which went against the land of Judea, were put to flight:

6:6 And that Lysias, who went forth first with a great power was driven away ofthe Jews; and that they were made strong by the armour, and power, and store ofspoils, which they had gotten of the armies, whom they had destroyed:

6:7 Also that they had pulled down the abomination, which he had set up uponthe altar in Jerusalem, and that they had compassed about the sanctuary withhigh walls, as before, and his city Bethsura.

6:8 Now when the king heard these words, he was astonished and sore moved:whereupon he laid him down upon his bed, and fell sick for grief, because ithad not befallen him as he looked for.

6:9 And there he continued many days: for his grief was ever more and more, andhe made account that he should die.

6:10 Wherefore he called for all his friends, and said unto them, The sleep isgone from mine eyes, and my heart faileth for very care.

6:11 And I thought with myself, Into what tribulation am I come, and how greata flood of misery is it, wherein now I am! for I was bountiful and beloved inmy power.

6:12 But now I remember the evils that I did at Jerusalem, and that I took allthe vessels of gold and silver that were therein, and sent to destroy theinhabitants of Judea without a cause.

6:13 I perceive therefore that for this cause these troubles are come upon me,and, behold, I perish through great grief in a strange land.

6:14 Then called he for Philip, one of his friends, who he made ruler over allhis realm,

6:15 And gave him the crown, and his robe, and his signet, to the end he shouldbring up his son Antiochus, and nourish him up for the kingdom.

6:16 So king Antiochus died there in the hundred forty and ninth year.

6:17 Now when Lysias knew that the king was dead, he set up Antiochus his son,whom he had brought up being young, to reign in his stead, and his name hecalled Eupator.

6:18 About this time they that were in the tower shut up the Israelites roundabout the sanctuary, and sought always their hurt, and the strengthening of theheathen.

6:19 Wherefore Judas, purposing to destroy them, called all the people togetherto besiege them.

6:20 So they came together, and besieged them in the hundred and fiftieth year,and he made mounts for shot against them, and other engines.

6:21 Howbeit certain of them that were besieged got forth, unto whom someungodly men of Israel joined themselves:

6:22 And they went unto the king, and said, How long will it be ere thouexecute judgment, and avenge our brethren?

6:23 We have been willing to serve thy father, and to do as he would have us,and to obey his commandments;

6:24 For which cause they of our nation besiege the tower, and are alienatedfrom us: moreover as many of us as they could light on they slew, and spoiledour inheritance.

6:25 Neither have they stretched out their hand against us only, but alsoagainst their borders.

6:26 And, behold, this day are they besieging the tower at Jerusalem, to takeit: the sanctuary also and Bethsura have they fortified.

6:27 Wherefore if thou dost not prevent them quickly, they will do the greaterthings than these, neither shalt thou be able to rule them.

6:28 Now when the king heard this, he was angry, and gathered together all hisfriends, and the captains of his army, and those that had charge of the horse.

6:29 There came also unto him from other kingdoms, and from isles of the sea,bands of hired soldiers.

6:30 So that the number of his army was an hundred thousand footmen, and twentythousand horsemen, and two and thirty elephants exercised in battle.

6:31 These went through Idumea, and pitched against Bethsura, which theyassaulted many days, making engines of war; but they of Bethsura came out, andburned them with fire, and fought valiantly.

6:32 Upon this Judas removed from the tower, and pitched in Bathzacharias, overagainst the king’s camp.

6:33 Then the king rising very early marched fiercely with his host towardBathzacharias, where his armies made them ready to battle, and sounded thetrumpets.

6:34 And to the end they might provoke the elephants to fight, they shewed themthe blood of grapes and mulberries.

6:35 Moreover they divided the beasts among the armies, and for every elephantthey appointed a thousand men, armed with coats of mail, and with helmets ofbrass on their heads; and beside this, for every beast were ordained fivehundred horsemen of the best.

6:36 These were ready at every occasion: wheresoever the beast was, andwhithersoever the beast went, they went also, neither departed they from him.

6:37 And upon the beasts were there strong towers of wood, which covered everyone of them, and were girt fast unto them with devices: there were also uponevery one two and thirty strong men, that fought upon them, beside the Indianthat ruled him.

6:38 As for the remnant of the horsemen, they set them on this side and thatside at the two parts of the host giving them signs what to do, and beingharnessed all over amidst the ranks.

6:39 Now when the sun shone upon the shields of gold and brass, the mountainsglistered therewith, and shined like lamps of fire.

6:40 So part of the king’s army being spread upon the high mountains, andpart on the valleys below, they marched on safely and in order.

6:41 Wherefore all that heard the noise of their multitude, and the marching ofthe company, and the rattling of the harness, were moved: for the army was verygreat and mighty.

6:42 Then Judas and his host drew near, and entered into battle, and there wereslain of the king’s army six hundred men.

6:43 Eleazar also, surnamed Savaran, perceiving that one of the beasts, armedwith royal harness, was higher than all the rest, and supposing that the kingwas upon him,

6:44 Put himself in jeopardy, to the end he might deliver his people, and gethim a perpetual name:

6:45 Wherefore he ran upon him courageously through the midst of the battle,slaying on the right hand and on the left, so that they were divided from himon both sides.

6:46 Which done, he crept under the elephant, and thrust him under, and slewhim: whereupon the elephant fell down upon him, and there he died.

6:47 Howbeit the rest of the Jews seeing the strength of the king, and theviolence of his forces, turned away from them.

6:48 Then the king’s army went up to Jerusalem to meet them, and the kingpitched his tents against Judea, and against mount Sion.

6:49 But with them that were in Bethsura he made peace: for they came out ofthe city, because they had no victuals there to endure the siege, it being ayear of rest to the land.

6:50 So the king took Bethsura, and set a garrison there to keep it.

6:51 As for the sanctuary, he besieged it many days: and set there artillerywith engines and instruments to cast fire and stones, and pieces to cast dartsand slings.

6:52 Whereupon they also made engines against their engines, and held thembattle a long season.

6:53 Yet at the last, their vessels being without victuals, (for that it wasthe seventh year, and they in Judea that were delivered from the Gentiles, hadeaten up the residue of the store;)

6:54 There were but a few left in the sanctuary, because the famine did soprevail against them, that they were fain to disperse themselves, every man tohis own place.

6:55 At that time Lysias heard say, that Philip, whom Antiochus the king,whiles he lived, had appointed to bring up his son Antiochus, that he might beking,

6:56 Was returned out of Persia and Media, and the king’s host also thatwent with him, and that he sought to take unto him the ruling of the affairs.

6:57 Wherefore he went in all haste, and said to the king and the captains ofthe host and the company, We decay daily, and our victuals are but small, andthe place we lay siege unto is strong, and the affairs of the kingdom lie uponus:

6:58 Now therefore let us be friends with these men, and make peace with them,and with all their nation;

6:59 And covenant with them, that they shall live after their laws, as they didbefore: for they are therefore displeased, and have done all these things,because we abolished their laws.

6:60 So the king and the princes were content: wherefore he sent unto them tomake peace; and they accepted thereof.

6:61 Also the king and the princes made an oath unto them: whereupon they wentout of the strong hold.

6:62 Then the king entered into mount Sion; but when he saw the strength of theplace, he broke his oath that he had made, and gave commandment to pull downthe wall round about.

6:63 Afterward departed he in all haste, and returned unto Antiochia, where hefound Philip to be master of the city: so he fought against him, and took thecity by force.

7:1 In the hundred and one and fiftieth year Demetrius the son of Seleucusdeparted from Rome, and came up with a few men unto a city of the sea coast,and reigned there.

7:2 And as he entered into the palace of his ancestors, so it was, that hisforces had taken Antiochus and Lysias, to bring them unto him.

7:3 Wherefore, when he knew it, he said, Let me not see their faces.

7:4 So his host slew them. Now when Demetrius was set upon the throne of hiskingdom,

7:5 There came unto him all the wicked and ungodly men of Israel, havingAlcimus, who was desirous to be high priest, for their captain:

7:6 And they accused the people to the king, saying, Judas and his brethrenhave slain all thy friends, and driven us out of our own land.

7:7 Now therefore send some man whom thou trustest, and let him go and see whathavock he hath made among us, and in the king’s land, and let him punishthem with all them that aid them.

7:8 Then the king chose Bacchides, a friend of the king, who ruled beyond theflood, and was a great man in the kingdom, and faithful to the king,

7:9 And him he sent with that wicked Alcimus, whom he made high priest, andcommanded that he should take vengeance of the children of Israel.

7:10 So they departed, and came with a great power into the land of Judea,where they sent messengers to Judas and his brethren with peaceable wordsdeceitfully.

7:11 But they gave no heed to their words; for they saw that they were comewith a great power.

7:12 Then did there assemble unto Alcimus and Bacchides a company of scribes,to require justice.

7:13 Now the Assideans were the first among the children of Israel that soughtpeace of them:

7:14 For said they, One that is a priest of the seed of Aaron is come with thisarmy, and he will do us no wrong.

7:15 So he spake unto them, peaceably, and sware unto them, saying, we willprocure the harm neither of you nor your friends.

7:16 Whereupon they believed him: howbeit he took of them threescore men, andslew them in one day, according to the words which he wrote,

7:17 The flesh of thy saints have they cast out, and their blood have they shedround about Jerusalem, and there was none to bury them.

7:18 Wherefore the fear and dread of them fell upon all the people, who said,There is neither truth nor righteousness in them; for they have broken thecovenant and oath that they made.

7:19 After this, removed Bacchides from Jerusalem, and pitched his tents inBezeth, where he sent and took many of the men that had forsaken him, andcertain of the people also, and when he had slain them, he cast them into thegreat pit.

7:20 Then committed he the country to Alcimus, and left with him a power to aidhim: so Bacchides went to the king.

7:21 But Alcimus contended for the high priesthood.

7:22 And unto him resorted all such as troubled the people, who, after they hadgotten the land of Juda into their power, did much hurt in Israel.

7:23 Now when Judas saw all the mischief that Alcimus and his company had doneamong the Israelites, even above the heathen,

7:24 He went out into all the coasts of Judea round about, and took vengeanceof them that had revolted from him, so that they durst no more go forth intothe country.

7:25 On the other side, when Alcimus saw that Judas and his company had gottenthe upper hand, and knew that he was not able to abide their force, he wentagain to the king, and said all the worst of them that he could.

7:26 Then the king sent Nicanor, one of his honourable princes, a man that baredeadly hate unto Israel, with commandment to destroy the people.

7:27 So Nicanor came to Jerusalem with a great force; and sent unto Judas andhis brethren deceitfully with friendly words, saying,

7:28 Let there be no battle between me and you; I will come with a few men,that I may see you in peace.

7:29 He came therefore to Judas, and they saluted one another peaceably.Howbeit the enemies were prepared to take away Judas by violence.

7:30 Which thing after it was known to Judas, to wit, that he came unto himwith deceit, he was sore afraid of him, and would see his face no more.

7:31 Nicanor also, when he saw that his counsel was discovered, went out tofight against Judas beside Capharsalama:

7:32 Where there were slain of Nicanor’s side about five thousand men,and the rest fled into the city of David.

7:33 After this went Nicanor up to mount Sion, and there came out of thesanctuary certain of the priests and certain of the elders of the people, tosalute him peaceably, and to shew him the burnt sacrifice that was offered forthe king.

7:34 But he mocked them, and laughed at them, and abused them shamefully, andspake proudly,

7:35 And sware in his wrath, saying, Unless Judas and his host be now deliveredinto my hands, if ever I come again in safety, I will burn up this house: andwith that he went out in a great rage.

7:36 Then the priests entered in, and stood before the altar and the temple,weeping, and saying,

7:37 Thou, O Lord, didst choose this house to be called by thy name, and to bea house of prayer and petition for thy people:

7:38 Be avenged of this man and his host, and let them fall by the sword:remember their blasphemies, and suffer them not to continue any longer.

7:39 So Nicanor went out of Jerusalem, and pitched his tents in Bethhoron,where an host out of Syria met him.

7:40 But Judas pitched in Adasa with three thousand men, and there he prayed,saying,

7:41 O Lord, when they that were sent from the king of the Assyriansblasphemed, thine angel went out, and smote an hundred fourscore and fivethousand of them.

7:42 Even so destroy thou this host before us this day, that the rest may knowthat he hath spoken blasphemously against thy sanctuary, and judge thou himaccording to his wickedness.

7:43 So the thirteenth day of the month Adar the hosts joined battle: butNicanor’s host was discomfited, and he himself was first slain in thebattle.

7:44 Now when Nicanor’s host saw that he was slain, they cast away theirweapons, and fled.

7:45 Then they pursued after them a day’s journey, from Adasa untoGazera, sounding an alarm after them with their trumpets.

7:46 Whereupon they came forth out of all the towns of Judea round about, andclosed them in; so that they, turning back upon them that pursued them, wereall slain with the sword, and not one of them was left.

7:47 Afterwards they took the spoils, and the prey, and smote off Nicanorshead, and his right hand, which he stretched out so proudly, and brought themaway, and hanged them up toward Jerusalem.

7:48 For this cause the people rejoiced greatly, and they kept that day a dayof great gladness.

7:49 Moreover they ordained to keep yearly this day, being the thirteenth ofAdar.

7:50 Thus the land of Juda was in rest a little while.

8:1 Now Judas had heard of the fame of the Romans, that they were mighty andvaliant men, and such as would lovingly accept all that joined themselves untothem, and make a league of amity with all that came unto them;

8:2 And that they were men of great valour. It was told him also of their warsand noble acts which they had done among the Galatians, and how they hadconquered them, and brought them under tribute;

8:3 And what they had done in the country of Spain, for the winning of themines of the silver and gold which is there;

8:4 And that by their policy and patience they had conquered all the place,though it were very far from them; and the kings also that came against themfrom the uttermost part of the earth, till they had discomfited them, and giventhem a great overthrow, so that the rest did give them tribute every year:

8:5 Beside this, how they had discomfited in battle Philip, and Perseus, kingof the Citims, with others that lifted up themselves against them, and hadovercome them:

8:6 How also Antiochus the great king of Asia, that came against them inbattle, having an hundred and twenty elephants, with horsemen, and chariots,and a very great army, was discomfited by them;

8:7 And how they took him alive, and covenanted that he and such as reignedafter him should pay a great tribute, and give hostages, and that which wasagreed upon,

8:8 And the country of India, and Media and Lydia and of the goodliestcountries, which they took of him, and gave to king Eumenes:

8:9 Moreover how the Grecians had determined to come and destroy them;

8:10 And that they, having knowledge thereof sent against them a certaincaptain, and fighting with them slew many of them, and carried away captivestheir wives and their children, and spoiled them, and took possession of theirlands, and pulled down their strong holds, and brought them to be theirservants unto this day:

8:11 It was told him besides, how they destroyed and brought under theirdominion all other kingdoms and isles that at any time resisted them;

8:12 But with their friends and such as relied upon them they kept amity: andthat they had conquered kingdoms both far and nigh, insomuch as all that heardof their name were afraid of them:

8:13 Also that, whom they would help to a kingdom, those reign; and whom againthey would, they displace: finally, that they were greatly exalted:

8:14 Yet for all this none of them wore a crown or was clothed in purple, to bemagnified thereby:

8:15 Moreover how they had made for themselves a senate house, wherein threehundred and twenty men sat in council daily, consulting alway for the people,to the end they might be well ordered:

8:16 And that they committed their government to one man every year, who ruledover all their country, and that all were obedient to that one, and that therewas neither envy nor emmulation among them.

8:17 In consideration of these things, Judas chose Eupolemus the son of John,the son of Accos, and Jason the son of Eleazar, and sent them to Rome, to makea league of amity and confederacy with them,

8:18 And to intreat them that they would take the yoke from them; for they sawthat the kingdom of the Grecians did oppress Israel with servitude.

8:19 They went therefore to Rome, which was a very great journey, and came intothe senate, where they spake and said.

8:20 Judas Maccabeus with his brethren, and the people of the Jews, have sentus unto you, to make a confederacy and peace with you, and that we might beregistered your confederates and friends.

8:21 So that matter pleased the Romans well.

8:22 And this is the copy of the epistle which the senate wrote back again intables of brass, and sent to Jerusalem, that there they might have by them amemorial of peace and confederacy:

8:23 Good success be to the Romans, and to the people of the Jews, by sea andby land for ever: the sword also and enemy be far from them,

8:24 If there come first any war upon the Romans or any of their confederatesthroughout all their dominion,

8:25 The people of the Jews shall help them, as the time shall be appointed,with all their heart:

8:26 Neither shall they give any thing unto them that make war upon them, oraid them with victuals, weapons, money, or ships, as it hath seemed good untothe Romans; but they shall keep their covenants without taking any thingtherefore.

8:27 In the same manner also, if war come first upon the nation of the Jews,the Romans shall help them with all their heart, according as the time shall beappointed them:

8:28 Neither shall victuals be given to them that take part against them, orweapons, or money, or ships, as it hath seemed good to the Romans; but theyshall keep their covenants, and that without deceit.

8:29 According to these articles did the Romans make a covenant with the peopleof the Jews.

8:30 Howbeit if hereafter the one party or the other shall think to meet to addor diminish any thing, they may do it at their pleasures, and whatsoever theyshall add or take away shall be ratified.

8:31 And as touching the evils that Demetrius doeth to the Jews, we havewritten unto him, saying, Wherefore thou made thy yoke heavy upon our friendsand confederates the Jews?

8:32 If therefore they complain any more against thee, we will do them justice,and fight with thee by sea and by land.

9:1 Furthermore, when Demetrius heard that Nicanor and his host were slain inbattle, he sent Bacchides and Alcimus into the land of Judea the second time,and with them the chief strength of his host:

9:2 Who went forth by the way that leadeth to Galgala, and pitched their tentsbefore Masaloth, which is in Arbela, and after they had won it, they slew muchpeople.

9:3 Also the first month of the hundred fifty and second year they encampedbefore Jerusalem:

9:4 From whence they removed, and went to Berea, with twenty thousand footmenand two thousand horsemen.

9:5 Now Judas had pitched his tents at Eleasa, and three thousand chosen menwith him:

9:6 Who seeing the multitude of the other army to be so great were sore afraid;whereupon many conveyed themselves out of the host, insomuch as there abode ofthem no more but eight hundred men.

9:7 When Judas therefore saw that his host slipt away, and that the battlepressed upon him, he was sore troubled in mind, and much distressed, for thathe had no time to gather them together.

9:8 Nevertheless unto them that remained he said, Let us arise and go upagainst our enemies, if peradventure we may be able to fight with them.

9:9 But they dehorted him, saying, We shall never be able: let us now rathersave our lives, and hereafter we will return with our brethren, and fightagainst them: for we are but few.

9:10 Then Judas said, God forbid that I should do this thing, and flee awayfrom them: if our time be come, let us die manfully for our brethren, and letus not stain our honour.

9:11 With that the host of Bacchides removed out of their tents, and stood overagainst them, their horsemen being divided into two troops, and their slingersand archers going before the host and they that marched in the foreward wereall mighty men.

9:12 As for Bacchides, he was in the right wing: so the host drew near on thetwo parts, and sounded their trumpets.

9:13 They also of Judas’ side, even they sounded their trumpets also, sothat the earth shook at the noise of the armies, and the battle continued frommorning till night.

9:14 Now when Judas perceived that Bacchides and the strength of his army wereon the right side, he took with him all the hardy men,

9:15 Who discomfited the right wing, and pursued them unto the mount Azotus.

9:16 But when they of the left wing saw that they of the right wing werediscomfited, they followed upon Judas and those that were with him hard at theheels from behind:

9:17 Whereupon there was a sore battle, insomuch as many were slain on bothparts.

9:18 Judas also was killed, and the remnant fled.

9:19 Then Jonathan and Simon took Judas their brother, and buried him in thesepulchre of his fathers in Modin.

9:20 Moreover they bewailed him, and all Israel made great lamentation for him,and mourned many days, saying,

9:21 How is the valiant man fallen, that delivered Israel!

9:22 As for the other things concerning Judas and his wars, and the noble actswhich he did, and his greatness, they are not written: for they were very many.

9:23 Now after the death of Judas the wicked began to put forth their heads inall the coasts of Israel, and there arose up all such as wrought iniquity.

9:24 In those days also was there a very great famine, by reason whereof thecountry revolted, and went with them.

9:25 Then Bacchides chose the wicked men, and made them lords of the country.

9:26 And they made enquiry and search for Judas’ friends, and broughtthem unto Bacchides, who took vengeance of them, and used them despitefully.

9:27 So was there a great affliction in Israel, the like whereof was not sincethe time that a prophet was not seen among them.

9:28 For this cause all Judas’ friends came together, and said untoJonathan,

9:29 Since thy brother Judas died, we have no man like him to go forth againstour enemies, and Bacchides, and against them of our nation that are adversariesto us.

9:30 Now therefore we have chosen thee this day to be our prince and captain inhis stead, that thou mayest fight our battles.

9:31 Upon this Jonathan took the governance upon him at that time, and rose upinstead of his brother Judas.

9:32 But when Bacchides gat knowledge thereof, he sought for to slay him.

9:33 Then Jonathan, and Simon his brother, and all that were with him,perceiving that, fled into the wilderness of Thecoe, and pitched their tents bythe water of the pool Asphar.

9:34 Which when Bacchides understood, he came near to Jordan with all his hostupon the sabbath day.

9:35 Now Jonathan had sent his brother John, a captain of the people, to prayhis friends the Nabathites, that they might leave with them their carriage,which was much.

9:36 But the children of Jambri came out of Medaba, and took John, and all thathe had, and went their way with it.

9:37 After this came word to Jonathan and Simon his brother, that the childrenof Jambri made a great marriage, and were bringing the bride from Nadabathawith a great train, as being the daughter of one of the great princes ofChanaan.

9:38 Therefore they remembered John their brother, and went up, and hidthemselves under the covert of the mountain:

9:39 Where they lifted up their eyes, and looked, and, behold, there was muchado and great carriage: and the bridegroom came forth, and his friends andbrethren, to meet them with drums, and instruments of musick, and many weapons.

9:40 Then Jonathan and they that were with him rose up against them from theplace where they lay in ambush, and made a slaughter of them in such sort, asmany fell down dead, and the remnant fled into the mountain, and they took alltheir spoils.

9:41 Thus was the marriage turned into mourning, and the noise of their melodyinto lamentation.

9:42 So when they had avenged fully the blood of their brother, they turnedagain to the marsh of Jordan.

9:43 Now when Bacchides heard hereof, he came on the sabbath day unto the banksof Jordan with a great power.

9:44 Then Jonathan said to his company, Let us go up now and fight for ourlives, for it standeth not with us to day, as in time past:

9:45 For, behold, the battle is before us and behind us, and the water ofJordan on this side and that side, the marsh likewise and wood, neither isthere place for us to turn aside.

9:46 Wherefore cry ye now unto heaven, that ye may be delivered from the handof your enemies.

9:47 With that they joined battle, and Jonathan stretched forth his hand tosmite Bacchides, but he turned back from him.

9:48 Then Jonathan and they that were with him leapt into Jordan, and swam overunto the other bank: howbeit the other passed not over Jordan unto them.

9:49 So there were slain of Bacchides’ side that day about a thousandmen.

9:50 Afterward returned Bacchides to Jerusalem and repaired the strong cites inJudea; the fort in Jericho, and Emmaus, and Bethhoron, and Bethel, andThamnatha, Pharathoni, and Taphon, these did he strengthen with high walls,with gates and with bars.

9:51 And in them he set a garrison, that they might work malice upon Israel.

9:52 He fortified also the city Bethsura, and Gazera, and the tower, and putforces in them, and provision of victuals.

9:53 Besides, he took the chief men’s sons in the country for hostages,and put them into the tower at Jerusalem to be kept.

9:54 Moreover in the hundred fifty and third year, in the second month, Alcimuscommanded that the wall of the inner court of the sanctuary should be pulleddown; he pulled down also the works of the prophets

9:55 And as he began to pull down, even at that time was Alcimus plagued, andhis enterprizes hindered: for his mouth was stopped, and he was taken with apalsy, so that he could no more speak any thing, nor give order concerning hishouse.

9:56 So Alcimus died at that time with great torment.

9:57 Now when Bacchides saw that Alcimus was dead, he returned to the king:whereupon the land of Judea was in rest two years.

9:58 Then all the ungodly men held a council, saying, Behold, Jonathan and hiscompany are at ease, and dwell without care: now therefore we will bringBacchides hither, who shall take them all in one night.

9:59 So they went and consulted with him.

9:60 Then removed he, and came with a great host, and sent letters privily tohis adherents in Judea, that they should take Jonathan and those that were withhim: howbeit they could not, because their counsel was known unto them.

9:61 Wherefore they took of the men of the country, that were authors of thatmischief, about fifty persons, and slew them.

9:62 Afterward Jonathan, and Simon, and they that were with him, got them awayto Bethbasi, which is in the wilderness, and they repaired the decays thereof,and made it strong.

9:63 Which thing when Bacchides knew, he gathered together all his host, andsent word to them that were of Judea.

9:64 Then went he and laid siege against Bethbasi; and they fought against it along season and made engines of war.

9:65 But Jonathan left his brother Simon in the city, and went forth himselfinto the country, and with a certain number went he forth.

9:66 And he smote Odonarkes and his brethren, and the children of Phasiron intheir tent.

9:67 And when he began to smite them, and came up with his forces, Simon andhis company went out of the city, and burned up the engines of war,

9:68 And fought against Bacchides, who was discomfited by them, and theyafflicted him sore: for his counsel and travail was in vain.

9:69 Wherefore he was very wroth at the wicked men that gave him counsel tocome into the country, inasmuch as he slew many of them, and purposed to returninto his own country.

9:70 Whereof when Jonathan had knowledge, he sent ambassadors unto him, to theend he should make peace with him, and deliver them the prisoners.

9:71 Which thing he accepted, and did according to his demands, and sware untohim that he would never do him harm all the days of his life.

9:72 When therefore he had restored unto him the prisoners that he had takenaforetime out of the land of Judea, he returned and went his way into his ownland, neither came he any more into their borders.

9:73 Thus the sword ceased from Israel: but Jonathan dwelt at Machmas, andbegan to govern the people; and he destroyed the ungodly men out of Israel.

10:1 In the hundred and sixtieth year Alexander, the son of Antiochus surnamedEpiphanes, went up and took Ptolemais: for the people had received him, bymeans whereof he reigned there,

10:2 Now when king Demetrius heard thereof, he gathered together an exceedinggreat host, and went forth against him to fight.

10:3 Moreover Demetrius sent letters unto Jonathan with loving words, so as hemagnified him.

10:4 For said he, Let us first make peace with him, before he join withAlexander against us:

10:5 Else he will remember all the evils that we have done against him, andagainst his brethren and his people.

10:6 Wherefore he gave him authority to gather together an host, and to provideweapons, that he might aid him in battle: he commanded also that the hostagesthat were in the tower should be delivered him.

10:7 Then came Jonathan to Jerusalem, and read the letters in the audience ofall the people, and of them that were in the tower:

10:8 Who were sore afraid, when they heard that the king had given himauthority to gather together an host.

10:9 Whereupon they of the tower delivered their hostages unto Jonathan, and hedelivered them unto their parents.

10:10 This done, Jonathan settled himself in Jerusalem, and began to build andrepair the city.

10:11 And he commanded the workmen to build the walls and the mount Sion andabout with square stones for fortification; and they did so.

10:12 Then the strangers, that were in the fortresses which Bacchides hadbuilt, fled away;

10:13 Insomuch as every man left his place, and went into his own country.

10:14 Only at Bethsura certain of those that had forsaken the law and thecommandments remained still: for it was their place of refuge.

10:15 Now when king Alexander had heard what promises Demetrius had sent untoJonathan: when also it was told him of the battles and noble acts which he andhis brethren had done, and of the pains that they had endured,

10:16 He said, Shall we find such another man? now therefore we will make himour friend and confederate.

10:17 Upon this he wrote a letter, and sent it unto him, according to thesewords, saying,

10:18 King Alexander to his brother Jonathan sendeth greeting:

10:19 We have heard of thee, that thou art a man of great power, and meet to beour friend.

10:20 Wherefore now this day we ordain thee to be the high priest of thynation, and to be called the king’s friend; (and therewithal he sent hima purple robe and a crown of gold:) and require thee to take our part, and keepfriendship with us.

10:21 So in the seventh month of the hundred and sixtieth year, at the feast ofthe tabernacles, Jonathan put on the holy robe, and gathered together forces,and provided much armour.

10:22 Whereof when Demetrius heard, he was very sorry, and said,

10:23 What have we done, that Alexander hath prevented us in making amity withthe Jews to strengthen himself?

10:24 I also will write unto them words of encouragement, and promise themdignities and gifts, that I may have their aid.

10:25 He sent unto them therefore to this effect: King Demetrius unto thepeople of the Jews sendeth greeting:

10:26 Whereas ye have kept covenants with us, and continued in our friendship,not joining yourselves with our enemies, we have heard hereof, and are glad.

10:27 Wherefore now continue ye still to be faithful unto us, and we will wellrecompense you for the things ye do in our behalf,

10:28 And will grant you many immunities, and give you rewards.

10:29 And now do I free you, and for your sake I release all the Jews, fromtributes, and from the customs of salt, and from crown taxes,

10:30 And from that which appertaineth unto me to receive for the third part orthe seed, and the half of the fruit of the trees, I release it from this dayforth, so that they shall not be taken of the land of Judea, nor of the threegovernments which are added thereunto out of the country of Samaria andGalilee, from this day forth for evermore.

10:31 Let Jerusalem also be holy and free, with the borders thereof, both fromtenths and tributes.

10:32 And as for the tower which is at Jerusalem, I yield up authority over it,and give it to the high priest, that he may set in it such men as he shallchoose to keep it.

10:33 Moreover I freely set at liberty every one of the Jews, that were carriedcaptives out of the land of Judea into any part of my kingdom, and I will thatall my officers remit the tributes even of their cattle.

10:34 Furthermore I will that all the feasts, and sabbaths, and new moons, andsolemn days, and the three days before the feast, and the three days after thefeast shall be all of immunity and freedom for all the Jews in my realm.

10:35 Also no man shall have authority to meddle with or to molest any of themin any matter.

10:36 I will further, that there be enrolled among the king’s forcesabout thirty thousand men of the Jews, unto whom pay shall be given, asbelongeth to all king’s forces.

10:37 And of them some shall be placed in the king’s strong holds, ofwhom also some shall be set over the affairs of the kingdom, which are oftrust: and I will that their overseers and governors be of themselves, and thatthey live after their own laws, even as the king hath commanded in the land ofJudea.

10:38 And concerning the three governments that are added to Judea from thecountry of Samaria, let them be joined with Judea, that they may be reckoned tobe under one, nor bound to obey other authority than the high priest’s.

10:39 As for Ptolemais, and the land pertaining thereto, I give it as a freegift to the sanctuary at Jerusalem for the necessary expences of the sanctuary.

10:40 Moreover I give every year fifteen thousand shekels of silver out of theking’s accounts from the places appertaining.

10:41 And all the overplus, which the officers payed not in as in former time,from henceforth shall be given toward the works of the temple.

10:42 And beside this, the five thousand shekels of silver, which they tookfrom the uses of the temple out of the accounts year by year, even those thingsshall be released, because they appertain to the priests that minister.

10:43 And whosoever they be that flee unto the temple at Jerusalem, or bewithin the liberties hereof, being indebted unto the king, or for any othermatter, let them be at liberty, and all that they have in my realm.

10:44 For the building also and repairing of the works of the sanctuaryexpences shall be given of the king’s accounts.

10:45 Yea, and for the building of the walls of Jerusalem, and the fortifyingthereof round about, expences shall be given out of the king’s accounts,as also for the building of the walls in Judea.

10:46 Now when Jonathan and the people heard these words, they gave no creditunto them, nor received them, because they remembered the great evil that hehad done in Israel; for he had afflicted them very sore.

10:47 But with Alexander they were well pleased, because he was the first thatentreated of true peace with them, and they were confederate with him always.

10:48 Then gathered king Alexander great forces, and camped over againstDemetrius.

10:49 And after the two kings had joined battle, Demetrius’ host fled:but Alexander followed after him, and prevailed against them.

10:50 And he continued the battle very sore until the sun went down: and thatday was Demetrius slain.

10:51 Afterward Alexander sent ambassadors to Ptolemee king of Egypt with amessage to this effect:

10:52 Forasmuch as I am come again to my realm, and am set in the throne of myprogenitors, and have gotten the dominion, and overthrown Demetrius, andrecovered our country;

10:53 For after I had joined battle with him, both he and his host wasdiscomfited by us, so that we sit in the throne of his kingdom:

10:54 Now therefore let us make a league of amity together, and give me now thydaughter to wife: and I will be thy son in law, and will give both thee and hergifts according to thy dignity.

10:55 Then Ptolemee the king gave answer, saying, Happy be the day wherein thoudidst return into the land of thy fathers, and satest in the throne of theirkingdom.

10:56 And now will I do to thee, as thou hast written: meet me therefore atPtolemais, that we may see one another; for I will marry my daughter to theeaccording to thy desire.

10:57 So Ptolemee went out of Egypt with his daughter Cleopatra, and they cameunto Ptolemais in the hundred threescore and second year:

10:58 Where king Alexander meeting him, he gave unto him his daughterCleopatra, and celebrated her marriage at Ptolemais with great glory, as themanner of kings is.

10:59 Now king Alexander had written unto Jonathan, that he should come andmeet him.

10:60 Who thereupon went honourably to Ptolemais, where he met the two kings,and gave them and their friends silver and gold, and many presents, and foundfavour in their sight.

10:61 At that time certain pestilent fellows of Israel, men of a wicked life,assembled themselves against him, to accuse him: but the king would not hearthem.

10:62 Yea more than that, the king commanded to take off his garments, andclothe him in purple: and they did so.

10:63 And he made him sit by himself, and said into his princes, Go with himinto the midst of the city, and make proclamation, that no man complain againsthim of any matter, and that no man trouble him for any manner of cause.

10:64 Now when his accusers saw that he was honored according to theproclamation, and clothed in purple, they fled all away.

10:65 So the king honoured him, and wrote him among his chief friends, and madehim a duke, and partaker of his dominion.

10:66 Afterward Jonathan returned to Jerusalem with peace and gladness.

10:67 Furthermore in the hundred threescore and fifth year came Demetrius sonof Demetrius out of Crete into the land of his fathers:

10:68 Whereof when king Alexander heard tell, he was right sorry, and returnedinto Antioch.

10:69 Then Demetrius made Apollonius the governor of Celosyria his general, whogathered together a great host, and camped in Jamnia, and sent unto Jonathanthe high priest, saying,

10:70 Thou alone liftest up thyself against us, and I am laughed to scorn forthy sake, and reproached: and why dost thou vaunt thy power against us in themountains?

10:71 Now therefore, if thou trustest in thine own strength, come down to usinto the plain field, and there let us try the matter together: for with me isthe power of the cities.

10:72 Ask and learn who I am, and the rest that take our part, and they shalltell thee that thy foot is not able to to flight in their own land.

10:73 Wherefore now thou shalt not be able to abide the horsemen and so great apower in the plain, where is neither stone nor flint, nor place to flee unto.

10:74 So when Jonathan heard these words of Apollonius, he was moved in hismind, and choosing ten thousand men he went out of Jerusalem, where Simon hisbrother met him for to help him.

10:75 And he pitched his tents against Joppa: but; they of Joppa shut him outof the city, because Apollonius had a garrison there.

10:76 Then Jonathan laid siege unto it: whereupon they of the city let him infor fear: and so Jonathan won Joppa.

10:77 Whereof when Apollonius heard, he took three thousand horsemen, with agreat host of footmen, and went to Azotus as one that journeyed, andtherewithal drew him forth into the plain, because he had a great number ofhorsemen, in whom he put his trust.

10:78 Then Jonathan followed after him to Azotus, where the armies joinedbattle.

10:79 Now Apollonius had left a thousand horsemen in ambush.

10:80 And Jonathan knew that there was an ambushment behind him; for they hadcompassed in his host, and cast darts at the people, from morning till evening.

10:81 But the people stood still, as Jonathan had commanded them: and so theenemies’ horses were tired.

10:82 Then brought Simon forth his host, and set them against the footmen, (forthe horsemen were spent) who were discomfited by him, and fled.

10:83 The horsemen also, being scattered in the field, fled to Azotus, and wentinto Bethdagon, their idol’s temple, for safety.

10:84 But Jonathan set fire on Azotus, and the cities round about it, and tooktheir spoils; and the temple of Dagon, with them that were fled into it, heburned with fire.

10:85 Thus there were burned and slain with the sword well nigh eight thousandmen.

10:86 And from thence Jonathan removed his host, and camped against Ascalon,where the men of the city came forth, and met him with great pomp.

10:87 After this returned Jonathan and his host unto Jerusalem, having manyspoils.

10:88 Now when king Alexander heard these things, he honoured Jonathan yetmore.

10:89 And sent him a buckle of gold, as the use is to be given to such as areof the king’s blood: he gave him also Accaron with the borders thereof inpossession.

11:1 And the king of Egypt gathered together a great host, like the sand thatlieth upon the sea shore, and many ships, and went about through deceit to getAlexander’s kingdom, and join it to his own.

11:2 Whereupon he took his journey into Syria in peaceable manner, so as theyof the cities opened unto him, and met him: for king Alexander had commandedthem so to do, because he was his brother in law.

11:3 Now as Ptolemee entered into the cities, he set in every one of them agarrison of soldiers to keep it.

11:4 And when he came near to Azotus, they shewed him the temple of Dagon thatwas burnt, and Azotus and the suburbs thereof that were destroyed, and thebodies that were cast abroad and them that he had burnt in the battle; for theyhad made heaps of them by the way where he should pass.

11:5 Also they told the king whatsoever Jonathan had done, to the intent hemight blame him: but the king held his peace.

11:6 Then Jonathan met the king with great pomp at Joppa, where they salutedone another, and lodged.

11:7 Afterward Jonathan, when he had gone with the king to the river calledEleutherus, returned again to Jerusalem.

11:8 King Ptolemee therefore, having gotten the dominion of the cities by thesea unto Seleucia upon the sea coast, imagined wicked counsels againstAlexander.

11:9 Whereupon he sent ambasadors unto king Demetrius, saying, Come, let usmake a league betwixt us, and I will give thee my daughter whom Alexander hath,and thou shalt reign in thy father’s kingdom:

11:10 For I repent that I gave my daughter unto him, for he sought to slay me.

11:11 Thus did he slander him, because he was desirous of his kingdom.

11:12 Wherefore he took his daughter from him, and gave her to Demetrius, andforsook Alexander, so that their hatred was openly known.

11:13 Then Ptolemee entered into Antioch, where he set two crowns upon hishead, the crown of Asia, and of Egypt.

11:14 In the mean season was king Alexander in Cilicia, because those thatdwelt in those parts had revolted from him.

11:15 But when Alexander heard of this, he came to war against him: whereuponking Ptolemee brought forth his host, and met him with a mighty power, and puthim to flight.

11:16 So Alexander fled into Arabia there to be defended; but king Ptolemee wasexalted:

11:17 For Zabdiel the Arabian took off Alexander’s head, and sent it untoPtolemee.

11:18 King Ptolemee also died the third day after, and they that were in thestrong holds were slain one of another.

11:19 By this means Demetrius reigned in the hundred threescore and seventhyear.

11:20 At the same time Jonathan gathered together them that were in Judea totake the tower that was in Jerusalem: and he made many engines of war againstit.

11:21 Then certain ungodly persons, who hated their own people, went unto theking, and told him that Jonathan besieged the tower,

11:22 Whereof when he heard, he was angry, and immediately removing, he came toPtolemais, and wrote unto Jonathan, that he should not lay siege to the tower,but come and speak with him at Ptolemais in great haste.

11:23 Nevertheless Jonathan, when he heard this, commanded to besiege it still:and he chose certain of the elders of Israel and the priests, and put himselfin peril;

11:24 And took silver and gold, and raiment, and divers presents besides, andwent to Ptolemais unto the king, where he found favour in his sight.

11:25 And though certain ungodly men of the people had made complaints againsthim,

11:26 Yet the king entreated him as his predecessors had done before, andpromoted him in the sight of all his friends,

11:27 And confirmed him in the high priesthood, and in all the honours that hehad before, and gave him preeminence among his chief friends.

11:28 Then Jonathan desired the king, that he would make Judea free fromtribute, as also the three governments, with the country of Samaria; and hepromised him three hundred talents.

11:29 So the king consented, and wrote letters unto Jonathan of all thesethings after this manner:

11:30 King Demetrius unto his brother Jonathan, and unto the nation of theJews, sendeth greeting:

11:31 We send you here a copy of the letter which we did write unto our cousinLasthenes concerning you, that ye might see it.

11:32 King Demetrius unto his father Lasthenes sendeth greeting:

11:33 We are determined to do good to the people of the Jews, who are ourfriends, and keep covenants with us, because of their good will toward us.

11:34 Wherefore we have ratified unto them the borders of Judea, with the threegovernments of Apherema and Lydda and Ramathem, that are added unto Judea fromthe country of Samaria, and all things appertaining unto them, for all such asdo sacrifice in Jerusalem, instead of the payments which the king received ofthem yearly aforetime out of the fruits of the earth and of trees.

11:35 And as for other things that belong unto us, of the tithes and customspertaining unto us, as also the saltpits, and the crown taxes, which are dueunto us, we discharge them of them all for their relief.

11:36 And nothing hereof shall be revoked from this time forth for ever.

11:37 Now therefore see that thou make a copy of these things, and let it bedelivered unto Jonathan, and set upon the holy mount in a conspicuous place.

11:38 After this, when king Demetrius saw that the land was quiet before him,and that no resistance was made against him, he sent away all his forces, everyone to his own place, except certain bands of strangers, whom he had gatheredfrom the isles of the heathen: wherefore all the forces of his fathers hatedhim.

11:39 Moreover there was one Tryphon, that had been of Alexander’s partafore, who, seeing that all the host murmured against Demetrius, went toSimalcue the Arabian that brought up Antiochus the young son of Alexander,

11:40 And lay sore upon him to deliver him this young Antiochus, that he mightreign in his father’s stead: he told him therefore all that Demetrius haddone, and how his men of war were at enmity with him, and there he remained along season.

11:41 In the mean time Jonathan sent unto king Demetrius, that he would castthose of the tower out of Jerusalem, and those also in the fortresses: for theyfought against Israel.

11:42 So Demetrius sent unto Jonathan, saying, I will not only do this for theeand thy people, but I will greatly honour thee and thy nation, if opportunityserve.

11:43 Now therefore thou shalt do well, if thou send me men to help me; for allmy forces are gone from me.

11:44 Upon this Jonathan sent him three thousand strong men unto Antioch: andwhen they came to the king, the king was very glad of their coming.

11:45 Howbeit they that were of the city gathered themselves together into themidst of the city, to the number of an hundred and twenty thousand men, andwould have slain the king.

11:46 Wherefore the king fled into the court, but they of the city kept thepassages of the city, and began to fight.

11:47 Then the king called to the Jews for help, who came unto him all at once,and dispersing themselves through the city slew that day in the city to thenumber of an hundred thousand.

11:48 Also they set fire on the city, and gat many spoils that day, anddelivered the king.

11:49 So when they of the city saw that the Jews had got the city as theywould, their courage was abated: wherefore they made supplication to the king,and cried, saying,

11:50 Grant us peace, and let the Jews cease from assaulting us and the city.

11:51 With that they cast away their weapons, and made peace; and the Jews werehonoured in the sight of the king, and in the sight of all that were in hisrealm; and they returned to Jerusalem, having great spoils.

11:52 So king Demetrius sat on the throne of his kingdom, and the land wasquiet before him.

11:53 Nevertheless he dissembled in all that ever he spake, and estrangedhimself from Jonathan, neither rewarded he him according to the benefits whichhe had received of him, but troubled him very sore.

11:54 After this returned Tryphon, and with him the young child Antiochus, whoreigned, and was crowned.

11:55 Then there gathered unto him all the men of war, whom Demetrius had putaway, and they fought against Demetrius, who turned his back and fled.

11:56 Moreover Tryphon took the elephants, and won Antioch.

11:57 At that time young Antiochus wrote unto Jonathan, saying, I confirm theein the high priesthood, and appoint thee ruler over the four governments, andto be one of the king’s friends.

11:58 Upon this he sent him golden vessels to be served in, and gave him leaveto drink in gold, and to be clothed in purple, and to wear a golden buckle.

11:59 His brother Simon also he made captain from the place called The ladderof Tyrus unto the borders of Egypt.

11:60 Then Jonathan went forth, and passed through the cities beyond the water,and all the forces of Syria gathered themselves unto him for to help him: andwhen he came to Ascalon, they of the city met him honourably.

11:61 From whence he went to Gaza, but they of Gaza shut him out; wherefore helaid siege unto it, and burned the suburbs thereof with fire, and spoiled them.

11:62 Afterward, when they of Gaza made supplication unto Jonathan, he madepeace with them, and took the sons of their chief men for hostages, and sentthem to Jerusalem, and passed through the country unto Damascus.

11:63 Now when Jonathan heard that Demetrius’ princes were come to Cades,which is in Galilee, with a great power, purposing to remove him out of thecountry,

11:64 He went to meet them, and left Simon his brother in the country.

11:65 Then Simon encamped against Bethsura and fought against it a long season,and shut it up:

11:66 But they desired to have peace with him, which he granted them, and thenput them out from thence, and took the city, and set a garrison in it.

11:67 As for Jonathan and his host, they pitched at the water of Gennesar, fromwhence betimes in the morning they gat them to the plain of Nasor.

11:68 And, behold, the host of strangers met them in the plain, who, havinglaid men in ambush for him in the mountains, came themselves over against him.

11:69 So when they that lay in ambush rose out of their places and joinedbattle, all that were of Jonathan’s side fled;

11:70 Insomuch as there was not one of them left, except Mattathias the son ofAbsalom, and Judas the son of Calphi, the captains of the host.

11:71 Then Jonathan rent his clothes, and cast earth upon his head, and prayed.

11:72 Afterwards turning again to battle, he put them to flight, and so theyran away.

11:73 Now when his own men that were fled saw this, they turned again unto him,and with him pursued them to Cades, even unto their own tents, and there theycamped.

11:74 So there were slain of the heathen that day about three thousand men: butJonathan returned to Jerusalem.

12:1 Now when Jonathan saw that time served him, he chose certain men, and sentthem to Rome, for to confirm and renew the friendship that they had with them.

12:2 He sent letters also to the Lacedemonians, and to other places, for thesame purpose.

12:3 So they went unto Rome, and entered into the senate, and said, Jonathanthe high priest, and the people of the Jews, sent us unto you, to the end yeshould renew the friendship, which ye had with them, and league, as in formertime.

12:4 Upon this the Romans gave them letters unto the governors of every placethat they should bring them into the land of Judea peaceably.

12:5 And this is the copy of the letters which Jonathan wrote to theLacedemonians:

12:6 Jonathan the high priest, and the elders of the nation, and the priests,and the other of the Jews, unto the Lacedemonians their brethren send greeting:

12:7 There were letters sent in times past unto Onias the high priest fromDarius, who reigned then among you, to signify that ye are our brethren, as thecopy here underwritten doth specify.

12:8 At which time Onias entreated the ambassador that was sent honourably, andreceived the letters, wherein declaration was made of the league andfriendship.

12:9 Therefore we also, albeit we need none of these things, that we have theholy books of scripture in our hands to comfort us,

12:10 Have nevertheless attempted to send unto you for the renewing ofbrotherhood and friendship, lest we should become strangers unto youaltogether: for there is a long time passed since ye sent unto us.

12:11 We therefore at all times without ceasing, both in our feasts, and otherconvenient days, do remember you in the sacrifices which we offer, and in ourprayers, as reason is, and as it becometh us to think upon our brethren:

12:12 And we are right glad of your honour.

12:13 As for ourselves, we have had great troubles and wars on every side,forsomuch as the kings that are round about us have fought against us.

12:14 Howbeit we would not be troublesome unto you, nor to others of ourconfederates and friends, in these wars:

12:15 For we have help from heaven that succoureth us, so as we are deliveredfrom our enemies, and our enemies are brought under foot.

12:16 For this cause we chose Numenius the son of Antiochus, and Antipater heson of Jason, and sent them unto the Romans, to renew the amity that we hadwith them, and the former league.

12:17 We commanded them also to go unto you, and to salute and to deliver youour letters concerning the renewing of our brotherhood.

12:18 Wherefore now ye shall do well to give us an answer thereto.

12:19 And this is the copy of the letters which Oniares sent.

12:20 Areus king of the Lacedemonians to Onias the high priest, greeting:

12:21 It is found in writing, that the Lacedemonians and Jews are brethren, andthat they are of the stock of Abraham:

12:22 Now therefore, since this is come to our knowledge, ye shall do well towrite unto us of your prosperity.

12:23 We do write back again to you, that your cattle and goods are ours, andours are yours. We do command therefore our ambassadors to make report unto youon this wise.

12:24 Now when Jonathan heard that Demebius’ princes were come to fightagainst him with a greater host than afore,

12:25 He removed from Jerusalem, and met them in the land of Amathis: for hegave them no respite to enter his country.

12:26 He sent spies also unto their tents, who came again, and told him thatthey were appointed to come upon them in the night season.

12:27 Wherefore so soon as the sun was down, Jonathan commanded his men towatch, and to be in arms, that all the night long they might be ready to fight:also he sent forth sentinels round about the host.

12:28 But when the adversaries heard that Jonathan and his men were ready forbattle, they feared, and trembled in their hearts, and they kindled fires intheir camp.

12:29 Howbeit Jonathan and his company knew it not till the morning: for theysaw the lights burning.

12:30 Then Jonathan pursued after them, but overtook them not: for they weregone over the river Eleutherus.

12:31 Wherefore Jonathan turned to the Arabians, who were called Zabadeans, andsmote them, and took their spoils.

12:32 And removing thence, he came to Damascus, and so passed through all thecountry,

12:33 Simon also went forth, and passed through the country unto Ascalon, andthe holds there adjoining, from whence he turned aside to Joppa, and won it.

12:34 For he had heard that they would deliver the hold unto them that tookDemetrius’ part; wherefore he set a garrison there to keep it.

12:35 After this came Jonathan home again, and calling the elders of the peopletogether, he consulted with them about building strong holds in Judea,

12:36 And making the walls of Jerusalem higher, and raising a great mountbetween the tower and the city, for to separate it from the city, that so itmight be alone, that men might neither sell nor buy in it.

12:37 Upon this they came together to build up the city, forasmuch as part ofthe wall toward the brook on the east side was fallen down, and they repairedthat which was called Caphenatha.

12:38 Simon also set up Adida in Sephela, and made it strong with gates andbars.

12:39 Now Tryphon went about to get the kingdom of Asia, and to kill Antiochusthe king, that he might set the crown upon his own head.

12:40 Howbeit he was afraid that Jonathan would not suffer him, and that hewould fight against him; wherefore he sought a way how to take Jonathan, thathe might kill him. So he removed, and came to Bethsan.

12:41 Then Jonathan went out to meet him with forty thousand men chosen for thebattle, and came to Bethsan.

12:42 Now when Tryphon saw Jonathan came with so great a force, he durst notstretch his hand against him;

12:43 But received him honourably, and commended him unto all his friends, andgave him gifts, and commanded his men of war to be as obedient unto him, as tohimself.

12:44 Unto Jonathan also he said, Why hast thou brought all this people to sogreat trouble, seeing there is no war betwixt us?

12:45 Therefore send them now home again, and choose a few men to wait on thee,and come thou with me to Ptolemais, for I will give it thee, and the rest ofthe strong holds and forces, and all that have any charge: as for me, I willreturn and depart: for this is the cause of my coming.

12:46 So Jonathan believing him did as he bade him, and sent away his host, whowent into the land of Judea.

12:47 And with himself he retained but three thousand men, of whom he sent twothousand into Galilee, and one thousand went with him.

12:48 Now as soon as Jonathan entered into Ptolemais, they of Ptolemais shutthe gates and took him, and all them that came with him they slew with thesword.

12:49 Then sent Tryphon an host of footmen and horsemen into Galilee, and intothe great plain, to destroy all Jonathan’s company.

12:50 But when they knew that Jonathan and they that were with him were takenand slain, they encouraged one another; and went close together, prepared tofight.

12:51 They therefore that followed upon them, perceiving that they were readyto fight for their lives, turned back again.

12:52 Whereupon they all came into the land of Judea peaceably, and there theybewailed Jonathan, and them that were with him, and they were sore afraid;wherefore all Israel made great lamentation.

12:53 Then all the heathen that were round about then sought to destroy them:for said they, They have no captain, nor any to help them: now therefore let usmake war upon them, and take away their memorial from among men.

13:1 Now when Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered together a great host toinvade the land of Judea, and destroy it,

13:2 And saw that the people was in great trembling and fear, he went up toJerusalem, and gathered the people together,

13:3 And gave them exhortation, saying, Ye yourselves know what great things I,and my brethren, and my father’s house, have done for the laws and thesanctuary, the battles also and troubles which we have seen.

13:4 By reason whereof all my brethren are slain for Israel’s sake, and Iam left alone.

13:5 Now therefore be it far from me, that I should spare mine own life in anytime of trouble: for I am no better than my brethren.

13:6 Doubtless I will avenge my nation, and the sanctuary, and our wives, andour children: for all the heathen are gathered to destroy us of very malice.

13:7 Now as soon as the people heard these words, their spirit revived.

13:8 And they answered with a loud voice, saying, Thou shalt be our leaderinstead of Judas and Jonathan thy brother.

13:9 Fight thou our battles, and whatsoever, thou commandest us, that will wedo.

13:10 So then he gathered together all the men of war, and made haste to finishthe walls of Jerusalem, and he fortified it round about.

13:11 Also he sent Jonathan the son of Absolom, and with him a great power, toJoppa: who casting out them that were therein remained there in it.

13:12 So Tryphon removed from Ptolemaus with a great power to invade the landof Judea, and Jonathan was with him in ward.

13:13 But Simon pitched his tents at Adida, over against the plain.

13:14 Now when Tryphon knew that Simon was risen up instead of his brotherJonathan, and meant to join battle with him, he sent messengers unto him,saying,

13:15 Whereas we have Jonathan thy brother in hold, it is for money that he isowing unto the king’s treasure, concerning the business that wascommitted unto him.

13:16 Wherefore now send an hundred talents of silver, and two of his sons forhostages, that when he is at liberty he may not revolt from us, and we will lethim go.

13:17 Hereupon Simon, albeit he perceived that they spake deceitfully unto himyet sent he the money and the children, lest peradventure he should procure tohimself great hatred of the people:

13:18 Who might have said, Because I sent him not the money and the children,therefore is Jonathan dead.

13:19 So he sent them the children and the hundred talents: howbeit Tryphondissembled neither would he let Jonathan go.

13:20 And after this came Tryphon to invade the land, and destroy it, goinground about by the way that leadeth unto Adora: but Simon and his host marchedagainst him in every place, wheresoever he went.

13:21 Now they that were in the tower sent messengers unto Tryphon, to the endthat he should hasten his coming unto them by the wilderness, and send themvictuals.

13:22 Wherefore Tryphon made ready all his horsemen to come that night: butthere fell a very great snow, by reason whereof he came not. So he departed,and came into the country of Galaad.

13:23 And when he came near to Bascama he slew Jonathan, who was buried there.

13:24 Afterward Tryphon returned and went into his own land.

13:25 Then sent Simon, and took the bones of Jonathan his brother, and buriedthem in Modin, the city of his fathers.

13:26 And all Israel made great lamentation for him, and bewailed him manydays.

13:27 Simon also built a monument upon the sepulchre of his father and hisbrethren, and raised it aloft to the sight, with hewn stone behind and before.

13:28 Moreover he set up seven pyramids, one against another, for his father,and his mother, and his four brethren.

13:29 And in these he made cunning devices, about the which he set greatpillars, and upon the pillars he made all their armour for a perpetual memory,and by the armour ships carved, that they might be seen of all that sail on thesea.

13:30 This is the sepulchre which he made at Modin, and it standeth yet untothis day.

13:31 Now Tryphon dealt deceitfully with the young king Antiochus, and slewhim.

13:32 And he reigned in his stead, and crowned himself king of Asia, andbrought a great calamity upon the land.

13:33 Then Simon built up the strong holds in Judea, and fenced them about withhigh towers, and great walls, and gates, and bars, and laid up victualstherein.

13:34 Moreover Simon chose men, and sent to king Demetrius, to the end heshould give the land an immunity, because all that Tryphon did was to spoil.

13:35 Unto whom king Demetrius answered and wrote after this manner:

13:36 King Demetrius unto Simon the high priest, and friend of kings, as alsounto the elders and nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting:

13:37 The golden crown, and the scarlet robe, which ye sent unto us, we havereceived: and we are ready to make a stedfast peace with you, yea, and to writeunto our officers, to confirm the immunities which we have granted.

13:38 And whatsoever covenants we have made with you shall stand; and thestrong holds, which ye have builded, shall be your own.

13:39 As for any oversight or fault committed unto this day, we forgive it, andthe crown tax also, which ye owe us: and if there were any other tribute paidin Jerusalem, it shall no more be paid.

13:40 And look who are meet among you to be in our court, let then be enrolled,and let there be peace betwixt us.

13:41 Thus the yoke of the heathen was taken away from Israel in the hundredand seventieth year.

13:42 Then the people of Israel began to write in their instruments andcontracts, In the first year of Simon the high priest, the governor and leaderof the Jews.

13:43 In those days Simon camped against Gaza and besieged it round about; hemade also an engine of war, and set it by the city, and battered a certaintower, and took it.

13:44 And they that were in the engine leaped into the city; whereupon therewas a great uproar in the city:

13:45 Insomuch as the people of the city rent their clothes, and climbed uponthe walls with their wives and children, and cried with a loud voice,beseeching Simon to grant them peace.

13:46 And they said, Deal not with us according to our wickedness, butaccording to thy mercy.

13:47 So Simon was appeased toward them, and fought no more against them, butput them out of the city, and cleansed the houses wherein the idols were, andso entered into it with songs and thanksgiving.

13:48 Yea, he put all uncleanness out of it, and placed such men there as wouldkeep the law, and made it stronger than it was before, and built therein adwellingplace for himself.

13:49 They also of the tower in Jerusalem were kept so strait, that they couldneither come forth, nor go into the country, nor buy, nor sell: wherefore theywere in great distress for want of victuals, and a great number of themperished through famine.

13:50 Then cried they to Simon, beseeching him to be at one with them: whichthing he granted them; and when he had put them out from thence, he cleansedthe tower from pollutions:

13:51 And entered into it the three and twentieth day of the second month inthe hundred seventy and first year, with thanksgiving, and branches of palmtrees, and with harps, and cymbals, and with viols, and hymns, and songs:because there was destroyed a great enemy out of Israel.

13:52 He ordained also that that day should be kept every year with gladness.Moreover the hill of the temple that was by the tower he made stronger than itwas, and there he dwelt himself with his company.

13:53 And when Simon saw that John his son was a valiant man, he made himcaptain of all the hosts; and he dwelt in Gazera.

14:1 Now in the hundred threescore and twelfth year king Demetrius gathered hisforces together, and went into Media to get him help to fight against Tryphone.

14:2 But when Arsaces, the king of Persia and Media, heard that Demetrius wasentered within his borders, he sent one of his princes to take him alive:

14:3 Who went and smote the host of Demetrius, and took him, and brought him toArsaces, by whom he was put in ward.

14:4 As for the land of Judea, that was quiet all the days of Simon; for hesought the good of his nation in such wise, as that evermore his authority andhonour pleased them well.

14:5 And as he was honourable in all his acts, so in this, that he took Joppafor an haven, and made an entrance to the isles of the sea,

14:6 And enlarged the bounds of his nation, and recovered the country,

14:7 And gathered together a great number of captives, and had the dominion ofGazera, and Bethsura, and the tower, out of the which he took all uncleaness,neither was there any that resisted him.

14:8 Then did they till their ground in peace, and the earth gave her increase,and the trees of the field their fruit.

14:9 The ancient men sat all in the streets, communing together of good things,and the young men put on glorious and warlike apparel.

14:10 He provided victuals for the cities, and set in them all manner ofmunition, so that his honourable name was renowned unto the end of the world.

14:11 He made peace in the land, and Israel rejoiced with great joy:

14:12 For every man sat under his vine and his fig tree, and there was none tofray them:

14:13 Neither was there any left in the land to fight against them: yea, thekings themselves were overthrown in those days.

14:14 Moreover he strengthened all those of his people that were brought low:the law he searched out; and every contemner of the law and wicked person hetook away.

14:15 He beautified the sanctuary, and multiplied vessels of the temple.

14:16 Now when it was heard at Rome, and as far as Sparta, that Jonathan wasdead, they were very sorry.

14:17 But as soon as they heard that his brother Simon was made high priest inhis stead, and ruled the country, and the cities therein:

14:18 They wrote unto him in tables of brass, to renew the friendship andleague which they had made with Judas and Jonathan his brethren:

14:19 Which writings were read before the congregation at Jerusalem.

14:20 And this is the copy of the letters that the Lacedemonians sent; Therulers of the Lacedemonians, with the city, unto Simon the high priest, and theelders, and priests, and residue of the people of the Jews, our brethren, sendgreeting:

14:21 The ambassadors that were sent unto our people certified us of your gloryand honour: wherefore we were glad of their coming,

14:22 And did register the things that they spake in the council of the peoplein this manner; Numenius son of Antiochus, and Antipater son of Jason, theJews’ ambassadors, came unto us to renew the friendship they had with us.

14:23 And it pleased the people to entertain the men honourably, and to put thecopy of their ambassage in publick records, to the end the people of theLacedemonians might have a memorial thereof: furthermore we have written a copythereof unto Simon the high priest.

14:24 After this Simon sent Numenius to Rome with a great shield of gold of athousand pound weight to confirm the league with them.

14:25 Whereof when the people heard, they said, What thanks shall we give toSimon and his sons?

14:26 For he and his brethren and the house of his father have establishedIsrael, and chased away in fight their enemies from them, and confirmed theirliberty.

14:27 So then they wrote it in tables of brass, which they set upon pillars inmount Sion: and this is the copy of the writing; The eighteenth day of themonth Elul, in the hundred threescore and twelfth year, being the third year ofSimon the high priest,

14:28 At Saramel in the great congregation of the priests, and people, andrulers of the nation, and elders of the country, were these things notifiedunto us.

14:29 Forasmuch as oftentimes there have been wars in the country, wherein forthe maintenance of their sanctuary, and the law, Simon the son of Mattathias,of the posterity of Jarib, together with his brethren, put themselves injeopardy, and resisting the enemies of their nation did their nation greathonour:

14:30 (For after that Jonathan, having gathered his nation together, and beentheir high priest, was added to his people,

14:31 Their enemies prepared to invade their country, that they might destroyit, and lay hands on the sanctuary:

14:32 At which time Simon rose up, and fought for his nation, and spent much ofhis own substance, and armed the valiant men of his nation and gave them wages,

14:33 And fortified the cities of Judea, together with Bethsura, that liethupon the borders of Judea, where the armour of the enemies had been before; buthe set a garrison of Jews there:

14:34 Moreover he fortified Joppa, which lieth upon the sea, and Gazera, thatbordereth upon Azotus, where the enemies had dwelt before: but he placed Jewsthere, and furnished them with all things convenient for the reparationthereof.)

14:35 The people therefore seeing the acts of Simon, and unto what glory hethought to bring his nation, made him their governor and chief priest, becausehe had done all these things, and for the justice and faith which he kept tohis nation, and for that he sought by all means to exalt his people.

14:36 For in his time things prospered in his hands, so that the heathen weretaken out of their country, and they also that were in the city of David inJerusalem, who had made themselves a tower, out of which they issued, andpolluted all about the sanctuary, and did much hurt in the holy place:

14:37 But he placed Jews therein, and fortified it for the safety of thecountry and the city, and raised up the walls of Jerusalem.

14:38 King Demetrius also confirmed him in the high priesthood according tothose things,

14:39 And made him one of his friends, and honoured him with great honour.

14:40 For he had heard say, that the Romans had called the Jews their friendsand confederates and brethren; and that they had entertained the ambassadors ofSimon honourably;

14:41 Also that the Jews and priests were well pleased that Simon should betheir governor and high priest for ever, until there should arise a faithfulprophet;

14:42 Moreover that he should be their captain, and should take charge of thesanctuary, to set them over their works, and over the country, and over thearmour, and over the fortresses, that, I say, he should take charge of thesanctuary;

14:43 Beside this, that he should be obeyed of every man, and that all thewritings in the country should be made in his name, and that he should beclothed in purple, and wear gold:

14:44 Also that it should be lawful for none of the people or priests to breakany of these things, or to gainsay his words, or to gather an assembly in thecountry without him, or to be clothed in purple, or wear a buckle of gold;

14:45 And whosoever should do otherwise, or break any of these things, heshould be punished.

14:46 Thus it liked all the people to deal with Simon, and to do as hath beensaid.

14:47 Then Simon accepted hereof, and was well pleased to be high priest, andcaptain and governor of the Jews and priests, and to defend them all.

14:48 So they commanded that this writing should be put in tables of brass, andthat they should be set up within the compass of the sanctuary in a conspicuousplace;

14:49 Also that the copies thereof should be laid up in the treasury, to theend that Simon and his sons might have them.

15:1 Moreover Antiochus son of Demetrius the king sent letters from the islesof the sea unto Simon the priest and prince of the Jews, and to all the people;

15:2 The contents whereof were these: King Antiochus to Simon the high priestand prince of his nation, and to the people of the Jews, greeting:

15:3 Forasmuch as certain pestilent men have usurped the kingdom of ourfathers, and my purpose is to challenge it again, that I may restore it to theold estate, and to that end have gathered a multitude of foreign soldierstogether, and prepared ships of war;

15:4 My meaning also being to go through the country, that I may be avenged ofthem that have destroyed it, and made many cities in the kingdom desolate:

15:5 Now therefore I confirm unto thee all the oblations which the kings beforeme granted thee, and whatsoever gifts besides they granted.

15:6 I give thee leave also to coin money for thy country with thine own stamp.

15:7 And as concerning Jerusalem and the sanctuary, let them be free; and allthe armour that thou hast made, and fortresses that thou hast built, andkeepest in thine hands, let them remain unto thee.

15:8 And if any thing be, or shall be, owing to the king, let it be forgiventhee from this time forth for evermore.

15:9 Furthermore, when we have obtained our kingdom, we will honour thee, andthy nation, and thy temple, with great honour, so that your honour shall beknown throughout the world.

15:10 In the hundred threescore and fourteenth year went Antiochus into theland of his fathers: at which time all the forces came together unto him, sothat few were left with Tryphon.

15:11 Wherefore being pursued by king Antiochus, he fled unto Dora, which liethby the sea side:

15:12 For he saw that troubles came upon him all at once, and that his forceshad forsaken him.

15:13 Then camped Antiochus against Dora, having with him an hundred and twentythousand men of war, and eight thousand horsemen.

15:14 And when he had compassed the city round about, and joined ships close tothe town on the sea side, he vexed the city by land and by sea, neithersuffered he any to go out or in.

15:15 In the mean season came Numenius and his company from Rome, havingletters to the kings and countries; wherein were written these things:

15:16 Lucius, consul of the Romans unto king Ptolemee, greeting:

15:17 The Jews’ ambassadors, our friends and confederates, came unto usto renew the old friendship and league, being sent from Simon the high priest,and from the people of the Jews:

15:18 And they brought a shield of gold of a thousand pound.

15:19 We thought it good therefore to write unto the kings and countries, thatthey should do them no harm, nor fight against them, their cities, orcountries, nor yet aid their enemies against them.

15:20 It seemed also good to us to receive the shield of them.

15:21 If therefore there be any pestilent fellows, that have fled from theircountry unto you, deliver them unto Simon the high priest, that he may punishthem according to their own law.

15:22 The same things wrote he likewise unto Demetrius the king, and Attalus,to Ariarathes, and Arsaces,

15:23 And to all the countries and to Sampsames, and the Lacedemonians, and toDelus, and Myndus, and Sicyon, and Caria, and Samos, and Pamphylia, and Lycia,and Halicarnassus, and Rhodus, and Phaselis, and Cos, and Side, and Aradus, andGortyna, and Cnidus, and Cyprus, and Cyrene.

15:24 And the copy hereof they wrote to Simon the high priest.

15:25 So Antiochus the king camped against Dora the second day, assaulting itcontinually, and making engines, by which means he shut up Tryphon, that hecould neither go out nor in.

15:26 At that time Simon sent him two thousand chosen men to aid him; silveralso, and gold, and much armour.

15:27 Nevertheless he would not receive them, but brake all the covenants whichhe had made with him afore, and became strange unto him.

15:28 Furthermore he sent unto him Athenobius, one of his friends, to communewith him, and say, Ye withhold Joppa and Gazera; with the tower that is inJerusalem, which are cities of my realm.

15:29 The borders thereof ye have wasted, and done great hurt in the land, andgot the dominion of many places within my kingdom.

15:30 Now therefore deliver the cities which ye have taken, and the tributes ofthe places, whereof ye have gotten dominion without the borders of Judea:

15:31 Or else give me for them five hundred talents of silver; and for the harmthat ye have done, and the tributes of the cities, other five hundred talents:if not, we will come and fight against you.

15:32 So Athenobius the king’s friend came to Jerusalem: and when he sawthe glory of Simon, and the cupboard of gold and silver plate, and his greatattendance, he was astonished, and told him the king’s message.

15:33 Then answered Simon, and said unto him, We have neither taken othermen’s land, nor holden that which appertaineth to others, but theinheritance of our fathers, which our enemies had wrongfully in possession acertain time.

15:34 Wherefore we, having opportunity, hold the inheritance of our fathers.

15:35 And whereas thou demandest Joppa and Gazera, albeit they did great harmunto the people in our country, yet will we give thee an hundred talents forthem. Hereunto Athenobius answered him not a word;

15:36 But returned in a rage to the king, and made report unto him of thesespeeches, and of the glory of Simon, and of all that he had seen: whereupon theking was exceeding wroth.

15:37 In the mean time fled Tryphon by ship unto Orthosias.

15:38 Then the king made Cendebeus captain of the sea coast, and gave him anhost of footmen and horsemen,

15:39 And commanded him to remove his host toward Judea; also he commanded himto build up Cedron, and to fortify the gates, and to war against the people;but as for the king himself, he pursued Tryphon.

15:40 So Cendebeus came to Jamnia and began to provoke the people and to invadeJudea, and to take the people prisoners, and slay them.

15:41 And when he had built up Cedrou, he set horsemen there, and an host offootmen, to the end that issuing out they might make outroads upon the ways ofJudea, as the king had commanded him.

16:1 Then came up John from Gazera, and told Simon his father what Cendebeushad done.

16:2 Wherefore Simon called his two eldest sons, Judas and John, and said untothem, I, and my brethren, and my father’s house, have ever from our youthunto this day fought against the enemies of Israel; and things have prosperedso well in our hands, that we have delivered Israel oftentimes.

16:3 But now I am old, and ye, by God’s mercy, are of a sufficient age:be ye instead of me and my brother, and go and fight for our nation, and thehelp from heaven be with you.

16:4 So he chose out of the country twenty thousand men of war with horsemen,who went out against Cendebeus, and rested that night at Modin.

16:5 And when as they rose in the morning, and went into the plain, behold, amighty great host both of footmen and horsemen came against them: howbeit therewas a water brook betwixt them.

16:6 So he and his people pitched over against them: and when he saw that thepeople were afraid to go over the water brook, he went first over himself, andthen the men seeing him passed through after him.

16:7 That done, he divided his men, and set the horsemen in the midst of thefootmen: for the enemies’ horsemen were very many.

16:8 Then sounded they with the holy trumpets: whereupon Cendebeus and his hostwere put to flight, so that many of them were slain, and the remnant gat themto the strong hold.

16:9 At that time was Judas John’s brother wounded; but John stillfollowed after them, until he came to Cedron, which Cendebeus had built.

16:10 So they fled even unto the towers in the fields of Azotus; wherefore heburned it with fire: so that there were slain of them about two thousand men.Afterward he returned into the land of Judea in peace.

16:11 Moreover in the plain of Jericho was Ptolemeus the son of Abubus madecaptain, and he had abundance of silver and gold:

16:12 For he was the high priest’s son in law.

16:13 Wherefore his heart being lifted up, he thought to get the country tohimself, and thereupon consulted deceitfully against Simon and his sons todestroy them.

16:14 Now Simon was visiting the cities that were in the country, and takingcare for the good ordering of them; at which time he came down himself toJericho with his sons, Mattathias and Judas, in the hundred threescore andseventeenth year, in the eleventh month, called Sabat:

16:15 Where the son of Abubus receiving them deceitfully into a little hold,called Docus, which he had built, made them a great banquet: howbeit he had hidmen there.

16:16 So when Simon and his sons had drunk largely, Ptolemee and his men roseup, and took their weapons, and came upon Simon into the banqueting place, andslew him, and his two sons, and certain of his servants.

16:17 In which doing he committed a great treachery, and recompensed evil forgood.

16:18 Then Ptolemee wrote these things, and sent to the king, that he shouldsend him an host to aid him, and he would deliver him the country and cities.

16:19 He sent others also to Gazera to kill John: and unto the tribunes he sentletters to come unto him, that he might give them silver, and gold, andrewards.

16:20 And others he sent to take Jerusalem, and the mountain of the temple.

16:21 Now one had run afore to Gazera and told John that his father andbrethren were slain, and, quoth he, Ptolemee hath sent to slay thee also.

16:22 Hereof when he heard, he was sore astonished: so he laid hands on themthat were come to destroy him, and slew them; for he knew that they sought tomake him away.

16:23 As concerning the rest of the acts of John, and his wars, and worthydeeds which he did, and the building of the walls which he made, and hisdoings,

16:24 Behold, these are written in the chronicles of his priesthood, from thetime he was made high priest after his father.

The Second Book of the Maccabees

1:1 The brethren, the Jews that be at Jerusalem and in the land of Judea, wishunto the brethren, the Jews that are throughout Egypt health and peace:

1:2 God be gracious unto you, and remember his covenant that he made withAbraham, Isaac, and Jacob, his faithful servants;

1:3 And give you all an heart to serve him, and to do his will, with a goodcourage and a willing mind;

1:4 And open your hearts in his law and commandments, and send you peace,

1:5 And hear your prayers, and be at one with you, and never forsake you intime of trouble.

1:6 And now we be here praying for you.

1:7 What time as Demetrius reigned, in the hundred threescore and ninth year,we the Jews wrote unto you in the extremity of trouble that came upon us inthose years, from the time that Jason and his company revolted from the holyland and kingdom,

1:8 And burned the porch, and shed innocent blood: then we prayed unto theLord, and were heard; we offered also sacrifices and fine flour, and lightedthe lamps, and set forth the loaves.

1:9 And now see that ye keep the feast of tabernacles in the month Casleu.

1:10 In the hundred fourscore and eighth year, the people that were atJerusalem and in Judea, and the council, and Judas, sent greeting and healthunto Aristobulus, king Ptolemeus’ master, who was of the stock of theanointed priests, and to the Jews that were in Egypt:

1:11 Insomuch as God hath delivered us from great perils, we thank him highly,as having been in battle against a king.

1:12 For he cast them out that fought within the holy city.

1:13 For when the leader was come into Persia, and the army with him thatseemed invincible, they were slain in the temple of Nanea by the deceit ofNanea’s priests.

1:14 For Antiochus, as though he would marry her, came into the place, and hisfriends that were with him, to receive money in name of a dowry.

1:15 Which when the priests of Nanea had set forth, and he was entered with asmall company into the compass of the temple, they shut the temple as soon asAntiochus was come in:

1:16 And opening a privy door of the roof, they threw stones like thunderbolts,and struck down the captain, hewed them in pieces, smote off their heads andcast them to those that were without.

1:17 Blessed be our God in all things, who hath delivered up the ungodly.

1:18 Therefore whereas we are now purposed to keep the purification of thetemple upon the five and twentieth day of the month Casleu, we thought itnecessary to certify you thereof, that ye also might keep it, as the feast ofthe tabernacles, and of the fire, which was given us when Neemias offeredsacrifice, after that he had builded the temple and the altar.

1:19 For when our fathers were led into Persia, the priests that were thendevout took the fire of the altar privily, and hid it in an hollow place of apit without water, where they kept it sure, so that the place was unknown toall men.

1:20 Now after many years, when it pleased God, Neemias, being sent from theking of Persia, did send of the posterity of those priests that had hid it tothe fire: but when they told us they found no fire, but thick water;

1:21 Then commanded he them to draw it up, and to bring it; and when thesacrifices were laid on, Neemias commanded the priests to sprinkle the wood andthe things laid thereupon with the water.

1:22 When this was done, and the time came that the sun shone, which afore washid in the cloud, there was a great fire kindled, so that every man marvelled.

1:23 And the priests made a prayer whilst the sacrifice was consuming, I say,both the priests, and all the rest, Jonathan beginning, and the rest answeringthereunto, as Neemias did.

1:24 And the prayer was after this manner; O Lord, Lord God, Creator of allthings, who art fearful and strong, and righteous, and merciful, and the onlyand gracious King,

1:25 The only giver of all things, the only just, almighty, and everlasting,thou that deliverest Israel from all trouble, and didst choose the fathers, andsanctify them:

1:26 Receive the sacrifice for thy whole people Israel, and preserve thine ownportion, and sanctify it.

1:27 Gather those together that are scattered from us, deliver them that serveamong the heathen, look upon them that are despised and abhorred, and let theheathen know that thou art our God.

1:28 Punish them that oppress us, and with pride do us wrong.

1:29 Plant thy people again in thy holy place, as Moses hath spoken.

1:30 And the priests sung psalms of thanksgiving.

1:31 Now when the sacrifice was consumed, Neemias commanded the water that wasleft to be poured on the great stones.

1:32 When this was done, there was kindled a flame: but it was consumed by thelight that shined from the altar.

1:33 So when this matter was known, it was told the king of Persia, that in theplace, where the priests that were led away had hid the fire, there appearedwater, and that Neemias had purified the sacrifices therewith.

1:34 Then the king, inclosing the place, made it holy, after he had tried thematter.

1:35 And the king took many gifts, and bestowed thereof on those whom he wouldgratify.

1:36 And Neemias called this thing Naphthar, which is as much as to say, acleansing: but many men call it Nephi.

2:1 It is also found in the records, that Jeremy the prophet commanded themthat were carried away to take of the fire, as it hath been signified:

2:2 And how that the prophet, having given them the law, charged them not toforget the commandments of the Lord, and that they should not err in theirminds, when they see images of silver and gold, with their ornaments.

2:3 And with other such speeches exhorted he them, that the law should notdepart from their hearts.

2:4 It was also contained in the same writing, that the prophet, being warnedof God, commanded the tabernacle and the ark to go with him, as he went forthinto the mountain, where Moses climbed up, and saw the heritage of God.

2:5 And when Jeremy came thither, he found an hollow cave, wherein he laid thetabernacle, and the ark, and the altar of incense, and so stopped the door.

2:6 And some of those that followed him came to mark the way, but they couldnot find it.

2:7 Which when Jeremy perceived, he blamed them, saying, As for that place, itshall be unknown until the time that God gather his people again together, andreceive them unto mercy.

2:8 Then shall the Lord shew them these things, and the glory of the Lord shallappear, and the cloud also, as it was shewed under Moses, and as when Solomondesired that the place might be honourably sanctified.

2:9 It was also declared, that he being wise offered the sacrifice ofdedication, and of the finishing of the temple.

2:10 And as when Moses prayed unto the Lord, the fire came down from heaven,and consumed the sacrifices: even so prayed Solomon also, and the fire camedown from heaven, and consumed the burnt offerings.

2:11 And Moses said, Because the sin offering was not to be eaten, it wasconsumed.

2:12 So Solomon kept those eight days.

2:13 The same things also were reported in the writings and commentaries ofNeemias; and how he founding a library gathered together the acts of the kings,and the prophets, and of David, and the epistles of the kings concerning theholy gifts.

2:14 In like manner also Judas gathered together all those things that werelost by reason of the war we had, and they remain with us,

2:15 Wherefore if ye have need thereof, send some to fetch them unto you.

2:16 Whereas we then are about to celebrate the purification, we have writtenunto you, and ye shall do well, if ye keep the same days.

2:17 We hope also, that the God, that delivered all his people, and gave themall an heritage, and the kingdom, and the priesthood, and the sanctuary,

2:18 As he promised in the law, will shortly have mercy upon us, and gather ustogether out of every land under heaven into the holy place: for he hathdelivered us out of great troubles, and hath purified the place.

2:19 Now as concerning Judas Maccabeus, and his brethren, and the purificationof the great temple, and the dedication of the altar,

2:20 And the wars against Antiochus Epiphanes, and Eupator his son,

2:21 And the manifest signs that came from heaven unto those that behavedthemselves manfully to their honour for Judaism: so that, being but a few, theyovercame the whole country, and chased barbarous multitudes,

2:22 And recovered again the temple renowned all the world over, and freed thecity, and upheld the laws which were going down, the Lord being gracious untothem with all favour:

2:23 All these things, I say, being declared by Jason of Cyrene in five books,we will assay to abridge in one volume.

2:24 For considering the infinite number, and the difficulty which they findthat desire to look into the narrations of the story, for the variety of thematter,

2:25 We have been careful, that they that will read may have delight, and thatthey that are desirous to commit to memory might have ease, and that all intowhose hands it comes might have profit.

2:26 Therefore to us, that have taken upon us this painful labour of abridging,it was not easy, but a matter of sweat and watching;

2:27 Even as it is no ease unto him that prepareth a banquet, and seeketh thebenefit of others: yet for the pleasuring of many we will undertake gladly thisgreat pains;

2:28 Leaving to the author the exact handling of every particular, andlabouring to follow the rules of an abridgement.

2:29 For as the master builder of a new house must care for the whole building;but he that undertaketh to set it out, and paint it, must seek out fit thingsfor the adorning thereof: even so I think it is with us.

2:30 To stand upon every point, and go over things at large, and to be curiousin particulars, belongeth to the first author of the story:

2:31 But to use brevity, and avoid much labouring of the work, is to be grantedto him that will make an abridgment.

2:32 Here then will we begin the story: only adding thus much to that whichhath been said, that it is a foolish thing to make a long prologue, and to beshort in the story itself.

3:1 Now when the holy city was inhabited with all peace, and the laws were keptvery well, because of the godliness of Onias the high priest, and his hatred ofwickedness,

3:2 It came to pass that even the kings themselves did honour the place, andmagnify the temple with their best gifts;

3:3 Insomuch that Seleucus of Asia of his own revenues bare all the costsbelonging to the service of the sacrifices.

3:4 But one Simon of the tribe of Benjamin, who was made governor of thetemple, fell out with the high priest about disorder in the city.

3:5 And when he could not overcome Onias, he gat him to Apollonius the son ofThraseas, who then was governor of Celosyria and Phenice,

3:6 And told him that the treasury in Jerusalem was full of infinite sums ofmoney, so that the multitude of their riches, which did not pertain to theaccount of the sacrifices, was innumerable, and that it was possible to bringall into the king’s hand.

3:7 Now when Apollonius came to the king, and had shewed him of the moneywhereof he was told, the king chose out Heliodorus his treasurer, and sent himwith a commandment to bring him the foresaid money.

3:8 So forthwith Heliodorus took his journey; under a colour of visiting thecities of Celosyria and Phenice, but indeed to fulfil the king’s purpose.

3:9 And when he was come to Jerusalem, and had been courteously received of thehigh priest of the city, he told him what intelligence was given of the money,and declared wherefore he came, and asked if these things were so indeed.

3:10 Then the high priest told him that there was such money laid up for therelief of widows and fatherless children:

3:11 And that some of it belonged to Hircanus son of Tobias, a man of greatdignity, and not as that wicked Simon had misinformed: the sum whereof in allwas four hundred talents of silver, and two hundred of gold:

3:12 And that it was altogether impossible that such wrongs should be done untothem, that had committed it to the holiness of the place, and to the majestyand inviolable sanctity of the temple, honoured over all the world.

3:13 But Heliodorus, because of the king’s commandment given him, said,That in any wise it must be brought into the king’s treasury.

3:14 So at the day which he appointed he entered in to order this matter:wherefore there was no small agony throughout the whole city.

3:15 But the priests, prostrating themselves before the altar in theirpriests’ vestments, called unto heaven upon him that made a lawconcerning things given to be kept, that they should safely be preserved forsuch as had committed them to be kept.

3:16 Then whoso had looked the high priest in the face, it would have woundedhis heart: for his countenance and the changing of his colour declared theinward agony of his mind.

3:17 For the man was so compassed with fear and horror of the body, that it wasmanifest to them that looked upon him, what sorrow he had now in his heart.

3:18 Others ran flocking out of their houses to the general supplication,because the place was like to come into contempt.

3:19 And the women, girt with sackcloth under their breasts, abounded in thestreets, and the virgins that were kept in ran, some to the gates, and some tothe walls, and others looked out of the windows.

3:20 And all, holding their hands toward heaven, made supplication.

3:21 Then it would have pitied a man to see the falling down of the multitudeof all sorts, and the fear of the high priest being in such an agony.

3:22 They then called upon the Almighty Lord to keep the things committed oftrust safe and sure for those that had committed them.

3:23 Nevertheless Heliodorus executed that which was decreed.

3:24 Now as he was there present himself with his guard about the treasury, theLord of spirits, and the Prince of all power, caused a great apparition, sothat all that presumed to come in with him were astonished at the power of God,and fainted, and were sore afraid.

3:25 For there appeared unto them an horse with a terrible rider upon him, andadorned with a very fair covering, and he ran fiercely, and smote at Heliodoruswith his forefeet, and it seemed that he that sat upon the horse had completeharness of gold.

3:26 Moreover two other young men appeared before him, notable in strength,excellent in beauty, and comely in apparel, who stood by him on either side;and scourged him continually, and gave him many sore stripes.

3:27 And Heliodorus fell suddenly unto the ground, and was compassed with greatdarkness: but they that were with him took him up, and put him into a litter.

3:28 Thus him, that lately came with a great train and with all his guard intothe said treasury, they carried out, being unable to help himself with hisweapons: and manifestly they acknowledged the power of God.

3:29 For he by the hand of God was cast down, and lay speechless without allhope of life.

3:30 But they praised the Lord, that had miraculously honoured his own place:for the temple; which a little afore was full of fear and trouble, when theAlmighty Lord appeared, was filled with joy and gladness.

3:31 Then straightways certain of Heliodorus’ friends prayed Onias, thathe would call upon the most High to grant him his life, who lay ready to giveup the ghost.

3:32 So the high priest, suspecting lest the king should misconceive that sometreachery had been done to Heliodorus by the Jews, offered a sacrifice for thehealth of the man.

3:33 Now as the high priest was making an atonement, the same young men in thesame clothing appeared and stood beside Heliodorus, saying, Give Onias the highpriest great thanks, insomuch as for his sake the Lord hath granted thee life:

3:34 And seeing that thou hast been scourged from heaven, declare unto all menthe mighty power of God. And when they had spoken these words, they appeared nomore.

3:35 So Heliodorus, after he had offered sacrifice unto the Lord, and madegreat vows unto him that had saved his life, and saluted Onias, returned withhis host to the king.

3:36 Then testified he to all men the works of the great God, which he had seenwith his eyes.

3:37 And when the king asked Heliodorus, who might be a fit man to be sent yetonce again to Jerusalem, he said,

3:38 If thou hast any enemy or traitor, send him thither, and thou shaltreceive him well scourged, if he escape with his life: for in that place, nodoubt; there is an especial power of God.

3:39 For he that dwelleth in heaven hath his eye on that place, and defendethit; and he beateth and destroyeth them that come to hurt it.

3:40 And the things concerning Heliodorus, and the keeping of the treasury,fell out on this sort.

4:1 This Simon now, of whom we spake afore, having been a betrayer of themoney, and of his country, slandered Onias, as if he had terrified Heliodorus,and been the worker of these evils.

4:2 Thus was he bold to call him a traitor, that had deserved well of the city,and tendered his own nation, and was so zealous of the laws.

4:3 But when their hatred went so far, that by one of Simon’s factionmurders were committed,

4:4 Onias seeing the danger of this contention, and that Apollonius, as beingthe governor of Celosyria and Phenice, did rage, and increase Simon’smalice,

4:5 He went to the king, not to be an accuser of his countrymen, but seekingthe good of all, both publick and private:

4:6 For he saw that it was impossible that the state should continue quiet, andSimon leave his folly, unless the king did look thereunto.

4:7 But after the death of Seleucus, when Antiochus, called Epiphanes, took thekingdom, Jason the brother of Onias laboured underhand to be high priest,

4:8 Promising unto the king by intercession three hundred and threescoretalents of silver, and of another revenue eighty talents:

4:9 Beside this, he promised to assign an hundred and fifty more, if he mighthave licence to set him up a place for exercise, and for the training up ofyouth in the fashions of the heathen, and to write them of Jerusalem by thename of Antiochians.

4:10 Which when the king had granted, and he had gotten into his hand the rulehe forthwith brought his own nation to the Greekish fashion.

4:11 And the royal privileges granted of special favour to the Jews by themeans of John the father of Eupolemus, who went ambassador to Rome for amityand aid, he took away; and putting down the governments which were according tothe law, he brought up new customs against the law:

4:12 For he built gladly a place of exercise under the tower itself, andbrought the chief young men under his subjection, and made them wear a hat.

4:13 Now such was the height of Greek fashions, and increase of heathenishmanners, through the exceeding profaneness of Jason, that ungodly wretch, andno high priest;

4:14 That the priests had no courage to serve any more at the altar, butdespising the temple, and neglecting the sacrifices, hastened to be partakersof the unlawful allowance in the place of exercise, after the game of Discuscalled them forth;

4:15 Not setting by the honours of their fathers, but liking the glory of theGrecians best of all.

4:16 By reason whereof sore calamity came upon them: for they had them to betheir enemies and avengers, whose custom they followed so earnestly, and untowhom they desired to be like in all things.

4:17 For it is not a light thing to do wickedly against the laws of God: butthe time following shall declare these things.

4:18 Now when the game that was used every fifth year was kept at Tyrus, theking being present,

4:19 This ungracious Jason sent special messengers from Jerusalem, who wereAntiochians, to carry three hundred drachms of silver to the sacrifice ofHercules, which even the bearers thereof thought fit not to bestow upon thesacrifice, because it was not convenient, but to be reserved for other charges.

4:20 This money then, in regard of the sender, was appointed to Hercules’sacrifice; but because of the bearers thereof, it was employed to the making ofgallies.

4:21 Now when Apollonius the son of Menestheus was sent into Egypt for thecoronation of king Ptolemeus Philometor, Antiochus, understanding him not to bewell affected to his affairs, provided for his own safety: whereupon he came toJoppa, and from thence to Jerusalem:

4:22 Where he was honourably received of Jason, and of the city, and wasbrought in with torch alight, and with great shoutings: and so afterward wentwith his host unto Phenice.

4:23 Three years afterward Jason sent Menelaus, the aforesaid Simon’sbrother, to bear the money unto the king, and to put him in mind of certainnecessary matters.

4:24 But he being brought to the presence of the king, when he had magnifiedhim for the glorious appearance of his power, got the priesthood to himself,offering more than Jason by three hundred talents of silver.

4:25 So he came with the king’s mandate, bringing nothing worthy the highpriesthood, but having the fury of a cruel tyrant, and the rage of a savagebeast.

4:26 Then Jason, who had undermined his own brother, being undermined byanother, was compelled to flee into the country of the Ammonites.

4:27 So Menelaus got the principality: but as for the money that he hadpromised unto the king, he took no good order for it, albeit Sostratis theruler of the castle required it:

4:28 For unto him appertained the gathering of the customs. Wherefore they wereboth called before the king.

4:29 Now Menelaus left his brother Lysimachus in his stead in the priesthood;and Sostratus left Crates, who was governor of the Cyprians.

4:30 While those things were in doing, they of Tarsus and Mallos madeinsurrection, because they were given to the king’s concubine, calledAntiochus.

4:31 Then came the king in all haste to appease matters, leaving Andronicus, aman in authority, for his deputy.

4:32 Now Menelaus, supposing that he had gotten a convenient time, stolecertain vessels of gold out of the temple, and gave some of them to Andronicus,and some he sold into Tyrus and the cities round about.

4:33 Which when Onias knew of a surety, he reproved him, and withdrew himselfinto a sanctuary at Daphne, that lieth by Antiochia.

4:34 Wherefore Menelaus, taking Andronicus apart, prayed him to get Onias intohis hands; who being persuaded thereunto, and coming to Onias in deceit, gavehim his right hand with oaths; and though he were suspected by him, yetpersuaded he him to come forth of the sanctuary: whom forthwith he shut upwithout regard of justice.

4:35 For the which cause not only the Jews, but many also of other nations,took great indignation, and were much grieved for the unjust murder of the man.

4:36 And when the king was come again from the places about Cilicia, the Jewsthat were in the city, and certain of the Greeks that abhorred the fact also,complained because Onias was slain without cause.

4:37 Therefore Antiochus was heartily sorry, and moved to pity, and wept,because of the sober and modest behaviour of him that was dead.

4:38 And being kindled with anger, forthwith he took away Andronicus hispurple, and rent off his clothes, and leading him through the whole city untothat very place, where he had committed impiety against Onias, there slew hethe cursed murderer. Thus the Lord rewarded him his punishment, as he haddeserved.

4:39 Now when many sacrileges had been committed in the city by Lysimachus withthe consent of Menelaus, and the bruit thereof was spread abroad, the multitudegathered themselves together against Lysimachus, many vessels of gold beingalready carried away.

4:40 Whereupon the common people rising, and being filled with rage, Lysimachusarmed about three thousand men, and began first to offer violence; one Auranusbeing the leader, a man far gone in years, and no less in folly.

4:41 They then seeing the attempt of Lysimachus, some of them caught stones,some clubs, others taking handfuls of dust, that was next at hand, cast themall together upon Lysimachus, and those that set upon them.

4:42 Thus many of them they wounded, and some they struck to the ground, andall of them they forced to flee: but as for the churchrobber himself, him theykilled beside the treasury.

4:43 Of these matters therefore there was an accusation laid against Menelaus.

4:44 Now when the king came to Tyrus, three men that were sent from the senatepleaded the cause before him:

4:45 But Menelaus, being now convicted, promised Ptolemee the son of Dorymenesto give him much money, if he would pacify the king toward him.

4:46 Whereupon Ptolemee taking the king aside into a certain gallery, as itwere to take the air, brought him to be of another mind:

4:47 Insomuch that he discharged Menelaus from the accusations, whonotwithstanding was cause of all the mischief: and those poor men, who, if theyhad told their cause, yea, before the Scythians, should have been judgedinnocent, them he condemned to death.

4:48 Thus they that followed the matter for the city, and for the people, andfor the holy vessels, did soon suffer unjust punishment.

4:49 Wherefore even they of Tyrus, moved with hatred of that wicked deed,caused them to be honourably buried.

4:50 And so through the covetousness of them that were of power Menelausremained still in authority, increasing in malice, and being a great traitor tothe citizens.

5:1 About the same time Antiochus prepared his second voyage into Egypt:

5:2 And then it happened, that through all the city, for the space almost offorty days, there were seen horsemen running in the air, in cloth of gold, andarmed with lances, like a band of soldiers,

5:3 And troops of horsemen in array, encountering and running one againstanother, with shaking of shields, and multitude of pikes, and drawing ofswords, and casting of darts, and glittering of golden ornaments, and harnessof all sorts.

5:4 Wherefore every man prayed that that apparition might turn to good.

5:5 Now when there was gone forth a false rumour, as though Antiochus had beendead, Jason took at the least a thousand men, and suddenly made an assault uponthe city; and they that were upon the walls being put back, and the city atlength taken, Menelaus fled into the castle:

5:6 But Jason slew his own citizens without mercy, not considering that to getthe day of them of his own nation would be a most unhappy day for him; butthinking they had been his enemies, and not his countrymen, whom he conquered.

5:7 Howbeit for all this he obtained not the principality, but at the lastreceived shame for the reward of his treason, and fled again into the countryof the Ammonites.

5:8 In the end therefore he had an unhappy return, being accused before Aretasthe king of the Arabians, fleeing from city to city, pursued of all men, hatedas a forsaker of the laws, and being had in abomination as an open enemy of hiscountry and countrymen, he was cast out into Egypt.

5:9 Thus he that had driven many out of their country perished in a strangeland, retiring to the Lacedemonians, and thinking there to find succour byreason of his kindred:

5:10 And he that had cast out many unburied had none to mourn for him, nor anysolemn funerals at all, nor sepulchre with his fathers.

5:11 Now when this that was done came to the king’s ear, he thought thatJudea had revolted: whereupon removing out of Egypt in a furious mind, he tookthe city by force of arms,

5:12 And commanded his men of war not to spare such as they met, and to slaysuch as went up upon the houses.

5:13 Thus there was killing of young and old, making away of men, women, andchildren, slaying of virgins and infants.

5:14 And there were destroyed within the space of three whole days fourscorethousand, whereof forty thousand were slain in the conflict; and no fewer soldthan slain.

5:15 Yet was he not content with this, but presumed to go into the most holytemple of all the world; Menelaus, that traitor to the laws, and to his owncountry, being his guide:

5:16 And taking the holy vessels with polluted hands, and with profane handspulling down the things that were dedicated by other kings to the augmentationand glory and honour of the place, he gave them away.

5:17 And so haughty was Antiochus in mind, that he considered not that the Lordwas angry for a while for the sins of them that dwelt in the city, andtherefore his eye was not upon the place.

5:18 For had they not been formerly wrapped in many sins, this man, as soon ashe had come, had forthwith been scourged, and put back from his presumption, asHeliodorus was, whom Seleucus the king sent to view the treasury.

5:19 Nevertheless God did not choose the people for the place’s sake, butthe place far the people’s sake.

5:20 And therefore the place itself, that was partaker with them of theadversity that happened to the nation, did afterward communicate in thebenefits sent from the Lord: and as it was forsaken in the wrath of theAlmighty, so again, the great Lord being reconciled, it was set up with allglory.

5:21 So when Antiochus had carried out of the temple a thousand and eighthundred talents, he departed in all haste unto Antiochia, weening in his prideto make the land navigable, and the sea passable by foot: such was thehaughtiness of his mind.

5:22 And he left governors to vex the nation: at Jerusalem, Philip, for hiscountry a Phrygian, and for manners more barbarous than he that set him there;

5:23 And at Garizim, Andronicus; and besides, Menelaus, who worse than all therest bare an heavy hand over the citizens, having a malicious mind against hiscountrymen the Jews.

5:24 He sent also that detestable ringleader Apollonius with an army of two andtwenty thousand, commanding him to slay all those that were in their best age,and to sell the women and the younger sort:

5:25 Who coming to Jerusalem, and pretending peace, did forbear till the holyday of the sabbath, when taking the Jews keeping holy day, he commanded his mento arm themselves.

5:26 And so he slew all them that were gone to the celebrating of the sabbath,and running through the city with weapons slew great multitudes.

5:27 But Judas Maccabeus with nine others, or thereabout, withdrew himself intothe wilderness, and lived in the mountains after the manner of beasts, with hiscompany, who fed on herbs continually, lest they should be partakers of thepollution.

6:1 Not long after this the king sent an old man of Athens to compel the Jewsto depart from the laws of their fathers, and not to live after the laws ofGod:

6:2 And to pollute also the temple in Jerusalem, and to call it the temple ofJupiter Olympius; and that in Garizim, of Jupiter the Defender of strangers, asthey did desire that dwelt in the place.

6:3 The coming in of this mischief was sore and grievous to the people:

6:4 For the temple was filled with riot and revelling by the Gentiles, whodallied with harlots, and had to do with women within the circuit of the holyplaces, and besides that brought in things that were not lawful.

6:5 The altar also was filled with profane things, which the law forbiddeth.

6:6 Neither was it lawful for a man to keep sabbath days or ancient fasts, orto profess himself at all to be a Jew.

6:7 And in the day of the king’s birth every month they were brought bybitter constraint to eat of the sacrifices; and when the fast of Bacchus waskept, the Jews were compelled to go in procession to Bacchus, carrying ivy.

6:8 Moreover there went out a decree to the neighbour cities of the heathen, bythe suggestion of Ptolemee, against the Jews, that they should observe the samefashions, and be partakers of their sacrifices:

6:9 And whoso would not conform themselves to the manners of the Gentilesshould be put to death. Then might a man have seen the present misery.

6:10 For there were two women brought, who had circumcised their children; whomwhen they had openly led round about the city, the babes hanging at theirbreasts, they cast them down headlong from the wall.

6:11 And others, that had run together into caves near by, to keep the sabbathday secretly, being discovered by Philip, were all burnt together, because theymade a conscience to help themselves for the honour of the most sacred day.

6:12 Now I beseech those that read this book, that they be not discouraged forthese calamities, but that they judge those punishments not to be fordestruction, but for a chastening of our nation.

6:13 For it is a token of his great goodness, when wicked doers are notsuffered any long time, but forthwith punished.

6:14 For not as with other nations, whom the Lord patiently forbeareth topunish, till they be come to the fulness of their sins, so dealeth he with us,

6:15 Lest that, being come to the height of sin, afterwards he should takevengeance of us.

6:16 And therefore he never withdraweth his mercy from us: and though he punishwith adversity, yet doth he never forsake his people.

6:17 But let this that we at spoken be for a warning unto us. And now will wecome to the declaring of the matter in a few words.

6:18 Eleazar, one of the principal scribes, an aged man, and of a well favouredcountenance, was constrained to open his mouth, and to eat swine’s flesh.

6:19 But he, choosing rather to die gloriously, than to live stained with suchan abomination, spit it forth, and came of his own accord to the torment,

6:20 As it behoved them to come, that are resolute to stand out against suchthings, as are not lawful for love of life to be tasted.

6:21 But they that had the charge of that wicked feast, for the oldacquaintance they had with the man, taking him aside, besought him to bringflesh of his own provision, such as was lawful for him to use, and make as ifhe did eat of the flesh taken from the sacrifice commanded by the king;

6:22 That in so doing he might be delivered from death, and for the oldfriendship with them find favour.

6:23 But he began to consider discreetly, and as became his age, and theexcellency of his ancient years, and the honour of his gray head, whereunto hewas come, and his most honest education from a child, or rather the holy lawmade and given by God: therefore he answered accordingly, and willed themstraightways to send him to the grave.

6:24 For it becometh not our age, said he, in any wise to dissemble, wherebymany young persons might think that Eleazar, being fourscore years old and ten,were now gone to a strange religion;

6:25 And so they through mine hypocrisy, and desire to live a little time and amoment longer, should be deceived by me, and I get a stain to mine old age, andmake it abominable.

6:26 For though for the present time I should be delivered from the punishmentof men: yet should I not escape the hand of the Almighty, neither alive, nordead.

6:27 Wherefore now, manfully changing this life, I will shew myself such an oneas mine age requireth,

6:28 And leave a notable example to such as be young to die willingly andcourageously for the honourable and holy laws. And when he had said thesewords, immediately he went to the torment:

6:29 They that led him changing the good will they bare him a little beforeinto hatred, because the foresaid speeches proceeded, as they thought, from adesperate mind.

6:30 But when he was ready to die with stripes, he groaned, and said, It ismanifest unto the Lord, that hath the holy knowledge, that whereas I might havebeen delivered from death, I now endure sore pains in body by being beaten: butin soul am well content to suffer these things, because I fear him.

6:31 And thus this man died, leaving his death for an example of a noblecourage, and a memorial of virtue, not only unto young men, but unto all hisnation.

7:1 It came to pass also, that seven brethren with their mother were taken, andcompelled by the king against the law to taste swine’s flesh, and weretormented with scourges and whips.

7:2 But one of them that spake first said thus, What wouldest thou ask or learnof us? we are ready to die, rather than to transgress the laws of our fathers.

7:3 Then the king, being in a rage, commanded pans and caldrons to be made hot:

7:4 Which forthwith being heated, he commanded to cut out the tongue of himthat spake first, and to cut off the utmost parts of his body, the rest of hisbrethren and his mother looking on.

7:5 Now when he was thus maimed in all his members, he commanded him being yetalive to be brought to the fire, and to be fried in the pan: and as the vapourof the pan was for a good space dispersed, they exhorted one another with themother to die manfully, saying thus,

7:6 The Lord God looketh upon us, and in truth hath comfort in us, as Moses inhis song, which witnessed to their faces, declared, saying, And he shall becomforted in his servants.

7:7 So when the first was dead after this number, they brought the second tomake him a mocking stock: and when they had pulled off the skin of his headwith the hair, they asked him, Wilt thou eat, before thou be punishedthroughout every member of thy body?

7:8 But he answered in his own language, and said, No. Wherefore he alsoreceived the next torment in order, as the former did.

7:9 And when he was at the last gasp, he said, Thou like a fury takest us outof this present life, but the King of the world shall raise us up, who havedied for his laws, unto everlasting life.

7:10 After him was the third made a mocking stock: and when he was required, heput out his tongue, and that right soon, holding forth his hands manfully.

7:11 And said courageously, These I had from heaven; and for his laws I despisethem; and from him I hope to receive them again.

7:12 Insomuch that the king, and they that were with him, marvelled at theyoung man’s courage, for that he nothing regarded the pains.

7:13 Now when this man was dead also, they tormented and mangled the fourth inlike manner.

7:14 So when he was ready to die he said thus, It is good, being put to deathby men, to look for hope from God to be raised up again by him: as for thee,thou shalt have no resurrection to life.

7:15 Afterward they brought the fifth also, and mangled him.

7:16 Then looked he unto the king, and said, Thou hast power over men, thou artcorruptible, thou doest what thou wilt; yet think not that our nation isforsaken of God;

7:17 But abide a while, and behold his great power, how he will torment theeand thy seed.

7:18 After him also they brought the sixth, who being ready to die said, Be notdeceived without cause: for we suffer these things for ourselves, having sinnedagainst our God: therefore marvellous things are done unto us.

7:19 But think not thou, that takest in hand to strive against God, that thoushalt escape unpunished.

7:20 But the mother was marvellous above all, and worthy of honourable memory:for when she saw her seven sons slain within the space of one day, she bare itwith a good courage, because of the hope that she had in the Lord.

7:21 Yea, she exhorted every one of them in her own language, filled withcourageous spirits; and stirring up her womanish thoughts with a manly stomach,she said unto them,

7:22 I cannot tell how ye came into my womb: for I neither gave you breath norlife, neither was it I that formed the members of every one of you;

7:23 But doubtless the Creator of the world, who formed the generation of man,and found out the beginning of all things, will also of his own mercy give youbreath and life again, as ye now regard not your own selves for his laws’sake.

7:24 Now Antiochus, thinking himself despised, and suspecting it to be areproachful speech, whilst the youngest was yet alive, did not only exhort himby words, but also assured him with oaths, that he would make him both a richand a happy man, if he would turn from the laws of his fathers; and that alsohe would take him for his friend, and trust him with affairs.

7:25 But when the young man would in no case hearken unto him, the king calledhis mother, and exhorted her that she would counsel the young man to save hislife.

7:26 And when he had exhorted her with many words, she promised him that shewould counsel her son.

7:27 But she bowing herself toward him, laughing the cruel tyrant to scorn,spake in her country language on this manner; O my son, have pity upon me thatbare thee nine months in my womb, and gave thee such three years, and nourishedthee, and brought thee up unto this age, and endured the troubles of education.

7:28 I beseech thee, my son, look upon the heaven and the earth, and all thatis therein, and consider that God made them of things that were not; and so wasmankind made likewise.

7:29 Fear not this tormentor, but, being worthy of thy brethren, take thy deaththat I may receive thee again in mercy with thy brethren.

7:30 Whiles she was yet speaking these words, the young man said, Whom wait yefor? I will not obey the king’s commandment: but I will obey thecommandment of the law that was given unto our fathers by Moses.

7:31 And thou, that hast been the author of all mischief against the Hebrews,shalt not escape the hands of God.

7:32 For we suffer because of our sins.

7:33 And though the living Lord be angry with us a little while for ourchastening and correction, yet shall he be at one again with his servants.

7:34 But thou, O godless man, and of all other most wicked, be not lifted upwithout a cause, nor puffed up with uncertain hopes, lifting up thy handagainst the servants of God:

7:35 For thou hast not yet escaped the judgment of Almighty God, who seeth allthings.

7:36 For our brethren, who now have suffered a short pain, are dead underGod’s covenant of everlasting life: but thou, through the judgment ofGod, shalt receive just punishment for thy pride.

7:37 But I, as my brethren, offer up my body and life for the laws of ourfathers, beseeching God that he would speedily be merciful unto our nation; andthat thou by torments and plagues mayest confess, that he alone is God;

7:38 And that in me and my brethren the wrath of the Almighty, which is justlybrought upon our nation, may cease.

7:39 Than the king’ being in a rage, handed him worse than all the rest,and took it grievously that he was mocked.

7:40 So this man died undefiled, and put his whole trust in the Lord.

7:41 Last of all after the sons the mother died.

7:42 Let this be enough now to have spoken concerning the idolatrous feasts,and the extreme tortures.

8:1 Then Judas Maccabeus, and they that were with him, went privily into thetowns, and called their kinsfolks together, and took unto them all such ascontinued in the Jews’ religion, and assembled about six thousand men.

8:2 And they called upon the Lord, that he would look upon the people that wastrodden down of all; and also pity the temple profaned of ungodly men;

8:3 And that he would have compassion upon the city, sore defaced, and ready tobe made even with the ground; and hear the blood that cried unto him,

8:4 And remember the wicked slaughter of harmless infants, and the blasphemiescommitted against his name; and that he would shew his hatred against thewicked.

8:5 Now when Maccabeus had his company about him, he could not be withstood bythe heathen: for the wrath of the Lord was turned into mercy.

8:6 Therefore he came at unawares, and burnt up towns and cities, and got intohis hands the most commodious places, and overcame and put to flight no smallnumber of his enemies.

8:7 But specially took he advantage of the night for such privy attempts,insomuch that the bruit of his manliness was spread every where.

8:8 So when Philip saw that this man increased by little and little, and thatthings prospered with him still more and more, he wrote unto Ptolemeus, thegovernor of Celosyria and Phenice, to yield more aid to the king’saffairs.

8:9 Then forthwith choosing Nicanor the son of Patroclus, one of his specialfriends, he sent him with no fewer than twenty thousand of all nations underhim, to root out the whole generation of the Jews; and with him he joined alsoGorgias a captain, who in matters of war had great experience.

8:10 So Nicanor undertook to make so much money of the captive Jews, as shoulddefray the tribute of two thousand talents, which the king was to pay to theRomans.

8:11 Wherefore immediately he sent to the cities upon the sea coast,proclaiming a sale of the captive Jews, and promising that they should havefourscore and ten bodies for one talent, not expecting the vengeance that wasto follow upon him from the Almighty God.

8:12 Now when word was brought unto Judas of Nicanor’s coming, and he hadimparted unto those that were with him that the army was at hand,

8:13 They that were fearful, and distrusted the justice of God, fled, andconveyed themselves away.

8:14 Others sold all that they had left, and withal besought the Lord todeliver them, being sold by the wicked Nicanor before they met together:

8:15 And if not for their own sakes, yet for the covenants he had made withtheir fathers, and for his holy and glorious name’s sake, by which theywere called.

8:16 So Maccabeus called his men together unto the number of six thousand, andexhorted them not to be stricken with terror of the enemy, nor to fear thegreat multitude of the heathen, who came wrongly against them; but to fightmanfully,

8:17 And to set before their eyes the injury that they had unjustly done to theholy place, and the cruel handling of the city, whereof they made a mockery,and also the taking away of the government of their forefathers:

8:18 For they, said he, trust in their weapons and boldness; but our confidenceis in the Almighty who at a beck can cast down both them that come against us,and also all the world.

8:19 Moreover, he recounted unto them what helps their forefathers had found,and how they were delivered, when under Sennacherib an hundred fourscore andfive thousand perished.

8:20 And he told them of the battle that they had in Babylon with theGalatians, how they came but eight thousand in all to the business, with fourthousand Macedonians, and that the Macedonians being perplexed, the eightthousand destroyed an hundred and twenty thousand because of the help that theyhad from heaven, and so received a great booty.

8:21 Thus when he had made them bold with these words, and ready to die for thelaw and the country, he divided his army into four parts;

8:22 And joined with himself his own brethren, leaders of each band, to witSimon, and Joseph, and Jonathan, giving each one fifteen hundred men.

8:23 Also he appointed Eleazar to read the holy book: and when he had giventhem this watchword, The help of God; himself leading the first band, he joinedbattle with Nicanor.

8:24 And by the help of the Almighty they slew above nine thousand of theirenemies, and wounded and maimed the most part of Nicanor’s host, and soput all to flight;

8:25 And took their money that came to buy them, and pursued them far: butlacking time they returned:

8:26 For it was the day before the sabbath, and therefore they would no longerpursue them.

8:27 So when they had gathered their armour together, and spoiled theirenemies, they occupied themselves about the sabbath, yielding exceeding praiseand thanks to the Lord, who had preserved them unto that day, which was thebeginning of mercy distilling upon them.

8:28 And after the sabbath, when they had given part of the spoils to themaimed, and the widows, and orphans, the residue they divided among themselvesand their servants.

8:29 When this was done, and they had made a common supplication, they besoughtthe merciful Lord to be reconciled with his servants for ever.

8:30 Moreover of those that were with Timotheus and Bacchides, who foughtagainst them, they slew above twenty thousand, and very easily got high andstrong holds, and divided among themselves many spoils more, and made themaimed, orphans, widows, yea, and the aged also, equal in spoils withthemselves.

8:31 And when they had gathered their armour together, they laid them up allcarefully in convenient places, and the remnant of the spoils they brought toJerusalem.

8:32 They slew also Philarches, that wicked person, who was with Timotheus, andhad annoyed the Jews many ways.

8:33 Furthermore at such time as they kept the feast for the victory in theircountry they burnt Callisthenes, that had set fire upon the holy gates, who hadfled into a little house; and so he received a reward meet for his wickedness.

8:34 As for that most ungracious Nicanor, who had brought a thousand merchantsto buy the Jews,

8:35 He was through the help of the Lord brought down by them, of whom he madeleast account; and putting off his glorious apparel, and discharging hiscompany, he came like a fugitive servant through the midland unto Antiochhaving very great dishonour, for that his host was destroyed.

8:36 Thus he, that took upon him to make good to the Romans their tribute bymeans of captives in Jerusalem, told abroad, that the Jews had God to fight forthem, and therefore they could not be hurt, because they followed the laws thathe gave them.

9:1 About that time came Antiochus with dishonour out of the country of Persia.

9:2 For he had entered the city called Persepolis, and went about to rob thetemple, and to hold the city; whereupon the multitude running to defendthemselves with their weapons put them to flight; and so it happened, thatAntiochus being put to flight of the inhabitants returned with shame.

9:3 Now when he came to Ecbatane, news was brought him what had happened untoNicanor and Timotheus.

9:4 Then swelling with anger, he thought to avenge upon the Jews the disgracedone unto him by those that made him flee. Therefore commanded he hischariotman to drive without ceasing, and to dispatch the journey, the judgmentof God now following him. For he had spoken proudly in this sort, That he wouldcome to Jerusalem and make it a common burying place of the Jews.

9:5 But the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, smote him with an incurable andinvisible plague: or as soon as he had spoken these words, a pain of the bowelsthat was remediless came upon him, and sore torments of the inner parts;

9:6 And that most justly: for he had tormented other men’s bowels withmany and strange torments.

9:7 Howbeit he nothing at all ceased from his bragging, but still was filledwith pride, breathing out fire in his rage against the Jews, and commanding tohaste the journey: but it came to pass that he fell down from his chariot,carried violently; so that having a sore fall, all the members of his body weremuch pained.

9:8 And thus he that a little afore thought he might command the waves of thesea, (so proud was he beyond the condition of man) and weigh the high mountainsin a balance, was now cast on the ground, and carried in an horselitter,shewing forth unto all the manifest power of God.

9:9 So that the worms rose up out of the body of this wicked man, and whiles helived in sorrow and pain, his flesh fell away, and the filthiness of his smellwas noisome to all his army.

9:10 And the man, that thought a little afore he could reach to the stars ofheaven, no man could endure to carry for his intolerable stink.

9:11 Here therefore, being plagued, he began to leave off his great pride, andto come to the knowledge of himself by the scourge of God, his pain increasingevery moment.

9:12 And when he himself could not abide his own smell, he said these words, Itis meet to be subject unto God, and that a man that is mortal should notproudly think of himself if he were God.

9:13 This wicked person vowed also unto the Lord, who now no more would havemercy upon him, saying thus,

9:14 That the holy city (to the which he was going in haste to lay it even withthe ground, and to make it a common buryingplace,) he would set at liberty:

9:15 And as touching the Jews, whom he had judged not worthy so much as to beburied, but to be cast out with their children to be devoured of the fowls andwild beasts, he would make them all equals to the citizens of Athens:

9:16 And the holy temple, which before he had spoiled, he would garnish withgoodly gifts, and restore all the holy vessels with many more, and out of hisown revenue defray the charges belonging to the sacrifices:

9:17 Yea, and that also he would become a Jew himself, and go through all theworld that was inhabited, and declare the power of God.

9:18 But for all this his pains would not cease: for the just judgment of Godwas come upon him: therefore despairing of his health, he wrote unto the Jewsthe letter underwritten, containing the form of a supplication, after thismanner:

9:19 Antiochus, king and governor, to the good Jews his citizens wisheth muchjoy, health, and prosperity:

9:20 If ye and your children fare well, and your affairs be to yourcontentment, I give very great thanks to God, having my hope in heaven.

9:21 As for me, I was weak, or else I would have remembered kindly your honourand good will returning out of Persia, and being taken with a grievous disease,I thought it necessary to care for the common safety of all:

9:22 Not distrusting mine health, but having great hope to escape thissickness.

9:23 But considering that even my father, at what time he led an army into thehigh countries, appointed a successor,

9:24 To the end that, if any thing fell out contrary to expectation, or if anytidings were brought that were grievous, they of the land, knowing to whom thestate was left, might not be troubled:

9:25 Again, considering how that the princes that are borderers and neighboursunto my kingdom wait for opportunities, and expect what shall be the event. Ihave appointed my son Antiochus king, whom I often committed and commended untomany of you, when I went up into the high provinces; to whom I have written asfolloweth:

9:26 Therefore I pray and request you to remember the benefits that I have doneunto you generally, and in special, and that every man will be still faithfulto me and my son.

9:27 For I am persuaded that he understanding my mind will favourably andgraciously yield to your desires.

9:28 Thus the murderer and blasphemer having suffered most grievously, as heentreated other men, so died he a miserable death in a strange country in themountains.

9:29 And Philip, that was brought up with him, carried away his body, who alsofearing the son of Antiochus went into Egypt to Ptolemeus Philometor.

10:1 Now Maccabeus and his company, the Lord guiding them, recovered the templeand the city:

10:2 But the altars which the heathen had built in the open street, and alsothe chapels, they pulled down.

10:3 And having cleansed the temple they made another altar, and strikingstones they took fire out of them, and offered a sacrifice after two years, andset forth incense, and lights, and shewbread.

10:4 When that was done, they fell flat down, and besought the Lord that theymight come no more into such troubles; but if they sinned any more against him,that he himself would chasten them with mercy, and that they might not bedelivered unto the blasphemous and barbarous nations.

10:5 Now upon the same day that the strangers profaned the temple, on the verysame day it was cleansed again, even the five and twentieth day of the samemonth, which is Casleu.

10:6 And they kept the eight days with gladness, as in the feast of thetabernacles, remembering that not long afore they had held the feast of thetabernacles, when as they wandered in the mountains and dens like beasts.

10:7 Therefore they bare branches, and fair boughs, and palms also, and sangpsalms unto him that had given them good success in cleansing his place.

10:8 They ordained also by a common statute and decree, That every year thosedays should be kept of the whole nation of the Jews.

10:9 And this was the end of Antiochus, called Epiphanes.

10:10 Now will we declare the acts of Antiochus Eupator, who was the son ofthis wicked man, gathering briefly the calamities of the wars.

10:11 So when he was come to the crown, he set one Lysias over the affairs ofhis realm, and appointed him his chief governor of Celosyria and Phenice.

10:12 For Ptolemeus, that was called Macron, choosing rather to do justice untothe Jews for the wrong that had been done unto them, endeavoured to continuepeace with them.

10:13 Whereupon being accused of the king’s friends before Eupator, andcalled traitor at every word because he had left Cyprus, that Philometor hadcommitted unto him, and departed to Antiochus Epiphanes, and seeing that he wasin no honourable place, he was so discouraged, that he poisoned himself anddied.

10:14 But when Gorgias was governor of the holds, he hired soldiers, andnourished war continually with the Jews:

10:15 And therewithall the Idumeans, having gotten into their hands the mostcommodious holds, kept the Jews occupied, and receiving those that werebanished from Jerusalem, they went about to nourish war.

10:16 Then they that were with Maccabeus made supplication, and besought Godthat he would be their helper; and so they ran with violence upon the strongholds of the Idumeans,

10:17 And assaulting them strongly, they won the holds, and kept off all thatfought upon the wall, and slew all that fell into their hands, and killed nofewer than twenty thousand.

10:18 And because certain, who were no less than nine thousand, were fledtogether into two very strong castles, having all manner of things convenientto sustain the siege,

10:19 Maccabeus left Simon and Joseph, and Zaccheus also, and them that werewith him, who were enough to besiege them, and departed himself unto thoseplaces which more needed his help.

10:20 Now they that were with Simon, being led with covetousness, werepersuaded for money through certain of those that were in the castle, and tookseventy thousand drachms, and let some of them escape.

10:21 But when it was told Maccabeus what was done, he called the governors ofthe people together, and accused those men, that they had sold their brethrenfor money, and set their enemies free to fight against them.

10:22 So he slew those that were found traitors, and immediately took the twocastles.

10:23 And having good success with his weapons in all things he took in hand,he slew in the two holds more than twenty thousand.

10:24 Now Timotheus, whom the Jews had overcome before, when he had gathered agreat multitude of foreign forces, and horses out of Asia not a few, came asthough he would take Jewry by force of arms.

10:25 But when he drew near, they that were with Maccabeus turned themselves topray unto God, and sprinkled earth upon their heads, and girded their loinswith sackcloth,

10:26 And fell down at the foot of the altar, and besought him to be mercifulto them, and to be an enemy to their enemies, and an adversary to theiradversaries, as the law declareth.

10:27 So after the prayer they took their weapons, and went on further from thecity: and when they drew near to their enemies, they kept by themselves.

10:28 Now the sun being newly risen, they joined both together; the one parthaving together with their virtue their refuge also unto the Lord for a pledgeof their success and victory: the other side making their rage leader of theirbattle

10:29 But when the battle waxed strong, there appeared unto the enemies fromheaven five comely men upon horses, with bridles of gold, and two of them ledthe Jews,

10:30 And took Maccabeus betwixt them, and covered him on every side with theirweapons, and kept him safe, but shot arrows and lightnings against the enemies:so that being confounded with blindness, and full of trouble, they were killed.

10:31 And there were slain of footmen twenty thousand and five hundred, and sixhundred horsemen.

10:32 As for Timotheus himself, he fled into a very strong hold, called Gazara,where Chereas was governor.

10:33 But they that were with Maccabeus laid siege against the fortresscourageously four days.

10:34 And they that were within, trusting to the strength of the place,blasphemed exceedingly, and uttered wicked words.

10:35 Nevertheless upon the fifth day early twenty young men ofMaccabeus’ company, inflamed with anger because of the blasphemies,assaulted the wall manly, and with a fierce courage killed all that they metwithal.

10:36 Others likewise ascending after them, whiles they were busied with themthat were within, burnt the towers, and kindling fires burnt the blasphemersalive; and others broke open the gates, and, having received in the rest of thearmy, took the city,

10:37 And killed Timotheus, that was hid in a certain pit, and Chereas hisbrother, with Apollophanes.

10:38 When this was done, they praised the Lord with psalms and thanksgiving,who had done so great things for Israel, and given them the victory.

11:1 Not long after the Lysias the king’s protector and cousin, who alsomanaged the affairs, took sore displeasure for the things that were done.

11:2 And when he had gathered about fourscore thousand with all the horsemen,he came against the Jews, thinking to make the city an habitation of theGentiles,

11:3 And to make a gain of the temple, as of the other chapels of the heathen,and to set the high priesthood to sale every year:

11:4 Not at all considering the power of God but puffed up with his tenthousands of footmen, and his thousands of horsemen, and his fourscoreelephants.

11:5 So he came to Judea, and drew near to Bethsura, which was a strong town,but distant from Jerusalem about five furlongs, and he laid sore siege unto it.

11:6 Now when they that were with Maccabeus heard that he besieged the holds,they and all the people with lamentation and tears besought the Lord that hewould send a good angel to deliver Israel.

11:7 Then Maccabeus himself first of all took weapons, exhorting the other thatthey would jeopard themselves together with him to help their brethren: so theywent forth together with a willing mind.

11:8 And as they were at Jerusalem, there appeared before them on horseback onein white clothing, shaking his armour of gold.

11:9 Then they praised the merciful God all together, and took heart, insomuchthat they were ready not only to fight with men, but with most cruel beasts,and to pierce through walls of iron.

11:10 Thus they marched forward in their armour, having an helper from heaven:for the Lord was merciful unto them.

11:11 And giving a charge upon their enemies like lions, they slew eleventhousand footmen, and sixteen hundred horsemen, and put all the other toflight.

11:12 Many of them also being wounded escaped naked; and Lysias himself fledaway shamefully, and so escaped.

11:13 Who, as he was a man of understanding, casting with himself what loss hehad had, and considering that the Hebrews could not be overcome, because theAlmighty God helped them, he sent unto them,

11:14 And persuaded them to agree to all reasonable conditions, and promisedthat he would persuade the king that he must needs be a friend unto them.

11:15 Then Maccabeus consented to all that Lysias desired, being careful of thecommon good; and whatsoever Maccabeus wrote unto Lysias concerning the Jews,the king granted it.

11:16 For there were letters written unto the Jews from Lysias to this effect:Lysias unto the people of the Jews sendeth greeting:

11:17 John and Absolom, who were sent from you, delivered me the petitionsubscribed, and made request for the performance of the contents thereof.

11:18 Therefore what things soever were meet to be reported to the king, I havedeclared them, and he hath granted as much as might be.

11:19 And if then ye will keep yourselves loyal to the state, hereafter alsowill I endeavour to be a means of your good.

11:20 But of the particulars I have given order both to these and the otherthat came from me, to commune with you.

11:21 Fare ye well. The hundred and eight and fortieth year, the four andtwentieth day of the month Dioscorinthius.

11:22 Now the king’s letter contained these words: King Antiochus untohis brother Lysias sendeth greeting:

11:23 Since our father is translated unto the gods, our will is, that they thatare in our realm live quietly, that every one may attend upon his own affairs.

11:24 We understand also that the Jews would not consent to our father, for tobe brought unto the custom of the Gentiles, but had rather keep their ownmanner of living: for the which cause they require of us, that we should sufferthem to live after their own laws.

11:25 Wherefore our mind is, that this nation shall be in rest, and we havedetermined to restore them their temple, that they may live according to thecustoms of their forefathers.

11:26 Thou shalt do well therefore to send unto them, and grant them peace,that when they are certified of our mind, they may be of good comfort, and evergo cheerfully about their own affairs.

11:27 And the letter of the king unto the nation of the Jews was after thismanner: King Antiochus sendeth greeting unto the council, and the rest of theJews:

11:28 If ye fare well, we have our desire; we are also in good health.

11:29 Menelaus declared unto us, that your desire was to return home, and tofollow your own business:

11:30 Wherefore they that will depart shall have safe conduct till thethirtieth day of Xanthicus with security.

11:31 And the Jews shall use their own kind of meats and laws, as before; andnone of them any manner of ways shall be molested for things ignorantly done.

11:32 I have sent also Menelaus, that he may comfort you.

11:33 Fare ye well. In the hundred forty and eighth year, and the fifteenth dayof the month Xanthicus.

11:34 The Romans also sent unto them a letter containing these words: QuintusMemmius and Titus Manlius, ambassadors of the Romans, send greeting unto thepeople of the Jews.

11:35 Whatsoever Lysias the king’s cousin hath granted, therewith we alsoare well pleased.

11:36 But touching such things as he judged to be referred to the king, afterye have advised thereof, send one forthwith, that we may declare as it isconvenient for you: for we are now going to Antioch.

11:37 Therefore send some with speed, that we may know what is your mind.

11:38 Farewell. This hundred and eight and fortieth year, the fifteenth day ofthe month Xanthicus.

12:1 When these covenants were made, Lysias went unto the king, and the Jewswere about their husbandry.

12:2 But of the governors of several places, Timotheus, and Apollonius the sonof Genneus, also Hieronymus, and Demophon, and beside them Nicanor the governorof Cyprus, would not suffer them to be quiet and live in peace.

12:3 The men of Joppa also did such an ungodly deed: they prayed the Jews thatdwelt among them to go with their wives and children into the boats which theyhad prepared, as though they had meant them no hurt.

12:4 Who accepted of it according to the common decree of the city, as beingdesirous to live in peace, and suspecting nothing: but when they were goneforth into the deep, they drowned no less than two hundred of them.

12:5 When Judas heard of this cruelty done unto his countrymen, he commandedthose that were with him to make them ready.

12:6 And calling upon God the righteous Judge, he came against those murderersof his brethren, and burnt the haven by night, and set the boats on fire, andthose that fled thither he slew.

12:7 And when the town was shut up, he went backward, as if he would return toroot out all them of the city of Joppa.

12:8 But when he heard that the Jamnites were minded to do in like manner untothe Jews that dwelt among them,

12:9 He came upon the Jamnites also by night, and set fire on the haven and thenavy, so that the light of the fire was seen at Jerusalem two hundred and fortyfurlongs off.

12:10 Now when they were gone from thence nine furlongs in their journey towardTimotheus, no fewer than five thousand men on foot and five hundred horsemen ofthe Arabians set upon him.

12:11 Whereupon there was a very sore battle; but Judas’ side by the helpof God got the victory; so that the Nomades of Arabia, being overcome, besoughtJudas for peace, promising both to give him cattle, and to pleasure himotherwise.

12:12 Then Judas, thinking indeed that they would be profitable in many things,granted them peace: whereupon they shook hands, and so they departed to theirtents.

12:13 He went also about to make a bridge to a certain strong city, which wasfenced about with walls, and inhabited by people of divers countries; and thename of it was Caspis.

12:14 But they that were within it put such trust in the strength of the wallsand provision of victuals, that they behaved themselves rudely toward them thatwere with Judas, railing and blaspheming, and uttering such words as were notto be spoken.

12:15 Wherefore Judas with his company, calling upon the great Lord of theworld, who without rams or engines of war did cast down Jericho in the time ofJoshua, gave a fierce assault against the walls,

12:16 And took the city by the will of God, and made unspeakable slaughters,insomuch that a lake two furlongs broad near adjoining thereunto, being filledfull, was seen running with blood.

12:17 Then departed they from thence seven hundred and fifty furlongs, and cameto Characa unto the Jews that are called Tubieni.

12:18 But as for Timotheus, they found him not in the places: for before he haddispatched any thing, he departed from thence, having left a very stronggarrison in a certain hold.

12:19 Howbeit Dositheus and Sosipater, who were of Maccabeus’ captains,went forth, and slew those that Timotheus had left in the fortress, above tenthousand men.

12:20 And Maccabeus ranged his army by bands, and set them over the bands, andwent against Timotheus, who had about him an hundred and twenty thousand men offoot, and two thousand and five hundred horsemen.

12:21 Now when Timotheus had knowledge of Judas’ coming, he sent thewomen and children and the other baggage unto a fortress called Carnion: forthe town was hard to besiege, and uneasy to come unto, by reason of thestraitness of all the places.

12:22 But when Judas his first band came in sight, the enemies, being smittenwith fear and terror through the appearing of him who seeth all things, fledamain, one running into this way, another that way, so as that they were oftenhurt of their own men, and wounded with the points of their own swords.

12:23 Judas also was very earnest in pursuing them, killing those wickedwretches, of whom he slew about thirty thousand men.

12:24 Moreover Timotheus himself fell into the hands of Dositheus andSosipater, whom he besought with much craft to let him go with his life,because he had many of the Jews’ parents, and the brethren of some ofthem, who, if they put him to death, should not be regarded.

12:25 So when he had assured them with many words that he would restore themwithout hurt, according to the agreement, they let him go for the saving oftheir brethren.

12:26 Then Maccabeus marched forth to Carnion, and to the temple of Atargatis,and there he slew five and twenty thousand persons.

12:27 And after he had put to flight and destroyed them, Judas removed the hosttoward Ephron, a strong city, wherein Lysias abode, and a great multitude ofdivers nations, and the strong young men kept the walls, and defended themmightily: wherein also was great provision of engines and darts.

12:28 But when Judas and his company had called upon Almighty God, who with hispower breaketh the strength of his enemies, they won the city, and slew twentyand five thousand of them that were within,

12:29 From thence they departed to Scythopolis, which lieth six hundredfurlongs from Jerusalem,

12:30 But when the Jews that dwelt there had testified that the Scythopolitansdealt lovingly with them, and entreated them kindly in the time of theiradversity;

12:31 They gave them thanks, desiring them to be friendly still unto them: andso they came to Jerusalem, the feast of the weeks approaching.

12:32 And after the feast, called Pentecost, they went forth against Gorgiasthe governor of Idumea,

12:33 Who came out with three thousand men of foot and four hundred horsemen.

12:34 And it happened that in their fighting together a few of the Jews wereslain.

12:35 At which time Dositheus, one of Bacenor’s company, who was onhorseback, and a strong man, was still upon Gorgias, and taking hold of hiscoat drew him by force; and when he would have taken that cursed man alive, ahorseman of Thracia coming upon him smote off his shoulder, so that Gorgiasfled unto Marisa.

12:36 Now when they that were with Gorgias had fought long, and were weary,Judas called upon the Lord, that he would shew himself to be their helper andleader of the battle.

12:37 And with that he began in his own language, and sung psalms with a loudvoice, and rushing unawares upon Gorgias’ men, he put them to flight.

12:38 So Judas gathered his host, and came into the city of Odollam, And whenthe seventh day came, they purified themselves, as the custom was, and kept thesabbath in the same place.

12:39 And upon the day following, as the use had been, Judas and his companycame to take up the bodies of them that were slain, and to bury them with theirkinsmen in their fathers’ graves.

12:40 Now under the coats of every one that was slain they found thingsconsecrated to the idols of the Jamnites, which is forbidden the Jews by thelaw. Then every man saw that this was the cause wherefore they were slain.

12:41 All men therefore praising the Lord, the righteous Judge, who had openedthe things that were hid,

12:42 Betook themselves unto prayer, and besought him that the sin committedmight wholly be put out of remembrance. Besides, that noble Judas exhorted thepeople to keep themselves from sin, forsomuch as they saw before their eyes thethings that came to pass for the sins of those that were slain.

12:43 And when he had made a gathering throughout the company to the sum of twothousand drachms of silver, he sent it to Jerusalem to offer a sin offering,doing therein very well and honestly, in that he was mindful of theresurrection:

12:44 For if he had not hoped that they that were slain should have risenagain, it had been superfluous and vain to pray for the dead.

12:45 And also in that he perceived that there was great favour laid up forthose that died godly, it was an holy and good thought. Whereupon he made areconciliation for the dead, that they might be delivered from sin.

13:1 In the hundred forty and ninth year it was told Judas, that AntiochusEupator was coming with a great power into Judea,

13:2 And with him Lysias his protector, and ruler of his affairs, having eitherof them a Grecian power of footmen, an hundred and ten thousand, and horsemenfive thousand and three hundred, and elephants two and twenty, and threehundred chariots armed with hooks.

13:3 Menelaus also joined himself with them, and with great dissimulationencouraged Antiochus, not for the safeguard of the country, but because hethought to have been made governor.

13:4 But the King of kings moved Antiochus’ mind against this wickedwretch, and Lysias informed the king that this man was the cause of allmischief, so that the king commanded to bring him unto Berea, and to put him todeath, as the manner is in that place.

13:5 Now there was in that place a tower of fifty cubits high, full of ashes,and it had a round instrument which on every side hanged down into the ashes.

13:6 And whosoever was condemned of sacrilege, or had committed any othergrievous crime, there did all men thrust him unto death.

13:7 Such a death it happened that wicked man to die, not having so much asburial in the earth; and that most justly:

13:8 For inasmuch as he had committed many sins about the altar, whose fire andashes were holy, he received his death in ashes.

13:9 Now the king came with a barbarous and haughty mind to do far worse to theJews, than had been done in his father’s time.

13:10 Which things when Judas perceived, he commanded the multitude to callupon the Lord night and day, that if ever at any other time, he would now alsohelp them, being at the point to be put from their law, from their country, andfrom the holy temple:

13:11 And that he would not suffer the people, that had even now been but alittle refreshed, to be in subjection to the blasphemous nations.

13:12 So when they had all done this together, and besought the merciful Lordwith weeping and fasting, and lying flat upon the ground three days long,Judas, having exhorted them, commanded they should be in a readiness.

13:13 And Judas, being apart with the elders, determined, before theking’s host should enter into Judea, and get the city, to go forth andtry the matter in fight by the help of the Lord.

13:14 So when he had committed all to the Creator of the world, and exhortedhis soldiers to fight manfully, even unto death, for the laws, the temple, thecity, the country, and the commonwealth, he camped by Modin:

13:15 And having given the watchword to them that were about him, Victory is ofGod; with the most valiant and choice young men he went in into theking’s tent by night, and slew in the camp about four thousand men, andthe chiefest of the elephants, with all that were upon him.

13:16 And at last they filled the camp with fear and tumult, and departed withgood success.

13:17 This was done in the break of the day, because the protection of the Lorddid help him.

13:18 Now when the king had taken a taste of the manliness of the Jews, he wentabout to take the holds by policy,

13:19 And marched toward Bethsura, which was a strong hold of the Jews: but hewas put to flight, failed, and lost of his men:

13:20 For Judas had conveyed unto them that were in it such things as werenecessary.

13:21 But Rhodocus, who was in the Jews’ host, disclosed the secrets tothe enemies; therefore he was sought out, and when they had gotten him, theyput him in prison.

13:22 The king treated with them in Bethsura the second time, gave his hand,took theirs, departed, fought with Judas, was overcome;

13:23 Heard that Philip, who was left over the affairs in Antioch, wasdesperately bent, confounded, intreated the Jews, submitted himself, and swareto all equal conditions, agreed with them, and offered sacrifice, honoured thetemple, and dealt kindly with the place,

13:24 And accepted well of Maccabeus, made him principal governor fromPtolemais unto the Gerrhenians;

13:25 Came to Ptolemais: the people there were grieved for the covenants; forthey stormed, because they would make their covenants void:

13:26 Lysias went up to the judgment seat, said as much as could be in defenceof the cause, persuaded, pacified, made them well affected, returned toAntioch. Thus it went touching the king’s coming and departing.

14:1 After three years was Judas informed, that Demetrius the son of Seleucus,having entered by the haven of Tripolis with a great power and navy,

14:2 Had taken the country, and killed Antiochus, and Lysias his protector.

14:3 Now one Alcimus, who had been high priest, and had defiled himselfwilfully in the times of their mingling with the Gentiles, seeing that by nomeans he could save himself, nor have any more access to the holy altar,

14:4 Came to king Demetrius in the hundred and one and fiftieth year,presenting unto him a crown of gold, and a palm, and also of the boughs whichwere used solemnly in the temple: and so that day he held his peace.

14:5 Howbeit having gotten opportunity to further his foolish enterprize, andbeing called into counsel by Demetrius, and asked how the Jews stood affected,and what they intended, he answered thereunto:

14:6 Those of the Jews that he called Assideans, whose captain is JudasMaccabeus, nourish war and are seditious, and will not let the realm be inpeace.

14:7 Therefore I, being deprived of mine ancestors’ honour, I mean thehigh priesthood, am now come hither:

14:8 First, verily for the unfeigned care I have of things pertaining to theking; and secondly, even for that I intend the good of mine own countrymen: forall our nation is in no small misery through the unadvised dealing of themaforersaid.

14:9 Wherefore, O king, seeing thou knowest all these things, be careful forthe country, and our nation, which is pressed on every side, according to theclemency that thou readily shewest unto all.

14:10 For as long as Judas liveth, it is not possible that the state should bequiet.

14:11 This was no sooner spoken of him, but others of the king’s friends,being maliciously set against Judas, did more incense Demetrius.

14:12 And forthwith calling Nicanor, who had been master of the elephants, andmaking him governor over Judea, he sent him forth,

14:13 Commanding him to slay Judas, and to scatter them that were with him, andto make Alcimus high priest of the great temple.

14:14 Then the heathen, that had fled out of Judea from Judas, came to Nicanorby flocks, thinking the harm and calamities of the Jews to be their welfare.

14:15 Now when the Jews heard of Nicanor’s coming, and that the heathenwere up against them, they cast earth upon their heads, and made supplicationto him that had established his people for ever, and who always helpeth hisportion with manifestation of his presence.

14:16 So at the commandment of the captain they removed straightways fromthence, and came near unto them at the town of Dessau.

14:17 Now Simon, Judas’ brother, had joined battle with Nicanor, but wassomewhat discomfited through the sudden silence of his enemies.

14:18 Nevertheless Nicanor, hearing of the manliness of them that were withJudas, and the courageousness that they had to fight for their country, durstnot try the matter by the sword.

14:19 Wherefore he sent Posidonius, and Theodotus, and Mattathias, to makepeace.

14:20 So when they had taken long advisement thereupon, and the captain hadmade the multitude acquainted therewith, and it appeared that they were all ofone mind, they consented to the covenants,

14:21 And appointed a day to meet in together by themselves: and when the daycame, and stools were set for either of them,

14:22 Ludas placed armed men ready in convenient places, lest some treacheryshould be suddenly practised by the enemies: so they made a peaceableconference.

14:23 Now Nicanor abode in Jerusalem, and did no hurt, but sent away the peoplethat came flocking unto him.

14:24 And he would not willingly have Judas out of his sight: for he loved theman from his heart.

14:25 He prayed him also to take a wife, and to beget children: so he married,was quiet, and took part of this life.

14:26 But Alcimus, perceiving the love that was betwixt them, and consideringthe covenants that were made, came to Demetrius, and told him that Nicanor wasnot well affected toward the state; for that he had ordained Judas, a traitorto his realm, to be the king’s successor.

14:27 Then the king being in a rage, and provoked with the accusations of themost wicked man, wrote to Nicanor, signifying that he was much displeased withthe covenants, and commanding him that he should send Maccabeus prisoner in allhaste unto Antioch.

14:28 When this came to Nicanor’s hearing, he was much confounded inhimself, and took it grievously that he should make void the articles whichwere agreed upon, the man being in no fault.

14:29 But because there was no dealing against the king, he watched his time toaccomplish this thing by policy.

14:30 Notwithstanding, when Maccabeus saw that Nicanor began to be churlishunto him, and that he entreated him more roughly than he was wont, perceivingthat such sour behaviour came not of good, he gathered together not a few ofhis men, and withdrew himself from Nicanor.

14:31 But the other, knowing that he was notably prevented by Judas’policy, came into the great and holy temple, and commanded the priests, thatwere offering their usual sacrifices, to deliver him the man.

14:32 And when they sware that they could not tell where the man was whom hesought,

14:33 He stretched out his right hand toward the temple, and made an oath inthis manner: If ye will not deliver me Judas as a prisoner, I will lay thistemple of God even with the ground, and I will break down the altar, and erecta notable temple unto Bacchus.

14:34 After these words he departed. Then the priests lifted up their handstoward heaven, and besought him that was ever a defender of their nation,saying in this manner;

14:35 Thou, O Lord of all things, who hast need of nothing, wast pleased thatthe temple of thine habitation should be among us:

14:36 Therefore now, O holy Lord of all holiness, keep this house everundefiled, which lately was cleansed, and stop every unrighteous mouth.

14:37 Now was there accused unto Nicanor one Razis, one of the elders ofJerusalem, a lover of his countrymen, and a man of very good report, who forhis kindness was called a father of the Jews.

14:38 For in the former times, when they mingled not themselves with theGentiles, he had been accused of Judaism, and did boldly jeopard his body andlife with all vehemency for the religion of the Jews.

14:39 So Nicanor, willing to declare the hate that he bare unto the Jews, sentabove five hundred men of war to take him:

14:40 For he thought by taking him to do the Jews much hurt.

14:41 Now when the multitude would have taken the tower, and violently brokeninto the outer door, and bade that fire should be brought to burn it, he beingready to be taken on every side fell upon his sword;

14:42 Choosing rather to die manfully, than to come into the hands of thewicked, to be abused otherwise than beseemed his noble birth:

14:43 But missing his stroke through haste, the multitude also rushing withinthe doors, he ran boldly up to the wall, and cast himself down manfully amongthe thickest of them.

14:44 But they quickly giving back, and a space being made, he fell down intothe midst of the void place.

14:45 Nevertheless, while there was yet breath within him, being inflamed withanger, he rose up; and though his blood gushed out like spouts of water, andhis wounds were grievous, yet he ran through the midst of the throng; andstanding upon a steep rock,

14:46 When as his blood was now quite gone, he plucked out his bowels, andtaking them in both his hands, he cast them upon the throng, and calling uponthe Lord of life and spirit to restore him those again, he thus died.

15:1 But Nicanor, hearing that Judas and his company were in the strong placesabout Samaria, resolved without any danger to set upon them on the sabbath day.

15:2 Nevertheless the Jews that were compelled to go with him said, O destroynot so cruelly and barbarously, but give honour to that day, which he, thatseeth all things, hath honoured with holiness above all other days.

15:3 Then the most ungracious wretch demanded, if there were a Mighty one inheaven, that had commanded the sabbath day to be kept.

15:4 And when they said, There is in heaven a living Lord, and mighty, whocommanded the seventh day to be kept:

15:5 Then said the other, And I also am mighty upon earth, and I command totake arms, and to do the king’s business. Yet he obtained not to have hiswicked will done.

15:6 So Nicanor in exceeding pride and haughtiness determined to set up apublick monument of his victory over Judas and them that were with him.

15:7 But Maccabeus had ever sure confidence that the Lord would help him:

15:8 Wherefore he exhorted his people not to fear the coming of the heathenagainst them, but to remember the help which in former times they had receivedfrom heaven, and now to expect the victory and aid, which should come unto themfrom the Almighty.

15:9 And so comforting them out of the law and the prophets, and withal puttingthem in mind of the battles that they won afore, he made them more cheerful.

15:10 And when he had stirred up their minds, he gave them their charge,shewing them therewithall the falsehood of the heathen, and the breach ofoaths.

15:11 Thus he armed every one of them, not so much with defence of shields andspears, as with comfortable and good words: and beside that, he told them adream worthy to be believed, as if it had been so indeed, which did not alittle rejoice them.

15:12 And this was his vision: That Onias, who had been high priest, a virtuousand a good man, reverend in conversation, gentle in condition, well spokenalso, and exercised from a child in all points of virtue, holding up his handsprayed for the whole body of the Jews.

15:13 This done, in like manner there appeared a man with gray hairs, andexceeding glorious, who was of a wonderful and excellent majesty.

15:14 Then Onias answered, saying, This is a lover of the brethren, who prayethmuch for the people, and for the holy city, to wit, Jeremias the prophet ofGod.

15:15 Whereupon Jeremias holding forth his right hand gave to Judas a sword ofgold, and in giving it spake thus,

15:16 Take this holy sword, a gift from God, with the which thou shalt woundthe adversaries.

15:17 Thus being well comforted by the words of Judas, which were very good,and able to stir them up to valour, and to encourage the hearts of the youngmen, they determined not to pitch camp, but courageously to set upon them, andmanfully to try the matter by conflict, because the city and the sanctuary andthe temple were in danger.

15:18 For the care that they took for their wives, and their children, theirbrethren, and folks, was in least account with them: but the greatest andprincipal fear was for the holy temple.

15:19 Also they that were in the city took not the least care, being troubledfor the conflict abroad.

15:20 And now, when as all looked what should be the trial, and the enemieswere already come near, and the army was set in array, and the beastsconveniently placed, and the horsemen set in wings,

15:21 Maccabeus seeing the coming of the multitude, and the divers preparationsof armour, and the fierceness of the beasts, stretched out his hands towardheaven, and called upon the Lord that worketh wonders, knowing that victorycometh not by arms, but even as it seemeth good to him, he giveth it to such asare worthy:

15:22 Therefore in his prayer he said after this manner; O Lord, thou didstsend thine angel in the time of Ezekias king of Judea, and didst slay in thehost of Sennacherib an hundred fourscore and five thousand:

15:23 Wherefore now also, O Lord of heaven, send a good angel before us for afear and dread unto them;

15:24 And through the might of thine arm let those be stricken with terror,that come against thy holy people to blaspheme. And he ended thus.

15:25 Then Nicanor and they that were with him came forward with trumpets andsongs.

15:26 But Judas and his company encountered the enemies with invocation andprayer.

15:27 So that fighting with their hands, and praying unto God with theirhearts, they slew no less than thirty and five thousand men: for through theappearance of God they were greatly cheered.

15:28 Now when the battle was done, returning again with joy, they knew thatNicanor lay dead in his harness.

15:29 Then they made a great shout and a noise, praising the Almighty in theirown language.

15:30 And Judas, who was ever the chief defender of the citizens both in bodyand mind, and who continued his love toward his countrymen all his life,commanded to strike off Nicanor’s head, and his hand with his shoulder,and bring them to Jerusalem.

15:31 So when he was there, and called them of his nation together, and set thepriests before the altar, he sent for them that were of the tower,

15:32 And shewed them vile Nicanor’s head, and the hand of thatblasphemer, which with proud brags he had stretched out against the holy templeof the Almighty.

15:33 And when he had cut out the tongue of that ungodly Nicanor, he commandedthat they should give it by pieces unto the fowls, and hang up the reward ofhis madness before the temple.

15:34 So every man praised toward the heaven the glorious Lord, saying, Blessedbe he that hath kept his own place undefiled.

15:35 He hanged also Nicanor’s head upon the tower, an evident andmanifest sign unto all of the help of the Lord.

15:36 And they ordained all with a common decree in no case to let that daypass without solemnity, but to celebrate the thirtieth day of the twelfthmonth, which in the Syrian tongue is called Adar, the day beforeMardocheus’ day.

15:37 Thus went it with Nicanor: and from that time forth the Hebrews had thecity in their power. And here will I make an end.

15:38 And if I have done well, and as is fitting the story, it is that which Idesired: but if slenderly and meanly, it is that which I could attain unto.

15:39 For as it is hurtful to drink wine or water alone; and as wine mingledwith water is pleasant, and delighteth the taste: even so speech finely frameddelighteth the ears of them that read the story. And here shall be an end.

Related articles