# verses

text:
And, lo, they are cast out to the heat of the day, and to the frost of the night, and they died in great miseries by famine, by sword, and by pestilence.<pb/>


text:
And the house which is called by thy name hast thou laid waste, as it is to be seen this day, for the wickedness of the house of Israel and the house of Juda.<pb/>


text:
O Lord our God, thou hast dealt with us after all thy goodness, and according to all that great mercy of thine,<pb/>


text:
As thou spakest by thy servant Moses in the day when thou didst command him to write the law before the children of Israel, saying,<pb/>


text:
If ye will not hear my voice, surely this very great multitude shall be turned into a small number among the nations, where I will scatter them.<pb/>


text:
For I knew that they would not hear me, because it is a stiffnecked people: but in the land of their captivities they shall remember themselves.<pb/>


text:
And return from their stiff neck, and from their wicked deeds: for they shall remember the way of their fathers, which sinned before the Lord.<pb/>


text:
And I will bring them again into the land which I promised with an oath unto their fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and they shall be lords of it: and I will increase them, and they shall not be diminished.<pb/>


text:
And I will make an everlasting covenant with them to be their God, and they shall be my people: and I will no more drive my people of Israel out of the land that I have given them.<pb/>


text:
Hear, O Lord, and have mercy; for thou art merciful: and have pity upon us, because we have sinned before thee.<pb/>


text:
O Lord Almighty, thou God of Israel, hear now the prayers of the dead Israelites, and of their children, which have sinned before thee, and not hearkened unto the voice of thee their God: for the which cause these plagues cleave unto us.<pb/>


text:
Remember not the iniquities of our forefathers: but think upon thy power and thy name now at this time.<pb/>


text:
And for this cause thou hast put thy fear in our hearts, to the intent that we should call upon thy name, and praise thee in our captivity: for we have called to mind all the iniquity of our forefathers, that sinned before thee.<pb/>


text:
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 the iniquities of our fathers, which departed from the Lord our God.<pb/>


text:
How happeneth it Israel, that thou art in thine enemies’ land, that thou art waxen old in a strange country, that thou art defiled with the dead,<pb/>


text:
Learn where is wisdom, where is strength, where is understanding; that thou mayest know also where is length of days, and life, where is the light of the eyes, and peace.<pb/>


text:
They that had their pastime with the fowls of the air, and they that hoarded up silver and gold, wherein men trust, and made no end of their getting?<pb/>


text:
Young men have seen light, and dwelt upon the earth: but the way of knowledge have they not known,<pb/>


text:
Nor understood the paths thereof, nor laid hold of it: their children were far off from that way.<pb/>


text:
The Agarenes that seek wisdom upon earth, the merchants of Meran and of Theman, the authors of fables, and searchers out of understanding; none of these have known the way of wisdom, or remember her paths.<pb/>


text:
There were the giants famous from the beginning, that were of so great stature, and so expert in war.<pb/>


text:
But they were destroyed, because they had no wisdom, and perished through their own foolishness.<pb/>


text:
But he that knoweth all things knoweth her, and hath found her out with his understanding: he that prepared the earth for evermore hath filled it with fourfooted beasts:<pb/>


text:
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 that made them.<pb/>


text:
He hath found out all the way of knowledge, and hath given it unto Jacob his servant, and to Israel his beloved.<pb/>


text:
This is the book of the commandments of God, and the law that endureth for ever: all they that keep it shall come to life; but such as leave it shall die.<pb/>


text:
Turn thee, O Jacob, and take hold of it: walk in the presence of the light thereof, that thou mayest be illuminated.<pb/>


text:
Give not thine honour to another, nor the things that are profitable unto thee to a strange nation.<pb/>


text:
Ye were sold to the nations, not for <i>your</i> destruction: but because ye moved God to wrath, ye were delivered unto the enemies.<pb/>


text:
Ye have forgotten the everlasting God, that brought you up; and ye have grieved Jerusalem, that nursed you.<pb/>


text:
For when she saw the wrath of God coming upon you, she said, Hearken, O ye that dwell about Sion: God hath brought upon me great mourning;<pb/>


text:
Let no man rejoice over me, a widow, and forsaken of many, who for the sins of my children am left desolate; because they departed from the law of God.<pb/>


text:
They knew not his statutes, nor walked in the ways of his commandments, nor trod in the paths of discipline in his righteousness.<pb/>


text:
Let them that dwell about Sion come, and remember ye the captivity of my sons and daughters, which the Everlasting hath brought upon them.<pb/>


text:
For he hath brought a nation upon them from far, a shameless nation, and of a strange language, who neither reverenced old man, nor pitied child.<pb/>


text:
These have carried away the dear beloved children of the widow, and left her that was alone desolate without daughters.<pb/>


text:
I have put off the clothing of peace, and put upon me the sackcloth of my prayer: I will cry unto the Everlasting in my days.<pb/>


text:
Be of good cheer, O my children, cry unto the Lord, and he will deliver you from the power and hand of the enemies.<pb/>


text:
For my hope is in the Everlasting, that he will save you; and joy is come unto me from the Holy One, because of the mercy which shall soon come unto you from the Everlasting our Saviour.<pb/>


text:
For I sent you out with mourning and weeping: but God will give you to me again with joy and gladness for ever.<pb/>


text:
Like as now the neighbours of Sion have seen your captivity: so shall they see shortly your salvation from our God which shall come upon you with great glory, and brightness of the Everlasting.<pb/>


text:
My children, suffer patiently the wrath that is come upon you from God: for thine enemy hath persecuted thee; but shortly thou shalt see his destruction, and shalt tread upon his neck.<pb/>


text:
Be of good comfort, O my children, and cry unto God: for ye shall be remembered of him that brought these things upon you.<pb/>


text:
For he that hath brought these plagues upon you shall bring you everlasting joy with your salvation.<pb/>


text:
For as she rejoiced at thy ruin, and was glad of thy fall: so shall she be grieved for her own desolation.<pb/>


text:
For I will take away the rejoicing of her great multitude, and her pride shall be turned into mourning.<pb/>


text:
For fire shall come upon her from the Everlasting, long to endure; and she shall be inhabited of devils for a great time.<pb/>


text:
O Jerusalem, look about thee toward the east, and behold the joy that cometh unto thee from God.<pb/>


text:
Lo, thy sons come, whom thou sentest away, they come gathered together from the east to the west by the word of the Holy One, rejoicing in the glory of God.<pb/>


text:
Put off, O Jerusalem, the garment of mourning and affliction, and put on the comeliness of the glory that cometh from God for ever.<pb/>


text:
Cast about thee a double garment of the righteousness which cometh from God; and set a diadem on thine head of the glory of the Everlasting.<pb/>


text:
For thy name shall be called of God for ever The peace of righteousness, and The glory of God’s worship.<pb/>


text:
Arise, O Jerusalem, and stand on high, and look about toward the east, and behold thy children gathered from the west unto the east by the word of the Holy One, rejoicing in the remembrance of God.<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
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, that Israel may go safely in the glory of God,<pb/>


text:
Moreover even the woods and every sweetsmelling tree shall overshadow Israel by the commandment of God.<pb/>


text:
For God shall lead Israel with joy in the light of his glory with the mercy and righteousness that cometh from him.<pb/>


text:
<br/><t>A copy of an epistle, which Jeremy sent unto them which were to be led captives into Babylon by the king of the Babilonians, to certify them, as it was commanded him of God. </t><br/>A copy of an epistle, which Jeremy sent unto them which were to be led captives into Babylon by the king of the Babylonians, to certify them, as it was commanded him of God.<pb/>


text:
Because of the sins which ye have committed before God, ye shall be led away captives into Babylon by Nabuchodonosor king of the Babylonians.<pb/>


text:
So when ye be come unto Babylon, ye shall remain there many years, and for a long season, namely, seven generations: and after that I will bring you away peaceably from thence.<pb/>


text:
Now shall ye see in Babylon gods of silver, and of gold, and of wood, borne upon shoulders, which cause the nations to fear.<pb/>


text:
Beware therefore that ye in no wise be like to strangers, neither be ye afraid of them, when ye see the multitude before them and behind them, worshipping them.<pb/>


text:
As for their tongue, it is polished by the workman, and they themselves are gilded and laid over with silver; yet are they but false, and cannot speak.<pb/>


text:
And taking gold, as it were for a virgin that loveth to go gay, they make crowns for the heads of their gods.<pb/>


text:
Sometimes also the priests convey from their gods gold and silver, and bestow it upon themselves.<pb/>


text:
Yea, they will give thereof to the common harlots, and deck them as men with garments, <i>being</i> gods of silver, and gods of gold, and wood.<pb/>


text:
Yet cannot these gods save themselves from rust and moth, though they be covered with purple raiment.<pb/>


text:
And he that cannot put to death one that offendeth him holdeth a sceptre, as though he were a judge of the country.<pb/>


text:
He hath also in his right hand a dagger and an ax: but cannot deliver himself from war and thieves.<pb/>


text:
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 be full of dust through the feet of them that come in.<pb/>


text:
And as the doors are made sure on every side upon him that offendeth the king, as being committed to suffer death: even so the priests make fast their temples with doors, with locks, and bars, lest their gods be spoiled with robbers.<pb/>


text:
They are as one of the beams of the temple, yet they say their hearts are gnawed upon by things creeping out of the earth; and when they eat them and their clothes, they feel it not.<pb/>


text:
Notwithstanding the gold that is about them to make them beautiful, except they wipe off the rust, they will not shine: for neither when they were molten did they feel it.<pb/>


text:
They are borne upon shoulders, having no feet whereby they declare unto men that they be nothing worth.<pb/>


text:
They also that serve them are ashamed: for if they fall to the ground at any time, they cannot rise up again of themselves: neither, if one set them upright, can they move of themselves: neither, if they be bowed down, can they make themselves straight: but they set gifts before them as unto dead men.<pb/>


text:
As for the things that are sacrificed unto them, their priests sell and abuse; in like manner their wives lay up part thereof in salt; but unto the poor and impotent they give nothing of it.<pb/>


text:
Menstruous women and women in childbed eat their sacrifices: by these things ye may know that they are no gods: fear them not.<pb/>


text:
For how can they be called gods? because women set meat before the gods of silver, gold, and wood.<pb/>


text:
And the priests sit in their temples, having their clothes rent, and their heads and beards shaven, and nothing upon their heads.<pb/>


text:
Whether it be evil that one doeth unto them, or good, they are not able to recompense it: they can neither set up a king, nor put him down.<pb/>


text:
In like manner, they can neither give riches nor money: though a man make a vow unto them, and keep it not, they will not require it.<pb/>


text:
Their gods of wood, and which are overlaid with gold and silver, are like the stones that be hewn out of the mountain: they that worship them shall be confounded.<pb/>


text:
How should a man then think and say that they are gods, when even the Chaldeans themselves dishonour them?<pb/>


text:
Who if they shall see one dumb that cannot speak, they bring him, and intreat Bel that he may speak, as though he were able to understand.<pb/>


text:
The women also with cords about them, sitting in the ways, burn bran for perfume: but if any of them, drawn by some that passeth by, lie with him, she reproacheth her fellow, that she was not thought as worthy as herself, nor her cord broken.<pb/>


text:
They are made of carpenters and goldsmiths: they can be nothing else than the workmen will have them to be.<pb/>


text:
And they themselves that made them can never continue long; how should then the things that are made of them be gods?<pb/>


text:
For when there cometh any war or plague upon them, the priests consult with themselves, where they may be hidden with them.<pb/>


text:
How then cannot men perceive that they be no gods, which can neither save themselves from war, nor from plague?<pb/>


text:
For seeing they be but of wood, and overlaid with silver and gold, it shall be known hereafter that they are false:<pb/>


text:
And it shall manifestly appear to all nations and kings that they are no gods, but the works of men’s hands, and that there is no work of God in them.<pb/>


text:
Neither can they judge their own cause, nor redress a wrong, being unable: for they are as crows between heaven and earth.<pb/>


text:
Whereupon when fire falleth upon the house of gods of wood, or laid over with gold or silver, their priests will flee away, and escape; but they themselves shall be burned asunder like beams.<pb/>


text:
Moreover they cannot withstand any king or enemies: how can it then be thought or said that they be gods?<pb/>


text:
Neither are those gods of wood, and laid over with silver or gold, able to escape either from thieves or robbers.<pb/>


text:
Whose gold, and silver, and garments wherewith they are clothed, they that are strong take, and go away withal: neither are they able to help themselves.<pb/>


text:
Therefore it is better to be a king that sheweth his power, or else a profitable vessel in an house, which the owner shall have use of, than such false gods; or to be a door in an house, to keep such things therein, than such false gods. or a pillar of wood in a a palace, than such false gods.<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
And the fire sent from above to consume hills and woods doeth as it is commanded: but these are like unto them neither in shew nor power.<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
Neither can they shew signs in the heavens among the heathen, nor shine as the sun, nor give light as the moon.<pb/>


text:
For as a scarecrow in a garden of cucumbers keepeth nothing: so are their gods of wood, and laid over with silver and gold.<pb/>


text:
And likewise their gods of wood, and laid over with silver and gold, are like to a white thorn in an orchard, that every bird sitteth upon; as also to a dead body, that is cast into the dark.<pb/>


text:
And ye shall know them to be no gods by the bright purple that rotteth upon them: and they themselves afterward shall be eaten, and shall be a reproach in the country.<pb/>


text:
Then Azarias stood up, and prayed on this manner; and opening his mouth in the midst of the fire said,<pb/>


text:
Blessed art thou, O Lord God of our fathers: thy name is worthy to be praised and glorified for evermore:<pb/>


text:
For thou art righteous in all the things that thou hast done to us: yea, true are all thy works, thy ways are right, and all thy judgments truth.<pb/>


text:
In all the things that thou hast brought upon us, and upon the holy city of our fathers, even Jerusalem, thou hast executed true judgment: for according to truth and judgment didst thou bring all these things upon us because of our sins.<pb/>


text:
In all things have we trespassed, and not obeyed thy commandments, nor kept them, neither done as thou hast commanded us, that it might go well with us.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore all that thou hast brought upon us, and every thing that thou hast done to us, thou hast done in true judgment.<pb/>


text:
And thou didst deliver us into the hands of lawless enemies, most hateful forsakers of God, and to an unjust king, and the most wicked in all the world.<pb/>


text:
And now we cannot open our mouths, we are become a shame and reproach to thy servants; and to them that worship thee.<pb/>


text:
And cause not thy mercy to depart from us, for thy beloved Abraham’s sake, for thy servant Issac’s sake, and for thy holy Israel’s sake;<pb/>


text:
To whom thou hast spoken and promised, that thou wouldest multiply their seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sand that lieth upon the seashore.<pb/>


text:
For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and be kept under this day in all the world because of our sins.<pb/>


text:
Neither is there at this time prince, or prophet, or leader, or burnt offering, or sacrifice, or oblation, or incense, or place to sacrifice before thee, and to find mercy.<pb/>


text:
Like as in the burnt offerings of rams and bullocks, and like as in ten thousands of fat lambs: so let our sacrifice be in thy sight this day, and grant that we may wholly go after thee: for they shall not be confounded that put their trust in thee.<pb/>


text:
Put us not to shame: but deal with us after thy lovingkindness, and according to the multitude of thy mercies.<pb/>


text:
Deliver us also according to thy marvellous works, and give glory to thy name, O Lord: and let all them that do thy servants hurt be ashamed;<pb/>


text:
And the king’s servants, that put them in, ceased not to make the oven hot with rosin, pitch, tow, and small wood;<pb/>


text:
But the angel of the Lord came down into the oven together with Azarias and his fellows, and smote the flame of the fire out of the oven;<pb/>


text:
And made the midst of the furnace as it had been a moist whistling wind, so that the fire touched them not at all, neither hurt nor troubled them.<pb/>


text:
Then the three, as out of one mouth, praised, glorified, and blessed, God in the furnace, saying,<pb/>


text:
Blessed art thou in the temple of thine holy glory: and to be praised and glorified above all for ever.<pb/>


text:
Blessed art thou that beholdest the depths, and sittest upon the cherubims: and to be praised and exalted above all for ever.<pb/>


text:
Blessed art thou on the glorious throne of thy kingdom: and to be praised and glorified above all for ever.<pb/>


text:
Blessed art thou in the firmament of heaven: and above all to be praised and glorified for ever.<pb/>


text:
O all ye waters that be above the heaven, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.<pb/>


text:
O all ye things that grow in the earth, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.<pb/>


text:
O ye whales, and all that move in the waters, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.<pb/>


text:
O ye spirits and souls of the righteous, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.<pb/>


text:
O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever: for he hath delivered us from hell, and saved us from the hand of death, and delivered us out of the midst of the furnace and burning flame: even out of the midst of the fire hath he delivered us.<pb/>


text:
O all ye that worship the Lord, bless the God of gods, praise him, and give him thanks: for his mercy endureth for ever.


text:
And he took a wife, whose name was Susanna, the daughter of Chelcias, a very fair woman, and one that feared the Lord.<pb/>


text:
Now Joacim was a great rich man, and had a fair garden joining unto his house: and to him resorted the Jews; because he was more honourable than all others.<pb/>


text:
The same year were appointed two of the ancients of the people to be judges, such as the Lord spake of, that wickedness came from Babylon from ancient judges, who seemed to govern the people.<pb/>


text:
And the two elders saw her going in every day, and walking; so that their lust was inflamed toward her.<pb/>


text:
And they perverted their own mind, and turned away their eyes, that they might not look unto heaven, nor remember just judgments.<pb/>


text:
So when they were gone out, they parted the one from the other, and turning back again they came to the same place; and after that they had asked one another the cause, they acknowledged their lust: then appointed they a time both together, when they might find her alone.<pb/>


text:
And it fell out, as they watched a fit time, she went in as before with two maids only, and she was desirous to wash herself in the garden: for it was hot.<pb/>


text:
Then she said to her maids, Bring me oil and washing balls, and shut the garden doors, that I may wash me.<pb/>


text:
And they did as she bade them, and shut the garden doors, and went out themselves at privy doors to fetch the things that she had commanded them: but they saw not the elders, because they were hid.<pb/>


text:
Behold, the garden doors are shut, that no man can see us, and we are in love with thee; therefore consent unto us, and lie with us.<pb/>


text:
If thou wilt not, we will bear witness against thee, that a young man was with thee: and therefore thou didst send away thy maids from thee.<pb/>


text:
Then Susanna sighed, and said, I am straitened on every side: for if I do this thing, it is death unto me: and if I do it not I cannot escape your hands.<pb/>


text:
It is better for me to fall into your hands, and not do it, than to sin in the sight of the Lord.<pb/>


text:
So when the servants of the house heard the cry in the garden, they rushed in at the privy door, to see what was done unto her.<pb/>


text:
But when the elders had declared their matter, the servants were greatly ashamed: for there was never such a report made of Susanna.<pb/>


text:
And it came to pass the next day, when the people were assembled to her husband Joacim, the two elders came also full of mischievous imagination against Susanna to put her to death;<pb/>


text:
And said before the people, Send for Susanna, the daughter of Chelcias, Joacim’s wife. And so they sent.<pb/>


text:
And these wicked men commanded to uncover her face, (for she was covered) that they might be filled with her beauty.<pb/>


text:
And the elders said, As we walked in the garden alone, this woman came in with two maids, and shut the garden doors, and sent the maids away.<pb/>


text:
And when we saw them together, the man we could not hold: for he was stronger than we, and opened the door, and leaped out.<pb/>


text:
But having taken this woman, we asked who the young man was, but she would not tell us: these things do we testify.<pb/>


text:
Then the assembly believed them as those that were the elders and judges of the people: so they condemned her to death.<pb/>


text:
Then Susanna cried out with a loud voice, and said, O everlasting God, that knowest the secrets, and knowest all things before they be:<pb/>


text:
Thou knowest that they have borne false witness against me, and, behold, I must die; whereas I never did such things as these men have maliciously invented against me.<pb/>


text:
Therefore when she was led to be put to death, the Lord raised up the holy spirit of a young youth whose name was Daniel:<pb/>


text:
Then all the people turned them toward him, and said, What mean these words that thou hast spoken?<pb/>


text:
So he standing in the midst of them said, Are ye such fools, ye sons of Israel, that without examination or knowledge of the truth ye have condemned a daughter of Israel?<pb/>


text:
Wherefore all the people turned again in haste, and the elders said unto him, Come, sit down among us, and shew it us, seeing God hath given thee the honour of an elder.<pb/>


text:
So when they were put asunder one from another, he called one of them, and said unto him, O thou that art waxen old in wickedness, now thy sins which thou hast committed aforetime are come to light.<pb/>


text:
For thou hast pronounced false judgment and hast condemned the innocent and hast let the guilty go free; albeit the Lord saith, The innocent and righteous shalt thou not slay.<pb/>


text:
Now then, if thou hast seen her, tell me, Under what tree sawest thou them companying together? Who answered, Under a mastick tree.<pb/>


text:
And Daniel said, Very well; thou hast lied against thine own head; for even now the angel of God hath received the sentence of God to cut thee in two.<pb/>


text:
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 lust hath perverted thine heart.<pb/>


text:
Thus have ye dealt with the daughters of Israel, and they for fear companied with you: but the daughter of Juda would not abide your wickedness.<pb/>


text:
Now therefore tell me, Under what tree didst thou take them companying together? Who answered, Under an holm tree.<pb/>


text:
Then said Daniel unto him, Well; thou hast also lied against thine own head: for the angel of God waiteth with the sword to cut thee in two, that he may destroy you.<pb/>


text:
With that all the assembly cried out with a loud voice, and praised God, who saveth them that trust in him.<pb/>


text:
And they arose against the two elders, for Daniel had convicted them of false witness by their own mouth:<pb/>


text:
And according to the law of Moses they did unto them in such sort as they maliciously intended to do to their neighbour: and they put them to death. Thus the innocent blood was saved the same day.<pb/>


text:
Therefore Chelcias and his wife praised God for their daughter Susanna, with Joacim her husband, and all the kindred, because there was no dishonesty found in her.<pb/>


text:
Now the Babylons had an idol, called Bel, and there were spent upon him every day twelve great measures of fine flour, and forty sheep, and six vessels of wine.<pb/>


text:
And the king worshipped it and went daily to adore it: but Daniel worshipped his own God. And the king said unto him, Why dost not thou worship Bel?<pb/>


text:
Who answered and said, Because I may not worship idols made with hands, but the living God, who hath created the heaven and the earth, and hath sovereignty over all flesh.<pb/>


text:
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?<pb/>


text:
Then Daniel smiled, and said, O king, be not deceived: for this is but clay within, and brass without, and did never eat or drink any thing.<pb/>


text:
So the king was wroth, and called for his priests, and said unto them, If ye tell me not who this is that devoureth these expences, ye shall die.<pb/>


text:
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 it be according to thy word.<pb/>


text:
Now the priests of Bel were threescore and ten, beside their wives and children. And the king went with Daniel into the temple of Bel.<pb/>


text:
So Bel’s priests said, Lo, we go out: but thou, O king, set on the meat, and make ready the wine, and shut the door fast and seal it with thine own signet;<pb/>


text:
And to morrow when thou comest in, if thou findest not that Bel hath eaten up all, we will suffer death: or else Daniel, that speaketh falsely against us.<pb/>


text:
And they little regarded it: for under the table they had made a privy entrance, whereby they entered in continually, and consumed those things.<pb/>


text:
So when they were gone forth, the king set meats before Bel. Now Daniel had commanded his servants to bring ashes, and those they strewed throughout all the temple in the presence of the king alone: then went they out, and shut the door, and sealed it with the king’s signet, and so departed.<pb/>


text:
Now in the night came the priests with their wives and children, as they were wont to do, and did eat and drink up all.<pb/>


text:
And as soon as he had opened the door, the king looked upon the table, and cried with a loud voice, Great art thou, O Bel, and with thee is no deceit at all.<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
And the king said, I see the footsteps of men, women, and children. And then the king was angry,<pb/>


text:
And took the priests with their wives and children, who shewed him the privy doors, where they came in, and consumed such things as were upon the table.<pb/>


text:
Therefore the king slew them, and delivered Bel into Daniel’s power, who destroyed him and his temple.<pb/>


text:
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 living god: therefore worship him.<pb/>


text:
But give me leave, O king, and I shall slay this dragon without sword or staff. The king said, I give thee leave.<pb/>


text:
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 the dragon burst in sunder: and Daniel said, Lo, these are the gods ye worship.<pb/>


text:
When they of Babylon heard that, they took great indignation, and conspired against the king, saying, The king is become a Jew, and he hath destroyed Bel, he hath slain the dragon, and put the priests to death.<pb/>


text:
So they came to the king, and said, Deliver us Daniel, or else we will destroy thee and thine house.<pb/>


text:
Now when the king saw that they pressed him sore, being constrained, he delivered Daniel unto them:<pb/>


text:
And in the den there were seven lions, and they had given them every day two carcases, and two sheep: which then were not given to them, to the intent they might devour Daniel.<pb/>


text:
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 it to the reapers.<pb/>


text:
But the angel of the Lord said unto Habbacuc, Go, carry the dinner that thou hast into Babylon unto Daniel, who is in the lions’ den.<pb/>


text:
Then the angel of the Lord took him by the crown, and bare him by the hair of his head, and through the vehemency of his spirit set him in Babylon over the den.<pb/>


text:
And Daniel said, Thou hast remembered me, O God: neither hast thou forsaken them that seek thee and love thee.<pb/>


text:
So Daniel arose, and did eat: and the angel of the Lord set Habbacuc in his own place again immediately.<pb/>


text:
Upon the seventh day the king went to bewail Daniel: and when he came to the den, he looked in, and behold, Daniel was sitting.<pb/>


text:
Then cried the king with a loud voice, saying, Great art thou, O Lord God of Daniel, and there is none other beside thee.<pb/>


text:
And he drew him out, and cast those that were the cause of his destruction into the den: and they were devoured in a moment before his face.


text:
And it happened, after that Alexander son of Philip, the Macedonian, who came out of the land of Chettiim, had smitten Darius king of the Persians and Medes, that he reigned in his stead, the first over Greece,<pb/>


text:
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 his heart was lifted up.<pb/>


text:
And he gathered a mighty strong host and ruled over countries, and nations, and kings, who became tributaries unto him.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore he called his servants, such as were honourable, and had been brought up with him from his youth, and parted his kingdom among them, while he was yet alive.<pb/>


text:
And after his death they all put crowns upon themselves; so did their sons after them many years: and evils were multiplied in the earth.<pb/>


text:
And there came out of them a wicked root Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the king, who had been an hostage at Rome, and he reigned in the hundred and thirty and seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks.<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
Then certain of the people were so forward herein, that they went to the king, who gave them licence to do after the ordinances of the heathen:<pb/>


text:
And made themselves uncircumcised, and forsook the holy covenant, and joined themselves to the heathen, and were sold to do mischief.<pb/>


text:
Now when the kingdom was established before Antiochus, he thought to reign over Egypt that he might have the dominion of two realms.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore he entered into Egypt with a great multitude, with chariots, and elephants, and horsemen, and a great navy,<pb/>


text:
And made war against Ptolemee king of Egypt: but Ptolemee was afraid of him, and fled; and many were wounded to death.<pb/>


text:
And after that Antiochus had smitten Egypt, he returned again in the hundred forty and third year, and went up against Israel and Jerusalem with a great multitude,<pb/>


text:
And entered proudly into the sanctuary, and took away the golden altar, and the candlestick of light, and all the vessels thereof,<pb/>


text:
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 ornaments that were before the temple, all which he pulled off.<pb/>


text:
He took also the silver and the gold, and the precious vessels: also he took the hidden treasures which he found.<pb/>


text:
And when he had taken all away, he went into his own land, having made a great massacre, and spoken very proudly.<pb/>


text:
So that the princes and elders mourned, the virgins and young men were made feeble, and the beauty of women was changed.<pb/>


text:
Every bridegroom took up lamentation, and she that sat in the marriage chamber was in heaviness,<pb/>


text:
The land also was moved for the inhabitants thereof, and all the house of Jacob was covered with confusion.<pb/>


text:
And after two years fully expired the king sent his chief collector of tribute unto the cities of Juda, who came unto Jerusalem with a great multitude,<pb/>


text:
And spake peaceable words unto them, but all was deceit: for when they had given him credence, he fell suddenly upon the city, and smote it very sore, and destroyed much people of Israel.<pb/>


text:
And when he had taken the spoils of the city, he set it on fire, and pulled down the houses and walls thereof on every side.<pb/>


text:
Then builded they the city of David with a great and strong wall, and with mighty towers, and made it a strong hold for them.<pb/>


text:
They stored it also with armour and victuals, and when they had gathered together the spoils of Jerusalem, they laid them up there, and so they became a sore snare:<pb/>


text:
Insomuch that the inhabitants of Jerusalem fled because of them: whereupon the city was made an habitation of strangers, and became strange to those that were born in her; and her own children left her.<pb/>


text:
Her sanctuary was laid waste like a wilderness, her feasts were turned into mourning, her sabbaths into reproach her honour into contempt.<pb/>


text:
As had been her glory, so was her dishonour increased, and her excellency was turned into mourning.<pb/>


text:
And every one should leave his laws: so all the heathen agreed according to the commandment of the king.<pb/>


text:
Yea, many also of the Israelites consented to his religion, and sacrificed unto idols, and profaned the sabbath.<pb/>


text:
For the king had sent letters by messengers unto Jerusalem and the cities of Juda that they should follow the strange laws of the land,<pb/>


text:
And forbid burnt offerings, and sacrifice, and drink offerings, in the temple; and that they should profane the sabbaths and festival days:<pb/>


text:
Set up altars, and groves, and chapels of idols, and sacrifice swine’s flesh, and unclean beasts:<pb/>


text:
That they should also leave their children uncircumcised, and make their souls abominable with all manner of uncleanness and profanation:<pb/>


text:
In the selfsame manner wrote he to his whole kingdom, and appointed overseers over all the people, commanding the cities of Juda to sacrifice, city by city.<pb/>


text:
Then many of the people were gathered unto them, to wit every one that forsook the law; and so they committed evils in the land;<pb/>


text:
Now the fifteenth day of the month Casleu, in the hundred forty and fifth year, they set up the abomination of desolation upon the altar, and builded idol altars throughout the cities of Juda on every side;<pb/>


text:
And when they had rent in pieces the books of the law which they found, they burnt them with fire.<pb/>


text:
And whosoever was found with any the book of the testament, or if any committed to the law, the king’s commandment was, that they should put him to death.<pb/>


text:
Thus did they by their authority unto the Israelites every month, to as many as were found in the cities.<pb/>


text:
Now the five and twentieth day of the month they did sacrifice upon the idol altar, which was upon the altar of God.<pb/>


text:
At which time according to the commandment they put to death certain women, that had caused their children to be circumcised.<pb/>


text:
And they hanged the infants about their necks, and rifled their houses, and slew them that had circumcised them.<pb/>


text:
Howbeit many in Israel were fully resolved and confirmed in themselves not to eat any unclean thing.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore they chose rather to die, that they might not be defiled with meats, and that they might not profane the holy covenant: so then they died.<pb/>


text:
In those days arose Mattathias the son of John, the son of Simeon, a priest of the sons of Joarib, from Jerusalem, and dwelt in Modin.<pb/>


text:
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 hand of the enemy, and the sanctuary into the hand of strangers?<pb/>


text:
Her glorious vessels are carried away into captivity, her infants are slain in the streets, her young men with the sword of the enemy.<pb/>


text:
And, behold, our sanctuary, even our beauty and our glory, is laid waste, and the Gentiles have profaned it.<pb/>


text:
In the mean while the king’s officers, such as compelled the people to revolt, came into the city Modin, to make them sacrifice.<pb/>


text:
Then answered the king’s officers, and said to Mattathias on this wise, Thou art a ruler, and an honourable and great man in this city, and strengthened with sons and brethren:<pb/>


text:
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 as remain at Jerusalem: so shalt thou and thy house be in the number of the king’s friends, and thou and thy children shall be honoured with silver and gold, and many rewards.<pb/>


text:
Then Mattathias answered and spake with a loud voice, Though all the nations that are under the king’s dominion obey him, and fall away every one from the religion of their fathers, and give consent to his commandments:<pb/>


text:
We will not hearken to the king’s words, to go from our religion, either on the right hand, or the left.<pb/>


text:
Now when he had left speaking these words, there came one of the Jews in the sight of all to sacrifice on the altar which was at Modin, according to the king’s commandment.<pb/>


text:
Which thing when Mattathias saw, he was inflamed with zeal, and his reins trembled, neither could he forbear to shew his anger according to judgment: wherefore he ran, and slew him upon the altar.<pb/>


text:
Also the king’s commissioner, who compelled men to sacrifice, he killed at that time, and the altar he pulled down.<pb/>


text:
And Mattathias cried throughout the city with a loud voice, saying, Whosoever is zealous of the law, and maintaineth the covenant, let him follow me.<pb/>


text:
Then many that sought after justice and judgment went down into the wilderness, to dwell there:<pb/>


text:
Both they, and their children, and their wives; and their cattle; because afflictions increased sore upon them.<pb/>


text:
Now when it was told the king’s servants, and the host that was at Jerusalem, in the city of David, that certain men, who had broken the king’s commandment, were gone down into the secret places in the wilderness,<pb/>


text:
They pursued after them a great number, and having overtaken them, they camped against them, and made war against them on the sabbath day.<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
But they said, We will not come forth, neither will we do the king’s commandment, to profane the sabbath day.<pb/>


text:
Howbeit they answered them not, neither cast they a stone at them, nor stopped the places where they lay hid;<pb/>


text:
But said, Let us die all in our innocency: heaven and earth will testify for us, that ye put us to death wrongfully.<pb/>


text:
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 thousand people.<pb/>


text:
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 quickly root us out of the earth.<pb/>


text:
At that time therefore they decreed, saying, Whosoever shall come to make battle with us on the sabbath day, we will fight against him; neither will we die all, as our brethren that were murdered in the secret places.<pb/>


text:
Then came there unto him a company of Assideans who were mighty men of Israel, even all such as were voluntarily devoted unto the law.<pb/>


text:
Also all they that fled for persecution joined themselves unto them, and were a stay unto them.<pb/>


text:
So they joined their forces, and smote sinful men in their anger, and wicked men in their wrath: but the rest fled to the heathen for succour.<pb/>


text:
And what children soever they found within the coast of Israel uncircumcised, those they circumcised valiantly.<pb/>


text:
So they recovered the law out of the hand of the Gentiles, and out of the hand of kings, neither suffered they the sinner to triumph.<pb/>


text:
Now when the time drew near that Mattathias should die, he said unto his sons, Now hath pride and rebuke gotten strength, and the time of destruction, and the wrath of indignation:<pb/>


text:
Now therefore, my sons, be ye zealous for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of your fathers.<pb/>


text:
Call to remembrance what acts our fathers did in their time; so shall ye receive great honour and an everlasting name.<pb/>


text:
Phinees our father in being zealous and fervent obtained the covenant of an everlasting priesthood.<pb/>


text:
And thus consider ye throughout all ages, that none that put their trust in him shall be overcome.<pb/>


text:
To day he shall be lifted up and to morrow he shall not be found, because he is returned into his dust, and his thought is come to nothing.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore, ye my sons, be valiant and shew yourselves men in the behalf of the law; for by it shall ye obtain glory.<pb/>


text:
And behold, I know that your brother Simon is a man of counsel, give ear unto him alway: he shall be a father unto you.<pb/>


text:
As for Judas Maccabeus, he hath been mighty and strong, even from his youth up: let him be your captain, and fight the battle of the people.<pb/>


text:
And he died in the hundred forty and sixth year, and his sons buried him in the sepulchres of his fathers at Modin, and all Israel made great lamentation for him.<pb/>


text:
And all his brethren helped him, and so did all they that held with his father, and they fought with cheerfulness the battle of Israel.<pb/>


text:
So he gat his people great honour, and put on a breastplate as a giant, and girt his warlike harness about him, and he made battles, protecting the host with his sword.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore the wicked shrunk for fear of him, and all the workers of iniquity were troubled, because salvation prospered in his hand.<pb/>


text:
He grieved also many kings, and made Jacob glad with his acts, and his memorial is blessed for ever.<pb/>


text:
Moreover he went through the cities of Juda, destroying the ungodly out of them, and turning away wrath from Israel:<pb/>


text:
So that he was renowned unto the utmost part of the earth, and he received unto him such as were ready to perish.<pb/>


text:
Then Apollonius gathered the Gentiles together, and a great host out of Samaria, to fight against Israel.<pb/>


text:
Which thing when Judas perceived, he went forth to meet him, and so he smote him, and slew him: many also fell down slain, but the rest fled.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore Judas took their spoils, and Apollonius’ sword also, and therewith he fought all his life long.<pb/>


text:
Now when Seron, a prince of the army of Syria, heard say that Judas had gathered unto him a multitude and company of the faithful to go out with him to war;<pb/>


text:
He said, I will get me a name and honour in the kingdom; for I will go fight with Judas and them that are with him, who despise the king’s commandment.<pb/>


text:
So he made him ready to go up, and there went with him a mighty host of the ungodly to help him, and to be avenged of the children of Israel.<pb/>


text:
And when he came near to the going up of Bethhoron, Judas went forth to meet him with a small company:<pb/>


text:
Who, when they saw the host coming to meet them, said unto Judas, How shall we be able, being so few, to fight against so great a multitude and so strong, seeing we are ready to faint with fasting all this day?<pb/>


text:
Unto whom Judas answered, It is no hard matter for many to be shut up in the hands of a few; and with the God of heaven it is all one, to deliver with a great multitude, or a small company:<pb/>


text:
For the victory of battle standeth not in the multitude of an host; but strength cometh from heaven.<pb/>


text:
They come against us in much pride and iniquity to destroy us, and our wives and children, and to spoil us:<pb/>


text:
Wherefore the Lord himself will overthrow them before our face: and as for you, be ye not afraid of them.<pb/>


text:
Now as soon as he had left off speaking, he leapt suddenly upon them, and so Seron and his host was overthrown before him.<pb/>


text:
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 the land of the Philistines.<pb/>


text:
Then began the fear of Judas and his brethren, and an exceeding great dread, to fall upon the nations round about them:<pb/>


text:
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 a very strong army.<pb/>


text:
He opened also his treasure, and gave his soldiers pay for a year, commanding them to be ready whensoever he should need them.<pb/>


text:
Nevertheless, when he saw that the money of his treasures failed and that the 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 of old time;<pb/>


text:
He feared that he should not be able to bear the charges any longer, nor to have such gifts to give so liberally as he did before: for he had abounded above the kings that were before him.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore, being greatly perplexed in his mind, he determined to go into Persia, there to take the tributes of the countries, and to gather much money.<pb/>


text:
So he left Lysias, a nobleman, and one of the blood royal, to oversee the affairs of the king from the river Euphrates unto the borders of Egypt:<pb/>


text:
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 concerning them that dwelt in Juda and Jerusalem:<pb/>


text:
To wit, that he should send an army against them, to destroy and root out the strength of Israel, and the remnant of Jerusalem, and to take away their memorial from that place;<pb/>


text:
So the king took the half of the forces that remained, and departed from Antioch, his royal city, the hundred forty and seventh year; and having passed the river Euphrates, he went through the high countries.<pb/>


text:
Then Lysias chose Ptolemee the son of Dorymenes, Nicanor, and Gorgias, mighty men of the king’s friends:<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
And the merchants of the country, hearing the fame of them, took silver and gold very much, with servants, and came into the camp to buy the children of Israel for slaves: a power also of Syria and of the land of the Philistines joined themselves unto them.<pb/>


text:
Now when Judas and his brethren saw that miseries were multiplied, and that the forces did encamp themselves in their borders: for they knew how the king had given commandment to destroy the people, and utterly abolish them;<pb/>


text:
They said one to another, Let us restore the decayed fortune of our people, and let us fight for our people and the sanctuary.<pb/>


text:
Then was the congregation gathered together, that they might be ready for battle, and that they might pray, and ask mercy and compassion.<pb/>


text:
Now Jerusalem lay void as a wilderness, there was none of her children that went in or out: the sanctuary also was trodden down, and aliens kept the strong hold; the heathen had their habitation in that place; and joy was taken from Jacob, and the pipe with the harp ceased.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore the Israelites assembled themselves together, and came to Maspha, over against Jerusalem; for in Maspha was the place where they prayed aforetime in Israel.<pb/>


text:
Then they fasted that day, and put on sackcloth, and cast ashes upon their heads, and rent their clothes,<pb/>


text:
And laid open the book of the law, wherein the heathen had sought to paint the likeness of their images.<pb/>


text:
They brought also the priests’ garments, and the firstfruits, and the tithes: and the Nazarites they stirred up, who had accomplished their days.<pb/>


text:
Then cried they with a loud voice toward heaven, saying, What shall we do with these, and whither shall we carry them away?<pb/>


text:
For thy sanctuary is trodden down and profaned, and thy priests are in heaviness, and brought low.<pb/>


text:
And lo, the heathen are assembled together against us to destroy us: what things they imagine against us, thou knowest.<pb/>


text:
And after this Judas ordained captains over the people, even captains over thousands, and over hundreds, and over fifties, and over tens.<pb/>


text:
But as for such as were building houses, or had betrothed wives, or were planting vineyards, or were fearful, those he commanded that they should return, every man to his own house, according to the law.<pb/>


text:
And Judas said, arm yourselves, and be valiant men, and see that ye be in readiness against the morning, that ye may fight with these nations, that are assembled together against us to destroy us and our sanctuary:<pb/>


text:
For it is better for us to die in battle, than to behold the calamities of our people and our sanctuary.<pb/>


text:
Then took Gorgias five thousand footmen, and a thousand of the best horsemen, and removed out of the camp by night;<pb/>


text:
To the end he might rush in upon the camp of the Jews, and smite them suddenly. And the men of the fortress were his guides.<pb/>


text:
Now when Judas heard thereof he himself removed, and the valiant men with him, that he might smite the king’s army which was at Emmaus,<pb/>


text:
In the mean season came Gorgias by night into the camp of Judas: and when he found no man there, he sought them in the mountains: for said he, These fellows flee from us<pb/>


text:
But as soon as it was day, Judas shewed himself in the plain with three thousand men, who nevertheless had neither armour nor swords to their minds.<pb/>


text:
And they saw the camp of the heathen, that it was strong and well harnessed, and compassed round about with horsemen; and these were expert of war.<pb/>


text:
Then said Judas to the men that were with him, Fear ye not their multitude, neither be ye afraid of their assault.<pb/>


text:
Remember how our fathers were delivered in the Red sea, when Pharaoh pursued them with an army.<pb/>


text:
Now therefore let us cry unto heaven, if peradventure the Lord will have mercy upon us, and remember the covenant of our fathers, and destroy this host before our face this day:<pb/>


text:
Wherefore they went out of the camp to battle; but they that were with Judas sounded their trumpets.<pb/>


text:
Howbeit all the hindmost of them were slain with the sword: for they pursued them unto Gazera, and unto the plains of Idumea, and Azotus, and Jamnia, so that there were slain of them upon a three thousand men.<pb/>


text:
And Gorgias and his host are here by us in the mountain: but stand ye now against our enemies, and overcome them, and after this ye may boldly take the spoils.<pb/>


text:
As Judas was yet speaking these words, there appeared a part of them looking out of the mountain:<pb/>


text:
Who when they perceived that the Jews had put their host to flight and were burning the tents; for the smoke that was seen declared what was done:<pb/>


text:
When therefore they perceived these things, they were sore afraid, and seeing also the host of Judas in the plain ready to fight,<pb/>


text:
Then Judas returned to spoil the tents, where they got much gold, and silver, and blue silk, and purple of the sea, and great riches.<pb/>


text:
After this they went home, and sung a song of thanksgiving, and praised the Lord in heaven: because it is good, because his mercy endureth forever.<pb/>


text:
Who, when he heard thereof, was confounded and discouraged, because neither such things as he would were done unto Israel, nor such things as the king commanded him were come to pass.<pb/>


text:
The next year therefore following Lysias gathered together threescore thousand choice men of foot, and five thousand horsemen, that he might subdue them.<pb/>


text:
So they came into Idumea, and pitched their tents at Bethsura, and Judas met them with ten thousand men.<pb/>


text:
And when he saw that mighty army, he prayed and said, Blessed art thou, O Saviour of Israel, who didst quell the violence of the mighty man by the hand of thy servant David, and gavest the host of strangers into the hands of Jonathan the son of Saul, and his armourbearer;<pb/>


text:
Shut up this army in the hand of thy people Israel, and let them be confounded in their power and horsemen:<pb/>


text:
Make them to be of no courage, and cause the boldness of their strength to fall away, and let them quake at their destruction:<pb/>


text:
Cast them down with the sword of them that love thee, and let all those that know thy name praise thee with thanksgiving.<pb/>


text:
So they joined battle; and there were slain of the host of Lysias about five thousand men, even before them were they slain.<pb/>


text:
Now when Lysias saw his army put to flight, and the manliness of Judas’ soldiers, and how they were ready either to live or die valiantly, he went into Antiochia, and gathered together a company of strangers, and having made his army greater than it was, he purposed to come again into Judea.<pb/>


text:
Then said Judas and his brethren, Behold, our enemies are discomfited: let us go up to cleanse and dedicate the sanctuary.<pb/>


text:
And when they saw the sanctuary desolate, and the altar profaned, and the gates burned up, and shrubs growing in the courts as in a forest, or in one of the mountains, yea, and the priests’ chambers pulled down;<pb/>


text:
And fell down flat to the ground upon their faces, and blew an alarm with the trumpets, and cried toward heaven.<pb/>


text:
Then Judas appointed certain men to fight against those that were in the fortress, until he had cleansed the sanctuary.<pb/>


text:
They thought it best to pull it down, lest it should be a reproach to them, because the heathen had defiled it: wherefore they pulled it down,<pb/>


text:
And laid up the stones in the mountain of the temple in a convenient place, until there should come a prophet to shew what should be done with them.<pb/>


text:
Then they took whole stones according to the law, and built a new altar according to the former;<pb/>


text:
And made up the sanctuary, and the things that were within the temple, and hallowed the courts.<pb/>


text:
They made also new holy vessels, and into the temple they brought the candlestick, and the altar of burnt offerings, and of incense, and the table.<pb/>


text:
And upon the altar they burned incense, and the lamps that were upon the candlestick they lighted, that they might give light in the temple.<pb/>


text:
Furthermore they set the loaves upon the table, and spread out the veils, and finished all the works which they had begun to make.<pb/>


text:
Now on the five and twentieth day of the ninth month, which is called the month Casleu, in the hundred forty and eighth year, they rose up betimes in the morning,<pb/>


text:
And offered sacrifice according to the law upon the new altar of burnt offerings, which they had made.<pb/>


text:
Look, at what time and what day the heathen had profaned it, even in that was it dedicated with songs, and citherns, and harps, and cymbals.<pb/>


text:
Then all the people fell upon their faces, worshipping and praising the God of heaven, who had given them good success.<pb/>


text:
And so they kept the dedication of the altar eight days and offered burnt offerings with gladness, and sacrificed the sacrifice of deliverance and praise.<pb/>


text:
They decked also the forefront of the temple with crowns of gold, and with shields; and the gates and the chambers they renewed, and hanged doors upon them.<pb/>


text:
Thus was there very great gladness among the people, for that the reproach of the heathen was put away.<pb/>


text:
Moreover Judas and his brethren with the whole congregation of Israel ordained, that the days of the dedication of the altar should be kept in their season from year to year by the space of eight days, from the five and twentieth day of the month Casleu, with mirth and gladness.<pb/>


text:
At that time also they builded up the mount Sion with high walls and strong towers round about, lest the Gentiles should come and tread it down as they had done before.<pb/>


text:
And they set there a garrison to keep it, and fortified Bethsura to preserve it; that the people might have a defence against Idumea.<pb/>


text:
Now when the nations round about heard that the altar was built and the sanctuary renewed as before, it displeased them very much.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore they thought to destroy the generation of Jacob that was among them, and thereupon they began to slay and destroy the people.<pb/>


text:
Then Judas fought against the children of Esau in Idumea at Arabattine, because they besieged Gael: and he gave them a great overthrow, and abated their courage, and took their spoils.<pb/>


text:
Also he remembered the injury of the children of Bean, who had been a snare and an offence unto the people, in that they lay in wait for them in the ways.<pb/>


text:
He shut them up therefore in the towers, and encamped against them, and destroyed them utterly, and burned the towers of that place with fire, and all that were therein.<pb/>


text:
Afterward he passed over to the children of Ammon, where he found a mighty power, and much people, with Timotheus their captain.<pb/>


text:
So he fought many battles with them, till at length they were discomfited before him; and he smote them.<pb/>


text:
Then the heathen that were at Galaad assembled themselves together against the Israelites that were in their quarters, to destroy them; but they fled to the fortress of Dathema.<pb/>


text:
And sent letters unto Judas and his brethren, The heathen that are round about us are assembled together against us to destroy us:<pb/>


text:
And they are preparing to come and take the fortress whereunto we are fled, Timotheus being captain of their host.<pb/>


text:
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 borne away their stuff; and they have destroyed there about a thousand men.<pb/>


text:
While these letters were yet reading, behold, there came other messengers from Galilee with their clothes rent, who reported on this wise,<pb/>


text:
And said, They of Ptolemais, and of Tyrus, and Sidon, and all Galilee of the Gentiles, are assembled together against us to consume us.<pb/>


text:
Now when Judas and the people heard these words, there assembled a great congregation together, to consult what they should do for their brethren, that were in trouble, and assaulted of them.<pb/>


text:
Then said Judas unto Simon his brother, Choose thee out men, and go and deliver thy brethren that are in Galilee, for I and Jonathan my brother will go into the country of Galaad.<pb/>


text:
So he left Joseph the son of Zacharias, and Azarias, captains of the people, with the remnant of the host in Judea to keep it.<pb/>


text:
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 come again.<pb/>


text:
Now unto Simon were given three thousand men to go into Galilee, and unto Judas eight thousand men for the country of Galaad.<pb/>


text:
Then went Simon into Galilee, where he fought many battles with the heathen, so that the heathen were discomfited by him.<pb/>


text:
And he pursued them unto the gate of Ptolemais; and there were slain of the heathen about three thousand men, whose spoils he took.<pb/>


text:
And those that were in Galilee, and in Arbattis, with their wives and their children, and all that they had, took he away with him, and brought them into Judea with great joy.<pb/>


text:
Judas Maccabeus also and his brother Jonathan went over Jordan, and travelled three days’ journey in the wilderness,<pb/>


text:
Where they met with the Nabathites, who came unto them in a peaceable manner, and told them every thing that had happened to their brethren in the land of Galaad:<pb/>


text:
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:<pb/>


text:
And that they were shut up in the rest of the cities of the country of Galaad, and that against to morrow they had appointed to bring their host against the forts, and to take them, and to destroy them all in one day.<pb/>


text:
Hereupon Judas and his host turned suddenly by the way of the wilderness unto Bosora; and when he had won the city, he slew all the males with the edge of the sword, and took all their spoils, and burned the city with fire,<pb/>


text:
And betimes in the morning they looked up, and, behold, there was an innumerable people bearing ladders and other engines of war, to take the fortress: for they assaulted them.<pb/>


text:
When Judas therefore saw that the battle was begun, and that the cry of the city went up to heaven, with trumpets, and a great sound,<pb/>


text:
So he went forth behind them in three companies, who sounded their trumpets, and cried with prayer.<pb/>


text:
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 of them that day about eight thousand men.<pb/>


text:
This done, Judas turned aside to Maspha; and after he had assaulted it he took and slew all the males therein, and received the spoils thereof and and burnt it with fire.<pb/>


text:
From thence went he, and took Casphon, Maged, Bosor, and the other cities of the country of Galaad.<pb/>


text:
After these things gathered Timotheus another host and encamped against Raphon beyond the brook.<pb/>


text:
So Judas sent men to espy the host, who brought him word, saying, All the heathen that be round about us are assembled unto them, even a very great host.<pb/>


text:
He hath also hired the Arabians to help them and they have pitched their tents beyond the brook, ready to come and fight against thee. Upon this Judas went to meet them.<pb/>


text:
Then Timotheus said unto the captains of his host, When Judas and his host come near the brook, if he pass over first unto us, we shall not be able to withstand him; for he will mightily prevail against us:<pb/>


text:
But if he be afraid, and camp beyond the river, we shall go over unto him, and prevail against him.<pb/>


text:
Now when Judas came near the brook, he caused the scribes of the people to remain by the brook: unto whom he gave commandment, saying, Suffer no man to remain in the camp, but let all come to the battle.<pb/>


text:
So he went first over unto them, and all the people after him: then all the heathen, being discomfited before him, cast away their weapons, and fled unto the temple that was at Carnaim.<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
Then Judas gathered together all the Israelites that were in the country of Galaad, from the least unto the greatest, even their wives, and their children, and their stuff, a very great host, to the end they might come into the land of Judea.<pb/>


text:
Now when they came unto Ephron, (this was a great city in the way as they should go, very well fortified) they could not turn from it, either on the right hand or the left, but must needs pass through the midst of it.<pb/>


text:
Whereupon Judas sent unto them in peaceable manner, saying, Let us pass through 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.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore Judas commanded a proclamation to be made throughout the host, that every man should pitch his tent in the place where he was.<pb/>


text:
So the soldiers pitched, and assaulted the city all that day and all that night, till at the length the city was delivered into his hands:<pb/>


text:
Who then slew all the males with the edge of the sword, and rased the city, and took the spoils thereof, and passed through the city over them that were slain.<pb/>


text:
And Judas gathered together those that came behind, and exhorted the people all the way through, till they came into the land of Judea.<pb/>


text:
So they went up to mount Sion with joy and gladness, where they offered burnt offerings, because not one of them were slain until they had returned in peace.<pb/>


text:
Now what time as Judas and Jonathan were in the land of Galaad, and Simon his brother in Galilee before Ptolemais,<pb/>


text:
Joseph the son of Zacharias, and Azarias, captains of the garrisons, heard of the valiant acts and warlike deeds which they had done.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore they said, Let us also get us a name, and go fight against the heathen that are round about us.<pb/>


text:
And so it was, that Joseph and Azarias were put to flight, and pursued unto the borders of Judea: and there were slain that day of the people of Israel about two thousand men.<pb/>


text:
Thus was there a great overthrow among the children of Israel, because they were not obedient unto Judas and his brethren, but thought to do some valiant act.<pb/>


text:
Moreover these men came not of the seed of those, by whose hand deliverance was given unto Israel.<pb/>


text:
Howbeit the man Judas and his brethren were greatly renowned in the sight of all Israel, and of all the heathen, wheresoever their name was heard of;<pb/>


text:
Afterward went Judas forth with his brethren, and fought against the children of Esau in the land toward the south, where he smote Hebron, and the towns thereof, and pulled down the fortress of it, and burned the towers thereof round about.<pb/>


text:
At that time certain priests, desirous to shew their valour, were slain in battle, for that they went out to fight unadvisedly.<pb/>


text:
So Judas turned to Azotus in the land of the Philistines, and when he had pulled down their altars, and burned their carved images with fire, and spoiled their cities, he returned into the land of Judea.<pb/>


text:
About that time king Antiochus travelling through the high countries heard say, that Elymais in the country of Persia was a city greatly renowned for riches, silver, and gold;<pb/>


text:
And that there was in it a very rich temple, wherein were coverings of gold, and breastplates, and shields, which Alexander, son of Philip, the Macedonian king, who reigned first among the Grecians, had left there.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore he came and sought to take the city, and to spoil it; but he was not able, because they of the city, having had warning thereof,<pb/>


text:
Rose up against him in battle: so he fled, and departed thence with great heaviness, and returned to Babylon.<pb/>


text:
Moreover there came one who brought him tidings into Persia, that the armies, which went against the land of Judea, were put to flight:<pb/>


text:
And that Lysias, who went forth first with a great power was driven away of the Jews; and that they were made strong by the armour, and power, and store of spoils, which they had gotten of the armies, whom they had destroyed:<pb/>


text:
Also that they had pulled down the abomination, which he had set up upon the altar in Jerusalem, and that they had compassed about the sanctuary with high walls, as before, and his city Bethsura.<pb/>


text:
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 it had not befallen him as he looked for.<pb/>


text:
And there he continued many days: for his grief was ever more and more, and he made account that he should die.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore he called for all his friends, and said unto them, The sleep is gone from mine eyes, and my heart faileth for very care.<pb/>


text:
And I thought with myself, Into what tribulation am I come, and how great a flood of misery is it, wherein now I am! for I was bountiful and beloved in my power.<pb/>


text:
But now I remember the evils that I did at Jerusalem, and that I took all the vessels of gold and silver that were therein, and sent to destroy the inhabitants of Judea without a cause.<pb/>


text:
I perceive therefore that for this cause these troubles are come upon me, and, behold, I perish through great grief in a strange land.<pb/>


text:
And gave him the crown, and his robe, and his signet, to the end he should bring up his son Antiochus, and nourish him up for the kingdom.<pb/>


text:
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 he called Eupator.<pb/>


text:
About this time they that were in the tower shut up the Israelites round about the sanctuary, and sought always their hurt, and the strengthening of the heathen.<pb/>


text:
So they came together, and besieged them in the hundred and fiftieth year, and he made mounts for shot against them, and other engines.<pb/>


text:
Howbeit certain of them that were besieged got forth, unto whom some ungodly men of Israel joined themselves:<pb/>


text:
And they went unto the king, and said, How long will it be ere thou execute judgment, and avenge our brethren?<pb/>


text:
We have been willing to serve thy father, and to do as he would have us, and to obey his commandments;<pb/>


text:
For which cause they of our nation besiege the tower, and are alienated from us: moreover as many of us as they could light on they slew, and spoiled our inheritance.<pb/>


text:
And, behold, this day are they besieging the tower at Jerusalem, to take it: the sanctuary also and Bethsura have they fortified.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore if thou dost not prevent them quickly, they will do the greater things than these, neither shalt thou be able to rule them.<pb/>


text:
Now when the king heard this, he was angry, and gathered together all his friends, and the captains of his army, and those that had charge of the horse.<pb/>


text:
There came also unto him from other kingdoms, and from isles of the sea, bands of hired soldiers.<pb/>


text:
So that the number of his army was an hundred thousand footmen, and twenty thousand horsemen, and two and thirty elephants exercised in battle.<pb/>


text:
These went through Idumea, and pitched against Bethsura, which they assaulted many days, making engines of war; but they of Bethsura came out, and burned them with fire, and fought valiantly.<pb/>


text:
Upon this Judas removed from the tower, and pitched in Bathzacharias, over against the king’s camp.<pb/>


text:
Then the king rising very early marched fiercely with his host toward Bathzacharias, where his armies made them ready to battle, and sounded the trumpets.<pb/>


text:
And to the end they might provoke the elephants to fight, they shewed them the blood of grapes and mulberries.<pb/>


text:
Moreover they divided the beasts among the armies, and for every elephant they appointed a thousand men, armed with coats of mail, and with helmets of brass on their heads; and beside this, for every beast were ordained five hundred horsemen of the best.<pb/>


text:
These were ready at every occasion: wheresoever the beast was, and whithersoever the beast went, they went also, neither departed they from him.<pb/>


text:
And upon the beasts were there strong towers of wood, which covered every one of them, and were girt fast unto them with devices: there were also upon every one two and thirty strong men, that fought upon them, beside the Indian that ruled him.<pb/>


text:
As for the remnant of the horsemen, they set them on this side and that side at the two parts of the host giving them signs what to do, and being harnessed all over amidst the ranks.<pb/>


text:
Now when the sun shone upon the shields of gold and brass, the mountains glistered therewith, and shined like lamps of fire.<pb/>


text:
So part of the king’s army being spread upon the high mountains, and part on the valleys below, they marched on safely and in order.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore all that heard the noise of their multitude, and the marching of the company, and the rattling of the harness, were moved: for the army was very great and mighty.<pb/>


text:
Then Judas and his host drew near, and entered into battle, and there were slain of the king’s army six hundred men.<pb/>


text:
Eleazar also, surnamed Savaran, perceiving that one of the beasts, armed with royal harness, was higher than all the rest, and supposing that the king was upon him,<pb/>


text:
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 him on both sides.<pb/>


text:
Which done, he crept under the elephant, and thrust him under, and slew him: whereupon the elephant fell down upon him, and there he died.<pb/>


text:
Howbeit the rest of the Jews seeing the strength of the king, and the violence of his forces, turned away from them.<pb/>


text:
Then the king’s army went up to Jerusalem to meet them, and the king pitched his tents against Judea, and against mount Sion.<pb/>


text:
But with them that were in Bethsura he made peace: for they came out of the city, because they had no victuals there to endure the siege, it being a year of rest to the land.<pb/>


text:
As for the sanctuary, he besieged it many days: and set there artillery with engines and instruments to cast fire and stones, and pieces to cast darts and slings.<pb/>


text:
Yet at the last, their vessels being without victuals, (for that it was the seventh year, and they in Judea that were delivered from the Gentiles, had eaten up the residue of the store;)<pb/>


text:
There were but a few left in the sanctuary, because the famine did so prevail against them, that they were fain to disperse themselves, every man to his own place.<pb/>


text:
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 be king,<pb/>


text:
Was returned out of Persia and Media, and the king’s host also that went with him, and that he sought to take unto him the ruling of the affairs.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore he went in all haste, and said to the king and the captains of the host and the company, We decay daily, and our victuals are but small, and the place we lay siege unto is strong, and the affairs of the kingdom lie upon us:<pb/>


text:
Now therefore let us be friends with these men, and make peace with them, and with all their nation;<pb/>


text:
And covenant with them, that they shall live after their laws, as they did before: for they are therefore displeased, and have done all these things, because we abolished their laws.<pb/>


text:
So the king and the princes were content: wherefore he sent unto them to make peace; and they accepted thereof.<pb/>


text:
Also the king and the princes made an oath unto them: whereupon they went out of the strong hold.<pb/>


text:
Then the king entered into mount Sion; but when he saw the strength of the place, he broke his oath that he had made, and gave commandment to pull down the wall round about.<pb/>


text:
Afterward departed he in all haste, and returned unto Antiochia, where he found Philip to be master of the city: so he fought against him, and took the city by force.<pb/>


text:
In the hundred and one and fiftieth year Demetrius the son of Seleucus departed from Rome, and came up with a few men unto a city of the sea coast, and reigned there.<pb/>


text:
And as he entered into the palace of his ancestors, so it was, that his forces had taken Antiochus and Lysias, to bring them unto him.<pb/>


text:
There came unto him all the wicked and ungodly men of Israel, having Alcimus, who was desirous to be high priest, for their captain:<pb/>


text:
And they accused the people to the king, saying, Judas and his brethren have slain all thy friends, and driven us out of our own land.<pb/>


text:
Now therefore send some man whom thou trustest, and let him go and see what havock he hath made among us, and in the king’s land, and let him punish them with all them that aid them.<pb/>


text:
Then the king chose Bacchides, a friend of the king, who ruled beyond the flood, and was a great man in the kingdom, and faithful to the king,<pb/>


text:
And him he sent with that wicked Alcimus, whom he made high priest, and commanded that he should take vengeance of the children of Israel.<pb/>


text:
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 words deceitfully.<pb/>


text:
For said they, One that is a priest of the seed of Aaron is come with this army, and he will do us no wrong.<pb/>


text:
So he spake unto them, peaceably, and sware unto them, saying, we will procure the harm neither of you nor your friends.<pb/>


text:
Whereupon they believed him: howbeit he took of them threescore men, and slew them in one day, according to the words which he wrote,<pb/>


text:
The flesh of thy saints have they cast out, and their blood have they shed round about Jerusalem, and there was none to bury them.<pb/>


text:
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 the covenant and oath that they made.<pb/>


text:
After this, removed Bacchides from Jerusalem, and pitched his tents in Bezeth, where he sent and took many of the men that had forsaken him, and certain of the people also, and when he had slain them, he cast them into the great pit.<pb/>


text:
Then committed he the country to Alcimus, and left with him a power to aid him: so Bacchides went to the king.<pb/>


text:
And unto him resorted all such as troubled the people, who, after they had gotten the land of Juda into their power, did much hurt in Israel.<pb/>


text:
Now when Judas saw all the mischief that Alcimus and his company had done among the Israelites, even above the heathen,<pb/>


text:
He went out into all the coasts of Judea round about, and took vengeance of them that had revolted from him, so that they durst no more go forth into the country.<pb/>


text:
On the other side, when Alcimus saw that Judas and his company had gotten the upper hand, and knew that he was not able to abide their force, he went again to the king, and said all the worst of them that he could.<pb/>


text:
Then the king sent Nicanor, one of his honourable princes, a man that bare deadly hate unto Israel, with commandment to destroy the people.<pb/>


text:
So Nicanor came to Jerusalem with a great force; and sent unto Judas and his brethren deceitfully with friendly words, saying,<pb/>


text:
Let there be no battle between me and you; I will come with a few men, that I may see you in peace.<pb/>


text:
He came therefore to Judas, and they saluted one another peaceably. Howbeit the enemies were prepared to take away Judas by violence.<pb/>


text:
Which thing after it was known to Judas, to wit, that he came unto him with deceit, he was sore afraid of him, and would see his face no more.<pb/>


text:
Nicanor also, when he saw that his counsel was discovered, went out to fight against Judas beside Capharsalama:<pb/>


text:
Where there were slain of Nicanor’s side about five thousand men, and the rest fled into the city of David.<pb/>


text:
After this went Nicanor up to mount Sion, and there came out of the sanctuary certain of the priests and certain of the elders of the people, to salute him peaceably, and to shew him the burnt sacrifice that was offered for the king.<pb/>


text:
And sware in his wrath, saying, Unless Judas and his host be now delivered into my hands, if ever I come again in safety, I will burn up this house: and with that he went out in a great rage.<pb/>


text:
Thou, O Lord, didst choose this house to be called by thy name, and to be a house of prayer and petition for thy people:<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
So Nicanor went out of Jerusalem, and pitched his tents in Bethhoron, where an host out of Syria met him.<pb/>


text:
O Lord, when they that were sent from the king of the Assyrians blasphemed, thine angel went out, and smote an hundred fourscore and five thousand of them.<pb/>


text:
Even so destroy thou this host before us this day, that the rest may know that he hath spoken blasphemously against thy sanctuary, and judge thou him according to his wickedness.<pb/>


text:
So the thirteenth day of the month Adar the hosts joined battle: but Nicanor’s host was discomfited, and he himself was first slain in the battle.<pb/>


text:
Then they pursued after them a day’s journey, from Adasa unto Gazera, sounding an alarm after them with their trumpets.<pb/>


text:
Whereupon they came forth out of all the towns of Judea round about, and closed them in; so that they, turning back upon them that pursued them, were all slain with the sword, and not one of them was left.<pb/>


text:
Afterwards they took the spoils, and the prey, and smote off Nicanors head, and his right hand, which he stretched out so proudly, and brought them away, and hanged them up toward Jerusalem.<pb/>


text:
Now Judas had heard of the Romans, that they were mighty and valiant men, and such as would lovingly accept all that joined themselves unto them, and make a league of amity with all that came unto them;<pb/>


text:
And that they were men of great valour. It was told him also of their wars and noble acts which they had done among the Galatians, and how they had conquered them, and brought them under tribute;<pb/>


text:
And what they had done in the country of Spain, for the winning of the mines of the silver and gold which is there;<pb/>


text:
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 them from the uttermost part of the earth, till they had discomfited them, and given them a great overthrow, so that the rest did give them tribute every year:<pb/>


text:
Beside this, how they had discomfited in battle Philip, and Perseus, king of the Citims, with others that lifted up themselves against them, and had overcome them:<pb/>


text:
How also Antiochus the great king of Asia, that came against them in battle, having an hundred and twenty elephants, with horsemen, and chariots, and a very great army, was discomfited by them;<pb/>


text:
And how they took him alive, and covenanted that he and such as reigned after him should pay a great tribute, and give hostages, and that which was agreed upon,<pb/>


text:
And the country of India, and Media and Lydia and of the goodliest countries, which they took of him, and gave to king Eumenes:<pb/>


text:
And that they, having knowledge thereof sent against them a certain captain, and fighting with them slew many of them, and carried away captives their wives and their children, and spoiled them, and took possession of their lands, and pulled down their strong holds, and brought them to be their servants unto this day:<pb/>


text:
It was told him besides, how they destroyed and brought under their dominion all other kingdoms and isles that at any time resisted them;<pb/>


text:
But with their friends and such as relied upon them they kept amity: and that they had conquered kingdoms both far and nigh, insomuch as all that heard of their name were afraid of them:<pb/>


text:
Also that, whom they would help to a kingdom, those reign; and whom again they would, they displace: finally, that they were greatly exalted:<pb/>


text:
Moreover how they had made for themselves a senate house, wherein three hundred and twenty men sat in council daily, consulting alway for the people, to the end they might be well ordered:<pb/>


text:
And that they committed their government to one man every year, who ruled over all their country, and that all were obedient to that one, and that there was neither envy nor emmulation among them.<pb/>


text:
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 make a league of amity and confederacy with them,<pb/>


text:
And to intreat them that they would take the yoke from them; for they saw that the kingdom of the Grecians did oppress Israel with servitude.<pb/>


text:
They went therefore to Rome, which was a very great journey, and came into the senate, where they spake and said.<pb/>


text:
Judas Maccabeus with his brethren, and the people of the Jews, have sent us unto you, to make a confederacy and peace with you, and that we might be registered your confederates and friends.<pb/>


text:
And this is the copy of the epistle which the senate wrote back again in tables of brass, and sent to Jerusalem, that there they might have by them a memorial of peace and confederacy:<pb/>


text:
Good success be to the Romans, and to the people of the Jews, by sea and by land for ever: the sword also and enemy be far from them,<pb/>


text:
If there come first any war upon the Romans or any of their confederates throughout all their dominion,<pb/>


text:
Neither shall they give any thing unto them that make war upon them, or aid them with victuals, weapons, money, or ships, as it hath seemed good unto the Romans; but they shall keep their covenants without taking any thing therefore.<pb/>


text:
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 be appointed them:<pb/>


text:
Neither shall victuals be given to them that take part against them, or weapons, or money, or ships, as it hath seemed good to the Romans; but they shall keep their covenants, and that without deceit.<pb/>


text:
Howbeit if hereafter the one party or the other shall think to meet to add or diminish any thing, they may do it at their pleasures, and whatsoever they shall add or take away shall be ratified.<pb/>


text:
And as touching the evils that Demetrius doeth to the Jews, we have written unto him, saying, Wherefore thou made thy yoke heavy upon our friends and confederates the Jews?<pb/>


text:
If therefore they complain any more against thee, we will do them justice, and fight with thee by sea and by land.<pb/>


text:
Furthermore, when Demetrius heard the Nicanor and his host were slain in battle, he sent Bacchides and Alcimus into the land of Judea the second time, and with them the chief strength of his host:<pb/>


text:
Who went forth by the way that leadeth to Galgala, and pitched their tents before Masaloth, which is in Arbela, and after they had won it, they slew much people.<pb/>


text:
From whence they removed, and went to Berea, with twenty thousand footmen and two thousand horsemen.<pb/>


text:
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 abode of them no more but eight hundred men.<pb/>


text:
When Judas therefore saw that his host slipt away, and that the battle pressed upon him, he was sore troubled in mind, and much distressed, for that he had no time to gather them together.<pb/>


text:
Nevertheless unto them that remained he said, Let us arise and go up against our enemies, if peradventure we may be able to fight with them.<pb/>


text:
But they dehorted him, saying, We shall never be able: let us now rather save our lives, and hereafter we will return with our brethren, and fight against them: for we are but few.<pb/>


text:
Then Judas said, God forbid that I should do this thing, and flee away from them: if our time be come, let us die manfully for our brethren, and let us not stain our honour.<pb/>


text:
With that the host of Bacchides removed out of their tents, and stood over against them, their horsemen being divided into two troops, and their slingers and archers going before the host and they that marched in the foreward were all mighty men.<pb/>


text:
As for Bacchides, he was in the right wing: so the host drew near on the two parts, and sounded their trumpets.<pb/>


text:
They also of Judas’ side, even they sounded their trumpets also, so that the earth shook at the noise of the armies, and the battle continued from morning till night.<pb/>


text:
Now when Judas perceived that Bacchides and the strength of his army were on the right side, he took with him all the hardy men,<pb/>


text:
But when they of the left wing saw that they of the right wing were discomfited, they followed upon Judas and those that were with him hard at the heels from behind:<pb/>


text:
Then Jonathan and Simon took Judas their brother, and buried him in the sepulchre of his fathers in Modin.<pb/>


text:
Moreover they bewailed him, and all Israel made great lamentation for him, and mourned many days, saying,<pb/>


text:
As for the other things concerning Judas and his wars, and the noble acts which he did, and his greatness, they are not written: for they were very many.<pb/>


text:
Now after the death of Judas the wicked began to put forth their heads in all the coasts of Israel, and there arose up all such as wrought iniquity.<pb/>


text:
In those days also was there a very great famine, by reason whereof the country revolted, and went with them.<pb/>


text:
And they made enquiry and search for Judas’ friends, and brought them unto Bacchides, who took vengeance of them, and used them despitefully.<pb/>


text:
So was there a great affliction in Israel, the like whereof was not since the time that a prophet was not seen among them.<pb/>


text:
Since thy brother Judas died, we have no man like him to go forth against our enemies, and Bacchides, and against them of our nation that are adversaries to us.<pb/>


text:
Now therefore we have chosen thee this day to be our prince and captain in his stead, that thou mayest fight our battles.<pb/>


text:
Upon this Jonathan took the governance upon him at that time, and rose up instead of his brother Judas.<pb/>


text:
Then Jonathan, and Simon his brother, and all that were with him, perceiving that, fled into the wilderness of Thecoe, and pitched their tents by the water of the pool Asphar.<pb/>


text:
Which when Bacchides understood, he came near to Jordan with all his host upon the sabbath day.<pb/>


text:
Now Jonathan had sent his brother John, a captain of the people, to pray his friends the Nabathites, that they might leave with them their carriage, which was much.<pb/>


text:
But the children of Jambri came out of Medaba, and took John, and all that he had, and went their way with it.<pb/>


text:
After this came word to Jonathan and Simon his brother, that the children of Jambri made a great marriage, and were bringing the bride from Nadabatha with a great train, as being the daughter of one of the great princes of Chanaan.<pb/>


text:
Therefore they remembered John their brother, and went up, and hid themselves under the covert of the mountain:<pb/>


text:
Where they lifted up their eyes, and looked, and, behold, there was much ado and great carriage: and the bridegroom came forth, and his friends and brethren, to meet them with drums, and instruments of musick, and many weapons.<pb/>


text:
Then Jonathan and they that were with him rose up against them from the place where they lay in ambush, and made a slaughter of them in such sort, as many fell down dead, and the remnant fled into the mountain, and they took all their spoils.<pb/>


text:
So when they had avenged fully the blood of their brother, they turned again to the marsh of Jordan.<pb/>


text:
Now when Bacchides heard hereof, he came on the sabbath day unto the banks of Jordan with a great power.<pb/>


text:
Then Jonathan said to his company, Let us go up now and fight for our lives, for it standeth not with us to day, as in time past:<pb/>


text:
For, behold, the battle is before us and behind us, and the water of Jordan on this side and that side, the marsh likewise and wood, neither is there place for us to turn aside.<pb/>


text:
With that they joined battle, and Jonathan stretched forth his hand to smite Bacchides, but he turned back from him.<pb/>


text:
Then Jonathan and they that were with him leapt into Jordan, and swam over unto the other bank: howbeit the other passed not over Jordan unto them.<pb/>


text:
Afterward returned Bacchides to Jerusalem and repaired the strong cites in Judea; the fort in Jericho, and Emmaus, and Bethhoron, and Beth-el, and Thamnatha, Pharathoni, and Taphon, these did he strengthen with high walls, with gates and with bars.<pb/>


text:
He fortified also the city Bethsura, and Gazera, and the tower, and put forces in them, and provision of victuals.<pb/>


text:
Besides, he took the chief men’s sons in the country for hostages, and put them into the tower at Jerusalem to be kept.<pb/>


text:
Moreover in the hundred fifty and third year, in the second month, Alcimus commanded that the wall of the inner court of the sanctuary should be pulled down; he pulled down also the works of the prophets<pb/>


text:
And as he began to pull down, even at that time was Alcimus plagued, and his enterprizes hindered: for his mouth was stopped, and he was taken with a palsy, so that he could no more speak any thing, nor give order concerning his house.<pb/>


text:
Now when Bacchides saw that Alcimus was dead, he returned to the king: whereupon the land of Judea was in rest two years.<pb/>


text:
Then all the ungodly men held a council, saying, Behold, Jonathan and his company are at ease, and dwell without care: now therefore we will bring Bacchides hither, who shall take them all in one night.<pb/>


text:
Then removed he, and came with a great host, and sent letters privily to his adherents in Judea, that they should take Jonathan and those that were with him: howbeit they could not, because their counsel was known unto them.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore they took of the men of the country, that were authors of that mischief, about fifty persons, and slew them.<pb/>


text:
Afterward Jonathan, and Simon, and they that were with him, got them away to Bethbasi, which is in the wilderness, and they repaired the decays thereof, and made it strong.<pb/>


text:
Which thing when Bacchides knew, he gathered together all his host, and sent word to them that were of Judea.<pb/>


text:
Then went he and laid siege against Bethbasi; and they fought against it a long season and made engines of war.<pb/>


text:
But Jonathan left his brother Simon in the city, and went forth himself into the country, and with a certain number went he forth.<pb/>


text:
And when he began to smite them, and came up with his forces, Simon and his company went out of the city, and burned up the engines of war,<pb/>


text:
And fought against Bacchides, who was discomfited by them, and they afflicted him sore: for his counsel and travail was in vain.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore he was very wroth at the wicked men that gave him counsel to come into the country, inasmuch as he slew many of them, and purposed to return into his own country.<pb/>


text:
Whereof when Jonathan had knowledge, he sent ambassadors unto him, to the end he should make peace with him, and deliver them the prisoners.<pb/>


text:
Which thing he accepted, and did according to his demands, and sware unto him that he would never do him harm all the days of his life.<pb/>


text:
When therefore he had restored unto him the prisoners that he had taken aforetime out of the land of Judea, he returned and went his way into his own land, neither came he any more into their borders.<pb/>


text:
Thus the sword ceased from Israel: but Jonathan dwelt at Machmas, and began to govern the people; and he destroyed the ungodly men out of Israel.<pb/>


text:
In the hundred and sixtieth year Alexander, the son of Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, went up and took Ptolemais: for the people had received him, by means whereof he reigned there,<pb/>


text:
Now when king Demetrius heard thereof, he gathered together an exceeding great host, and went forth against him to fight.<pb/>


text:
Else he will remember all the evils that we have done against him, and against his brethren and his people.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore he gave him authority to gather together an host, and to provide weapons, that he might aid him in battle: he commanded also that the hostages that were in the tower should be delivered him.<pb/>


text:
Then came Jonathan to Jerusalem, and read the letters in the audience of all the people, and of them that were in the tower:<pb/>


text:
Who were sore afraid, when they heard that the king had given him authority to gather together an host.<pb/>


text:
Whereupon they of the tower delivered their hostages unto Jonathan, and he delivered them unto their parents.<pb/>


text:
And he commanded the workmen to build the walls and the mount Sion and about with square stones for fortification; and they did so.<pb/>


text:
Only at Bethsura certain of those that had forsaken the law and the commandments remained still: for it was their place of refuge.<pb/>


text:
Now when king Alexander had heard what promises Demetrius had sent unto Jonathan: when also it was told him of the battles and noble acts which he and his brethren had done, and of the pains that they had endured,<pb/>


text:
He said, Shall we find such another man? now therefore we will make him our friend and confederate.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore now this day we ordain thee to be the high priest of thy nation, and to be called the king’s friend; (and therewithal he sent him a purple robe and a crown of gold:) and require thee to take our part, and keep friendship with us.<pb/>


text:
So in the seventh month of the hundred and sixtieth year, at the feast of the tabernacles, Jonathan put on the holy robe, and gathered together forces, and provided much armour.<pb/>


text:
What have we done, that Alexander hath prevented us in making amity with the Jews to strengthen himself?<pb/>


text:
I also will write unto them words of encouragement, and promise them dignities and gifts, that I may have their aid.<pb/>


text:
He sent unto them therefore to this effect: King Demetrius unto the people of the Jews sendeth greeting:<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore now continue ye still to be faithful unto us, and we will well recompense you for the things ye do in our behalf,<pb/>


text:
And now do I free you, and for your sake I release all the Jews, from tributes, and from the customs of salt, and from crown taxes,<pb/>


text:
And from that which appertaineth unto me to receive for the third part or the seed, and the half of the fruit of the trees, I release it from this day forth, so that they shall not be taken of the land of Judea, nor of the three governments which are added thereunto out of the country of Samaria and Galilee, from this day forth for evermore.<pb/>


text:
And as for the tower which is at Jerusalem, I yield up authority over it, and give the high priest, that he may set in it such men as he shall choose to keep it.<pb/>


text:
Moreover I freely set at liberty every one of the Jews, that were carried captives out of the land of Judea into any part of my kingdom, and I will that all my officers remit the tributes even of their cattle.<pb/>


text:
Furthermore I will that all the feasts, and sabbaths, and new moons, and solemn days, and the three days before the feast, and the three days after the feast shall be all of immunity and freedom for all the Jews in my realm.<pb/>


text:
I will further, that there be enrolled among the king’s forces about thirty thousand men of the Jews, unto whom pay shall be given, as belongeth to all king’s forces.<pb/>


text:
And of them some shall be placed in the king’s strong holds, of whom also some shall be set over the affairs of the kingdom, which are of trust: and I will that their overseers and governors be of themselves, and that they live after their own laws, even as the king hath commanded in the land of Judea.<pb/>


text:
And concerning the three governments that are added to Judea from the country of Samaria, let them be joined with Judea, that they may be reckoned to be under one, nor bound to obey other authority than the high priest’s.<pb/>


text:
As for Ptolemais, and the land pertaining thereto, I give it as a free gift to the sanctuary at Jerusalem for the necessary expences of the sanctuary.<pb/>


text:
Moreover I give every year fifteen thousand shekels of silver out of the king’s accounts from the places appertaining.<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
And beside this, the five thousand shekels of silver, which they took from the uses of the temple out of the accounts year by year, even those things shall be released, because they appertain to the priests that minister.<pb/>


text:
And whosoever they be that flee unto the temple at Jerusalem, or be within the liberties hereof, being indebted unto the king, or for any other matter, let them be at liberty, and all that they have in my realm.<pb/>


text:
For the building also and repairing of the works of the sanctuary expences shall be given of the king’s accounts.<pb/>


text:
Yea, and for the building of the walls of Jerusalem, and the fortifying thereof round about, expences shall be given out of the king’s accounts, as also for the building of the walls in Judea.<pb/>


text:
Now when Jonathan and the people heard these words, they gave no credit unto them, nor received them, because they remembered the great evil that he had done in Israel; for he had afflicted them very sore.<pb/>


text:
But with Alexander they were well pleased, because he was the first that entreated of true peace with them, and they were confederate with him always.<pb/>


text:
And after the two kings had joined battle, Demetrius’ host fled: but Alexander followed after him, and prevailed against them.<pb/>


text:
And he continued the battle very sore until the sun went down: and that day was Demetrius slain.<pb/>


text:
Forasmuch as I am come again to my realm, and am set in the throne of my progenitors, and have gotten the dominion, and overthrown Demetrius, and recovered our country;<pb/>


text:
For after I had joined battle with him, both he and his host was discomfited by us, so that we sit in the throne of his kingdom:<pb/>


text:
Now therefore let us make a league of amity together, and give me now thy daughter to wife: and I will be thy son in law, and will give both thee and her as according to thy dignity.<pb/>


text:
Then Ptolemee the king gave answer, saying, Happy be the day wherein thou didst return into the land of thy fathers, and satest in the throne of their kingdom.<pb/>


text:
And now will I do to thee, as thou hast written: meet me therefore at Ptolemais, that we may see one another; for I will marry my daughter to thee according to thy desire.<pb/>


text:
So Ptolemee went out of Egypt with his daughter Cleopatra, and they came unto Ptolemais in the hundred threescore and second year:<pb/>


text:
Where king Alexander meeting him, he gave unto him his daughter Cleopatra, and celebrated her marriage at Ptolemais with great glory, as the manner of kings is.<pb/>


text:
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 found favour in their sight.<pb/>


text:
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 hear them.<pb/>


text:
Yea more than that, the king commanded to take off his garments, and clothe him in purple: and they did so.<pb/>


text:
And he made him sit by himself, and said unto his princes, Go with him into the midst of the city, and make proclamation, that no man complain against him of any matter, and that no man trouble him for any manner of cause.<pb/>


text:
Now when his accusers saw that he was honored according to the proclamation, and clothed in purple, they fled all away.<pb/>


text:
So the king honoured him, and wrote him among his chief friends, and made him a duke, and partaker of his dominion.<pb/>


text:
Furthermore in the hundred threescore and fifth year came Demetrius son of Demetrius out of Crete into the land of his fathers:<pb/>


text:
Then Demetrius made Apollonius the governor of Celosyria his general, who gathered together a great host, and camped in Jamnia, and sent unto Jonathan the high priest, saying,<pb/>


text:
Thou alone liftest up thyself against us, and I am laughed to scorn for thy sake, and reproached: and why dost thou vaunt thy power against us in the mountains?<pb/>


text:
Now therefore, if thou trustest in thine own strength, come down to us into the plain field, and there let us try the matter together: for with me is the power of the cities.<pb/>


text:
Ask and learn who I am, and the rest that take our part, and they shall tell thee that thy foot is not able to stand before our face; for thy fathers have been twice put to flight in their own land.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore now thou shalt not be able to abide the horsemen and so great a power in the plain, where is neither stone nor flint, nor place to flee unto.<pb/>


text:
So when Jonathan heard these words of Apollonius, he was moved in his mind, and choosing ten thousand men he went out of Jerusalem, where Simon his brother met him for to help him.<pb/>


text:
And he pitched his tents against Joppa: but; they of Joppa shut him out of the city, because Apollonius had a garrison there.<pb/>


text:
Then Jonathan laid siege unto it: whereupon they of the city let him in for fear: and so Jonathan won Joppa.<pb/>


text:
Whereof when Apollonius heard, he took three thousand horsemen, with a great host of footmen, and went to Azotus as one that journeyed, and therewithal drew him forth into the plain. because he had a great number of horsemen, in whom he put his trust.<pb/>


text:
And Jonathan knew that there was an ambushment behind him; for they had compassed in his host, and cast darts at the people, from morning till evening.<pb/>


text:
But the people stood still, as Jonathan had commanded them: and so the enemies’ horses were tired.<pb/>


text:
Then brought Simon forth his host, and set them against the footmen, (for the horsemen were spent) who were discomfited by him, and fled.<pb/>


text:
The horsemen also, being scattered in the field, fled to Azotus, and went into Bethdagon, their idol’s temple, for safety.<pb/>


text:
But Jonathan set fire on Azotus, and the cities round about it, and took their spoils; and the temple of Dagon, with them that were fled into it, he burned with fire.<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
And sent him a buckle of gold, as the use is to be given to such as are of the king’s blood: he gave him also Accaron with the borders thereof in possession.<pb/>


text:
And the king of Egypt gathered together a great host, like the sand that lieth upon the sea shore, and many ships, and went about through deceit to get Alexander’s kingdom, and join it to his own.<pb/>


text:
Whereupon he took his journey into Spain in peaceable manner, so as they of the cities opened unto him, and met him: for king Alexander had commanded them so to do, because he was his brother in law.<pb/>


text:
Now as Ptolemee entered into the cities, he set in every one of them a garrison of soldiers to keep it.<pb/>


text:
And when he came near to Azotus, they shewed him the temple of Dagon that was burnt, and Azotus and the suburbs thereof that were destroyed, and the bodies that were cast abroad and them that he had burnt in the battle; for they had made heaps of them by the way where he should pass.<pb/>


text:
Also they told the king whatsoever Jonathan had done, to the intent he might blame him: but the king held his peace.<pb/>


text:
Then Jonathan met the king with great pomp at Joppa, where they saluted one another, and lodged.<pb/>


text:
Afterward Jonathan, when he had gone with the king to the river called Eleutherus, returned again to Jerusalem.<pb/>


text:
King Ptolemee therefore, having gotten the dominion of the cities by the sea unto Seleucia upon the sea coast, imagined wicked counsels against Alexander.<pb/>


text:
Whereupon he sent ambasadors unto king Demetrius, saying, Come, let us make a league betwixt us, and I will give thee my daughter whom Alexander hath, and thou shalt reign in thy father’s kingdom:<pb/>


text:
Wherefore he took his daughter from him, and gave her to Demetrius, and forsook Alexander, so that their hatred was openly known.<pb/>


text:
Then Ptolemee entered into Antioch, where he set two crowns upon his head, the crown of Asia, and of Egypt.<pb/>


text:
In the mean season was king Alexander in Cilicia, because those that dwelt in those parts had revolted from him.<pb/>


text:
But when Alexander heard of this, he came to war against him: whereupon king Ptolemee brought forth his host, and met him with a mighty power, and put him to flight.<pb/>


text:
King Ptolemee also died the third day after, and they that were in the strong holds were slain one of another.<pb/>


text:
At the same time Jonathan gathered together them that were in Judea to take the tower that was in Jerusalem: and he made many engines of war against it.<pb/>


text:
Then came ungodly persons, who hated their own people, went unto the king, and told him that Jonathan besieged the tower,<pb/>


text:
Whereof when he heard, he was angry, and immediately removing, he came to Ptolemais, and wrote unto Jonathan, that he should not lay siege to the tower, but come and speak with him at Ptolemais in great haste.<pb/>


text:
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 himself in peril;<pb/>


text:
And took silver and gold, and raiment, and divers presents besides, and went to Ptolemais unto the king, where he found favour in his sight.<pb/>


text:
Yet the king entreated him as his predecessors had done before, and promoted him in the sight of all his friends,<pb/>


text:
And confirmed him in the high priesthood, and in all the honours that he had before, and gave him preeminence among his chief friends.<pb/>


text:
Then Jonathan desired the king, that he would make Judea free from tribute, as also the three governments, with the country of Samaria; and he promised him three hundred talents.<pb/>


text:
We send you here a copy of the letter which we did write unto our cousin Lasthenes concerning you, that ye might see it.<pb/>


text:
We are determined to do good to the people of the Jews, who are our friends, and keep covenants with us, because of their good will toward us.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore we have ratified unto them the borders of Judea, with the three governments of Apherema and Lydda and Ramathem, that are added unto Judea from the country of Samaria, and all things appertaining unto them, for all such as do sacrifice in Jerusalem, instead of the payments which the king received of them yearly aforetime out of the fruits of the earth and of trees.<pb/>


text:
And as for other things that belong unto us, of the tithes and customs pertaining unto us, as also the saltpits, and the crown taxes, which are due unto us, we discharge them of them all for their relief.<pb/>


text:
Now therefore see that thou make a copy of these things, and let it be delivered unto Jonathan, and set upon the holy mount in a conspicuous place.<pb/>


text:
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, every one to his own place, except certain bands of strangers, whom he had gathered from the isles of the heathen: wherefore all the forces of his fathers hated him.<pb/>


text:
Moreover there was one Tryphon, that had been of Alexander’s part afore, who, seeing that all the host murmured against Demetrius, went to Simalcue the Arabian that brought up Antiochus the young son of Alexander,<pb/>


text:
And lay sore upon him to deliver him this young Antiochus, that he might reign in his father’s stead: he told him therefore all that Demetrius had done, and how his men of war were at enmity with him, and there he remained a long season.<pb/>


text:
In the mean time Jonathan sent unto king Demetrius, that he would cast those of the tower out of Jerusalem, and those also in the fortresses: for they fought against Israel.<pb/>


text:
So Demetrius sent unto Jonathan, saying, I will not only do this for thee and thy people, but I will greatly honour thee and thy nation, if opportunity serve.<pb/>


text:
Now therefore thou shalt do well, if thou send me men to help me; for all my forces are gone from me.<pb/>


text:
Upon this Jonathan sent him three thousand strong men unto Antioch: and when they came to the king, the king was very glad of their coming.<pb/>


text:
Howbeit they that were of the city gathered themselves together into the midst of the city, to the number of an hundred and twenty thousand men, and would have slain the king.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore the king fled into the court, but they of the city kept the passages of the city, and began to fight.<pb/>


text:
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 the number of an hundred thousand.<pb/>


text:
So when they of the city saw that the Jews had got the city as they would, their courage was abated: wherefore they made supplication to the king, and cried, saying,<pb/>


text:
With that they cast away their weapons, and made peace; and the Jews were honoured in the sight of the king, and in the sight of all that were in his realm; and they returned to Jerusalem, having great spoils.<pb/>


text:
Nevertheless he dissembled in all that ever he spake, and estranged himself from Jonathan, neither rewarded he him according to the benefits which he had received of him, but troubled him very sore.<pb/>


text:
After this returned Tryphon, and with him the young child Antiochus, who reigned, and was crowned.<pb/>


text:
Then there gathered unto him all the men of war, whom Demetrius had put away, and they fought against Demetrius, who turned his back and fled.<pb/>


text:
At that time young Antiochus wrote unto Jonathan, saying, I confirm thee in the high priesthood, and appoint thee ruler over the four governments, and to be one of the king’s friends.<pb/>


text:
Upon this he sent him golden vessels to be served in, and gave him leave to drink in gold, and to be clothed in purple, and to wear a golden buckle.<pb/>


text:
His brother Simon also he made captain from the place called The ladder of Tyrus unto the borders of Egypt.<pb/>


text:
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: and when he came to Ascalon, they of the city met him honourably.<pb/>


text:
From whence he went to Gaza, but they of Gaza shut him out; wherefore he laid siege unto it, and burned the suburbs thereof with fire, and spoiled them.<pb/>


text:
Afterward, when they of Gaza made supplication unto Jonathan, he made peace with them, and took the sons of their chief men for hostages, and sent them to Jerusalem, and passed through the country unto Damascus.<pb/>


text:
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 the country,<pb/>


text:
But they desired to have peace with him, which he granted them, and then put them out from thence, and took the city, and set a garrison in it.<pb/>


text:
As for Jonathan and his host, they pitched at the water of Gennesar, from whence betimes in the morning they gat them to the plain of Nasor.<pb/>


text:
And, behold, the host of strangers met them in the plain, who, having laid men in ambush for him in the mountains, came themselves over against him.<pb/>


text:
So when they that lay in ambush rose out of their places and joined battle, all that were of Jonathan’s side fled;<pb/>


text:
Insomuch as there was not one of them left, except Mattathias the son of Absalom, and Judas the son of Calphi, the captains of the host.<pb/>


text:
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 they camped.<pb/>


text:
So there were slain of the heathen that day about three thousand men: but Jonathan returned to Jerusalem.<pb/>


text:
Now when Jonathan saw that time served him, he chose certain men, and sent them to Rome, for to confirm and renew the friendship that they had with them.<pb/>


text:
So they went unto Rome, and entered into the senate, and said, Jonathan the high priest, and the people of the Jews, sent us unto you, to the end ye should renew the friendship, which ye had with them, and league, as in former time.<pb/>


text:
Upon this the Romans gave them letters unto the governors of every place that they should bring them into the land of Judea peaceably.<pb/>


text:
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:<pb/>


text:
There were letters sent in times past unto Onias the high priest from Darius, who reigned then among you, to signify that ye are our brethren, as the copy here underwritten doth specify.<pb/>


text:
At which time Onias entreated the ambassador that was sent honourably, and received the letters, wherein declaration was made of the league and friendship.<pb/>


text:
Therefore we also, albeit we need none of these things, that we have the holy books of scripture in our hands to comfort us,<pb/>


text:
Have nevertheless attempted to send unto you for the renewing of brotherhood and friendship, lest we should become strangers unto you altogether: for there is a long time passed since ye sent unto us.<pb/>


text:
We therefore at all times without ceasing, both in our feasts, and other convenient days, do remember you in the sacrifices which we offer, and in our prayers, as reason is, and as it becometh us to think upon our brethren:<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
Howbeit we would not be troublesome unto you, nor to others of our confederates and friends, in these wars:<pb/>


text:
For we have help from heaven that succoureth us, so as we are delivered from our enemies, and our enemies are brought under foot.<pb/>


text:
For this cause we chose Numenius the son of Antiochus, and Antipater the son of Jason, and sent them unto the Romans, to renew the amity that we had with them, and the former league.<pb/>


text:
We commanded them also to go unto you, and to salute and to deliver you our letters concerning the renewing of our brotherhood.<pb/>


text:
It is found in writing, that the Lacedemonians and Jews are brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abraham:<pb/>


text:
Now therefore, since this is come to our knowledge, ye shall do well to write unto us of your prosperity.<pb/>


text:
We do write back again to you, that your cattle and goods are our’s, and our’s are your’s We do command therefore our ambassadors to make report unto you on this wise.<pb/>


text:
Now when Jonathan heard that Demebius’ princes were come to fight against him with a greater host than afore,<pb/>


text:
He removed from Jerusalem, and met them in the land of Amathis: for he gave them no respite to enter his country.<pb/>


text:
He sent spies also unto their tents, who came again, and told him that they were appointed to come upon them in the night season.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore so soon as the sun was down, Jonathan commanded his men to watch, and to be in arms, that all the night long they might be ready to fight: also he sent forth centinels round about the host.<pb/>


text:
But when the adversaries heard that Jonathan and his men were ready for battle, they feared, and trembled in their hearts, and they kindled fires in their camp.<pb/>


text:
Howbeit Jonathan and his company knew it not till the morning: for they saw the lights burning.<pb/>


text:
Then Jonathan pursued after them, but overtook them not: for they were gone over the river Eleutherus.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore Jonathan turned to the Arabians, who were called Zabadeans, and smote them, and took their spoils.<pb/>


text:
Simon also went forth, and passed through the country unto Ascalon, and the holds there adjoining, from whence he turned aside to Joppa, and won it.<pb/>


text:
For he had heard that they would deliver the hold unto them that took Demetrius’ part; wherefore he set a garrison there to keep it.<pb/>


text:
After this came Jonathan home again, and calling the elders of the people together, he consulted with them about building strong holds in Judea,<pb/>


text:
And making the walls of Jerusalem higher, and raising a great mount between the tower and the city, for to separate it from the city, that so it might be alone, that men might neither sell nor buy in it.<pb/>


text:
Upon this they came together to build up the city, forasmuch as part of the wall toward the brook on the east side was fallen down, and they repaired that which was called Caphenatha.<pb/>


text:
Now Tryphon went about to get the kingdom of Asia, and to kill Antiochus the king, that he might set the crown upon his own head.<pb/>


text:
Howbeit he was afraid that Jonathan would not suffer him, and that he would fight against him; wherefore he sought a way how to take Jonathan, that he might kill him. So he removed, and came to Bethsan.<pb/>


text:
Then Jonathan went out to meet him with forty thousand men chosen for the battle, and came to Bethsan.<pb/>


text:
Now when Tryphon saw Jonathan came with so great a force, he durst not stretch his hand against him;<pb/>


text:
But received him honourably, and commended him unto all his friends, and gave him gifts, and commanded his men of war to be as obedient unto him, as to himself.<pb/>


text:
Unto Jonathan also he said, Why hast thou brought all this people to so great trouble, seeing there is no war betwixt us?<pb/>


text:
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 of the strong holds and forces, and all that have any charge: as for me, I will return and depart: for this is the cause of my coming.<pb/>


text:
So Jonathan believing him did as he bade him, and sent away his host, who went into the land of Judea.<pb/>


text:
And with himself he retained but three thousand men, of whom he sent two thousand into Galilee, and one thousand went with him.<pb/>


text:
Now as soon as Jonathan entered into Ptolemais, they of Ptolemais shut the gates and took him, and all them that came with him they slew with the sword.<pb/>


text:
Then sent Tryphon an host of footmen and horsemen into Galilee, and into the great plain, to destroy all Jonathan’s company.<pb/>


text:
But when they knew that Jonathan and they that were with him were taken and slain, they encouraged one another; and went close together, prepared to fight.<pb/>


text:
They therefore that followed upon them, perceiving that they were ready to fight for their lives, turned back again.<pb/>


text:
Whereupon they all came into the land of Judea peaceably, and there they bewailed Jonathan, and them that were with him, and they were sore afraid; wherefore all Israel made great lamentation.<pb/>


text:
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 us make war upon them, and take away their memorial from among men.<pb/>


text:
Now when Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered together a great host to invade the land of Judea, and destroy it,<pb/>


text:
And saw that the people was in great trembling and fear, he went up to Jerusalem, and gathered the people together,<pb/>


text:
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 the sanctuary, the battles also and troubles which we have seen.<pb/>


text:
Now therefore be it far from me, that I should spare mine own life in any time of trouble: for I am no better than my brethren.<pb/>


text:
Doubtless I will avenge my nation, and the sanctuary, and our wives, and our children: for all the heathen are gathered to destroy us of very malice.<pb/>


text:
And they answered with a loud voice, saying, Thou shalt be our leader instead of Judas and Jonathan thy brother.<pb/>


text:
So then he gathered together all the men of war, and made haste to finish the walls of Jerusalem, and he fortified it round about.<pb/>


text:
Also he sent Jonathan the son of Absolom, and with him a great power, to Joppa: who casting out them that were therein remained there in it.<pb/>


text:
So Tryphon removed from Ptolemaus with a great power to invade the land of Judea, and Jonathan was with him in ward.<pb/>


text:
Now when Tryphon knew that Simon was risen up instead of his brother Jonathan, and meant to join battle with him, he sent messengers unto him, saying,<pb/>


text:
Whereas we have Jonathan thy brother in hold, it is for money that he is owing unto the king’s treasure, concerning the business that was committed unto him.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore now send an hundred talents of silver, and two of his sons for hostages, that when he is at liberty he may not revolt from us, and we will let him go.<pb/>


text:
Hereupon Simon, albeit he perceived that they spake deceitfully unto him yet sent he the money and the children, lest peradventure he should procure to himself great hatred of the people:<pb/>


text:
Who might have said, Because I sent him not the money and the children, therefore is Jonathan dead.<pb/>


text:
So he sent them the children and the hundred talents: howbeit Tryphon dissembled neither would he let Jonathan go.<pb/>


text:
And after this came Tryphon to invade the land, and destroy it, going round about by the way that leadeth unto Adora: but Simon and his host marched against him in every place, wheresoever he went.<pb/>


text:
Now they that were in the tower sent messengers unto Tryphon, to the end that he should hasten his coming unto them by the wilderness, and send them victuals.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore Tryphon made ready all his horsemen to come that night: but there fell a very great snow, by reason whereof he came not. So he departed, and came into the country of Galaad.<pb/>


text:
Then sent Simon, and took the bones of Jonathan his brother, and buried them in Modin, the city of his fathers.<pb/>


text:
Simon also built a monument upon the sepulchre of his father and his brethren, and raised it aloft to the sight, with hewn stone behind and before.<pb/>


text:
Moreover he set up seven pyramids, one against another, for his father, and his mother, and his four brethren.<pb/>


text:
And in these he made cunning devices, about the which he set great pillars, 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 the sea.<pb/>


text:
And he reigned in his stead, and crowned himself king of Asia, and brought a great calamity upon the land.<pb/>


text:
Then Simon built up the strong holds in Judea, and fenced them about with high towers, and great walls, and gates, and bars, and laid up victuals therein.<pb/>


text:
Moreover Simon chose men, and sent to king Demetrius, to the end he should give the land an immunity, because all that Tryphon did was to spoil.<pb/>


text:
King Demetrius unto Simon the high priest, and friend of kings, as also unto the elders and nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting:<pb/>


text:
The golden crown, and the scarlet robe, which ye sent unto us, we have received: and we are ready to make a stedfast peace with you, yea, and to write unto our officers, to confirm the immunities which we have granted.<pb/>


text:
And whatsoever covenants we have made with you shall stand; and the strong holds, which ye have builded, shall be your own.<pb/>


text:
As for any oversight or fault committed unto this day, we forgive it, and the crown tax also, which ye owe us: and if there were any other tribute paid in Jerusalem, it shall no more be paid.<pb/>


text:
And look who are meet among you to be in our court, let then be enrolled, and let there be peace betwixt us.<pb/>


text:
Then the people of Israel began to write in their instruments and contracts, In the first year of Simon the high priest, the governor and leader of the Jews.<pb/>


text:
In those days Simon camped against Gaza and besieged it round about; he made also an engine of war, and set it by the city, and battered a certain tower, and took it.<pb/>


text:
And they that were in the engine leaped into the city; whereupon there was a great uproar in the city:<pb/>


text:
Insomuch as the people of the city rent their clothes, and climbed upon the walls with their wives and children, and cried with a loud voice, beseeching Simon to grant them peace.<pb/>


text:
So Simon was appeased toward them, and fought no more against them, but put them out of the city, and cleansed the houses wherein the idols were, and so entered into it with songs and thanksgiving.<pb/>


text:
Yea, he put all uncleanness out of it, and placed such men there as would keep the law, and made it stronger than it was before, and built therein a dwellingplace for himself.<pb/>


text:
They also of the tower in Jerusalem were kept so strait, that they could neither come forth, nor go into the country, nor buy, nor sell: wherefore they were in great distress for want of victuals, and a great number of them perished through famine.<pb/>


text:
Then cried they to Simon, beseeching him to be at one with them: which thing he granted them; and when he had put them out from thence, he cleansed the tower from pollutions:<pb/>


text:
And entered into it the three and twentieth day of the second month in the hundred seventy and first year, with thanksgiving, and branches of palm trees, and with harps, and cymbals, and with viols, and hymns, and songs: because there was destroyed a great enemy out of Israel.<pb/>


text:
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 it was, and there he dwelt himself with his company.<pb/>


text:
And when Simon saw that John his son was a valiant man, he made him captain of all the hosts; and he dwelt in Gazera.<pb/>


text:
Now in the hundred threescore and twelfth year king Demetrius gathered his forces together, and went into Media to get him help to fight against Tryphone.<pb/>


text:
But when Arsaces, the king of Persia and Media, heard that Demetrius was entered within his borders, he sent one of his princes to take him alive:<pb/>


text:
Who went and smote the host of Demetrius, and took him, and brought him to Arsaces, by whom he was put in ward.<pb/>


text:
As for the land of Judea, that was quiet all the days of Simon; for he sought the good of his nation in such wise, as that evermore his authority and honour pleased them well.<pb/>


text:
And as he was honourable in all his acts, so in this, that he took Joppa for an haven, and made an entrance to the isles of the sea,<pb/>


text:
And gathered together a great number of captives, and had the dominion of Gazera, and Bethsura, and the tower, out of the which he took all uncleaness, neither was there any that resisted him.<pb/>


text:
Then did they till their ground in peace, and the earth gave her increase, and the trees of the field their fruit.<pb/>


text:
The ancient men sat all in the streets, communing together of good things, and the young men put on glorious and warlike apparel.<pb/>


text:
He provided victuals for the cities, and set in them all manner of munition, so that his honourable name was renowned unto the end of the world.<pb/>


text:
Neither was there any left in the land to fight against them: yea, the kings themselves were overthrown in those days.<pb/>


text:
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 he took away.<pb/>


text:
Now when it was heard at Rome, and as far as Sparta, that Jonathan was dead, they were very sorry.<pb/>


text:
But as soon as they heard that his brother Simon was made high priest in his stead, and ruled the country, and the cities therein:<pb/>


text:
They wrote unto him in tables of brass, to renew the friendship and league which they had made with Judas and Jonathan his brethren:<pb/>


text:
And this is the copy of the letters that the Lacedemonians sent; The rulers of the Lacedemonians, with the city, unto Simon the high priest, and the elders, and priests, and residue of the people of the Jews, our brethren, send greeting:<pb/>


text:
The ambassadors that were sent unto our people certified us of your glory and honour: wherefore we were glad of their coming,<pb/>


text:
And did register the things that they spake in the council of the people in this manner; Numenius son of Antiochus, and Antipater son of Jason, the Jews’ ambassadors, came unto us to renew the friendship they had with us.<pb/>


text:
And it pleased the people to entertain the men honourably, and to put the copy of their ambassage in publick records, to the end the people of the Lacedemonians might have a memorial thereof: furthermore we have written a copy thereof unto Simon the high priest.<pb/>


text:
After this Simon sent Numenius to Rome with a great shield of gold of a thousand pound weight to confirm the league with them.<pb/>


text:
For he and his brethren and the house of his father have established Israel, and chased away in fight their enemies from them, and confirmed their liberty.<pb/>


text:
So then they wrote it in tables of brass, which they set upon pillars in mount Sion: and this is the copy of the writing; The eighteenth day of the month Elul, in the hundred threescore and twelfth year, being the third year of Simon the high priest,<pb/>


text:
At Saramel in the great congregation of the priests, and people, and rulers of the nation, and elders of the country, were these things notified unto us.<pb/>


text:
Forasmuch as oftentimes there have been wars in the country, wherein for the maintenance of their sanctuary, and the law, Simon the son of Mattathias, of the posterity of Jarib, together with his brethren, put themselves in jeopardy, and resisting the enemies of their nation did their nation great honour:<pb/>


text:
(For after that Jonathan, having gathered his nation together, and been their high priest, was added to his people,<pb/>


text:
Their enemies prepared to invade their country, that they might destroy it, and lay hands on the sanctuary:<pb/>


text:
At which time Simon rose up, and fought for his nation, and spent much of his own substance, and armed the valiant men of his nation and gave them wages,<pb/>


text:
And fortified the cities of Judea, together with Bethsura, that lieth upon the borders of Judea, where the armour of the enemies had been before; but he set a garrison of Jews there:<pb/>


text:
Moreover he fortified Joppa, which lieth upon the sea, and Gazera, that bordereth upon Azotus, where the enemies had dwelt before: but he placed Jews there, and furnished them with all things convenient for the reparation thereof.)<pb/>


text:
The people therefore sang the acts of Simon, and unto what glory he thought to bring his nation, made him their governor and chief priest, because he had done all these things, and for the justice and faith which he kept to his nation, and for that he sought by all means to exalt his people.<pb/>


text:
For in his time things prospered in his hands, so that the heathen were taken out of their country, and they also that were in the city of David in Jerusalem, who had made themselves a tower, out of which they issued, and polluted all about the sanctuary, and did much hurt in the holy place:<pb/>


text:
But he placed Jews therein. and fortified it for the safety of the country and the city, and raised up the walls of Jerusalem.<pb/>


text:
For he had heard say, that the Romans had called the Jews their friends and confederates and brethren; and that they had entertained the ambassadors of Simon honourably;<pb/>


text:
Also that the Jews and priests were well pleased that Simon should be their governor and high priest for ever, until there should arise a faithful prophet;<pb/>


text:
Moreover that he should be their captain, and should take charge of the sanctuary, to set them over their works, and over the country, and over the armour, and over the fortresses, that, I say, he should take charge of the sanctuary;<pb/>


text:
Beside this, that he should be obeyed of every man, and that all the writings in the country should be made in his name, and that he should be clothed in purple, and wear gold:<pb/>


text:
Also that it should be lawful for none of the people or priests to break any of these things, or to gainsay his words, or to gather an assembly in the country without him, or to be clothed in purple, or wear a buckle of gold;<pb/>


text:
Then Simon accepted hereof, and was well pleased to be high priest, and captain and governor of the Jews and priests, and to defend them all.<pb/>


text:
So they commanded that this writing should be put in tables of brass, and that they should be set up within the compass of the sanctuary in a conspicuous place;<pb/>


text:
Also that the copies thereof should be laid up in the treasury, to the end that Simon and his sons might have them.<pb/>


text:
Moreover Antiochus son of Demetrius the king sent letters from the isles of the sea unto Simon the priest and prince of the Jews, and to all the people;<pb/>


text:
The contents whereof were these: King Antiochus to Simon the high priest and prince of his nation, and to the people of the Jews, greeting:<pb/>


text:
Forasmuch as certain pestilent men have usurped the kingdom of our fathers, and my purpose is to challenge it again, that I may restore it to the old estate, and to that end have gathered a multitude of foreign soldiers together, and prepared ships of war;<pb/>


text:
My meaning also being to go through the country, that I may be avenged of them that have destroyed it, and made many cities in the kingdom desolate:<pb/>


text:
Now therefore I confirm unto thee all the oblations which the kings before me granted thee, and whatsoever gifts besides they granted.<pb/>


text:
And as concerning Jerusalem and the sanctuary, let them be free; and all the armour that thou hast made, and fortresses that thou hast built, and keepest in thine hands, let them remain unto thee.<pb/>


text:
And if anything be, or shall be, owing to the king, let it be forgiven thee from this time forth for evermore.<pb/>


text:
Furthermore, when we have obtained our kingdom, we will honour thee, and thy nation, and thy temple, with great honour, so that your honour shall be known throughout the world.<pb/>


text:
In the hundred threescore and fourteenth year went Antiochus into the land of his fathers: at which time all the forces came together unto him, so that few were left with Tryphon.<pb/>


text:
Then camped Antiochus against Dora, having with him an hundred and twenty thousand men of war, and eight thousand horsemen.<pb/>


text:
And when he had compassed the city round about, and joined ships close to the town on the sea side, he vexed the city by land and by sea, neither suffered he any to go out or in.<pb/>


text:
In the mean season came Numenius and his company from Rome, having letters to the kings and countries; wherein were written these things:<pb/>


text:
The Jews’ ambassadors, our friends and confederates, came unto us to renew the old friendship and league, being sent from Simon the high priest, and from the people of the Jews:<pb/>


text:
We thought it good therefore to write unto the kings and countries, that they should do them no harm, nor fight against them, their cities, or countries, nor yet aid their enemies against them.<pb/>


text:
If therefore there be any pestilent fellows, that have fled from their country unto you, deliver them unto Simon the high priest, that he may punish them according to their own law.<pb/>


text:
The same things wrote he likewise unto Demetrius the king, and Attalus, to Ariarathes, and Arsaces,<pb/>


text:
And to all the countries and to Sampsames, and the Lacedemonians, and to Delus, and Myndus, and Sicyon, and Caria, and Samos, and Pamphylia, and Lycia, and Halicarnassus, and Rhodus, and Aradus, and Cos, and Side, and Aradus, and Gortyna, and Cnidus, and Cyprus, and Cyrene.<pb/>


text:
So Antiochus the king camped against Dora the second day, assaulting it continually, and making engines, by which means he shut up Tryphon, that he could neither go out nor in.<pb/>


text:
At that time Simon sent him two thousand chosen men to aid him; silver also, and gold, and much armour.<pb/>


text:
Nevertheless he would not receive them, but brake all the covenants which he had made with him afore, and became strange unto him.<pb/>


text:
Furthermore he sent unto him Athenobius, one of his friends, to commune with him, and say, Ye withhold Joppa and Gazera; with the tower that is in Jerusalem, which are cities of my realm.<pb/>


text:
The borders thereof ye have wasted, and done great hurt in the land, and got the dominion of many places within my kingdom.<pb/>


text:
Now therefore deliver the cities which ye have taken, and the tributes of the places, whereof ye have gotten dominion without the borders of Judea:<pb/>


text:
Or else give me for them five hundred talents of silver; and for the harm that ye have done, and the tributes of the cities, other five hundred talents: if not, we will come and fight against you<pb/>


text:
So Athenobius the king’s friend came to Jerusalem: and when he saw the glory of Simon, and the cupboard of gold and silver plate, and his great attendance, he was astonished, and told him the king’s message.<pb/>


text:
Then answered Simon, and said unto him, We have neither taken other men’s land, nor holden that which appertaineth to others, but the inheritance of our fathers, which our enemies had wrongfully in possession a certain time.<pb/>


text:
And whereas thou demandest Joppa and Gazera, albeit they did great harm unto the people in our country, yet will we give thee an hundred talents for them. Hereunto Athenobius answered him not a word;<pb/>


text:
But returned in a rage to the king, and made report unto him of these speeches, and of the glory of Simon, and of all that he had seen: whereupon the king was exceeding wroth.<pb/>


text:
Then the king made Cendebeus captain of the sea coast, and gave him an host of footmen and horsemen,<pb/>


text:
And commanded him to remove his host toward Judea; also he commanded him to build up Cedron, and to fortify the gates, and to war against the people; but as for the king himself, he pursued Tryphon.<pb/>


text:
So Cendebeus came to Jamnia and began to provoke the people and to invade Judea, and to take the people prisoners, and slay them.<pb/>


text:
And when he had built up Cedrou, he set horsemen there, and an host of footmen, to the end that issuing out they might make outroads upon the ways of Judea, as the king had commanded him.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore Simon called his two eldest sons, Judas and John, and said unto them, I, and my brethren, and my father’s house, have ever from my youth unto this day fought against the enemies of Israel; and things have prospered so well in our hands, that we have delivered Israel oftentimes.<pb/>


text:
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 the help from heaven be with you.<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
And when as they rose in the morning, and went into the plain, behold, a mighty great host both of footmen and horsemen came against them: howbeit there was a water brook betwixt them.<pb/>


text:
So he and his people pitched over against them: and when he saw that the people were afraid to go over the water brook, he went first over himself, and then the men seeing him passed through after him.<pb/>


text:
That done, he divided his men, and set the horsemen in the midst of the footmen: for the enemies’ horsemen were very many.<pb/>


text:
Then sounded they with the holy trumpets: whereupon Cendebeus and his host were put to flight, so that many of them were slain, and the remnant gat them to the strong hold.<pb/>


text:
At that time was Judas John’s brother wounded; but John still followed after them, until he came to Cedron, which Cendebeus had built.<pb/>


text:
So they fled even unto the towers in the fields of Azotus; wherefore he burned it with fire: so that there were slain of them about two thousand men. Afterward he returned into the land of Judea in peace.<pb/>


text:
Moreover in the plain of Jericho was Ptolemeus the son of Abubus made captain, and he had abundance of silver and gold:<pb/>


text:
Wherefore his heart being lifted up, he thought to get the country to himself, and thereupon consulted deceitfully against Simon and his sons to destroy them.<pb/>


text:
Now Simon was visiting the cities that were in the country, and taking care for the good ordering of them; at which time he came down himself to Jericho with his sons, Mattathias and Judas, in the hundred threescore and seventeenth year, in the eleventh month, called Sabat:<pb/>


text:
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 hid men there.<pb/>


text:
So when Simon and his sons had drunk largely, Ptolemee and his men rose up, and took their weapons, and came upon Simon into the banqueting place, and slew him, and his two sons, and certain of his servants.<pb/>


text:
Then Ptolemee wrote these things, and sent to the king, that he should send him an host to aid him, and he would deliver him the country and cities.<pb/>


text:
He sent others also to Gazera to kill John: and unto the tribunes he sent letters to come unto him, that he might give them silver, and gold, and rewards.<pb/>


text:
Now one had run afore to Gazera and told John that his father and brethren were slain, and, quoth he, Ptolemee hath sent to slay thee also.<pb/>


text:
Hereof when he heard, he was sore astonished: so he laid hands on them that were come to destroy him, and slew them; for he knew that they sought to make him away.<pb/>


text:
As concerning the rest of the acts of John, and his wars, and worthy deeds which he did, and the building of the walls which he made, and his doings,<pb/>


text:
Behold, these are written in the chronicles of his priesthood, from the time he was made high priest after his father.


text:
The brethren, the Jews that be at Jerusalem and in the land of Judea, wish unto the brethren, the Jews that are throughout Egypt health and peace:<pb/>


text:
God be gracious unto you, and remember his covenant that he made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, his faithful servants;<pb/>


text:
And give you all an heart to serve him, and to do his will, with a good courage and a willing mind;<pb/>


text:
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 in those years, from the time that Jason and his company revolted from the holy land and kingdom,<pb/>


text:
And burned the porch, and shed innocent blood: then we prayed unto the Lord, and were heard; we offered also sacrifices and fine flour, and lighted the lamps, and set forth the loaves.<pb/>


text:
In the hundred fourscore and eighth year, the people that were at Jerusalem and in Judea, and the council, and Judas, sent greeting and health unto Aristobulus, king Ptolemeus’ master, who was of the stock of the anointed priests, and to the Jews that were in Egypt:<pb/>


text:
Insomuch as God hath delivered us from great perils, we thank him highly, as having been in battle against a king.<pb/>


text:
For when the leader was come into Persia, and the army with him that seemed invincible, they were slain in the temple of Nanea by the deceit of Nanea’s priests.<pb/>


text:
For Antiochus, as though he would marry her, came into the place, and his friends that were with him, to receive money in name of a dowry.<pb/>


text:
Which when the priests of Nanea had set forth, and he was entered with a small company into the compass of the temple, they shut the temple as soon as Antiochus was come in:<pb/>


text:
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 and cast them to those that were without.<pb/>


text:
Therefore whereas we are now purposed to keep the purification of the temple upon the five and twentieth day of the month Casleu, we thought it necessary to certify you thereof, that ye also might keep it, as the feast of the tabernacles, and of the fire, which was given us when Neemias offered sacrifice, after that he had builded the temple and the altar.<pb/>


text:
For when our fathers were led into Persia, the priests that were then devout took the fire of the altar privily, and hid it in an hollow place of a pit without water, where they kept it sure, so that the place was unknown to all men.<pb/>


text:
Now after many years, when it pleased God, Neemias, being sent from the king of Persia, did send of the posterity of those priests that had hid it to the fire: but when they told us they found no fire, but thick water;<pb/>


text:
Then commanded he them to draw it up, and to bring it; and when the sacrifices were laid on, Neemias commanded the priests to sprinkle the wood and the things laid thereupon with the water.<pb/>


text:
When this was done, and the time came that the sun shone, which afore was hid in the cloud, there was a great fire kindled, so that every man marvelled.<pb/>


text:
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 answering thereunto, as Neemias did.<pb/>


text:
And the prayer was after this manner; O Lord, Lord God, Creator of all things, who art fearful and strong, and righteous, and merciful, and the only and gracious King,<pb/>


text:
The only giver of all things, the only just, almighty, and everlasting, thou that deliverest Israel from all trouble, and didst choose the fathers, and sanctify them:<pb/>


text:
Receive the sacrifice for thy whole people Israel, and preserve thine own portion, and sanctify it.<pb/>


text:
Gather those together that are scattered from us, deliver them that serve among the heathen, look upon them that are despised and abhorred, and let the heathen know that thou art our God.<pb/>


text:
Now when the sacrifice was consumed, Neemias commanded the water that was left to be poured on the great stones.<pb/>


text:
When this was done, there was kindled a flame: but it was consumed by the light that shined from the altar.<pb/>


text:
So when this matter was known, it was told the king of Persia, that in the place, where the priests that were led away had hid the fire, there appeared water, and that Neemias had purified the sacrifices therewith.<pb/>


text:
And Neemias called this thing Naphthar, which is as much as to say, a cleansing: but many men call it Nephi.<pb/>


text:
It is also found in the records, that Jeremy the prophet commanded them that were carried away to take of the fire, as it hath been signified:<pb/>


text:
And how that the prophet, having given them the law, charged them not to forget the commandments of the Lord, and that they should not err in their minds, when they see images of silver and gold, with their ornaments.<pb/>


text:
And with other such speeches exhorted he them, that the law should not depart from their hearts.<pb/>


text:
It was also contained in the same writing, that the prophet, being warned of God, commanded the tabernacle and the ark to go with him, as he went forth into the mountain, where Moses climbed up, and saw the heritage of God.<pb/>


text:
And when Jeremy came thither, he found an hollow cave, wherein he laid the tabernacle, and the ark, and the altar of incense, and so stopped the door.<pb/>


text:
Which when Jeremy perceived, he blamed them, saying, As for that place, it shall be unknown until the time that God gather his people again together, and receive them unto mercy.<pb/>


text:
Then shall the Lord shew them these things, and the glory of the Lord shall appear, and the cloud also, as it was shewed under Moses, and as when Solomon desired that the place might be honourably sanctified.<pb/>


text:
It was also declared, that he being wise offered the sacrifice of dedication, and of the finishing of the temple.<pb/>


text:
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 came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offerings.<pb/>


text:
The same things also were reported in the writings and commentaries of Neemias; 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 the holy gifts.<pb/>


text:
In like manner also Judas gathered together all those things that were lost by reason of the war we had, and they remain with us,<pb/>


text:
Whereas we then are about to celebrate the purification, we have written unto you, and ye shall do well, if ye keep the same days.<pb/>


text:
We hope also, that the God, that delivered all his people, and gave them all an heritage, and the kingdom, and the priesthood, and the sanctuary,<pb/>


text:
As he promised in the law, will shortly have mercy upon us, and gather us together out of every land under heaven into the holy place: for he hath delivered us out of great troubles, and hath purified the place.<pb/>


text:
Now as concerning Judas Maccabeus, and his brethren, and the purification of the great temple, and the dedication of the altar,<pb/>


text:
And the manifest signs that came from heaven unto those that behaved themselves manfully to their honour for Judaism: so that, being but a few, they overcame the whole country, and chased barbarous multitudes,<pb/>


text:
And recovered again the temple renowned all the world over, and freed the city, and upheld the laws which were going down, the Lord being gracious unto them with all favour:<pb/>


text:
All these things, I say, being declared by Jason of Cyrene in five books, we will assay to abridge in one volume.<pb/>


text:
For considering the infinite number, and the difficulty which they find that desire to look into the narrations of the story, for the variety of the matter,<pb/>


text:
We have been careful, that they that will read may have delight, and that they that are desirous to commit to memory might have ease, and that all into whose hands it comes might have profit.<pb/>


text:
Therefore to us, that have taken upon us this painful labour of abridging, it was not easy, but a matter of sweat and watching;<pb/>


text:
Even as it is no ease unto him that prepareth a banquet, and seeketh the benefit of others: yet for the pleasuring of many we will undertake gladly this great pains;<pb/>


text:
Leaving to the author the exact handling of every particular, and labouring to follow the rules of an abridgement.<pb/>


text:
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 things for the adorning thereof: even so I think it is with us.<pb/>


text:
To stand upon every point, and go over things at large, and to be curious in particulars, belongeth to the first author of the story:<pb/>


text:
But to use brevity, and avoid much labouring of the work, is to be granted to him that will make an abridgment.<pb/>


text:
Here then will we begin the story: only adding thus much to that which hath been said, that it is a foolish thing to make a long prologue, and to be short in the story itself.<pb/>


text:
Now when the holy city was inhabited with all peace, and the laws were kept very well, because of the godliness of Onias the high priest, and his hatred of wickedness,<pb/>


text:
It came to pass that even the kings themselves did honour the place, and magnify the temple with their best gifts;<pb/>


text:
Insomuch that Seleucus of Asia of his own revenues bare all the costs belonging to the service of the sacrifices.<pb/>


text:
But one Simon of the tribe of Benjamin, who was made governor of the temple, fell out with the high priest about disorder in the city.<pb/>


text:
And when he could not overcome Onias, he gat him to Apollonius the son of Thraseas, who then was governor of Celosyria and Phenice,<pb/>


text:
And told him that the treasury in Jerusalem was full of infinite sums of money, so that the multitude of their riches, which did not pertain to the account of the sacrifices, was innumerable, and that it was possible to bring all into the king’s hand.<pb/>


text:
Now when Apollonius came to the king, and had shewed him of the money whereof he was told, the king chose out Heliodorus his treasurer, and sent him with a commandment to bring him the foresaid money.<pb/>


text:
So forthwith Heliodorus took his journey; under a colour of visiting the cities of Celosyria and Phenice, but indeed to fulfil the king’s purpose.<pb/>


text:
And when he was come to Jerusalem, and had been courteously received of the high 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.<pb/>


text:
Then the high priest told him that there was such money laid up for the relief of widows and fatherless children:<pb/>


text:
And that some of it belonged to Hircanus son of Tobias, a man of great dignity, and not as that wicked Simon had misinformed: the sum whereof in all was four hundred talents of silver, and two hundred of gold:<pb/>


text:
And that it was altogether impossible that such wrongs should be done unto them, that had committed it to the holiness of the place, and to the majesty and inviolable sanctity of the temple, honoured over all the world.<pb/>


text:
But Heliodorus, because of the king’s commandment given him, said, That in any wise it must be brought into the king’s treasury.<pb/>


text:
So at the day which he appointed he entered in to order this matter: wherefore there was no small agony throughout the whole city.<pb/>


text:
But the priests, prostrating themselves before the altar in their priests’ vestments, called unto heaven upon him that made a law concerning things given to be kept, that they should safely be preserved for such as had committed them to be kept.<pb/>


text:
Then whoso had looked the high priest in the face, it would have wounded his heart: for his countenance and the changing of his colour declared the inward agony of his mind.<pb/>


text:
For the man was so compassed with fear and horror of the body, that it was manifest to them that looked upon him, what sorrow he had now in his heart.<pb/>


text:
Others ran flocking out of their houses to the general supplication, because the place was like to come into contempt.<pb/>


text:
And the women, girt with sackcloth under their breasts, abounded in the streets, and the virgins that were kept in ran, some to the gates, and some to the walls, and others looked out of the windows.<pb/>


text:
Then it would have pitied a man to see the falling down of the multitude of all sorts, and the fear of the high priest being in such an agony.<pb/>


text:
They then called upon the Almighty Lord to keep the things committed of trust safe and sure for those that had committed them.<pb/>


text:
Now as he was there present himself with his guard about the treasury, the Lord of spirits, and the Prince of all power, caused a great apparition, so that all that presumed to come in with him were astonished at the power of God, and fainted, and were sore afraid.<pb/>


text:
For there appeared unto them an horse with a terrible rider upon him, and adorned with a very fair covering, and he ran fiercely, and smote at Heliodorus with his forefeet, and it seemed that he that sat upon the horse had complete harness of gold.<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
And Heliodorus fell suddenly unto the ground, and was compassed with great darkness: but they that were with him took him up, and put him into a litter.<pb/>


text:
Thus him, that lately came with a great train and with all his guard into the said treasury, they carried out, being unable to help himself with his weapons: and manifestly they acknowledged the power of God.<pb/>


text:
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 the Almighty Lord appeared, was filled with joy and gladness.<pb/>


text:
Then straightways certain of Heliodorus’ friends prayed Onias, that he would call upon the most High to grant him his life, who lay ready to give up the ghost.<pb/>


text:
So the high priest, suspecting lest the king should misconceive that some treachery had been done to Heliodorus by the Jews, offered a sacrifice for the health of the man.<pb/>


text:
Now as the high priest was making an atonement, the same young men in the same clothing appeared and stood beside Heliodorus, saying, Give Onias the high priest great thanks, insomuch as for his sake the Lord hath granted thee life:<pb/>


text:
And seeing that thou hast been scourged from heaven, declare unto all men the mighty power of God. And when they had spoken these words, they appeared no more.<pb/>


text:
So Heliodorus, after he had offered sacrifice unto the Lord, and made great vows unto him that had saved his life, and saluted Onias, returned with his host to the king.<pb/>


text:
And when the king asked Heliodorus, who might be a fit man to be sent yet once again to Jerusalem, he said,<pb/>


text:
If thou hast any enemy or traitor, send him thither, and thou shalt receive him well scourged, if he escape with his life: for in that place, no doubt, there is an especial power of God.<pb/>


text:
For he that dwelleth in heaven hath his eye on that place, and defendeth it; and he beateth and destroyeth them that come to hurt it.<pb/>


text:
This Simon now, of whom we spake afore, having been a betrayer of the money, and of his country, slandered Onias, as if he had terrified Heliodorus, and been the worker of these evils.<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
Onias seeing the danger of this contention, and that Apollonius, as being the governor of Celosyria and Phenice, did rage, and increase Simon’s malice,<pb/>


text:
He went to the king, not to be an accuser of his countrymen, but seeking the good of all, both publick and private:<pb/>


text:
For he saw that it was impossible that the state should continue quiet, and Simon leave his folly, unless the king did look thereunto.<pb/>


text:
But after the death of Seleucus, when Antiochus, called Epiphanes, took the kingdom, Jason the brother of Onias laboured underhand to be high priest,<pb/>


text:
Promising unto the king by intercession three hundred and threescore talents of silver, and of another revenue eighty talents:<pb/>


text:
Beside this, he promised to assign an hundred and fifty more, if he might have licence to set him up a place for exercise, and for the training up of youth in the fashions of the heathen, and to write them of Jerusalem by the name of Antiochians.<pb/>


text:
Which when the king had granted, and he had gotten into his hand the rule he forthwith brought his own nation to Greekish fashion.<pb/>


text:
And the royal privileges granted of special favour to the Jews by the means of John the father of Eupolemus, who went ambassador to Rome for amity and aid, he took away; and putting down the governments which were according to the law, he brought up new customs against the law:<pb/>


text:
For he built gladly a place of exercise under the tower itself, and brought the chief young men under his subjection, and made them wear a hat.<pb/>


text:
Now such was the height of Greek fashions, and increase of heathenish manners, through the exceeding profaneness of Jason, that ungodly wretch, and no high priest;<pb/>


text:
That the priests had no courage to serve any more at the altar, but despising the temple, and neglecting the sacrifices, hastened to be partakers of the unlawful allowance in the place of exercise, after the game of Discus called them forth;<pb/>


text:
By reason whereof sore calamity came upon them: for they had them to be their enemies and avengers, whose custom they followed so earnestly, and unto whom they desired to be like in all things.<pb/>


text:
For it is not a light thing to do wickedly against the laws of God: but the time following shall declare these things.<pb/>


text:
This ungracious Jason sent special messengers from Jerusalem, who were Antiochians, to carry three hundred drachms of silver to the sacrifice of Hercules, which even the bearers thereof thought fit not to bestow upon the sacrifice, because it was not convenient, but to be reserved for other charges.<pb/>


text:
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 of gallies.<pb/>


text:
Now when Apollonius the son of Menestheus was sent into Egypt for the coronation of king Ptolemeus Philometor, Antiochus, understanding him not to be well affected to his affairs, provided for his own safety: whereupon he came to Joppa, and from thence to Jerusalem:<pb/>


text:
Where he was honourably received of Jason, and of the city, and was brought in with torch alight, and with great shoutings: and so afterward went with his host unto Phenice.<pb/>


text:
Three years afterward Jason sent Menelaus, the aforesaid Simon’s brother, to bear the money unto the king, and to put him in mind of certain necessary matters.<pb/>


text:
But he being brought to the presence of the king, when he had magnified him for the glorious appearance of his power, got the priesthood to himself, offering more than Jason by three hundred talents of silver.<pb/>


text:
So he came with the king’s mandate, bringing nothing worthy the high priesthood, but having the fury of a cruel tyrant, and the rage of a savage beast.<pb/>


text:
Then Jason, who had undermined his own brother, being undermined by another, was compelled to flee into the country of the Ammonites.<pb/>


text:
So Menelaus got the principality: but as for the money that he had promised unto the king, he took no good order for it, albeit Sostratis the ruler of the castle required it:<pb/>


text:
For unto him appertained the gathering of the customs. Wherefore they were both called before the king.<pb/>


text:
Now Menelaus left his brother Lysimachus in his stead in the priesthood; and Sostratus left Crates, who was governor of the Cyprians.<pb/>


text:
While those things were in doing, they of Tarsus and Mallos made insurrection, because they were given to the king’s concubine, called Antiochus.<pb/>


text:
Then came the king in all haste to appease matters, leaving Andronicus, a man in authority, for his deputy.<pb/>


text:
Now Menelaus, supposing that he had gotten a convenient time, stole certain 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.<pb/>


text:
Which when Onias knew of a surety, he reproved him, and withdrew himself into a sanctuary at Daphne, that lieth by Antiochia.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore Menelaus, taking Andronicus apart, prayed him to get Onias into his hands; who being persuaded thereunto, and coming to Onias in deceit, gave him his right hand with oaths; and though he were suspected by him, yet persuaded he him to come forth of the sanctuary: whom forthwith he shut up without regard of justice.<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
And when the king was come again from the places about Cilicia, the Jews that were in the city, and certain of the Greeks that abhorred the fact also, complained because Onias was slain without cause.<pb/>


text:
Therefore Antiochus was heartily sorry, and moved to pity, and wept, because of the sober and modest behaviour of him that was dead.<pb/>


text:
And being kindled with anger, forthwith he took away Andronicus his purple, and rent off his clothes, and leading him through the whole city unto that very place, where he had committed impiety against Onias, there slew he the cursed murderer. Thus the Lord rewarded him his punishment, as he had deserved.<pb/>


text:
Now when many sacrileges had been committed in the city by Lysimachus with the consent of Menelaus, and the fruit thereof was spread abroad, the multitude gathered themselves together against Lysimachus, many vessels of gold being already carried away.<pb/>


text:
Whereupon the common people rising, and being filled with rage, Lysimachus armed about three thousand men, and began first to offer violence; one Auranus being the leader, a man far gone in years, and no less in folly.<pb/>


text:
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 them all together upon Lysimachus, and those that set upon them.<pb/>


text:
Thus many of them they wounded, and some they struck to the ground, and all of them they forced to flee: but as for the churchrobber himself, him they killed beside the treasury.<pb/>


text:
Now when the king came to Tyrus, three men that were sent from the senate pleaded the cause before him:<pb/>


text:
But Menelaus, being now convicted, promised Ptolemee the son of Dorymenes to give him much money, if he would pacify the king toward him.<pb/>


text:
Whereupon Ptolemee taking the king aside into a certain gallery, as it were to take the air, brought him to be of another mind:<pb/>


text:
Insomuch that he discharged Menelaus from the accusations, who notwithstanding was cause of all the mischief: and those poor men, who, if they had told their cause, yea, before the Scythians, should have been judged innocent, them he condemned to death.<pb/>


text:
Thus they that followed the matter for the city, and for the people, and for the holy vessels, did soon suffer unjust punishment.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore even they of Tyrus, moved with hatred of that wicked deed, caused them to be honourably buried.<pb/>


text:
And so through the covetousness of them that were of power Menelaus remained still in authority, increasing in malice, and being a great traitor to the citizens.<pb/>


text:
And then it happened, that through all the city, for the space almost of forty days, there were seen horsemen running in the air, in cloth of gold, and armed with lances, like a band of soldiers,<pb/>


text:
And troops of horsemen in array, encountering and running one against another, with shaking of shields, and multitude of pikes, and drawing of swords, and casting of darts, and glittering of golden ornaments, and harness of all sorts.<pb/>


text:
Now when there was gone forth a false rumour, as though Antiochus had been dead, Jason took at the least a thousand men, and suddenly made an assault upon the city; and they that were upon the walls being put back, and the city at length taken, Menelaus fled into the castle:<pb/>


text:
But Jason slew his own citizens without mercy, not considering that to get the day of them of his own nation would be a most unhappy day for him; but thinking they had been his enemies, and not his countrymen, whom he conquered.<pb/>


text:
Howbeit for all this he obtained not the principality, but at the last received shame for the reward of his treason, and fled again into the country of the Ammonites.<pb/>


text:
In the end therefore he had an unhappy return, being accused before Aretas the king of the Arabians, fleeing from city to city, pursued of all men, hated as a forsaker of the laws, and being had in abomination as an open enemy of his country and countrymen, he was cast out into Egypt.<pb/>


text:
Thus he that had driven many out of their country perished in a strange land, retiring to the Lacedemonians, and thinking there to find succour by reason of his kindred:<pb/>


text:
And he that had cast out many unburied had none to mourn for him, nor any solemn funerals at all, nor sepulchre with his fathers.<pb/>


text:
Now when this that was done came to the king’s ear, he thought that Judea had revolted: whereupon removing out of Egypt in a furious mind, he took the city by force of arms,<pb/>


text:
And commanded his men of war not to spare such as they met, and to slay such as went up upon the houses.<pb/>


text:
Thus there was killing of young and old, making away of men, women, and children, slaying of virgins and infants.<pb/>


text:
And there were destroyed within the space of three whole days fourscore thousand, whereof forty thousand were slain in the conflict; and no fewer sold than slain.<pb/>


text:
Yet was he not content with this, but presumed to go into the most holy temple of all the world; Menelaus, that traitor to the laws, and to his own country, being his guide:<pb/>


text:
And taking the holy vessels with polluted hands, and with profane hands pulling down the things that were dedicated by other kings to the augmentation and glory and honour of the place, he gave them away.<pb/>


text:
And so haughty was Antiochus in mind, that he considered not that the Lord was angry for a while for the sins of them that dwelt in the city, and therefore his eye was not upon the place.<pb/>


text:
For had they not been formerly wrapped in many sins, this man, as soon as he had come, had forthwith been scourged, and put back from his presumption, as Heliodorus was, whom Seleucus the king sent to view the treasury.<pb/>


text:
Nevertheless God did not choose the people for the place’s sake, but the place for the people’s sake.<pb/>


text:
And therefore the place itself, that was partaker with them of the adversity that happened to the nation, did afterward communicate in the benefits sent from the Lord: and as it was forsaken in the wrath of the Almighty, so again, the great Lord being reconciled, it was set up with all glory.<pb/>


text:
So when Antiochus had carried out of the temple a thousand and eight hundred talents, he departed in all haste unto Antiochia, weening in his pride to make the land navigable, and the sea passable by foot: such was the haughtiness of his mind.<pb/>


text:
And he left governors to vex the nation: at Jerusalem, Philip, for his country a Phrygian, and for manners more barbarous than he that set him there;<pb/>


text:
And at Garizim, Andronicus; and besides, Menelaus, who worse than all the rest bare an heavy hand over the citizens, having a malicious mind against his countrymen the Jews.<pb/>


text:
He sent also that detestable ringleader Apollonius with an army of two and twenty thousand, commanding him to slay all those that were in their best age, and to sell the women and the younger sort:<pb/>


text:
Who coming to Jerusalem, and pretending peace, did forbear till the holy day of the sabbath, when taking the Jews keeping holy day, he commanded his men to arm themselves.<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
But Judas Maccabeus with nine others, or thereabout, withdrew himself into the wilderness, and lived in the mountains after the manner of beasts, with his company, who fed on herbs continually, lest they should be partakers of the pollution.<pb/>


text:
Not long after this the king sent an old man of Athens to compel the Jews to depart from the laws of their fathers, and not to live after the laws of God:<pb/>


text:
And to pollute also the temple in Jerusalem, and to call it the temple of Jupiter Olympius; and that in Garizim, of Jupiter the Defender of strangers, as they did desire that dwelt in the place.<pb/>


text:
For the temple was filled with riot and revelling by the Gentiles, who dallied with harlots, and had to do with women within the circuit of the holy places, and besides that brought in things that were not lawful.<pb/>


text:
Neither was it lawful for a man to keep sabbath days or ancient fasts, or to profess himself at all to be a Jew.<pb/>


text:
And in the day of the king’s birth every month they were brought by bitter constraint to eat of the sacrifices; and when the fast of Bacchus was kept, the Jews were compelled to go in procession to Bacchus, carrying ivy.<pb/>


text:
Moreover there went out a decree to the neighbour cities of the heathen, by the suggestion of Ptolemee, against the Jews, that they should observe the same fashions, and be partakers of their sacrifices:<pb/>


text:
And whoso would not conform themselves to the manners of the Gentiles should be put to death. Then might a man have seen the present misery.<pb/>


text:
For there were two women brought, who had circumcised their children; whom when they had openly led round about the city, the babes hanging at their breasts, they cast them down headlong from the wall.<pb/>


text:
And others, that had run together into caves near by, to keep the sabbath day secretly, being discovered by Philip, were all burnt together, because they made a conscience to help themselves for the honour of the most sacred day.<pb/>


text:
Now I beseech those that read this book, that they be not discouraged for these calamities, but that they judge those punishments not to be for destruction, but for a chastening of our nation.<pb/>


text:
For it is a token of his great goodness, when wicked doers are not suffered any long time, but forthwith punished.<pb/>


text:
For not as with other nations, whom the Lord patiently forbeareth to punish, till they be come to the fulness of their sins, so dealeth he with us,<pb/>


text:
And therefore he never withdraweth his mercy from us: and though he punish with adversity, yet doth he never forsake his people.<pb/>


text:
But let this that we have spoken be for a warning unto us. And now will we come to the declaring of the matter in a few words.<pb/>


text:
Eleazar, one of the principal scribes, an aged man, and of a well favoured countenance, was constrained to open his mouth, and to eat swine’s flesh.<pb/>


text:
But he, choosing rather to die gloriously, than to live stained with such an abomination, spit it forth, and came of his own accord to the torment,<pb/>


text:
As it behoved them to come, that are resolute to stand out against such things, as are not lawful for love of life to be tasted.<pb/>


text:
But they that had the charge of that wicked feast, for the old acquaintance they had with the man, taking him aside, besought him to bring flesh of his own provision, such as was lawful for him to use, and make as if he did eat of the flesh taken from the sacrifice commanded by the king;<pb/>


text:
That in so doing he might be delivered from death, and for the old friendship with them find favour.<pb/>


text:
But he began to consider discreetly, and as became his age, and the excellency of his ancient years, and the honour of his gray head, whereon was come, and his most honest education from a child, or rather the holy law made and given by God: therefore he answered accordingly, and willed them straightways to send him to the grave.<pb/>


text:
For it becometh not our age, said he, in any wise to dissemble, whereby many young persons might think that Eleazar, being fourscore years old and ten, were now gone to a strange religion;<pb/>


text:
And so they through mine hypocrisy, and desire to live a little time and a moment longer, should be deceived by me, and I get a stain to mine old age, and make it abominable.<pb/>


text:
For though for the present time I should be delivered from the punishment of men: yet should I not escape the hand of the Almighty, neither alive, nor dead.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore now, manfully changing this life, I will shew myself such an one as mine age requireth,<pb/>


text:
And leave a notable example to such as be young to die willingly and courageously for the honourable and holy laws. And when he had said these words, immediately he went to the torment:<pb/>


text:
They that led him changing the good will they bare him a little before into hatred, because the foresaid speeches proceeded, as they thought, from a desperate mind.<pb/>


text:
But when he was ready to die with stripes, he groaned, and said, It is manifest unto the Lord, that hath the holy knowledge, that whereas I might have been delivered from death, I now endure sore pains in body by being beaten: but in soul am well content to suffer these things, because I fear him.<pb/>


text:
And thus this man died, leaving his death for an example of a noble courage, and a memorial of virtue, not only unto young men, but unto all his nation.<pb/>


text:
It came to pass also, that seven brethren with their mother were taken, and compelled by the king against the law to taste swine’s flesh, and were tormented with scourges and whips.<pb/>


text:
But one of them that spake first said thus, What wouldest thou ask or learn of us? we are ready to die, rather than to transgress the laws of our fathers.<pb/>


text:
Which forthwith being heated, he commanded to cut out the tongue of him that spake first, and to cut off the utmost parts of his body, the rest of his brethren and his mother looking on.<pb/>


text:
Now when he was thus maimed in all his members, he commanded him being yet alive to be brought to the fire, and to be fried in the pan: and as the vapour of the pan was for a good space dispersed, they exhorted one another with the mother to die manfully, saying thus,<pb/>


text:
The Lord God looketh upon us, and in truth hath comfort in us, as Moses in his song, which witnessed to their faces, declared, saying, And he shall be comforted in his servants.<pb/>


text:
So when the first was dead after this manner, they brought the second to make him a mocking stock: and when they had pulled off the skin of his head with the hair, they asked him, Wilt thou eat, before thou be punished throughout every member of thy body?<pb/>


text:
But he answered in his own language, and said, No. Wherefore he also received the next torment in order, as the former did.<pb/>


text:
And when he was at the last gasp, he said, Thou like a fury takest us out of this present life, but the King of the world shall raise us up, who have died for his laws, unto everlasting life.<pb/>


text:
After him was the third made a mocking stock: and when he was required, he put out his tongue, and that right soon, holding forth his hands manfully.<pb/>


text:
And said courageously, These I had from heaven; and for his laws I despise them; and from him I hope to receive them again.<pb/>


text:
Insomuch that the king, and they that were with him, marvelled at the young man’s courage, for that he nothing regarded the pains.<pb/>


text:
So when he was ready to die he said thus, It is good, being put to death by men, to look for hope from God to be raised up again by him: as for thee, thou shalt have no resurrection to life.<pb/>


text:
Then looked he unto the king, and said, Thou hast power over men, thou art corruptible, thou doest what thou wilt; yet think not that our nation is forsaken of God;<pb/>


text:
After him also they brought the sixth, who being ready to die said, Be not deceived without cause: for we suffer these things for ourselves, having sinned against our God: therefore marvellous things are done unto us.<pb/>


text:
But think not thou, that takest in hand to strive against God, that thou shalt escape unpunished.<pb/>


text:
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 it with a good courage, because of the hope that she had in the Lord.<pb/>


text:
Yea, she exhorted every one of them in her own language, filled with courageous spirits; and stirring up her womanish thoughts with a manly stomach, she said unto them,<pb/>


text:
I cannot tell how ye came into my womb: for I neither gave you breath nor life, neither was it I that formed the members of every one of you;<pb/>


text:
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 you breath and life again, as ye now regard not your own selves for his laws’ sake.<pb/>


text:
Now Antiochus, thinking himself despised, and suspecting it to be a reproachful speech, whilst the youngest was yet alive, did not only exhort him by words, but also assured him with oaths, that he would make him both a rich and a happy man, if he would turn from the laws of his fathers; and that also he would take him for his friend, and trust him with affairs.<pb/>


text:
But when the young man would in no case hearken unto him, the king called his mother, and exhorted her that she would counsel the young man to save his life.<pb/>


text:
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 that bare thee nine months in my womb, and gave thee suck three years, and nourished thee, and brought thee up unto this age, and endured the troubles of education.<pb/>


text:
I beseech thee, my son, look upon the heaven and the earth, and all that is therein, and consider that God made them of things that were not; and so was mankind made likewise.<pb/>


text:
Fear not this tormentor, but, being worthy of thy brethren, take thy death that I may receive thee again in mercy with thy brethren.<pb/>


text:
Whiles she was yet speaking these words, the young man said, Whom wait ye for? I will not obey the king’s commandment: but I will obey the commandment of the law that was given unto our fathers by Moses.<pb/>


text:
And thou, that hast been the author of all mischief against the Hebrews, shalt not escape the hands of God.<pb/>


text:
And though the living Lord be angry with us a little while for our chastening and correction, yet shall he be at one again with his servants.<pb/>


text:
But thou, O godless man, and of all other most wicked, be not lifted up without a cause, nor puffed up with uncertain hopes, lifting up thy hand against the servants of God:<pb/>


text:
For our brethren, who now have suffered a short pain, are dead under God’s covenant of everlasting life: but thou, through the judgment of God, shalt receive just punishment for thy pride.<pb/>


text:
But I, as my brethren, offer up my body and life for the laws of our fathers, beseeching God that he would speedily be merciful unto our nation; and that thou by torments and plagues mayest confess, that he alone is God;<pb/>


text:
And that in me and my brethren the wrath of the Almighty, which is justly brought upon our nation, may cease.<pb/>


text:
Then the king being in a rage, handed him worse than all the rest, and took it grievously that he was mocked.<pb/>


text:
Let this be enough now to have spoken concerning the idolatrous feasts, and the extreme tortures.<pb/>


text:
Then Judas Maccabeus, and they that were with him, went privily into the towns, and called their kinsfolks together, and took unto them all such as continued in the Jews’ religion, and assembled about six thousand men.<pb/>


text:
And they called upon the Lord, that he would look upon the people that was trodden down of all; and also pity the temple profaned of ungodly men;<pb/>


text:
And that he would have compassion upon the city, sore defaced, and ready to be made even with the ground; and hear the blood that cried unto him,<pb/>


text:
And remember the wicked slaughter of harmless infants, and the blasphemies committed against his name; and that he would shew his hatred against the wicked.<pb/>


text:
Now when Maccabeus had his company about him, he could not be withstood by the heathen: for the wrath of the Lord was turned into mercy.<pb/>


text:
Therefore he came at unawares, and burnt up towns and cities, and got into his hands the most commodious places, and overcame and put to flight no small number of his enemies.<pb/>


text:
But specially took he advantage of the night for such privy attempts, insomuch that the fruit of his holiness was spread every where.<pb/>


text:
So when Philip saw that this man increased by little and little, and that things prospered with him still more and more, he wrote unto Ptolemeus, the governor of Celosyria and Phenice, to yield more aid to the king’s affairs.<pb/>


text:
Then forthwith choosing Nicanor the son of Patroclus, one of his special friends, he sent him with no fewer than twenty thousand of all nations under him, to root out the whole generation of the Jews; and with him he joined also Gorgias a captain, who in matters of war had great experience.<pb/>


text:
So Nicanor undertook to make so much money of the captive Jews, as should defray the tribute of two thousand talents, which the king was to pay to the Romans.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore immediately he sent to the cities upon the sea coast, proclaiming a sale of the captive Jews, and promising that they should have fourscore and ten bodies for one talent, not expecting the vengeance that was to follow upon him from the Almighty God.<pb/>


text:
Now when word was brought unto Judas of Nicanor’s coming, and he had imparted unto those that were with him that the army was at hand,<pb/>


text:
Others sold all that they had left, and withal besought the Lord to deliver them, sold by the wicked Nicanor before they met together:<pb/>


text:
And if not for their own sakes, yet for the covenants he had made with their fathers, and for his holy and glorious name’s sake, by which they were called.<pb/>


text:
So Maccabeus called his men together unto the number of six thousand, and exhorted them not to be stricken with terror of the enemy, nor to fear the great multitude of the heathen, who came wrongly against them; but to fight manfully,<pb/>


text:
And to set before their eyes the injury that they had unjustly done to the holy place, and the cruel handling of the city, whereof they made a mockery, and also the taking away of the government of their forefathers:<pb/>


text:
For they, said he, trust in their weapons and boldness; but our confidence is in the Almighty who at a beck can cast down both them that come against us, and also all the world.<pb/>


text:
Moreover, he recounted unto them what helps their forefathers had found, and how they were delivered, when under Sennacherib an hundred fourscore and five thousand perished.<pb/>


text:
And he told them of the battle that they had in Babylon with the Galatians, how they came but eight thousand in all to the business, with four thousand Macedonians, and that the Macedonians being perplexed, the eight thousand destroyed an hundred and twenty thousand because of the help that they had from heaven, and so received a great booty.<pb/>


text:
Thus when he had made them bold with these words, and ready to die for the law and the country, he divided his army into four parts;<pb/>


text:
And joined with himself his own brethren, leaders of each band, to wit Simon, and Joseph, and Jonathan, giving each one fifteen hundred men.<pb/>


text:
Also he appointed Eleazar to read the holy book: and when he had given them this watchword, The help of God; himself leading the first band,<pb/>


text:
And by the help of the Almighty they slew above nine thousand of their enemies, and wounded and maimed the most part of Nicanor’s host, and so put all to flight;<pb/>


text:
And took their money that came to buy them, and pursued them far: but lacking time they returned:<pb/>


text:
So when they had gathered their armour together, and spoiled their enemies, they occupied themselves about the sabbath, yielding exceeding praise and thanks to the Lord, who had preserved them unto that day, which was the beginning of mercy distilling upon them.<pb/>


text:
And after the sabbath, when they had given part of the spoils to the maimed, and the widows, and orphans, the residue they divided among themselves and their servants.<pb/>


text:
When this was done, and they had made a common supplication, they besought the merciful Lord to be reconciled with his servants for ever.<pb/>


text:
Moreover of those that were with Timotheus and Bacchides, who fought against them, they slew above twenty thousand, and very easily got high and strong holds, and divided among themselves many spoils more, and made the maimed, orphans, widows, yea, and the aged also, equal in spoils with themselves.<pb/>


text:
And when they had gathered their armour together, they laid them up all carefully in convenient places, and the remnant of the spoils they brought to Jerusalem.<pb/>


text:
They slew also Philarches, that wicked person, who was with Timotheus, and had annoyed the Jews many ways.<pb/>


text:
Furthermore at such time as they kept the feast for the victory in their country they burnt Callisthenes, that had set fire upon the holy gates, who had fled into a little house; and so he received a reward meet for his wickedness.<pb/>


text:
He was through the help of the Lord brought down by them, of whom he made least account; and putting off his glorious apparel, and discharging his company, he came like a fugitive servant through the midland unto Antioch having very great dishonour, for that his host was destroyed.<pb/>


text:
Thus he, that took upon him to make good to the Romans their tribute by means of captives in Jerusalem, told abroad, that the Jews had God to fight for them, and therefore they could not be hurt, because they followed the laws that he gave them.<pb/>


text:
For he had entered the city called Persepolis, and went about to rob the temple, and to hold the city; whereupon the multitude running to defend themselves with their weapons put them to flight; and so it happened, that Antiochus being put to flight of the inhabitants returned with shame.<pb/>


text:
Now when he came to Ecbatane, news was brought him what had happened unto Nicanor and Timotheus.<pb/>


text:
Then swelling with anger. he thought to avenge upon the Jews the disgrace done unto him by those that made him flee. Therefore commanded he his chariotman to drive without ceasing, and to dispatch the journey, the judgment of God now following him. For he had spoken proudly in this sort, That he would come to Jerusalem and make it a common burying place of the Jews.<pb/>


text:
But the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, smote him with an incurable and invisible plague: or as soon as he had spoken these words, a pain of the bowels that was remediless came upon him, and sore torments of the inner parts;<pb/>


text:
Howbeit he nothing at all ceased from his bragging, but still was filled with pride, breathing out fire in his rage against the Jews, and commanding to haste 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 were much pained.<pb/>


text:
And thus he that a little afore thought he might command the waves of the sea, (so proud was he beyond the condition of man) and weigh the high mountains in a balance, was now cast on the ground, and carried in an horselitter, shewing forth unto all the manifest power of God.<pb/>


text:
So that the worms rose up out of the body of this wicked man, and whiles he lived in sorrow and pain, his flesh fell away, and the filthiness of his smell was noisome to all his army.<pb/>


text:
And the man, that thought a little afore he could reach to the stars of heaven, no man could endure to carry for his intolerable stink.<pb/>


text:
Here therefore, being plagued, he began to leave off his great pride, and to come to the knowledge of himself by the scourge of God, his pain increasing every moment.<pb/>


text:
And when he himself could not abide his own smell, he said these words, It is meet to be subject unto God, and that a man that is mortal should not proudly think of himself if he were God.<pb/>


text:
This wicked person vowed also unto the Lord, who now no more would have mercy upon him, saying thus,<pb/>


text:
That the holy city (to the which he was going in haste to lay it even with the ground, and to make it a common buryingplace,) he would set at liberty:<pb/>


text:
And as touching the Jews, whom he had judged not worthy so much as to be buried, but to be cast out with their children to be devoured of the fowls and wild beasts, he would make them all equals to the citizens of Athens:<pb/>


text:
And the holy temple, which before he had spoiled, he would garnish with goodly gifts, and restore all the holy vessels with many more, and out of his own revenue defray the charges belonging to the sacrifices:<pb/>


text:
Yea, and that also he would become a Jew himself, and go through all the world that was inhabited, and declare the power of God.<pb/>


text:
But for all this his pains would not cease: for the just judgment of God was come upon him: therefore despairing of his health, he wrote unto the Jews the letter underwritten, containing the form of a supplication, after this manner:<pb/>


text:
Antiochus, king and governor, to the good Jews his citizens wisheth much joy, health, and prosperity:<pb/>


text:
If ye and your children fare well, and your affairs be to your contentment, I give very great thanks to God, having my hope in heaven.<pb/>


text:
As for me, I was weak, or else I would have remembered kindly your honour and 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:<pb/>


text:
But considering that even my father, at what time he led an army into the high countries. appointed a successor,<pb/>


text:
To the end that, if any thing fell out contrary to expectation, or if any tidings were brought that were grievous, they of the land, knowing to whom the state was left, might not be troubled:<pb/>


text:
Again, considering how that the princes that are borderers and neighbours unto my kingdom wait for opportunities, and expect what shall be the event. I have appointed my son Antiochus king, whom I often committed and commended unto many of you, when I went up into the high provinces; to whom I have written as followeth:<pb/>


text:
Therefore I pray and request you to remember the benefits that I have done unto you generally, and in special, and that every man will be still faithful to me and my son.<pb/>


text:
For I am persuaded that he understanding my mind will favourably and graciously yield to your desires.<pb/>


text:
Thus the murderer and blasphemer having suffered most grievously, as he entreated other men, so died he a miserable death in a strange country in the mountains.<pb/>


text:
And Philip, that was brought up with him, carried away his body, who also fearing the son of Antiochus went into Egypt to Ptolemeus Philometor.<pb/>


text:
But the altars which the heathen had built in the open street, and also the chapels, they pulled down.<pb/>


text:
And having cleansed the temple they made another altar, and striking stones they took fire out of them, and offered a sacrifice after two years, and set forth incense, and lights, and shewbread.<pb/>


text:
When that was done, they fell flat down, and besought the Lord that they might 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 be delivered unto the blasphemous and barbarous nations.<pb/>


text:
Now upon the same day that the strangers profaned the temple, on the very same day it was cleansed again, even the five and twentieth day of the same month, which is Casleu.<pb/>


text:
And they kept the eight days with gladness, as in the feast of the tabernacles, remembering that not long afore they had held the feast of the tabernacles, when as they wandered in the mountains and dens like beasts.<pb/>


text:
Therefore they bare branches, and fair boughs, and palms also, and sang psalms unto him that had given them good success in cleansing his place.<pb/>


text:
They ordained also by a common statute and decree, That every year those days should be kept of the whole nation of the Jews.<pb/>


text:
Now will we declare the acts of Antiochus Eupator, who was the son of this wicked man, gathering briefly the calamities of the wars.<pb/>


text:
So when he was come to the crown, he set one Lysias over the affairs of his realm, and appointed him his chief governor of Celosyria and Phenice.<pb/>


text:
For Ptolemeus, that was called Macron, choosing rather to do justice unto the Jews for the wrong that had been done unto them, endeavoured to continue peace with them.<pb/>


text:
Whereupon being accused of the king’s friends before Eupator, and called traitor at every word because he had left Cyprus, that Philometor had committed unto him, and departed to Antiochus Epiphanes, and seeing that he was in no honourable place, he was so discouraged, that he poisoned himself and died.<pb/>


text:
But when Gorgias was governor of the holds, he hired soldiers, and nourished war continually with the Jews:<pb/>


text:
And therewithall the Idumeans, having gotten into their hands the most commodious holds, kept the Jews occupied, and receiving those that were banished from Jerusalem, they went about to nourish war.<pb/>


text:
Then they that were with Maccabeus made supplication, and besought God that he would be their helper; and so they ran with violence upon the strong holds of the Idumeans,<pb/>


text:
And assaulting them strongly, they won the holds, and kept off all that fought upon the wall, and slew all that fell into their hands, and killed no fewer than twenty thousand.<pb/>


text:
And because certain, who were no less than nine thousand, were fled together into two very strong castles, having all manner of things convenient to sustain the siege,<pb/>


text:
Maccabeus left Simon and Joseph, and Zaccheus also, and them that were with him, who were enough to besiege them, and departed himself unto those places which more needed his help.<pb/>


text:
Now they that were with Simon, being led with covetousness, were persuaded for money through certain of those that were in the castle, and took seventy thousand drachms, and let some of them escape.<pb/>


text:
But when it was told Maccabeus what was done, he called the governors of the people together, and accused those men, that they had sold their brethren for money, and set their enemies free to fight against them.<pb/>


text:
And having good success with his weapons in all things he took in hand, he slew in the two holds more than twenty thousand.<pb/>


text:
Now Timotheus, whom the Jews had overcome before, when he had gathered a great multitude of foreign forces, and horses out of Asia not a few, came as though he would take Jewry by force of arms.<pb/>


text:
But when he drew near, they that were with Maccabeus turned themselves to pray unto God, and sprinkled earth upon their heads, and girded their loins with sackcloth,<pb/>


text:
And fell down at the foot of the altar, and besought him to be merciful to them, and to be an enemy to their enemies, and an adversary to their adversaries, as the law declareth.<pb/>


text:
So after the prayer they took their weapons, and went on further from the city: and when they drew near to their enemies, they kept by themselves.<pb/>


text:
Now the sun being newly risen, they joined both together; the one part having together with their virtue their refuge also unto the Lord for a pledge of their success and victory: the other side making their rage leader of their battle<pb/>


text:
But when the battle waxed strong, there appeared unto the enemies from heaven five comely men upon horses, with bridles of gold, and two of them led the Jews,<pb/>


text:
And took Maccabeus betwixt them, and covered him on every side weapons, 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.<pb/>


text:
As for Timotheus himself, he fled into a very strong hold, called Gawra, where Chereas was governor.<pb/>


text:
And they that were within, trusting to the strength of the place, blasphemed exceedingly, and uttered wicked words.<pb/>


text:
Nevertheless upon the fifth day early twenty young men of Maccabeus’ company, inflamed with anger because of the blasphemies, assaulted the wall manly, and with a fierce courage killed all that they met withal.<pb/>


text:
Others likewise ascending after them, whiles they were busied with them that were within, burnt the towers, and kindling fires burnt the blasphemers alive; and others broke open the gates, and, having received in the rest of the army, took the city,<pb/>


text:
And killed Timotheus, that was hid in a certain pit, and Chereas his brother, with Apollophanes.<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
Not long after this, Lysias the king’s protector and cousin, who also managed the affairs, took sore displeasure for the things that were done.<pb/>


text:
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 the Gentiles,<pb/>


text:
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:<pb/>


text:
Not at all considering the power of God but puffed up with his ten thousands of footmen, and his thousands of horsemen, and his fourscore elephants.<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
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 he would send a good angel to deliver Israel.<pb/>


text:
Then Maccabeus himself first of all took weapons, exhorting the other that they would jeopard themselves together with him to help their brethren: so they went forth together with a willing mind.<pb/>


text:
And as they were at Jerusalem, there appeared before them on horseback one in white clothing, shaking his armour of gold.<pb/>


text:
Then they praised the merciful God all together, and took heart, insomuch that they were ready not only to fight with men, but with most cruel beasts, and to pierce through walls of iron.<pb/>


text:
Thus they marched forward in their armour, having an helper from heaven: for the Lord was merciful unto them<pb/>


text:
And giving a charge upon their enemies like lions, they slew eleven thousand footmen, and sixteen hundred horsemen, and put all the other to flight.<pb/>


text:
Many of them also being wounded escaped naked; and Lysias himself fled away shamefully, and so escaped.<pb/>


text:
Who, as he was a man of understanding, casting with himself what loss he had had, and considering that the Hebrews could not be overcome, because the Almighty God helped them, he sent unto them,<pb/>


text:
And persuaded them to agree to all reasonable conditions, and promised that he would persuade the king that he must needs be a friend unto them.<pb/>


text:
Then Maccabeus consented to all that Lysias desired, being careful of the common good; and whatsoever Maccabeus wrote unto Lysias concerning the Jews, the king granted it.<pb/>


text:
For there were letters written unto the Jews from Lysias to this effect: Lysias unto the people of the Jews sendeth greeting:<pb/>


text:
John and Absolom, who were sent from you, delivered me the petition subscribed, and made request for the performance of the contents thereof.<pb/>


text:
Therefore what things soever were meet to be reported to the king, I have declared them, and he hath granted as much as might be.<pb/>


text:
And if then ye will keep yourselves loyal to the state, hereafter also will I endeavour to be a means of your good.<pb/>


text:
But of the particulars I have given order both to these and the other that came from me, to commune with you.<pb/>


text:
Fare ye well. The hundred and eight and fortieth year, the four and twentieth day of the month Dioscorinthius.<pb/>


text:
Now the king’s letter contained these words: King Antiochus unto his brother Lysias sendeth greeting:<pb/>


text:
Since our father is translated unto the gods, our will is, that they that are in our realm live quietly, that every one may attend upon his own affairs.<pb/>


text:
We understand also that the Jews would not consent to our father, for to be brought unto the custom of the Gentiles, but had rather keep their own manner of living: for the which cause they require of us, that we should suffer them to live after their own laws.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore our mind is, that this nation shall be in rest, and we have determined to restore them their temple, that they may live according to the customs of their forefathers.<pb/>


text:
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 ever go cheerfully about their own affairs.<pb/>


text:
And the letter of the king unto the nation of the Jews was after this manner: King Antiochus sendeth greeting unto the council, and the rest of the Jews:<pb/>


text:
Menelaus declared unto us, that your desire was to return home, and to follow your own business:<pb/>


text:
Wherefore they that will depart shall have safe conduct till the thirtieth day of Xanthicus with security.<pb/>


text:
And the Jews shall use their own kind of meats and laws, as before; and none of them any manner of ways shall be molested for things ignorantly done.<pb/>


text:
Fare ye well. In the hundred forty and eighth year, and the fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.<pb/>


text:
The Romans also sent unto them a letter containing these words: Quintus Memmius and Titus Manlius, ambassadors of the Romans, send greeting unto the people of the Jews.<pb/>


text:
But touching such things as he judged to be referred to the king, after ye have advised thereof, send one forthwith, that we may declare as it is convenient for you: for we are now going to Antioch.<pb/>


text:
When these covenants were made, Lysias went unto the king, and the Jews were about their husbandry.<pb/>


text:
But of the governours of several places, Timotheus, and Apollonius the son of Genneus, also Hieronymus, and Demophon, and beside them Nicanor the governor of Cyprus, would not suffer them to be quiet and live in peace.<pb/>


text:
The men of Joppa also did such an ungodly deed: they prayed the Jews that dwelt among them to go with their wives and children into the boats which they had prepared, as though they had meant them no hurt.<pb/>


text:
Who accepted of it according to the common decree of the city, as being desirous to live in peace, and suspecting nothing: but when they were gone forth into the deep, they drowned no less than two hundred of them.<pb/>


text:
When Judas heard of this cruelty done unto his countrymen, he commanded those that were with him to make them ready.<pb/>


text:
And calling upon God the righteous Judge, he came against those murderers of his brethren, and burnt the haven by night, and set the boats on fire, and those that fled thither he slew.<pb/>


text:
And when the town was shut up, he went backward, as if he would return to root out all them of the city of Joppa.<pb/>


text:
But when he heard that the Jamnites were minded to do in like manner unto the Jews that dwelt among them,<pb/>


text:
He came upon the Jamnites also by night, and set fire on the haven and the navy, so that the light of the fire was seen at Jerusalem two hundred and forty furlongs off.<pb/>


text:
Now when they were gone from thence nine furlongs in their journey toward Timotheus, no fewer than five thousand men on foot and five hundred horsemen of the Arabians set upon him.<pb/>


text:
Whereupon there was a very sore battle; but Judas’ side by the help of God got the victory; so that the Nomades of Arabia, being overcome, besought Judas for peace, promising both to give him cattle, and to pleasure him otherwise.<pb/>


text:
Then Judas, thinking indeed that they would be profitable in many things, granted them peace: whereupon they shook hands, and so they departed to their tents.<pb/>


text:
He went also about to make a bridge to a certain strong city, which was fenced about with walls, and inhabited by people of divers countries; and the name of it was Caspis.<pb/>


text:
But they that were within it put such trust in the strength of the walls and provision of victuals, that they behaved themselves rudely toward them that were with Judas, railing and blaspheming, and uttering such words as were not to be spoken.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore Judas with his company, calling upon the great Lord of the world, who without rams or engines of war did cast down Jericho in the time of Joshua, gave a fierce assault against the walls,<pb/>


text:
And took the city by the will of God, and made unspeakable slaughters, insomuch that a lake two furlongs broad near adjoining thereunto, being filled full, was seen running with blood.<pb/>


text:
Then departed they from thence seven hundred and fifty furlongs, and came to Characa unto the Jews that are called Tubieni.<pb/>


text:
But as for Timotheus, they found him not in the places: for before he had dispatched any thing, he departed from thence, having left a very strong garrison in a certain hold.<pb/>


text:
Howbeit Dositheus and Sosipater, who were of Maccabeus’ captains, went forth, and slew those that Timotheus had left in the fortress, above ten thousand men.<pb/>


text:
And Maccabeus ranged his army by bands, and set them over the bands, and went against Timotheus, who had about him an hundred and twenty thousand men of foot, and two thousand and five hundred horsemen.<pb/>


text:
Now when Timotheus had knowledge of Judas’ coming, he sent the women and children and the other baggage unto a fortress called Carnion: for the town was hard to besiege, and uneasy to come unto, by reason of the straitness of all the places.<pb/>


text:
But when Judas his first band came in sight, the enemies, being smitten with fear and terror through the appearing of him who seeth all things, fled amain, one running into this way, another that way, so as that they were often hurt of their own men, and wounded with the points of their own swords.<pb/>


text:
Judas also was very earnest in pursuing them, killing those wicked wretches, of whom he slew about thirty thousand men.<pb/>


text:
Moreover Timotheus himself fell into the hands of Dositheus and Sosipater, 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 of them, who, if they put him to death, should not be regarded.<pb/>


text:
So when he had assured them with many words that he would restore them without hurt, according to the agreement, they let him go for the saving of their brethren.<pb/>


text:
Then Maccabeus marched forth to Carnion, and to the temple of Atargatis, and there he slew five and twenty thousand persons.<pb/>


text:
And after he had put to flight and destroyed them, Judas removed the host toward Ephron, a strong city, wherein Lysias abode, and a great multitude of divers nations, and the strong young men kept the walls, and defended them mightily: wherein also was great provision of engines and darts.<pb/>


text:
But when Judas and his company had called upon Almighty God, who with his power breaketh the strength of his enemies, they won the city, and slew twenty and five thousand of them that were within,<pb/>


text:
But when the Jews that dwelt there had testified that the Scythopolitans dealt lovingly with them, and entreated them kindly in the time of their adversity;<pb/>


text:
They gave them thanks, desiring them to be friendly still unto them: and so they came to Jerusalem, the feast of the weeks approaching.<pb/>


text:
At which time Dositheus, one of Bacenor’s company, who was on horseback, and a strong man, was still upon Gorgias, and taking hold of his coat drew him by force; and when he would have taken that cursed man alive, a horseman of Thracia coming upon him smote off his shoulder, so that Gorgias fled unto Marisa.<pb/>


text:
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 and leader of the battle.<pb/>


text:
And with that he began in his own language, and sung psalms with a loud voice, and rushing unawares upon Gorgias’ men, he put them to flight.<pb/>


text:
So Judas gathered his host, and came into the city of Odollam, And when the seventh day came, they purified themselves, as the custom was, and kept the sabbath in the same place.<pb/>


text:
And upon the day following, as the use had been, Judas and his company came to take up the bodies of them that were slain, and to bury them with their kinsmen in their fathers’ graves.<pb/>


text:
Now under the coats of every one that was slain they found things consecrated to the idols of the Jamnites, which is forbidden the Jews by the law. Then every man saw that this was the cause wherefore they were slain.<pb/>


text:
All men therefore praising the Lord, the righteous Judge, who had opened the things that were hid,<pb/>


text:
Betook themselves unto prayer, and besought him that the sin committed might wholly be put out of remembrance. Besides, that noble Judas exhorted the people to keep themselves from sin, forsomuch as they saw before their eyes the things that came to pass for the sins of those that were slain.<pb/>


text:
And when he had made a gathering throughout the company to the sum of two thousand 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 the resurrection:<pb/>


text:
For if he had not hoped that they that were slain should have risen again, it had been superfluous and vain to pray for the dead.<pb/>


text:
And also in that he perceived that there was great favour laid up for those that died godly, it was an holy and good thought. Whereupon he made a reconciliation for the dead, that they might be delivered from sin.<pb/>


text:
In the hundred forty and ninth year it was told Judas, that Antiochus Eupator was coming with a great power into Judea,<pb/>


text:
And with him Lysias his protector, and ruler of his affairs, having either of them a Grecian power of footmen, an hundred and ten thousand, and horsemen five thousand and three hundred, and elephants two and twenty, and three hundred chariots armed with hooks.<pb/>


text:
Menelaus also joined himself with them, and with great dissimulation encouraged Antiochus, not for the safeguard of the country, but because he thought to have been made governor.<pb/>


text:
But the King of kings moved Antiochus’ mind against this wicked wretch, and Lysias informed the king that this man was the cause of all mischief, so that the king commanded to bring him unto Berea, and to put him to death, as the manner is in that place.<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
And whosoever was condemned of sacrilege, or had committed any other grievous crime, there did all men thrust him unto death.<pb/>


text:
Such a death it happened that wicked man to die, not having so much as burial in the earth; and that most justly:<pb/>


text:
For inasmuch as he had committed many sins about the altar, whose fire and ashes were holy, he received his death in ashes.<pb/>


text:
Now the king came with a barbarous and haughty mind to do far worse to the Jews, than had been done in his father’s time.<pb/>


text:
Which things when Judas perceived, he commanded the multitude to call upon the Lord night and day, that if ever at any other time, he would now also help them, being at the point to be put from their law, from their country, and from the holy temple:<pb/>


text:
And that he would not suffer the people, that had even now been but a little refreshed, to be in subjection to the blasphemous nations.<pb/>


text:
So when they had all done this together, and besought the merciful Lord with weeping and fasting, and lying flat upon the ground three days long, Judas, having exhorted them, commanded they should be in a readiness.<pb/>


text:
And Judas, being apart with the elders, determined, before the king’s host should enter into Judea, and get the city, to go forth and try the matter in fight by the help of the Lord.<pb/>


text:
So when he had committed all to the Creator of the world, and exhorted his soldiers to fight manfully, even unto death, for the laws, the temple, the city, the country, and the commonwealth, he camped by Modin:<pb/>


text:
And having given the watchword to them that were about him, Victory is of God; with the most valiant and choice young men he went in into the king’s tent by night, and slew in the camp about four thousand men, and the chiefest of the elephants, with all that were upon him.<pb/>


text:
Now when the king had taken a taste of the manliness of the Jews, he went about to take the holds by policy,<pb/>


text:
And marched toward Bethsura, which was a strong hold of the Jews: but he was put to flight, failed, and lost of his men:<pb/>


text:
But Rhodocus, who was in the Jews’ host, disclosed the secrets to the enemies; therefore he was sought out, and when they had gotten him, they put him in prison.<pb/>


text:
The king treated with them in Bethsum the second time, gave his hand, took their’s, departed, fought with Judas, was overcome;<pb/>


text:
Heard that Philip, who was left over the affairs in Antioch, was desperately bent, confounded, intreated the Jews, submitted himself, and sware to all equal conditions, agreed with them, and offered sacrifice, honoured the temple, and dealt kindly with the place,<pb/>


text:
And accepted well of Maccabeus, made him principal governor from Ptolemais unto the Gerrhenians;<pb/>


text:
Came to Ptolemais: the people there were grieved for the covenants; for they stormed, because they would make their covenants void:<pb/>


text:
Lysias went up to the judgment seat, said as much as could be in defence of the cause, persuaded, pacified, made them well affected, returned to Antioch. Thus it went touching the king’s coming and departing.<pb/>


text:
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,<pb/>


text:
Now one Alcimus, who had been high priest, and had defiled himself wilfully in the times of their mingling with the Gentiles, seeing that by no means he could save himself, nor have any more access to the holy altar,<pb/>


text:
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 which were used solemnly in the temple: and so that day he held his peace.<pb/>


text:
Howbeit having gotten opportunity to further his foolish enterprize, and being called into counsel by Demetrius, and asked how the Jews stood affected, and what they intended, he answered thereunto:<pb/>


text:
Those of the Jews that he called Assideans, whose captain is Judas Maccabeus, nourish war and are seditious, and will not let the rest be in peace.<pb/>


text:
Therefore I, being deprived of mine ancestors’ honour, I mean the high priesthood, am now come hither:<pb/>


text:
First, verily for the unfeigned care I have of things pertaining to the king; and secondly, even for that I intend the good of mine own countrymen: for all our nation is in no small misery through the unadvised dealing of them aforersaid.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore, O king, seeing knowest all these things, be careful for the country, and our nation, which is pressed on every side, according to the clemency that thou readily shewest unto all.<pb/>


text:
This was no sooner spoken of him, but others of the king’s friends, being maliciously set against Judas, did more incense Demetrius.<pb/>


text:
And forthwith calling Nicanor, who had been master of the elephants, and making him governor over Judea, he sent him forth,<pb/>


text:
Commanding him to slay Judas, and to scatter them that were with him, and to make Alcimus high priest of the great temple.<pb/>


text:
Then the heathen, that had fled out of Judea from Judas, came to Nicanor by flocks, thinking the harm and calamities of the Jews to be their welfare.<pb/>


text:
Now when the Jews heard of Nicanor’s coming, and that the heathen were up against them, they cast earth upon their heads, and made supplication to him that had established his people for ever, and who always helpeth his portion with manifestation of his presence.<pb/>


text:
So at the commandment of the captain they removed straightways from thence, and came near unto them at the town of Dessau.<pb/>


text:
Now Simon, Judas’ brother, had joined battle with Nicanor, but was somewhat discomfited through the sudden silence of his enemies.<pb/>


text:
Nevertheless Nicanor, hearing of the manliness of them that were with Judas, and the courageousness that they had to fight for their country, durst not try the matter by the sword.<pb/>


text:
So when they had taken long advisement thereupon, and the captain had made the multitude acquainted therewith, and it appeared that they were all of one mind, they consented to the covenants,<pb/>


text:
And appointed a day to meet in together by themselves: and when the day came, and stools were set for either of them,<pb/>


text:
Ludas placed armed men ready in convenient places, lest some treachery should be suddenly practised by the enemies: so they made a peaceable conference.<pb/>


text:
Now Nicanor abode in Jerusalem, and did no hurt, but sent away the people that came flocking unto him.<pb/>


text:
He prayed him also to take a wife, and to beget children: so he married, was quiet, and took part of this life.<pb/>


text:
But Alcimus, perceiving the love that was betwixt them, and considering the covenants that were made, came to Demetrius, and told him that Nicanor was not well affected toward the state; for that he had ordained Judas, a traitor to his realm, to be the king’s successor.<pb/>


text:
Then the king being in a rage, and provoked with the accusations of the most wicked man, wrote to Nicanor, signifying that he was much displeased with the covenants, and commanding him that he should send Maccabeus prisoner in all haste unto Antioch.<pb/>


text:
When this came to Nicanor’s hearing, he was much confounded in himself, and took it grievously that he should make void the articles which were agreed upon, the man being in no fault.<pb/>


text:
But because there was no dealing against the king, he watched his time to accomplish this thing by policy.<pb/>


text:
Notwithstanding, when Maccabeus saw that Nicanor began to be churlish unto him, and that he entreated him more roughly than he was wont, perceiving that such sour behaviour came not of good, he gathered together not a few of his men, and withdrew himself from Nicanor.<pb/>


text:
But the other, knowing that he was notably prevented by Judas’ policy, came into the great and holy temple, and commanded the priests, that were offering their usual sacrifices, to deliver him the man.<pb/>


text:
He stretched out his right hand toward the temple, and made an oath in this manner: If ye will not deliver me Judas as a prisoner, I will lay this temple of God even with the ground, and I will break down the altar, and erect a notable temple unto Bacchus.<pb/>


text:
After these words he departed. Then the priests lifted up their hands toward heaven, and besought him that was ever a defender of their nation, saying in this manner;<pb/>


text:
Thou, O Lord of all things, who hast need of nothing, wast pleased that the temple of thine habitation should be among us:<pb/>


text:
Therefore now, O holy Lord of all holiness, keep this house ever undefiled, which lately was cleansed, and stop every unrighteous mouth.<pb/>


text:
Now was there accused unto Nicanor one Razis, one of the elders of Jerusalem, a lover of his countrymen, and a man of very good report, who for his kindness was called a father of the Jews.<pb/>


text:
For in the former times, when they mingled not themselves with the Gentiles, he had been accused of Judaism, and did boldly jeopard his body and life with all vehemency for the religion of the Jews.<pb/>


text:
So Nicanor, willing to declare the hate that he bare unto the Jews, sent above five hundred men of war to take him:<pb/>


text:
Now when the multitude would have taken the tower, and violently broken into the outer door, and bade that fire should be brought to burn it, he being ready to be taken on every side fell upon his sword;<pb/>


text:
Choosing rather to die manfully, than to come into the hands of the wicked, to be abused otherwise than beseemed his noble birth:<pb/>


text:
But missing his stroke through haste, the multitude also rushing within the doors, he ran boldly up to the wall, and cast himself down manfully among the thickest of them.<pb/>


text:
But they quickly giving back, and a space being made, he fell down into the midst of the void place.<pb/>


text:
Nevertheless, while there was yet breath within him, being inflamed with anger, he rose up; and though his blood gushed out like spouts of water, and his wounds were grievous, yet he ran through the midst of the throng; and standing upon a steep rock,<pb/>


text:
When as his blood was now quite gone, he plucked out his bowels, and taking them in both his hands, he cast them upon the throng, and calling upon the Lord of life and spirit to restore him those again, he thus died.<pb/>


text:
But Nicanor, hearing that Judas and his company were in the strong places about Samaria, resolved without any danger to set upon them on the sabbath day.<pb/>


text:
Nevertheless the Jews that were compelled to go with him said, O destroy not so cruelly and barbarously, but give honour to that day, which he, that seeth all things, hath honoured with holiness above all other days.<pb/>


text:
Then the most ungracious wretch demanded, if there were a Mighty one in heaven, that had commanded the sabbath day to be kept.<pb/>


text:
And when they said, There is in heaven a living Lord, and mighty, who commanded the seventh day to be kept:<pb/>


text:
Then said the other, And I also am mighty upon earth, and I command to take arms, and to do the king’s business. Yet he obtained not to have his wicked will done.<pb/>


text:
So Nicanor in exceeding pride and haughtiness determined to set up a publick monument of his victory over Judas and them that were with him.<pb/>


text:
Wherefore he exhorted his people not to fear the coming of the heathen against them, but to remember the help which in former times they had received from heaven, and now to expect the victory and aid, which should come unto them from the Almighty.<pb/>


text:
And so comforting them out of the law and the prophets, and withal putting them in mind of the battles that they won afore, he made them more cheerful.<pb/>


text:
And when he had stirred up their minds, he gave them their charge, shewing them therewithall the falsehood of the heathen, and the breach of oaths.<pb/>


text:
Thus he armed every one of them, not so much with defence of shields and spears, as with comfortable and good words: and beside that, he told them a dream worthy to be believed, as if it had been so indeed, which did not a little rejoice them.<pb/>


text:
And this was his vision: That Onias, who had been high priest, a virtuous and a good man, reverend in conversation, gentle in condition, well spoken also, and exercised from a child in all points of virtue, holding up his hands prayed for the whole body of the Jews.<pb/>


text:
This done, in like manner there appeared a man with gray hairs, and exceeding glorious, who was of a wonderful and excellent majesty.<pb/>


text:
Then Onias answered, saying, This is a lover of the brethren, who prayeth much for the people, and for the holy city, to wit, Jeremias the prophet of God.<pb/>


text:
Whereupon Jeremias holding forth his right hand gave to Judas a sword of gold, and in giving it spake thus,<pb/>


text:
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 young men, they determined not to pitch camp, but courageously to set upon them, and manfully to try the matter by conflict, because the city and the sanctuary and the temple were in danger.<pb/>


text:
For the care that they took for their wives, and their children, their brethren, and folks, was in least account with them: but the greatest and principal fear was for the holy temple.<pb/>


text:
Also they that were in the city took not the least care, being troubled for the conflict abroad.<pb/>


text:
And now, when as all looked what should be the trial, and the enemies were already come near, and the army was set in array, and the beasts conveniently placed, and the horsemen set in wings,<pb/>


text:
Maccabeus seeing the coming of the multitude, and the divers preparations of armour, and the fierceness of the beasts, stretched out his hands toward heaven, and called upon the Lord that worketh wonders, knowing that victory cometh not by arms, but even as it seemeth good to him, he giveth it to such as are worthy:<pb/>


text:
Therefore in his prayer he said after this manner; O Lord, thou didst send thine angel in the time of Ezekias king of Judea, and didst slay in the host of Sennacherib an hundred fourscore and five thousand:<pb/>


text:
Wherefore now also, O Lord of heaven, send a good angel before us for a fear and dread unto them;<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
So that fighting with their hands, and praying unto God with their hearts, they slew no less than thirty and five thousand men: for through the appearance of God they were greatly cheered.<pb/>


text:
Now when the battle was done, returning again with joy, they knew that Nicanor lay dead in his harness.<pb/>


text:
And Judas, who was ever the chief defender of the citizens both in body and 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.<pb/>


text:
So when he was there, and called them of his nation together, and set the priests before the altar, he sent for them that were of the tower,<pb/>


text:
And shewed them vile Nicanor’s head, and the hand of that blasphemer, which with proud brags he had stretched out against the holy temple of the Almighty.<pb/>


text:
And when he had cut out the tongue of that ungodly Nicanor, he commanded that they should give it by pieces unto the fowls, and hang up the reward of his madness before the temple.<pb/>


text:
So every man praised toward the heaven the glorious Lord, saying, Blessed be he that hath kept his own place undefiled.<pb/>


text:
He hanged also Nicanor’s head upon the tower, an evident and manifest sign unto all of the help of the Lord.<pb/>


text:
And they ordained all with a common decree in no case to let that day pass without solemnity, but to celebrate the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which in the Syrian tongue is called Adar, the day before Mardocheus’ day.<pb/>


text:
Thus went it with Nicanor: and from that time forth the Hebrews had the city in their power. And here will I make an end.<pb/>


text:
And if I have done well, and as is fitting the story, it is that which I desired: but if slenderly and meanly, it is that which I could attain unto.<pb/>


text:
For as it is hurtful to drink wine or water alone; and as wine mingled with water is pleasant, and delighteth the taste: even so speech finely framed delighteth the ears of them that read the story. And here shall be an end.


text:
The second book of the prophet Esdras, the son of Saraias, the son of Azarias, the son of Helchias, the son of Sadamias, the son of Sadoc, the son of Achitob,<pb/>


text:
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 Arna, the son of Ozias, the son of Borith, the son of Abisei, the son of Phinees, the son of Eleazar,<pb/>


text:
The son of Aaron, of the tribe of Levi; which was captive in the land of the Medes, in the reign of Artexerxes king of the Persians.<pb/>


text:
Go thy way, and shew my people their sinful deeds, and their children their wickedness which they have done against me; that they may tell their children’s children:<pb/>


text:
Because the sins of their fathers are increased in them: for they have forgotten me, and have offered unto strange gods.<pb/>


text:
Am not I even he that brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage? but they have provoked me unto wrath, and despised my counsels.<pb/>


text:
Pull thou off then the hair of thy head, and cast all evil upon them, for they have not been obedient unto my law, but it is a rebellious people.<pb/>


text:
Many kings have I destroyed for their sakes; Pharaoh with his servants and all his power have I smitten down.<pb/>


text:
All the nations have I destroyed before them, and in the east I have scattered the people of two provinces, even of Tyrus and Sidon, and have slain all their enemies.<pb/>


text:
I led you through the sea and in the beginning gave you a large and safe passage; I gave you Moses for a leader, and Aaron for a priest.<pb/>


text:
I gave you light in a pillar of fire, and great wonders have I done among you; yet have ye forgotten me, saith the Lord.<pb/>


text:
Thus saith the Almighty Lord, The quails were as a token to you; I gave you tents for your safeguard: nevertheless ye murmured there,<pb/>


text:
And triumphed not in my name for the destruction of your enemies, but ever to this day do ye yet murmur.<pb/>


text:
Where are the benefits that I have done for you? when ye were hungry and thirsty in the wilderness, did ye not cry unto me,<pb/>


text:
Saying, Why hast thou brought us into this wilderness to kill us? it had been better for us to have served the Egyptians, than to die in this wilderness.<pb/>


text:
When ye were thirsty, did I not cleave the rock, and waters flowed out to your fill? for the heat I covered you with the leaves of the trees.<pb/>


text:
I divided among you a fruitful land, I cast out the Canaanites, the Pherezites, and the Philistines, before you: what shall I yet do more for you? saith the Lord.<pb/>


text:
Thus saith the Almighty Lord, When ye were in the wilderness, in the river of the Amorites, being athirst, and blaspheming my name,<pb/>


text:
I gave you not fire for your blasphemies, but cast a tree in the water, and made the river sweet.<pb/>


text:
What shall I do unto thee, O Jacob? thou, Juda, wouldest not obey me: I will turn me to other nations, and unto those will I give my name, that they may keep my statutes.<pb/>


text:
Seeing ye have forsaken me, I will forsake you also; when ye desire me to be gracious unto you, I shall have no mercy upon you.<pb/>


text:
Whensoever ye shall call upon me, I will not hear you: for ye have defiled your hands with blood, and your feet are swift to commit manslaughter.<pb/>


text:
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,<pb/>


text:
That ye would be my people, and I should be your God; that ye would be my children, and I should be your father?<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
When ye offer unto me, I will turn my face from you: for your solemn feastdays, your new moons, and your circumcisions, have I forsaken.<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
Thus saith the Almighty Lord, Your house is desolate, I will cast you out as the wind doth stubble.<pb/>


text:
And your children shall not be fruitful; for they have despised my commandment, and done the thing that is an evil before me.<pb/>


text:
Your houses will I give to a people that shall come; which not having heard of me yet shall believe me; to whom I have shewed no signs, yet they shall do that I have commanded them.<pb/>


text:
They have seen no prophets, yet they shall call their sins to remembrance, and acknowledge them.<pb/>


text:
I take to witness the grace of the people to come, whose little ones rejoice in gladness: and though they have not seen me with bodily eyes, yet in spirit they believe the thing that I say.<pb/>


text:
Unto whom I will give for leaders, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Oseas, Amos, and Micheas, Joel, Abdias, and Jonas,<pb/>


text:
Nahum, and Abacuc, Sophonias, Aggeus, Zachary, and Malachy, which is called also an angel of the Lord.<pb/>


text:
Thus saith the Lord, I brought this people out of bondage, and I gave them my commandments by my servants the prophets; whom they would not hear, but despised my counsels.<pb/>


text:
The mother that bare them saith unto them, Go your way, ye children; for I am a widow and forsaken.<pb/>


text:
I brought you up with gladness; but with sorrow and heaviness have I lost you: for ye have sinned before the Lord your God, and done that thing that is evil before him.<pb/>


text:
But what shall I now do unto you? I am a widow and forsaken: go your way, O my children, and ask mercy of the Lord.<pb/>


text:
As for me, O father, I call upon thee for a witness over the mother of these children, which would not keep my covenant,<pb/>


text:
That thou bring them to confusion, and their mother to a spoil, that there may be no offspring of them.<pb/>


text:
Let them be scattered abroad among the heathen, let their names be put out of the earth: for they have despised my covenant.<pb/>


text:
Woe be unto thee, Assur, thou that hidest the unrighteous in thee! O thou wicked people, remember what I did unto Sodom and Gomorrha;<pb/>


text:
Whose land lieth in clods of pitch and heaps of ashes: even so also will I do unto them that hear me not, saith the Almighty Lord.<pb/>


text:
Thus saith the Lord unto Esdras, Tell my people that I will give them the kingdom of Jerusalem, which I would have given unto Israel.<pb/>


text:
Their glory also will I take unto me, and give these the everlasting tabernacles, which I had prepared for them.<pb/>


text:
They shall have the tree of life for an ointment of sweet savour; they shall neither labour, nor be weary.<pb/>


text:
Go, and ye shall receive: pray for few days unto you, that they may be shortened: the kingdom is already prepared for you: watch.<pb/>


text:
Take heaven and earth to witness; for I have broken the evil in pieces, and created the good: for I live, saith the Lord.<pb/>


text:
Mother, embrace thy children, and bring them up with gladness, make their feet as fast as a pillar: for I have chosen thee, saith the Lord.<pb/>


text:
And those that be dead will I raise up again from their places, and bring them out of the graves: for I have known my name in Israel.<pb/>


text:
For thy help will I send my servants Esay and Jeremy, after whose counsel I have sanctified and prepared for thee twelve trees laden with divers fruits,<pb/>


text:
And as many fountains flowing with milk and honey, and seven mighty mountains, whereupon there grow roses and lilies, whereby I will fill thy children with joy.<pb/>


text:
Do right to the widow, judge for the fatherless, give to the poor, defend the orphan, clothe the naked,<pb/>


text:
Heal the broken and the weak, laugh not a lame man to scorn, defend the maimed, and let the blind man come into the sight of my clearness.<pb/>


text:
Wheresoever thou findest the dead, take them and bury them, and I will give thee the first place in my resurrection.<pb/>


text:
As for the servants whom I have given thee, there shall not one of them perish; for I will require them from among thy number.<pb/>


text:
Be not weary: for when the day of trouble and heaviness cometh, others shall weep and be sorrowful, but thou shalt be merry and have abundance.<pb/>


text:
The heathen shall envy thee, but they shall be able to do nothing against thee, saith the Lord.<pb/>


text:
Remember thy children that sleep, for I shall bring them out of the sides of the earth, and shew mercy unto them: for I am merciful, saith the Lord Almighty.<pb/>


text:
Embrace thy children until I come and shew mercy unto them: for my wells run over, and my grace shall not fail.<pb/>


text:
I Esdras received a charge of the Lord upon the mount Oreb, that I should go unto Israel; but when I came unto them, they set me at nought, and despised the commandment of the Lord.<pb/>


text:
And therefore I say unto you, O ye heathen, that hear and understand, look for your Shepherd, he shall give you everlasting rest; for he is nigh at hand, that shall come in the end of the world.<pb/>


text:
Be ready to the reward of the kingdom, for the everlasting light shall shine upon you for evermore.<pb/>


text:
Flee the shadow of this world, receive the joyfulness of your glory: I testify my Saviour openly.<pb/>


text:
O receive the gift that is given you, and be glad, giving thanks unto him that hath led you to the heavenly kingdom.<pb/>


text:
Which are departed from the shadow of the world, and have received glorious garments of the Lord.<pb/>


text:
Take thy number, O Sion, and shut up those of thine that are clothed in white, which have fulfilled the law of the Lord.<pb/>


text:
The number of thy children, whom thou longedst for, is fulfilled: beseech the power of the Lord, that thy people, which have been called from the beginning, may be hallowed.<pb/>


text:
I Esdras saw upon the mount Sion a great people, whom I could not number, and they all praised the Lord with songs.<pb/>


text:
And in the midst of them there was a young man of a high stature, taller than all the rest, and upon every one of their heads he set crowns, and was more exalted; which I marvelled at greatly.<pb/>


text:
He answered and said unto me, These be they that have put off the mortal clothing, and put on the immortal, and have confessed the name of God: now are they crowned, and receive palms.<pb/>


text:
Then said I unto the angel, What young person is it that crowneth them, and giveth them palms in their hands?<pb/>


text:
So he answered and said unto me, It is the Son of God, whom they have confessed in the world. Then began I greatly to commend them that stood so stiffly for the name of the Lord.<pb/>


text:
Then the angel said unto me, Go thy way, and tell my people what manner of things, and how great wonders of the Lord thy God, thou hast seen.<pb/>


text:
In the thirtieth year after the ruin of the city I was in Babylon, and lay troubled upon my bed, and my thoughts came up over my heart:<pb/>


text:
And my spirit was sore moved, so that I began to speak words full of fear to the most High, and said,<pb/>


text:
O Lord, who bearest rule, thou spakest at the beginning, when thou didst plant the earth, and that thyself alone, and commandedst the people,<pb/>


text:
And gavest a body unto Adam without soul, which was the workmanship of thine hands, and didst breathe into him the breath of life, and he was made living before thee.<pb/>


text:
And thou leadest him into paradise, which thy right hand had planted, before ever the earth came forward.<pb/>


text:
And unto him thou gavest commandment to love thy way: which he transgressed, and immediately thou appointedst death in him and in his generations, of whom came nations, tribes, people, and kindreds, out of number.<pb/>


text:
And every people walked after their own will, and did wonderful things before thee, and despised thy commandments.<pb/>


text:
And again in process of time thou broughtest the flood upon those that dwelt in the world, and destroyedst them.<pb/>


text:
Nevertheless one of them thou leftest, namely, Noah with his household, of whom came all righteous men.<pb/>


text:
And it happened, that when they that dwelt upon the earth began to multiply, and had gotten them many children, and were a great people, they began again to be more ungodly than the first.<pb/>


text:
Now when they lived so wickedly before thee, thou didst choose thee a man from among them, whose name was Abraham.<pb/>


text:
And madest an everlasting covenant with him, promising him that thou wouldest never forsake his seed.<pb/>


text:
And unto him thou gavest Isaac, and unto Isaac also thou gavest Jacob and Esau. As for Jacob, thou didst choose him to thee, and put by Esau: and so Jacob became a great multitude.<pb/>


text:
And it came to pass, that when thou leadest his seed out of Egypt, thou broughtest them up to the mount Sinai.<pb/>


text:
And bowing the heavens, thou didst set fast the earth, movedst the whole world, and madest the depths to tremble, and troubledst the men of that age.<pb/>


text:
And thy glory went through four gates, of fire, and of earthquake, and of wind, and of cold; that thou mightest give the law unto the seed of Jacob, and diligence unto the generation of Israel.<pb/>


text:
And yet tookest thou not away from them a wicked heart, that thy law might bring forth fruit in them.<pb/>


text:
For the first Adam bearing a wicked heart transgressed, and was overcome; and so be all they that are born of him.<pb/>


text:
Thus infirmity was made permanent; and the law (also) in the heart of the people with the malignity of the root; so that the good departed away, and the evil abode still.<pb/>


text:
So the times passed away, and the years were brought to an end: then didst thou raise thee up a servant, called David:<pb/>


text:
Whom thou commandedst to build a city unto thy name, and to offer incense and oblations unto thee therein.<pb/>


text:
And in all things did even as Adam and all his generations had done: for they also had a wicked heart:<pb/>


text:
Are their deeds then any better that inhabit Babylon, that they should therefore have the dominion over Sion?<pb/>


text:
For when I came thither, and had seen impieties without number, then my soul saw many evildoers in this thirtieth year, so that my heart failed me.<pb/>


text:
For I have seen how thou sufferest them sinning, and hast spared wicked doers: and hast destroyed thy people, and hast preserved thine enemies, and hast not signified it.<pb/>


text:
Or is there any other people that knoweth thee beside Israel? or what generation hath so believed thy covenants as Jacob?<pb/>


text:
And yet their reward appeareth not, and their labour hath no fruit: for I have gone here and there through the heathen, and I see that they flow in wealth, and think not upon thy commandments.<pb/>


text:
Weigh thou therefore our wickedness now in the balance, and their’s also that dwell the world; and so shall thy name no where be found but in Israel.<pb/>


text:
Or when was it that they which dwell upon the earth have not sinned in thy sight? or what people have so kept thy commandments?<pb/>


text:
And said, Thy heart hath gone to far in this world, and thinkest thou to comprehend the way of the most High?<pb/>


text:
Then said I, Yea, my lord. And he answered me, and said, I am sent to shew thee three ways, and to set forth three similitudes before thee:<pb/>


text:
Whereof if thou canst declare me one, I will shew thee also the way that thou desirest to see, and I shall shew thee from whence the wicked heart cometh.<pb/>


text:
And I said, Tell on, my lord. Then said he unto me, Go thy way, weigh me the weight of the fire, or measure me the blast of the wind, or call me again the day that is past.<pb/>


text:
Then answered I and said, What man is able to do that, that thou shouldest ask such things of me?<pb/>


text:
And he said unto me, If I should ask thee how great dwellings are in the midst of the sea, or how many springs are in the beginning of the deep, or how many springs are above the firmament, or which are the outgoings of paradise:<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
Nevertheless now have I asked thee but only of the fire and wind, and of the day wherethrough thou hast passed, and of things from which thou canst not be separated, and yet canst thou give me no answer of them.<pb/>


text:
He said moreover unto me, Thine own things, and such as are grown up with thee, canst thou not know;<pb/>


text:
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 that is evident in my sight?<pb/>


text:
Then said I unto him, It were better that we were not at all, than that we should live still in wickedness, and to suffer, and not to know wherefore.<pb/>


text:
And said, Come, let us go and make war against the sea that it may depart away before us, and that we may make us more woods.<pb/>


text:
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 us another country.<pb/>


text:
The thought of the floods of the sea came likewise to nought, for the sand stood up and stopped them.<pb/>


text:
If thou wert judge now betwixt these two, whom wouldest thou begin to justify? or whom wouldest thou condemn?<pb/>


text:
I answered and said, Verily it is a foolish thought that they both have devised, for the ground is given unto the wood, and the sea also hath his place to bear his floods.<pb/>


text:
Then answered he me, and said, Thou hast given a right judgment, but why judgest thou not thyself also?<pb/>


text:
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 is upon the earth: and he that dwelleth above the heavens may only understand the things that are above the height of the heavens.<pb/>


text:
For it was not my mind to be curious of the high things, but of such as pass by us daily, namely, wherefore Israel is given up as a reproach to the heathen, and for what cause the people whom thou hast loved is given over unto ungodly nations, and why the law of our forefathers is brought to nought, and the written covenants come to none effect,<pb/>


text:
And we pass away out of the world as grasshoppers, and our life is astonishment and fear, and we are not worthy to obtain mercy.<pb/>


text:
Then answered he me, and said, The more thou searchest, the more thou shalt marvel; for the world hasteth fast to pass away,<pb/>


text:
And cannot comprehend the things that are promised to the righteous in time to come: for this world is full of unrighteousness and infirmities.<pb/>


text:
But as concerning the things whereof thou askest me, I will tell thee; for the evil is sown, but the destruction thereof is not yet come.<pb/>


text:
If therefore that which is sown be not turned upside down, and if the place where the evil is sown pass not away, then cannot it come that is sown with good.<pb/>


text:
For the grain of evil seed hath been sown in the heart of Adam from the beginning, and how much ungodliness hath it brought up unto this time? and how much shall it yet bring forth until the time of threshing come?<pb/>


text:
Ponder now by thyself, how great fruit of wickedness the grain of evil seed hath brought forth.<pb/>


text:
And when the ears shall be cut down, which are without number, how great a floor shall they fill?<pb/>


text:
Then I answered and said, How, and when shall these things come to pass? wherefore are our years few and evil?<pb/>


text:
And he answered me, saying, Do not thou hasten above the most Highest: for thy haste is in vain to be above him, for thou hast much exceeded.<pb/>


text:
Did not the souls also of the righteous ask question of these things in their chambers, saying, How long shall I hope on this fashion? when cometh the fruit of the floor of our reward?<pb/>


text:
And unto these things Uriel the archangel gave them answer, and said, Even when the number of seeds is filled in you: for he hath weighed the world in the balance.<pb/>


text:
By measure hath he measured the times; and by number hath he numbered the times; and he doth not move nor stir them, until the said measure be fulfilled.<pb/>


text:
And for our sakes peradventure it is that the floors of the righteous are not filled, because of the sins of them that dwell upon the earth.<pb/>


text:
So he answered me, and said, Go thy way to a woman with child, and ask of her when she hath fulfilled her nine months, if her womb may keep the birth any longer within her.<pb/>


text:
Then said I, No, Lord, that can she not. And he said unto me, In the grave the chambers of souls are like the womb of a woman:<pb/>


text:
For like as a woman that travaileth maketh haste to escape the necessity of the travail: even so do these places haste to deliver those things that are committed unto them.<pb/>


text:
Then answered I and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, and if it be possible, and if I be meet therefore,<pb/>


text:
And he said unto me, Stand up upon the right side, and I shall expound the similitude unto thee.<pb/>


text:
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, the smoke remained still.<pb/>


text:
After this there passed by before me a watery cloud, and sent down much rain with a storm; and when the stormy rain was past, the drops remained still.<pb/>


text:
Then said he unto me, Consider with thyself; as the rain is more than the drops, and as the fire is greater than the smoke; but the drops and the smoke remain behind: so the quantity which is past did more exceed.<pb/>


text:
Then I prayed, and said, May I live, thinkest thou, until that time? or what shall happen in those days?<pb/>


text:
He answered me, and said, As for the tokens whereof thou askest me, I may tell thee of them in part: but as touching thy life, I am not sent to shew thee; for I do not know it.<pb/>


text:
Nevertheless as coming the tokens, behold, the days shall come, that they which dwell upon earth shall be taken in a great number, and the way of truth shall be hidden, and the land shall be barren of faith.<pb/>


text:
But iniquity shall be increased above that which now thou seest, or that thou hast heard long ago.<pb/>


text:
But if the most High grant thee to live, thou shalt see after the third trumpet that the sun shall suddenly shine again in the night, and the moon thrice in the day:<pb/>


text:
And blood shall drop out of wood, and the stone shall give his voice, and the people shall be troubled:<pb/>


text:
And even he shall rule, whom they look not for that dwell upon the earth, and the fowls shall take their flight away together:<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
There shall be a confusion also in many places, and the fire shall be oft sent out again, and the wild beasts shall change their places, and menstruous women shall bring forth monsters:<pb/>


text:
And salt waters shall be found in the sweet, and all friends shall destroy one another; then shall wit hide itself, and understanding withdraw itself into his secret chamber,<pb/>


text:
And shall be sought of many, and yet not be found: then shall unrighteousness and incontinency be multiplied upon earth.<pb/>


text:
One land also shall ask another, and say, Is righteousness that maketh a man righteous gone through thee? And it shall say, No.<pb/>


text:
At the same time shall men hope, but nothing obtain: they shall labour, but their ways shall not prosper.<pb/>


text:
To shew thee such tokens I have leave; and if thou wilt pray again, and weep as now, and fast even days, thou shalt hear yet greater things.<pb/>


text:
Then I awaked, and an extreme fearfulness went through all my body, and my mind was troubled, so that it fainted.<pb/>


text:
And in the second night it came to pass, that Salathiel the captain of the people came unto me, saying, Where hast thou been? and why is thy countenance so heavy?<pb/>


text:
Up then, and eat bread, and forsake us not, as the shepherd that leaveth his flock in the hands of cruel wolves.<pb/>


text:
Then said I unto him, Go thy ways from me, and come not nigh me. And he heard what I said, and went from me.<pb/>


text:
And after seven days so it was, that the thoughts of my heart were very grievous unto me again,<pb/>


text:
And my soul recovered the spirit of understanding, and I began to talk with the most High again,<pb/>


text:
And said, O Lord that bearest rule, of every wood of the earth, and of all the trees thereof, thou hast chosen thee one only vine:<pb/>


text:
And of all lands of the whole world thou hast chosen thee one pit: and of all the flowers thereof one lily:<pb/>


text:
And of all the depths of the sea thou hast filled thee one river: and of all builded cities thou hast hallowed Sion unto thyself:<pb/>


text:
And of all the fowls that are created thou hast named thee one dove: and of all the cattle that are made thou hast provided thee one sheep:<pb/>


text:
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 of all.<pb/>


text:
And now, O Lord, why hast thou given this one people over unto many? and upon the one root hast thou prepared others, and why hast thou scattered thy only one people among many?<pb/>


text:
And they which did gainsay thy promises, and believed not thy covenants, have trodden them down.<pb/>


text:
And said unto me, Hear me, and I will instruct thee; hearken to the thing that I say, and I shall tell thee more.<pb/>


text:
And I said, Speak on, my Lord. Then said he unto me, Thou art sore troubled in mind for Israel’s sake: lovest thou that people better than he that made them?<pb/>


text:
And I said, No, Lord: but of very grief have I spoken: for my reins pain me every hour, while I labour to comprehend the way of the most High, and to seek out part of his judgment.<pb/>


text:
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 the stock of Israel?<pb/>


text:
And he said unto me, Number me the things that are not yet come, gather me together the dross that are scattered abroad, make me the flowers green again that are withered,<pb/>


text:
Open me the places that are closed, and bring me forth the winds that in them are shut up, shew me the image of a voice: and then I will declare to thee the thing that thou labourest to know.<pb/>


text:
And I said, O Lord that bearest rule, who may know these things, but he that hath not his dwelling with men?<pb/>


text:
Then said he unto me, Like as thou canst do none of these things that I have spoken of, even so canst thou not find out my judgment, or in the end the love that I have promised unto my people.<pb/>


text:
And I said, Behold, O Lord, yet art thou nigh unto them that be reserved till the end: and what shall they do that have been before me, or we that be now, or they that shall come after us?<pb/>


text:
And he said unto me, I will liken my judgment unto a ring: like as there is no slackness of the last, even so there is no swiftness of the first.<pb/>


text:
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 thy judgment the sooner?<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
And I said, As thou hast said unto thy servant, that thou, which givest life 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 be present at once.<pb/>


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


text:
Then said he unto me, Even so have I given the womb of the earth to those that be sown in it in their times.<pb/>


text:
For like as a young child may not bring forth the things that belong to the aged, even so have I disposed the world which I created.<pb/>


text:
And I asked, and said, Seeing thou hast now given me the way, I will proceed to speak before thee: for our mother, of whom thou hast told me that she is young, draweth now nigh unto age.<pb/>


text:
Say unto her, Wherefore are unto they whom thou hast now brought forth like those that were before, but less of stature?<pb/>


text:
And she shall answer thee, They that be born in the strength of youth are of one fashion, and they that are born in the time of age, when the womb faileth, are otherwise.<pb/>


text:
And so are they that come after you less than ye, as the creatures which now begin to be old, and have passed over the strength of youth.<pb/>


text:
Then said I, Lord, I beseech thee, if I have found favour in thy sight, shew thy servant by whom thou visitest thy creature.<pb/>


text:
And he said unto me, In the beginning, when the earth was made, before the borders of the world stood, or ever the winds blew,<pb/>


text:
Before the fair flowers were seen, or ever the moveable powers were established, before the innumerable multitude of angels were gathered together,<pb/>


text:
Or ever the heights of the air were lifted up, before the measures of the firmament were named, or ever the chimneys in Sion were hot,<pb/>


text:
And ere the present years were sought out, and or ever the inventions of them that now sin were turned, before they were sealed that have gathered faith for a treasure:<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
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?<pb/>


text:
And he said unto me, From Abraham unto Isaac, when Jacob and Esau were born of him, Jacob’s hand held first the heel of Esau.<pb/>


text:
I beseech thee, shew thy servant the end of thy tokens, whereof thou shewedst me part the last night.<pb/>


text:
And it shall be as it were a great motion; but the place where thou standest shall not be moved.<pb/>


text:
And therefore when it speaketh be not afraid: for the word is of the end, and the foundation of the earth is understood.<pb/>


text:
And why? because the speech of these things trembleth and is moved: for it knoweth that the end of these things must be changed.<pb/>


text:
And it happened, that when I had heard it I stood up upon my feet, and hearkened, and, behold, there was a voice that spake, and the sound of it was like the sound of many waters.<pb/>


text:
And it said, Behold, the days come, that I will begin to draw nigh, and to visit them that dwell upon the earth,<pb/>


text:
And will begin to make inquisition of them, what they be that have hurt unjustly with their unrighteousness, and when the affliction of Sion shall be fulfilled;<pb/>


text:
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:<pb/>


text:
And the children of a year old shall speak with their voices, the women with child shall bring forth untimely children of three or four months old, and they shall live, and be raised up.<pb/>


text:
And suddenly shall the sown places appear unsown, the full storehouses shall suddenly be found empty:<pb/>


text:
And the trumpet shall give a sound, which when every man heareth, they shall be suddenly afraid.<pb/>


text:
At that time shall friends fight one against another like enemies, and the earth shall stand in fear with those that dwell therein, the springs of the fountains shall stand still, and in three hours they shall not run.<pb/>


text:
Whosoever remaineth from all these that I have told thee shall escape, and see my salvation, and the end of your world.<pb/>


text:
And the men that are received shall see it, who have not tasted death from their birth: and the heart of the inhabitants shall be changed, and turned into another meaning.<pb/>


text:
As for faith, it shall flourish, corruption shall be overcome, and the truth, which hath been so long without fruit, shall be declared.<pb/>


text:
And when he talked with me, behold, I looked by little and little upon him before whom I stood.<pb/>


text:
If thou wilt pray yet more, and fast seven days again, I shall tell thee greater things by day than I have heard.<pb/>


text:
For thy voice is heard before the most High: for the Mighty hath seen thy righteous dealing, he hath seen also thy chastity, which thou hast had ever since thy youth.<pb/>


text:
And therefore hath he sent me to shew thee all these things, and to say unto thee, Be of good comfort and fear not<pb/>


text:
And hasten not with the times that are past, to think vain things, that thou mayest not hasten from the latter times.<pb/>


text:
And it came to pass after this, that I wept again, and fasted seven days in like manner, that I might fulfil the three weeks which he told me.<pb/>


text:
And in the eighth night was my heart vexed within me again, and I began to speak before the most High.<pb/>


text:
And I said, O Lord, thou spakest from the beginning of the creation, even the first day, and saidst thus; Let heaven and earth be made; and thy word was a perfect work.<pb/>


text:
And then was the spirit, and darkness and silence were on every side; the sound of man’s voice was not yet formed.<pb/>


text:
Upon the second day thou madest the spirit of the firmament, and commandedst it to part asunder, and to make a division betwixt the waters, that the one part might go up, and the other remain beneath.<pb/>


text:
Upon the third day thou didst command that the waters should be gathered in the seventh part of the earth: six parts hast thou dried up, and kept them, to the intent that of these some being planted of God and tilled might serve thee.<pb/>


text:
For immediately there was great and innumerable fruit, and many and divers pleasures for the taste, and flowers of unchangeable colour, and odours of wonderful smell: and this was done the third day.<pb/>


text:
Upon the fourth day thou commandedst that the sun should shine, and the moon give her light, and the stars should be in order:<pb/>


text:
Upon the fifth day thou saidst unto the seventh part, where the waters were gathered that it should bring forth living creatures, fowls and fishes: and so it came to pass.<pb/>


text:
For the dumb water and without life brought forth living things at the commandment of God, that all people might praise thy wondrous works.<pb/>


text:
Then didst thou ordain two living creatures, the one thou calledst Enoch, and the other Leviathan;<pb/>


text:
And didst separate the one from the other: for the seventh part, namely, where the water was gathered together, might not hold them both.<pb/>


text:
Unto Enoch thou gavest one part, which was dried up the third day, that he should dwell in the same part, wherein are a thousand hills:<pb/>


text:
But unto Leviathan thou gavest the seventh part, namely, the moist; and hast kept him to be devoured of whom thou wilt, and when.<pb/>


text:
Upon the sixth day thou gavest commandment unto the earth, that before thee it should bring forth beasts, cattle, and creeping things:<pb/>


text:
And after these, Adam also, whom thou madest lord of all thy creatures: of him come we all, and the people also whom thou hast chosen.<pb/>


text:
As for the other people, which also come of Adam, thou hast said that they are nothing, but be like unto spittle: and hast likened the abundance of them unto a drop that falleth from a vessel.<pb/>


text:
And now, O Lord, behold, these heathen, which have ever been reputed as nothing, have begun to be lords over us, and to devour us.<pb/>


text:
But we thy people, whom thou hast called thy firstborn, thy only begotten, and thy fervent lover, are given into their hands.<pb/>


text:
If the world now be made for our sakes, why do we not possess an inheritance with the world? how long shall this endure?<pb/>


text:
And when I had made an end of speaking these words, there was sent unto me the angel which had been sent unto me the nights afore:<pb/>


text:
And I said, Speak on, my God. Then said he unto me, The sea is set in a wide place, that it might be deep and great.<pb/>


text:
Who then could go into the sea to look upon it, and to rule it? if he went not through the narrow, how could he come into the broad?<pb/>


text:
There is also another thing; A city is builded, and set upon a broad field, and is full of all good things:<pb/>


text:
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:<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
If this city now were given unto a man for an inheritance, if he never shall pass the danger set before it, how shall he receive this inheritance?<pb/>


text:
Because for their sakes I made the world: and when Adam transgressed my statutes, then was decreed that now is done.<pb/>


text:
Then were the entrances of this world made narrow, full of sorrow and travail: they are but few and evil, full of perils, and very painful.<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
Now therefore why disquietest thou thyself, seeing thou art but a corruptible man? and why art thou moved, whereas thou art but mortal?<pb/>


text:
Why hast thou not considered in thy mind this thing that is to come, rather than that which is present?<pb/>


text:
Then answered I and said, O Lord that bearest rule, thou hast ordained in thy law, that the righteous should inherit these things, but that the ungodly should perish.<pb/>


text:
Nevertheless the righteous shall suffer strait things, and hope for wide: for they that have done wickedly have suffered the strait things, and yet shall not see the wide.<pb/>


text:
And he said unto me. There is no judge above God, and none that hath understanding above the Highest.<pb/>


text:
For there be many that perish in this life, because they despise the law of God that is set before them.<pb/>


text:
For God hath given strait commandment to such as came, what they should do to live, even as they came, and what they should observe to avoid punishment.<pb/>


text:
And deceived themselves by their wicked deeds; and said of the most High, that he is not; and knew not his ways:<pb/>


text:
But his law have they despised, and denied his covenants; in his statutes have they not been faithful, and have not performed his works.<pb/>


text:
Behold, the time shall come, that these tokens which I have told thee shall come to pass, and the bride shall appear, and she coming forth shall be seen, that now is withdrawn from the earth.<pb/>


text:
For my son Jesus shall be revealed with those that be with him, and they that remain shall rejoice within four hundred years.<pb/>


text:
And the world shall be turned into the old silence seven days, like as in the former judgments: so that no man shall remain.<pb/>


text:
And after seven days the world, that yet awaketh not, shall be raised up, and that shall die that is corrupt<pb/>


text:
And the earth shall restore those that are asleep in her, and so shall the dust those that dwell in silence, and the secret places shall deliver those souls that were committed unto them.<pb/>


text:
And the most High shall appear upon the seat of judgment, and misery shall pass away, and the long suffering shall have an end:<pb/>


text:
And the work shall follow, and the reward shall be shewed, and the good deeds shall be of force, and wicked deeds shall bear no rule.<pb/>


text:
Then said I, Abraham prayed first for the Sodomites, and Moses for the fathers that sinned in the wilderness:<pb/>


text:
And Samuel and David for the destruction: and Solomon for them that should come to the sanctuary:<pb/>


text:
Even so now, seeing corruption is grown up, and wickedness increased, and the righteous have prayed for the ungodly: wherefore shall it not be so now also?<pb/>


text:
He answered me, and said, This present life is not the end where much glory doth abide; therefore have they prayed for the weak.<pb/>


text:
But the day of doom shall be the end of this time, and the beginning of the immortality for to come, wherein corruption is past,<pb/>


text:
Intemperance is at an end, infidelity is cut off, righteousness is grown, and truth is sprung up.<pb/>


text:
Then shall no man be able to save him that is destroyed, nor to oppress him that hath gotten the victory.<pb/>


text:
I answered then and said, This is my first and last saying, that it had been better not to have given the earth unto Adam: or else, when it was given him, to have restrained him from sinning.<pb/>


text:
For what profit is it for men now in this present time to live in heaviness, and after death to look for punishment?<pb/>


text:
O thou Adam, what hast thou done? for though it was thou that sinned, thou art not fallen alone, but we all that come of thee.<pb/>


text:
For what profit is it unto us, if there be promised us an immortal time, whereas we have done the works that bring death?<pb/>


text:
And that there is promised us an everlasting hope, whereas ourselves being most wicked are made vain?<pb/>


text:
And that there are laid up for us dwellings of health and safety, whereas we have lived wickedly?<pb/>


text:
And that the glory of the most High is kept to defend them which have led a wary life, whereas we have walked in the most wicked ways of all?<pb/>


text:
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?<pb/>


text:
And that the faces of them which have used abstinence shall shine above the stars, whereas our faces shall be blacker than darkness?<pb/>


text:
For while we lived and committed iniquity, we considered not that we should begin to suffer for it after death.<pb/>


text:
Then answered he me, and said, This is the condition of the battle, which man that is born upon the earth shall fight;<pb/>


text:
That, if he be overcome, he shall suffer as thou hast said: but if he get the victory, he shall receive the thing that I say.<pb/>


text:
For this is the life whereof Moses spake unto the people while he lived, saying, Choose thee life, that thou mayest live.<pb/>


text:
Nevertheless they believed not him, nor yet the prophets after him, no nor me which have spoken unto them,<pb/>


text:
That there should not be such heaviness in their destruction, as shall be joy over them that are persuaded to salvation.<pb/>


text:
I answered then, and said, I know, Lord, that the most High is called merciful, in that he hath mercy upon them which are not yet come into the world,<pb/>


text:
And that he is of great mercy, for he multiplieth more and more mercies to them that are present, and that are past, and also to them which are to come.<pb/>


text:
For if he shall not multiply his mercies, the world would not continue with them that inherit therein.<pb/>


text:
And he pardoneth; for if he did not so of his goodness, that they which have committed iniquities might be eased of them, the ten thousandth part of men should not remain living.<pb/>


text:
And being judge, if he should not forgive them that are cured with his word, and put out the multitude of contentions,<pb/>


text:
And he answered me, saying, The most High hath made this world for many, but the world to come for few.<pb/>


text:
I will tell thee a similitude, Esdras; As when thou askest the earth, it shall say unto thee, that it giveth much mould whereof earthen vessels are made, but little dust that gold cometh of: even so is the course of this present world.<pb/>


text:
For thou hast agreed to give ear, and art willing to prophesy: for thou hast no longer space than only to live.<pb/>


text:
O Lord, if thou suffer not thy servant, that we may pray before thee, and thou give us seed unto our heart, and culture to our understanding, that there may come fruit of it; how shall each man live that is corrupt, who beareth the place of a man?<pb/>


text:
For when the body is fashioned now in the mother’s womb, and thou givest it members, thy creature is preserved in fire and water, and nine months doth thy workmanship endure thy creature which is created in her.<pb/>


text:
But that which keepeth and is kept shall both be preserved: and when the time cometh, the womb preserved delivereth up the things that grew in it.<pb/>


text:
For thou hast commanded out of the parts of the body, that is to say, out of the breasts, milk to be given, which is the fruit of the breasts,<pb/>


text:
That the thing which is fashioned may be nourished for a time, till thou disposest it to thy mercy.<pb/>


text:
Thou broughtest it up with thy righteousness, and nurturedst it in thy law, and reformedst it with thy judgment.<pb/>


text:
If therefore thou shalt destroy him which with so great labour was fashioned, it is an easy thing to be ordained by thy commandment, that the thing which was made might be preserved.<pb/>


text:
Now therefore, Lord, I will speak; touching man in general, thou knowest best; but touching thy people, for whose sake I am sorry;<pb/>


text:
And for thine inheritance, for whose cause I mourn; and for Israel, for whom I am heavy; and for Jacob, for whose sake I am troubled;<pb/>


text:
Therefore will I begin to pray before thee for myself and for them: for I see the falls of us that dwell in the land.<pb/>


text:
Therefore hear my voice, and understand my words, and I shall speak before thee. This is the beginning of the words of Esdras, before he was taken up: and I said,<pb/>


text:
O Lord, thou that dwellest in everlastingness which beholdest from above things in the heaven and in the air;<pb/>


text:
Whose throne is inestimable; whose glory may not be comprehended; before whom the hosts of angels stand with trembling,<pb/>


text:
Whose service is conversant in wind and fire; whose word is true, and sayings constant; whose commandment is strong, and ordinance fearful;<pb/>


text:
Whose look drieth up the depths, and indignation maketh the mountains to melt away; which the truth witnesseth:<pb/>


text:
Regard not the wicked inventions of the heathen, but the desire of those that keep thy testimonies in afflictions.<pb/>


text:
Think not upon those that have walked feignedly before thee: but remember them, which according to thy will have known thy fear.<pb/>


text:
Let it not be thy will to destroy them which have lived like beasts; but to look upon them that have clearly taught thy law.<pb/>


text:
Take thou no indignation at them which are deemed worse than beasts; but love them that always put their trust in thy righteousness and glory.<pb/>


text:
For we and our fathers do languish of such diseases: but because of us sinners thou shalt be called merciful.<pb/>


text:
For if thou hast a desire to have mercy upon us, thou shalt be called merciful, to us namely, that have no works of righteousness.<pb/>


text:
For the just, which have many good works laid up with thee, shall out of their own deeds receive reward.<pb/>


text:
For what is man, that thou shouldest take displeasure at him? or what is a corruptible generation, that thou shouldest be so bitter toward it?<pb/>


text:
For in truth them is no man among them that be born, but he hath dealt wickedly; and among the faithful there is none which hath not done amiss.<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
Then answered he me, and said, Some things hast thou spoken aright, and according unto thy words it shall be.<pb/>


text:
For indeed I will not think on the disposition of them which have sinned before death, before judgment, before destruction:<pb/>


text:
But I will rejoice over the disposition of the righteous, and I will remember also their pilgrimage, and the salvation, and the reward, that they shall have.<pb/>


text:
For as the husbandman soweth much seed upon the ground, and planteth many trees, and yet the thing that is sown good in his season cometh not up, neither doth all that is planted take root: even so is it of them that are sown in the world; they shall not all be saved.<pb/>


text:
Like as the husbandman’s seed perisheth, if it come not up, and receive not thy rain in due season; or if there come too much rain, and corrupt it:<pb/>


text:
Even so perisheth man also, which is formed with thy hands, and is called thine own image, because thou art like unto him, for whose sake thou hast made all things, and likened him unto the husbandman’s seed.<pb/>


text:
Be not wroth with us but spare thy people, and have mercy upon thine own inheritance: for thou art merciful unto thy creature.<pb/>


text:
Then answered he me, and said, Things present are for the present, and things to cometh for such as be to come.<pb/>


text:
For thou comest far short that thou shouldest be able to love my creature more than I: but I have ofttimes drawn nigh unto thee, and unto it, but never to the unrighteous.<pb/>


text:
In that thou hast humbled thyself, as it becometh thee, and hast not judged thyself worthy to be much glorified among the righteous.<pb/>


text:
For many great miseries shall be done to them that in the latter time shall dwell in the world, because they have walked in great pride.<pb/>


text:
For unto you is paradise opened, the tree of life is planted, the time to come is prepared, plenteousness is made ready, a city is builded, and rest is allowed, yea, perfect goodness and wisdom.<pb/>


text:
The root of evil is sealed up from you, weakness and the moth is hid from you, and corruption is fled into hell to be forgotten:<pb/>


text:
For when they had taken liberty, they despised the most High, thought scorn of his law, and forsook his ways.<pb/>


text:
For as the things aforesaid shalt receive you, so thirst and pain are prepared for them: for it was not his will that men should come to nought:<pb/>


text:
But they which be created have defiled the name of him that made them, and were unthankful unto him which prepared life for them.<pb/>


text:
These things have I not shewed unto all men, but unto thee, and a few like thee. Then answered I and said,<pb/>


text:
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 not shewed me.<pb/>


text:
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,<pb/>


text:
Then shalt thou understand, that it is the very same time, wherein the Highest will begin to visit the world which he made.<pb/>


text:
Then shalt thou well understand, that the most High spake of those things from the days that were before thee, even from the beginning.<pb/>


text:
For like as all that is made in the world hath a beginning and an end, and the end is manifest:<pb/>


text:
Even so the times also of the Highest have plain beginnings in wonder and powerful works, and endings in effects and signs.<pb/>


text:
And every one that shall be saved, and shall be able to escape by his works, and by faith, whereby ye have believed,<pb/>


text:
Shall be preserved from the said perils, and shall see my salvation in my land, and within my borders: for I have sanctified them for me from the beginning.<pb/>


text:
Then shall they be in pitiful case, which now have abused my ways: and they that have cast them away despitefully shall dwell in torments.<pb/>


text:
And they that have loathed my law, while they had yet liberty, and, when as yet place of repentance was open unto them, understood not, but despised it;<pb/>


text:
And therefore be thou not curious how the ungodly shall be punished, and when: but enquire how the righteous shall be saved, whose the world is, and for whom the world is created.<pb/>


text:
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 be saved:<pb/>


text:
And he answered me, saying, Like as the field is, so is also the seed; as the flowers be, such are the colours also; such as the workman is, such also is the work; and as the husbandman is himself, so is his husbandry also: for it was the time of the world.<pb/>


text:
And now when I prepared the world, which was not yet made, even for them to dwell in that now live, no man spake against me.<pb/>


text:
For then every one obeyed: but now the manners of them which are created in this world that is made are corrupted by a perpetual seed, and by a law which is unsearchable rid themselves.<pb/>


text:
So I considered the world, and, behold, there was peril because of the devices that were come into it.<pb/>


text:
And I saw, and spared it greatly, and have kept me a grape of the cluster, and a plant of a great people.<pb/>


text:
Let the multitude perish then, which was born in vain; and let my grape be kept, and my plant; for with great labour have I made it perfect.<pb/>


text:
But go into a field of flowers, where no house is builded, and eat only the flowers of the field; taste no flesh, drink no wine, but eat flowers only;)<pb/>


text:
So I went my way into the field which is called Ardath, like as he commanded me; and there I sat among the flowers, and did eat of the herbs of the field, and the meat of the same satisfied me.<pb/>


text:
O Lord, thou that shewest thyself unto us, thou wast shewed unto our fathers in the wilderness, in a place where no man treadeth, in a barren place, when they came out of Egypt.<pb/>


text:
For, behold, I sow my law in you, and it shall bring fruit in you, and ye shall be honoured in it for ever.<pb/>


text:
But our fathers, which received the law, kept it not, and observed not thy ordinances: and though the fruit of thy law did not perish, neither could it, for it was thine;<pb/>


text:
And, lo, it is a custom, when the ground hath received seed, or the sea a ship, or any vessel meat or drink, that, that being perished wherein it was sown or cast into,<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
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 a loud voice, and was much grieved in heart, and her clothes were rent, and she had ashes upon her head.<pb/>


text:
And she said unto me, Sir, let me alone, that I may bewail myself, and add unto my sorrow, for I am sore vexed in my mind, and brought very low.<pb/>


text:
She said unto me, I thy servant have been barren, and had no child, though I had an husband thirty years,<pb/>


text:
And those thirty years I did nothing else day and night, and every hour, but make my, prayer to the Highest.<pb/>


text:
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 my husband also, and all my neighbours: and we gave great honour unto the Almighty.<pb/>


text:
And it so came to pass, that when my son was entered into his wedding chamber, he fell down, and died.<pb/>


text:
Then we all overthrew the lights, and all my neighbours rose up to comfort me: so I took my rest unto the second day at night.<pb/>


text:
And it came to pass, when they had all left off to comfort me, to the end I might be quiet; then rose I up by night and fled, and came hither into this field, as thou seest.<pb/>


text:
And I do now purpose not to return into the city, but here to stay, and neither to eat nor drink, but continually to mourn and to fast until I die.<pb/>


text:
And now, seeing we all mourn and are sad, for we are all in heaviness, art thou grieved for one son?<pb/>


text:
For ask the earth, and she shall tell thee, that it is she which ought to mourn for the fall of so many that grow upon her.<pb/>


text:
For out of her came all at the first, and out of her shall all others come, and, behold, they walk almost all into destruction, and a multitude of them is utterly rooted out.<pb/>


text:
Who then should make more mourning than she, that hath lost so great a multitude; and not thou, which art sorry but for one?<pb/>


text:
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, and bare with sorrows;<pb/>


text:
But the earth not so: for the multitude present in it according to the course of the earth is gone, as it came:<pb/>


text:
Then say I unto thee, Like as thou hast brought forth with labour; even so the earth also hath given her fruit, namely, man, ever since the beginning unto him that made her.<pb/>


text:
Now therefore keep thy sorrow to thyself, and bear with a good courage that which hath befallen thee.<pb/>


text:
For if thou shalt acknowledge the determination of God to be just, thou shalt both receive thy son in time, and shalt be commended among women.<pb/>


text:
Do not so, but be counselled. by me: for how many are the adversities of Sion? be comforted in regard of the sorrow of Jerusalem.<pb/>


text:
Our psaltery is laid on the ground, our song is put to silence, our rejoicing is at an end, the light of our candlestick is put out, the ark of our covenant is spoiled, our holy things are defiled, and the name that is called upon us is almost profaned: our children are put to shame, our priests are burnt, our Levites are gone into captivity, our virgins are defiled, and our wives ravished; our righteous men carried away, our little ones destroyed, our young men are brought in bondage, and our strong men are become weak;<pb/>


text:
And, which is the greatest of all, the seal of Sion hath now lost her honour; for she is delivered into the hands of them that hate us.<pb/>


text:
And therefore shake off thy great heaviness, and put away the multitude of sorrows, that the Mighty may be merciful unto thee again, and the Highest shall give thee rest and ease from thy labour.<pb/>


text:
And it came to pass while I was talking with her, behold, her face upon a sudden shined exceedingly, and her countenance glistered, so that I was afraid of her, and mused what it might be.<pb/>


text:
And, behold, suddenly she made a great cry very fearful: so that the earth shook at the noise of the woman.<pb/>


text:
And I looked, and, behold, the woman appeared unto me no more, but there was a city builded, and a large place shewed itself from the foundations: then was I afraid, and cried with a loud voice, and said,<pb/>


text:
Where is Uriel the angel, who came unto me at the first? for he hath caused me to fall into many trances, and mine end is turned into corruption, and my prayer to rebuke.<pb/>


text:
And, lo, I lay as one that had been dead, and mine understanding was taken from me: and he took me by the right hand, and comforted me, and set me upon my feet, and said unto me,<pb/>


text:
What aileth thee? and why art thou so disquieted? and why is thine understanding troubled, and the thoughts of thine heart?<pb/>


text:
And I said, Because thou hast forsaken me, and yet I did according to thy words, and I went into the field, and, lo, I have seen, and yet see, that I am not able to express.<pb/>


text:
He answered me then, and said, Hear me, and I shall inform thee, and tell thee wherefore thou art afraid: for the Highest will reveal many secret things unto thee.<pb/>


text:
He hath seen that thy way is right: for that thou sorrowest continually for thy people, and makest great lamentation for Sion.<pb/>


text:
But now seest thou the likeness of the woman no more, but there appeared unto thee a city builded.<pb/>


text:
This woman, whom thou sawest is Sion: and whereas she said unto thee, even she whom thou seest as a city builded,<pb/>


text:
Whereas, I say, she said unto thee, that she hath been thirty years barren: those are the thirty years wherein there was no offering made in her.<pb/>


text:
But after thirty years Solomon builded the city and offered offerings: and then bare the barren a son.<pb/>


text:
And whereas she told thee that she nourished him with labour: that was the dwelling in Jerusalem.<pb/>


text:
But whereas she said unto thee, That my son coming into his marriage chamber happened to have a fail, and died: this was the destruction that came to Jerusalem.<pb/>


text:
And, behold, thou sawest her likeness, and because she mourned for her son, thou begannest to comfort her: and of these things which have chanced, these are to be opened unto thee.<pb/>


text:
For now the most High seeth that thou art grieved unfeignedly, and sufferest from thy whole heart for her, so hath he shewed thee the brightness of her glory, and the comeliness of her beauty:<pb/>


text:
For in the place wherein the Highest beginneth to shew his city, there can no man’s building be able to stand.<pb/>


text:
And therefore fear not, let not thine heart be affrighted, but go thy way in, and see the beauty and greatness of the building, as much as thine eyes be able to see:<pb/>


text:
And so shall the Highest shew thee visions of the high things, which the most High will do unto them that dwell upon the earth in the last days. So I slept that night and another, like as he commanded me.<pb/>


text:
Then saw I a dream, and, behold, there came up from the sea an eagle, which had twelve feathered wings, and three heads.<pb/>


text:
And I saw, and, behold, she spread her wings over all the earth, and all the winds of the air blew on her, and were gathered together.<pb/>


text:
And I beheld, and out of her feathers there grew other contrary feathers; and they became little feathers and small.<pb/>


text:
But her heads were at rest: the head in the midst was greater than the other, yet rested it with the residue.<pb/>


text:
Moreover I beheld, and, lo, the eagle flew with her feathers, and reigned upon earth, and over them that dwelt therein.<pb/>


text:
And I saw that all things under heaven were subject unto her, and no man spake against her, no, not one creature upon earth.<pb/>


text:
And I looked, and, behold, on the right side there arose one feather, and reigned over all the earth;<pb/>


text:
And so it was, that when it reigned, the end of it came, and the place thereof appeared no more: so the next following stood up. and reigned, and had a great time;<pb/>


text:
And it happened, that when it reigned, the end of it came also, like as the first, so that it appeared no more.<pb/>


text:
Hear thou that hast borne rule over the earth so long: this I say unto thee, before thou beginnest to appear no more,<pb/>


text:
So went it with all the residue one after another, as that every one reigned, and then appeared no more.<pb/>


text:
Then I beheld, and, lo, in process of time the feathers that followed stood up upon the right side, that they might rule also; and some of them ruled, but within a while they appeared no more:<pb/>


text:
After this I looked, and, behold, the twelve feathers appeared no more, nor the two little feathers:<pb/>


text:
And there was no more upon the eagle’s body, but three heads that rested, and six little wings.<pb/>


text:
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 four continued in their place.<pb/>


text:
And I beheld, and, lo, the feathers that were under the wing thought to set up themselves and to have the rule.<pb/>


text:
And when they so thought, behold, there awaked one of the heads that were at rest, namely, it that was in the midst; for that was greater than the two other heads.<pb/>


text:
And, behold, the head was turned with them that were with it, and did eat up the two feathers under the wing that would have reigned.<pb/>


text:
But this head put the whole earth in fear, and bare rule in it over all those that dwelt upon the earth with much oppression; and it had the governance of the world more than all the wings that had been.<pb/>


text:
And after this I beheld, and, lo, the head that was in the midst suddenly appeared no more, like as the wings.<pb/>


text:
But there remained the two heads, which also in like sort ruled upon the earth, and over those that dwelt therein.<pb/>


text:
Then I head a voice, which said unto me, Look before thee, and consider the thing that thou seest.<pb/>


text:
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,<pb/>


text:
Art not thou it that remainest of the four beasts, whom I made to reign in my world, that the end of their times might come through them?<pb/>


text:
And the fourth came, and overcame all the beasts that were past, and had power over the world with great fearfulness, and over the whole compass of the earth with much wicked oppression; and so long time dwelt he upon the earth with deceit.<pb/>


text:
For thou hast afflicted the meek, thou hast hurt the peaceable, thou hast loved liars, and destroyed the dwellings of them that brought forth fruit, and hast cast down the walls of such as did thee no harm.<pb/>


text:
The Highest also hath looked upon the proud times, and, behold, they are ended, and his abominations are fulfilled.<pb/>


text:
And therefore appear no more, thou eagle, nor thy horrible wings, nor thy wicked feathers nor thy malicious heads, nor thy hurtful claws, nor all thy vain body:<pb/>


text:
That all the earth may be refreshed, and may return, being delivered from thy violence, and that she may hope for the judgment and mercy of him that made her.<pb/>


text:
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 was small, and fill of uproar.<pb/>


text:
And I saw, and, behold, they appeared no more, and the whole body of the eagle was burnt so that the earth was in great fear: then awaked I out of the trouble and trance of my mind, and from great fear, and said unto my spirit,<pb/>


text:
Lo, yet am I weary in my mind, and very weak in my spirit; and little strength is there in me, for the great fear wherewith I was afflicted this night.<pb/>


text:
And I said, Lord that bearest rule, if I have found grace before thy sight, and if I am justified with thee before many others, and if my prayer indeed be come up before thy face;<pb/>


text:
Comfort me then, and shew me thy servant the interpretation and plain difference of this fearful vision, that thou mayest perfectly comfort my soul.<pb/>


text:
The eagle, whom thou sawest come up from the sea, is the kingdom which was seen in the vision of thy brother Daniel.<pb/>


text:
Behold, the days will come, that there shall rise up a kingdom upon earth, and it shall be feared above all the kingdoms that were before it.<pb/>


text:
As for the voice which thou heardest speak, and that thou sawest not to go out from the heads but from the midst of the body thereof, this is the interpretation:<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
And whereas thou sawest the eight small under feathers sticking to her wings, this is the interpretation:<pb/>


text:
That in him there shall arise eight kings, whose times shall be but small, and their years swift.<pb/>


text:
And two of them shall perish, the middle time approaching: four shall be kept until their end begin to approach: but two shall be kept unto the end.<pb/>


text:
In his last days shall the most High raise up three kingdoms, and renew many things therein, and they shall have the dominion of the earth,<pb/>


text:
And of those that dwell therein, with much oppression, above all those that were before them: therefore are they called the heads of the eagle.<pb/>


text:
And whereas thou sawest that the great head appeared no more, it signifieth that one of them shall die upon his bed, and yet with pain.<pb/>


text:
For the sword of the one shall devour the other: but at the last shall he fall through the sword himself.<pb/>


text:
And whereas thou sawest two feathers under the wings passing over the head that is on the right side;<pb/>


text:
It signifieth that these are they, whom the Highest hath kept unto their end: this is the small kingdom and full of trouble, as thou sawest.<pb/>


text:
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 all the words which thou hast heard;<pb/>


text:
This is the anointed, which the Highest hath kept for them and for their wickedness unto the end: he shall reprove them, and shall upbraid them with their cruelty.<pb/>


text:
For the rest of my people shall he deliver with mercy, those that have been pressed upon my borders, and he shall make them joyful until the coming of the day of judgment, whereof I have spoken unto thee from the beginning.<pb/>


text:
And teach them to the wise of the people, whose hearts thou knowest may comprehend and keep these secrets.<pb/>


text:
But wait thou here thyself yet seven days more, that it may be shewed thee, whatsoever it pleaseth the Highest to declare unto thee. And with that he went his way.<pb/>


text:
And it came to pass, when all the people saw that the seven days were past, and I not come again into the city, they gathered them all together, from the least unto the greatest, and came unto me, and said,<pb/>


text:
What have we offended thee? and what evil have we done against thee, that thou forsakest us, and sittest here in this place?<pb/>


text:
For of all the prophets thou only art left us, as a cluster of the vintage, and as a candle in a dark place, and as a haven or ship preserved from the tempest.<pb/>


text:
If thou shalt forsake us, how much better had it been for us, if we also had been burned in the midst of Sion?<pb/>


text:
For we are not better than they that died there. And they wept with a loud voice. Then answered I them, and said,<pb/>


text:
As for me, I have not forsaken you, neither am I departed from you: but am come into this place, to pray for the desolation of Sion, and that I might seek mercy for the low estate of your sanctuary.<pb/>


text:
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 of the herbs.<pb/>


text:
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 were seen under him.<pb/>


text:
And whensoever the voice went out of his mouth, all they burned that heard his voice, like as the earth faileth when it feeleth the fire.<pb/>


text:
And after this I beheld, and, lo, there was gathered together a multitude of men, out of number, from the four winds of the heaven, to subdue the man that came out of the sea<pb/>


text:
And after this I beheld, and, lo, all they which were gathered together to subdue him were sore afraid, and yet durst fight.<pb/>


text:
And, lo, as he saw the violence of the multitude that came, he neither lifted up his hand, nor held sword, nor any instrument of war:<pb/>


text:
But only I saw that he sent out of his mouth as it had been a blast of fire, and out of his lips a flaming breath, and out of his tongue he cast out sparks and tempests.<pb/>


text:
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 was prepared to fight, and burned them up every one, so that upon a sudden of an innumerable multitude nothing was to be perceived, but only dust and smell of smoke: when I saw this I was afraid.<pb/>


text:
Afterward saw I the same man come down from the mountain, and call unto him another peaceable Multitude.<pb/>


text:
And there came much people unto him, whereof some were glad, some were sorry, and some of them were bound, and other some brought of them that were offered: then was I sick through great fear, and I awaked, and said,<pb/>


text:
Thou hast shewed thy servant these wonders from the beginning, and hast counted me worthy that thou shouldest receive my prayer:<pb/>


text:
For as I conceive in mine understanding, woe unto them that shall be left in those days and much more woe unto them that are not left behind!<pb/>


text:
Now understand I the things that are laid up in the latter days, which shall happen unto them, and to those that are left behind.<pb/>


text:
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 that happen in the last days. And he answered unto me, and said,<pb/>


text:
The interpretation of the vision shall I shew thee, and I will open unto thee the thing that thou hast required.<pb/>


text:
He that shall endure the peril in that time hath kept himself: they that be fallen into danger are such as have works, and faith toward the Almighty.<pb/>


text:
This is the meaning of the vision: Whereas thou sawest a man coming up from the midst of the sea:<pb/>


text:
The same is he whom God the Highest hath kept a great season, which by his own self shall deliver his creature: and he shall order them that are left behind.<pb/>


text:
And whereas thou sawest, that out of his mouth there came as a blast of wind, and fire, and storm;<pb/>


text:
And that he held neither sword, nor any instrument of war, but that the rushing in of him destroyed the whole multitude that came to subdue him; this is the interpretation:<pb/>


text:
And one shall undertake to fight against another, one city against another, one place against another, one people against another, and one realm against another.<pb/>


text:
And the time shall be when these things shall come to pass, and the signs shall happen which I shewed thee before, and then shall my Son be declared, whom thou sawest as a man ascending.<pb/>


text:
And when all the people hear his voice, every man shall in their own land leave the battle they have one against another.<pb/>


text:
And an innumerable multitude shall be gathered together, as thou sawest them, willing to come, and to overcome him by fighting.<pb/>


text:
And Sion shall come, and shall be shewed to all men, being prepared and builded, like as thou sawest the hill graven without hands.<pb/>


text:
And this my Son shall rebuke the wicked inventions of those nations, which for their wicked life are fallen into the tempest;<pb/>


text:
And shall lay before them their evil thoughts, and the torments wherewith they shall begin to be tormented, which are like unto a flame: and he shall destroy them without labour by the law which is like unto fire.<pb/>


text:
Those are the ten tribes, which were carried away prisoners out of their own land in the time of Osea the king, whom Salmanasar the king of Assyria led away captive, and he carried them over the waters, and so came they into another land.<pb/>


text:
But they took this counsel among themselves, that they would leave the multitude of the heathen, and go forth into a further country, where never mankind dwelt,<pb/>


text:
For the most High then shewed signs for them, and held still the flood, till they were passed over.<pb/>


text:
For through that country there was a great way to go, namely, of a year and a half: and the same region is called Arsareth.<pb/>


text:
The Highest shall stay the springs of the stream again, that they may go through: therefore sawest thou the multitude with peace.<pb/>


text:
Now when he destroyeth the multitude of the nations that are gathered together, he shall defend his people that remain.<pb/>


text:
Then said I, O Lord that bearest rule, shew me this: Wherefore have I seen the man coming up from the midst of the sea?<pb/>


text:
And he said unto me, Like as thou canst neither seek out nor know the things that are in the deep of the sea: even so can no man upon earth see my Son, or those that be with him, but in the day time.<pb/>


text:
This is the interpretation of the dream which thou sawest, and whereby thou only art here lightened.<pb/>


text:
And therefore have I shewed thee the treasures of the Highest: after other three days I will speak other things unto thee, and declare unto thee mighty and wondrous things.<pb/>


text:
Then went I forth into the field, giving praise and thanks greatly unto the most High because of his wonders which he did in time;<pb/>


text:
And because he governeth the same, and such things as fall in their seasons: and there I sat three days.<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
Then said he unto me, In the bush I did manifestly reveal myself unto Moses, and talked with him, when my people served in Egypt:<pb/>


text:
And I sent him and led my people out of Egypt, and brought him up to the mount of where I held him by me a long season,<pb/>


text:
And told him many wondrous things, and shewed him the secrets of the times, and the end; and commanded him, saying,<pb/>


text:
That thou lay up in thy heart the signs that I have shewed, and the dreams that thou hast seen, and the interpretations which thou hast heard:<pb/>


text:
For thou shalt be taken away from all, and from henceforth thou shalt remain with my Son, and with such as be like thee, until the times be ended.<pb/>


text:
For the world is divided into twelve parts, and the ten parts of it are gone already, and half of a tenth part:<pb/>


text:
Now therefore set thine house in order, and reprove thy people, comfort such of them as be in trouble, and now renounce corruption,<pb/>


text:
And set aside the thoughts that are most heavy unto thee, and haste thee to flee from these times.<pb/>


text:
For look how much the world shall be weaker through age, so much the more shall evils increase upon them that dwell therein.<pb/>


text:
For the time is fled far away, and leasing is hard at hand: for now hasteth the vision to come, which thou hast seen.<pb/>


text:
Behold, Lord, I will go, as thou hast commanded me, and reprove the people which are present: but they that shall be born afterward, who shall admonish them? thus the world is set in darkness, and they that dwell therein are without light.<pb/>


text:
For thy law is burnt, therefore no man knoweth the things that are done of thee, or the work that shall begin.<pb/>


text:
But if I have found grace before thee, send the Holy Ghost into me, and I shall write all that hath been done in the world since the beginning, which were written in thy law, that men may find thy path, and that they which will live in the latter days may live.<pb/>


text:
And he answered me, saying, Go thy way, gather the people together, and say unto them, that they seek thee not for forty days.<pb/>


text:
But look thou prepare thee many box trees, and take with thee Sarea, Dabria, Selemia, Ecanus, and Asiel, these five which are ready to write swiftly;<pb/>


text:
And come hither, and I shall light a candle of understanding in thine heart, which shall not be put out, till the things be performed which thou shalt begin to write.<pb/>


text:
And when thou hast done, some things shalt thou publish, and some things shalt thou shew secretly to the wise: to morrow this hour shalt thou begin to write.<pb/>


text:
Then was the land, even the land of Sion, parted among you by lot: but your fathers, and ye yourselves, have done unrighteousness, and have not kept the ways which the Highest commanded you.<pb/>


text:
And forasmuch as he is a righteous judge, he took from you in time the thing that he had given you.<pb/>


text:
Therefore if so be that ye will subdue your own understanding, and reform your hearts, ye shall be kept alive and after death ye shall obtain mercy.<pb/>


text:
For after death shall the judgment come, when we shall live again: and then shall the names of the righteous be manifest, and the works of the ungodly shall be declared.<pb/>


text:
And the next day, behold, a voice called me, saying, Esdras, open thy mouth, and drink that I give thee to drink.<pb/>


text:
Then opened I my mouth, and, behold, he reached me a full cup, which was full as it were with water, but the colour of it was like fire.<pb/>


text:
And I took it, and drank: and when I had drunk of it, my heart uttered understanding, and wisdom grew in my breast, for my spirit strengthened my memory:<pb/>


text:
The Highest gave understanding unto the five men, and they wrote the wonderful visions of the night that were told, which they knew not: and they sat forty days, and they wrote in the day, and at night they ate bread.<pb/>


text:
And it came to pass, when the forty days were filled, that the Highest spake, saying, The first that thou hast written publish openly, that the worthy and unworthy may read it:<pb/>


text:
But keep the seventy last, that thou mayest deliver them only to such as be wise among the people:<pb/>


text:
For in them is the spring of understanding, the fountain of wisdom, and the stream of knowledge.<pb/>


text:
Behold, speak thou in the ears of my people the words of prophecy, which I will put in thy mouth, saith the Lord:<pb/>


text:
Fear not the imaginations against thee, let not the incredulity of them trouble thee, that speak against thee.<pb/>


text:
Behold, saith the Lord, I will bring plagues upon the world; the sword, famine, death, and destruction.<pb/>


text:
For wickedness hath exceedingly polluted the whole earth, and their hurtful works are fulfilled.<pb/>


text:
I will hold my tongue no more as touching their wickedness, which they profanely commit, neither will I suffer them in those things, in which they wickedly exercise themselves: behold, the innocent and righteous blood crieth unto me, and the souls of the just complain continually.<pb/>


text:
And therefore, saith the Lord, I will surely avenge them, and receive unto me all the innocent blood from among them.<pb/>


text:
Behold, my people is led as a flock to the slaughter: I will not suffer them now to dwell in the land of Egypt:<pb/>


text:
But I will bring them with a mighty hand and a stretched out arm, and smite Egypt with plagues, as before, and will destroy all the land thereof.<pb/>


text:
Egypt shall mourn, and the foundation of it shall be smitten with the plague and punishment that God shall bring upon it.<pb/>


text:
They that till the ground shall mourn: for their seeds shall fail through the blasting and hail, and with a fearful constellation.<pb/>


text:
For the sword and their destruction draweth nigh, and one people shall stand up and fight against another, and swords in their hands.<pb/>


text:
For there shall be sedition among men, and invading one another; they shall not regard their kings nor princes, and the course of their actions shall stand in their power.<pb/>


text:
For because of their pride the cities shall be troubled, the houses shall be destroyed, and men shall be afraid.<pb/>


text:
A man shall have no pity upon his neighbour, but shall destroy their houses with the sword, and spoil their goods, because of the lack of bread, and for great tribulation.<pb/>


text:
Behold, saith God, I will call together all the kings of the earth to reverence me, which are from the rising of the sun, from the south, from the east, and Libanus; to turn themselves one against another, and repay the things that they have done to them.<pb/>


text:
Like as they do yet this day unto my chosen, so will I do also, and recompense in their bosom. Thus saith the Lord God;<pb/>


text:
My right hand shall not spare the sinners, and my sword shall not cease over them that shed innocent blood upon the earth.<pb/>


text:
The fire is gone forth from his wrath, and hath consumed the foundations of the earth, and the sinners, like the straw that is kindled.<pb/>


text:
For the Lord knoweth all them that sin against him, and therefore delivereth he them unto death and destruction.<pb/>


text:
For now are the plagues come upon the whole earth and ye shall remain in them: for God shall not deliver you, because ye have sinned against him.<pb/>


text:
Where the nations of the dragons of Arabia shall come out with many chariots, and the multitude of them shall be carried as the wind upon earth, that all they which hear them may fear and tremble.<pb/>


text:
Also the Carmanians raging in wrath shall go forth as the wild boars of the wood, and with great power shall they come, and join battle with them, and shall waste a portion of the land of the Assyrians.<pb/>


text:
And then shall the dragons have the upper hand, remembering their nature; and if they shall turn themselves, conspiring together in great power to persecute them,<pb/>


text:
And from the land of the Assyrians shall the enemy besiege them, and consume some of them, and in their host shall be fear and dread, and strife among their kings.<pb/>


text:
Behold clouds from the east and from the north unto the south, and they are very horrible to look upon, full of wrath and storm.<pb/>


text:
They shall smite one upon another, and they shall smite down a great multitude of stars upon the earth, even their own star; and blood shall be from the sword unto the belly,<pb/>


text:
And there shall be great fearfulness and trembling upon earth: and they that see the wrath shall be afraid, and trembling shall come upon them.<pb/>


text:
And then shall there come great storms from the south, and from the north, and another part from the west.<pb/>


text:
And strong winds shall arise from the east, and shall open it; and the cloud which he raised up in wrath, and the star stirred to cause fear toward the east and west wind, shall be destroyed.<pb/>


text:
The great and mighty clouds shall be puffed up full of wrath, and the star, that they may make all the earth afraid, and them that dwell therein; and they shall pour out over every high and eminent place an horrible star,<pb/>


text:
Fire, and hail, and flying swords, and many waters, that all fields may be full, and all rivers, with the abundance of great waters.<pb/>


text:
And they shall break down the cities and walls, mountains and hills, trees of the wood, and grass of the meadows, and their corn.<pb/>


text:
They shall come to her, and besiege her, the star and all wrath shall they 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.<pb/>


text:
Woe be unto thee, thou wretch, because thou hast made thyself like unto her; and hast decked thy daughters in whoredom, that they might please and glory in thy lovers, which have always desired to commit whoredom with thee.<pb/>


text:
I will send plagues upon thee; widowhood, poverty, famine, sword, and pestilence, to waste thy houses with destruction and death.<pb/>


text:
And the glory of thy Power shall be dried up as a flower, the heat shall arise that is sent over thee.<pb/>


text:
Thou shalt be weakened as a poor woman with stripes, and as one chastised with wounds, so that the mighty and lovers shall not be able to receive thee.<pb/>


text:
If thou hadst not always slain my chosen, exalting the stroke of thine hands, and saying over their dead, when thou wast drunken,<pb/>


text:
Like as thou hast done unto my chosen, saith the Lord, even so shall God do unto thee, and shall deliver thee into mischief<pb/>


text:
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 in the field.<pb/>


text:
They that be in the mountains shall die of hunger, and eat their own flesh, and drink their own blood, for very hunger of bread, and thirst of water.<pb/>


text:
And in the passage they shall rush on the idle city, and shall destroy some portion of thy land, and consume part of thy glory, and shall return to Babylon that was destroyed.<pb/>


text:
And shall consume thee, and thy cities, thy land, and thy mountains; all thy woods and thy fruitful trees shall they burn up with fire.<pb/>


text:
Thy children shall they carry away captive, and, look, what thou hast, they shall spoil it, and mar the beauty of thy face.<pb/>


text:
Gird up yourselves with cloths of sack and hair, bewail your children, and be sorry; for your destruction is at hand.<pb/>


text:
May any man drive away an hungry lion in the wood? or may any one quench the fire in stubble, when it hath begun to burn?<pb/>


text:
He shall cast lightnings, and who shall not fear? he shall thunder, and who shall not be afraid?<pb/>


text:
The earth quaketh, and the foundations thereof; the sea ariseth up with waves from the deep, and the waves of it are troubled, and the fishes thereof also, before the Lord, and before the glory of his power:<pb/>


text:
For strong is his right hand that bendeth the bow, his arrows that he shooteth are sharp, and shall not miss, when they begin to be shot into the ends of the world.<pb/>


text:
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.<pb/>


text:
The beginning of sorrows and great mournings; the beginning of famine and great death; the beginning of wars, and the powers shall stand in fear; the beginning of evils! what shall I do when these evils shall come?<pb/>


text:
But for all these things they shall not turn from their wickedness, nor be always mindful of the scourges.<pb/>


text:
Behold, victuals shall be so good cheap upon earth, that they shall think themselves to be in good case, and even then shall evils grow upon earth, sword, famine, and great confusion.<pb/>


text:
For many of them that dwell upon earth shall perish of famine; and the other, that escape the hunger, shall the sword destroy.<pb/>


text:
And the dead shall be cast out as dung, and there shall be no man to comfort them: for the earth shall be wasted, and the cities shall be cast down.<pb/>


text:
For of a city there shall be ten left, and two of the field, which shall hide themselves in the thick groves, and in the clefts of the rocks.<pb/>


text:
Or as when a vineyard is gathered, there are left some clusters of them that diligently seek through the vineyard:<pb/>


text:
Even so in those days there shall be three or four left by them that search their houses with the sword.<pb/>


text:
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 shall travel therethrough.<pb/>


text:
The virgins shall mourn, having no bridegrooms; the women shall mourn, having no husbands; their daughters shall mourn, having no helpers.<pb/>


text:
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:<pb/>


text:
Even so shall not the plagues be slack to come upon the earth, and the world shall mourn, and sorrows shall come upon it on every side.<pb/>


text:
O my people, hear my word: make you ready to thy battle, and in those evils be even as pilgrims upon the earth.<pb/>


text:
He that occupieth merchandise, as he that hath no profit by it: and he that buildeth, as he that shall not dwell therein:<pb/>


text:
He that soweth, as if he should not reap: so also he that planteth the vineyard, as he that shall not gather the grapes:<pb/>


text:
For strangers shall reap their fruits, and spoil their goods, overthrow their houses, and take their children captives, for in captivity and famine shall they get children.<pb/>


text:
And they that occupy their merchandise with robbery, the more they deck their cities, their houses, their possessions, and their own persons:<pb/>


text:
So shall righteousness hate iniquity, when she decketh herself, and shall accuse her to her face, when he cometh that shall defend him that diligently searcheth out every sin upon earth.<pb/>


text:
For yet a little, and iniquity shall be taken away out of the earth, and righteousness shall reign among you.<pb/>


text:
Let not the sinner say that he hath not sinned: for God shall burn coals of fire upon his head, which saith before the Lord God and his glory, I have not sinned.<pb/>


text:
Behold, the Lord knoweth all the works of men, their imaginations, their thoughts, and their hearts:<pb/>


text:
Which spake but the word, Let the earth be made; and it was made: Let the heaven be made; and it was created.<pb/>


text:
He searcheth the deep, and the treasures thereof; he hath measured the sea, and what it containeth.<pb/>


text:
He hath shut the sea in the midst of the waters, and with his word hath he hanged the earth upon the waters.<pb/>


text:
In the desert hath he made springs of water, and pools upon the tops of the mountains, that the floods might pour down from the high rocks to water the earth.<pb/>


text:
He made man, and put his heart in the midst of the body, and gave him breath, life, and understanding.<pb/>


text:
Yea and the Spirit of Almighty God, which made all things, and searcheth out all hidden things in the secrets of the earth,<pb/>


text:
Surely he knoweth your inventions, and what ye think in your hearts, even them that sin, and would hide their sin.<pb/>


text:
And when your sins are brought forth, ye shall be ashamed before men, and your own sins shall be your accusers in that day.<pb/>


text:
Behold, God himself is the judge, fear him: leave off from your sins, and forget your iniquities, to meddle no more with them for ever: so shall God lead you forth, and deliver you from all trouble.<pb/>


text:
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 things offered unto idols.<pb/>


text:
And they that consent unto them shall be had in derision and in reproach, and trodden under foot.<pb/>


text:
For there shall be in every place, and in the next cities, a great insurrection upon those that fear the Lord.<pb/>


text:
They shall be like mad men, sparing none, but still spoiling and destroying those that fear the Lord.<pb/>


text:
Hear, O ye my beloved, saith the Lord: behold, the days of trouble are at hand, but I will deliver you from the same.<pb/>


text:
And the guide of them who keep my commandments and precepts, saith the Lord God: let not your sins weigh you down, and let not your iniquities lift up themselves.<pb/>


text:
Woe be unto them that are bound with their sins, and covered with their iniquities like as a field is covered over with bushes, and the path thereof covered with thorns, that no man may travel through!<pb/>


text:
The \w book|strong="G0976"\w* of the \w generation|strong="G1078"\w* of \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, the \w son|strong="G5207"\w* of \w David|strong="G1138"\w*, the \w son|strong="G5207"\w* of \w Abraham|strong="G0011"\w*.


text:
\w Abraham|strong="G0011"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Isaac|strong="G2464"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w Isaac|strong="G2464"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Jacob|strong="G2384"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jacob|strong="G2384"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Judas|strong="G2455"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w brethren|strong="G0080"\w*;


text:
\w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w Judas|strong="G2455"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Phares|strong="G5329"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Zara|strong="G2196"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Thamar|strong="G2283"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w Phares|strong="G5329"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Esrom|strong="G2074"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w Esrom|strong="G2074"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Aram|strong="G0689"\w*;


text:
\w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w Aram|strong="G0689"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Aminadab|strong="G0284"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w Aminadab|strong="G0284"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Naasson|strong="G3476"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w Naasson|strong="G3476"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Salmon|strong="G4533"\w*;


text:
\w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w Salmon|strong="G4533"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Booz|strong="G1003"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Rachab|strong="G4477"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w Booz|strong="G1003"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Obed|strong="G5601"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Ruth|strong="G4503"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w Obed|strong="G5601"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Jesse|strong="G2421"\w*;


text:
\w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesse|strong="G2421"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w* the \w king|strong="G0935"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w* the \w king|strong="G0935"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Solomon|strong="G4672"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w* <i>that had been the wife</i> of \w Urias|strong="G3774"\w*;


text:
\w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w Solomon|strong="G4672"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Roboam|strong="G4497"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w Roboam|strong="G4497"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Abia|strong="G0007"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w Abia|strong="G0007"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Asa|strong="G0760"\w*;


text:
\w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w Asa|strong="G0760"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Josaphat|strong="G2498"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w Josaphat|strong="G2498"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Joram|strong="G2496"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w Joram|strong="G2496"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Ozias|strong="G3604"\w*;


text:
\w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w Ozias|strong="G3604"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Joatham|strong="G2488"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w Joatham|strong="G2488"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Achaz|strong="G0881"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w Achaz|strong="G0881"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Ezekias|strong="G1478"\w*;


text:
\w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w Ezekias|strong="G1478"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Manasses|strong="G3128"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w Manasses|strong="G3128"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Amon|strong="G0300"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w Amon|strong="G0300"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Josias|strong="G2502"\w*;


text:
\w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w Josias|strong="G2502"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Jechonias|strong="G2423"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* his \w brethren|strong="G0080"\w*, about the \w time|strong="G1909"\w* \w they|strong="G0846"\w* were carried away \w to|strong="G3350"\w* \w Babylon|strong="G0897"\w*:


text:
\w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* they were brought \w to|strong="G3350"\w* \w Babylon|strong="G0897"\w*, \w Jechonias|strong="G2423"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Salathiel|strong="G4528"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w Salathiel|strong="G4528"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Zorobabel|strong="G2216"\w*;


text:
\w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w Zorobabel|strong="G2216"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Abiud|strong="G0010"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w Abiud|strong="G0010"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Eliakim|strong="G1662"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w Eliakim|strong="G1662"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Azor|strong="G0107"\w*;


text:
\w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w Azor|strong="G0107"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Sadoc|strong="G4524"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w Sadoc|strong="G4524"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Achim|strong="G0885"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w Achim|strong="G0885"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Eliud|strong="G1664"\w*;


text:
\w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w Eliud|strong="G1664"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Eleazar|strong="G1648"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w Eleazar|strong="G1648"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Matthan|strong="G3157"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w Matthan|strong="G3157"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Jacob|strong="G2384"\w*;


text:
\w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jacob|strong="G2384"\w* \w begat|strong="G1080"\w* \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w* the \w husband|strong="G0435"\w* of \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w*, \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* was \w born|strong="G1080"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, who is \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*.


text:
\w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* the \w generations|strong="G1074"\w* \w from|strong="G0575"\w* \w Abraham|strong="G0011"\w* \w to|strong="G2193"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w* <i>are</i> \w fourteen|strong="G1180"\w* \w generations|strong="G1074"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G0575"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* the carrying away \w into|strong="G3350"\w* \w Babylon|strong="G0897"\w* <i>are</i> \w fourteen|strong="G1180"\w* \w generations|strong="G1074"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G0575"\w* the carrying away \w into|strong="G3350"\w* \w Babylon|strong="G0897"\w* \w unto|strong="G2193"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* <i>are</i> \w fourteen|strong="G1180"\w* \w generations|strong="G1074"\w*.<pb/>


text:
¶ \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* the \w birth|strong="G1083"\w* of \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w was|strong="G2258"\w* on this \w wise|strong="G3779"\w*: When \w as|strong="G1063"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* was \w espoused|strong="G3423"\w* to \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w*, \w before|strong="G4250"\w* \w they|strong="G0846"\w* came \w together|strong="G4905"\w*, she was \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w with|strong="G2192"\w* \w child|strong="G1064"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G4151"\w* \w Holy|strong="G0040"\w* \w Ghost|strong="G4151"\w*.


text:
\w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w* \w her|strong="G0846"\w* \w husband|strong="G0435"\w*, \w being|strong="G5607"\w* a \w just|strong="G1342"\w* <i>man</i>, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w willing|strong="G2309"\w* to \w make|strong="G3856"\w* \w her|strong="G0846"\w* a publick \w example|strong="G3856"\w*, was \w minded|strong="G1014"\w* to \w put|strong="G0630"\w* \w her|strong="G0846"\w* \w away|strong="G0630"\w* \w privily|strong="G2977"\w*.


text:
\w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w while|strong="G1760"\w* \w he|strong="G0846"\w* thought \w on|strong="G1760"\w* these \w things|strong="G5023"\w*, \w behold|strong="G2400"\w*, the \w angel|strong="G0032"\w* of the \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w appeared|strong="G5316"\w* unto \w him|strong="G0846"\w* \w in|strong="G2596"\w* a \w dream|strong="G3677"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w*, thou \w son|strong="G5207"\w* of \w David|strong="G1138"\w*, \w fear|strong="G5399"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* to take unto \w thee|strong="G3880"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w thy|strong="G4675"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w*: for \w that|strong="G1063"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* is \w conceived|strong="G1080"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w her|strong="G0846"\w* \w is|strong="G2076"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G4151"\w* \w Holy|strong="G0040"\w* \w Ghost|strong="G4151"\w*.


text:
\w And|strong="G1161"\w* she shall bring \w forth|strong="G5088"\w* a \w son|strong="G5207"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* thou shalt \w call|strong="G2564"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w JESUS|strong="G2424"\w*: \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w he|strong="G0846"\w* shall \w save|strong="G4982"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w from|strong="G0575"\w* \w their|strong="G0846"\w* \w sins|strong="G0266"\w*.


text:
\w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w this|strong="G5124"\w* was \w done|strong="G1096"\w*, that \w it|strong="G2443"\w* might be \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* was \w spoken|strong="G4483"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* the \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* the \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*,


text:
\w Behold|strong="G2400"\w*, a \w virgin|strong="G3933"\w* shall \w be|strong="G2192"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w child|strong="G1064"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* shall bring \w forth|strong="G5088"\w* a \w son|strong="G5207"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* they shall \w call|strong="G2564"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w Emmanuel|strong="G1694"\w*, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* being \w interpreted|strong="G3177"\w* \w is|strong="G2076"\w*, \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w us|strong="G2257"\w*.


text:
\w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w* being \w raised|strong="G1326"\w* \w from|strong="G0575"\w* \w sleep|strong="G5258"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* the \w angel|strong="G0032"\w* of the \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* had \w bidden|strong="G4367"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* took unto \w him|strong="G3880"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w*:


text:
\w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w knew|strong="G1097"\w* \w her|strong="G0846"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w till|strong="G2193"\w* she had brought \w forth|strong="G5088"\w* \w her|strong="G0846"\w* \w firstborn|strong="G4416"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w*: \w and|strong="G2532"\w* he \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w JESUS|strong="G2424"\w*.<pb/>


text:
Now \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* was \w born|strong="G1080"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Bethlehem|strong="G0965"\w* of \w Judaea|strong="G2449"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* the \w days|strong="G2250"\w* of \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* the \w king|strong="G0935"\w*, \w behold|strong="G2400"\w*, there \w came|strong="G3854"\w* wise \w men|strong="G3097"\w* \w from|strong="G0575"\w* the \w east|strong="G0395"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*,


text:
\w Saying|strong="G3004"\w*, \w Where|strong="G4226"\w* \w is|strong="G2076"\w* \w he|strong="G3588"\w* that is \w born|strong="G5088"\w* \w King|strong="G0935"\w* of the \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*? \w for|strong="G1063"\w* we have \w seen|strong="G1492"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w star|strong="G0792"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* the \w east|strong="G0395"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* are \w come|strong="G2064"\w* to \w worship|strong="G4352"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w*.


text:
\w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* the \w king|strong="G0935"\w* had \w heard|strong="G0191"\w* <i>these things</i>, he was \w troubled|strong="G5015"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w*.


text:
And \w when|strong="G2532"\w* he had \w gathered|strong="G4863"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* the chief \w priests|strong="G0749"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* of the \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w together|strong="G4863"\w*, he \w demanded|strong="G4441"\w* \w of|strong="G3844"\w* \w them|strong="G0846"\w* \w where|strong="G4226"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* should be \w born|strong="G1080"\w*.


text:
\w And|strong="G1161"\w* they \w said|strong="G2036"\w* unto \w him|strong="G0846"\w*, \w In|strong="G1722"\w* \w Bethlehem|strong="G0965"\w* of \w Judaea|strong="G2449"\w*: \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w thus|strong="G3779"\w* it is \w written|strong="G1125"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* the \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w*,


text:
\w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w thou|strong="G4771"\w* \w Bethlehem|strong="G0965"\w*, <i>in</i> the \w land|strong="G1093"\w* of \w Juda|strong="G2448"\w*, \w art|strong="G1488"\w* \w not|strong="G3760"\w* the \w least|strong="G1646"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* the \w princes|strong="G2232"\w* of \w Juda|strong="G2448"\w*: \w for|strong="G1063"\w* out \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w thee|strong="G4675"\w* shall \w come|strong="G1831"\w* a \w Governor|strong="G2233"\w*, \w that|strong="G3748"\w* shall \w rule|strong="G4165"\w* \w my|strong="G3450"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*.


text:
\w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w*, when he \w had|strong="G2564"\w* \w privily|strong="G2977"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* the wise \w men|strong="G3097"\w*, \w enquired|strong="G0198"\w* \w of|strong="G3844"\w* \w them|strong="G0846"\w* \w diligently|strong="G0198"\w* what \w time|strong="G5550"\w* the \w star|strong="G0792"\w* \w appeared|strong="G5316"\w*.


text:
\w And|strong="G2532"\w* he \w sent|strong="G3992"\w* \w them|strong="G0846"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Bethlehem|strong="G0965"\w*, and \w said|strong="G2036"\w*, \w Go|strong="G4198"\w* and \w search|strong="G1833"\w* \w diligently|strong="G0199"\w* \w for|strong="G4012"\w* the young \w child|strong="G3813"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1875"\w* ye have \w found|strong="G2147"\w* <i>him</i>, \w bring|strong="G0518"\w* \w me|strong="G3427"\w* word \w again|strong="G0518"\w*, \w that|strong="G3704"\w* \w I|strong="G2504"\w* may \w come|strong="G2064"\w* and \w worship|strong="G4352"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w* \w also|strong="G2504"\w*.


text:
\w When|strong="G1161"\w* they had \w heard|strong="G0191"\w* the \w king|strong="G0935"\w*, they \w departed|strong="G4198"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w*, \w lo|strong="G2400"\w*, the \w star|strong="G0792"\w*, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* they \w saw|strong="G1492"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* the \w east|strong="G0395"\w*, went \w before|strong="G4254"\w* \w them|strong="G0846"\w*, \w till|strong="G2193"\w* it \w came|strong="G2064"\w* and \w stood|strong="G2476"\w* \w over|strong="G1883"\w* \w where|strong="G3757"\w* the young \w child|strong="G3813"\w* \w was|strong="G2258"\w*.


text:
\w When|strong="G1161"\w* they \w saw|strong="G1492"\w* the \w star|strong="G0792"\w*, they \w rejoiced|strong="G5463"\w* with \w exceeding|strong="G4970"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w joy|strong="G5479"\w*.<pb/>


text:
¶ \w And|strong="G2532"\w* when they were \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* the \w house|strong="G3614"\w*, they \w saw|strong="G2147"\w* the young \w child|strong="G3813"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* fell \w down|strong="G4098"\w*, and \w worshipped|strong="G4352"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w*: and \w when|strong="G2532"\w* they had \w opened|strong="G0455"\w* \w their|strong="G0846"\w* \w treasures|strong="G2344"\w*, they \w presented|strong="G4374"\w* unto \w him|strong="G0846"\w* \w gifts|strong="G1435"\w*; \w gold|strong="G5557"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w frankincense|strong="G3030"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w myrrh|strong="G4666"\w*.


text:
\w And|strong="G2532"\w* being warned of \w God|strong="G5537"\w* \w in|strong="G2596"\w* a \w dream|strong="G3677"\w* that they \w should|strong="G0344"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w return|strong="G0344"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w*, they \w departed|strong="G0402"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* their \w own|strong="G0846"\w* \w country|strong="G5561"\w* \w another|strong="G0243"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w*.


text:
And \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G0846"\w* were \w departed|strong="G0402"\w*, \w behold|strong="G2400"\w*, the \w angel|strong="G0032"\w* of the \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w appeareth|strong="G5316"\w* to \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w* \w in|strong="G2596"\w* a \w dream|strong="G3677"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, \w Arise|strong="G1453"\w*, and \w take|strong="G3880"\w* the young \w child|strong="G3813"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w flee|strong="G5343"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w Egypt|strong="G0125"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* be \w thou|strong="G2468"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* I \w bring|strong="G2036"\w* \w thee|strong="G4671"\w* \w word|strong="G2036"\w*: \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* \w will|strong="G3195"\w* \w seek|strong="G2212"\w* the young \w child|strong="G3813"\w* to \w destroy|strong="G0622"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w*.


text:
\w When|strong="G1161"\w* he \w arose|strong="G1453"\w*, he \w took|strong="G3880"\w* the young \w child|strong="G3813"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* by \w night|strong="G3571"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w departed|strong="G0402"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w Egypt|strong="G0125"\w*:


text:
\w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G2258"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* the \w death|strong="G5054"\w* of \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w*: \w that|strong="G2443"\w* it might be \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w* which was \w spoken|strong="G4483"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* the \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* the \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, Out \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Egypt|strong="G0125"\w* have I \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w my|strong="G3450"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w*.<pb/>


text:
¶ \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w*, when he \w saw|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* he was \w mocked|strong="G1702"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* the wise \w men|strong="G3097"\w*, \w was|strong="G2373"\w* \w exceeding|strong="G3029"\w* \w wroth|strong="G2373"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* sent \w forth|strong="G0649"\w*, and \w slew|strong="G0337"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* the \w children|strong="G3816"\w* that \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Bethlehem|strong="G0965"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* the \w coasts|strong="G3725"\w* \w thereof|strong="G0846"\w*, \w from|strong="G0575"\w* two years \w old|strong="G1332"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w under|strong="G2736"\w*, according \w to|strong="G2596"\w* the \w time|strong="G5550"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* he had diligently \w enquired|strong="G0198"\w* \w of|strong="G3844"\w* the wise \w men|strong="G3097"\w*.


text:
\w Then|strong="G5119"\w* was \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w* that which was \w spoken|strong="G4483"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w Jeremy|strong="G2408"\w* the \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*,


text:
\w In|strong="G1722"\w* \w Rama|strong="G4471"\w* was \w there|strong="G0191"\w* a \w voice|strong="G5456"\w* \w heard|strong="G0191"\w*, \w lamentation|strong="G2355"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w weeping|strong="G2805"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G4183"\w* \w mourning|strong="G3602"\w*, \w Rachel|strong="G4478"\w* \w weeping|strong="G2799"\w* <i>for</i> \w her|strong="G0846"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2309"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* be \w comforted|strong="G3870"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* they \w are|strong="G1526"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w*.<pb/>


text:
¶ But \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* was \w dead|strong="G5053"\w*, \w behold|strong="G2400"\w*, an \w angel|strong="G0032"\w* of the \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w appeareth|strong="G5316"\w* \w in|strong="G2596"\w* a \w dream|strong="G3677"\w* to \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Egypt|strong="G0125"\w*,


text:
\w Saying|strong="G3004"\w*, \w Arise|strong="G1453"\w*, and \w take|strong="G3880"\w* the young \w child|strong="G3813"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* the \w land|strong="G1093"\w* of \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*: \w for|strong="G1063"\w* they are \w dead|strong="G2348"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w sought|strong="G2212"\w* the young \w child’s|strong="G3813"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w*.


text:
\w And|strong="G1161"\w* he \w arose|strong="G1453"\w*, and \w took|strong="G3880"\w* the young \w child|strong="G3813"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* the \w land|strong="G1093"\w* of \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*.


text:
\w But|strong="G1161"\w* when he \w heard|strong="G0191"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w Archelaus|strong="G0745"\w* did \w reign|strong="G0936"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w Judaea|strong="G2449"\w* in the room \w of|strong="G0473"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w*, he was \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w* to \w go|strong="G0565"\w* \w thither|strong="G1563"\w*: \w notwithstanding|strong="G1161"\w*, being warned of \w God|strong="G5537"\w* \w in|strong="G2596"\w* a \w dream|strong="G3677"\w*, he turned \w aside|strong="G0402"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* the \w parts|strong="G3313"\w* of \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*:


text:
\w And|strong="G2532"\w* he \w came|strong="G2064"\w* and \w dwelt|strong="G2730"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* a \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w Nazareth|strong="G3478"\w*: \w that|strong="G3704"\w* it might be \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* was \w spoken|strong="G4483"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* the \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w*, He shall be \w called|strong="G2564"\w* a \w Nazarene|strong="G3480"\w*.<pb/>


text:
\w In|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G1565"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w came|strong="G3854"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* the \w Baptist|strong="G0910"\w*, \w preaching|strong="G2784"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* the \w wilderness|strong="G2048"\w* of \w Judaea|strong="G2449"\w*,


text:
\w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, Repent \w ye|strong="G3340"\w*: \w for|strong="G1063"\w* the \w kingdom|strong="G0932"\w* of \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* is at \w hand|strong="G1448"\w*.


text:
\w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G2076"\w* he \w that|strong="G3588"\w* was \w spoken|strong="G4483"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* by the \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w Esaias|strong="G2268"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, The \w voice|strong="G5456"\w* of one \w crying|strong="G0994"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* the \w wilderness|strong="G2048"\w*, Prepare \w ye|strong="G2090"\w* the \w way|strong="G3598"\w* of the \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w paths|strong="G5147"\w* \w straight|strong="G2117"\w*.


text:
\w And|strong="G1161"\w* the \w same|strong="G0846"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w raiment|strong="G1742"\w* \w of|strong="G0575"\w* \w camel’s|strong="G2574"\w* \w hair|strong="G2359"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* a \w leathern|strong="G1193"\w* \w girdle|strong="G2223"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w loins|strong="G3751"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w meat|strong="G5160"\w* \w was|strong="G2258"\w* \w locusts|strong="G0200"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wild|strong="G0066"\w* \w honey|strong="G3192"\w*.


text:
\w Then|strong="G5119"\w* went \w out|strong="G1607"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w Judaea|strong="G2449"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* the region round \w about|strong="G4066"\w* \w Jordan|strong="G2446"\w*,


text:
\w And|strong="G2532"\w* were \w baptized|strong="G0907"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jordan|strong="G2446"\w*, \w confessing|strong="G1843"\w* \w their|strong="G0846"\w* \w sins|strong="G0266"\w*.<pb/>


text:
¶ \w But|strong="G1161"\w* when he \w saw|strong="G1492"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* of the \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sadducees|strong="G4523"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w baptism|strong="G0908"\w*, he \w said|strong="G2036"\w* unto \w them|strong="G0846"\w*, O \w generation|strong="G1081"\w* of \w vipers|strong="G2191"\w*, \w who|strong="G5101"\w* hath \w warned|strong="G5263"\w* \w you|strong="G5213"\w* to \w flee|strong="G5343"\w* \w from|strong="G0575"\w* the \w wrath|strong="G3709"\w* to \w come|strong="G3195"\w*?


text:
Bring \w forth|strong="G4160"\w* \w therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w fruits|strong="G2590"\w* \w meet|strong="G0514"\w* for \w repentance|strong="G3341"\w*:


text:
\w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w think|strong="G1380"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* to \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w within|strong="G1722"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w*, We \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w Abraham|strong="G0011"\w* \w to|strong="G3962"\w* <i>our</i> \w father|strong="G3962"\w*: \w for|strong="G1063"\w* I \w say|strong="G3004"\w* unto \w you|strong="G5213"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* is \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w these|strong="G5130"\w* \w stones|strong="G3037"\w* to raise \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w* unto \w Abraham|strong="G0011"\w*.


text:
\w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w now|strong="G2235"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* the \w axe|strong="G0513"\w* is \w laid|strong="G2749"\w* \w unto|strong="G4314"\w* the \w root|strong="G4491"\w* of the \w trees|strong="G1186"\w*: \w therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w tree|strong="G1186"\w* which \w bringeth|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w forth|strong="G4160"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2590"\w* is hewn \w down|strong="G1581"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w cast|strong="G0906"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* the \w fire|strong="G4442"\w*.


text:
\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w indeed|strong="G3303"\w* \w baptize|strong="G0907"\w* \w you|strong="G5209"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w* \w unto|strong="G1519"\w* \w repentance|strong="G3341"\w*: \w but|strong="G1161"\w* he \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w cometh|strong="G2064"\w* \w after|strong="G3694"\w* \w me|strong="G3450"\w* \w is|strong="G2076"\w* mightier \w than|strong="G2478"\w* \w I|strong="G3450"\w*, \w whose|strong="G3739"\w* \w shoes|strong="G5266"\w* I \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w worthy|strong="G2425"\w* to \w bear|strong="G0941"\w*: \w he|strong="G0846"\w* shall \w baptize|strong="G0907"\w* \w you|strong="G5209"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* the \w Holy|strong="G0040"\w* \w Ghost|strong="G4151"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* <i>with</i> \w fire|strong="G4442"\w*:


text:
\w Whose|strong="G3739"\w* \w fan|strong="G4425"\w* <i>is</i> \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* he will throughly \w purge|strong="G1245"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w floor|strong="G0257"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gather|strong="G4863"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w wheat|strong="G4621"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* the \w garner|strong="G0596"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* he will burn \w up|strong="G2618"\w* the \w chaff|strong="G0892"\w* with \w unquenchable|strong="G0762"\w* \w fire|strong="G4442"\w*.<pb/>


text:
¶ \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w cometh|strong="G3854"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w from|strong="G0575"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w Jordan|strong="G2446"\w* \w unto|strong="G4314"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*, to be \w baptized|strong="G0907"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w*.


text:
\w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w forbad|strong="G1254"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w need|strong="G5532"\w* to be \w baptized|strong="G0907"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w thee|strong="G4675"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w comest|strong="G2064"\w* \w thou|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w me|strong="G3165"\w*?


text:
\w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w answering|strong="G0611"\w* \w said|strong="G2036"\w* \w unto|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w*, <J> \+w Suffer|strong="G0863"\+w* <i> \+w it to be so|strong="G2076"\+w*</i> \+w now|strong="G0737"\+w*: \+w for|strong="G1063"\+w* \+w thus|strong="G3779"\+w* \+w it becometh|strong="G4241"\+w* \+w us|strong="G2254"\+w* \+w to fulfil|strong="G4137"\+w* \+w all|strong="G3956"\+w* \+w righteousness|strong="G1343"\+w*.</J> \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* he \w suffered|strong="G0863"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w*.


text:
\w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, when he was \w baptized|strong="G0907"\w*, went \w up|strong="G0305"\w* \w straightway|strong="G2117"\w* \w out|strong="G0575"\w* of the \w water|strong="G5204"\w*: \w and|strong="G2532"\w*, \w lo|strong="G2400"\w*, the \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* were \w opened|strong="G0455"\w* unto \w him|strong="G0846"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* he \w saw|strong="G1492"\w* the \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* of \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w descending|strong="G2597"\w* \w like|strong="G5616"\w* a \w dove|strong="G4058"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w lighting|strong="G2064"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w*:


text:
\w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w lo|strong="G2400"\w* a \w voice|strong="G5456"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, \w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G2076"\w* \w my|strong="G3450"\w* \w beloved|strong="G0027"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* I am well \w pleased|strong="G2106"\w*.<pb/>


text:
\w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w was|strong="G0321"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* led \w up|strong="G0321"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* the \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* the \w wilderness|strong="G2048"\w* to be \w tempted|strong="G3985"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* the \w devil|strong="G1228"\w*.


text:
\w And|strong="G2532"\w* when he had \w fasted|strong="G3522"\w* \w forty|strong="G5062"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w forty|strong="G5062"\w* \w nights|strong="G3571"\w*, he \w was|strong="G3983"\w* \w afterward|strong="G5305"\w* an \w hungred|strong="G3983"\w*.


text:
\w And|strong="G2532"\w* when the \w tempter|strong="G3985"\w* \w came|strong="G4334"\w* to \w him|strong="G0846"\w*, he \w said|strong="G2036"\w*, \w If|strong="G1487"\w* thou \w be|strong="G1488"\w* the \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* of \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w command|strong="G2036"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w stones|strong="G3037"\w* be \w made|strong="G1096"\w* \w bread|strong="G0740"\w*.


text:
\w But|strong="G1161"\w* he \w answered|strong="G0611"\w* and \w said|strong="G2036"\w*, <J> \+w It is written|strong="G1125"\+w*, \+w Man|strong="G0444"\+w* \+w shall|strong="G2198"\+w* \+w not|strong="G3756"\+w* \+w live|strong="G2198"\+w* \+w by|strong="G1909"\+w* \+w bread|strong="G0740"\+w* \+w alone|strong="G3441"\+w*, \+w but|strong="G0235"\+w* \+w by|strong="G1909"\+w* \+w every|strong="G3956"\+w* \+w word|strong="G4487"\+w* \+w that proceedeth|strong="G1607"\+w* \+w out|strong="G1223"\+w* \+w of the mouth|strong="G4750"\+w* \+w of God|strong="G2316"\+w*.</J>


text:
\w Then|strong="G5119"\w* the \w devil|strong="G1228"\w* \w taketh|strong="G3880"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w* \w up|strong="G3880"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* the \w holy|strong="G0040"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w setteth|strong="G2476"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* a \w pinnacle|strong="G4419"\w* of the \w temple|strong="G2411"\w*,


text:
\w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w saith|strong="G3004"\w* unto \w him|strong="G0846"\w*, \w If|strong="G1487"\w* thou \w be|strong="G1488"\w* the \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* of \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w cast|strong="G0906"\w* \w thyself|strong="G4572"\w* \w down|strong="G2736"\w*: \w for|strong="G1063"\w* it is \w written|strong="G1125"\w*, He shall \w give|strong="G1781"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w angels|strong="G0032"\w* \w charge|strong="G1781"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w thee|strong="G4675"\w*: \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* <i>their</i> \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* they shall \w bear|strong="G0142"\w* \w thee|strong="G4571"\w* \w up|strong="G0142"\w*, lest at any \w time|strong="G3379"\w* thou \w dash|strong="G4350"\w* \w thy|strong="G4675"\w* \w foot|strong="G4228"\w* \w against|strong="G4314"\w* a \w stone|strong="G3037"\w*.


text:
\w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w* unto \w him|strong="G0846"\w*, <J> \+w It is written|strong="G1125"\+w* \+w again|strong="G3825"\+w*, \+w Thou shalt|strong="G1598"\+w* \+w not|strong="G3756"\+w* \+w tempt|strong="G1598"\+w* \+w the Lord|strong="G2962"\+w* \+w thy|strong="G4675"\+w* \+w God|strong="G2316"\+w*.</J>


text:
\w Again|strong="G3825"\w*, the \w devil|strong="G1228"\w* \w taketh|strong="G3880"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w* \w up|strong="G3880"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* an \w exceeding|strong="G3029"\w* \w high|strong="G5308"\w* \w mountain|strong="G3735"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sheweth|strong="G1166"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* the \w kingdoms|strong="G0932"\w* of the \w world|strong="G2889"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* the \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* of \w them|strong="G0846"\w*;


text:
\w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w saith|strong="G3004"\w* unto \w him|strong="G0846"\w*, \w All|strong="G3956"\w* these \w things|strong="G5023"\w* will I \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w thee|strong="G4671"\w*, \w if|strong="G1437"\w* thou wilt fall \w down|strong="G4098"\w* and \w worship|strong="G4352"\w* \w me|strong="G3427"\w*.


text:
\w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w saith|strong="G3004"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* unto \w him|strong="G0846"\w*, <J> \+w Get thee hence|strong="G5217"\+w*, \+w Satan|strong="G4567"\+w*: \+w for|strong="G1063"\+w* \+w it is written|strong="G1125"\+w*, \+w Thou shalt worship|strong="G4352"\+w* \+w the Lord|strong="G2962"\+w* \+w thy|strong="G4675"\+w* \+w God|strong="G2316"\+w*, \+w and|strong="G2532"\+w* \+w him|strong="G0846"\+w* \+w only|strong="G3441"\+w* \+w shalt thou serve|strong="G3000"\+w*.</J>


text:
\w Then|strong="G5119"\w* the \w devil|strong="G1228"\w* \w leaveth|strong="G0863"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w*, \w behold|strong="G2400"\w*, \w angels|strong="G0032"\w* \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ministered|strong="G1247"\w* unto \w him|strong="G0846"\w*.<pb/>


text:
¶ \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* when \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* had \w heard|strong="G0191"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* was cast into \w prison|strong="G3860"\w*, he \w departed|strong="G0402"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*;


text:
\w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w leaving|strong="G2641"\w* \w Nazareth|strong="G3478"\w*, he \w came|strong="G2064"\w* and \w dwelt|strong="G2730"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w Capernaum|strong="G2584"\w*, \w which|strong="G3588"\w* is upon the sea \w coast|strong="G3864"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* the \w borders|strong="G3725"\w* of \w Zabulon|strong="G2194"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Nephthalim|strong="G3508"\w*:


text:
\w That|strong="G2443"\w* it might be \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* was \w spoken|strong="G4483"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w Esaias|strong="G2268"\w* the \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*,


text:
The \w land|strong="G1093"\w* of \w Zabulon|strong="G2194"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* the \w land|strong="G1093"\w* of \w Nephthalim|strong="G3508"\w*, <i>by</i> the \w way|strong="G3598"\w* of the \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*, \w beyond|strong="G4008"\w* \w Jordan|strong="G2446"\w*, \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w* of the \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w*;


text:
The \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w sat|strong="G2521"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w darkness|strong="G4655"\w* \w saw|strong="G1492"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* to \w them|strong="G0846"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w sat|strong="G2521"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* the \w region|strong="G5561"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w shadow|strong="G4639"\w* of \w death|strong="G2288"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w* is sprung \w up|strong="G0393"\w*.<pb/>


text:
¶ \w From|strong="G0575"\w* that \w time|strong="G5119"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w began|strong="G0756"\w* to \w preach|strong="G2784"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* to \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, <J> \+w Repent|strong="G3340"\+w*: \+w for|strong="G1063"\+w* \+w the kingdom|strong="G0932"\+w* \+w of heaven|strong="G3772"\+w* \+w is at hand|strong="G1448"\+w*.</J><pb/>


text:
¶ \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w walking|strong="G4043"\w* \w by|strong="G3844"\w* the \w sea|strong="G2281"\w* of \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*, \w saw|strong="G1492"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w brethren|strong="G0080"\w*, \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Andrew|strong="G0406"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w brother|strong="G0080"\w*, \w casting|strong="G0906"\w* a \w net|strong="G0293"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* the \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*: \w for|strong="G1063"\w* they \w were|strong="G2258"\w* \w fishers|strong="G0231"\w*.


text:
\w And|strong="G2532"\w* he \w saith|strong="G3004"\w* unto \w them|strong="G0846"\w*, <J> \+w Follow|strong="G1205"\+w* \+w me|strong="G3450"\+w*, \+w and|strong="G2532"\+w* \+w I will make|strong="G4160"\+w* \+w you|strong="G5209"\+w* \+w fishers|strong="G0231"\+w* \+w of men|strong="G0444"\+w*.</J>


text:
\w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G0863"\w* \w straightway|strong="G2112"\w* \w left|strong="G0863"\w* <i>their</i> \w nets|strong="G1350"\w*, and \w followed|strong="G0190"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w*.


text:
\w And|strong="G2532"\w* going \w on|strong="G4260"\w* from \w thence|strong="G1564"\w*, he \w saw|strong="G1492"\w* \w other|strong="G0243"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w brethren|strong="G0080"\w*, \w James|strong="G2385"\w* <i>the son</i> of \w Zebedee|strong="G2199"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w brother|strong="G0080"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* a \w ship|strong="G4143"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Zebedee|strong="G2199"\w* \w their|strong="G0846"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w mending|strong="G2675"\w* \w their|strong="G0846"\w* \w nets|strong="G1350"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* he \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w them|strong="G0846"\w*.


text:
\w And|strong="G1161"\w* they \w immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w left|strong="G0863"\w* the \w ship|strong="G4143"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G0846"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w*, and \w followed|strong="G0190"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w*.<pb/>


text:
¶ \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* went \w about|strong="G4013"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*, \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G0846"\w* \w synagogues|strong="G4864"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w preaching|strong="G2784"\w* the \w gospel|strong="G2098"\w* of the \w kingdom|strong="G0932"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w healing|strong="G2323"\w* all manner \w of|strong="G3956"\w* \w sickness|strong="G3554"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* all manner \w of|strong="G3956"\w* \w disease|strong="G3119"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* the \w people|strong="G2992"\w*.


text:
\w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w fame|strong="G0189"\w* \w went|strong="G0565"\w* \w throughout|strong="G1519"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w Syria|strong="G4947"\w*: \w and|strong="G2532"\w* they \w brought|strong="G4374"\w* unto \w him|strong="G0846"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* sick \w people|strong="G2560"\w* that were \w taken|strong="G4912"\w* with \w divers|strong="G4164"\w* \w diseases|strong="G3554"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w torments|strong="G0931"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* those which were possessed with \w devils|strong="G1139"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* those which were \w lunatick|strong="G4583"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* those that had the \w palsy|strong="G3885"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* he \w healed|strong="G2323"\w* \w them|strong="G0846"\w*.


text:
\w And|strong="G2532"\w* there \w followed|strong="G0190"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w* great \w multitudes|strong="G4183"\w* of \w people|strong="G3793"\w* \w from|strong="G0575"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* <i>from</i> \w Decapolis|strong="G1179"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* <i>from</i> \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* <i>from</i> \w Judaea|strong="G2449"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* <i>from</i> \w beyond|strong="G4008"\w* \w Jordan|strong="G2446"\w*.<pb/>


text:
\w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w seeing|strong="G1492"\w* the \w multitudes|strong="G3793"\w*, he went \w up|strong="G0305"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* a \w mountain|strong="G3735"\w*: \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2523"\w* \w he|strong="G0846"\w* was \w set|strong="G2523"\w*, \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* came \w unto|strong="G4334"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w*:


text:
\w And|strong="G2532"\w* he \w opened|strong="G0455"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w*, and \w taught|strong="G1321"\w* \w them|strong="G0846"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*,


text:
<J> \+w Blessed|strong="G3107"\+w* <i>are</i> \+w the poor|strong="G4434"\+w* \+w in spirit|strong="G4151"\+w*: \+w for|strong="G3754"\+w* \+w theirs|strong="G0846"\+w* \+w is|strong="G2076"\+w* \+w the kingdom|strong="G0932"\+w* \+w of heaven|strong="G3772"\+w*.</J>


text:
<J> \+w Blessed|strong="G3107"\+w* <i>are</i> \+w they that mourn|strong="G3996"\+w*: \+w for|strong="G3754"\+w* \+w they|strong="G0846"\+w* \+w shall be comforted|strong="G3870"\+w*.</J>


text:
<J> \+w Blessed|strong="G3107"\+w* <i>are</i> \+w the meek|strong="G4239"\+w*: \+w for|strong="G3754"\+w* \+w they|strong="G0846"\+w* \+w shall inherit|strong="G2816"\+w* \+w the earth|strong="G1093"\+w*.</J>


text:
<J> \+w Blessed|strong="G3107"\+w* <i>are</i> \+w they which do hunger|strong="G3983"\+w* \+w and|strong="G2532"\+w* \+w thirst|strong="G1372"\+w* \+w after righteousness|strong="G1343"\+w*: \+w for|strong="G3754"\+w* \+w they|strong="G0846"\+w* \+w shall be filled|strong="G5526"\+w*.</J>


text:
<J> \+w Blessed|strong="G3107"\+w* <i>are</i> \+w the merciful|strong="G1655"\+w*: \+w for|strong="G3754"\+w* \+w they|strong="G0846"\+w* \+w shall obtain mercy|strong="G1653"\+w*.</J>


text:
<J> \+w Blessed|strong="G3107"\+w* <i>are</i> \+w the pure|strong="G2513"\+w* \+w in heart|strong="G2588"\+w*: \+w for|strong="G3754"\+w* \+w they|strong="G0846"\+w* \+w shall see|strong="G3700"\+w* \+w God|strong="G2316"\+w*.</J>


text:
<J> \+w Blessed|strong="G3107"\+w* <i>are</i> \+w the peacemakers|strong="G1518"\+w*: \+w for|strong="G3754"\+w* \+w they|strong="G0846"\+w* \+w shall be called|strong="G2564"\+w* \+w the children|strong="G5207"\+w* \+w of God|strong="G2316"\+w*.</J>


text:
<J> \+w Blessed|strong="G3107"\+w* <i>are</i> \+w they which are persecuted|strong="G1377"\+w* \+w for|strong="G1752"\+w* \+w righteousness’|strong="G1343"\+w* \+w sake|strong="G1752"\+w*: \+w for|strong="G3754"\+w* \+w theirs|strong="G0846"\+w* \+w is|strong="G2076"\+w* \+w the kingdom|strong="G0932"\+w* \+w of heaven|strong="G3772"\+w*.</J>


text:
<J> \+w Blessed|strong="G3107"\+w* \+w are ye|strong="G2075"\+w*, \+w when|strong="G3752"\+w* <i>men</i> \+w shall revile|strong="G3679"\+w* \+w you|strong="G5209"\+w*, \+w and|strong="G2532"\+w* \+w persecute|strong="G1377"\+w* <i>you</i>, \+w and|strong="G2532"\+w* \+w shall say|strong="G2036"\+w* \+w all manner of|strong="G3956"\+w* \+w evil|strong="G4190"\+w* \+w against|strong="G2596"\+w* \+w you|strong="G5216"\+w* \+w falsely|strong="G5574"\+w*, \+w for|strong="G1752"\+w* \+w my|strong="G1700"\+w* \+w sake|strong="G1752"\+w*.</J>


text:
<J> \+w Rejoice|strong="G5463"\+w*, \+w and|strong="G2532"\+w* \+w be exceeding glad|strong="G0021"\+w*: \+w for|strong="G3754"\+w* \+w great|strong="G4183"\+w* <i>is</i> \+w your|strong="G5216"\+w* \+w reward|strong="G3408"\+w* \+w in|strong="G1722"\+w* \+w heaven|strong="G3772"\+w*: \+w for|strong="G1063"\+w* \+w so|strong="G3779"\+w* \+w persecuted they|strong="G1377"\+w* \+w the prophets|strong="G4396"\+w* \+w which were|strong="G3588"\+w* \+w before|strong="G4253"\+w* \+w you|strong="G5216"\+w*.</J><pb/>


text:
<J>¶ \+w Ye|strong="G5210"\+w* \+w are|strong="G2075"\+w* \+w the salt|strong="G0217"\+w* \+w of the earth|strong="G1093"\+w*: \+w but|strong="G1161"\+w* \+w if|strong="G1437"\+w* \+w the salt|strong="G0217"\+w* \+w have lost his savour|strong="G3471"\+w*, \+w wherewith|strong="G5101"\+w* \+w shall it be salted|strong="G0233"\+w*? \+w it is|strong="G2480"\+w* \+w thenceforth|strong="G2089"\+w* \+w good|strong="G2480"\+w* \+w for|strong="G1519"\+w* \+w nothing|strong="G3762"\+w*, \+w but|strong="G3361"\+w* \+w to be cast|strong="G0906"\+w* \+w out|strong="G1854"\+w*, \+w and|strong="G2532"\+w* \+w to be trodden under foot|strong="G2662"\+w* \+w of|strong="G5259"\+w* \+w men|strong="G0444"\+w*.</J>


text:
<J> \+w Ye|strong="G5210"\+w* \+w are|strong="G2075"\+w* \+w the light|strong="G5457"\+w* \+w of the world|strong="G2889"\+w*. \+w A city|strong="G4172"\+w* \+w that is set|strong="G2749"\+w* \+w on|strong="G1883"\+w* \+w an hill|strong="G3735"\+w* \+w cannot|strong="G1410"\+w* \+w be hid|strong="G2928"\+w*.</J>


text:
<J> \+w Neither|strong="G3761"\+w* do men \+w light|strong="G2545"\+w* \+w a candle|strong="G3088"\+w*, \+w and|strong="G2532"\+w* \+w put|strong="G5087"\+w* \+w it|strong="G0846"\+w* \+w under|strong="G5259"\+w* \+w a bushel|strong="G3426"\+w*, \+w but|strong="G0235"\+w* \+w on|strong="G1909"\+w* \+w a candlestick|strong="G3087"\+w*; \+w and|strong="G2532"\+w* \+w it giveth light|strong="G2989"\+w* \+w unto all|strong="G3956"\+w* \+w that are|strong="G3588"\+w* \+w in|strong="G1722"\+w* \+w the house|strong="G3614"\+w*.</J>


text:
<J>Let \+w your|strong="G5216"\+w* \+w light|strong="G5457"\+w* \+w so|strong="G3779"\+w* \+w shine|strong="G2989"\+w* \+w before|strong="G1715"\+w* \+w men|strong="G0444"\+w*, \+w that|strong="G3704"\+w* \+w they may see|strong="G1492"\+w* \+w your|strong="G5216"\+w* \+w good|strong="G2570"\+w* \+w works|strong="G2041"\+w*, \+w and|strong="G2532"\+w* \+w glorify|strong="G1392"\+w* \+w your|strong="G5216"\+w* \+w Father|strong="G3962"\+w* \+w which is|strong="G3588"\+w* \+w in|strong="G1722"\+w* \+w heaven|strong="G3772"\+w*.</J><pb/>


text:
<J>¶ \+w Think|strong="G3543"\+w* \+w not|strong="G3361"\+w* \+w that|strong="G3754"\+w* \+w I am come|strong="G2064"\+w* \+w to destroy|strong="G2647"\+w* \+w the law|strong="G3551"\+w*, \+w or|strong="G2228"\+w* \+w the prophets|strong="G4396"\+w*: \+w I am|strong="G2064"\+w* \+w not|strong="G3756"\+w* \+w come|strong="G2064"\+w* \+w to destroy|strong="G2647"\+w*, \+w but|strong="G0235"\+w* \+w to fulfil|strong="G4137"\+w*.</J>


text:
<J> \+w For|strong="G1063"\+w* \+w verily|strong="G0281"\+w* \+w I say|strong="G3004"\+w* \+w unto you|strong="G5213"\+w*, \+w Till|strong="G2193"\+w* \+w heaven|strong="G3772"\+w* \+w and|strong="G2532"\+w* \+w earth|strong="G1093"\+w* \+w pass|strong="G3928"\+w*, \+w one|strong="G1520"\+w* \+w jot|strong="G2503"\+w* \+w or|strong="G2228"\+w* \+w one|strong="G1520"\+w* \+w tittle|strong="G2762"\+w* \+w shall|strong="G3928"\+w* \+w in no|strong="G3756"\+w* \+w wise|strong="G3361"\+w* \+w pass|strong="G3928"\+w* \+w from|strong="G0575"\+w* \+w the law|strong="G3551"\+w*, \+w till|strong="G2193"\+w* \+w all|strong="G3956"\+w* \+w be fulfilled|strong="G1096"\+w*.</J>


text:
<J> \+w Whosoever|strong="G3739"\+w* \+w therefore|strong="G3767"\+w* \+w shall break|strong="G3089"\+w* \+w one|strong="G1520"\+w* \+w of these|strong="G5130"\+w* \+w least|strong="G1646"\+w* \+w commandments|strong="G1785"\+w*, \+w and|strong="G2532"\+w* \+w shall teach|strong="G1321"\+w* \+w men|strong="G0444"\+w* \+w so|strong="G3779"\+w*, he \+w shall be called|strong="G2564"\+w* \+w the least|strong="G1646"\+w* \+w in|strong="G1722"\+w* \+w the kingdom|strong="G0932"\+w* \+w of heaven|strong="G3772"\+w*: \+w but|strong="G1161"\+w* \+w whosoever|strong="G3739"\+w* \+w shall do|strong="G4160"\+w* \+w and|strong="G2532"\+w* \+w teach|strong="G1321"\+w* <i>them</i>, \+w the same|strong="G3778"\+w* \+w shall be called|strong="G2564"\+w* \+w great|strong="G3173"\+w* \+w in|strong="G1722"\+w* \+w the kingdom|strong="G0932"\+w* \+w of heaven|strong="G3772"\+w*.</J>


text:
<J> \+w For|strong="G1063"\+w* \+w I say|strong="G3004"\+w* \+w unto you|strong="G5213"\+w*, \+w That|strong="G3754"\+w* \+w except|strong="G1437"\+w* \+w your|strong="G5216"\+w* \+w righteousness|strong="G1343"\+w* \+w shall exceed|strong="G4052"\+w* <i>the righteousness</i> \+w of the scribes|strong="G1122"\+w* \+w and|strong="G2532"\+w* \+w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\+w*, \+w ye shall|strong="G1525"\+w* \+w in no|strong="G3756"\+w* \+w case|strong="G3361"\+w* \+w enter|strong="G1525"\+w* \+w into|strong="G1519"\+w* \+w the kingdom|strong="G0932"\+w* \+w of heaven|strong="G3772"\+w*.</J><pb/>


text:
<J>¶ \+w Ye have heard|strong="G0191"\+w* \+w that|strong="G3754"\+w* \+w it was said|strong="G4483"\+w* \+w by them of old time|strong="G0744"\+w*, \+w Thou shalt|strong="G5407"\+w* \+w not|strong="G3756"\+w* \+w kill|strong="G5407"\+w*; \+w and|strong="G1161"\+w* \+w whosoever|strong="G3739"\+w* \+w shall kill|strong="G5407"\+w* \+w shall be|strong="G2071"\+w* \+w in danger|strong="G1777"\+w* \+w of the judgment|strong="G2920"\+w*:</J>


text:
<J> \+w But|strong="G1161"\+w* \+w I|strong="G1473"\+w* \+w say|strong="G3004"\+w* \+w unto you|strong="G5213"\+w*, \+w That|strong="G3754"\+w* \+w whosoever|strong="G3956"\+w* \+w is angry|strong="G3710"\+w* \+w with|strong="G0080"\+w* \+w his|strong="G0846"\+w* \+w brother|strong="G0080"\+w* \+w without a cause|strong="G1500"\+w* \+w shall be|strong="G2071"\+w* \+w in danger|strong="G1777"\+w* \+w of the judgment|strong="G2920"\+w*: \+w and|strong="G1161"\+w* \+w whosoever|strong="G3739"\+w* \+w shall say|strong="G2036"\+w* \+w to|strong="G0080"\+w* \+w his|strong="G0846"\+w* \+w brother|strong="G0080"\+w*, \+w Raca|strong="G4469"\+w*, \+w shall be|strong="G2071"\+w* \+w in danger|strong="G1777"\+w* \+w of the council|strong="G4892"\+w*: \+w but|strong="G1161"\+w* \+w whosoever|strong="G3739"\+w* \+w shall say|strong="G2036"\+w*, \+w Thou fool|strong="G3474"\+w*, \+w shall be|strong="G2071"\+w* \+w in danger|strong="G1777"\+w* \+w of|strong="G1519"\+w* \+w hell|strong="G1067"\+w* \+w fire|strong="G4442"\+w*.</J>


text:
<J> \+w Therefore|strong="G3767"\+w* \+w if|strong="G1437"\+w* \+w thou bring|strong="G4374"\+w* \+w thy|strong="G4675"\+w* \+w gift|strong="G1435"\+w* \+w to|strong="G1909"\+w* \+w the altar|strong="G2379"\+w*, \+w and there|strong="G2546"\+w* \+w rememberest|strong="G3415"\+w* \+w that|strong="G3754"\+w* \+w thy|strong="G4675"\+w* \+w brother|strong="G0080"\+w* \+w hath|strong="G2192"\+w* \+w ought|strong="G5100"\+w* \+w against|strong="G2596"\+w* \+w thee|strong="G4675"\+w*;</J>


text:
<J> \+w Leave|strong="G0863"\+w* \+w there|strong="G1563"\+w* \+w thy|strong="G4675"\+w* \+w gift|strong="G1435"\+w* \+w before|strong="G1715"\+w* \+w the altar|strong="G2379"\+w*, \+w and|strong="G2532"\+w* \+w go thy way|strong="G5217"\+w*; \+w first|strong="G4412"\+w* \+w be reconciled|strong="G1259"\+w* \+w to|strong="G0080"\+w* \+w thy|strong="G4675"\+w* \+w brother|strong="G0080"\+w*, \+w and|strong="G2532"\+w* \+w then|strong="G5119"\+w* \+w come|strong="G2064"\+w* \+w and offer|strong="G4374"\+w* \+w thy|strong="G4675"\+w* \+w gift|strong="G1435"\+w*.</J>


text:
<J> \+w Agree with|strong="G2132"\+w* \+w thine|strong="G4675"\+w* \+w adversary|strong="G0476"\+w* \+w quickly|strong="G5035"\+w*, \+w whiles|strong="G3755"\+w* \+w thou art|strong="G1488"\+w* \+w in|strong="G1722"\+w* \+w the way|strong="G3598"\+w* \+w with|strong="G3326"\+w* \+w him|strong="G0846"\+w*; \+w lest at any time|strong="G3379"\+w* \+w the adversary|strong="G0476"\+w* \+w deliver|strong="G3860"\+w* \+w thee|strong="G4571"\+w* \+w to the judge|strong="G2923"\+w*, \+w and|strong="G2532"\+w* \+w the judge|strong="G2923"\+w* \+w deliver|strong="G3860"\+w* \+w thee|strong="G4571"\+w* \+w to the officer|strong="G5257"\+w*, \+w and|strong="G2532"\+w* \+w thou be cast|strong="G0906"\+w* \+w into|strong="G1519"\+w* \+w prison|strong="G5438"\+w*.</J>


text:
<J> \+w Verily|strong="G0281"\+w* \+w I say|strong="G3004"\+w* \+w unto thee|strong="G4671"\+w*, Thou shalt \+w by no|strong="G3756"\+w* \+w means|strong="G3361"\+w* \+w come out|strong="G1831"\+w* \+w thence|strong="G1564"\+w*, \+w till|strong="G2193"\+w* \+w thou hast paid|strong="G0591"\+w* \+w the uttermost|strong="G2078"\+w* \+w farthing|strong="G2835"\+w*.</J><pb/>


text:
<J>¶ \+w Ye have heard|strong="G0191"\+w* \+w that|strong="G3754"\+w* \+w it was said|strong="G4483"\+w* \+w by them of old time|strong="G0744"\+w*, \+w Thou shalt|strong="G3431"\+w* \+w not|strong="G3756"\+w* \+w commit adultery|strong="G3431"\+w*:</J>


text:
<J> \+w But|strong="G1161"\+w* \+w I|strong="G1473"\+w* \+w say|strong="G3004"\+w* \+w unto you|strong="G5213"\+w*, \+w That|strong="G3754"\+w* \+w whosoever|strong="G3956"\+w* \+w looketh|strong="G0991"\+w* \+w on a woman|strong="G1135"\+w* \+w to|strong="G4314"\+w* \+w lust after|strong="G1937"\+w* \+w her|strong="G0846"\+w* \+w hath committed adultery|strong="G3431"\+w* \+w with her|strong="G0846"\+w* \+w already|strong="G2235"\+w* \+w in|strong="G1722"\+w* \+w his|strong="G0846"\+w* \+w heart|strong="G2588"\+w*.</J>


text:
<J> \+w And|strong="G1161"\+w* \+w if|strong="G1487"\+w* \+w thy|strong="G4675"\+w* \+w right|strong="G1188"\+w* \+w eye|strong="G3788"\+w* \+w offend|strong="G4624"\+w* \+w thee|strong="G4571"\+w*, \+w pluck|strong="G1807"\+w* \+w it|strong="G0846"\+w* \+w out|strong="G1807"\+w*, \+w and|strong="G2532"\+w* \+w cast|strong="G0906"\+w* <i>it</i> \+w from|strong="G0575"\+w* \+w thee|strong="G4675"\+w*: \+w for|strong="G1063"\+w* \+w it is profitable|strong="G4851"\+w* \+w for thee|strong="G4671"\+w* \+w that|strong="G2443"\+w* \+w one|strong="G1520"\+w* \+w of|strong="G3196"\+w* \+w thy|strong="G4675"\+w* \+w members|strong="G3196"\+w* \+w should perish|strong="G0622"\+w*, \+w and|strong="G2532"\+w* \+w not|strong="G3361"\+w* <i>that</i> \+w thy|strong="G4675"\+w* \+w whole|strong="G3650"\+w* \+w body|strong="G4983"\+w* \+w should be cast|strong="G0906"\+w* \+w into|strong="G1519"\+w* \+w hell|strong="G1067"\+w*.</J>


text:
<J> \+w And|strong="G2532"\+w* \+w if|strong="G1487"\+w* \+w thy|strong="G4675"\+w* \+w right|strong="G1188"\+w* \+w hand|strong="G5495"\+w* \+w offend|strong="G4624"\+w* \+w thee|strong="G4571"\+w*, \+w cut|strong="G1581"\+w* \+w it|strong="G0846"\+w* \+w off|strong="G1581"\+w*, \+w and|strong="G2532"\+w* \+w cast|strong="G0906"\+w* <i>it</i> \+w from|strong="G0575"\+w* \+w thee|strong="G4675"\+w*: \+w for|strong="G1063"\+w* \+w it is profitable|strong="G4851"\+w* \+w for thee|strong="G4671"\+w* \+w that|strong="G2443"\+w* \+w one|strong="G1520"\+w* \+w of|strong="G3196"\+w* \+w thy|strong="G4675"\+w* \+w members|strong="G3196"\+w* \+w should perish|strong="G0622"\+w*, \+w and|strong="G2532"\+w* \+w not|strong="G3361"\+w* <i>that</i> \+w thy|strong="G4675"\+w* \+w whole|strong="G3650"\+w* \+w body|strong="G4983"\+w* \+w should be cast|strong="G0906"\+w* \+w into|strong="G1519"\+w* \+w hell|strong="G1067"\+w*.</J>


text:
<J> \+w It hath been said|strong="G4483"\+w*, \+w Whosoever|strong="G3739"\+w* \+w shall put away|strong="G0630"\+w* \+w his|strong="G0846"\+w* \+w wife|strong="G1135"\+w*, \+w let him give|strong="G1325"\+w* \+w her|strong="G0846"\+w* \+w a writing of divorcement|strong="G0647"\+w*:</J>


text:
<J> \+w But|strong="G1161"\+w* \+w I|strong="G1473"\+w* \+w say|strong="G3004"\+w* \+w unto you|strong="G5213"\+w*, \+w That|strong="G3754"\+w* \+w whosoever|strong="G3739"\+w* \+w shall put away|strong="G0630"\+w* \+w his|strong="G0846"\+w* \+w wife|strong="G1135"\+w*, \+w saving|strong="G3924"\+w* \+w for the cause|strong="G3056"\+w* \+w of fornication|strong="G4202"\+w*, \+w causeth|strong="G4160"\+w* \+w her|strong="G0846"\+w* \+w to commit adultery|strong="G3429"\+w*: \+w and|strong="G2532"\+w* \+w whosoever|strong="G3739"\+w* \+w shall marry|strong="G1060"\+w* \+w her that is divorced|strong="G0630"\+w* \+w committeth adultery|strong="G3429"\+w*.</J><pb/>


text:
<J>¶ \+w Again|strong="G3825"\+w*, \+w ye have heard|strong="G0191"\+w* \+w that|strong="G3754"\+w* \+w it hath been said|strong="G4483"\+w* \+w by them of old time|strong="G0744"\+w*, \+w Thou shalt|strong="G1964"\+w* \+w not|strong="G3756"\+w* \+w forswear thyself|strong="G1964"\+w*, \+w but|strong="G1161"\+w* \+w shalt perform|strong="G0591"\+w* \+w unto the Lord|strong="G2962"\+w* \+w thine|strong="G4675"\+w* \+w oaths|strong="G3727"\+w*:</J>


text:
<J> \+w But|strong="G1161"\+w* \+w I|strong="G1473"\+w* \+w say|strong="G3004"\+w* \+w unto you|strong="G5213"\+w*, \+w Swear|strong="G3660"\+w* \+w not|strong="G3361"\+w* \+w at all|strong="G3654"\+w*; \+w neither|strong="G3383"\+w* \+w by|strong="G1722"\+w* \+w heaven|strong="G3772"\+w*; \+w for|strong="G3754"\+w* \+w it is|strong="G2076"\+w* \+w God’s|strong="G2316"\+w* \+w throne|strong="G2362"\+w*:</J>


text:
<J> \+w Nor|strong="G3383"\+w* \+w by|strong="G1722"\+w* \+w the earth|strong="G1093"\+w*; \+w for|strong="G3754"\+w* \+w it is|strong="G2076"\+w* \+w his|strong="G0846"\+w* \+w footstool|strong="G5286"\+w*: \+w neither|strong="G3383"\+w* \+w by|strong="G1519"\+w* \+w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\+w*; \+w for|strong="G3754"\+w* \+w it is|strong="G2076"\+w* \+w the city|strong="G4172"\+w* \+w of the|strong="G0935"\+w* \+w great|strong="G3173"\+w* \+w King|strong="G0935"\+w*.</J>


