# verses

text:
But they know not the thought of the Lord, and have not understood his counsel: for he has gathered them as sheaves of the floor.


text:
Arise, and thresh them, O daughter of Sion: for I will make your horns iron, and I will make your hoofs brass: and you shall utterly destroy many nations, and shall consecrate their abundance to the Lord, and their strength to the Lord of all the earth.<pb/>


text:
Now shall the daughter <i>of Sion</i> be completely hedged in: he has laid siege against us: they shall strike the tribes of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.


text:
And you, Bethleem, house of Ephratha, are few in number to be <i>reckoned</i> amongst the thousands of Juda; <i>yet</i> out of you shall one come forth to me, to be a ruler of Israel; and his goings forth were from the beginning, <i>even</i> from eternity.


text:
Therefore shall he appoint them <i>to wait</i> till the time of her that travails: she shall bring forth, and <i>then</i> the remnant of their brethren shall return to the children of Israel.


text:
And the Lord shall stand, and see, and feed his flock with power, and they shall dwell in the glory of the name of the Lord their God: for now shall they be magnified to the ends of the earth.


text:
And she shall have peace when Assur shall come into your land, and when he shall come up upon your country; and there shall be raised up against him seven shepherds, and eight attacks of men.


text:
And they shall tend the Assyrian with a sword, and the land of Nebrod with her trench: and he shall deliver <i>you</i> from the Assyrian, when he shall come upon your land, and when he shall invade your coasts.


text:
And the remnant of Jacob shall be amongst the Gentiles in the midst of many peoples, as dew falling from the Lord, and as lambs on the grass; that none may assemble nor resist amongst the sons of men.


text:
And the remnant of Jacob shall be amongst the Gentiles in the midst of many nations, as a lion in the forest amongst cattle, and as a <i>lion's</i> whelp amongst the flocks of sheep, even as when he goes through, and selects, and carries off <i>his prey</i>, and there is none to deliver.


text:
Your hand shall be lifted up against them that afflict you, and all your enemies shall be utterly destroyed.


text:
And it shall come to pass in that day, says the Lord, <i>that</i> I will utterly destroy the horses out of the midst of you, and destroy your chariots;


text:
and I will utterly destroy your sorceries out of your hands; and there shall be no soothsayers in you.


text:
And I will utterly destroy your graven images, and your statues out of the midst of you; and you shall never any more worship the works of your hands.


text:
Hear now a word: the Lord God has said; Arise, plead with the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice.


text:
Hear you°, O mountains, the controversy of the Lord, and <i>you°</i> valleys <i>even</i> the foundations of the earth: for the Lord <i>has</i> a controversy with his people, and will plead with Israel.


text:
O my people, what have I done to you? or wherein have I grieved you? or wherein have I troubled you? answer me.


text:
For I brought you up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, and sent before you Moses, and Aaron, and Mariam.


text:
O my people, remember now, what counsel Balac king of Moab took against you, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him, from the reeds to Galgal; that the righteousness of the Lord might be known.


text:
Wherewithal shall I reach the Lord, <i>and</i> lay hold of my God most high? shall I reach him by whole burnt offerings, by calves of a year old?


text:
Will the Lord accept thousands of rams, or ten thousands of fat goats? should I give my firstborn for ungodliness, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?


text:
Has it <i>not</i> been told you, O man, what <i>is</i> good? or what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, and love mercy, and be ready to walk with the Lord your God?


text:
The Lord's voice shall be proclaimed in the city, and he shall save those that fear his name: hear, O tribe; and who shall order the city?


text:
<i>Is there</i> not fire, and the house of the wicked heaping up wicked treasures, and <i>that</i> with the pride of unrighteousness?


text:
whereby they have accumulated their ungodly wealth, and they that dwell in the city have uttered falsehoods, and their tongue has been exalted in their mouth?


text:
You shall eat, and shall not be satisfied; and there shall be darkness upon you; and he shall depart from <i>you</i>, and you shall not escape; and all that shall escape shall be delivered over to the sword.


text:
You shall sow, but you shall not reap; you shall press the olive, but you shall not anoint yourself with oil; and <i>shall make</i> wine, but you° shall drink no wine: and the ordinances of my people shall be utterly abolished.


text:
For you have kept the statues of Zambri, and <i>done</i> all the works of the house of Achaab; and you° have walked in their ways, that I might deliver you to utter destruction, and those that inhabit the city to hissing: and you° shall bear the reproach of nations.<pb/>


text:
Alas for me! for I am become as one gathering straw in harvest, and as <i>one gathering</i> grape-gleanings in the vintage, when there is no cluster for me to eat the first-ripe fruit: alas my soul!


text:
For the godly is perished from the earth; and there is none amongst men that orders <i>his way</i> aright: they all quarrel even to blood: they grievously afflict every one his neighbour:


text:
they prepare their hands for mischief, the prince asks <i>a reward</i>, and the judge speaks flattering words; it is the desire of their soul:


text:
therefore I will take away their goods as a devouring moth, and as one who acts by a <i>rigid</i> rule in a day of visitation. Woe, woe, your times of vengeance are come; now shall be their lamentations.


text:
Trust not in friends, and confide not in guides: beware of your wife, so as not to commit anything to her.


text:
For the son dishonours his father, the daughter will rise up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law: those in his house <i>shall be</i> all a man's enemies.


text:
Rejoice not against me, my enemy; for I have fallen <i>yet</i> shall arise; for though I should sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light to me.


text:
I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he make good my cause: he also shall maintain my right, and shall bring me out to the light, <i>and</i> I shall behold his righteousness.


text:
And she that is my enemy shall see it, and shall clothe herself with shame, who says, Where <i>is</i> the Lord your God? my eyes shall look upon her: now shall she be for trampling as mire in the ways.


text:
<i>It is</i> the day of making of brick; that day shall be your utter destruction, and that day shall utterly abolish your ordinances.


text:
And your cities shall be levelled, and parted amongst the Assyrians; and your strong cities shall be parted from Tyre to the river, and from sea to sea, and from mountain to mountain.


text:
And the land shall be utterly desolate together with them that inhabit it, because of the fruit of their doings.


text:
Tend your people with your rod, the sheep of your inheritance, those that inhabit by themselves the thicket in the midst of Carmel: they shall feed in the land of Basan, and in the land of Galaad, as in the days of old.


text:
The nations shall see and be ashamed; and at all their might they shall lay their hands upon their mouth, their ears shall be deafened.


text:
They shall lick the dust as serpents crawling on the earth, they shall be confounded in their holes; they shall be amazed at the Lord our God, and will be afraid of you.


text:
Who is a God like you, cancelling iniquities, and passing over the sins of the remnant of his inheritance? and he has not kept his anger for a testimony, for he delights in mercy.


text:
He will return and have mercy upon us; he will sink our iniquities, and they shall be cast into the depth of the sea, <i>even</i> all our sins.


text:
He shall give blessings truly to Jacob, and mercy to Abraam, as you sware to our fathers, according to the former days.


text:
God is jealous, and the Lord avenges; the Lord avenges with wrath; the Lord takes vengeance on his adversaries, and he cuts off his enemies.


text:
The Lord is longsuffering, and his power is great, and the Lord will not hold any guiltless: his way is in destruction and in the whirlwind, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.


text:
He threatens the sea, and dries it up, and exhausts all the rivers: the land of Basan, and Carmel are brought low, and the flourishing <i>trees</i> of Libanus have come to nothing.


text:
The mountains quake at him, and the hills are shaken, and the earth recoils at his presence, <i>even</i> the world, and all that dwell in it.


text:
Who shall stand before his anger? and who shall withstand in the anger of his wrath? his wrath brings to nothing kingdoms, and the rocks are burst asunder by him.


text:
The Lord is good to them that wait on him in the day of affliction; and he knows them that reverence him.


text:
But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end: darkness shall pursue those that rise up against <i>him</i> and his enemies.


text:
What do you° devise against the Lord? he will make a complete end: he will not take vengeance by affliction twice at the same time.


text:
For <i>the enemy</i> shall be laid bare even to the foundation, and shall be devoured as twisted yew, and as stubble fully dry.


text:
Thus says the Lord who rules over many waters, Even thus shall they be sent away, and the report of you shall not be heard any more.


text:
And the Lord shall give a command concerning you; there shall no more of your name be scattered: I will utterly destroy the graven <i>images</i> out of the house of your god, and the molten <i>images</i>: I will make your grave; for <i>they are</i> swift.


text:
Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that brings glad tidings, and publishes peace! O Juda, keep your feasts, pay your vows: for they shall no more pass through you to <i>your</i> decay.<pb/>


text:
It is all over with him, he has been removed, <i>one</i> who has been delivered from affliction has come up panting into your presence, watch the way, strengthen <i>your</i> loins, be very valiant in <i>your</i> strength.


text:
For the Lord has turned aside the pride of Jacob, as the pride of Israel: for they have utterly rejected them, and have destroyed their branches.


text:
<i>They have destroyed</i> the arms of their power from amongst men, their mighty men sporting with fire: the reins of their chariots <i>shall be destroyed</i> in the day of his preparation, and the horsemen shall be thrown into confusion


text:
in the ways, and the chariots shall clash together, and shall be entangled in each other in the broad ways: their appearance is as lamps of fire, and as gleaming lightnings.


text:
And their mighty men shall bethink themselves and flee by day; and they shall be weak as they go; and they shall hasten to her walls, and shall prepare their defences.


text:
and the foundation has been exposed; and she has gone up, and her maidservants were led <i>away</i> as doves moaning in their hearts.


text:
And <i>as for</i> Nineve, her waters <i>shall be</i> as a pool of water: and they fled, and stayed not, and there was none to look back.


text:
They plundered the silver, they plundered the gold, and there was no end of their adorning; they were loaded <i>with it</i> upon all their pleasant vessels.


text:
<i>There is</i> thrusting forth, and shaking, and tumult, and heart-breaking, and loosing of knees, and pangs on all loins; and the faces of all <i>are</i> as the blackening of a pot.


text:
Where is the dwelling-place of the lions, and the pasture that belonged to the whelps? where did the lion go, that the lion's whelp should enter in there, and there was none to scare <i>him</i> away?


text:
The lion seized enough prey for his whelps, and strangled for his <i>young</i> lions, and filled his lair with prey, and his dwelling-place with spoil.


text:
Behold, I am against you, says the Lord Almighty, and I will burn up your multitude in the smoke, and the sword shall devour your lions; and I will utterly destroy your prey from off the land, and your deeds shall no more at all be heard of.<pb/>


text:
The noise of whips, and the noise of the rumbling of wheels, and of the pursuing horse, and of the bounding chariot,


text:
and of the mounting rider, and of the glittering sword, and of the gleaming arms, and of a multitude of slain, and of heavy falling: and there was no end to her nations, but they shall be weak in their bodies


text:
because of the abundance of fornication: <i>she is</i> a fair harlot, and well-favoured, skilled in sorcery, that sells the nations by her fornication, and peoples by her sorceries.


text:
Behold, I am against you, says the Lord God Almighty, and I will uncover your skirts in your presence, and I will show the nations your shame, and the kingdoms your disgrace.


text:
And I will cast abominable filth upon you according to your unclean ways, and will make you a public example.


text:
And it shall be <i>that</i> every one that sees you shall go down from you, and shall say, Wretched Nineve! who shall lament for her? whence shall I seek comfort for her?


text:
Prepare you a portion, tune the chord, prepare a portion for Ammon: she that dwells amongst the rivers, water is round about her, whose dominion is the sea, and whose walls are water.


text:
And Ethiopia is her strength, and Egypt; and there was no limit of the flight <i>of her enemies</i>; and the Libyans became her helpers.


text:
Yet she shall go as a prisoner into captivity, and they shall dash her infants against the ground at the top of all her ways: and they shall cast lots upon all her glorious <i>possessions</i>, and all her nobles shall be bound in chains.


text:
And you shall be drunken, and shall be overlooked; and you shall seek for yourself strength because of <i>your</i> enemies.


text:
All your strongholds are as fig-trees having watchers: if they be shaken, they shall fall into the mouth of the eater.


text:
Behold, your people within you are as women: the gates of your land shall surely be opened to your enemies: the fire shall devour your bars.


text:
Draw you water for a siege, and well secure your strongholds: enter into the clay, and be you trodden in the chaff, make <i>the fortifications</i> stronger than brick.


text:
There the fire shall devour you; the sword shall utterly destroy you, it shall devour you as the locust, and you shall be pressed down as a palmerworm.


text:
You have multiplied your merchandise beyond the stars of heaven: the palmerworm has attacked <i>it</i>, and has flown away.


text:
Your mixed <i>multitude</i> has suddenly departed as the grasshopper, as the locust perched on a hedge in a frosty day; the sun arises, and it flies off, and knows not its place: woe to them!


text:
Your shepherds have slumbered, the Assyrian king has laid low your mighty men: your people departed to the mountains, and there was none to receive <i>them</i>.


text:
There is no healing for your bruise; your wound has rankled: all that hear the report of you shall clap their hands against you; for upon whom has not your wickedness passed continually?


text:
How long, O Lord, shall I cry out, and you will not listen? <i>how long</i> shall I cry out to you being injured, and you will not save?


text:
Therefore have you shown me troubles and griefs to look upon, misery and ungodliness? judgement is before me, and the judge receives a reward.


text:
Therefore the law is frustrated, and judgement proceeds not effectually, for the ungodly <i>man</i> prevails over the just; therefore perverse judgement will proceed.


text:
Behold, you° despisers, and look, and wonder marvellously, and vanish: for I work a work in your days, which you° will in no wise believe, though a man declare <i>it to you</i>.


text:
Therefore, behold, I stir up the Chaldeans, the bitter and hasty nation, that walks upon the breadth of the earth, to inherit tabernacles not his own.


text:
He is terrible and famous; his judgement shall proceed of himself, and his dignity shall come out of himself.


text:
And his horses shall bound <i>more swiftly</i> than leopards, and <i>they are</i> fiercer than the wolves of Arabia: and his horsemen shall ride forth, and shall rush from far; and they shall fly as an eagle hasting to eat.


text:
Destruction shall come upon ungodly men, resisting with their adverse front, and he shall gather the captivity as the sand.


text:
And he shall be at his ease with kings, and princes are his toys, and he shall mock at every strong-hold, and shall cast a mound, and take possession of it.


text:
Then shall he change his spirit, and he shall pass through, and make an atonement, <i>saying</i>, This strength <i>belongs</i> to my god.


text:
<i>Are</i> not you from the beginning, O Lord God, my Holy One? and surely we shall not die. O Lord, you have established it for judgement, and he has formed me to chasten <i>with</i> his correction.


text:
<i>His</i> eye is too pure to behold evil <i>doings</i>, and to look upon grievous afflictions: therefore do you look upon despisers? will you be silent when the ungodly swallows up the just?


text:
He has brought up destruction with a hook, and drawn one with a casting net, and caught another in his drags: therefore shall his heart rejoice and be glad.


text:
Therefore will he sacrifice to his drag, and burn incense to his casting-net, because by them he has made his portion fat, and his meats choice.


text:
I will stand upon my watch, and mount upon the rock, and watch to see what he will say by me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.


text:
And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision, and <i>that</i> plainly on a tablet, that he that reads it may run.


text:
For the vision <i>is</i> yet for a time, and it shall shoot forth at the end, and not in vain: though he should wait, wait for him; for he will surely come, and will not wait.


text:
But the arrogant man and the scorner, the boastful man, shall not finish anything; who has enlarged his desire as the grave, and like death he is never satisfied, and he will gather to himself all the nations, and will receive to himself all the peoples.


text:
Shall not all these take up a parable against him? and a proverb to tell against him? and they shall say, Woe to him that multiplies to himself the possessions which are not his! how long? and who heavily loads his yoke.


text:
For suddenly there shall arise up those that bite him, and they that plot against you shall awake, and you shall be a plunder to them.


text:
Because you have spoiled many nations, all the nations that are left shall spoil <i>you</i>, because of the blood of men, and the sins of the land and city, and of all that dwell in it.


text:
Woe to him that covets an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evils.


text:
You have devised shame to your house, you have utterly destroyed many nations, and your soul has sinned.


text:
Are not these things of the Lord Almighty? surely many people have been exhausted in the fire, and many nations have fainted.


text:
For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord; it shall cover them as water.


text:
Woe to him that gives his neighbour to drink the thick lees <i>of wine</i>, and intoxicates <i>him</i>, that he may look upon their secret parts.


text:
Drink you also <i>your</i> fill of disgrace instead of glory: shake, O heart, and quake, the cup of the right hand of the Lord has come round upon you, and dishonour has gathered upon your glory.


text:
For the ungodliness of Libanus shall cover you, and distress because of wild beasts shall dismay you, because of the blood of men, and the sins of the land and city, and of all that dwell in it.


text:
What profit it the graven image, that they have graven it? <i>one</i> has made it a molten work, a false image; for the maker has trusted in his work, to make dumb idols.


text:
Woe to him that says to the wood, Awake, arise; and to the stone, Be you exalted! whereas it is an image, and this is a casting of gold and silver, and there is no breath in it.


text:
O Lord, I have heard your report, and was afraid: I considered your works, and was amazed: you shall be known between the two living creatures, you shall be acknowledged when the years draw near; you shall be manifested when the time is come; when my soul is troubled, you will in wrath remember mercy.


text:
His excellence covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. And his brightness shall be as light; <i>there were</i> horns in his hands, and he caused a mighty love of his strength.


text:
the earth stood at his feet and trembled: he [*]saw, and the nations melted away: the mountains were violently burst through, the everlasting hills melted at his everlasting going forth.


text:
Because of troubles I looked upon the tents of the Ethiopians: the tabernacles also of the land of Madiam shall be dismayed.


text:
Were you angry, O Lord, with the rivers? or <i>was</i> your wrath against the rivers, or your anger against the sea? for you will mount on your horses, and your chariots are salvation.


text:
Surely you did bend your bow at sceptres, says the Lord. Pause. The land of rivers shall be torn asunder.


text:
The nations shall see you and be in pain, <i>as you do</i> divide the moving waters: the deep uttered her voice, and raised her form on high.


text:
The sun was exalted, and the moon stood still in her course: your darts shall go forth at the light, at the brightness of the gleaming of your arms.


text:
You went forth for the salvation of your people, to save your anointed: you shall bring death on the heads of transgressors; you have brought bands upon <i>their</i> neck. Pause.


text:
You did cut asunder the heads of princes with amazement, they shall tremble in it; they shall burst their bridles, <i>they shall be</i> as a poor man devouring in secret.


text:
I watched, and my belly trembled at the sound of the prayer of my lips, and trembling entered into my bones, and my frame was troubled within me; I will rest in the day of affliction, from going up to the people of my sojourning.


text:
For <i>though</i> the fig tree shall bear no fruit, and there shall be no produce on the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall produce no food: the sheep have failed from the pasture, and there are no oxen at the cribs;


text:
The Lord God is my strength, and he will perfectly strengthen my feet; he mounts me upon high places, that I may conquer by his song.


text:
The word of the Lord which came to Sophonias the son of Chusi, the son of Godolias, the son of Amorias, the son of Ezekias, in the days of Josias son of Amon, king of Juda.


text:
Let man and cattle be cut off; let the birds of the air and the fishes of the sea be cut off; and the ungodly shall fail, and I will take away the transgressors from the face of the land, says the Lord.


text:
And I will stretch out my hand upon Juda, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will remove the names of Baal out of this place, and the names of the priests;


text:
and them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and swear by the Lord, and them that swear by their king;


text:
and them that turn aside from the Lord, and them that seek not the Lord, and them that cleave not to the Lord.


text:
Fear you° before the Lord God; for the day of the Lord is near; for the Lord has prepared his sacrifice, and has sanctified his guests.


text:
And it shall come to pass in the day of the Lord's sacrifice, that I will take vengeance on the princes, and on the king's house, and upon all that wear strange apparel.


text:
And I will openly take vengeance on the porches in that day, <i>on the men</i> that fill the house of the Lord their God with ungodliness and deceit.


text:
And there shall be in that day, says the Lord, the sound of a cry from the gate of men slaying, and a howling from the second <i>gate</i>, and a great crashing from the hills.


text:
Lament, you° that inhabit the <i>city</i> that has been broken down, for all the people has become like Chanaan; and all that were exalted by silver have been utterly destroyed.


text:
And it shall come to pass in that day, <i>that</i> I will search Jerusalem with a candle, and will take vengeance on the men that despise the things committed to them; but they say in their hearts, The Lord will not do any good, neither will he do any evil.


text:
And their power shall be for a spoil, and their houses for utter desolation; and they shall build houses, but shall not dwell in them; and they shall plant vineyards, but shall not drink the wine of them.


text:
For the great day of the Lord <i>is</i> near, <i>it is</i> near, and very speedy; the sound of the day of the Lord is made bitter and harsh.


text:
A mighty day of wrath is that day, a day of affliction and distress, a day of desolation and destruction, a day of gloominess and darkness, a day of cloud and vapour,


text:
And I will greatly afflict the men, and they shall walk as blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord; therefore he shall pour out their blood as dust, and their flesh as dung.


text:
And their silver and their gold shall in nowise be able to rescue them in the day of the Lord's wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealously; for he will bring a speedy destruction on all them that inhabit the land.<pb/>


text:
before you° become as the flower that passes away, before the anger of the Lord come upon you, before the day of the wrath of the Lord come upon you.


text:
Seek you° the Lord, all you° meek of the earth; do judgement, and seek justice, and answer accordingly; that you° may be hid in the day of the wrath of the Lord.


text:
For Gaza shall be utterly spoiled, and Ascalon shall be destroyed; and Azotus shall be cast forth at noon-day, and Accaron shall be rooted up.


text:
Woe to them that dwell on the border of the sea, neighbours of the Cretans! the word of the Lord is against you, O Chanaan, land of the Philistines, and I will destroy you out of <i>your</i> dwelling-place.


text:
And the sea coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Juda; they shall pasture upon them in the houses of Ascalon; they shall rest in the evening because of the children of Juda; for the Lord their God has visited them, and he will turn away their captivity.


text:
I have heard the revilings of Moab, and the insults of the children of Ammon, wherewith they have reviled my people, and magnified themselves against my coasts.


text:
Therefore, <i>as</i> I live, says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Moab shall be as Sodoma, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrha; and Damascus <i>shall be</i> left as a heap of the threshing floor, and desolate for ever: and the remnant of my people shall plunder them, and the remnant of my nations shall inherit them.


text:
This is their punishment in return for their haughtiness, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the Lord Almighty.


text:
The Lord shall appear against them, and shall utterly destroy all the gods of the nations of the earth; and they shall worship him every one from his place, <i>even</i> all the islands of the nations.


text:
And he shall stretch forth his hand against the north and destroy the Assyrian, and make Nineve a dry wilderness, <i>even</i> as a desert.


text:
This is the scornful city that dwells securely, that says in her heart, I am, and there is no longer any <i>to be</i> after me: how is she become desolate, a habitation of wild beasts! every one that passes through her shall hiss, and shake his hands. Alas the glorious and ransomed city.


text:
The dove listened not to the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the Lord, and she drew not near to her God.


text:
Her princes within her were as roaring lions, her judges as the wolves of Arabia; they remained not till the morrow.


text:
Her prophets are light <i>and</i> scornful men: her priests profane the holy things, and sinfully transgress the law.


text:
But the just Lord is in the midst of her, and he will never do an unjust thing: morning by morning he will bring out his judgement to the light, and it is not hidden, and he knows not injustice by extortion, nor injustice in strife.


text:
I have brought down the proud with destruction; their corners are destroyed: I will make their ways completely waste, so that none shall go through: their cities are come to an end, by reason of no man living or dwelling <i>in them</i>.


text:
I said, But do you° fear me, and receive instruction, and you° shall not be cut off from the face of the land <i>for</i> all the vengeance I have brought upon her: prepare you, rise early: all their produce is spoiled.


text:
Therefore wait upon me, says the Lord, until the day when I rise up for a witness: because my judgement <i>shall be</i> on the gatherings of the nations, to draw to me kings, to pour out upon them all <i>my</i> fierce anger: for the whole earth shall be consumed with the fire of my jealousy.


text:
For then will I turn to the peoples a tongue for her generation, that all may call on the name of the Lord, to serve him under one yoke.


text:
From the boundaries of the rivers of Ethiopia will I receive my dispersed ones; they shall offer sacrifices to me.


text:
In that day you shall not be ashamed of all your practices, wherein you have transgressed against me: for then will I take away from you your disdainful pride, and you shall no more magnify yourself upon my holy mountain.


text:
and the remnant of Israel shall fear the name of the Lord, and shall do no iniquity, neither shall they speak vanity; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed, and lie down, and there shall be none to terrify them.


text:
Rejoice, O daughter of Sion; cry aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem; rejoice and delight yourself with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.


text:
The Lord has taken away your iniquities, he has ransomed you from the hand of your enemies: the Lord, the King of Israel, is in the midst of you: you shall not see evil any more.


text:
At that time the Lord shall say to Jerusalem, Be of good courage, Sion; let not your hands be slack.


text:
The Lord your God is in you; the Mighty One shall save you: he shall bring joy upon you, and shall refresh you with his love; and he shall rejoice over you with delight as in a day of feasting.


text:
Behold, I <i>will</i> work in you for your sake at that time, says the Lord: and I will save her that was oppressed, and receive her that was rejected; and I will make them a praise, and honoured in all the earth.


text:
And <i>their enemies</i> shall be ashamed at that time, when I shall deal well with you, and at the time when I shall receive you: for I will make you honoured and a praise amongst all the nations of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before you, says the Lord.


text:
In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, on the first <i>day</i> of the month, the word of the Lord came by the hand of the prophet Aggaeus, saying, Speak to Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, of the tribe of Juda, and to <n>Or, Joshua. </n> Jesus the son of Josedec, the high priest, saying,


text:
Thus says the Lord Almighty, saying, This people say, The time is not come to build the house of the Lord.


text:
You° have sown much, but brought in little; you° have eaten, and are not satisfied; you° have drunk, and are not satisfied with drink, you° have clothed yourselves, and have not become warm <n>Gr. in them. </n> thereby: and he that earns wages has gathered <i>them</i> into a bag full of holes.


text:
Go up to the mountain, and cut timber; build the house, and I will take pleasure in it, and be glorified, says the Lord.


text:
You° looked for much, and there came little; and it was brought into the house, and I blew it away. Therefore thus says the Lord Almighty, Because my house is desolate, and you° run everyone into his own house;


text:
And I will bring a sword upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the wine, and upon the oil, and all that the earth produces, and upon the men, and upon the cattle, and upon all the labours of their hands.


text:
And Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, of the tribe of Juda, and Jesus the son of Josedec, the high priest, and all the remnant of the people, listened to the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of the prophet Aggaeus, according as the Lord their God had sent him to them, and the people feared before the Lord.


text:
And Aggaeus the Lord's messenger spoke amongst the messengers of the Lord to the people, <i>saying</i>, I am with you, says the Lord.


text:
And the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, of the tribe of Juda, and the spirit of Jesus the son of Josedec, the high priest, and the spirit of the remnant of all the people; and they went in, and wrought in the house of the Lord Almighty their God,


text:
In the seventh month, on the twenty-first <i>day</i> of the month, the Lord spoke by Aggaeus the prophet, saying,


text:
Speak now to Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, of the tribe of Juda, and to <n>Or, Joshua. </n> Jesus the son of Josedec, the high priest, and to all the remnant of the people, saying,


text:
Who <i>is there</i> of you that saw this house in her former glory? and how do you° now look upon it, as it were <n>Gr. not existing. </n> nothing before your eyes?


text:
Yet now be strong, O Zorobabel, says the Lord; and strengthen yourself, O Jesus the high priest, the son of Josedec; and let all the people of the land strengthen themselves, says the Lord, and work, for I am with you, says the Lord Almighty;


text:
For thus says the Lord Almighty;  Yet once I will shake the heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry <i>land</i>;


text:
and I will shake all nations, and the choice <n>Or, objects. </n> <i>portions</i> of all the nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord Almighty.


text:
For the glory of this house shall be great, the latter more than the former, says the Lord Almighty: and in this place will I give peace, says the Lord Almighty, even peace of soul for <n>Or, salvation. </n> a possession to every one that builds, to raise up this temple.


text:
On the four and twentieth <i>day</i> of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to Aggaeus the prophet, saying,


text:
If a man should take holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and the skirt of his garment should touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be <n>Gr. sanctified. </n> holy? And the priests answered and said, No.


text:
And Aggaeus said, If a defiled person who is unclean by reason of a dead body, touch any of these, shall it be defiled? And the priests answered and said, It shall be defiled.


text:
And Aggaeus answered and said, So is this people, and so is this nation before me, says the Lord; and so are all the works of their hands: and whoever shall approach them, shall be defiled <n>Not in Hebrew. </n> <i>because of their early burdens: they shall be pained because of their toils; and you° have hated him that reproved in the gates</i>.


text:
And now consider, I pray you, from this day and beforetime, before they laid a stone on a stone in the temple of the Lord, what manner of men you° were.


text:
When you° cast into the corn-bin twenty measures of barley, and there were <i>only</i> ten measures of barley: and you° went <n>Gr. into. </n> to the vat to draw out fifty measures, and there were <i>but</i> twenty.


text:
I struck you with barrenness, and with blasting, and all the works of your hands with hail; yet you° returned not to me, says the Lord.


text:
Set your hearts now <i>to think</i> from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth <i>day</i> of the ninth month, even from the day when the foundation of the temple of the Lord was laid;


text:
consider in your hearts, whether <i>this</i> shall be known on the corn-floor, and whether yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive-trees that bear no fruit <i>are with you</i>: from this day will I bless <i>you</i>.


text:
And the word of the Lord came the second time to Aggaeus the prophet, on the four and twentieth <i>day</i> of the month, saying,


text:
Speak to Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, of the tribe of Juda, saying, I shake the heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry <i>land</i>;


text:
and I will overthrow the thrones of kings, and I will destroy the power of the kings of the nations; and I will overthrow chariots and riders; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword striving against his brother.


text:
In the eighth month, in the second year of <i>the reign of</i> Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zacharias, the son of Barachias, the son of Addo, the prophet, saying,


text:
And you shall say to them, Thus says the Lord Almighty: Turn to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will turn to you, says the Lord of hosts.


text:
And be you° not as your fathers, whom the prophets before charged, saying, Thus says the Lord Almighty: Turn you° from your evil ways, and from your evil practices: but they listened not, and attended not to listen to me, says the Lord.


text:
But do you° receive my words and my ordinances, all that I command by my Spirit to my servants the prophets, who lived in the days of your fathers; and they answered and said, As the Lord Almighty determined to do to us, according to our ways, and according to our practices, so has he done to us.


text:
On the twenty-fourth <i>day</i> in the eleventh month, this is the month Sabat, in the second year of <i>the reign of</i> Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zacharias, the son of Barachias, the son of Addo, the prophet, saying,


text:
I saw by night, and behold a man mounted on a red horse, and he stood between the shady mountains; and behind him were red horses, and grey, and piebald, and white.


text:
And I said, What are these, <i>my</i> lord? And the angel that spoke with me said to me, I will show you what these <i>things</i> are.


text:
And the man that stood between the mountains answered, and said to me, These are <i>they</i> whom the Lord has sent forth to go round the earth.


text:
And they answered the angel of the Lord that stood between the mountains, and said, We have gone round all the earth, and, behold, all the earth is inhabited, and is at rest.


text:
Then the angel of the Lord answered and said, O Lord Almighty, how long will you have no mercy on Jerusalem, and the cities of Juda, which you have disregarded <n>[[Gr. ]] this seventies year. </n> these seventy years?


text:
And the angel that spoke with me said to me, Cry out and say, Thus says the Lord Almighty; I have been jealous for Jerusalem and Sion with great jealousy.


text:
And I am very angry with the heathen that combine to attack <i>her</i>: forasmuch as I indeed was a little angry, but they combined to attack <i>her</i> for evil.


text:
Therefore thus says the Lord: I will return to Jerusalem with compassion; and my house shall be rebuilt in her, says the Lord Almighty, and a measuring line shall yet be stretched out over Jerusalem.


text:
And the angel that spoke with me said to me, Cry yet, and say, Thus says the Lord Almighty; Yet shall cities be spread abroad through prosperity; and the Lord shall yet have mercy upon Sion, and shall choose Jerusalem.


text:
And I said to the angel that spoke with me, What are these things, <i>my</i> lord? And he said to me, These are the horns that have scattered Juda, and Israel, and Jerusalem.


text:
And I said, What are these coming to do? And he said, These are the horns that scattered Juda, and they broke Israel in pieces, and none of them lifted up his head: and these are come forth to sharpen them for their hands, <i>even</i> the four horns, the nations that lifted up the horn against the land of the Lord to scatter it.<pb/>


text:
And I said to him, Whither go you? And he said to me, To measure Jerusalem, to see what is the breadth of it, and what is the length of it.


text:
And, behold, the angel that spoke with me stood <i>by</i>, and another angel went forth to meet him,


text:
and spoke to him, saying, Run and speak to that young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be fully inhabited by reason of the abundance of men and cattle in the midst of her.


text:
And I will be to her, says the Lord, a wall of fire round about, and I will be for a glory in the midst of her.


text:
Ho, ho, flee from the land of the north, says the Lord: for I will gather you from the four winds of heaven, says the Lord,


text:
For thus says the Lord Almighty; After the glory has he sent me to the nations that spoiled you: for he that touches you is as one that touches the apple of his eye.


text:
For, behold, I bring my hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to them that serve them: and you° shall know that the Lord Almighty has sent me.


text:
Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Sion: for, behold, I come, and will dwell in the midst of you, says the Lord.


text:
And many nations shall flee for refuge to the Lord in that day, and they shall be for a people to him, and they shall dwell in the midst of you: and you shall know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you.


text:
And the Lord shall inherit Juda his portion in the holy <i>land</i>, and he will yet choose Jerusalem.


text:
And the Lord showed me Jesus the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and the <n>[[Or, ]] accuser. </n> Devil stood on his right hand to resist him.


text:
The Lord rebuke you, O Devil, even the Lord that has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you: behold! is not this as a brand plucked from the fire?


text:
Now Jesus was clothed in <n>[[Or, ]] vile, see James 2. 2. </n> filthy raiment, and stood before the angel.


text:
And <i>the Lord</i> answered and spoke to those who stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy raiment from him: and he said to him, Behold, I have taken away your iniquities: and clothe you° him with a <n>[[Or, ]] full length. </n> long robe,


text:
and place a pure mitre upon his head. So they placed a pure mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments: and the angel of the Lord stood <i>by</i>.


text:
Thus says the Lord Almighty; If you will walk in my ways, and take heed to my charges, then shall you judge my house: and if you will diligently keep my court, then will I give you men to walk in the midst of these that stand <i>here</i>.


text:
Hear now, Jesus the high priest, you, and your neighbours that are sitting before <i>you</i>: for they are diviners, for, behold, I bring forth my servant The <n>See Luke 1. 78. </n> Branch.


text:
For <i>as for</i> the stone which I have set before the face of Jesus, on the one stone are seven eyes: behold, I am digging a trench, says the Lord Almighty, and I will search out all the iniquity of that land in one day.<pb/>


text:
And the angel that talked with me returned, and awakened me, as when a man is awakened out of his sleep.


text:
And he said to me, What see you? And I said, I have seen, and behold a candlestick all of gold, and its bowl upon it, and seven lamps upon it, and seven oil funnels to the lamps upon it:


text:
And I enquired, and spoke to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these things, <i>my</i> lord?


text:
And the angel that talked with me answered, and spoke to me, saying, Know you not what these things are? And I said, No, <i>my</i> lord.


text:
And he answered and spoke to me, saying, This is the word of the Lord to Zorobabel, saying, Not by mighty power, nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.


text:
Who are you, the great mountain before Zorobabel, that you should prosper? whereas I will bring out the stone of the inheritance, the grace of it the <n>[[Gr. ]] equality, see Jno. 1. 16. </n> equal of <i>my </i> grace.


text:
The hands of Zorobabel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands shall finish it: and you shall know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you.


text:
For who has despised the small days? surely they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet of tin in the hand of Zorobabel: these are the seven eyes <n>[[Alex. ]] + 'of the Lord.' </n> that look upon all the earth.


text:
And I answered, and said to him, What are these two olive-trees, which are on the right and left hand of the candlestick?


text:
And I asked the second time, and said to him, What are the two branches of the olive-trees that are by the side of the two golden <n>[[Gr. ]] nostrils. </n> pipes that pour into and communicate with the golden oil funnels?


text:
And he said, These are the two <n>[[Gr. ]] sons of fatness. Rev. 11. 4. </n> anointed ones <i>that</i> stand by the Lord of the whole earth.<pb/>


text:
And he said to me, What see you? And I said, I see a flying sickle, of the length of twenty cubits, and of the breadth of ten cubits.


text:
And he said to me, This is the curse that goes forth over the face of the whole earth: for every thief shall be punished with death on this side, and every false swearer shall be punished on that side.


text:
And I will bring it forth, says the Lord Almighty, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that swears falsely by my name: and it shall rest in the midst of his house, and shall consume it, and the timber of it, and the stones of it.


text:
And the angel that talked with me went forth, and said to me, Lift up your eyes, and see this that goes forth.


text:
And I said, What is it? And he said, This is the measure that goes forth. And he said, This is their iniquity in all the earth.


text:
And behold a talent of lead lifted up: and behold <n>[[Heb. ]] and [[Gr. ]] one woman. see ver. 9. </n> a woman sat in the midst of the measure.


text:
And he said, This is iniquity. And he cast it into the midst of the measure, and cast the weight of lead on the mouth of it.


text:
And I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and, behold, two women coming forth, and the wind was in their wings; and they had stork's wings: and they lifted up the measure between the earth and the sky.


text:
And he said to me, To build it a house in the land of Babylon, and to prepare <i>a place for it</i>; and they shall set it there on its own <n>[[Gr. ]] preparation. </n> base.<pb/>


text:
And I turned, and lifted up my eyes, and looked, and, behold, four chariots coming out from between two mountains; and the mountains were brazen mountains.


text:
and in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot piebald <i>and</i> ash-coloured horses.


text:
And the angel that talked with me answered and said, These are the four winds of heaven, <i>and</i> they are going forth to stand before the Lord of all the earth.


text:
<i>As for the chariot</i> in which were the black horses, they went out to the land of the north; and the white went out after them; and the piebald went out to the land of the south.


text:
And the ash-coloured went out, and looked to go and compass the earth: and <n>[[Or, ]] one said. </n> he said, Go, and compass the earth. And they compassed the earth.


text:
And he cried out and spoke to me, saying, Behold, these go out to the land of the north, and they have quieted my anger in the land of the north.


text:
Take the things of the captivity from <n>[[Heb. ]] proper names. See [[A. V.]]</n> the chief men, and from the useful men of it, and from them that have understood it; and you shall enter in that day into the house of Josias the son of Sophonias that came out of Babylon.


text:
And you shall take silver and gold, and make crowns, and you shall put <i>them</i> upon the head of Jesus the son of Josedec the high priest;


text:
and you shall say to him, Thus says the Lord Almighty; Behold the man whose name is The Branch; and he shall spring up <n>[[Gr. ]] from beneath him. </n> from his stem, and build the house of the Lord.


text:
And he shall receive <n>[[Lit. ]] virtue. </n> power, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and there shall be a priest on his right hand, and a peaceful counsel shall be between <i>them</i> both.


text:
And the crown shall be to them that wait patiently, and to the useful men <n>[[Gr. ]] of it. </n> of the captivity, and to them that have known it, and for the favour of the son of Sophonias, and for a psalm in the house of the Lord.


text:
And they <i>that are</i> far from them shall come and build in the house of the Lord, and you° shall know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you: and <i>this</i> shall come to pass, if you° will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God.<pb/>


text:
And it came to pass in the fourth year of Darius the king, <i>that</i> the word of the Lord came to Zacharias on the fourth <i>day</i> of the ninth month, which is Chaseleu.


text:
And Sarasar and Arbeseer the king and his men sent to Bethel, and <i>that</i> to propitiate the Lord,


text:
speaking to the priests that were in the house of the Lord Almighty, and to the prophets, saying, The holy offering has come in hither in the fifth month, as it has done already many years.


text:
Speak to the whole people of the land, and to the priests, saying, Though you° fasted or lamented in the fifth or seventh <i>months</i> (yes, behold, these seventy years) have you° at all fasted to me?


text:
Are not these the words which the Lord spoke by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and her cities round about her, and the hill country and the low country was inhabited?


text:
Thus says the Lord Almighty; Judge righteous judgement, and deal mercifully and compassionately every one with his brother:


text:
and oppress not the widow, or the fatherless, or the stranger, or the poor; and let not one of you remember in his heart the injury of his brother.


text:
But they refused to attend, and madly turned their back, and made their ears heavy, so that they should not hear.


text:
And they made their heart disobedient, so as not to listen to my law, and the words which the Lord Almighty sent forth by his Spirit by the former prophets: so there was great wrath from the Lord Almighty.


text:
And it shall come to pass, <i>that</i> as he spoke, and they listened not, so they shall cry, and I will not listen, says the Lord Almighty.


text:
And I will cast them out amongst all the nations, whom they know not; and the land behind them shall be made utterly destitute of any going through or returning: yes they have made the choice land a desolation.<pb/>


text:
Thus says the Lord Almighty; I have been jealous for Jerusalem and for Sion with great jealousy, and I have been jealous for her with great fury.


text:
Thus says the Lord; I will return to Sion, and dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a true city, and the mountain of the Lord Almighty a holy mountain.


text:
Thus says the Lord Almighty; There shall yet dwell old men and old women in the streets of Jerusalem, every one holding his staff in his hand for age.


text:
And the broad places of the city shall be filled with boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.


text:
Thus says the Lord Almighty; If it shall be impossible in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days, shall it also be impossible in my sight? says the Lord Almighty.


text:
Thus says the Lord Almighty; Behold, I <i>will</i> save my people from the east country, and the west country;


text:
and I will bring them in, and cause <i>them</i> to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be to me a people, and I will be to them a God, in truth and in righteousness.


text:
Thus says the Lord Almighty; Let your hands be strong, <i>you° that</i> hear in these days these words out of the mouth of the prophets, from the day that the house of the Lord Almighty was founded, and from the time that the temple was built.


text:
For before those days the wages of men could not be profitable, and there could be no hire of cattle, and there could be no peace by reason of the affliction to him that went out or to him that came in: for I would have let loose all men, every one against his neighbour.


text:
But now I <i>will</i> not do to the remnant of this people according to the former days, says the Lord Almighty.


text:
But I will show peace: the vine shall yield her fruit, and the land shall yield her produce, and the heaven shall give its dew: and I will give as an inheritance all these things to the remnant of my people.


text:
And it shall come to pass, as you° were a curse amongst the nations, O house of Juda, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and you° shall be a blessing: be of good courage, and strengthen your hands.


text:
For thus says the Lord Almighty; As I took counsel to afflict you when your fathers provoked me, says the Lord Almighty, and I repented not:


text:
so have I prepared and taken counsel in these days to do good to Jerusalem and to the house of Juda: be you° of good courage.


text:
These <i>are</i> the things which you° shall do; speak truth every one with his neighbour; judge truth and peaceful judgement in your gates:


text:
and let none of you devise evil in his heart against his neighbour; and love not a false oath: for all these things I hate, says the Lord Almighty.


text:
Thus says the Lord Almighty, The fourth fast, and the fifth fast, and the seventh fast, and the tenth fast, shall be to the house of Juda for joy and gladness, and for good feasts; and you° shall rejoice; and love you° the truth and peace.


text:
and the inhabitants of five cities shall come together to one city, saying, Let us go to make supplication to the Lord, and to seek the face of the Lord Almighty; I will go also.


text:
And many peoples and many nations shall come to seek earnestly the face of the Lord Almighty in Jerusalem, and to <n>[[Gr. ]] conciliate the face of the Lord. </n> obtain favour of the Lord.


text:
Thus says the Lord Almighty; In those days <i>my word shall be fulfilled</i> if ten men of all the languages of the nations should take hold—even take hold of the hem of a Jew, saying, We will go with you; for we have heard that God is with you.<pb/>


text:
The burden of the word of the Lord, in the land of Sedrach, and his <n></n> sacrifice <i>shall be</i> in Damascus; for the Lord looks upon men, and upon all the tribes of Israel.


text:
And Tyrus built strongholds for herself, and heaped up silver as dust, and gathered gold as the mire of the ways.


text:
And therefore the Lord will take them for a possession, and will strike her power in the sea; and she shall be consumed with fire.


text:
Ascalon shall see, and fear; Gaza also, and shall be greatly pained, and Accaron; for she is ashamed <n>[[Alex. ]] of her hope. </n> at her trespass; and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ascalon shall not be inhabited.


text:
And I will take their blood out of their mouth, and their abominations from between their teeth; and these also shall be left to our God, and they shall be as a captain of a thousand in Juda, and Accaron as a Jebusite.


text:
And I will set up a <n>[[Or, ]] bulwark. See Zeph. 2. 14.</n> defence for my house, that they may not pass through, nor turn back, neither shall there any more come upon them one to drive them away: for now have I seen with my eyes.


text:
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Sion; proclaim <i>it</i> aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem;  behold, the King is coming to you, just, and <n>[[Gr. ]] saving. </n> a Saviour; he is meek and riding on an ass, and a young foal.


text:
And he shall destroy the chariots out of Ephraim, and the horse out of Jerusalem, and the bow of war shall be utterly destroyed; and <i>there shall be</i> abundance and peace out of the nations; and he shall rule over the waters as far as the sea, and the rivers <i>to</i> the ends of the earth.


text:
And you by the blood of your covenant has sent forth your prisoners out of the pit that has no water.


text:
You° shall dwell in strongholds, you° prisoners of the congregation: and for one day of your <n>[[Or, ]] sojourning. </n> captivity I will recompense you double.


text:
For I have bent you, O Juda, for myself <i>as</i> a bow, I have filled <n>[[Or, it with ]] Ephraim. </n> Ephraim; and I will raise up your children, O Sion, against the children of the Greeks, and I will handle you as the sword of a warrior.


text:
And the Lord shall be over them, and <i>his</i> arrow shall go forth as lightning: and the Lord Almighty shall blow with the trumpet; and shall proceed with the tumult of his threatening.


text:
The Lord Almighty shall protect them, and they shall destroy them, and overwhelm them with sling-stones; and they shall swallow them down as wine, and fill <n>[[Alex. ]] the altar as bowls. </n> the bowls as the altar.


text:
And the Lord their God shall save them in that day, <i>even</i> his people as a flock; for holy stones are rolled upon his land.


text:
For if he has anything good, and if he has anything fair, the young <i>men shall have</i> corn, and <i>there shall be</i> fragrant wine to the virgins.<pb/>


text:
Ask you° of the Lord rain in season, the early and the latter: the Lord has given bright signs, and will give them <n>[[Gr. ]] stormy. </n> abundant rain, to every one grass in the field.


text:
For the speakers have uttered grievous things, and the diviners <i>have </i> <n>[[Or, ]] related. </n> <i>seen</i> false visions, and they have spoken false dreams, they have given vain comfort: therefore have they <n>[[Gr. ]] been dried up. </n> fallen away like sheep, and been afflicted, because there was no healing.


text:
Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I will <n>[[Or, ]] oversee. [[or, ]] look upon. </n> visit the lambs; and the Lord God Almighty shall <n>[[Or, ]] oversee. [[or, ]] look upon. </n> visit his flock, the house of Juda, and he shall make them as his goodly horse in war.


text:
And from him he <n></n> looked, and from him he set <i>the battle in order</i>, and from him <i>came</i> the bow in anger, <i>and</i> from him shall come forth every <n>[[Lit. ]] he that expels. </n> oppressor together.


text:
And they shall be as warriors treading clay in the ways in war; and they shall set the battle in array, because the Lord is with them, and the riders on horses shall be put to shame.


text:
And I will strengthen the house of Juda, and save the house of Joseph, and I will settle them; because I have loved them: and they shall be as <i>if</i> I had not cast them off: for I am the Lord their God, and I will hear them.


text:
And they shall be as the warriors of Ephraim, and their heart shall rejoice as with wine: and their children also shall see <i>it</i>, and be glad; and their heart shall rejoice in the Lord.


text:
I will make a sign to them, and gather them in; for I will redeem them, and they shall be multiplied according to their number before.


text:
And I will sow them amongst the people; and they that are afar off shall remember me: they shall nourish their children, and they shall return.


text:
And I will bring them again from the land of Egypt, and I will gather them in from amongst the Assyrians; and I will bring them into the land of Galaad and to Libanus; and there shall not even one of them be left behind.


text:
And they shall pass through a narrow sea, they shall strike the waves in the sea, and all the deep places of the rivers shall be dried up: and all the pride of the Assyrians shall be taken away, and the sceptre of Egypt shall be removed.


text:
And I will strengthen them in the Lord their God; and they shall boast in his name, says the Lord.<pb/>


text:
Let the pine howl, because the cedar has fallen; for the mighty men have been greatly afflicted: howl, you° oaks of the land of Basan; for the thickly planted forest has been torn down.


text:
<i>There is</i> a voice of the shepherds mourning; for their greatness is <n>[[Gr. ]] distressed. </n> brought low: a voice of roaring lions; for the <n>[[Or, ]] roaring. </n> pride of Jordan is brought down.


text:
which their possessors have slain, and have not repented: and they that sold them said, Blessed be the Lord; for we have become rich: and their shepherds have suffered no sorrow for them.


text:
Therefore I will no longer have mercy upon the inhabitants of the land, says the Lord: but, behold, I will deliver up the men every one into the hand of his neighbour, and into the hand of his king; and they shall destroy the land, and I will not rescue out of their hand.


text:
And I will tend the flock of slaughter in the land of Chanaan: and I will take for myself two rods; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Line; and I will tend the flock.


text:
And I will cut off three shepherds in one month; and my soul shall <n>[[Or, ]] be sorely displeased with them. [[Gr. ]] be weighed down upon them. </n> grieve over them, for their souls cried out against me.


text:
And I said, I will not tend you: that which dies, let it die; and that which <n>[[Or, ]] fails. </n> falls off, let it fall off; and let the rest eat every one the flesh of his neighbour.


text:
And I will take my beautiful staff, and cast it away, that I may break my covenant which I made with all the people.


text:
And it shall be broken in that day; and the Chananites, the sheep that are kept for me, shall know that it is the word of the Lord.


text:
And I will say to them, If it be good in your eyes, give <i>me</i> my price, or refuse it. And they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.


text:
And the Lord said to me, Drop them into the furnace, and I will see if it is good <i>metal</i>, as I was proved for their sakes.  And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them into the furnace in the house of the Lord.


text:
And I cast away <i>my</i> second rod, <i>even</i> Line, that I might break the <n>Compare [[Heb. Alex. διαθήκην ]] covenant. </n> possession between Juda and Israel.


text:
For, behold, I <i>will</i> raise up a shepherd against the land: he shall not visit that which is perishing, and he shall not seek that which is scattered, and he shall not heal that which is bruised, nor guide that which is whole: but he shall devour the flesh of the choice <i>ones</i>, and shall <n>[[Or, ]] wring their necks. </n> dislocate the joints <i>of their necks</i>.


text:
Alas for the vain shepherds that have forsaken the sheep! the sword <i>shall be</i> upon <n>[[Gr. ]] his arms. </n> the arms of such a one, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be completely withered, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.<pb/>


text:
The burden of the word of the Lord for Israel; says the Lord, that stretches out the sky, and lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him.


text:
Behold, I <i>will</i> make Jerusalem as trembling <n>[[Or, ]] porches [[or, ]] door-posts shaken by, etc. </n> door-posts to all the nations round about, and in Judea there shall be a siege against Jerusalem.


text:
And it shall come to pass in that day <i>that</i> I will make Jerusalem a <n>[[Or, ]] a stone trodden by all, etc. </n> trodden stone to all the nations: every one that tramples on it shall utterly mock at <i>it</i>, and all the nations of the earth shall be gathered together against it.


text:
In that day, says the Lord Almighty, I will strike every horse with amazement, and his rider with madness: but I will open my eyes upon the house of Juda, and I will strike all the horses of the nations with blindness.


text:
And the captains of thousands of Juda shall say in their hearts, We shall find for ourselves the inhabitants of Jerusalem in the Lord Almighty their God.


text:
In that day I will make the captains of thousands of Juda as a firebrand amongst wood, and as a torch of fire in stubble; and they shall devour on the right hand and on the left all the nations round about: and Jerusalem shall dwell again by herself, <i>even</i> in Jerusalem.


text:
And the Lord shall save the tabernacles of Juda as at the beginning, that the boast of the house of David, and the pride of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, may not magnify themselves against Juda.


text:
And it shall come to pass in that day, <i>that</i> the Lord shall defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and the weak one amongst them in that day shall be as David, and the house of David as the house of God, as the angel of the Lord before them.


text:
And it shall come to pass in that day, <i>that</i> I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.


text:
And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and compassion: and  they shall look upon me, because they have mocked <i>me</i>, and they shall make lamentation for him, as for a beloved <i>friend</i>, and they shall grieve intensely, as for a firstborn <i>son</i>.


text:
In that day the lamentation in Jerusalem shall be very great, as the mourning for the pomegranate grove cut down in the plain.


text:
And the land shall lament in <n>See a similar construction, Mark 6. 39,40 </n> separate families, the family of the house of David by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of Nathan by itself, and their wives by themselves;


text:
the family of the house of Levi by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of Symeon by itself, and their wives by themselves;


text:
In that day every place shall be opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for removal and for <n>[[Or, ]] departure. </n> separation.


text:
And it shall come to pass in that day, says the Lord of hosts, <i>that</i> I will utterly destroy the names of the idols from off the land, and there shall be no longer <i>any</i> remembrance of them: and I will cut off the false prophets and the evil spirit from the land.


text:
And it shall come to pass, if a man will yet prophesy, that his father and his mother which gave birth to him shall say to him, You shall not live; for you have spoken lies in the name of the Lord: and his father and his mother who gave him birth shall bind him as he is prophesying.


text:
And it shall come to pass in that day, <i>that</i> the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision when he prophesies; and they shall clothe themselves with a garment of hair, because they have lied.


text:
And <i>one</i> shall say, I am not a prophet, for I am a tiller of the ground, for a man brought me up <i>thus</i> from my youth.


text:
And I will say to him, What are these wounds between your hands? and he shall say, <i>Those</i> with which I was wounded in <n>[[Alex. ]] The house of my beloved. </n> my beloved house.


text:
Awake, O sword, against my <n>[[Alex. ]] shepherd. </n> shepherds, and against the man <i>who is</i> my citizen, says the Lord Almighty:  strike the shepherds, and draw out the sheep: and I will bring my hand upon the little ones.


text:
And it shall come to pass, <i>that</i> in all the land, says the Lord, two parts thereof shall be cut off and perish; but the third shall be left therein.


text:
And I will bring the third <i>part</i> through the fire, and I will try them as silver is tried, and I will prove them as gold is proved: they shall call upon my name, and I will hear them, and say, This is my people: and they shall say, The Lord <i>is</i> my God.<pb/>


text:
And I will gather all the Gentiles to Jerusalem to war, and the city shall be taken, and the houses plundered, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, but the rest of my people shall not be utterly cut off from the city.


text:
And his feet shall stand in that day on the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave asunder, half of it towards the east and the west, a very great division; and half the mountain shall lean to the north, and half of it to the south.


text:
And the valley of my mountains shall be closed up, and the valley of the mountains shall be joined on to Jasod, and shall be blocked up as it was blocked up in the days of the earthquake, in the days of Ozias king of Juda; and the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with him.


text:
and there shall be for one day <n>[[Alex. ]] ψύχος, cold, probably the right reading. </n> cold and frost, and that day <i>shall be</i> known to the Lord, and <i>it shall</i> not <i>be</i> day nor night: but towards evening it shall be light.


text:
And in that day living water shall come forth out of Jerusalem; half of it towards the former sea, and half of it towards the latter sea: and so shall it be in summer and spring.


text:
And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day there shall be one Lord, and his name one,


text:
compassing all the earth, and the wilderness from Gabe to Remmon south of Jerusalem. And Rama shall remain in its place. From the gate of Benjamin to the place of the first gate, to the gate of the corners, and to the tower of Anameel, as far as the king's wine presses,


text:
they shall dwell <n>[[Alex. ]] in it. </n> in the city; and there shall be no more any curse, and Jerusalem shall dwell securely.


text:
And this shall be the overthrow with which the Lord will strike all the nations, as many as have fought against Jerusalem; their flesh shall consume away while they are standing upon their feet, and their eyes shall melt out of their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.


text:
And there shall be in that day a great <n>[[Alex. ]] astonishment. </n> panic from the Lord upon them; and they shall lay hold every man of the hand of his neighbour, and his hand shall be clasped with the hand of his neighbour.


text:
Juda also shall fight in Jerusalem; and <i>God</i> shall gather the strength of all the nations round about, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance.


text:
And this shall be the overthrow of the horses, and mules, and camels, and asses, and all the beasts that are in those camps, according to this overthrow.


text:
And it shall come to pass, <i>that</i> whoever shall be left of all the nations that came against Jerusalem, shall even come up every year to worship the king, the Lord Almighty, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.


text:
And it shall come to pass, <i>that</i> whoever of all the families of the earth shall not come up to Jerusalem to worship the king, the Lord Almighty, even these shall be added to the others.


text:
And if the family of Egypt shall not go up, nor come; then upon them shall be the overthrow with which the Lord shall strike all the nations, whichever of them shall not come up to keep the feast of tabernacles.


text:
This shall be the sin of Egypt, and the sin of all the nations, whoever shall not come up to keep the feast of tabernacles.


text:
In that day there shall be upon the bridle of every horse Holiness to the Lord Almighty; and the cauldrons in the house of the Lord shall be as bowls before the altar.


text:
And every pot in Jerusalem and in Juda shall be holy to the Lord Almighty: and all that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and shall seethe <i>meat</i> in them: and in that day there shall be no more the Chananite in the house of the Lord Almighty.


text:
The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by the hand of his messenger. Lay <i>it</i>, I pray you, to heart.


text:
I have loved you, says the Lord. And you° said, Wherein have you loved us? Was not Esau Jacob's brother? says the Lord: yet  I loved Jacob,


text:
and hated Esau and <n>Lit. appointed them for desolation. </n> laid waste his borders, and made his heritage as dwellings of the wilderness?


text:
Because one will say, Idumea has been overthrown, but let us return and rebuild the desolate places; thus says the Lord Almighty, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall be called The borders of wickedness, and, The people against whom the Lord has set himself for ever.


text:
And your eyes shall see, and you° shall say, The Lord has been magnified <n>Gr. above. </n> upon the borders of Israel.


text:
A son honours <i>his</i> father, and a servant his master: if then I am a father, where is my honour? and if I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord Almighty. You° the priests are they that despise my name: yet you° said, Wherein have we despised your name?


text:
In that you° bring to my altar polluted bread; and you° said, Wherein have you° polluted it? In that you° say, The table of the Lord is polluted, and that which was set thereon you° have despised.


text:
For if you° bring a blind <i>victim</i> for sacrifices, <i>is it</i> not evil? and if you° bring the lame or the sick, <i>is it</i> not evil? offer it now to your ruler, <i>and see</i> if he will receive you, if he will accept your person, says the Lord Almighty.


text:
And now <n>Lit. propitiate. </n> entreat the face of your God, and make supplication to him. These things have been done by your hands; shall I accept you? says the Lord Almighty.


text:
Because even amongst you the doors shall be shut, and <i>one</i> will not kindle <i>the fire of</i> my altar for nothing, I have no pleasure in you, says the Lord Almighty, and I will not accept a sacrifice at your hands.


text:
For from the rising of the sun even to the going down <i>thereof</i> my name has been glorified amongst the Gentiles; and in every place incense is offered to my name, and a pure offering: for my name is great amongst the Gentiles, says the Lord Almighty.


text:
But you° profane it, in that you° say, The table of the Lord is polluted, and his meats set thereon are despised.


text:
And you° said, These <i>services</i> are troublesome: therefore I have <n>Gr. puffed at them. </n> utterly rejected them with scorn, says the Lord Almighty: and you° brought in torn victims, and lame, and sick: if then you° should bring an offering, shall I accept them at your hands? says the Lord Almighty.


text:
And cursed <i>is the man</i> who had the power, and possessed a male in his flock, and whose vow is upon him, and who sacrifices a corrupt thing to the Lord: for I am a great King, says the Lord Almighty, and my name is glorious amongst the nations.<pb/>


text:
If you° will not listen, and if you° will not lay <i>it</i> to heart, to give glory to my name, says the Lord Almighty, then I will send forth the curse upon you, and I will bring a curse upon your blessing: yes, I will curse it, and I will scatter your blessing, and it shall not exist amongst you, because you° lay not this to heart.


text:
Behold, <n>Gr. separate the shoulder from you. </n> I turn my back upon you, and I will scatter dung upon your faces, the dung of your feasts, and I will carry you away at the same time.


text:
And you° shall know that I have sent this commandment to you, that my covenant might be with the sons of Levi, says the Lord Almighty.


text:
My covenant of life and peace was with him, and I gave <n>Or, power, or, charge to fear me, etc. </n> <i>it</i> him that he might reverently fear me, and that he might <n>See 2 Cor 8. 20. </n> be awe-struck at my name.


text:
The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked before me directing <i>his way</i> in peace, and he turned many from unrighteousness.


text:
For the priest's lips <n>Gr. shall. </n> should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty.


text:
But you° have turned aside from the way, and caused many to fail in <i>following</i> the law: you° have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the Lord Almighty.


text:
And I have made you despised and cast out amongst all the people, because you° have not kept my ways, but have <n>Gr. accepted persons. </n> been partial in the law.


text:
Have you° not all one father? Did not one God create you? why have you° forsaken every man his brother, to profane the covenant of your fathers?


text:
Juda has been forsaken, and an abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Juda has profaned the holy things of the Lord, which he delighted in, and has gone after other gods.


text:
The Lord will utterly destroy the man that does these things, until he be even cast down from out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and from amongst them that offer sacrifice to the Lord Almighty.


text:
And these things which I hated, you° did: you° covered with tears the altar of the Lord, and with weeping and groaning because of troubles: <i>is it</i> meet <i>for me</i> to have respect to your sacrifice, or to receive <i>anything</i> from your hands <i>as</i> welcome?


text:
Yet you° said, Therefore? Because the Lord has borne witness between you and the wife of your youth, whom you have forsaken, and <i>yet</i> she was your partner, and the wife of your covenant.


text:
And did he not do well? and <i>there was</i> the residue of his spirit. But you° said, What does God seek but a seed? But take you° heed to your spirit, and forsake not the wife of your youth.


text:
But if you should hate <i>your wife</i> and put her away, says the Lord God of Israel, then ungodliness shall cover your thoughts, says the Lord Almighty: therefore take you° heed to your spirit, and forsake <i>them</i> not,


text:
you° that have provoked God with your words. But you° said, Wherein have we provoked him? In that you° say, Every one that does evil is a pleasing <i>object</i> in the sight of the Lord, and he takes pleasure in such; <n>Or, and, Where, etc. </n> and where is the God of justice?<pb/>


text:
Behold, I send forth my messenger, and he shall survey the way before me: and the Lord, whom you° seek, shall suddenly come into his temple, even the angel of the covenant, whom you° take pleasure in: behold, he is coming, says the Lord Almighty.


text:
And who will <n>Or, wait for. </n> abide the day of his coming? or who will withstand at his appearing? for he is coming in as the fire of a furnace and as the herb of <n>Gr. them that wash. </n> fullers.


text:
He shall sit to melt and purify as it were silver, and as it were gold: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and <n>Gr. pour. </n> refine them as gold and silver, and they shall offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness.


text:
And the sacrifice of Juda and Jerusalem shall be pleasing to the Lord, according to the former days, and according to the former years.


text:
And I will draw near to you in judgement; and I will be a swift witness against the witches, and against the adulteresses, and against them that swear falsely by my name, and against them that keep back the hireling's wages, and them that oppress the widow, and <n>Gr. beat with the fist. </n> afflict orphans, and that wrest the judgement of the stranger, and fear not me, says the Lord Almighty.


text:
but you°, the sons of Jacob, have not refrained from the iniquities of your fathers: you° have perverted my statutes, and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord Almighty. But you° said, Wherein shall we return?


text:
Will a man insult God? for you° insult me. But you° say, Wherein have we insulted you? In that the tithes and first fruits are with you <i>still</i>.


text:
The year is completed, and you° have brought all the produce into the storehouses; but there shall be the plunder thereof in its house: return now on this behalf, says the Lord Almighty, <i>see</i> if I will not open to you the <n>Or, windows, see Gen 7. 11, there rendered 'flood-gates.' </n> torrents of heaven, and pour out my blessing upon you, until you° are satisfied.


text:
And I will <n>Or, give a charge for you to be fed. Alex. </n> appoint food for you, and I will not destroy the fruit of your land; and your vine in the field shall not fail, says the Lord Almighty.


text:
You° have spoken grievous words against me, says the Lord. Yet you° said, Wherein have we spoken against you?


text:
You° said, He that serves God <n>Gr. is vain. </n> labours in vain: and what have we gained in that we have kept his ordinances, and in that we have walked as suppliants before the face of the Lord Almighty?


text:
And now we pronounce strangers blessed; and all they who act unlawfully are built up; and they have resisted God, and <i>yet</i> have been delivered.


text:
Thus spoke they that feared the Lord, every one to his neighbour: and the Lord gave heed, and listened, and he wrote a book of remembrance before him for them that feared the Lord and reverenced his name.


text:
And they shall be <n>Gr. for me. </n> mine, says the Lord Almighty, in the day which I appoint for a peculiar possession; and I will make choice of them, as a man makes choice of his son that serves him.


text:
Then shall you° return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, and between him that serves God, and him that serves <i>him</i> not.<pb/>


text:
For, behold, a day comes burning as an oven, and it shall consume them; and all the aliens, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that is coming shall set them on fire, says the Lord Almighty, and there shall not be left of them root or branch.


text:
But to you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise, and healing <i>shall be</i> in his wings: and you° shall go forth, and bound as young calves let loose from bonds.


text:
And you° shall trample the wicked; for they shall be ashes underneath your feet in the day which I appoint, says the Lord Almighty.


text:
And, behold, I will send to you Elias the Thesbite, before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes;


text:
who shall turn again the heart of the father to the son, and the heart of a man to his neighbour, lest I come and strike the earth grievously.


text:
Remember the law of my servant Moses, accordingly as I charged him <i>with it</i> in Choreb for all Israel, <i>even</i> the commandments and ordinances.


text:
The book of the words of Tobit, son of Tobiel, the son of Ananiel, the son of Aduel, the son of Gabael, of the seed of Asael, of the tribe of Nephthali;


text:
Who in the time of Enemessar king of the Assyrians was led captive out of Thisbe, which is at the right hand of that city, which is called properly Nephthali in Galilee above Aser.


text:
I Tobit have walked all the days of my life in the ways of truth and justice, and I did many alms deeds to my brethren, and my nation, who came with me to Nineve, into the land of the Assyrians.


text:
And when I was in my own country, in the land of Israel being but young, all the tribe of Nephthali my father fell from the house of Jerusalem, which was chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, that all the tribes should sacrifice there, where the temple of the habitation of the most High was consecrated and built for all ages.


text:
Now all the tribes which together revolted, and the house of my father Nephthali, sacrificed to the heifer Baal.


text:
But I alone went often to Jerusalem at the feasts, as it was ordained to all the people of Israel by an everlasting decree, having the first fruits and tenths of increase, with that which was first shorn; and them gave I at the altar to the priests the children of Aaron.


text:
The first tenth part of all increase I gave to the sons of Aaron, who ministered at Jerusalem: another tenth part I sold away, and went, and spent it every year at Jerusalem:


text:
And the third I gave to them to whom it was meet, as Debora my father's mother had commanded me, because I was left an orphan by my father.


text:
Furthermore, when I was come to the age of a man, I married Anna of my own kindred, and of her I became the father of Tobias.


text:
And when we were carried away captives to Nineve, all my brethren and those that were of my kindred did eat of the bread of the Gentiles.


text:
And I went into Media, and left in trust with Gabael, the brother of Gabrias, at Rages a city of Media ten talents of silver.


text:
Now when Enemessar was dead, Sennacherib his son reigned in his stead; whose estate was troubled, that I could not go into Media.


text:
And my clothes to the naked: and if I saw any of my nation dead, or cast about the walls of Nineve, I buried him.


text:
And if the king Sennacherib had slain any, when he was come, and fled from Judea, I buried them privily; for in his wrath he killed many; but the bodies were not found, when they were sought for of the king.


text:
And when one of the Ninevites went and complained of me to the king, that I buried them, and hid myself; understanding that I was sought for to be put to death, I withdrew myself for fear.


text:
Then all my goods were forcibly taken away, neither was there any thing left me, beside my wife Anna and my son Tobias.


text:
And there passed not five and fifty days, before two of his sons killed him, and they fled into the mountains of Ararath; and Sarchedonus his son reigned in his stead; who appointed over his father's accounts, and over all his affairs, Achiacharus my brother Anael's son.


text:
And Achiacharus intreating for me, I returned to Nineve. Now Achiacharus was cupbearer, and keeper of the signet, and steward, and overseer of the accounts: and Sarchedonus appointed him next to him: and he was my brother's son.<pb/>


text:
Now when I was come home again, and my wife Anna was restored to me, with my son Tobias, in the feast of Pentecost, which is the holy feast of the seven weeks, there was a good dinner prepared me, in the which I sat down to eat.


text:
And when I saw abundance of meat, I said to my son, Go and bring what poor man soever you shall find out of our brethren, who is mindful of the Lord; and, behold, I wait for you.


text:
But he came again, and said, Father, one of our nation is strangled, and is cast out in the marketplace.


text:
Then before I had tasted of any meat, I started up, and took him up into a room until the going down of the sun.


text:
Remembering that prophecy of Amos, as he said, Your feasts shall be turned into mourning, and all your mirth into lamentation.


text:
But my neighbours mocked me, and said, This man is not yet afraid to be put to death for this matter: who fled away; and yet, behold, he buries the dead again.


text:
The same night also I returned from the burial, and slept by the wall of my courtyard, being polluted and my face was uncovered:


text:
And I knew not that there were sparrows in the wall, and my eyes being open, the sparrows muted warm dung into my eyes, and a whiteness came in my eyes: and I went to the physicians, but they helped me not: moreover Achiacharus did nourish me, until I went into Elymais.


text:
And when she had sent them home to the owners, they paid her wages, and gave her also besides a kid.


text:
And when it was in my house, and began to cry, I said to her, From whence is this kid? is it not stolen? render it to the owners; for it is not lawful to eat any thing that is stolen.


text:
But she replied upon me, It was given for a gift more than the wages. Howbeit I did not believe her, but bade her render it to the owners: and I was abashed at her. But she replied upon me, Where are your alms and your righteous deeds? behold, you and all your works are known.<pb/>


text:
O Lord, you are just, and all your works and all your ways are mercy and truth, and you judge truly and justly for ever.


text:
Remember me, and look on me, punish me not for my sins and ignorances, and the sins of my fathers, who have sinned before you:


text:
For they obeyed not your commandments: therefore you have delivered us for a spoil, and to captivity, and to death, and for a proverb of reproach to all the nations amongst whom we are dispersed.


text:
And now your judgements are many and true: deal with me according to my sins and my fathers': because we have not kept your commandments, neither have walked in truth before you.


text:
Now therefore deal with me as seems best to you, and command my spirit to be taken from me, that I may be dissolved, and become earth: for it is profitable for me to die rather than to live, because I have heard false reproaches, and have much sorrow: command therefore that I may now be delivered out of this distress, and go into the everlasting place: turn not your face away from me.


text:
It came to pass the same day, that in Ecbatane a city of Media Sara the daughter of Raguel was also reproached by her father's maids;


text:
Because that she had been married to seven husbands, whom Asmodeus the evil spirit had killed, before they had lain with her. Do you not know, said they, that you have strangled your husbands? you have had already seven husbands, neither was you named after any of them.


text:
Therefore do you beat us for them? if they be dead, go your ways after them, let us never see of you either son or daughter.


text:
When she heard these things, she was very sorrowful, so that she thought to have strangled herself; and she said, I am the only daughter of my father, and if I do this, it shall be a reproach to him, and I shall bring his old age with sorrow to the grave.


text:
Then she prayed towards the window, and said, Blessed are you, O Lord my God, and your holy and glorious name is blessed and honourable for ever: let all your works praise you for ever.


text:
And that I never polluted my name, nor the name of my father, in the land of my captivity: I am the only daughter of my father, neither has he any child to be his heir, neither any near kinsman, nor any son of his alive, to whom I may keep myself for a wife: my seven husbands are already dead; and why should I live? but if it please not you that I should die, command some regard to be had of me, and pity taken of me, that I hear no more reproach.


text:
And Raphael was sent to heal them both, that is, to scale away the whiteness of Tobit's eyes, and to give Sara the daughter of Raguel for a wife to Tobias the son of Tobit; and to bind Asmodeus the evil spirit; because she belonged to Tobias by right of inheritance. The selfsame time came Tobit home, and entered into his house, and Sara the daughter of Raguel came down from her upper chamber.<pb/>


text:
And said with himself, I have wished for death; therefore do I not call for my son Tobias that I may signify to him of the money before I die?


text:
And when he had called him, he said, My son, when I am dead, bury me; and despise not your mother, but honour her all the days of your life, and do that which shall please her, and grieve her not.


text:
Remember, my son, that she saw many dangers for you, when you were in her womb: and when she is dead, bury her by me in one grave.


text:
My son, be mindful of the Lord our God all your days, and let not your will be set to sin, or to transgress his commandments: do uprightly all your life long, and follow not the ways of unrighteousness.


text:
For if you deal truly, your doings shall prosperously succeed to you, and to all them that live justly.


text:
Give alms of your substance; and when you give alms, let not your eye be envious, neither turn your face from any poor, and the face of God shall not be turned away from you.


text:
If you have abundance give alms accordingly: if you have but a little, be not afraid to give according to that little:


text:
Beware of all whoredom, my son, and chiefly take a wife of the seed of your fathers, and take not a strange woman to wife, which is not of your father's tribe: for we are the children of the prophets, Noe, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: remember, my son, that our fathers from the beginning, even that they all married wives of their own kindred, and were blessed in their children, and their seed shall inherit the land.


text:
Now therefore, my son, love your brethren, and despise not in your heart your brethren, the sons and daughters of your people, in not taking a wife of them: for in pride is destruction and much trouble, and in lewdness is decay and great lack: for lewdness is the mother of famine.


text:
Let not the wages of any man, which has wrought for you, wait with you, but give him it out of hand: for if you serve God, he will also repay you: be circumspect my son, in all things you do, and be wise in all your conversation.


text:
Do that to no man which you hate: drink not wine to make you drunken: neither let drunkenness go with you in your journey.


text:
Give of your bread to the hungry, and of your garments to them that are naked; and according to your abundance give alms: and let not your eye be envious, when you give alms.


text:
Bless the Lord your God always, and desire of him that your ways may be directed, and that all your paths and counsels may prosper: for every nation has not counsel; but the Lord himself gives all good things, and he humbles whom he will, as he will; now therefore, my son, remember my commandments, neither let them be put out of your mind.


text:
And now I signify this to they that I committed ten talents to Gabael the son of Gabrias at Rages in Media.


text:
And fear not, my son, that we are made poor: for you have much wealth, if you fear God, and depart from all sin, and do that which is pleasing in his sight.<pb/>


text:
Then he gave him the handwriting, and said to him, Seek you a man which may go with you, while I yet live, and I will give him wages: and go and receive the money.


text:
To whom the angel said, I will go with you, and I know the way well: for I have lodged with our brother Gabael.


text:
Then he said to him, Go and wait not. So he went in and said to his father, Behold, I have found one which will go with me. Then he said, Call him to me, that I may know of what tribe he is, and whether he be a trusty man to go with you.


text:
To whom he said, Do you seek for a tribe or family, or an hired man to go with your son? Then Tobit said to him, I would know, brother, your kindred and name.


text:
Then Tobit said, You are welcome, brother; be not now angry with me, because I have enquired to know your tribe and your family; for you are my brother, of an honest and good stock: for I know Ananias and Jonathas, sons of that great Samaias, as we went together to Jerusalem to worship, and offered the firstborn, and the tenths of the fruits; and they were not seduced with the error of our brethren: my brother, you are of a good stock.


text:
But tell me, what wages shall I give you? will you a drachm a day, and things necessary, as to my own son?


text:
So they were well pleased. Then said he to Tobias, Prepare yourself for the journey, and God send you a good journey. And when his son had prepared all things far the journey, his father said, Go you with this man, and God, which dwells in heaven, prosper your journey, and the angel of God keep you company. So they went forth both, and the young man's dog with them.


text:
But Anna his mother wept, and said to Tobit, Why have you sent away our son? is he not the staff of our hand, in going in and out before us?


text:
Then said Tobit to her, Take no care, my sister; he shall return in safety, and your eyes shall see him.


text:
For the good angel will keep him company, and his journey shall be prosperous, and he shall return safe.


text:
And as they went on their journey, they came in the evening to the river Tigris, and they lodged there.


text:
And when the young man went down to wash himself, a fish leapt out of the river, and would have devoured him.


text:
Then the angel said to him, Take the fish. And the young man laid hold of the fish, and drew it to land.


text:
To whom the angel said, Open the fish, and take the heart and the liver and the gall, and put them up safely.


text:
So the young man did as the angel commanded him; and when they had roasted the fish, they did eat it: then they both went on their way, till they drew near to Ecbatane.


text:
Then the young man said to the angel, Brother Azarias, to what use is the heart and the liver and the gal of the fish?


text:
And he said to him, Touching the heart and the liver, if a devil or an evil spirit trouble any, we must make a smoke thereof before the man or the woman, and the party shall be no more vexed.


text:
The angel said to the young man, Brother, to day we shall lodge with Raguel, who is your cousin; he also has one only daughter, named Sara; I will speak for her, that she may be given you for a wife.


text:
And the maid is fair and wise: now therefore hear me, and I will speak to her father; and when we return from Rages we will celebrate the marriage: for I know that Raguel can’t marry her to another according to the law of Moses, but he shall be guilty of death, because the right of inheritance does rather appertain to you than to any other.


text:
Then the young man answered the angel, I have heard, brother Azarias that this maid has been given to seven men, who all died in the marriage chamber.


text:
And now I am the only son of my father, and I am afraid, lest if I go in to her, I die, as the other before: for a wicked spirit loves her, which hurts no body, but those which come to her; therefore I also fear lest I die, and bring my father's and my mother's life because of me to the grave with sorrow: for they have no other son to bury them.


text:
Then the angel said to him, Do you not remember the precepts which your father gave you, that you should marry a wife of your own kindred? therefore hear me, O my brother; for she shall be given you to wife; and make you no reckoning of the evil spirit; for this same night shall she be given you in marriage.


text:
And when you shall come into the marriage chamber, you shall take the ashes of perfume, and shall lay upon them some of the heart and liver of the fish, and shall make a smoke with it:


text:
And the devil shall smell it, and flee away, and never come again any more: but when you shall come to her, rise up both of you, and pray to God which is merciful, who will have pity on you, and save you: fear not, for she is appointed to you from the beginning; and you shall preserve her, and she shall go with you. Moreover I suppose that she shall bear you children. Now when Tobias had heard these things, he loved her, and his heart was effectually joined to her.<pb/>


text:
And when they were come to Ecbatane, they came to the house of Raguel, and Sara met them: and after they had saluted one another, she brought them into the house.


text:
And Raguel asked them, From whence are you°, brethren? To whom they said, We are of the sons of Nephthalim, which are captives in Nineve.


text:
Then he said to them, Do you° know Tobit our kinsman? And they said, We know him. Then said he, Is he in good health?


text:
And blessed him, and said to him, You are the son of an honest and good man. But when he had heard that Tobit was blind, he was sorrowful, and wept.


text:
And likewise Edna his wife and Sara his daughter wept. Moreover they entertained them cheerfully; and after that they had killed a ram of the flock, they set store of meat on the table. Then said Tobias to Raphael, Brother Azarias, speak of those things of which you did talk in the way, and let this business be dispatched.


text:
So he communicated the matter with Raguel: and Raguel said to Tobias, Eat and drink, and make merry:


text:
I have given my daughter in marriage to seven men, who died that night they came in to her: nevertheless for the present be merry. But Tobias said, I will eat nothing here, till we agree and swear one to another.


text:
Raguel said, Then take her from henceforth according to the manner, for you are her cousin, and she is your, and the merciful God give you good success in all things.


text:
Then he called his daughter Sara, and she came to her father, and he took her by the hand, and gave her to be wife to Tobias, saying, Behold, take her after the law of Moses, and lead her away to your father. And he blessed them;


text:
After Raguel called his wife Edna, and said to her, Sister, prepare another chamber, and bring her in there.


text:
Which when she had done as he had bidden her, she brought her there: and she wept, and she received the tears of her daughter, and said to her,


text:
Be of good comfort, my daughter; the Lord of heaven and earth give you joy for this your sorrow: be of good comfort, my daughter.<pb/>


text:
And as he went, he remembered the words of Raphael, and took the ashes of the perfumes, and put the heart and the liver of the fish thereupon, and made a smoke therewith.


text:
The which smell when the evil spirit had smelled, he fled into the utmost parts of Egypt, and the angel bound him.


text:
And after that they were both shut in together, Tobias rose out of the bed, and said, Sister, arise, and let us pray that God would have pity on us.


text:
Then began Tobias to say, Blessed are you, O God of our fathers, and blessed is your holy and glorious name for ever; let the heavens bless you, and all your creatures.


text:
You made Adam, and gave him Eve his wife for an helper and stay: of them came mankind: you have said, It is not good that man should be alone; let us make to him an aid like to himself.


text:
And now, O Lord, I take not this my sister for lush but uprightly: therefore mercifully ordain that we may become aged together.


text:
He said to his wife Edna. Send one of the maids, and let her see whether he be alive: if he be not, that we may bury him, and no man know it.


text:
Then Raguel praised God, and said, O God, you are worthy to be praised with all pure and holy praise; therefore let your saints praise you with all your creatures; and let all your angels and your elect praise you for ever.


text:
You are to be praised, for you have made me joyful; and that is not come to me which I suspected; but you have dealt with us according to your great mercy.


text:
You are to be praised because you have had mercy of two that were the only begotten children of their fathers: grant them mercy, O Lord, and finish their life in health with joy and mercy.


text:
For before the days of the marriage were finished, Raguel had said to him by an oath, that he should not depart till the fourteen days of the marriage were expired;


text:
And then he should take the half of his goods, and go in safety to his father; and should have the rest when I and my wife be dead.<pb/>


text:
Brother Azarias, take with you a servant, and two camels, and go to Rages of Media to Gabael, and bring me the money, and bring him to the wedding.


text:
So Raphael went out, and lodged with Gabael, and gave him the handwriting: who brought forth bags which were sealed up, and gave them to him.


text:
And early in the morning they went forth both together, and came to the wedding: and Tobias blessed his wife.<pb/>


text:
Now Tobit his father counted every day: and when the days of the journey were expired, and they came not,


text:
Then his wife said to him, My son is dead, seeing he stays long; and she began to wail him, and said,


text:
But she said, Hold your peace, and deceive me not; my son is dead. And she went out every day into the way which they went, and did eat no meat on the daytime, and ceased not whole nights to bewail her son Tobias, until the fourteen days of the wedding were expired, which Raguel had sworn that he should spend there. Then Tobias said to Raguel,


text:
But his father in law said to him, Tarry with me, and I will send to your father, and they shall declare to him how things go with you.


text:
And he blessed them, and sent them away, saying, The God of heaven give you a prosperous journey, my children.<pb/>


text:
After these things Tobias went his way, praising God that he had given him a prosperous journey, and blessed Raguel and Edna his wife, and went on his way till they drew near to Nineve.


text:
And when she espied him coming, she said to his father, Behold, your son comes, and the man that went with him.


text:
Therefore anoint you his eyes with the gall, and being pricked therewith, he shall rub, and the whiteness shall fall away, and he shall see you.


text:
Then Anna ran forth, and fell upon the neck of her son, and said to him, Seeing I have seen you, my son, from henceforth I am content to die. And they wept both.


text:
And took hold of his father: and he struck of the gall on his fathers' eyes, saying, Be of good hope, my father.


text:
And the whiteness pilled away from the corners of his eyes: and when he saw his son, he fell upon his neck.


text:
And he wept, and said, Blessed are you, O God, and blessed is your name for ever; and blessed are all your holy angels:


text:
For you have scourged, and have taken pity on me: for, behold, I see my son Tobias. And his son went in rejoicing, and told his father the great things that had happened to him in Media.


text:
Then Tobit went out to meet his daughter in law at the gate of Nineve, rejoicing and praising God: and they which saw him go marvelled, because he had received his sight.


text:
But Tobias gave thanks before them, because God had mercy on him. And when he came near to Sara his daughter in law, he blessed her, saying, You are welcome, daughter: God be blessed, which has brought you to us, and blessed be your father and your mother. And there was joy amongst all his brethren which were at Nineve.


text:
Then Tobit called his son Tobias, and said to him, My son, see that the man have his wages, which went with you, and you must give him more.


text:
And Tobias said to him, O father, it is no harm to me to give him half of those things which I have brought:


text:
For he has brought me again to you in safety, and made whole my wife, and brought me the money, and likewise healed you.


text:
So he called the angel, and he said to him, Take half of all that you° have brought and go away in safety.


text:
Then he took them both apart, and said to them, Bless God, praise him, and magnify him, and praise him for the things which he has done to you in the sight of all that live. It is good to praise God, and exalt his name, and honourably to show forth the works of God; therefore be not slack to praise him.


text:
It is good to keep close the secret of a king, but it is honourable to reveal the works of God. Do that which is good, and no evil shall touch you.


text:
Prayer is good with fasting and alms and righteousness. A little with righteousness is better than much with unrighteousness. It is better to give alms than to lay up gold:


text:
For alms does deliver from death, and shall purge away all sin. Those that exercise alms and righteousness shall be filled with life:


text:
Surely I will keep close nothing from you. For I said, It was good to keep close the secret of a king, but that it was honourable to reveal the works of God.


text:
Now therefore, when you did pray, and Sara your daughter in law, I did bring the remembrance of your prayers before the Holy One: and when you did bury the dead, I was with you likewise.


text:
And when you did not delay to rise up, and leave your dinner, to go and cover the dead, your good deed was not hid from me: but I was with you.


text:
I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels, which present the prayers of the saints, and which go in and out before the glory of the Holy One.


text:
Now therefore give God thanks: for I go up to him that sent me; but write all things which are done in a book.


text:
Then they confessed the great and wonderful works of God, and how the angel of the Lord had appeared to them.<pb/>


text:
Then Tobit wrote a prayer of rejoicing, and said, Blessed be God that lives for ever, and blessed be his kingdom.


text:
For he does scourge, and has mercy: he leads down to hell, and brings up again: neither is there any that can avoid his hand.


text:
There declare his greatness, and extol him before all the living: for he is our Lord, and he is the God our Father for ever.


text:
And he will scourge us for our iniquities, and will have mercy again, and will gather us out of all nations, amongst whom he has scattered us.


text:
If you° turn to him with your whole heart, and with your whole mind, and deal uprightly before him, then will he turn to you, and will not hide his face from you. Therefore see what he will do with you, and confess him with your whole mouth, and praise the Lord of might, and extol the everlasting King. In the land of my captivity do I praise him, and declare his might and majesty to a sinful nation. O you° sinners, turn and do justice before him: who can tell if he will accept you, and have mercy on you?


text:
I will extol my God, and my soul shall praise the King of heaven, and shall rejoice in his greatness.


text:
O Jerusalem, the holy city, he will scourge you for your children's works, and will have mercy again on the sons of the righteous.


text:
Give praise to the Lord, for he is good: and praise the everlasting King, that his tabernacle may be builded in you again with joy, and let him make joyful there in you those that are captives, and love in you for ever those that are miserable.


text:
Many nations shall come from far to the name of the Lord God with gifts in their hands, even gifts to the King of heaven; all generations shall praise you with great joy.


text:
Rejoice and be glad for the children of the just: for they shall be gathered together, and shall bless the Lord of the just.


text:
O blessed are they which love you, for they shall rejoice in your peace: blessed are they which have been sorrowful for all your scourges; for they shall rejoice for you, when they have seen all your glory, and shall be glad for ever.


text:
For Jerusalem shall be built up with sapphires and emeralds, and precious stone: your walls and towers and battlements with pure gold.


text:
And all her streets shall say, Alleluia; and they shall praise him, saying, Blessed be God, which has extolled it for ever.<pb/>


text:
And he was eight and fifty years old when he lost his sight, which was restored to him after eight years: and he gave alms, and he increased in the fear of the Lord God, and praised him.


text:
And when he was very aged he called his son, and the sons of his son, and said to him, My son, take your children; for, behold, I am aged, and am ready to depart out of this life.


text:
Go into Media my son, for I surely believe those things which Jonas the prophet spoke of Nineve, that it shall be overthrown; and that for a time peace shall rather be in Media; and that our brethren shall lie scattered in the earth from that good land: and Jerusalem shall be desolate, and the house of God in it shall be burnt, and shall be desolate for a time;


text:
And that again God will have mercy on them, and bring them again into the land, where they shall build a temple, but not like to the first, until the time of that age be fulfilled; and afterward they shall return from all places of their captivity, and build up Jerusalem gloriously, and the house of God shall be built in it for ever with a glorious building, as the prophets have spoken thereof.


text:
So shall all nations praise the Lord, and his people shall confess God, and the Lord shall exalt his people; and all those which love the Lord God in truth and justice shall rejoice, showing mercy to our brethren.


text:
And now, my son, depart out of Nineve, because that those things which the prophet Jonas spoke shall surely come to pass.


text:
But keep you the law and the commandments, and show yourself merciful and just, that it may go well with you.


text:
And bury me decently, and your mother with me; but wait no longer at Nineve. Remember, my son, how Aman handled Achiacharus that brought him up, how out of light he brought him into darkness, and how he rewarded him again: yet Achiacharus was saved, but the other had his reward: for he went down into darkness. Manasses gave alms, and escaped the snares of death which they had set for him: but Aman fell into the snare, and perished.


text:
Therefore now, my son, consider what alms does, and how righteousness does deliver. When he had said these things, he gave up the ghost in the bed, being an hundred and eight and fifty years old; and he buried him honourably.


text:
And when Anna his mother was dead, he buried her with his father. But Tobias departed with his wife and children to Ecbatane to Raguel his father in law,


text:
Where he became old with honour, and he buried his father and mother in law honourably, and he inherited their substance, and his father Tobit's.


text:
But before he died he heard of the destruction of Nineve, which was taken by Nabuchodonosor and Assuerus: and before his death he rejoiced over Nineve.


text:
In the twelfth year of the reign of Nabuchodonosor, who reigned in Nineve, the great city; in the days of Arphaxad, which reigned over the Medes in Ecbatane,


text:
And built in Ecbatane walls round about of stones hewn three cubits broad and six cubits long, and made the height of the wall seventy cubits, and the breadth thereof fifty cubits:


text:
And set the towers thereof upon the gates of it an hundred cubits high, and the breadth thereof in the foundation threescore cubits:


text:
And he made the gates thereof, even gates that were raised to the height of seventy cubits, and the breadth of them was forty cubits, for the going forth of his mighty armies, and for the setting in array of his footmen:


text:
Even in those days king Nabuchodonosor made war with king Arphaxad in the great plain, which is the plain in the borders of Ragau.


text:
And there came to him all they that lived in the hill country, and all that lived by Euphrates, and Tigris and Hydaspes, and the plain of Arioch the king of the Elymeans, and very many nations of the sons of Chelod, assembled themselves to the battle.


text:
Then Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians sent to all that lived in Persia, and to all that lived westward, and to those that lived in Cilicia, and Damascus, and Libanus, and Antilibanus, and to all that lived upon the sea coast,


text:
And to those amongst the nations that were of Carmel, and Galaad, and the higher Galilee, and the great plain of Esdrelom,


text:
And to all that were in Samaria and the cities thereof, and beyond Jordan to Jerusalem, and Betane, and Chelus, and Kades, and the river of Egypt, and Taphnes, and Ramesse, and all the land of Gesem,


text:
Until you° come beyond Tanis and Memphis, and to all the inhabitants of Egypt, until you° come to the borders of Ethiopia.


text:
But all the inhabitants of the land made light of the commandment of Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians, neither they went with him to the battle; for they were not afraid of him: yes, he was before them as one man, and they sent away his ambassadors from them without effect, and with disgrace.


text:
Therefore Nabuchodonosor was very angry with all this country, and sware by his throne and kingdom, that he would surely be avenged upon all those coasts of Cilicia, and Damascus, and Syria, and that he would kill with the sword all the inhabitants of the land of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and all Judea, and all that were in Egypt, till you° come to the borders of the two seas.


text:
Then he marched in battle array with his power against king Arphaxad in the seventeenth year, and he prevailed in his battle: for he overthrew all the power of Arphaxad, and all his horsemen, and all his chariots,


text:
And became lord of his cities, and came to Ecbatane, and took the towers, and spoiled the streets thereof, and turned the beauty thereof into shame.


text:
He took also Arphaxad in the mountains of Ragau, and struck him through with his darts, and destroyed him utterly that day.


text:
So he returned afterward to Nineve, both he and all his company of sundry nations being a very great multitude of men of war, and there he took his ease, and banqueted, both he and his army, an hundred and twenty days.<pb/>


text:
And in the eighteenth year, the two and twentieth day of the first month, there was talk in the house of Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians that he should, as he said, avenge himself on all the earth.


text:
So he called to him all his officers, and all his nobles, and communicated with them his secret counsel, and concluded the afflicting of the whole earth out of his own mouth.


text:
And when he had ended his counsel, Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians called Holofernes the chief captain of his army, which was next to him, and said to him.


text:
Thus says the great king, the lord of the whole earth, Behold, you shall go forth from my presence, and take with you men that trust in their own strength, of footmen an hundred and twenty thousand; and the number of horses with their riders twelve thousand.


text:
And you shall declare to that they prepare for me earth and water: for I will go forth in my wrath against them and will cover the whole face of the earth with the feet of my army, and I will give them for a spoil to them:


text:
So that their slain shall fill their valleys and brooks and the river shall be filled with their dead, till it overflow:


text:
You therefore shall go forth. and take beforehand for me all their coasts: and if they will yield themselves to you, you shall reserve them for me till the day of their punishment.


text:
But concerning them that rebel, let not your eye spare them; but put them to the slaughter, and spoil them wherever you go.


text:
And take you heed that you transgress none of the commandments of your lord, but accomplish them fully, as I have commanded you, and defer not to do them.


text:
Then Holofernes went forth from the presence of his lord, and called all the governors and captains, and the officers of the army of Assur;


text:
And he mustered the chosen men for the battle, as his lord had commanded him, to an hundred and twenty thousand, and twelve thousand archers on horseback;


text:
And he took camels and asses for their carriages, a very great number; and sheep and oxen and goats without number for their provision:


text:
And plenty of victual for every man of the army, and very much gold and silver out of the king's house.


text:
Then he went forth and all his power to go before king Nabuchodonosor in the voyage, and to cover all the face of the earth westward with their chariots, and horsemen, and their chosen footmen.


text:
A great number also sundry countries came with them like locusts, and like the sand of the earth: for the multitude was without number.


text:
And they went forth of Nineve three days' journey towards the plain of Bectileth, and pitched from Bectileth near the mountain which is at the left hand of the upper Cilicia.


text:
Then he took all his army, his footmen, and horsemen and chariots, and went from thence into the hill country;


text:
And destroyed Phud and Lud, and spoiled all the children of Rasses, and the children of Israel, which were towards the wilderness at the south of the land of the Chellians.


text:
Then he went over Euphrates, and went through Mesopotamia, and destroyed all the high cities that were upon the river Arbonai, till you° come to the sea.


text:
And he took the borders of Cilicia, and killed all that resisted him, and came to the borders of Japheth, which were towards the south, over against Arabia.


text:
He compassed also all the children of Madian, and burnt up their tabernacles, and spoiled their sheepcotes.


text:
Then he went down into the plain of Damascus in the time of wheat harvest, and burnt up all their fields, and destroyed their flocks and herds, also he spoiled their cities, and utterly wasted their countries, and struck all their young men with the edge of the sword.


text:
Therefore the fear and dread of him fell upon all the inhabitants of the sea coasts, which were in Sidon and Tyrus, and them that lived in Sur and Ocina, and all that lived in Jemnaan; and they that lived in Azotus and Ascalon feared him greatly.<pb/>


text:
Behold, we the servants of Nabuchodonosor the great king lie before you; use us as shall be good in your sight.


text:
Behold, our houses, and all our places, and all our fields of wheat, and flocks, and herds, and all the lodges of our tents lie before your face; use them as it pleases you.


text:
Behold, even our cities and the inhabitants thereof are your servants; come and deal with them as seems good to you.


text:
Then came he down towards the sea coast, both he and his army, and set garrisons in the high cities, and took out of them chosen men for aid.


text:
So they and all the country round about received them with garlands, with dances, and with timbrels.


text:
Yet he did cast down their frontiers, and cut down their groves: for he had decreed to destroy all the gods of the land, that all nations should worship Nabuchodonosor only, and that all tongues and tribes should call upon him as god.


text:
And he pitched between Geba and Scythopolis, and there he tarried a whole month, that he might gather together all the carriages of his army.<pb/>


text:
Now the children of Israel, that lived in Judea, heard all that Holofernes the chief captain of Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians had done to the nations, and after what manner he had spoiled all their temples, and brought them to nothing.


text:
Therefore they were exceedingly afraid of him, and were troubled for Jerusalem, and for the temple of the Lord their God:


text:
For they were newly returned from the captivity, and all the people of Judea were lately gathered together: and the vessels, and the altar, and the house, were sanctified after the profanation.


text:
Therefore they sent into all the coasts of Samaria, and the villages and to Bethoron, and Belmen, and Jericho, and to Choba, and Esora, and to the valley of Salem:


text:
And possessed themselves beforehand of all the tops of the high mountains, and fortified the villages that were in them, and laid up food for the provision of war: for their fields were of late reaped.


text:
Also Joacim the high priest, which was in those days in Jerusalem, wrote to them that lived in Bethulia, and Betomestham, which is over against Esdraelon towards the open country, near to Dothaim,


text:
Charging them to keep the passages of the hill country: for by them there was an entrance into Judea, and it was easy to stop them that would come up, because the passage was straight, for two men at the most.


text:
And the children of Israel did as Joacim the high priest had commanded them, with the ancients of all the people of Israel, which lived at Jerusalem.


text:
Then every man of Israel cried to God with great fervency, and with great vehemency did they humble their souls:


text:
Both they, and their wives and their children, and their cattle, and every stranger and hireling, and their servants bought with money, put sackcloth upon their loins.


text:
Thus every man and women, and the little children, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, fell before the temple, and cast ashes upon their heads, and spread out their sackcloth before the face of the Lord: also they put sackcloth about the altar,


text:
And cried to the God of Israel all with one consent earnestly, that he would not give their children for a prey, and their wives for a spoil, and the cities of their inheritance to destruction, and the sanctuary to profanation and reproach, and for the nations to rejoice at.


text:
So God heard their prayers, and looked upon their afflictions: for the people fasted many days in all Judea and Jerusalem before the sanctuary of the Lord Almighty.


text:
And Joacim the high priest, and all the priests that stood before the Lord, and they which ministered to the Lord, had their loins girded with sackcloth, and offered the daily burnt offerings, with the vows and free gifts of the people,


text:
And had ashes on their mitres, and cried to the Lord with all their power, that he would look upon all the house of Israel graciously.<pb/>


text:
Then was it declared to Holofernes, the chief captain of the army of Assur, that the children of Israel had prepared for war, and had shut up the passages of the hill country, and had fortified all the tops of the high hills and had laid impediments in the champaign countries:


text:
Wherewith he was very angry, and called all the princes of Moab, and the captains of Ammon, and all the governors of the sea coast,


text:
And he said to them, Tell me now, you° sons of Chanaan, who this people is, that dwells in the hill country, and what are the cities that they inhabit, and what is the multitude of their army, and wherein is their power and strength, and what king is set over them, or captain of their army;


text:
Then said Achior, the captain of all the sons of Ammon, Let my lord now hear a word from the mouth of your servant, and I will declare to you the truth concerning this people, which dwells near you, and inhabits the hill countries: and there shall no lie come out of the mouth of your servant.


text:
And they sojourned heretofore in Mesopotamia, because they would not follow the gods of their fathers, which were in the land of Chaldea.


text:
For they left the way of their ancestors, and worshipped the God of heaven, the God whom they knew: so they cast them out from the face of their gods, and they fled into Mesopotamia, and sojourned there many days.


text:
Then their God commanded them to depart from the place where they sojourned, and to go into the land of Chanaan: where they lived, and were increased with gold and silver, and with very much cattle.


text:
But when a famine covered all the land of Chanaan, they went down into Egypt, and sojourned there, while they were nourished, and became there a great multitude, so that one could not number their nation.


text:
Therefore the king of Egypt rose up against them, and dealt subtly with them, and brought them low with labouring in brick, and made them slaves.


text:
Then they cried to their God, and he struck all the land of Egypt with incurable plagues: so the Egyptians cast them out of their sight.


text:
So they lived in the land of the Amorites, and they destroyed by their strength all them of Esebon, and passing over Jordan they possessed all the hill country.


text:
And they cast forth before them the Chanaanite, the Pherezite, the Jebusite, and the Sychemite, and all the Gergesites, and they lived in that country many days.


text:
And while they sinned not before their God, they prospered, because the God that hates iniquity was with them.


text:
But when they departed from the way which he appointed them, they were destroyed in many battles very sore, and were led captives into a land that was not their's, and the temple of their God was cast to the ground, and their cities were taken by the enemies.


text:
But now are they returned to their God, and are come up from the places where they were scattered, and have possessed Jerusalem, where their sanctuary is, and are seated in the hill country; for it was desolate.


text:
Now therefore, my lord and governor, if there be any error against this people, and they sin against their God, let us consider that this shall be their ruin, and let us go up, and we shall overcome them.


text:
But if there be no iniquity in their nation, let my lord now pass by, lest their Lord defend them, and their God be for them, and we become a reproach before all the world.


text:
And when Achior had finished these sayings, all the people standing round about the tent murmured, and the chief men of Holofernes, and all that lived by the sea side, and in Moab, spoke that he should kill him.


text:
For, say they, we will not be afraid of the face of the children of Israel: for, behold, it is a people that have no strength nor power for a strong battle


text:
Now therefore, lord Holofernes, we will go up, and they shall be a prey to be devoured of all your army.<pb/>


text:
And when the tumult of men that were about the council was ceased, Holofernes the chief captain of the army of Assur said to Achior and all the Moabites before all the company of other nations,


text:
And who are you, Achior, and the hirelings of Ephraim, that you have prophesied against us as to day, and have said, that we should not make war with the people of Israel, because their God will defend them? and who is God but Nabuchodonosor?


text:
He will send his power, and will destroy them from the face of the earth, and their God shall not deliver them: but we his servants will destroy them as one man; for they are not able to sustain the power of our horses.


text:
For with them we will tread them under foot, and their mountains shall be drunken with their blood, and their fields shall be filled with their dead bodies, and their footsteps shall not be able to stand before us, for they shall utterly perish, says king Nabuchodonosor, lord of all the earth: for he said, None of my words shall be in vain.


text:
And you, Achior, an hireling of Ammon, which have spoken these words in the day of your iniquity, shall see my face no more from this day, until I take vengeance of this nation that came out of Egypt.


text:
And then shall the sword of my army, and the multitude of them that serve me, pass through your sides, and you shall fall amongst their slain, when I return.


text:
Now therefore my servants shall bring you back into the hill country, and shall set you in one of the cities of the passages:


text:
And if you persuade yourself in your mind that they shall be taken, let not your countenance fall: I have spoken it, and none of my words shall be in vain.


text:
Then Holofernes commanded his servants, that waited in his tent, to take Achior, and bring him to Bethulia, and deliver him into the hands of the children of Israel.


text:
So his servants took him, and brought him out of the camp into the plain, and they went from the midst of the plain into the hill country, and came to the fountains that were under Bethulia.


text:
And when the men of the city saw them, they took up their weapons, and went out of the city to the top of the hill: and every man that used a sling kept them from coming up by casting of stones against them.


text:
Nevertheless having gotten privily under the hill, they bound Achior, and cast him down, and left him at the foot of the hill, and returned to their lord.


text:
But the Israelites descended from their city, and came to him, and loosed him, and brought him to Bethulia, and presented him to the governors of the city:


text:
Which were in those days Ozias the son of Micha, of the tribe of Simeon, and Chabris the son of Gothoniel, and Charmis the son of Melchiel.


text:
And they called together all the ancients of the city, and all their youth ran together, and their women, to the assembly, and they set Achior in the midst of all their people. Then Ozias asked him of that which was done.


text:
And he answered and declared to them the words of the council of Holofernes, and all the words that he had spoken in the midst of the princes of Assur, and whatever Holofernes had spoken proudly against the house of Israel.


text:
O Lord God of heaven, behold their pride, and pity the low estate of our nation, and look upon the face of those that are sanctified to you this day.


text:
And Ozias took him out of the assembly to his house, and made a feast to the elders; and they called on the God of Israel all that night for help.<pb/>


text:
The next day Holofernes commanded all his army, and all his people which were come to take his part, that they should remove their camp against Bethulia, to take beforehand the ascents of the hill country, and to make war against the children of Israel.


text:
Then their strong men removed their camps in that day, and the army of the men of war was an hundred and seventy thousand footmen, and twelve thousand horsemen, beside the baggage, and other men that were afoot amongst them, a very great multitude.


text:
And they camped in the valley near to Bethulia, by the fountain, and they spread themselves in breadth over Dothaim even to Belmaim, and in length from Bethulia to Cynamon, which is over against Esdraelon.


text:
Now the children of Israel, when they saw the multitude of them, were greatly troubled, and said every one to his neighbour, Now will these men lick up the face of the earth; for neither the high mountains, nor the valleys, nor the hills, are able to bear their weight.


text:
Then every man took up his weapons of war, and when they had kindled fires upon their towers, they remained and watched all that night.


text:
But in the second day Holofernes brought forth all his horsemen in the sight of the children of Israel which were in Bethulia,


text:
And viewed the passages up to the city, and came to the fountains of their waters, and took them, and set garrisons of men of war over them, and he himself removed towards his people.


text:
Then came to him all the chief of the children of Esau, and all the governors of the people of Moab, and the captains of the sea coast, and said,


text:
For this people of the children of Israel do not trust in their spears, but in the height of the mountains wherein they dwell, because it is not easy to come up to the tops of their mountains.


text:
Now therefore, my lord, fight not against them in battle array, and there shall not so much as one man of your people perish.


text:
Remain in your camp, and keep all the men of your army, and let your servants get into their hands the fountain of water, which issues forth of the foot of the mountain:


text:
For all the inhabitants of Bethulia have their water thence; so shall thirst kill them, and they shall give up their city, and we and our people shall go up to the tops of the mountains that are near, and will camp upon them, to watch that none go out of the city.


text:
So they and their wives and their children shall be consumed with fire, and before the sword come against them, they shall be overthrown in the streets where they dwell.


text:
Thus shall you render them an evil reward; because they rebelled, and met not your person peaceably.


text:
So the camp of the children of Ammon departed, and with them five thousand of the Assyrians, and they pitched in the valley, and took the waters, and the fountains of the waters of the children of Israel.


text:
Then the children of Esau went up with the children of Ammon, and camped in the hill country over against Dothaim: and they sent some of them towards the south, and towards the east over against Ekrebel, which is near to Chusi, that is upon the brook Mochmur; and the rest of the army of the Assyrians camped in the plain, and covered the face of the whole land; and their tents and carriages were pitched to a very great multitude.


text:
Then the children of Israel cried to the Lord their God, because their heart failed, for all their enemies had compassed them round about, and there was no way to escape out from amongst them.


text:
Thus all the company of Assur remained about them, both their footmen, chariots, and horsemen, four and thirty days, so that all their vessels of water failed all the inhibitants of Bethulia.


text:
And the cisterns were emptied, and they had not water to drink their fill for one day; for they gave them drink by measure.


text:
Therefore their young children were out of heart, and their women and young men fainted for thirst, and fell down in the streets of the city, and by the passages of the gates, and there was no longer any strength in them.


text:
Then all the people assembled to Ozias, and to the chief of the city, both young men, and women, and children, and cried with a loud voice, and said before all the elders,


text:
God be judge between us and you: for you° have done us great injury, in that you° have not required peace of the children of Assur.


text:
For now we have no helper: but God has sold us into their hands, that we should be thrown down before them with thirst and great destruction.


text:
Now therefore call them to you, and deliver the whole city for a spoil to the people of Holofernes, and to all his army.


text:
For it is better for us to be made a spoil to them, than to die for thirst: for we will be his servants, that our souls may live, and not see the death of our infants before our eyes, nor our wives nor our children to die.


text:
We take to witness against you the heaven and the earth, and our God and Lord of our fathers, which punishes us according to our sins and the sins of our fathers, that he do not according as we have said this day.


text:
Then there was great weeping with one consent in the midst of the assembly; and they cried to the Lord God with a loud voice.


text:
Then said Ozias to them, Brethren, be of good courage, let us yet endure five days, in the which space the Lord our God may turn his mercy towards us; for he will not forsake us utterly.


text:
And he dispersed the people, every one to their own charge; and they went to the walls and towers of their city, and sent the women and children into their houses: and they were very low brought in the city.<pb/>


text:
Now at that time Judith heard thereof, which was the daughter of Merari, the son of Ox, the son of Joseph, the son of Ozel, the son of Elcia, the son of Ananias, the son of Gedeon, the son of Raphaim, the son of Acitho, the son of Eliu, the son of Eliab, the son of Nathanael, the son of Samael, the son of Salasadal, the son of Israel.


text:
For as he stood overseeing them that bound sheaves in the field, the heat came upon his head, and he fell on his bed, and died in the city of Bethulia: and they buried him with his fathers in the field between Dothaim and Balamo.


text:
And she made her a tent upon the top of her house, and put on sackcloth upon her loins and ware her widow's apparel.


text:
And she fasted all the days of her widowhood, save the eves of the sabbaths, and the sabbaths, and the eves of the new moons, and the new moons and the feasts and solemn days of the house of Israel.


text:
She was also of a goodly countenance, and very beautiful to behold: and her husband Manasses had left her gold, and silver, and menservants and maidservants, and cattle, and lands; and she remained upon them.


text:
Now when she heard the evil words of the people against the governor, that they fainted for lack of water; for Judith had heard all the words that Ozias had spoken to them, and that he had sworn to deliver the city to the Assyrians after five days;


text:
Then she sent her waitingwoman, that had the government of all things that she had, to call Ozias and Chabris and Charmis, the ancients of the city.


text:
And they came to her, and she said to them, Hear me now, O you° governors of the inhabitants of Bethulia: for your words that you° have spoken before the people this day are not right, touching this oath which you° made and pronounced between God and you, and have promised to deliver the city to our enemies, unless within these days the Lord turn to help you.


text:
And now who are you° that have tempted God this day, and stand instead of God amongst the children of men?


text:
For you° can’t find the depth of the heart of man, neither can you° perceive the things that he thinks: then how can you° search out God, that has made all these things, and know his mind, or comprehend his purpose? Nay, my brethren, provoke not the Lord our God to anger.


text:
For if he will not help us within these five days, he has power to defend us when he will, even every day, or to destroy us before our enemies.


text:
Do not bind the counsels of the Lord our God: for God is not as man, that he may be threatened; neither is he as the son of man, that he should be wavering.


text:
Therefore let us wait for salvation of him, and call upon him to help us, and he will hear our voice, if it please him.


text:
For there arose none in our age, neither is there any now in these days neither tribe, nor family, nor people, nor city amongst us, which worship gods made with hands, as has been aforetime.


text:
For the which cause our fathers were given to the sword, and for a spoil, and had a great fall before our enemies.


text:
For if we be taken so, all Judea shall lie waste, and our sanctuary shall be spoiled; and he will require the profanation thereof at our mouth.


text:
And the slaughter of our brethren, and the captivity of the country, and the desolation of our inheritance, will he turn upon our heads amongst the Gentiles, wherever we shall be in bondage; and we shall be an offence and a reproach to all them that possess us.


text:
Now therefore, O brethren, let us show an example to our brethren, because their hearts depend upon us, and the sanctuary, and the house, and the altar, rest upon us.


text:
Remember what things he did to Abraham, and how he tried Isaac, and what happened to Jacob in Mesopotamia of Syria, when he kept the sheep of Laban his mother's brother.


text:
For he has not tried us in the fire, as he did them, for the examination of their hearts, neither has he taken vengeance on us: but the Lord does scourge them that come near to him, to admonish them.


text:
Then said Ozias to her, All that you have spoken have you spoken with a good heart, and there is none that may gainsay your words.


text:
For this is not the first day wherein your wisdom is manifested; but from the beginning of your days all the people have known your understanding, because the disposition of your heart is good.


text:
But the people were very thirsty, and compelled us to do to them as we have spoken, and to bring an oath upon ourselves, which we will not break.


text:
Therefore now pray you for us, because you are a godly woman, and the Lord will send us rain to fill our cisterns, and we shall faint no more.


text:
Then said Judith to them, Hear me, and I will do a thing, which shall go throughout all generations to the children of our nation.


text:
You° shall stand this night in the gate, and I will go forth with my waitingwoman: and within the days that you° have promised to deliver the city to our enemies the Lord will visit Israel by my hand.


text:
But enquire not you° of my act: for I will not declare it to you, till the things be finished that I do.


text:
Then said Ozias and the princes to her, Go in peace, and the Lord God be before you, to take vengeance on our enemies.


text:
Judith fell upon her face, and put ashes upon her head, and uncovered the sackcloth wherewith she was clothed; and about the time that the incense of that evening was offered in Jerusalem in the house of the Lord Judith cried with a loud voice, and said,


text:
O Lord God of my father Simeon, to whom you gave a sword to take vengeance of the strangers, who loosened the girdle of a maid to defile her, and discovered the thigh to her shame, and polluted her virginity to her reproach; for you said, It shall not be so; and yet they did so:


text:
Therefore you gave their rulers to be slain, so that they dyed their bed in blood, being deceived, and struck the servants with their lords, and the lords upon their thrones;


text:
And have given their wives for a prey, and their daughters to be captives, and all their spoils to be divided amongst your dear children; which were moved with your zeal, and abhorred the pollution of their blood, and called upon you for aid: O God, O my God, hear me also a widow.


text:
For you have wrought not only those things, but also the things which fell out before, and which ensued after; you have thought upon the things which are now, and which are to come.


text:
Yes, what things you did determine were ready at hand, and said, Behold, we are here: for all your ways are prepared, and your judgements are in your foreknowledge.


text:
For, behold, the Assyrians are multiplied in their power; they are exalted with horse and man; they glory in the strength of their footmen; they trust in shield, and spear, and bow, and sling; and know not that you are the Lord that break the battles: the Lord is your name.


text:
Throw down their strength in your power, and bring down their force in your wrath: for they have purposed to defile your sanctuary, and to pollute the tabernacle where your glorious name rests and to cast down with sword the horn of your altar.


text:
Behold their pride, and send your wrath upon their heads: give into my hand, which am a widow, the power that I have conceived.


text:
Strike by the deceit of my lips the servant with the prince, and the prince with the servant: break down their stateliness by the hand of a woman.


text:
For your power stands not in multitude nor your might in strong men: for you are a God of the afflicted, an helper of the oppressed, an upholder of the weak, a protector of the forlorn, a saviour of them that are without hope.


text:
I pray you, I pray you, O God of my father, and God of the inheritance of Israel, Lord of the heavens and earth, Creator of the waters, king of every creature, hear you my prayer:


text:
And make my speech and deceit to be their wound and stripe, who have purposed cruel things against your covenant, and your hallowed house, and against the top of Sion, and against the house of the possession of your children.


text:
And make every nation and tribe to acknowledge that you are the God of all power and might, and that there is none other that protects the people of Israel but you.<pb/>


text:
She rose where she had fallen down, and called her maid, and went down into the house in the which she abode in the sabbath days, and in her feast days,


text:
And pulled off the sackcloth which she had on, and put off the garments of her widowhood, and washed her body all over with water, and anointed herself with precious ointment, and braided the hair of her head, and put on a tire upon it, and put on her garments of gladness, wherewith she was clad during the life of Manasses her husband.


text:
And she took sandals upon her feet, and put about her her bracelets, and her chains, and her rings, and her earrings, and all her ornaments, and decked herself bravely, to allure the eyes of all men that should see her.


text:
Then she gave her maid a bottle of wine, and a cruse of oil, and filled a bag with parched corn, and lumps of figs, and with fine bread; so she folded all these things together, and laid them upon her.


text:
Thus they went forth to the gate of the city of Bethulia, and found standing there Ozias and the ancients of the city, Chabris and Charmis.


text:
And when they saw her, that her countenance was altered, and her apparel was changed, they wondered at her beauty very greatly, and said to her.


text:
The God, the God of our fathers give you favour, and accomplish your enterprizes to the glory of the children of Israel, and to the exaltation of Jerusalem. Then they worshipped God.


text:
And she said to them, Command the gates of the city to be opened to me, that I may go forth to accomplish the things whereof you° have spoken with me. So they commanded the young men to open to her, as she had spoken.


text:
And when they had done so, Judith went out, she, and her maid with her; and the men of the city looked after her, until she was gone down the mountain, and till she had passed the valley, and could see her no more.


text:
And took her, and asked her, Of what people are you? and whence come you? and whither go you? And she said, I am a woman of the Hebrews, and am fled from them: for they shall be given you to be consumed:


text:
And I am coming before Holofernes the chief captain of your army, to declare words of truth; and I will show him a way, whereby he shall go, and win all the hill country, without losing the body or life of any one of his men.


text:
Now when the men heard her words, and [*]saw her countenance, they wondered greatly at her beauty, and said to her,


text:
You have saved your life, in that you have hasted to come down to the presence of our lord: now therefore come to his tent, and some of us shall conduct you, until they have delivered you to his hands.


text:
And when you stand before him, be not afraid in your heart, but show to him according to your word; and he will entreat you well.


text:
Then they chose out of them an hundred men to accompany her and her maid; and they brought her to the tent of Holofernes.


text:
Then was there a concourse throughout all the camp: for her coming was noised amongst the tents, and they came about her, as she stood without the tent of Holofernes, till they told him of her.


text:
And they wondered at her beauty, and admired the children of Israel because of her, and every one said to his neighbour, Who would despise this people, that have amongst them such women? surely it is not good that one man of them be left who being let go might deceive the whole earth.


text:
And they that lay near Holofernes went out, and all his servants and they brought her into the tent.


text:
Now Holofernes rested upon his bed under a canopy, which was woven with purple, and gold, and emeralds, and precious stones.


text:
And when Judith was come before him and his servants they all marvelled at the beauty of her countenance; and she fell down upon her face, and did reverence to him: and his servants took her up.<pb/>


text:
Then said Holofernes to her, Woman, be of good comfort, fear not in your heart: for I never hurt any that was willing to serve Nabuchodonosor, the king of all the earth.


text:
Now therefore, if your people that dwells in the mountains had not set light by me, I would not have lifted up my spear against them: but they have done these things to themselves.


text:
But now tell me therefore you are fled from them, and are come to us: for you are come for safeguard; be of good comfort, you shall live this night, and hereafter:


text:
For none shall hurt you, but entreat you well, as they do the servants of king Nabuchodonosor my lord.


text:
Then Judith said to him, Receive the words of your servant, and suffer your handmaid to speak in your presence, and I will declare no lie to my lord this night.


text:
And if you will follow the words of your handmaid, God will bring the thing perfectly to pass by you; and my lord shall not fail of his purposes.


text:
As Nabuchodonosor king of all the earth lives, and as his power lives, who has sent you for the upholding of every living thing: for not only men shall serve him by you, but also the beasts of the field, and the cattle, and the fowls of the air, shall live by your power under Nabuchodonosor and all his house.


text:
For we have heard of your wisdom and your policies, and it is reported in all the earth, that you only are excellent in all the kingdom, and mighty in knowledge, and wonderful in feats of war.


text:
Now as concerning the matter, which Achior did speak in your council, we have heard his words; for the men of Bethulia saved him, and he declared to them all that he had spoken to you.


text:
Therefore, O lord and governor, reject not his word; but lay it up in your heart, for it is true: for our nation shall not be punished, neither can sword prevail against them, except they sin against their God.


text:
And now, that my lord be not defeated and frustrate of his purpose, even death is now fallen upon them, and their sin has overtaken them, wherewith they will provoke their God to anger whenever they shall do that which is not fit to be done:


text:
For their food fail them, and all their water is scant, and they have determined to lay hands upon their cattle, and purposed to consume all those things, that God has forbidden them to eat by his laws:


text:
And are resolved to spend the first fruits of the the tenths of wine and oil, which they had sanctified, and reserved for the priests that serve in Jerusalem before the face of our God; the which things it is not lawful for any of the people so much as to touch with their hands.


text:
For they have sent some to Jerusalem, because they also that dwell there have done the like, to bring them a licence from the senate.


text:
Now when they shall bring them word, they will forthwith do it, and they shall be given to you to be destroyed the same day.


text:
Therefore I your handmaid, knowing all this, am fled from their presence; and God has sent me to work things with you, whereat all the earth shall be astonished, and whoever shall hear it.


text:
For your servant is religious, and serves the God of heaven day and night: now therefore, my lord, I will remain with you, and your servant will go out by night into the valley, and I will pray to God, and he will tell me when they have committed their sins:


text:
And I will come and show it to you: then you shall go forth with all your army, and there shall be none of them that shall resist you.


text:
And I will lead you through the midst of Judea, until you come before Jerusalem; and I will set your throne in the midst thereof; and you shall drive them as sheep that have no shepherd, and a dog shall not so much as open his mouth at you: for these things were told me according to my foreknowledge, and they were declared to me, and I am sent to tell you.


text:
There is not such a woman from one end of the earth to the other, both for beauty of face, and wisdom of words.


text:
Likewise Holofernes said to her. God has done well to send you before the people, that strength might be in our hands and destruction upon them that lightly regard my lord.


text:
And now you are both beautiful in your countenance, and witty in your words: surely if you do as you have spoken your God shall be my God, and you shall dwell in the house of king Nabuchodonosor, and shall be renowned through the whole earth.<pb/>


text:
Then he commanded to bring her in where his plate was set; and bade that they should prepare for her of his own meats, and that she should drink of his own wine.


text:
And Judith said, I will not eat thereof, lest there be an offence: but provision shall be made for me of the things that I have brought.


text:
Then Holofernes said to her, If your provision should fail, how should we give you the like? for there be none with us of your nation.


text:
Then said Judith to him As your soul lives, my lord, your handmaid shall not spend those things that I have, before the Lord work by my hand the things that he has determined.


text:
Then the servants of Holofernes brought her into the tent, and she slept till midnight, and she arose when it was towards the morning watch,


text:
Then Holofernes commanded his guard that they should not stay her: thus she abode in the camp three days, and went out in the night into the valley of Bethulia, and washed herself in a fountain of water by the camp.


text:
And when she came out, she implored the Lord God of Israel to direct her way to the raising up of the children of her people.


text:
And in the fourth day Holofernes made a feast to his own servants only, and called none of the officers to the banquet.


text:
Then said he to Bagoas the eunuch, who had charge over all that he had, Go now, and persuade this Hebrew woman which is with you, that she come to us, and eat and drink with us.


text:
For, behold, it will be a shame for our person, if we shall let such a woman go, not having had her company; for if we draw her not to us, she will laugh us to scorn.


text:
Then went Bagoas from the presence of Holofernes, and came to her, and he said, Let not this fair damsel fear to come to my lord, and to be honoured in his presence, and drink wine, and be merry with us and be made this day as one of the daughters of the Assyrians, which serve in the house of Nabuchodonosor.


text:
Then said Judith to him, Who am I now, that I should gainsay my lord? surely whatever pleases him I will do speedily, and it shall be my joy to the day of my death.


text:
So she arose, and decked herself with her apparel and all her woman's attire, and her maid went and laid soft skins on the ground for her over against Holofernes, which she had received of Bagoas for her daily use, that she might sit and eat upon them.


text:
Now when Judith came in and sat down, Holofernes his heart was ravished with her, and his mind was moved, and he desired greatly her company; for he waited a time to deceive her, from the day that he had seen her.


text:
So Judith said, I will drink now, my lord, because my life is magnified in me this day more than all the days since I was born.


text:
And Holofernes took great delight in her, and drank more wine than he had drunk at any time in one day since he was born.<pb/>


text:
Now when the evening was come, his servants made haste to depart, and Bagoas shut his tent without, and dismissed the waiters from the presence of his lord; and they went to their beds: for they were all weary, because the feast had been long.


text:
And Judith was left along in the tent, and Holofernes lying along upon his bed: for he was filled with wine.


text:
Now Judith had commanded her maid to stand without her bedchamber, and to wait for her. coming forth, as she did daily: for she said she would go forth to her prayers, and she spoke to Bagoas according to the same purpose.


text:
So all went forth and none was left in the bedchamber, neither little nor great. Then Judith, standing by his bed, said in her heart, O Lord God of all power, look at this present upon the works of my hands for the exaltation of Jerusalem.


text:
For now is the time to help your inheritance, and to execute your enterprizes to the destruction of the enemies which are risen against us.


text:
Then she came to the pillar of the bed, which was at Holofernes' head, and took down his fauchion from thence,


text:
And approached to his bed, and took hold of the hair of his head, and said, Strengthen me, O Lord God of Israel, this day.


text:
And tumbled his body down from the bed, and pulled down the canopy from the pillars; and anon after she went forth, and gave Holofernes his head to her maid;


text:
And she put it in her bag of meat: so they twain went together according to their custom to prayer: and when they passed the camp, they compassed the valley, and went up the mountain of Bethulia, and came to the gates thereof.


text:
Then said Judith afar off, to the watchmen at the gate, Open, open now the gate: God, even our God, is with us, to show his power yet in Jerusalem, and his forces against the enemy, as he has even done this day.


text:
Now when the men of her city heard her voice, they made haste to go down to the gate of their city, and they called the elders of the city.


text:
And then they ran all together, both small and great, for it was strange to them that she was come: so they opened the gate, and received them, and made a fire for a light, and stood round about them.


text:
Then she said to them with a loud voice, Praise, praise God, praise God, I say, for he has not taken away his mercy from the house of Israel, but has destroyed our enemies by my hands this night.


text:
So she took the head out of the bag, and showed it, and said to them, behold the head of Holofernes, the chief captain of the army of Assur, and behold the canopy, wherein he did lie in his drunkenness; and the Lord has struck him by the hand of a woman.


text:
As the Lord lives, who has kept me in my way that I went, my countenance has deceived him to his destruction, and yet has he not committed sin with me, to defile and shame me.


text:
Then all the people were wonderfully astonished, and bowed themselves and worshipped God, and said with one accord, Blessed be you, O our God, which have this day brought to nothing the enemies of your people.


text:
Then said Ozias to her, O daughter, blessed are you of the most high God above all the women upon the earth; and blessed be the Lord God, which has created the heavens and the earth, which has directed you to the cutting off of the head of the chief of our enemies.


text:
For this your confidence shall not depart from the heart of men, which remember the power of God for ever.


text:
And God turn these things to you for a perpetual praise, to visit you in good things because you have not spared your life for the affliction of our nation, but have revenged our ruin, walking a straight way before our God. And all the people said; So be it, so be it.<pb/>


text:
Then said Judith to them, Hear me now, my brethren, and take this head, and hang it upon the highest place of your walls.


text:
And so soon as the morning shall appear, and the sun shall come forth upon the earth, take you° every one his weapons, and go forth every valiant man out of the city, and set you° a captain over them, as though you° would go down into the field towards the watch of the Assyrians; but go not down.


text:
Then they shall take their armour, and shall go into their camp, and raise up the captains of the army of Assur, and shall run to the tent of Holofernes, but shall not find him: then fear shall fall upon them, and they shall flee before your face.


text:
So you°, and all that inhabit the coast of Israel, shall pursue them, and overthrow them as they go.


text:
But before you° do these things, call me Achior the Ammonite, that he may see and know him that despised the house of Israel, and that sent him to us as it were to his death.


text:
Then they called Achior out of the house of Ozias; and when he was come, and saw the head of Holofernes in a man's hand in the assembly of the people, he fell down on his face, and his spirit failed.


text:
But when they had recovered him, he fell at Judith's feet, and reverenced her, and said, Blessed are you in all the tabernacles of Juda, and in all nations, which hearing your name shall be astonished.


text:
Now therefore tell me all the things that you have done in these days. Then Judith declared to him in the midst of the people all that she had done, from the day that she went forth until that hour she spoke to them.


text:
And when she had left off speaking, the people shouted with a loud voice, and made a joyful noise in their city.


text:
And when Achior had seen all that the God of Israel had done, he believed in God greatly, and circumcised the flesh of his foreskin, and was joined to the house of Israel to this day.


text:
And as soon as the morning arose, they hanged the head of Holofernes upon the wall, and every man took his weapons, and they went forth by bands to the straits of the mountain.


text:
But when the Assyrians saw them, they sent to their leaders, which came to their captains and tribunes, and to every one of their rulers.


text:
So they came to Holofernes' tent, and said to him that had the charge of all his things, Waken now our lord: for the slaves have been bold to come down against us to battle, that they may be utterly destroyed.


text:
Then went in Bagoas, and knocked at the door of the tent; for he thought that he had slept with Judith.


text:
But because none answered, he opened it, and went into the bedchamber, and found him cast upon the floor dead, and his head was taken from him.


text:
Therefore he cried with a loud voice, with weeping, and sighing, and a mighty cry, and tore his garments.


text:
After he went into the tent where Judith lodged: and when he found her not, he leapt out to the people, and cried,


text:
These slaves have dealt treacherously; one woman of the Hebrews has brought shame upon the house of king Nabuchodonosor: for, behold, Holofernes lies upon the ground without a head.


text:
When the captains of the Assyrians' army heard these words, they tore their coats and their minds were wonderfully troubled, and there was a cry and a very great noise throughout the camp.<pb/>


text:
And fear and trembling fell upon them, so that there was no man that dared abide in the sight of his neighbour, but rushing out all together, they fled into every way of the plain, and of the hill country.


text:
They also that had camped in the mountains round about Bethulia fled away. Then the children of Israel, every one that was a warrior amongst them, rushed out upon them.


text:
Then sent Ozias to Betomasthem, and to Bebai, and Chobai, and Cola and to all the coasts of Israel, such as should tell the things that were done, and that all should rush forth upon their enemies to destroy them.


text:
Now when the children of Israel heard it, they all fell upon them with one consent, and killed them to Chobai: likewise also they that came from Jerusalem, and from all the hill country, (for men had told them what things were done in the camp of their enemies) and they that were in Galaad, and in Galilee, chased them with a great slaughter, until they were past Damascus and the borders thereof.


text:
And the residue that lived at Bethulia, fell upon the camp of Assur, and spoiled them, and were greatly enriched.


text:
And the children of Israel that returned from the slaughter had that which remained; and the villages and the cities, that were in the mountains and in the plain, got many spoils: for the multitude was very great.


text:
Then Joacim the high priest, and the ancients of the children of Israel that lived in Jerusalem, came to behold the good things that God had showed to Israel, and to see Judith, and to salute her.


text:
And when they came to her, they blessed her with one accord, and said to her, You are the exaltation of Jerusalem, you are the great glory of Israel, you are the great rejoicing of our nation:


text:
You have done all these things by your hand: you have done much good to Israel, and God is pleased therewith: blessed be you of the Almighty Lord for evermore. And all the people said, So be it.


text:
And the people spoiled the camp the space of thirty days: and they gave to Judith Holofernes his tent, and all his plate, and beds, and vessels, and all his stuff: and she took it and laid it on her mule; and made ready her carts, and laid them thereon.


text:
Then all the women of Israel ran together to see her, and blessed her, and made a dance amongst them for her: and she took branches in her hand, and gave also to the women that were with her.


text:
And they put a garland of olive upon her and her maid that was with her, and she went before all the people in the dance, leading all the women: and all the men of Israel followed in their armour with garlands, and with songs in their mouths.<pb/>


text:
Then Judith began to sing this thanksgiving in all Israel, and all the people sang after her this song of praise.


text:
And Judith said, Begin to my God with timbrels, sing to my Lord with cymbals: tune to him a new psalm: exalt him, and call upon his name.


text:
For God breaks the battles: for amongst the camps in the midst of the people he has delivered me out of the hands of them that persecuted me.


text:
Assur came out of the mountains from the north, he came with ten thousands of his army, the multitude whereof stopped the torrents, and their horsemen have covered the hills.


text:
He bragged that he would burn up my borders, and kill my young men with the sword, and dash the sucking children against the ground, and make my infants as a prey, and my virgins as a spoil.


text:
For the mighty one did not fall by the young men, neither did the sons of the Titans strike him, nor high giants set upon him: but Judith the daughter of Merari weakened him with the beauty of her countenance.


text:
For she put off the garment of her widowhood for the exaltation of those that were oppressed in Israel, and anointed her face with ointment, and bound her hair in a tire, and took a linen garment to deceive him.


text:
Her sandals ravished his eyes, her beauty took his mind prisoner, and the fauchion passed through his neck.


text:
Then my afflicted shouted for joy, and my weak ones cried aloud; but they were astonished: these lifted up their voices, but they were overthrown.


text:
The sons of the damsels have pierced them through, and wounded them as fugatives' children: they perished by the battle of the Lord.


text:
I will sing to the Lord a new song: O Lord, you are great and glorious, wonderful in strength, and invincible.


text:
Let all creatures serve you: for you spoke, and they were made, you did send forth your spirit, and it created them, and there is none that can resist your voice.


text:
For the mountains shall be moved from their foundations with the waters, the rocks shall melt as wax at your presence: yet you are merciful to them that fear you.


text:
For all sacrifice is too little for a sweet savour to you, and all the fat is not sufficient for your burnt offering: but he that fears the Lord is great at all times.


text:
Woe to the nations that rise up against my kindred! the Lord Almighty will take vengeance of them in the day of judgement, in putting fire and worms in their flesh; and they shall feel them, and weep for ever.


text:
Now as soon as they entered into Jerusalem, they worshipped the Lord; and as soon as the people were purified, they offered their burnt offerings, and their free offerings, and their gifts.


text:
Judith also dedicated all the stuff of Holofernes, which the people had given her, and gave the canopy, which she had taken out of his bedchamber, for a gift to the Lord.


text:
So the people continued feasting in Jerusalem before the sanctuary for the space of three months and Judith remained with them.


text:
After this time every one returned to his own inheritance, and Judith went to Bethulia, and remained in her own possession, and was in her time honourable in all the country.


text:
And many desired her, but none knew her all the days of her life, after that Manasses her husband was dead, and was gathered to his people.


text:
But she increased more and more in honour, and waxed old in her husband's house, being an hundred and five years old, and made her maid free; so she died in Bethulia: and they buried her in the cave of her husband Manasses.


text:
And the house of Israel lamented her seven days: and before she died, she did distribute her goods to all them that were nearest of kindred to Manasses her husband, and to them that were the nearest of her kindred.


text:
And there was none that made the children of Israel any more afraid in the days of Judith, nor a long time after her death.


text:
Love righteousness, you° that be judges of the earth: think of the Lord with a good (heart,) and in simplicity of heart seek him.


text:
For the holy spirit of discipline will flee deceit, and remove from thoughts that are without understanding, and will not abide when unrighteousness comes in.


text:
For wisdom is a loving spirit; and will not acquit a blasphemer of his words: for God is witness of his reins, and a true beholder of his heart, and a hearer of his tongue.


text:
For the Spirit of the Lord fills the world: and that which contains all things has knowledge of the voice.


text:
Therefore he that speaks unrighteous things can’t be hid: neither shall vengeance, when it punishes, pass by him.


text:
For inquisition shall be made into the counsels of the ungodly: and the sound of his words shall come to the Lord for the manifestation of his wicked deeds.


text:
Therefore beware of murmuring, which is unprofitable; and refrain your tongue from backbiting: for there is no word so secret, that shall go for nothing: and the mouth that belies slays the soul.


text:
Seek not death in the error of your life: and pull not upon yourselves destruction with the works of your hands.


text:
For he created all things, that they might have their being: and the generations of the world were healthful; and there is no poison of destruction in them, nor the kingdom of death upon the earth:


text:
But ungodly men with their works and words called it to them: for when they thought to have it their friend, they consumed to nothing, and made a covenant with it, because they are worthy to take part with it.<pb/>


text:
For the ungodly said, reasoning with themselves, but not aright, Our life is short and tedious, and in the death of a man there is no remedy: neither was there any man known to have returned from the grave.


text:
For we are born at all adventure: and we shall be hereafter as though we had never been: for the breath in our nostrils is as smoke, and a little spark in the moving of our heart:


text:
Which being extinguished, our body shall be turned into ashes, and our spirit shall vanish as the soft air,


text:
And our name shall be forgotten in time, and no man shall have our works in remembrance, and our life shall pass away as the trace of a cloud, and shall be dispersed as a mist, that is driven away with the beams of the sun, and overcome with the heat thereof.


text:
For our time is a very shadow that passes away; and after our end there is no returning: for it is fast sealed, so that no man comes again.


text:
Come on therefore, let us enjoy the good things that are present: and let us speedily use the creatures like as in youth.


text:
Let none of us go without his part of our voluptuousness: let us leave tokens of our joyfulness in every place: for this is our portion, and our lot is this.


text:
Let us oppress the poor righteous man, let us not spare the widow, nor reverence the ancient grey hairs of the aged.


text:
Therefore let us lie in wait for the righteous; because he is not for our turn, and he is clean contrary to our doings: he upbraids us with our offending the law, and objects to our infamy the transgressings of our education.


text:
He is grievous to us even to behold: for his life is not like other men's, his ways are of another fashion.


text:
We are esteemed of him as counterfeits: he abstains from our ways as from filthiness: he pronounces the end of the just to be blessed, and makes his boast that God is his father.


text:
For if the just man be the son of God, he will help him, and deliver him from the hand of his enemies.


text:
Let us examine him with despitefulness and torture, that we may know his meekness, and prove his patience.


text:
As for the mysteries of God, they knew them not: neither hoped they for the wages of righteousness, nor discerned a reward for blameless souls.


text:
Nevertheless through envy of the devil came death into the world: and they that do hold of his side do find it.<pb/>


text:
And having been a little chastised, they shall be greatly rewarded: for God proved them, and found them worthy for himself.


text:
And in the time of their visitation they shall shine, and run to and fro like sparks amongst the stubble.


text:
They shall judge the nations, and have dominion over the people, and their Lord shall reign for ever.


text:
They that put their trust in him shall understand the truth: and such as be faithful in love shall abide with him: for grace and mercy is to his saints, and he has care for his elect.


text:
But the ungodly shall be punished according to their own imaginations, which have neglected the righteous, and forsaken the Lord.


text:
For whoso despises wisdom and nurture, he is miserable, and their hope is vain, their labours unfruitful, and their works unprofitable:


text:
Their offspring is cursed. Therefore blessed is the barren that is undefiled, which has not known the sinful bed: she shall have fruit in the visitation of souls.


text:
And blessed is the eunuch, which with his hands has wrought no iniquity, nor imagined wicked things against God: for to him shall be given the special gift of faith, and an inheritance in the temple of the Lord more acceptable to his mind.


text:
As for the children of adulterers, they shall not come to their perfection, and the seed of an unrighteous bed shall be rooted out.


text:
For though they live long, yet shall they be nothing regarded: and their last age shall be without honour.


text:
Better it is to have no children, and to have virtue: for the memorial thereof is immortal: because it is known with God, and with men.


text:
When it is present, men take example at it; and when it is gone, they desire it: it wears a crown, and triumphs for ever, having gotten the victory, striving for undefiled rewards.


text:
But the multiplying brood of the ungodly shall not thrive, nor take deep rooting from bastard slips, nor lay any fast foundation.


text:
For though they flourish in branches for a time; yet standing not last, they shall be shaken with the wind, and through the force of winds they shall be rooted out.


text:
The imperfect branches shall be broken off, their fruit unprofitable, not ripe to eat, yes, meet for nothing.


text:
For children begotten of unlawful beds are witnesses of wickedness against their parents in their trial.


text:
For honourable age is not that which stands in length of time, nor that is measured by number of years.


text:
Yes speedily was he taken away, lest that wickedness should alter his understanding, or deceit decieve his soul.


text:
For the bewitching of naughtiness does obscure things that are honest; and the wandering of concupiscence does undermine the simple mind.


text:
This the people saw, and understood it not, neither laid they up this in their minds, That his grace and mercy is with his saints, and that he has respect to his chosen.


text:
Thus the righteous that is dead shall condemn the ungodly which are living; and youth that is soon perfected the many years and old age of the unrighteous.


text:
For they shall see the end of the wise, and shall not understand what God in his counsel has decreed of him, and to what end the Lord has set him in safety.


text:
They shall see him, and despise him; but God shall laugh them to scorn: and they shall hereafter be a vile carcase, and a reproach amongst the dead for evermore.


text:
For he shall rend them, and cast them down headlong, that they shall be speechless; and he shall shake them from the foundation; and they shall be utterly laid waste, and be in sorrow; and their memorial shall perish.


text:
And when they cast up the accounts of their sins, they shall come with fear: and their own iniquities shall convince them to their face.<pb/>


text:
Then shall the righteous man stand in great boldness before the face of such as have afflicted him, and made no account of his labours.


text:
When they see it, they shall be troubled with terrible fear, and shall be amazed at the strangeness of his salvation, so far beyond all that they looked for.


text:
And they repenting and groaning for anguish of spirit shall say within themselves, This was he, whom we had sometimes in derision, and a proverb of reproach:


text:
Therefore have we erred from the way of truth, and the light of righteousness has not shined to us, and the sun of righteousness rose not upon us.


text:
We wearied ourselves in the way of wickedness and destruction: yes, we have gone through deserts, where there lay no way: but as for the way of the Lord, we have not known it.


text:
And as a ship that passes over the waves of the water, which when it is gone by, the trace thereof can’t be found, neither the pathway of the keel in the waves;


text:
Or as when a bird has flown through the air, there is no token of her way to be found, but the light air being beaten with the stroke of her wings and parted with the violent noise and motion of them, is passed through, and therein afterwards no sign where she went is to be found;


text:
Or like as when an arrow is shot at a mark, it parts the air, which immediately comes together again, so that a man can’t know where it went through:


text:
Even so we in like manner, as soon as we were born, began to draw to our end, and had no sign of virtue to show; but were consumed in our own wickedness.


text:
For the hope of the ungodly is like dust that is blown away with the wind; like a thin froth that is driven away with the storm; like as the smoke which is dispersed here and there with a tempest, and passes away as the remembrance of a guest that waits but a day.


text:
But the righteous live for evermore; their reward also is with the Lord, and the care of them is with the most High.


text:
Therefore shall they receive a glorious kingdom, and a beautiful crown from the Lord's hand: for with his right hand shall he cover them, and with his arm shall he protect them.


text:
He shall take to him his jealousy for complete armour, and make the creature his weapon for the revenge of his enemies.


text:
His severe wrath shall he sharpen for a sword, and the world shall fight with him against the unwise.


text:
Then shall the right aiming thunderbolts go abroad; and from the clouds, as from a well drawn bow, shall they fly to the mark.


text:
And hailstones full of wrath shall be cast as out of a stone bow, and the water of the sea shall rage against them, and the floods shall cruelly drown them.


text:
Yes, a mighty wind shall stand up against them, and like a storm shall blow them away: thus iniquity shall lay waste the whole earth, and ill dealing shall overthrow the thrones of the mighty.<pb/>


text:
For power is given you of the Lord, and sovereignty from the Highest, who shall try your works, and search out your counsels.


text:
Because, being ministers of his kingdom, you° have not judged aright, nor kept the law, nor walked after the counsel of God;


text:
Horribly and speedily shall he come upon you: for a sharp judgement shall be to them that be in high places.


text:
For he which is Lord over all shall fear no man's person, neither shall he stand in awe of any man's greatness: for he has made the small and great, and careth for all alike.


text:
For they that keep holiness holily shall be judged holy: and they that have learnt such things shall find what to answer.


text:
Wisdom is glorious, and never fades away: yes, she is easily seen of them that love her, and found of such as seek her.


text:
To think therefore upon her is perfection of wisdom: and whoso watches for her shall quickly be without care.


text:
For she goes about seeking such as are worthy of her, shows herself favourably to them in the ways, and meets them in every thought.


text:
And love is the keeping of her laws; and the giving heed to her laws is the assurance of incorruption;


text:
If your delight be then in thrones and sceptres, O you° kings of the people, honour wisdom, that you° may reign for evermore.


text:
As for wisdom, what she is, and how she came up, I will tell you, and will not hide mysteries from you: but will seek her out from the beginning of her nativity, and bring the knowledge of her into light, and will not pass over the truth.


text:
But the multitude of the wise is the welfare of the world: and a wise king is the upholding of the people.


text:
I myself also am a mortal man, like to all, and the offspring of him that was first made of the earth,


text:
And in my mother's womb was fashioned to be flesh in the time of ten months, being compacted in blood, of the seed of man, and the pleasure that came with sleep.


text:
And when I was born, I drew in the common air, and fell upon the earth, which is of like nature, and the first voice which I uttered was crying, as all others do.


text:
Therefore I prayed, and understanding was given me: I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.


text:
Neither compared I to her any precious stone, because all gold in respect of her is as a little sand, and silver shall be counted as clay before her.


text:
I loved her above health and beauty, and chose to have her instead of light: for the light that comes from her never goes out.


text:
And I rejoiced in them all, because wisdom goes before them: and I knew not that she was the mother of them.


text:
For she is a treasure to men that never fails: which they that use become the friends of God, being commended for the gifts that come from learning.


text:
God has granted me to speak as I would, and to conceive as is meet for the things that are given me: because it is he that leads to wisdom, and directs the wise.


text:
For he has given me certain knowledge of the things that are, namely, to know how the world was made, and the operation of the elements:


text:
The beginning, ending, and midst of the times: the alterations of the turning of the sun, and the change of seasons:


text:
The natures of living creatures, and the furies of wild beasts: the violence of winds, and the reasonings of men: the diversities of plants and the virtues of roots:


text:
For wisdom, which is the worker of all things, taught me: for in her is an understanding spirit holy, one only, manifold, subtle, lively, clear, undefiled, plain, not subject to hurt, loving the thing that is good quick, which can’t be letted, ready to do good,


text:
Kind to man, steadfast, sure, free from care, having all power, overseeing all things, and going through all understanding, pure, and most subtle, spirits.


text:
For wisdom is more moving than any motion: she passes and goes through all things by reason of her pureness.


text:
For she is the breath of the power of God, and a pure influence flowing from the glory of the Almighty: therefore can no defiled thing fall into her.


text:
For she is the brightness of the everlasting light, the unspotted mirror of the power of God, and the image of his goodness.


text:
And being but one, she can do all things: and remaining in herself, she makes all things new: and in all ages entering into holy souls, she makes them friends of God, and prophets.


text:
For she is more beautiful than the sun, and above all the order of stars: being compared with the light, she is found before it.


text:
I loved her, and sought her out from my youth, I desired to make her my spouse, and I was a lover of her beauty.


text:
In that she is conversant with God, she magnifies her nobility: yes, the Lord of all things himself loved her.


text:
If riches be a possession to be desired in this life; what is richer than wisdom, that works all things?


text:
And if a man love righteousness her labours are virtues: for she teaches temperance and prudence, justice and fortitude: which are such things, as men can have nothing more profitable in their life.


text:
If a man desire much experience, she knows things of old, and conjectures aright what is to come: she knows the subtilties of speeches, and can expound dark sentences: she foresees signs and wonders, and the events of seasons and times.


text:
Therefore I purposed to take her to me to live with me, knowing that she would be a counsellor of good things, and a comfort in cares and grief.


text:
For her sake I shall have estimation amongst the multitude, and honour with the elders, though I be young.


text:
When I hold my tongue, they shall bide my leisure, and when I speak, they shall give good ear to me: if I talk much, they shall lay their hands upon their mouth.


text:
Moreover by the means of her I shall obtain immortality, and leave behind me an everlasting memorial to them that come after me.


text:
Horrible tyrants shall be afraid, when they do but hear of me; I shall be found good amongst the multitude, and valiant in war.


text:
After I am come into my house, I will repose myself with her: for her conversation has no bitterness; and to live with her has no sorrow, but mirth and joy.


text:
Now when I considered these things in myself, and pondered them in my heart, how that to be allied to wisdom is immortality;


text:
And great pleasure it is to have her friendship; and in the works of her hands are infinite riches; and in the exercise of conference with her, prudence; and in talking with her, a good report; I went about seeking how to take her to me.


text:
Nevertheless, when I perceived that I could not otherwise obtain her, except God gave her me; and that was a point of wisdom also to know whose gift she was; I prayed to the Lord, and implored him, and with my whole heart I said,<pb/>


text:
And ordained man through your wisdom, that he should have dominion over the creatures which you have made,


text:
And order the world according to equity and righteousness, and execute judgement with an upright heart:


text:
For I your servant and son of your handmaid am a feeble person, and of a short time, and too young for the understanding of judgement and laws.


text:
For though a man be never so perfect amongst the children of men, yet if your wisdom be not with him, he shall be nothing regarded.


text:
You have commanded me to build a temple upon your holy mount, and an altar in the city wherein you dwell, a resemblance of the holy tabernacle, which you have prepared from the beginning.


text:
And wisdom was with you: which knows your works, and was present when you made the world, and knew what was acceptable in your sight, and right in your commandments.


text:
O send her out of your holy heavens, and from the throne of your glory, that being present she may labour with me, that I may know what is pleasing to you.


text:
For she knows and understands all things, and she shall lead me soberly in my doings, and preserve me in her power.


text:
So shall my works be acceptable, and then shall I judge your people righteously, and be worthy to sit in my father's seat.


text:
For the corruptible body presses down the soul, and the earthy tabernacle weighs down the mind that muses upon many things.


text:
And hardly do we guess aright at things that are upon earth, and with labour do we find the things that are before us: but the things that are in heaven who has searched out?


text:
For so the ways of them which lived on the earth were reformed, and men were taught the things that are pleasing to you, and were saved through wisdom.<pb/>


text:
She preserved the first formed father of the world, that was created alone, and brought him out of his fall,


text:
But when the unrighteous went away from her in his anger, he perished also in the fury wherewith he murdered his brother.


text:
For whose cause the earth being drowned with the flood, wisdom again preserved it, and directed the course of the righteous in a piece of wood of small value.


text:
Moreover, the nations in their wicked conspiracy being confounded, she found out the righteous, and preserved him blameless to God, and kept him strong against his tender compassion towards his son.


text:
When the ungodly perished, she delivered the righteous man, who fled from the fire which fell down upon the five cities.


text:
Of whose wickedness even to this day the waste land that smokes is a testimony, and plants bearing fruit that never come to ripeness: and a standing pillar of salt is a monument of an unbelieving soul.


text:
For regarding not wisdom, they got not only this hurt, that they knew not the things which were good; but also left behind them to the world a memorial of their foolishness: so that in the things wherein they offended they could not so much as be hid.


text:
When the righteous fled from his brother's wrath she guided him in right paths, showed him the kingdom of God, and gave him knowledge of holy things, made him rich in his travels, and multiplied the fruit of his labours.


text:
She defended him from his enemies, and kept him safe from those that lay in wait, and in a sore conflict she gave him the victory; that he might know that goodness is stronger than all.


text:
When the righteous was sold, she forsook him not, but delivered him from sin: she went down with him into the pit,


text:
And left him not in bonds, till she brought him the sceptre of the kingdom, and power against those that oppressed him: as for them that had accused him, she showed them to be liars, and gave him perpetual glory.


text:
She entered into the soul of the servant of the Lord, and withstood dreadful kings in wonders and signs;


text:
Rendered to the righteous a reward of their labours, guided them in a marvellous way, and was to them for a cover by day, and a light of stars in the night season;


text:
Therefore the righteous spoiled the ungodly, and praised your holy name, O Lord, and magnified with one accord your hand, that fought for them.


text:
For wisdom opened the mouth of the dumb, and made the tongues of them that can’t speak eloquent.<pb/>


text:
They went through the wilderness that was not inhabited, and pitched tents in places where there lay no way.


text:
When they were thirsty, they called upon you, and water was given them out of the flinty rock, and their thirst was quenched out of the hard stone.


text:
For a manifest reproof of that commandment, whereby the infants were slain, you gave to them abundance of water by a means which they hoped not for:


text:
For when they were tried albeit but in mercy chastised, they knew how the ungodly were judged in wrath and tormented, thirsting in another manner than the just.


text:
For these you did admonish and try, as a father: but the other, as a severe king, you did condemn and punish.


text:
For when they heard by their own punishments the other to be benefitted, they had some feeling of the Lord.


text:
For whom they respected with scorn, when he was long before thrown out at the casting forth of the infants, him in the end, when they saw what came to pass, they admired.


text:
But for the foolish devices of their wickedness, wherewith being deceived they worshipped serpents void of reason, and vile beasts, you did send a multitude of unreasonable beasts upon them for vengeance;


text:
For your Almighty hand, that made the world of matter without form, wanted not means to send amongst them a multitude of bears or fierce lions,


text:
Or unknown wild beasts, full of rage, newly created, breathing out either a fiery vapour, or filthy scents of scattered smoke, or shooting horrible sparkles out of their eyes:


text:
Whereof not only the harm might dispatch them at once, but also the terrible sight utterly destroy them.


text:
Yes, and without these might they have fallen down with one blast, being persecuted of vengeance, and scattered abroad through the breath of your power: but you have ordered all things in measure and number and weight.


text:
For you can show your great strength at all times when you will; and who may withstand the power of your arm?


text:
For the whole world before you is as a little grain of the balance, yes, as a drop of the morning dew that falls down upon the earth.


text:
But you have mercy upon all; for you can do all things, and wink at the sins of men, because they should amend.


text:
For you love all the things that are, and abhor nothing which you have made: for never would you have made any thing, if you had hated it.


text:
And how could any thing have endured, if it had not been your will? or been preserved, if not called by you?


text:
Therefore chasten you them by little and little that offend, and warn them by putting them in remembrance wherein they have offended, that leaving their wickedness they may believe on you, O Lord.


text:
For it was your will to destroy by the hands of our fathers both those old inhabitants of your holy land,


text:
And also those merciless murderers of children, and devourers of man's flesh, and the feasts of blood,


text:
With their priests out of the midst of their idolatrous crew, and the parents, that killed with their own hands souls destitute of help:


text:
Nevertheless even those you spared as men, and did send wasps, forerunners of your host, to destroy them by little and little.


text:
Not that you were unable to bring the ungodly under the hand of the righteous in battle, or to destroy them at once with cruel beasts, or with one rough word:


text:
But executing your judgements upon them by little and little, you gave them place of repentance, not being ignorant that they were a naughty generation, and that their malice was bred in them, and that their cogitation would never be changed.


text:
For it was a cursed seed from the beginning; neither did you for fear of any man give them pardon for those things wherein they sinned.


text:
For who shall say, What have you done? or who shall withstand your judgement? or who shall accuse you for the nations that perish, whom you made? or who shall come to stand against you, to be revenged for the unrighteous men?


text:
For neither is there any God but you that careth for all, to whom you might show that your judgement is not unright.


text:
Forsomuch then as you are righteous yourself, you order all things righteously: thinking it not agreeable with your power to condemn him that has not deserved to be punished.


text:
For your power is the beginning of righteousness, and because you are the Lord of all, it makes you to be gracious to all.


text:
For when men will not believe that you are of a full power, you show your strength, and amongst them that know it you make their boldness manifest.


text:
But you, mastering your power, judge with equity, and order us with great favour: for you may use power when you will.


text:
But by such works have you taught your people that the just man should be merciful, and have made your children to be of a good hope that you give repentance for sins.


text:
For if you did punish the enemies of your children, and the condemned to death, with such deliberation, giving them time and place, whereby they might be delivered from their malice:


text:
With how great circumspection did you judge your own sons, to whose fathers you have sworn, and made covenants of good promises?


text:
Therefore, whereas you do chasten us, you scourge our enemies a thousand times more, to the intent that, when we judge, we should carefully think of your goodness, and when we ourselves are judged, we should look for mercy.


text:
Therefore, whereas men have lived dissolutely and unrighteously, you have tormented them with their own abominations.


text:
For they went astray very far in the ways of error, and held them for gods, which even amongst the beasts of their enemies were despised, being deceived, as children of no understanding.


text:
But they that would not be reformed by that correction, wherein he dallied with them, shall feel a judgement worthy of God.


text:
For, look, for what things they grudged, when they were punished, that is, for them whom they thought to be gods; <i>now</i> being punished in them, when they saw it, they acknowledged him to be the true God, whom before they denied to know: and therefore came extreme damnation upon them.<pb/>


text:
Surely vain are all men by nature, who are ignorant of God, and could not out of the good things that are seen know him that is: neither by considering the works did they acknowledge the workmaster;


text:
But deemed either fire, or wind, or the swift air, or the circle of the stars, or the violent water, or the lights of heaven, to be the gods which govern the world.


text:
With whose beauty if they being delighted took them to be gods; let them know how much better the Lord of them is: for the first author of beauty has created them.


text:
But if they were astonished at their power and virtue, let them understand by them, how much mightier he is that made them.


text:
But yet for this they are the less to be blamed: for they perhaps err, seeking God, and desirous to find him.


text:
For being conversant in his works they search him diligently, and believe their sight: because the things are beautiful that are seen.


text:
For if they were able to know so much, that they could aim at the world; how did they not sooner find out the Lord thereof?


text:
But miserable are they, and in dead things is their hope, who call them gods, which are the works of men's hands, gold and silver, to show are in, and resemblances of beasts, or a stone good for nothing, the work of an ancient hand.


text:
Now a carpenter that fells timber, after he has sawn down a tree meet for the purpose, and taken off all the bark skilfully round about, and has wrought it handsomely, and made a vessel thereof fit for the service of man's life;


text:
And taking the very refuse amongst those which served to no use, being a crooked piece of wood, and full of knots, has carved it diligently, when he had nothing else to do, and formed it by the skill of his understanding, and fashioned it to the image of a man;


text:
Or made it like some vile beast, laying it over with vermilion, and with paint colouring it red, and covering every spot therein;


text:
For he provided for it that it might not fall, knowing that it was unable to help itself; for it is an image, and has need of help:


text:
Then makes he prayer for his goods, for his wife and children, and is not ashamed to speak to that which has no life.


text:
For health he calls upon that which is weak: for life prays to that which is dead; for aid humbly implores that which has least means to help: and for a good journey he asks of that which can’t set a foot forward:


text:
And for gaining and getting, and for good success of his hands, asks ability to do of him, that is most unable to do any thing.<pb/>


text:
Again, one preparing himself to sail, and about to pass through the raging waves, calls upon a piece of wood more rotten than the vessel that carries him.


text:
But your providence, O Father, governs it: for you have made a way in the sea, and a safe path in the waves;


text:
Nevertheless you would not that the works of your wisdom should be idle, and therefore do men commit their lives to a small piece of wood, and passing the rough sea in a weak vessel are saved.


text:
For in the old time also, when the proud giants perished, the hope of the world governed by your hand escaped in a weak vessel, and left to all ages a seed of generation.


text:
But that which is made with hands is cursed, as well it, as he that made it: he, because he made it; and it, because, being corruptible, it was called god.


text:
Therefore even upon the idols of the Gentiles shall there be a visitation: because in the creature of God they are become an abomination, and stumbling blocks to the souls of men, and a snare to the feet of the unwise.


text:
For the devising of idols was the beginning of spiritual fornication, and the invention of them the corruption of life.


text:
For by the vain glory of men they entered into the world, and therefore shall they come shortly to an end.


text:
For a father afflicted with untimely mourning, when he has made an image of his child soon taken away, now honoured him as a god, which was then a dead man, and delivered to those that were under him ceremonies and sacrifices.


text:
Thus in process of time an ungodly custom grown strong was kept as a law, and graven images were worshipped by the commandments of kings.


text:
Whom men could not honour in presence, because they lived far off, they took the counterfeit of his visage from far, and made an express image of a king whom they honoured, to the end that by this their forwardness they might flatter him that was absent, as if he were present.


text:
Also the singular diligence of the artificer did help to set forward the ignorant to more superstition.


text:
For he, perhaps willing to please one in authority, forced all his skill to make the resemblance of the best fashion.


text:
And so the multitude, allured by the grace of the work, took him now for a god, which a little before was but honoured.


text:
And this was an occasion to deceive the world: for men, serving either calamity or tyranny, did ascribe to stones and stocks the incommunicable name.


text:
Moreover this was not enough for them, that they erred in the knowledge of God; but whereas they lived in the great war of ignorance, those so great plagues called they peace.


text:
For while they killed their children in sacrifices, or used secret ceremonies, or made revellings of strange rites;


text:
They kept neither lives nor marriages any longer undefiled: but either one killed another traitorously, or grieved him by adultery.


text:
So that there reigned in all men without exception blood, manslaughter, theft, and dissimulation, corruption, unfaithfulness, tumults, perjury,


text:
Disquieting of good men, forgetfulness of good turns, defiling of souls, changing of kind, disorder in marriages, adultery, and shameless uncleanness.


text:
For either they are mad when they be merry, or prophesy lies, or live unjustly, or else lightly forswear themselves.


text:
For insomuch as their trust is in idols, which have no life; though they swear falsely, yet they look not to be hurt.


text:
Howbeit for both causes shall they be justly punished: both because they thought not well of God, giving heed to idols, and also unjustly swore in deceit, despising holiness.


text:
For it is not the power of them by whom they swear: but it is the just vengeance of sinners, that punishes always the offence of the ungodly.<pb/>


text:
For if we sin, we are yours, knowing your power: but we will not sin, knowing that we are counted yours.


text:
For neither did the mischievous invention of men deceive us, nor an image spotted with various colours, the painter's fruitless labour;


text:
The sight whereof entices fools to lust after it, and so they desire the form of a dead image, that has no breath.


text:
Both they that make them, they that desire them, and they that worship them, are lovers of evil things, and are worthy to have such things to trust upon.


text:
For the potter, tempering soft earth, fashions every vessel with much labour for our service: yes, of the same clay he makes both the vessels that serve for clean uses, and likewise also all such as serve to the contrary: but what is the use of either sort, the potter himself is the judge.


text:
And employing his labours lewdly, he makes a vain god of the same clay, even he which a little before was made of earth himself, and within a little while after returns to the same, out when his life which was lent him shall be demanded.


text:
Notwithstanding his care is, not that he shall have much labour, nor that his life is short: but strives to excel goldsmiths and silversmiths, and endeavours to do like the workers in brass, and counts it his glory to make counterfeit things.


text:
Forasmuch as he knew not his Maker, and him that inspired into him an active soul, and breathed in a living spirit.


text:
But they counted our life a pastime, and our time here a market for gain: for, say they, we must be getting every way, though it be by evil means.


text:
For this man, that of earthly matter makes brittle vessels and graven images, knows himself to offend above all others.


text:
And all the enemies of your people, that hold them in subjection, are most foolish, and are more miserable than very babes.


text:
For they counted all the idols of the heathen to be gods: which neither have the use of eyes to see, nor noses to draw breath, nor ears to hear, nor fingers of hands to handle; and as for their feet, they are slow to go.


text:
For man made them, and he that borrowed his own spirit fashioned them: but no man can make a god like to himself.


text:
For being mortal, he works a dead thing with wicked hands: for he himself is better than the things which he worships: whereas he lived once, but they never.


text:
Yes, they worshipped those beasts also that are most hateful: for being compared together, some are worse than others.


text:
Neither are they beautiful, so much as to be desired in respect of beasts: but they went without the praise of God and his blessing.<pb/>


text:
Instead of which punishment, dealing graciously with your own people, you prepared for them meat of a strange taste, even quails to stir up their appetite:


text:
To the end that they, desiring food, might for the ugly sight of the beasts sent amongst them lothe even that, which they must needs desire; but these, suffering penury for a short space, might be made partakers of a strange taste.


text:
For it was requisite, that upon them exercising tyranny should come penury, which they could not avoid: but to these it should only be showed how their enemies were tormented.


text:
For when the horrible fierceness of beasts came upon these, and they perished with the stings of crooked serpents, your wrath endured not for ever:


text:
But they were troubled for a small season, that they might be admonished, having a sign of salvation, to put them in remembrance of the commandment of your law.


text:
For he that turned himself towards it was not saved by the thing that he saw, but by you, that are the Saviour of all.


text:
For them the bitings of grasshoppers and flies killed, neither was there found any remedy for their life: for they were worthy to be punished by such.


text:
But your sons not the very teeth of venomous dragons overcame: for your mercy was ever by them, and healed them.


text:
For they were pricked, that they should remember your words; and were quickly saved, that not falling into deep forgetfulness, they might be continually mindful of your goodness.


text:
For it was neither herb, nor mollifying plaister, that restored them to health: but your word, O Lord, which heals all things.


text:
A man indeed kills through his malice: and the spirit, when it is gone forth, returns not; neither the soul received up comes again.


text:
For the ungodly, that denied to know you, were scourged by the strength of your arm: with strange rains, hails, and showers, were they persecuted, that they could not avoid, and through fire were they consumed.


text:
For, which is most to be wondered at, the fire had more force in the water, that quenches all things: for the world fights for the righteous.


text:
For sometime the flame was mitigated, that it might not burn up the beasts that were sent against the ungodly; but themselves might see and perceive that they were persecuted with the judgement of God.


text:
And at another time it burns even in the midst of water above the power of fire, that it might destroy the fruits of an unjust land.


text:
Instead whereof you fed your own people with angels' food, and did send them from heaven bread prepared without their labour, able to content every man's delight, and agreeing to every taste.


text:
For your sustenance declared your sweetness to your children, and serving to the appetite of the eater, tempered itself to every man's liking.


text:
But snow and ice endured the fire, and melted not, that they might know that fire burning in the hail, and sparkling in the rain, did destroy the fruits of the enemies.


text:
For the creature that serves you, who are the Maker increases his strength against the unrighteous for their punishment, and abates his strength for the benefit of such as put their trust in you.


text:
Therefore even then was it altered into all fashions, and was obedient to your grace, that nourishes all things, according to the desire of them that had need:


text:
That your children, O Lord, whom you love, might know, that it is not the growing of fruits that nourishes man: but that it is your word, which preserves them that put their trust in you.


text:
That it might be known, that we must prevent the sun to give you thanks, and at the dayspring pray to you.


text:
For the hope of the unthankful shall melt away as the winter's hoar frost, and shall run away as unprofitable water.<pb/>


text:
For when unrighteous men thought to oppress the holy nation; they being shut up in their houses, the prisoners of darkness, and fettered with the bonds of a long night, lay <i>there</i> exiled from the eternal providence.


text:
For while they supposed to lie hid in their secret sins, they were scattered under a dark veil of forgetfulness, being horribly astonished, and troubled with <i>strange</i> apparitions.


text:
For neither might the corner that held them keep them from fear: but noises <i>as of waters</i> falling down sounded about them, and sad visions appeared to them with heavy countenances.


text:
No power of the fire might give them light: neither could the bright flames of the stars endure to lighten that horrible night.


text:
Only there appeared to them a fire kindled of itself, very dreadful: for being much terrified, they thought the things which they saw to be worse than the sight they saw not.


text:
As for the illusions of are magick, they were put down, and their vaunting in wisdom was reproved with disgrace.


text:
For they, that promised to drive away terrors and troubles from a sick soul, were sick themselves of fear, worthy to be laughed at.


text:
For though no terrible thing did fear them; yet being scared with beasts that passed by, and hissing of serpents,


text:
For wickedness, condemned by her own witness, is very timorous, and being pressed with conscience, always forecasts grievous things.


text:
And the expectation from within, being less, counts the ignorance more than the cause which brings the torment.


text:
But they sleeping the same sleep that night, which was indeed intolerable, and which came upon them out of the bottoms of inevitable hell,


text:
Were partly vexed with monstrous apparitions, and partly fainted, their heart failing them: for a sudden fear, and not looked for, came upon them.


text:
For whether he were husbandman, or shepherd, or a labourer in the field, he was overtaken, and endured that necessity, which could not be avoided: for they were all bound with one chain of darkness.


text:
Whether it were a whistling wind, or a melodious noise of birds amongst the spreading branches, or a pleasing fall of water running violently,


text:
Or a terrible sound of stones cast down, or a running that could not be seen of skipping beasts, or a roaring voice of most savage wild beasts, or a rebounding echo from the hollow mountains; these things made them to swoon for fear.


text:
Over them only was spread an heavy night, an image of that darkness which should afterward receive them: but yet were they to themselves more grievous than the darkness.<pb/>


text:
Nevertheless your saints had a very great light, whose voice they hearing, and not seeing their shape, because they also had not suffered the same things, they counted them happy.


text:
But for that they did not hurt them now, of whom they had been wronged before, they thanked them, and implored them pardon for that they had been enemies.


text:
Instead whereof you gave them a burning pillar of fire, both to be a guide of the unknown journey, and an harmless sun to entertain them honourably.


text:
For they were worthy to be deprived of light and imprisoned in darkness, who had kept your sons shut up, by whom the uncorrupt light of the law was to be given to the world.


text:
And when they had determined to kill the babes of the saints, one child being cast forth, and saved, to reprove them, you took away the multitude of their children, and destroyed them altogether in a mighty water.


text:
Of that night were our fathers certified before, that assuredly knowing to what oaths they had given credence, they might afterwards be of good cheer.


text:
For the righteous children of good men did sacrifice secretly, and with one consent made a holy law, that the saints should be like partakers of the same good and evil, the fathers now singing out the songs of praise.


text:
But on the other side there sounded an ill according cry of the enemies, and a lamentable noise was carried abroad for children that were bewailed.


text:
The master and the servant were punished after one manner; and like as the king, so suffered the common person.


text:
So they all together had innumerable dead with one kind of death; neither were the living sufficient to bury them: for in one moment the noblest offspring of them was destroyed.


text:
For whereas they would not believe any thing by reason of the enchantments; upon the destruction of the firstborn, they acknowledged this people to be the sons of God.


text:
Your Almighty word leapt down from heaven out of your royal throne, as a fierce man of war into the midst of a land of destruction,


text:
And brought your unfeigned commandment as a sharp sword, and standing up filled all things with death; and it touched the heaven, but it stood upon the earth.


text:
Then suddenly visions of horrible dreams troubled them sore, and terrors came upon them unlooked for.


text:
For the dreams that troubled them did foreshew this, lest they should perish, and not know why they were afflicted.


text:
Yes, the tasting of death touched the righteous also, and there was a destruction of the multitude in the wilderness: but the wrath endured not long.


text:
For then the blameless man made haste, and stood forth to defend them; and bringing the shield of his proper ministry, even prayer, and the propitiation of incense, set himself against the wrath, and so brought the calamity to an end, declaring that he was your servant.


text:
So he overcame the destroyer, not with strength of body, nor force of arms, but with a word subdued him that punished, alleging the oaths and covenants made with the fathers.


text:
For when the dead were now fallen down by heaps one upon another, standing between, he stayed the wrath, and parted the way to the living.


text:
For in the long garment was the whole world, and in the four rows of the stones was the glory of the fathers graven, and your Majesty upon the diadem of his head.


text:
To these the destroyer gave place, and was afraid of them: for it was enough that they only tasted of the wrath.<pb/>


text:
As for the ungodly, wrath came upon them without mercy to the end: for he knew before what they would do;


text:
How that having given them leave to depart, and sent them hastily away, they would repent and pursue them.


text:
For while they were yet mourning and making lamentation at the graves of the dead, they added another foolish device, and pursued them as fugitives, whom they had entreated to be gone.


text:
For the destiny, whereof they were worthy, drew them to this end, and made them forget the things that had already happened, that they might fulfil the punishment which was lacking to their torments:


text:
For the whole creature in his proper kind was fashioned again anew, serving the peculiar commandments that were given to them, that your children might be kept without hurt:


text:
As namely, a cloud shadowing the camp; and where water stood before, dry land appeared; and out of the Red sea a way without impediment; and out of the violent stream a green field:


text:
Where through all the people went that were defended with your hand, seeing your marvellous strange wonders.


text:
For they went at large like horses, and leapt like lambs, praising you, O Lord, who had delivered them.


text:
For they were yet mindful of the things that were done while they sojourned in the strange land, how the ground brought forth flies instead of cattle, and how the river cast up a multitude of frogs instead of fishes.


text:
But afterwards they saw a new generation of fowls, when, being led with their appetite, they asked delicate meats.


text:
And punishments came upon the sinners not without former signs by the force of thunders: for they suffered justly according to their own wickedness, insomuch as they used a more hard and hateful behaviour towards strangers.


text:
For the Sodomites did not receive those, whom they knew not when they came: but these brought friends into bondage, that had well deserved of them.


text:
And not only so, but perhaps some respect shall be had of those, because they used strangers not friendly:


text:
But these very grievously afflicted them, whom they had received with feastings, and were already made partakers of the same laws with them.


text:
Therefore even with blindness were these stricken, as those were at the doors of the righteous man: when, being compassed about with horrible great darkness, every one sought the passage of his own doors.


text:
For the elements were changed in themselves by a kind of harmony, like as in a lute notes change the name of the tune, and yet are always sounds; which may well be perceived by the sight of the things that have been done.


text:
For earthly things were turned into watery, and the things, that before swam in the water, now went upon the ground.


text:
The fire had power in the water, forgetting his own virtue: and the water forgat his own quenching nature.


text:
On the other side, the flames wasted not the flesh of the corruptible living things, though they walked therein; neither melted they the icy kind of heavenly meat that was of nature apt to melt.


text:
For in all things, O Lord, you did magnify your people, and glorify them, neither did you lightly regard them: but did assist them in every time and place.


text:
<i>To whom has the knowledge of wisdom been made manifest? and who has understood her great experience?</i>


text:
Whoso fears the Lord, it shall go well with him at the last, and he shall find favour in the day of his death.


text:
The fear of the Lord is a crown of wisdom, making peace and perfect health to flourish; both which are the gifts of God: and it enlarges their rejoicing that love him.


text:
Wisdom rains down skill and knowledge of understanding standing, and exalts them to honour that hold her fast.


text:
The parables of knowledge are in the treasures of wisdom: but godliness is an abomination to a sinner.


text:
Exalt not yourself, lest you fall, and bring dishonour upon your soul, and so God discover your secrets, and cast you down in the midst of the congregation, because you came not in truth to the fear of the Lord, but your heart is full of deceit.<pb/>


text:
Whatsoever is brought upon you take cheerfully, and be patient when you are changed to a low estate.


text:
Look at the generations of old, and see; did ever any trust in the Lord, and was confounded? or did any abide in his fear, and was forsaken? or whom did he ever despise, that called upon him?


text:
For the Lord is full of compassion and mercy, longsuffering, and very pitiful, and forgives sins, and saves in time of affliction.


text:
They that fear the Lord will seek that which is well, pleasing to him; and they that love him shall be filled with the law.


text:
Saying, We will fall into the hands of the Lord, and not into the hands of men: for as his majesty is, so is his mercy.<pb/>


text:
For the Lord has given the father honour over the children, and has confirmed the authority of the mother over the sons.


text:
Whoso honours his father shall have joy of his own children; and when he makes his prayer, he shall be heard.


text:
He that honours his father shall have a long life; and he that is obedient to the Lord shall be a comfort to his mother.


text:
He that fears the Lord will honour his father, and will do service to his parents, as to his masters.


text:
For the blessing of the father establishes the houses of children; but the curse of the mother roots out foundations.


text:
For the glory of a man is from the honour of his father; and a mother in dishonour is a reproach to the children.


text:
And if his understanding fail, have patience with him; and despise him not when you are in your full strength.


text:
For the relieving of your father shall not be forgotten: and instead of sins it shall be added to build you up.


text:
In the day of your affliction it shall be remembered; your sins also shall melt away, as the ice in the fair warm weather.


text:
Seek not out things that are too hard for you, neither search the things that are above your strength.


text:
But what is commanded you, think thereupon with reverence, for it is not needful for you to see with your eyes the things that are in secret.


text:
For many are deceived by their own vain opinion; and an evil suspicion has overthrown their judgement.


text:
In the punishment of the proud there is no remedy; for the plant of wickedness has taken root in him.


text:
The heart of the prudent will understand a parable; and an attentive ear is the desire of a wise man.


text:
And he that requites good turns is mindful of that which may come hereafter; and when he falls, he shall find a stay.<pb/>


text:
Let it not grieve you to bow down your ear to the poor, and give him a friendly answer with meekness.


text:
Deliver him that suffers wrong from the hand of the oppressor; and be not faint-hearted when you sit in judgement.


text:
Be as a father to the fatherless, and instead of an husband to their mother: so shall you be as the son of the most High, and he shall love you more than your mother does.


text:
If a man commit himself to her, he shall inherit her; and his generation shall hold her in possession.


text:
For at the first she will walk with him by crooked ways, and bring fear and dread upon him, and torment him with her discipline, until she may trust his soul, and try him by her laws.


text:
And refrain not to speak, when there is occasion to do good, and hide not your wisdom in her beauty.


text:
Say not, I have sinned, and what harm has happened to me? for the Lord is longsuffering, he will in no wise let you go.


text:
And say not His mercy is great; he will be pacified for the multitude of my sins: for mercy and wrath come from him, and his indignation rests upon sinners.


text:
Make no tarrying to turn to the Lord, and put not off from day to day: for suddenly shall the wrath of the Lord come forth, and in your security you shall be destroyed, and perish in the day of vengeance.


text:
Set not your heart upon goods unjustly gotten, for they shall not profit you in the day of calamity.


text:
Winnow not with every wind, and go not into every way: for so does the sinner that has a double tongue.


text:
Be not called a whisperer, and lie not in wait with your tongue: for a foul shame is upon the thief, and an evil condemnation upon the double tongue.


text:
Instead of a friend become not an enemy; for <i>thereby</i> you shall inherit an ill name, shame, and reproach: even so shall a sinner that has a double tongue.


text:
Extol not yourself in the counsel of your own heart; that your soul be not torn in pieces as a bull <i>straying alone.</i>


text:
A wicked soul shall destroy him that has it, and shall make him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies.


text:
Again, some friend is a companion at the table, and will not continue in the day of your affliction.


text:
Whoso fears the Lord shall direct his friendship aright: for as he is, so shall his neighbour be also.


text:
Come to her as one that ploughs and sows, and wait for her good fruits: for you shall not toil much in labouring about her, but you shall eat of her fruits right soon.


text:
Search, and seek, and she shall be made known to you: and when you have got hold of her, let her not go.


text:
And if you see a man of understanding, get you betimes to him, and let your foot wear the steps of his door.


text:
Let your mind be upon the ordinances of the Lord and meditate continually in his commandments: he shall establish your heart, and give you wisdom at your owns desire.<pb/>


text:
Seek not to be judge, being not able to take away iniquity; lest at any time you fear the person of the mighty, an stumbling block in the way of your uprightness.


text:
Offend not against the multitude of a city, and then you shall not cast yourself down amongst the people.


text:
Say not, God will look upon the multitude of my oblations, and when I offer to the most high God, he will accept it.


text:
Whereas your servant works truly, entreat him not evil. nor the hireling that gives himself wholly for you.


text:
Marry your daughter, and so shall you have performed a weighty matter: but give her to a man of understanding.


text:
Remember that you were begotten of them; and how can you recompense them the things that they have done for you?


text:
Fear the Lord, and honour the priest; and give him his portion, as it is commanded you; the first fruits, and the trespass offering, and the gift of the shoulders, and the sacrifice of sanctification, and the first fruits of the holy things.


text:
Be not at variance with a rich man, lest he overweigh you: for gold has destroyed many, and perverted the hearts of kings.


text:
Despise not the discourse of the wise, but acquaint yourself with their proverbs: for of them you shall learn instruction, and how to serve great men with ease.


text:
Miss not the discourse of the elders: for they also learnt of their fathers, and of them you shall learn understanding, and to give answer as need requires.


text:
Rise not up <i>in anger</i> at the presence of an injurious person, lest he lie in wait to entrap you in your words


text:
Travel not by the way with a bold fellow, lest he become grievous to you: for he will do according to his own will, and you shall perish with him through his folly.


text:
Strive not with an angry man, and go not with him into a solitary place: for blood is as nothing in his sight, and where there is no help, he will overthrow you.


text:
Look not round about you in the streets of the city, neither wander you in the solitary place thereof.


text:
Turn away your eye from a beautiful woman, and look not upon another's beauty; for many have been deceived by the beauty of a woman; for herewith love is kindled as a fire.


text:
Sit not at all with another man's wife, nor sit down with her in your arms, and spend not your money with her at the wine; lest your heart incline to her, and so through your desire you fall into destruction.


text:
Forsake not an old friend; for the new is not comparable to him: a new friend is as new wine; when it is old, you shall drink it with pleasure.


text:
Delight not in the thing that the ungodly have pleasure in; but remember they shall not go unpunished to their grave.


text:
Keep you far from the man that has power to kill; so shall you not doubt the fear of death: and if you come to him, make no fault, lest he take away your life presently: remember that you go in the midst of snares, and that you walk upon the battlements of the city.


text:
For the hand of the artificer the work shall be commended: and the wise ruler of the people for his speech.


text:
A man of an ill tongue is dangerous in his city; and he that is rash in his talk shall be hated.<pb/>


text:
As the judge of the people is himself, so are his officers; and what manner of man the ruler of the city is, such are all they that dwell therein.


text:
An unwise king destroys his people; but through the prudence of them which are in authority the city shall be inhabited.


text:
The power of the earth is in the hand of the Lord, and in due time he will set over it one that is profitable.


text:
In the hand of God is the prosperity of man: and upon the person of the scribe shall he lay his honour.


text:
Because of unrighteous dealings, injuries, and riches got by deceit, the kingdom is translated from one people to another.


text:
Why is earth and ashes proud? There is not a more wicked thing than a covetous man: for such an one sets his own soul to sale; because while he lives he casts away his bowels.


text:
For pride is the beginning of sin, and he that has it shall pour out abomination: and therefore the Lord brought upon them strange calamities, and overthrew them utterly.


text:
They that fear the Lord are a sure seed, and they that love him an honourable plant: they that regard not the law are a dishonourable seed; they that transgress the commandments are a deceivable seed.


text:
The fear of the Lord goes before the obtaining of authority: but roughness and pride is the losing thereof.


text:
It is not meet to despise the poor man that has understanding; neither is it convenient to magnify a sinful man.


text:
Great men, and judges, and potentates, shall be honoured; yet is there none of them greater than he that fears the Lord.


text:
To the servant that is wise shall they that are free do service: and he that has knowledge will not grudge when he is reformed.


text:
Who will justify him that sins against his own soul? and who will honour him that dishonours his own life?


text:
He that is honoured in poverty, how much more in riches? and he that is dishonourable in riches, how much more in poverty?<pb/>


text:
Boast not of your clothing and raiment, and exalt not yourself in the day of honour: for the works of the Lord are wonderful, and his works amongst men are hidden.


text:
My son, meddle not with many matters: for if you meddle much, you shall not be innocent; and if you follow after, you shall not obtain, neither shall you escape by fleeing.


text:
Again, there is another that is slow, and has need of help, lacking ability, and full of poverty; yet the eye of the Lord looked upon him for good, and set him up from his low estate,


text:
Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of the law, are of the Lord: love, and the way of good works, are from him.


text:
Error and darkness had their beginning together with sinners: and evil shall wax old with them that glory therein.


text:
Whereas he says, I have found rest, and now will eat continually of my goods; and yet he knows not what time shall come upon him, and that he must leave those things to others, and die.


text:
Marvel not at the works of sinners; but trust in the Lord, and abide in your labour: for it is an easy thing in the sight of the Lord on the sudden to make a poor man rich.


text:
The blessing of the Lord is in the reward of the godly, and suddenly he makes his blessing flourish.


text:
In the day of prosperity there is a forgetfulness of affliction: and in the day of affliction there is no more remembrance of prosperity.


text:
The affliction of an hour makes a man forget pleasure: and in his end his deeds shall be discovered.


text:
Like as a partridge taken <i>and kept</i> in a cage, so is the heart of the proud; and like as a spy, watches he for your fall:


text:
Do good to the godly man, and you shall find a recompence; and if not from him, yet from the most High.


text:
Do well to him that is lowly, but give not to the ungodly: hold back your bread, and give it not to him, lest he overmaster you thereby: for <i>else</i> you shall receive twice as much evil for all the good you shall have done to him.


text:
For the most High hates sinners, and will repay vengeance to the ungodly, and keeps them against the mighty day of their punishment.


text:
Though he humble himself, and go crouching, yet take good heed and beware of him, and you shall be to him as if you had wiped a lookingglass, and you shall know that his rust has not been altogether wiped away.


text:
Set him not by you, lest, when he has overthrown you, he stand up in your place; neither let him sit at your right hand, lest he seek to take your seat, and you at the last remember my words, and be pricked therewith.


text:
An enemy speaks sweetly with his lips, but in his heart he imagines how to throw you into a pit: he will weep with his eyes, but if he find opportunity, he will not be satisfied with blood.


text:
If adversity come upon you, you shall find him there first; and though he pretend to help you, yet shall he undermine you.


text:
He that touches pitch shall be defiled therewith; and he that has fellowship with a proud man shall be like to him.


text:
Burden not yourself above your power while you live; and have no fellowship with one that is mightier and richer than yourself: for how agree the kettle and the earthen pot together? for if the one be struck against the other, it shall be broken.


text:
The rich man has done wrong, and yet he threatens withal: the poor is wronged, and he must entreat also.


text:
If you have any thing, he will live with you: yes, he will make you bare, and will not be sorry for it.


text:
If he have need of you, he will deceive you, and smile upon you, and put you in hope; he will speak you fair, and say, What want you?


text:
And he will shame you by his meats, until he have drawn you dry twice or thrice, and at the last he will laugh you to scorn afterward, when he sees you, he will forsake you, and shake his head at you.


text:
Affect not to be made equal to him in talk, and believe not his many words: for with much communication will he tempt you, and smiling upon you will get out your secrets:


text:
Observe, and take good heed, for you walk in peril of your overthrowing: when you hear these things, awake in your sleep.


text:
A rich man beginning to fall is held up of his friends: but a poor man being down is thrust away by his friends.


text:
When a rich man is fallen, he has many helpers: he speaks things not to be spoken, and yet men justify him: the poor man slipped, and yet they rebuked him too; he spoke wisely, and could have no place.


text:
When a rich man speaks, every man holds his tongue, and, look, what he says, they extol it to the clouds: but if the poor man speak, they say, What fellow is this? and if he stumble, they will help to overthrow him.


text:
The heart of a man changes his countenance, whether it be for good or evil: and a merry heart makes a cheerful countenance.


text:
A cheerful countenance is a token of a heart that is in prosperity; and the finding out of parables is a wearisome labour of the mind.<pb/>


text:
Blessed is the man that has not slipped with his mouth, and is not pricked with the multitude of sins.


text:
Blessed is he whose conscience has not condemned him, and who is not fallen from his hope in the Lord.


text:
He that gathers by defrauding his own soul gathers for others, that shall spend his goods riotously.


text:
A covetous man's eye is not satisfied with his portion; and the iniquity of the wicked dries up his soul.


text:
Remember that death will not be long in coming, and that the covenant of the grave is not showed to you.


text:
Do good to your friend before you die, and according to your ability stretch out your hand and give to him.


text:
As of the green leaves on a thick tree, some fall, and some grow; so is the generation of flesh and blood, one comes to an end, and another is born.


text:
Blessed is the man that does meditate good things in wisdom, and that reasons of holy things by his understanding.


text:
He shall be stayed upon her, and shall not be moved; and shall rely upon her, and shall not be confounded.


text:
She shall exalt him above his neighbours, and in the midst of the congregation shall she open his mouth.


text:
Say not you, It is through the Lord that I fell away: for you ought not to do the things that he hates.


text:
Trust not you in their life, neither respect their multitude: for one that is just is better than a thousand; and better it is to die without children, than to have them that are ungodly.


text:
For by one that has understanding shall the city be replenished: but the kindred of the wicked shall speedily become desolate.


text:
In the congregation of the ungodly shall a fire be kindled; and in a rebellious nation wrath is set on fire.


text:
And if there be one stiff-necked amongst the people, it is marvel if he escape unpunished: for mercy and wrath are with him; he is mighty to forgive, and to pour out displeasure.


text:
The Lord hardened Pharaoh, that he should not know him, that his powerful works might be known to the world.


text:
His mercy is manifest to every creature; and he has separated his light from the darkness with an adamant.


text:
Say not you, I will hide myself from the Lord: shall any remember me from above? I shall not be remembered amongst so many people: for what is my soul amongst such an infinite number of creatures?


text:
Behold, the heaven, and the heaven of heavens, the deep, and the earth, and all that therein is, shall be moved when he shall visit.


text:
The mountains also and foundations of the earth be shaken with trembling, when the Lord looks upon them.


text:
Who can declare the works of his justice? or who can endure them? for his covenant is afar off, and the trial of all things is in the end.


text:
The works of the Lord are done in judgement from the beginning: and from the time he made them he disposed the parts thereof.


text:
He garnished his works for ever, and in his hand are the chief of them to all generations: they neither labour, nor are weary, nor cease from their works.


text:
With all manner of living things has he covered the face thereof; and they shall return into it again.<pb/>


text:
<i>They received the use of the five operations of the Lord, and in the sixth place he imparted them understanding, and in the seventh speech, an interpreter of the cogitations thereof.</i>


text:
He gave them to glory in his marvellous acts for ever, that they might declare his works with understanding.


text:
And he said to them, Beware of all unrighteousness; and he gave every man commandment concerning his neighbour.


text:
Every man from his youth is given to evil; neither could they make to themselves fleshy hearts for stony.


text:
For in the division of the nations of the whole earth he set a ruler over every people; but Israel is the Lord's portion:


text:
Whom, being his firstborn, he nourishes with discipline, and giving him the light of his love does not forsake him.


text:
But the Lord being gracious and knowing his workmanship, neither left nor forsook them, but spared them.


text:
The alms of a man is as a signet with him, and he will keep the good deeds of man as the apple of the eye, and give repentance to his sons and daughters.


text:
Turn again to the most High, and turn away from iniquity: for he will lead you out of darkness into the light of health, and hate you abomination vehemently.


text:
Thanksgiving perishes from the dead, as from one that is not: the living and sound in heart shall praise the Lord.


text:
How great is the lovingkindness of the Lord our God, and his compassion to such as turn to him in holiness!


text:
Who governs the world with the palm of his hand, and all things obey his will: for he is the King of all, by his power dividing holy things amongst them from profane.


text:
As for the wondrous works of the Lord, there may nothing be taken from them, neither may any thing be put to them, neither can the ground of them be found out.


text:
As a drop of water to the sea, and a gravelstone in comparison of the sand; so are a thousand years to the days of eternity.


text:
The mercy of man is towards his neighbour; but the mercy of the Lord is upon all flesh: he reproves, and nurtures, and teaches and brings again, as a shepherd his flock.


text:
Think upon the wrath that shall be at the end, and the time of vengeance, when he shall turn away his face.


text:
When you have enough, remember the time of hunger: and when you are rich, think upon poverty and need.


text:
From the morning until the evening the time is changed, and all things are soon done before the Lord.


text:
A wise man will fear in every thing, and in the day of sinning he will beware of offence: but a fool will not observe time.


text:
They that were of understanding in sayings became also wise themselves, and poured forth exquisite parables.


text:
If you give your soul the desires that please her, she will make you a laughing stock to your enemies that malign you.


text:
Be not made a beggar by banqueting upon borrowing, when you have nothing in your purse: for you shall lie in wait for your own life, and be talked on.<pb/>


text:
A labouring man that A is given to drunkenness shall not be rich: and he that contemns small things shall fall by little and little.


text:
Wine and women will make men of understanding to fall away: and he that cleaves to harlots will become impudent.


text:
Whoso takes pleasure in wickedness shall be condemned: but he that resists pleasures crowns his life.


text:
He that can rule his tongue shall live without strife; and he that hates babbling shall have less evil.


text:
Whether it be to friend or foe, talk not of other men's lives; and if you can without offence, reveal them not.


text:
There is one that slips in his speech, but not from his heart; and who is he that has not offended with his tongue?


text:
Admonish your neighbour before you threaten him; and not being angry, give place to the law of the most High.


text:
The knowledge of the commandments of the Lord is the doctrine of life: and they that do things that please him shall receive the fruit of the tree of immortality.


text:
The fear of the Lord is all wisdom; and in all wisdom is the performance of the law, and the knowledge of his omnipotency.


text:
If a servant say to his master, I will not do as it pleases you; though afterward he do it, he angers him that nourishes him.


text:
He that has small understanding, and fears God, is better than one that has much wisdom, and transgresses the law of the most High.


text:
There is an exquisite subtilty, and the same is unjust; and there is one that turns aside to make judgement appear; and there is a wise man that justifies in judgement.


text:
Casting down his countenance, and making as if he heard not: where he is not known, he will do you a mischief before you be aware.


text:
And if for lack of power he be hindered from sinning, yet when he finds opportunity he will do evil.


text:
A man may be known by his look, and one that has understanding by his countenance, when you meet him.


text:
It is much better to reprove, than to be angry secretly: and he that confesses his fault shall be preserved from hurt.


text:
A wise man will hold his tongue till he see opportunity: but a babbler and a fool will regard no time.


text:
He that uses many words shall be abhorred; and he that takes to himself authority therein shall be hated.


text:
The gift of a fool shall do you no good when you have it; neither yet of the envious for his necessity: for he looks to receive many things for one.


text:
He gives little, and upbraids much; he opens his mouth like a crier; to day he lends, and to morrow will he ask it again: such an one is to be hated of God and man.


text:
The fool says, I have no friends, I have no thank for all my good deeds, and they that eat my bread speak evil of me.


text:
How often, and of how many shall he be laughed to scorn! for he knows not aright what it is to have; and it is all one to him as if he had it not.


text:
To slip upon a pavement is better than to slip with the tongue: so the fall of the wicked shall come speedily.


text:
A wise sentence shall be rejected when it comes out of a fool's mouth; for he will not speak it in due season.


text:
There is that is hindered from sinning through lack: and when he takes rest, he shall not be troubled.


text:
There is that destroys his own soul through bashfulness, and by accepting of persons overthrows himself.


text:
A thief is better than a man that is accustomed to lie: but they both shall have destruction to heritage.


text:
A wise man shall promote himself to honour with his words: and he that has understanding will please great men.


text:
He that tills his land shall increase his heap: and he that pleases great men shall get pardon for iniquity.


text:
Flee from sin as from the face of a serpent: for if you come too near it, it will bite you: the teeth thereof are as the teeth of a lion, slaying the souls of men.


text:
He that hates to be reproved is in the way of sinners: but he that fears the Lord will repent from his heart.


text:
He that builds his house with other men's money is like one that gathers himself stones for the tomb of his burial.


text:
The congregation of the wicked is like tow wrapped together: and the end of them is a flame of fire to destroy them.


text:
He that keeps the law of the Lord gets the understanding thereof: and the perfection of the fear of the Lord is wisdom.


text:
The knowledge of a wise man shall abound like a flood: and his counsel is like a pure fountain of life.


text:
The inner parts of a fool are like a broken vessel, and he will hold no knowledge as long as he lives.


text:
If a skilful man hear a wise word, he will commend it, and add to it: but as soon as one of no understanding hears it, it displeases him, and he casts it behind his back.


text:
The talking of a fool is like a burden in the way: but grace shall be found in the lips of the wise.


text:
They enquire at the mouth of the wise man in the congregation, and they shall ponder his words in their heart.


text:
As is a house that is destroyed, so is wisdom to a fool: and the knowledge of the unwise is as talk without sense.


text:
A foolish man's foot is soon in his <i>neighbour's</i> house: but a man of experience is ashamed of him.


text:
It is the rudeness of a man to listen at the door: but a wise man will be grieved with the disgrace.


text:
The lips of talkers will be telling such things as pertain not to them: but the words of such as have understanding are weighed in the balance.


text:
A slothful man is compared to the filth of a dunghill: every man that takes it up will shake his hand.


text:
An evil-nurtured man is the dishonour of his father that became the father of him: and a <i>foolish</i> daughter is born to his loss.


text:
A wise daughter shall bring an inheritance to her husband: but she that lives dishonestly is her father's heaviness.


text:
A tale out of season <i>is as</i> musick in mourning: but stripes and correction of wisdom are never out of time.


text:
Whoso teaches a fool is as one that glues a potsherd together, and as he that wakes one from a sound sleep.


text:
He that tells a tale to a fool speaks to one in a slumber: when he has told his tale, he will say, What is the matter?


text:
But children, being haughty, through disdain and lack of nurture do stain the nobility of their kindred.


text:
Weep for the dead, for he has lost the light: and weep for the fool, for he lacks understanding: make little weeping for the dead, for he is at rest: but the life of the fool is worse than death.


text:
Seven days do men mourn for him that is dead; but for a fool and an ungodly man all the days of his life.


text:
Talk not much with a fool, and go not to him that has no understanding: beware of him, lest you have trouble, and you shall never be defiled with his fooleries: depart from him, and you shall find rest, and never be disquieted with madness.


text:
As timber girded and bound together in a building can’t be loosed with shaking: so the heart that is established by advised counsel shall fear at no time.


text:
Pales set on an high place will never stand against the wind: so a fearful heart in the imagination of a fool can’t stand against any fear.


text:
He that pricks the eye will make tears to fall: and he that pricks the heart makes it to show her knowledge.


text:
Whoso casts a stone at the birds frays them away: and he that upbraids his friend breaks friendship.


text:
Though you drew a sword at your friend, yet despair not: for there may be a returning <i>to favour.</i>


text:
If you have opened your mouth against your friend, fear not; for there may be a reconciliation: except for upbraiding, or pride, or disclosing of secrets, or a treacherous wound: for for these things every friend will depart.


text:
Be faithful to your neighbour in his poverty, that you may rejoice in his prosperity: abide stedfast to him in the time of his trouble, that you may be heir with him in his heritage: for a mean estate is not always to be contemned: nor the rich that is foolish to be had in admiration.


text:
Who shall set a watch before my mouth, and a seal of wisdom upon my lips, that I fall not suddenly by them, and that my tongue destroy me not?<pb/>


text:
O Lord, Father and Governor of all my whole life, leave me not to their counsels, and let me not fall by them.


text:
Who will set scourges over my thoughts, and the discipline of wisdom over my heart? that they spare me not for my ignorances, and it pass not by my sins:


text:
Lest my ignorances increase, and my sins abound to my destruction, and I fall before my adversaries, and my enemy rejoice over me, whose hope is far from your mercy.


text:
O Lord, Father and God of my life, give me not a proud look, but turn away from your servants always a haughty mind.


text:
Turn away from me vain hopes and concupiscence, and you shall hold him up that is desirous always to serve you.


text:
Let not the greediness of the belly nor lust of the flesh take hold of me; and give not over me your servant into an impudent mind.


text:
Hear, O you° children, the discipline of the mouth: he that keeps it shall never be taken in his lips.


text:
The sinner shall be left in his foolishness: both the evil speaker and the proud shall fall thereby.


text:
For as a servant that is continually beaten shall not be without a blue mark: so he that swears and names God continually shall not be faultless.


text:
A man that uses much swearing shall be filled with iniquity, and the plague shall never depart from his house: if he shall offend, his sin shall be upon him: and if he acknowledge not his sin, he makes a double offence: and if he swear in vain, he shall not be innocent, but his house shall be full of calamities.


text:
There is a word that is clothed about with death: God grant that it be not found in the heritage of Jacob; for all such things shall be far from the godly, and they shall not wallow in their sins.


text:
Remember your father and your mother, when you sit amongst great men. Be not forgetful before them, and so you by your custom become a fool, and wish that you had not been born, and curse they day of your nativity.


text:
Two sorts of men multiply sin, and the third will bring wrath: a hot mind is as a burning fire, it will never be quenched till it be consumed: a fornicator in the body of his flesh will never cease till he has kindled a fire.


text:
A man that breaks wedlock, saying thus in his heart, Who sees me? I am compassed about with darkness, the walls cover me, and no body sees me; what need I to fear? the most High will not remember my sins:


text:
Such a man only fears the eyes of men, and knows not that the eyes of the Lord are ten thousand times brighter than the sun, beholding all the ways of men, and considering the most secret parts.


text:
He knew all things ere ever they were created; so also after they were perfected he looked upon them all.


text:
For first, she has disobeyed the law of the most High; and secondly, she has trespassed against her own husband; and thirdly, she has played the whore in adultery, and brought children by another man.


text:
And they that remain shall know that there is nothing better than the fear of the Lord, and that there is nothing sweeter than to take heed to the commandments of the Lord.


text:
So the Creator of all things gave me a commandment, and he that made me caused my tabernacle to rest, and said, Let your dwelling be in Jacob, and your inheritance in Israel.


text:
I was exalted like a palm tree in En-gaddi, and as a rose plant in Jericho, as a fair olive tree in a pleasant field, and grew up as a plane tree by the water.


text:
I gave a sweet smell like cinnamon and aspalathus, and I yielded a pleasant odour like the best myrrh, as galbanum, and onyx, and sweet storax, and as the fume of frankincense in the tabernacle.


text:
As the turpentine tree I stretched out my branches, and my branches are the branches of honour and grace.


text:
I am the mother of fair love, and fear, and knowledge, and holy hope: I therefore, being eternal, am given to all my children which are named of him.


text:
All these things are the book of the covenant of the most high God, even the law which Moses commanded for an heritage to the congregations of Jacob.


text:
Faint not to be strong in the Lord; that he may confirm you, cleave to him: for the Lord Almighty is God alone, and beside him there is no other Saviour.


text:
I said, I will water my best garden, and will water abundantly my garden bed: and, behold, my brook became a river, and my river became a sea.


text:
In three things I was beautified, and stood up beautiful both before God and men: the unity of brethren, the love of neighbours, a man and a wife that agree together.


text:
Three sorts of men my soul hates, and I am greatly offended at their life: a poor man that is proud, a rich man that is a liar, and an old adulterer that doats.


text:
There be nine things which I have judged in my heart to be happy, and the tenth I will utter with my tongue: A man that has joy of his children; and he that lives to see the fall of his enemy:


text:
Well is him that dwells with a wife of understanding, and that has not slipped with his tongue, and that has not served a man more unworthy than himself:


text:
But the love of the Lord passes all things for illumination: he that holds it, whereto shall he be likened?


text:
<i>Give me</i> any plague, but the plague of the heart: and any wickedness, but the wickedness of a woman:


text:
And any affliction, but the affliction from them that hate me: and any revenge, but the revenge of enemies.


text:
All wickedness is but little to the wickedness of a woman: let the portion of a sinner fall upon her.


text:
As the climbing up a sandy way is to the feet of the aged, so is a wife full of words to a quiet man.


text:
A wicked woman abates the courage, makes an heavy countenance and a wounded heart: a woman that will not comfort her husband in distress makes weak hands and feeble knees.


text:
If she go not as you would have her, cut her off from your flesh, and give her a bill of divorce, and let her go.<pb/>


text:
Whether a man be rich or poor, if he have a good heart towards the Lord, he shall at all times rejoice with a cheerful countenance.


text:
There be three things that my heart fears; and for the fourth I was sore afraid: the slander of a city, the gathering together of an unruly multitude, and a false accusation: all these are worse than death.


text:
But a grief of heart and sorrow is a woman that is jealous over another woman, and a scourge of the tongue which communicates with all.


text:
If your daughter be shameless, keep her in straitly, lest she abuse herself through overmuch liberty.


text:
She will open her mouth, as a thirsty traveller when he has found a fountain, and drink of every water near her: by every hedge will she sit down, and open her quiver against every arrow.


text:
A silent and loving woman is a gift of the Lord; and there is nothing so much worth as a mind well instructed.


text:
As the sun when it arises in the high heaven; so is the beauty of a good wife in the ordering of her house.


text:
When you have gotten a fruitful possession through all the field, sow it with your own seed, trusting in the goodness of your stock.


text:
An harlot shall be accounted as spittle; but a married woman is a tower against death to her husband.


text:
A wicked woman is given as a portion to a wicked man: but a godly woman is given to him that fears the Lord.


text:
A woman that honours her husband shall be judged wise of all; but she that dishonours him in her pride shall be counted ungodly of all.


text:
There be two things that grieve my heart; and the third makes me angry: a man of war that suffers poverty; and men of understanding that are not set by; and one that returns from righteousness to sin; the Lord prepares such an one for the sword.


text:
A merchant shall hardly keep himself from doing wrong; and an huckster shall not be freed from sin.<pb/>


text:
As a nail sticks fast between the joinings of the stones; so does sin stick close between buying and selling.


text:
The fruit declares if the tree have been dressed; so is the utterance of a conceit in the heart of man.


text:
If you be amongst the indiscreet, observe the time; but be continually amongst men of understanding.


text:
The talk of him that swears much makes the hair stand upright; and their brawls make one stop his ears.


text:
As one that lets a bird go out of his hand, so have you let your neighbour go, and shall not get him again


text:
As for a wound, it may be bound up; and after reviling there may be reconcilement: but he that betrays secrets is without hope.


text:
When you are present, he will speak sweetly, and will admire your words: but at the last he will writhe his mouth, and slander your sayings.


text:
They that rejoice at the fall of the righteous shall be taken in the snare; and anguish shall consume them before they die.


text:
He that revenges shall find vengeance from the Lord, and he will surely keep his sins <i>in remembrance.</i>


text:
Forgive your neighbour the hurt that he has done to you, so shall your sins also be forgiven when you pray.


text:
Remember your end, and let enmity cease; <i>remember</i> corruption and death, and abide in the commandments.


text:
Remember the commandments, and bear no malice to your neighbour: <i>remember</i> the covenant of the Highest, and wink at ignorance.


text:
As the matter of the fire is, so it burns: and as a man's strength is, so is his wrath; and according to his riches his anger rises; and the stronger they are which contend, the more they will be inflamed.


text:
If you blow the spark, it shall burn: if you spit upon it, it shall be quenched: and both these come out of your mouth.


text:
A backbiting tongue has disquieted many, and driven them from nation to nation: strong cities has it pulled down, and overthrown the houses of great men.


text:
Well is he that is defended through the venom thereof; who has not drawn the yoke thereof, nor has been bound in her bands.


text:
Such as forsake the Lord shall fall into it; and it shall burn in them, and not be quenched; it shall be sent upon them as a lion, and devour them as a leopard.


text:
He that is merciful will lend to his neighbour; and he that strengthens his hand keeps the commandments.


text:
Keep your word, and deal faithfully with him, and you shall always find the thing that is necessary for you.


text:
Many, when a thing was lent them, reckoned it to be found, and put them to trouble that helped them.


text:
Till he has received, he will kiss a man's hand; and for his neighbour's money he will speak submissly: but when he should repay, he will prolong the time, and return words of grief, and complain of the time.


text:
If he prevail, he shall hardly receive the half, and he will count as if he had found it: if not, he has deprived him of his money, and he has gotten him an enemy without cause: he pays him with cursings and railings; and for honour he will pay him disgrace.


text:
Lay up your treasure according to the commandments of the most High, and it shall bring you more profit than gold.


text:
Suretiship has undone many of good estate, and shaken them as a wave of the sea: mighty men has it driven from their houses, so that they wandered amongst strange nations.


text:
A wicked man transgressing the commandments of the Lord shall fall into suretiship: and he that undertakes and follows other men's business for gain shall fall into suits.


text:
For it is a miserable life to go from house to house: for where you are a stranger, you dare not open your mouth.


text:
Give place, you stranger, to an honourable man; my brother comes to be lodged, and I have need of my house.


text:
These things are grievous to a man of understanding; the upbraiding of houseroom, and reproaching of the lender.<pb/>


text:
Though his father die, yet he is as though he were not dead: for he has left one behind him that is like himself.


text:
He left behind him an avenger against his enemies, and one that shall requite kindness to his friends.


text:
He that makes too much of his son shall bind up his wounds; and his bowels will be troubled at every cry.


text:
Bow down his neck while he is young, and beat him on the sides while he is a child, lest he wax stubborn, and be disobedient to you, and so bring sorrow to your heart.


text:
Better is the poor, being sound and strong of constitution, than a rich man that is afflicted in his body.


text:
What good does the offering to an idol? for neither can it eat nor smell: so is he that is persecuted of the Lord.


text:
Love your own soul, and comfort your heart, remove sorrow far from you: for sorrow has killed many, and there is no profit therein.


text:
The rich has great labour in gathering riches together; and when he rests, he is filled with his delicates.


text:
He that loves gold shall not be justified, and he that follows corruption shall have enough thereof.


text:
Who has been tried thereby, and found perfect? then let him glory. Who might offend, and has not offended? or done evil, and has not done it?


text:
Remember that a wicked eye is an evil thing: and what is created more wicked than an eye? therefore it weeps upon every occasion.


text:
A very little is sufficient for a man well nurtured, and he fetches not his wind short upon his bed.


text:
Sound sleep comes of moderate eating: he rises early, and his wits are with him: but the pain of watching, and choler, and pangs of the belly, are with an unsatiable man.


text:
My son, hear me, and despise me not, and at the last you shall find as I told you: in all your works be quick, so shall there no sickness come to you.


text:
Whoso is liberal of his meat, men shall speak well of him; and the report of his good housekeeping will be believed.


text:
But against him that is a niggard of his meat the whole city shall murmur; and the testimonies of his niggardness shall not be doubted of.


text:
Wine is as good as life to a man, if it be drunk moderately: what life is then to a man that is without wine? for it was made to make men glad.


text:
Rebuke not your neighbour at the wine, and despise him not in his mirth: give him no despiteful words, and press not upon him with urging him <i>to drink.</i><pb/>


text:
If you be made the master <i>of a feast,</i> lift not yourself up, but be amongst them as one of the rest; take diligent care for them, and so sit down.


text:
And when you have done all your office, take your place, that you may be merry with them, and receive a crown for your well ordering of the feast.


text:
Let your speech be short, comprehending much in few words; be as one that knows and yet holds his tongue.


text:
If you be amongst great men, make not yourself equal with them; and when ancient men are in place, use not many words.


text:
A man of counsel will be considerate; but a strange and proud man is not daunted with fear, even when of himself he has done without counsel.


text:
He that believes in the Lord takes heed to the commandment; and he that trusts in him shall fare never the worse.<pb/>


text:
There shall no evil happen to him that fears the Lord; but in temptation even again he will deliver him.


text:
Some of them has he blessed and exalted and some of them he sanctified, and set near himself: but some of them has he cursed and brought low, and turned out of their places.


text:
As the clay is in the potter's hand, to fashion it at his pleasure: so man is in the hand of him that made him, to render to them as likes him best.


text:
Good is set against evil, and life against death: so is the godly against the sinner, and the sinner against the godly.


text:
I awaked up last of all, as one that gathers after the grape gatherers: by the blessing of the Lord I profited, and filled my winepress like a gatherer of grapes.


text:
Hear me, O you° great men of the people, and listen with your ears, you° rulers of the congregation.


text:
Give not your son and wife, your brother and friend, power over you while you live, and give not your goods to another: lest it repent you, and you entreat for the same again.


text:
For better it is that your children should seek to you, than that you should stand to their courtesy.


text:
If you set your servant to labour, you shall find rest: but if you let him go idle, he shall seek liberty.


text:
If you have a servant, entreat him as a brother: for you have need of him, as of your own soul: if you entreat him evil, and he run from you, which way will you go to seek him?<pb/>


text:
The vision of dreams is the resemblance of one thing to another, even as the likeness of a face to a face.


text:
Divinations, and soothsayings, and dreams, are vain: and the heart fancies, as a woman's heart in travail.


text:
For the eyes of the Lord are upon them that love him, he is their mighty protection and strong stay, a defence from heat, and a cover from the sun at noon, a preservation from stumbling, and an help from falling.


text:
He that sacrifices of a thing wrongfully gotten, his offering is ridiculous; and the gifts of unjust men are not accepted.


text:
The most High is not pleased with the offerings of the wicked; neither is he pacified for sin by the multitude of sacrifices.


text:
Whoso brings an offering of the goods of the poor does as one that kills the son before his father's eyes.


text:
He that takes away his neighbour's living slays him; and he that defrauds the labourer of his hire is a bloodshedder.


text:
He that washes himself after the touching of a dead body, if he touch it again, what avails his washing?


text:
So is it with a man that fasts for his sins, and goes again, and does the same: who will hear his prayer? or what does his humbling profit him?<pb/>


text:
He that keeps the law brings offerings enough: he that takes heed to the commandment offers a peace offering.


text:
To depart from wickedness is a thing pleasing to the Lord; and to forsake unrighteousness is a propitiation.


text:
The offering of the righteous makes the altar fat, and the sweet savour thereof is before the most High.


text:
Give to the most High according as he has enriched you; and as you have gotten, give with a cheerful eye.


text:
Do not think to corrupt with gifts; for such he will not receive: and trust not to unrighteous sacrifices; for the Lord is judge, and with him is no respect of persons.


text:
He will not despise the supplication of the fatherless; nor the widow, when she pours out her complaint.


text:
Do not the tears run down the widow's cheeks? and is not her cry against him that causes them to fall?


text:
The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds: and till it come near, he will not be comforted; and will not depart, till the most High shall behold to judge righteously, and execute judgement.


text:
For the Lord will not be slack, neither will the Mighty be patient towards them, till he have struck in sunder the loins of the unmerciful, and repayed vengeance to the heathen; till he have taken away the multitude of the proud, and broken the sceptre of the unrighteous;


text:
Till he have rendered to every man according to his deeds, and to the works of men according to their devices; till he have judged the cause of his people, and made them to rejoice in his mercy.


text:
Show new signs, and make other strange wonders: glorify your hand and your right arm, that they may set forth your wondrous works.


text:
Let him that escapes be consumed by the rage of the fire; and let them perish that oppress the people.


text:
Gather all the tribes of Jacob together, and inherit you them, as from the beginning. Though I was the last to wake up, yet I received their inheritance as from the beginning.


text:
O Lord, have mercy upon the people that is called by your name, and upon Israel, whom you have named your firstborn.


text:
Give testimony to those that you have possessed from the beginning, and raise up prophets that have been in your name.


text:
O Lord, hear the prayer of your servants, according to the blessing of Aaron over your people, that all they which dwell upon the earth may know that you are the Lord, the eternal God.


text:
Where no hedge is, there the possession is spoiled: and he that has no wife will wander up and down mourning.


text:
Who will trust a thief well appointed, that skips from city to city? so <i>who will believe</i> a man that has no house, and lodges wherever the night takes him?<pb/>


text:
There is a companion, which rejoices in the prosperity of a friend, but in the time of trouble will be against him.


text:
There is a companion, which helps his friend for the belly, and takes up the buckler against the enemy.


text:
Beware of a counsellor, and know before what need he has; for he will counsel for himself; lest he cast the lot upon you,


text:
And say to you, Your way is good: and afterward he stand on the other side, to see what shall befall you.


text:
Neither consult with a woman touching her of whom she is jealous; neither with a coward in matters of war; nor with a merchant concerning exchange; nor with a buyer of selling; nor with an envious man of thankfulness; nor with an unmerciful man touching kindness; nor with the slothful for any work; nor with an hireling for a year of finishing work; nor with an idle servant of much business: listen not to these in any matter of counsel.


text:
But be continually with a godly man, whom you know to keep the commandments of the Lord, whose, mind is according to your mind, and will sorrow with you, if you shall miscarry.


text:
For a man's mind is sometime wont to tell him more than seven watchmen, that sit above in an high tower.


text:
Four manner of things appear: good and evil, life and death: but the tongue rules over them continually.


text:
Honour a physician with the honour due to him for the uses which you° may have of him: for the Lord has created him.


text:
The skill of the physician shall lift up his head: and in the sight of great men he shall be in admiration.


text:
Of such does the apothecary make a confection; and of his works there is no end; and from him is peace over all the earth,


text:
Then give place to the physician, for the Lord has created him: let him not go from you, for you have need of him.


text:
For they shall also pray to the Lord, that he would prosper that, which they give for ease and remedy to prolong life.


text:
My son, let tears fall down over the dead, and begin to lament, as if you had suffered great harm yourself; and then cover his body according to the custom, and neglect not his burial.


text:
Weep bitterly, and make great moan, and use lamentation, as he is worthy, and that a day or two, lest you be evil spoken of: and then comfort yourself for your heaviness.


text:
When the dead is at rest, let his remembrance rest; and be comforted for him, when his Spirit is departed from him.


text:
The wisdom of a learnt man comes by opportunity of leisure: and he that has little business shall become wise.


text:
How can he get wisdom that holds the plough, and that glories in the goad, that drives oxen, and is occupied in their labours, and whose talk is of bullocks?


text:
So every carpenter and workmaster, that labores night and day: and they that cut and grave seals, and are diligent to make great variety, and give themselves to counterfeit imagery, and watch to finish a work:


text:
The smith also sitting by the anvil, and considering the iron work, the vapour of the fire wastes his flesh, and he fights with the heat of the furnace: the noise of the hammer and the anvil is ever in his ears, and his eyes look still upon the pattern of the thing that he makes; he sets his mind to finish his work, and watches to polish it perfectly:


text:
So does the potter sitting at his work, and turning the wheel about with his feet, who is always carefully set at his work, and makes all his work by number;


text:
He fashions the clay with his arm, and bows down his strength before his feet; he applies himself to lead it over; and he is diligent to make clean the furnace:


text:
Without these can’t a city be inhabited: and they shall not dwell where they will, nor go up and down:


text:
They shall not be sought for in publick counsel, nor sit high in the congregation: they shall not sit on the judges' seat, nor understand the sentence of judgement: they can’t declare justice and judgement; and they shall not be found where parables are spoken.


text:
But they will maintain the state of the world, and <i>all</i> their desire is in the work of their craft.<pb/>


text:
But he that gives his mind to the law of the most High, and is occupied in the meditation thereof, will seek out the wisdom of all the ancient, and be occupied in prophecies.


text:
He shall serve amongst great men, and appear before princes: he will travel through strange countries; for he has tried the good and the evil amongst men.


text:
He will give his heart to resort early to the Lord that made him, and will pray before the most High, and will open his mouth in prayer, and make supplication for his sins.


text:
When the great Lord will, he shall be filled with the spirit of understanding: he shall pour out wise sentences, and give thanks to the Lord in his prayer.


text:
He shall show forth that which he has learnt, and shall glory in the law of the covenant of the Lord.


text:
Many shall commend his understanding; and so long as the world endures, it shall not be blotted out; his memorial shall not depart away, and his name shall live from generation to generation.


text:
And give you° a sweet savour as frankincense, and flourish as a lily, send forth a smell, and sing a song of praise, bless the Lord in all his works.


text:
Magnify his name, and show forth his praise with the songs of your lips, and with harps, and in praising him you° shall say after this manner:


text:
All the works of the Lord are exceeding good, and whatever he commands shall be accomplished in due season.


text:
And none may say, What is this? therefore is that? for at time convenient they shall all be sought out: at his commandment the waters stood as an heap, and at the words of his mouth the receptacles of waters.


text:
The principal things for the whole use of man's life are water, fire, iron, and salt, flour of wheat, honey, milk, and the blood of the grape, and oil, and clothing.


text:
There be spirits that are created for vengeance, which in their fury lay on sore strokes; in the time of destruction they pour out their force, and appease the wrath of him that made them.


text:
They shall rejoice in his commandment, and they shall be ready upon earth, when need is; and when their time is come, they shall not transgress his word.


text:
Therefore from the beginning I was resolved, and thought upon these things, and have left them in writing.


text:
And therefore praise you° the Lord with the whole heart and mouth, and bless the name of the Lord.<pb/>


text:
Great travail is created for every man, and an heavy yoke is upon the sons of Adam, from the day that they go out of their mother's womb, till the day that they return to the mother of all things.


text:
Their imagination of things to come, and the day of death, <i>trouble</i> their thoughts, and <i>cause</i> fear of heart;


text:
Wrath, and envy, trouble, and unquietness, fear of death, and anger, and strife, and in the time of rest upon his bed his night sleep, do change his knowledge.


text:
A little or nothing is his rest, and afterward he is in his sleep, as in a day of keeping watch, troubled in the vision of his heart, as if he were escaped out of a battle.


text:
<i>Such things happen</i> to all flesh, both man and beast, and that is sevenfold more upon sinners.


text:
All things that are of the earth shall turn to the earth again: and that which is of the waters does return into the sea.


text:
The goods of the unjust shall be dried up like a river, and shall vanish with noise, like a great thunder in rain.


text:
The children of the ungodly shall not bring forth many branches: but are as unclean roots upon a hard rock.


text:
To labour, and to be content with that a man has, is a sweet life: but he that finds a treasure is above them both.


text:
Children and the building of a city continue a man's name: but a blameless wife is counted above them both.


text:
Riches and strength lift up the heart: but the fear of the Lord is above them both: there is no lack in the fear of the Lord, and it needs not to seek help.


text:
The life of him that depends on another man's table is not to be counted for a life; for he pollutes himself with other men's meat: but a wise man well nurtured will beware thereof.


text:
O death, how bitter is the remembrance of you to a man that lives at rest in his possessions, to the man that has nothing to vex him, and that has prosperity in all things: yes, to him that is yet able to receive meat!


text:
O death, acceptable is your sentence to the needy, and to him whose strength fails, that is now in the last age, and is vexed with all things, and to him that despairs, and has lost patience!


text:
Fear not the sentence of death, remember them that have been before you, and that come after; for this is the sentence of the Lord over all flesh.


text:
And why are you against the pleasure of the most High? there is no inquisition in the grave, whether you have lived ten, or an hundred, or a thousand years.


text:
The children of sinners are abominable children, and they that are conversant in the dwelling of the ungodly.


text:
The inheritance of sinners' children shall perish, and their posterity shall have a perpetual reproach.


text:
Woe be to you, ungodly men, which have forsaken the law of the most high God! for if you° increase, it shall be to your destruction:


text:
All that are of the earth shall turn to earth again: so the ungodly shall go from a curse to destruction.


text:
Have regard to your name; for that shall continue with you above a thousand great treasures of gold.


text:
My children, keep discipline in peace: for wisdom that is hid, and a treasure that is not seen, what profit is in them both?


text:
Therefore be shamefaced according to my word: for it is not good to retain all shamefacedness; neither is it altogether approved in every thing.


text:
Of an offence before a judge and ruler; of iniquity before a congregation and people; of unjust dealing before your partner and friend;


text:
And of theft in regard of the place where you sojourn, and in regard of the truth of God and his covenant; and to lean with your elbow upon the meat; and of scorning to give and take;


text:
And to turn away your face from your kinsman; or to take away a portion or a gift; or to gaze upon another man's wife.


text:
Or of iterating and speaking again that which you have heard; and of revealing of secrets. So shall you be truly shamefaced and find favour before all men. Of these things be not you ashamed, and accept no person to sin thereby:


text:
And of merchants' indifferent selling; of much correction of children; and to make the side of an evil servant to bleed.


text:
Be not ashamed to inform the unwise and foolish, and the extreme aged that contends with those that are young: thus shall you be truly learnt, and approved of all men living.


text:
A daughter is a wakeful care to a father; and the care for her takes away sleep: when she is young, lest she pass away the flower of her age; and being married, lest she should be hated:


text:
In her virginity, lest she should be defiled and gotten with child in her father's house; and having an husband, lest she should misbehave herself; and when she is married, lest she should be barren.


text:
Keep a sure watch over a shameless daughter, lest she make you a laughing stock to your enemies, and a byword in the city, and a reproach amongst the people, and make you ashamed before the multitude.


text:
Better is the churlishness of a man than a courteous woman, a woman, I say, which brings shame and reproach.


text:
I will now remember the works of the Lord, and declare the things that I have seen: In the words of the Lord are his works.


text:
The sun that gives light looks upon all things, and the work thereof is full of the glory of the Lord.


text:
The Lord has not given power to the saints to declare all his marvellous works, which the Almighty Lord firmly settled, that whatever is might be established for his glory.


text:
He seeks out the deep, and the heart, and considers their crafty devices: for the Lord knows all that may be known, and he sees the signs of the world.


text:
He has garnished the excellent works of his wisdom, and he is from everlasting to everlasting: to him may nothing be added, neither can he be diminished, and he has no need of any counsellor.


text:
The sun when it appears, declaring at his rising a marvellous instrument, the work of the most High:


text:
A man blowing a furnace is in works of heat, but the sun burns the mountains three times more; breathing out fiery vapours, and sending forth bright beams, it dims the eyes.


text:
The month is called after her name, increasing wonderfully in her changing, being an instrument of the armies above, shining in the firmament of heaven;


text:
The beauty of heaven, the glory of the stars, an ornament giving light in the highest places of the Lord.


text:
At the commandment of the Holy One they will stand in their order, and never faint in their watches.


text:
It encircles the heaven about with a glorious circle, and the hands of the most High have bended it.


text:
By his commandment he makes the snow to fall apace, and sends swiftly the lightnings of his judgement.


text:
The noise of the thunder makes the earth to tremble: so does the northern storm and the whirlwind: as birds flying he scatters the snow, and the falling down thereof is as the lighting of grasshoppers:


text:
The eye marvels at the beauty of the whiteness thereof, and the heart is astonished at the raining of it.


text:
The hoarfrost also as salt he pours on the earth, and being congealed, it lies on the top of sharp stakes.


text:
When the cold north wind blows, and the water is congealed into ice, it remains upon every gathering together of water, and clothes the water as with a breastplate.


text:
They that sail on the sea tell of the danger thereof; and when we hear it with our ears, we marvel thereat.


text:
When you° glorify the Lord, exalt him as much as you° can; for even yet will he far exceed: and when you° exalt him, put forth all your strength, and be not weary; for you° can never go far enough.


text:
Such as did bear rule in their kingdoms, men renowned for their power, giving counsel by their understanding, and declaring prophecies:


text:
Leaders of the people by their counsels, and by their knowledge of learning meet for the people, wise and eloquent are their instructions:


text:
And some there be, which have no memorial; who are perished, as though they had never been; and are become as though they had never been born; and their children after them.


text:
With their seed shall continually remain a good inheritance, and their children are within the covenant.


text:
Noah was found perfect and righteous; in the time of wrath he was taken in exchange <i>for the world;</i> therefore was he left as a remnant to the earth, when the flood came.


text:
Who kept the law of the most High, and was in covenant with him: he established the covenant in his flesh; and when he was proved, he was found faithful.


text:
Therefore he assured him by an oath, that he would bless the nations in his seed, and that he would multiply him as the dust of the earth, and exalt his seed as the stars, and cause them to inherit from sea to sea, and from the river to the utmost part of the land.


text:
He made him like to the glorious saints, and magnified him, so that his enemies stood in fear of him.


text:
By his words he caused the wonders to cease, and he made him glorious in the sight of kings, and gave him a commandment for his people, and showed him part of his glory.


text:
He made him to hear his voice, and brought him into the dark cloud, and gave him commandments before his face, even the law of life and knowledge, that he might teach Jacob his covenants, and Israel his judgements.


text:
An everlasting covenant he made with him and gave him the priesthood amongst the people; he beautified him with comely ornaments, and clothed him with a robe of glory.


text:
He put upon him perfect glory; and strengthened him with rich garments, with breeches, with a long robe, and the ephod.


text:
And he compassed him with pomegranates, and with many golden bells round about, that as he went there might be a sound, and a noise made that might be heard in the temple, for a memorial to the children of his people;


text:
With an holy garment, with gold, and blue silk, and purple, the work of the embroiderer, with a breastplate of judgement, and with Urim and Thummim;


text:
With twisted scarlet, the work of the cunning workman, with precious stones graven like seals, and set in gold, the work of the jeweller, with a writing engraved for a memorial, after the number of the tribes of Israel.


text:
He set a crown of gold upon the mitre, wherein was engraved Holiness, an ornament of honour, a costly work, the desires of the eyes, goodly and beautiful.


text:
Before him there were none such, neither did ever any stranger put them on, but only his children and his children's children perpetually.


text:
Moses consecrated him, and anointed him with holy oil: this was appointed to him by an everlasting covenant, and to his seed, so long as the heavens should remain, that they should minister to him, and execute the office of the priesthood, and bless the people in his name.


text:
He chose him out of all men living to offer sacrifices to the Lord, incense, and a sweet savour, for a memorial, to make reconciliation for his people.


text:
He gave to him his commandments, and authority in the statutes of judgements, that he should teach Jacob the testimonies, and inform Israel in his laws.


text:
Strangers conspired together against him, and maligned him in the wilderness, even the men that were of Dathan's and Abiron's side, and the congregation of Core, with fury and wrath.


text:
This the Lord saw, and it displeased him, and in his wrathful indignation were they consumed: he did wonders upon them, to consume them with the fiery flame.


text:
But he made Aaron more honourable, and gave him an heritage, and divided to him the first fruits of the increase; especially he prepared bread in abundance:


text:
Howbeit in the land of the people he had no inheritance, neither had he any portion amongst the people: for the Lord himself is his portion and inheritance.


text:
The third in glory is Phinees the son of Eleazar, because he had zeal in the fear of the Lord, and stood up with good courage of heart: when the people were turned back, and made reconciliation for Israel.


text:
Therefore was there a covenant of peace made with him, that he should be the chief of the sanctuary and of his people, and that he and his posterity should have the dignity of the priesthood for ever:


text:
According to the covenant made with David son of Jesse, of the tribe of Juda, that the inheritance of the king should be to his posterity alone: so the inheritance of Aaron should also be to his seed.


text:
God give you wisdom in your heart to judge his people in righteousness, that their good things be not abolished, and that their glory may endure for ever.<pb/>


text:
Jesus the son a Nave was valiant in the wars, and was the successor of Moses in prophecies, who according to his name was made great for the saving of the elect of God, and taking vengeance of the enemies that rose up against them, that he might set Israel in their inheritance.


text:
How great glory got he, when he did lift up his hands, and stretched out his sword against the cities!


text:
He called upon the most high Lord, when the enemies pressed upon him on every side; and the great Lord heard him.


text:
And with hailstones of mighty power he made the battle to fall violently upon the nations, and in the descent <i>of Beth-horon</i> he destroyed them that resisted, that the nations might know all their strength, because he fought in the sight of the Lord, and he followed the Mighty One.


text:
In the time of Moses also he did a work of mercy, he and Caleb the son of Jephunne, in that they withstood the congregation, and withheld the people from sin, and appeased the wicked murmuring.


text:
And of six hundred thousand people on foot, they two were preserved to bring them in to the heritage, even to the land that flows with milk and honey.


text:
The Lord gave strength also to Caleb, which remained with him to his old age: so that he entered upon the high places of the land, and his seed obtained it for an heritage:


text:
And concerning the judges, every one by name, whose heart went not a whoring, nor departed from the Lord, let their memory be blessed.


text:
Let their bones flourish out of their place, and let the name of them that were honoured be continued upon their children.


text:
Samuel, the prophet of the Lord, beloved of his Lord, established a kingdom, and anointed princes over his people.


text:
By his faithfulness he was found a true prophet, and by his word he was known to be faithful in vision.


text:
He called upon the mighty Lord, when his enemies pressed upon him on every side, when he offered the sucking lamb.


text:
And before his long sleep he made protestations in the sight of the Lord and his anointed, I have not taken any man's goods, so much as a shoe: and no man did accuse him.


text:
And after his death he prophesied, and showed the king his end, and lifted up his voice from the earth in prophecy, to blot out the wickedness of the people.<pb/>


text:
As is the fat taken away from the peace offering, so was David chosen out of the children of Israel.


text:
Slew he not a giant, when he was yet but young? and did he not take away reproach from the people, when he lifted up his hand with the stone in the sling, and beat down the boasting of Goliath?


text:
For he called upon the most high Lord; and he gave him strength in his right hand to kill that mighty warrior, and set up the horn of his people.


text:
So the people honoured him with ten thousands, and praised him in the blessings of the Lord, in that he gave him a crown of glory.


text:
For he destroyed the enemies on every side, and brought to nothing the Philistines his adversaries, and brake their horn in sunder to this day.


text:
In all his works he praised the Holy One most high with words of glory; with his whole heart he sung songs, and loved him that made him.


text:
He set singers also before the altar, that by their voices they might make sweet melody, and daily sing praises in their songs.


text:
He beautified their feasts, and set in order the solemn times until the end, that they might praise his holy name, and that the temple might sound from morning.


text:
The Lord took away his sins, and exalted his horn for ever: he gave him a covenant of kings, and a throne of glory in Israel.


text:
Solomon reigned in a peaceful time, and was honoured; for God made all quiet round about him, that he might build an house in his name, and prepare his sanctuary for ever.


text:
By the name of the Lord God, which is called the Lord God of Israel, you did gather gold as tin and did multiply silver as lead.


text:
You did stain your honour, and pollute your seed: so that you brought wrath upon your children, and was grieved for your folly.


text:
But the Lord will never leave off his mercy, neither shall any of his works perish, neither will he abolish the posterity of his elect, and the seed of him that loves him he will not take away: therefore he gave a remnant to Jacob, and out of him a root to David.


text:
Thus rested Solomon with his fathers, and of his seed he left behind him Roboam, even the foolishness of the people, and one that had no understanding, who turned away the people through his counsel. There was also Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin, and showed Ephraim the way of sin:


text:
Who did raise up a dead man from death, and his soul from the place of the dead, by the word of the most High:


text:
Who was ordained for reproofs in their times, to pacify the wrath of the Lord's judgement, before it brake forth into fury, and to turn the heart of the father to the son, and to restore the tribes of Jacob.


text:
Elias it was, who was covered with a whirlwind: and Eliseus was filled with his spirit: while he lived, he was not moved with the presence of any prince, neither could any bring him into subjection.


text:
For all this the people repented not, neither departed they from their sins, till they were spoiled and carried out of their land, and were scattered through all the earth: yet there remained a small people, and a ruler in the house of David:


text:
Ezekias fortified his city, and brought in water into the midst thereof: he digged the hard rock with iron, and made wells for waters.


text:
In his time Sennacherib came up, and sent Rabsaces, and lifted up his hand against Sion, and boasted proudly.


text:
But they called upon the Lord which is merciful, and stretched out their hands towards him: and immediately the Holy One heard them out of heaven, and delivered them by the ministry of Esay.


text:
For Ezekias had done the thing that pleased the Lord, and was strong in the ways of David his father, as Esay the prophet, who was great and faithful in his vision, had commanded him.


text:
He saw by an excellent spirit what should come to pass at the last, and he comforted them that mourned in Sion.


text:
The remembrance of Josias is like the composition of the perfume that is made by the are of the apothecary: it is sweet as honey in all mouths, and as musick at a banquet of wine.


text:
He behaved himself uprightly in the conversion of the people, and took away the abominations of iniquity.


text:
He directed his heart to the Lord, and in the time of the ungodly he established the worship of God.


text:
All, except David and Ezekias and Josias, were defective: for they forsook the law of the most High, even the kings of Juda failed.


text:
They burnt the chosen city of the sanctuary, and made the streets desolate, according to the prophecy of Jeremias.


text:
For they entreated him evil, who nevertheless was a prophet, sanctified in his mother's womb, that he might root out, and afflict, and destroy; and that he might build up also, and plant.


text:
And of the twelve prophets let the memorial be blessed, and let their bones flourish again out of their place: for they comforted Jacob, and delivered them by assured hope.


text:
So was Jesus the son of Josedec: who in their time builded the house, and set up an holy temple to the Lord, which was prepared for everlasting glory.


text:
And amongst the elect was Neemias, whose renown is great, who raised up for us the walls that were fallen, and set up the gates and the bars, and raised up our ruins again.


text:
Neither was there a young man born like Joseph, a governor of his brethren, a stay of the people, whose bones were regarded of the Lord.


text:
Sem and Seth were in great honour amongst men, and so was Adam above every living thing in creation.<pb/>


text:
Simon the high priest, the son of Onias, who in his life repaired the house again, and in his days fortified the temple:


text:
And by him was built from the foundation the double height, the high fortress of the wall about the temple:


text:
In his days the cistern to receive water, being in compass as the sea, was covered with plates of brass:


text:
As the sun shining upon the temple of the most High, and as the rainbow giving light in the bright clouds:


text:
And as the flower of roses in the spring of the year, as lilies by the rivers of waters, and as the branches of the frankincense tree in the time of summer:


text:
As fire and incense in the censer, and as a vessel of beaten gold set with all manner of precious stones:


text:
When he put on the robe of honour, and was clothed with the perfection of glory, when he went up to the holy altar, he made the garment of holiness honourable.


text:
When he took the portions out of the priests' hands, he himself stood by the hearth of the altar, compassed about, as a young cedar in Libanus; and as palm trees compassed they him round about.


text:
So were all the sons of Aaron in their glory, and the oblations of the Lord in their hands, before all the congregation of Israel.


text:
He stretched out his hand to the cup, and poured of the blood of the grape, he poured out at the foot of the altar a sweet smelling savour to the most high King of all.


text:
Then shouted the sons of Aaron, and sounded the silver trumpets, and made a great noise to be heard, for a remembrance before the most High.


text:
Then all the people together hasted, and fell down to the earth upon their faces to worship their Lord God Almighty, the most High.


text:
The singers also sang praises with their voices, with great variety of sounds was there made sweet melody.


text:
And the people implored the Lord, the most High, by prayer before him that is merciful, till the solemnity of the Lord was ended, and they had finished his service.


text:
Then he went down, and lifted up his hands over the whole congregation of the children of Israel, to give the blessing of the Lord with his lips, and to rejoice in his name.


text:
And they bowed themselves down to worship the second time, that they might receive a blessing from the most High.


text:
Now therefore bless you° the God of all, which only does wondrous things every where, which exalts our days from the womb, and deals with us according to his mercy.


text:
They that sit upon the mountain of Samaria, and they that dwell amongst the Philistines, and that foolish people that dwell in Sichem.


text:
Jesus the son of Sirach of Jerusalem has written in this book the instruction of understanding and knowledge, who out of his heart poured forth wisdom.


text:
Blessed is he that shall be exercised in these things; and he that lays them up in his heart shall become wise.


text:
For if he do them, he shall be strong to all things: for the light of the Lord leads him, who gives wisdom to the godly. Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever. Amen, Amen.<pb/>


text:
For you are my defender and helper, and has preserved my body from destruction, and from the snare of the slanderous tongue, and from the lips that forge lies, and has been my helper against my adversaries:


text:
And have delivered me, according to the multitude of your mercies and greatness of your name, from the teeth of them that were ready to devour me, and out of the hands of such as sought after my life, and from the manifold afflictions which I had;


text:
By an accusation to the king from an unrighteous tongue my soul drew near even to death, my life was near to the hell beneath.


text:
They compassed me on every side, and there was no man to help me: I looked for the succour of men, but there was none.


text:
Then thought I upon your mercy, O Lord, and upon your acts of old, how you deliver such as wait for you, and save them out of the hands of the enemies.


text:
I called upon the Lord, the Father of my Lord, that he would not leave me in the days of my trouble, and in the time of the proud, when there was no help.


text:
I will praise your name continually, and will sing praises with thanksgiving; and so my prayer was heard:


text:
For you saved me from destruction, and delivered me from the evil time: therefore will I give thanks, and praise you, and bless they name, O Lord.


text:
Even from the flower till the grape was ripe has my heart delighted in her: my foot went the right way, from my youth up sought I after her.


text:
For I purposed to do after her, and earnestly I followed that which is good; so shall I not be confounded.


text:
My soul has wrestled with her, and in my doings I was exact: I stretched forth my hands to the heaven above, and bewailed my ignorances of her.


text:
I directed my soul to her, and I found her in pureness: I have had my heart joined with her from the beginning, therefore shall I not be forsaken.


text:
And these are the words of the book, which Baruch the son of Nerias, the son of Maasias, the son of Sedecias, the son of Asadias, the son of Chelcias, wrote in Babylon,


text:
In the fifth year, and in the seventh day of the month, what time as the Chaldeans took Jerusalem, and burnt it with fire.


text:
And Baruch did read the words of this book in the hearing of Jechonias the son of Joachim king of Juda, and in the ears of all the people that came to hear the book,


text:
And in the hearing of the nobles, and of the king's sons, and in the hearing of the elders, and of all the people, from the lowest to the highest, even of all them that lived at Babylon by the river Sud.


text:
And they sent it to Jerusalem to Joachim the high priest, the son of Chelcias, son of Salom, and to the priests, and to all the people which were found with him at Jerusalem,


text:
At the same time when he received the vessels of the house of the Lord, that were carried out of the temple, to return them into the land of Juda, the tenth day of the month Sivan, namely, silver vessels, which Sedecias the son of Josias king of Juda had made,


text:
After that Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon had carried away Jechonias, and the princes, and the captives, and the mighty men, and the people of the land, from Jerusalem, and brought them to Babylon.


text:
And they said, Behold, we have sent you money to buy you burnt offerings, and sin offerings, and incense, and prepare you° manna, and offer upon the altar of the Lord our God;


text:
And pray for the life of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon, and for the life of Balthasar his son, that their days may be upon earth as the days of heaven:


text:
And the Lord will give us strength, and lighten our eyes, and we shall live under the shadow of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon, and under the shadow of Balthasar his son, and we shall serve them many days, and find favour in their sight.


text:
Pray for us also to the Lord our God, for we have sinned against the Lord our God; and to this day the fury of the Lord and his wrath is not turned from us.


text:
And you° shall read this book which we have sent to you, to make confession in the house of the Lord, upon the feasts and solemn days.


text:
And you° shall say, To the Lord our God belongs righteousness, but to us the confusion of faces, as it is come to pass this day, to them of Juda, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem,


text:
And disobeyed him, and have not listened to the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in the commandments that he gave us openly:


text:
Since the day that the Lord brought our forefathers out of the land of Egypt, to this present day, we have been disobedient to the Lord our God, and we have been negligent in not hearing his voice.


text:
Therefore the evils cleaved to us, and the curse, which the Lord appointed by Moses his servant at the time that he brought our fathers out of the land of Egypt, to give us a land that flows with milk and honey, like as it is to see this day.


text:
Nevertheless we have not listened to the voice of the Lord our God, according to all the words of the prophets, whom he sent to us:


text:
But every man followed the imagination of his own wicked heart, to serve strange gods, and to do evil in the sight of the Lord our God.<pb/>


text:
Therefore the Lord has made good his word, which he pronounced against us, and against our judges that judged Israel, and against our kings, and against our princes, and against the men of Israel and Juda,


text:
To bring upon us great plagues, such as never happened under the whole heaven, as it came to pass in Jerusalem, according to the things that were written in the law of Moses;


text:
Moreover he has delivered them to be in subjection to all the kingdoms that are round about us, to be as a reproach and desolation amongst all the people round about, where the Lord has scattered them.


text:
Thus we were cast down, and not exalted, because we have sinned against the Lord our God, and have not been obedient to his voice.


text:
To the Lord our God appertains righteousness: but to us and to our fathers open shame, as appears this day.


text:
Yet have we not prayed before the Lord, that we might turn every one from the imaginations of his wicked heart.


text:
Therefore the Lord watched over us for evil, and the Lord has brought it upon us: for the Lord is righteous in all his works which he has commanded us.


text:
Yet we have not listened to his voice, to walk in the commandments of the Lord, that he has set before us.


text:
And now, O Lord God of Israel, that have brought your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and high arm, and with signs, and with wonders, and with great power, and have gotten yourself a name, as appears this day:


text:
O Lord our God, we have sinned, we have done ungodly, we have dealt unrighteously in all your ordinances.


text:
Let your wrath turn from us: for we are but a few left amongst the heathen, where you have scattered us.


text:
Hear our prayers, O Lord, and our petitions, and deliver us for your own sake, and give us favour in the sight of them which have led us away:


text:
That all the earth may know that you are the Lord our God, because Israel and his posterity is called by your name.


text:
Open your eyes, and behold; for the dead that are in the graves, whose souls are taken from their bodies, will give to the Lord neither praise nor righteousness:


text:
But the soul that is greatly vexed, which goes stooping and feeble, and the eyes that fail, and the hungry soul, will give you praise and righteousness, O Lord.


text:
Therefore we do not make our humble supplication before you, O Lord our God, for the righteousness of our fathers, and of our kings.


text:
For you have sent out your wrath and indignation upon us, as you have spoken by your servants the prophets, saying,


text:
Thus says the Lord, Bow down your shoulders to serve the king of Babylon: so shall you° remain in the land that I gave to your fathers.


text:
I will cause to cease out of the cites of Judah, and from without Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of joy, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: and the whole land shall be desolate of inhabitants.


text:
But we would not listen to your voice, to serve the king of Babylon: therefore have you made good the words that you spoke by your servants the prophets, namely, that the bones of our kings, and the bones of our fathers, should be taken out of their place.


text:
And, behold, 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.


text:
And the house which is called by your name have you laid waste, as it is to be seen this day, for the wickedness of the house of Israel and the house of Juda.


text:
O Lord our God, you have dealt with us after all your goodness, and according to all that great mercy of your,


text:
As you spoke by your servant Moses in the day when you did command him to write the law before the children of Israel, saying,


text:
If you° will not hear my voice, surely this very great multitude shall be turned into a small number amongst the nations, where I will scatter them.


text:
For I knew that they would not hear me, because it is a stiff-necked people: but in the land of their captivities they shall remember themselves.


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.


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


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 you are merciful: and have pity upon us, because we have sinned before you.


text:
O Lord Almighty, you God of Israel, hear now the prayers of the dead Israelites, and of their children, which have sinned before you, and not listened to the voice of you their God: for the which cause these plagues cleave to us.


text:
Remember not the iniquities of our forefathers: but think upon your power and your name now at this time.


text:
And for this cause you have put your fear in our hearts, to the intent that we should call upon your name, and praise you in our captivity: for we have called to mind all the iniquity of our forefathers, that sinned before you.


text:
Behold, we are yet this day in our captivity, where you have 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.


text:
How is it Israel, that you are in your enemies' land, that you have become old in a strange country, that you are defiled with the dead,


text:
Learn where is wisdom, where is strength, where is understanding; that you may know also where is length of days, and life, where is the light of the eyes, and peace.


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?


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.


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


text:
But he that knows all things knows her, and has found her out with his understanding: he that prepared the earth for evermore has filled it with four-footed beasts:


text:
The stars shined in their watches, and rejoiced: when he calls them, they say, Here we be; and so with cheerfulness they showed light to him that made them.


text:
He has found out all the way of knowledge, and has given it to Jacob his servant, and to Israel his beloved.


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


text:
Turn you, O Jacob, and take hold of it: walk in the presence of the light thereof, that you may be illuminated.


text:
You° were sold to the nations, not for <i>your</i> destruction: but because you° moved God to wrath, you° were delivered to the enemies.


text:
You° have forgotten the everlasting God, that brought you up; and you° have grieved Jerusalem, that nursed you.


text:
For when she saw the wrath of God coming upon you, she said, Listen, O you° that dwell about Sion: God has brought upon me great mourning;


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.


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


text:
Let them that dwell about Sion come, and remember you° the captivity of my sons and daughters, which the Everlasting has brought upon them.


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


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


text:
I have put off the clothing of peace, and put upon me the sackcloth of my prayer: I will cry to the Everlasting in my days.


text:
Be of good cheer, O my children, cry to the Lord, and he will deliver you from the power and hand of the enemies.


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


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


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.


text:
My children, suffer patiently the wrath that is come upon you from God: for your enemy has persecuted you; but shortly you shall see his destruction, and shall tread upon his neck.


text:
Be of good comfort, O my children, and cry to God: for you° shall be remembered of him that brought these things upon you.


text:
For as she rejoiced at your ruin, and was glad of your fall: so shall she be grieved for her own desolation.


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


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


text:
Behold, your sons come, whom you sent 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 comes from God for ever.


text:
Cast about you a double garment of the righteousness which comes from God; and set a diadem on your head of the glory of the Everlasting.


text:
For your name shall be called of God for ever The peace of righteousness, and The glory of God's worship.


text:
Arise, O Jerusalem, and stand on high, and look about towards the east, and behold your children gathered from the west to the east by the word of the Holy One, rejoicing in the remembrance of God.


text:
For they departed from you on foot, and were led away of their enemies: but God brings them to you exalted with glory, as children of the kingdom.


text:
For God has 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,


text:
Moreover even the woods and every sweet smelling tree shall overshadow Israel by the commandment of God.


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


text:
Blessed are you, O Lord God of our fathers: your name is worthy to be praised and glorified for evermore:


text:
For you are righteous in all the things that you have done to us: yes, true are all your works, your ways are right, and all your judgements truth.


text:
In all the things that you have brought upon us, and upon the holy city of our fathers, even Jerusalem, you have executed true judgement: for according to truth and judgement did you bring all these things upon us because of our sins.


text:
In all things have we trespassed, and not obeyed your commandments, nor kept them, neither done as you have commanded us, that it might go well with us.


text:
Therefore all that you have brought upon us, and every thing that you have done to us, you have done in true judgement.


text:
And you did 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.


text:
And now we can’t open our mouths, we are become a shame and reproach to your servants; and to them that worship you.


text:
And cause not your mercy to depart from us, for your beloved Abraham's sake, for your servant Isaac's sake, and for your holy Israel's sake;


text:
To whom you have spoken and promised, that you would multiply their seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sand that lies upon the seashore.


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.


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 you, and to find mercy.


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 your sight this day, and grant that we may wholly go after you: for they shall not be confounded that put their trust in you.


text:
Put us not to shame: but deal with us after your lovingkindness, and according to the multitude of your mercies.


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


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


text:
But the angel of the Lord came down into the oven together with Azarias and his fellows, and struck the flame of the fire out of the oven;


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.


text:
Blessed are you in the temple of your holy glory: and to be praised and glorified above all for ever.


text:
Blessed are you that behold the depths, and sit upon the cherubims: and to be praised and exalted above all for ever.


text:
Blessed are you on the glorious throne of your kingdom: and to be praised and glorified above all for ever.


text:
O all you° waters that be above the heaven, bless you° the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.


text:
O all you° things that grow in the earth, bless you° the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.


text:
O you° whales, and all that move in the waters, bless you° the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.


text:
O you° spirits and souls of the righteous, bless you° the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.


text:
O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless you° the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever: for he has 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 has he delivered us.


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


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


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


text:
And the two elders saw her going in every day, and walking; so that their lust was inflamed towards her.


text:
And they perverted their own mind, and turned away their eyes, that they might not look to heaven, nor remember just judgements.


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.


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.


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


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.


text:
Behold, the garden doors are shut, that no man can see us, and we are in love with you; therefore consent to us, and lie with us.


text:
If you will not, we will bear witness against you, that a young man was with you: and therefore you did send away your maids from you.


text:
Then Susanna sighed, and said, I am straitened on every side: for if I do this thing, it is death to me: and if I do it not I can’t escape your hands.


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 to her.


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


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;


text:
And said before the people, Send for Susanna, the daughter of Chelcias, Joacim's wife. And so they sent.


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


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.


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


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


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


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


text:
You know 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.


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:


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


text:
Therefore all the people turned again in haste, and the elders said to him, Come, sit down amongst us, and show it us, seeing God has given you the honour of an elder.


text:
So when they were put asunder one from another, he called one of them, and said to him, O you that have become old in wickedness, now your sins which you have committed aforetime are come to light.


text:
For you have pronounced false judgement and have condemned the innocent and have let the guilty go free; albeit the Lord says, The innocent and righteous shall you not kill.


text:
Now then, if you have seen her, tell me, Under what tree saw you them companying together? Who answered, Under a mastick tree.


text:
And Daniel said, Very well; you have lied against your own head; for even now the angel of God has received the sentence of God to cut you in two.


text:
So he put him aside, and commanded to bring the other, and said to him, O you seed of Chanaan, and not of Juda, beauty has deceived you, and lust has perverted your heart.


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


text:
Now therefore tell me, Under what tree did you take them companying together? Who answered, Under an holm tree.


text:
Then said Daniel to him, Well; you have also lied against your own head: for the angel of God waits with the sword to cut you in two, that he may destroy you.


text:
With that all the assembly cried out with a loud voice, and praised God, who saves them that trust in him.


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


text:
And according to the law of Moses they did to 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.


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.


text:
Now the Babylonians 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.


text:
And the king worshipped it and went daily to adore it: but Daniel worshipped his own God. And the king said to him, Why do not you worship Bel?


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


text:
Then said the king to him, Thinkest you not that Bel is a living God? see you not how much he eats and drinks every day?


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.


text:
So the king was angry, and called for his priests, and said to them, If you° tell me not who this is that devours these expenses, you° shall die.


text:
But if you° can certify me that Bel devours them, then Daniel shall die: for he has spoken blasphemy against Bel. And Daniel said to the king, Let it be according to your word.


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.


text:
So Bel's priests said, Behold, we go out: but you, O king, set on the meat, and make ready the wine, and shut the door fast and seal it with your own signet;


text:
And to morrow when you come in, if you find not that Bel has eaten up all, we will suffer death: or else Daniel, that speaks falsely against us.


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.


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 they went out, and shut the door, and sealed it with the king's signet, and so departed.


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.


text:
And as soon as he had opened the dour, the king looked upon the table, and cried with a loud voice, Great are you, O Bel, and with you is no deceit at all.


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.


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


text:
Therefore the king killed them, and delivered Bel into Daniel's power, who destroyed him and his temple.


text:
And the king said to Daniel, Will you also say that this is of brass? behold, he lives, he eats and drinks; you can not say that he is no living god: therefore worship him.


text:
But give me leave, O king, and I shall kill this dragon without sword or staff. The king said, I give you leave.


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, Behold, these are the gods you° worship.


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 has destroyed Bel, he has slain the dragon, and put the priests to death.


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.


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.


text:
But the angel of the Lord said to Habbacuc, Go, carry the dinner that you have into Babylon to Daniel, who is in the lions' den.


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.


text:
And Daniel said, You have remembered me, O God: neither have you forsaken them that seek you and love you.


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


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.


text:
Then cried the king with a loud voice, saying, Great are you Lord God of Daniel, and there is none other beside you.


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 struck Darius king of the Persians and Medes, that he reigned in his stead, the first over Greece,


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.


text:
And he gathered a mighty strong host and ruled over countries, and nations, and kings, who became tributaries to him.


text:
Therefore he called his servants, such as were honourable, and had been brought up with him from his youth, and parted his kingdom amongst them, while he was yet alive.


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.


text:
And there came out of them a wicked root Antiochus <i>surnamed</i> 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.


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.


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:


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


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


text:
Therefore he entered into Egypt with a great multitude, with chariots, and elephants, and horsemen, and a great navy,


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


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


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


text:
And the table of the show bread, 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.


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


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


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


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


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


text:
And spoke peaceful words to them, but all was deceit: for when they had given him credence, he fell suddenly upon the city, and struck it very sore, and destroyed much people of Israel.


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.


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.


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


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.


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


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


text:
Yes, many also of the Israelites consented to his religion, and sacrificed to idols, and profaned the sabbath.


text:
For the king had sent letters by messengers to Jerusalem and the cities of Juda that they should follow the strange laws of the land,


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


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


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.


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


text:
Now the fifteenth day of the month Casleu, in the hundred and 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;


text:
And whoever 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.


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


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


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


text:
And they hanged the infants about their necks, and rifled their houses, and killed them that had circumcised them.


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


text:
Therefore 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.


text:
In those days arose Mattathias the son of John, the son of Simeon, a priest of the sons of Joarib, from Jerusalem, and lived in Modin.


text:
He said, Woe is me! therefore 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?


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.


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


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.


text:
Then answered the king's officers, and said to Mattathias on this wise, You are a ruler, and an honourable and great man in this city, and strengthened with sons and brethren:


text:
Now therefore come you first, and fulfil the king's commandment, like as all the heathen have done, yes, and the men of Juda also, and such as remain at Jerusalem: so shall you and your house be in the number of the king's friends, and you and your children shall be honoured with silver and gold, and many rewards.


text:
Then Mattathias answered and spoke 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:


text:
We will not listen to the king's words, to go from our religion, either on the right hand, or the left.


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.


text:
Which thing when Mattathias saw, he was inflamed with zeal, and his reins trembled, neither could he forbear to show his anger according to judgement: therefore he ran, and killed him upon the altar.


text:
Also the king's commissioner, who compelled men to sacrifice, he killed at that time, and the altar he pulled down.


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


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


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,


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.


text:
And they said to them, Let that which you° have done hitherto suffice; come forth, and do according to the commandment of the king, and you° shall live.


text:
But they said, We will not come forth, neither will we do the king's commandment, to profane the sabbath day.


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


text:
But said, Let us die all in our innocency: heaven and earth will testify for us, that you° put us to death wrongfully.


text:
So they rose up against them in battle on the sabbath, and they killed them, with their wives and children and their cattle, to the number of a thousand people.


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.


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.


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


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


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


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.


text:
Now when the time drew near that Mattathias should die, he said to his sons, Now has pride and rebuke gotten strength, and the time of destruction, and the wrath of indignation:


text:
Now therefore, my sons, be you° zealous for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of your fathers.


text:
Call to remembrance what acts our fathers did in their time; so shall you° receive great honour and an everlasting name.


text:
And thus consider you° throughout all ages, that none that put their trust in him shall be overcome.


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.


text:
Therefore, you° my sons, be valiant and show yourselves men in the behalf of the law; for by it shall you° obtain glory.


text:
And behold, I know that your brother Simon is a man of counsel, give ear to him always: he shall be a father to you.


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


text:
And he died in the hundred and 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.


text:
So he got his people great honour, and put on a breastplate as a giant, and girded his warlike harness about him, and he made battles, protecting the host with his sword.


text:
Therefore the wicked shrunk for fear of him, and all the workers of iniquity were troubled, because salvation prospered in his hand.


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


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


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


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


text:
Which thing when Judas perceived, he went forth to meet him, and so he struck him, and killed him: many also fell down slain, but the rest fled.


text:
Therefore Judas took their spoils, and Apollonius' sword also, and therewith he fought all his life long.


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


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.


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.


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


text:
Who, when they saw the host coming to meet them, said to 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?


text:
To 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:


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


text:
Therefore the Lord himself will overthrow them before our face: and as for you, be you° not afraid of them.


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.


text:
And they pursued them from the going down of Bethhoron to the plain, where were slain about eight hundred men of them; and the residue fled into the land of the Philistines.


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


text:
Now when king Antiochus heard these things, he was full of indignation: therefore he sent and gathered together all the forces of his realm, even a very strong army.


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


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;


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.


text:
Therefore, 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.


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


text:
Moreover he delivered to 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 lived in Juda and Jerusalem:


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;


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


text:
Then Lysias chose Ptolemee the son of Dorymenes, Nicanor, and Gorgias, mighty men of the king's friends:


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.


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 to them.


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;


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.


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


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.


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


text:
Then they fasted that day, and put on sackcloth, and cast ashes upon their heads, and tore their clothes,


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


text:
They brought also the priests' garments, and the first fruits, and the tithes: and the Nazarites they stirred up, who had accomplished their days.


text:
Then cried they with a loud voice towards heaven, saying, What shall we do with these, and whither shall we carry them away?


text:
For your sanctuary is trodden down and profaned, and your priests are in heaviness, and brought low.


text:
And behold, the heathen are assembled together against us to destroy us: what things they imagine against us, you know.


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


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.


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


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


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


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


text:
Now when Judas heard thereof he himself removed, and the valiant men with him, that he might strike the king's army which was at Emmaus,


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


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


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.


text:
Then said Judas to the men that were with him, Fear you° not their multitude, neither be you° afraid of their assault.


text:
Now therefore let us cry to heaven, if perhaps the Lord will have mercy upon us, and remember the covenant of our fathers, and destroy this host before our face this day:


text:
Therefore they went out of the camp to battle; but they that were with Judas sounded their trumpets.


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


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


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:


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


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.


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 endures forever.


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


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


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


text:
And when he saw that mighty army, he prayed and said, Blessed are you, O Saviour of Israel, who did quell the violence of the mighty man by the hand of your servant David, and gave the host of strangers into the hands of Jonathan the son of Saul, and his armour bearer;


text:
Shut up this army in the hand of your people Israel, and let them be confounded in their power and horsemen:


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:


text:
Cast them down with the sword of them that love you, and let all those that know your name praise you with thanksgiving.


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


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.


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


text:
And when they saw the sanctuary desolate, and the altar profaned, and the gates burnt up, and shrubs growing in the courts as in a forest, or in one of the mountains, yes, and the priests' chambers pulled down;


text:
And fell down flat to the ground upon their faces, and blew an alarm with the trumpets, and cried towards heaven.


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


text:
They thought it best to pull it down, lest it should be a reproach to them, because the heathen had defiled it: therefore they pulled it down,


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


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.


text:
And upon the altar they burnt incense, and the lamps that were upon the candlestick they lighted, that they might give light in the temple.


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.


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


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


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.


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


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.


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.


text:
Thus was there very great gladness amongst the people, for that the reproach of the heathen was put away.


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.


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.


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.


text:
Therefore they thought to destroy the generation of Jacob that was amongst them, and thereupon they began to kill and destroy the people.


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.


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


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


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


text:
So he fought many battles with them, till at length they were discomfited before him; and he struck them.


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.


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


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


text:
Yes, 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.


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


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.


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.


text:
Then said Judas to Simon his brother, Choose you out men, and go and deliver your brethren that are in Galilee, for I and Jonathan my brother will go into the country of Galaad.


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.


text:
To whom he gave commandment, saying, Take you° the charge of this people, and see that you° make not war against the heathen until the time that we come again.


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


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


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


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.


text:
Judas Maccabeus also and his brother Jonathan went over Jordan, and travelled three days' journey in the wilderness,


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


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:


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.


text:
Hereupon Judas and his host turned suddenly by the way of the wilderness to Bosora; and when he had won the city, he killed all the males with the edge of the sword, and took all their spoils, and burnt the city with fire,


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.


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,


text:
Then the host of Timotheus, knowing that it was Maccabeus, fled from him: therefore he struck them with a great slaughter; so that there were killed of them that day about eight thousand men.


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


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


text:
He has also hired the Arabians to help them and they have pitched their tents beyond the brook, ready to come and fight against you. Upon this Judas went to meet them.


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


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


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


text:
But they took the city, and burnt the temple with all that were therein. Thus was Carnaim subdued, neither could they stand any longer before Judas.


text:
Then Judas gathered together all the Israelites that were in the country of Galaad, from the least to 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.


text:
Now when they came to 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.


text:
Whereupon Judas sent to them in peaceful 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 to him.


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


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:


text:
Who then killed 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.


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.


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.


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


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


text:
Therefore they said, Let us also get us a name, and go fight against the heathen that are round about us.


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


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


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


text:
Afterward went Judas forth with his brethren, and fought against the children of Esau in the land towards the south, where he struck Hebron, and the towns thereof, and pulled down the fortress of it, and burnt the towers thereof round about.


text:
At that time certain priests, desirous to show their valour, were slain in battle, for that they went out to fight unadvisedly.


text:
So Judas turned to Azotus in the land of the Philistines, and when he had pulled down their altars, and burnt 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;


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 amongst the Grecians, had left there.


text:
Therefore 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,


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


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:


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:


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.


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.


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


text:
Therefore he called for all his friends, and said to them, The sleep is gone from my eyes, and my heart fails for very care.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


text:
So they came together, and besieged them in the hundred and fifties year, and he made mounts for shot against them, and other engines.


text:
Howbeit certain of them that were besieged got forth, to whom some ungodly men of Israel joined themselves:


text:
And they went to the king, and said, How long will it be ere you execute judgement, and avenge our brethren?


text:
We have been willing to serve your father, and to do as he would have us, and to obey his commandments;


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 killed, and spoiled our inheritance.


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


text:
Therefore if you do not prevent them quickly, they will do the greater things than these, neither shall you be able to rule them.


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.


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.


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 burnt them with fire, and fought valiantly.


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


text:
And to the end they might provoke the elephants to fight, they showed them the blood of grapes and mulberries.


text:
Moreover they divided the beasts amongst 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.


text:
These were ready at every occasion: wherever the beast was, and wherever the beast went, they went also, neither departed they from him.


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


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.


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


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.


text:
Therefore 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.


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


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,


text:
Therefore 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.


text:
Which done, he crept under the elephant, and thrust him under, and killed him: whereupon the elephant fell down upon him, and there he died.


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


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.


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


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.


text:
Yet at the last, their vessels being without food, (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;)


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.


text:
At that time Lysias heard say, that Philip, whom Antiochus the king, while he lived, had appointed to bring up his son Antiochus, that he might be king,


text:
Was returned out of Persia and Media, and the king's host also that went with him, and that he sought to take to him the ruling of the affairs.


text:
Therefore he went in all haste, and said to the king and the captains of the host and the company, We decay daily, and our food are but small, and the place we lay siege to is strong, and the affairs of the kingdom lie upon us:


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


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.


text:
So the king and the princes were content: therefore he sent to them to make peace; and they accepted thereof.


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.


text:
Afterward departed he in all haste, and returned to 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 fifties year Demetrius the son of Seleucus departed from Rome, and came up with a few men to a city of the sea coast, and reigned there.


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 to him.


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


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


text:
Now therefore send some man whom you trust, and let him go and see what havock he has made amongst us, and in the king's land, and let him punish them with all them that aid them.


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,


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.


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 peaceful words deceitfully.


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.


text:
So he spoke to them, peaceably, and sware to them, saying, we will procure the harm neither of you nor your friends.


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


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


text:
Therefore 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.


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.


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


text:
And to 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.


text:
Now when Judas saw all the mischief that Alcimus and his company had done amongst the Israelites, even above the heathen,


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 dared no more go forth into the country.


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.


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


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


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


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


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


text:
Where there were slain of Nicanor's side about five thousand men, and the rest fled into the city of David.


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 show him the burnt sacrifice that was offered for the king.


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.


text:
You, O Lord, did choose this house to be called by your name, and to be a house of prayer and petition for your people:


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.


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


text:
O Lord, when they that were sent from the king of the Assyrians blasphemed, your angel went out, and struck an hundred fourscore and five thousand of them.


text:
Even so destroy you this host before us this day, that the rest may know that he has spoken blasphemously against your sanctuary, and judge you him according to his wickedness.


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.


text:
Then they pursued after them a day's journey, from Adasa to Gazera, sounding an alarm after them with their trumpets.


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.


text:
Afterwards they took the spoils, and the prey, and struck off Nicanor's head, and his right hand, which he stretched out so proudly, and brought them away, and hanged them up towards Jerusalem.


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


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


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;


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:


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:


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;


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,


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:


text:
And that they, having knowledge thereof sent against them a certain captain, and fighting with them killed 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 to this day:


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;


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


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:


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


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 emulation amongst them.


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,


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


text:
They went therefore to Rome, which was a very great journey, and came into the senate, where they spoke and said.


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


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:


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,


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


text:
Neither shall they give any thing to them that make war upon them, or aid them with food, weapons, money, or ships, as it has seemed good to the Romans; but they shall keep their covenants without taking any thing therefore.


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:


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


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 whatever they shall add or take away shall be ratified.


text:
And as touching the evils that Demetrius does to the Jews, we have written to him, saying, Therefore you made your yoke heavy upon our friends and confederates the Jews?


text:
If therefore they complain any more against you, we will do them justice, and fight with you 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:


text:
Who went forth by the way that leads to Galgala, and pitched their tents before Masaloth, which is in Arbela, and after they had won it, they killed much people.


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


text:
Who seeing the multitude of the other army to he so great were sore afraid; whereupon many conveyed themselves out of the host, insomuch as abode of them no more but eight hundred men.


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.


text:
Nevertheless to them that remained he said, Let us arise and go up against our enemies, if perhaps we may be able to fight with them.


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.


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.


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.


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


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.


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,


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:


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


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


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.


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.


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


text:
And they made enquiry and search for Judas' friends, and brought them to Bacchides, who took vengeance of them, and used them despitefully.


text:
So was there a great affliction in Israel, the like whereof was not since the time that a prophet was not seen amongst them.


text:
Since your 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.


text:
Now therefore we have chosen you this day to be our prince and captain in his stead, that you may fight our battles.


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


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.


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.


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


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.


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


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.


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.


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


text:
Now when Bacchides heard hereof, he came on the sabbath day to the banks of Jordan with a great power.


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


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.


text:
With that they joined battle, and Jonathan stretched forth his hand to strike Bacchides, but he turned back from him.


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


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


text:
He fortified also the city Bethsura, and Gazera, and the tower, and put forces in them, and provision of food.


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.


text:
Moreover in the hundred and 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


text:
And as he began to pull down, even at that time was Alcimus plagued, and his enterprises 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.


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


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.


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 to them.


text:
Therefore they took of the men of the country, that were authors of that mischief, about fifty persons, and killed them.


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.


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


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


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.


text:
And when he began to strike them, and came up with his forces, Simon and his company went out of the city, and burnt up the engines of war,


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


text:
Therefore he was very angry at the wicked men that gave him counsel to come into the country, inasmuch as he killed many of them, and purposed to return into his own country.


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


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


text:
When therefore he had restored to 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.


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


text:
In the hundred and sixties 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,


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


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


text:
Therefore 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.


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:


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


text:
Whereupon they of the tower delivered their hostages to Jonathan, and he delivered them to their parents.


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.


