English - The Lost Books of the Bible.pdf

The Lost Books of the Bible and the Forgotten Books of Eden is a collection of 17th-century and 18th-century English translations of some Old Testament Pseudepigrapha and New Testament Apocrypha, some of which were assembled in the 1820s, and then republished with the current title in 1926.

2. TheGospelofthe
BirthofMary
CHAPTER1
1TheblessedandevergloriousVirginMary,sprungfrom
theroyalraceandfamilyofDavid,wasborninthecityof
Nazareth,andeducatedatJerusalem,inthetempleofthe
Lord.
2Herfather'snamewasJoachim,andhermother'sAnna.
ThefamilyofherfatherwasofGalileeandthecityof
Nazareth.ThefamilyofhermotherwasofBethlehem.
3TheirliveswereplainandrightinthesightoftheLord,
piousandfaultlessbeforemen.Fortheydividedalltheir
substanceintothreeparts:
4Oneofwhichtheydevotedtothetempleandofficersof
thetemple;anothertheydistributedamongstrangers,and
personsinpoorcircumstances;andthethirdtheyreserved
forthemselvesandtheusesoftheirownfamily.
5Inthismannertheylivedforabouttwentyyearschastely,
inthefavourofGod,andtheesteemofmen,withoutany
children.
6Buttheyvowed,ifGodshouldfavourthemwithany
issue,theywoulddevoteittotheserviceoftheLord;on
whichaccounttheywentateveryfeastintheyeartothe
templeoftheLord.
7Anditcametopass,thatwhenthefeastofthededication
drewnear,Joachim,withsomeothersofhistribe,wentup
toJerusalem,andatthattime,Issacharwashigh-priest;
8Who,whenhesawJoachimalongwiththerestofhis
neighbours,bringinghisoffering,despisedbothhimand
hisofferings,andaskedhim,
9Whyhe,whohadnochildren,wouldpresumetoappear
amongthosewhohad?Adding,thathisofferingscould
neverbeacceptabletoGod,whowasjudgedbyhim
unworthytohavechildren;theScripturehavingsaid,
CursediseveryonewhoshallnotbegetamaleinIsrael.
10Hefurthersaid,thatheoughtfirsttobefreefromthat
cursebybegettingsomeissue,andthencomewithhis
offeringsintothepresenceofGod.
11ButJoachimbeingmuchconfoundedwiththeshameof
suchreproach,retiredtotheshepherds,whowerewiththe
cattleintheirpastures;
12Forhewasnotinclinedtoreturnhome,lesthis
neighbours,whowerepresentandheardallthisfromthe
high-priest,shouldpubliclyreproachhiminthesame
manner.
CHAPTER2
1Butwhenhehadbeenthereforsometime,onacertain
daywhenhewasalone,theangeloftheLordstoodbyhim
withaprodigiouslight.
2Towhom,beingtroubledattheappearance,theangel
whohadappearedtohim,endeavouringtocomposehim
said:
3Benotafraid,Joachim,nortroubledatthesightofme,
forIamanangeloftheLordsentbyhimtoyou,thatI
mightinformyou,thatyourprayersareheard,andyour
almsascendedinthesightofGod.
4Forhehathsurelyseenyourshame,andheardyou
unjustlyreproachedfornothavingchildren:forGodisthe
avengerofsin,andnotofnature;
5Andsowhenheshutsthewombofanyperson,hedoesit
forthisreason,thathemayinamorewonderfulmanner
againopenit,andthatwhichisbornappeartobenotthe
productoflust,butthegiftofGod.
6ForthefirstmotherofyournationSarah,wasshenot
barreneventillhereightiethyear:Andyetevenintheend
ofheroldagebroughtforthIsaac,inwhomthepromise
wasmadeablessingtoallnations.
7Rachelalso,somuchinfavourwithGod,andbelovedso
muchbyholyJacob,continuedbarrenforalongtime,yet
afterwardswasthemotherofJoseph,whowasnotonly
governorofEgypt,butdeliveredmanynationsfrom
perishingwithhunger.
8WhoamongthejudgeswasmorevaliantthanSamson,or
moreholythanSamuel?Andyetboththeirmotherswere
barren.
9Butifreasonwillnotconvinceyouofthetruthofmy
words,thattherearefrequentconceptionsinadvanced
years,andthatthosewhowerebarrenhavebroughtforthto
theirgreatsurprise;thereforeAnnayourwifeshallbring
youadaughter,andyoushallcallhernameMary;
10Sheshall,accordingtoyourvow,bedevotedtothe
Lordfromherinfancy,andbefilledwiththeHolyGhost
fromhermother'swomb;
11Sheshallneithereatnordrinkanythingwhichis
unclean,norshallherconversationbewithoutamongthe
commonpeople,butinthetempleoftheLord;thatsoshe
maynotfallunderanyslanderorsuspicionofwhatisbad.
12Sointheprocessofheryears,assheshallbeina
miraculousmannerbornofonethatwasbarren,soshe
shall,whileyetavirgin,inawayunparalleled,bringforth
theSonofthemostHighGod,whoshall,becalledJesus,
and,accordingtothesignificationofhisname,bethe
Saviourofallnations.
13AndthisshallbeasigntoyouofthethingswhichI
declare,namely,whenyoucometothegoldengateof
Jerusalem,youshalltheremeetyourwifeAnna,whobeing
verymuchtroubledthatyoureturnednosooner,shallthen
rejoicetoseeyou.
14Whentheangelhadsaidthishedepartedfromhim.
CHAPTER3
1AfterwardstheangelappearedtoAnnahiswifesaying:
Fearnot,neitherthinkthatwhichyouseeisaspirit.
2ForIamthatangelwhohathofferedupyourprayersand
almsbeforeGod,andamnowsenttoyou,thatImay
informyou,thatadaughterwillbebornuntoyou,who
shallbecalledMary,andshallbeblessedaboveallwomen.
3Sheshallbe,immediatelyuponherbirth,fullofthegrace
oftheLord,andshallcontinueduringthethreeyearsofher
weaninginherfather'shouse,andafterwards,being
devotedtotheserviceoftheLord,shallnotdepartfromthe
temple,tillshearrivestoyearsofdiscretion.
4Inaword,sheshallthereservetheLordnightanddayin
fastingandprayer,shallabstainfromeveryuncleanthing,
andneverknowanyman;
5But,beinganunparalleledinstancewithoutanypollution
ordefilement,andavirginnotknowinganyman,shall
bringforthason,andamaidshallbringforththeLord,

3. whobothbyhisgraceandnameandworks,shallbethe
Saviouroftheworld.
6Arisetherefore,andgouptoJerusalem,andwhenyou
shallcometothatwhichiscalledthegoldengatebecauseit
isgiltwithgold,asasignofwhatIhavetoldyou,you
shallmeetyourhusband,forwhosesafetyyouhavebeen
somuchconcerned.
7Whenthereforeyoufindthesethingsthusaccomplished,
believethatalltherestwhichIhavetoldyou,shallalso
undoubtedlybeaccomplished.
8Accordingthereforetothecommandoftheangel,bothof
themlefttheplaceswheretheywere,andwhentheycame
totheplacespecifiedintheangel'sprediction,theymet
eachother.
9Then,rejoicingateachother'svision,andbeingfully
satisfiedinthepromiseofachild,theygaveduethanksto
theLord,whoexaltsthehumble.
10AfterhavingpraisedtheLord,theyreturnedhome,and
livedinacheerfulandassuredexpectationofthepromise
ofGod.
11SoAnnaconceived,andbroughtforthadaughter,and,
accordingtotheangel'scommand,theparentsdidcallher
nameMary.
CHAPTER4
1Andwhenthreeyearswereexpired,andthetimeofher
weaningcomplete,theybroughttheVirgintothetempleof
theLordwithofferings.
2Andtherewereaboutthetemple,accordingtothefifteen
Psalmsofdegrees,fifteenstairstoascend.
3Forthetemplebeingbuiltinamountain,thealtarof
burnt-offering,whichwaswithout,couldnotbecomenear
butbystairs;
4TheparentsoftheblessedVirginandinfantMaryputher
upononeofthesestairs;
5Butwhiletheywereputtingofftheirclothes,inwhich
theyhadtravelled,andaccordingtocustomputtingon
somethatweremoreneatandclean,
6InthemeantimetheVirginoftheLordinsuchamanner
wentupallthestairsoneafteranother,withoutthehelpof
anytoleadorlifther,thatanyonewouldhavejudgedfrom
hencethatshewasofperfectage.
7ThustheLorddid,intheinfancyofhisVirgin,workthis
extraordinarywork,andevidencebythismiraclehowgreat
shewasliketobehereafter.
8Buttheparentshavingoffereduptheirsacrifice,
accordingtothecustomofthelaw,andperfectedtheirvow,
lefttheVirginwithothervirginsintheapartmentsofthe
temple,whoweretobebroughtupthere,andtheyreturned
home.
CHAPTER5
1ButtheVirginoftheLord,assheadvancedinfears,
increasedalsoinperfections,andaccordingtothesaying
ofthePsalmist,herfatherandmotherforsookher,butthe
Lordtookcareofher.
2Forsheeverydayhadtheconversationofangels,and
everydayreceivedvisitorsfromGod,whichpreservedher
fromallsortsofevil,andcausedhertoaboundwithall
goodthings;
3Sothatwhenatlengthshearrivedtoherfourteenthyear,
asthewickedcouldnotlayanythingtoherchargeworthy
ofreproof,soallgoodpersons,whowereacquaintedwith
her,admiredherlifeandconversation.
4Atthattimethehigh-priestmadeapublicorder.Thatall
thevirginswhohadpublicsettlementsinthetemple,and
werecometothisage,shouldreturnhome,and,asthey
werenowofapropermaturity,should,accordingtothe
customoftheircountry,endeavourtobemarried.
5Towhichcommand,thoughalltheothervirginsreadily
yieldedobedience,MarytheVirginoftheLordalone
answered,thatshecouldnotcomplywithit.
6Assigningthesereasons,thatbothsheandherparents
haddevotedhertotheserviceoftheLord;andbesides,that
shehadvowedvirginitytotheLord,whichvowshewas
resolvednevertobreakthroughbylyingwithaman.
7Thehighpriestbeingherebybroughtintoadifficulty,
8Seeinghedurstneitherontheonehanddissolvethevow,
anddisobeytheScripture,whichsays,Vowandpay,
9Norontheotherhandintroduceacustom,towhichthe
peoplewerestrangers,commanded,
10Thatattheapproachingfeastalltheprincipalpersons
bothofJerusalemandtheneighbouringplacesshouldmeet
together,thathemighthavetheiradvice,howhehadbest
proceedinsodifficultacase.
11Whentheywereaccordinglymet,theyunanimously
agreedtoseektheLord,andaskcounselfromhimonthis
matter.
12Andwhentheywereallengagedinprayer,thehigh-
priest,accordingtotheusualway,wenttoconsultGod.
13Andimmediatelytherewasavoicefromtheark,and
themercyseat,whichallpresentheard,thatitmustbe
inquiredorsoughtoutbyaprophecyofIsaiahtowhomthe
Virginshouldbegivenandbebetrothed;
14ForIsaiahsaith,thereshallcomefortharodoutofthe
stemofJesse,andaflowershallspringoutofitsroot,
15AndtheSpiritoftheLordshallrestuponhim,theSpirit
ofWisdomandUnderstanding,theSpiritofCounseland
Might,theSpiritofKnowledgeandPiety,andtheSpiritof
thefearoftheLordshallfillhim.
16Then,accordingtothisprophecy,heappointed,thatall
themenofthehouseandfamilyofDavid,whowere
marriageable,andnotmarried,shouldbringtheirseveral
rodstothealtar,
17Andoutofwhatsoeverperson'srodafteritwasbrought,
aflowershouldbudforth,andonthetopofittheSpiritof
theLordshouldsitintheappearanceofadove,heshould
bethemantowhomtheVirginshouldbegivenandbe
betrothed.
CHAPTER6
1AmongtheresttherewasamannamedJoseph,ofthe
houseandfamilyofDavid,andapersonveryfaradvanced
inyears,whodrewbackhisrod,wheneveryonebesides
presentedhis.
2Sothatwhennothingappearedagreeabletotheheavenly
voice,thehigh-priestjudgeditpropertoconsultGodagain,
3WhoansweredthathetowhomtheVirginwastobe
betrothedwastheonlypersonofthosewhowerebrought
together,whohadnotbroughthisrod.
4Josephthereforewasbetrayed.

4. 5For,whenhedidbringhisrod,andadovecomingfrom
Heavenpitcheduponthetopofit,everyoneplainlysaw,
thattheVirginwastobebetrothedtohim:
6Accordingly,theusualceremoniesofbetrothingbeing
over,hereturnedtohisowncityofBethlehem,tosethis
houseinorder,andmaketheneedfulforthemarriage.
7ButtheVirginoftheLord,Mary,withsevenother
virginsofthesameage,whohadbeenweanedatthesame
time,andwhohadbeenappointedtoattendherbythe
priest,returnedtoherparents’houseinGalilee.
CHAPTER7
1NowatthistimeofherfirstcomingintoGalilee,the
angelGabrielwassenttoherfromGod,todeclaretoher
theconceptionofourSaviour,andthemannerandwayof
herconceivinghim.
2Accordinglygoingintoher,hefilledthechamberwhere
shewaswithaprodigiouslight,andinamostcourteous
mannersalutingher,hesaid,
3Hail,Mary!VirginoftheLordmostacceptable!O
VirginfullofGrace!TheLordiswithyou,youareblessed
aboveallwomen,youareblessedaboveallmen,that.have
beenhithertoborn.
4ButtheVirgin,whohadbeforebeenwellacquainted
withthecountenancesofangels,andtowhomsuchlight
fromheavenwasnouncommonthing,
5Wasneitherterrifiedwiththevisionoftheangel,nor
astonishedatthegreatnessofthelight,butonlytroubled
abouttheangel'swords:
6Andbegantoconsiderwhatsoextraordinaryasalutation
shouldmean,whatitdidportend,orwhatsortofendit
wouldhave.
7Tothisthoughttheangel,divinelyinspired,replies;
8Fearnot,Mary,asthoughIintendedanything
inconsistentwithyourchastityinthissalutation:
9ForyouhavefoundfavourwiththeLord,becauseyou
madevirginityyourchoice.
10ThereforewhileyouareaVirgin,youshallconceive
withoutsin,andbringforthason.
11Heshallbegreat,becauseheshallreignfromseatosea,
andfromtheriverstotheendsoftheearth.
12AndheshallbecalledtheSonoftheHighest;forhe
whoisborninameanstateonearthreignsinanexalted
oneinheaven.
13AndtheLordshallgivehimthethroneofhisfather
David,andheshallreignoverthehouseofJacobforever,
andofhiskingdomthereshallbenoend.
14ForheistheKingofKings,andLordofLords,andhis
throneisforeverandever.
15TothisdiscourseoftheangeltheVirginrepliednot,as
thoughshewereunbelieving,butwillingtoknowthe
mannerofit.
16Shesaid,Howcanthatbe?Forseeing,accordingtomy
vow,Ihaveneverknownanyman,howcanIbearachild
withouttheadditionofaman'sseed?
17Tothistheangelrepliedandsaid,Thinknot,Mary,that
youshallconceiveintheordinaryway.
18For,withoutlyingwithaman,whileaVirgin,youshall
conceive;whileaVirgin,youshallbringforth;andwhilea
Virginshallgivesuck.
19FortheHolyGhostshallcomeuponyou,andthepower
oftheMostHighshallovershadowyou,withoutanyofthe
heatsoflust.
20Sothatwhichshallbebornofyoushallbeonlyholy,be.
causeitonlyisconceivedwithoutsin,andbeingborn,shall
becalledtheSonofGod.
21ThenMarystretchingforthherhands,andliftingher
eyestoheaven,said,BeholdthehandmaidoftheLord!Let
itbeuntomeaccordingtothyword.
CHAPTER8
1JosephthereforewentfromJudæatoGalilee,with
intentiontomarrytheVirginwhowasbetrothedtohim:
2Foritwasnownearthreemonthssinceshewasbetrothed
tohim.
3Atlengthitplainlyappearedshewaswithchild,andit
couldnotbehidfromJoseph:
4ForgoingtotheVirgininafreemanner,asoneespoused,
andtalkingfamiliarlywithher,heperceivedhertobewith
child.
5Andthereuponbegantobeuneasyanddoubtful,not
knowingwhatcourseitwouldbebesttotake;
6Forbeingajustman,hewasnotwillingtoexposeher,
nordefameherbythesuspicionofbeingawhore,sincehe
wasapiousman.
7Hepurposedthereforeprivatelytoputanendtotheir
agreement,andasprivatelytoputheraway.
8Butwhilehewasmeditatingthesethings,beholdthe
angeloftheLordappearedtohiminhissleep,andsaid
Joseph,sonofDavid,fearnot;
9BenotwillingtoentertainanysuspicionoftheVirgin's
beingguiltyoffornication,ortothinkanythingamissof
her,neitherbeafraidtotakehertowife;
10ForthatwhichisbegottenInherandnowdistresses
yourmind,isnottheworkofman,buttheHolyGhost.
11ForsheofallwomenisthatonlyVirginwhoshallbring
forththeSonofGod,andyoushallcallhisnameJesus,
thatis,Saviour:forhewillsavehispeoplefromtheirsins.
12Josephthereupon,accordingtothecommandofthe
angel,marriedtheVirgin,anddidnotknowher,butkept
herinchastity.
13Andnowtheninthmonthfromherconceptiondrew
near,whenJosephtookhiswifeandwhatotherthings
werenecessarytoBethlehem,thecityfromwhencehe
came.
14Anditcametopass,whiletheywerethere,thedays
werefulfilledforherbringingforth.
15Andshebroughtforthherfirst-bornson,astheholy
Evangelistshavetaught,evenourLordJesusChrist,who
withtheFather,Son,andHolyGhost,livesandreignsto
everlastingages.

5. TheProtevangelion
CHAPTER1
1InthehistoryofthetwelvetribesofIsraelwereadtherewas
acertainpersoncalledJoachim,whobeingveryrich,made
double1offeringstotheLordGod,havingmadethis
resolution:mysubstanceshallbeforthebenefitofthewhole
people,andthatImayfindmercyfromtheLordGodforthe
forgivenessofmysins.
2ButatacertaingreatfeastoftheLord,whenthechildrenof
Israelofferedtheirgifts,andJoachimalsoofferedhis,Reuben
thehigh-priestopposedhim,sayingitisnotlawfulfortheeto
offerthygifts,seeingthouhastnotbegotanyissueinIsrael.
3AtthisJoachimbeingconcernedverymuch,wentawayto
consulttheregistriesofthetwelvetribes,toseewhetherhe
wastheonlypersonwhohadbegotnoissue.
4Butuponinquiryhefoundthatalltherighteoushadraised
upseedinIsrael:
5ThenhecalledtomindthepatriarchAbraham,Howthat
GodintheendofhislifehadgivenhimhissonIsaac;upon
whichhewasexceedinglydistressed,andwouldnotbeseen
byhiswife:
6Butretiredintothewilderness,andfixedhistentthere,and
fastedfortydaysandfortynights,sayingtohimself,
7Iwillnotgodowneithertoeatordrink,tilltheLordmy
Godshalllookdownuponme,butprayershallbemymeat
anddrink.
CHAPTER2
1InthemeantimehiswifeAnnawasdistressedandperplexed
onadoubleaccount,andsaidIwillmournbothformy
widowhoodandmybarrenness.
2ThendrewnearagreatfeastoftheLord,andJudithher
maidsaid,Howlongwillyouthusafflictyoursoul?Thefeast
oftheLordisnowcome,whenitisunlawfulforanyoneto
mourn.
3Takethereforethishoodwhichwasgivenbyonewho
makessuchthings,foritisnotfitthatI,whoamaservant,
shouldwearit,butitwellsuitsapersonofyourgreater
character.
4ButAnnareplied,Departfromme,Iamnotusedtosuch
things;besides,theLordhathgreatlyhumbledme.
5Ifearsomeill-designingpersonhathgiventheethis,and
thouartcometopollutemewithmysin.
6ThenJudithhermaidanswered,WhatevilshallIwishyou
whenyouwillnothearkentome?
7Icannotwishyouagreatercursethanyouareunder,inthat
Godhathshutupyourwomb,thatyoushouldnotbeamother
inIsrael.
8AtthisAnnawasexceedinglytroubled,andhavingonher
weddinggarment,wentaboutthreeo'clockintheafternoonto
walkinhergarden.
9Andshesawalaurel-tree,andsatunderit,andprayedunto
theLord,saying,
10OGodofmyfathers,blessmeandregardmyprayeras
thoudidstblessthewombofSarah,andgavestherasonIsaac.
CHAPTER3
1Andasshewaslookingtowardsheavensheperceiveda
sparrow'snestinthelaurel,
2Andmourningwithinherself,shesaid,Woisme,whobegat
me?andwhatwombdidbearme,thatIshouldbethus
accursedbeforethechildrenofIsrael,andthattheyshould
reproachandderidemeinthetempleofmyGod:Woisme,
towhatcanIbecompared?
3Iamnotcomparabletotheverybeastsoftheearth,foreven
thebeastsoftheeartharefruitfulbeforethee,OLord!Wois
me,towhatcanIbecompared?
4Iamnotcomparabletothebruteanimals,foreventhebrute
animalsarefruitfulbeforethee,OLord!Woisme,towhat
amIcomparable?
5Icannotbecomparedtothesewaters,foreventhewaters
arefruitfulbeforethee,OLord!Woisme,towhatcanIbe
compared?
6Iamnotcomparabletothewavesofthesea;forthese,
whethertheyarecalm,orinmotion,withthefisheswhichare
inthem,praisethee,OLord!Woisme,towhatcanIbe
compared?
7Iamnotcomparabletotheveryearth,fortheearthproduces
itsfruits,andpraisesthee,OLord!
CHAPTER4
1ThenanangeloftheLordstoodbyherandsaid,Anna,
Anna,theLordhathheardthyprayer;thoushaltconceiveand
bringforth,andthyprogenyshallbespokenofinallthe
world.
2AndAnnaanswered,AstheLordmyGodliveth,whateverI
bringforth,whetheritbemaleorfemale,Iwilldevoteitto
theLordmyGod,anditshallministertohiminholythings,
duringitswholelife.
3Andbeholdthereappearedtwoangels,sayinguntoher,
BeholdJoachimthyhusbandiscomingwithhisshepherds.
4ForanangeloftheLordhathalsocomedowntohim,and
said,TheLordGodhathheardthyprayer,makehasteandgo
hence,forbeholdAnnathywifeshallconceive.
5AndJoachimwentdownandcalledhisshepherds,saying
Bringmehithertenshe-lambswithoutspotorblemish,and
theyshallbefortheLordmyGod.
6Andbringmetwelvecalveswithoutblemish,andthetwelve
calvesshallbeforthepriestsandtheelders.
7Bringmealsoahundredgoats,andthehundredgoatsshall
beforthewholepeople.
8AndJoachimwentdownwiththeshepherds,andAnna
stoodbythegateandsawJoachimcomingwiththeshepherds.
9Andsheran,andhangingabouthisneck,said,NowIknow
thattheLordhathgreatlyblessedme:
10Forbehold,Iwhowasawidowamnolongerawidow,and
Iwhowasbarrenshallconceive.
CHAPTER5
1AndJoachimabodethefirstdayinhishouse,butonthe
morrowhebroughthisofferingsandsaid,
2IftheLordbepropitioustomelettheplatewhichisonthe
priest'sforehead1makeitmanifest.
3Andheconsultedtheplatewhichthepriestwore,andsawit,
andbeholdsinwasnotfoundinhim.
4AndJoachimsaid,NowIknowthattheLordispropitiousto
me,andhathtakenawayallmysins.
5AndhewentdownfromthetempleoftheLordjustified,
andhewenttohisownhouse.
6AndwhenninemonthswerefulfilledtoAnna,shebrought
forth,andsaidtothemidwife,WhathaveIbroughtforth?
7Andshetoldher,agirl.
8ThenAnnasaid,theLordhaththisdaymagnifiedmysoul;
andshelaidherinbed.

6. 9Andwhenthedaysofherpurificationwereaccomplished,
shegavesucktothechild,andcalledhernameMary.
CHAPTER6
1Andthechildincreasedinstrengtheveryday,sothatwhen
shewasninemonthsold,hermotherputherupontheground
totryifshecouldstand;andwhenshehadwalkedninesteps,
shecameagaintohermother'slap.
2Thenhermothercaughtherup,andsaid,AstheLordmy
Godliveth,thoushaltnotwalkagainonthisearthtillIbring
theeintothetempleoftheLord.
3Accordinglyshemadeherchamberaholyplace,and
sufferednothinguncommonoruncleantocomenearher,but
invitedcertainundefileddaughtersofIsrael,andtheydrew
heraside.
4Butwhenthechildwasayearold,Joachimmadeagreat
feast,andinvitedthepriests,scribes,elders,andallthepeople
ofIsrael;
5AndJoachimthenmadeanofferingofthegirltothechief
priests,andtheyblessedher,saying,TheGodofourfathers
blessthisgirl,andgiveheranamefamousandlastingthrough
allgenerations.Andallthepeoplereplied,Sobeit,Amen.
6ThenJoachimasecondtimeofferedhertothepriests,and
theyblessedher,saying,OmosthighGod,regardthisgirl,
andblessherwithaneverlastingblessing.
7Uponthishermothertookherup,andgaveherthebreast,
andsungthefollowingsongtotheLord.
8IwillsinganewsonguntotheLordmyGod,forhehath
visitedme,andtakenawayfrommethereproachofmine
enemies,andhathgivenmethefruitofhisrighteousness,that
itmaynowbetoldthesonsofReuben,thatAnnagivessuck.
9Thensheputthechildtorestintheroomwhichshehad
consecrated,andshewentoutandministereduntothem.
10Andwhenthefeastwasended,theywentawayrejoicing
andpraisingtheGodofIsrael.
CHAPTER7
1Butthegirlgrew,andwhenshewastwoyearsold,Joachim
saidtoAnna,LetusleadhertothetempleoftheLord,thatwe
mayperformourvow,whichwehavevoweduntotheLord
God,lestheshouldbeangrywithus,andourofferingbe
unacceptable.
2ButAnnasaid,Letuswaitthethirdyear,lestsheshouldbe
atalosstoknowherfather.AndJoachimsaid,Letusthen
wait.
3Andwhenthechildwasthreeyearsold,Joachimsaid,Let
usinvitethedaughtersoftheHebrews,whoareundefiled,and
letthemtakeeachalamp,andletthembelighted,thatthe
childmaynotturnbackagain,andhermindbesetagainstthe
templeoftheLord.
4Andtheydidthustilltheyascendedintothetempleofthe
Lord.Andthehigh-priestreceivedher,andblessedher,and
said,Mary,theLordGodhathmagnifiedthynametoall
generations,andtotheveryendoftimebytheewilltheLord
shewhisredemptiontothechildrenofIsrael,
5Andheplacedheruponthethirdstepofthealtar,andthe
Lordgaveuntohergrace,andshedancedwithherfeet,and
allthehouseofIsraellovedher.
CHAPTER8
1Andherparentswentawayfilledwithwonder,andpraising
God,becausethegirldidnotreturnbacktothem.
2ButMarycontinuedinthetempleasadoveeducatedthere,
andreceivedherfoodfromthehandofanangel.
3Andwhenshewastwelveyearsofage,thepriestsmetina
council,andsaid,Behold,Maryistwelveyearsofage;what
shallwedowithher,forfearlesttheholyplaceoftheLord
ourGodshouldbedefiled?
4ThenrepliedtheprieststoZachariasthehigh-priest,Doyou
standatthealtaroftheLord,andenterintotheholyplace,
andmakepetitionsconcerningher,andwhatsoevertheLord
shallmanifestuntoyou,thatdo.
5Thenthehigh-priestenteredintotheHolyofHolies,and
takingawaywithhimthebreastplateofjudgment1made
prayersconcerningher;
6AndbeholdtheangeloftheLordcametohim,andsaid,
Zacharias,Zacharias,Goforthandcalltogetherallthe
widowersamongthepeople,andleteveryoneofthembring
hisrod,andhebywhomtheLordshallshewasignshallbe
thehusbandofMary.
7AndthecrierswentoutthroughallJudæa,andthetrumpet
oftheLordsounded,andallthepeopleranandmettogether.
8Josephalso,throwingawaythehatchet,wentouttomeet
them;andwhentheyweremet,theywenttothehigh-priest,
takingeverymanhisrod.
9Afterthehigh-priesthadreceivedtheirrods,hewentinto
thetempletopray;
10Andwhenhehadfinishedhisprayer,hetooktherods,
Andwentforthanddistributedthem,andtherewasnomiracle
attendedthem.
11ThelastrodwastakenbyJoseph,andbeholdadove
proceededoutoftherod,andflewupontheheadofJoseph.
12Andthehigh-priestsaid,Joseph,Thouarttheperson
chosentotaketheVirginoftheLord,tokeepherforhim:
13ButJosephrefused,saying,Iamanoldman,andhave
children,butsheisyoung,andIfearlestIshouldappear
ridiculousinIsrael.
14Thenthehigh-priestreplied,Joseph,feartheLordthyGod,
andrememberhowGoddealtwithDathan,Korah,and
Abiram,howtheearthopenedandswallowedthemup,
becauseoftheircontradiction.
15Nowtherefore,Joseph,fearGod,lestthelikethingsshould
happeninyourfamily.
16Josephthenbeingafraid,tookheruntohishouse,and
JosephsaiduntoMary,Behold,Ihavetakentheefromthe
templeoftheLord,andnowIwillleavetheeinmyhouse;I
mustgotomindmytradeofbuilding.heLordbewiththee.
CHAPTER9
1Anditcametopass,inacouncilofthepriests,itwassaid,
Letusmakeanewveilforthetemple.
2Andthehigh-priestsaid,Calltogethertomeseven
undefiledvirginsofthetribeofDavid.
3Andtheservantswentandbroughtthemintothetempleof
theLord,andthehigh-priestsaiduntothemCastlotsbefore
menow,whoofyoushallspinthegoldenthread,whothe
blue,whothescarlet,whothefinelinen,andwhothetrue
purple.
4Thenthehigh-priestknewMary,thatshewasofthetribeof
David;andhecalledher,andthetruepurplefelltoherlotto
spin,andshewentawaytoherownhouse.
5ButfromthattimeZachariasthehigh-priestbecamedumb,
andSamuelwasplacedinhisroomtillZachariasspokeagain.
6ButMarytookthetruepurple,anddidspinit.
7Andshetookapot,andwentouttodrawwater,andhearda
voicesayinguntoher,Hailthouwhoartfullofgrace,1the
Lordiswiththee;thouartblessedamongwomen.

7. 8Andshelookedroundtotherightandtotheleft(tosee)
whencethatvoicecame,andthentremblingwentintoher
house,andlayingdownthewater-potshetookthepurple,and
satdowninherseattoworkit.
9AndbeholdtheangeloftheLordstoodbyher,andsaid,
Fearnot,Mary,forthouhastfoundfavourinthesightofGod;
10Whichwhensheheard,shereasonedwithherselfwhatthat
sortofsalutationmeant.
11Andtheangelsaiduntoher,TheLordiswiththee,and
thoushaltconceive:
12Towhichshereplied,What!shallIconceivebytheliving
God,andbringforthasallotherwomendo?
13Buttheangelreturnedanswer,Notso,OMary,butthe
HolyGhostshallcomeuponthee,andthepoweroftheMost
Highshallovershadowthee;
14Whereforethatwhichshallbebornoftheeshallbeholy,
andshallbecalledtheSonoftheLivingGod,andthoushalt
callhisnameJesus;forheshallsavehispeoplefromtheir
sins.
15AndbeholdthycousinElizabeth,shealsohathconceiveda
soninheroldage.
16Andthisnowisthesixthmonthwithher,whowascalled
barren;fornothingisimpossiblewithGod.
17AndMarysaid,BeholdthehandmaidoftheLord;letitbe
untomeaccordingtothyword.
18Andwhenshehadwroughtherpurple,shecarriedittothe
high-priest,andthehigh-priestblessedher,saying,Mary,the
LordGodhathmagnifiedthyname,andthoushaltbeblessed
inalltheagesoftheworld.
19ThenMary,filledwithjoy,wentawaytohercousin
Elizabeth,andknockedatthedoor.
20WhichwhenElizabethheard,sheranandopenedtoher,
andblessedher,andsaid,Whenceisthistome,thatthe
motherofmyLordshouldcomeuntome?
21Forlo!assoonasthevoiceofthysalutationreachedmy
ears,thatwhichisinmeleapedandblessedthee.
22ButMary,beingignorantofallthosemysteriousthings
whichthearchangelGabrielhadspokentoher,liftedupher
eyestoheaven,andsaid,Lord!WhatamI,thatallthe
generationsoftheearthshouldcallmeblessed?
23Butperceivingherselfdailytogrowbig,andbeingafraid,
shewenthome,andhidherselffromthechildrenofIsrael;
andwasfourteenyearsoldwhenallthesethingshappened.
CHAPTER10
1Andwhenhersixthmonthwascome,Josephreturnedfrom
hisbuildinghousesabroad,whichwashistrade,andentering
intothehouse,foundtheVirgingrownbig:
2Thensmitinguponhisface,hesaid,WithwhatfacecanI
lookuptotheLordmyGod?or,whatshallIsayconcerning
thisyoungwoman?
3ForIreceivedheraVirginoutofthetempleoftheLordmy
God,andhavenotpreservedhersuch!
4Whohasthusdeceivedme?Whohascommittedthisevilin
myhouse,andseducingtheVirginfromme,hathdefiledher?
5IsnotthehistoryofAdamexactlyaccomplishedinme?
6Forintheveryinstantofhisglory,theserpentcameand
foundEvealone,andseducedher.
7Justafterthesamemannerithashappenedtome.
8ThenJosepharisingfromtheground,calledher,andsaid,O
thouwhohastbeensomuchfavouredbyGod,whyhastthou
donethis?
9Whyhastthouthusdebasedthysoul,whowasteducatedin
theHolyofHolies,andreceivedthyfoodfromthehandof
angels?
10Butshe,withafloodoftears,replied,Iaminnocent,and
haveknownnoman.
11ThensaidJoseph,Howcomesittopassyouarewithchild?
12Maryanswered,AstheLordmyGodliveth,Iknownotby
whatmeans.
13ThenJosephwasexceedinglyafraid,andwentawayfrom
her,consideringwhatheshoulddowithher;andhethus
reasonedwithhimself:
14IfIconcealhercrime,Ishallbefoundguiltybythelawof
theLord;
15AndifIdiscoverhertothechildrenofIsrael,Ifear,lest
shebeingwithchildbyanangel,Ishallbefoundtobetraythe
lifeofaninnocentperson:
16WhatthereforeshallIdo?Iwillprivatelydismissher.
17Thenthenightwascomeuponhim,whenbeholdanangel
oftheLordappearedtohiminadream,andsaid,
18Benotafraidtotakethatyoungwoman,forthatwhichis
withinherisoftheHolyGhost;.
19Andsheshallbringforthason,andthoushaltcallhis
nameJesus,forheshallsavehispeoplefromtheirsins.
20ThenJosepharosefromhissleep,andglorifiedtheGodof
Israel,whohadshownhimsuchfavour,andpreservedthe
Virgin.
CHAPTER11
1ThencameAnnasthescribe,andsaidtoJoseph,Wherefore
havewenotseenyousinceyourreturn?
2AndJosephreplied,BecauseIwaswearyaftermyjourney,
andrestedthefirstday.
3ButAnnasturningaboutperceivedtheVirginbigwithchild.
4Andwentawaytothepriest,andtoldhim,Josephinwhom
youplacedsomuchconfidence,isguiltyofanotoriouscrime,
inthathehathdefiledtheVirginwhomhereceivedoutofthe
templeoftheLord,andhathprivatelymarriedher,not
discoveringittothechildrenofIsrael.
5Thensaidthepriest,HathJosephdonethis?
6Annasreplied,Ifyousendanyofyourservants,youwill
findthatsheiswithchild.
7Andtheservantswent,andfounditashesaid.
8UponthisbothsheandJosephwerebroughttotheirtrial,
andthepriestsaiduntoher,Mary,whathastthoudone?
9Whyhastthoudebasedthysoul,andforgotthyGod,seeing
thouwastbroughtupintheHolyofHolies,anddidstreceive
thyfoodfromthehandsofangels,andheardesttheirsongs?
10Whyhastthoudonethis?
11Towhichwithafloodoftearssheanswered,AstheLord
myGodliveth,Iaminnocentinhissight,seeingIknowno
man.
12ThenthepriestsaidtoJoseph,Whyhastthoudonethis?
13AndJosephanswered,AstheLordmyGodliveth,Ihave
notbeenconcernedwithher.
14Butthepriestsaid,Lienot,butdeclarethetruth;thouhast
privatelymarriedher,andnotdiscoveredittothechildrenof
Israel,andhumbledthyselfunderthemightyhandofGod,
thatthyseedmightbeblessed.
15AndJosephwassilent.
16ThensaidthepriesttoJoseph,Youmustrestoretothe
templeoftheLordtheVirginwhichyoutookthence.
17Butheweptbitterly,andthepriestadded,Iwillcauseyou
bothtodrinkthewateroftheLord,1whichisfortrial,andso
youriniquityshallbelaidopenbeforeyou.
18Thenthepriesttookthewater,andmadeJosephdrink,and
senthimtoamountainousplace.
19Andhereturnedperfectlywell,andallthepeople
wonderedthathisguiltwasnotdiscovered.

8. 20Sothepriestsaid,SincetheLordhathnotmadeyoursins
evident,neitherdoIcondemnyou.
21Sohesentthemaway.
22ThenJosephtookMary,andwenttohishouse,rejoicing
andpraisingtheGodofIsrael.
CHAPTER12
1Anditcametopass,thattherewentforthadecreefromthe
EmperorAugustus,thatalltheJewsshouldbetaxed,who
wereofBethleheminJudæa:
2AndJosephsaid,Iwilltakecarethatmychildrenbetaxed:
butwhatshallIdowiththisyoungwoman?
3TohavehertaxedasmywifeIamashamed;andifItaxher
asmydaughter,allIsraelknowssheisnotmydaughter.
4WhenthetimeoftheLord'sappointmentshallcome,lethim
doasseemsgoodtohim.
5Andhesaddledtheass,andputheruponit,andJosephand
Simonfollowedafterher,andarrivedatBethlehemwithin
threemiles.
6ThenJosephturningaboutsawMarysorrowful,andsaid
withinhimself,Perhapssheisinpainthroughthatwhichis
withinher.
7Butwhenheturnedaboutagainhesawherlaughing,and
saidtoher,
8Mary,howhappensit,thatIsometimesseesorrow,and
sometimeslaughterandjoyinthycountenance?
9AndMaryrepliedtohim,Iseetwopeoplewithmineeyes,
theoneweepingandmourning,theotherlaughingand
rejoicing.
10Andhewentagainacrosstheway,andMarysaidto
Joseph,Takemedownfromtheass,forthatwhichisinme
pressestocomeforth.
11ButJosephreplied,WhithershallItakethee?fortheplace
isdesert.
12ThensaidMaryagaintoJoseph,takemedown,forthat
whichiswithinmemightilypressesme.
13AndJosephtookherdown.
14Andhefoundthereacave,andletherintoit.
CHAPTER13
1Andleavingherandhissonsinthecave,Josephwentforth
toseekaHebrewmidwifeinthevillageofBethlehem.
2ButasIwasgoing,saidJoseph,Ilookedupintotheair,and
Isawthecloudsastonished,andthefowlsoftheairstopping
inthemidstoftheirflight.
3AndIlookeddowntowardstheearth,andsawatable
spread,andworkingpeoplesittingaroundit,buttheirhands
wereuponthetable,andtheydidnotmovetoeat.
4Theywhohadmeatintheirmouthsdidnoteat.
5Theywholiftedtheirhandsuptotheirheadsdidnotdraw
themback:
6Andtheywholiftedthemuptotheirmouthsdidnotput
anythingin;
7Butalltheirfaceswerefixedupwards.
8AndIbeheldthesheepdispersed,andyetthesheepstood
still.
9Andtheshepherdlifteduphishandtosmitethem,andhis
handcontinuedup.
10AndIlookeduntoariver,andsawthekidswiththeir
mouthsclosetothewater,andtouchingit,buttheydidnot
drink.
CHAPTER14
1ThenIbeheldawomancomingdownfromthemountains,
andshesaidtome,Whereartthougoing,Oman?
2AndIsaidtoher,IgotoinquireforaHebrewmidwife.
3Sherepliedtome,Whereisthewomanthatistobe
delivered?
4AndIanswered,Inthecave,andsheisbetrothedtome.
5Thensaidthemidwife,Isshenotthywife?
6Josephanswered,ItisMary,whowaseducatedintheHoly
ofHolies,inthehouseoftheLord,andshefelltomylot,and
isnotmywife,buthasconceivedbytheHolyGhost.
7Themidwifesaid,Isthistrue?
8Heanswered,Comeandsee.
9Andthemidwifewentalongwithhim,andstoodinthecave.
10Thenabrightcloudovershadowedthecave,andthe
midwifesaid,Thisdaymysoulismagnified,formineeyes
haveseensurprisingthings,andsalvationisbroughtforthto
Israel.
11Butonasuddenthecloudbecameagreatlightinthecave,
sothattheireyescouldnotbearit.
12Butthelightgraduallydecreased,untiltheinfantappeared,
andsuckedthebreastofhismotherMary.
13Thenthemidwifecriedout,andsaid,Howgloriousaday
isthis,whereinmineeyeshaveseenthisextraordinarysight!
14Andthemidwifewentoutfromthecave,andSalomemet
her.
15Andthemidwifesaidtoher,Salome,Salome,Iwilltell
youamostsurprisingthingwhichIsaw,
16Avirginhathbroughtforth,whichisathingcontraryto
nature.
17TowhichSalomereplied,AstheLordmyGodliveth,
unlessIreceiveparticularproofofthismatter,Iwillnot
believethatavirginhathbroughtforth.
18ThenSalomewentin,andthemidwifesaid,Mary,shew
thyself,foragreatcontroversyisrisenconcerningthee.
19AndSalomereceivedsatisfaction.
20Butherhandwaswithered,andshegroanedbitterly.
21Andsaid,Woetome,becauseofmineiniquity;forIhave
temptedthelivingGod,andmyhandisreadytodropoff.
22ThenSalomemadehersupplicationtotheLord,andsaid,
OGodofmyfathers,rememberme,forIamoftheseedof
Abraham,andIsaac,andJacob.
23MakemenotareproachamongthechildrenofIsrael,but
restoremesoundtomyparents.
24Forthouwellknowest,OLord,thatIhaveperformed
manyofficesofcharityinthyname,andhavereceivedmy
rewardfromthee.
25UponthisanangeloftheLordstoodbySalome,andsaid,
TheLordGodhathheardthyprayer,reachforththyhandto
thechild,andcarryhim,andbythatmeansthoushaltbe
restored.
26Salome,filledwithexceedingjoy,wenttothechild,and
said,Iwilltouchhim:
27Andshepurposedtoworshiphim,forshesaid,Thisisa
greatkingwhichisborninIsrael.
28AndstraightwaySalomewascured.
29Thenthemidwifewentoutofthecave,beingapprovedby
God.
30Andlo!avoicecametoSalome,Declarenotthestrange
thingswhichthouhastseen,tillthechildshallcometo
Jerusalem.
31SoSalomealsodeparted,approvedbyGod.

9. CHAPTER15
1ThenJosephwaspreparingtogoaway,becausetherearose
agreatdisorderinBethlehembythecomingof1somewise
menfromtheeast,
2Whosaid,WhereisthekingoftheJewsborn?Forwehave
seenhisstarintheeast,andarecometoworshiphim.
3WhenHerodheardthis,hewasexceedinglytroubled,and
sentmessengerstothewisemen,andtothepriests,and
inquiredoftheminthetown-hall,
4Andsaiduntothem,Wherehaveyouitwrittenconcerning
Christtheking,orwhereshouldhebeborn?
5Thentheysayuntohim,InBethlehemofJudæa;forthusit
iswritten:AndthouBethleheminthelandofJudah,artnot
theleastamongtheprincesofJudah,foroutoftheeshall
comearuler,whoshallrulemypeopleIsrael.
6Andhavingsentawaythechiefpriests,heinquiredofthe
meninthetown-hall,andsaiduntothem,Whatsignwasitye
sawconcerningthekingthatisborn?
7Theyansweredhim,Wesawanextraordinarylargestar
shiningamongthestarsofheaven,andsoout-shinedallthe
otherstars,asthattheybecamenotvisible,andweknew
therebythatagreatkingwasborninIsrael,andthereforewe
arecometoworshiphim.
8ThensaidHerodtothem,Goandmakediligentinquiry;and
ifyefindthechild,bringmewordagain,thatImaycomeand
worshiphimalso.
9Sothewisemenwentforth,andbehold,thestarwhichthey
sawintheeastwentbeforethem,tillitcameandstoodover
thecavewheretheyoungchildwaswithMaryhismother
10Thentheybroughtforthoatoftheirtreasures,andoffered
untohimgoldandfrankincense,andmyrrh.
11Andbeingwarnedinadreambyanangel,thattheyshould
notreturntoHerodthroughJudæa,theydepartedintotheir
owncountrybyanotherway.
CHAPTER16
1ThenHerodperceivingthatehewasmockedbythewise
men,andbeingveryangry,commandedcertainmentogoand
tokillallthechildrenthatwereinBethlehem,fromtwoyears
oldandunder.
2ButMaryhearingthatthechildrenweretobekilled,being
undermuchfear,tookthechild,andwrappedhimupin
swaddlingclothes,andlaidhiminanox-manger,because
therewasnoroomforthemintheinn.
3Elizabethalso,hearingthathersonJohnwasabouttobe
searchedfor,tookhimandwentupuntothemountains,and
lookedaroundforaplacetohidehim;
4Andtherewasnosecretplacetobefound.
5Thenshegroanedwithinherself,andsaid,Omountainof
theLord,receivethemotherwiththechild.
6ForElizabethcouldnotclimbup.
7Andinstantlythemountainwasdividedandreceivedthem.
8AndthereappearedtothemanangeloftheLord,to
preservethem.
9ButHerodmadesearchafterJohn,andsentservantsto
Zacharias,whenhewasministeringatthealtar,andsaidunto
him,Wherehastthouhidthyson?
10Herepliedtothem,IamaministerofGod,andaservantat
thealtar;howshouldIknowwheremysonis?
11Sotheservantswentback,andtoldHerodthewhole;at
whichhewasincensed,andsaid,Isnotthissonofhisliketo
bekinginIsrael?
12HesentthereforeagainhisservantstoZacharias,saying,
Tellusthetruth,whereisthyson,foryouknowthatyourlife
isinmyhand.
13Sotheservantswentandtoldhimallthis:
14ButZachariasrepliedtothem,IamamartyrforGod,and
ifheshedmyblood,theLordwillreceivemysoul.
15Besidesknowthatyeshedinnocentblood.
16HoweverZachariaswasmurderedintheentranceofthe
templeandaltar,andaboutthepartition;
17ButthechildrenofIsraelknewnotwhenhewaskilled.
18Thenatthehourofsalutationthepriestswentintothe
temple,butZachariasdidnotaccordingtocustommeetthem
andblessthem;
19Yettheystillcontinuedwaitingforhimtosalutethem;
20Andwhentheyfoundhedidnotinalongtimecome,one
ofthemventuredintotheholyplacewherethealtarwas,and
hesawbloodlyinguponthegroundcongealed;
21When,behold,avoicefromheavensaid,Zachariasis
murdered,andhisbloodshallnotbewipedaway,untilthe
revengerofhisbloodcome.
22Butwhenheheardthis,hewasafraid,andwentforthand
toldthepriestswhathehadseenandheard;andtheyallwent
in,andsawthefact.
23Thentheroofsofthetemplehowled,andwererentfrom
thetoptothebottom:
24Andtheycouldnotfindthebody,butonlybloodmade
hardlikestone.
25Andtheywentawry,andtoldthepeople,thatZacharias
wasmurdered,andallthetribesofIsraelheardthereof,and
mournedforhim,andlamentedthreedays.
26Thentheprieststookcounseltogetherconcerningaperson
tosucceedhim.
27AndSimeonandtheotherpriestscastlots,andthelotfell
uponSimeon.
28ForhehadbeenassuredbytheHolySpirit,thatheshould
notdie,tillhehadseenChristcomeintheflesh.

10. TheFirstGospelofthe
InfancyofJesusChrist
CHAPTER1
1ThefollowingaccountswefoundinthebookofJosephthe
high-priest,calledbysomeCaiaphas
2Herelates,thatJesusspakeevenwhenhewasinthecradle,and
saidtohismother:
3Mary,IamJesustheSonofGod,thatwordwhichthoudidst
bringforthaccordingtothedeclarationoftheangelGabrielto
thee,andmyfatherhathsentmeforthesalvationoftheworld.
4InthethreehundredandninthyearoftheæraofAlexander,
Augustuspublishedadecreethatallpersonsshouldgotobe
taxedintheirowncountry.
5Josephthereforearose,andwithMaryhisspousehewentto
Jerusalem,andthencametoBethlehem,thatheandhisfamily
mightbetaxedinthecityofhisfathers.
6Andwhentheycamebythecave,MaryconfessedtoJoseph
thathertimeofbringingforthwascome,andshecouldnotgoon
tothecity,andsaid,Letusgointothiscave.
7Atthattimethesunwasveryneargoingdown.
8ButJosephhastenedaway,thathemightfetchheramidwife;
andwhenhesawanoldHebrewwomanwhowasofJerusalem,
hesaidtoher,Praycomehither,goodwoman,andgointothat
cave,andyouwillthereseeawomanjustreadytobringforth.
9Itwasaftersunset,whentheoldwomanandJosephwithher
reachedthecave,andtheybothwentintoit.
10Andbehold,itwasallfilledwithlights,greaterthanthelight
oflampsandcandles,andgreaterthanthelightofthesunitself.
11Theinfantwasthenwrappedupinswaddlingclothes,and
suckingthebreastsofhismotherSt.Mary.
12Whentheybothsawthislight,theyweresurprised;theold
womanaskedSt.Mary,Artthouthemotherofthischild?
13St.Maryreplied,Shewas.
14Onwhichtheoldwomansaid,Thouartverydifferentfromall
otherwomen.
15St.Maryanswered,Asthereisnotanychildliketomyson,so
neitheristhereanywomanliketohismother.
16Theoldwomananswered,andsaid,OmyLady,Iamcome
hitherthatImayobtainaneverlastingreward.
17ThenourLady,St.Mary,saidtoher,Laythinehandsupon
theinfant;which,whenshehaddone,shebecamewhole.
18Andasshewasgoingforth,shesaid,Fromhenceforth,allthe
daysofmylife,Iwillattenduponandbeaservantofthisinfant.
19Afterthis,whentheshepherdscame,andhadmadeafire,and
theywereexceedinglyrejoicing,theheavenlyhostappearedto
them,praisingandadoringthesupremeGod.
20Andastheshepherdswereengagedinthesameemployment,
thecaveatthattimeseemedlikeaglorioustemple,becauseboth
thetonguesofangelsandmenunitedtoadoreandmagnifyGod,
onaccountofthebirthoftheLordChrist.
21ButwhentheoldHebrewwomansawalltheseevident
miracles,shegavepraisestoGod,andsaid,Ithankthee,OGod,
thouGodofIsrael,forthatmineeyeshaveseenthebirthofthe
Saviouroftheworld.
CHAPTER2
1Andwhenthetimeofhiscircumcisionwascome,namely,the
eighthday,onwhichthelawcommandedthechildtobe
circumcised,theycircumcisedhiminthecave.
2AndtheoldHebrewwomantooktheforeskin(otherssayshe
tookthenavel-string),andpreserveditinanalabaster-boxofold
oilofspikenard.
3Andshehadasonwhowasadruggist,towhomshesaid,Take
heedthousellnotthisalabasterboxofspikenard-ointment,
althoughthoushouldstbeofferedthreehundredpenceforit.
4Nowthisisthatalabaster-boxwhichMarythesinnerprocured,
andpouredforththeointmentoutofitupontheheadandthefeet
ofourLordJesusChrist,andwipeditoffwiththeIhairsofher
head.
5ThenaftertendaystheybroughthimtoJerusalem,andonthe
fortiethdayfromhisbirththeypresentedhiminthetemple
beforetheLord,makingtheproperofferingsforhim,according
totherequirementofthelawofMoses:namely,thateverymale
whichopensthewombshallbecalledholyuntoGod.
6AtthattimeoldSimeonsawhimshiningasapillaroflight,
whenSt.MarytheVirgin,hismother,carriedhiminherarms,
andwasfilledwiththegreatestpleasureatthesight.
7Andtheangelsstoodaroundhim,adoringhim,asaking's
guardsstandaroundhim.
8ThenSimeongoingneartoSt.Mary,andstretchingforthhis
handstowardsher,saidtotheLordChrist,Now,OmyLord,thy
servantshalldepartinpeace,accordingtothyword;
9Formineeyeshaveseenthymercy,whichthouhastprepared
forthesalvationofallnations;alighttoallpeople,andtheglory
ofthypeopleIsrael.
10Hannahtheprophetesswasalsopresent,anddrawingnear,
shegavepraisestoGod,andcelebratedthehappinessofMary.
CHAPTER3
1Anditcametopass,whentheLordJesuswasbornat
Bethlehem,acityofJudæa,inthetimeofHerodtheKing;the
wisemencamefromtheEasttoJerusalem,accordingtothe
prophecyofZoradascht,andbroughtwiththemofferings:namely,
gold,frankincense,andmyrrh,andworshippedhim,andoffered
tohimtheirgifts.
2ThentheLadyMarytookoneofhisswaddlingclothesinwhich
theinfantwaswrapped,andgaveittotheminsteadofablessing,
whichtheyreceivedfromherasamostnoblepresent.
3Andatthesametimethereappearedtothemanangelinthe
formofthatstarwhichhadbeforebeentheirguideintheir
journey;thelightofwhichtheyfollowedtilltheyreturnedinto
theirowncountry.
4Ontheirreturntheirkingsandprincescametotheminquiring,
Whattheyhadseenanddone?Whatsortofjourneyandreturn
theyhad?Whatcompanytheyhadontheroad?
5ButtheyproducedtheswaddlingclothwhichSt.Maryhad
giventothem,onaccountwhereoftheykeptafeast.
6Andhaving,accordingtothecustomoftheircountry,madea
fire,theyworshippedit.
7Andcastingtheswaddlingclothintoit,thefiretookit,andkept
it.
8Andwhenthefirewasputout,theytookforththeswaddling
clothunhurt,asmuchasifthefirehadnottouchedit.
9Thentheybegantokissit,andputitupontheirheadsandtheir
eyes,saying,Thisiscertainlyanundoubtedtruth,anditisreally
surprisingthatthefirecouldnotburnit,andconsumeit.
10Thentheytookit,andwiththegreatestrespectlaiditup
amongtheirtreasures.
CHAPTER4
1NowHerod,perceivingthatthewisemendiddelay,andnot
returntohim,calledtogetherthepriestsandwisemenandsaid,
TellmeinwhatplacetheChristshouldbeborn?
2Andwhentheyreplied,inBethlehem,acityofJudaea,he
begantocontriveinhisownmindthedeathoftheLordJesus
Christ.
3ButanangeloftheLordappearedtoJosephinhissleep,and
said,Arise,takethechildandhismother,andgointoEgyptas
soonasthecockcrows.Sohearose,andwent.

11. 4Andashewasconsideringwithhimselfabouthisjourney,the
morningcameuponhim.
5Inthelengthofthejourneythegirtsofthesaddlebroke.
6Andnowhedrewneartoagreatcity,inwhichtherewasan
idol,towhichtheotheridolsandgodsofEgyptbroughttheir
offeringsandvows.
7Andtherewasbythisidolapriestministeringtoit,who,as
oftenasSatanspokeoutofthatidol,relatedthethingshesaidto
theinhabitantsofEgypt,andthosecountries.
8Thispriesthadasonthreeyearsold,whowaspossessedwitha
greatmultitudeofdevils,whoutteredmanystrangethings,and
whenthedevilsseizedhim,walkedaboutnakedwithhisclothes
torn,throwingstonesatthosewhomhesaw.
9Neartothatidolwastheinnofthecity,intowhichwhen
JosephandSt.Marywerecome,andhadturnedintothatinn,all
theinhabitantsofthecitywereastonished.
10Andallthemagistratesandpriestsoftheidolsassembled
beforethatidol,andmadeinquirythere,saying,Whatmeansall
thisconsternation,anddread,whichhasfallenuponallour
country?
11Theidolansweredthem,TheunknownGodiscomehither,
whoistrulyGod;noristhereanyonebesideshim,whoisworthy
ofdivineworship;forheistrulytheSonofGod.
12Atthefameofhimthiscountrytrembled,andathiscomingit
isunderthepresentcommotionandconsternation;andwe
ourselvesareaffrightedbythegreatnessofhispower.
13Andatthesameinstantthisidolfelldown,andathisfallall
theinhabitantsofEgypt,besidesothers,rantogether.
14Butthesonofthepriest,whenhisusualdisordercameupon
him,goingintotheinn,foundthereJosephandSt.Mary,whom
alltheresthadleftbehindandforsook.
15AndwhentheLadySt.Maryhadwashedtheswaddling
clothesoftheLordChrist,andhangedthemouttodryupona
post,theboypossessedwiththedeviltookdownoneofthem,
andputituponhishead.
16Andpresentlythedevilsbegantocomeoutofhismouth,and
flyawayintheshapeofcrowsandserpents.
17FromthattimetheboywashealedbythepoweroftheLord
Christ,andhebegantosingpraises,andgivethankstotheLord
whohadhealedhim.
18Whenhisfathersawhimrestoredtohisformerstateofhealth,
hesaid,Myson,whathashappenedtothee,andbywhatmeans
wertthoucured?
19Thesonanswered,Whenthedevilsseizedme,Iwentintothe
inn,andtherefoundaveryhandsomewomanwithaboy,whose
swaddlingclothesshehadjustbeforewashed,andhangedout
uponapost.
20OneoftheseItook,andputituponmyhead,andimmediately
thedevilsleftme,andfledaway.
21Atthisthefatherexceedinglyrejoiced,andsaid,Myson,
perhapsthisboyisthesonofthelivingGod,whomadethe
heavensandtheearth.
22Forassoonashecameamongstus,theidolwasbroken,and
allthegodsfelldown,andweredestroyedbyagreaterpower.
23Thenwasfulfilledtheprophecywhichsaith,OutofEgyptI
havecalledmyson.
CHAPTER5
1NowJosephandMary,whentheyheardthattheidolwasfallen
downanddestroyed,wereseizedwithfearandtrembling,and
said,WhenwewereinthelandofIsrael,Herod,intendingtokill
Jesus,slewforthatpurposealltheinfantsatBethlehem,andthat
neighbourhood.
2AndthereisnodoubtbuttheEgyptiansiftheycometohear
thatthisidolisbrokenandfallendown,willburnuswithfire.
3Theywentthereforehencetothesecretplacesofrobbers,who
robbedtravellersastheypassby,oftheircarriagesandtheir
clothes,andcarriedthemawaybound.
4Thesethievesupontheircomingheardagreatnoise,suchas
thenoiseofakingwithagreatarmyandmanyhorses,andthe
trumpetssoundingathisOverturefromhisowncity,atwhich
theyweresoaffrightedastoleavealltheirbootybehindthem,
andflyawayinhaste.
5Uponthistheprisonersarose,andloosedeachother'sbonds,
andtakingeachmanhisbags,theywentaway,andsawJoseph
andMarycomingtowardsthem,andinquired,Whereisthatking,
thenoiseofwhoseapproachtherobbersheard,andleftus,sothat
wearenowcomeoffsafe?
6Josephanswered,Hewillcomeafterus.
CHAPTER6
1Thentheywentintoanotherwheretherewasawoman
possessedwithadevil,andinwhomSatan,thatcursedrebel,had
takenuphisabode.
2Onenight,whenshewenttofetchwater,shecouldneither
endureherclotheson,nortobeinanyhouse;butasoftenasthey
tiedherwithchainsorcords,shebrakethem,andwentoutinto
desertplaces,andsometimesstandingwhereroadscrossed,and
inchurchyards,wouldthrowstonesatmen.
3WhenSt.Marysawthiswman,shepitiedher;whereupon
Satanpresentlylefther,andfledawayintheformofayoung
man,saying,Wotome,becauseofthee,Mary,andthyson.
4Sothewomanwasdeliveredfromhertorment;butconsidering
herselfnaked,sheblushed,andavoidedseeinganyman,and
havingputonherclothes,wenthome,andgaveauaccountofher
casetoherfatherandrelations,who,astheywerethebestofthe
city,entertainedSt.MaryandJosephwiththegreatestrespect.
5Thenextmorninghavingreceivedasufficientsupplyof
provisionsfortheroad,theywentfromthem,andaboutthe
eveningofthedayarrivedatanothertown,whereamarriagewas
thenabouttobesolemnized;butbytheartsofSatanandthe
practicesofsomesorcerers,thebridewasbecomesodumb,that
shecouldnotsomuchasopenhermouth.
6ButwhenthisdumbbridesawtheLadySt.Maryenteringinto
thetown,andcarryingtheLordChristinherarms,shestretched
outherhandstotheLordChrist,andtookhiminherarms,and
closelyhugginghim,veryoftenkissedhim,continuallymoving
himandpressinghimtoherbody.
7Straightwaythestringofhertonguewasloosed,andherears
wereopened,andshebegantosingpraisesuntoGod,whohad
restoredher.
8Sotherewasgreatjoyamongtheinhabitantsofthetownthat
night,whothoughtthatGodandhisangelswerecomedown
amongthem.
9Inthisplacetheyabodethreedays,meetingwiththegreatest
respectandmostsplendidentertainment.
10Andbeingthenfurnishedbythepeoplewithprovisionsforthe
road,theydepartedandwenttoanothercity,inwhichtheywere
inclinedtolodge,becauseitwasafamousplace.
11Therewasinthiscityagentlewoman,who,asshewentdown
onedaytotherivertobathe,beholdcursedSatanleapeduponher
intheformofaserpent,
12Andfoldedhimselfaboutherbelly,andeverynightlayupon
her.
13ThiswomanseeingtheLadySt.Mary,andtheLordChristthe
infantinherbosom,askedtheLadySt.Mary,thatshewouldgive
herthechildtokiss,andcarryinherarms.
14Whenshehadconsented,andassoonasthewomanhad
movedthechild,Satanlefther,andfledaway,nordidthewoman
everafterwardsseehim.
15HereuponalltheneighbourspraisedtheSupremeGod,andthe
womanrewardedthemwithamplebeneficence.
16Onthemorrowthesamewomanbroughtperfumedwaterto
washtheLordJesus;andwhenshehadwashedhim,she
preservedthewater.

12. 17Andtherewasagirlthere,whosebodywaswhitewitha
leprosy,whobeingsprinkledwiththiswater,andwashed,was
instantlycleansedfromherleprosy.
18ThepeoplethereforesaidWithoutdoubtJosephandMary,
andthatboyareGods,fortheydonotlooklikemortals.
19Andwhentheyweremakingreadytogoaway,thegirl,who
hadbeentroubledwiththeleprosy,cameanddesiredtheywould
permithertogoalongwiththem;sotheyconsented,andthegirl
wentwiththemtill.theycametoacity,inwhichwasthepalace
ofagreatking,andwhosehousewasnotfarfromtheinn.
20Heretheystaid,andwhenthegirlwentonedaytotheprince's
wife,andfoundherinasorrowfulandmournfulcondition,she
askedherthereasonofhertears.
21Shereplied,Wondernotatmygroans,forIamunderagreat
misfortune,ofwhichIdarenottellanyone.
22But,saysthegirl,ifyouwillentrustmewithyourprivate
grievance,perhapsImayfindyouaremedyforit.
23Thou,therefore,saystheprince'swife,shaltkeepthesecret,
andnotdiscoverittoanyonealive!
24Ihavebeenmarriedtothisprince,whorulesaskingover
largedominions,andlivedlongwithhim,beforehehadanychild
byme.
25AtlengthIconceivedbyhim,butalas!Ibroughtfortha
leprousson;which,whenhesaw,hewouldnotowntobehis,but
saidtome,
26Eitherdothoukillhim,orsendhimtosomenurseinsucha
place,thathemaybeneverheardof;andnowtakecareof
yourself;Iwillneverseeyoumore.
27SohereIpine,lamentingmywretchedandmiserable
circumstances.Alas,myson!alas,myhusband!HaveIdisclosed
ittoyou?
28Thegirlreplied,Ihavefoundaremedyforyourdisease,
whichIpromiseyou,forIalsowasleprous,butGodhath
cleansedme,evenhewhoiscalledJesus,thesonoftheLady
Mary.
29ThewomaninquiringwherethatGodwas,whomshespakeof,
thegirlansweredHelodgeswithyouhereinthesamehouse.
30Buthowcanthisbe?saysshe;whereishe?Behold,replied
thegirl,JosephandMary;andtheinfantwhoiswiththemis
calledJesus:anditishewhodeliveredmefrommydiseaseand
torment.
31Butbywhatmeans,saysshe,wereyoucleansedfromyour
leprosy?Willyounottellmethat?
32Whynot?saysthegirl;Itookthewaterwithwhichhisbody
hadbeenwashed,andpouredituponme,andmyleprosy
vanished.
33Theprince'swifethenaroseandentertainedthem,providinga
greatfeastforJosephamongalargecompanyofmen.
34AndthenextdaytookperfumedwatertowashtheLordJesus,
andafterwardspouredthesamewateruponherson,whomshe
hadbroughtwithher,andhersonwasinstantlycleansedfromhis
leprosy.
35ThenshesangthanksandpraisesuntoGod,andsaid,Blessed
isthemotherthatbarethee,OJesus!
36Dostthouthuscuremenofthesamenaturewiththyself,with
thewaterwithwhichthybodyiswashed?
37ShethenofferedverylargegiftstotheLadyMary,andsent
herawaywithallimaginablerespect.
CHAPTER7
THEYcameafterwardstoanothercity,andhadamindtolodge
there.
2Accordinglytheywenttoaman'shouse,whowasnewly
married,butbytheinfluenceofsorcererscouldnotenjoyhis
wife:
3Buttheylodgingathishousethatnight,themanwasfreedof
hisdisorder:
4Andwhentheywerepreparingearlyinthemorningtogo
forwardontheirjourney,thenewmarriedpersonhinderedthem,
andprovidedanobleentertainmentforthem?
5Butgoingforwardonthemorrow,theycametoanothercity,
andsawthreewomengoingfromacertaingravewithgreat
weeping.
6WhenSt.Marysawthem,shespaketothegirlwhowastheir
companion,saying,Goandinquireofthem,whatisthematter
withthem,andwhatmisfortunehasbefallenthem?
7Whenthegirlaskedthem,theymadehernoanswer,butasked
heragain,Whoareye,andwhereareyegoing?Forthedayisfar
spent,andthenightisathand.
8Wearetravellers,saiththegirl,andareseekingforaninnto
lodgeat.
9Theyreplied,Goalongwithus,andlodgewithus.
10Theythenfollowedthem,andwereintroducedintoanew
house,wellfurnishedwithallsortsoffurniture.
11Itwasnowwinter-time,andthegirlwentintotheparlour
wherethesewomenwere,andfoundthemweepingand
lamenting,asbefore.
12Bythemstoodamule,coveredoverwithsilk,andanebony
collarhangingdownfromhisneck,whomtheykissed,andwere
feeding.
13Butwhenthegirlsaid,Howhandsome,ladies,thatmuleis!
theyrepliedwithtears,andsaid,Thismule,whichyousee,was
ourbrother,bornofthissamemotheraswe:
14Forwhenourfatherdied,andleftusaverylargeestate,and
wehadonlythisbrother,andweendeavouredtoprocurehima
suitablematch,andthoughtheshouldbemarriedasothermen,
somegiddyandjealouswomanbewitchedhimwithoutour
knowledge.
15Andwe,onenight,alittlebeforeday,whilethedoorsofthe
housewereallfastshut,sawthisourbrotherwaschangedintoa
mule,suchasyounowseehimtobe:
16Andwe,inthemelancholyconditioninwhichyouseeus,
havingnofathertocomfortus,haveappliedtoallthewisemen,
magicians,anddivinersintheworld,buttheyhavebeenofno
servicetous.
17Asoftenthereforeaswefindourselvesoppressedwithgrief,
weriseandgowiththisourmothertoourfather'stomb,where,
whenwehavecriedsufficientlywereturnhome.
18Whenthegirlhadheardthis,shesaid,Takecourage,and
ceaseyourfears,foryouhavearemedyforyourafflictionsnear
athand,evenamongyouandinthemidstofyourhouse,
19ForIwasalsoleprous;butwhenIsawthiswoman,andthis
littleinfantwithher,whosenameisJesus,Isprinkledmybody
withthewaterwithwhichhismotherhadwashedhim,andIwas
presentlymadewell.
20AndIamcertainthatheisalsocapableofrelievingyouunder
yourdistress.Wherefore,arise,gotomymistress,Mary,and
whenyouhavebroughtherintoyourownparlour,disclosetoher
thesecret,atthesametime,earnestlybeseechingherto
compassionateyourcase.
21Assoonasthewomenhadheardthegirl'sdiscourse,they
hastenedawaytotheLadySt.Mary,introducedthemselvesto
her,andsittingdownbeforeher,theywept.
22Andsaid,OourLadySt.Mary,pityyourhandmaids,forwe
havenoheadofourfamily,nooneolderthanus;nofather,or
brothertogoinandoutbeforeus.
23Butthismule,whichyousee,wasourbrother,whichsome
womanbywitchcrafthavebroughtintothisconditionwhichyou
see:wethereforeentreatyoutocompassionateus.
24HereuponSt.Marywasgrievedattheircase,andtakingthe
LordJesus,puthimuponthebackofthemule.
25Andsaidtoherson,OJesusChrist,restore(orheal)according
tothyextraordinarypowerthismule,andgranthimtohaveagain
theshapeofamanandarationalcreature,ashehadformerly.
26ThiswasscarcesaidbytheLadySt.Mary,butthemule
immediatelypassedintoahumanform,andbecameayoungman
withoutanydeformity.

13. 27ThenheandhismotherandthesistersworshippedtheLadySt.
Mary,andliftingthechildupontheirheads,theykissedhim,and
said,Blessedisthymother,OJesus,OSaviouroftheworld!
Blessedaretheeyeswhicharesohappyastoseethee.
28Thenboththesisterstoldtheirmother,saying,Ofatruthour
brotherisrestoredtohisformershapebythehelpoftheLord
JesusChrist,andthekindnessofthatgirl,whotoldusofMary
andherson.
29Andinasmuchasourbrotherisunmarried,itisfitthatwe
marryhimtothisgirltheirservant.
30WhentheyhadconsultedMaryinthismatter,andshehad
givenherconsent,theymadeasplendidweddingforthisgirl.
31Andsotheirsorrowbeingturnedintogladness,andtheir
mourningintomirth,theybegantorejoice.andtomakemerry,
andsing,beingdressedintheirrichestattire,withbracelets.
32AfterwardstheyglorifiedandpraisedGod,saying,OJesus
sonofDavidwhochangestsorrowintogladness,andmourning
intomirth!
33AfterthisJosephandMarytarriedtheretendays,thenwent
away,havingreceivedgreatrespectfromthosepeople;
34Who,whentheytooktheirleaveofthem,andreturnedhome,
cried,
35Butespeciallythegirl.
CHAPTER8
1Intheirjourneyfromhencetheycameintoadesertcountry,
andweretolditwasinfestedwithrobbers;soJosephandSt.
Marypreparedtopassthroughitinthenight.
2Andastheyweregoingalong,beholdtheysawtworobbers
asleepintheroad,andwiththemagreatnumberofrobbers,who
weretheirconfederates,alsoasleep.
3ThenamesofthesetwowereTitusandDumachus;andTitus
saidtoDumachus,Ibeseechtheeletthosepersonsgoalong
quietly,thatourcompanymaynotperceiveanythingofthem:
4ButDumachusrefusing,Titusagainsaid,Iwillgivetheeforty
groats,andasapledgetakemygirdle,whichhegavehimhehad
donespeaking,thathemightnotopenhismouth,ormakeanoise.
5WhentheLadySt.Marysawthekindnesswhichthisrobber
didshewthem,shesaidtohim,TheLordGodwillreceivethee
tohisrighthand,andgranttheepardonofthysins.
6ThentheLordJesusanswered,andsaidtohismother,When
thirtyyearsareexpired,Omother,theJewswillcrucifymeat
Jerusalem;
7Andthesetwothievesshallbewithmeatthesametimeupon
thecross,Titusonmyrighthand,andDumachusonmyleft,and
fromthattimeTitusshallgobeforemeintoparadise:
8Andwhenshehadsaid,Godforbidthisshouldbethylot,Omy
son,theywentontoacityinwhichwereseveralidols;which,as
soonastheycameneartoit,wasturnedintohillsofsand.
9Hencetheywenttothatsycamoretree,whichisnowcalled
Matarea;
10AndinMatareatheLordJesuscausedawelltospringforth,
inwhichSt.Marywashedhiscoat;
11Andabalsamisproduced,orgrows,inthatcountryfromthe
sweatwhichrandowntherefromtheLordJesus.
12ThencetheyproceededtoMemphis,andsawPharaoh,and
abodethreeyearsinEgypt.
13AndtheLordJesusdidverymanymiraclesinEgypt,which
areneithertobefoundintheGospeloftheInfancynorinthe
GospelofPerfection.
14AttheendofthreeyearshereturnedoutofEgypt,andwhen
hecameneartoJudas,Josephwasafraidtoenter;
15ForhearingthatHerodwasdead,andthatArchelaushisson
reignedinhisstead,hewasafraid;
16AndwhenhewenttoJudæa,anangelofGodappearedtohim,
andsaid,OJoseph,gointothecityNazareth,andabidethere.
17Itisstrangeindeedthathe,whoistheLordofallcountries,
shouldbethuscarriedbackwardandforwardthroughsomany
countries.
CHAPTER9
1WhentheycameafterwardsintothecityBethlehem,theyfound
thereseveralverydesperatedistempers,whichbecameso
troublesometochildrenbyseeingthem,thatmostofthemdied.
2Therewasthereawomanwhohadasickson,whomshe
brought,whenhewasatthepointofdeath,totheLadySt.Mary,
whosawherwhenshewaswashingJesusChrist.
3Thensaidthewoman,OmyLadyMary,lookdownuponthis
myson,whoisafflictedwithmostdreadfulpains.
4St.Maryhearingher,said,Takealittleofthatwaterwith
whichIhavewashedmyson,andsprinkleituponhim.
5Thenshetookalittleofthatwater,asSt.Maryhadcommanded,
andsprinkledituponherson,whobeingweariedwithhisviolent
pains,hadfallenasleep;andafterhehadsleptalittle,awaked
perfectlywellandrecovered.
6Themotherbeingabundantlygladofthissuccess,wentagain
toSt.Mary,andSt.Marysaidtoher,GivepraisetoGod,who
hathcuredthisthyson.
7Therewasinthesameplaceanotherwoman,aneighbourofher,
whosesonwasnowcured.
8Thiswoman'ssonwasafflictedwiththesamedisease,andhis
eyeswerenowalmostquiteshut,andshewaslamentingforhim
dayandnight.
9Themotherofthechildwhichwascured,saidtoher,Whydo
younotbringyoursontoSt.Mary,asIbroughtmysontoher,
whenhewasintheagoniesofdeath;andhewascuredbythat
water,withwhichthebodyofhersonJesuswaswashed?
10Whenthewomanheardhersaythis,shealsowent,andhaving
procuredthesamewater,washedhersonwithit,whereuponhis
bodyandhiseyeswereinstantlyrestoredtotheirformerstate.
11AndwhenshebroughthersontoSt.Mary,andopenedhis
casetoher,shecommandedhertogivethankstoGodforthe
recoveryofherson'shealth,andtellnoonewhathadhappened.
CHAPTER10
1Therewereinthesamecitytwowivesofoneman,whohad
eachasonsick.OneofthemwascalledMaryandherson'sname
wasCaleb.
2Shearose,andtakingherson,wenttotheLadySt.Mary,the
motherofJesus,andofferedheraveryhandsomecarpet,saying,
OmyLadyMaryacceptthiscarpetofme,andinsteadofitgive
measmallswaddlingcloth.
3TothisMaryagreed,andwhenthemotherofCalebwasgone,
shemadeacoatforhersonoftheswaddlingcloth,putitonhim,
andhisdiseasewascured;butthesonoftheotherwifedied.
4Hereupontherearosebetweenthem,adifferenceindoingthe
businessofthefamilybyturns,eachherweek.
5AndwhentheturnofMarythemotherofCalebcame,andshe
washeatingtheoventobakebread,andwentawaytofetchthe
meal,shelefthersonCalebbytheoven;
6Whom,theotherwife,herrival,seeingtobebyhimself,took
andcasthimintotheoven,whichwasveryhot,andthenwent
away.
7MaryonherreturnsawhersonCaleblyinginthemiddleofthe
ovenlaughing,andtheovenquiteascoldasthoughithadnot
beenbeforeheated,andknewthatherrivaltheotherwifehad
thrownhimintothefire.
8Whenshetookhimout,shebroughthimtotheLadySt.Mary,
andtoldherthestory,towhomshereplied,Bequiet,Iam
concernedlestthoushouldestmakethismatterknown.
9Afterthisherrival,theotherwife,asshewasdrawingwaterat
thewell,andsawCalebplayingbythewell,andthatnoonewas
near,tookhim,andthrewhimintothewell.
10Andwhensomemencametofetchwaterfromthewell,they
sawtheboysittingonthesuperficiesofthewater,anddrewhim
outwithropes,andwereexceedinglysurprisedatthechild,and
praisedGod.

14. 11Thencamethemotherandtookhimandcarriedhimtothe
LadySt.Mary,lamentingandsaying,OmyLady,seewhatmy
rivalhathdonetomyson,andhowshehathcasthimintothe
well,andIdonotquestionbutonetimeorothershewillbethe
occasionofhisdeath.
12St.Maryrepliedtoher,Godwillvindicateyourinjuredcause.
13Accordinglyafewdaysafter,whentheotherwifecametothe
welltodrawwater,herfootwasentangledintherope,sothatshe
fellheadlongintothewell,andtheywhorantoherassistance,
foundherskullbroken,andbonesbruised.
14Soshecametoabadend,andinherwasfulfilledthatsaying
oftheauthor,Theydiggedawell,andmadeitdeep,butfell
themselvesintothepitwhichtheyprepared.
CHAPTER11
1Anotherwomaninthatcityhadlikewisetwosonssick.
2Andwhenonewasdead,theother,wholayatthepointof
death,shetookinherarmstotheLadySt.Mary,andinaflood
oftearsaddressedherselftoher,saying,
3OmyLady,helpandrelieveme;forIhadtwosons,theoneI
havejustnowburied,theotherIseeisjustatthepointofdeath,
beholdhowIearnestlyseekfavourfromGod,andpraytohim.
4Thenshesaid,OLord,thouartgracious,andmerciful,and
kind;thouhastgivenmetwosons;oneofthemthouhasttakento
thyself,Osparemethisother.
5St.Marythenperceivingthegreatnessofhersorrow,pitiedher
andsaid,Dothouplacethysoninmyson'sbed,andcoverhim
withhisclothes.
6AndwhenshehadplacedhiminthebedwhereinChristlay,at
themomentwhenhiseyeswerejustclosedbydeath;assoonas
everthesmellofthegarmentsoftheLordJesusChristreached
theboy,hiseyeswereopened,andcallingwithaloudvoiceto
hismother,heaskedforbread,andwhenhehadreceivedit,he
suckedit.
7Thenhismothersaid,OLadyMary,nowIamassuredthatthe
powersofGoddodwellinyou,sothatthysoncancurechildren
whoareofthesamesortashimself,assoonastheytouchhis
garments.
8Thisboywhowasthuscured,isthesamewhointheGospelis
calledBartholomew.
CHAPTER12
1AgaintherewasaleprouswomanwhowenttotheLadySt.
Mary,themotherofJesus,andsaid,OmyLady,helpme.
2St.Maryreplied,whathelpdostthoudesire?Isitgoldorsilver,
orthatthybodybecuredofitsleprosy?
3Who,saysthewoman,cangrantmethis?
4St.Maryrepliedtoher,WaitalittletillIhavewashedmyson
Jesus,andputhimtobed.
5Thewomanwaited,asshewascommanded;andMarywhen
shehadputJesusinbed,givingherthewaterwithwhichshehad
washedhisbody,said,Takesomeofthewater,andpouritupon
thybody;
6Whichwhenshehaddone,sheinstantlybecameclean,and
praisedGod,andgavethankstohim.
7Thenshewentaway,aftershehadabodewithherthreedays:
8Andgoingintothecity,shesawacertainprince,whohad
marriedanotherprince'sdaughter;
9Butwhenhecametoseeher,heperceivedbetweenhereyes
thesignsofleprosylikeastar,andthereupondeclaredthe
marriagedissolvedandvoid.
10Whenthewomansawthesepersonsinthiscondition,
exceedinglysorrowful,andsheddingabundanceoftears,she
inquiredofthemthereasonoftheircrying.
11Theyreplied,Inquirenotintoourcircumstances;forweare
netabletodeclareourmisfortunestoanypersonwhatsoever.
12Butstillshepressedanddesiredthemtocommunicatetheir
casetoher,intimating,thatperhapsshemightbeabletodirect
themtoaremedy.
13Sowhentheyshewedtheyoungwomantoher,andthesigns
oftheleprosy,whichappearedbetweenhereyes,
14Shesaid,Ialso,whomyeseeinthisplace,wasafflictedwith
thesamedistemper,andgoingonsomebusinesstoBethlehem,I
wentintoacertaincave,andsawawomannamedMary,whohad
asoncalledJesus.
15Sheseeingmetobeleprous,wasconcernedforme,andgave
mesomewaterwithwhichshehadwashedherson'sbody;with
thatIsprinkledmybody,andbecameclean.
16Thensaidthesewomen,Willyou,Mistress,goalongwithus,
andshewtheLadySt.Marytous?
17Towhichsheconsenting,theyaroseandwenttotheLadySt.
Mary,takingwiththemverynoblepresents.
18Andwhentheycameinandofferedtheirpresentstoher,they
showedtheleprousyoungwomanwhattheybroughtwiththem
toher.
19ThensaidSt.Mary,ThemercyoftheLordJesusChristrest
uponyou;
20Andgivingthemalittleofthatwaterwithwhichshehad
washedthebodyofJesusChrist,shebadethemwashthe
diseasedpersonwithit;whichwhentheyhaddone,shewas
presentlycured;
21Sothey,andallwhowerepresent,praisedGod;andbeing
filledwithjoy,theywentbacktotheirowncity,andgavepraise
toGodonthataccount.
22Thentheprincehearingthathiswifewascured,tookher
homeandmadeasecondmarriage,givingthanksuntoGodfor
therecoveryofhiswife'shealth.
CHAPTER13
1Therewasalsoagirl,whowasafflictedbySatan;
2Forthatcursedspiritdidfrequentlyappeartoherintheshape
ofadragon,andwasinclinedtoswallowherup,andhadso
suckedoutallherblood,thatshelookedlikeadeadcarcase.
3Asoftenasshecametoherself,withherhandswringedabout
herheadshewouldcryout,andsay,Wo,Woisme,thatthereis
noonetobefoundwhocandelivermefromthatimpiousdragon!
4Herfatherandmother,andallwhowereaboutherandsawher,
mournedandweptoverher;
5Andallwhowerepresentwouldespeciallybeundersorrow
andintears,whentheyheardherbewailing,andsaying,My
brethrenandfriends,istherenoonewhocandelivermefromthis
murderer?
6Thentheprince'sdaughter,whohadbeencuredofherleprosy,
hearingthecomplaintofthatgirl,wentuponthetopofhercastle,
andsawherwithherhandstwistedaboutherhead,pouringouta
floodoftears,andallthepeoplethatwereaboutherinsorrow.
7Thensheaskedthehusbandofthepossessedperson,Whether
hiswife'smotherwasalive?Hetoldher,Thatherfatherand
motherwerebothalive.
8Thensheorderedhermothertobesenttoher:towhom,when
shesawhercoming,shesaid,Isthispossessedgirlthydaughter?
Shemoaningandbewailingsaid,Yes,madam,Iboreher.
9Theprince'sdaughteranswered,Disclosethesecretofhercase
tome,forIconfesstoyouthatIwasleprous,buttheLadyMary,
themotherofJesusChrist,healedme.
10Andifyoudesireyourdaughtertoberestoredtoherformer
state,takehertoBethlehem,andinquireforMarythemotherof
Jesus,anddoubtnotbutyourdaughterwillbecured;forIdonot
questionbutyouwillcomehomewithgreatjoyatyour
daughter'srecovery.
11Assoonasevershehaddonespeaking,shearoseandwent
withherdaughtertotheplaceappointed,andtoMary,andtold
herthecaseofherdaughter.

15. 12WhenSt.Maryhadheardherstory,shegaveheralittleofthe
waterwithwhichshehadwashedthebodyofhersonJesus,and
badeherpourituponthebodyofherdaughter.
13LikewiseshegaveheroneoftheswaddlingclothsoftheLord
Jesus,andsaid,Takethisswaddlingclothandshewittothine
enemyasoftenasthouseesthim;andshesentthemawayin
peace.
14Aftertheyhadleftthatcityandreturnedhome,andthetime
wascomeinwhichSatanwaswonttoseizeher,inthesame
momentthiscursedspiritappearedtoherintheshapeofahuge
dragon,andthegirlseeinghimwasafraid.
15Themothersaidtoher,Benotafraiddaughter;lethimalone
tillhecomenearertothee!thenshewhimtheswaddlingcloth,
whichtheLadyMarygaveus,andweshallseetheevent.
16Satanthencominglikeadreadfuldragon,thebodyofthegirl
trembledforfear.
17Butassoonasshehadputtheswaddlingclothuponherhead,
andabouthereyes,andshewedittohim,presentlythereissued
forthfromtheswaddlingclothflamesandburningcoals,andfell
uponthedragon.
18Oh!howgreatamiraclewasthis,whichwasdone:assoonas
thedragonsawtheswaddlingclothoftheLordJesus,firewent
forthandwasscattereduponhisheadandeyes;sothathecried
outwithaloudvoice,WhathaveItodowiththee,Jesus,thou
sonofMary,WhithershallIfleefromthee?
19Sohedrewbackmuchaffrighted,andleftthegirl.
20Andshewasdeliveredfromthistrouble,andsangpraisesand
thankstoGod,andwithherallwhowerepresentattheworking
ofthemiracle.
CHAPTER14
1Anotherwomanlikewiselivedthere,whosesonwaspossessed
bySatan.
2Thisboy,namedJudas,asoftenasSatanseizedhim,was
inclinedtobiteallthatwerepresent;andifhefoundnooneelse
nearhim,hewouldbitehisownhandsandotherparts.
3Butthemotherofthismiserableboy,hearingofSt.Maryand
hersonJesus,arosepresently,andtakinghersoninherarms,
broughthimtotheLadyMary.
4Inthemeantime,JamesandJoseshadtakenawaytheinfant,
theLordJesus,toplayataproperseasonwithotherchildren;and
whentheywentforth,theysatdownandtheLordJesuswith
them.
5ThenJudas,whowaspossessed,cameandsatdownattheright
handofJesus.
6WhenSatanwasactinguponhimasusual,hewentaboutto
bitetheLordJesus.
7Andbecausehecouldnotdoit,hestruckJesusontherightside,
sothathecriedout.
8AndinthesamemomentSatanwentoutoftheboy,andran
awaylikeamaddog.
9ThissameboywhostruckJesus,andoutofwhomSatanwent
intheformofadog,wasJudasIscariot,whobetrayedhimtothe
Jews.
10Andthatsameside,onwhichJudasstruckhim,theJews
piercedwithaspear.
CHAPTER15
1AndwhentheLordJesuswassevenyearsofage,hewasona
certaindaywithotherboyshiscompanionsaboutthesameage.
2Whowhentheywereatplay,madeclayintoseveralshapes,
namely,asses,oxen,birds,andotherfigures,
3Eachboastingofhiswork,andendeavouringtoexceedtherest.
4ThentheLordJesussaidtotheboys,Iwillcommandthese
figureswhichIhavemadetowalk.
5Andimmediatelytheymoved,andwhenhecommandedthem
toreturn,theyreturned.
6Hehadalsomadethefiguresofbirdsandsparrows,which,
whenhecommandedtofly,didfly,andwhenhecommandedto
standstill,didstandstill;andifhegavethemmeatanddrink,
theydideatanddrink.
7Whenatlengththeboyswentaway,andrelatedthesethingsto
theirparents,theirfatherssaidtothem,Takeheed,children,for
thefuture,ofhiscompany,forheisasorcerer;shunandavoid
him,andfromhenceforthneverplaywithhim.
8Onacertaindayalso,whentheLordJesuswasplayingwith
theboys,andrunningabout,hepassedbyadyer'sshop,whose
namewasSalem.
9Andtherewereinhisshopmanypiecesofclothbelongingto
thepeopleofthatcity,whichtheydesignedtodyeofseveral
colours.
10ThentheLordJesusgoingintothedyer'sshop,tookallthe
cloths,andthrewthemintothefurnace.
11WhenSalemcamehome,andsawtheclothsspoiled,hebegan
tomakeagreatnoise,andtochidetheLordJesus,saying,
12Whathastthoudonetome,OthouSonofMary?Thouhast
injuredbothmeandmyneighbours;theyalldesiredtheircloths
ofapropercolour;but.thouhastcome,andspoiledthemall.
13TheLordJesusreplied,Iwillchangethecolourofeverycloth
towhatcolourthoudesirest;
14Andthenhepresentlybegantotaketheclothsoutofthe
furnace,andtheywerealldyedofthosesamecolourswhichthe
dyerdesired.
15AndwhentheJewssawthissurprisingmiracle,theypraised
God.
CHAPTER16
1AndJoseph,wheresoeverhewentinthecity,tooktheLord
Jesuswithhim,wherehewassentfortoworktomakegates,or
milk-pails,orsieves,orboxes;theLordJesuswaswithhim
wheresoeverhewent.
2AndasoftenasJosephhadanythinginhiswork,tomake
longerorshorter,orwider,ornarrower,theLordJesuswould
stretchhishandtowardsit.
3AndpresentlyitbecameasJosephwouldhaveit.
4Sothathehadnoneedtofinishanythingwithhisownhands,
forhewasnotveryskilfulathiscarpenter'strade.
5OnacertaintimetheKingofJerusalemsentforhim,andsaid,
Iwouldhavetheemakemeathroneofthesamedimensionswith
thatplaceinwhichIcommonlysit.
6Josephobeyed,andforthwithbeganthework,andcontinued
twoyearsintheking'spalacebeforehefinishedit.
7Andwhenhecametofixitinitsplace,hefounditwantedtwo
spansoneachsideoftheappointedmeasure.
8Which,whenthekingsaw,hewasveryangrywithJoseph;
9AndJosephafraidoftheking'sanger,wenttobedwithouthis
supper,takingnotanythingtoeat.
10ThentheLordJesusaskedhim,Whathewasafraidof?
11Josephreplied,BecauseIhavelostmylabourinthework
whichIhavebeenaboutthesetwoyears.
12Jesussaidtohim,Fearnot,neitherbecastdown;
13Dothoulayholdononesideofthethrone,andIwilltheother,
andwewillbringittoitsjustdimensions.
14AndwhenJosephhaddoneastheLordJesussaid,andeachof
themhadwithstrengthdrawnhisside,thethroneobeyed,and
wasbroughttotheproperdimensionsoftheplace:
15Whichmiraclewhentheywhostoodbysaw,theywere
astonished,andpraisedGod.
16Thethronewasmadeofthesamewood,whichwasinbeing
inSolomon'stime,namely,woodadornedwithvariousshapes
andfigures.

16. CHAPTER17
1OnanotherdaytheLordJesusgoingoutintothestreet,and
seeingsomeboyswhoweremettoplay,joinedhimselftotheir
company:
2Butwhentheysawhim,theyhidthemselves,andlefthimto
seekforthem:
3TheLordJesuscametothegateofacertainhouse,andasked
somewomenwhowerestandingthere,Wheretheboyswere
gone?
4Andwhentheyanswered,Thattherewasnoonethere;theLord
Jesussaid,Whoarethosewhomyeseeinthefurnace?
5Theyanswered,Theywerekidsofthreeyearsold.
6ThenJesuscriedoutaloud,andsaid,Comeouthither,Oye
kids,toyourshepherd;
7Andpresentlytheboyscameforthlikekids,andleapedabout
him;whichwhenthewomensaw,theywereexceedinglyamazed,
andtrembled.
8ThentheyimmediatelyworshippedtheLordJesus,and
beseechedhim,saying,OourLordJesus,sonofMary,thouart
trulythatgoodshepherdofIsrael!havemercyonthyhandmaids,
whostandbeforethee,whodonotdoubt,butthatthou,OLord,
artcometosave,andnottodestroy.
9Afterthat,whentheLordJesussaid,thechildrenofIsraelare
likeEthiopiansamongthepeople;thewomensaid,Thou,Lord,
knowestallthings,norisanythingconcealedfromthee;butnow
weentreatthee,andbeseechofthymercythatthouwouldst
restorethoseboystotheirformerstate.
10ThenJesussaid,ComehitherOboys,thatwemaygoandplay;
andimmediately,inthepresenceofthesewomen,thekidswere
changedandreturnedintotheshapeofboys.
CHAPTER18
1InthemonthAdarJesusgatheredtogethertheboys,andranked
themasthoughhehadbeenaking.
2Fortheyspreadtheirgarmentsonthegroundforhimtositon;
andhavingmadeacrownofflowers,putituponhishead,and
stoodonhisrightandleftastheguardsofaking.
3Andifanyonehappenedtopassby,theytookhimbyforce,
andsaid,Comehither,andworshiptheking,thatyoumayhavea
prosperousjourney.
4Inthemeantime,whilethesethingsweredoing,therecame
certainmen,carryingaboyuponacouch;
5Forthisboyhavinggonewithhiscompanionstothemountain
togatherwood,andhavingfoundthereapartridge'snest,andput
hishandintotakeouttheeggs,wasstungbyapoisonousserpent,
whichleapedoutofthenest;sothathewasforcedtocryoutfor
thehelpofhiscompanions:who,whentheycame,foundhim
lyingupontheearthlikeadeadperson.
6Afterwhichhisneighbourscameandcarriedhimbackintothe
city.
7ButwhentheycametotheplacewheretheLordJesuswas
sittinglikeaking,andtheotherboysstoodaroundhimlikehis
ministers,theboysmadehastetomeethim,whowasbittenby
theserpent,andsaidtohisneighbours,Comeandpayyour
respectstotheking;
8Butwhen,byreasonoftheirsorrow,theyrefusedtocome,the
boysdrewthem,andforcedthemagainsttheirwillstocome.
9AndwhentheycametotheLordJesus,heinquired,Onwhat
accounttheycarriedthatboy?
10Andwhentheyanswered,thataserpenthadbittenhim,the
LordJesussaidtotheboys,Letusgoandkillthatserpent.
11Butwhentheparentsoftheboydesiredtobeexcused,
becausetheirsonlayatthepointofdeath;theboysmadeanswer,
andsaid,Didnotyehearwhatthekingsaid?Letusgoandkill
theserpent;andwillnotyeobeyhim?
12Sotheybroughtthecouchbackagain,whethertheywouldor
not.
13Andwhentheywerecometothenest,theLordJesussaidto
theboys,Isthistheserpent'slurkingplace?Theysaid,Itwas.
14ThentheLordJesuscallingtheserpent,itpresentlycame
forthandsubmittedtohim;towhomhesaid,Goandsuckoutall
thepoisonwhichthouhastinfusedintothatboy;
15Sotheserpentcrepttotheboy,andtookawayallitspoison
again.
16ThentheLordJesuscursedtheserpentsothatitimmediately
burstasunder,anddied.
17Andhetouchedtheboywithhishandtorestorehimtohis
formerhealth;
18Andwhenhebegantocry,theLordJesussaid,Ceasecrying,
forhereafterthoushaltbemydisciple;
19AndthisisthatSimontheCanaanite,whoismentionedinthe
Gospel.
CHAPTER19
1OnanotherdayJosephsenthissonJamestogatherwoodand
theLordJesuswentwithhim;
2Andwhentheycametotheplacewherethewoodwas,and
Jamesbegantogatherit,behold,avenomousviperbithim,so
thathebegantocry,andmakeanoise.
3TheLordJesusseeinghiminthiscondition,cametohim,and
blowedupontheplacewheretheviperhadbithim,anditwas
instantlywell.
4OnacertaindaytheLordJesuswaswithsomeboys,whowere
playingonthehousetop,andoneoftheboysfelldown,and
presentlydied.
5Uponwhichtheotherboysallrunningaway,theLordJesus
wasleftaloneonthehouse-top.
6Andtheboy'srelationscametohimandsaidtotheLordJesus,
Thoudidstthrowoursondownfromthehousetop.
7Buthedenyingit,theycriedout,Oursonisdead,andthisishe
whokilledhim.
8TheLordJesusrepliedtothem,Donotchargemewithacrime,
ofwhichyouarenotabletoconvictme,butletusgoasktheboy
himself,whowillbringthetruthtolight.
9ThentheLordJesusgoingdownstoodovertheheadofthe
deadboy,andsaidwithaloudvoice,Zeinunus,Zeinunus,who
threwtheedownfromthehousetop?
10Thenthedeadboyanswered,thoudidstnotthrowmedown,
butsuchaonedid.
11AndwhentheLordJesusbadethosewhostoodbytotake
noticeofhiswords,allwhowerepresentpraisedGodonaccount
ofthatmiracle.
12OnacertaintimetheLadySt.MaryhadcommandedtheLord
Jesustofetchhersomewateroutofthewell;
13Andwhenhehadgonetofetchthewater,thepitcher,whenit
wasbroughtupfull,brake.
14ButJesusspreadinghismantlegatheredupthewateragain,
andbroughtitinthattohismother.
15Who,beingastonishedatthiswonderfulthing,laidupthis,
andalltheotherthingswhichshehadseen,inhermemory.
16AgainonanotherdaytheLordJesuswaswithsomeboysbya
riverandtheydrewwateroutoftheriverbylittlechannels,and
madelittlefish-pools.
17ButtheLordJesushadmadetwelvesparrows,andplaced
themabouthispooloneachside,threeonaside.
18ButitwastheSabbathday,andthesonofHananiaJewcame
by,andsawthemmakingthesethings,andsaid,Doyethusmake
figuresofclayontheSabbath?Andherantothem,andbroke
downtheirfish-pools.
19ButwhentheLordJesusclappedhishandsoverthesparrows
whichhehadmade,theyfledawaychirping.
20AtlengththesonofHananicomingtothefish-poolofJesusto
destroyit,thewatervanishedaway,andtheLordJesussaidto
him,
21Inlikemannerasthiswaterhasvanished,soshallthylife
vanish;andpresentlytheboydied.

17. 22Anothertime,whentheLordJesuswascominghomeinthe
eveningwithJoseph,hemetaboy,whoransohardagainsthim,
thathethrewhimdown;
23TowhomtheLordJesussaid,Asthouhastthrownmedown,
soshaltthoufall,noreverrise.
24Andthatmomenttheboyfelldownanddied.
CHAPTER20
1TherewasalsoatJerusalemonenamedZaccheus,whowasa
schoolmaster.
2AndhesaidtoJoseph,Joseph,whydostthounotsendJesusto
me,thathemaylearnhisletters?
3Josephagreed,andtoldSt.Mary;
4Sotheybroughthimtothatmaster;who,assoonashesawhim,
wroteoutanalphabetforhim.
5AndhebadehimsayAleph;andwhenhehadsaidAleph,the
masterbadehimpronounceBeth.
6ThentheLordJesussaidtohim,Tellmefirstthemeaningof
theletterAleph,andthenIwillpronounceBeth.
7Andwhenthemasterthreatenedtowhiphim,theLordJesus
explainedtohimthemeaningofthelettersAlephandBeth;
8Alsowhichwerethestraightfiguresoftheletters,whichthe
oblique,andwhatlettershaddoublefigures;whichhadpoints,
andwhichhadnone;whyoneletterwentbeforeanother;and
manyotherthingshebegantotellhim,andexplain,ofwhichthe
masterhimselfhadneverheard,norreadinanybook.
9TheLordJesusfarthersaidtothemaster,TakenoticehowIsay
tothee;thenhebeganclearlyanddistinctlytosayAleph,Beth,
Gimel,Daleth,andsoontotheendofthealphabet.
10Atthisthemasterwassosurprised,thathesaid,Ibelievethis
boywasbornbeforeNoah;
11AndturningtoJoseph,hesaid,Thouhastbroughtaboytome
tobetaught,whoismorelearnedthananymaster.
12HesaidalsountoSt.Mary,Thisyoursonhasnoneedofany
learning.
13Theybroughthimthentoamorelearnedmaster,who,when
hesawhim,said,sayAleph.
14AndwhenhehadsaidAleph,themasterbadehimpronounce
Beth;towhichtheLordJesusreplied,Tellmefirstthemeaning
oftheletterAleph,andthenIwillpronounceBeth.
15Butthismaster,whenheliftuphishandtowhiphim,hadhis
handpresentlywithered,andhedied.
16ThensaidJosephtoSt.Mary,henceforthwewillnotallow
himtogooutofthehouse;foreveryonewhodispleaseshimis
killed.
CHAPTER21
1Andwhenhewastwelveyearsold,theybroughthimto
Jerusalemtothefeast;andwhenthefeastwasover,theyreturned.
2ButtheLordJesuscontinuedbehindinthetempleamongthe
doctorsandelders,andlearnedmenofIsrael;towhomhe
proposedseveralquestionsoflearning,andalsogavethem
answers:
3Forhesaidtothem,WhosesonistheMessiah?Theyanswered,
thesonofDavid:
4Whythen,saidhe,doesheinthespiritcallhimLord?whenhe
saith,TheLordsaidtomyLord,sitthouatmyrighthand,tillI
havemadethineenemiesthyfootstool.
5ThenacertainprincipalRabbiaskedhim,Hastthoureadbooks?
6Jesusanswered,hehadreadbothbooks,andthethingswhich
werecontainedinbooks.
7Andheexplainedtothemthebooksofthelaw,andprecepts,
andstatutes:andthemysterieswhicharecontainedinthebooks
oftheprophets;thingswhichthemindofnocreaturecouldreach.
8ThensaidthatRabbi,Ineveryethaveseenorheardofsuch
knowledge!Whatdoyouthinkthatboywillbe!
9Whenacertainastronomer,whowaspresent,askedtheLord
Jesus,Whetherhehadstudiedastronomy?
10TheLordJesusreplied,andtoldhimthenumberofthe
spheresandheavenlybodies,asalsotheirtriangular,square,and
sextileaspect;theirprogressiveandretrogrademotion;theirsize
andseveralprognostications;andotherthingswhichthereason
ofmanhadneverdiscovered.
11Therewasalsoamongthemaphilosopherwellskilledin
physicandnaturalphilosophy,whoaskedtheLordJesus,
Whetherhehadstudiedphysic?
12Hereplied,andexplainedtohimphysicsandmetaphysics.
13Alsothosethingswhichwereaboveandbelowthepowerof
nature;
14Thepowersalsoofthebody,itshumours,andtheireffects.
15Alsothenumberofitsmembers,andbones,veins,arteries,
andnerves;
16Theseveralconstitutionsofbody,hotanddry,coldandmoist,
andthetendenciesofthem;
17Howthesouloperateduponthebody;
18Whatitsvarioussensationsandfacultieswere;
19Thefacultyofspeaking,anger,desire;
20Andlastlythemannerofitscompositionanddissolution;and
otherthings,whichtheunderstandingofnocreaturehadever
reached.
21Thenthatphilosopherarose,andworshippedtheLordJesus,
andsaid,OLordJesus,fromhenceforthIwillbethydiscipleand
servant.
22Whiletheywerediscoursingontheseandsuchlikethings,the
LadySt.Marycamein,havingbeenthreedayswalkingabout
withJoseph,seekingforhim.
23Andwhenshesawhimsittingamongthedoctors,andinhis
turnproposingquestionstothem,andgivinganswers,shesaidto
him,Myson,whyhastthoudonethusbyus?BeholdIandthy
fatherhavebeenatmuchpainsinseekingthee.
24Hereplied,Whydidyeseekme?DidyenotknowthatIought
tobeemployedinmyfather'shouse?
25Buttheyunderstoodnotthewordswhichhesaidtothem.
26ThenthedoctorsaskedMary,Whetherthiswasherson?And
whenshesaid,Hewas,theysaid,OhappyMary,whohastborne
suchason.
27ThenhereturnedwiththemtoNazareth,andobeyedthemin
allthings.
28Andhismotherkeptallthesethingsinhermind;
29AndtheLordJesusgrewinstatureandwisdom,andfavour
withGodandman.
CHAPTER22
1NowfromthistimeJesusbegantoconcealhismiraclesand
secretworks,
2Andhegavehimselftothestudyofthelaw,tillhearrivedto
theendofhisthirtiethyear;
3AtwhichtimetheFatherpubliclyownedhimatJordan,
sendingdownthisvoicefromheaven,Thisismybelovedson,in
whomIamwellpleased;
4TheHolyGhostbeingalsopresentintheformofadove.
5Thisishewhomweworshipwithallreverence,becausehe
gaveusourlifeandbeing,andbroughtusfromourmother's
womb.
6Who,foroursakes,tookahumanbody,andhathredeemedus,
sothathemightsoembraceuswitheverlastingmercy,andshew
hisfree,large,bountifulgraceandgoodnesstous.
7Tohimbegloryandpraise,andpower,anddominion,from
henceforthandforevermore,Amen.

18. Thomas’sGospelofthe
InfancyofJesusChrist
CHAPTER1
1IThomas,anIsraelite,judgeditnecessarytomake
knowntoourbrethrenamongtheGentiles,theactionsand
miraclesofChristinhischildhood,whichourLordand
GodJesusChristwroughtafterhisbirthinBethlehemin
ourcountry,atwhichImyselfwasastonished;the
beginningofwhichwasasfolloweth.
2WhenthechildJesuswasfiveyearsofageandtherehad
beenashowerofrain,whichwasnowover,Jesuswas
playingwithotherHebrewboysbyarunningstream;and
thewaterrunningoverthebanks,stoodinlittlelakes;
3Butthewaterinstantlybecameclearandusefulagain;he
havingsmotethemonlybyhisword,theyreadilyobeyed
him.
4Thenhetookfromthebankofthestreamsomesoftclay,
andformedoutofittwelvesparrows;andtherewereother
boysplayingwithhim.
5ButacertainJewseeingthethingswhichhewasdoing,
namely,hisformingclayintothefiguresofsparrowson
thesabbathday,wentpresentlyaway,andtoldhisfather
Joseph,andsaid,
6Behold,thyboyisplayingbytheriverside,andhas
takenclay,andformeditintotwelvesparrows,and
profaneththesabbath.
7ThenJosephcametotheplacewherehewas,andwhen
hesawhim,calledtohim,andsaid,Whydoestthouthat
whichitisnotlawfultodoonthesabbathday?
8ThenJesusclappingtogetherthepalmsofhishands,
calledtothesparrows,andsaidtothem:Go,flyaway;and
whileyeliverememberme.
9Sothesparrowsfledaway,makinganoise.
10TheJewsseeingthis,wereastonished,andwentaway,
andtoldtheirchiefpersonswhatastrangemiracletheyhad
seenwroughtbyJesus.
CHAPTER2
1Besidesthis,thesonofAnnathescribewasstanding
therewithJoseph,andtookaboughofawillowtree,and
scatteredthewaterswhichJesushadgatheredintolakes.
2ButtheboyJesusseeingwhathehaddone,became
angry,andsaidtohim,Thoufool,whatharmdidthelake
dothee,thatthoushouldestscatterthewater?
3Behold,nowthoushaltwitherasatree,andshaltnot
bringfortheitherleaves,orbranches,orfruit.
4Andimmediatelyhebecamewitheredallover.
5ThenJesuswentawayhome.Buttheparentsoftheboy
whowaswithered,lamentingthemisfortuneofhisyouth,
tookandcarriedhimtoJoseph,accusinghim,andsaid,
Whydostthoukeepasonwhoisguiltyofsuchactions?
6ThenJesusattherequestofallwhowerepresentdidheal
him,leavingonlysomesmallmembertocontinuewithered,
thattheymighttakewarning.
7AnothertimeJesuswentforthintothestreet,andaboy
runningby,rusheduponhisshoulder;
8AtwhichJesusbeingangry,saidtohim,thoushaltgono
farther.
9Andheinstantlyfelldowndead:
10Whichwhensomepersonssaw,theysaid,Wherewas
thisboyborn,thateverythingwhichhesayspresently
comethtopass?
11ThentheparentsofthedeadbuygoingtoJoseph
complained,saying,Youarenotfittolivewithus,inour
city,havingsuchaboyasthat:
12Eitherteachhimthatheblessandnotcurse,orelse
departhencewithhim,forhekillsourchildren.
13ThenJosephcallingtheboyJesusbyhimself,instructed
himsaying,Whydoestthousuchthingstoinjurethe
peopleso,thattheyhateusandprosecuteus?
14ButJesusreplied,Iknowthatwhatthousayestisnotof
thyself,butforthysakeIwillsaynothing;
15Buttheywhohavesaidthesethingstothee,shallsuffer
everlastingpunishment.
16Andimmediatelytheywhohadaccusedhimbecame
blind.
17Andalltheywhosawitwereexceedinglyafraidand
confounded,andsaidconcerninghim,Whatsoeverhesaith,
whethergoodorbad,immediatelycomethtopass:andthey
wereamazed.
18AndwhentheysawthisactionofChrist,Josepharose,
andpluckedhimbytheear,atwhichtheboywasangry,
andsaidtohim,Beeasy;
19Foriftheyseekforus,theyshallnotfindus:thouhast
doneveryimprudently.
20DostthounotknowthatIamthine?Troublemeno
more.
CHAPTER3
1AcertainschoolmasternamedZacchæus,standingina
certainplace,heardJesusspeakingthesethingstohis
father.
2Andhewasmuchsurprised,thatbeingachild,heshould
speaksuchthings;andafterafewdayshecametoJoseph,
andsaid,
3Thouhastawiseandsensiblechild,sendhimtome,that
hemaylearntoread.
4WhenhesatdowntoteachtheletterstoJesus,hebegan
withthefirstletterAleph;
5ButJesuspronouncedthesecondletterMpeth(Beth)
Cghimel(Gimel),andsaidoveralltheletterstohimtothe
end.
6Thenopeningabook,hetaughthismastertheprophets:
butbewasashamed,andwasatalosstoconceivehowhe
cametoknowtheletters.
7Andhearoseandwenthome,wonderfullysurprisedatso
strangeathing.
CHAPTER4
1AsJesuswaspassingbyacertainshop,hesawayoung
mandipping(ordyeing)someclothsandstockingsina
furnace,ofasadcolour,doingthemaccordingtoevery
person'sparticularorder;
2TheboyJesusgoingtotheyoungmanwhowasdoing
this,tookalsosomeofthecloths.

19. TheEpistlesofJesusChristandAbgarusKingofEdessa
ThefirstwriterwhomakesanymentionoftheEpistlesthatpassedbetweenJesusChristand
Abgarus,isEusebius,BishopofCaesarea,inPalestine,whoflourishedintheearlypartof
thefourthcentury.Fortheirgenuineness,heappealstothepublicregistersandrecordsofthe
CityofEdessainMesopotamia,whereAbgarusreigned,affirmsthathefoundthemwritten,
intheSyriaclanguage.HepublishedaGreektranslationofthem,inhisEcclesiastical
History.Thelearnedworldhavebeenmuchdividedonthissubject;but,notwithstandingthat
theeruditeGrabe,withArchbishopCave,Dr.Parker,andotherdivines,hasstrenuously
contendedfortheiradmissionintothecanonofScripture,theyaredeemedapocryphal.The
Rev.JeremiahJonesobserves,thatthecommonpeopleinEnglandhavethisEpistleintheir
houses,inmanyplaces,fixedinaframe,withthepictureofChristbeforeit;andthatthey
generally,withmuchhonestyanddevotion,regarditasthewordofGod,andthegenuine
EpistleofChrist.
CHAPTER1
AcopyofaletterwrittenbyKingAbgarustoJesus,andsenttohimbyAnanias,hisfootman,
toJerusalem,invitinghimtoEdessa.
1Abgarus,kingofEdessa,toJesusthegoodSaviour,whoappearsatJerusalem,greeting.
2Ihavebeeninformedconcerningyouandyourcures,whichareperformedwithouttheuse
ofmedicinesandherbs.
3Foritisreported,thatyoucausetheblindtosee,thelametowalk,dobothcleanselepers,
andcastoutuncleanspiritsanddevils,andrestorethemtohealthwhohavebeenlong
diseased,andraisestupthedead;
4AllwhichwhenIheard,Iwaspersuadedofoneofthesetwo,viz:eitherthatyouareGod
himselfdescendedfromheaven,whodothesethings,orthesonofGod.
5OnthisaccountthereforeIhavewrotetoyou,earnestlytodesireyouwouldtakethe
troubleofajourneyhither,andcureadiseasewhichIamunder.
6ForIheartheJewsridiculeyou,andintendyoumischief.
7Mycityisindeedsmall,butneat,andlargeenoughforusboth.
CHAPTER2
TheanswerofJesusbyAnaniasthefootmantoAbgarustheking,3decliningtovisitEdessa.
1Abgarus,youarehappy,forasmuchasyouhavebelievedonme,whomyehavenotseen.
2Foritiswrittenconcerningme,thatthosewhohaveseenmeshouldnotbelieveonme,
thattheywhohavenotseenmightbelieveandlive.
3Astothatpartofyourletter,whichrelatestomygivingyouavisit,Imustinformyou,that
Imustfulfilalltheendsofmymissioninthiscountry,andafterthatbereceivedupagainto
himwhosentme.
4ButaftermyascensionIwillsendoneofmydisciples,whowillcureyourdisease,and
givelifetoyou,andallthatarewithyou.

20. TheGospelofNicodemus,
formerlycalledTheActs
ofPontiusPilate
CHAPTER1
1AnnasandCaiaphas,andSummas,andDatam,Gamaliel,
Judas,Levi,Nepthalim,Alexander,Cyrus,andotherJews,
wenttoPilateaboutJesus,accusinghimwithmanybad
crimes.
2Andsaid,WeareassuredthatJesusisthesonofJosephthe
carpenter,landbornofMary,andthathedeclareshimselfthe
SonofGod,andaking;andnotonlyso,butattemptsthe
dissolutionofthesabbath,andthelawsofourfathers.
3Pilatereplied;Whatisitwhichhedeclares?andwhatisit
whichheattemptsdissolving?
4TheJewstoldhim,Wehavealawwhichforbidsdoing
curesonthesabbathday;buthecuresboththelameandthe
deaf,thoseafflictedwiththepalsy,theblind,andlepers,and
demoniacs,onthatdaybywickedmethods.
5Pilatereplied,Howcanhedothisbywickedmethods?They
answered,Heisaconjurer,andcastsoutdevilsbytheprince
ofthedevils;andsoallthingsbecomesubjecttohim.
6ThensaidPilate,Castingoutdevilsseemsnottobethe
workofanuncleanspirit,buttoproceedfromthepowerof
God.
7TheJewsrepliedtoPilate,Weentreatyourhighnessto
summonhimtoappearbeforeyourtribunal,andhearhim
yourself.
8ThenPilatecalledamessengerandsaidtohim,Bywhat
meanswillChristbebroughthither?
9Thenwentthemessengerforth,andknowingChrist,
worshippedhim;andhavingspreadthecloakwhichhehadin
hishandupontheground,hesaid,Lord,walkuponthis,and
goin,forthegovernorcallsthee.
10WhentheJewsperceivedwhatthemessengerhaddone
theyexclaimed(againsthim)toPilate,andsaid,Whydidyou
notgivehimhissummonsbyabeadle,andnotbya
messenger?—Forthemessenger,whenhesawhim,
worshippedhim,andspreadthecloakwhichhehadinhis
handuponthegroundbeforehim,andsaidtohim,Lord,the
governorcallsthee.
11ThenPilatecalledthemessenger,andsaid,Whyhastthou
donethus?
12Themessengerreplied,Whenthousentestmefrom
JerusalemtoAlexander,IsawJesussittinginameanfigure
uponashe-ass,andthechildrenoftheHebrewscriedout,
Hosannah,holdingboughsoftreesintheirhands.
13Othersspreadtheirgarmentsintheway,andsaid,Saveus,
thouwhoartinheaven;blessedishewhocomethinthename
oftheLord.
14ThentheJewscriedout,againstthemessenger,andsaid,
ThechildrenoftheHebrewsmadetheiracclamationsinthe
Hebrewlanguage;andhowcouldstthou,whoartaGreek,
understandtheHebrew?
15Themessengeransweredthemandsaid,Iaskedoneofthe
Jewsandsaid,Whatisthiswhichthechildrendocryoutin
theHebrewlanguage?
16Andheexplainedittome,saying,theycryoutHosannah,
whichbeinginterpreted,is,O,Lord,saveme;or,OLord,
save.
17Pilatethensaidtothem,Whydoyouyourselvestestifyto
thewordsspokenbythechildren,namely,byyoursilence?In
whathasthemessengerdoneamiss?Andtheyweresilent.
18Thenthegovernorsaiduntothemessenger,Goforthand
endeavourbyanymeanstobringhimin.
19Butthemessengerwentforth,anddidasbefore;andsaid,
Lord,comein,forthegovernorcalleththee.
20AndasJesuswasgoinginbytheensigns,whocarriedthe
standards,thetopsofthemboweddownandworshipped
Jesus.
21WhereupontheJewsexclaimedmorevehementlyagainst
theensigns.
22ButPilatesaidtotheJews,Iknowitisnotpleasingtoyou
thatthetopsofthestandardsdidofthemselvesbowand
worshipJesus;butwhydoyeexclaimagainsttheensigns,as
iftheyhadbowedandworshipped?
23TheyrepliedtoPilate,Wesawtheensignsthemselves
bowingandworshippingJesus.
24Thenthegovernorcalledtheensignsandsaiduntothem,
Whydidyoudothus?
25TheensignssaidtoPilate,WeareallPagansandworship
thegodsintemples;andhowshouldwethinkanythingabout
worshippinghim?Weonlyheldthestandardsinourhands
andtheybowedthemselvesandworshippedhim.
26ThensaidPilatetotherulersofthesynagogue,Doye
yourselveschoosesomestrongmen,andletthemholdthe
standards,andweshallseewhethertheywillthenbendof
themselves.
27SotheeldersoftheJewssoughtouttwelveofthemost
strongandableoldmen,andmadethemholdthestandards
andtheystoodinthepresenceofthegovernor.
28ThenPilatesaidtothemessenger,TakeJesusout,andby
somemeansbringhiminagain.AndJesusandthemessenger
wentoutofthehall.
29AndPilatecalledtheensignswhobeforehadbornethe
standards,andsworetothem,thatiftheyhadnotbornethe
standardsinthatmannerwhenJesusbeforeenteredin,he
wouldcutofftheirheads.
30ThenthegovernorcommandedJesustocomeinagain.
31Andthemessengerdidashehaddonebefore,andvery
muchentreatedJesusthathewouldgouponhiscloak,and
walkonit,andhedidwalkuponit,andwentin.
32AndwhenJesuswentin,thestandardsbowedthemselves
asbefore,andworshippedhim.
CHAPTER2
1NowwhenPilatesawthis,hewasafraid,andwasaboutto
risefromhisseat.
2Butwhilehethoughttorise,hisownwifewhostoodata
distance,senttohim,saying,Havethounothingtodowith
thatjustman;forIhavesufferedmuchconcerninghimina
visionthisnight.
3WhentheJewsheardthistheysaidtoPilate,Didwenotsay
untothee,Heisaconjuror?Behold,hehathcausedthywife
todream.
4PilatethencallingJesus,said,thouhastheardwhatthey
testifyagainstthee,andmakestnoanswer?
5Jesusreplied,Iftheyhadnotapowerofspeaking,they
couldnothavespoke;butbecauseeveryonehasthe
commandofhisowntongue,tospeakbothgoodandbad,let
himlooktoit.
6ButtheeldersoftheJewsanswered,andsaidtoJesus,What
shallwelookto?
7Inthefirstplace,weknowthisconcerningthee,thatthou
wastbornthroughfornication;secondly,thatupontheaccount

21. ofthybirththeinfantswereslaininBethlehem;thirdly,that
thyfatherandmotherMaryfledintoEgypt,becausethey
couldnottrusttheirownpeople.
8SomeoftheJewswhostoodbyspakemorefavourably,We
cannotsaythathewasbornthroughfornication;butweknow
thathismotherMarywasbetrothedtoJoseph,andsohewas
notbornthroughfornication.
9ThensaidPilatetotheJewswhoaffirmedhimtobeborn
throughfornication,Thisyouraccountisnottrue,seeingthere
wasabetrothment,astheytestifywhoareofyourownnation.
10AnnasandCaiaphasspaketoPilate,Allthismultitudeof
peopleistoberegarded,whocryout,thathewasborn
throughfornication,andisaconjuror;buttheywhodenyhim
tobebornthroughfornication,arehisproselytesanddisciples.
11PilateansweredAnnasandCaiaphas,Whoarethe
proselytes?Theyanswered,Theyarethosewhoarethe
childrenofPagans,andarenotbecomeJews,butfollowersof
him.
12ThenrepliedEleazer,andAsterius,andAntonius,and
James,CarasandSamuel,IsaacandPhinees,Crispusand
Agrippa,AnnasandJudas,Wearenotproselytes,butchildren
ofJews,andspeakthetruth,andwerepresentwhenMarywas
betrothed.
13ThenPilateaddressinghimselftothetwelvemenwho
spakethis,saidtothem,IconjureyoubythelifeofCæsar,
thatyefaithfullydeclarewhetherhewasbornthrough
fornication,andthosethingsbetruewhichyehaverelated.
14TheyansweredPilate,Wehavealaw,wherebyweare
forbidtoswear,itbeingasin:Letthemswearbythelifeof
Cæsarthatitisnotaswehavesaid,andwewillbecontented
tobeputtodeath.
15ThensaidAnnasandCaiaphastoPilate,Thosetwelvemen
willnotbelievethatweknowhimtobebaselyborn,andtobe
aconjuror,althoughhepretendsthatheisthesonofGod,and
aking:whichwearesofarfrombelieving,thatwetrembleto
hear.
16ThenPilatecommandedeveryonetogooutexceptthe
twelvemenwhosaidhewasnotbornthroughfornication,and
Jesustowithdrawtoadistance,andsaidtothem,Whyhave
theJewsamindtokillJesus?
17Theyansweredhim,Theyareangrybecausehewrought
curesontheSabbathday.Pilatesaid,Willtheykillhimfor
goodwork?Theysayuntohim,Yes,Sir.
CHAPTER3
1ThenPilate,filledwithanger,wentoutofthehall,andsaid
totheJews,IcallthewholeworldtowitnessthatIfindno
faultinthatman.
2TheJewsrepliedtoPilate,Ifhehadnotbeenawicked
person,wehadnotbroughthimbeforethee.
3Pilatesaidtothem,Doyetakehimandtryhimbyyourlaw.
4ThentheJewssaid,Itisnotlawfulforustoputanyoneto
death.
5PilatesaidtotheJews,Thecommand,thereforethoushalt
notkill,belongstoyou,butnottome.
6Andhewentagainintothehall,andcalledJesusbyhimself,
andsaidtohim,ArtthouthekingoftheJews?
7AndJesusanswering,saidtoPilate,Dostthouspeakthisof
thyself,ordidtheJewstellittheeconcerningme?
8Pilateanswering,saidtoJesus,AmIaJew?Thewhole
nationandrulersoftheJewshavedeliveredtheeuptome.
Whathastthoudone?
9Jesusanswering,said,Mykingdomisnotofthisworld:if
mykingdomwereofthisworld,thenwouldmyservantsfight,
andIshouldnothavebeendeliveredtotheJews;butnowmy
kingdomisnotfromhence.
10Pilatesaid,Artthouakingthen?Jesusanswered,Thou
sayestthatIamaking:tothisendwasIborn,andforthisend
cameIintotheworld;andforthispurposeIcame,thatI
shouldbearwitnesstothetruth;andeveryonewhoisofthe
truth,hearethmyvoice.
11Pilatesaithtohim,Whatistruth?
12Jesussaid,Truthisfromheaven.
13Pilatesaid,Thereforetruthisnotonearth.
14JesussaidtoPilate,Believethattruthisonearthamong
those,whowhentheyhavethepowerofjudgment,are
governedbytruth,andformrightjudgment.
CHAPTER4
1ThenPilateleftJesusinthehall,andwentouttotheJews,
andsaid,IfindnotanyonefaultinJesus.
2TheJewssayuntohim,Buthesaid,Icandestroythetemple
ofGod,andinthreedaysbuilditupagain.
3Pilatesaithuntothem,Whatsortoftempleisthatofwhich
hespeaketh?
4TheJewssayuntohim,ThatwhichSolomonwasforty-six
yearsinbuilding,hesaidhewoulddestroy,andinthreedays
buildup.
5Pilatesaidtothemagain,Iaminnocentfromthebloodof
thatman;doyelooktoit.
6TheJewssaytohim,Hisbloodbeuponusandourchildren.
ThenPilatecallingtogethertheeldersandscribes,priestsand
Levites,saithtothemprivately,Donotactthus;Ihavefound
nothinginyourcharge(againsthim)concerninghiscuring
sickpersons,andbreakingthesabbath,worthyofdeath.
7ThePriestsandLevitesrepliedtoPilate,Bythelifeof
Cæsar,ifanyonebeablasphemer,heisworthyofdeath;but
thismanhathblasphemedagainsttheLord.
8ThenthegovernoragaincommandedtheJewstodepartout
ofthehall;andcallingJesus,saidtohim,WhatshallIdowith
thee?
9Jesusansweredhim,Doaccordingasitiswritten.
10Pilatesaidtohim,Howisitwritten?
11Jesussaithtohim,Mosesandtheprophetshaveprophesied
concerningmysufferingandresurrection.
12TheJewshearingthis,wereprovoked,andsaidtoPilate,
Whywiltthouanylongerheartheblasphemyofthatman?
13Pilatesaithtothem,Ifthesewordsseemtoyoublasphemy,
doyetakehim,bringhimtoyourcourt,andtryhimaccording
toyourlaw.
14TheJewsreplytoPilate,Ourlawsaith,heshallbeobliged
toreceivenineandthirtystripes,butifafterthismannerhe
shallblasphemeagainsttheLord,heshallbestoned.
15Pilatesaithuntothem,Ifthatspeechofhiswasblasphemy,
doyetryhimaccordingtoyourlaw.
16TheJewssaytoPilate,Ourlawcommandsusnottoput
anyonetodeath:wedesirethathemaybecrucified,because
hedeservesthedeathofthecross.
17Pilatesaithtothem,Itisnotfitheshouldbecrucified:let
himbeonlywhippedandsentaway.
18Butwhenthegovernorlookeduponthepeoplethatwere
presentandtheJews,hesawmanyoftheJewsintears,and
saidtothechiefpriestsoftheJews,Allthepeopledonot
desirehisdeath.
19TheeldersoftheJewsansweredtoPilate,Weandallthe
peoplecamehitherforthisverypurpose,thatheshoulddie.
20Pilatesaithtothem,Whyshouldhedie?
21Theysaidtohim,Becausehedeclareshimselftobethe
SonofGod,andaKing.

22. CHAPTER5
1ButNicodemus,acertainJew,stoodbeforethegovernor,
andsaid,Ientreatthee,Orighteousjudge,thatthouwouldst
favourmewiththelibertyofspeakingafewwords.
2Pilatesaidtohim,Speakon.
3Nicodemussaid,IspaketotheeldersoftheJews,andthe
scribes,andpriestsandLevites,andallthemultitudeofthe
Jews,intheirassembly;Whatisityewoulddowiththisman?
4Heisamanwhohathwroughtmanyusefulandglorious
miracles,suchasnomanoneartheverwroughtbefore,nor
willeverwork.Lethimgo,anddohimnoharm;ifhecometh
fromGod,hismiracles,(hismiraculouscures)willcontinue;
butiffrommen,theywillcometonought.
5ThusMoses,whenhewassentbyGodintoEgypt,wrought
themiracleswhichGodcommandedhim,beforePharaohking
ofEgypt;andthoughthemagiciansofthatcountry,Jannes
andJambres,wroughtbytheirmagicthesamemiracleswhich
Mosesdid,yettheycouldnotworkallwhichhedid;
6Andthemiracleswhichthemagicianswrought,werenotof
God,asyeknow,OScribesandPharisees;buttheywho
wroughtthemperished,andallwhobelievedthem.
7Andnowletthismango;becausetheverymiraclesfor
whichyeaccusehim,arefromGod;andheisnotworthyof
death.
8TheJewsthensaidtoNicodemus,Artthoubecomehis
disciple,andmakingspeechesinhisfavour?
9Nicodemussaidtothem,Isthegovernorbecomehis
disciplealso,anddoeshemakespeechesforhim?Didnot
Cæsarplacehiminthathighpost?
10WhentheJewsheardthistheytrembled,andgnashedtheir
teethatNicodemus,andsaidtohim,Mayestthoureceivehis
doctrinefortruth,andhavethylotwithChrist!
11Nicodemusreplied,Amen;Iwillreceivehisdoctrine,and
mylotwithhim,asyehavesaid.
12ThenanothercertainJewroseup,anddesiredleaveofthe
governortohearhimafewwords.
13Andthegovernorsaid,Speakwhatthouhastamind.
14Andhesaid,Ilayforthirty-eightyearsbythesheep-pool
atJerusalem,labouringunderagreatinfirmity,andwaiting
foracurewhichshouldbewroughtbythecomingofanangel,
whoatacertaintimetroubledthewater;andwhosoeverfirst
afterthetroublingofthewatersteppedin,wasmadewholeof
whatsoeverdiseasehehad.
15AndwhenJesussawmelanguishingthere,hesaidtome,
Wiltthoubemadewhole?AndIanswered,Sir,Ihavenoman,
whenthewateristroubled,toputmeintothepool.
16Andhesaiduntome,Rise,takeupthybedandwalk.And
Iwasimmediatelymadewhole,andtookupmybedand
walked.
17TheJewsthensaidtoPilate,OurLordGovernor,prayask
himwhatdayitwasonwhichhewascuredofhisinfirmity.
18Theinfirmpersonreplied,Itwasonthesabbath.
19TheJewssaidtoPilate,Didwenotsaythathewroughthis
curesonthesabbath,andcastoutdevilsbytheprinceof
devils?
20Thenanothercertain7Jewcameforth,andsaid,Iwas
blind,couldhearsounds,butcouldnotseeanyone;andas
Jesuswasgoingalong,Iheardthemultitudepassingby,andI
askedwhatwasthere?
21TheytoldmethatJesuswaspassingby:thenIcriedout,
saying,Jesus,SonofDavid,havemercyonme.Andhestood
still,andcommandedthatIshouldbebroughttohim,andsaid
tome,Whatwiltthou?
22Isaid,Lord,thatImayreceivemysight.
23Hesaidtome,Receivethysight:andpresentlyIsaw,and
followedhim,rejoicingandgivingthanks.
24AnotherJewalsocameforth,andsaid,Iwasaleper,and
hecuredmebyhiswordonly,saying,Iwill,bethouclean;
andpresentlyIwascleansedfrommyleprosy.
25AndanotherJewcameforth,andsaid,Iwascrooked,and
hemademestraightbyhisword.
26AndacertainwomannamedVeronica,said,Iwasafflicted
withanissueofbloodtwelveyears,andItouchedthehemof
hisgarments,andpresentlytheissueofmybloodstopped.
27TheJewsthensaid,Wehavealaw,thatawomanshallnot
beallowedasanevidence.
28And,afterotherthings,anotherJewsaid,IsawJesus
invitedtoaweddingwithhisdisciples,andtherewasawant
ofwineinCanaofGalilee;
29Andwhenthewinewasalldrank,hecommandedthe
servantsthattheyshouldfillsixpotswhichweretherewith
water,andtheyfilledthemuptothebrim,andheblessed
them,andturnedthewaterintowine,andallthepeopledrank,
beingsurprisedatthismiracle.
30AndanotherJewstoodforth,andsaid,IsawJesusteaching
inthesynagogueatCapernaum;andtherewasinthe
synagogueacertainmanwhohadadevil;andhecriedout,
saying,letmealone;whathavewetodowiththee,Jesusof
Nazareth?Artthoucometodestroyus?Iknowthatthouart
theHolyOneofGod.
31AndJesusrebukedhim,saying,Holdthypeace,unclean
spirit,andcomeoutoftheman;andpresentlyhecameoutof
him,anddidnotatallhurthim.
32ThefollowingthingswerealsosaidbyaPharisee;Isaw
thatagreatcompanycametoJesusfromGalileeandJudaea,
andthesea-coast,andmanycountriesaboutJordan,andmany
infirmpersonscametohim,andhehealedthemall.
33AndIheardtheuncleanspiritscryingout,andsaying,
ThouarttheSonofGod.AndJesusstrictlychargedthem,that
theyshouldnotmakehimknown.
34Afterthisanotherperson,whosenamewasCenturio,said,
IsawJesusinCapernaum,andIentreatedhim,saying,Lord,
myservantliethathomesickofthepalsy.
35AndJesussaidtome,Iwillcomeandcurehim.
36ButIsaid,Lord,Iamnotworthythatthoushouldstcome
undermyroof;butonlyspeaktheword,andmyservantshall
behealed.
37AndJesussaiduntome,Gothyway;andasthouhast
believed,sobeitdoneuntothee.Andmyservantwashealed
fromthatsamehour.
38Thenacertainnoblemansaid,IhadasoninCapernaum,
wholayatthepointofdeath;andwhenIheardthatJesuswas
comeintoGalilee,Iwentandbesoughthimthathewould
comedowntomyhouse,andhealmyson,forhewasatthe
pointofdeath.
39Hesaidtome,Gothyway,thysonliveth.
40Andmysonwascuredfromthathour.
41Besidesthese,alsomanyothersoftheJews,bothmenand
women,criedoutandsaid,HeistrulytheSonofGod,who
curesalldiseasesonlybyhisword,andtowhomthedevils
arealtogethersubject.
42Someofthemfarthersaid,,Thispowercanproceedfro
nonebutGod.
43PilatesaidtotheJews,Whyarenotthedevilssubjectyour
doctors?
44Someofthemsaid,Thepowerofsubjectingdevilscannot
proceedbutfromGod.
45ButotherssaidtoPilateThathehad1raisedLazarusfrom
thedead,afterhehadbeenfourdaysinhisgrave.

23. 46Thegovernorhearingthis,tremblingsaidtothemultitude
oftheJews,Whatwillitprofityoutoshedinnocentblood?
CHAPTER6
1ThenPilatehavingcalledtogetherNicodemus,andthe
fifteenmenwhosaidthatJesuswasnotbornthrough
fornication,saidtothem,WhatshallIdo,seeingthereislike
tobeatumultamongthepeople.
2Theysaiduntohim,Weknownot;letthemlooktoitwho
raisethetumult.
3Pilatethencalledthemultitudeagain,andsaidtothem,Ye
knowthatyehaveacustom,thatIshouldreleasetoyouone
prisoneratthefeastofthepassover;
4Ihaveanotedprisoner,amurderer,whoiscalledBarabbas,
andJesuswhoiscalledChrist,inwhomIfindnothingthat
deservesdeath;whichofthemthereforehaveyouamindthat
Ishouldreleasetoyou?
5Theyallcryout,andsay,ReleasetousBarabbas.
6Pilatesaithtothem,WhatthenshallIdowithJesuswho,is
calledChrist?
7Theyallanswer,Lethimbecrucified.
8AgaintheycryoutandsaytoPilate,Youarenotthefriend
ofCæsar,ifyoureleasethisman?forhehathdeclaredthathe
istheSonofGod,andaking.Butareyouinclinedthathe
shouldbeking,andnotCæsar?
9ThenPilatefilledwithangersaidtothem,Yournationhath
alwaysbeenseditious,andyouarealwaysagainstthosewho
havebeenserviceabletoyou?
10TheJewsreplied,Whoarethosewhohavebeen
serviceabletous?
11Pilateansweredthem,YourGodwhodeliveredyoufrom
thehardbondageoftheEgyptians,andbroughtyouoverthe
RedSeaasthoughithadbeendryland,andfedyouinthe
wildernesswithmannaandthefleshofquails,andbrought
wateroutoftherock,andgaveyoualawfromheaven:
12Yeprovokedhimallways,anddesiredforyourselvesa
moltencalf,andworshippedit,andsacrificedtoit,andsaid,
TheseareThyGods,OIsrael,whichbroughttheeoutofthe
landofEgypt
13OnaccountofwhichyourGodwasinclinedtodestroyyou;
butMosesintercededforyou,andyourGodheardhim,and
forgaveyouriniquity.
14Afterwardsyewereenragedagainst,andwouldhavekilled
yourprophets,MosesandAaron,whentheyfledtothe
tabernacle,andyewerealwaysmurmuringagainstGodand
hisprophets.
15Andarisingfromhisjudgmentseat,hewouldhavegone
out;buttheJewsallcriedout,WeacknowledgeCæsartobe
king,andnotJesus.
16Whereasthisperson,assoonashewasborn,thewisemen
cameandofferedgiftsuntohim;whichwhenHerodheard,he
wasexceedinglytroubled,andwouldhavekilledhim.
17Whenhisfatherknewthis,hefledwithhimandhismother
MaryintoEgypt.Herod,whenheheardhewasborn,would
haveslainhim;andaccordinglysentandslewallthechildren
whichwereinBethlehem,andinallthecoaststhereof,from
twoyearsoldandunder.
18WhenPilateheardthisaccount,hewasafraid;and
commandingsilenceamongthepeople,whomadeanoise,he
saidtoJesus,Artthouthereforeaking?
19AlltheJewsrepliedtoPilate,heistheverypersonwhom
Herodsoughttohaveslain.
20ThenPilatetakingwater,washedhishandsbeforethe
peopleandsaid,Iaminnocentofthebloodofthisjustperson;
lookyetoit.
21TheJewsansweredandsaid,Hisbloodbeuponusandour
children.
22ThenPilatecommandedJesustobebroughtbeforehim,
andspaketohiminthefollowingwords:
23Thyownnationhathchargedtheeasmakingthyselfaking;
whereforeI,Pilate,sentencetheetobewhippedaccordingto
thelawsofformergovernors;andthatthoubefirstbound,
thenhangeduponacrossinthatplacewherethouartnowa
prisoner;andalsotwocriminalswiththee,whosenamesare
DimasandGestas.
CHAPTER7
1ThenJesuswentoutofthehall,andthetwothieveswith
him.
2AndwhentheycametotheplacewhichiscalledGolgotha,
theystripthimofhisraiment,andgirthimaboutwithalinen
cloth,andputacrownofthornsuponhishead,andputareed
inhishand.
3Andinlikemannerdidtheytothetwothieveswhowere
crucifiedwithhim,DimasonhisrighthandandGestasonhis
left.
4ButJesussaid,MyFather,forgivethem;Fortheyknownot
whattheydo.
5Andtheydividedhisgarments,anduponhisvesturethey
castlots.
6Thepeopleinthemeantimestoodby,andthechiefpriests
andeldersoftheJewsmockedhim,saying,hesavedothers,
lethimnowsavehimselfifhecan;ifhebethesonofGod,let
himnowcomedownfromthecross.
7Thesoldiersalsomockedhim,andtakingvinegarandgall
offeredittohimtodrink,andsaidtohim,Ifthouartkingof
theJewsdeliverthyself.
8ThenLonginus,acertainsoldier,takingaspear,1pierced
hisside,andpresentlytherecameforthbloodandwater.
9AndPilatewrotethetitleuponthecrossinHebrew,Latin,
andGreekletters,viz.ThisisthekingoftheJews.
10ButoneofthetwothieveswhowerecrucifiedwithJesus,
whosenamewasGestas,saidtoJesus,IfthouarttheChrist,
deliverthyselfandus.
11Butthethiefwhowascrucifiedonhisrighthand,whose
namewasDimas,answering,rebukedhim,andsaid,Dostnot
thoufearGod,whoartcondemnedtothispunishment?We
indeedreceiverightlyandjustlythedemeritofouractions;
butthisJesus,whatevilhathhedone?
12Afterthisgroaning,hesaidtoJesus,Lord,rememberme
whenthoucomestintothykingdom.
13Jesusanswering,saidtohim,VerilyIsayuntothee,that
thisdaythoushaltbewithmeinParadise.
CHAPTER8
1Anditwasaboutthesixthhour,anddarknesswasuponthe
faceofthewholeearthuntiltheninthhour.
2Andwhilethesunwaseclipsed,beholdthevailofthe
templewasrentfromthetoptothebottom;andtherocksalso
wererent,andthegravesopened,andmanybodiesofsaints,
whichslept,arose.
3AndabouttheninthhourJesuscriedoutwithaloudvoice,
saying,Hely,Hely,lamazabacthani?whichbeinginterpreted,
is,MyGod,MyGod,whyhastthouforsakenme?
4Andafterthesethings,Jesussaid,Father,intothyhandsI
commendmyspirit;andhavingsaidthis,hegaveuptheghost.
5ButwhenthecenturionsawthatJesusthuscryingoutgave
uptheghost,heglorifiedGod,andsaid,Ofatruththiswasa
justman.

24. 6Andallthepeoplewhostoodby,wereexceedinglytroubled
atthesight;andreflectinguponwhathadpassed,smoteupon
theirbreasts,andthenreturnedtothecityofJerusalem.
7Thecenturionwenttothegovernor,andrelatedtohimall
thathadpassed;
8Andwhenhehadheardallthesethings,hewasexceeding
sorrowful;
9AndcallingtheJewstogether,saidtothem,Haveyeseen
themiracleofthesun'seclipse,andtheotherthingswhich
cametopass,whileJesuswasdying?
10WhichwhentheJewsheard,theyansweredtothegovernor,
Theeclipseofthesunhappenedaccordingtoitsusualcustom.
11ButallthosewhoweretheacquaintanceofChrist,stoodat
adistance,asdidthewomenwhohadfollowedJesusfrom
Galilee,observingallthesethings.
12AndbeholdacertainmanofArimathæa,namedJoseph,
whoalsowasadiscipleofJesus,butnotopenlyso,forfearof
theJews,cametothegovernor,andentreatedthegovernor
thathewouldgivehimleavetotakeawaythebodyofJesus
fromthecross.
13Andthegovernorgavehimleave.
14AndNicodemuscame,bringingwithhimamixtureof
myrrhandaloesaboutahundredpoundweight;andtheytook
downJesusfromthecrosswithtears,andboundhimwith
linenclothswithspices,accordingtothecustomofburying
amongtheJews,
15Andplacedhiminanewtomb,whichJosephhadbuilt,
andcausedtobecutoutofarock,inwhichneveranyman
hadbeenput;andtheyrolledagreatstonetothedoorofthe
sepulchre.
CHAPTER9
1WhentheunjustJewsheardthatJosephhadbeggedand
buriedthebodyofJesus,theysoughtafterNicodemus;and
thosefifteenmenwhohadtestifiedbeforetheGovernor,that
Jesuswasnotbornthroughfornication,andothergood
personswhohadshewnanygoodactionstowardshim.
2Butwhentheyallconcealedthemselvesthroughfearofthe
JewsNicodemusaloneshewedhimselftothem,andsaid,
Howcansuchpersonsastheseenterintothesynagogue?
3TheJewsansweredhim,Buthowdurstthouenterintothe
synagoguewhowastaconfederatewithChrist?Letthylotbe
alongwithhimintheotherworld.
4Nicodemusanswered,Amen;somayitbe,thatImayhave
mylotwithhiminhiskingdom.
5InlikemannerJoseph,whenhecametotheJews,saidto
themWhyareyeangrywithmefordesiringthebodyofJesus
ofPilate?Behold,Ihaveputhiminmytomb,andwrapped
himupincleanlinen,andputastoneatthedoorofthe
sepulchre:
6Ihaveactedrightlytowardshim;butyehaveactedunjustly
aghastthatjustperson,incrucifyinghim,givinghimvinegar
todrink,crowninghimwiththorns,tearinghisbodywith
whips,andprayeddowntheguiltofhisblooduponyou.
7TheJewsatthehearingofthisweredisquieted,andtroubled;
andtheyseizedJoseph,andcommandedhimtobeputin
custodybeforethesabbath,andkepttheretillthesabbathwas
over.
8Andtheysaidtohim,Makeconfession;foratthistimeitis
notlawfultodotheeanyharm,tillthefirstdayoftheweek
come.Butweknowthatthouwiltnotbethoughtworthyofa
burial;butwewillgivethyfleshtothebirdsoftheair,andthe
beastsoftheearth.
9Josephanswered,Thatspeechislikethespeechofproud
Goliath,whoreproachedthelivingGodinspeakingagainst
David.ButyescribesanddoctorsknowthatGodsaithbythe
prophet,Vengeanceismine,andIwillrepaytoyou1evil
equaltothatwhichyehavethreatenedtome.
10TheGodwhomyouhavehangeduponthecross,isableto
delivermeoutofyourhands.Allyourwickednesswillreturn
uponyou.
11Forthegovernor,whenhewashedhishands,said,Iam
clearfromthebloodofthisjustperson.Butyeansweredand
criedout,Hisbloodbeuponusandourchildren.According
asyehavesaid,mayyeperishforever.
12TheeldersoftheJewshearingthesewords,were
exceedinglyenraged;andseizingJoseph,theyputhimintoa
chamberwheretherewasnowindow;theyfastenedthedoor,
andputasealuponthelock;
13AndAnnasandCaiaphasplacedaguarduponit,andtook
counselwiththepriestsandLevites,thattheyshouldallmeet
afterthesabbath,andtheycontrivedtowhatdeaththeyshould
putJoseph.
14Whentheyhaddonethis,therulers,AnnasandCaiaphas,
orderedJosephtobebroughtforth.
CHAPTER10
1Whenalltheassemblyheardthis,theyadmiredandwere
astonished,becausetheyfoundthesamesealuponthelockof
thechamber,andcouldnotfindJoseph.
2ThenAnnasandCaiaphaswentforth,andwhiletheywere
alladmiringatJoseph'sbeinggone,beholdoneofthesoldiers,
whokeptthesepulchreofJesus,spakeintheassembly.
3ThatwhiletheywereguardingthesepulchreofJesus,there
wasanearthquake;andwesawanangelofGodrollawaythe
stoneofthesepulchreandsituponit;
4Andhiscountenancewaslikelightningandhisgarmentlike
snow;andwebecamethroughfearlikepersonsdead.
5Andweheardanangelsayingtothewomenatthesepulchre
ofJesus,Donotfear;IknowthatyouseekJesuswhowas
crucified;heisrisenasheforetold.
6Comeandseetheplacewherehewaslaid;andgopresently,
andtellhisdisciplesthatheisrisenfromthedead,andhewill
gobeforeyouintoGalilee;thereyeshallseehimashetold
you.
7ThentheJewscalledtogetherallthesoldierswhokeptthe
sepulchreofJesus,andsaidtothem,Whoarethosewomen,
towhomtheangelspoke?Whydidyenotseizethem?
8Thesoldiersansweredandsaid,Weknownotwhomthe
womenwere;besideswebecameasdeadpersonsthroughfear,
andhowcouldweseizethosewomen?
9TheJewssaidtothem,AstheLordlivethwedonotbelieve
you.
10ThesoldiersansweringsaidtotheJews,whenyesawand
heardJesusworkingsomanymiracles,anddidnotbelieve
him,howshouldyebelieveus?Yewellsaid,AstheLord
liveth,fortheLordtrulydoeslive.
11WehaveheardthatyeshutupJoseph,whoburiedthebody
ofJesus,inachamber,underalockwhichwassealed;and
whenyeopenedit,foundhimnotthere.
12DoyethenproduceJosephwhomyeputunderguardin
thechamber,andwewillproduceJesuswhomweguardedin
thesepulchre.
13TheJewsansweredandsaid,WewillproduceJoseph,do
yeproduceJesus.ButJosephisinhisowncityofArimathæa.
14Thesoldiersreplied,IfJosephbeinArimathæa,andJesus
inGalilee,weheardtheangelinformthewomen.
15TheJewshearingthis,wereafraid,andsaidamong
themselves,Ifbyanymeansthesethingsshouldbecome
public,theneverybodywillbelieveinJesus.

25. 16Thentheygatheredalargesumofmoney,andgaveitto
thesoldiers,saying,Doyetellthepeoplethatthedisciplesof
Jesuscameinthenightwhenyewereasleepandstoleaway
thebodyofJesus;andifPilatethegovernorshouldhearof
this,wewillsatisfyhimandsecureyou.
17Thesoldiersaccordinglytookthemoney,andsaidasthey
wereinstructedbytheJews;andtheirreportwasspread
abroadamongthepeople.
18ButacertainpriestPhinees,Adaaschoolmaster,anda
Levite,namedAgeus,theythreecamefromGalileeto
Jerusalem,andtoldthechiefpriestsandallwhowereinthe
synagogues,saying,
19WehaveseenJesus,whomyecrucified,talkingwithhis
elevendisciples,andsittinginthemidstoftheminMount
Olivet,andsayingtothem,
20Goforthintothewholeworld,preachtheGospeltoall
nations,baptizingtheminthenameoftheFather,andtheSon,
andtheHolyGhost;andwhosoevershallbelieveandbe
baptized,shallbesaved.
21Andwhenhehadsaidthesethingstohisdisciples,wesaw
himascendinguptoheaven.
22Whenthechiefpriests,andelders,andLevitesheardthese
things,theysaidtothesethreemen,GiveglorytotheGodof
Israel,andmakeconfessiontohim,whetherthosethingsare
true,whichyesayyehaveseenandheard.
23Theyansweringsaid,AstheLordofourfathersliveth,the
GodofAbraham,andtheGodofIsaac,andtheGodofJacob,
accordingasweheardJesustalkingwithhisdisciples,and
accordingaswesawhimascendinguptoheaven,sowehave
relatedthetruthtoyou.
24Andthethreemenfartheranswered,andsaid,addingthese
words,IfweshouldnotownthewordswhichweheardJesus
speak,andthatwesawhimascendingintoheaven,weshould
beguiltyofsin.
25Thenthechiefpriestsimmediatelyroseup,andholdingthe
bookofthelawintheirhands,conjuredthesemen,saying,Ye
shallnomorehereafterdeclarethosethingswhichyehave
spokeconcerningJesus.
26Andtheygavethemalargesumofmoney,andsentother
personsalongwiththem,whoshouldconductthemtotheir
owncountry,thattheymightnotbyanymeansmakeanystay
atJerusalem.
27ThentheJewsdidassemblealltogether,andhaving
expressedthemostlamentableconcern,said,Whatisthis
extraordinarythingwhichiscometopassinJerusalem?
28ButAnnasandCaiaphascomfortedthem,saying,Why
shouldwebelievethesoldierswhoguardedthesepulchreof
Jesus,intellingus,thatanangelrolledawaythestonefrom
thedoorofthesepulchre?
29Perhapshisowndisciplestoldthemthis,andgavethem
moneythattheyshouldsayso,andtheythemselvestookaway
thebodyofJesus.
30Besides,considerthis,thatthereisnocredittobegivento
foreigners,becausetheyalsotookalargesumofus,andthey
havedeclaredtousaccordingtotheinstructionswhichwe
gavethem.Theymusteitherbefaithfultous,ortothe
disciplesofJesus.
CHAPTER11
1ThenNicodemusarose,andsaid,Yesayright,Osonsof
Israel,yehaveheardwhatthosethreemenhaveswornbythe
LawofGod,whosaid,WehaveseenJesusspeakingwithhis
disciplesuponMountOlivet,andwesawhimascendingupto
heaven.
2AndthescriptureteachethusthattheblessedprophetElijah
wastakenuptoheaven;andElishabeingaskedbythesonsof
theprophets,WhereisourfatherElijah?Hesaidtothem,that
heistakenuptoheaven.
3Andthesonsoftheprophetssaidtohim,Perhapsthespirit
hathcarriedhimintooneofthemountainsofIsrael,there
perhapsweshallfindhim.AndtheybesoughtElisha,andhe
walkedaboutwiththemthreedays,andtheycouldnotfind
him.
4Andnowhearme,OsonsofIsrael,andletussendmeninto
themountainsofIsrael,lestperhapsthespirithathcarried
awayJesus,andthereperhapsweshallfindhim,andbe
satisfied.
5AndthecounselofNicodemuspleasedallthepeople;and
theysentforthmenwhosoughtforJesus,butcouldnotfind
him:andtheyreturning,said,Wewentallabout,butcould
notfindJesus,butwehavefoundJosephinhiscityof
Arimathæa.
6Therulershearingthis,andallthepeople,wereglad,and
praisedtheGodofIsrael,becauseJosephwasfound,whom
theyhadshutupinachamber,andcouldnotfind.
7Andwhentheyhadformedalargeassembly,thechief
priestssaid,BywhatmeansshallwebringJosephtousto
speakwithhim?
8Andtakingapieceofpaper,theywrotetohim,andsaid,
Peacebewiththee,andallthyfamily.Weknowthatwehave
offendedagainstGodandthee.Bepleasedtogiveavisittous
yourfathers,forwewereperfectlysurprisedatyourescape
fromprison.
9Weknowthatitwasmaliciouscounselwhichwetook
againstthee,andthattheLordtookcareofthee,andtheLord
himselfdeliveredtheefromourdesigns.Peacebeuntothee,
Joseph,whoarthonourableamongallthepeople.
10AndtheychosesevenofJoseph'sfriends,andsaidtothem,
WhenyecometoJoseph,salutehiminpeace,andgivehim
thisletter.
11Accordingly,whenthemencametoJoseph,theydidsalute
himinpeace,andgavehimtheletter.
12AndwhenJosephhadreadit,hesaid,BlessedbetheLord
God,whodidstdelivermefromtheIsraelites,thattheycould
notshedmyblood.BlessedbeGod,whohasprotectedme
underthywings.
13AndJosephkissedthem,andtookthemintohishouse.
Andonthemorrow,Josephmountedhisass,andwentalong
withthemtoJerusalem.
14AndwhenalltheJewsheardthesethings,theywentoutto
meethim,andcriedout,saying,Peaceattendthycoming
hither,fatherJoseph.
15Towhichheanswered,ProsperityfromtheLordattendall
thepeople.
16Andtheyallkissedhim;andNicodemustookhimtohis
house,havingpreparedalargeentertainment.
17Butonthemorrow,beingapreparation-day,Annas,and
Caiaphas,andNicodemus,saidtoJoseph,Makeconfessionto
theGodofIsrael,andanswertousallthosequestionswhich
weshallaskthee;
18Forwehavebeenverymuchtroubled,thatthoudidstbury
thebodyofJesus;andthat'whenwehadlockedtheeina
chamber,wecouldnotfindthee;andwehavebeenafraidever
since,tillthistimeofthyappearingamongus.Tellus
thereforebeforeGod,allthatcametopass.
19ThenJosephanswering,said,Yedidindeedputmeunder
confinement,onthedayofpreparation,tillthemorning.
20ButwhileIwasstandingatprayerinthemiddleofthe
night,thehousewassurroundedwithfourangels;andIsaw

26. Jesusasthebrightnessofthesun,andfelldownuponthe
earthforfear.
21ButJesuslayingholdonmyhand,liftedmefromthe
ground,andthedewwasthensprinkleduponme;buthe,
wipingmyface,kissedme,andsaiduntome,Fearnot,Joseph;
lookuponme,foritisI.
22ThenIlookeduponhim,andsaid,RabboniElias!He
answeredme,IamnotElias,butJesusofNazareth,whose
bodythoudidstbury.
23Isaidtohim,ShewmethetombinwhichIlaidthee.
24ThenJesus,takingmebythehand,ledmeuntotheplace
whereIlaidhim,andshewedmethelinenclothes,andnapkin
whichIputroundhishead.ThenIknewthatitwasJesus,and
worshippedhim,andsaid,Blessedbehewhocomethinthe
nameoftheLord.
25Jesusagaintakingmebythehand,ledmetoArimathæato
myownhouse,andsaidtome,Peacebetothee;butgonot
outofthyhousetillthefortiethday;butImustgotomy
disciples.
CHAPTER12
1Whenthechiefpriestsandheardallthesethings,theywere
astonished,andfelldownwiththeirfacesonthegroundas
deadmen,andcryingouttooneanothersaid,Whatisthis
extraordinarysignwhichiscometopassinJerusalem?We
knowthefatherandmotherofJesus.
2AndacertainLevitesaid,Iknowmanyofhisrelations,
religiouspersons,whoarewonttooffersacrificesandburnt-
offeringstotheGodofIsrael,inthetemple,withprayers.
3AndwhenthehighpriestSimeontookhimupinhisarms.
hesaidtohim,Lord,nowlettestthouthyservantdepartin
peace,accordingtothyword;formineeyeshaveseenthy
salvation,whichthouhastpreparedbeforethefaceofall
people:alighttoenlightentheGentiles,andthegloryofthy
peopleIsrael.
4SimeoninlikemannerblessedMarythemotherofJesus,
andsaidtoher,Ideclaretotheeconcerningthatchild;Heis
appointedforthefallandrisingagainofmany,andforasign
whichshallbespokenagainst.
5Yea,aswordshallpiercethroughthineownsoulalso,and
thethoughtsofmanyheartsshallberevealed.
6ThensaidalltheJews,Letussendtothosethreemen,who
saidtheysawhimtalkingwithhisdisciplesinMountOlivet.
7Afterthis,theyaskedthemwhattheyhadseen;who
answeredwithoneaccord,InthepresenceoftheGodofIsrael
weaffirm,thatweplainlysawJesustalkingwithhisdisciples
inMountOlivet,andascendinguptoheaven.
8ThenAnnasandCaiaphastookthemintoseparateplaces,
andexaminedthemseparately;whounanimouslyconfessed
thetruth,andsaid,theyhadseenJesus.
9ThenAnnasandCaiaphassaid"Ourlawsaith,Bythemouth
oftwoorthreewitnesseseverywordshallbeestablished."
10Butwhathavewesaid?TheblessedEnochpleasedGod,
andwastranslatedbythewordofGod;andtheburying-place
oftheblessedMosesisknown.
11ButJesuswasdeliveredtoPilate,whipped,crownedwith
thorns,spitupon,piercedwithaspear,crucified,diedupon
thecross,andwasburied,andhisbodythehonorableJoseph
buriedinanewsepulchre,andhetestifiesthathesawhim
alive.
12Andbesidesthesemenhavedeclared,thattheysawhim
talkingwithhisdisciplesinMountOlivet,andascendingup
toheaven.
13ThenJosephrisingup.saidtoAnnasandCaiaphas,Ye
maybejustlyunderagreatsurprise,thatyouhavebeentold,
thatJesusisalive,andgoneuptoheaven.
14Itisindeedathingreallysurprising,thatheshouldnot
onlyhimselfarisefromthedead,butalsoraiseothersfrom
theirgraves,whohavebeenseenbymanyinJerusalem.
15Andnowhearmealittle:WeallknewtheblessedSimeon,
thehigh-priest,whotookJesuswhenaninfantintohisarmsin
thetemple.
16ThissameSimeonhadtwosonsofhisown,andwewere
allpresentattheirdeathandfuneral.
17Gothereforeandseetheirtombs,fortheseareopen,and
theyarerisen:andbehold,theyareinthecityofArimathæa,
spendingtheirtimetogetherinofficesofdevotion.
18Some,indeed,haveheardthesoundoftheirvoicesin
prayer,buttheywillnotdiscoursewithanyone,butthey
continueasmuteasdeadmen.
19Butcome,letusgotothem,andbehaveourselvestowards
themwithallduerespectandcaution.Andifwecanbring
themtoswear,perhapstheywilltellussomeofthemysteries
oftheirresurrection.
20WhentheJewsheardthis,theywereexceedinglyrejoiced.
21ThenAnnasandCaiaphas,Nicodemus,Joseph,and
Gamaliel,wenttoArimathæa,butdidnotfindthemintheir
graves;butwalkingaboutthecity,theyboundthemontheir
bendedkneesattheirdevotions:
22ThensalutingthemwithallrespectanddeferencetoGod,
theybroughtthemtothesynagogueatJerusalem:andhaving
shutthegates,theytookthebookofthelawoftheLord,
23Andputtingitintheirhands,sworethembyGodAdonai,
andtheGodofIsrael,whospaketoourfathersbythelawand
theprophets,saying,Ifyebelievehimwhoraisedyoufrom
thedead,tobeJesus,telluswhatyehaveseen,andhowye
wereraisedfromthedead.
24CharinusandLenthius,thetwosonsofSimeon,trembled
whentheyheardthesethings,andweredisturbed,and
groaned;andatthesametimelookinguptoheaven,they
madethesignofthecrosswiththeirfingersontheirtongues.
25Andimmediatelytheyspake,andsaid,Giveeachofus
somepaper,andwewillwritedownforyouallthosethings
whichwehaveseen.Andtheyeachsatdownandwrote,
saying,
CHAPTER13
1OLORDJesusandFather,whoartGod,alsothe
resurrectionandlifeofthedead,giveusleavetodeclarethy
mysteries,whichwesawafterdeath,belongingtothycross;
forweareswornbythyname.
2Forthouhastforbidthyservantstodeclarethesecretthings,
whichwerewroughtbythydivinepowerinhell.
3Whenwewereplacedwithourfathersinthedepthofhell,
intheblacknessofdarkness,onasuddenthereappearedthe
colourofthesunlikegold,andasubstantialpurple-coloured
lightenlighteningtheplace.
4Presentlyuponthis,Adam,thefatherofallmankind,with
allthepatriarchsandprophets,rejoicedandsaid,Thatlightis
theauthorofeverlastinglight,whohathpromisedtotranslate
ustoeverlastinglight.
5ThenIsaiahtheprophetcriedout,andsaid,Thisisthelight
oftheFather,andtheSonofGod,accordingtomyprophecy,
whenIwasaliveuponearth.
6ThelandofZabulon,andthelandofNephthalimbeyond
Jordan,apeoplewhowalkedindarkness,sawagreatlight;
andtothemwhodwelledintheregionoftheshadowofdeath,

27. lightisarisen.Andnowheiscome,andhathenlightenedus
whosatindeath.
7Andwhilewewereallrejoicinginthelightwhichshone
uponus,ourfatherSimeoncameamongus,and
congratulatingallthecompany,said,GlorifytheLordJesus
ChristtheSonofGod.
8WhomItookupinmyarmswhenaninfantinthetemple,
andbeingmovedbytheHolyGhost,saidtohim,and
acknowledged,1Thatnowmineeyeshaveseenthysalvation,
whichthouhastpreparedbeforethefaceofallpeople,alight
toenlightentheGentilesandthegloryofthypeopleIsrael.
9Allthesaintswhowereinthedepthofhell,hearingthis,
rejoicedthemore.
10Afterwardstherecameforthonelikealittlehermit,and
wasaskedbyeveryone,Whoartthou?
11Towhichhereplied,Iamthevoiceofonecryinginthe
wilderness,JohntheBaptist,andtheprophetoftheMostHigh,
whowentbeforehiscomingtopreparehisway,togivethe
knowledgeofsalvationtohispeoplefortheforgivenessof
sins.
12AndIJohn,whenIsawJesuscomingtome,beingmoved
bytheHolyGhost,Isaid,BeholdtheLambofGod,behold
himwhotakesawaythesinsoftheworld.
13AndIbaptizedhimintheriverJordan,andsawtheHoly
Ghostdescendinguponhimintheformofadove,andhearda
voicefromheaven,saying,ThisismybelovedSon,inwhom
Iamwellpleased.
14AndnowwhileIwasgoingbeforehim,Icamedown
hithertoacquaintyou,thattheSonofGodwillnextvisitus,
and,astheday-springfromonhigh,willcometous,whoare
indarknessandtheshadowofdeath.
CHAPTER14
1ButwhenthefirstmanourfatherAdamheardthesethings,
thatJesuswasbaptizedinJordan,hecalledouttohisson,
Seth,andsaid,
2Declaretoyoursons,thepatriarchsandprophets,allthose
things,whichthoudidsthearfromMichael,thearchangel,
whenIsenttheetothegatesofParadise,toentreatGodthat
hewouldanointmyheadwhenIwassick.
3ThenSeth,comingneartothepatriarchsandprophets,said,
ISeth,whenIwasprayingtoGodatthegatesofParadise,
beheldtheangeloftheLord,Michaelappearuntomesaying,
IamsentuntotheefromtheLord;Iamappointedtopreside
overhumanbodies.
4ItelltheeSeth,donotpraytoGodintears,andentreathim
fortheoilofthetreeofmercywherewithtoanointthyfather
Adamforhishead-ache;
5Becausethoucanstnotbyanymeansobtainittillthelast
dayandtimes,namely,tillfivethousandandfivehundred
yearsbepast.
6ThenwillChrist,themostmercifulSonofGod,comeon
earthtoraiseagainthehumanbodyofAdam,andatthesame
timetoraisethebodiesofthedead,andwhenhecomethhe
willbebaptizedinJordan:
7Thenwiththeoilofhismercyhewillanointallthosewho
believeonhim;andtheoilofhismercywillcontinueto
futuregenerations,forthosewhoshallbebornofthewater
andtheHolyGhostuntoeternallife.
8AndwhenatthattimethemostmercifulSonofGod,Christ
Jesus,shallcomedownonearth,hewillintroduceourfather
AdamintoParadise,tothetreeofmercy.
9Whenallthepatriarchsandprophetsheardallthesethings
fromSeth,theyrejoicedmore.
CHAPTER15
1Whileallthesaintswerevvrejoicing,beholdSatan,the
princeandcaptainofdeath,saidtotheprinceofhell,
2PreparetoreceiveJesusofNazarethhimself,whoboasted
thathewastheSonofGod,andyetwasamanafraidofdeath,
andsaid,Mysoulissorrowfuleventodeath.
3Besideshedidmanyinjuriestomeandtomanyothers;for
thosewhomImadeblindandlameandthosealsowhomI
tormentedwithseveraldevils,hecuredbyhisword;yea,and
thosewhomIbroughtdeadtothee,hebyforcetakesaway
fromthee.
4TothistheprinceofhellrepliedtoSatan,Whoisthatso-
powerfulprince,andyetamanwhoisafraidofdeath?
5Forallthepotentatesoftheeartharesubjecttomypower,
whomthoubroughtesttosubjectionbythypower.
6Butifbebesopowerfulinhishumannature,Iaffirmto
theefortruth,thatheisalmightyinhisdivinenature,andno
mancanresisthispower.
7Whenthereforehesaidbewasafraidofdeath,hedesigned
toensnarethee,andunhappyitwillbetotheeforeverlasting
ages.
8ThenSatanreplying,saidtotheprinceofhell,Whydidst
thouexpressadoubt,andwastafraidtoreceivethatJesusof
Nazareth,boththyadversaryandmine?
9Asforme,Itemptedhimandstirredupmyoldpeoplethe
Jewswithzealandangeragainsthim?
10Isharpenedthespearforhissuffering;Imixedthegalland
vinegar,andcommandedthatheshoulddrinkit;Iprepared
thecrosstocrucifyhim,andthenailstopiercethroughIbis
handsandfeet;andnowhisdeathisnearathand,Iwillbring
himhither,subjectbothtotheeandme.
11Thentheprinceofhellanswering,said,Thousaidsttome
justnow,thathetookawaythedeadfrommebyforce.
12Theywhohavebeenkeptheretilltheyshouldliveagain
uponearth,weretakenawayhence,notbytheirownpower,
butbyprayersmadetoGod,andtheiralmightyGodtook
themfromme.
13WhothenisthatJesusofNazareththatbyhiswordhath
takenawaythedeadfrommewithoutprayertoGod?
14PerhapsitisthesamewhotookawayfrommeLazarus,
afterhehadbeenfourdaysdead,anddidbothstinkandwas
rotten,andofwhomIhadpossessionasadeadperson,yethe
broughthimtolifeagainbyhispower.
15Satananswering,repliedtotheprinceofhell,Itisthevery
sameperson,JesusofNazareth.
16Whichwhentheprinceofhellheard,hesaidtohim,I
adjuretheebythepowerswhichbelongtotheeandme,that
thoubringhimnottome.
17ForwhenIheardofthepowerofhisword,Itrembledfor
fear,andallmyimpiouscompanywereatthesametime
disturbed;
18AndwewerenotabletodetainLazarus,buthegave
himselfashake,andwithallthesignsofmalice,he
immediatelywentawayfromus;andtheveryearth,inwhich
thedeadbodyofLazaruswaslodged,presentlyturnedhim
outalive.
19AndIknownowthatheisAlmightyGodwhocould
performsuchthings,whoismightyinhisdominion,and
mightyinhishumannature,whoistheSaviourofmankind.
20Bringnotthereforethispersonhither,forhewillsetat
libertyallthosewhomIholdinprisonunderunbelief,and
boundwiththefettersoftheirsins,andwillconductthemto
everlastinglife.

28. CHAPTER16
1AndwhileSatanandtheprinceofhellwerediscoursing
thustoeachother,onasuddentherewasavoiceasofthunder
andtherushingofwinds,saying,Liftupyourgates,Oye
princes;andbeyeliftup,Oeverlastinggates,andtheKingof
Gloryshallcomein.
2Whentheprinceofhellheardthis,hesaidtoSatan,Depart
fromme,andbegoneoutofmyhabitations;ifthouarta
powerfulwarrior,fightwiththeKingofGlory.Butwhathast
thoutodowithhim?
3Andhecasthimforthfromhishabitations.
4Andtheprincesaidtohisimpiousofficers,Shutthebrass
gatesofcruelty,andmakethemfastwithironbars,andfight
courageously,lestwebetakencaptives.
5Butwhenallthecompanyofthesaintsheardthistheyspake
withaloudvoiceofangertotheprinceofhell:
6OpenthygatesthattheKingofGlorymaycomein.
7AndthedivineprophetDavid,criedoutsaying,DidnotI
whenonearthtrulyprophesyandsay,Othatmenwould
praisetheLordforhisgoodness,andforhiswonderfulworks
tothechildrenofmen.
8Forhehathbrokenthegatesofbrass,andcutthebarsof
ironinsunder.Hehathtakenthembecauseoftheiriniquity,
andbecauseoftheirunrighteousnesstheyareafflicted.
9Afterthisanotherprophet,namely,holyIsaiah,spakeinlike
mannertoallthesaints,didnotIrightlyprophesytoyou
whenIwasaliveonearth?
10Thedeadmenshalllive,andtheyshallriseagainwhoare
intheirgraves,andtheyshallrejoicewhoareinearth;forthe
dewwhichisfromtheLordshallbringdeliverancetothem.
11AndIsaidinanotherplace,Odeath,whereisthyvictory?
Odeath,whereisthysting?
12WhenallthesaintsheardthesethingsspokenbyIsaiah,
theysaidtotheprinceofhell,Opennowthygates,andtake
awaythineironbars;forthouwiltnowbebound,andhaveno
power.
13Thentherewasagreatvoice,asofthesoundofthunder
saying,Liftupyourgates,Oprinces;andbeyeliftedup,ye
gatesofhell,andtheKingofGlorywillenterin.
14Theprinceofhellperceivingthesamevoicerepeated,
criedoutasthoughhehadbeenignorant,WhoisthatKingof
Glory?
15Davidrepliedtotheprinceofhell,andsaid,Iunderstand
thewordsofthatvoice,becauseIspakethembyhisspirit.
Andnow,asIhaveabovesaid,Isayuntothee,theLord
strongandpowerful,theLordmightyinbattle:heistheKing
ofGlory,andheistheLordinheavenandinearth;
16Hehathlookeddowntohearthegroansoftheprisoners,
andtosetloosethosethatareappointedtodeath.
17Andnow,thoufilthyandstinkingprinceofhell,openthy
gates,thattheKingofGlorymayenterin;forheistheLord
ofheavenandearth.
18WhileDavidwassayingthis,themightyLordappearedin
theformofaman,andenlightenedthoseplaceswhichhad
everbeforebeenindarkness,
19Andbrokeasunderthefetterswhichbeforecouldnotbe
broken;andwithhisinvinciblepowervisitedthosewhosate
inthedeepdarknessbyiniquity,andtheshadowofdeathby
sin.
CHAPTER17
1ImpiousDeathandhercruelofficershearingthesethings,
wereseizedwithfearintheirseveralkingdoms,whenthey
sawtheclearnessofthelight,
2AndChristhimselfonasuddenappearingintheir
habitations;theycriedouttherefore,andsaid,Wearebound
bythee;thouseemesttointendourconfusionbeforetheLord.
3Whoartthou,whohastnosignofcorruption,butthatbright
appearancewhichisafullproofofthygreatness,ofwhichyet
thouseemesttotakenonotice?
4Whoartthou,sopowerfulandsoweak,sogreatandsolittle,
ameanandyetasoldierofthefirstrank,whocancommand
intheformofaservantasacommonsoldier?
5TheKingofGlory,deadandalive,thoughonceslainupon
thecross?
6Wholayestdeadinthegrave,andartcomedownalivetous,
andinthydeathallthecreaturestrembled,andallthestars
weremoved,andnowhastthouthylibertyamongthedead,
andgivestdisturbancetoourlegions?
7Whoartthou,whodostreleasethecaptivesthatwereheld
inchainsbyoriginalsin,andbringestthemintotheirformer
liberty
8Whoartthou,whodostspreadsogloriousanddivinealight
overthosewhoweremadeblindbythedarknessofsin?
9Inlikemannerallthelegionsofdevilswereseizedwiththe
likehorror,andwiththemostsubmissivefearcriedout,and
said,
10Whencecomesit,OthouJesusChrist,thatthouartaman
sopowerfulandgloriousinmajesty,sobrightastohaveno
spot,andsopureastohavenocrime?Forthatlowerworldof
earth,whichwasevertillnowsubjecttous,andfromwhence
wereceivedtribute,neversentussuchadeadmanbefore,
neversentsuchpresentsasthesetotheprincesofhell.
11Whothereforeartthou,whowithsuchcourageenterest
amongourabodes,andartnotonlynotafraidtothreatenus
withthegreatestpunishments,butalsoendeavouresttorescue
allothersfromthechainsinwhichweholdthem?
12PerhapsthouartthatJesus,ofwhomSatanjustnowspoke
toourprince,thatbythedeathofthecrossthouwertaboutto
receivethepowerofdeath.
13ThentheKingofGlorytramplingupondeath,seizedthe
princeofhell,deprivedhimofallhispower,andtookour
earthlyfatherAdamwithhimtohisglory.
CHAPTER18
1ThentheprinceofhelltookSatan,andwithgreatindication
saidtohim,Othouprinceofdestruction,authorof
Beelzebub'sdefeatandbanishment,thescornofGod'sangels
andloathedbyallrighteouspersons!Whatinclinedtheetoact
thus?
2ThouwouldstcrucifytheKingofGlory,andbyhis
destruction,hastmadeuspromisesofverylargeadvantages,
butasafoolwertignorantofwhatthouwastabout.
3ForbeholdnowthatJesusofNazareth,withthebrightness
ofhisgloriousdivinity,putstoflightallthehorridpowersof
darknessanddeath;
4Hehasbrokedownourprisonsfromtoptobottom,
dismissedallthecaptives,releasedallwhowerebound,and
allwhowerewontformerlytogroanundertheweightoftheir
tormentshavenowinsultedus,andweareliketobedefeated
bytheirprayers.
5Ourimpiousdominionsaresubdued,andnopartof
mankindisnowleftinoursubjection,butontheotherhand,
theyallboldlydefyus;
6Though,before,thedeadneverdurstbehavethemselves
insolentlytowardsus,nor,beingprisoners,couldeveronany
occasionbemerry.
7OSatan,thouprinceofallthewicked,fatheroftheimpious
andabandoned,whywouldestthouattemptthisexploit,

29. seeingourprisonerswerehithertoalwayswithouttheleast
hopesofsalvationandlife?
8Butnowthereisnotoneofthemdoesevergroan,noris
theretheleastappearanceofatearinanyoftheirfaces.
9OprinceSatan,thougreatkeeperoftheinfernalregions,all
thyadvantageswhichthoudidstacquirebytheforbiddentree,
andthelossofParadise,thouhastnowlostbythewoodofthe
cross;
10Andthyhappinessallthenexpired,whenthoudidst
crucifyJesusChristtheKingofGlory.
11Thouhastactedagainstthineowninterestandmine,as
thouwiltpresentlyperceivebythoselargetormentsand
infinitepunishmentswhichthouartabouttosuffer.
12OSatan,princeofallevil,authorofdeath,andsourceof
allpride,thoushouldestfirsthaveinquiredintotheevil
crimesofJesusofNazareth,andthenthouwouldesthave
foundthathewasguiltyofnofaultworthyofdeath.
13Whydidstthouventure,withouteitherreasonorjustice,to
crucifyhim,andhastbroughtdowntoourregionsaperson
innocentandrighteous,andtherebyhastlostallthesinners,
impiousandunrighteouspersonsinthewholeworld?
14WhiletheprinceofhellwasthusspeakingtoSatan,the
KingofGlorysaidtoBeelzebub,theprinceofhell,Satan,the
princeshallbesubjecttothydominionforever,intheroom
ofAdamandhisrighteoussons,whoaremine.
CHAPTER19
1ThenJesusstretchedforthhishand,andsaid,Cometome,
allyemysaints,whowerecreatedinmyimage,whowere
condemnedbythetreeofforbiddenfruit,andbythedeviland
death;
2Livenowbythewoodofmycross;thedevil,theprinceof
thisworld,isovercome,anddeathisconquered.
3Thenpresentlyallthesaintswerejoinedtogetherunderthe
handofthemosthighGod;andtheLordJesuslaidholdon
Adam'shandandsaidtohim,Peacebetothee,andallthy
righteousposterity,whichismine.
4ThenAdam,castinghimselfatthefeetofJesus,addressed
himselftohim,withtears,inhumblelanguage,andaloud
voice,saying,
5Iwillextolthee,OLord,forthouhastliftedmeup,andhast
notmademyfoestorejoiceoverme.OLordmyGod,Icried
untothee,andthouhasthealedme.
6OLordthouhastbroughtupmysoulfromthegrave;thou
hastkeptmealive,thatIshouldnotgodowntothepit.
7SinguntotheLord,allyesaintsofhis,andgivethanksat
theremembranceofhisholiness.Forhisangerendurethbut
foramoment;inhisfavourislife.
8Inlikemannerallthesaints,prostrateatthefeetofJesus,
saidwithonevoice,Thouartcome,ORedeemeroftheworld,
andhastactuallyaccomplishedallthings,whichthoudidst
foretellbythelawandthyholyprophets.
9Thouhastredeemedthelivingbythycross,andartcome
downtous,thatbythedeathofthecrossthoumightest
deliverusfromhell,andbythypowerfromdeath.
10O,Lord,asthouhastputtheensignsofthygloryinheaven,
andhastsetupthesignofthyredemption,eventhycrosson
earth!so,Lord,setthesignofthevictoryofthycrossinhell,
thatdeathmayhavedominionnolonger.
11ThentheLordstretchingforthhishand,madethesignof
thecrossuponAdam,anduponallhissaints.
12AndtakingholdofAdambyhisrighthand,heascended
fromhell,andallthesaintsofGodfollowedhim.
13ThentheroyalprophetDavidboldlycried,andsaid,1O
singuntotheLordanewsong,forhehathdonemarvellous
things;hisrighthandandhisholyarmhavegottenhimthe
victory.
14TheLordhathmadeknownhissalvation,hisrighteousness
hathheopenlyshewninthesightoftheheathen.
15Andthewholemultitudeofsaintsanswered,saying,This
honourhaveallhissaints,Amen,PraiseyetheLord.
16Afterwards,theprophetHabakkuk3criedout,andsaid,
Thouwentestforthforthesalvationofthypeople,evenfor
thesalvationofthypeople.
17Andallthesaintssaid,4Blessedishewhocomethinthe
nameoftheLord;fortheLordhathenlightenedus.Thisisour
Godforeverandever;heshallreignoverustoeverlasting
ages,Amen.
18Inlikemanneralltheprophetsspakethesacredthingsof
hispraise,andfollowedtheLord.
CHAPTER20
1ThentheLordholdingAdambythehand,deliveredhimto
Michaelthearchangel;andheledthemintoParadise,filled
withmercyandglory;
2Andtwoveryancientmenmetthem,andwereaskedbythe
saints,Whoareye,whohavenotyetbeenwithusinhell,and
havehadyourbodiesplacedinParadise?
3Oneofthemanswering,said,IamEnoch,whowas
translatedbythewordofGod:andthismanwhoiswithme,
isElijahtheTishbite,whowastranslatedinafierychariot.
4Herewehavehithertobeen,andhavenottasteddeath,but
arenowabouttoreturnatthecomingofAntichrist,being
armedwithdivinesignsandmiracles,toengagewithhimin
battle,andtobeslainbyhimatJerusalem,andtobetakenup
aliveagainintotheclouds,afterthreedaysandahalf.
5AndwhiletheholyEnochandEliaswererelatingthis,
beholdtherecameanothermaninamiserablefigurecarrying
thesignofthecrossuponhisshoulders.
6Andwhenallthesaintssawhim,theysaidtohim,Whoart
thou?Forthycountenanceislikeathief's;andwhydostthou
carryacrossuponthyshoulders?
7Towhichheanswering,said,Yesayright,forIwasathief
whocommittedallsortsofwickednessuponearth.
8AndtheJewscrucifiedmewithJesus;andIobservedthe
surprisingthingswhichhappenedinthecreationatthe
crucifixionoftheLordJesus.
9AndIbelievedhimtobetheCreatorofallthings,andthe
AlmightyKing;andIprayedtohim,saying,Lord,remember
me,whenthoucomestintothykingdom.
10Hepresentlyregardedmysupplication,andsaidtome,
VerilyIsayuntothee,thisdaythoushaltbewithmein
Paradise.
11Andhegavemethissignofthecrosssaying,Carrythis,
andgotoParadise;andiftheangelwhoistheguardof
Paradisewillnotadmitthee,shewhimthesignofthecross,
andsayuntohim:JesusChristwhoisnowcrucified,hathsent
mehithertothee.
12WhenIdidthis,andtoldtheangelwhoistheguardof
Paradiseallthesethings,andheheardthem,hepresently
openedthegates,introducedme,andplacedmeontheright-
handinParadise,
13Saying,Stayherealittletime,tillAdam,thefatherofall
mankind,shallenterin,withallhissons,whoaretheholyand
righteousservantsofJesusChrist,whowascrucified.
14Whentheyheardallthisaccountfromthethief,allthe
patriarchssaidwithonevoice,Blessedbethou,OAlmighty
God,theFatherofeverlastinggoodness,andtheFatherof
mercies,whohastshewnsuchfavourtothosewhowere
sinnersagainsthim,andhastbroughtthemtothemercyof

30. Paradise,andhastplacedthemamidstthylargeandspiritual
provisions,inaspiritualandholylife.Amen.
CHAPTER21
1Thesearethedivineandsacredmysterieswhichwesawand
heard.I,CharinusandLenthiusarenotallowedtodeclarethe
othermysteriesofGod,asthearchangelMichaelorderedus,
2Saying,yeshallgowithmybrethrentoJerusalem,andshall
continueinprayers,declaringandglorifyingtheresurrection
ofJesusChrist,seeinghehathraisedyoufromthedeadatthe
sametimewithhimself.
3Andyeshallnottalkwithanyman,butsitasdumbpersons
tillthetimecomewhentheLordwillallowyoutorelatethe
mysteriesofhisdivinity.
4ThearchangelMichaelfarthercommandedustogobeyond
Jordan,toanexcellentandfatcountry,wheretherearemany
whorosefromthedeadalongwithusfortheproofofthe
resurrectionofChrist.
5Forwehaveonlythreedaysallowedusfromthedead,who
arosetocelebratethepassoverofourLordwithourparents,
andtobearourtestimonyforChristtheLord,andwehave
beenbaptizedintheholyriverofJordan.Andnowtheyare
notseenbyanyone.
6ThisisasmuchasGodallowedustorelatetoyou;giveye
thereforepraiseandhonourtohim,andrepent,andhewill
havemercyuponyou.PeacebetoyoufromtheLordGod
JesusChrist,andtheSaviourofusall.Amen,Amen,Amen.
7Andaftertheyhadmadeanendofwritingandhadwrotein
twodistinctpiecesofpaper,Charinusgavewhathewroteinto
thehandsofAnnas,andCaiaphas,andGamaliel.
8Lenthiuslikewisegavewhathewroteintothehandsof
NicodemusandJoseph;andimmediatelytheywerechanged
intoexceedingwhiteformsandwereseennomore.
9Butwhattheyhadwrotewasfoundperfectlytoagree,the
onenotcontainingonelettermoreorlessthantheother.
10WhenalltheassemblyoftheJewsheardallthese
surprisingrelationsofCharinusandLenthius,theysaidto
eachother,TrulyallthesethingswerewroughtbyGod,and
blessedbetheLordJesusforeverandever,Amen.
11Andtheywentaboutwithgreatconcern,andfear,and
trembling,andsmoteupontheirbreastsandwentawayevery
onetohishome.
12Butimmediatelyallthesethingswhichwererelatedbythe
JewsintheirsynagoguesconcerningJesus,werepresently
toldbyJosephandNicodemustothegovernor.
13AndPilatewrotedownallthesetransactions,andplaced
alltheseaccountsinthepublicrecordsofhishall.
CHAPTER22
1AfterthesethingsPilatewenttothetempleoftheJews,and
calledtogetheralltherulersandscribes,anddoctorsofthe
law,andwentwiththemintoachapelofthetemple.
2Andcommandingthatallthegatesshouldbeshut,saidto
them,Ihaveheardthatyehaveacertainlargebookinthis
temple;Idesireyoutherefore,thatitmaybebroughtbefore
me.
3Andwhenthegreatbook,carriedbyfourministersofthe
temple,andadornedwithgoldandpreciousstones,was
brought,Pilatesaidtothemall,IadjureyoubytheGodof
yourFathers,whomadeandcommandedthistempletobe
built,thatyeconcealnotthetruthfromme.
4Yeknowallthethingswhicharewritteninthatbook;tell
methereforenow,ifyeintheScriptureshavefoundanything
ofthatJesuswhomyecrucified,andatwhattimeoftheworld
heoughttohavecome:shewitme.
5ThenhavingswornAnnasandCaiaphas,theycommanded
alltherestwhowerewiththemtogooutofthechapel.
6Andtheyshutthegatesofthetempleandofthechapel,and
saidtoPilate,Thouhastmadeustoswear,Ojudge,bythe
buildingofthistemple,todeclaretotheethatwhichistrue
andright.
7AfterwehadcrucifiedJesus,notknowingthathewasthe
SonofGod,butsupposinghewroughthismiraclesbysome
magicalarts,wesummonedalargeassemblyinthistemple.
8Andwhenweweredeliberatingamongoneanotherabout
themiracleswhichJesushadwrought,wefoundmany
witnessesofourowncountry,whodeclaredthattheyhadseen
himaliveafterhisdeath,andthattheyheardhimdiscoursing
withhisdisciples,andsawhimascendinguntotheheightof
theheavens,andenteringintothem;
9Andwesawtwowitnesses,whosebodiesJesusraisedfrom
thedead,whotoldusofmanystrangethingswhichJesusdid
amongthedead,ofwhichwehaveawrittenaccountinour
hands.
10Anditisourcustomannuallytoopenthisholybook
beforeanassembly,andtosearchthereforthecounselofGod.
11Andwefoundinthefirstoftheseventybooks,where
MichaelthearchangelisspeakingtothethirdsonofAdam
thefirstman,anaccountthatafterfivethousandfivehundred
years,ChristthemostbelovedSonofGodwascomeonearth,
12Andwefurtherconsidered,thatperhapshewasthevery
GodofIsraelwhospoketoMoses,Thoushaltmakethearkof
thetestimony;twocubitsandahalfshallbethelengththereof,
andacubitandahalfthebreadththereof,andacubitanda
halftheheightthereof.
13Bythesefivecubitsandahalfforthebuildingofthearkof
theOldTestament,weperceivedandknewthatinfive
thousandyearsandahalf(onethousand)years,JesusChrist
wastocomeinthearkortabernacleofabody;
14AndsoourscripturestestifythatheisthesonofGod,and
theLordandKingofIsrael.
15Andbecauseafterhissuffering,ourchiefpriestswere
surprisedatthesignswhichwerewroughtbyhismeans,we
openedthatbooktosearchallthegenerationsdowntothe
generationofJosephandMarythemotherofJesus,supposing
himtobeoftheseedofDavid;
16Andwefoundtheaccountofthecreation,andatwhattime
hemadetheheavenandtheearthandthefirstmanAdam,and
thatfromthencetotheflood,weretwothousand,twohundred
andtwelveyears.
17AndfromthefloodtoAbraham,ninehundredandtwelve.
AndfromAbrahamtoMoses,fourhundredandthirty.And
fromMosestoDavidtheking,fivehundredandten.
18AndfromDavidtotheBabylonishcaptivity,fivehundred
years.AndfromtheBabylonishcaptivitytotheincarnationof
Christ,fourhundredyears.
19Thesumofallwhichamountstofivethousandandhalf(a
thousand).
20Andsoitappears,thatJesuswhomwecrucified,isJesus
ChristtheSonofGod,andtrueandAlmightyGod.Amen.

32. ItisaffirmedbyAmbrose"thatthetwelveApostles,asskilfulartificersassembled
together,andmadeakeybytheircommonadvice,thatis,theCreed;bywhichthe
darknessofthedevilisdisclosed,thatthelightofChristmayappear."Othersfable
thateveryApostleinsertedanarticle,bywhichthecreedisdividedintotwelvearticles;
andasermon,fathereduponSt.Austin,andquotedbytheLordChancellorKing,
fabricatesthateachparticulararticlewasthusinsertedbyeachparticularApostle.
Peter.—1.IbelieveinGodtheFatherAlmighty;
John.—2.Makerofheavenandearth;
James.—3.AndinJesusChristhisonlySon,ourLord;
Andrew.—4.WhowasconceivedbytheHolyGhost,bornoftheVirginMary;
Philip.—5.SufferedunderPontiusPilate,wascrucified,deadandburied;
Thomas.—6.Hedescendedintohell,thethirddayheroseagainfromthedead;
Bartholomew.—7.Heascendedintoheaven,sittethattherighthandofGodtheFather
Almighty;
Matthew.—8.Fromthenceheshallcometojudgethequickandthedead;
James,thesonofAlpheus.—9.IbelieveintheHolyGhost,theholyCatholicChurch;
SimonZelotes.—10.Thecommunionofsaints,theforgivenessofsins;
JudethebrotherofJames.—11.Theresurrectionofthebody;
Matthias.—12.Lifeeverlasting.Amen.
"Beforetheyear600,itwasnomorethanthis."—Mr.JusticeBailey
1IBelieveinGodtheFatherAlmighty:
2AndinJesusChristhisonlybegottenSon,ourLord;
3WhowasbornoftheHolyGhostandVirginMary,
4AndwascrucifiedunderPontiusPilate,andwasburied;
5Andthethirddayroseagainfromthedead.
6Ascendedintoheaven,sittethontherighthandoftheFather;
7Whenceheshallcometojudgethequickandthedead;
8AndintheHolyGhost;
9TheHolyChurch;
10Theremissionofsins;
11Andtheresurrectionoftheflesh,Amen.
AsitstandsinthebookofCommonPrayeroftheUnitedChurchofEnglandand
Irelandasbylawestablished.
1IBelieveinGodtheFatherAlmighty,makerofheavenandearth:
2AndinJesusChristhisonlySon,ourLord:
3WhowasconceivedbytheHolyGhost,bornoftheVirginMary,
4SufferedunderPontiusPilate,wascrucified,deadandburied;
5Hedescendedintohell;
6Thethirddayheroseagainfromthedead;
7Heascendedintoheaven,andsittethontherighthandofGodtheFatherAlmighty;
8Fromthenceheshallcometojudgethequickandthedead.
9IbelieveintheHolyGhost;
10TheholyCatholicChurch;thecommunionofsaints;
11Theforgivenessofsins;
12Theresurrectionofthebodyandthelifeeverlasting,Amen.

33. TheEpistleofPaultheApostletotheLaodiceans
CHAPTER1
1PaulanApostle,notofmen,neitherbyman,butbyJesusChrist,tothe
brethrenwhichareatLaodicea.
2Gracebetoyou,andPeace,fromGodtheFatherandourLordJesusChrist.
3IthankChristineveryprayerofmine,thatyemaycontinueandperseverein
goodworkslookingforthatwhichispromisedinthedayofjudgment.
4Letnotthevainspeechesofanytroubleyouwhopervertthetruth,thatthey
maydrawyouasidefromthetruthoftheGospelwhichIhavepreached.
5AndnowmayGodgrant,thatmyconvertsmayattaintoaperfectknowledge
ofthetruthoftheGospel,bebeneficent,anddoinggoodworkswhich
accompanysalvation.
6Andnowmybonds,whichIsufferinChrist,aremanifest,inwhichIrejoice
andamglad.
7ForIknowthatthisshallturntomysalvationforever,whichshallbethrough
yourprayer,andthesupplyoftheHolySpirit.
8WhetherIliveordie;fortometoliveshallbealifetoChrist,todiewillbejoy.
9AndourLordwillgrantushismercy,thatyemayhavethesamelove,andbe
like-minded.
10Wherefore,mybeloved,asyehaveheardofthecomingoftheLord,sothink
andactinfear,anditshallbetoyoulifeeternal;
11ForitisGodwhoworkethinyou;
12Anddoallthingswithoutsin.
13Andwhatisbest,mybeloved,rejoiceintheLordJesusChrist,andavoidall
filthylucre.
14LetallyourrequestsbemadeknowntoGod,andbesteadyinthedoctrineof
Christ.
15Andwhatsoeverthingsaresoundandtrue,andofgoodreport,andchaste,and
just,andlovely,thesethingsdo.
16Thosethingswhichyehaveheard,andreceived,thinkonthesethings,and
peaceshallbewithyou.
17Allthesaintssaluteyou.
18ThegraceofourLordJesusChristbewithyourspirit.Amen.
19CausethisEpistletobereadtotheColossians,andtheEpistleofthe
Colossianstobereadamongyou.

34. TheEpistlesofPaul
theApostletoSeneca,
withSeneca'stoPaul
CHAPTER1
AnnæusSenecatoPaulGreeting.
1Isuppose,Paul,youhavebeeninformedofthat
conversation,whichpassedyesterdaybetweenmeandmy
Lucilius,concerninghypocrisyandothersubjects;forthere
weresomeofyourdisciplesincompanywithus;
2ForwhenwewereretiredintotheSallustiangardens,
throughwhichtheywerealsopassing,andwouldhavegone
anotherway,byourpersuasiontheyjoinedcompanywithus.
3Idesireyoutobelieve,thatwemuchwishforyour
conversation:
4WeweremuchdelightedwithyourbookofmanyEpistles,
whichyouhavewrotetosomecitiesandchieftownsof
provinces,andcontainwonderfulinstructionsformoral
conduct:
5Suchsentiments,asIsupposeyouwerenottheauthorof,
butonlytheinstrumentofconveying,thoughsometimesboth
theauthorandtheinstrument.
6Forsuchisthesublimityofthosedoctrines,andtheir
grandeur,thatIsupposetheageofamanisscarcesufficient
tobeinstructedandperfectedintheknowledgeofthem.I
wishyourwelfare,mybrother.Farewell.
CHAPTER2
PaultoSenecaGreeting.
1Ireceivedyourletteryesterdaywithpleasure:towhichI
couldimmediatelyhavewroteananswer,hadtheyoungman
beenathome,whomIintendedtohavesenttoyou:
2Foryouknowwhen,andbywhom,atwhatseasons,andto
whomImustdelivereverythingwhichIsend.
3Idesirethereforeyouwouldnotchargemewithnegligence,
ifIwaitforaproperperson.
4Ireckonmyselfveryhappyinhavingthejudgmentofso
valuableaperson,thatyouaredelightedwithmyEpistles:
5Foryouwouldnotbeesteemedacensor,aphilosopher,or
bethetutorofsogreataprince,andamasterofeverything,if
youwerenotsincere.Iwishyoualastingprosperity.
CHAPTER3
AnnæusSenecatoPaulGreeting.
1Ihavecompletedsomevolumes,anddividedthemintotheir
properparts.
2IamdeterminedtoreadthemtoCæsar,andifany
favourableopportunityhappens,youalsoshallbepresent,
whentheyareread;
3Butifthatcannotbe,Iwillappointandgiveyounoticeofa
day,whenwewilltogetherreadovertheperformance.
4Ihaddetermined,ifIcouldwithsafety,firsttohaveyour
opinionofit,beforeIpublishedittoCæsar,thatyoumightbe
convincedofmyaffectiontoyou.Farewell,dearestPaul.
CHAPTER4
PaultoSenecaGreeting.
1AsoftenasIreadyourletters,Iimagineyoupresentwith
me;norindeeddoIthinkanyother,thanthatyouarealways
withus.
2Assoonthereforeasyoubegintocome,weshallpresently
seeeachother.Iwishyouallprosperity.
CHAPTER5
AnnæusSenecatoPaulGreeting.
1Weareverymuchconcernedatyourtoolongabsencefrom
us.
2Whatisit,orwhataffairsarethey,whichobstructyour
coming?
3IfyoufeartheangerofCæsar,becauseyouhaveabandoned
yourformerreligion,andmadeproselytesalsoofothers,you
havethistoplead,thatyouractingthusproceedednotfrom
inconstancy,butjudgment.Farewell.
CHAPTER6
PaultoSenecaandLuciliusGreeting.
1Concerningthosethingsaboutwhichyewrotetomeitis
notproperformetomentionanythinginwritingwithpenand
ink:theoneofwhichleavesmarks,andtheotherevidently
declaresthings.
2EspeciallysinceIknowthattherearenearyou,aswellas
me,thosewhowillunderstandmymeaning.
3Deferenceistobepaidtoallmen,andsomuchthemore,as
theyaremorelikelytotakeoccasionsofquarrelling.
4Andifweshowasubmissivetemper,weshallovercome
effectuallyinallpoints,ifsobetheyare,whoarecapableof
seeingandacknowledgingthemselvestohavebeeninthe
wrong.Farewell.
CHAPTER7
AnnæusSenecatoPaulGreeting.
1Iprofessmyselfextremelypleasedwiththereadingyour
letterstotheGalatians,Corinthians,andpeopleofAchaia.
2FortheHolyGhosthasinthembyyoudeliveredthose
sentimentswhichareverylofty,sublime,deservingofall
respect,andbeyondyourowninvention.
3Icouldwishtherefore,thatwhenyouarewritingthingsso
extraordinary,theremightnotbewantinganelegancyof
speechagreeabletotheirmajesty.
4AndImustownmybrother,thatImaynotatonce
dishonestlyconcealanythingfromyou,andbeunfaithfulto
myownconscience,thattheemperorisextremelypleased
withthesentimentsofyourEpistles;
5Forwhenheheardthebeginningofthemread,hedeclared,
Thathewassurprisedtofindsuchnotionsinaperson,who
hadnothadaregulareducation.
6TowhichIreplied,ThattheGodssometimesmadeuseof
meaninnocentpersonstospeakby,andgavehimaninstance
ofthisinameancountryman,namedVatienus,who,whenhe
wasinthecountryofReate,hadtwomenappearedtohim,
calledCastorandPollux,andreceivedarevelationfromthe
gods.Farewell.
CHAPTER8
PaultoSenecaGreeting.
1AlthoughIknowtheemperorisbothanadmirerand
favourerofourreligion,yetgivemeleavetoadviseyou
againstyoursufferinganyinjury,byshewingfavourtous.
2Ithinkindeedyouventureduponaverydangerousattempt,
whenyouwoulddeclaretotheemperorthatwhichissovery
contrarytohisreligion,andwayofworship;seeingheisa
worshipperoftheheathengods.
3Iknownotwhatyouparticularlyhadinview,whenyoutold
himofthis;butIsupposeyoudiditoutoftoogreatrespect
forme.

35. 4ButIdesirethatforthefutureyouwouldnotdoso;foryou
hadneedbecareful,lestbyshewingyouraffectionforme,
youshouldoffendyourmaster:
5Hisangerindeedwilldousnoharm,ifhecontinuea
heathen;norwillhisnotbeingangrybeofanyservicetous:
6Andiftheempressactworthyofhercharacter,shewillnot
beangry;butifsheactsasawoman,shewillbeaffronted.
Farewell.
CHAPTER9
AnnæusSenecatoPaulGreeting.
1Iknowthatmyletter,whereinIacquaintedyou,thatIhad
readtotheEmperoryourEpistles,doesnotsomuchaffectof
asthenatureofthethingscontainedinthem,
2Whichdosopowerfullydivertmen'smindsfromtheir
formermannersandpractices,thatIhavealwaysbeen
surprised,andhavebeenfullyconvincedofitbymany
argumentsheretofore.
3Letusthereforebeginafresh;andifanythingheretoforehas
beenimprudentlyacted,doyouforgive.
4Ihavesentyouabookdecopiaverborum.Farewell,dearest
Paul.
CHAPTER10
PaultoSenecaGreeting.
1AsoftenasIwritetoyou,andplacemynamebeforeyours,
Idoathingbothdisagreeabletomyself;andcontrarytoour
religion:
2ForIought,asIhaveoftendeclared,tobecomeallthingsto
allmen,andtohavethatregardtoyourquality,whichthe
Romanlawhashonouredallsenatorswith;namely,toputmy
namelastintheinscriptionoftheEpistle,thatImaynotat
lengthwithuneasinessandshamebeobligedtodothatwhich
itwasalwaysmyinclinationtodo.Farewell,mostrespected
master.DatedthefifthofthecalendsofJuly,inthefourth
consulshipofNero,andMessala.
CHAPTER11
AnnæusSenecatoPaulGreeting.
1Allhappinesstoyou,mydearestPaul.
2Ifapersonsogreat,andeverywayagreeableasyouare,
becomenotonlyacommon,butamostintimatefriendtome,
howhappywillbethecaseofSeneca!
3Youtherefore,whoaresoeminent,andsofarexaltedabove
all,eventhegreatest,donotthinkyourselfunfittobefirst
namedintheinscriptionofanEpistle;
4LestIshouldsuspectyouintendnotsomuchtotryme,asto
banterme;foryouknowyourselftobeaRomancitizen.
5AndIcouldwishtobeinthatcircumstanceorstationwhich
youare,andthatyouwereinthesamethatIam.Farewell,
dearestPaul.DatedthexthofthecalendsofApril,inthe
consulshipofAprianusandCapito.
CHAPTER12
AnnæusSenecatoPaulGreeting.
1Allhappinesstoyou,mydearestPaul.DoyounotsupposeI
amextremelyconcernedandgrievedthatyourinnocence
shouldbringyouintosufferings?
2AndthatallthepeopleshouldsupposeyouChristiansso
criminal,andimagineallthemisfortunesthathappentothe
city,tobecausedbyyou?
3Butletusbearthechargewithapatienttemper,appealing
forourinnocencetothecourtabove,whichistheonlyone
ourhardfortunewillallowustoaddressto,tillatlengthour
misfortunesshallendinunalterablehappiness.
4FormerageshaveproducedtyrantsAlexanderthesonof
Philip,andDionysius;oursalsohasproducedCaiusCæsar;
whoseinclinationsweretheironlylaws.
5AstothefrequentburningsofthecityofRome,thecauseis
manifest;andifapersoninmymeancircumstancesmightbe
allowedtospeak,andonemightdeclarethesedarkthings
withoutdanger,everyoneshouldseethewholeofthematter.
6TheChristiansandJewsareindeedcommonlypunishedfor
thecrimeofburningthecity;butthatimpiousmiscreant,who
delightsinmurdersandbutcheries,anddisguiseshisvillanies
withlies,isappointedto,orreservedtill,hispropertime.
7Andasthelifeofeveryexcellentpersonisnowsacrificed
insteadofthatonepersonwhoistheauthorofthemischief,so
thisoneshallbesacrificedformany,andheshallbedevoted
tobeburntwithfireinsteadofall.
8Onehundredandthirty-twohouses,andfourwholesquares
orislandswereburntdowninsixdays:theseventhputanend
totheburning.Iwishyouallhappiness.
9DatedthefifthofthecalendsofApril,intheconsulshipof
FrigiusandBassus.
CHAPTER13
AnnæusSenecatoPaulGreeting.
1Allhappinesstoyou,mydearestPaul.
2Youhavewrotemanyvolumesinanallegoricaland
mysticalstyle,andthereforesuchmightymattersandbusiness
beingcommittedtoyou,requirenottobesetoffwithany
rhetoricalflourishesofspeech,butonlywithsomeproper
elegance.
3Irememberyouoftensay,thatmanybyaffectingsucha
styledoinjurytotheirsubjects,andlosetheforceofthe
matterstheytreatof.
4ButinthisIdesireyoutoregardme,namely,tohave
respecttotrueLatin,andtochoosejustwords,thatsoyou
maythebettermanagethenobletrustwhichisreposedinyou.
5Farewell.DatedvthofthenamesofJuly,LeoandSavinus
consuls.
CHAPTER14
PaultoSenecaGreeting.
1Yourseriousconsiderationrequitedwiththesediscoveries,
whichtheDivineBeinghasgrantedbuttofew.
2IamtherebyassuredthatIsowthemoststrongseedina
fertilesoil,notanythingmaterial,whichissubjectto
corruption,butthedurablewordofGod,whichshallincrease
andbringforthfruittoeternity.
3Thatwhichbyyourwisdomyouhaveattainedto,shall
abidewithoutdecayforever.
4BelievethatyououghttoavoidthesuperstitionsofJewsand
Gentiles.
5Thethingswhichyouhaveinsomemeasurearrivedto,
prudentlymakeknowntotheemperor,hisfamily,andto
faithfulfriends;
6Andthoughyoursentimentswillseemdisagreeable,andnot
becomprehendedbythem,seeingmostofthemwillnot
regardyourdiscourses,yettheWordofGodonceinfusedinto
them,willatlengthmakethembecomenewmen,aspiring
towardsGod.
7FarewellSeneca,whoartmostdeartous.Datedonthe
CalendsofAugust,intheconsulshipofLeoandSavinus.

36. TheActsof
PaulandThecla
CHAPTER1
1WhenPaulwentuptoIconium,afterhisflightfromAntioch,
DemasandHermogenesbecamehiscompanions,whowerethen
fullofhypocrisy.
2ButPaullookingonlyatthegoodnessofGod,didthemno
harm,butlovedthemgreatly.
3Accordinglyheendeavouredtomakeagreeabletothem,allthe
oraclesanddoctrinesofChrist,andthedesignoftheGospelof
God'swell-belovedSon,instructingthemintheknowledgeof
Christ,asitwasrevealedtohim.
4AndacertainmannamedOnesiphorus,hearingthatPaulwas
cometoIconium,wentoutspeedilytomeethim,togetherwith
hiswifeLectra,andhissonsSimmiaandZeno,toinvitehimto
theirhouse.
5ForTitushadgiventhemadescriptionofPaul'spersonage,
theyasyetnotknowinghiminperson,butonlybeingacquainted
withhischaracter.
6Theywentintheking'shighwaytoLystra,andstoodthere
waitingforhim,comparingallwhopassedby,withthat
descriptionwhichTitushadgiventhem.
7Atlengththeysawamancoming(namelyPaul),ofalow
stature,bald(orshaved)onthehead,crookedthighs,handsome
legs,hollow-eyed;hadacrookednose;fullofgrace;for
sometimesheappearedasaman,sometimeshehadthe
countenanceofanangel.AndPaulsawOnesiphorus,andwas
glad.
8AndOnesiphorussaid:Hail,thouservantoftheblessedGod.
Paulreplied,ThegraceofGodbewiththeeandthyfamily.
9ButDemosandHermogenesweremovedwithenvy,and,under
ashowofgreatreligion,Demassaid,Andarenotwealso
servantsoftheblessedGod?Whydidstthounotsaluteus?
10Onesiphorusreplied,BecauseIhavenotperceivedin,youthe
fruitsofrighteousness;nevertheless,ifyeareofthatsort,yeshall
bewelcometomyhousealso.
11ThenPaulwentintothehouseofOnesiphorus,andtherewas
greatjoyamongthefamilyonthataccount:andtheyemployed
themselvesinprayer,breakingofbread,andhearingPaulpreach
thewordofGodconcerningtemperanceandtheresurrection,in
thefollowingmanner:
12Blessedarethepureinheart;fortheyshallseeGod.
13Blessedaretheywhokeeptheirfleshundefiled(orpure);for
theyshallbethetempleofGod.
14Blessedarethetemperate(orchaste);forGodwillreveal
himselftothem.
15Blessedaretheywhoabandontheirsecularenjoyments;for
theyshallbeacceptedofGod.
16Blessedaretheywhohavewives,asthoughtheyhadthemnot;
fortheyshallbemadeangelsofGod.
17BlessedaretheywhotrembleatthewordofGod;forthey
shallbecomforted.
18Blessedaretheywhokeeptheirbaptismpure;fortheyshall
findpeacewiththeFather,Son,andHolyGhost.
19Blessedaretheywhopursuethewisdom(ordoctrine)ofJesus
Christ;fortheyshallbecalledthesonsoftheMostHigh.
20BlessedaretheywhoobservetheinstructionsofJesusChrist;
fortheyshalldwellineternallight.
21Blessedarethey,whofortheloveofChristabandonthe
gloriesoftheworld;fortheyshalljudgeangels,andbeplacedat
therighthandofChrist,andshallnotsufferthebitternessofthe
lastjudgment.
22Blessedarethebodiesandsoulsofvirgins;fortheyare
acceptabletoGod,andshallnotlosetherewardoftheirvirginity;
forthewordoftheir(heavenly)Fathershallproveeffectualto
theirsalvationinthedayofhisSon,andtheyshallenjoyrestfor
evermore.
CHAPTER2
1WhilePaulwaspreachthissermoninthechurchwhichwasin
thehouseofOnesiphorus,acertainvirgin,namedThecla(whose
mother'snamewasTheoclia,andwhowasbetrothedtoaman
namedThamyris)satatacertainwindowinherhouse.
2Fromwhence,bytheadvantageofawindowinthehouse
wherePaulwas,shebothnightanddayheardPaul'ssermons
concerningGod,concerningcharity,concerningfaithinChrist,
andconcerningprayer;
3Norwouldshedepartfromthewindow,tillwithexceedingjoy
shewassubduedtothedoctrinesoffaith.
4Atlength,whenshesawmanywomenandvirginsgoinginto
Paul,sheearnestlydesiredthatshemightbethoughtworthyto
appearinhispresence,andhearthewordofChrist;forshehad
notyetseenPaul'sperson,butonlyheardhissermons,andthat
alone.
5Butwhenshewouldnotbeprevailedupontodepartfromthe
window,hermothersenttoThamyris,whocamewiththe
greatestpleasure,ashopingnowtomarryher.Accordinglyhe
saidtoTheoclia,WhereismyThecla?
6Theocliareplied,Thamyris,Ihavesomethingverystrangeto
tellyou;forThecla,forthespaceofthreedays,willnotmove
fromthewindownotsomuchastoeatordrink,butissointentin
hearingtheartfulanddelusivediscoursesofacertainforeigner,
thatIperfectlyadmire,Thamyris,thatayoungwomanofher
knownmodesty,willsufferherselftobesoprevailedupon.
7ForthatmanhasdisturbedthewholecityofIconium,andeven
yourThecla,amongothers,Allthewomenandyoungmenflock
tohimtoreceivehisdoctrine;who,besidesalltherest,tellsthem
thatthereisbutoneGod,whoaloneistobeworshipped,andthat
weoughttoliveinchastity.
8Notwithstandingthis,mydaughterThecla,likeaspider'sweb
fastenedtothewindow,iscaptivatedbythediscoursesofPaul,
andattendsuponthemwithprodigiouseagerness,andvast
delight;andthus,byattendingonwhathesays,theyoungwoman
isseduced.Nowthendoyougo,andspeaktoher,forsheis
betrothedtoyou.
9AccordinglyThamyriswent,andhavingsalutedher,andtaking
carenottosurpriseher,hesaid,Thecla,myspouse,whysittest
thouinthismelancholyposture?Whatstrangeimpressionsare
madeuponthee?TurntoThamyris,andblush.
10Hermotheralsospaketoherafterthesamemanner,andsaid,
Child,whydostthousitsomelancholy,and,likeoneastonished,
makestnoreply?
11Thentheyweptexceedingly,Thamyria,thathehadlosthis
spouse;Theoclia,thatshehadlostherdaughter;andthemaids,
thattheyhadlosttheirmistress;andtherewasanuniversal
mourninginthefamily.
12ButallthesethingsmadenoimpressionuponThecla,soasto
inclinehersomuchastoturntothem,andtakenoticeofthem;
forshestillregardedthediscoursesofPaul.
13ThenThamyrisranforthintothestreettoobservewhothey
werewhowentintoPaul,andcameoutfromhim;andhesaw
twomenengagedinaverywarmdispute,andsaidtothem;
14Sirs,whatbusinesshaveyouhere?andwhoisthatmanwithin,
belongingtoyou,whodeludesthemindsofmen,bothyoung
menandvirgins,persuadingthem,thattheyoughtnottomarry,
butcontinueastheyare?
15Ipromisetogiveyouaconsiderablesum,ifyouwillgiveme
ajustaccountofhim;forIamthechiefpersonofthiscity.
16DemasandHermogenesreplied,Wecannotsoexactlytell
whoheis;butthisweknow,thathedeprivesyoungmenoftheir
(intended)wives,andvirginsoftheir(intended)husbands,by

37. teaching,Therecanbenofutureresurrection,unlessyecontinue
inchastity,anddonotdefileyourflesh.
CHAPTER3
1ThensaidThamyris,Comealongwithmetomyhouse,and
refreshyourselves.Sotheywenttoaverysplendidentertainment,
wheretherewaswineinabundance,andveryrichprovision.
2Theywerebroughttoatablerichlyspread,andmadetodrink
plentifullybyThamyris,onaccountofthelovehehadforThecla
andhisdesiretomarryher.
3ThenThamyrissaid,Idesireyewouldinformmewhatthe
doctrinesofthisPaulare,thatImayunderstandthem;forIam
undernosmallconcernaboutThecla,seeingshesodelightsin
thatstranger'sdiscourses,thatIamindangeroflosingmy
intendedwife.
4ThenDemasandHermogenesansweredbothtogether,andsaid,
LethimbebroughtbeforethegovernorCastellius,asonewho
endeavourstopersuadethepeopleintothenewreligionofthe
Christians,andhe,accordingtotheorderofCæsar,willputhim
todeath,bywhichmeansyouwillobtainyourwife;
5Whileweatthesametimewillteachher,thattheresurrection
whichhespeaksofisalreadycome,andconsistsinourhaving
children;andthatwethenaroseagain,whenwecametothe
knowledgeofGod.
6Thamyrishavingthisaccountfromthem,wasfilledwithhot
resentment:
7Andrisingearlyinthemorninghewenttothehouseof
Onesiphorus,attendedbythemagistrates,thejailor,andagreat
multitudeofpeoplewithstaves,andsaidtoPaul;
8ThouhastpervertedthecityofIconium,andamongtherest,
Thecla,whoisbetrothedtome,sothatnowshewillnotmarry
me.ThoushaltthereforegowithustothegovernorCastellius.
9Andallthemultitudecriedout,Awaywiththis
impostor(magician),forhehaspervertedthemindsofourwives,
andallthepeoplehearkentohim.
CHAPTER4
1ThenThamyrisstandingbeforethegovernor'sjudgment-seat,
spakewithaloudvoiceinthefollowingmanner.
2Ogovernor,Iknownotwhencethismancometh;butheisone
whoteachesthatmatrimonyisunlawful.Commandhimtherefore
todeclarebeforeyouforwhatreasonhepublishessuchdoctrines.
3Whilehewassayingthus,DemasandHermogenes(whispered
toThamyris,and)said;SaythatheisaChristian,andhewill
presentlybeputtodeath.
4Butthegovernorwasmoredeliberate,andcallingtoPaul,he
said,Whoartthou?Whatdostthouteach?Theyseemtolay
grosscrimestothycharge.
5Paulthenspakewithaloudvoice,saying,AsIamnowcalled
togiveanaccount,Ogovernor,ofmydoctrines,Idesireyour
audience.
6ThatGod,whoisaGodofvengeance,andwhostandsinneed
ofnothingbutthesalvationofhiscreatures,hassentmeto
reclaimthemfromtheirwickednessandcorruptions,fromall
(sinful)pleasures,andfromdeath;andtopersuadethemtosinno
more.
7Onthisaccount,GodsenthisSonJesusChrist,whomIpreach,
andinwhomIinstructmentoplacetheirhopesasthatlperson
whoonlyhadsuchcompassiononthedeludedworld,thatit
mightnot,Ogovernor,becondemned,buthavefaith,thefearof
God,theknowledgeofreligion,andtheloveoftruth.
8SothatifIonlyteachthosethingswhichIhavereceivedby
revelationfromGod,whereismycrime?
9Whenthegovernorheardthis,heorderedPaultobebound,and
tobeputinprison,tillheshouldbemoreatleisuretohearhim
morefully.
10Butinthenight,Theclatakingoffherear-rings,gavethemto
theturnkeyoftheprison,whothenopenedthedoorstoher,and
letherin;
11Andwhenshemadeapresentofasilverlooking-glasstothe
jailor,wasallowedtogointotheroomwherePaulwas;thenshe
satdownathisfeet,andheardfromhimthegreatthingsofGod.
12AndassheperceivedPaulnottobeafraidofsuffering,but
thatbydivineassistancehebehavedhimselfwithcourage,her
faithsofarincreasedthatshekissedhischains.
CHAPTER5
1AtlengthTheclawasmissed,andsoughtforbythefamilyand
byThamyrisineverystreet,asthoughshehadbeenlost,butone
oftheporter'sfellow-servantstoldthem,thatshehadgoneoutin
thenight-time.
2Thentheyexaminedtheporter,andhetoldthem,thatshewas
gonetotheprisontothestrangeman.
3Theywentthereforeaccordingtohisdirection,andtherefound
her;andwhentheycameout,theygotamobtogether,andwent
andtoldthegovernorallthathappened.
4UponwhichheorderedPaultobebroughtbeforehisjudgment
seat.
5Theclainthemeantimelaywallowingonthegroundinthe
prison,inthatsameplacewherePaulhadsattoteachher;upon
whichthegovernoralsoorderedhertobebroughtbeforehis
judgment-seat;whichsummonsshereceivedwithjoy,andwent.
6WhenPaulwasbroughtthither,themobwithmorevehemence
criedout,Heisamagician,lethimdie.
7NeverthelessthegovernorattendedwithpleasureuponPaul's
discoursesoftheholyworksofChrist;and,afteracouncilcalled,
hesummonedThecla,andsaidtoher,Whydoyounot,according
tothelawoftheIconians,marryThamyris?
8Shestoodstill,withhereyesfixeduponPaul;andfindingshe
madenoreply,Theoclia,hermother,criedout,saying,Letthe
unjustcreaturebeburnt;letherbeburntinthemidstofthe
theatre,forrefusingThamyris,thatallwomenmaylearnfromher
toavoidsuchpractices.
9Thenthegovernorwasexceedinglyconcerned,andordered
Paultobewhiptoutofthecity,andTheclatobeburnt.
10Sothegovernorarose,andwentimmediatelyintothetheatre;
andallthepeoplewentforthtoseethedismalsight.
11ButThecla,justasalambinthewildernesslookseveryway
toseehisshepherd,lookedaroundforPaul;
12Andasshewaslookinguponthemultitude,shesawtheLord
JesusinthelikenessofPaul,andsaidtoherself,Pauliscometo
seemeinmydistressedcircumstances.Andshefixedhereyes
uponhim;butheinstantlyascendeduptoheaven,whileshe
lookedonhim.
13Thentheyoungmenandwomenbroughtwoodandstrawfor
theburningofThecla;who,beingbroughtnakedtothestake,
extortedtearsfromthegovernor,withsurprisebeholdingthe
greatnessofherbeauty.
14Andwhentheyhadplacedthewoodinorder,thepeople
commandedhertogouponit;whichshedid,firstmakingthe
signofthecross.
15Thenthepeoplesetfiretothepile;thoughtheflamewas
exceedinglarge,itdidnottouchher,forGodtookcompassionon
her,andcausedagreateruptionfromtheearthbeneath,anda
cloudfromabovetopourdowngreatquantitiesofrainandhail;
16Insomuchthatbytheruptureoftheearth,verymanywerein
greatdanger,andsomewerekilled,thefirewasextinguished,
andTheclapreserved.
CHAPTER6
1InthemeantimePaul,togetherwithOnesiphorus,hiswifeand
children,waskeepingafastinacertaincave,whichwasinthe
roadfromIconiumtoDaphne.

38. 2Andwhentheyhadfastedforseveraldays,thechildrensaidto
Paul,Father,wearehungry,andhavenotwherewithaltobuy
bread;forOnesiphorushadleftallhissubstancetofollowPaul
withhisfamily.
1.EntrancetotheconfinesofHell.
2.Charoninhisbark.
3.TheMinotaurroaringattheapproachofcondemnedsouls.
4.Soulsagitatedbytheimpurebreathofevilspirits.
5.Cerberusdevouringthesoulsofgourmands.
6.Theavariciousandprodigalcondemnedtocarryburdens.
7.TheenviousandangrycastintotheStyx.
8.Towerandwalloftheevilcity.
9.Inthisditcharethosewhohavesinnedagainsttheirneighbors;
Centaursshootarrowsatthem.
10.Thosewhohavesinnedagainstthemselvesarehere
tormentedbyHarpies.
11.RainoffireforthosewhohavesinnedagainstGod.
12.SoulofthetyrantGerioncastintotheflames.
13.Debaucheesandcorruptorsofyouthfloggedbydevils.
14.Poisonousgulfintowhichflatterersareplunged.
15.LakeoffireinthecaldronsintowhichSimonaicsarecast.
16.Sorcerersanddiviners,theirfacesturnedbackward.
17.Bogofboilingpitchforcheats,thieves,anddeceivers.
18.Hypocritecrucified.
19.Perfidiousadvisersplungedintoaflamingditch.
20.Forscandalouspersons:oneholdshisheadinhishand.
21.Robbersandothercriminalstormentedbyacentaurarmed
withserpents.
22.Alchemistsandquacksapreytoleprosy.
23.Wellofice,fortraitorsandtheungrateful.
24.Plutointhemidstofaglacierdevouringthedamned.
25.TheholycityofJerusalem.
3ThenPaul,takingoffhiscoat,saidtotheboy,Go,child,and
buybread,andbringithither.
4Butwhiletheboywasbuyingthebread,hesawhisneighbour
Theclaandwassurprised,andsaidtoher.Thecla,whereareyou
going?
5Shereplied,IaminpursuitofPaul,havingbeendeliveredfrom
theflames.
6Theboythensaid,Iwillbringyoutohim,forheisundergreat
concernonyouraccount,andhasbeeninprayerandfastingthese
sixdays.
7WhenTheclacametothecave,shefoundPauluponhisknees
prayingandsaying,OholyFather,OLordJesusChrist,grant
thatthefiremaynottouchThecla;butbeherhelper,forsheis
thyservant.
8Theclathenstandingbehindhim,criedoutinthefollowing
words:OsovereignLord,Creatorofheavenandearth,theFather
ofthybelovedandholySon,Ipraisetheethatthouhast
preservedmefromthefire,toseePaulagain.
9Paulthenarose,andwhenhesawher,said,OGod,who
searchesttheheart,FatherofmyLordJesusChrist,Ipraisethee
thatthouhastansweredmyprayer.
10Andthereprevailedamongtheminthecaveanentire
affectiontoeachother;Paul,Onesiphorus,andallthatwerewith
thembeingfilledwithjoy.
11Theyhadfiveloaves,someherbsandwater,andtheysolaced
eachotherinreflectionsupontheholyworksofChrist.
12ThensaidTheclatoPaul,Ifyoubepleasedwithit,Iwill
followyouwhithersoeveryougo.
13Herepliedtoher,Personsarenowmuchgiventofornication,
andyoubeinghandsome,Iamafraidlestyoushouldmeetwith
greatertemptationthantheformer,andshouldnotwithstand,but
beovercomebyit.
14Theclareplied,GrantmeonlythesealofChrist,andno
temptationshallaffectme.
15Paulanswered,Thecla,waitwithpatience,andyoushall
receivethegiftofChrist.
CHAPTER7
1ThenPaulsentbackOnesiphorusandhisfamilytotheirown
home,andtakingTheclaalongwithhim,wentforAntioch;
2Andassoonastheycameintothecity,acertainSyrian,named
Alexander,amagistrate,inthecity,whohaddonemany
considerableservicesforthecityduringhismagistracy,saw
Theclaandfellinlovewithher,andendeavouredbymanyrich
presentstoengagePaulmhisinterest.
3ButPaultoldhim,Iknownotthewomanofwhomyouspeak,
nordoesshebelongtome.
4ButhebeingapersonofgreatpowerinAntioch,seizedherin
thestreetandkissedher;whichTheclawouldnotbear,but
lookingaboutforPaul,criedoutinadistressedloudtone,Force
menot,whoamastranger;forcemenot,whoamaservantof
God;IamoneoftheprincipalpersonsofIconium,andwas
obligedtoleavethatcitybecauseIwouldnotbemarriedto
Thamyris.
5ThenshelaidholdonAlexander,torehiscoat,andtookhis
crownoffhishead,andmadehimappearridiculousbeforeallthe
people.
6ButAlexander,partlyashelovedher,andpartlybeing
ashamedofwhathadbeendone,ledhertothegovernor,and
uponherconfessionofwhatshehaddone,'hecondemnedherto
bethrownamongthebeasts.
CHAPTER8
1Whichwhenthepeoplesaw,theysaid:Thejudgmentspassed
inthiscityareunjust.ButThecladesiredthefavourofthe
governor,thatherchastitymightnotbeattacked,butpreserved
tillsheshouldbecasttothebeasts.
2Thegovernortheninquired,Whowouldentertainher;upon
whichacertainveryrichwidow,namedTrifina,whosedaughter
waslatelydead,desiredthatshemighthavethekeepingofher;
andshebegantotreatherinherhouseasherowndaughter.
3Atlengthadaycame,whenthebeastsweretobebroughtforth
tobeseen;andTheclawasbroughttotheamphitheatre,andput
intoadeninwhichwasanexceedingfierceshe-lion,inthe
presenceofamultitudeofspectators.
4Trifina,withoutanysurprise,accompaniedThecla,andtheshe-
lionlickedthefeetofThecla.Thetitlewrittenwhichdenotesher
crime,was,Sacrilege.Thenthewomancriedout,OGod,the
judgmentsofthiscityareunrighteous.
5Afterthebeastshadbeenshewn,TrifinatookTheclahome
withher,andtheywenttobed;andbehold,thedaughterof
Trifina,whowasdead,appearedtohermother,andsaid;Mother,
lettheyoungwoman,Thecla,bereputedbyyouasyourdaughter
inmystead;anddesireherthatsheshouldprayforme,thatI
maybetranslatedtoastateofhappiness.
6UponwhichTrifina,withamournfulair,said,Mydaughter
Falconillahasappearedtome,andorderedmetoreceiveyouin
herroom;whereforeIdesire,Thecla,thatyouwouldprayformy
daughter,thatshemaybetranslatedintoastateofhappiness,and
tolifeeternal.
7WhenTheclaheardthis,sheimmediatelyprayedtotheLord,
andsaid:OLordGodofheavenandearth,JesusChrist,thouSon
oftheMostHigh,grantthatherdaughterFalconillamaylive
forever.Trifinahearingthisgroanedagain,andsaid:O
unrighteousjudgments!Ounreasonablewickedness!thatsucha
creatureshould(again)becasttothebeasts!
8Onthemorrow,atbreakofday,AlexandercametoTrifina's
house,andsaid:Thegovernorandthepeoplearewaiting;bring
thecriminalforth.
9ButTrifinaraninsoviolentlyuponhim,thathewasaffrighted,
andranaway.Trifinawasoneoftheroyalfamily;andshethus
expressedhersorrow,andsaid;Alas!Ihavetroubleinmyhouse'
nntwoaccounts,andthereisnoonewhowillrelieveme,either
underthelossofmydaughter,ormybeingunabletosaveThecla.
Butnow,OLordGod,bethouthehelperofTheclathyservant.

39. 10Whileshewasthusengaged,thegovernorsentoneofhisown
officerstobringThecla.Trifinatookherbythehand,and,going
withher,said:IwentwithFalconillatohergrave,and.nowmust
gowithTheclatothebeasts.
11WhenTheclaheardthis,sheweepingprayed,andsaid:O
LordGod,whomIhavemademyconfidenceandrefuge,reward
Trifinaforhercompassiontome,andpreservingmychastity.
12Uponthistherewasagreatnoiseintheamphitheatre;the
beastsroared,andthepeoplecriedout,Bringinthecriminal.
13Butthewomancriedout,andsaid:Letthewholecitysuffer
forsuchcrimes;andorderallofus,Ogovernor,tothesame
punishment.Ounjustjudgment!Ocruelsight!
14Otherssaid,Letthewholecitybedestroyedforthisvileaction.
Killusall,Ogovernor.Ocruelsight!Ounrighteousjudgment.
CHAPTER9
1ThenTheclawastakenoutofthehandofTrifina,stripped
naked,hadagirdleputon,andthrownintotheplaceappointed
forfightingwiththebeasts:andthelionsandthebearswerelet
looseuponher.
2Butashe-lion,whichwasofallthemostfierce,rantoThecla,
andfelldownatherfeet.Uponwhichthemultitudeofwomen
shoutedaloud.
3Thenashe-bearranfiercelytowardsher;buttheshe-lionmet
thebear,andtoreittopieces.
4Again,ahe-lion,whohadbeenwonttodevourmen,andwhich
belongedtoAlexander,rantowardsher;buttheshe-lion
encounteredthehe-lion,andtheykilledeachother.
5Thenthewomenwereunderagreaterconcern,becausetheshe-
lion,whichhadhelpedThecla,wasdead.
6Afterwardstheybroughtoutmanyotherwildbeasts;butThecla
stoodwithherhandsstretchedtowardsheaven,andprayed;and
whenshehaddonepraying,sheturnedabout,andsawapitof
water,andsaid,Nowitisapropertimeformetobebaptized.
7Accordinglyshethrewherselfintothewater,andsaid,Inthy
name,OmyLordJesusChrist,Iamthislastdaybaptized.The
womenandthepeopleseeingthis,criedout,andsaid,Donot
throwyourselfintothewater.Andthegovernorhimselfcriedout,
tothinkthatthefish(sea-calves)wereliketodevoursomuch
beauty.
8Notwithstandingallthis,Theclathrewherselfintothewater,in
thenameofourLordJesusChrist.
9Butthefish(sea-calves,)whentheysawthelightingandfire,
werekilled,andswamdeaduponthesurfaceofthewater,anda
cloudoffiresurroundedThecla,sothatasthebeastscouldnot
comenearher,sothepeoplecouldnotseehernakedness.
10Yettheyturnedotherwildbeastsuponher;uponwhichthey
madeaverymournfuloutcry;andsomeofthemscattered
spikenard,otherscassia,othersamomus(asortofspikenard,or
theherbofJerusalem,orladies-rose)othersointment;sothatthe
quantityofointmentwaslarge,inproportiontothenumberof
people;anduponthisallthebeastslayasthoughtheyhadbeen
fastasleep,anddidnottouchThecla.
11WhereuponAlexandersaidtotheGovernor,Ihavesomevery
terriblebulls;letusbindhertothem.Towhichthegovernor,
withconcern,replied,Youmaydowhatyouthinkfit.
12ThentheyputacordroundThecla'swaist,whichboundalso
herfeet,andwithittiedhertothebulls,towhoseprivy-parts
theyappliedred-hotirons,thatsotheybeingthemoretormented,
mightmoreviolentlydragTheclaabout,tilltheyhadkilledher.
13Thebullsaccordinglytoreabout,makingamosthideousnoise;
buttheflamewhichwasaboutThecla,burntoffthecordswhich
werefastenedtothemembersofthebulls,andshestoodinthe
middleofthestage,asunconcernedasifshehadnotbeenbound.
14ButinthemeantimeTrifina,whosatupononeofthebenches,
faintedawayanddied;uponwhichthewholecitywasundera
verygreatconcern.
15AndAlexanderhimselfwasafraid,anddesiredthegovernor,
saying:Ientreatyou,takecompassiononmeandthecity,and
releasethiswoman,whohasfoughtwiththebeasts;lest,both
youandI,andthewholecitybedestroyed.
16ForifCæsarshouldhaveanyaccountofwhathaspassednow,
hewillcertainlyimmediatelydestroythecity,becauseTrifina,a
personofroyalextract,andarelationofhis,isdeaduponherseat.
17UponthisthegovernorcalledTheclafromamongthebeasts
tohim,andsaidtoher,Whoartthou?andwhatarethy
circumstances,thatnotoneofthebeastswilltouchthee?
18Theclarepliedtohim;IamaservantofthelivingGod;andas
tomystate,IamabelieveronJesusChristhisSon,inwhomGod
iswellpleased;andforthatreasonnoneofthebeastscouldtouch
me.
19Healoneisthewaytoeternalsalvation,andthefoundationof
eternallife.Heisarefugetothosewhoareindistress;asupport
totheafflicted,hopeanddefencetothosewhoarehopeless;and,
inaword,allthosewhodonotbelieveonhim,shallnotlive,but
suffereternaldeath.
20Whenthegovernorheardthesethings,heorderedherclothes
tobebrought,andsaidtoherputonyourclothes.
21Theclareplied:MaythatGodwhoclothedmewhenIwas
nakedamongthebeasts,inthedayofjudgmentclotheyoursoul
withtherobeofsalvation.Thenshetookherclothes,andput
themon;andthegovernorimmediatelypublishedanorderin
thesewords;IreleasetoyouTheclatheservantofGod.
22Uponwhichthewomencriedouttogetherwithaloudvoice,
andwithoneaccordgavepraiseuntoGod,andsaid;Thereisbut
oneGod,whoistheGodofThecla;theoneGodwhodelivered
Thecla.
23Soloudweretheirvoicesthatthewholecityseemedtobe
shaken;andTrifinaherselfheardthegladtidings,andaroseagain,
andranwiththemultitudetomeetThecla;andembracingher,
said:NowIbelievethereshallbearesurrectionofthedead;now
Iampersuadedthatmydaughterisalive.Comethereforehome
withme,mydaughterThecla,andIwillmakeoverallthatIhave
toyou.
24SoTheclawentwithTrifina,andwasentertainedthereafew
days,teachingherthewordoftheLord,wherebymanyyoung
womenwereconverted;andtherewasgreatjoyinthefamilyof
Trifina.
25ButTheclalongedtoseePaul,andinquiredandsent
everywheretofindhim;andwhenatlengthshewasinformed
thathewasatMyra,inLycia,shetookwithhermanyyoungmen
andwomen;andputtingonagirdle,anddressingherselfinthe
habitofaman,shewenttohimtoMyrainLycia,andtherefound
PaulpreachingthewordofGod;andshestoodbyhimamongthe
throng.
CHAPTER10
1ButitwasnosmallsurprisetoPaulwhenhesawherandthe
peoplewithher;forheimaginedsomefreshtrialwascoining
uponthem;
2WhichwhenTheclaperceived,shesaidtohim:Ihavebeen
baptized,OPaul;forhewhoassistsyouinpreaching,has
assistedmetobaptize.
3ThenPaultookher,andledhertothehouseofHermes;and
TheclarelatedtoPaulallthathadbefallenherinAntioch,
insomuchthatPaulexceedinglywondered,andallwhoheard
wereconfirmedinthefaith,andprayedforTrifina'shappiness.
4ThenTheclaarose,andsaidtoPaul,IamgoingtoIconium.
Paulrepliedtoher:Go,andteachthewordoftheLord.
5ButTrifinahadsentlargesumsofmoneytoPaul,andalso
clothingbythehandsofThecla,forthereliefofthepoor.
6SoTheclawenttoIconium.Andwhenshecametothehouseof
Onesiphorus,shefelldownuponthefloorwherePaulhadsatand
preached,and,mixingtearswithherprayers,shepraisedand
glorifiedGodinthefollowingwords:
7OLordtheGodofthishouse,inwhichIwasfirstenlightened
bythee;OJesus,sonofthelivingGod,whowastmyhelper

40. beforethegovernor,myhelperinthefire,andmyhelperamong
thebeasts;thoualoneartGodforeverandever.Amen.
8Theclanow(onherreturn)foundThamyrisdead,buther
motherliving.Socallinghermother,shesaidtoher:Theoclia,
mymother,isitpossibleforyoutobebroughttoabelief,that
thereisbutoneLordGod,whodwellsintheheavens?Ifyou
desiregreatriches,Godwillgivethemtoyoubyme;ifyouwant
yourdaughteragain,hereIam.
9Theseandmanyotherthingssherepresentedtohermother,
(endeavouring)topersuadeher(toherownopinion).Buther
motherTheocliagavenocredittothethingswhichweresaidby
themartyrThecla.
10SothatTheclaperceivingshediscoursedtonopurpose,
signingherwholebodywiththesign(ofthecross),leftthehouse
andwenttoDaphine;andwhenshecamethere,shewenttothe
cave,whereshehadfoundPaulwithOnesiphorus,andfelldown
ontheground;andweptbeforeGod.
11Whenshedepartedthence,shewenttoSeleucia,and
enlightenedmanyintheknowledgeofChrist.
12Andabrightcloudconductedherinherjourney.
13AndaftershehadarrivedatSeleuciashewenttoaplaceout
ofthecity,aboutthedistanceofafurlong,beingafraidofthe
inhabitants,becausetheywereworshippersofidols.
14Andshewasled(bythecloud)intoamountaincalled
Calamon,orRodeon.Theresheabodemanyyears,and
underwentagreatmanygrievoustemptationsofthedevil,which
sheboreinabecomingmanner,bytheassistancewhichshehad
fromChrist.
15AtlengthcertaingentlewomenhearingofthevirginThecla,
wenttoher,andwereinstructedbyherintheoraclesofGod,and
manyofthemabandonedthisworld,andledamonasticlifewith
her.
16HerebyagoodreportwasspreadeverywhereofThecla,and
shewroughtseveral(miraculous)cures,sothatallthecityand
adjacentcountriesbroughttheirsicktothatmountain,andbefore
theycameasfarasthedoorofthecave,theywereinstantlycured
ofwhatsoeverdistempertheyhad.
17Theuncleanspiritswerecastout,makinganoise;allreceived
theirsickmadewhole,andglorifiedGod,whohadbestowed
suchpoweronthevirginThecla;
18InsomuchthatthephysiciansofSeleuciawerenowofnomore
account,andlostalltheprofitoftheirtrade,becausenoone
regardedthem;uponwhichtheywerefilledwithenvy,andbegan
tocontrivewhatmethodstotakewiththisservantofChrist.
CHAPTER11
1Thedevilthensuggestedbadadvicetotheirminds;andbeing
onacertaindaymettogethertoconsult,theyreasonedamong
eachotherthus:Thevirginisapriestessofthegreatgoddess
Diana,andwhatsoeversherequestsfromher,isgranted,because
sheisavirgin,andsoisbelovedbyallthegods.
2Nowthenletusprocuresomerakishfellows,andafterwehave
madethemsufficientlydrunk,andgiventhemagoodsumof
money,letusorderthemtogoanddebauchthisvirgin,promising
them,iftheydoit,alargerreward.
3(Fortheythusconcludedamongthemselves,thatiftheybeable
todebauchher,thegodswillnomoreregardher,norDianacure
thesickforher.)
4Theyproceededaccordingtothisresolution,andthefellows
wenttothemountain,andasfierceaslionstothecave,knocking
atthedoor.
5TheholymartyrThecla,relyingupontheGodinwhomshe
believed,openedthedoor,althoughshewasbeforeapprizedof
theirdesign,andsaidtothem,Youngmen,whatisyourbusiness?
6Theyreplied,Isthereanyonewithin,whosenameisThecla?
Sheanswered,Whatwouldyouhavewithher?Theysaid,We
haveamindtoliewithher.
7TheblessedTheclaanswered:ThoughIamameanoldwoman,
IamtheservantofmyLordJesusChrist;andthoughyouhavea
viledesignagainstme,yeshallnotbeabletoaccomplishit.They
replied:Itisimpossiblebutwemustbeabletodowithyouwhat
wehaveamind.
8Andwhiletheyweresayingthis,theylaidholdonherbymain
force,andwouldhaveravishedher.Thenshewiththe(greatest)
mildnesssaidtothem:Youngmenhavepatience,andseethe
gloryoftheLord.
9Andwhiletheyheldher,shelookeduptoheavenandsaid;O
Godmostreverend,towhomnonecanbelikened;whomakest
thyselfgloriousoverthineenemies;whodidstdelivermefrom
thefire,anddidstnotgivemeuptoThamyris,didstnotgiveme
uptoAlexander;whodeliveredstmefromthewildbeasts;who
didstpreservemeinthedeepwaters;whohasteverywherebeen
myhelper,andhastglorifiedthynameinme;
10Nowalsodelivermefromthehandsofthesewickedand
unreasonablemen,norsufferthemtodebauchmychastitywhich
Ihavehithertopreservedforthyhonour;forIlovetheeandlong
forthee,andworshipthee,OFather,Son,andHolyGhost,for
evermore.Amen.
11Thencameavoicefromheaven,saying,Fearnot,Thecla,my
faithfulservant,forIamwiththee.Lookandseetheplacewhich
isopenedforthee:therethyeternalabodeshallbe;therethou
shaltreceivethebeatificvision.
12TheblessedTheclaobserving,sawtherockopenedtoaslarge
adegreeasthatamanmightenterin;shedidasshewas
commanded,bravelyfledfromthevilecrew,andwentintothe
rock,whichinstantlysoclosed,thattherewasnotanycrack
visiblewhereithadopened.
13Themenstoodperfectlyastonishedatsoprodigiousamiracle,
andhadnopowertodetaintheservantofGod;butonly,catching
holdofherveil,orhood,theytoreoffapieceofit;
14AndeventhatwasbythepermissionofGod,forthe
confirmationoftheirfaithwhoshouldcometoseethisvenerable
place,andtoconveyblessingstothoseinsucceedingages,who
shouldbelieveonourLordJesusChristfromapureheart.
15ThussufferedthatfirstmartyrandapostleofGod,andvirgin,
Thecla;whocamefromIconiumateighteenyearsofage;
afterwards,partlyinjourneysandtravels,andpartlyina
monasticlifeinthecave,shelivedseventy-twoyears;sothatshe
wasninetyyearsoldwhentheLordtranslatedher.
16Thusendsherlife.
17Thedaywhichiskeptsacredtohermemory,isthetwenty-
fourthofSeptember,tothegloryoftheFather,andtheSon,and
theHolyGhost,nowandforevermore.Amen.

41. TheFirstEpistle
ofClementtothe
Corinthians
CHAPTER1
1TheChurchofGodwhichisatRome,totheChurchofGod
whichisatCorinth,elect,sanctifiedbythewillofGod,
throughJesusChristourLord:graceandpeacefromthe
AlmightyGod,byJesusChristbemultiplieduntoyou.
2Brethren,thesuddenandunexpecteddangersandcalamities
thathavefallenuponus,have,wefear,madeusthemore
slowinourconsiderationofthosethingswhichyouinquired
ofus:
3Asalsoofthatwickedanddetestablesedition,so
unbecomingtheelectofGod,whichafewheadyandself-
willedmenhavefomentedtosuchadegreeofmadness,that
yourvenerableandrenownedname,soworthyofallmento
bebeloved,isgreatlyblasphemedthereby.
4Forwhothathaseverbeenamongyouhasnotexperimented
thefirmnessofyourfaith,anditsfruitfulnessinallgood
works;andadmiredthetemperandmoderationofyour
religioninChrist;andpublishedabroadthemagnificenceof
yourhospitality,andthoughtyouhappyinyourperfectand
certainknowledgeoftheGospel?
5Foryedidallthingswithoutrespectofpersonsandwalked
accordingtothelawsofGod;beingsubjecttothosewhohad
theruleoveryou,andgivingthehonourthatwasfittingtothe
agedamongyou.
6Yecommandedtheyoungmentothinkthosethingsthat
weremodestandgrave.
7Thewomenyeexhortedtodoallthingswithan
unblameableandseemly,andpureconscience;lovingtheir
ownhusbands,aswasfitting:andthatkeepingthemselves
withintheboundsofadueobedience,theyshouldordertheir
housesgravely,withalldiscretion.
8Yewereallofyouhumbleminded,notboastingofany
thing:desiringrathertobesubjectthantogovern;togivethan
toreceive;beingcontentwiththeportionGodhathdispensed
toyou;
9Andhearkeningdiligentlytohisword,yewereenlargedin
yourbowels,havinghissufferingalwaysbeforeyoureyes.
10Thusafirm,andblessedandprofitablepeacewasgiven
untoyou;andanunsatiabledesireofdoinggood;anda
plentifuleffusionoftheHolyGhostwasuponallofyou.
11Andbeingfullofgooddesigns,yedidwithgreatreadiness
ofmind,andwithareligiousconfidencestretchforthyour
handstoGodAlmighty;beseechinghimtobemercifulunto
you,ifinanythingyehadunwillinglysinnedagainsthim.
12Yecontendeddayandnightforthewholebrotherhood;
thatwithcompassionandagoodconscience,thenumberof
hiselectmightbesaved.
13Yeweresincere,andwithoutoffencetowardseachother;
notmindfulofinjuries;allseditionandschismwasan
abominationuntoyou.
14Yebewailedeveryonehisneighbour'ssins,esteeming
theirdefectsyourown.
15Yewerekindonetoanotherwithoutgrudging;beingready
toeverygoodwork.Andbeingadornedwithaconversation
altogethervirtuousandreligious,yedidallthingsinthefear
ofGod;whosecommandmentswerewrittenuponthetables
ofyourheart.
CHAPTER2
1Allhonourandenlargementwasgivenuntoyou;andsowas
fulfilledthatwhichiswritten,mybeloveddideatanddrink,
hewasenlargedandwaxedfat,andhekicked.
2Fromhencecameemulation,andenvy,andstrife,and
sedition;persecutionanddisorder,warandcaptivity.
3Sotheywhowereofnorenown,liftedupthemselves
againstthehonourable;thoseofnoreputation,againstthose
whowereinrespect;thefoolishagainstthewise;theyoung
menagainsttheaged.
4Thereforerighteousnessandpeacearedepartedfromyou,
becauseeveryonehathforsakenthefearofGod;andisgrown
blindinhisfaith;norwalkethbytheruleofGod's
commandmentsnorlivethasisfittinginChrist:
5Buteveryonefollowshisownwickedlusts:havingtaken
upanunjustandwickedenvy,bywhichdeathfirstentered
intotheworld.
CHAPTER3
1Forthusitiswritten,Andinprocessoftimeitcametopass
thatCainbroughtofthefruitofthegroundanofferingunto
theLord.AndAbel,healsobroughtofthefirstlingsofhis
flock,andofthefatthereof:
2AndtheLordhadrespectuntoAbel,andtohisoffering.But
untoCainanduntohisofferinghehadnotrespect.AndCain
wasverysorrowful,andhiscountenancefell.
3AndtheLordsaiduntoCain,Whyartthousorrowful?And
whyisthycountenancefallen?Ifthoushaltofferaright,but
notdividearight,hastthounotsinned?Holdthypeace:unto
theeshallbehisdesire,andthoushaltruleoverhim.
4AndCainsaiduntoAbelhisbrother,Letusgodowninto
thefield.Anditcametopass,astheywereinthefield,that
CainroseupagainstAbelhisbrother,andslewhim.
5Yesee,brethren,howenvyandemulationwroughtthe
deathofabrother.ForthisourfatherJacobfledfromtheface
ofhisbrotherEsau.
6ItwasthisthatcausedJosephtobepersecutedevenunto
death,andtocomeintobondage.EnvyforcedMosestoflee
fromthefaceofPharaohkingofEgypt,whenheheardhis
owncountrymenaskhim,WhomadetheeaJudge,andaruler
overus?WiltthoukillmeasthoudidsttheEgyptian
yesterday?
7ThroughenvyAaronandMiriamwereshutoutofthecamp,
fromtherestofthecongregationsevendays.
8EmulationsentDathanandAbiramquickintothegrave
becausetheyraisedupaseditionagainstMosestheservantof
God.
9ForthisDavidwasnotonlyhatedofstrangers,butwas
persecutedevenbySaulthekingofIsrael.
10Butnottoinsistuponantientexamples,letuscometo
thoseworthiesthathavebeennearesttous;andtakethebrave
examplesofourownage.
11Throughzealandenvy,themostfaithfulandrighteous
pillarsofthechurchhavebeenpersecutedeventothemost
grievousdeaths.
12LetussetbeforeoureyestheholyApostles;Peterby
unjustenvyunderwentnotoneortwo,butmanysufferings;til
atlastbeingmartyred,hewenttotheplaceofglorythatwas
dueuntohim.
13ForthesamecausedidPaulinlikemannerreceivethe
rewardofhispatience.Seventimeshewasinbonds;hewas

42. whipped,wasstoned;hepreachedbothintheEastandinthe
West;leavingbehindhimthegloriousreportofhisfaith:
14Andsohavingtaughtthewholeworldrighteousness,and
forthatendtravelledeventotheutmostboundsoftheWest;
heatlastsufferedmartyrdombythecommandofthe
governors,
15Anddepartedoutoftheworld,andwentuntohisholy
place;beingbecomeamosteminentpatternofpatienceunto
allages.
16TotheseHolyApostleswerejoinedaverygreatnumberof
others,whohavingthroughenvyundergoneinlikemanner
manypainsandtorments,haveleftagloriousexampletous.
17Forthisnotonlymenbutwomenhavebeenpersecuted:
andhavingsufferedverygrievousandcruelpunishments,
havefinishedthecourseoftheirfaithwithfirmness;and
thoughweakinbody,yetreceivedagloriousreward.
18Thishasalienatedthemindsevenofwomenfromtheir
husbands;andchangedwhatwasoncesaidbyourfather
Adam;Thisisnowboneofmybone,andfleshofmyflesh.
19Inaword,envyandstrife,haveoverturnedwholecities,
androotedoutgreatnationsfromofftheearth.
CHAPTER4
1Thesethings,beloved,wewriteuntoyou,notonlyforyour
instruction,butalsoforourownremembrance.
2Forweareallinthesamelists,andthesamecombatis
preparedforusall.
3Whereforeletuslayasideallvainandemptycares;andlet
uscomeuptothegloriousandvenerableruleofourholy
calling.
4Letusconsiderwhatisgood,andacceptableandwell-
pleasinginthesightofhimthatmadeus.
5LetuslooksteadfastlytothebloodofChrist,andseehow
precioushisbloodisinthesightofGod:whichbeingshedfor
oursalvation,hasobtainedthegraceofrepentanceforallthe
world.
6Letussearchintoalltheagesthathavegonebeforeus;and
letuslearnthatourLordhasineveryoneofthemstillgiven
placeforrepentancetoallsuchaswouldturntohim.
7Noahpreachedrepentance;andasmanyashearkenedto
himweresaved.Jonahdenounceddestructionagainstthe
Ninevites:
8Howbeittheyrepentingoftheirsins,appeasedGodbytheir
prayers:and1weresaved,thoughtheywerestrangerstothe
covenantofGod.
9HencewefindhowalltheministersofthegraceofGod
havespokenbytheHolySpiritofrepentance.Andeventhe
Lordofallhashimselfdeclaredwithanoathconcerningit;
10AsIlive,saiththeLord,Idesirenotthedeathofasinner,
butthatheshouldrepent.Addingfartherthisgoodsentence,
saying:Turnfromyouriniquity,OhouseofIsrael.
11Sayuntothechildrenofmypeople,Thoughyoursins
shouldreachfromearthtoheaven;andthoughtheyshallbe
redderthanscarlet,andblackerthansackcloth;yetifyeshall
turntomewithallyourheart,andshallcallmefather,Iwill
hearkentoyou,astoaholypeople.
12Andinanotherplacehesaithonthiswise:Washye,make
youclean;putawaytheevilofyourdoingsfrombeforemine
eyes;ceasetodoevil,learntodowell;seekjudgment,relieve
theoppressed,judgethefatherless,pleadforthewidow.
13Comenowandletusreasontogether,saiththeLord:
thoughyoursinsbeasscarlet,theyshallbeaswhiteassnow;
thoughtheyheredascrimson,theyshallbeaswool.
14Ifyehewillingandobedient,yeshalleatthegoodofthe
land;butifyerefuseandrebel,yeshallbedevouredwiththe
sword;forthemouthoftheLordhathspokenit.
15ThesethingshasGodestablishedbyhisAlmightywill,
desiringthatallhisbelovedshouldcometorepentance.
CHAPTER5
1Whereforeletusobeyhisexcellentandgloriouswill;and
imploringhismercyandgoodness,letusfalldownuponour
facesbeforehim,andcastourselvesuponhismercy;laying
asideallvanity,andcontention,andenvywhichleadsunto
death.
2Letuslookuptothosewhohavethemostperfectly
ministeredtohisexcellentglory.LetustakeEnochforour
example;whobeingfoundrighteousinobedience,was
translated,andhisdeathwasnotknown.
3Noahbeingprovedtobefaithful,didbyhisministrypreach
regenerationtotheworld;andtheLordsavedbyhimallthe
livingcreatures,thatwentwithoneaccordintotheark.
4Abraham,whowascalledGod'sfriend,wasinlikemanner
foundfaithful;inasmuchasheobeyedthecommandsofGod.
5Byobediencehewentoutofhisowncountry,andfromhis
ownkindred,andfromhisfather'shouse:thatsoforsakinga
smallcountry,andaweakaffinity,andalittlehouse,hemight
inheritthepromisesofGod.
6ForthusGodsaiduntohim;gettheeoutofthycountry,and
fromthykindred,andfromthyfather'shouse,untoalandthat
Iwillshowthee.
7AndIwillmaketheeagreatnation,andwillblessthee,and
makethynamegreat,andthoushaltbeblessed.AndIwill
blessthemthatblessthee,andcursethemthatcursethee;and
intheeshallallfamiliesoftheearthbeblessed.
8AndagainwhenheseparatedhimselffromLot,Godsaid
untohim;Liftupnowthineeyes,andlookfromtheplace
wherethouartnorthwardandsouthwardandeastwardand
westwardforallthelandwhichthouseest,totheewillIgive
it,andtothyseedforever.
9AndIwillmakethyseedasthedustoftheearth,sothatifa
mancannumberthedustoftheearth,thenshallthyseedalso
benumbered.
10Andagainhesaith:andGodbroughtforthAbraham,and
saiduntohim;Looknowtowardheaven,andtellthestars,if
thoubeabletonumberthem:soshallthyseedbe.
11AndAbrahambelievedGod,anditwascountedtohimfor
righteousness.
12Throughfaithandhospitality,hehadasongivenhimin
hisoldage;andthroughobedienceheofferedhimupin
sacrificetoGod,upononeofthemountainswhichGod
showeduntohim.
CHAPTER6
1ByhospitalityandgodlinesswasLotsavedoutofSodom,
whenallthecountryroundaboutwasdestroyedbyfireand
brimstone:
2TheLordtherebymakingitmanifest,thathewillnot
forsakethosethattrustinhim;butwillbringthedisobedient
topunishmentandcorrection.
3Forhiswifewhowentoutwithhim,beingofadifferent
mind,andnotcontinuinginthesameobedience,wasforthat
reasonsetforthforanexample,beingturnedintoapillarof
saltuntothisday.
4Thatsoallmenmayknow,thatthosewhoaredouble
minded,anddistrustfulofthepowerofGod,arepreparedfor
condemnation,andtobeasigntoallsucceedingages.

43. 5ByfaithandhospitalitywasRahabtheharlotsaved.For
whenthespiesweresentbyJoshuathesonofNun,tosearch
outJerichoandthekingofJerichoknewthattheywerecome
tospyouthiscountry;hesentmentotakethem,sothatthey
mightbeputtodeath.
6Rahabthereforebeinghospitable,receivedthem,andhid
themunderthestalksofflax,onthetopofherhouse.
7Andwhenthemessengersthatweresentbythekingcame
untoher,andaskedher,saying,Therecamemenuntotheeto
spyouttheland,bringthemforth,forsohaththeking
commanded:Sheanswered,Thetwomenwhomyeseekcame
untome,butpresentlytheydeparted,andaregone:Not
discoveringthemuntothem.
8Thenshesaidtothespies,IknowthattheLordyourGod
hasgiventhiscityintoyourhands;forthefearofyouisfallen
uponallthatdwelltherein.When,therefore,yeshallhave
takenityeshallsavemeandmyfather'shouse.
9Andtheyansweredher,saying,Itshallbeasthouhast
spokentous.Therefore,whenthoushaltknowthatweare
nearthoushaltgatherallthyfamilytogetheruponthe
housetop,andtheyshallbesaved:butallthatshallbefound
withoutthyhouse,shallbedestroyed.
10Andtheygavehermoreoverasign:thatsheshouldhang
outofherhouseascarletrope;sheavingthereby,thatbythe
bloodofourLord,thereshouldberedemptiontoallthat
believeandhopeinGod.Yesee,beloved,howtherewasnot
onlyfaith,butprophecytoointhiswoman.
CHAPTER7
1Letus,therefore,humbleourselves,brethren,layingaside
allpride,andboasting,andfoolishness,andanger:Andletus
doasitiswritten.
2ForthussaiththeHolySpirit;Letnotthewisemangloryin
hiswisdom,northestrongmaninhisstrength,northerich
maninhisriches;butlethimthatglorieth,gloryintheLord,
toseekhim,andtodojudgmentandjustice.
3Aboveall,rememberingthewordsoftheLordJesus,which
hespakeconcerningequityandlongsuffering,saying,
4Beyemercifulandyeshallobtainmercy;forgive,andye
shallbeforgiven:asyedo,soshallitbedoneuntoyou:asye
give,soshallitbegivenuntoyou:asyejudge,soshallyebe
judged;asyearekindtootherssoshallGodbekindtoyou:
withwhatmeasureyemete,withthesameshallitbe
measuredtoyouagain.
5Bythiscommand,andbytheserules,letusestablish
ourselves,thatsowemayalwayswalkobedientlytohisholy
words;beinghumbleminded:
6ForsosaystheHolyScripture;uponwhomshallIlook,
evenuponhimthatispoorandofacontritespirit,andthat
tremblesatmyword.
7Itis,therefore,justandrighteous,menandbrethren,thatwe
shouldbecomeobedientuntoGod,ratherthanfollowsuchas
throughprideandsedition,havemadethemselvesthering-
leadersofadetestableemulation.
8Foritisnotanordinaryharmthatweshalldoourselvesbut
ratheraverygreatdangerthatweshallrun,ifweshallrashly
giveupourselvestothewillsofmenwhopromotestrifeand
seditions,toturnusasidefromthatwhichisfitting.
9Butletusbekindtooneanother,accordingtothe
compassionandsweetnessofhimthatmadeus.
10Foritiswritten,Themercifulshallinherittheearth;and
theythatarewithoutevilshallbeleftuponit:butthe
transgressorsshallperishfromoffthefaceofit.
11Andagainhesaith,Ihaveseenthewickedingreatpower
andspreadinghimselflikethecedarofLibanus.Ipassedby,
andlo!hewasnot;Isoughthisplace,butitcouldnotbe
found.
12Keepinnocently,anddothethingthatisright,forthere
shallbearemnanttothepeaceableman.
13Letus,therefore,holdfasttothosewhoreligiouslyfollow
peace;andnottosuchasonlypretendtodesire.
14Forhesaithinacertainplace,Thispeoplehonourethme
withtheirlips,buttheirheartisfarfromme.
15Andagain,Theyblesswiththeirmouths,butcurseintheir
hearts.
16Andagainhesaith,Theylovedhimwiththeirmouths,and
withtheirtonguestheyliedtohim.Fortheirheartwasnot
rightwithhim,neitherwerethey,faithfulinhiscovenant.
17Letalldeceitfullipsbecomedumb,andthetonguethat
speakethproudthings.Whohavesaid,withourtonguewill
weprevail;ourlipsareourown,whoisLordoverus.
18Fortheoppressionofthepoor,forthesighingoftheneedy,
nowwillIarisesaiththeLord;Iwillsethiminsafety,Iwill
dealconfidentlywithhim.
CHAPTER8
1ForChrististheirswhoarehumble,andnotwhoexalt
themselvesoverhisflock.ThesceptreofthemajestyofGod,
ourLordJesusChrist,camenotintheshewofprideand
arrogance,thoughhecouldhavedoneso;butwithhumilityas
theHolyGhosthadbeforespokenconcerninghim.
2Forthushesaith,Lord,whohathbelievedourreport,andto
whomisthearmoftheLordrevealed?Forheshallgrowup
beforehimasatenderplant,andasarootoutofadryground.
3Hehathnoformorcomeliness,andwhenweshallseehim,
thereisnobeautythatweshoulddesirehim.
4Heisdespisedandrejectedofmen;amanofsorrowsand
acquaintedwithgrief.
5Andwehid,asitwere,ourfacesfromhim;hewasdespised,
andweesteemedhimnot.
6Surelyhehathbornourgriefs,andcarriedoursorrows:yet
wedidesteemhimstricken,smittenofGod,andafflicted.
7Buthewaswoundedforourtransgressions;hewasbruised
forouriniquities;thechastisementofourpeacewasuponhim;
andwithhisstripeswearehealed.
8Allwelikesheephavegoneastray;wehaveturnedevery
onetohisownway,andtheLordhathlaidonhimtheiniquity
ofusall.
9Hewasoppressed,andhewasafflicted,yetheopenednot
hismouth:heisbroughtasalambtotheslaughter;andasa
sheepbeforehershearersisdumb,soheopenethnothis
mouth.
10Hewastakenfromprison,andfromjudgment;andwho
shalldeclarehisgeneration?Forhewascutoffoutoftheland
oftheliving,forthetransgressionsofmypeoplewashe
stricken.
11Andhemadehisgravewiththewicked,andwiththerich
inhisdeath;becausehehaddonenoviolence,neitherwasany
deceitinhismouth.
12YetitpleasedtheLordtobruisehim,hehathputhimto
grief;whenthoushaltmakehissoulanofferingforsin,he
shallseehisseed,heshallprolonghisdays;andthepleasure
oftheLordshallprosperinhishand.
13Heshallseeofthetravailofhissoulandshallbesatisfied;
byhisknowledgeshallmyrighteousservantjustifymany:for
heshallbeartheiriniquities.
14ThereforewillIdividehimaportionwiththegreat,andhe
shalldividethespoilwiththestrong;becausehehathpoured
outhissoulintodeath;andhewasnumberedwiththe

44. transgressors,andhebarethesinofmany,andmade
intercessionforthetransgressors.
15Andagainhehimselfsaith,Iamawormandnoman,a
reproachofmen,anddespisedofthepeople.Alltheythatsee
melaughmetoscorn;theyshootouttheirlips,theyshake
theirheads,saying:HetrustedintheLordthathewould
deliverhim,lethimdeliverhimseeinghedelightedinhim.
16Yesee,beloved,whatthepatternisthathasbeengivento
us.ForiftheLordthushumbledhimself,whatshouldwedo
whoarebroughtbyhimundertheyokeofhisgrace?
17Letusbefollowersofthosewhowentaboutingoat-skins
andsheep-skins;preachingthecomingofChrist.
18SuchwereElias,andElisæus,andEzekieltheprophets.
Andletusaddtothesesuchothersashavereceivedthelike
testimony.
19Abrahamhasbeengreatlywitnessedof;havingbeencalled
thefriendofGod.Andyethesteadfastlybeholdingtheglory
ofGod,sayswithallhumility,Iamdustandashes.
20AgainofJobitisthuswritten,Thathewasjustand
withoutblame,true;onethatservedGod,andabstainedfrom
allevil.Yetheaccusinghimself,says,Nomanisfreefrom
pollution,nonotthoughheshouldlivebutoneday.
21MoseswascalledfaithfulinallGod'sHouse;andbyhis
conducttheLordpunishedIsraelbystripesandplagues.
22Andeventhisman,thoughthusgreatlyhonoured,spake
notgreatlyofhimself;butwhentheoracleofGodwas
deliveredtohimoutofthebushhesaid,WhoamI,thatthou
dostsendme?Iamofaslendervoice,andaslowtongue.
23Andagainhesaith,Iamasthesmokeofthepot.
24AndwhatshallwesayofDavid,sohighlytestifiedofin
theHolyScriptures?TowhomGodsaidIhavefoundaman
aftermyownheart,DavidthesonofJesse,withmyholyoil
haveIanointedhim.
25ButyetbehimselfsaithuntoGod,Havemercyuponme,
OGod,accordingtothylovingkindness;accordinguntothe
multitudeofthytendermercies,blotoutmytransgressions.
26Washmethoroughlyfrommineiniquity,andcleanseme
frommysin!ForIacknowledgemytransgressions,andmy
siniseverbeforeme.
27AgainstTheeonlyhaveIsinned,anddonethisevilinthy
sight,thatthoumightestbejustifiedwhenthouspeakest,and
beclearwhenthoujudgest.
28BeholdIwasshapenininiquity,andinsindidmymother
conceiveme.
29Behold,thoudesirethtruthintheinwardparts;andinthe
hiddenpartthoushaltmakemetoknowwisdom.
30PurgemewithhyssopandIshallbeclean,washmeandI
shallbewhiterthansnow.
31Makemetohearjoyandgladness,thattheboneswhich
thouhastbrokenmayrejoice.
32Hidethyfacefrommysins,andblotoutallmineiniquities.
33CreateinmeacleanheartOGod;andrenewarightspirit
withinme.
34Castmenotawayfromthypresence,andtakenotthyholy
spiritfromme.
35Restoreuntomethejoyofthysalvation,andupholdme
withthyfreespirit.
36ThenIwillteachtransgressorsthyways,andsinnersshall
beconverteduntothee.
37Delivermefromblood-guiltiness,OGod,thouGodofmy
salvation,andmytongueshallsingaloudofthyrighteousness.
38OLordopenthoumylips,andmymouthshallshowforth
thypraise.
39Forthoudesirestnotsacrifice,elsewouldIgiveit;thou
delightestnotinburntofferings.
40ThesacrificesofGodareabrokenspirit,abrokenanda
contriteheart,OGod,thouwiltnotdespise.
CHAPTER9
1Thushasthehumilityandgodlyfearofthesegreatand
excellentmen,recordedintheScriptures,throughobedience,
madenotonlyus,butalsothegenerationsbeforeusbetter;
evenasmanyashavereceivedhisholyoracleswithfearand
truth.
2Havingthereforesomany,andsuchgreatandglorious
examples,letusreturntothatpeacewhichwasthemarkthat
fromthebeginningwassetbeforeus;
3LetuslookuptotheFatherandCreatorofthewholeworld;
andletusholdfasttohisgloriousandexceedinggiftsand
benefitsofpeace.
4Letusconsiderandbeholdwiththeeyesofour
understandinghislong-sufferingwill;andthinkhowgentle
andpatientheistowardshiswholecreation.
5Theheavensmovingbyhisappointment,aresubjecttohim
inpeace.
6Dayandnightaccomplishthecoursesthathehasallotted
untothem,notdisturbingoneanother.
7Thesunandmoon,andalltheseveralcompaniesand
constellationsofthestars,runthecoursesthathehas
appointedtotheminconcord,withoutdepartingintheleast
fromthem.
8Thefruitfulearthyieldsitsfoodplentifullyindueseason
bothtomanandbeast,andtoallanimalsthatareuponit,
accordingtohiswill;notdisputing,noralteringanythingof
whatwasorderedbyhim.
9Soalsotheunfathomableandunsearchablefloodsofthe
deep,arekeptinbyhiscommand;
10Andtheconfluxofthevastsea,beingbroughttogetherby
hisorderintoitsseveralcollections,passesnotthebounds
thathehassettoit;
11Butasheappointedit,soitremains.Forhesaid,Hitherto
shaltthoucome,andthyfloodsshallbebrokenwithinthee.
12Theocean,unpassabletomankind,andtheworldsthatare
beyondit,aregovernedbythesamecommandsoftheirgreat
master.
13Springandsummer,autumnandwinter,giveplace
peaceablytoeachother.
14Theseveralquartersofthewindsfulfiltheirworkintheir
seasons,withoutoffendingoneanother.
15Theever-flowingfountains,madebothforpleasureand
health,neverfailtoreachouttheirbreaststosupportthelife
ofmen.
16Eventhesmallestcreatureslivetogetherinpeaceand
concordwitheachother.
17AllthesehastheGreatCreatorandLordofall,
commandedtoobservepeaceandconcord;beinggoodtoall.
18Butespeciallytouswhofleetohismercythroughour
LordJesusChrist;towhombegloryandmajestyforeverand
ever.Amen.
CHAPTER10
1Takeheed,beloved,thathismanyblessingsbenottousto
condemnation;exceptweshallwalkworthyofhim,doing
withoneconsentwhatisgoodandpleasinginhissight.
2ThespiritoftheLordisacandle,searchingouttheinward
ofthebelly.
3Letusthereforeconsiderhownearheistous;andhowthat
noneofourthoughts,orreasoningswhichweframewithin
ourselves,arehidfromhim.

45. 4Itisthereforejustthatweshouldnotforsakeourrank,by
doingcontrarytohiswill.
5Letuschoosetooffendafewfoolishandinconsideratemen,
liftedupandgloryingintheirownpride,ratherthanGod.
6LetusreverenceourLordJesusChristwhosebloodwas
givenforus.
7Letushonourthosewhoaresetoverus;letusrespectthe
agedthatareamongstus;andletusinstructtheyoungermen,
inthedisciplineandfearoftheLord.
8Ourwivesletusdirecttodothatwhichisgood.
9Letthemshowforthalovelyhabitofpurityinalltheir
conversation;withasincereaffectionofmeekness.
10Letthegovernmentoftheirtonguesbemademanifestby
theirsilence.
11Lettheircharitybewithoutrespectofpersonsalike
towardsallsuchasreligiouslyfearGod.
12LetyourchildrenbebredupintheinstructionofChrist:
13Andespeciallyletthemlearnhowgreatapowerhumility
haswithGod;howmuchapureandholycharityavailswith
him;howexcellentandgreathisfearis;andhowitwillsave
allsuchasturntohimwithholinessinapuremind.
14Forheisthesearcherofthethoughtsandcounselsofthe
heart;whosebreathisinus,andwhenhepleaseshecantake
itfromus.
CHAPTER11
1Butallthesethingsmustbeconfirmedbythefaithwhichis
inChrist;forsohehimselfbespeaksusbytheHolyGhost.
2Comeyechildrenandhearkenuntome,andIwillteachyou
thefearoftheLord.Whatmanistherethatdesirethlife,and
lovethtoseegooddays?
3Keepthytonguefromevil,andthylipsthattheyspeakno
guile.
4Departfromevilanddogood;seekpeaceandensueit.
5TheeyesoftheLordareupontherighteous,andhisearsare
openuntotheirprayers.
6ButthefaceoftheLordisagainstthemthatdoevil,tocut
offtheremembranceofthemfromtheearth.
7Therighteouscried,andtheLordheardhim,anddelivered
himoutofallhistroubles.
8Manyarethetroublesofthewicked;buttheythattrustin
theLord,mercyshallencompassthemabout.
9Ourall-mercifulandbeneficentFatherhathbowelsof
compassiontowardsthemthatfearhim;andkindlyand
lovinglybestowshisgracesuponallsuchascometohimwith
asimplemind.
10Whereforeletusnotwaver,neitherletushaveanydoubt
inourhearts,ofhisexcellentandgloriousgifts.
11Letthatbefarfromuswhichiswritten,Miserablearethe
double-minded,andthosewhoaredoubtfulintheirhearts.
12Whosaythesethingshaveweheard,andourfathershave
toldusthesethings.Butbeholdwearegrownold,andnoneof
themhashappeneduntous.
13Oyefools!considerthetrees:takethevineforanexample.
Firstitshedsitsleaves;thenitbuds;afterthatitspreadsits
leaves;thenitflowers;thencomethesourgrapes;andafter
themfollowstheripefruit.Yeseehowinalittletimethefruit
ofthetreecomestomaturity.
14Ofatruth,yetalittlewhileandhiswillshallsuddenlybe
accomplished.
15TheHolyScriptureitselfbearingwitness,ThatHeshall
quicklycomeandnottarry,andthattheLordshallsuddenly
cometohistemple,eventheholyoneswhomyelookfor.
16Letusconsider,beloved,howtheLorddoescontinually
shewus,thatthereshallbeafutureresurrection;ofwhichhe
hasmadeourLordJesusChristthefirstfruits,raisinghim
fromthedead.
17Letuscontemplate,beloved,theresurrectionthatis
continuallymadebeforeoureyes.
18Dayandnightmanifestaresurrectiontous.Thenightlies
down,andthedayarises:mainthedaydeparts,andthenight
comeson.
19Letusbeholdthefruitsoftheearth.Everyoneseeshow
theseedissown.Thesowergoesforth,andcastsituponthe
earth;andtheseedwhichwhenitwassownfelluponthe
earthdryandnaked,intimedissolves.
20Andfromthedissolution,thegreatpowerofthe
providenceoftheLordraisesitagain;andofoneseedmany
arise,andbringforthfruit.
CHAPTER12
1Letusconsiderthatwonderfultypeoftheresurrection
whichisseenintheEasterncountries;thatistosay,inArabia.
2ThereisacertainbirdcalledaPhœnix;ofthisthereisnever
butoneatatime:andthatlivesfivehundredyears.Andwhen
thetimeofitsdissolutiondrawsnear,thatitmustdie,it
makesitselfanestoffrankincense,andmyrrh,andother
spicesintowhichwhenitstimeisfulfilleditentersanddies.
3Butitsfleshputrifying,breedsacertainworm,whichbeing
nourishedwiththejuiceofthedeadbirdbringsforthfeathers;
andwhenitisgrowntoaperfectstate,ittakesupthenestin
whichthebonesofitsparentslie,andcarriesitfromArabia
intoEgypt,toacitycalledHeliopolis:
4Andflyinginopendayinthesightofallmen,laysitupon
thealtarofthesun,andsoreturnsfromwhenceitcame.
5Theprieststhensearchintotherecordsofthetime;andfind
thatitreturnedpreciselyattheendoffivehundredyears.
6And1shallwethenthinkittobeanyverygreatand
strangethingfortheLordofalltoraiseupthosethat
religiouslyhimintheassuranceofgoodfaith,whenevenbya
birdheshewsusthegreatnessofhispowertofulfilhis
promise?
7Forhesaysinacertainplace,Thoushaltraisemeup,andI
shallconfessuntothee.
8AndagainIlaidmedownandslept,andawaked,because
thouartwithme.
9Andagain,Jobsays,Thoushaltraiseupthisfleshofmine,
thathassufferedallthesethings.
10Havingthereforethishope,letusholdfasttohimwhois
faithfulinallhispromises,andrighteousinallhisjudgments;
whohascommandedusnottolie:howmuchmorewillhenot
himselflie?
11FornothingisimpossiblewithGodbuttolie.
12Lethisfaiththenbestirredupagaininus;andletus
considerthatallthingsarenighuntohim.
13Bythewordofhispowerhemadeallthings;andbythe
samewordheisable(wheneverhewill),todestroythem.
14Whoshallsayuntohim,whatdostthou?orwhoshall
resistthepowerofhisstrength?
15When,andashepleased,hewilldoallthings;andnothing
shallpassawayofallthathasbeendeterminedbyhim.
16Allthingsareopenbeforehim;norcananythingbehid
fromhiscouncil.
17TheheavensdeclarethegloryofGod,andthefirmament
shewethhishandywork.Dayuntodayutterethspeech,and
nightuntonightshewethknowledge.Thereisnospeechnor
languagewheretheirvoiceisnotheard.

46. CHAPTER13
1SeeingthenallthingsareseenandheardbyGod;letusfear
him,andletuslayasideourwickedworkswhichproceed
fromilldesires;thatthroughhismercywemaybedelivered
fromthecondemnationtocome.
2Forwhithercananyofusfleefromhismightyhand?Or
whatworldshallreceiveanyofthosewhorunawayfromhim?
3ForthussaiththeScriptureinacertainplace,Whithershall
IfleefromthySpirit,orwhereshallIhidemyselffromthy
presence?
4IfIascendupintoheaven,thouartthere;ifIshallgotothe
utmostpartoftheearth,thereisthyrighthand:IfIshallmake
mybedinthedeep,thySpiritisthere.
5Whitherthenshallanyonego;orwhithershallherunfrom
himthatcomprehendsallthings?
6Letusthereforecometohimwithholinessofheart,lifting
upchasteandundefiledhandsuntohim;lovingourgracious
andmercifulFather,whohasmadeustopartakeofhis
election.
7Forsoitiswritten,WhentheMostHighdividedthenations,
whenheseparatedthesonsofAdam,hesettheboundsofthe
nations,accordingtothenumberofhisangels;hispeople
JacobbecametheportionoftheLord,andIsraelthelotofhis
inheritance.
8Andinanotherplacehesaith,BeholdtheLordtakethunto
himselfanation,outofthemidstofthenations,asaman
takeththefirst-fruitsofhisflower;theMostHolyshallcome
outofthatnation.
CHAPTER14
1WhereforewebeingapartoftheHolyOne,letusdoall
thosethingsthatpertainuntoholiness:
2Fleeingallevil-speakingagainstoneanother;allfilthyand
impureembraces,togetherwithalldrunkenness,youthful
lusts,abominableconcupiscences,detestableadultery,and
execrablepride.
3ForGod,saithhe,resisteththeproud,butgivethgracetothe
humble.
4LetusthereforeholdfasttothosetowhomGodhasgiven
Hisgrace.
5Andletusputonconcord,beinghumble,temperate;free
fromallwhisperinganddetraction;andjustifiedbyour
actions,notourwords.
6Forhesaith,Dothhethatspeakethandhearethmanythings,
andthatisofareadytongue,supposethatheisrighteous?
Blessedishethatisbornofawoman,thatlivethbutafew
days:usenotthereforemuchspeech.
7LetourpraisebeofGod,notofourselves;forGodhateth
thosethatcommendthemselves.
8Letthewitnessofourgoodactionsbegiventousofothers,
asitwasgiventotheholymenthatwentbeforeus.
9Rashness,andarrogance,andconfidence,belongtothem
whoareaccursedofGod:butequity,andhumility,and
mildness,tosuchasareblessedbyhim.
10Letusthenlayholdofhisblessing,andletusconsider
whatarethewaysbywhichwemayattainuntoit.
11Letuslookbackuponthosethingsthathavehappened
fromthebeginning.
12ForwhatwasourfatherAbrahamblessed?Wasitnot
becausethatthroughfaithhewroughtrighteousnessandtruth?
13Isaacbeingfullypersuadedofwhatheknewwastocome,
cheerfullyyieldedhimselfupforasacrifice.Jacobwith
humilitydepartedoutofhisowncountry,fleeingfromhis
brother,andwentuntoLabanandservedhim;andsothe
sceptreofthetwelvetribesofIsraelwasgivenuntohim.
14NowwhatthegreatnessofthisGiftwas,willplainly
appear,ifweshalltakethepainsdistinctlytoconsiderallthe
partsofit.
15ForfromhimcamethepriestsandLevites,whoall
ministeredatthealtarofGod.
16FromhimcameourLordJesusChristaccordingtothe
flesh.
17Fromhimcamethekings,andprinces,andrulersinJudah.
18Norweretherestofhistribesinanysmallglory:God
havingpromisedthatthyseed(sayshe)shallbeasthestarsof
heaven.
19Theywereallthereforegreatlyglorified,notfortheirown
sake,orfortheirownworks,orfortherighteousnessthatthey
themselveswrought,butthroughhiswill.
20AndwealsobeingcalledbythesamewillinChristJesus,
arenotjustifiedbyourselves,neitherbyourownwisdom,or
knowledge,orpiety,ortheworkswhichwehavedoneinthe
holinessofourhearts:
21ButbythatfaithbywhichGodAlmightyhasjustifiedall
menfromthebeginning;towhombegloryforeverandever.
Amen.
CHAPTER15
1Whatshallwedotherefore,brethren?Shallwebeslothful
inwell-doing,andlayasideourcharity?Godforbidthatany
suchthingshouldbedonebyus.
2Butratherletushastenwithallearnestnessandreadinessof
mind,toperfecteverygoodwork.ForeventheCreatorand
Lordofallthingshimselfrejoicesinhisownworks.
3ByhisAlmightypowerhefixedtheheavens,andbyhis
incomprehensiblewisdomheadornedthem.
4Healsodividedtheearthfromthewater,withwhichitis
encompassed;andfixeditasasecuretower,uponthe
foundationofhisownwill.
5Healsobyhisappointment,commandedalltheliving
creaturesthatareuponit,toexist.
6Solikewisethesea,andallthecreaturesthatareinit;
havingfirstcreatedthem,heenclosedthemthereinbyhis
power.
7Andaboveall,hewithhisholyandpurehands,formedman,
themostexcellent,and,astohisunderstanding,trulythe
greatestofallothercreatures,thecharacterofhisownimage.
8ForsoGodsays,Letusmakemaninourimage,afterour
ownlikenessSoGodcreatedman,maleandfemalecreatedhe
them.
9Andhavingthusfinishedallthesethings,hecommendedall
thathehadmade,andblessedthem,andsaid,increaseand
multiply.
10Weseehowallrighteousmenhavebeenadornedwith
goodworks:WhereforeeventheLordhimself,having
adornedhimselfwithhisworks,rejoiced.
11Havingthereforesuchanexample,letuswithoutdelay,
fulfilhiswill;andwithallourstrength,worktheworkof
righteousness.
CHAPTER16
1Thegoodworkmanwithconfidencereceivesthebreadof
hislabour;butthesluggishandlazycannotlookhiminthe
facethatsethimonwork.
2Wemustthereforebereadyandforwardinwelldoing;for
fromhimareallthings.

47. 3Andthusheforetellsus,beholdtheLordcometh,andhis
rewardiswithhim,evenbeforehisface,torendertoevery
oneaccordingtohiswork.
4Hewarnsusthereforebeforehand,withallhishearttothis
end,thatweshouldnotbeslothfulandnegligentinwelldoing.
5Letourboasting,therefore,andourconfidencebeinGod:
letussubmitourselvestohiswill.Letusconsiderthewhole
multitudeofhisangels,howreadytheystandtoministerunto
hiswill.
6Assaiththescripture,thousandsofthousandsstoodbefore
himandtenthousandtimestenthousandministereduntohim.
Andtheycried,saying,Holy,holy,holyistheLordof
Sabaoth:Thewholeearthisfullofhisglory.
7Whereforeletusalso,beingconscientiouslygathered
togetherinconcordwithoneanother;asitwerewithone
mouth,cryearnestlyuntohim,thathewouldmakeus
partakersofhisgreatandgloriouspromises.
8Forhesaith,Eyehathnotseen,norearheard,neitherhave
enteredintotheheartofman,thethingswhichGodhas
preparedforthemthatwaitforhim.
CHAPTER17
1Howblessedandwonderful,beloved,arethegiftsofGod.
2Lifeinimmortality!brightnessinrighteousness!truthinfull
assurance!faithinconfidence!temperanceinholiness!
3AndallthishasGodsubjectedtoourunderstandings:
4Whatthereforeshallthosethingsbewhichhehasprepared
forthemthatwaitforhim?
5TheCreatorandFatherofspirits,theMostHoly;heonly
knowsboththegreatnessandbeautyofthem.
6Letusthereforestrivewithallearnestness,thatwemaybe
foundinthenumberofthosethatwaitforhim,thatsowemay
receivetherewardwhichhehaspromised.
7Buthow,beloved,shallwedothis?Wemustfixourminds
byfaithtowardsGod,andseekthosethingsthatarepleasing
andacceptableuntohim.
8Wemustactconformablytohisholywill;andfollowthe
wayoftruth,castingofffromusallunrighteousnessand
iniquity,togetherwithallcovetousness,strife,evilmanners,
deceit,whispering,detractions;allhatredofGod,prideand
boasting;vaingloryandambition;
9FortheythatdothesethingsareodioustoGod;andnotonly
theythatdothem,butalsoallsuchasapproveofthosethatdo
them.
10ForthussaiththeScripture,Butuntothewicked,Godsaid,
Whathastthoutodotodeclaremystatute,orthatthou
shouldsttakemycovenantinthemouth?Seeingthatthou
hatestinstruction,andcastestmywordsbehindthee.
11Whenthousawestathief,thenthouconsentedstwithhim;
andhastbeenpartakerwithadulterers.Thougivestthymouth
toevil,andthytongueframethdeceit.Thousittestand
speakestagainstthybrother;thouslanderestthineown
mother'sson.
12ThesethingshastthoudoneandIkeptsilence;thou
thoughtestthatIwasaltogethersuchaoneasthyself:butI
willreprovethee,andsettheminorderbeforethineeyes.
13NowconsiderthisyethatforgetGod,lestItearyouin
pieces,andtherebenonetodeliver.
14Whosoofferethpraise,glorifiethme:andtohimthat
disposethhiswayaright,willIshewthesalvationofGod.
15Thisistheway,beloved,inwhichwemayfindour
Saviour,evenJesusChristthehigh-priestofallourofferings,
thedefenderandhelperofourweakness.
16Byhimwelookuptothehighestheavens;andbehold,as
inaglass,hisspotlessandmostexcellentvisage.
17Byhimaretheeyesofourheartsopened;byhimour
foolishanddarkenedunderstandingrejoicethtobeholdhis
wonderfullight.
18ByhimwouldGodhaveustotastetheknowledgeof
immortality:whobeingthebrightnessofhisglory,isbyso
muchgreaterthantheangels,ashehasbyinheritance
obtainedamoreexcellentnamethanthey.
19Forsoitiswritten,whomakethhisangelsspirits,andhis
ministersaflameoffire:
20Buttohisson,thussaiththeLord,ThouartmySon,today
haveIbegottenthee.
21Askofme,andIwillgivetheetheheathenforthy
inheritance,andtheutmostpartsoftheearthforthy
possession.
22Andagainhesaithuntohim,Sitthouonmyrighthand
untilImakethineenemiesmyfootstool.
23Butwhoarehisenemies?eventhewicked,andsuchwho
opposetheirownwillstothewillofGod.
24Letusthereforemarchon,menandbrethren,withall
earnestnessinhisholylaws.
25Letusconsiderthosewhofightunderourearthly
governors:Howorderly,howreadily,andwithwhatexact
obediencetheyperformthosethingsthatarecommanded
them.
26Allarenotgenerals,norcolonels,norcaptains,norinferior
officers:
27Buteveryoneinhisrespectiverankdoeswhatis
commandedhimbytheking,andthosewhohavethe
authorityoverhim.
28Theywhoaregreat,cannotsubsistwithoutthosethatare
little;northelittlewithoutthegreat.
29Buttheremustbeamixtureinallthings,andthenthere
willbeuseandprofittoo.
30Letus,forexample,takeourbody:theheadwithoutthe
feetisnothing,neitherthefeetwithoutthehead.
31Andeventhesmallestmembersofourbodyareyetboth
necessaryandusefultothewholebody.
32Butallconspiretogether,andaresubjecttoonecommon
use,namely,thepreservationofthewholebody.
33LetthereforeourwholebodybesavedinChristJesus;and
leteveryonebesubjecttohisneighbour,accordingtothe
orderinwhichheisplacedbythegiftofGod.
34Letnotthestrongmandespisetheweak;andlettheweak
seethathereverencethestrong.
35Lettherichmandistributetothenecessityofthepoor:and
letthepoorblessGod,thathehasgivenoneuntohim,by
whomhiswantmaybesupplied.
36Letthewisemanshewforthhiswisdom,notinwords,but
ingoodworks.
37Lethimthatishumble,notbearwitnesstohimself,butlet
himleaveittoanothertobearwitnessofhim.
38Lethimthatispureintheflesh,notgrowproudofit,
knowingthatitwasfromanotherthathereceivedthegiftof
continence.
39Letusconsidertherefore,brethren,whereofwearemade;
who,andwhatkindofmenwecameintotheworld,asitwere
outofasepulchre,andfromouterdarkness.
40Hethatmadeus,andformedus,broughtusintohisown
world;havingpresenteduswithhisbenefits,evenbeforewe
wereborn.
41Wherefore,havingreceivedallthesethingsfromhim,we
oughtineverythingtogivethanksuntohim;towhombe
gloryforeverandever.Amen.

48. CHAPTER18
1Foolishandunwisemenwhohaveneitherprudencenor
learningmaymockandderideus;beingwillingtosetup
themselvesintheirownconceits;
2Butwhatcanamortalmando?Orwhatstrengthistherein
himthatismadeoutofthedust?
3Foritiswritten,therewasnoshapebeforemineeyes;onlyI
heardasoundandavoice.
4Forwhat?ShallmanbepurebeforetheLord?Shallhebe
blamelessinhisworks?
5Behold,hetrustethnotinhisservants;andhisangelshe
chargethwithfolly.
6Yes,theheavenisnotcleaninhissight,howmuchlessthey
thatdwellinhousesofclay;ofwhichalsoweourselveswere
made?
7Hesmotethemasamoth:andfrommorningevenuntothe
eveningtheyendurenot.Becausetheywerenotabletohelp
themselves,theyperished;hebreatheduponthemandthey
died,becausetheyhadnowisdom.
8Callnowiftherebeanythatwillanswerthee;andtowhich
oftheangelswiltthoulook?
9Forwrathkilleththefoolishman,andenvyslayethhimthat
isinerror.
10Ihaveseenthefoolishtakingroot,butlo,theirhabitation
waspresentlyconsumed.
11Theirchildrenwerefarfromsafety,theyperishedatthe
gatesofthosewhowerelesserthanthemselves;andtherewas
nomantohelpthem.
12Forwhatwaspreparedforthem,therighteousdideat:and
theyshallnotbedeliveredfromevil.
13Seeingthenthesethingsaremanifestuntous,itwill
behooveus,totakecarethatlookingintothedepthsofthe
divineknowledge,wedoallthingsinorder,whatsoeverour
Lordhascommandedustodo.
14Andparticularly,thatweperformourofferingsandservice
toGod,attheirappointedseasons:forthesehehas
commandedtobedone,notrashlyanddisorderly,butat
certaindeterminatetimesandhours.
15Andthereforehehasordainedbyhissupremewilland
authority,bothwhere,andbywhatpersons,theyaretobe
performed;thatsoallthingsbeingpiouslydoneuntoallwell-
pleasing,theymaybeacceptableuntohim.
16Theythereforewhomaketheirofferingsattheappointed
seasons,arehappyandaccepted:becausethatobeyingthe
commandmentsoftheLord,theyarefreefromsin.
17Andthesamecaremustbehadofthepersonsthatminister
untohim.
18Forthechief-priesthashisproperservices;andtothe
prieststheirproperplaceisappointed;andtotheLevites
appertaintheirproperministries:andthelaymanisconfined
withintheboundsofwhatiscommandedtolaymen.
19Leteveryoneofyoutherefore,brethren,blessGodinhis
properstation,withagoodconscience,andwithallgravity,
notexceedingtheruleofhisservicethatisappointedtohim.
20Thedailysacrificesarenotofferedeverywhere;northe
peace-offerings,northesacrificesappointedforsinsand
transgressions;butonlyatJerusalem:norinanyplacethere,
butonlyatthealtarbeforethetemple;thatwhichisoffered
beingfirstdiligentlyexaminedbythehigh-priestandtheother
ministerwebeforementioned.
21Theythereforewhodoanythingwhichisnotagreeableto
Hiswillarepunishedwithdeath.
22Consider,brethren,thatbyhowmuchthebetterknowledge
Godhasvouchsafeduntousbysomuchthegreaterdangerare
weexposedto.
CHAPTER19
1TheApostleshavepreachedtousfromtheLordJesus
Christ;JesusChristfromGod.
2ChristthereforewassentbyGod,theApostlesbyChrist;so
bothwereorderlysent,accordingtothewillofGod.
3Forhavingreceivedtheircommand,andbeingthoroughly
assuredbytheresurrectionofourLordJesusChrist;and
convincedbythewordofGod,withthefulnessoftheHoly
Spirit,theywentabroad,publishing,ThatthekingdomofGod
wasathand.
4Andthuspreachingthroughcountriesandcities,they
appointedthefirstfruitsoftheirconversiontobebishopsand
ministersoversuchasshouldafterwardsbelieve,havingfirst
provedthembytheSpirit.
5Norwasthisanynewthing:seeingthatlongbeforeitwas
writtenconcerningbishopsanddeacons.
6ForthussaiththeScripture,inacertainplace:Iwillappoint
theiroverseersinrighteousness,andtheirministersinfaith.
7Andwhatwonderifthey,towhomsuchaworkwas
committedbyGodinChrist,establishedsuchofficersaswe
beforementioned;wheneventhatblessedandfaithfulservant
inallhishouse,Moses,setdownintheHolyScripturesall
thingsthatwerecommandedhim.
8Whomalsoalltherestoftheprophetsfollowed,bearing
witnesswithoneconsenttothosethingsthatwereappointed
byhim.
9Forhe,perceivinganemulationtoariseamongthetribes
concerningthepriesthood,andthattherewasastrifeaboutit,
whichofthemshouldbeadornedwiththatgloriousname;
commandedtheirtwelvecaptainstobringtohimtwelverods;
everytribebeingwrittenuponitsrod,accordingtoitsname.
10Andhetookthemandboundthemtogether,andsealed
themwiththesealsofthetwelveprincesofthetribes;andlaid
themupinthetabernacleofwitness,uponthetableofGod.
11Andwhenhehadshutthedoorofthetabernaclehesealed
upthekeysofit,inlikemannerashehaddonetherods;and
saiduntothem,Menandbrethren,whichsoevertribeshall
haveitsrodblossom,thattribehasGodchosentoperformthe
officeofapriest,andtoministeruntohiminholythings.
12Andwhenthemorningwascome,hecalledtogetherall
Israel,sixhundredthousandmen;andshewedtotheprinces
theirseals;andopenedthetabernacleofwitness;andbrought
forththerods.
13AndtherodofAaronwasfoundnotonlytohave
blossomed,butalsotohavefruituponit.
14Whatthinkyou,beloved?DidnotMosesbeforeknow
whatshouldhappen?
15Yesverily:buttotheendtheremightbenodivision,nor
tumultinIsrael,hedidinthismanner,thatthenameofthe
trueandonlyGodmightbeglorified,tohimbehonourfor
everandever,Amen.
16SolikewiseourApostlesknewbyourLordJesusChrist,
thatthereshouldcontentionsarise,uponaccountofthe
ministry.
17Andthereforehavingaperfectfore-knowledgeofthis,
theyappointedpersons,aswehavebeforesaid,andthengave
direction,how,whentheyshoulddie,otherchosenand
approvedmenshouldsucceedintheirministry.
18Whereforewecannotthinkthatthosemayjustlybethrown
outoftheirministry,whowereeitherappointedbythem,or
afterwardschosenbyothereminentmen,withtheconsentof
thewholechurch;andwhohavewithalllowlinessand
innocencyministeredtotheflockofChrist,inpeace,and
withoutself-interest,andwereforalongtimecommendedby
all.

49. 19Foritwouldbenosmallsininus,shouldwecastoffthose
fromtheirministrywhoholilyandwithoutblamefulfilthe
dutiesofit.
20Blessedarethosepriests,whohavingfinishedtheircourse
beforethesetimeshaveobtainedafruitfulandperfect
dissolution:fortheyhavenofear,lestanyoneshouldturn
themoutoftheplacewhichisnowappointedforthem.
21Butweseehowyouhaveputoutsome,wholived
reputablyamongyou,fromtheministry,whichbytheir
innocencetheyhadadorned.
CHAPTER20
1Yearecontentious,brethren,andzealousforthingsthat
pertainnotuntosalvation.
2LookintotheHolyScriptures,whicharethetruewordsof
theHolyGhost.Yeknowthatthereisnothingunjustor
counterfeitwritteninthem.
3Thereyoushallnotfindthatrighteousmenwereevercast
offbysuchasweregoodthemselves.
4Theywerepersecuted,butitwasbythewickedandunjust.
5Theywerecastintoprison;buttheywerecastinbythose
thatwereunholy.
6Theywerestoned;butitwasbytransgressors.
7Theywerekilled;butbyaccursedmen,andsuchashad
takenupanunjustenvyagainstthem.
8Andallthesethingstheyunderwentgloriously.
9Forwhatshallwesay,brethren?WasDanielcastintothe
denoflions,bymenfearingGod?Ananias,Azarius,and
Misael,weretheycastintothefieryfurnacebymen,
professingtheexcellentandgloriousworshipoftheMost
High?Godforbid.
10Whatkindofpersonsthenweretheythatdidthesethings?
Theyweremenabominable,fullofallwickedness;whowere
incensedtosogreatadegree,astobringthoseintosufferings,
whowithaholyandunblameablepurposeofmind
worshippedGod:notknowingthattheMostHighisthe
protectoranddefenderofallsuchaswithapureconscience
servehisholyname:towhombegloryforeverandever,
Amen.
11Buttheywhowithafullpersuasionhaveenduredthese
things,andaremadepartakersofgloryandhonour:andare
exaltedandliftedupbyGodintheirmemorialthroughoutall
ages,Amen.
12Whereforeitwillbehooveusalso,brethren,tofollowsuch
examplesasthese;foritiswritten,Holdfasttosuchasare
holy;fortheythatdososhallbesanctified.
13Andagaininanotherplacehesaith,Withthepurethou
shaltbepure,(andwiththeelectthoushaltbeelect),butwith
theperversemanthoushaltbeperverse.
14Letusthereforejoinourselvestotheinnocentand
righteous;forsucharetheelectofGod.
15Whereforearetherestrifes,andanger,anddivisions,and
schisms,andwars,amongus?
16HavewenotalloneGod,andoneChrist?Isnotonespirit
ofgracepouredoutuponusall?Havewenotonecallingin
Christ?
17Whythendowerendandtearinpiecesthemembersof
Christ;andraiseseditiousagainstourownbody?Andare
cometosuchaheightofmadness,astoforgetthatwewere
membersoneofanother?
18RememberthewordsofourLordJesus,howhesaid,Wo
tothatman,(bywhomoffencescome)Itwerebetterforhim
thathehadneverbeenborn,thanthatheshouldhaveoffended
oneofmyelect.Itwerebetterforhim,thatamillstoneshould
betiedabouthisneck,andheshouldbecastintothesea,than
thatheshouldoffendoneofmylittleones.
19Yourschismhaspervertedmany,hasdiscouragedmany:it
hascauseddiffidenceinmany,andgriefinusall.Andyet
yourseditioncontinuesstill.
20TaketheepistleoftheblessedPaultheApostleintoyour
hands;Whatwasitthathewrotetoyouathisfirstpreaching
theGospelamongyou?
21Verilyhedidbythespiritadmonishyouconcerning
himself,andCephas,andApollos,becausethateventhenye
hadbeguntofallintopartiesandfactionsamongyourselves.
22Neverthelessyourpartialitythenledyouintoamuchless
sin:forasmuchasyeplacedyouraffectionsuponApostles,
menofeminentreputationinthechurch;anduponanother,
whowasgreatlytriedandapprovedofbythem.
23Butconsider,weprayyou,whoaretheythathavenowled
youastray;andlessenedthereputationofthatbrotherlylove
thatwassoeminentamongyou?
24Itisashame,mybeloved,yea,averygreatshame,and
unworthyofyourChristianprofession,tohearthatthemost
firmandancientchurchoftheCorinthiansshould,byoneor
twopersons,beledintoaseditionagainstitspriests.
25Andthisreportiscomenotonlytous,buttothosealso
thatdifferfromus.
26InsomuchthatthenameoftheLordisblasphemedthrough
yourfolly;andevenyeyourselvesarebroughtintodangerby
it.
27Letusthereforewithallhasteputanendtothissedition;
andletusfalldownbeforetheLord,andbeseechHimwith
tearsthatHewouldbefavourablyreconciledtous,andrestore
usagaintoaseemlyandholycourseofbrotherlylove.
28Forthisisthegateofrighteousness,openinguntolife:asit
iswritten,Openuntomethegatesofrighteousness;Iwillgo
inuntothemandwillpraisetheLord.Thisisthegateofthe
Lord,therighteousshallenterintoit.
29Althoughthereforemanygatesareopened,yetthisgateof
righteousnessisthatgateinChristatwhichblessedarethey
thatenterin,anddirecttheirwayinholinessand
righteousness,doingallthingswithoutdisorder.
30Letamanbefaithful,lethimbepowerfulintheutterance
ofknowledge:lethimbewiseinmakinganexactjudgmentof
words;lethimbepureinallhisactions.
31Butstillbyhowmuchthemoreheseemstobeabove
othersbyreasonofthesethings,bysomuchthemorewillit
behoovehimtobehumble-minded;andtoseekwhatis
profitabletoallmen,andnothisownadvantage.
CHAPTER21
1HethathasthelovethatisinChrist,lethimkeepthe
commandmentsofChrist.
2ForwhoisabletoexpresstheobligationoftheloveofGod?
Whatmanissufficienttodeclare,andisfitting,theexcellency
ofitsbeauty?
3Theheighttowhichcharityleadsisinexpressible.
4CharityunitesustoGod;charitycoversthemultitudeof
sins:charityenduresallthings,islong-sufferinginallthings.
5Thereisnothingbaseandsordidincharity;charityliftsnot
itselfupaboveothers;admitsofnodivisions;isnotseditious;
butdoesallthingsinpeaceandconcord.
6BycharitywerealltheelectofGodmadeperfect:Without
itnothingispleasingandacceptableinthesightofGod.
7ThroughcharitydidtheLordjoinusuntohimself;whilstfor
thelovethatheboretowardsus,ourLordJesusChristgave
hisownbloodforus,bythewillofGod;hisfleshforour
flesh;hissoul,foroursouls.

50. 8Yesee,beloved,howgreatandwonderfulathingcharityis:
andhowthatnoexpressionsaresufficienttodeclareits
perfection.
9Butwhoisfittobefoundinit?EvensuchonlyasGodshall
vouchsafetomakeso.
10Letusthereforepraytohim,andbeseechhim,thatwemay
beworthyofit;thatsowemayliveincharity;being
unblameable,withouthumanpropensities,withoutrespectof
persons.
11Alltheagesoftheworld,fromAdam,evenuntothisday,
arepassedaway;buttheywhohavebeenmadeperfectinlove,
havebythegraceofGodobtainedaplaceamongthe
righteous;andshallbemademanifestinthejudgmentofthe
kingdomofChrist.
12Foritiswritten,Enterintothychambersforalittlespace,
tillmyangerandindignationshallpassaway:AndIwill
rememberthegoodday,andwillraiseyouupoutofyour
graves.
13Happythenshallwebe,beloved,ifweshallhavefulfilled
thecommandmentsofGod,intheunityoflove;thatso,
throughlove,oursinsmaybeforgivenus.
14Forsoitiswritten,Blessedaretheywhoseiniquitiesare
forgiven,andwhosesinsarecovered.Blessedisthemanto
whomtheLordimputethnosin,andinwhosemouththereis
noguile.
15Nowthisblessingisfulfilledinthosewhoarechosenby
GodthroughJesusChristourLord,towhombegloryforever
andever.Amen.
CHAPTER22
1Letustherefore,asmanyashavetransgressedbyanyofthe
suggestionsoftheadversary,begGod'sforgiveness.
2Andasforthosewhohavebeentheheadsofthesedition
andfactionamongyou,letthemlooktothecommonendof
ourhope.
3Forasmanyasareenduedwithfearandcharity,would
rathertheythemselvesshouldfallintotrialsthantheir
neighbours:Andchoosetobethemselvescondemned,rather
thanthatthegoodandjustcharitydeliveredtous,should
suffer.
4Foritisseemlyforamantoconfesswhereinhehas
transgressed.
5Andnottohardenhisheart,astheheartsofthosewere
hardened,whoraisedupseditionagainstMosestheservantof
God;whosepunishmentwasmanifestuntoallmen;forthey
wentdownaliveintothegrave,deathswallowedthemup.
6Pharaohandhishost,andalltherulersofEgypt,their
chariotsalsoandtheirhorsemen,werefornoothercause
drowned,inthebottomoftheRedSea,andperished;but
becausetheyhardenedtheirfoolishhearts,aftersomanysigns
doneinthelandofEgypt,byMosestheservantofGod.
7Beloved,Godisrotindigentofanything;nordoeshe
demandanythingofus,butthatweshouldconfessoursins
untohim.
8ForsosaystheHolyDavid,IwillconfessuntotheLord,
anditshallpleasehimbetterthanayoungbullockthathath
hornsandhoof.Letthepoorseeitandbeglad.
9Andagainhesaith,OfferuntoGodthesacrificeofpraise,
andpaythyvowsuntotheMostHighest.Andcalluponmein
thedayoftrouble,andIwilldeliverthee,andthoushalt
glorifyme.ThesacrificeofGodisabrokenspirit.
10Yeknow,beloved,yeknowfullwelltheHolyScriptures;
andhavethoroughlysearchedintotheoraclesofGod:call
themthereforetoyourremembrance.
11ForwhenMoseswentupintothemount,andtarriedthere
fortydaysandfortynightsinfastingandhumiliation;God
saiduntohim,Arise,Moses,andgettheedownquicklyfrom
hence,forthypeoplewhomthoubroughtestoutofthelandof
Egypt,havecommittedwickedness:theyhavesoon
transgressedthewaythatIcommandedthem,andhavemade
tothemselvesgravenimages.
12AndtheLordsaiduntohim,Ihavespokenuntothee
severaltimes,sayingIhaveseenthispeople,andbeholditisa
stiffneckedpeople:letmethereforedestroythem,andputout
theirnamefromunderheaven.AndIwillmakeuntotheea
greatandawonderfulnation,thatshallbemuchlargerthan
this.
13ButMosessaid,Notso,Lord;Forgivenowthispeople
theirsin;orifthouwiltnot,blotmealsooutofthebookof!
theliving.Oadmirablecharity!Oinsuperableperfection!The
servantspeaksfreelytohisLord;Hebeseecheshimeitherto
forgivethepeople,ortodestroyhimtogetherwiththem.
14Whoisthereamongyouthatisgenerous?Whothatis
compassionate?Whothathasanycharity?Lethimsay,ifthis
sedition,thiscontention,andtheseschisms,beuponmy
account,Iamreadytodepart;togoawaywhithersoeveryou
please;anddowhatsoeveryeshallcommandme:Onlyletthe
flockofChristbeinpeace,withtheeldersthataresetoverit.
15Hethatshalldothis,shallgettohimselfaverygreat
honourintheLord;andthereisnoplacebutwhatwillbe
readytoreceivehim:FortheearthistheLord'sandthe
fulnessthereof.
16Thesethingstheywhohavetheirconversationtowards
Godnottoberepentedof,bothhavedoneandwillalwaysbe
ready!todo.
17NayandeventheGentilesthemselveshavegivenus!
examplesofthiskind.
18Forweread,Howmanykingsandprinces,intimesof
pestilence,beingwarnedbytheiroracles,havegivenup
themselvesuntodeath:thatbytheirownblood,theymight
delivertheircountryfromdestruction.
19Othershaveforsakentheircities,sothattheymightputan
endtotheseditionsofthem.
20Weknowhowmanyamongourselves,havegivenup
themselvesuntobonds,thattherebytheymightfreeothers
fromthem.
21Othershavesoldthemselvesintobondagethattheymight
feedtheirbrethrenwiththepriceofthemselves.
22Andevenmanywomen,beingstrengthenedbythegraceof
God,havedonemanygloriousandmanlythingsonsuch
occasions.
23TheblessedJudith,whenhercitywasbesieged,desiredthe
elders,thattheywouldsufferhertogointothecampoftheir
enemies:andshewentoutexposingherselftodangerforthe
lovesheboretohercountryandherpeoplethatwerebesieged;
andtheLorddeliveredHolofernesintothehandsofawoman.
24NordidEsther,beingperfectinfaith,exposeherselftoany
lesshazard,forthedeliveryofthetwelvetribesofIsrael,in
dangerofbeingdestroyed.For,byfastingandhumbling
herself,sheentreatedtheGreatMakerofallthings,theGodof
spirits;sothatbeholdingthehumilityofhersoul,hedelivered
thepeople,forwhosesakeshewasinperil.
CHAPTER23
1Whereforeletusalsoprayforsuchasarefallenintosin.
Thatbeingenduedwithhumilityandmoderation,theymay
submitnotuntous,buttothewillofGod.

51. 2Forbythismeanstheyshallobtainafruitfulandperfect
remembrance,withmercy,bothinourprayerstoGod,andin
ourmentionofthembeforehissaints.
3Letusreceivecorrection,atwhichnomanoughttorepine.
4Beloved,thereproofandthecorrectionwhichweexercise
towardsoneanother,isgood,andexceedingprofitable:forit
unitesusthemorecloselytothewillofGod.
5ForsosaystheHolyScripture,TheLordcorrectedme,but
hedidnotdelivermeoveruntodeath.ForwhomtheLord
lovethhechasteneth,andscourgetheverysonwhomhe
receiveth.
67Therighteous,saithhe,shallinstructmeinmercyand
reproveme;butletnotoilofsinnersmakefatmyhead.
7Andagainhesaith,HappyisthemanwhomGodcorrecteth;
thereforedespisenotthouthechasteningoftheAlmighty.
8Forhemakethsoreandbindethup;hewoundethandhis
handsmakewhole.
9Heshalldelivertheeinsixtroubles;yeainseventhereshall
noeviltouchthee.Infamineheshallredeemtheefromdeath;
andinwarfromthepowerofthesword.
10Thoushaltbehidfromthescourgeofthetongue;neither
shaltthoubeafraidofdestructionwhenitcometh.
11Thoushaltlaughatthewickedandsinners;neithershalt
thoubeafraidofthebeastsoftheearth.Thewildbeastshall
beatpeacewiththee.
12Thenshaltthouknowthatthyhouseshallbeinpeace;and
thehabitationofthytabernacleshallnoterr.Thoushaltknow
alsothatthyseedshallbegreatandthyoffspringasthegrass
oftheearth.
13Thoushaltcometothygraveastheripecorn,thatistaken
induetime;likeasashockofcorncomethin,initsseason.
14Yesee,beloved,howthereshallbeadefencetothosethat
arecorrectedoftheLord.Forbeingagoodinstructor,heis
willingtoadmonishusbyhisholydiscipline.
15Doyethereforewholaidthefirstfoundationofthis
sedition,submityourselvesuntoyourpriests;andbe
instructeduntorepentance,bendingthekneesofyourhearts.
16Learntobesubject,layingasideallproudandarrogant
boastingofyourtongues.
17Foritisbetterforyoutobefoundlittle,andapproved,in
thesheepfoldofChrist,thantoseemtoyourselvesbetterthan
others,andbecastoutofhisfold.
18Forthusspeakstheexcellentandallvirtuouswisdom,
BeholdIwillpouroutthewordofmyspirituponyou,Iwill
makeknownmyspeechuntoyou.
19BecauseIcalledandyewouldnothear,Istretchedoutmy
wordsandyeregardednot.
20Butyehavesetatnoughtallmycounsel,andwouldnone
ofmyreproof.Iwillalsolaughatyourcalamity,andmock
whenyourfearcometh.
21Whenyourfearcomethasdesolation,andyourdestruction
asawhirlwind,whendistressandanguishcomethuponyou.
22Thenshallyecalluponme,butIwillnothearyou:the
wickedshallseekme,buttheyshallnotfindme.Forthatthey
hatedknowledge,anddidnotseekthefearoftheLord.
23Theywouldnothearkenuntomycounsel:theydespisedall
myreproof.Thereforeshalltheyeatofthefruitoftheirown
ways;andbefilledwiththeirownwickedness.
CHAPTER24
1NowGod,theinspectorofallthings,theFatherofSpirits,
andtheLordofallflesh,whohathchosenourLordJesus
Christ,andusbyhim,tobehispeculiarpeople;
2Granttoeverysoulofmanthatcallethuponhisgloriousand
holyname,faith,fear,peace,long-suffering,patience,
temperance,holinessandsobriety,untoallwell-pleasingin
hissight;throughourHigh-PriestandProtectorJesusChrist,
bywhombeglory,andmajesty,andpower,andhonour,unto
himnowandforevermore.Amen.
3Themessengerswhomwehavesentuntoyou,Claudius,
Ephebus,andValeriosBito,withFortunatus,sendbacktous
againwithallspeedinpeace,andwithjoy,thattheymaythe
sooneracquaintuswithyourpeaceandconcord,somuch
prayedforanddesiredbyus;andthatwemayrejoiceinyour
goodorder.
4TheGraceofourLordJesusChristbewithyou,andwithall
thatareanywherecalledbyGodthroughhim:Towhombe
honourandglory,andmightandmajesty,andeternal
dominion,byChristJesus,fromeverlastingtoeverlasting.
Amen.

52. TheSecondEpistle
ofClementtothe
Corinthians
CHAPTER1
1Brethren,weoughtsotothinkofJesusChristasofGod:asof
thejudgeoftheliving,andthedead;norshouldwethinkanyless
ofoursalvation.
2Forifwethinkmeanlyofhim,weshallhopeonlytoreceive
somesmallthingsfromhim.
3Andifwedoso;weshallsin;notconsideringfromwhencewe
havebeencalled,andbywhom,andtowhatplace;andhow
muchJesusChristvouchsafedtosufferforoursakes.
4Whatrecompensethenshallwerenderuntohim?Orwhatfruit
thatmaybeworthyofwhathehasgiventous?
5Forindeedhowgreatarethoseadvantageswhichweoweto
himinrelationtoourholiness?Hehasilluminatedus:asafather,
hehascalledushischildren;hehassaveduswhowerelostand
undone.
6Whatpraiseshallwegivetohim?Orwhatrewardthatmaybe
answerabletothosethingswhichwehavereceived?
7Weweredefectiveinourunderstandings;worshippingstones
andwood;gold,andsilver,andbrass,theworksofmen'shands;
andourwholelifewasnothingelsebutdeath.
8Whereforebeingencompassedwithdarkness,andhavingsuch
amistbeforeoureyes,wehavelookedup,andthroughhiswill
havelaidasidethecloudwherewithweweresurrounded.
9Forhehadcompassionuponus,andbeingmovedinhisbowels
towardsus,hesavedus;havingbeheldinusmucherror,and
destruction;andseenthatwehadnohopeofsalvation,butonly
throughhim.
10Forhecalleduswhowerenot;andwaspleasedfromnothing
togiveusbeing.
CHAPTER2
1Rejoice,thoubarren,thatbearestnot,breakforthandcrythou
thattravailestnot;forshethatisdesolatehathmanymore
childrenthanshethathathanhusband.
2Inthathesaid,Rejoicethoubarrenthatbearestnot,hespakeof
us:forourchurchwasbarrenbeforethatchildrenweregiven
untoit.
3Andagain;whenhesaid,Crythouthattravailestnot;he
impliedthusmuch:Thatafterthemannerofwomenintravail,we
shouldnotceasetoputupourprayersuntoGodabundantly.
4Andforwhatfollows,becauseshethatisdesolatehathmore
childrenthanshethathathanhusband:itwasthereforeadded,
becauseourpeoplewhichseemtohavebeenforsakenbyGod,
nowbelievinginhim,arebecomemorethantheywhoseemedto
haveGod.
5AndanotherScripturesaith,Icamenottocalltherighteousbut
sinnerstorepentance.Themeaningofwhichisthis:thatthose
whowerelostmustbesaved.
6Forthatis,indeed,trulygreatandwonderful,nottoconfirm
thosethingsthatareyetstanding,butthosewhicharefalling.
7EvensodiditseemgoodtoChristtosavewhatwaslost;and
whenhecameintotheworld,hesavedmany,andcalleduswho
werealreadylost.
8Seeingthenhehasshewedsogreatmercytowardsus;and
chieflyforthat,wewhoarealive,donownolongersacrificeto
deadGods,norpayanyworshiptothem,buthavebyhimbeen
broughttotheknowledgeoftheFatheroftruth.
9Wherebyshallweshewthatwedoindeedknowhim,butby
notdenyinghimbywhomwehavecometotheknowledgeof
him?
10Forevenhehimselfsaith,Whosoevershallconfessmebefore
men,himwillIconfessbeforemyFather.Thisthereforeisour
rewardifweshallconfesshimbywhomwehavebeensaved.
11But,whereinmustweconfesshim?—Namely,indoingthose
thingswhichhesaith,andnotdisobeyinghiscommandments:by
worshippinghimnotwithourlipsonly,butwithallourheart,
andwithallourmind.ForhesaithinIsaiah:Thispeople
honourethmewiththeirlips,buttheirheartisfarfromme.
12LetusthennotonlycallhimLord;forthatwillnotsaveus.
Forhesaith:NoteveryonethatsaithuntomeLord,Lord,shall
besaved,buthethatdoethrighteousness.
13Wherefore,brethren,letusconfesshimbyourworks;by
lovingoneanother;innotcommittingadultery,notspeakingevil
againsteachother,notenvyingoneanother;butbybeing
temperate,merciful,good.
14Letusalsohaveamutualsenseofoneanother'ssufferings;
andnotbecovetousofmoney:butletus,byourgoodworks,
confessGod,andnotbythosethatareotherwise.
15Alsoletusnotfearmen:butratherGod.Wherefore,ifwe
shoulddosuchwickedthings,theLordhathsaid:Thoughye
shouldbejoineduntome,eveninmyverybosom,andnotkeep
mycommandments,Iwouldcastyouoff,andsayuntoyou:
Departfromme;Iknownotwhenceyouare,yeworkersof
iniquity.
CHAPTER3
1Wherefore,brethren,leavingwillinglyforconsciencesakeour
sojourninginthisworld,letusdothewillofhimwhohascalled
us,andnotfeartodepartoutofthisworld.
2FortheLordsaith,Yeshallbeassheepinthemidstofwolves.
Peteransweredandsaid,Whatifthewolvesshalltearinpieces
thesheep?JesussaiduntoPeter,Letnotthesheepfearthe
wolvesafterdeath:Andyealsofearnotthosethatkillyou,and
afterthathavenomorethattheycandountoyou;butfearhim
whoafteryouaredead,haspowertocastbothsoulandbodyinto
hell-fire.
3Forconsider,brethren,thatthesojourningofthisfleshinthe
presentworld,isbutlittle,andofashortcontinuance,butthe
promiseofChristisgreatandwonderful,eventherestofthe
kingdomthatistocome,andofeternallife.
4Whatthenmustwedothatwemayattainuntoit?—Wemust
orderourconversationholilyandrighteously,andlookuponall
thethingsofthisworldasnoneofours,andnotdesirethem.For,
ifwedesiretopossessthemwefallfromthewayof
righteousness.
5ForthussaiththeLord,Noservantcanservetwomasters.If
thereforeweshalldesiretoserveGodandMammonitwillbe
withoutprofittous.Forwhatwillitprofit,ifonegainthewhole
world,andlosehisownsoul?
6Nowthisworldandthattocomearetwoenemies.This
speakethofadulteryandcorruption,ofcovetousnessanddeceit;
butrenouncesthesethings.
7Wecannot,therefore,bethefriendsofboth;butwemust
resolvebyforsakingtheone,toenjoytheother.Andwethinkit
isbettertohatethepresentthings,aslittle,short-lived,and
corruptible,andtolovethosewhicharetocome,whicharetruly
goodandincorruptible.
8For,ifwedothewillofChrist,weshallfindrest:butifnot,
nothingshalldeliverusfrometernalpunishmentifweshall
disobeyhiscommands.ForeventhussaiththeScriptureinthe
prophetEzekiel,IfNoah,Job,andDanielshouldriseup,they
shallnotdelivertheirchildrenincaptivity.
9Wherefore,ifsuchrighteousmenarenotablebytheir
righteousnesstodelivertheirchildren;howcanwehopetoenter
intothekingdomofGod,exceptwekeepourbaptismholyand

53. undefiled?Orwhoshallbeouradvocate,unlessweshallbe
foundtohavedonewhatisholyandjust?
10Letus,therefore,mybrethren,contendwithallearnestness,
knowingthatourcombatisathand;andthatmanygolong
voyagestoencounterforacorruptiblereward.
11Andyetallarenotcrowned,buttheyonlythatlabourmuch,
andstrivegloriously.Letus,therefore,socontend,thatwemay
allbecrowned.Letusruninthestraightroad,theracethatis
incorruptible:andletusingreatnumberspassuntoit,andstrive
thatwemayreceivethecrown.Butandifwecannotallbe
crowned,letuscomeasneartoitasweareable.
12Moreover,wemustconsider,thathewhocontendsina
corruptiblecombat,ifhebefounddoinganythingthatisnotfair,
istakenawayandscourged,andcastoutofthelists.Whatthink
yethenthatheshallsuffer,whodoesanythingthatisnotfitting
inthecombatofimmortality?
13Thusspeakstheprophetconcerningthosewhokeepnottheir
seal;Theirwormshallnotdie,andtheirfireshallnotbe
quenched;andtheyshallbeforaspectacleuntoallflesh.
14Letusthereforerepent,whilstweareyetupontheearth:for
weareasclayinthehandoftheartificer.Forasthepotterifhe
makeavessel,anditbeturnedamissinhishands,orbroken,
againformsitanew;butifhehavegonesofarastothrowitinto
thefurnaceoffire,hecannomorebringanyremedytoit.
15Sowe,whilstweareinthisworld,shouldrepentwithour
wholeheartforwhatsoeverevilwehavedoneintheflesh;while
wehaveyetthetimeofrepentance,thatwemaybesavedbythe
Lord.
16Forafterweshallhavedepartedoutofthisworld,weshallno
longerbeabletoconfessoursinsorrepentintheother.
17Wherefore,brethren,letusdoingthewilloftheFather,and
keepingourfleshpure,andobservingthecommandmentsofthe
Lord,layholdoneternallife:fortheLordsaithinthegospel,If
yehavenotkeptthatwhichwaslittle,whowillgiveyouthat
whichisgreat?—ForIsayuntoyou,hethatisfaithfulinthat
whichisleast,isfaithfulalsoinmuch.
18This,therefore,iswhathesaith;keepyourbodiespure,and
yoursealwithoutspot,thatyemayreceiveeternallife.
CHAPTER4
1Andletnotanyoneamongyousay,thatthisveryfleshisnot
judged,neitherraisedup.Consider,inwhatwereyousaved;in
whatdidyoulookup,ifnotwhilstyouwereinthisflesh.
2Wemust,therefore,keepourfleshasthetempleofGod.Forin
likemannerasyewerecalledinthefleshyeshallalsocometo
judgmentintheflesh.OuroneLordJesusChrist,whohassaved
us,beingfirstaspirit,wasmadeflesh,andsocalledus;evenso
wealsoshallinthisfleshreceivethereward.
3Letus,therefore,loveoneanother,thatwemayattainuntothe
kingdomofGod.Whilstwehavetimetobehealed,letusdeliver
upourselvestoGodourphysician,givingourrewarduntohim.
4Andwhatrewardshallwegive?—Repentanceoutofapure
heart.Forheknowsallthingsbeforehand,andsearchesoutour
veryhearts.
5Letus,therefore,givepraiseuntohim:notonlywithour
mouths,butwithalloursouls;thathemayreceiveusaschildren.
ForsotheLordhathsaid;Theyaremybrethren,whodothewill
ofmyfather.
6Wherefore,mybrethren,letusdothewilloftheFather,who
hathcalledus,thatwemaylive.Letuspursuevirtue,andforsake
wickedness,whichleadethusintosins;andletusfleeall
ungodliness,thatevilsovertakeusnot.
7For,ifweshalldoourdiligencetolivewell,peaceshallfollow
us.Andyethowhardisittofindamanthatdoesthis?Foralmost
allareledbyhumanfears,choosingratherthepresent
enjoyments,thanthefuturepromise.
8Fortheyknownothowgreatatormentthepresentenjoyments
bringwiththem;norwhatdelightsthefuturepromise
9Andiftheythemselvesonlydidthis,itmightthemoreeasily
beendured;butnowtheygoontoinfectinnocentsoulswiththeir
evildoctrines;notknowingthatboththemselves,andthosethat
hearthem,shallreceiveadoublecondemnation.
10Letus,therefore,serveGodwithapureheart,andweshallbe
righteous:butifweshallnotservehimbecausewedonotbelieve
thepromiseofGod,weshallbemiserable.
11Forthussaiththeprophet;Miserablearethedoubleminded
whodoubtintheirheart,andsay,thesethingswehaveheard,
eveninthetimeofourfathers,butwehaveseennoneofthem,
thoughwehaveexpectedthemfromdaytoday.
12Oyefools!compareyourselvestoatree;takethevineforan
example.Firstitshedsitsleaves,thenitbuds,thencomethesour
grapes,thentheripefruit;evensomypeoplehaveborneits
disordersandafflictions,butshallhereafterreceivegoodthings.
13Whereforemybrethren,letusnotdoubtinourminds,butlet
usexpectwithhope,thatwemayreceiveourreward;forheis
faithful,whohaspromisedhewillrendertoeveryoneareward
accordingtohisworks.
14If,therefore,weshalldowhatisjustinthesightofGodwe
shallenterintohiskingdom,Iandshallreceivethepromises;
Whichneithereyehasseen,norearheard,norhaveenteredinto
theheartofman.
15WhereforeletuseveryhourexpectthekingdomofGodin
loveandrighteousness;becauseweknownotthedayofGod's
appearing.
CHAPTER5
1FortheLordhimself,beingaskedbyacertainperson,When
hiskingdomshouldcome?answered,Whentwoshallbeone,and
thatwhichiswithoutasthatwhichiswithin;andthemalewith
thefemale,neithermalenorfemale.
2Nowtwoareone,whenwespeakthetruthtoeachother,and
thereis(withouthypocrisy)onesoulintwobodies:
3Andthatwhichiswithoutasthatwhichiswithin;—Hemeans
this:hecallsthesoulthatwhichiswithin,andthebodythat
whichiswithout.Asthereforethybodyappears,soletthysoul
beseenbyitsgoodworks.
4Andthemalewiththefemaleneithermalenorfemale;—He
meansthis;hecallsourangerthemale,ourconcupiscencethe
female.
5Whenthereforeamaniscometosuchapassthatheissubject
neithertotheonenortheotherofthese(bothofwhich,through
theprevalenceofcustom,andanevileducation,cloudand
darkenthereason,)
6Butrather,havingdispelledthemistarisingfromthem,and
beingfullofshame,shallbyrepentancehaveunitedbothhissoul
andspiritintheobedienceofreason;then,asPaulsays,thereis
inusneithermalenorfemale.

54. TheGeneralEpistle
ofBarnabas
CHAPTER1
1Allhappinesstoyoumysonsanddaughters,inthenameof
ourLordJesusChrist,wholovedus,inpeace.
2Havingperceivedabundanceofknowledgeofthegreatand
excellentlawsofGodtobeinyou,Iexceedinglyrejoicein
yourblessedandadmirablesouls,becauseyehavesoworthily
receivedthegracewhichwasgraftedinyou.
3ForwhichcauseIamfullofjoy,hopingtherathertohe
saved;inasmuchasItrulyseeaspiritinfusedintoyou,from
thepurefountainofGod:
4Havingthispersuasion,andbeingfullyconvincedthereof,
becausethatsinceIhavebeguntospeakuntoyou,Ihavehad
amorethanordinarygoodsuccessinthewayofthelawofthe
LordwhichisinChrist.
5Forwhichcausebrethren,IalsothinkverilythatIloveyou
abovemyownsoul:becausethatthereindwelleththe
greatnessoffaithandcharity,asalsothehopeofthatlife
whichistocome.
6.Whereforeconsideringthis,thatifIshalltakecareto
communicatetoyouapartofwhatIhavereceived,itshall
turntomyreward,thatIhaveservedsuchgoodsouls;Igave
diligencetowriteinafewwordsuntoyou;thattogetherwith
yourfaith,knowledgealsomaybeperfect.
7TherearethereforethreethingsordainedbytheLord;the
hopeoflife;thebeginningandthecompletionofit.
8FortheLordhathbothdeclareduntous,bytheprophets
thosethingsthatarepast;andopenedtousthebeginningsof
thosethataretocome.
9Wherefore,itwillbehooveus,ashehasspoken,tocome
moreholily,andnearertohisaltar.
10Itherefore,notasateacher,butasoneofyou,will
endeavourtolaybeforeyouafewthingsbywhichyoumay,
onmanyaccounts,becomethemorejoyful.
CHAPTER2
1Seeingthenthedaysareexceedingevil,andtheadversary
hasgotthepowerofthispresentworldweoughttogivethe
morediligencetoinquireintotherighteousjudgmentsofthe
Lord.
2Nowtheassistantsofourfaitharefearandpatience;our
fellow-combatants,long-sufferingandcontinence.
3WhilsttheseremainpureinwhatrelatesuntotheLord,
wisdom,andunderstanding,andscience,andknowledge,
rejoicetogetherwiththem.
4ForGodhasmanifestedtousbyalltheprophets,thathehas
nooccasionforoursacrifices,orburnt-offerings,oroblations:
sayingthus;Towhatpurposeisthemultitudeofyour
sacrificesuntome,saiththeLord.
5Iamfulloftheburnt-offeringsoframs,andthefatoffed
beasts;andIdelightnotinthebloodofbullocks,orofhe-
goats
6Whenyecometoappearbeforeme;whohathrequiredthis
atyourhands?Yeshallnomoretreadmycourts.
7Bringnomorevainoblations,incenseisanabomination
untome;yournewmoonsandsabbaths;thecallingof
assembliesIcannotawaywith,itisiniquity,eventhesolemn
meeting;yournewmoonsandyourappointedfeastsmysoul
hateth.
8ThesethingsthereforehathGodabolished,thatthenewlaw
ofourLordJesusChrist,whichiswithouttheyokeofany
suchnecessity,mighthavethespiritualofferingofmen
themselves.
9ForsotheLordsaithagaintothoseheretofore;DidIatall
commandyourfatherswhentheycameoutofthelandof
Egyptconcerningburnt-offeringsofsacrifices?
10ButthisIcommandedthem,saying,Letnoneofyou
imagineevilinyourheartsagainsthisneighbour,andloveno
falseoath.
11Forasmuchthenaswearenotwithoutunderstanding,we
oughttoapprehendthedesignofourmercifulFather.Forhe
speakstous,beingwillingthatwewhohavebeeninthesame
erroraboutthesacrifices,shouldseekandfindhowto
approachuntohim.
12Andthereforehethusbespeaksus,ThesacrificeofGod(is
abrokenspirit,)abrokenandcontriteheartGodwillnot
despise.
13Whereforebrethren,weoughtthemorediligentlyto
inquireafterthesethingsthatbelongtooursalvation,thatthe
adversarymaynothaveanyentranceintous,anddepriveus
ofourspirituallife.
14Whereforeheagainspeakethtothem,concerningthese
things;Yeshallnotfastasyedothisday,tomakeyourvoice
tobeheardonhigh.
15IsitsuchafastthatIhavechosen?adayforamanto
afflicthissoul?Isittobowdownhisheadlikeabulrush,and
tospreadsackclothandashesunderhim?Wiltthoucallthisa
fast,andanacceptabledaytotheLord?
16Buttoushesaithonthiswise.IsnotthisthefastthatI
havechosen,toloosethebandsofwickedness,toundothe
heavyburdens,andtolettheoppressedgofree;andthatye
breakeveryyoke?
17Isitnottodealthybreadtothehungry,andthatthoubring
thepoorthatarecastouttothyhouse?Whenthouseestthe
nakedthatthoucoverhim,andthatthouhidenotthyselffrom
thineownflesh.
18Thenshallthylightbreakforthasthemorning,andthy
healthshallspringforthspeedily;andthyrighteousnessshall
gobeforethee,thegloryoftheLordshallbethyreward.
19ThenshaltthoucallandtheLordshallanswer;thoushalt
cryandheshallsay,HereIam.Ifthouputawayfromthe
midstoftheetheyoke,theputtingforthofthefinger,and
speakingvanity;andifthoudrawoutthysoultothehungry;
andsatisfytheafflictedsoul.
20Inthisthereforebrethren,Godhasmanifestedhis
foreknowledgeandloveforus;becausethepeoplewhichhe
haspurchasedtohisbelovedSonweretobelieveinsincerity;
andthereforehehasshewnthesethingstoallofus,thatwe
shouldnotrunasproselytestotheJewishlaw.
CHAPTER3
1Whereforeitisnecessarythatsearchingdiligentlyintothose
thingswhichareneartocometopass,weshouldwritetoyou
whatmayservetokeepyouwhole.
2Towhichendletusfleefromeveryevilworkandhatethe
errorsofthepresenttime,thatwemaybehappyinthatwhich
istocome:
3Letusnotgiveourselvesthelibertyofdisputingwiththe
wickedandsinners;lestweshouldchanceintimetobecome
likeuntothem.
4Fortheconsummationofsiniscome,asitiswritten,asthe
prophetDanielsays.AndforthisendtheLordhathshortened
thetimesandthedays,thathisbelovedmighthastenhis
comingtohisinheritance.

55. 5Forsotheprophetspeaks;Thereshalltenkingsreigninthe
heart,andthereshallriselastofallanotherlittleone,andhe
shallhumblethreekings.
6AndagainDanielspeaksinlikemannerconcerningthe
kingdoms;andIsawthefourthbeastdreadfulandterrible,
andstrongexceedingly;andithadtenhorns.Iconsideredthe
horns,andbeholdtherecameupamongthemanotherlittle
horn,beforewhichwerethreeofthefirsthornspluckedupby
theroots.
7Weoughtthereforetounderstandthisalso:AndIbeseech
youasoneofyourownbrethren,lovingyouallbeyondmy
ownlife,thatyoulookwelltoyourselves,andbenotliketo
thosewhoaddsintosin,andsay:Thattheircovenantisours
also.Nay,butitisoursonly:fortheyhaveforeverlostthat
whichMosesreceived.
8ForthussaiththeScripture:AndMosescontinuedfasting
fortydaysandfortynightsintheMount;andhereceivedthe
covenantfromtheLord,eventhetwotablesofstone,written
bythehandofGod.
9Buthavingturnedthemselvestoidolstheylostit;asthe
LordalsosaidtoMoses;Moses,godownquickly,forthy
peoplewhichthouhastbroughtforthoutofEgypt,have
corruptedthemselves,andturnedasidefromthewaywhichI
commandedthem.AndMosescastthetwotablesoutofhis
hands:andtheircovenantwasbroken;thattheloveofJesus
mightbesealedinyourhearts,untothehopeofhisfaith.
10Whereforeletusgiveheeduntothelasttimes.Forallthe
timepastofourlife,andourfaithwillprofitusnothing;
unlesswecontinuetohatewhatisevil,andtowithstandthe
futuretemptations.SotheSonofGodtellsus;Letusresistall
iniquityandhateit.
11Whereforeconsidertheworksoftheevilway.Donot
withdrawyourselvesfromothers,asifyouwerealready
justified;butcomingaltogetherintooneplace,inquirewhatis
agreeabletoandprofitableforthebelovedofGod.Forthe
Scripturesaith;Woeuntothemthatarewiseintheirowneyes,
andprudentintheirsight.
12Letusbecomespiritual,aperfecttempletoGod.Asmuch
asinusliesletusmeditateuponthefearofGod;andstriveto
theutmostofourpowertokeephiscommandments;thatwe
mayrejoiceinhisrighteousjudgments.
13ForGodwilljudgetheworldwithoutrespectofpersons:
andeveryoneshallreceiveaccordingtohisworks.
14Ifamanshallbegood,hisrighteousnessshallgobefore
him;ifwicked,therewardofhiswickednessshallfollowhim.
15Takeheedthereforelestsittingstill,nowthatwearecalled,
wefallasleepinoursins;andthewickedonegettingthe
dominionoverus,stirusup,andshutusoutofthekingdom
oftheLord.
16Considerthisalso:althoughyouhaveseensogreatsigns
andwondersdoneamongthepeopleoftheJews,yetthis
notwithstandingtheLordhathforsakenthem.
17Bewaretherefore,lestithappentous;asitiswritten.
Theremaybemanycalled,butfewchosen.
CHAPTER4
1ForthiscausedidourLordvouchsafetogiveuphisbodyto
destruction,thatthroughtheforgivenessofoursinswemight
besanctified;thatis,bythesprinklingofhisblood.
2Nowforwhatconcernsthethingsthatarewrittenabouthim,
somebelongtothepeopleoftheJews,andsometous.
3ForthussaiththeScripture:Hewaswoundedforour
transgressions,hewasbruisedforouriniquities,andbyhis
bloodwearehealed.Hewasledasalambtotheslaughter,
andasasheepbeforehisshearersisdumb,soheopenednot
hismouth.
4WhereforeweoughtthemoretogivethanksuntoGod,for
thathehathbothdeclareduntouswhatispassed,andnot
sufferedustobewithoutunderstandingofthosethingsthat
aretocome.
5Buttothemhesaith;Thenestsarenotunjustlyspreadfor
thebirds.
6Thishespake,becauseamanwilljustlyperish,ifhaving
theknowledgeofthewayoftruth,heshallneverthelessnot
refrainhimselffromthewayofdarkness.
7AndforthiscausetheLordwascontenttosufferforour
souls,althoughhebetheLordofthewholeearth;towhom
Godsaidbeforethebeginningoftheworld,Letusmakeman
afterourownimageandlikeness.
8Nowhowhesufferedforus,seeingitwasbymenthathe
underwentit,Iwillshewyou.
9Theprophetshavingreceivedfromhimthegiftofprophecy,
spakebeforeconcerninghim:
10Buthe,thathemightabolishdeath,andmakeknownthe
resurrectionfromthedead,wascontent,asitwasnecessary,
toappearintheflesh,thathemightmakegoodthepromise
beforegiventoourfathers,andpreparinghimselfanew
people,mightdemonstratetothemwhilsthewasuponearth,
thataftertheresurrectionhewouldjudgetheworld.
11AndfinallyteachingthepeopleofIsrael,anddoingmany
wondersandsignsamongthem,hepreachedtothem,and
shewedtheexceedinggreatlovewhichhebaretowardsthem.
12Andwhenhechosehisapostles,whichwereafterwardsto
publishhisGospel,hetookmenwhohadbeenverygreat
sinners;thattherebyhemightplainlyshew,Thathecamenot
tocalltherighteousbutsinnerstorepentance.
13ThenheclearlymanifestedhimselftobetheSonofGod.
Forhadhenotcomeintheflesh,howshouldmenhavebeen
abletolookuponhim,thattheymightbesaved?
14Seeingiftheybeheldonlythesun,whichwastheworkof
hishands,andshallhereafterceasetobe,theyarenotableto
enduresteadfastlytolookagainsttheraysofit.
15WhereforetheSonofGodcameinthefleshforthiscause,
thathemightfillupthemeasureoftheiriniquity,whohave
persecutedhisprophetsuntodeath.Andforthesamereason
alsohesuffered.
16ForGodhathsaidofthestripesofhisflesh,thattheywere
fromthem.And,Iwillsmitetheshepherd,andthesheepof
theflockshallbescattered.
17Thushewouldsuffer,becauseitbehoovedhimtosuffer
uponthecross.
18Forthusonesaith,prophesyingconcerninghim;Sparemy
soulfromthesword.Andagain,Piercemyfleshfromthyfear.
19Andagain,thecongregationofwickeddoersroseup
againstme,(Theyhavepiercedmyhandsandmyfeet).
20Andagainhesaith,Igavemybacktothesmiters,1and
myfaceIsetasanhardrock.
CHAPTER5
1AndwhenhehadfulfilledthecommandmentofGod,What
sayshe?Whowillcontendwithme?Lethimstandagainstme:
orwhoishethatwillimpedeme?Lethimdrawneartothe
servantoftheLord.Wobetoyou!Becauseyeshallallwax
oldasagarment,themothshalleatyouup.
2Andagaintheprophetadds,Heisputforastonefor
stumbling.BeholdIlayinZionforafoundation,aprecious
stone,achoicecornerstone;anhonourablestone.Andwhat
follows?Andhethathopethinhimshallliveforever.

56. 3Whatthen?Isourhopebuiltuponastone?Godforbid.But
becausetheLordhathhardenedhisfleshagainstsufferings,he
saith,Ihaveputmeasafirmrock.
4Andagaintheprophetadds;Thestonewhichthebuilders
refusedhasbecometheheadofthecorner.Andagainhesaith;
ThisisthegreatandwonderfuldaywhichtheLordhathmade.
Iwritethesethingsthemoreplainlytoyouthatyemay
understand:ForindeedIcouldbecontenteventodieforyour
sakes.
5Butwhatsaiththeprophetagain?Thecounselofthewicked
encompassedmeabout.Theycameaboutme,asbeesabout
thehoney-comb:and,Uponmyvesturetheycastlots.
6ForasmuchthenasourSaviourwastoappearintheflesh
andsuffer,hispassionwasherebyforetold.
7ForthussaiththeprophetagainstIsrael:Woebetotheir
soul,becausetheyhavetakenwickedcounselagainst
themselves,saying,letuslaysnaresfortherighteous,because
heisunprofitabletous.
8Mosesalsoinlikemannerspeakethtothem;Beholdthus
saiththeLordGod;Enteryeintothegoodlandofwhichthe
LordhathsworntoAbraham,andIsaac,andJacob,thathe
wouldgiveityou,andpossessit;alandflowingwithmilk
andhoney.
9Nowwhatthespiritualmeaningofthisis,learn;Itisasifit
hadbeensaid,PutyourtrustinJesus,whoshallbemanifested
toyouintheflesh.Formanistheearthwhichsuffers:
forasmuchasoutofthesubstanceoftheearthAdamwas
formed.
10Whatthereforedoeshemeanwhenhesays,Intoagood
landflowingwithmilkandhoney?BlessedbeourLord,who
hasgivenuswisdom,andahearttounderstandhissecrets.
Forsosaystheprophet,Whoshallunderstandthehard
sayingsoftheLord?Buthethatiswise,andintelligent,and
thatloveshisLord.
11Seeingthereforehehasrenewedusbytheremissionofour
sins,hehasputusintoanotherframe,thatweshouldhave
soulslikethoseofchildren,formingusagainhimselfbythe
spirit.
12ForthustheScripturesaithconcerningus,whereit
introduceththeFatherspeakingtotheSon;Letusmakeman
afterourlikenessandsimilitude;andletthemhavedominion
overthebeastsoftheearth,andoverthefowlsoftheair,and
thefishofthesea.
13AndwhentheLordsawthemanwhichhehadformed,that
beholdhewasverygood;hesaid,Increaseandmultiply,and
replenishtheearth.Andthishespaketohisson.
14Iwillnowshewyou,howhemadeusanewcreature,in
thelatterdays.
15TheLordsaith;BeholdIwillmakethelastasthefirst.
Whereforetheprophetthusspake,Enterintothelandflowing
withmilkandhoney,andhavedominionoverit.
16Whereforeyeseehowweareagainformedanew;asalso
hespeaksbyanotherprophet;BeholdsaiththeLord,Iwill
takefromthem,thatis,fromthosewhomthespiritofthe
Lordforesaw,theirheartsofstone,andIwillputintothem
heartsofflesh.
17Becausehewasabouttobemademanifestinthefleshand
todwellinus.
18For,mybrethren,thehabitationofourheartisaholy
templeuntotheLord.FortheLordsaithagain.Inwhatplace
shallIappearbeforetheLordmyGod,andbeglorified?
19HeanswersIwillconfessuntotheeinthecongregationin
themidstofmybrethren;andwillsinguntotheeinthechurch
ofthesaints.
20Whereforewearetheywhomhehasbroughtintothatgood
land.
21Butwhatsignifiesthemilkandhoney?Becauseasthe
childisnourishedfirstwithmilk,andthenwithhoney;sowe
beingkeptalivebythebeliefofhispromises,andhisword,
shallliveandhavedominionovertheland.
22Forheforetoldabove,saying,increaseandmultiply,and
havedominionoverthefishes,etc.
23Butwhoistherethatisnowabletohavethisdominion
overthewildbeasts,orfishes,orfowlsoftheair?Foryou
knowthattoruleistohavepower,thatamanshouldbeset
overwhatherules.
24Butforasmuchasthiswehavenotnow,hetellsuswhen
weshallhaveit;namely,whenweshallbecomeperfect,that
wemaybemadetheinheritorsofthecovenantoftheLord.
CHAPTER6
1Understandthenmybelovedchildren,thatthegoodGod
hathbeforemanifestedallthingsuntous,thatwemightknow
towhomweoughtalwaystogivethanksandpraise.
2IfthereforetheSonofGodwhetistheLordofall,andshall
cometojudgeboththequickanddead,hathsuffered,thatby
hisstripeswemightlive:letusbelievethattheSonofGod
couldnothavesufferedbutforus.Butbeingcrucified,they
gavehimvinegarandgalltodrink.
3Hearthereforehowthepriestsofthetempledidforeshew
thisalso:theLordbyhiscommandwhichwaswritten,
declaredthatwhosoeverdidnotfasttheappointedfasthe
shoulddiethedeath:becausehealsowashimselfonedayto
offeruphisbodyforoursins;thatsothetypeofwhatwas
doneinIsaacmightbefulfilled,whowasoffereduponthe
altar.
4Whatthereforeisitthathesaysbytheprophet?Andlet
themeatofthegoatwhichisofferedinthedayofthefastfor
alltheirsins.Hearkendiligentlymybrethren,andallthe
priests,andtheyonlyshalleattheinwardsnotwashedwith
vinegar.
5Whyso?becauseIknowthatwhenIshallhereafteroffer
myfleshforthesinsofanewpeople,yewillgivemevinegar
todrinkmixedwithgall;thereforedoyeonlyeat,thepeople
fastingthewhile,andlamentinginsackclothandashes.
6Andthathemightforeshewthathewastosufferforthem,
hearthenhowheappointedit.
7Take,sayshe,twogoats,fairandalike,andofferthem,and
letthehighpriesttakeoneofthemforaburntoffering.And
whatmustbedonewiththeother?Letitsayshebeaccursed.
8Considerhowexactlythisappearstohavebeenatypeof
Jesus.Andletallthecongregationspituponit,andprickit;
andputthescarletwoolaboutitshead,andthusletitbe
carriedforthintothewilderness.
9Andthisbeingdone,hethatwasappointedtoconveythe
goat,leditintothewilderness,andtookawaythescarletwool,
andputituponathornbush,whoseyoungsproutswhenwe
findtheminthefieldwearewonttoeat:sothefruitofthat
thornonlyissweet.
10Andtowhatendwasthisceremony?Consider;onewas
offereduponthealtar,theotherwasaccursed.
11Andwhywasthatwhichwasaccursedcrowned?Because
theyshallseeChristinthatdayhavingascarletgarmentabout
hisbody;andshallsay:Isnotthishewhomwecrucified;
havingdespisedhim,piercedhim,mockedhim?Certainly,
thisishe,whothensaid,thathewastheSonofGod.
12Asthereforeheshallbethenliketowhathewasonearth,
soweretheJewsheretoforecommanded,totaketwogoats
fairandequal.ThatwhentheyshallseeourSaviourhereafter
cominginthecloudsofheaven,theymaybeamazedatthe
likenessofthegoats.

57. 13WhereforeyehereagainseeatypeofJesuswhowasto
sufferforus.
14Butwhatthensignifiesthis.Thatthewoolwastobeput
intothemidstofthethorns?
15ThisalsoisafigureofJesus,sentouttothechurch.Foras
hewhowouldtakeawaythescarletwoolmustundergomany
difficulties,becausethatthornwasverysharp,andwith
difficultygetit:Sothey,saysChrist,thatwillseeme,and
cometomykingdom,mustthroughmanyafflictionsand
troublesattainuntome.
CHAPTER7
1Butwhattypedoyesupposeittohavebeen,whereitis
commandedtothepeopleofIsrael,thatgrownpersonsin
whomsinsarecometoperfection,shouldofferanheifer,and
aftertheyhadkilleditshouldburnthesame.
2Butthenyoungmenshouldtakeuptheashesandputthem
invessels;andtieapieceofscarletwoolandhyssopupona
stick,andsotheyoungmenshouldsprinkleeveryoneofthe
people,andtheyshouldbeclearfromtheirsins.
3Considerhowallthesearedeliveredinafiguretous.
4ThisheiferisJesusChrist;thewickedmenthatweretooffer
itarethosesinnerswhobroughthimtodeath:whoafterwards
havenomoretodowithit;thesinnershavenomorethe
honourofhandlingofit:
5Buttheyoungmenthatperformedthesprinkling,signified
thosewhopreachtoustheforgivenessofsinsandthe
purificationoftheheart,towhomtheLordgaveauthorityto
preachhisGospel:beingatthebeginningtwelve,tosignify
thetribes,becausethereweretwelvetribesofIsrael.
6Butwhyweretherethreeyoungmenappointedtosprinkle?
TodenoteAbraham,andIsaac,andJacob,becausetheywere
greatbeforeGod.
7Andwhywasthewoolputuponastick?Becausethe
kingdomofJesuswasfoundeduponthecross;andtherefore
theythatputtheirtrustinhim,shallliveforever.
8Butwhywasthewoolandhyssopputtogether?Tosignify
thatinthekingdomofChristthereshallbeevilandfilthy
days,inwhichhoweverweshallbesaved;andbecausehethat
hasanydiseaseinthefleshbysomefilthyhumoursiscured
byhyssop.
9Whereforethesethingsbeingthusdone,aretousindeed
evident,buttotheJewstheyareobscure;becausethey
hearkenednotuntothevoiceoftheLord.
CHAPTER8
1AndthereforetheScriptureagainspeaksconcerningour
ears,thatGodhascircumcisedthem,togetherwithourhearts
ForthussaiththeLordbytheholyprophets:Bythehearingof
theeartheyobeyedme.
2Andagain,theywhoareafaroff,shallhearandunderstand
whatthingsIhavedone.Andagain,Circumciseyourhearts,
saiththeLord.
3Andagainhesaith,HearOIsrael!ForthussaiththeLord
thyGod.AndagaintheSpiritofGodprophesieth,saying:
Whoistherethatwouldliveforever,lethimhearthevoiceof
mySon.
4Andagain,Hear,OHeavenandgiveearOEarth!Because
theLordhasspokenthesethingsforawitness.
5Andagainhesaith,HearthewordoftheLord,yeprincesof
thepeople.Andagain,HearOChildren!Thevoiceofone
cryinginthewilderness.
6Whereforehehascircumcisedourearsthatweshouldhear
hisword,andbelieve.Butasforthatcircumcision,inwhich
theJewstrust,itisabolished.Forthecircumcisionofwhich
Godspake,wasnotoftheflesh;
7Buttheyhavetransgressedhiscommands,becausetheevil
onehathdeceivedthem.ForthusGodbespeaksthem;Thus
saiththeLordyourGod(HereIfindthenewlaw)Sownot
amongthorns;butcircumciseyourselvestotheLordyour
God.Andwhatdothhemeanbythissaying?Hearkenunto
yourLord.
8Andagainhesaith,Circumcisethehardnessofyourheart,
andhardennotyourneck.Andagain,Behold,saiththeLord,
allthenationsareuncircumcised,(theyhavenotlosttheir
fore-skin):butthispeopleisuncircumcisedinheart.
9ButyouwillsaytheJewswerecircumcisedforasign.And
soarealltheSyriansandArabians,andalltheidolatrous
priests:butaretheythereforeofthecovenantofIsrael?And
eventheEgyptiansthemselvesarecircumcised.
10Understandtherefore,children,thesethingsmorefully,
thatAbraham,whowasthefirstthatbroughtincircumcision,
lookingforwardintheSpirittoJesus,circumcised,having
receivedthemysteryofthreeletters.
11FortheScripturesaysthatAbrahamcircumcisedthree
hundredandeighteenmenofhishouse.Butwhattherefore
wasthemysterythatwasmadeknownuntohim?
12Mark,firsttheeighteen,andnextthethreehundred.For
thenumerallettersoftenandeightareIH.Andthesedenote
Jesus.
13Andbecausethecrosswasthatbywhichweweretofind
grace;thereforeheadds,threehundred;thenoteofwhichisT
(thefigureofhiscross).Whereforebytwolettershesignified
Jesus,andbythethirdhiscross.
14Hewhohasputtheengraftedgiftofhisdoctrinewithinus,
knowsthatInevertaughttoanyoneamorecertaintruth;butI
trustthatyeareworthyofit.
CHAPTER9
1ButwhydidMosessay,Yeshallnoteatoftheswine,
neithertheeaglenorthehawk;northecrow;noranyfishthat
hasnotascaleuponhim?—answer,thatinthespiritualsense,
hecomprehendedthreedoctrines,thatweretobegathered
fromthence.
2BesideswhichhesaystotheminthebookofDeuteronomy,
AndIwillgivemystatutesuntothispeople.Whereforeitis
notthecommandofGodthattheyshouldnoteatthesethings;
butMosesinthespiritspakeuntothem.
3Nowthesowheforbadethemtoeat;meaningthusmuch;
thoushaltnotjointhyselftosuchpersonsasarelikeunto
swine;whowhilsttheyliveinpleasure,forgettheirGod;but
whenanywantpinchesthem,thentheyknowtheLord;asthe
sowwhensheisfullknowsnothermaster;butwhensheis
hungryshemakesanoise;andbeingagainfed,issilent.
4Neither,sayshe,shaltthoueattheeagle,northehawk,nor
thekite,northecrow;thatisthoushaltnotkeepcompany
withsuchkindofmenasknownothowbytheirlabourand
sweattogetthemselvesfood:butinjuriouslyravishawaythe
thingsofothers;andwatchhow,tolaysnaresforthem;when
atthesametimetheyappeartoliveinperfectinnocence.
5Sothesebirdsaloneseeknotfoodforthemselves,butsitting
idleseekhowtheymayeatofthefleshothershaveprovided;
beingdestructivethroughtheirwickedness.
6Neither,sayshe,shaltthoueatthelamprey,northepolypus,
northecuttle-fish;thatis,thoushaltnotbelikesuchmen,by
usingtoconversewiththem;whoarealtogetherwickedand
adjudgedtodeath.Forsothosefishesarealoneaccursed,and
wallowinthemire,norswimasotherfishes,buttumbleinthe
dirtatthebottomofthedeep.

58. 7Butheadds,neithershaltthoueatofthehare.Towhat
end?—Tosignifythistous;Thoushaltnotbeanadulterer;
norlikenthyselftosuchpersons.Forthehareeveryyear
multipliestheplacesofitsconception;andsomanyyearsasit
lives,somanyithas.
8Neithershaltthoueatofthehyena;thatis,again,benotan
adulterer,noracorruptorofothers;neitherbeliketosuch.
Andwhereforeso?—Becausethatcreatureeveryyearchanges
itskind,andissometimesmaleandsometimesfemale.
9Forwhichcausealsohejustlyhatedtheweasel;totheend
thattheyshouldnotbelikesuchpersonswhowiththeir
mouthscommitwickednessbyreasonoftheiruncleanness;
norjointhemselveswiththoseimpurewomen,whowiththeir
mouthscommitwickedness.Becausethatanimalconceives
withitsmouth.
10Moses,therefore,speakingasconcerningmeats,delivered
indeedthreegreatpreceptstotheminthespiritual
significationofthosecommands.Buttheyaccordingtothe
desiresoftheflesh,understoodhimasifhehadonlymeantit
ofmeats.
11AndthereforeDavidtookarighttheknowledgeofhis
threefoldcommand,sayinginlikemanner.
12Blessedisthemanthathathnotwalkedinthecounselof
theungodly;asthefishesbeforementionedinthebottomof
thedeepindarkness.
13Norstoodinthewayofsinners,astheywhoseemtofear
theLord,butyetsin,asthesow.
14Andhathnotsatintheseatofthescorners;asthosebirds
whositandwatchthattheymaydevour.
15Hereyouhavethelawconcerningmeatperfectlysetforth,
andaccordingtothetrueknowledgeofit.
16But,saysMoses,yeshalleatallthatdivideththehoof,and
cheweththecud.Signifyingtherebysuchanoneashaving
takenhisfood,knowshimthatnourishethhim;andresting
uponhim,rejoicethinhim.
17Andinthishespakewell,havingrespecttothe
commandment.What,therefore,isitthathesays?—Thatwe
shouldholdfasttothemthatfeartheLord;withthosewho
meditateonthecommandofthewordwhichtheyhave
receivedintheirheart;withthosethatdeclaretherighteous
judgmentsoftheLord,andkeephiscommandments;
18Inshort,withthosewhoknowthattomeditateisaworkof
pleasure,andthereforeexercisethemselvesinthewordofthe
Lord.
19Butwhymighttheyeatthosethatclavethehoof?—
Becausetherighteouslivethinthispresentworld;buthis
expectationisfixedupontheother.See,brethren,how
admirablyMosescommandedthesethings.
20Buthowshouldwethusknowallthis,andunderstandit?
We,therefore,understandingarightthecommandments,speak
astheLordwouldhaveus.Whereforehehascircumcisedour
earsandourhearts,thatwemightknowthesethings.
CHAPTER10
1LetusnowinquirewhethertheLordtookcaretomanifest
anythingbeforehandconcerningwaterandthecross.
2Nowfortheformerofthese,itiswrittentothepeopleof
Israelhowtheyshallnotreceivethatbaptismwhichbringsto
forgivenessofsins;butshallinstituteanothertothemselves
thatcannot.
3Forthussaiththeprophet:Beastonished,OHeaven!andlet
theearthtrembleatit,becausethispeoplehavedonetwo
greatandwickedthings;theyhaveleftme,thefountainof
livingwater,andhavediggedforthemselvesbrokencisterns,
thatcanholdnowater.
4IsmyholymountainaZion,adesolatewilderness?Forye
shallbeasayoungbirdwhenitsnestistakenaway.
5Andagaintheprophetsaith,Iwillgobeforethee,andwill
makeplainthemountains,andwillbreakthegatesofbrass,
andwillsnapinsunderthebarsofiron;andwillgivethee
dark,andhidden,andinvisibletreasures,thattheymayknow
thatIamtheLordGod.
6Andagain:Heshalldwellinthehighdenofthestrongrock.
Andthen,whatfollowsinthesameprophet?Hiswateris
faithful;yeshallseethekingwithglory,andyoursoulshall
learnthefearoftheLord.
7Andagainhesaithinanotherprophet:Hethatdoesthese
things;shallbelikeatree,plantedbythecurrentsofwater,
whichshallgiveitsfruitinitsseason.Itsleafalsoshallnot
wither,andwhatsoeverhedothitshallprosper.
8Asforthewickeditisnotsowiththem;buttheyareasthe
dustwhichthewindscatterethawayfromthefaceoftheearth.
9Thereforetheungodlyshallnotstandinthejudgment,
neitherthesinnersinthecounciloftherighteous.Forthe
Lordknoweththewayoftherighteousandthewayofthe
ungodlyshallperish.
10Considerhowhehasjoinedboththecrossandthewater
together.
11Forthushesaith:Blessedaretheywhoputtheirtrustinthe
cross,descendintothewater;fortheyshallhavetheirreward
induetime;then,saithhe,willIgiveitthem.
12Butasconcerningthepresenttime,hesaith,theirleaves
shallnotfall;meaningtherebythateverywordthatshallgo
outofyourmouth,shallthroughfaithandcharitybetothe
conversionandhopeofmany.
13Inlikemannerdothanotherprophetspeak.Andthelandof
Jacobwasthepraiseofalltheearth;magnifyingtherebythe
vesselofhisspirit.
14Andwhatfollows?—Andtherewasariverrunningonthe
righthand,andbeautifultreesgrewupbyit;andhethatshall
eatofthemshallliveforever.Thesignificationofwhichis
this:thatwegodownintothewaterfullofsinsandpollutions;
butcomeupagain,bringingforthfruit;havinginourhearts
thefearandhopewhichisinJesus,bythespirit.And
whosoevershalleatofthemshallliveforever.
15Thatis,whosoevershallhearkentothosewhocallthem,
andshallbelieve,shallliveforever.
CHAPTER11
1Inlikemannerhedeterminesconcerningthecrossin
anotherprophet,saying:Andwhenshallthesethingsbe
fulfilled?
2TheLordanswers;Whenthetreethathasfallenshallrise,
andwhenbloodshalldropdownfromthetree.Hereyouhave
againmentionmade,bothofthecross,andofhimthatwasto
becrucifieduponit.
3AndyetfartherhesaithbyMoses;(whenIsraelwasfighting
with,andbeatenby,astrangepeople;totheendthatGod
mightputtheminmindhowthatfortheirsinstheywere
delivereduntodeath)yea,theholyspiritputitintotheheart
ofMoses,torepresentboththesignofthecross,andofhim
thatwastosuffer;thatsotheymightknowthatiftheydidnot
believeinhim,theyshouldbeovercomeforever.
4Mosesthereforepileduparmouruponarmourinthemiddle
ofarisingground,andstandinguphighaboveallofthem,
stretchedforthhisarms,andsoIsraelagainconquered.
5Butnosoonerdidheletdownhishands,buttheywere
againslain.Andwhyso?Totheendtheymightknow,that
excepttheytrustinhimtheycannotbesaved.

59. 6Andinanotherprophet,hesaith,Ihavestretchedoutmy
handsallthedaylongtoapeopledisobedient,andspeaking
againstmyrighteousway.
7AndagainMosesmakesatypeofJesus,toshowthathewas
todie,andthenthathe,whomtheythoughttobedead,wasto
givelifetoothers;inthetypeofthosethatfellinIsrael.
8ForGodcausedallsortsofserpentstobitethem,andthey
died;forasmuchasbyaserpenttransgressionbeganinEve:
thatsohemightconvincethemthatfortheirtransgressions
theyshallbedeliveredintothepainofdeath.
9Mosesthenhimself,whohadcommandedthem,saying,Ye
shallnotmaketoyourselvesanygravenormoltenimage,to
beyourGod;yetnowdidsohimself,thathemightrepresent
tothemthefigureoftheLordJesus.
10Forhemadeabrazenserpent,andsetituponhigh,and
calledthepeopletogetherbyaproclamation;wherebeing
come,theyentreatedMosesthathewouldmakeanatonement
forthem,andpraythattheymightbehealed.
11ThenMosesspakeuntothem,saying:whenanyone
amongyoushallbebitten,lethimcomeuntotheserpentthat
issetuponthepole;andlethimassuredlytrustinhim,that
thoughhebedead,yetheisabletogivelife,andpresentlyhe
shallbesaved;andsotheydid.Seethereforehowherealso
youhaveinthisthegloryofJesus;andthatinhimandtohim
areallthings.
12Again;WhatsaysMosestoJesusthesonofNun,whenhe
gavethatnameuntohim,asbeingaprophetthatallthepeople
mighthearhimalone,becausethefatherdidmanifestall
thingsconcerninghissonJesus,inJesustheSonofNun;and
gavehimthatnamewhenhesenthimtospyoutthelandof
Canaan;hesaid:Takeabookinthinehands,andwritewhat
theLordsaith:ForasmuchasJesustheSonofGodshallinthe
lastdayscutoffbytherootsallthehouseofAmalek.Seehere
againJesus,notthesonofman,buttheSonofGod,made
manifestinatypeandintheflesh.
13Butbecauseitmighthereafterbesaid,thatChristwasthe
SonofDavid;thereforeDavidfearingandwellknowingthe
errorsofthewicked,saith;theLordsaithuntomyLord,sit
thouonmyrighthanduntilImakethineenemiesthyfootstool.
14AndagainIsaiahspeakethonthiswise.TheLordsaidunto
ChristmyLord,Ihavelaidholdonhisrighthand,thatthe
nationsshouldobeybeforehim,andIwillbreakthestrength
ofkings.
15Behold,howdothDavidandIsaiahcallhimLord,andthe
SonofGod.
CHAPTER12
1Butletusgoyetfarther,andinquirewhetherthispeoplebe
theheir,ortheformer;andwhetherthecovenantbewithusor
withthem.
2Andfirst,asconcerningthepeople,hearnowwhatthe
Scripturesaith.
3IsaacprayedforhiswifeRebekah,becauseshewasbarren;
andsheconceived.AfterwardsRebekahwentforthtoinquire
oftheLord.
4AndtheLordsaiduntoher;Therearetwonationsinthy
womb,andtwopeopleshallcomefromthybody;andtheone
shallhavepowerovertheother,andthegreatershallservethe
lesser.UnderstandherewhowasIsaac;whoRebekah;andof
whomitwasforetold,thispeopleshallbegreaterthanthat.
5AndinanotherprophecyJacobspeakethmoreclearlytohis
sonJosephsaying;BeholdtheLordhathnotdeprivedmeof
seeingthyface,bringmethysonsthatImayblessthem.And
hebroughtuntohisfatherManassehandEphraim,desiring
thatheshouldblessManasseh,becausehewastheelder.
6ThereforeJosephbroughthimtotherighthandofhisfather
Jacob.ButJacobbythespiritforesawthefigureoftheofthe
peoplethatwastocome.
7AndwhatsaiththeScripture?AndJacobcrossedhishands,
andputhisrighthanduponEphraim,hissecond,andthe
youngerson,andblessedhim.AndJosephsaiduntoJacob;
PutthyrighthandupontheheadofManasseh,forheismy
first-bornson.AndJacobsaiduntoJoseph;Iknowit,myson,
Iknowit;butthegreatershallservethelesser;thoughhealso
shallbeblessed.
8Yeseeofwhomheappointedit,thattheyshouldbethefirst
people,andheirsofthecovenant.
9IfthereforeGodshallhaveyetfarthertakennoticeofthisby
Abrahamtoo;ourunderstandingofitwillthenbeperfectly
established.
10WhatthensaiththeScripturetoAbraham,whenhe
believed,anditwasimputeduntohimforrighteousness?
BeholdIhavemadetheeafatherofthenations,which
withoutcircumcisionbelieveintheLord.
11LetusthereforenowinquirewhetherGodhasfulfilledthe
covenant,whichheswaretoourfathers,thathewouldgive
thispeople?Yes,verily,hegaveit:buttheywerenotworthy
toreceiveitbyreasonoftheirsins.
12Forthussaiththeprophet:AndMosescontinuedfastingin
mountSinai,toreceivethecovenantoftheLordwiththe
people,fortydaysandfortynights.
13AndhereceivedoftheLordtwotableswrittenwiththe
fingeroftheLord'shandintheSpirit.AndMoseswhenhe
hadreceivedthembroughtthemdownthathemightdeliver
themtothepeople.
14AndtheLordsaiduntoMoses;Moses,Moses,getthee
downquickly,forthepeoplewhichthoubroughtestoutofthe
landofEgypthavedonewickedly.
15AndMosesunderstoodthattheyhadagainsetupamolten
image:andhecastthetwotablesoutofhishands;andthe
tablesofthecovenantoftheLordwerebroken.Moses
thereforereceivedthem,buttheywerenotworthy.
16Nowthenlearnhowwehavereceivedthem.Moses,being
aservant,tookthem;buttheLordhimselfhasgiventhem
untous,thatwemightbethepeopleofhisinheritance,having
sufferedforus.
17Hewasthereforemademanifest;thattheyshouldfillup
themeasureoftheirsins,andthatwebeingmadeheirsbyhim,
shouldreceivethecovenantoftheLordJesus.
18Andagaintheprophetsaith;Behold,Ihavesettheefora
lightuntotheGentiles,tobethesaviourofalltheendsofthe
earth,saiththeLordtheGodwhohathredeemedthee.
19Whoforthatveryendwasprepared,thatbyhisown
appearinghemightredeemourhearts,alreadydevouredby
death,anddeliveredovertotheirregularityoferror,from
darkness;andestablishacovenantwithusbyhisword.
20Forsoitiswrittenthatthefathercommandedhimby
deliveringusfromdarkness,toprepareuntohimselfaholy
people.
21Whereforetheprophetsaith:ItheLordthyGodhave
calledtheeinrighteousness,andIwilltaketheebythyhand
andwillstrengthenthee.Andgivetheeforacovenantofthe
people,foralightoftheGentiles.Toopentheeyesofthe
blind,tobringouttheprisonersfromtheprison,andthemthat
sitindarknessoutoftheprisonhouse.
22Considerthereforefromwhencewehavebeenredeemed.
Andagaintheprophetsaith:ThespiritoftheLordisuponme,
becausehehathanointedme:hehathsentmetopreachglad
tidingstothelowly;tohealthebrokeninheart;topreach
remissiontothecaptives,andsightuntotheblind;toproclaim

60. theacceptableyearoftheLord,andthedayofrestitution;to
comfortallthatmourn.
CHAPTER13
1Furthermoreitiswrittenconcerningthesabbath,intheTen
Commandments,whichGodspakeintheMountSinaito
Moses,facetoface;SanctifythesabbathoftheLordwith
purehands,andwithacleanheart.
2Andelsewherehesaith;Ifthychildrenshallkeepmy
sabbaths,thenwillIputmymercyuponthem.
3Andeveninthebeginningofthecreationhemakesmention
ofthesabbath.AndGodmadeinsixdaystheworksofhis
hands;andhefinishedthemontheseventhday,andherested
theseventhday,andsanctifiedit.
4Consider,mychildren,whatthatsignifies,hefinishedthem
insixdays.Themeaningofitisthis;thatinsixthousand
yearstheLordGodwillbringallthingstoanend.
5Forwithhimonedayisathousandyears;ashimself
testifieth,saying,Beholdthisdayshallbeasathousandyears.
Therefore,children,insixdays,thatis,insixthousandyears,
shallallthingsbeaccomplished.
6Andwhatisthathesaith,Andherestedtheseventhday:he
meaneththis;thatwhenhisSonshallcome,andabolishthe
seasonoftheWickedOne,andjudgetheungodly;andshall
changethesunandthemoon,andthestars;thenheshall
gloriouslyrestinthatseventhday.
7Headdslastly;Thoushaltsanctifyitwithcleanhandsanda
pureheart.Whereforewearegreatlydeceivedifweimagine
thatanyonecannowsanctifythatdaywhichGodhasmade
holy,withouthavingaheartpureinallthings.
8Beholdthereforehewillthentrulysanctifyitwithblessed
rest,whenwe(havingreceivedtherighteouspromise,when
iniquityshallbenomore,allthingsbeingrenewedbythe
Lord)shallbeabletosanctifyit,beingourselvesfirstmade
holy.
9Lastly,hesaithuntothem:Yournewmoonsandyou:
sabbathsIcannotbearthem.Considerwhathemeansbyit;
thesabbaths,sayshe,whichyenowkeeparenotacceptable
untome,butthosewhichIhavemade;whenrestingfromall
thingsIshallbegintheeighthday,thatis,thebeginningofthe
otherworld.
10Forwhichcauseweobservetheeighthdaywithgladness,
inwhichJesusrosefromthedead;andhavingmanifested
himselftohisdisciples,ascendedintoheaven.
11ItremainsyetthatIspeaktoyouconcerningthetemple
howthesemiserablemenbeingdeceivedhaveputtheirtrust
inthehouse,andnotinGodhimselfwhomadethem,asifit
werethehabitationofGod.
12FormuchafterthesamemannerastheGentiles,they
consecratedhiminthetemple.
13ButlearnthereforehowtheLordspeaketh,renderingthe
templevain:Whohasmeasuredtheheavenwithaspan,and
theearthwithhishand?IsitnotI?ThussaiththeLord,
Heavenismythrone,andtheearthismyfootstool.Whatis
thehousethatyewillbuildme?Orwhatistheplaceofmy
rest?Knowthereforethatalltheirhopeisvain.
14Andagainhespeakethafterthismanner:Beholdtheythat
destroythistemple,eventheyshallagainbuilditup.Andsoit
cametopass;forthroughtheirwarsitisnowdestroyedby
theirenemies;andtheservantsoftheirenemiesbuiltitup.
15Furthermoreithasbeenmademanifest,howboththecity
andthetemple,andthepeopleofIsraelshouldbegivenup.
FortheScripturesaith;Anditshallcometopassinthelast
days,thattheLordwilldeliverupthesheepofhispasture,
andtheirfold,andtheirtowerintodestruction.Anditiscome
topass,astheLordhathspoken.
16Letusinquiretherefore,whethertherebeanytempleof
God?Yesthereis;andthatthere,wherehimselfdeclaresthat
hewouldbothmakeandperfectit.Foritiswritten;Andit
shallbethatassoonastheweekshallbecompleted,the
templeoftheLordshallbegloriouslybuiltinthenameofthe
Lord.
17Ifindthereforethatthereisatemple.Buthowshallitbe
builtinthenameoftheLord?Iwillshewyou.
18BeforethatwebelievedinGod,thehabitationofourheart
wascorruptible,andfeeble,asatempletrulybuiltwithhands.
19Foritwasahousefullofidolatry,ahouseofdevils;
inasmuchastherewasdoneinitwhatsoeverwascontrary
untoGod.ButitshallbebuiltinthenameoftheLord.
20Consider,howthatthetempleoftheLordshallbevery
gloriouslybuilt;andbywhatmeansthatshallbe,learn.
21Havingreceivedremissionofoursins,andtrustinginthe
nameoftheLord,wearebecomerenewed,beingagain
createdasitwerefromthebeginning.WhereforeGodtruly
dwellsinourhouse,thatis,inus.
22Buthowdoeshedwellinus?Thewordofhisfaith,the
callingofhispromise,thewisdomofhisrighteousjudgments,
thecommandsofhisdoctrine;hehimselfprophesieswithinus,
hehimselfdwellethinus,andopenethtouswhowerein
bondageofdeaththegateofourtemple,thatis,themouthof
wisdom,havinggivenrepentanceuntous;andbythismeans
hasbroughtustobeanincorruptibletemple.
23Hethereforethatdesirestobesavedlookethnotuntothe
man,butuntohimthatdwellethinhim,andspeakethbyhim;
beingstruckwithwonder,forasmuchashenevereitherheard
himspeakingsuchwordsoutofhismouth,noreverdesiredto
hearthem.
24ThisisthatspiritualtemplethatisbuiltuntotheLord.
CHAPTER14
1Andthus,Itrust,Ihavedeclaredtoyouasmuch,andwith
asgreatsimplicityasIcould,thosethingswhichmakefor
yoursalvation,soasnottohaveomittedanythingthatmight
berequisitethereunto.
2ForshouldIspeakfurtherofthethingsthatnoware,andof
thosethataretocome,youwouldnotyetunderstandthem,
seeingtheylieinparables.Thisthereforeshallsufficeasto
thesethings.
3Letusnowgoontotheotherkindofknowledgeand
doctrineTherearetwowaysofdoctrineandpower;theoneof
light,theotherofdarkness.
4Butthereisagreatdealofdifferencebetweenthesetwo
ways:foroveroneareappointedtheangelsofGod,the
leadersofthewayoflight;overtheother,theangelsofSatan.
AndtheoneistheLordfromeverlastingtoeverlasting;the
otheristheprinceofthetimeofunrighteousness.
5Nowthewayoflightisthis,ifanyonedesirestoattainto
theplacethatisappointedforhim,andwillhastenthitherby
hisworks.Andtheknowledgethathasbeengiventousfor
walkinginit,tothiseffect:Thoushaltlovehimthatmade
thee:thoushaltglorifyhimthathathredeemedtheefrom
death.
6Thoushaltbesimpleinheart,andrichinthespirit.Thou
shaltnotcleavetothosethatwalkinthewayofdeath.Thou
shalthatetodoanythingthatisnotpleasinguntoGod.Thou
shaltabhoralldissimulation.Thoushaltnotneglectanyofthe
commandsoftheLord.
7Thoushaltnotexaltthyself,butshaltbehumble.Thoushalt
nottakehonourtothyself.Thoushaltnotenterintoany

61. wickedcounselagainstthyneighbour.Thoushaltnotbeover-
confidentinthyheart.
8Thoushaltnotcommitfornication,noradultery.Neither
shaltthoucorruptthyselfwithmankind.Thoushaltnotmake
useofthewordofGod,toanyimpurity.
9Thoushaltnotacceptanyman'sperson,whenthou
reprovestanyone'sfaults.Thoushaltbegentle.Thoushaltbe
quiet.Thoushalttrembleatthewordswhichthouhastheard.
Thoushaltnotkeepanyhatredinthyheartagainstthybrother.
Thoushaltnotentertainanydoubtwhetheritshallbeornot.
10ThoushaltnottakethenameoftheLordinvain.Thou
shaltlovethyneighbourabovethyownsoul.
11Thoushaltnotdestroythyconceptionsbeforetheyare
broughtforth;norkillthemaftertheyareborn.
12Thoushaltnotwithdrawthyhandfromthyson,orfrom
thydaughter;butshallteachthemfromtheiryouththefearof
theLord.
13Thoushaltnotcovetthyneighbour'sgoods;neithershalt
thoubeanextortioner.Neithershallthyheartbejoinedto
proudmen;butthoushaltbenumberedamongtherighteous
andthelowly.Whatevereventsshallhappenuntothee,thou
shaltreceivethemasgood.
14Thoushaltnothedouble-minded,ordouble-tongued;fora
doubletongueisthesnareofdeath.Thoushaltbesubjectunto
theLordandtoinferiormastersastotherepresentativesof
God,infearandreverence.
15Thoushaltnotbebitterinthycommandstowardsanyof
thyservantsthattrustinGod;lestthouchancenottofearhim
whoisoverboth;becausehecamenottocallanywithrespect
ofpersons,butwhomsoeverthespirithadprepared.
16Thoushaltcommunicatetothyneighbourofallthouhast;
thoushaltnotcallanythingthineown:forifyepartakein
suchthingsasareincorruptible,howmuchmoreshouldyou
doitinthosethatarecorruptible?
17Thoushaltnotbeforwardtospeak;forthemouthisthe
snareofdeath.Striveforthysoulwithallthymight.Reach
notoutthinehandtoreceive,andwithholditnotwhenthou
shouldestgive.
18Thoushaltlove,astheappleofthineeye,everyonethat
speakethuntotheetheWordoftheLord.Calltothy
remembrance,dayandnight,thefuturejudgment.
19Thoushaltseekouteverydaythepersonsoftherighteous:
andbothconsiderandgoabouttoexhortothersbythe,word,
andmeditatehowthoumayestsaveasoul.
20Thoushaltalsolabourwiththyhandstogivetothepoor,
thatthysinsmaybeforgiventhee.Thoushaltnotdeliberate
whetherthoushouldstgive:nor,havinggiven,murmuratit.
21Givetoeveryonethatasks:soshaltthouknowwhoisthe
goodrewarderofthygifts.
22Keepwhatthouhastreceived;thoushaltneitheraddtoit
nortakefromit.
23Letthewickedbealwaysthyaversion.Thoushaltjudge
righteousjudgment.Thoushaltnevercausedivisions;but
shaltmakepeacebetweenthosethatareatvariance,andbring
themtogether.
24Thoushaltconfessthysins;andnotcometothyprayer
withanevilconscience.
25Thisisthewayoflight.
CHAPTER15
1Butthewayofdarknessiscrookedandfullofcursing.For
itisthewayofeternaldeath,withpunishment;inwhichthey
thatwalkmeetthosethingsthatdestroytheirownsouls.
2Suchare;idolatry,confidence,prideofpower,hypocrisy,
double-mindedness,adultery,murder,rapine,pride,
transgression,deceit,malice,arrogance,witchcraft,
covetousness,andthewantofthefearofGod.
3Inthiswalkthosewhoarethepersecutorsofthemthatare
good;hatersoftruth;loversoflies;whoknownotthereward
ofrighteousness,norcleavetoanythingthatisgood.
4Whoadministernotrighteousjudgmenttothewidowand
orphan;whowatchforwickedness,andnotforthefearofthe
Lord:
5Fromwhomgentlenessandpatiencearefaroff;wholove
vanity,andfollowafterrewards;havingnocompassionupon
thepoor;nortakeanypainsforsuchasareheavyladenand
oppressed.
6Readytoevilspeaking,notknowinghimthatmadethem;
murderersofchildren;corruptersofthecreaturesofGod;that
turnawayfromtheneedy;oppresstheafflicted;arethe
advocatesoftherich,butunjustjudgesofthepoor;being
altogethersinners.
7Itisthereforefittingthatlearningthejustcommandsofthe
Lord,whichwehavebeforementioned,weshouldwalkin
them.Forhewhodoessuchthingsshallbeglorifiedinthe
kingdomofGod.
8Buthethatchoosestheotherpart,shallbedestroyed,
togetherwithhisworks.Forthiscausethereshallbebotha
resurrection,andaretribution.
9Ibeseechthosethatareinhighestateamongyou,(ifsobe
youwilltakethecounselwhichwithagoodintentionIoffer
toyou,)youhavethosewithyoutowardswhomyoumaydo
good;donotforsakethem.
10Forthedayisathandinwhichallthingsshallbedestroyed,
togetherwiththewickedone.TheLordisnear,andhis
rewardiswithhim.
11Ibeseechyou,therefore,again,andagain,beasgood
lawgiverstooneanother;continuefaithfulcounsellorstoeach
other;removefromamongyouallhypocrisy.
12AndmayGod,theLordofalltheworldgiveyouwisdom,
knowledge,counsel,andunderstandingofhisjudgmentsin
patience.
13BeyetaughtofGod;seekingwhatitistheLordrequiresof
you,anddoingit;thatyemaybesavedinthedayofjudgment.
14Andiftherebeamongyouanyremembranceofwhatis
good,thinkofme;meditatinguponthesethings,thatbothmy
desireandmywatchingforyoumayturntoagoodaccount.
15Ibeseechyou;Iaskitasafavourofyou;whilstyouarein
thisbeautifultabernacleofthebody,bewantinginnoneof
thesethings;butwithoutceasingseekthem,andfulfilevery
command.Forthesethingsarefittingandworthytobedone.
16WhereforeIhavegiventhemorediligencetowriteunto
you,accordingtomyability,thatyoumightrejoice.Farewell,
children,ofloveandpeace.
17TheLordofgloryandofallgrace,bewithyourspirit,
Amen.

62. TheEpistleofIgnatius
totheEphesians
CHAPTER1
1Ignatius,whoisalsocalledTheophorus,tothe
churchwhichisatEphesusinAsia;mostdeservedly
happy;beingblessedthroughthegreatnessand
fulnessofGodtheFather,andpredestinatedbefore
theworldbegan,thatitshouldbealwaysuntoan
enduringandunchangeableglory;beingunitedand
chosenthroughhistruepassion,accordingtothewill
oftheFather,andJesusChristourGod;allhappiness,
byJesusChrist,andhisundefiledgrace.
2IhaveheardofyournamemuchbelovedinGod;
whichyehaveveryjustlyattainedbyahabitof
righteousness,accordingtothefaithandlovewhichis
inJesusChristourSaviour.
3HowthatbeingfollowersofGod,andstirringup
yourselvesbythebloodofChristyehaveperfectly
accomplishedtheworkthatwascon-naturaluntoyou.
4ForhearingthatIcameboundfromSyria,forthe
commonnameandhope,trustingthroughyour
prayerstofightwithbeastsatRome;sothatby
sufferingImaybecomeindeedthediscipleofhim
whogavehimselftoGod,anofferingandsacrificefor
us;(yehastenedtoseeme).Ireceived,therefore,in
thenameofGod,yourwholemultitudeinOnesimus.
5Whobyinexpressibleloveisours,butaccordingto
thefleshisyourbishop;whomIbeseechyou,by
JesusChrist,tolove;andthatyouwouldallstriveto
belikeuntohim.AndblessedbeGod,whohas
granteduntoyou,whoaresoworthyofhim,toenjoy
suchanexcellentbishop.
6ForwhatconcernsmyfellowservantBurrhus,and
yourmostblesseddeaconinthingspertainingtoGod;
Ientreatyouthathemaytarrylonger,bothforyours,
andyourbishop'shonour.
7AndCrocusalsoworthybothourGodandyou,
whomIhavereceivedasthepatternofyourlove,has
inallthingsrefreshedme,astheFatherofourLord
JesusChristshallalsorefreshhim;togetherwith
Onesimus,andBurrhus,andEuclus,andFronto,in
whomIhave,astoyourcharity,seenallofyou.And
mayIalways,havejoyofyou,ifIshallbeworthyof
it.
8Itisthereforefittingthatyoushouldbyallmeans
glorifyJesusChristwhohathglorifiedyou:thatbya
uniformobedienceyemaybeperfectlyjoined
together,inthesamemind,andinthesamejudgment:
andmayallspeakthesamethingsconcerning
everything.
9Andthatbeingsubjecttoyourbishop,andthe
presbytery,yemaybewhollyandthoroughly
sanctified.
10ThesethingsIprescribetoyou,notasifIwere
somebodyextraordinary:forthoughIamboundfor
hisname,IamnotyetperfectinChristJesus.But
nowIbegintolearn,andIspeaktoyouasfellow
disciplestogetherwithme.
11ForIoughttohavebeenstirredupbyyou,infaith,
inadmonition,inpatience,inlong-suffering;but
forasmuchascharitysuffersmenottobesilent
towardsyou,Ihavefirsttakenuponmetoexhortyou,
thatyewouldallruntogetheraccordingtothewillof
God.
12ForevenJesusChrist,ourinseparablelife,issent
bythewilloftheFather;asthebishops,appointed
untotheutmostboundsoftheearth,arebythewillof
JesusChrist.
13Whereforeitwillbecomeyoutoruntogether
accordingtothewillofyourbishop,asalsoyedo.
14Foryourfamouspresbytery,worthyofGod,is
fittedasexactlytothebishop,asthestringsaretothe
harp.
15Thereforeinyourconcordandagreeingcharity,
JesusChristissung;andeverysinglepersonamong
youmakesupthechorus:
16Thatsobeingallconsonantinlove,andtakingup
thesongofGod,yemayinaperfectunitywithone
voice,singtotheFatherbyJesusChrist;totheend
thathemaybothhearyou,andperceivebyyour
works,thatyeareindeedthemembersofhisson.
17Whereforeitisprofitableforyoutoliveinan
unblameableunity,thatsoyemayalwayshavea
fellowshipwithGod.
CHAPTER2
1ForifIinthislittletimehavehadsuchafamiliarity
withyourbishop,Imeannotacarnal,butspiritual
acquaintancewithhim;howmuchmoremustIthink
youhappywhoaresojoinedtohim,asthechurchis
toJesusChrist,andJesusChristtotheFather;thatso
allthingsmayagreeinthesameunity?
2Letnomandeceivehimself;ifamanbenotwithin
thealtar,heisdeprivedofthebreadofGod.Forifthe
prayersofoneortwobeofsuchforce,aswearetold;
howmuchmorepowerfulshallthatofthebishopand
thewholechurchbe?
3Hethereforethatdoesnotcometogetherinthe
sameplacewithit,isproud,andhasalready
condemnedhimself.Foritiswritten,Godresisteth
theproud.Letustakeheedtherefore,thatwedonot
setourselvesagainstthebishop,thatwemaybe
subjecttoGod.
4Themoreanyoneseeshisbishopsilent,themore
lethimreverehim.Forwhomsoeverthemasterofthe
housesendstobeoverhisownhousehold,weought
inlikemannertoreceivehim,aswewoulddohim
thatsenthim.Itisthereforeevidentthatweoughtto
lookuponthebishop,evenaswewoulddouponthe
Lordhimself.

63. 5AndindeedOnesimushimselfdoesgreatly
commendyourgoodorderinGod:thatyoualllive
accordingtothetruth,andthatnoheresydwells
amongyou.Forneitherdoyehearkentoanyone
morethantoJesusChristspeakingtoyouintruth.
6Forsometherearewhocarryaboutthenameof
Christindeceitfulness,butdothingsunworthyofGod;
whomyemustflee,asyewoulddosomanywild
beasts.Fortheyareraveningdogs,whobitesecretly:
againstwhomyemustguardyourselves,asmen
hardlytobecured.
7Thereisonephysician,bothfleshlyandspiritual;
madeandnotmade;Godincarnate;truelifeindeath;
bothofMaryandofGod;firstpassable,then
impassible;evenJesusChristourLord.
8Whereforeletnomandeceiveyou;asindeed
neitherareyedeceived.beingwhollytheservantsof
God.Forinasmuchasthereisnocontentionnorstrife
amongyou,totroubleyou,yemustneedslive
accordingtoGod'swill.Mysoulbeforyours;andI
myselftheexpiatoryofferingforyourchurchof
Ephesus,sofamousthroughouttheworld.
9Theythatareofthefleshcannotdotheworksofthe
spirit;neithertheythatareofthespirittheworksof
theflesh.Ashethathasfaithcannotbeaninfidel;nor
hethatisaninfidelhavefaith.Buteventhosethings
whichyedoaccordingtotheflesharespiritual;
forasmuchasyedoallthingsinJesusChrist.
10NeverthelessIhaveheardofsomewhohave
passedbyyou,havingperversedoctrine;whomyedid
notsuffertosowamongyou;butstoppedyourears,
thatyemightnotreceivethosethingsthatweresown
bythem;asbecomingthestonesofthetempleofthe
Father,preparedforhisbuilding;anddrawnupon
highbytheCrossofChrist,asbyanengine.
11UsingtheHolyGhostastherope:yourfaithbeing
your;andyourcharitythewaythatleadsuntoGod.
12Yearetherefore,withallyourcompanionsinthe
samejourney,fullofGod;hisspiritualtemples,full
ofChrist,fullofholiness:adornedinallthingswith
thecommandsofChrist.
13InwhomalsoIrejoicethatIhavebeenthought
worthybythispresentepistletoconverse,andjoy
togetherwithyou;thatwithrespecttotheotherlife,
yelovenothingbutGodonly.
CHAPTER3
1Prayalsowithoutceasingforothermen:forthereis
hopeofrepentanceinthem,thattheymayattainunto
God.Letthemthereforeatleastbeinstructedbyyour
works,iftheywillbenootherway.
2Beyemildattheiranger;humbleattheirboasting;
totheirblasphemiesreturnyourprayers:totheirerror,
yourfirmnessinthefaith:whentheyarecruel,beye
gentle;notendeavouringtoimitatetheirways.
3Letusbetheirbrethreninallkindnessand
moderation,butletusbefollowersoftheLord;for
whowasevermoreunjustlyused?Moredestitute?
Moredespised?
4Thatsonoherbofthedevilmaybefoundinyou:
butyemayremaininallholinessandsobrietybothof
bodyandspirit,inChristJesus.
5Thelasttimesarecomeuponus:letusthereforebe
veryreverentandfearthelong-sufferingofGod,that
itbenottouseuntocondemnation.
6Forletuseitherfearthewraththatistocome,orlet
uslovethegracethatweatpresentenjoy:thatbythe
one,orother,ofthesewemaybefoundinChrist
Jesus,untotruelife.
7Besideshim,letnothingbeworthyofyou;for
whomalsoIbearaboutthesebonds,thosespiritual
jewels,inwhichIwouldtoGodthatImightarise
throughyourprayers.
8OfwhichIentreatyoutomakemealwayspartaker,
thatImaybefoundinthelotoftheChristiansof
Ephesus,whohavealwaysagreedwiththeApostles,
throughthepowerofJesusChrist.
9IknowbothwhoIam,andtowhomIwrite;I,a
personcondemned:ye,suchashaveobtainedmercy:
I,exposedtodanger;ye,confirmedagainstdanger.
10YearethepassageofthosethatarekilledforGod;
thecompanionsofPaulinthemysteriesoftheGospel;
theHoly,themartyr,thedeservedlymosthappyPaul:
atwhosefeetmayIbefound,whenIshallhave
attaineduntoGod;whothroughoutallhisepistle,
makesmentionofyouinChristJesus.
11Letitbeyourcarethereforetocomemorefully
together,tothepraiseandgloryofGod.Forwhenye
meetfullytogetherinthesameplace,thepowersof
thedevilaredestroyed,andhismischiefisdissolved
bytheunityoftheirfaith.
12Andindeed,nothingisbetterthanpeace,bywhich
allwarbothspiritualandearthlyisabolished.
13Ofallwhichnothingishidfromyou,ifyehave
perfectfaithandcharityinChristJesus,whicharethe
beginningandendoflife.
14Forthebeginningisfaith;theendischarity.And
thesetwojoinedtogether,areofGod:butallother
thingswhichconcernaholylifearetheconsequences
ofthese.
15Nomanprofessingatruefaith,sinneth;neither
doeshewhohascharityhateany.
16Thetreeismademanifestbyitsfruit;sotheywho
professthemselvestobeChristiansareknownby
whattheydo.
17ForChristianityisnottheworkofanoutward
profession;butshowsitselfinthepoweroffaith,ifa
manbefoundfaithfuluntotheend.
18Itisbetterforamantoholdhispeace,andbe;than
tosayheisaChristianandnottobe.
19Itisgoodtoteach;ifwhathesayshedoeslikewise.
20Thereisthereforeonemasterwhospake,andit
wasdone;andeventhosethingswhichhedidwithout
speaking,areworthyoftheFather.

64. 21HethatpossessesthewordofJesusistrulyableto
hearhisverysilence,thathemaybeperfect;andboth
doaccordingtowhathespeaks,andbeknownby
thosethingsofwhichheissilent.
22ThereisnothinghidfromGod,butevenour
secretsarenighuntohim.
23Letusthereforedoallthings,asbecomesthose
whohaveGoddwellinginthem;thatwemaybehis
temples,andhemaybeourGod:asalsoheis,and
willmanifesthimselfbeforeourfaces,bythosethings
forwhichwejustlylovehim.
CHAPTER4
1Benotdeceived,mybrethren:thosethatcorrupt
familiesinheritadultery,shallnotinheritthekingdom
ofGod.
2Ifthereforetheywhodothisaccordingtotheflesh,
havesuffereddeath;howmuchmoreshallhedie,
whobyhiswickeddoctrinecorruptsthefaithofGod,
forwhichChristwascrucified?
3Hethatisthusdefiled,shalldepartinto
unquenchablefire,andsoalsoshallhethathearkens
tohim.
4ForthiscausedidtheLordsuffertheointmenttobe
pouredonhishead;thathemightbreathethebreath
ofimmortalityuntohischurch.
5Benotyethereforeanointedwiththeevilsavourof
thedoctrineoftheprinceofthisworld:lethimnot
takeyoucaptivefromthelifethatissetbeforeyou.
6Andwhyarewenotallwise,seeingwehave
receivetheknowledgeofGod,whichisJesusChrist?
Whydowesufferourselvesfoolishlytoperish;not
consideringthegiftwhichtheLordhastrulysentto
us?
7Letmylifebesacrificedforthedoctrineofthecross;
whichisindeedascandaltotheunbelievers,buttous
issalvationandlifeeternal.
8Whereisthewiseman?Whereisthedisputer?
Whereistheboastingofthosewhoarecalledwise?
9ForourGodJesusChristwasaccordingtothe
dispensationofGodconceivedinthewombofMary,
oftheseedofDavid,bytheHolyGhost;hewasborn
andbaptized,thatthroughhispassionhemightpurify
water,tothewashingawayofsin.
10NowtheVirginityofMary,andhewhowasborn
ofher,waskeptinsecretfromtheprinceofthisworld;
aswasalsothedeathofourLord:threeofthe
mysteriesthemostspokenofthroughouttheworld,
yetdoneinsecretbyGod.
11HowthenwasourSaviourmanifestedtotheworld?
Astarshoneinheavenbeyondalltheotherstars,and
itslightwasinexpressible,anditsnoveltystruck
terrorintomen'sminds.Alltherestofthestars,
togetherwiththesunandmoon,werethechorusto
thisstar;butthatsentoutitslightexceedinglyabove
themall.
12Andmenbegantobetroubledtothinkwhencethis
newstarcamesounliketoalltheothers.
13Henceallthepowerofmagicbecamedissolved;
andeverybondofwickednesswasdestroyed:men's
ignorancewastakenaway;andtheoldkingdom
abolished;Godhimselfappearingintheformofa
man,fortherenewalofeternallife.
14FromthencebeganwhatGodhadprepared:from
thenceforththingsweredisturbed;forasmuchashe
designedtoabolishdeath.
15ButifJesusChristshallgivemegracethrough
yourprayers,anditbehiswill,Ipurposeinasecond
epistlewhichIwillsuddenlywriteuntoyouto
manifesttoyoumorefullythedispensationofwhichI
havenowbeguntospeak,untothenewman,whichis
JesusChrist;bothinhisfaith,andcharity;inhis
suffering,andinhisresurrection.
16EspeciallyiftheLordshallmakeknownuntome,
thatyeallbynamecometogetherincommoninone
faith,andinoneJesusChrist;whowasoftheraceof
Davidaccordingtotheflesh;theSonofman,andSon
ofGod;obeyingyourbishopandthepresbyterywith
anentireaffection;breakingoneandthesamebread,
whichisthemedicineofimmortality;ourantidote
thatweshouldnotdie,butliveforeverinChristJesus.
17Mysoulbeforyours,andtheirswhomyehave
senttothegloryofGod,evenuntoSmyrna;from
whencealsoIwritetoyou;givingthanksuntothe
LordandlovingPolycarpevenasIdoyou.
Rememberme,asJesusChristdoesrememberyou.
18PrayforthechurchwhichisinSyria,fromwhence
IamcarriedboundtoRome;beingtheleastofallthe
faithfulwhicharethere,asIhavebeenthought
worthytobefoundtothegloryofGod.
19FareyewellinGodtheFather,andinJesusChrist,
ourcommonHope.Amen.

65. TheEpistleofIgnatius
totheMagnesians
CHAPTER1
1IgnatiuswhoisalsocalledTheophorus;tothe
blessedchurchbythegraceofGodtheFatherin
JesusChristourSaviour:inwhomIsalutethe
churchwhichisatMagnesianeartheMæander:and
wishitalljoyinGodtheFatherandinJesusChrist.
2WhenIheardofyourwellorderedloveand
charityinGod,beingfullofjoy,Idesiredmuchto
speakuntoyouinthefaithofJesusChrist.
3Forhavingbeenthoughtworthytoobtainamost
excellentname,inthebondswhichIcarryabout,I
salutethechurches;wishinginthemaunionbothof
thebodyandspiritofJesusChrist,oureternallife:
asalsooffaithandcharity,towhichnothingis
preferred:butespeciallyofJesusandtheFatherin
whomifweundergoalltheinjuriesoftheprinceof
thispresentworld,andescape,weshallenjoyGod.
4SeeingthenIhavebeenjudgedworthytoseeyou,
byDamasyourmostexcellentbishop;andbyyour
veryworthypresbyters,BassusandApollonius;and
bymyfellow-servantSotio,thedeacon;
5InwhomIrejoice,forasmuchasheisthesubject
untohisbishopastothegraceofGod,andtothe
presbyteryastothelawofJesusChrist;I
determinedtowriteuntoyou.
6Whereforeitwillbecomeyoualsonottouseyour
bishoptoofamiliarlyupontheaccountofhisyouth;
buttoyieldallreverencetohimaccordingtothe
powerofGodtheFather;asalsoIperceivethat
yourholypresbytersdo:notconsideringhisage,
whichindeedtoappearanceisyoung;butas
becomesthosewhoareprudentinGod,submitting
tohim,orrathernottohim,buttotheFatherofour
LordJesusChrist,thebishopofusall.
7Itwillthereforebehooveyouwithallsincerity,to
obeyyourbishop;inhonourhimwhosepleasureit
isthatyeshoulddoso.
8Becausehethatdoesnotdoso,deceivesnotthe
bishopwhomhesees,butaffrontshimthatis
invisible.Forwhatsoeverofthiskindisdone,it
reflectsnotuponman,butuponGod,whoknows
thesecretsofourhearts.
9Itisthereforefitting,thatweshouldnotonlybe
calledChristians,butbeso.
10Assomecallindeedtheirgovernor,bishop;but
yetdoallthingswithouthim.
11ButIcanneverthinkthatsuchasthesehavea
goodconscience,seeingthattheyarenotgathered
togetherthoroughlyaccordingtoGod's
commandment.
CHAPTER2
1Seeingthenallthingshaveanend,therearethese
twoindifferentlysetbeforeus,deathandlife:and
everyoneshalldepartuntohisproperplace.
2Forastherearetwosortsofcoins,theoneofGod,
theotheroftheworld;andeachofthesehasits
properinscriptionengravenuponit;soalsoisit
here.
3Theunbelieversareofthisworld;butthefaithful,
throughcharity,havethecharacterofGodthe
FatherbyJesusChrist:bywhomifwearenot
readilydisposedtodieafterthelikenessofhis
passion,hislifeisnotinus.
4Forasmuch,therefore,asIhaveinthepersons
beforementionedseenallofyouinfaithand
charity;Iexhortyouthatyestudytodoallthingsin
divineconcord:
5YourbishoppresidingintheplaceofGod;your
presbytersintheplaceofthecouncilofthe
Apostles;andyourdeaconsmostdeartomebeing
entrustedwiththeministryofJesusChrist;who
wastheFatherbeforeallages,andappearedinthe
endtous.
6Whereforetakingthesameholycourse,seethat
yeallreverenceoneanother:andletnoonelook
uponhisneighbouraftertheflesh;butdoyeall
mutuallyloveeachotherinJesusChrist.
7Lettherebenothingthatmaybeabletomakea
divisionamongyou;butbeyeunitedtoyourbishop,
andthosewhopresideoveryou,tobeyourpattern
anddirectioninthewaytoimmortality.
8AsthereforetheLorddidnothingwithoutthe
Father,beingunitedtohim;neitherbyhimselfnor
yetbyhisApostles,soneitherdoyedoanything
withoutyourbishopandpresbyters:
9Neitherendeavourtoletanythingappearrational
toyourselvesapart;
10Butbeingcometogetherintothesameplace
haveonecommonprayer;onesupplication;one
mind;onehope;oneincharity,andinjoyundefiled.
11ThereisoneLordJesusChrist,thanwhom
nothingisbetter.Whereforecomeyealltogetheras
untoonetempleofGod;astoonealtar,astoone
JesusChrist;whoproceededfromoneFather,and
existsinone,andisreturnedtoone.
CHAPTER3
1Benotdeceivedwithstrangedoctrines;norwith
oldfableswhichareunprofitable.Forifwestill
continuetoliveaccordingtotheJewishlaw,wedo
confessourselvesnottohavereceivedgrace.For
eventhemostholyprophetslivedaccordingto
ChristJesus.

66. 2Andforthiscauseweretheypersecuted,being
inspiredbyhisgrace,toconvincetheunbelievers
anddisobedientthatthereisoneGodwhohas
manifestedhimselfbyJesusChristhisSon;whois
hiseternalword,notcomingforthfromsilence,
whoinallthingspleasedhimthatsenthim.
3Whereforeiftheywhowerebroughtupinthese
ancientlawscameneverthelesstothenewnessof
hope:nolongerobservingsabbaths,butkeepingthe
Lord'sdayinwhichalsoourlifeissprungupby
him,andthroughhisdeath,whomyetsomedeny:
4(Bywhichmysterywehavebeenbroughtto
believeandthereforewaitthatwemaybefoundthe
disciplesofJesusChrist,ouronlymaster:)
5Howshallwebeabletolivedifferentfromhim
whosedisciplestheveryprophetsthemselvesbeing,
didbythespiritexpecthimastheirmaster.
6Andthereforehewhomtheyjustlywaitedfor,
beingcome,raisedthemupfromthedead.
7Letusnotthenbeinsensibleofhisgoodness;for
shouldhehavedealtwithusaccordingtoourworks,
wehadnotnohadabeing.
8Whereforebeingbecomehisdisciples,letuslearn
toliveaccordingtotherulesofChristianity;for
whosoeveriscalledbyanyothernamebesidesthis,
heisnotofGod.
9Layasidethereforetheoldandsourandevil
leaven;andbeyechangedintothenewleaven,
whichisJesusChrist.
10Beyesaltedinhim,lestanyoneamongyou
shouldbecorrupted;forbyyoursavouryeshallbe
judged.
11ItisabsurdtonameJesusChrist,andtoJudaize.
FortheChristianreligiondidnotembracethe
Jewish,buttheJewishtheChristian;thatsoevery
tonguethatbelievedmightbegatheredtogether
untoGod.
12Thesethings,mybeloved,Iwriteuntoyou;not
thatIknowofanyamongyouthatlieunderthis
error;butasoneoftheleastamongyou,Iam
desiroustoforewarnyou,thatyefallnotintothe
snaresoffalsedoctrine.
13Butthatyebefullyinstructedinthebirth,and
suffering,andresurrectionofJesusChrist,ourhope;
whichwasaccomplishedinthetimeofthe
governmentofPontiusPilate,andthatmosttruly
andcertainlyandfromwhichGodforbidthatany
amongyoushouldbeturnedaside.
CHAPTER4
1MayIthereforehavejoyofyouinallthings,ifI
shallbeworthyofit.ForthoughIambound,yetI
amnotworthytobecomparedtooneofyouthat
areatliberty.
2Iknowthatyearenotpuffedup;foryehave
JesusChristinyourhearts.
3AndespeciallywhenIcommendyou,Iknowthat
yeareashamed,asitiswritten,Thejustman
condemnethhimself.
4Studythereforetobeconfirmedinthedoctrineof
ourLord,andofhisApostles;thatsowhateverye
do,yemayprosperbothinbodyandspirit,infaith
andcharity,intheSon,andintheFatherandinthe
HolySpirit:inthebeginning,andintheend.
5Togetherwithyourmostworthybishop,andthe
well-wroughtspiritualcrownofyourpresbytery,
andyourdeacons,whichareaccordingtoGod.
6Besubjecttoyourbishop,andtooneanother,as
JesusChristtotheFather,accordingtotheflesh:
andtheApostlesbothtoChrist,andtotheFather,
andtotheHolyGhost:thatsoyemaybeunited
bothinbodyandspirit.
7KnowingyoutobefullofGod,Ihavethemore
brieflyexhortedyou.
8Bemindfulofmeinyourprayers,thatImay
attainuntoGod,andoftheChurchthatisinSyria,
fromwhichIamnotworthytobecalled.
9ForIstandinneedofyourjointprayersinGod,
andofyourcharity,thatthechurchwhichisin
Syriamaybethoughtworthytobenourishedby
yourchurch.
10TheEphesiansfromSmyrnasaluteyou,from
whichplaceIwriteuntoyou:(beingpresenthereto
thegloryofGod,inlikemannerasyouare,)who
haveinallthingsrefreshedme,togetherwith
Polycarp,thebishopoftheSmyrnæans.
11TherestofthechurchesinthehonourofJesus
Christ,saluteyou.
12Farewell,andbeyestrengthenedintheconcord
ofGod:enjoyinghisinseparablespirit,whichis
JesusChrist.

67. TheEpistleofIgnatius
totheTrallians
CHAPTER1
1Ignatius,whoisalsocalledTheophorus,totheholychurchwhich
isatTrallesinAsia:belovedofGodtheFatherofJesusChrist,elect
andworthyofGod,havingpeacethroughthefleshandblood,and
passionofJesusChristourhope,intheresurrectionwhichisbyhim:
whichalsoIsaluteinitsfulness,continuingintheapostolical
character,wishingalljoyandhappinessuntoit.
2Ihaveheardofyourblamelessandconstantdispositionthrough
patience,whichnotonlyappearsinyouroutwardconversation,butis
naturallyrootedandgroundedinyou.
3InlikemannerasPolybiusyourbishophasdeclareduntome,who
cametometoSmyrna,bythewillofGodandJesusChrist,andso
rejoicedtogetherwithmeinmybondsforJesusChrist,thatineffect
Isawyourwholechurchinhim.
4Havingthereforereceivedtestimonyofyourgoodwilltowardsme
forGod'ssake,byhim;Iseemedtofindyou,asalsoIknewthatye
werethefollowersofGod.
5ForwhereasyearesubjecttoyourbishopastoJesusChrist,ye
appeartometolivenotafterthemannerofmen,butaccordingto
JesusChrist;whodiedforus,thatsobelievinginhisdeath,yemight
escapedeath.
6Itisthereforenecessary,thatasyedo,sowithoutyourbishop,you
shoulddonothing:alsobeyesubjecttoyourpresbyters,astothe
ApostlesofJesusChristourhope;inwhomifwewalk,weshallbe
foundinhim.
7Thedeaconsalso,asbeingtheministersofthemysteriesofJesus
Christ,mustbyallmeanspleaseye.Fortheyarenottheministersof
meatanddrink,butofthechurchofGod.Whereforetheymustavoid
alloffences,astheywoulddofire.
8InlikemannerletusreverencethedeaconsasJesusChrist;andthe
bishopasthefather;andthepresbytersastheSanhedrimofGod,and
collegeoftheApostles.
9Withoutthesethereisnochurch.ConcerningallwhichIam
persuadedthatyethinkaftertheverysamemanner:forIhave
received,andevennowhavewithme,thepatternofyourlove,in
yourbishop.
10Whoseverylookisinstructive;andwhosemildnesspowerful:
whomIampersuaded,theveryAtheiststhemselvescannotbut
reverence.
11ButbecauseIhavealovetowardsyou,Iwillnotwriteanymore
sharplyuntoyouaboutthismatter,thoughIverywellmight;but
nowIhavedoneso;lestbeingacondemnedman,Ishouldseemto
prescribetoyouasanApostle.
12IhavegreatknowledgeinGod;butIrefrainmyself,lestIshould
perishinmyboasting.
13FornowIoughtthemoretofear;andnottohearkentothosethat
wouldpuffmeup.
14Fortheythatspeaktome,inmypraise,chastenme.
15ForIindeeddesiretosuffer,butIcannottellwhetherIamworthy
sotodo.
16Andthisdesire,thoughtoothersitdoesnotappear,yettomyself
itisforthatveryreasonthemoreviolent.Ihave,therefore,needof
moderation;bywhichtheprinceofthisworldisdestroyed.
17AmInotabletowritetoyouofheavenlythings?—ButIfearlest
Ishouldharmyou,whoareyetbutbabesinChrist:(excusemethis
care;)andlestperchancebeingnotabletoreceivethem,yeshould
bechokenwiththem.
18ForevenImyself,althoughIaminbonds,yetamnottherefore
abletounderstandheavenlythings:
19Astheplacesoftheangels,andtheseveralcompaniesofthem,
undertheirrespectiveprinces;thingsvisibleandinvisible;butin
theseIamyetalearner.
20Formanythingsarewantingtous,thatwecomenotshortofGod.
CHAPTER2
1Iexhortyoutherefore,orrathernotI,buttheloveofJesusChrist;
thatyeusenonebutChristiannourishment;abstainingfrompasture
whichisofanotherkind,Imeanheresy.
2Fortheythatareheretics,confoundtogetherthedoctrineofJesus
Christ,withtheirownpoison:whilsttheyseemworthyofbelief:
3Asmengiveadeadlypotionmixedwithsweetwine;whichhewho
drinksof,doeswiththetreacherouspleasuresweetlydrinkinhis
owndeath.
4Whereforeguardyourselvesagainstsuchpersons.Andthatyou
willdoifyouarenotpuffedup;butcontinueinseparablefromJesus
ChristourGod,andfromyourbishop,andfromthecommandsofthe
Apostles.
5Hethatiswithinthealtarispure;buthethatiswithout,thatis,that
doesanythingwithoutthebishop,thepresbyters,anddeacons,isnot
pureinhisconscience.
6NotthatIknowthereisanythingofthisnatureamongyou;butI
fore-armyou,asbeinggreatlybelovedbyme,foreseeingthesnares
ofthedevil.
7Whereforeputtingonmeekness,renewyourselvesinfaith,thatis,
thefleshoftheLord;andincharity,thatis,thebloodofJesusChrist.
8Letnomanhaveanygrudgeagainsthisneighbour.Giveno
occasiontotheGentiles;lestbymeansofafewfoolishmen,the
wholecongregationofGodbeevilspokenof.
9Forwoetothatmanthroughwhosevanitymynameisblasphemed
byany.
10Stopyourearstherefore,asoftenasanyoneshallspeakcontrary
toJesusChrist;whowasoftheraceofDavid,oftheVirginMary.
11Whowastrulybornanddideatanddrink;wastrulypersecuted
underPontiusPilate;wastrulycrucifiedanddead;boththosein
heavenandonearth,beingspectatorsofit.
12WhowasalsotrulyraisedfromthedeadbyhisFather.afterthe
samemannerashewillalsoraiseupuswhobelieveinhimbyChrist
Jesus;withoutwhomwehavenotruelife.
13Butif,assomewhoareAtheists,thatistosayinfidels,pretend,
thatheonlyseemedtosuffer:(theythemselvesonlyseemingtoexist)
whythenamIbound?—WhydoIdesiretofightwithbeasts?—
ThereforedoIdieinvain:thereforeIwillnotspeakfalselyagainst
theLord.
14Fleethereforetheseevilsproutswhichbringforthdeadlyfruit;of
whichifanyonetaste,heshallpresentlydie.
15ForthesearenottheplantsoftheFather;seeingiftheywere,they
wouldappeartobethebranchesofthecross,andtheirfruitwouldbe
incorruptible;bywhichheinvitesyouthroughhispassion,whoare
membersofhim.
16Fortheheadcannotbewithoutitsmembers,Godhaving
promisedaunion,thatishimself.
CHAPTER3
1IsaluteyoufromSmyrna,togetherwiththechurchesofGodthat
arepresentwithme;whohaverefreshedmeinallthings,bothinthe
fleshandinthespirit.
2Mybonds,whichIcarryaboutmeforthesakeofChrist,
beseechinghimthatImayattainuntoGodexhortyou,thatyou
continueinconcordamongyourselvesandinprayerwithone
another.
3Foritbecomeseveryoneofyou,especiallythepresbyters,to
refreshthebishop,tothehonouroftheFatherofJesusChristandof
theApostles.
4Ibeseechyou,thatyouhearkentomeinlove;thatImaynotby
thosethingswhichIwrite,riseupinwitnessagainstyou.
5Prayalsoforme;whothroughthemercyofGodstandinneedof
yourprayers,thatImaybeworthyoftheportionwhichIamaboutto
obtainthatIbenotfoundareprobate.
6TheloveofthosewhoareatSmyrnaandEphesussaluteyou.
RememberinyourprayersthechurchofSyria,fromwhichIamnot
worthytobecalled,beingoneoftheleastofit.
7FareyewellinJesusChrist;beingsubjecttoyourbishopastothe
commandofGod;andsolikewisetothepresbytery.
8Loveeveryonehisbrotherwithanunfeignedheart.Mysoulbe
yourexpiation,notonlynow,butwhenIshallhaveattainedunto
God;forIamyetunderdanger.
9ButtheFatherisfaithfulinJesusChrist,tofulfilbothmineand
yourpetition;inwhommayyebefoundunblamable.

68. TheEpistleofIgnatius
totheRomans
CHAPTER1
1Ignatius,whoisalsocalledTheophorus,tothechurchwhichhas
obtainedmercyfromthemajestyoftheMostHighFather,andhis
onlybegottenSonJesusChrist;beloved,andilluminatedthroughthe
willofwhowillethallthingswhichareaccordingtotheloveofJesus
ChristourGodwhichalsopresidesintheplaceoftheregionofthe
Romans;andwhichIsaluteinthenameofJesusChristasbeing
unitedbothinfleshandspirittoallhiscommands,andfilledwiththe
graceofGod;alljoyinJesusChristourGod.
2ForasmuchasIhaveatlastobtainedthroughmyprayerstoGod,to
seeyourfaces,whichImuchdesiredtodo;beingboundinJesus
Christ,Ihopeerelongtosaluteyou,ifitshallbethewillofGodto
grantmetoattainuntotheendIlongfor.
3Forthebeginningiswelldisposed,ifIshallbuthavegrace,
withouthindrance,toreceivewhatisappointedforme.
4ButIfearyourlove,lestitdomeaninjury.Foritiseasyforyouto
dowhatyouplease;butitwillbehardformetoattainuntoGod,if
youspareme.
5ButIwouldnotthatyeshouldpleasemen,butGodwhomalsoye
doplease.ForneithershallIhereafterhavesuchanopportunityof
goinguntoGod;norwillyouifyeshallnowbesilent,everbe
entitledtoabetterwork.Forifyoushallbesilentinmybehalf,I
shallbemadepartakerofGod.
6Butifyoushalllovemybody,Ishallhavemycourseagaintorun.
Whereforeyecannotdomeagreaterkindness,thantosuffermeto
besacrificeduntoGod,nowthatthealtarisalreadyprepared:
7Thatwhenyeshallbegatheredtogetherinlove,yemaygive
thankstotheFatherthroughChristJesus;thathehasvouchsafedto
bringabishopofSyriauntoyou,beingcalledfromtheeastuntothe
west.
8Foritisgoodformetosetfromtheworld,untoGod;thatImay
riseagainuntohim.
9Yehaveneverenviedanyone;yehavetaughtother.Iwould
thereforethatyeshouldnowdothosethingsyourselves,whichin
yourinstructionsyouhaveprescribedtoothers.
10Onlyprayforme,thatGodwouldgivemebothinwardand
outwardstrength,thatImaynotonlysay,butwill;norbeonlycalled
aChristian,butbefoundone.
11ForifIshallbefoundaChristian,Imaythendeservedlybecalled
one;andbethoughtfaithful,whenIshallnolongerappeartothe
world.
12Nothingisgood,thatisseen.
13ForevenourGod,JesusChrist,nowthatheisintheFather,does
somuchthemoreappear.
14AChristianisnotaworkofopinion;butofgreatnessofmind,
especiallywhenheishatedbytheworld.
CHAPTER2
1Iwritetothechurches,andsignifytothemall,thatamwillingto
dieforGod,unlesshinderme.
2Ibeseechyouthatyoushewnotanunseasonablegoodwilltowards
me.Suffermetobefoodtothewildbeasts;bywhomIshallattain
untoGod.
3ForIamthewheatofGod;andIshallbegroundbytheteethofthe
wildbeasts,thatImaybefoundthepurebreadofChrist.
4Ratherencouragethebeasts,thattheymaybecomemysepulchre;
andmayleavenothingofmybody;thatbeingdeadImazynotbe
troublesometoany.
5ThenshallIbetrulythediscipleofJesusChrist,whentheworld
shallnotseesomuchasmybody,PraythereforeuntoChristforme,
thatbytheseinstrumentsImaybemadethesacrificeofGod.
6Idonot,asPeterandPaul,commandyou.TheywereApostles,Ia
condemnedman;theywerefree,butIameventothisdayaservant:
7ButifIshallsuffer,IshallthenbecomethefreemanofJesusChrist,
andshallrisefree.Andnow,beinginbonds,Ilearn,nottodesire
anything.
8FromSyriaevenuntoRome,Ifightwithbeastsbothbyseaand
land;bothnightandday:beingboundtotenleopards,thatistosay,
tosuchabandofsoldiers;who,thoughtreatedwithallmannerof
kindness,aretheworseforit.
9ButIamthemoreinstructedbytheirinjuries;yetamInot
thereforejustified.
10MayIenjoythewildbeaststhatarepreparedforme;whichalsoI
wishmayexercisealltheirfiercenessuponme.
11AndwhomforthatendIwillencourage,thattheymaybesureto
devourme,andnotservemeastheyhavedonesome,whomoutof
feartheyhavenottouched.But,andiftheywillnotdoitwillingly,I
willprovokethemtoit.
12Pardonmeinthismatter;Iknowwhatisprofitableforme.NowI
begintobeadisciple.Norshallanythingmoveme,whethervisible
orinvisible,thatImayattaintoJesusChrist.
13Letfire,andthecross;letthecompaniesofwildbeasts;let
breakingsofbonesandtearingofmembers;lettheshatteringin
piecesofthewholebody,andallthewickedtormentsofthedevil
comeuponme;onlyletmeenjoyJesusChrist.
14Alltheendsoftheworld,andthekingdomsofit,willprofitme
nothing:IwouldratherdieforJesusChrist,thanruletotheutmost
endsoftheearth.HimIseekwhodiedforus;himIdesire,thatrose
againforus.Thisisthegainthatislaidupforme.
15Pardonme,mybrethren,yeshallnothindermefromliving.Nor
seeingIdesiretogotoGod,mayyouseparatemefromhim,forthe
sakeofthisworld;norreducemebyanyofthedesiresofit.Suffer
metoenterintopurelight:Wherebeingcome,Ishallbeindeedthe
servantofGod.
16PermitmetoimitatethepassionofmyGod.Ifanyonehashim
withinhimself,lethimconsiderwhatIdesire;andlethimhave
compassiononme,asknowinghowIamstraightened.
CHAPTER3
1Theprinceofthisworldwouldfaincarrymeaway,andcorruptmy
resolutiontowardsmyGod.Letnoneofyouthereforehelphim:
Ratherdoyejoinwithme,thatis,withGod.
2DonotspeakwithJesusChrist,andyetcovettheworld.Letnot
anyenvydwellwithyou;NonotthoughImyselfwhenIshallbe
comeuntoyou,shouldexhortyoutoit,yetdonotyehearkentome;
butratherbelievewhatInowwritetoyou.
3ForthoughIamalive,atthewritingthis,yetmydesireistodie.
Myloveiscrucified;andthefirethatiswithinmedoesnotdesire
anywater;butbeingaliveandspringingwithinme,says,Cometo
theFather.
4Itakenopleasureinthefoodofcorruption,norinthepleasuresof
thislife.
5IdesirethebreadofGodwhichisthefleshofJesusChrist,ofthe
seedofDavid;andthedrinkthatIlongforishisblood,whichis
incorruptiblelove.
6Ihavenodesiretoliveanylongerafterthemannerofmen,neither
shallI,ifyouconsent.Beyethereforewilling,thatyeyourselves
alsomaybepleasingtoGod.Iexhortyouinafewwords;Iprayyou
believeme.
7JesusChristwillshewyouthatIspeaktruly.Mymouthiswithout
deceit,andtheFatherhathtrulyspokenbyit.Praythereforeforme,
thatImayaccomplishwhatIdesire.
8Ihavenotwrittentoyouaftertheflesh,butaccordingtothewillof
God.IfIshallsuffer,yehavelovedme;butifIshallberejected,ye
havehatedme.
9RememberinyourprayersthechurchofSyria,whichnowenjoys
Godforitsshepherdinsteadofme:LetJesusChristonlyoverseeit,
andyourcharity.
10ButIamevenashamedtobereckonedasoneofthem:Forneither
amIworthy,beingtheleastamongthem,andasonebornoutofdue
season.ButthroughmercyIhaveobtainedtobesomebody,ifIshall
getuntoGod.
11Myspiritsalutesyou;andthecharityofthechurchesthathave
receivedmeinthenameofJesusChrist;notasapassenger.Foreven
theythatwerenotneartomeintheway,havegonebeforemetothe
nextcitytomeetme.
12ThesethingsIwritetoyoufromSmyrna,bythemostworthyof
thechurchofEphesus.
13Thereisnowwithme,togetherwithmanyothers,Crocus,most
belovedofme.AsforthosewhicharecomefromSyria,andaregone
beforemetoRome,tothegloryofGod,Isupposeyouarenot
ignorantofthem.
14Yeshallthereforesignifytothem,thatIdrawnear,fortheyareall
worthybothofGodandofyou:Whomitisfitthatyourefreshinall
things.
15ThishaveIwrittentoyou,thedaybeforetheninthofthecalends
ofSeptember.Bestronguntotheend,inthepatienceofJesusChrist.

69. TheEpistleofIgnatius
tothePhiladelphians
CHAPTER1
1Ignatius,whoisalsocalledTheophorus,tothechurchofGodthe
Father,andourLordJesusChrist,whichisatPhiladelphiainAsia;
whichhasobtainedmercy,beingfixedintheconcordofGod,and
rejoicingevermoreinthepassionofourLord,andbeingfulfilledin
allmercythroughhisresurrection:WhichalsoIsaluteinthebloodof
JesusChrist,whichisoureternalandundefiledjoy;especiallyifthey
areatunitywiththebishop,andpresbyterswhoarewithhim,and
thedeaconsappointedaccordingtothemindofJesusChrist;whom
hehassettledaccordingtohisownwillinallfirmnessbyhisHoly
Spirit:
2WhichbishopIknowobtainedthatgreatministryamongyou,not
ofhimself,neitherbymen,noroutofvainglory;butbytheloveof
GodtheFather,andourLordJesusChrist.
3WhosemoderationIadmire;whobyhissilenceisabletodomore
thanotherswithalltheirvaintalk.Forheisfittedtothecommands,
astheharptoitsstrings.
4WhereforemysoulesteemshismindtowardsGodmosthappy,
knowingittobefruitfulinallvirtue,andperfect;fullofconstancy,
freefrompassion,andaccordingtoallthemoderationoftheliving
God.
5Whereforeasbecomesthechildrenbothofthelightandoftruth;
fleedivisionsandfalsedoctrines;butwhereyourshepherdis,there
doye,assheep,followafter.
6Fortherearemanywolveswhoseemworthyofbeliefwithafalse
pleasureleadcaptivethosethatruninthecourseofGod;butinthe
concordtheyshallfindnoplace.
7AbstainthereforefromevilherbswhichJesusdoesnotdress;
becausesucharenottheplantationoftheFather.NotthatIhave
foundanydivisionamongyou,butratherallmannerofpurity.
8ForasmanyasareofGod,andofJesusChrist,arealsowiththeir
bishop.Andasmanyasshallwithrepentancereturnintotheunityof
thechurch,eventheseshallalsobetheservantsofGod,thatthey
mayliveaccordingtoJesus.
9Benotdeceived,brethren;ifanyonefollowshimthatmakesa
schisminthechurch,heshallnotinheritthekingdomofGod.Ifany
onewalksafteranyotheropinion,heagreesnotwiththepassionof
Christ.
10Whereforeletitbeyourendeavourtopartakeallofthesameholy
eucharist.
11ForthereisbutonefleshofourLordJesusChrist;andonecupin
theunityofhisblood;onealtar;
12Asalsothereisonebishop,togetherwithhispresbytery,andthe
deaconsmyfellow-servants:thatsowhatsoeveryedo,yemaydoit
accordingtothewillofGod.
CHAPTER2
1Mybrethren,theloveIhavetowardsyoumakesmethemorelarge;
andhavingagreatjoyinyou,Iendeavourtosecureyouagainst
danger;orrathernotI,butJesusChrist;inwhombeingboundIthe
morefear,asbeingyetonlyonthewaytosuffering.
2ButyourprayertoGodshallmakemeperfect,thatImayattainto
thatportion,whichbyGod'smercyisallottedtome:Fleeingtothe
GospelastothefleshofChrist;andtotheApostlesastothe
presbyteryofthechurch.
3Letusalsolovetheprophets,forasmuchastheyalsohaveledusto
theGospel,andtohopeinChrist,andtoexpecthim.
4InwhomalsobelievingtheyweresavedintheunityofJesusChrist;
beingholymen,worthytobeloved,andhadinwonder;
5WhohavereceivedtestimonyfromJesusChrist,andarenumbered
intheGospelofourcommonhope.
6ButifanyoneshallpreachtheJewishlawuntoyou,hearkennot
untohim;foritisbettertoreceivethedoctrineofChristfromone
thathasbeencircumcised,thanJudaismfromonethathasnot.
7Butifeithertheone,orother,donotspeakconcerningChristJesus,
theyseemtometobebutasmonumentsandsepulchresofthedead,
uponwhicharewrittenonlythenamesofmen.
8Fleethereforethewickedartsandsnaresoftheprinceofthisworld;
lestatanytimebeingoppressedbyhiscunningyegrowcoldinyour
charity.Butcomealltogetherintothesameplacewithanundivided
heart.
9AndIblessmyGodthatIhaveagoodconsciencetowardsyou,
andthatnooneamongyouhaswhereoftoboasteitheropenlyor
privately,thatIhavebeenburthensometohiminmuchorlittle.
10AndIwishtoallamongwhomIhaveconversed,thatitmaynot
turntoawitnessagainstthem.
11Foralthoughsomewouldhavedeceivedmeaccordingtotheflesh,
yetthespirit,beingfromGod,isnotdeceived;foritknowsboth
whenceitcomesandwhitheritgoes,andreprovesthesecretsofthe
heart.
12IcriedwhilstIwasamongyou;Ispakewithaloudvoice:attend
tothebishop,andtothepresbytery,andtothedeacons.
13NowsomesupposedthatIspakethisasforeseeingthedivision
thatshouldcomeamongyou.
14ButheismywitnessforwhosesakeIaminbondsthatIknew
nothingfromanyman.Butthespiritspake,sayingonthiswise:Do
nothingwithoutthebishop:
15KeepyourbodiesasthetemplesofGod:Loveunity;Flee
divisions;BethefollowersofChrist,ashewasofhisFather.
16Ithereforedidasbecameme,asamancomposedtounity.For
wherethereisdivision,andwrath,Goddwellethnot.
17ButtheLordforgivesallthatrepent,iftheyreturntotheunityof
God,andtothecouncilofthebishop.
18ForItrustinthegraceofJesusChristthathewillfreeyoufrom
everybond.
19NeverthelessIexhortyouthatyoudonothingoutofstrife,but
accordingtotheinstructionofChrist.
20BecauseIhaveheardofsomewhosay;unlessIfinditwrittenin
theoriginals,IwillnotbelieveittobewrittenintheGospel.And
whenIsaid,Itiswritten;theyansweredwhatlaybeforethemintheir
corruptedcopies.
21ButtomeJesusChristisinsteadofalltheuncorrupted
monumentsintheworld;togetherwiththoseundefiledmonuments,
hiscross,anddeath,andresurrection,andthefaithwhichisbyhim;
bywhichIdesire,throughyourprayers,tobejustified.
22Thepriestsindeedaregood;butmuchbetteristheHighPriestto
whomtheHolyofHolieshasbeencommitted;andwhoalonehas
beenentrustedwiththesecretsofGod.
23HeisthedooroftheFather;bywhichAbraham,andIsaac,and
Jacob,andalltheprophets,enterin;aswellastheApostles,andthe
church.
24AndallthesethingstendtotheunitywhichisofGod.Howbeit
theGospelhassome.whatinitfaraboveallotherdispensations;
namely,theappearanceofourSaviour,theLordJesusChrist,his
passionandresurrection.
25Forthebelovedprophetsreferredtohim;butthegospelisthe
perfectionofincorruption.Allthereforetogetheraregood,ifye
believewithcharity.
CHAPTER3
1NowasconcerningthechurchofAntiochwhichisinSyria,seeing
Iamtoldthatthroughyourprayersandthebowelswhichyehave
towardsitinJesusChrist,itisinpeace;itwillbecomeyou,asthe
churchofGod,toordainsomedeacontogotothemthitherasthe
ambassadorofGod;thathemayrejoicewiththemwhentheymeet
together,andglorifyGod'sname.
2BlessedbethatmaninJesusChrist,whoshallbefoundworthyof
suchaministry;andyeyourselvesalsoshallbeglorified.
3Nowifyoubewilling,itisnotimpossibleforyoutodothisforthe
graceofGod;asalsotheotherneighbouringchurcheshavesentthem,
somebishops,somepriestsanddeacons.
4AsconcerningPhilothedeaconofCilicia,amostworthyman,he
stillministersuntomeinthewordofGod:togetherwithRheusof
Agathopolis,asingulargoodperson,whohasfollowedmeevenfrom
Syria,notregardinghislife:Thesealsobearwitnessuntoyou.
5AndImyselfgivethankstoGodforyouthatyoureceivethemas
theLordshallreceiveyou.Butforthosethatdishonouredthem,may
theybeforgiventhroughthegraceofJesusChrist.
6ThecharityofthebrethrenthatareatTroassalutesyou:from
whencealsoInowwritebyBurrhus,whowassenttogetherwithme
bythoseofEphesusandSmyrna,forrespectsake.
7MayourLordJesusChristhonourthem;inwhomtheyhope,both
inflesh,andsoul,andspirit;infaith,inlove,inunity.Farewellin
ChristJesusourcommonhope.

70. TheEpistleofIgnatius
totheSmyrnaeans
CHAPTER1
1Ignatius,whoisalsocalledTheophorus,tothe
churchofGodtheFather,andofthebelovedJesus
Christ,whichGodhathmercifullyblessedwith
everygoodgift;beingfilledwithfaithandcharity,
sothatthisiswantinginnogift;mostworthyof
God,andfruitfulinsaints:thechurchwhichisat
SmyrnainAsia;alljoy,throughhisimmaculate
spirit,andthewordofGod.
2IglorifyGod,evenJesusChrist,whohasgiven
yousuchwisdom.
3ForIhaveobservedthatyouaresettledinan
immovablefaith,asifyouwerenailedtothecross
ofourLordJesusChrist,bothinthefleshandinthe
spirit;andareconfirmedinlovethroughtheblood
ofChrist;beingfullypersuadedofthosethings
whichrelateuntoourLord.
4WhotrulywasoftheraceofDavidaccordingto
theflesh,buttheSonofGodaccordingtothewill
andpowerofGod;trulybornoftheVirgin,and
baptizedofJohn;thatsoallrighteousnessmightbe
fulfilledbyhim.
5HewasalsotrulycrucifiedbyPontiusPilate,and
HerodtheTetrarch,beingnailedforusintheflesh;
bythefruitsofwhichweare,evenbyhismost
blessedpassion.
6Thathemightsetupatokenforallagesthrough
hisresurrection,toallhisholyandfaithfulservants,
whethertheybeJewsorGentiles,inonebodyof
hischurch.
7Nowallthesethingshesufferedforusthatwe
mightbesaved.Andhesufferedtruly,ashealso
trulyraiseduphimself:Andnot,assome
unbelieverssay,thatheonlyseemedtosuffer,they
themselvesonlyseemingtobe.
8Andastheybelievesoshallithappenuntothem;
whenbeingdivestedofthebodytheyshallbecome
merespirits.
9ButIknowthatevenafterhisresurrectionhewas
intheflesh;andIbelievedthatheisstillso.
10AndwhenhecametothosewhowerewithPeter,
hesaiduntothem,Take,handleme,andseethatI
amnotanincorporealdæmon.Andstraightway
theyfeltandbelieved;beingconvincedbothbyhis
fleshandspirit.
11Forthiscausetheydespiseddeath,andwere
foundtobeaboveit.
12Butafterhisresurrectionhedideatanddrink
withthem,ashewasflesh;althoughastohisSpirit
hewasunitedtotheFather.
CHAPTER2
1Nowthesethings,beloved,putyouinmindof,
notquestioningbutthatyouyourselvesalsobelieve
thattheyareso.
2ButIarmyoubefore-handagainstcertainbeasts
intheshapeofmenwhomyoumustnotonlynot
receive,butifitbepossiblemustnotmeetwith.
3Onlyyoumustprayforthem,thatifitbethewill
ofGodtheymayrepent;whichyetwillbevery
hard.ButofthisourLordJesusChristhasthe
power,whoisourtruelife.
4Forifallthesethingsweredoneonlyinshewby
ourLord,thendoIalsoseemonlytobebound.
5AndwhyhaveIgivenupmyselftodeath,tothe
fire,tothesword,towildbeasts!
6ButnowthenearerIamtothesword,thenearerI
amtoGod:whenIshallcomeamongthewild
beasts,IshallcometoGod.
7OnlyinthenameofJesusChrist,Iundergoall,to
suffertogetherwithhim;hewhowasmadea
perfectmanstrengtheningme.
8Whomsomenotknowing,dodeny;orratherhave
beendeniedbyhim,beingtheadvocatesofdeath,
ratherthanofthetruth.Whomneitherthe
prophecies,northelawofMoseshavepersuaded;
northeGospelitselfeventothisday,northe
sufferingsofeveryoneofus.
9Fortheythinkalsothesamethingsofus.For
whatdoesamanprofitme,ifheshallpraiseme,
andblasphememyLord;notconfessingthathewas
trulymademan?
10Nowhethatdothnotsaythis,doesineffect
denyhim,andisindeath.Butforthenamesofsuch
asdothis,theybeingunbelievers,Ithoughtitnot
fittingtowritethemuntoyou.
11Yea,GodforbidthatIshouldmakeanymention
ofthem,tilltheyshallrepenttoatruebeliefof
Christ'spassion,whichisourresurrection.
12Letnomandeceivehimself;boththethings
whichareinheavenandthegloriousangels,and
princes,whethervisibleorinvisible,iftheybelieve
notinthebloodofChrist,itshallbetothemto
condemnation.
13Hethatisabletoreceivethis,lethimreceiveit.
Letnoman'splaceorstateintheworldpuffhimup:
thatwhichisworthallhisfaithandcharity,to
whichnothingistobepreferred.
14Butconsiderthosewhoareofadifferentopinion
fromus,astowhatconcernsthegraceofJesus
Christwhichiscomeuntous,howcontrarytheyare
tothedesignofGod.
15Theyhavenoregardtocharity,nocareofthe
widow,thefatherless,andtheoppressed;ofthe
bondorfree,ofthehungryorthirsty.
16Theyabstainfromtheeucharist,andfromthe
publicoffices;becausetheyconfessnotthe
eucharisttobethefleshofourSaviourJesusChrist;
whichsufferedforoursins,andwhichtheFatherof
hisgoodness,raisedagainfromthedead.

71. 17AndforthiscausecontradictingthegiftofGod,
theydieintheirdisputes:butmuchbetterwouldit
beforthemtoreceiveit,thattheymightoneday
risethroughit.
18Itwillthereforebecomeyoutoabstainfrom
suchpersons;andnottospeakwiththemneitherin
privatenorinpublic.
19Buttohearkentotheprophets,andespeciallyto
theGospel,inwhichbothChrist'spassionis
manifesteduntous,andhisresurrectionperfectly
declared.
20Butfleealldivisions,asthebeginningofevils.
CHAPTER3
1Seethatyeallfollowyourbishop,asJesusChrist,
theFather;andthepresbytery,astheApostles.And
reverencethedeacons,asthecommandofGod.
2Letnomandoanythingofwhatbelongstothe
churchseparatelyfromthebishop.
3Letthateucharistbelookeduponaswell
established,whichiseitherofferedbythebishop,
orbyhimtowhomthebishophasgivenhisconsent.
4Wheresoeverthebishopshallappear,thereletthe
peoplealsobe:aswhereJesusChristis,thereisthe
Catholicchurch.
5Itisnotlawfulwithoutthebishop,neitherto
baptize,nortocelebratetheHolyCommunion;but
whatsoeverheshallapproveof,thatisalsopleasing
untoGod;thatsowhateverisdone,maybesure
andwelldone.
6Forwhatremains,itisveryreasonablethatwe
shouldrepentwhilstthereisyettimetoreturnunto
God.
7ItisagoodthingtohaveadueregardbothtoGod,
andtothebishop:hethathonoursthebishop,shall
behonouredofGod.Buthethatdoesanything
withouthisknowledge,ministersuntothedevil.
8Letallthingsthereforeaboundtoyouincharity;
seeingthatyeareworthy.
9Yehaverefreshedmeinallthings;soshallJesus
Christyou.YehavelovedmebothwhenIwas
presentwithyou,andnowbeingabsent,yecease
nottodoso.
10MayGodbeyourreward,fromwhomwhilstye
undergoallthings,yeshallattainuntohim.
11YehavedonewellinthatyehavereceivedPhilo,
andRheusAgathopus,whofollowedmeforthe
wordofGod,asthedeaconsofChristourGod.
12WhoalsogavethanksuntotheLordforyou,
forasmuchasyehaverefreshedtheminallthings.
Norshallanythingthatyouhavedonebelostto
you.
13Mysoulbeforyours,andmybondswhichye
havenotdespised,norbeenashamedof.Wherefore
neithershallJesusChrist,ourperfectfaith,be
ashamedofyou.
14YourprayeriscometothechurchofAntioch
whichisinSyria.Fromwhencebeingsentbound
withchainsbecomingGod,Isalutethechurches;
beingnotworthytobecalledfromthence,asbeing
theleastamongthem.
15NeverthelessbythewillofGodIhavebeen
thoughtworthyofthishonour;notforthatIthinkI
havedeservedit,butbythegraceofGod.
16WhichIwishmaybeperfectlygivenuntome,
thatthroughyourprayersImayattainuntoGod.
17Andthereforethatyourworkmaybefully
accomplishedbothuponearthandinheaven;itwill
befitting,andforthehonourofGod,thatyour
churchappointsomeworthydelegate,whobeing
comeasfarasSyria,mayrejoicetogetherwith
themthattheyareinpeace;andthattheyareagain
restoredtotheirformerstate,andhaveagain
receivedtheirproperbody.
18WhereforeIshouldthinkitaworthyaction,to
sendsomeonefromyouwithanepistle,to
congratulatewiththemtheirpeaceinGod;andthat
throughyourprayerstheyhavenowgottentotheir
harbor.
19Forinasmuchasyeareperfectyourselves,you
oughttothinkthosethingsthatareperfect.For
whenyouaredesiroustodowell,Godisreadyto
enableyouthereunto.
20TheloveofthebrethrenthatareatTroassalute
you;fromwhenceIwritetoyoubyBurrhuswhom
yousentwithme,togetherwiththeEphesiansyour
brethren;andwhohasinallthingsrefreshedme.
21AndIwouldtoGodthatallwouldimitatehim,
asbeingapatternoftheministryofGod.Mayhis
gracefullyrewardhim.
22Isaluteyourveryworthybishop,andyour
venerablepresbytery;andyourdeacons,myfellow-
servants;andallofyouingeneral,andeveryonein
particular,inthenameofJesusChrist,andinhis
fleshandblood;inhispassionandresurrectionboth
fleshlyandspiritually;andintheunityofGodwith
you.
23Gracebewithyou,andmercy,andpeace,and
patience,forevermore.
24Isalutethefamiliesofmybrethren,withtheir
wivesandchildren;andthevirginsthatarecalled
widows.BestronginthepoweroftheHolyGhost.
Philo,whoispresentwithmesalutesyou.
25IsalutethehouseofTavias,andpraythatitmay
bestrengthenedinfaithandcharity,bothofflesh
andspirit.
26IsaluteAlcemywell-beloved,togetherwiththe
incomparableDaphnus,andEutechnus,andallby
name.
27FarewellinthegraceofGod.

72. TheEpistleofIgnatius
toPolycarp
CHAPTER1
1Ignatius,whoisalsocalledTheophorus,toPolycarp,bishopof
thechurchwhichisatSmyrna;theiroverseer,butratherhimself
overlookedbyGodtheFather,andtheLordJesusChrist:all
happiness.
2HavingknownthatthymindtowardsGod,isfixedasitwere
uponanimmovablerock;Iexceedinglygivethanks,thatIhave
beenthoughtworthytobeholdthyblessedface,inwhichmayI
alwaysrejoiceinGod.
3WhereforeIbeseechtheebythegraceofGodwithwhichthou
artclothed,topressforwardinthycourse,andtoexhortallothers
thattheymaybesaved.
4Maintainthyplacewithallcarebothoffleshandspirit:Makeit
thyendeavourtopreserveunity,thanwhichnothingisbetter.
Bearwithallmen,evenastheLordwiththee.
5Supportallinlove,asalsothoudost.Praywithoutceasing:ask
moreunderstandingthanwhatthoualreadyhast.Bewatchful,
havingthyspiritalwaysawake.
6SpeaktoeveryoneaccordingasGodshallenablethee.Bearthe
infirmitiesofall,asaperfectcombatant;wherethelabourisgreat,
thegainisthemore.
7Ifthoushaltlovethegooddisciples,whatthankisit?Butrather
dothousubjecttotheethosethataremischievous,inmeekness.
8Everywoundisnothealedwiththesameplaster:ifthe
accessionsofthediseasebevehement,modifythemwithsoft
remedies:beinallthingswiseasaserpent,butharmlessasa
dove.
9Forthiscausethouartcomposedoffleshandspirit;thatthou
mayestmodifythosethingsthatappearbeforethyface.
10Andasforthosethatarenotseen,praytoGodthathewould
revealthemuntothee,thatsothoumayestbewantinginnothing,
butmayestaboundineverygift.
11Thetimesdemandthee,asthepilotsthewinds;andhethatis
tossedinatempest,thehavenwherehewouldbe;thatthou
maystattainuntoGod.
12BesoberasthecombatantofGod:thecrownproposedtothee
isimmortality,andeternallife;concerningwhichthouartalso
fullypersuaded.Iwillbethysuretyinallthings,andmybonds,
whichthouhastloved.
13Letnotthosethatseemworthyofcredit,butteachother
doctrines,disturbthee.Standfirmandimmovable,asauanvil
whenitisbeatenupon.
14Itisthepartofabravecombatanttobewounded,andyet
overcome.ButespeciallyweoughttoendureallthingsforGod's
sake,thathemaybearwithus.
15Beeverydaybetterthanother:considerthetimes;andexpect
him,whoisabovealltime,eternal,invisible,thoughforour
sakesmadevisible:impalpable,andimpassable,yetforus
subjectedtosufferings;enduringallmannerofwaysforour
salvation.
CHAPTER2
1Letnotthewidowsbeneglected:bethouafterGod,their
guardian.
2Letnothingbedonewithoutthyknowledgeandconsent;
neitherdothouanythingbutaccordingtothewillofGod;asalso
thoudost,withallconstancy.
3Letyourassembliesbemorefull:inquireintoallbyname.
4Overlooknotthemenandmaidservants;neitherletthembe
puffedup:butratherletthembethemoresubjecttothegloryof
God,thattheymayobtainfromhimabetterliberty.
5Letthemnotdesiretobesetfreeatthepubliccost,thattheybe
notslavestotheirownlusts.
6Fleeevilarts;orrather,makenotanymentionofthem.
7Saytomysisters,thattheylovetheLord;andbesatisfiedwith
theirownhusbands,bothinthefleshandspirit.
8Inlikemanner,exhortmybrethren,inthenameofJesusChrist,
thattheylovetheirwives,evenastheLordtheChurch.
9Ifanymancanremaininavirginstate,tothehonourofthe
fleshofChrist,lethimremainwithoutboasting;butifheboast,
heisundone.Andifhedesiretobemoretakennoticeofthanthe
bishopheiscorrupted.
10Butitbecomesallsuchasaremarried,whethermenor
womentocometogetherwiththeconsentofthebishop,thatso
theirmarriagemaybeaccordingtogodliness,andnotinlust.
11LetallthingsbedonetothehonourofGod.
12Hearkenuntothebishop,thatGodalsomayhearkenuntoyou.
Mysoulbesecurityforthemthatsubmittotheirbishop,with
theirpresbytersanddeacons.Andmaymyportionbetogether
withtheirsinGod.
13Labourwithoneanother;contendtogether,runtogether,
suffertogether;sleeptogether,andrisetogether;asthestewards,
andassessors,andministersofGod.
14Pleasehimunderwhomyewar,andfromwhomyereceive
yourwages.Letnoneofyoubefoundadeserter;butletyour
baptismremain,asyourarms;yourfaith,asyourhelmet;your
charity,asyourspear;yourpatience,asyourwholearmour.
15Letyourworksbeyourcharge,thatsoyoumayreceivea
suitablereward.Belongsufferingthereforetowardseachotherin
meekness:asGodistowardsyou.
16Letmehavejoyofyouinallthings.
CHAPTER3
1NowforasmuchasthechurchofAntiochinSyria,is,asIam
told,throughyourprayers;Ialsohavebeenthemorecomforted
andwithoutcareinGod;ifsobethatbysuffering,Ishallattain
untoGod;thatthroughyourprayersImaybefoundadiscipleof
Christ.
2Itwillbeveryfit,OmostworthyPolycarp,tocallaselect
council,andchoosesomeonewhomyeparticularlylove,and
whoispatientoflabour;thathemaybethemessengerofGod;
andthatgoinguntoSyria,hemayglorifyyourincessantlove,to
thepraiseofChrist.
3AChristianhasnotthepowerofhimself:butmustbealwaysat
leisureforGod'sservice.NowthisworkisbothGod'sandyour's:
whenyeshallhaveperfectedit.
4ForItrustthroughthegraceofGodthatyearereadytoevery
goodworkthatisfittingforyouintheLord.
5Knowingthereforeyourearnestaffectionforthetruth,Ihave
exhortedyoubytheseshortletters.
6ButforasmuchasIhavenotbeenabletowritetoallthe
churches,becauseImustsuddenlysailfromTroastoNeapolis;
forsoisthecommandofthosetowhosepleasureIamsubject;do
youwritetothechurchesthatarenearyou,asbeinginstructedin
thewillofGod,thattheyalsomaydoinlikemanner.
7Letthosethatareablesendmessengers;andlettherestsend
theirlettersbythosewhoshallbesentbyyou:thatyoumaybe
glorifiedtoalleternity,ofwhichyouareworthy.
8Isaluteallbyname,particularlythewifeofEpitropus,withall
herhouseandchildren.IsaluteAttalusmywell-beloved.
9Isalutehimwhoshallbethoughtworthytobesentbyyouinto
Syria.Letgracebeeverwithhim,andwithPolycarpwhosends
him.
10IwishyouallhappinessinourGod,JesusChrist;inwhom
continue,intheunityandprotectionofGod.
11IsaluteAlcemywell-beloved.FarewellintheLord.

73. TheEpistleofPolycarp
tothePhilippians
CHAPTER1
1Polycarp,andthepresbytersthatarewithhim,tothechurch
ofGodwhichisatPhilippi:mercyuntoyouandpeacefrom
GodAlmighty;andtheLordJesusChrist,ourSaviour,be
multiplied.
2IrejoicedgreatlywithyouinourLordJesusChrist,thatye
receivedtheimagesofatruelove,andaccompanied,asitis
behoovedyou,thosewhowereinbonds,becomingsaints;
whicharethecrownsofsuchasaretrulychosenbyGodand
ourLord:
3Asalsothattherootofthefaithwhichwaspreachedfrom
ancienttimes,remainsfirminyoutothisday;andbringsforth
fruittoourLordJesusChrist,whosufferedhimselftobe
broughteventothedeathforoursins.
4WhomGodhathraisedup,havingloosedthepainsofdeath,
whomhavingnotseen,yelove;inwhomthoughnowyesee
himnot,yetbelievingyerejoicewithjoyunspeakableandfull
ofglory.
5Intowhichmanydesiretoenter;knowingthatbygraceye
aresaved;notbyworks,butbythewillofGodthroughJesus
Christ.
6Whereforegirdinguptheloinsofyourminds;servethe
Lordwithfear,andintruth:layingasideallemptyandvain
speech,andtheerrorofmany;believinginhimthatraisedup
ourLordJesusChristfromthedead,andhathgivenhimglory
andathroneathisrighthand.
7Towhomallthingsaremadesubject,boththatarein
heaven,andthatareinearth;whomeverylivingcreatureshall
worship;whoshallcometobethejudgeofthequickand
dead.:whosebloodGodshallrequireofthemthatbelievein
him.
8ButhethatraisedupChristfromthedead,shallalsoraise
upusinlikemanner,ifwedohiswillandwalkaccordingto
hiscommandments;andlovethosethingswhichheloved:
9Abstainingfromallunrighteousness;inordinateaffection,
andloveofmoney;fromevilspeaking;falsewitness;not
renderingevilforevil,orrailingforrailing,orstrikingfor
striking,orcursingforcursing.
10ButrememberingwhattheLordhastaughtussaying,
Judgenot,andyeshallnotbejudged;forgiveandyeshallbe
forgiven;beyemerciful,andyeshallobtainmercy;forwith
thesamemeasurethatyemetewithal,itshallbemeasuredto
youagain.
11Andagain,thatblessedarethepoor,andtheythatare
persecutedforrighteousness’sake;fortheirsisthekingdom
ofGod.
CHAPTER2
1Thesethings,mybrethren,Itooknotthelibertyofmyselfto
writeuntoyouconcerningrighteousness,butyouyourselves
beforeencouragedmetoit.
2ForneithercanI,noranyothersuchasIam,comeuptothe
wisdomoftheblessedandrenownedPaul:whobeinghimself
inpersonwiththosewhothenlived,didwithallexactness
andsoundnessteachthewordoftruth;andbeinggonefrom
youwroteanepistletoyou.
3Intowhichifyoulook,youwillbeabletoedifyyourselves
inthefaiththathasbeendelivereduntoyou;whichisthe
motherofusall;beingfollowedwithhope,andledonbya
generallove,bothtowardsGodandtowardsChrist,and
towardsourneighbour.
4Forifanymanhasthesethingshehasfulfilledthelawof
righteousness:forhethathascharityisfarfromallsin.
5Buttheloveofmoneyistherootofallevil.Knowing
thereforethataswebroughtnothingintothisworld,soneither
maywecarryanythingout;letusarmourselveswiththe
armourofrighteousness.
6Andteachourselvesfirsttowalkaccordingtothe
commandmentsoftheLord;andthenyourwivestowalk
likewiseaccordingtothefaiththatisgiventothem;incharity,
andinpurity;lovingtheirownhusbandswithallsincerity,
andallothersalikewithalltemperance;andtobringuptheir
childrenintheinstructionandfearoftheLord.
7Thewidowslikewiseteachthattheybesoberastowhat
concernsthefaithoftheLord:prayingalwaysforallmen;
beingfarfromalldetraction,evilspeaking,falsewitness;
fromcovetousness,andfromallevil.
8KnowingthattheyarethealtarsofGod,whoseesall
blemishes,andfromwhomnothingishid;whosearchesout
theveryreasonings,andthoughts,andsecretsofourhearts.
9KnowingthereforethatGodisnotmocked,weoughtto
walkworthybothofhiscommandandofhisglory.
10Alsothedeaconsmustbeblamelessbeforehim,asthe
ministersofGodinChrist,andnotofmen.Notfalseaccusers;
notdoubletongued;notloversofmoney;butmoderateinall
things;compassionate,careful;walkingaccordingtothetruth
oftheLord,whowastheservantofall.
11Whomifwepleaseinthispresentworldweshallalsobe
madepartakersofthatwhichistocome,accordingashehas
promisedtous,thathewillraiseusfromthedead;andthatif
weshallwalkworthyofhim,weshallalsoreigntogetherwith
him,ifwebelieve.
12Inlikemannertheyoungermenmustbeunblameableinall
things;aboveall,takingcareoftheirpurity,andtorestrain
themselvesfromallevil.Foritisgoodtobecutofffromthe
luststhatareintheworld;becauseeverysuchlustwarreth
againstthespirit:andneitherfornicators,noreffeminate,nor
abusersofthemselveswithmankind,shallinheritthekingdom
ofGod;northeywhodosuchthingsasarefoolishand
unreasonable.
13Whereforeyemustneedsabstainfromallthesethings,
beingsubjecttothepriestsanddeacons,asuntoGodand
Christ.
14Thevirginsadmonishtowalkinaspotlessandpure
conscience.
15Andlettheeldersbecompassionateandmercifultowards
all;turningthemfromtheirerrors;seekingoutthosethatare
weak;notforgettingthewidows,thefatherless,andthepoor;
butalwaysprovidingwhatisgoodbothinthesightofGod
andman.
16Abstainingfromallwrath,respectofpersons,and
unrighteousjudgment:andespeciallybeingfreefromall
covetousness.
17Noteasytobelieveanythingagainstany;notseverein
judgment;knowingthatwearealldebtorsinpointofsin.
18IfthereforewepraytotheLordthathewouldforgiveus,
weoughtalsotoforgiveothers;forweareallinthesightof
ourLordandGod;andmustallstandbeforethejudgmentseat
ofChrist;andshalleveryonegiveanaccountofhimself.
19Letusthereforeservehiminfear,andwithallreverenceas
bothhimselfhathcommanded;andastheApostleswhohave

74. preachedtheGospeluntous,andtheprophetswhohave
foretoldthecomingofourLordhavetaughtus.
20Beingzealousofwhatisgood;abstainingfromalloffence,
andfromfalsebrethren;andfromthosewhobearthenameof
Christinhypocrisy;whodeceivevainmen.
CHAPTER3
1ForwhosoeverdoesnotconfessthatJesusChristiscomein
theflesh,heisAntichrist:andwhoeverdoesnotconfesshis
sufferinguponthecross,isfromthedevil.
2AndwhosoeverpervertstheoraclesoftheLordtohisown
lusts;andsaysthatthereshallneitherbeanyresurrection,nor
judgment,heisthefirst-bornofSatan.
3Whereforeleavingthevanityofmany,andtheirfalse
doctrines;letusreturntothewordthatwasdeliveredtous
fromthebeginning;Watchinguntoprayer;andperseveringin
fasting.
4WithsupplicationbeseechingtheallseeingGodnottolead
usintotemptation;astheLordhathsaid,Thespiritistruly
willing,butthefleshisweak.
5Letusthereforewithoutceasingholdsteadfastlytohimwho
isourhope,andtheearnestofourrighteousness,evenJesus
Christ;Whohisownselfbareoursinsinhisownbodyonthe
tree:whodidnosin,neitherwasguilefoundinhismouth.But
sufferedallforusthatwemightlivethroughhim.
6Letusthereforeimitatehispatience;andifwesufferforhis
name,letusglorifyhim;forthisexamplehehasgivenusby
himself,andsohavewebelieved.
7WhereforeIexhortallofyouthatyeobeythewordof
righteousness,andexerciseallpatience;whichyehaveseen
setforthbeforeoureyes,notonlyintheblessedIgnatius,and
Zozimus,andRufus;butinothersamongyourselves;andin
Paulhimself,andtherestoftheApostles:
8Beingconfidentofthis,thatall,thesehavenotruninvain;
butinfaithandrighteousness,andaregonetotheplacethat
wasduetothemfromtheLord;withwhomtheyalsosuffered.
9Fortheylovednotthispresentworld;buthimwhodied,and
wasraisedagainbyGodforus.
10Standthereforeinthesethings,andfollowtheexampleof
theLord;beingfirmandimmutableinthefaith,loversofthe
brotherhood,loversofoneanother:companionstogetherin
thetruth,beingkindandgentletowardseachother,despising
none.
11Whenitisinyourpowertodogood,deferitnot,for
charitydeliveredfromdeath.
12Beallofyousubjectonetoanother,havingyour
conversationhonestamongtheGentiles;thatbyyourgood
works,bothyeyourselvesmayreceivepraise,andtheLord
maynotbeblasphemedthroughyou.Butwoebetohimby
whomthenameoftheLordisblasphemed.
13Thereforeteachallmensobriety;inwhichdoyealso
exerciseyourselves.
CHAPTER4
1IamgreatlyafflictedforValens,whowasonceapresbyter
amongyou;thatheshouldsolittleunderstandtheplacethat
wasgiventohiminthechurch.WhereforeIadmonishyou
thatyeabstainfromcovetousness;andthatyebechaste,and
trueofspeech.
2Keepyourselvesfromallevil.Forhethatinthesethings
cannotgovernhimselfhowshallhebeabletoprescribethem
toanother?
3Ifamandoesnotkeephimselffromcovetousness,heshall
bepollutedwithidolatryandbejudgedasifhewereaGentile.
4ButwhoofyouareignorantofthejudgmentofGod?Dowe
notknowthatthesaintsshalljudgetheworld,asPaulteaches?
5ButIhaveneitherperceivednorheardanythingofthiskind
inyou,amongwhomtheblessedPaullaboured;andwhoare
namedinthebeginningofhisEpistle.
6Forhegloriesofyouinallthechurcheswhothenonlyknew
God;forwedidnotthenknowhim.Wherefore,mybrethren,
Iamexceedinglysorrybothforhim,andforhiswife;to
whomGodgrantatruerepentance.
7Andbeyealsomoderateuponthisoccasion;andlooknot
uponsuchasenemies,butcallthembackassuffering,and
erringmembers,thatyemaysaveyourwholebody:forbyso
doing,yeshalledifyyourownselves.
8ForItrustthatyearewellexercisedintheHolyScriptures,
andthatnothingishidfromyou;butatpresentitisnot
granteduntometopracticethatwhichiswritten,Beangry
andsinnot;andagain,Letnotthesungodownuponyour
wrath.
9Blessedbehethatbelievethandremembereththesethings;
whichalsoItrustyoudo.
10NowtheGodandFatherofourLordJesusChrist;andhe
himselfwhoisoureverlastinghigh-priest,theSonofGod,
evenJesusChrist,buildyouupinfaithandintruthandinall
meeknessandlenity;inpatienceandlong-suffering,in
forbearanceandchastity.
11Andgrantuntoyoualotandportionamonghissaints;and
uswithyou,andtoallthatareundertheheavens,whoshall
believeinourLordJesusChrist,andinhisFatherwhoraised
himfromthedead.
12Prayforallthesaints:prayalsoforkings,andallthatare
inauthority;andforthosewhopersecuteyou,andhateyou,
andfortheenemiesofthecross;thatyourfruitmaybe
manifestinall;andthatyemaybeperfectinChrist.
13Yewrotetome,bothye,andalsoIgnatius,thatifanyone
wentfromhenceintoSyria,heshouldbringyourletterswith
him;whichalsoIwilltakecareof,assoonasIshallhavea
convenientopportunity;eitherbymyself,orhimwhomIshall
senduponyouraccount.
14TheEpistlesofIgnatiuswhichhewroteuntous,together
withwhatothersofhishavecometoourhands,wehavesent
toyou,accordingtoyourorder;whicharesubjoinedtothis
epistle.
15Bywhichwemaybegreatlyprofited;fortheytreatoffaith
andpatience,andofallthingsthatpertaintoedificationinthe
LordJesus.
16WhatyouknowcertainlyofIgnatius,andthosethatare
withhimsignifytous.
17IfThesethingshaveIwrittenuntoyoubyCrescens,whom
bythispresentepistleIhaverecommendedtoyou,anddo
nowagaincommend.
18Forhehashadhisconversationwithoutblameamongus;
andIsupposealsowithyou.
19Yewillalsohaveregarduntohissisterwhensheshall
comeuntoyou.
20BeyesafeintheLordJesusChrist;andinfavourwithall
yours.Amen.

76. VISION1
1Hewhohadbredmeupsoldacertainyoungmaidat
Rome;whomwhenIsawmanyyearsafter,Iremembered
her,andbegantoloveherasasister.Ithappenedsome
timeafterwards,thatIsawherwashingintheriverTyber;
andIreachedoutmyhanduntoher,andbroughtheroutof
theriver.
2AndwhenIsawherIthoughtwithmyself,saying,How
happyshouldIbeifIhadsuchawife,bothforbeautyand
manners.ThisIthoughtwithmyself;nordidIthinkany
more.Butnotlongafter,asIwaswalkingandmusingon
thesethoughts,IbegantohonourthiscreatureofGod,
thinkingwithmyself;hownobleandbeautifulshewas.
3AndwhenIhadwalkedalittle,Ifellasleep.Andthe
spiritcaughtmeaway,andcarriedmethroughacertain
placetowardtheright-hand,throughwhichnomancould
pass.Itwasaplaceamongrocks,verysteep,and
unpassableforwater.
4WhenIwaspastthisplace,Icameintoaplain;andthere
fallingdownuponmyknees,IbegantoprayuntotheLord,
andtoconfessmysins.
5AndasIwaspraying,theheavenwasopened,andIsaw
thewomanwhichIhadcoveted,salutingmefromheaven,
andsaying,Hermas,hail!andIlookinguponher,answered,
Lady,whatdostthoudohere?Sheansweredme,Iam
takenuphithertoaccusetheeofsinbeforetheLord.
6Lady,saidI,wiltthouconvinceme?No,saidshe:but
hearthewordswhichIamabouttospeakuntothee.God
whodwellethinheaven,andhathmadeallthingsoutof
nothing,andhathmultipliedthemforhisholychurch's
sake,isangrywiththeebecausethouhastsinnedagainst
me.
7AndIansweringsaiduntoher,Lady,ifIhavesinned
againstthee,tellmewhere,orinwhatplace,orwhendidI
everspeakanunseemlyordishonestworduntothee?
8HaveInotalwaysesteemedtheeasalady?HaveInot
alwaysreverencedtheeasasister?Whythendostthou
imaginethesewickedthingsagainstme?
9Thenshe,smilinguponme,said:thedesireof
naughtinesshasrisenupinthyheart.Doesitnotseemto
theetobeanillthingforarighteousmantohaveanevil
desireriseupinhisheart?
10Itisindeedasin,andthataverygreatone,tosuchaone;
forarighteousmanthinkeththatwhichisrighteous.And
whilsthedoesso,andwalkethuprightly,heshallhavethe
Lordinheavenfavorableuntohiminallhisbusiness.
11Butasforthosewhothinkwickedlyintheirhearts,they
taketothemselvesdeathandcaptivity;andespeciallythose
wholovethispresentworld,andgloryintheirriches,and
regardnotthegoodthingsthataretocome;theirsouls
wanderupanddown,andknownotwheretofix.
12Nowthisisthecaseofsuchasaredouble-minded,who
trustnotintheLord,anddespiseandneglecttheirownlife.
13ButdothouprayuntotheLord,andhewillhealthysins,
andthesinsofthywholehouse,andofallhissaints.
14Assoonasshehadspokenthesewordstheheavens
wereshut,andIremainedutterlyswallowedupwith
sadnessandfear;andsaidwithinmyself,ifthisbelaid
againstmeforsin,howcanIbesaved?
15OrhowshallIeverbeabletoentreattheLordformy
manyandgreatsins?WithwhatwordsshallIbeseechhim
tobemercifuluntome?
16AsIwasthinkingoverthesethings,andmeditatingin
myselfuponthem,beholdachairwassetoveragainstme
ofthewhitestwool,asbrightassnow.
17Andtherecameanoldwomaninabrightgarment,
havingabookinherhand,andsatalone,andsalutedme,
saying,Hermas,hail!andIbeingfullofsorrow,and
weeping,answered,Hail,Lady!
18Andshesaiduntome,Whyartthousad,Hermas,who
wertwonttobepatient,andmodest,andalwayscheerful?I
answered,andsaidtoher,Lady,areproachhasbeenlaidto
mychargebyanexcellentwoman,whotellsme,thatI
havesinnedagainsther.
19Shereplied,Farbeanysuchthingfromtheservantof
God.Butitmaybethedesireofherhasrisenupinthy
heart.Forindeedsuchathoughtmakeththeservantsof
Godguiltyofsin.
20Noroughtsuchadetestablethoughttobeintheservant
ofGod:norshouldhewhoisapprovedbytheSpiritdesire
thatwhichisevil;butespeciallyHermas,whocontains
himselffromallwickedlusts,andisfullofallsimplicity,
andofgreatinnocence.
21NeverthelesstheLordisnotsomuchangrywiththee
forthineownsake,asupontheaccountofthyhouse,
whichhascommittedwickednessagainsttheLord,and
againsttheirparents.
22Andforthatoutofthyfondnesstowardsthysons,thou
hastnotadmonishedthyhouse,buthastpermittedthemto
livewickedly;forthiscausetheLordisangrywiththee:
buthewillhealalltheevilsthataredoneinthyhouse.For
throughtheirsinsandiniquities,thouartwhollyconsumed
insecularaffairs.
23ButnowthemercyofGodhathtakencompassionupon
thee,anduponthinehouse,andhathgreatlycomforted
thee.Onlyasforthee,donotwander,butbeofaneven
mind,andcomfortthyhouse.
24Astheworkmanbringingforthhiswork,offersitto
whomsoeverhepleaseth;soshaltthoubyteachingevery
daywhatisjustcutoffagreatsin.Whereforeceasenotto
admonishthysons,fortheLordknowsthattheywill
repentwithalltheirheart,andtheyshallbewritteninthe
bookoflife.
25Andwhenshehadsaidthis,sheaddeduntome;Wilt
thouhearmeread?—Iansweredher,Lady,Iwill.
26Hearthen,saidshe;andopeningthebooksheread,
gloriously,greatly,andwonderfully,suchthingsasIcould
notkeepinmymemory.Fortheywereterriblewords,such
asnomancouldbear.
27HowbeitIcommittedherlastwordstomy
remembrance;fortheywerebutfew,andofgreatusetous.
28BeholdthemightyLord,whobyhisinvisiblepower,
andwithhisexcellentwisdommadetheworld,andbyhis
gloriouscounselbeautifiedhiscreature,andwiththeword
ofhisstrengthfixedtheheaven,andfoundedtheearth
uponthewaters;andbythispowerfulvirtueestablishedhis
HolyChurch,whichhehathblessed.
29Beholdhewillremovetheheavens,andthemountains,
thehills,andtheseas;andallthingsshallbemadeplainfor
hiselect;thathemayrenderuntothemthepromisewhich
hehaspromised,withmuchhonourandjoy;ifsobethat
theyshallkeepthecommandmentsofGod,whichthey
havereceivedwithgreatfaith.

77. 30Andwhenshehadmadeanendofreading,sheroseout
ofthechair;andbeholdfouryoungmencame,andcarried
thechairtotheeast.
31Andshecalledmeuntoher,andtouchedmybreast,and
saiduntome,Didmyreadingpleasethee?Ianswered,
Lady,theselastthingspleaseme;butwhatwentbefore
wassevereandhard.
32Shesaiduntome,theselastthingsarefortherighteous,
buttheforegoingfortherevoltersandheathen.
33Andasshewastalkingwithme,twomenappeared,and
tookherupontheirshouldersandwenttotheeastwhere
thechairwas.
34Andshewentcheerfullyaway;andasshewasgoing,
saiduntome,Hermas,beofgoodcheer.
VISION2
1AsIwasonthewaytoCuma,aboutthesametimethatI
wenttheyearbefore,IbegantocalltomindthevisionI
formerlyhad.Andagainthespiritcarriedmeaway,and
broughtmeintothesameplace,inwhichIhadbeenthe
yearbefore.
2AndwhenIwascomeintotheplace,Ifelldownupon
myknees,andbegantoprayuntotheLord,andtoglorify
hisname,thathehadesteemedmeworthy,andhad
manifesteduntomemyformersins.
3AndwhenIarosefromprayer,beholdIsawoveragainst
metheoldwomanwhomIhadseenthelastyear,walking
andreadinginacertainbook.
4Andshesaiduntome,Canstthoutellthesethingstothe
electofGod?Iansweredandsaiduntoher,Lady,Icannot
retainsomanythingsinmymemory,butgivemethebook,
andIwillwritethemdown.
5Takeit,saysshe,andseethatthourestoreitagaintome.
6AssoonasIhadreceivedit,Iwentasideintoacertain
placeofthefield,andtranscribedeveryletter,forIfound
nosyllables.
7AndassoonasIhadfinishedwhatwaswritteninthe
book,thebookwassuddenlycaughtoutofmyhand,but
bywhomIsawnot.
8Afterfifteendays,whenIhadfasted,andentreatedthe
Lordwithallearnestness,theknowledgeofthewritingwas
revealeduntome.Nowthewritingwasthis:
9Thyseed,OHermas!hathsinnedagainsttheLord,and
havebetrayedtheirparents,throughtheirgreatwickedness.
Andtheyhavebeencalledthebetrayersoftheirparents,
andhavegoneonintheirtreachery.
10Andnowhavetheyaddedlewdnesstotheirothersins,
andthepollutionsoftheirnaughtiness:thushavethey
filledupthemeasureoftheiriniquities.Butdothou
upbraidthysonswithallthesewords;andthywife,which
shallbethysister;andletherlearntorefrainhertongue,
withwhichshecalumniates.
11Andwhensheshallhearthesethings,shewillrefrain
herself,andshallobtainmercy.
12Andtheyalsoshallbeinstructed,whenthoushalthave
reproachedthemwiththesewords,whichtheLordhas
commandedtoberevealeduntothee.
13Thenshalltheirsinsbeforgiven,whichtheyhave
heretoforecommitted,andthesinsofallthesaintswho
havesinnedevenuntothisday;iftheyshallrepentwithall
theirhearts,andremovealldoubtsoutoftheirhearts.
14FortheLordhathswornbyhisgloryconcerninghis
elect,havingdeterminedthisverytime,thatifanyone
shall5evennowsin,heshallnotbesaved.
15Fortherepentanceoftherighteoushasitsend;thedays
ofrepentancearefulfilledtoallthesaints;buttothe
heathen,thereisrepentanceevenuntothelastday.
16Thoushaltthereforesaytothosewhoareoverthe
church;thattheyordertheirwaysinrighteousness,that
theymayfullyreceivethepromisewithmuchglory.
17Standfastthereforeyethatworkrighteousnessand
continuetodoit,thatyourdeparturemaybewiththeholy
angels.
18Happyareye,asmanyasshallendurethegreattrial
thatisathand,andwhosoevershallnotdenyhislife.
19FortheLordhathswornbyhisSon,thatwhosodenieth
hisSonandhim,beingafraidofhislife,hewillalsodeny
himintheworldthatistocome.
20Butthosewhoshallneverdenyhim,hewillofhis
exceedinggreatmercybefavourableuntothem.
21Butthou,OHermas!remembernottheevilswhichthy
sonshavedone,neitherneglectthysister,buttakecarethat
theyamendoftheirformersins.
22Fortheywillbeinstructedbythisdoctrine,ifthoushalt
notbemindfulofwhattheyhavedonewickedly.
23Fortheremembranceofevilsworkethdeath,butthe
forgettingofthemlifeeternal.
24Butthou,OHermits!hastundergoneagreatmany
worldlytroublesfortheoffencesofthyhouse,because
thouhastneglectedthem,asthingsthatdidnotbelongunto
thee;andthouartwhollytakenupwiththygreatbusiness.
25Nevertheless,forthiscauseshaltthoubesaved,that
thouhastnotdepartedfromthelivingGod,andthy
simplicityandsingularcontinencyshallpreservethee,if
thoushaltcontinueinthem.
26Yea,theyshallsaveallsuchasdosuchthings,andwalk
ininnocenceandsimplicity.
27Theywhoareofthiskindshallprevailagainstall
impiety,andcontinueuntillifeeternal.
28Happyarealltheythatdorighteousness,theyshallnot
beconsumedforever.
29Butthouwiltsay,Beholdthereisagreattrialcoming.If
itseemgoodtothee,denyhimagain.
30TheLordisnightothemthatturntohim,asitiswritten
inthebookofHeldamandModal,whoprophesiedtothe
peopleofIsraelinthewilderness.
31Moreover,brethren,itwasrevealedtome,asIwasI
sleeping,byaverygoodlyyoungman,sayinguntome,
Whatthinkestthouofthatoldwomanfromwhomthou
receivedstthebook;whoisshe?Ianswered,aSybil.
32Thouartmistaken,saidhe,sheisnot.Ireplied,Whois
shethen,sir?Heansweredme,ItisthechurchofGod.
33AndIsaiduntohim,Whythendoessheappearold?
Sheistherefore,saidhe,anoldwoman,becauseshewas
thefirstofallthecreation,andtheworldwasmadeforher.
34AfterthisIsawavisionathomeinmyownhouse,and
theoldwomanwhomIhadseenbefore,cametomeand
askedme,whetherIhadyetdeliveredherbooktothe
eldersofthechurch?AndIanswered,thatIhadnotyet.
35Shereplied,Thouhastwelldone,forIhavecertain
wordsmoretotelltheeButwhenIshallhavefinishedall
thewords,theyshallbeclearlyunderstoodbytheelect.
36Andthoushaltwritetwobooks,andsendoneto
ClementandonetoGrapte.ForClementshallsendittothe

78. foreigncities,becauseitispermittedtohimsotodo:but
Grapteshalladmonishthewidowsandorphans.
37Butthoushaltreadinthiscitywiththeeldersofthe
church.
VISION3
1ThevisionwhichIsaw,brethren,wasthis.
2WhenIhadoftenfastedandprayeduntotheLord,thathe
wouldmanifestuntometherevelation,whichhehad
promisedbytheoldwomantoshewuntome;thesame
nightsheappeareduntome,andsaiduntome:
3Becausethoudostthusafflictthyself,andartsodesirous
toknowallthings,comeintothefield,wherethouwilt,
andaboutthesixthhour,Iwillappearuntothee,andshew
theewhatthoumustsee.
4Iaskedher,saying:Lady,intowhatpartofthefield?She
answered,whereverthouwilt,onlychooseagoodanda
privateplace.AndbeforeIbegantospeakandtellherthe
place,shesaiduntome:Iwillcomewherethouwilt.
5Iwastherefore,brethren,inthefield,andIobservedthe
hoursandcameintotheplacewhereIhadappointedherto
come.
6AndIbeheldabenchplaced;itwasalinenpillow,and
overitspreadacoveringoffinelinen.
7WhenIsawthesethingsorderedinthismanner,andthat
therewasnobodyintheplace,Ibegantobeastonished,
andmyhairstoodonend,andakindofhorrorseizedme;
forIwasalone.
8But,beingcometomyself,andcallingtomindtheglory
ofGad,andtakingcourage,Ifelldownuponmyknees,
andbeganagaintoconfessmysinsasbefore.
9AndwhilstIwasdoingthis,theoldwomancamethither
withthesixyoungmenwhomIhadseenbefore,andstood
behindmeasIwaspraying,andheardmeprayingand
confessingmysinsuntotheLord.
10Andtouchingme,shesaid:Leaveofftopraynowonly
forthysins;prayalsoforrighteousness,thatthoumayest
receivepartofherinthyhouse.
11Andsheliftedmeupfromtheplace,andtookmebythe
hand,andbroughtmetotheseat;andsaidtotheyoung
men;go,andbuild.
12Assoonastheyweredeparted,andwewerealone,she
saiduntome:sithere.Iansweredher:Lady,letthosewho
areeldersitfirst.Shereplied,SitdownasIbidyou.
13AndwhenIwouldhavesatontherightside,she
sufferedmenot,butmadeasigntomewithherhand,that
Ishouldsitontheleft.
14AsIwasthereforemusing,andfullofsorrow,thatshe
wouldnotsuffermetositontherightside,shesaidunto
me,Hermes,whyartthousad?
15Theplacewhichisontherighthandistheirswhohave
alreadyattaineduntoGod,andhavesufferedforhisname-
sake.Butthereisyetagreatdealremaininguntothee,
beforethouBanatsitwiththem.
16Butcontinueasthoudoestinthysincerity,andthou
shaltsitwiththem:asallothersshallthatdotheirworks,
andshallbearwhattheyhaveborne.
17Isaidtoher:Lady,Iwouldknowwhatitisthatthey
havesuffered?Hearthen,saidshe:wildbeasts,scourgings,
imprisonments,andcrossesforhisname-sake.
18Forthiscausetherighthandofholinessbelongstothem,
andtoallothersasmanyasshallsufferforthenameof
God;buttheleftbelongstotherest.
19Howbeitthegiftsandthepromisesbelongtoboth,to
themontheright,andtothoseonthelefthand;onlythat
sittingontherighthandtheyhavesomegloryabovethe
others.
20Butthouartdesiroustositontherighthandwiththem,
andyetthydefectsaremany.Butthoushaltbepurged
fromthydefects,asalsoallwhodoubtnotshallbe
cleansedfromallthesinswhichtheyhavecommittedunto
thisday.
21Andwhenshehadsaidthisshewouldhavedeparted.
22Wherefore,fallingdownbeforeherfeet,Ibeganto
entreather,fortheLord'ssake,hatshewouldshewmethe
visionwhichshehadpromised.
23Thensheagaintookmebythehand,andliftedmeup,
andmademesitupontheseatontheleftside;andholding
upacertainbrightwand,saiduntome,Seestthouthat
greatthing?Ireplied,Lady,Iseenothing.
24Sheanswered,Dostthounotseeoveragainsttheea
greattower,whichisbuiltuponthewater,withbright
squarestones?
25Forthetowerwasbuiltuponasquarebythesesix
youngmenthatcamewithher.
26Butmanythousandofothermenbroughtstones;some
drewthemoutofthedeep,otherscarriedthemfromthe
ground,andgavethemtothesixyoungmen.Andthey
tookthemandbuilt.
27Asforthosestoneswhichweredrawnoutofthedeep,
theyputthemallintothebuilding;fortheywerepolished,
andtheirsquaresexactlyansweredoneanother,andsoone
wasjoinedinsuchwisetotheother,thattherewasno
spacetobeseenwheretheyjoined,insomuchthatthe
wholetowerappearedtobebuiltasitwereofonestone.
28Butasfortheotherstonesthatweretakenofffromthe
ground,someofthemtheyrejected,otherstheyfittedinto
thebuilding.
29Asforthosewhichwererejected,sometheycutout,
andcastthematadistancefromthetower;butmanyothers
ofthemlayroundaboutthetower,whichtheymadenouse
ofinthebuilding.
30Forsomeofthesewererough,othershadcleftsinthem,
otherswerewhiteandround,notproperforthebuildingof
thetower.
31ButIsawtheotherstonescastafarofffromthetower,
andfallingintothehigh-way,andyetnotcontinuinginthe
way,butwererolledfromthewayintoadesertplace.
32OthersIsawfallingintothefireandburning;othersfell
nearthewater,yetcouldnotrollthemselvesintoit,though
verydesiroustofallintothewater.
33Andwhenshehadshewedmethesethingsshewould
havedeparted:butIsaidtoher,Lady,whatdothitprofit
metoseethesethings,andnotunderwstandwhatthey
mean?
34Sheansweredandsaiduntome:Youareverycunning,
inthatyouaredesiroustoknowthosethingswhichrelate
tothetower.Yea,saidI,Lady,thatImaydeclarethem
untothebrethren,andtheymayrejoice,andhearingthese
thingsmayglorifyGodwithgreatglory.
35Thenshesaid,Manyindeedshallhearthem,andwhen
theyshallhaveheardthem,someshallrejoice,andothers

79. weep.Andyeteventhese,iftheyshallrepent,shallrejoice
too.
36HearthereforewhatIshallsayconcerningtheparable
ofthetower,andafterthisbenolongerimportunatewith
meabouttherevelation.
37Fortheserevelationshaveanend,seeingtheyare
fulfilled.Butthoudostnotleaveofftodesirerevelations,
forthouartveryurgent.
38Asforthetowerwhichthouseestbuilt,itismyself,
namelythechurch,whichhaveappearedtotheebothnow
andheretofore.Whereforeaskwhatthouwiltconcerning
thetower,andIwillrevealituntothee,thatthoumayst
rejoicewiththesaints.
39Isaiduntoher,Lady,becausethouhastthoughtme
onceworthytoreceivefromtheetherevelationofallthese
things,declarethemuntome.
40Sheansweredme,Whatsoeverisfittoberevealedunto
theeshallberevealed:onlyletthyheartbewiththeLord,
anddoubtnot,whatsoeverthoushaltsee.
41Iaskedher,Lady,whyisthetowerbuiltuponthewater?
Shereplied,Isaidbeforetotheethatthouwertverywiseto
inquirediligentlyconcerningthebuilding,thereforethou
shaltfindthetruth.
42Hearthereforewhythetowerisbuiltuponthewater:
becauseyourlifeisandshallbesavedbywater.Foritis
foundedbythewordofthealmightyandhonourablename,
andissupportedbytheinvisiblepowerandvirtueofGod.
43AndIanswering,saiduntoher,Thesethingsarevery
admirable;but,lady,whoarethosesixyoungmenthat
build?
44Theyare,saidshe,theangelsofGod,whichwerefirst
appointed,andtowhomtheLordhasdeliveredallhis
creatures,toframeandbuildthemup,andtoruleover
them.Forbythesethebuildingofthetowershallbe
finished.
45Andwhoaretherestwhobringthemstones?
46TheyalsoaretheholyangelsoftheLord;buttheother
aremoreexcellentthanthese.Whereforewhenthewhole
buildingofthetowershallbefinished,theyshallallfeast
togetherbesidethetower,andshallglorifyGod,because
thestructureofthetowerisfinished.
47Iaskedher,saying,Iwouldknowtheconditionofthe
stones,andthemeaningofthem,whatitis?
48Sheanswering,saiduntome,Artthoubetterthanall
othersthatthisshouldberevealeduntothee?Forothersare
bothbeforethee,andbetterthanthouart,towhomthese
visionsshouldbemademanifest.
49Nevertheless,thatthenameofGodmayheglorified,it
hasbeen,andshallberevealeduntothee,forthesakeof
thosewhoaredoubtful,andthinkintheirheartswhether
thesethingsaresoornot.
50Tellthemthatallthesethingsaretrue,andthatthereis
nothinginthemthatisnottrue;butallarefirmandtruly
established.
51Hearnowthenconcerningthestonesthatareinthe
building.
52Thesquareandwhitestoneswhichagreeexactlyin
theirjoints,aretheapostles,andbishops,anddoctors,and
ministers,whothroughthemercyofGodhavecomein,
andgoverned,andtaughtandministeredholilyand
modestlytotheelectofGod,boththeythathavefallen
asleep,andwhichyetremain;andhavealwaysagreedwith
them,andhavehadpeacewithinthemselves,andhave
heardeachother.
53Forwhichcausetheirjointsexactlymeettogetherinthe
buildingofthetower.
54Theywhicharedrawnoutofthedeepandputintothe
building,andwhosejointsagreewiththeotherstones
whicharealreadybuilt,arethosewhicharealreadyfallen
asleep,andhavesufferedforthesakeoftheLord'sname.
55Andwhataretheotherstones,lady,thatarebrought
fromtheearth?Iwouldknowwhatarethey.
56Sheanswered,Theywhichlieuponthegroundandare
notpolished,arethosewhichGodhasapproved,because
theyhavewalkedinthelawoftheLord,anddirectedtheir
waysinhiscommandments.
57Theywhicharebroughtandputinthebuildingofthe
tower,aretheyounginfaithandthefaithful.Andtheseare
admonishedbytheangelstodowellbecausethatiniquity
isnotfoundinthem.
58Butwhoarethosewhomtheyrejected,andlaidbeside
thetower?
59Theyaresuchashavesinnedandarewillingtorepent;
forwhichcausetheyarenotcastfarfromthetower,
becausetheywillbeusefulforthebuilding,iftheyshall
repent.
60Theythereforethatareyettorepent,iftheyshallrepent,
shallbecomestronginthefaith;thatis,iftheyrepentnow,
whilstthetowerisbuilding.Forifthebuildingshallbe
finishedtherewillthenbenoplaceforthemtobeputin,
buttheyshallberejected;forheonlyhasthisprivilege
whoshallnowbeoutintothetower.
61Butwouldyouknowwhotheyarethatwerecutout,
andcastafarofffromthetower?Lady,saidI,Idesireit.
62Theyarethechildrenofiniquity,whobelievedonlyin
hypocrisy,butdepartednotfromtheirevilways;forthis
causetheyshallnotbesaved,becausetheyarenotofany
useinthebuildingbyreasonoftheirsins.
63Whereforetheyarecutout,andcastafaroff,becauseof
theangeroftheLord,andbecausetheyhaveprovokedhim
toangeragainstthem.
64Asforthegreatnumberofotherstoneswhichthouhast
seenplacedaboutthetower,butnotputintothebuildings;
thosewhicharerugged,aretheywhohaveknownthetruth,
buthavenotcontinuedinit,norbeenjoinedtothesaints,
andthereforeareunprofitable.
65Thosethathavecleftsinthem,aretheythatkeepup
discordintheirheartsagainsteachother,andlivenotin
peace;thatarefriendlywhenpresentwiththeirbrethren,
butassoonastheyaredepartedfromoneanother,their
wickednessstillcontinuesintheirhearts:thesearethe
cleftswhichareseeninthosestones.
66Thosethataremaimedandshort,aretheywhohave
believedindeed,butstillareingreatmeasurefullof
wickedness:forthiscausetheyaremaimedandnotwhole.
67Butwhatarethewhiteandroundstones,lady,and
whicharenotproperforthebuildingofthetower?
68Sheansweringsaiduntome:Howlongwiltthou
continuefoolishandwithoutunderstanding,asking
everythinganddiscerningnothing?
69Theyaresuchashavefaithindeed,buthavewithalthe
richesofthispresentworld.Whenthereforeanytroubles
arise,forthesakeoftheirrichesandtraffic,theydenythe
Lord.

80. 70Ianswering,saiduntoher,Whenthereforewilltheybe
profitabletotheLord?Whentheirrichesshallbecutaway,
saysshe,inwhichtheytakedelight,thentheywillbe
profitableuntotheLordforhisbuilding.
71Forasaroundstone,unlessitbecutaway,andcast
somewhatoff,itsbulkcannotbemadesquare,sotheywho
arerichinthisworld,unlesstheirrichesbeparedoff,
cannotbemadeprofitableuntotheLord.
72Learnthisfromthyownexperience;whenthouwert
rich,thouwastunprofitable;butnowthouartprofitable,
andfitforthelifewhichthouhastundertaken;forthou
alsooncewastoneofthosestones.
73Asfortherestofthestoneswhichthousawestcastafar
offfromthetower,andrunningintheway,andtumbled
outofthewayintodesertplaces,theyaresuchashave
believedindeed,butthroughtheirdoubtinghaveforsaken
thetrueway,thinkingthattheycouldfindabetter.But
theywanderandaremiserable,goingintodesolateways.
74Thenforthosestoneswhichfellintothefireandwere
burnt,theyarethosewhohaveforeverdepartedfromthe
livingGod;nordothitevercomeintotheirheartstorepent,
byreasonoftheaffectionwhichtheybeartotheirlustsand
wickednesseswhichtheycommit.
75Andwhataretherestwhichfellbythewater,andcould
notrollintothewater?
76Theyaresuchashaveheardtheword,andwerewilling
tobebaptizedinthenameoftheLord;butconsideringthe
greatholinesswhichthetruthrequires,havewithdrawn
themselves,andwalkedagainaftertheirwickedlusts.
77Thusshefinishedtheexplicationofthetower.
78ButIbeingstillurgent,askedher,Isthererepentance
allowedtoallthosestoneswhicharethuscastaway.and
werenotsuitabletothebuildingofthetower;andshall
theyfindplaceinthistower?
79Theymayrepent,saidshe,buttheycannotcomeinto
thistower;buttheyshallbeplacedinamuchlowerrank,
andthisafterthattheyshallhavebeenafflicted,and
fulfilledthedaysoftheirsins.
80Andforthiscausetheyshallberemoved,becausethey
havereceivedthewordofrighteousness:andthenthey
shallbetranslatedfromtheirafflictions,iftheyshallhavea
truesenseintheirheartsofwhattheyhavedoneamiss.
81Butiftheyshallnothavethissenseintheirhearts,they
shallnotbesavedbyreasonofthehardnessoftheirhearts.
82WhenthereforeIhaddoneaskingherconcerningall
thesethings,shesaiduntome,Wiltthouseesomewhatelse?
Andbeingdesirousofseeingit,Ibecameverycheerfulof
countenance.
83Shethereforelookingbackuponme,andsmilingalittle,
saiduntome,Seestthousevenwomenaboutthetower?
Lady,saidI,Iseethem.
84Thistower,repliedshe,issupportedbythem,according
tothecommandoftheLord:hearthereforetheeffectsof
them.
85Thefirstofthem,whichholdsfastwithherhand,is
calledFaith,byhertheelectshallbesaved.Thenext,
whichisgirtup,andlooksmanly,isnamedAbstinence:
sheisthedaughterofFaith.
86Whosoeverthereforeshallfollowhershallbehappyin
allhislife,becauseheshallabstainfromallevilworks,
believingthatifheshallcontainhimselffromall
concupiscence,heshallbetheheirofeternallife.And
what,lady,saidI,aretheotherfive?
87Theyare,repliedshe,thedaughtersofoneanother.The
firstofthemiscalledSimplicity;thenextInnocence;the
thirdModesty;thenDiscipline;andthelastofallisCharity.
Whenthereforethoushalthavefulfilledtheworksoftheir
mother,thoushaltbeabletodoallthings.
88Lady,saidI,Iwouldknowwhatparticularvirtueevery
oneofthesehas.
89Hearthen,repliedshe;theyhaveequalvirtues,andtheir
virtuesareknittogether,andfollowoneanotherasthey
wereborn.
90FromFaithproceedsAbstinence;fromAbstinence,
Simplicity;fromSimplicity,Innocence;fromInnocence,
Modesty;fromModesty,DisciplineandCharity.Therefore
theworksoftheseareholy,andchaste,andright.
91Whoeverthereforeshallservethese,andholdfastto
theirworks,heshallhavehisdwellinginthetowerwith
thesaintsofGod.
92ThenIaskedherconcerningthetimes,whethertheend
werenowathand;
93Butshecriedoutwithaloudvoice,saying,Ofoolish
man!Dostthounotseethetoweryetabuilding?When
thereforethetowershallbefinished,andbuilt,itshallhave
anend;andindeeditshallsoonbeaccomplished.
94Butdonotaskmeanymorequestions.Whathasbeen
saidmaysufficetheeandallthesaintsfortherefreshment
ofyourspirits.Forthesethingshavenotbeenrevealedto
theeonly,butthatthoumayestmakethemmanifestunto
all.
95Fortherefore,OHermes,afterthreedaysthoumust
understandthesewordswhichIbegintospeakuntothee,
thatthoumayestspeakthemintheearsofthesaints;that
whentheyshallhaveheardanddonethem,theymaybe
cleansedfromtheiriniquities,andthoutogetherwiththem.
96Hearmetherefore,OmysonsIhavebredyouupin
muchsimplicity,andinnocency,andmodestyforthelove
ofGod,whichhasdroppeddownuponyouin
righteousness,thatyoushouldbesanctifiedandjustified
fromallsinandwickedness;butyewillnotceasefrom
yourevildoings.
97Nowthereforehearkenuntome,andhavepeaceone
withanother,andvisitoneanother,andreceiveone
another,anddonotenjoythecreaturesofGodalone.
98Givefreelytothemthatareinneed.Forsomebytoo
freefeedingcontractaninfirmityintheirflesh,anddo
injurytotheirbodies;whilstthefleshofotherswhohave
notfood,withersaway,becausetheywantsufficient
nourishment,andthebodiesareconsumed.
99Whereforethisintemperanceishurtfultoyou,whohave,
anddonotcommunicatetothemthatwant.Prepareforthe
judgmentthatisabouttocomeuponyou.
100Yethatarethemoreeminent,searchoutthemthatare
hungry,whilstthetowerisyetunfinished.Forwhenthe
towershallbefinished,yeshallbewillingtodogood,and
shallnotfindanyplaceinit.
101Beware,therefore,yethatgloryinyourriches,lest
perhapstheygroanwhoareinwant,andtheirsighing
comeupuntoGod,andyebeshutoutwithyourgoods
withoutthegateofthetower.
102BeholdInowwarnyouwhoaresetoverthechurch,
andlovethehighestseats,benotyelikeuntothosethat
workmischief.
103Andtheyindeedcarryabouttheirpoisoninboxes,but
yecontainyourpoisonandinfectioninyourhearts,and

81. willnotpurgethem,andmixyoursensewithapureheart,
thatyemayfindmercywiththeGreatKing.
104Takeheed,mychildren,thatyourdissensionsdeprive
younotofyourlives.HowwillyeinstructtheelectofGod,
whenyeyourselveswantcorrection?Whereforeadmonish
oneanother,andbeatpeaceamongyourselves,thatI,
standingbeforeyourfather,maygiveanaccountforyou
untotheLord.
105Andwhenshehadmadeanendoftalkingwithme,the
sixyoungmenthatbuilt,cameandcarriedhertothetower;
andfourotherstookuptheseatonwhichshesate,andthey
alsowentawayagaintothetower.Isawnotthefacesof
these,fortheirbacksweretowardsme.
106Asshewasgoingaway,Iaskedher,thatshewould
revealtomewhatconcernedthethreeforms,inwhichshe
hadappeareduntome.
107Butsheansweringsaiduntome,concerningthese
thingsthoumustasksomeother,thattheymayberevealed
untothee.
108Now,brethren,inthefirstvisionthelastyear,she
appeareduntomeexceedingold,andsittinginachair.
109Inanothervision,shehadindeedayouthfulface,but
herfleshandhairwereold;butshetalkedwithme
standing,andwasmorecheerfulthanthefirsttime.
110Inthethirdvision,shewasinallrespectsmuch
younger,andcomelytotheeye;onlyshehadthehairofan
agedperson;yetshelookedcheerful,andsateuponaseat.
111Iwasthereforeverysadconcerningthesethings,until
Imightunderstandthevision.
112WhereforeIsawthesameoldwomaninavisionofthe
nightsayinguntome,Allprayerneedethhumiliation.Fast,
therefore,andthoushaltlearnfromtheLordthatwhich
thoudostask.Ifastedthereforeoneday.
113Thesamenightayoungmanappearedtomeandsaid,
WhydostthouthusoftendesireRevelationsinthyprayers?
Takeheedthatbyaskingmanythings,thouhurtnotthe
body.LettheseRevelationssufficethee.
114CanstthouseemorenotableRevelationsthanthose
whichthouhastalreadyreceived?
115Iansweredandsaiduntohim,Sir,Ionlyaskthisone
thingupontheaccountofthethreefiguresoftheold
womanthatappearedtome,thattheRevelationmaybe
complete.
116Heansweredme,Youarenotwithoutunderstanding,
butyourdoubtsmakeyouso;forasmuchasyouhavenot
yourheartwiththeLord.
117Irepliedandsaid,Butweshalllearnthesethingsmore
carefullyfromyou.
118Hearthen,sayshe,concerningthefiguresaboutwhich
youinquire.
119Andfirst,inthefirstvisionsheappearedtotheeinthe
shapeofanoldwomansittinginachair,becauseyourold
spiritwasdecayed,andwithoutstrength,byreasonofyour
infirmities,andthedoubtfulnessofyourheart.
120Forastheywhoareoldhavenohopeofrenewing
themselves,norexpectanythingbuttheirdeparture;so
youbeingweakenedthroughyourworldlyaffairsgave
yourselfuptosloth,andcastnotawayyoursolicitudefrom
yourselfupontheLord:andyoursensewasconfused,and
yougrowoldinyoursadness.
121But,sir,Iwouldknowwhyshesateuponachair?
122Heanswered,becauseeveryonethatisweaksitteth
uponachairbyreasonofhisinfirmity,thathisweakness
maybeupheld.Beholdthereforethefigureofthefirst
vision.
123Inthesecondvisionyousawherstanding,andhaving
ayouthfulface,andmorecheerfulthanherformer;buther
fleshandherhairwereancient.Hear,saidhe,thisparable
also.
124Whenanyonegrowsold,hedespairsofhimselfby
reasonofhisinfirmityandpoverty,andexpectsnothing
butthelastdayofhislife.
125Butonasuddenaninheritanceislefttohim,andhe
hearsofit,andrises;andbeingbecomecheerful,heputs
onnewstrength.Andhenownolongersitsdown,but
stands,andisdeliveredfromhisformersorrow;andsits
not,butactsmanfully.
126Soyou,havingheardtheRevelationwhichGod
revealeduntoyoubecauseGodhadcompassionuponyou,
andrenewedyourspirit,bothlaidasideyourinfirmities,
andstrengthcametoyou,andyougrewstronginthefaith;
andGod,seeingyourstrength,rejoiced.
127Forthiscauseheshewedyouthebuildingofthetower,
andwillshewotherthingsuntoyou,ifyoushallhave
peacewithallyourheartamongeachother.
128Butinthethirdvisionyousawheryetyounger,fair
andcheerful,andofaserenecountenance.
129Forasifsomegoodnewscomestohimthatissad,he
straightwayforgetshissadness,andregardsnothingelse
butthegoodnewswhichhehasheard;andfortheresthe
iscomforted,andhisspiritisrenewedthroughthejoy
whichhehasreceived:evensoyouhavebeenrefreshedin
yourspiritbyseeingthesegoodthings.
130Andforthatyousawhersittinguponabench,it
denotesastrongposition;becauseabenchhasfourfeet
andstandsstrongly.Andeventheworlditselfisupheldby
thefourelements.
131Theythereforethatrepentperfectly,shallbeyoung;
andtheythatturnfromtheirsinswiththeirwholeheart,
shallbeestablished.
132AndnowyouhavetheRevelationfully,asknomore
tohaveanythingfartherrevealeduntoyou.
133Butifanythingbetoberevealed,itshallbemade
manifestuntoyou.
VISION4
1Isawavision,brethren,twentydaysaftertheformer
vision;arepresentationofthetribulationthatisathand.I
waswalkinginthefieldway.
2NowfromthepublicwaytotheplacewhitherIwentis
abouttenfurlongs;itisawayverylittlefrequented:
3AndasIwaswalkingaloneIentreatedtheLordthathe
wouldconfirmtheRevelationswhichhehadshewedunto
mebyhisholyChurch:
4Andwouldgrantrepentancetoallhisservantswhohad
beenoffended,thathisgreatandhonourablenamemight
beglorified,andbecausehethoughtmeworthytowhom
hemightshewhiswonders,and,thatImighthonourhim,
andgivethanksuntohim.
5Andbeholdsomewhatlikeavoiceansweredme;Doubt
not,Hermas.WhereforeIbegantothink,andsaywithin
myself;whyshouldIdoubt,seeingIamthussettledbythe
Lord,andhaveseensuchgloriousthings?

82. 6Ihadgonebutalittlefarther,brethren,whenbeholdI
sawadustriseuptoheaven.Ibegantosaywithinmyself,
isthereadroveofcattlecoming,thatraisessuchadust?
7Itwasaboutafurlongofffromme.AndbeholdIsawthe
dustrisemoreandmore,insomuchthatIbegantosuspect
thattherewassomewhatextraordinaryinit.
8Andthesunshonealittle:andbeholdIsawagreatbeast,
asitwereawhale;andfierylocustscameoutofhismouth.
Theheightofthebeastwasaboutahundredfeet,andhe
hadaheadlikealargeearthenvessel.
9Ibegantoweep,andtoprayuntotheLordthathewould
delivermefromit.ThenIcalledtomindthewordwhichI
hadheard;Doubtnot,Hermas.
10Wherefore,brethren,puttingonadivinefaith,and
rememberingwhoitwasthathadtaughtmegreatthings,I
deliveredmyselfbodilyuntothebeast.
11Nowthebeastcameoninsuchamanner,asifitcould
atoncehavedevouredacity.
12Icamenearuntoit,andthebeastextendeditswhole
bulkupontheground,andputforthnothingbutitstongue,
noroncemoveditselftillIhadquitepassedbyit.
13Nowthebeasthaduponitsheadfourcolours;first
black,thenaredandbloodycolour,thenagolden,and
thenawhite.
14AfterthatIhadpassedbyit,andwasgoneforward
aboutthirtyfeet,beholdtheremetmeacertainvirgin,well
adornedasifshehadbeenjustcomeoutofherbride
chamber,allinwhite,havingonwhiteshoes,andaveil
downherface,andcoveredwithshininghair.
15NowIknewbymyformervisionsthatitwasthechurch,
andthereupongrewthemorecheerful.Shesalutedme
saying,Hail,OMan!Ireturnedthesalutation,saying,
Lady,Hail!
16Sheansweringsaiduntome,Didnothingmeetyou,O
man?Ireplied,Lady,theremetmesuchabeast,asseemed
abletodevourawholepeople;butbythepowerofGod,
andthroughhissingularmercy,Iescapedit.
17Thoudidstescapeitwell,saidshe,becausethoudidst
castthywholecareuponGod,andopenedthyheartunto
him,believingthatthoucouldstbesafebynootherthanby
hisgreatandhonourablename.
18ForthiscausetheLordsenthisangel,whoisoverthe
beast,whosenameisHegrin,andstoppedhismouth,that
heshouldnotdevourthee.Thouhastescapedagreattrial
throughthyfaith,andbecausethoudidstnotdoubtforsuch
aterriblebeast.
19Gotherefore,andrelatetotheelectofGodthegreat
thingsthathehathdoneforthee.Andthoushaltsayunto
them,thatthisbeastisthefigureofthetrialthatisaboutto
came.
20Iftherefore,yeshallhavepreparedyourselves,yemay
escapeit,ifyourheartbepureandwithoutspot;andifye
shallserveGodalltherestofyourdayswithoutcomplaint.
21CastallyourcaresupontheLord,andhewilldirect
them.BelieveinGod,yedoubtful,becausehecandoall
things;hecanbothturnawayhiswrathfromyou,andsend
youhelpandsecurity.
22Woetothedoubtful,tothosewhoshallhearthese
words,andshalldespisethem:ithadbeenbetterforthem
thattheyhadnotbeenborn.
23ThenIaskedherconcerningthefourcolourswhichthe
beasthaduponitshead.Butsheansweredmesaying;
Againthouartcuriousinthatthouaskethconcerningthese
things.ButIsaidtoher,Lady,shewmewhattheyare.
24Hear,saidshe;Theblackwhichthousawestdenotesthe
worldinwhichyoudwell.Thefieryandbloodycolour
signifiesthatthisagemustbedestroyedbyfireandblood.
25Thegoldenpartareye,whohaveescapedoutofit.For
asgoldistriedbythefire,andismadeprofitable,soareye
alsoinlikemannertriedwhodwellamongthemenofthis
world.
26Theytherefore,thatshallenduretotheend,andbe
provedbythemshallbepurged.Andasgold,bythistrial,
iscleansedandlosesitsdross,soshallyealsocastawayall
sorrowandtrouble,andbemadepureforthebuildingof
thetower.
27Butthewhitecolourdenotesthetimeoftheworld
whichistocome,inwhichtheelectofGodshalldwell:
becausetheelectofGodshallbepureandwithoutspot
untillifeeternal.
28Whereforedonotthouceasetospeakthesethingsinthe
earsofthesaints.Hereyehavethefigureofthegreat
tribulationthatisabouttocome;which,ifyoupleaseshall
benothingtoyou.KeepthereforeinmindthethingsthatI
havesaiduntoyou.
29Whenshehadspokenthusmuch,shedeparted;butI
sawnotwhithershewent.ButsuddenlyIheardanoise,
andIturnedback,beingafraid,forIthoughtthatthebeast
wascomingtowardme.

84. INTRODUCTION
1WhenIhadprayedathome,andwassatdownuponthebed,a
certainmancameintomewithareverendlook,inthehabitofa
shepherd,clothedwithawhitecloak,havinghisbaguponhis
back,andhisstaffinhishand,andsalutedme.
2Ireturnedhissalutation,andimmediatelyhesatdownbyme,
andsaiduntome,Iamsentbythatvenerablemessenger,thatI
shoulddwellwiththeealltheremainingdaysofthylife.
3ButIthoughtthathewascometotryme,andsaiduntohim,
Whoareyou?ForIknowtowhomIamcommitted.Hesaidunto
me,Doyounotknowme?Iansweredno.Iam,saidhe,that
shepherdtowhosecareyouaredelivered.
4Whilsthewasyetspeaking,hisshapewaschanged;andwhenI
knewthatitwashetowhomIwascommitted,Iwasashamed,
andasuddenfearcameuponme,andIwasutterlyovercome
withsadness,becauseIhadspokensofoolishlyuntohim.
5Buthesaiduntome,Benotashamed,butreceivestrengthin
thymind,throughthecommandswhichIamabouttodeliver
untothee.For,saidhe,Iamsenttoshewuntotheeallthose
thingsagain,whichthouhastseenbefore,butespeciallysuchof
themasmaybeofmostuseuntothee.
6AndfirstofallwritemyCommandsandSimilitudes,therest
thoushaltsowriteasIshallshewuntothee.ButIthereforebid
theefirstofallwritemyCommandsandSimilitudes,thatby
oftenreadingofthemthoumayestthemoreeasilykeepthemin
memory.
7WhereuponIwrotehisCommandsandSimilitudes,ashebade
me.
8Whichthingsifwhenyouhaveheard,yeshallobservetodo
them,andshallwalkaccordingtothem,andexerciseyourselves
inthemwithapuremind,yeshallreceivefromtheLordthose
thingswhichbehaspromiseduntoyou.
9Butifhavingheardthemyeshallnotrepent,butshallstillgo
ontoaddtoyoursins,yeshallbepunishedbyhim.
10AllthesethingsthatShepherd,theangelofrepentance,
commandedmetowrite.
COMMAND1
1FirstofallbelievethatthereisoneGodwhocreatedand
framedallthingsofnothingintoabeing.
2Hecomprehendsallthings,andisonlyimmense,nottobe
comprehendedbyany.
3Whocanneitherbedefinedbyanywords,norconceivedbythe
mind.
4Thereforebelieveinhim;andfearhim;andfearinghimabstain
fromallevil.
5Keepthesethings,andcastalllustandiniquityfarfromthee,
andputonrighteousness,andthoushaltlivetoGod,ifthoushalt
keepthiscommandment.
COMMAND2
1Hesaiduntome,Beinnocentandwithoutdisguise;soshalt
thoubelikeaninfantwhoknowsnomalicewhichdestroysthe
lifeofman.
2Especiallyseethatthouspeakevilofnone,norwillinglyhear
anyonespeakevilofany.
3Forifthouobservestnotthis,thoualsowhohearestshaltbe
partakerofthesinofhimthatspeakethevil,bybelievingthe
slander,andthoualsoshalthavesin,becausethoubelieved-est
himthatspokeevilofthybrother.
4Detractionisaperniciousthing;aninconstant,evilspirit;that
nevercontinuesinpeace,butisalwaysindiscord.Wherefore
refrainthyselffromit,andkeeppeaceevermorewiththybrother.
5Putonanholyconstancy,inwhichtherearenosins,butallis
fullofjoy;anddogoodofthylabours.
6Givewithoutdistinctiontoallthatareinwant,notdoubtingto
whomthougivest.
7Butgivetoall,forGodwillhaveusgivetoall,ofallhisown
gifts.TheythereforethatreceiveshallgiveanaccounttoGod,
bothwhereforetheyreceivedandforwhatend.
8Andtheythatreceivewithoutarealneed,shallgiveanaccount
forit;buthethatgivesshallbeinnocent.
9ForhehasfulfilledhisdutyashereceiveditfromGod;not
makinganychoicetowhomheshouldgive,andtowhomnot.
AndthisservicehedidwithsimplicityandtothegloryofGod.
10KeepthereforethiscommandaccordingasIhavedeliveredit
untothee;thatthyrepentancemaybefoundtobesincere,and
thatgoodmaycometothyhouse;andhaveapureheart.
COMMAND3
1Moreoverhesaiduntome,lovetruth;andletallthespeechbe
truewhichproceedsoutofthymouth.
2ThatthespiritwhichtheLordhathgiventodwellinthyflesh
maybefoundtruetowardsallmen;andtheLordbeglorified,
whohathgivensuchaspirituntothee:becauseGodistrueinall
hiswords,andinhimthereisnolie.
3Theythereforethatlie,denytheLord,andbecomerobbersof
theLord,notrenderingtoGodwhattheyreceivedfromhim.
4Fortheyreceivedthespiritfreefromlying:Ifthereforethey
makethataliar,theydefilewhatwascommittedtothembythe
Lord,andbecomedeceivers.
5WhenIheardthis,Iweptbitterly;andwhenhesawme
weeping,hesaiduntome,Whyweepestthou?AndIsaid,
Because,sir,IdoubtwhetherIcanbesaved?
6Heaskedme,Wherefore?Ireplied,becausesir,Ineverspakea
truewordinmylife;butalwayslivedindissimulation,and
affirmedaliefortruthtoallmen;andnomancontradictedme,
butallgavecredittomywords.HowthencanIlive,seeingI
havedoneinthis,manner?
7Andhesaiduntome,Thouthinkestwellandtruly.Forthou
oughtest,astheservantofGod,tohavewalkedinthetruth,and
nothavejoinedanevilconsciencewiththespiritoftruth,nor
havegrievedtheholyandtrueSpiritofGod.
8AndIreplieduntohim,sir,Ineverbeforehearkenedso
diligentlytothesethings.Heanswered,Nowthouhearestthem:
Takecarefromhenceforth,thateventhosethingswhichthouhast
formerlyspokenfalselyforthesakeofthybusiness,may,bythy
presenttruthreceivecredit.
9Foreventhosethingsmaybecredited,ifforthetimetocome
thoushaltspeakthetruth;andbysodoingthoumayestattain
untolife.
10Andwhosoevershallhearkenuntothiscommand,anddoit,
andshalldepartfromalllying,heshallliveuntoGod.
COMMAND4
1Furthermore,saidhe,Icommandthee,thatthoukeepthyself
chaste;andthatthousuffernotanythoughtofanyothermarriage,
oroffornication,toenterintothyheart:forsuchathought
producesgreatsin.
2ButbethouatalltimesmindfuloftheLord,andthoushalt
neversin.Forifsuchanevilthoughtshouldariseinthyheart,
thoushouldestbeguiltyofagreatsin;andtheywhodosuch
thingsfollowthewayofdeath.
3Lookthereforetothyself,andkeepthyselffromsuchathought;
forwherechastityremainsintheheartofarighteousman,there
anevilthoughtoughtnevertoarise.
4AndIsaiduntohim,Sir,suffermetospeakalittletoyou.He
bademesayon.AndIanswered,Sir,ifamanthatisfaithfulin
theLordshallhaveawife,andshallcatchherinadultery;dotha
mansinthatcontinuestolivestillwithher?
5Andhesaiduntome,Aslongasheisignorantofhersin,he
commitsnofaultinlivingwithher;butifamanshallknowhis
wifetohaveoffended,andsheshallnotrepentofhersin,butgo
onstillinherfornication,andamanshallcontinuenevertheless

85. tolivewithher,heshallbecomeguiltyofhersin,andpartake
withherinheradultery.
6AndIsaiduntohim,Whatthereforeistobedone,ifthewoman
continuesoninhersin?Heanswered,Letherhusbandputher
away,andlethimcontinuebyhimself.Butifheshallputaway
hiswife,andmarryanotherhealsodothcommitadultery.
7AndIsaid,Whatifthewomanthatissoputaway,shallrepent,
andbewillingtoreturntoherhusband,shallshenotbereceived
byhim?Hesaiduntome,Yes;andifherhusbandshallnot
receiveher,hewillsin,andcommitagreatoffenceagainst
himself;butheoughttoreceivetheoffender,ifsherepents;only
notoften.
8FortotheservantsofGodthereisbutonerepentance.Andfor
thiscauseamanthatputtethawayhiswifeoughtnottotake
another,becauseshemayrepent.
9Thisactisalikebothinthemanandinthewoman.Nowthey
commitadultery,notonlywhopollutetheirflesh,butwhoalso
makeanimage.Ifthereforeawomanperseveresinanythingof
thiskind,andrepentsnot,departfromher,andlivenotwithher,
otherwisethoualsoshaltbepartakerofhersin.
10Butitisthereforecommandedthatboththemanandthe
womanshouldremainunmarriedbecausesuchpersonsmay
repent.
11NordoIinthisadministeranyoccasionforthedoingofthese
things;butratherthatwhosohasoffended,shouldnotoffendany
more.
12Butfortheirformersins,Godwhohasthepowerofhealing
willgivearemedy;forhehasthepowerofallthings.
13Iaskedhimagainandsaid,SeeingtheLordhaththoughtme
worthythatthoushouldestdwellwithmecontinually,speaka
fewwordsuntome,becauseIunderstandnothing,andmyheart
ishardenedthroughmyformerconversation;andopenmy
understandingbecauseIamverydull,andapprehendnothingat
all.
14Andheansweringsaiduntome,Iamtheministerof
repentance,andgiveunderstandingtoallthatrepent.Doesitnot
seemtotheetobeaverywisethingtorepent?Becausehethat
doessogetsgreatunderstanding.
15Forheissensiblethathehathsinnedanddonewickedlyinthe
sightoftheLord,andherememberswithinhimselfthathehas
offended,andrepentsanddoesnomorewickedly,butdoesthat
whichisgood,andhumbleshissoulandafflictsit,becausehe
hasoffended.Youseethereforethatrepentanceisgreatwisdom.
16AndIsaiduntohim,Forthiscause,sir,Iinquirediligently
intoallthings,becauseIamasinner,thatImayknowwhatI
mustdothatImaylive;becausemysinsaremany.
17Andhesaiduntome,Thoushaltliveifthoushaltkeepthese
mycommandments.Andwhosoevershallhearanddothese
commandsshallliveuntoGod.
18¶AndIsaiduntohim,Ihaveevennowheardfromcertain
teachers,thatthereisnootherrepentancebesidethatofbaptism;
whenwegodownintothewater,andreceivetheforgivenessof
oursins;andthatafterthat,wemustsinnomore,butlivein
purity.
19Andhesaiduntome,Thouhasbeenrightlyinformed.
Neverthelessseeingnowthouinquirestdiligentlyintoallthings,I
willmanifestthisalsountothee:yetnotsoastogiveany
occasionofsinningeithertothosewhoshallhereafterbelieve,or
tothosewhohavealreadybelievedintheLord.
20Forneithertheywhohavenewlybelieved,orwhoshall
hereafterbelieve,haveanyrepentanceofsins,butforgivenessof
them.
21Butastothosewhohavebeencalledtothefaith,andsince
thatarefallenintoanygrosssin,theLordhathappointed
repentance,becauseGodknoweththethoughtsofallmen'shearts,
andtheirinfirmities,andthemanifoldwickednessofthedevil,
whoisalwayscontrivingsomethingagainsttheservantsofGod,
andmaliciouslylayssnaresforthem.
22ThereforeourmercifulLordhadcompassiontowardshis
creature,andappointedthatrepentance,andgaveuntomethe
powerofit.AndthereforeIsayuntothee,ifanyoneafterthat
greatandholycallingshallbetemptedbythedevilandsin,he
hasonerepentance.Butifheshalloftensinandrepentitshallnot
profitsuchaone;forheshallhardlyliveuntoGod.
23AndIsaid,Sir,IamrestoredagaintolifesinceIhavethus
diligentlyhearkenedtothesecommands.ForIperceivethatifI
shallnothereafteraddanymoretomysins,Ishallbesaved.
24Andhesaid,Thoushaltbesaved:andsoshallallothers,as
manyasshallobservethesecommandments.
25AndagainIsaiduntohim,Sir,seeingthouhearestme
patientlyshewmeyetonethingmore.Tellme,saithhe,whatitis.
26AndIsaid,Ifahusbandorawifedie,andthepartywhich
survivesmarryagain,doeshesininsodoing?Hethatmarries
sayshe,sinsnot:howbeit,ifheshallremainsingle,heshall
therebygaintohimselfgreathonourbeforetheLord.
27Keepthereforethychastityandmodesty,andthoushaltlive
untoGod.ObservefromhenceforththosethingswhichIspeak
withthee,andcommandtheetoobserve,fromthetimethatI
havebeendelivereduntothee,anddwellinthyhouse.
28Soshallthyformersinsbeforgiven,ifthoushaltkeepthese
mycommandments.Andinlikemannershallaltothersbe
forgiven,whoshallobservethesemycommandments.
COMMAND5
1Bepatient,sayshe,andlongsuffering;soshaltthouhave
dominionoverallwickedworks,andshaltfulfilallrighteousness.
2Forifthoushaltbepatient,theHolySpiritwhichdwellethin
theeshallbepure,andnotbedarkenedbyanyevilspirit;but
beingfullofjoyshallbeenlarged,andfeastinthebodyinwhich
itdwells,andservetheLordwithjoy,andingreatpeace.
3Butifanyangershallovertakethee,presentlytheHolySpirit
whichisintheewillbestraightenedandseektodepartfromthee.
4Forheischokedbytheevilspirit,andhasnotthelibertyof
servingtheLordashewouldforheisgrievedbyanger.When,
therefore,boththesespiritsdwelltogether,itisdestructivetoa
man.
5Asifoneshouldtakealittlewormwood,andputitintoavessel
ofhoney,thewholehoneywouldbespoiled;andagreatquantity
ofhoneyiscorruptedbyaverylittlewormwood,andlosesthe
sweetnessofhoney,andisnolongeracceptabletoitsLord
becausethewholehoneyismadebitter,andlosesitsuse.
6Butifnowormwoodbeputintothehoney,itissweetand
profitabletoitsLord.Thusisforbearancesweeterthanhoney,
andprofitabletotheLordwhodwellethinit.
7Butangerisunprofitable.Ifthereforeangershallbemixedwith
forbearance,thesoulisdistressed,anditsprayerisnotprofitable
withGod.
8AndIsaiduntohim,Sir,Iwouldknowthesinfulnessofanger,
thatImaykeepmyselffromit.Andhesaiduntome,Thoushalt
knowit;andifthoushaltnotkeepthyselffromit,thoushaltlose
thyhopewithallthyhouse.Whereforedepartfromit.
9ForIthemessengerofrighteousnessamwiththee;andallthat
departfromit,asmanyasshallrepentwithalltheirhearts,shall
liveuntoGod;andIwillbewiththem,andwillkeepthemall.
10Forallsuchashaverepentedhavebeenjustifiedbythemost
holymessenger,whoisaministerofsalvation.
11Andnow,sayshe,hearthewickednessofanger;howeviland
hurtfulitis,andhowitoverthrowstheservantsofGod;forit
cannothurtthosethatarefulloffaithbecausethepowerofGod
iswiththem;butitoverthrowsthedoubtful,andthosethatare
destituteoffaith.
12Forasoftenasitseessuchmen,itcastsitselfintotheirhearts;
andsoamanorwomanisinbitternessfornothing,forthethings
oflife,orforsustenance,orforavainword,ifanyshouldchance
tofallin;orbyreasonofanyfriend,orforadebt,orforany
othersuperfluousthingsofthelikenature.
13Forthesethingsarefoolish,andsuperfluous,andvaintothe
servantsofGod.Butequanimityisstrong,andforcible;andof

86. greatpower,andsittethingreatenlargement;ischeerful,
rejoicinginpeace;andglorifyingGodatalltimeswithmeekness.
14Andthislong-sufferingdwellswiththosethatarefulloffaith.
Butangerisfoolish,andlight,andempty.Nowbitternessisbred
throughfolly;bybitterness,anger;byanger,fury.Andthisfury
arisingfromsomanyevilprinciples,workethagreatand
incurablesin.
15Forwhenallthesethingsareinthesamemaninwhichthe
HolySpiritdwells,thevesselcannotcontainthem,butrunsover:
andbecausetheSpiritbeingtendercannottarrywiththeevilone;
itdepartsanddwellswithhimthatismeek.
16When,therefore,itisdepartedfromthemaninwhomitdwelt;
thatmanbecomesdestituteoftheHolySpirit,andisafterwards
filledwithwickedspirits,andisblindedwithevilthoughts.Thus
dothithappentoallangrymen.
17Whereforedepartthoufromangerandputonequanimity,and
resistwrath;sothoushaltbefoundwithmodestyandchastityby
God.Takegoodheedthereforethatthouneglectnotthis
commandment.
18Forifthoushaltobeythiscommand,thenshaltthoualsobe
abletoobservetheothercommandments,whichIshallcommand
thee.
19Whereforestrengthenthyselfnowinthesecommands,that
thoumayestliveuntoGod.Andwhosoevershallobservethese
commandmentsshallliveuntoGod.
COMMAND6
1Icommandedthee,saidhe,inmyfirstcommandments,that
thoushouldstkeepfaithandfear,andrepentance.Yes,Sir,saidI.
2Hecontinued:ButnowIwillshewtheethevirtuesofthese
commands,thatthoumayestknowtheireffects;howtheyare
prescribedaliketothejustandunjust.
3Dothouthereforebelievetherighteous,butgivenocreditto
theunrighteous.Forrighteousnesskeepeththerightway,but
unrighteousnessthewickedway.
4Dothouthereforekeeptherightway,andleavethatwhichis
evil.Fortheevilwayhasnotagoodend,buthathmany
stumbling-blocks;itisruggedandfullofthorns,andleadsto
destruction;anditishurtfultoallsuchaswalkinit.
5Buttheywhogointherightway,walkwithevenness,and
withoutoffence;becauseitisnotroughnorthorny.
6Thouseestthereforehowitisbesttowalkinthisway.Thou
shaltthereforego,sayshe,andallothers,asmanyasbelievein
Godwithalltheirheart,shallothroughit.
7Andnow,sayshe;understandfirstofallwhatbelongstofaith.
Therearetwoangelswithman;oneofrighteousness,theotherof
iniquity.
8AndIsaiduntohim:Sir,howshallIknowthattherearetwo
suchangelswithman?Hearsayshe,andunderstand.
9Theangelofrighteousness,ismildandmodest,andgentle,and
quiet.Whentherefore,hegetsintothyheart,immediatelyhe
talkswiththeeofrighteousness,ofmodesty,ofchastity,of
bountifulness,offorgiveness,ofcharity,andpiety.
10Whenallthesethingscomeintothyheart,knowthenthatthe
angelofrighteousnessiswiththee.Whereforehearkentothis
angelandtohisworks.
11Learnalsotheworksoftheangelofiniquity.Heisfirstofall
bitter,andangry,andfoolish;andhisworksarepernicious,and
overthrowtheservantsofGod.Whenthereforethesethingscome
intothyheart;thoushaltknowbyhisworks,thatthisistheangel
ofiniquity.
12AndIsaiduntohim,Sir,howshallIunderstandthesethings?
Hearsayshe,andunderstand.Whenangerovertakesthee,or
bitterness,knowthatheisinthee:
13Asalso,whenthedesireofmanythings,andofthebestmeats
andofdrunkenness;whentheloveofwhatbelongstoothers,
pride,andmuchspeakingandambition,andthelikethings,come
uponthee.
14Whenthereforethesethingsariseinthyheart,knowthatthe
angelofiniquityiswiththee.Seeingthereforethouknowesthis
works,departfromthemall,andgivenocredittohim:because
hisworksareevil,andbecomenottheservantsofGod.
15Herethereforethouhasttheworksofboththeseangels.
Understandnowandbelievetheangelofrighteousness,because
hisinstructionisgood.
16Forletamanbeneversohappy;yetifthethoughtsofthe
otherangelariseinhisheart,thatmanorwomanmustneedssin.
17Butletmanorwomanbeneversowicked,iftheworksofthe
angelofrighteousnesscomeintohisheart,thatmanorwoman
mustneedsdosomegood.
18Thouseestthereforehowitisgoodtofollowtheangelof
righteousness.Ifthereforethoushallfollowhim,and2submitto
hisworks,thoushaltliveuntoGod.Andasmanyasshallsubmit
tohiswork,shalllivealsountoGod.
COMMAND7
1FearGod,sayshe,andkeephiscommandments.Forifthou
keepesthiscommandmentsthoushaltbepowerfulineverywork,
andallthyworksshallbeexcellent.ForbyfearingGod,thou
shaltdoeverythingwell.
2Thisisthatfearwithwhichthoumustbeaffectedthatthou
mayestbesaved.Butfearnotthedevil:forifthoufearestthe
Lord,thoushalthavedominionoverhim;becausethereisno
powerinhim.
3Nowiftherebenopowerinhim,thenneitherishetobefeared.
Butheinwhomthereisexcellentpower,heistobefeared:for
everyonethathaspower,istobefeared.Buthethathasno
powerisdespisedbyeveryone.
4Feartheworksofthedevil,becausetheyareevil.Forby
fearingtheLord,thouwiltfearandnotdotheworksofthedevil,
butkeepthyselffromthem.
5Thereisthereforeatwofoldfear;ifthouwiltnotdoevil,fear
theLordandthoushaltnotdoit.Butifthouwiltdogood,the
fearoftheLordisstrong,andgreatandglorious.
6Wherefore,fearGodandthoushaltlive:andwhosoevershall
fearhim,andkeephiscommandments,theirlifeiswiththeLord.
Buttheywhokeepthemnot,neitherislifeinthem.
COMMAND8
1Ihavetoldthee,saidhe,thattherearetwokindsofcreaturesof
theLord,andthatthereisatwo-foldabstinence.Fromsome
thingsthereforethoumustabstain,andfromothersnot.
2Ianswered,Declaretome,sir,fromwhatImustabstain,and
fromwhatnot.Hearken,saidhe.Keepthyselffromevil,anddoit
not;butabstainnotfromgood,butdoit.Forifthoushaltabstain
fromwhatisgood,andnotdoit,thoushaltsin.Abstaintherefore
fromallevil,andthoushaltknowallrighteousness.
3Isaid,WhatevilthingsaretheyfromwhichImustabstain?
Hearken,saidhe:fromadultery,fromdrunkenness,fromriots,
fromexcessofeating,fromdaintinessanddishonesty,frompride,
fromfraud,fromlying,fromdetraction,fromhypocrisy,from
remembranceofinjuries,andfromallevilspeaking.
4Forthesearetheworksofiniquity,fromwhichtheservantof
Godmustabstain.Forhethatcannotkeephimselffromthese
things,cannotliveuntoGod.
5Buthear,saidhe,whatfollowsofthesekindofthings:for
indeedmanymoretherearefromwhichtheservantofGodmust
abstain.Fromtheft,andcheating;fromfalsewitness,from
covetousness,fromboasting,andallotherthingsofthelike
nature.
6Dothesethingsseemtotheetobeevilornot?Indeedtheyare
veryeviltotheservantsofGod.WhereforetheservantofGod
mustabstainfromalltheseworks.
7Keepthyselfthereforefromthem,thatthoumayestliveunto
God,andbewrittenamongthosethatabstainfromthem.And

87. thushaveIshowntheewhatthingsthoumustavoid:nowlearn
fromwhatthoumustnotabstain.
8Abstainnotfromanygoodworks,butdothem.Hear,saidhe,
whatthevirtueofthosegoodworksiswhichthoumustdo,that
thoumayestbesaved.Thefirstofallisfaith;thefearoftheLord;
charity;concord;equity;truth;patience;chastity.
9Thereisnothingbetterthanthesethingsinthelifeofman;who
shallkeepanddothesethingsintheirlife.Hearnextwhatfollow
these.
10Toministertothewidows;nottodespisethefatherlessand
poor;toredeemtheservantsofGodfromnecessity;tobe
hospitable;(forinhospitalitythereissometimesgreatfruit)not
tobecontentious,butbequiet.
11Tobehumbleaboveallmen;toreverencetheaged;tolabour
toberighteous;torespectthebrotherhood;tobearaffronts;tobe
long-suffering;nottocastawaythosethathavefallenfromthe
faith,buttoconvertthem,andmakethembeofgoodcheer;to
admonishsinners;nottooppressthosethatareourdebtors;and
allotherthingsofalikekind.
12Dothesethingsseemtotheetobegoodornot?AndIsaid,
Whatcanbebetterthanthesewords?Livethen,saidhe,inthese
commandments,anddonotdepartfromthem.Forifthoushalt
keepallthesecommandments,thoushaltliveuntoGod.Andall
theythatshallkeepthesecommandmentsshallliveuntoGod.
COMMAND9
1Againhesaiduntome;removefromtheealldoubting;and
questionnothingatall,whenthouaskestanythingoftheLord;
sayingwithinthyself:howshallIbeabletoaskanythingofthe
Lordandreceiveit,seeingIhavesogreatlysinnedagainsthim?
2Donotthinkthus,butturnuntotheLordwithallthyheart,and
askofhimwithoutdoubting,andthoushaltknowthemercyof
theLord;howthathewillnotforsakethee,butwillfulfilthe
requestofthysoul.
3ForGodisnotasmen,mindfuloftheinjurieshehasreceived;
butheforgetsinjuries,andhascompassionuponhiscreature.
4Whereforepurifythyheartfromallthevicesofthispresent
world;andobservethecommandsIhavebeforedeliveredunto
theefromGod;andthoushaltreceivewhatsoevergoodthings
thoushaltask,andnothingshallbewantinguntotheeofallthy
petitions;ifthoushaltaskoftheLordwithoutdoubting.
5Buttheythatarenotsuch,shallobtainnoneofthosethings
whichtheyask.Fortheythatarefulloffaithaskallthingswith
confidence,andreceivefromtheLord,becausetheyaskwithout
doubting.Buthethatdoubts,shallhardlyliveuntoGod,except
herepent.
6Whereforepurifythyheartfromdoubting,andputonfaith,and
trustinGod,andthoushaltreceiveallthatthoushaltask.Butand
ifthoushouldestchancetoasksomewhatandnot(immediately)
receiveit,yetdonotthereforedoubt,becausethouhastnot
presentlyreceivedthepetitionofthysoul.
7Foritmaybethoushaltnotpresentlyreceiveitforthytrial,or
elseforsomesinwhichthouknowestnot.Butdonotthouleave
offtoask,andthenthoushaltreceive.Elseifthoushaltceaseto
ask,thoumustcomplainofthyself,andnotofGod,thathehas
notgivenuntotheewhatthoudidstdesire.
8Considerthereforethisdoubting,howcruelandperniciousitis;
andhowitutterlyrootsoutmanyfromthefaith,whowerevery
faithfulandfirm.Forthisdoubtingisthedaughterofthedevil,
anddealsverywickedlywiththeservantsofGod.
9Despiseittherefore,andthoushaltruleoveritonevery
occasion.Putonafirmandpowerfulfaith:forfaithpromisesall
thingsandperfectsallthings.Butdoubtingwillnotbelieve,that
itshallobtainanything,byallthatitcando.
10Thouseesttherefore,sayshe,howfaithcomethfromabove,
fromGod;andhathgreatpower.Butdoubtingisanearthlyspirit,
andproceedethfromthedevil,andhasnostrength.
11Dothouthereforekeepthevirtueoffaith,anddepartfrom
doubting,inwhichisnovirtue,andthoushaltliveuntoGod.And
allshallliveuntoGod,asmanyasdothesethings.
COMMAND10
1Putallsadnessfarfromthee;foritisthesisterofdoubtingand
ofanger.How,sir,saidI,isitthesisterofthese?forsadness,and
anger,anddoubting,seemtometobeverydifferentfromone
another.
2Andheanswered:Artthouwithoutsensethatthoudostnot
understandit?Forsadnessisthemostmischievousofallspirits,
andtheworsttotheservantsofGod:Itdestroysthespiritsofall
men,andtormentstheHolySpirit;andagain,itsaves.
3Sir,saidI,Iamveryfoolish,andunderstandnotthesethings.I
cannotapprehendhowitcantorment,andyetsave.Hear,saidhe,
andunderstand.Theywhoneversoughtoutthetruth,nor
inquiredconcerningthemajestyofGod,butonlybelieved,are
involvedintheaffairsoftheheathen.
4Andthereisanotherlyingprophetthatdestroysthemindsof
theservantsofGod;thatisofthosethataredoubtful,notofthose
thatfullytrustintheLord.Nowthosedoubtfulpersonscometo
him,astoadivinespirit,andinquireofhimwhatshallbefall
them.
5Andthislyingprophethavingnopowerinhimofthedivine
Spirit,answersthemaccordingtotheirdemands,andfillstheir
soulswithpromisesaccordingastheydesire.Howbeitthat
prophetisvain,andanswersvainthingstothosewhoare
themselvesvain.
6Andwhatsoeverisaskedofhimbyvainmen,heanswersthem
vainly.Neverthelesshespeakethsomethingstruly.Forthedevil
fillshimwithhisspirit,thathemayoverthrowsomeofthe
righteous.
7WhosoeverthereforearestronginthefaithoftheLord,and
haveputonthetruth:theyarenotjoinedtosuchspirits,but
departfromthem.Buttheythataredoubtful,andoftenrepenting
liketheheathens,consultthem,andheapuptothemselvesgreat
sin,servingidols.
8Asmanythereforeasaresuch,inquireofthemuponevery
occasion;worshipidols;andarefoolish,andvoidofthetruth.
9ForeveryspiritthatisgivenfromGodneedsnottobeasked;
buthavingthepowerofdivinityspeaksallthingsofitself;
becausehecomesfromabove,fromthepowerofGod.
10Buthethatbeingaskedspeaksaccordingtomen'sdesires,and
concerningmanyotheraffairsofthepresentworld,understands
notthethingswhichrelateuntoGod.Forthesespiritsare
darkenedthroughsuchaffairs,andcorruptedandbroken.
11Asgoodvinesiftheyareneglected,areoppressedwithweeds
andthorns,andatlastkilledbythem;soarethemenwhobelieve
suchspirits.
12Theyfallintomanyactionsandbusinesses,andarevoidof
sense,andwhentheythinkofthingspertaininguntoGod,they
understandnothingatall:butifatanytimetheychancetohear
anythingconcerningtheLord,theirthoughtsareupontheir
business.
13ButtheythathavethefearoftheLord,andsearchoutthe
truthconcerningGod,havingalltheirthoughtstowardstheLord;
apprehendwhatsoeverissaidtothem,andforthwithunderstandit,
becausetheyhavethefearoftheLordinthem.
14ForwherethespiritoftheLorddwells,thereisalsomuch
understandingadded.WhereforejointhyselftotheLord,and
thoushaltunderstandallthings.
15Learnnow,Ounwiseman!howsadnesstroubleththeHoly
Spirit,andhowitsaves.Whenamanthatisdoubtfulisengaged
inanyaffair,anddoesnotaccomplishitbyreasonofhis
doubting,thissadnessentersintohim,andgrievestheHolySpirit,
andmakeshimsad.
16Again,angerwhenitovertakesanymanforanybusinessheis
greatlymoved;andthenagainsadnessenterethintotheheartof

88. him,whowasmovedwithanger,andheistroubledforwhathe
hathdone,andrepenteth,becausehehathdoneamiss.
17Thissadnessthereforeseemethtobringsalvation,becausehe
repentethofhisevildeed.Butboththeotherthings,namely,
doubtingandsadness,suchasbeforewasmentioned,vexthe
spirit:doubting,becausehisworkdidnotsucceed:andsadness,
becauseheangeredtheHolySpirit.
18Removethereforesadnessfromthyself,andafflictnotthe
HolySpiritwhichdwellethinthee,lestheentreatGod,and
departfromthee.ForthespiritoftheLordwhichisgivento
dwellintheflesh,endurethnosuchsadness.
19Whereforeclothethyselfwithcheerfulness,whichhasalways
favourwiththeLord,andthoushaltrejoiceinit.Forevery
cheerfulmandoeswell;andrelishesthosethingsthataregood,
anddespisessadness.
20Butthesadmandoesalwayswickedly.First,hedoth
wickedly,becausehegrieveththeHolySpirit,whichisgivento
man,beingofacheerfulnature.Andagainhedoesill,becausehe
prayswithsadnessuntotheLord,andmakethnotafirstthankful
acknowledgmentuntohimofformermercies,andobtainsnotof
Godwhatheasks.
21Fortheprayerofasadmanhasnotalwaysefficacytocome
uptothealtarofGod.AndIsaiduntohim,Sir,whyhasnotthe
prayerofasadmanvirtuetocomeuptothealtarofGod?
because,saidhe,thatsadnessremainethinhisheart.
22Whenthereforeaman'sprayershallbeaccompaniedwith
sadness,itwillnotsufferhisrequeststoascendpuretothealtar
ofGod.Foraswinewhenitismingledwithvinegar,hasnotthe
sweetnessithadbefore;sosadnessbeingmixedwiththeHoly
Spirit,suffersnotaman'sprayertobethesameasitwouldbe
otherwise.
23Whereforecleansethyselffromsadness,whichisevil,and
thoushaltliveuntoGod.AndallothersshallliveuntoGod,as
manyasshalllayasidesadnessandputoncheerfulness.
COMMAND11
1Heshewedmecertainmensittinguponbenches,andone
sittinginachair:andhesaiduntomeseestthouwhosituponthe
benches?Sir,saidI,Iseethem.Heanswered,Theyarethe
faithful;andhewhositsinthechairisanearthlyspirit.
2Forhecomethnotintotheassemblyofthefaithful,butavoids
it.Buthejoinshimselftothedoubtfulandempty;andprophesies
tothemincornersandhiddenplaces;andpleasesthemby
speakingaccordingtoallthedesiresoftheirhearts.
3Forheplacinghimselfamongemptyvessels,isnotbroken,but
theonefitteththeother.Butwhenhecomethintothecompanyof
justmen,whoarefullofthespiritofGod,andtheyprayuntothe
Lord;thatmanisemptiedbecausethatearthlyspiritfliesfrom
him,andheisdumb,andcannotspeakanything.
4Asifinastore-houseyoushallstopupwineoroil;andamong
thosevesselsshallplaceanemptyjar;andshallafterwardscome
toopenit,youshallfinditemptyasyoustoppeditup:sothose
emptyprophetswhentheycomeamongthespiritsofthejust,are
foundtobesuchastheycame.
5Isaid,Howthenshallamanbeabletodiscernthem?Consider
whatIamgoingtosayconsideringbothkindsofmen;andasI
speakuntotheesoshaltthouprovetheprophetofGod,andthe
falseprophet.
6AndfirsttrythemanwhohaththespiritofGod;becausethe
spiritwhichisfromaboveishumble,andquiet;anddepartsfrom
allwickedness;andfromthevaindesiresofthepresentworld;
andmakeshimselfmorehumblethanallmen;andanswersto
nonewhenheisasked;nortoeveryonesingly:fortheSpiritof
Goddothnotspeaktoamanwhenhewill,butwhenGodpleases.
7WhenthereforeamanwhohaththeSpiritofGodshallcome
intothechurchoftherighteous,whohavethefaithofGod,and
theyprayuntotheLord;thentheholyangelofGodfillsthatman
withtheblessedSpirit,andhespeaksinthecongregationasheis
movedofGod.
8ThusthereforeisthespiritofGodknown,becausewhosoever
speakethbytheSpiritofGod,speakethastheLordwill.
9Hearnowconcerningtheearthlyspirit,whichisemptyand
foolish,andwithoutvirtue.Andfirstofallthemanwhois
supposedtohavetheSpirit,(whereashehathitnotinreality),
exaltethhimself,anddesirestohavethefirstseat,andiswicked,
andfullofwords.
10Andspendshistimeinpleasure,andinallmannerof
voluptuousness;andreceivestherewardofhisdivination;which
ifhereceivesnot,hedoesnotdivine.
11ShouldtheSpiritofGodreceiverewardanddivine?Itdoth
notbecomeaprophetofGodsotodo.
12Thusyouseethelifeofeachofthesekindofprophets.
Whereforeprovethatmanbyhislifeandworks,whosaysthathe
haththeHolySpirit.AndbelievetheSpiritwhichcomesfrom
God,andhaspowerassuch.Butbelievenottheearthlyand
emptyspirit,whichisfromthedevil,inwhomthereisnofaith
norvirtue.
13HearnowthesimilitudewhichIamabouttospeakuntothee.
Takeastone,andthrowituptowardsheaven;ortakeaspoutof
water,andmountitupthitherward;andseeifthoucanstreach
untoheaven.
14Sir,saidI,howcanthisbedone?Forneitherofthosethings
whichyouhavementioned,arepossibletobedone.Andhe
answered,Thereforeasthesethingscannotbedone,soisthe
earthlyspiritwithoutvirtue,andwithouteffect.
15Understandyetfartherthepowerwhichcomethfromabove,
inthissimilitude.Thegrainsofhailthatdropdownare
exceedinglysmall;andyetwhentheyfallupontheheadofaman,
howdotheycausepaintoit?
16Andagain;considerthedroppingsofahouse:howthelittle
dropsfallingupontheearth,workahollowinthestones.
17Soinlikemannertheleastthingswhichcomefromabove,
andfallupontheearth,havegreatforce.Whereforejointhyself
tothisspirit,whichhasthepower;anddepartfromtheother
whichisempty.
COMMAND12
1Againhesaiduntome;removefromtheeallevildesires,and
putongoodandholydesires.Forhavingputonagooddesire,
thoushalthatethatwhichisevil,andbridleitasthouwilt.Butan
evildesireisdreadfulandhardtobetamed.
2Itisveryhorribleandwild:andbyitswildnessconsumesmen.
AndespeciallyifaservantofGodshallchancetofallintoit,
excepthebeverywise,heisruinedbyit.Foritdestroysthose
whohavenotthegarmentofagooddesire:andareengagedin
theaffairsofthispresentworld;anddeliversthemuntodeath.
3Sir,saidI,whataretheworksofanevildesire,whichbring
menuntodeath?Shewthemtome,thatImaydepartfromthem.
Hearsaidhe,bywhatworksanevildesirebringeththeservants
ofGoduntodeath.
4Firstofall,itisanevildesiretocovetanotherman'swife;or
forawomantocovetanother'shusband;asalsotodesirethe
daintiesofriches:andmultitudeofsuperfluousmeats;and
drunkenness;andmanydelights.
5Forinmuchdelicacythereisfolly;andmanypleasuresare
needlesstotheservantsofGod.Suchlustingthereforeiseviland
pernicious,whichbringstodeaththeservantsofGod.Forall
suchlustingisfromthedevil.
6Whosoeverthereforeshalldepartfromallevildesires,shalllive
untoGod;buttheythataresubjectuntothemshalldieforever.
Forthisevillustingisdeadly.Dothouthereforeputonthedesire
ofrighteousness,andbeingarmedwiththefearoftheLord,resist
allwickedlusting.
7Forthisfeardwellethingooddesires;andwhenevilcoveting
shallseetheearmedwiththefearoftheLord,andresistingit,it
willflyfarfromthee,andnotappearingbeforethee,butbeafraid
ofthyarmour.

89. 8Andthoushalthavethevictory,andbecrownedforit;and
shaltattaintothatdesirewhichisgood;andshaltgivethevictory
whichthouhastobtaineduntoGod,andshaltservehimindoing
whatthouthyselfwouldestdo.
9Forifthoushaltservegooddesires,andbesubjecttothem;
thoushaltbeabletogetthedominionoverthywickedlustings;
andtheyshallbesubjecttotheeasthouwilt.
10AndIsaid,Sir,Iwouldknowhowtoservethatdesirewhich
isgood?Hearken,saithhe,FearGodandputthytrustinhim,and
lovetruth,andrighteousness,anddothatwhichisgood.
11Ifthoushaltdothesethings,thoushaltbeanapprovedservant
ofGod;andshaltservehim:andallotherswhoshallinlike
mannerserveagooddesireshallliveuntoGod.
12Andwhenhehadfulfilledthesetwelvecommands,hesaid
untome,Thouhastnowthesecommands,walkinthem;and
exhortthosethathearthemthatrepent,andthattheykeeptheir
repentancepurealltheremainingdaysoftheirlife.
13AndfulfildiligentlythisministrywhichIcommittothee,and
thoushaltreceivegreatadvantagebyit;andshaltfindfavour
withallsuchasshallrepent,andshallbelievethywords.ForI
amwiththee,andwillforcethemtobelieve.
14AndIsaiduntohim,Sir,thosecommandsaregreatand
excellent,andabletocheertheheartofthatmanthatshallbe
abletokeepthem.But,Sir,Icannottell,whethertheycanbe
observedbyanyman?
15Heanswered,Thoushalteasilykeepthesecommands,and
theyshallnotbehard:howbeit,ifthoushaltsufferitonceto
enterintothyheartthattheycannotbekeptbyanyone,thou
shaltnotfulfilthem.
16ButnowIsayuntotheeifthoushaltnotobservethese
commands,butshallneglectthem,thoushaltnotbesaved,nor
thychildren,northyhouse;becausethouhastjudgedthatthese
cannotbekeptbyman.
17Thesethingshespakeveryangrilyuntome,insomuchthathe
greatlyaffrightedme.Furhechangedhiscountenance,sothata
mattcouldnotbearhisanger.
18Andwhenhesawmealtogethertroubledandconfounded,he
begantospeakmoremoderatelyandcheerfully,saying,Ofoolish,
andwithoutunderstanding!
19Unconstant,notknowingthemajestyofGodhowgreatand
wonderfulheis;whocreatedtheworldforman,andhathmade
everycreaturesubjectuntohim:andgivenhimallpower,thathe
shouldbeabletofulfilallthesecommands.
20Heisable,saidhe,tofulfilallthesecommands,whohathe
Lordinhisheart:buttheywhohavetheLordonlyintheir
mouths,andtheirheartishardened,andtheyarefarfromthe
Lord;tosuchpersonsthesecommandsarehardanddifficult.
21Puttherefore,yethatareemptyandlightinthefaith,theLord
yourGodinyourheartsandyeshallperceivehowthatnothingis
moreeasythanthesecommands,normorepleasant,normore
gentleandholy.
22AndturnyourselvestotheLordyourGod,andforsakethe
devilandhispleasures,becausetheyareevil,andbitter,and
impure.Andfearnotthedevil,becausehehasnopoweroveryou.
23ForIamwithyou,themessengerofrepentance,whohavethe
dominionoverhim.Thedevildothindeedaffrightmen;buthis
terrorisvain.Whereforefearhimnot,andhewillfleefromyou.
24AndIsaiduntohim;Sir,hearmespeakafewwordsuntoyou.
Heanswered,Sayon:Amanindeeddesirestokeepthe
commandmentsofGod:andthereisnoonebutwhatpraysunto
God,thathemaybeabletokeephiscommandments.
25Butthedevilishard,andbyhispowerrulesovertheservants
ofGod.AndhesaidHecannotruleovertheservantsofGod,
whotrustinhimwithalltheirhearts.
26Thedevilmaystrive,buthecannotovercomethem.
27Forifyeresisthim,hewillfloeawaywithconfusionfrom
you.Buttheythatarenotfullinthefaith,fearthedevil,asifhe
hadsomegreatpower.ForthedeviltriestheiservantsofGod
andifhefindsthemempty,hedestroysthem.
28Forasman,whenhefillsupvesselswithgoodwine,and
amongthemputsafewvesselshalffull,andcomestotryand
tasteofthevessels,dothnottrythosethatarefull,becauseho
knowsthattheyaregood;buttastesthosethatarehalffull,lest
theyshouldgrowsour;(forvesselshalffullsoongrowsour,and
losethetasteofwine:)sothedevilcomestotheservantsofGod
totrythem.
29Theythatarefulloffaithresisthimstoutly,andhedeparts
fromthem,becausehefindsnoplacewheretoenterintothem:
thenhegoestothosethatarenotfulloffaith,andbecausehehas
placeofentrance,hegoesintothem,anddoeswhathewillwith
them,andtheybecomehisservants.
30ButI,themessengerofrepentance,sayuntoyou,fearnotthe
devil,forIamsentuntoyou,thatImayhewithyou,asmanyas
shallrepentwithyourwholeheart,andthatImayconfirmyouin
thefaith.
31Believetherefore,yewhobyreasonofyourtransgressions
haveforgotGod,andyourownsalvation;andaddingtoyoursins
havemadeyourlifeveryheavy.
32ThatifyeshallturntotheLordwithyourwholehearts,and
shallservehimaccordingtohiswill;hewillhealyouofyour
formersins,andyeshallhavedominionoveralltheworksofthe
devil.
33Benotthenafraidintheleastofhisthreatenings,fortheyare
withoutforce,asthenervesofadeadman.Buthearkenuntome,
andfeartheLordAlmighty,whoisabletosaveandtodestroy
you;andkeephiscommands,thatyemayliveuntoGod.
34AndIsaiduntohim;Sir,Iamnowconfirmedinallthe
commandsoftheLordwhilstthatyouarewithme,andIknow
thatyouwillbreakallthepowerofthedevil.
35Andwealsoshallovercomehim,ifweshallbeable,through
thehelpoftheLord,tokeepthesecommandswhichyouhave
delivered.
36Thoushaltkeepthem,saidhe,ifthoushaltpurifythyheart
towardstheLord.Andalltheyalsoshallkeepthemwhoshall
cleansetheirheartsfromthevaindesiresofthepresentworld,
andshallliveuntoGod.

91. SIMILITUDE1
1Andhesaiduntome;Yeknowthatyewhoarethe
servantsoftheLord,livehereasinapilgrimage;for
yourcityisfarofffromthiscity.
2If,therefore,yeknowyourcityinwhichyeareto
dwell,whydoyeherebuyestates,andprovide
yourselveswithdelicacies,andstatelybuildings,and
superfluoushouses?Forhethatprovideshimselfthese
thingsinthiscity,doesnotthinkofreturningintohis
owncity.
3Ofoolish,anddoubtful,andwretchedman;who
understandestnotthatallthesethingsbelongtoother
men,andareunderthepowerofanother.FortheLord
ofthiscitysaithuntothee;Eitherobeymylaws,or
departoutofmycity.
4Whatthereforeshaltthoudowhoartsubjecttoalaw
inthineowncity?Canstthouforthyestate,orforanyof
thosethingswhichthouhastprovided,denythylaw?
Butifthoushaltdenyit,andwiltafterwardsreturninto
thyowncity,thoushaltnotbereceived,butshallbe
excludedthence.
5Seetherefore,thatlikeamaninanothercountry,thou
procurenomoretothyselfthanwhatisnecessary,and
sufficientforthee?andbeready,thatwhentheGodor
Lordofthiscityshalldrivetheeoutofit,thoumayst
opposehislaw,andgointothineowncity;wherethou
maystwithallcheerfulnessliveaccordingtothineown
lawwithnowrong.
6TakeheedthereforeyethatserveGod,andhavehim
inyourhearts:workyetheworksofGod,beingmindful
bothofhiscommandsandofhispromises,whichhehas
promised;andbeassuredthathewillmakethemgood
untoyou;ifyeshallkeephiscommandments.
7Insteadthereforeofthepossessionsthatyewould
otherwisepurchase,redeemthosethatareinwantfrom
theirnecessities,aseveryoneisable;justifythewidows;
judgethecauseofthefatherless;andspendyourriches
andyourwealthinsuchworksasthese.
8For,forthisendhasGodenrichedyou,thatyemight
fulfilthesekindofservices.Itismuchbettertodothis,
thantobuylandsorhouses;becauseallsuchthingsshall
perishwiththispresenttime.
9ButwhatyeshalldoforthenameoftheLord,yeshall
findinyourcity,andshallhavejoywithoutsadnessor
fear.Whereforecovetnottherichesoftheheathen;for
theyaredestructivetotheservantsofGod.
10Buttradewithyourownricheswhichyoupossess,
bywhichyemayattainuntoeverlastingjoy.
11Anddonotcommitadultery,nortouchanyother
man'swife,nordesireher;butcovetthatwhichisthy
ownbusiness,andthoushaltbesaved.
SIMILITUDE2
1AsIwaswalkingintothefield,andconsideredthe
elmandthevine,andthoughtwithmyselfoftheirfruits,
anangelappeareduntome,andsaiduntome;Whatisit
thatthouthinkestuponthuslongwithinthyself?
2AndIsaiduntohim,Sir,Ithinkofthisvineandthis
elmbecausetheirfruitsarefair.Andhesaiduntome;
Thesetwotreesaresetforapatterntotheservantsof
God.
3AndIsaiduntohim,Sir,Iwouldknowinwhatthe
patternofthesetreeswhichthoumentionest,does
consist.Hearken,saithhe;seestthouthisvineandthis
elm;Sir,saidI,Iseethem,
4Thisvine,saithhe,isfruitful,buttheelmisatree
withoutfruit.Neverthelessthisvineunlessitweresetby
thiselm,andsupportedbyit,wouldnotbearmuchfruit;
butlyingalongupontheground,wouldbearbutillfruit,
becauseitdidnothangupontheelm;whereas,being
supportedupontheelm,itbearsfruitbothforitselfand
forthat.
5See,therefore,howtheelmgivesnoless,butrather
morefruit,thanthevine.How,Sir,saidI,doesitbear
morefruitthanthevine?Because,saidhe,thevine
beingsupportedupontheelmgivesbothmuchandgood
fruit;whereas,ifitlayalongupontheground,itwould
bearbutlittle,andthatveryilltoo.
6Thissimilitude,therefore,issetforthtotheservantsof
God;anditrepresentstherichandpoorman.Ianswered,
Sir,makethismanifestuntome.Hear,saidhe;therich
manhaswealth;howbeittowardstheLordheispoor;
forheistakenupabouthisriches,andpraysbutlittleto
theLord;andtheprayerswhichhemakesarelazyand
withoutforce.
7When,therefore,therichmanreachesouttothepoor
thosethingswhichhewants,thepoormanpraysunto
theLordfortherich;andGodgrantsuntotherichman
allgoodthings,becausethepoormanisrichinprayer;
andhisrequestshavegreatpowerwiththeLord.
8Thentherichmanministersallthingstothepoor,
becauseheperceivesthatheisheardbytheLord:andhe
themorewillinglyandwithoutdoubting,affordshim
whathewants,andtakescarethatnothingbelackingto
him.
9AndthepoormangivesthanksuntotheLordforthe
rich;becausetheydoboththeirworkfromtheLord.
10Withmentherefore,theelmisnotthoughttogive
anyfruit;andtheyknownotneitherunderstandthatits
companybeingaddedtothevine,thevinebearsa
doubleincrease,bothforitselfandfortheelm.
11EvensothepoorprayinguntotheLordfortherich,
areheardbyhim;andtheirrichesareincreased,because
theyministertothepooroftheirwealth.Theyare
thereforebothmadepartakersofeachother'sgood
works.
12Whosoever,therefore,shalldothesethings,heshall
notbeforsakenbytheLord,butshallbewritteninthe
bookoflife.
13Happyaretheywhoarerich,andperceive
themselvestobeincreased:forhethatissensibleofthis,
willbeabletoministersomewhattoothers.
SIMILITUDE3
1Againheshowedmemanytreeswhoseleaveswere
shed,andwhichseemedtometobewithered,forthey

92. wereallalike.Andhesaiduntome,Seestthouthese
trees?Isaid,Sir,Iseethattheylooklikedrytrees.
2Heanswering,saiduntome;Thesetreesarelikeunto
themenwholiveinthepresentworld.Ireplied:Sir,
whyaretheylikeuntodriedtrees?Because,saidhe,
neithertherighteous,norunrighteous,areknownfrom
oneanother;butallarealikeinthispresentworld.
3Forthisworldisasthewintertotherighteousmen,
becausetheyarenotknown,butdwellamongsinners.
4Asinthewinterallthetreeshavinglosttheirleaves,
arelikedrytrees;norcanitbediscernedwhicharedry
andwhicharegreen:sointhispresentworldneitherthe
righteousnorwickedarediscernedfromeachother;but
theyareallalike.
SIMILITUDE4
1Againheshowedmemanyothertrees,ofwhichsome
hadleaves,andothersappeareddryandwithered.And
hesaiduntome,Seestthouthesetrees?Ianswered,Sir,I
seethem;.andsomearedry,andothersfullofleaves.
2Thesetrees,saithhe,whicharegreen,arethe
righteouswhichshallpossesstheworldtocome.Forthe
worldtocome,isthesummertotherighteous;butto
sinnersitisthewinter.
3When,therefore,themercyoftheLordshallshine
forth,thentheywhoserveGodshallbemademanifest,
andplainuntoall.Forasinthesummerthefruitof
everytreeisshownandmademanifest,soalsothe
worksoftherighteousshallbedeclaredandmade
manifest,andtheyshallberestoredinthatworldmerry
andjoyful.
4Fortheotherkindofmen,namelythewicked,likethe
treeswhichthousawestdry,shallassuchbefounddry
andwithoutfruitinthatotherworld;andlikedrywood
shallbeburnt;anditshallbemademanifestthatthey
havedoneevilallthetimeoftheirlife;
5Andtheyshallbeburntbecausetheyhavesinnedand
havenotrepentedoftheirsins.Andalsoalltheother
nationsshallbeburnt,becausetheyhavenot
acknowledgedGodtheirCreator.
6Dothouthereforebringforthgoodfruit,thatinthe
summerthyfruitmaybeknown;andkeepthyselffrom
muchbusiness,andthoushaltnotoffend.Fortheywho
areinvolvedinmuchbusiness,sinmuch;becausethey
aretakenupwiththeiraffairs,andservenotGod.
7AndhowcanamanthatdoesnotserveGod,ask
anythingofGod,andreceiveit?Buttheywhoservehim,
askandreceivewhattheydesire.
8But,ifamanhasonlyonethingtofollow,hemay
serve
God,becausehismindisnottakenofffromGodbuthe
serveshimwithapuremind.
9If,therefore,thoushaltdothis,thoumayesthavefruit
intheworldtocome;andall,asmanyasshalldoinlike
manner,shallbringforthfruit.
SIMILITUDE5
1AsIwasfasting,andsittingdowninacertain
mountain,andgivingthanksuntoGodforallthethings
thathehaddoneuntome;beholdIsawtheshepherd,
whowaswonttoconversewithme,sittingbyme,and
sayinguntome:Whathasbroughttheehitherthusearly
inthemorning?Ianswered,Sir,todayIkeepastation.
2Heanswered,Whatisastation?Ireplied,itisafast.
Hesaid,Whatisthatfast?Ianswered,Ifast,asIhave
beenwonttodo.Yeknownot,saidhe,whatitistofast
untoGod;noristhisafastwhichyefast,profiting
nothingwithGod.
3Sir,saidI,whatmakesyouspeakthus?Hereplied,I
speakit,becausethisisnotthetruefastwhichyouthink
thatyoufast;butIwillshowyouwhatthatiswhichisa
completefast,andacceptableuntoGod.
4Hearken,saidhe,TheLorddoesnotdesiresucha
needlessfast:forbyfastinginthismanner,thou
advancestnothinginrighteousness.
5Butthetruefastisthis:Donothingwickedlyinthy
life,butserveGodwithapuremind;andkeephis
commandmentsandwalkaccordingtohisprecepts,nor
sufferanywickeddesiretoenterintothemind.
6ButtrustintheLord,thatifthoudostthesethings,and
fearesthim,andabstainethfromeveryevilwork,thou
shaltliveuntoGod.
7Ifthoushaltdothis,thoushaltperfectagreatfast,and
anacceptableoneuntotheLord.
8HearkenuntothesimilitudewhichIamaboutto
proposeuntothee,astothismatter.
9Acertainmanhavingafarm,andmanyservants,
plantedavineyardinacertainpartofhisestateforhis
posterity:
10Andtakingajourneyintoafarcountry,choseoneof
hisservantswhichhethoughtthemostfaithfuland
approved,anddeliveredthevineyardintohiscare;
commandinghimthatheshouldtakeupthevines.
Whichifhedid,andfulfilledhiscommand,hepromised
togivehimhisliberty.Nordidhecommandhimtodo
anythingmore;andsowentintoafarcountry.
11Andafterthatservanthadtakenthatchargeuponhim,
hedidwhatsoeverhislordcommandedhim.Andwhen
hehadstakedthevineyard,andfoundittobefullof
weeds,hebegantothinkwithhimself,saying;
12Ihavedonewhatmylordcommandedme,Iwillnow
digthisvineyard,andwhenitisdigged,itwillbemore
beautiful;andtheweedsbeingpulledup,itwillbring
forthmorefruitandnotbechokedbytheweeds.
13Sosettingaboutthisworkhediggedit,andplucked
upalltheweedsthatwereinit;andsothevineyard
becameverybeautifulandprosperous,notbeingchoked
withweeds.
14Aftersometimethelordofthevineyardcomesand
goesintothevineyard,andwhenhesawthatitwas
handsomelystakedanddigged,andtheweedsplucked
upthatwereinit,andthevinesflourishing,herejoiced
greatlyatthecareofhisservant.
15Andcallinghissonwhomheloved,andwhowasto
behisheir,andhisfriendswithwhomhewaswontto

93. consult;hetellsthemwhathehadcommandedhis
servanttodo,andwhathisservanthaddonemore;and
theyimmediatelycongratulatedthatservant,thathehad
receivedsofullatestimonyfromhislord.
16Thenhesaidtothem,Iindeedpromisedthisservant
hisliberty,ifheobservedthecommandwhichIgave
him;andheobservedit,andbesideshasdoneagood
worktomyvineyard,whichhasexceedinglypleasedme.
17Wherefore,forthisworkwhichhehathdone,Iwill
makehimmyheirtogetherwithmyson,becausethat
whenhesawwhatwasgood,heneglecteditnot,butdid
it.
18Thisdesignofthelordbothhissonandhisfriends
approved,namely,thathisservantshouldbeheir
togetherwithhisson.
19Notlongafterthis,themasterofthefamilycalling
togetherhisfriends,sentfromhissupperseveralkinds
offoodtothatservant.
20Whichwhenhehadreceived,hetooksomuchof
themaswassufficientforhimself,anddividedtherest
amonghisfellowservants.
21Whichwhentheyhadreceived,theyrejoiced;and
wishedthathemightfindyetgreaterfavourwithhis
lord,forwhathehaddonetothem.
22Whenhislordheardallthesethings,hewasagain
filledwithgreatjoy;andcallingagainhisfriendsand
hissontogether,herelatedtothemwhathisservanthad
donewiththemeatswhichhehadsentuntothem.
23Theythereforesomuchthemoreassentedtothe
masterofthehousehold;andheoughttomakethat
servanthisheirtogetherwithhisson.
24Isaiduntohim,Sir,Iknownotthesesimilitudes,
neithercanIunderstandthem,unlessyouexpoundthem
untome.Iwill,sayshe,expoundallthingsuntothee
whatsoeverIhavetalkedwiththee,orshewnuntothee.
25KeepthecommandmentsoftheLordandthoushalt
beapproved,andshaltbewritteninthenumberofthose
thatkeephiscommandments.Butifbesidesthosethings
whichtheLordhathcommanded,thoushaltaddsome
goodthing;thoushaltpurchasetothyselfagreater
dignity,andbeinmorefavourwiththeLordthanthou
shouldstotherwisehavebeen.
26Ifthereforethoushaltkeepthecommandmentsofthe
Lord,andshaltaddtothemthesestations,thoushalt
rejoice;butespeciallyifthoushaltkeepthemaccording
tomycommands.
27Isaiduntohim,Sir,whatsoeverthoushaltcommand
me,Iwillobserve;forIknowthatthouwiltbewithme.
Iwill,saidhe,bewiththeewhohasttakenupsucha
resolution;andIwillbewithallthosewhopurposein
likemanner.
28Thisfast,saithhe,whilstthoudostalsoobservethe
commandmentsoftheLord,isexceedinggood.Thus
shaltthere.forethoukeepit.
29Firstofall,takeheedtothyself,andkeepthyself
fromevery1wickedact,andfromeveryfilthyword,
andfromeveryhurtfuldesire;andpurifythymindfrom
allthevanityofthispresentworld.Ifthoushaltobserve
thesethings,thisfastshallberight.
30Thusthereforedo.Havingperformedwhatisbefore
written,thatdayonwhichthoufastestthoushalttaste
nothingatallbutbreadandwater;andcomputingthe
quantityoffoodwhichthouartwonttoeatuponother
days,thoushaltlayasidetheexpensewhichthou
shouldesthavemadethatday,andgiveituntothe
widow,thefatherless,andthepoor.
31Andthusthoushaltperfectthehumiliationofthy
soul;thathewhoreceivesofitmaysatisfyhissoul,and
hisprayercomeuptotheLordGodforthee.
32Ifthereforethoushaltthusaccomplishthyfast,asI
commandthee,thysacrificeshallbeacceptableuntothe
Lord,andthyfastshallbewritteninhisbook.
33Thisstation,thusperformed,isgoodandpleasing,
andacceptableuntotheLord.Thesethingsifthoushalt
observewiththychildrenandwithallthyhouse,thou
shaltbehappy.
34Andwhosoeverwhentheyhearthesethings,shalldo
them,theyalsoshallbehappy;andwhatsoeverthey
shallaskoftheLordtheyshallreceiveit.
35AndIprayedhimthathewouldexpounduntomethe
similitudeofthefarm,andtheLord,andofthevineyard,
andoftheservantthathadstakedthevineyard;andof
theweedsthatwerepluckedoutofthevineyard;andof
hissonandhisfriendswhichhetookintocouncilwith
him.ForIunderstandthatthatwasasimilitude.
36Hesaiduntome,Thouartveryboldinasking:for
thououghtestnottoaskanything;becauseifitbefitting
toshewituntothee,itshallbesheweduntothee.
37Iansweredhim;Sir,whatsoeverthoushaltshewme,
withoutexplainingituntome,Ishallinvainseeit,ifI
donotunderstandwhatitis.Andifthoushaltpropose
anysimilitudes,andnotexpoundthem,Ishallinvain
hearthem.
38.Heansweredmeagain,saying:Whosoeveristhe
servantofGod,andhastheLordinhisheart,hedesires
understandingofhim,andreceivesit;andheexplains
everysimilitude,andunderstandsthewordsoftheLord
whichneedaninquiry.
39Buttheythatarelazyandslowtopray,doubttoseek
fromtheLord;althoughtheLordbeofsuchan
extraordinarygoodness,thatwithoutceasinghegiveth
allthingstothemthataskofhim.
40Thouthereforewhoartstrengthenedbythat
venerablemessenger,andhastreceivedsuchapowerful
giftofprayer;seeingthouartnotslothful,whydostthou
notnowaskunderstandingoftheLord,andreceiveit?
41Isaiduntohim;seeingIhavetheepresent,itis
necessarythatIshouldseekitofthee,andaskthee;for
thoushowestallthingsuntome,andspeakesttome
whenthouartpresent.
42ButifIshouldseeorhearthesethingswhenthou
wertnotpresent,IwouldthenasktheLordthathe
wouldshewthemuntome.
43Andhereplied,Isaidalittlebeforethatthouwert
subtleandbold,inthatthouaskeththemeaningofthese
similitudes.
44Butbecausethoustillpersistest,Iwillunfoldtothee
thisparablewhichthoudesirest,thatthoumayestmake
itknownuntoallmen.

94. 45Heartherefore,saidhe,andunderstand.Thefarm
beforementioneddenotesthewholeearth.TheLordof
thefarmishewhocreatedandfinishedallthings,and
gavevirtueuntothem.
46HissonistheHolySpirit:theservantistheSonof
God:thevineyardisthepeoplewhomhesaves.The
stakesarethemessengerswhicharesetoverthembythe
Lord,tosupporthispeople.Theweedsthatareplucked
upoutofthevineyard,arethesinswhichtheservantsof
Godhadcommitted.
47Thefoodwhichhesenthimfromhissupper,arethe
commandswhichhegavetohispeoplebyhisSon.The
friendswhomhecalledtocounselwithhim,aretheholy
angelswhomhefirstcreated.Theabsenceofthemaster
ofthehousehold,isthetimethatremainsuntohis
coming.
48Isaiduntohim,Sir,allthesethingsareveryexcellent,
andwonderful,andgood.But,continuedI,couldIor
anyothermanbesidesthoughneversowise,have
understoodthesethings?
49Whereforenow,sir,tellme,whatIask.Hereplied,
askmewhatthouwilt.Why,saidI,istheSonofGodin
thisparable,putintheplaceofaservant?
50Hearken,hesaid;theSonofGodisnotputinthe
conditionofaservant,butingreatpowerandauthority.
Isaiduntohim'how,sir?Iunderstanditnot.'
51Because,saidhe,theSonsethismessengersover
thosewhomtheFatherdelivereduntohim,tokeep
everyoneofthem;buthehimselflaboredverymuch,
andsufferedmuch,thathemightblotouttheiroffences.
52Fornovineyardcanbediggedwithoutmuchlabour
andpains.Whereforehavingblottedoutthesinsofhis
people,heshewedtothemthepathsoflife,givingthem
thelawwhichhehadreceivedoftheFather.
53Yousee,saidhe,thatheistheLordofhispeople,
havingreceivedallpowerfromhisFather.Butwhythe
LorddidtakehisSonintocounsel,aboutdividingthe
inheritance,andthegoodangels,hearnow.
54ThatHolySpirit,whichwascreatedfirstofall,he
placedinthebodyinwhichGodshoulddwell;namely,
inachosenbody,asitseemedgoodtohim.Thisbody
thereforeintowhichtheHolySpiritwasbrought,served
thatSpirit,walkedrightlyandpurelyinmodesty;nor
everdefiledthatSpirit.
55Seeingthereforethebodyatalltimesobeyedthe
HolySpirit,andlabouredrightlyandchastelywithhim,
norfalteredatanytime;thatbodybeingwearied
conversedindeedservilely,butbeingmightilyapproved
toGodwiththeHolySpirit,wasacceptedbyhim.
56ForsuchastoutcoursepleasedGod,becausehewas
notdefiledintheearth,keepingtheHolySpirit.He
calledthereforetocounselhisSon,andthegoodangels,
thattheremightbesomeplaceofstandinggiventothis
bodywhichhadservedtheHolySpiritwithoutblame;
lestitshouldseemtohavelosttherewardofitsservice.
57Foreverypurebodyshallreceiveitsreward;thatis
foundwithoutspot,inwhichtheHolySpirithasbeen
appointedtodwell.Andthusyouhavenowthe
expositionofthisparablealso.
58Sir,saidI,Inowunderstandyourmeaning,sinceI
haveheardthisexposition.Hearkenfurther,saidhe:
keepthisthybodycleanandpure,thattheSpiritwhich
shalldwellinitmaybearwitnessuntoit,andbejudged
tohavebeenwiththee.
59Alsotakeheedthatitbenotinstilledintothymind
thatthisbodyperishes,andthouabuseittoanylust.For
ifthoushaltdefilethybody,thoushaltalsoatthesame
timedefiletheHolySpirit;andifthoushaltdefilethe
HolySpirit,thoushaltnotlive.
60AndIsaid,Whatifthroughignorancethisshould
havebeenalreadycommitted,beforeamanheardthese
words;Howcanheattainuntosalvation,whohasthus
defiledhisbody?
61Hereplied,Asformen'sformeractionswhich
throughignorancetheyhavecommitted,Godonlycan
affordaremedyuntothem;forallthepowerbelongeth
untohim.
62Butnowguardthyself;andseeingGodisalmighty
andmerciful,hewillgrantaremedytowhatthouhast
formerlydoneamiss,ifforthetimetocomethoushalt
notdefilethybodyandspirit;
63Fortheyarecompanionstogether,andtheonecannot
bedefiledbuttheotherwillbesotoo.Keeptherefore
bothofthempure,andthoushaltliveuntoGod.
SIMILITUDE6
1AsIwassittingathome,andpraisingGodforallthe
thingswhichIhadseen;andwasthinkingconcerning
thecommands,thattheywereexceedinggood,andgreat,
andhonest,andpleasant;andsuchaswereabletobring
amantosalvation;Isaidthuswithinmyself;Ishallbe
happyifIshallwalkaccordingtothesecommands,and
whosoevershallwalkinthemshallliveuntoGod.
2WhilstIwasspeakingonthiswisewithinmyself,I
sawhimwhomIhadbeforebeenwonttosee,sittingby
me;andhespakethusuntome:
3WhatdoubtestthouconcerningmycommandswhichI
havedelivereduntothee?Theyaregood,doubtnot,but
trustintheLord,andthoushaltwalkinthem.ForIwill
givetheestrengthtofulfilthem.
4Thesecommandsareprofitabletothosewhoshall
repentofthosesinswhichtheyhaveformerly
committed;ifforthetimetocometheyshallnot
continueinthem.
5Whosoeverthereforeyebethatrepent,castawayfrom
youthenaughtinessofthepresentworld;andputonall
virtue,andrighteousness,andsoshallyebeabletokeep
thesecommands;andnotsinfromhenceforthanymore.
6Forifyeshallkeepyourselvesfromsinfromthetime
tocome,yeshallcutoffagreatdealofyourformersins.
Walkinmycommands,andyeshallliveuntoGod:
ThesethingshaveIspokenuntoyou.
7Andwhenhehadsaidthis,headded;letusgointothe
field,andIwillshowtheeshepherdsofsheep.Ireplied,
sir,letusgo.
8Andwecameintoacertainfield,andthereheshowed
meayoungshepherd,finelyarrayed,withhisgarments
ofapurplecolour.Andhefedlargeflocks;andhis

95. sheepwerefullofpleasure,andinmuchdelightand
cheerfulness;andtheyskipping,ranhereandthere.
9Andtheshepherdtookverygreatsatisfactioninhis
flock;andthecountenanceofthatshepherdwascheerful,
runningupanddownamonghisflock.
10Thentheangelsaiduntome,Seestthouthisshepherd?
Ianswered,sir,Iseehim.Hesaiduntome,thisisthe3
messengerofdelightandpleasure.Hethereforecorrupts
themindsoftheservantsofGod,andturnsthemfrom
thetruth,delightingthemwithmanypleasures,andthey
perish.
11FortheyforgetthecommandsofthelivingGod,and
liveinluxuryandinvainpleasures,andarecorruptedby
theevilangel,someofthemevenuntodeath;andothers
toafallingaway.
12Ireplied;Iunderstandnotwhatyoumean,bysaying
untodeath,andtoafallingaway.Hear,sayshe;allthese
sheepwhichthousawestexceedingjoyful,aresuchas
haveforeverdepartedfromGod,andgiventhemselves
uptothelustsofthispresenttime.
13Tothesethereforethereisnoreturn,byrepentance
untolife;becausethattotheirothersinstheyhaveadded
this,thattheyhaveblasphemedthenameoftheLord.
Thesekindofmenareordaineduntodeath.
14Butthosesheepwhichthousawestnotleaping,but
feedinginoneplace,aresuchashaveindeedgiven
themselvesuptopleasuresanddelights;buthavenot
spokenanythingwickedlyagainsttheLord.
15Thesethereforeareonlyfallenofffromthetruth,and
sohaveyethopelaidupfortheminrepentance.For
suchafallingoffhathsomehopestillleftofarenewal;
buttheythataredead,areutterlygoneforever.
16Againwewentalittlefartherforward;andhe
showedmeagreatshepherd,whohadasitwerearustic
figure,cladwithawhitegoat'sskin,havinghisbagupon
hisshoulder,andinhishandastickfullofknots,and
veryhard,andawhipinhisotherhand;andhis
countenancewassternandsour;enoughtoaffrighta
man;suchwashislook.
17Hetookfromthatyoungshepherdsuchsheepas
livedinpleasures,butdidnotskipupanddown;and
drovethemintoacertainsteepcraggyplacefullof
thornsandbriars,insomuchthattheycouldnotget
themselvesfreefromthem.
18Butbeingentangledinthem,feduponthornsand
briars,andweregrievouslytormentedwithhiswhipping.
Forhestilldrovethemon,andaffordedthemnotany
placeortimetostandstill.
19WhenthereforeIsawthemsocruellywhippedand
afflicted,Iwasgrievedforthem;becausetheywere
greatlytormented,norhadtheyanyrestaffordedthem.
20AndIsaiduntotheshepherdthatwaswithme;Sir,
whoisthiscruelandimplacableshepherd,whois
movedwithnocompassiontowardsthesesheep?He
answered,Thisshepherdisindeedoneoftheholy
angels,butisappointedforthepunishmentofsinners.
21Tohimthereforearedeliveredthosewhohaveerred
fromGod,andservedthelustsandpleasuresofthis
world.Forthiscausehepunishesthemeveryone
accordingtotheirdeserts,withcruelandvariouskinds
ofpains.
22Sir,saidI,Iwouldknow,whatkindofpainstheyare
whicheveryoneundergoes?Hearken,saidhe;The
severalpainsandtormentsarethosewhichmenevery
dayundergointheirpresentlives.Forsomesuffer
losses;otherspoverty;othersdiverssicknesses.Some
areunsettled;otherssufferinjuriesfromthosethatare
unworthy;othersfallundermanyothertrialsand
inconveniences.
23Formanywithanunsettleddesignaimatmany
things,anditprofiteththemnot;andtheysaythatthey
havenotsuccessintheirundertakings.
24Theydonotcalltotheirmindwhattheyhavedone
amiss,andtheycomplainoftheLord.Whentherefore
theyshallhaveundergoneallkindofvexationand
inconvenience;thentheyaredeliveredovertomefor
goodinstruction,andareconfirmedinthefaithofthe
Lord,andservetheLordalltherestoftheirdayswitha
puremind.
25Andwhentheybegintorepentoftheirsins,thenthey
calltomindtheirworkswhichtheyhavedoneamiss,
andgivehonourtoGod,saying,ThatheisajustJudge,
andtheyhavedeservedlysufferedallthingsaccording
totheirdeeds.
26Thenforwhatremainsoftheirlives,theyserveGod
withapuremind;andhavesuccessinalltheir
undertakings,andreceivefromtheLordwhateverthey
desire.
27AndthentheygivethanksuntotheLordthatthey
weredelivereduntome;nordotheysufferanymore
cruelty.
28Isaiduntohim;Sir,Ientreatyoustilltoshowme
nowonething.What,saidhe,dostthouask?Isaidunto
him;AretheywhodepartfromthefearofGod,
tormentedforthesametimethattheyenjoyedtheirfalse
delightandpleasures?Heansweredme:Theyare
tormentedforthesametime.
29AndIsaiduntohim;Theyarethentormentedbut
little;whereastheywhoenjoytheirpleasuressoasto
forgetGod,oughttoendureseventimesasmuch
punishment.
30Heansweredme;Thouartfoolish,neither
understandestthoutheefficacyofthispunishment.I
saiduntohim;Sir,ifIunderstoodit,Iwouldnotdesire
youtotellme.
31Hearken,saidhe,andlearnwhattheforceofbothis,
bothofthepleasureandofthepunishment.Anhourof
pleasureisterminatedwithinitsownspace;butonehour
ofpunishmenthastheefficacyofthirtydays.
Whosoeverthereforeenjoyshisfalsepleasureforone
day,andisonedaytormented;thatonedayof
punishmentisequivalenttoawholeyear'sspace.
32Thuslookhowmanydaysanyonepursueshis
pleasures,somanyyearsishepunishedforit.Yousee
thereforehowthatthetimeofworldlyenjoymentsisbut
short;butthatofpainandtormentsagreatdealmore.
33Ireplied;Sir,forasmuchasIdonotunderstandatall
thesetimesofpleasureandpain;

96. Ientreatyouthatyouwouldexplainyourselfmore
clearlyconcerningthem.Heansweredme,saying;Thy
foolishnessstillsticksuntothee.
34Shouldstthounotratherpurifythymind,andserve
God?Takeheed,lestwhenthytimeisfulfilled,thoube
foundstillunwise.Hearthen,asthoudesirest,thatthou
mayestthemoreeasilyunderstand.
35Hethatgiveshimselfuponedaytohispleasuresand
delights,anddoeswhatsoeverhissouldesires,isfullof
greatfolly,norunderstandswhathedoes,buttheday
followingforgetswhathedidthedaybefore.
36Fordelightandworldlypleasurearenotkeptin
memory,byreasonofthefollythatisrootedinthem.
Butwhenpainandtormentbefalamanaday,heisin
effecttroubledthewholeyearafter;becausehis
punishmentcontinuesfirminhismemory.
37Whereforeheremembersitwithsorrowthewhole
year;andthencallstomindhisvainpleasureanddelight,
andperceivesthatforthesakeofthathewaspunished.
38Whosoeverthereforehavedeliveredthemselvesover
tosuchpleasures,arethuspunished;becausethatwhen
theyhadlife,theyrenderedthemselvesliabletodeath.
39Isaiduntohim;Sir,whatpleasuresarehurtful?He
answered;Thatispleasuretoeverymanwhichhedoth
willingly.
40Fortheangryman,gratifyinghispassion,perceives
pleasureinit;andsotheadultereranddrunkard;the
slandererandliar;thecovetousmanandthedefrauder;
andwhosoevercommitsanythinglikeuntothese,
becausehefollowethhisevildisposition,hereceivesa
satisfactioninthedoingofit.
41Allthesepleasuresanddelightsarehurtfultothe
servantsofGod.Forthesethereforetheyaretormented
andsufferpunishment.
42Therearealsopleasuresthatbringsalvationunto
men.Formany,whentheydowhatisgood,find
pleasureinit,andareattractedbythedelightsofit.
43NowthispleasureisprofitabletotheservantsofGod,
andbringslifetosuchmen;butthosehurtfulpleasures,
whichwerebeforementioned,bringtormentsand
punishment.
44Andwhosoevershallcontinueinthem,andshallnot
repentofwhattheyhavedone,shallbringdeathupon
themselves.
SIMILITUDE7
1AfterafewdaysIsawthesamepersonthatbefore
talkedwithme,inthesamefield,inwhichIhadseen
thoseshepherds.Andhesaiduntome;Whatseekest
thou?
2Sir,saidI,Icametoentreatyouthatyouwould
commandtheshepherd,whoistheministerof
punishment,todepartoutofmyhouse,becausehe
greatlyafflictsme.
3Andheanswered,Itisnecessaryfortheetoendure
inconveniencesandvexations;forsothatgoodangel
hathcommandedconcerningthee,becausehewouldtry
thee.
4Sir,saidI;WhatsogreatoffencehaveIcommitted,
thatIshouldbedeliveredtothismessenger?Hearken,
saidhe:Thouartindeedguiltyofmanysins,yetnotso
manythatthoushouldestbedeliveredtothismessenger.
5Butthyhousehathcommittedmanysinsandoffences,
andthereforethatgoodmessengerbeinggrievedattheir
doingscommandedthatforsometimethoushouldst
sufferaffliction;thattheymaybothrepentofwhatthey
havedone,andmaywashthemselvesfromallthelusts
ofthispresentworld.
6Whenthereforetheyshallhaverepented,andbe
purified,thenthatmessengerwhichisappointedover
thypunishment,shalldepartfromthee.
7Isaiduntohim;Sir,iftheyhavebehavedthemselves
soastoangerthatgoodangel,yetwhathaveIdone?He
answered:Theycannototherwisebeafflicted,unless
thou,whoarttheheadofthefamily,suffer.
8Forwhatsoeverthoushaltsuffer,theymustneedsfeel
it;butaslongasthoushaltstandwellestablished,they
cannotexperienceanyvexation.
9Ireplied;But,sir,beholdtheyalsonowrepentwithall
theirhearts.Iknow,sayshe,thattheyrepentwithall
theirhearts;butdostthouthereforethinkthattheir
offenceswhorepentareimmediatelyblottedout?
10No,theyarenotpresently;buthethatrepentsmust
afflicthissoulandshewhimselfhumbleinallhisaffairs,
andundergomanyanddiversvexations.
11Andwhenheshallhavesufferedallthingsthatwere
appointedforhim;thenperhapshethatmadehim,and
formedallthingsbesides,willbemovedwith
compassiontowardshim,andaffordhimsomeremedy;
andespeciallyifheshallperceivehisheart,whorepents,
tobepurefromeveryevilwork.
12Butatpresentitisexpedientforthee,andforthy
house,tobegrieved;anditisneedfulthatthoushouldest
enduremuchvexation,astheangeloftheLordwho
committedtheeuntome,hascommanded.
13RathergivethanksuntotheLord,thatknowingwhat
wastocome,hethoughttheeworthytowhomheshould
foretellthattroublewascominguponthee,whoartable
tobearit.
14Isaiduntohim;Sir,bebutthoualsowithme,andI
shalleasilyundergoanytrouble.Iwill,saidhe,bewith
thee;andIwillentreatthemessengerwhoissetoverthy
punishment,thathewouldmoderatehisafflictions
towardsthee.
15Andmoreoverthoushaltsufferadversitybutfora
littletime;andthenthoushaltagainberestoredtothy
formerstate;onlycontinueoninthehumilityofthy
mind.
16ObeytheLordwithapureheart;thou,andthyhouse,
andthychildren;andwalkinthecommandswhichI
havedelivereduntothee;andthenthyrepentancemay
befirmandpure.
17Andifthoushaltkeepthesethingswiththyhouse,
thyinconveniencesshalldepartfromthee.
18Andallvexationshallinlikemannerdepartfromall
those,whosoevershallwalkaccordingtothese
commands.

97. SIMILITUDE8
1Againheshewedmealowwhichcoveredthefields
andthemountains,underwhoseshadowcameallsuch
aswerecalledbythenameoftheLord.
2AndbythatwillowstoodanangeloftheLordvery
excellentandlofty;anddidcutdownboughsfromthat
willowwithagreathook;andreachedouttothepeople
thatwereundertheshadowofthatwillowlittlerods,as
itwereaboutafootlong.
3Andwhenallofthemhadtakenthem,helaidasidehis
hook,andthetreecontinuedentire,asIhadbeforeseen
it.AtwhichIwondered,andmusedwithinmyself.
4Thenthatshepherdsaiduntome;Forbeartowonder
thatthattreecontinueswhole,notwithstandingsomany
boughshavebeencutofffromit,butstayalittle,for
nowitshallbeshewnthee,whatthatangelmeans,who
gavethoserodstothepeople.
5Soheagaindemandedtherodsofthem,andinthe
sameorderthateveryonehadreceivedthem,washe
calledtohim,andrestoredhisrod;whichwhenhehad
received,heexaminedthem.
6Fromsomehereceivedthemdryandrotten,andasit
weretouchedwiththemoth;thosehecommandedtobe
separatedfromtherestandplacedbythemselves.Others
gaveintheirrodsdryindeed,butnottouchedwiththe
moth:thesealsoheorderedtobesetbythemselves.
7Othersgaveintheirrodshalfdry;thesealsowereset
apart.Othersgaveintheirrodshalfdryandcleft;these
tooweresetbythemselves.Othersbroughtintheirrods
halfdryandhalfgreen,andthesewereinlikemanner
placedbythemselves.
8Othersdelivereduptheirrodstwopartsgreen,andthe
thirddry;andtheytooweresetapart.Othersbrought
theirrodstwopartsdry,andthethirdgreen;andwere
alsoplacedbythemselves.
9Othersdelivereduptheirrodslessdry,(fortherewas
butaverylittle,towit,theirtopsdry)buttheyhadclefts,
andtheseweresetinlikemannerbythemselves.Inthe
rodsofotherstherewasbutalittlegreen,andtherest
dry;andtheseweresetasidebythemselves.
10Otherscame,andbroughttheirrodsgreenasthey
hadreceivedthem,andthegreatestpartofthepeople
broughttheirrodsthus;andthemessengergreatly
rejoicedatthese,andtheyalsowereputapartby
themselves.
11Othersbroughtintheirrodsnotonlygreen,butfull
ofbranches;andtheseweresetaside,beingalso
receivedbytheangelwithgreatjoy.Othersbrought
theirrodsgreenwithbranches,andthosealsosomefruit
uponthem.
12Theywhohadsuchrods,wereverycheerful;andthe
angelhimselftookgreatjoyatthem;norwasthe
shepherdthatstoodwithme,lesspleasedwiththem.
13ThentheangeloftheLordcommandedcrownstobe
brought:andthecrownswerebroughtmadeofpalms;
andtheangelcrownedthosemeninwhoserodshe
foundtheyoungbrancheswithfruit;andcommanded
themtogointothetower.
14Healsosentthoseintothetower,inwhoserodshe
foundbrancheswithoutfruit,givingasealuntothem.
Fortheyhadthesamegarment,thatis,onewhiteas
snow;withwhichhebadethemgointothetower.And
sohedidtothosewhoreturnedtheirrodsgreenashe
hadreceivedthem;givingthemawhitegarment,andso
sentthemawaytogointothetower.
15Havingdonethis,hesaidtotheshepherdthatwas
withme,Igomyway;butdothousendthesewithinthe
walls,everyoneintotheplaceinwhichbehasdeserved
todwell;examiningfirsttheirrods,butexaminethem
diligentlythatnoonedeceivethee.Butandifanyone
shallescapethee,Iwilltrythemuponthealtar.Having
saidthistotheshepherd,hedeparted.
16Afterhewasgone,theshepherdsaiduntome:Letus
taketherodsfromthem,andplantthem;ifperchance
theymaygrowgreenagain.Isaiduntohim;Sir,how
canthosedryrodsevergrowgreenagain?
17Heansweredme;Thattreeisawillow,andalways
lovestolive.Ifthereforetheserodsshallbeplanted,and
receivealittlemoisture,manyofthemwillrecover
themselves.
18WhereforeIwilltry,andwillpourwateruponthem,
andifanyofthemcanlive,Iwillrejoicewithhim;but
ifnot,atleastbythismeansIshallbefoundnottohave
neglectedmypart.
19Thenhecommandedmetocallthem;andtheyall
cameuntohim,everyoneintherankinwhichhestood,
andgavehimtheirrods;whichhavingreceived,he
plantedeveryoneofthemintheirseveralorders.
20Andafterhehadplantedthemall,hepouredmuch
wateruponthem,insomuchthattheywerecoveredwith
water,anddidnotappearaboveit.Thenwhenhehad
wateredthem,hesaiduntome;Letusdepart,andaftera
littletimewewillreturnandvisitthem.
21Forhewhocreatedthistree,wouldhaveallthose
livethatreceivedrodsfromit.AndIhopenowthat
theserodsarethuswatered,manyofthemreceivingin
themoisture,willrecover.
22Isaiduntohim,Sir,tellmewhatthistreedenotes?
ForIamgreatlyastonished,thataftersomanybranches
havebeencutoff,itseemsstilltobewhole;nordoes
thereanythingthelessofitappeartoremain,which
greatlyamazesme.
23Heanswered,Hearken.Thisgreattreewhichcovers
theplainsandthemountains,andalltheearth,isthelaw
ofGod,publishedthroughoutthewholeworld.
24NowthislawistheSonofGod,whoispreachedto
alltheendsoftheearth.Thepeoplethatstandunderits
shadow,arethosewhichhaveheardhispreaching,and
believed.
25Thegreatandvenerableangelwhichyousaw,was
Michael,whohasthepoweroverhispeople,and
governsthem.Forhehasplantedthelawintheheartsof
thosewhohavebelieved;andthereforehevisitsthemto
whomhehasgiventhelaw,toseeiftheyhavekeptit.
26Andheexamineseveryone'srod;andofthose,many
thatareweakened:forthoserodsarethelawoftheLord.
Thenhediscernsallthosewhohavenotkeptthelaw,
knowingtheplaceofeveryoneofthem.

98. 27Isaiduntohim,Sir,whydidhesendawaysometo
thetower,andleftothersheretoyou?Hereplied,those
whohavetransgressedthelaw,whichtheyreceived
fromhim,areleftinmypower,thattheymayrepentof
theirsins:buttheywhofulfilledthelawandkeptit,are
underhispower.
28Butwhothen,saidI,arethose,whowentintothe
towercrowned?Herepliedallsuchashavingstriven
withthedevil,haveovercomehim,arecrowned:and
theyarethose,whohavesufferedhardthings,thatthey
mightkeepthelaw.
29Buttheywhogaveuptheirrodsgreen,andwith
youngbranches,butwithoutfruit,haveindeedendured
troubleforthesamelaw,buthavenotsuffereddeath;
neitherhavetheydeniedtheirholylaw.
30Theywhodelivereduptheirrodsgreenasthey
receivedthem,arethosewhoweremodestandjust,and
havelivedwithaverypuremind,andkeptthe
commandmentsofGod.
31Therestthoushaltknow,whenIshallhave
consideredthoserodswhichIhaveplantedandwatered.
32Afterafewdayswereturned,andinthesameplace
stoodthatgloriousangel,andIstoodbyhim,Thenhe
saiduntome;Girdthyselfwitha1towel,andserveme.
33AndIgirdedmyselfwithacleantowel,whichwas
madeofcoarsecloth.Andwhenhesawmegirded,and
readytoministeruntohim,hesaid,Callthosemen
whoserodshavebeenplanted,everyoneinhisorderas
hegavethem.
34Andhebroughtmeintothefield,andIcalledthem
all,andtheyallstoodreadyintheirseveralranks.Then
hesaiduntothem;leteveryonepluckuphisrod,and
bringituntome.Andfirsttheydeliveredtheirs,whose
rodshadbeendryandrotten.
35Andthosewhoserodsstillcontinuedso,he
commandedtostandapart.Thentheycamewhoserods
hadbeendrybutnotrotten.Someofthesedeliveredin
theirrodsgreen;othersdryandrotten,asiftheyhad
beentouchedbythemoth.
36Thosewhogavethemupgreen,hecommandedto
standapart;butthosewhoserodsweredryandrotten,he
causedtostandwiththefirstsort.Thencamethey
whoserodshadbeenhalfdry,andcleft:manyofthese
gaveuptheirrodsgreen,anduncleft.
37Othersdeliveredthemupgreenwithbranches,and
fruituponthebranches,likeuntothosewhowent
crownedintothetower.Othersdeliveredthemupdry,
butnotrotten;andsomegavethemupastheywere
before,halfdry,andcleft.
38Everyoneoftheseheorderedtostandapart;someby
themselves,othersintheirrespectiveranks.
39Thencametheywhoserodshadbeengreen,butcleft.
Thesedeliveredtheirrodsaltogethergreen,andstoodin
theirownorder.Andtheshepherdrejoicedatthese,
becausetheywereallchanged,andfreefromtheirclefts.
40Thentheygaveintheirrods,whohadthemhalf
greenandhalfdry.Ofthesesomewerefoundwholly
green,othershalfdry;othersgreen,withyoungshoots.
Andalltheseweresentaway,everyonetohisproper
rank.
41Thentheygaveuptheirrods,whohadthembefore
twopartsgreen,andthethirddry.Manyofthosegavein
theirrodsgreen;manyhalfdry;therestdrybutnot
rotten.Sotheseweresentaway,eachtohisproperplace.
42Thencametheywhohadbeforetheirrodstwoparts
dryandthethirdgreen;manyofthesedelivereduptheir
rodshalfdry,othersdryandrotten;othershalfdryand
cleft;butfewgreen.Andallthesewereseteveryonein
hisownrank.
43Thentheyreachedintheirrods,inwhichtherewas
beforebutalittlegreen,andtherestdry.Theirrods
wereforthemostpartfoundgreen,havinglittleboughs,
withfruituponthem,andtherestaltogethergreen.
44Andtheshepherduponsightoftheserejoiced
exceedingly,becausehehadfoundthemthus;andthey
alsowenttotheirproperorders.
45Nowafterhehadexaminedalltheirrods,hesaid
untomeItoldtheethatthistreelovedlife:thouseest
howmanyhaverepented,andattaineduntosalvation.
Sir,saidI,Iseeit.
46Thatthoumightestknow,saithhe,thatthegoodness
andmercyoftheLordisgreat,andtobehadinhonour;
whogavehisspirittothemthatwerefoundworthyof
repentance.
47Ianswered,Sir,whythendidnotallofthemrepent?
Hereplied,ThosewhosemindstheLordforesawwould
bepure,andthattheywouldservehimwithalltheir
hearts,tothemhegaverepentance.
48Butforthosewhosedeceitandwickednesshebeheld,
andperceivedthattheywouldnottrulyreturnuntohim;
tothemhedeniedanyreturnuntorepentance,lestthey
shouldagainblasphemehislawwithwickedwords.
49Isaiduntohim;Now,Sir,makeknownuntome,
whatistheplaceofeveryoneofthose,whohavegiven
uptheirrods,andwhattheir2portion;thatwhenthey
mayhavenotkepttheirsealentire,buthavewastedthe
sealwhichtheyreceived,shallhearandbelievethese
things,theymayacknowledgetheirevildeedsand
repent;
50Andreceivingagaintheirsealfromyou,maygive
glorytoGod,thathewasmovedwithcompassion
towardsthem,andsentyoutorenewtheirspirits.
51Hearken,saidhe:theywhoserodshavebeenfound
dryandrotten,andasitweretouchedwiththemoth;are
thedesertersandthebetrayersofthechurch.
52Whowiththerestoftheircrimes,havealso
blasphemedtheLord,anddeniedhisnamewhichhad
beencalleduponthem.Thereforeallthesearedeadunto
God:andthouseestthatnoneofthemhaverepented,
althoughtheyhaveheardmycommandswhichthouhast
delivereduntothem.Fromthesementhereforelifeisfar
distant.
53Theyalsowhohavedelivereduptheirrodsdry,but
notrotten,havenotbeenfarfromthem.Fortheyhave
beencounterfeits,andbroughtinevildoctrines;and
havepervertedtheservantsofGod:butespeciallythose
whohadsinned;notsufferingthemtoreturnunto
repentance,butkeepingthembackbytheirfalse
doctrines.

99. 54Thesethereforehavehope;andthouseestthatmany
ofthemhaverepented,sincethetimethatthouhastlaid
mycommandsbeforethem;andmanymorewillyet
repent.Buttheythatshallnotrepentshallloseboth
repentanceandlife.
55Buttheythathaverepented,theirplaceisbeguntobe
withinthefirstwalls,andsomeofthemareevengone
intothetower.Thouseesttherefore,saidhe,thatinthe
repentanceofsinnersthereislife;butforthosewho
repentnot,deathisprepared.
56Hearnowconcerningthosewhogaveintheirrods
halfdryandfullofclefts.Thosewhoserodswereonly
halfdry,arethedoubtful;fortheyareneitherlivingnor
dead.
57Buttheywhodeliveredintheirrods,notonlyhalf
drybutalsofullofclefts,arebothdoubtfulandevil
speakers;whodetractfromthosewhoareabsent,and
haveneverpeaceamongthemselves,andthatenvyone
another.
58Howbeittothosealsorepentanceisoffered;forthou
seestthatsomeofthesehaverepented.
59Nowallthoseofthiskindwhohavequicklyrepented,
shallhaveaplaceinthetower;buttheywhohavebeen
moreslowintheirrepentance,shalldwellwithinthe
walls;buttheythatshallnotrepent,butshallcontinue
onintheirwickeddoings,shalldiethedeath.
60Asforthosewhohadtheirrodsgreen,butyetcleft;
theyaresuchaswerealwaysfaithfulandgood,butthey
hadsomeenvyandstrifeamongthemselvesconcerning
dignityandpre-eminence.
61Nowallsucharevainandwithoutunderstanding,as
contendwithoneanotheraboutthesethings.
62Nevertheless,seeingtheyareotherwisegood,if
whentheyshallhearthesecommandstheyshallamend
themselves,andshallatmypersuasionsuddenlyrepent;
theyshallatlastdwellinthetower,astheywhohave
trulyandworthilyrepented.
63Butifanyoneshallagainreturntohisdissension;he
shallbeshutoutfromthetower,andshalllosehislife.
Forthelifeofthosewhokeepthecommandmentsofthe
Lordconsistsindoingwhattheyarecommanded;notin
principality,orinanyotherdignity.
64Forbyforbearanceandhumilityofmind,menshall
attainuntolife;butbyseditionsandcontemptofthelaw,
theyshallpurchasedeathuntothemselves.
65Theywhointheirrodshadhalfdryandhalfgreen,
arethosewhoareengagedinmanyaffairsoftheworld,
andarenotjoinedtothesaints.Forwhichcausehalfof
themliveth,andhalfisdead.
66Whereforemanyofthesesincethetimethatthey
haveheardmycommands,haverepented,andbegunto
dwellinthetower.Butsomeofthemhavewhollyfallen
away;tothesethereisnomoreplaceforrepentance.
67Forbyreasonoftheirpresentinterests,theyhave
blasphemedanddeniedGod:andforthiswickedness
theyhavelostlife.Andofthesemanyarestillindoubt;
thesemayyetreturn;andiftheyshallquicklyrepent,
theyshallhaveaplaceinthetower;butiftheyshallbe
moreslow,theyshalldwellwithinthewalls;butifthey
shallnotrepent,theyshalldie.
68Asforthosewhohadtwopartsoftheirrodsgreen,
andthethirddry;theyhavebymanifoldwaysdenied
theLord.Ofthosemanyhaverepented,andfounda
placeinthetower:andmanyhavealtogetherdeparted
fromGod.Thesehaveutterlylostlife.
69Andsomebeinginadoubtfulstate,haveraisedup
dissensions:thesemayyetreturn,iftheyshallsuddenly
repentandnotcontinueintheirlusts;butiftheyshall
continueintheirevildoingtheyshalldie.
70Theywhogaveintheirrodstwopartsdry,andthe
othergreen;arethosewhohaveindeedbeenfaithful,but
withalrichandfullofgoodthings;andthereuponhave
desiredtobefamousamongtheheathenwhichare
without,andhavetherebyfallenintogreatpride,and
beguntoaimathighmatters,andtoforsakethetruth.
71Norweretheyjoinedtothesaints,butlivedwiththe
heathen;andthislifeseemedthemorepleasanttothem.
HowbeittheyhavenotdepartedfromGod,but
continuedinthefaith;onlytheyhavenotwroughtthe
worksoffaith.
72Manythereforeofthesehaverepented,andbegunto
dwellinthetower.Yetothersstilllivingamongthe
heathenpeople,andbeingliftedupwiththeirvanities,
haveutterlyfallenawayfromGod,andfollowedthe
worksandwickednessesoftheheathen.Thesekindof
menthereforearereckonedamongstrangerstothe
Gospel.
73Othersofthesebegantobedoubtfulintheirminds;
despairingbyreasonoftheirwickeddoingseverto
attainuntosalvation:Othersbeingthusmadedoubtful,
didmoreoverstirupdissensions.
74Tothesetherefore,andtothosewhobyreasonof
theirdoingsarebecomedoubtful,thereisstillhopeof
return;buttheymustrepentquickly,thattheirplacemay
beinthetower.Buttheythatrepentnot,butcontinue
stillintheirpleasures,arenighuntodeath.
75Asforthosewhogaveintheirrodsgreen,excepting
theirtops,whichonlyweredry,andhadclefts;these
werealwaysgood,andfaithful,and2uprightbefore
God:neverthelesstheysinnedalittle,byreasonoftheir
emptypleasuresandtriflingthoughtswhichtheyhad
withinthemselves.
76Whereforemanyofthemwhentheyheardmywords,
repentedforthwith,andbegantodwellinthetower.
Neverthelesssomegrewdoubtful,andotherstotheir
doubtfulmindsaddeddissensions.Tothesetherefore
thereisstillhopeofreturn,becausetheywerealways
good;buttheyshallnothardlybemoved.
77Asforthose,lastly,whogaveintheirrodsdry,their
topsonlyexcepted,whichaloneweregreen:theyare
suchashavebelievedindeedinGod,buthavelivedin
wickedness;yetwithoutdepartingfromGod:having
alwayswillinglybornethenameoftheLord;andreadily
receivedintotheirhousestheservantsofGod.
78Whereforehearingthesethingstheyreturned,and
withoutdelayrepented,andlivedinallrighteousness.
Andsomeofthemsuffereddeath:othersreadily
underwentmanytrials,beingmindfuloftheirevil
doings.

100. 79Andwhenhehadendedhisexplicationsofallthe
rods,hesaiduntome,Go,andsayuntoallmenthatthey
repent,aidtheyshallliveuntoGod:becausetheLord
beingmovedwithgreatclemencyhathsentmetopreach
repentanceuntoall.
80Evenuntothosewhobyreasonoftheirevildoings,
deservenottoattainuntosalvation.ButtheLordwillbe
patient,andkeeptheinvitationthatwasmadebyhisSon.
81Isaiduntohim,Sir,Ihopethatallwhentheyshall
hearthesethings,willrepent.ForItrustthateveryone
acknowledginghiscrimes,andtakingupthefearofthe
Lord,willreturnuntorepentance.
82Hesaiduntome,Whosoevershallrepentwithall
theirhearts,andcleansethemselvesfromalltheevils
thatIhavebeforementioned,andnotaddanythingmore
totheirsins,shallreceivefromtheLordthecureoftheir
formeriniquities,iftheyshallnotmakeanydoubtof
thesecommands,andshallliveuntoGod.
83Buttheythatshallcontinuetoaddtotheir
transgressions,andshallstillconversewiththelustsof
thepresentworld,shallcondemnthemselvesuntodeath.
Butdothouwalkinthesecommands,andwhosoever
shallwalkinthese,andexercisethemrightly,shalllive
untoGod.
84Andhavingshewedmeallthesethings,hesaid;I
willshewtheetherestinafewdays.
SIMILITUDE9
1AfterIhadwrittentheCommandsandSimilitudesof
theShepherd,theAngelofRepentance;hecameunto
me,andsaidtome,Iwillshewtheeallthosethings
whichtheSpiritspakewiththeeunderthefigureofthe
Church.ForthatSpiritistheSonofGod.
2Andbecausethouwertweakinbody,itwasnot
declareduntotheebytheangel,untilthouwert
strengthenedbytheSpirit,andincreasedinforce,that
thoumightestalsoseetheangel.
3Forthenindeedthebuildingofthetowerwasvery
wellandgloriouslyshewnuntotheebythechurch;
neverthelessthousawestallthingsshewnuntotheeasit
werebyavirgin.
4Butnowthouartenlightenedbytheangel,butyetby
thesameSpirit.Butthoumustconsiderallthings
diligently;forthereforeamIsentintothyhousebythat
venerablemessenger,thatwhenthoushalthaveseenall
thingspowerfully,thoumayestnotbeafraidasbefore.
5AndheledmetotheheightofamountaininArcadia,
andwesatuponitstop.Andheshowedmeagreatplain,
andaboutittwelvemountainsindifferentfigures.
6Thefirstwasblackassoot.Thesecondwassmooth,
withoutherbs.Thethirdwasfullofthornsandthistles.
Thefourthhadherbshalfdried;ofwhichtheupperpart
wasgreen,butthatnexttherootwasdry;andsomeof
theherbs,whenthesungrewhot,weredry.
7Thefifthmountainwasveryrugged;butyethadgreen
herbs.Thesixthmountainwasfullofclefts,somelesser,
andsomegreater;andinthesecleftsgrewgrass,not
flourishing,butwhichseemedtobewithering
8Theseventhmountainhaddelightfulpasture,andwas
whollyfruitful:andallkindsofcattle,andofthebirds
ofheaven,feduponit;andthemoretheyfedofit,the
moreandbetterdidthegrassgrow.
9Theeighthmountainwasfulloffountains,andfrom
thosefountainswerewateredallkindsofthecreatures
ofGod.Theninthmountainhadnowateratall,butwas
whollydestituteofit;andnourisheddeadlyserpents,
anddestructivetomen.
10Thetenthmountainwasfulloftalltrees,and
altogethershady:andundertheshadeofthemlaycattle
restingandchewingthecud.
11Theeleventhmountainwasfullofthethickesttrees;
andthosetreesseemedtobeloadedwithseveralsortsof
fruits;thatwhosoeversawthemcouldnotchoosebut
desiretoeatoftheirfruit.
12Thetwelfthmountainwasaltogetherwhite,andofa
mostpleasantaspect,anditselfgaveamostexcellent
beautytoitself.
13¶Inthemiddleofthe1plainheshowedmeahuge
whiterock,whichroseoutoftheplain,andtherockwas
higherthanthosemountains,andwassquare;sothatit
seemedcapableofsupportingthewholeworld.
14Itlookedtometobeold,yetithadinitanewgate,
whichseemedtohavebeennewlyhewnoutinit.Now
thatgatewasbrightbeyondthesunitself;insomuch,
thatIgreatlyadmiredatitslight.
15Aboutthegatestoodtwelvevirgins;ofwhichfour
thatstoodatthecornersofthegate,seemedtometobe
thechiefest,althoughtherestwerealsoofworth:and
theystoodatthefourpartsofthegate.
16Itaddedalsotothegraceofthosevirgins,thatthey
stoodinpairs,clothedwithlinengarments,anddecently
girded,theirrightarmsbeingatliberty,asiftheywere
abouttoliftupsome2burthen;forsotheywere
adorned,andwereexceedingcheerfulandready.
17WhenIsawthis,Iwonderedwithmyselftoseesuch
greatandnoblethings.AndagainIadmireduponthe
accountofthosevirgins,thattheyweresohandsome
anddelicate;andstoodwithsuchfirmnessand
constancy,asiftheywouldcarrythewholeheaven.
18AndasIwasthinkingthuswithinmyself,the
shepherdsaiduntome:Whatthmkestthouwithin
thyself,andartdisquieted,andfillestthyselfwithcare?
19Donotseemtoconsider,asifthouwertwise,what
thoudoestnotunderstand,butprayuntotheLord,that
thoumayesthaveabilitytounderstandit:whatisto
comethoucanstnotunderstand,butthouseestthat
whichisbeforethee.
20Benotthereforedisquietedatthosethingswhich
thoucanstnotsee;butgettheunderstandingofthose
whichthouseest.
21Forbeartobecurious;andIwillshewtheeallthings
thatIoughttodeclareuntothee;butfirstconsiderwhat
yetremains.
22¶AndwhenhehadsaidthisuntomeIlookedup,and
beholdIsawsixtallandvenerablemencoming;their
countenanceswereallalike;andtheycalledacertain
multitudeofmen;andtheywhocameattheircallwere
alsotallandstout.

101. 23Andthosesixcommandedthemtobuildacertain
toweroverthatgate.Andimmediatelytherebegantobe
agreatnoiseofthosemenrunninghereandthereabout
thegate,whowerecometogethertobuildthetower.
24Butthosevirginswhichstoodaboutthegate
perceivedthatthebuildingofthetowerwastobe
hastenedbythem.Andtheystretchedouttheirhands,as
iftheyweretoreceivesomewhatfromthemtodo.
25Thenthosesixmencommanded,thattheyshouldlift
upstonesoutofacertaindeepplace,andpreparethem
forthebuildingofthetower.Andtherewereliftedup
tenwhitestones,square,andnotcutround.
26Thenthosesixmencalledthetenvirginstothem,
andcommandedthemtocarryallthestonesthatwereto
beputintothebuildingandhavingcarriedthemthrough
thegatetodeliverthemtothosethatwereabouttobuild
thetower.
27Immediatelythevirginsbeganallofthemtogetherto
liftupthosestones,thatwerebeforetakenoutofthe
deep.
28¶Andtheywhoalsostoodaboutthegatedidcarry
stonesinsuchamanner,thatthosestoneswhichseemed
tobethestrongestwerelaidatthecorners,therestwere
putintothesides.
29Andthustheycarriedallthestones,andbringing
themthroughthegatedeliveredthemtothebuilders,as
theyhadbeencommanded:whoreceivingthemattheir
hands,builtwiththem.
30Butthisbuildingwasmadeuponthatgreatrock,and
overthegate;andbythesethewholetowerwas
supported.Butthebuildingofthetenstonesfilledthe
wholegate,whichbegantobemadeforthefoundation
ofthattower.
31Afterthosetenstonesdidfiveandtwentyothersrise
upoutofthedeep;andthesewereplacedinthebuilding
ofthesametower;beingliftedupbythosevirgins,as
theothershadbeenbefore.
32Afterthesedidfiveandthirtyothersriseup;and
thesewerealsoinlikemannerfittedintothesamework.
Thenfortyotherstoneswerebroughtup,andallthese
wereaddeduntothebuildingofthattower.
33Sotherebegantobefourranksinthefoundationof
thattower;andthestonesceasedtoriseoutofthedeep;
andtheyalsowhichbuiltrestedalittle.
34Againthosesixmencommandedthemultitude,that
theyshouldbringstonesoutofthosetwelvemountains
tothebuildingofthesametower.
35Sotheycutoutofallthemountainsstonesofdivers
colours,andbroughtthemandgavethemtothevirgins;
whichwhentheyhadreceivedtheycarriedthem,and
deliveredthemintothebuildingofthetower,
36Inwhichwhentheywerebuilttheybecamewhite,
anddifferentfromwhattheywerebefore;fortheywere
allalike,anddidchangetheirformercolours.Andsome
werereachedupbythementhemselves,whichwhen
theycameintothebuilding,continuedsuchastheywere
putin.
37Theseneitherbecamewhite,nordifferentfromwhat
theywerebefore;becausetheywerenotcarriedbythe
virginsthroughthegate.Whereforethesestoneswere
disagreeableinthebuilding:which,whenthosesixmen
perceived,theycommandedthemtoberemoved,and
putagainintheplacefromwhichtheywerebrought.
38Andtheysaidtothosewhobroughtthosestones;Do
notyereachuptousanystonesforthisbuilding,butlay
themdownbythetower,andthesevirginsmaycarry
themandreachthemtous.
39Forunlesstheyshallbecarriedbythesevirgins
throughthisgate,theycannotchangetheircolours;
thereforedonotlabourinvain.
40¶Sothebuildingthatdaywasdone,howbeitthe
towerwasnotfinished;foritwasafterwardstobebuilt,
thereforenowalsotherewassomedelaymadeofit.
41Andthesesixmencommandedthosethatbuiltto
depart,andasitweretorestforsometime;butthey
orderedthosevirginsthattheyshouldnotdepartfrom
thetower;nowtheyseemedtometobeleftforthe
guardingofit.
42Whenallweredeparted,Isaiduntothatshepherd;Sir,
whyisnotthebuildingofthetowerfinished?Becauseit
cannot,saidhe,befinisheduntilitsLordcomes,and
approvesofthebuilding;thatifheshallfindanystones
initthatarenotgoodtheymaybechanged;forthis
towerisbuiltaccordingtohiswill.
43Sir,saidI,Iwouldknowwhatthebuildingofthis
towersignifies;asalsoIwouldbeinformedconcerning
thisrock,andthisgate.
44Andconcerningthemountains,andthevirgins,and
thestonesthatdidriseoutofthedeep,andwerenotcut,
butputintothebuildingjustastheycameforth;and
whythetenstoneswerefirstlaidinthefoundation;then
thetwenty-five;thenthirty-five;thenforty?
45Alsoconcerningthesestonesthatwereputintothe
building,andagaintakenout,andcarriedbackintotheir
place?Fulfil,Ipray,thedesireofmysoulastoallthese
thingsandmanifestalluntome.
46Andhesaiduntome;Ifthoushaltnotbedull,thou
shaltknowall,andshaltseealltheotherthingsthatare
abouttohappeninthistower;andshaltunderstand
diligentlyallthesesimilitudes.
47Andafterafewdayswecameintothesameplace
wherewehadsatbefore;andhesaiduntome,Letusgo
untothetower;fortheLordofitwillcomeandexamine
it.
48Sowecamethither,andfoundnonebutthosevirgins
there.AndheaskedthemwhethertheLordofthattower
wascomethither?Andtheyreplied,thathewouldbe
therepresentlytoexaminethebuilding.
49¶AfteraverylittlewhileIsawagreatmultitudeof
mencoming,andinthemiddleofthemamansotall,
thathesurpassedthetowerinheight.
50Abouthimwerethosesix,whobeforecommandedin
thebuilding,andalltherestofthosewhohadbuiltthat
tower,andmanyothersofgreatdignity:andthevirgins
thatkeptthetowerrantomeethim,andkissedhim,and
begantowalknearuntohim.
51Butheexaminedthebuildingwithsomuchcarethat
hehandledeverystone;andstruckeveryonewitharod
whichheheldinhishand:

102. 52Ofwhichsomebeingsostruckturnedblackassoot;
otherswererough;somelookedasiftheyhadcracksin
them;othersseemedmaimed:someneitherblacknor
white;somelookedsharp,andagreednotwiththeother
stones,andotherswerefullofspots.
53Theseweretheseveralkindsofthosestoneswhich
werenotfoundproperinthebuilding;allwhichthe
Lordcommandedtobetakenoutofthetower,andlaid
nearit,andotherstonestobebroughtandputintheir
places.
54Andtheythatbuilt,askedhimfromwhichofthe
mountainshewouldhavestonesbroughttoputinthe
placeofthosethatwerelaidaside.Butheforbadthem
tobringanyfromthemountains,andcommandedthat
theyshouldtakeoutofacertainfieldthatwasnear.
55Sotheydiggedinthefield,andfoundmanybright
squarestones,andsomealsothatwereround.Howbeit,
allthatwerefoundinthatfieldweretakenaway,and
carriedthroughthegatebythosevirgins;andthoseof
themthatweresquarewerefittedandputintotheplaces
ofthosethatwerepulledout.
56Buttheroundoneswerenotputintothebuilding,
becausetheywerehard,anditwouldhaverequiredtoo
muchtimetocutthem;buttheywereplacedaboutthe
tower,asiftheyshouldhereafterbecutsquare,andput
intothebuilding;fortheywereverywhite.
57¶Whenhewhowaschiefindignity,andlordofthe
wholetowersawthis,hecalledtohimtheshepherdthat
waswithmeandgavehimthestonesthatwererejected
andlaidaboutthetowerandsaiduntohim;cleanse
thesestoneswithallcare,andfitthemintothebuilding
ofthetower,thattheymayagreewiththerest;butthose
thatwillnotsuitwiththerest,castawayafarofffrom
thetower.
58Whenhehadthuscommandedhim,hedeparted,with
allthosethatcamewithhimtothetower:butthose
virginsstillstoodaboutthetowertokeepit.
59AndIsaiduntothatshepherd,Howcanthesestones,
seeingtheyhavebeenrejected,returnintothebuilding
ofthistower?Hereplied;Iwillcutoffthegreatestpart
frontthesestones,andwilladdthemtothebuilding,and
theywillagreewiththerest.
60AndIsaid,Sir,howwilltheybeabletofillthesame
place,whentheyshallbesomuchcutaway?He
answered;Theythatshallbefoundtoolittleshallbeput
intothemiddleofthebuilding,andthegreatershallbe
placedwithout,andkeepthemin.
61Whenhehadsaidthusuntome,headded;Letusgo,
andafterthreedayswewillreturn,andIwillputthese
stones,beingcleansed,intothetower.
62Forallthesethatareaboutthetowermustbe
cleansed,lestthemasterofthehousechancetocome
uponthesudden,andfindthosewhichareaboutthe
towerunclean;andbesoexasperated,thatthesestones
shouldneverbeputintothebuildingofthistower,andI
shallbelookedupontohavebeenunmindfulofmy
master'scommands.
63Whenthereforewecameafterthreedaystothetower,
hesaiduntome;Letusexamineallthesestones,andlet
usseewhichofthemmaygointothebuilding.I
answered,Sir,letussee.
64¶Andfirstofallwebeguntoconsiderthosewhich
hadbeenblack;fortheywerefoundjustsuchasthey
werewhentheywerepulledoutofthetower:wherefore
hecommandedthemtoberemovedfromthetowerand
putbythemselves.
65Thenheexaminedthosewhichhadbeenrough;and
commandedmanyofthosetobecutround,andtobe
fittedbythevirginsintothebuildingofthetower;so
theytookthem,andfittedthemintothemiddleofthe
building;andhecommandedtheresttobelaidbywith
theblackones,fortheyalsowerebecomeblack.
66Nextheconsideredthosewhichwerefullofcracks,
andmanyofthosealsoheorderedtobeparedaway,and
sotobeaddedtotherestofthebuildingbythesame
virgins.
67Thesewereplacedwithoutbecausetheywerefound
entire;buttheresiduethroughthemultitudeoftheir
crackscouldnotbereformed,andthereforewerecast
awayfromthebuildingofthetower.
68Thenheconsideredthosethathadbeenmaimed;
manyofthesehadcracks,andwerebecomeblack;
otherswerelargeclefts;thesehecommandedtobe
placedwiththosethatwererejected.
69Buttherestbeingcleansedandreformed,he
commandedtobeputinthebuilding.Thesetherefore
thosevirginstookup,andfittedintothemiddleofthe
building,becausetheywerebutweak.
70Aftertheseheexaminedthosewhichwerefoundhalf
whiteandhalfblack;andmanyofthosewerenowblack;
thesealsoheorderedtobelaidamongthosethatwere
castaway.
71Therestwerefoundaltogetherwhite;thosewere
takenupbythevirgins,andfittedintothesametower:
andthesewereputintheoutside,becausetheywere
foundentire;thatsotheymightkeepinthosethatwere
placedinthemiddle,fornothingwascutofffromthem.
72Nexthelookeduponthosewhichhadbeenhardand
sharp;butfewoftheseweremadeuseof,becausethey
couldnotbecut,fortheywerefoundveryhard:butthe
restwereformed,andfittedbythevirginsintothe
middleofthebuilding,becausetheyweremoreweak.
73Thenheconsideredthosewhichhadspots;ofthesea
fewwerefoundblack,andthesewerecarriedtotheir
fellows.Therestwerewhiteandentire;andtheywere
fittedbythevirginsintothebuilding,andplacedinthe
outside,byreasonoftheirstrength.
74¶Afterthishecametoconsiderthosestoneswhich
werewhiteandround:andhesaiduntome,Whatshall
wedowiththesestones?Ianswered,Sir,Icannottell.
75Hereplied,Canstthouthinkofnothingthenforthese?
Ianswered,Sir,Iunderstandnotthisart;neitheramIa
stone-cutter,norcanItellanything.
76Andhesaid,seestthounotthattheyareveryround?
Nowtomakethemsquare,Imustcutoffagreatdeal
fromthem;howbeit,itisnecessarythatsomeofthese
shouldgointothebuildingofthetower.

103. 77Ianswered;Ifitbenecessary,whydoyouperplex
yourself,andnotratherchoose,ifyouhaveanychoice
amongthem,andfitthemintothebuilding.
78Uponthishechoseoutthelargestandbrightest,and
squaredthem;whichwhenhehaddonethevirginstook
themup,andplacedthemintheoutsideofthebuilding.
79Anddierestthatremainedwerecarriedbackintothe
samefieldfromwhichtheyweretaken;howbeit,they
werenotcastaway;because,saidhe,thereisnotyeta
littlewantingtothistower,whichistobebuilt;and
perhapstheLordwillhavethesestonesfittedintothis
building,becausetheyareexceedingwhite.
80Thenweretherecalledtwelveverystatelywomen,
clothedwithablackgarment,girded,andtheirshoulders
free,andtheirhairloose.Theseseemedtometobe
countrywomen.
81Andtheshepherdcommandedthemtotakeupthose
stoneswhichwerecastoutofthebuilding,andcarry
thembacktothemountainsoutofwhichtheywere
taken.
82Andtheytookthemallupjoyfully,andcarriedthem
backtotheirplacesfromwhencetheyhadbeentaken.
83Whennotonestoneremainedaboutthetower,he
saiduntome,Letusgoaboutthistower,andsee
whetheranythingbewantingtoit.
84Webeganthereforetogoroundaboutit;andwhen
hesawthatitwashandsomelybuilt,hebegantobevery
glad;foritwassobeautifullyframed,thatanyonethat
hadseenitmusthavebeeninlovewiththebuilding:
85Foritseemedtobeallbutonestone,nordidajoint
anywhereappear;butitlookedasifithadallbeencut
outofonerock.
86¶AndwhenIdiligentlyconsideredwhatatowerit
was,Iwasextremelypleased:andhesaiduntome,
Bringhithersomelimeandlittleshells,thatImayfillup
thespacesofthosestonesthatweretakenoutofthe
building,andputinagain;forallthingsaboutthetower
mustbemadeeven.
87AndIdidashecommandedme,andhesaiduntome,
Bereadytohelpme,andthisworkwillquicklybe
finished.
88Hethereforefilledupthespacesofthosestones,and
commandedtheplaceaboutthetowertobecleansed.
89Thenthosevirginstookbesoms,andcleansedallthe
placearoundandtookawayalltherubbish,andthrew
wateron;whichbeingdone,theplacebecamedelightful,
andthetowerbeauteous.
90Thenhesaiduntome,Allisnowclean:iftheLord
shouldcometofinishthetower,hewillfindnothing
wherebytocomplainofus.
91Whenhehadsaidthishewouldhavedeparted.ButI
laidholdonhisbag,andbegantoentreathimforthe
Lord'ssake,thathewouldexplaintomeallthingsthat
hehadshownme.
92Hesaiduntome,Ihaveatpresentalittlebusiness;
butIwillsuddenlyexplainallthingsuntothee.Tarry
hereformetillIcome.
93Isaiduntohim,Sir,whatshallIdoherealone?He
answered,Thouartnotalone,seeingallthesevirginsare
withthee.
94Isaid,Sir,delivermethenuntothem.Thenhecalled
themandsaiduntothem,Icommendthismanuntoyou
untilIshallcome.
95SoIremainedwiththosevirgins:nowtheywere
cheerfulandcourteousuntome;especiallythefour,
whichseemedtobethechiefestamongthem.
96¶Thenthosevirginssaiduntome,thatshepherdwill
notreturnhithertoday.Isaiduntothem,Whatthen
shallIdo?Theyanswered,Tarryforhimtilltheevening,
ifperhapshemaycomeandspeakwiththee;butifnot,
yetthoushaltcontinuewithustillhedoescoma.
97Isaiduntothem,Iwilltarryforhimtillevening;but
ifbecomesnotbythattime,Iwillgohome,andreturn
hitheragainthenextmorning.
98Theyansweredme,Thouartdelivereduntous,thou
mayestnotdepartfromus.Isaid,WhereshallItarry?
99Theyreplied,Thoushaltsleepwithusasabrother,
notasahusband:forthouartourbrother,andweare
readyfromhenceforthtodwellwiththee;forthouart
verydeartous.
100HowbeitIwasashamedtocontinuewiththem.But
shethatseemedtobethechiefestamongstthem,
embracedme,andbegantokissme.Andtherestwhen
theysawthatIwaskissedbyher,beganalsotokissme
asabrother;andledmeaboutthetower,andplayed
withme.
101Someofthemalsosungpsalms,othersmadeupthe
choruswiththem.ButIwalkedaboutthetowerwith
them,rejoicingsilently,andseemingtomyselftobe
grownyoungagain.
102Whentheeveningcameon,Iwouldforthwithhave
gonehome,buttheywithheldme,andsufferedmenot
todepart.WhereforeIcontinuedwiththemthatnight
nearthesametower.
103Sotheyspreadtheirlinengarmentsupontheground;
andplacedmeinthemiddle,nordidtheyanythingelse,
onlytheyprayed.
104Ialsoprayedwiththemwithoutceasing,norless
thanthey.Whowhentheysawmeprayinthatmanner,
rejoicedgreatly;andIcontinuedtherewiththemtillthe
nextday.
105AndwhenwehadworshippedGod,thenthe
shepherdcameandsaiduntothem:Youhavedoneno
injurytothisman.Theyanswered,Askhim.Isaidunto
him,Sir,Ihavereceivedagreatdealofsatisfactionin
thathaveremainedwiththem.
106Andhesaiduntome,Howthousup?Ianswered,
Sir,IfeastedthewholenightuponthewordsoftheLord.
Theyreceivedtheewellthen,saidhe;Isaid,Sir,very
well.
107Heanswered,Wiltthounowlearnwhatthoudidst
desire?Ireplied,Sir,Iwill:andfirstIpraytheethat
thoushouldestshewmeallthingsintheorderthatI
askedthem.
108Heanswered,Iwilldoallasthouwouldsthaveme,
norwillIhideanythingfromthee.
109¶Firstofall,Sir,saidI,tellme,whatthisrock,and
thisgatedenote?Hearken,saidhe;thisrock,andthis
gate,aretheSonofGod.Ireplied,Sir,howcanthatbe;
seeingtherockisold,butthegatenew.

104. 110Hear,saidhe,Ofoolishman!andunderstand.The
SonofGodisindeedmoreancientthananycreature;
insomuchthathewasincouncilwithhisFatheratthe
creationofallthings.
111Butthegateisthereforenew,becauseheappeared
inthelastdaysinthefulnessoftime;thattheywhoshall
attainuntosalvation,maybyitenterintothekingdomof
God.
112Youhaveseen,saidhe,thosestoneswhichwere
carriedthroughthegate,howtheywereplacedinthe
buildingofthetower;butthatthosewhichwerenot
carriedthroughthegate,weresentawayintotheirown
places?
113Ianswered,Sir,Isawit.Thus,saidhe,nomanshall
enterintothekingdomofGod,buthewhoshalltake
uponhimthenameoftheSonofGod.
114Forifyouwouldenterintoanycity,andthatcity
shouldwbeencompassedwithawall,andhadonlyone
gate,couldyounenterintothatcityexceptbythatgate?
115Ianswered,Sir,howcouldIdootherwise?As
therefore,saidhe,therewouldbenootherwayof
enteringintothatcitybutbyitsgate,soneithercanany
oneenterintothekingdomofGod,butonlybythename
ofhisSon,whoismostdearuntohim.
116Andhesaiduntome,Didstthouseethemultitude
ofthosethatbuiltthattower?Sir,saidI,Isawit.He
answered,Allthosearetheangels,venerableintheir
dignity.
117WiththoseistheLordencompassedaswithawall:
butthegateistheSonofGod,whoistheonlywayof
cominguntoGod.FornomanshallgotoGod,butby
hisSon.
118Thousawestalso,saidhe,thesixmen,andinthe
middleofthemthatvenerablegreatman,whowalked
aboutthetower,andrejectedthestonesoutofthetower?
119Sir,saidI,Isawthem.Heanswered,thattallman
wastheSonofGod:andthosesixwerehisangelsof
mosteminentdignity,whichstandabouthimonthe
righthandandontheleft.
120OftheseexcellentangelsnonecomesinuntoGod
withouthim.Headded,Whosoeverthereforeshallnot
takeuponhimhisname,heshallnotenterintothe
kingdomofGod.
121¶ThenIsaid,Whatisthistower?This,saidhe,is
thechurch.Andwhat,Sir,arethesevirgins?Hesaid
untome,Thesearetheholyspirits,fornomancanenter
intothekingdomofGod,excepttheseclothehimwith
theirgarment.
122Foritwillavailtheenothingtotakeupthenameof
theSonofGod,unlessthoushaltalsoreceivetheir
garmentfromthem.Forthesevirginsarethepowersof
theSonofGod.Soshallamaninvainbearhisname,
unlessheshallbealsoenduedwithhispowers.
123Andhesaiduntome,sawestthouthosestonesthat
werecastaway?Theyboreindeedthename,butputnot
ontheirgarment.Isaid,Sir,whatistheirgarment?Their
verynames,saidhe,aretheirgarment.
124ThereforewhosoeverbeareththenameoftheSonof
God,oughttobeartheirnamesalso;fortheSonofGod
alsohimselfbeareththeirnames.
125Asforthosestones,continuedhe,whichbeing
deliveredbytheirhands,thousawestremaininthe
building,theywereclothedwiththeirpower;forwhich
causethouseestthewholetowerofthesamecolour
withtherock,andmadeasitwereofonestone.
126SoalsothosewhohavebelievedinGodbyhisSon,
haveputonhisspirit.Beholdthereshallbeonespirit,
andonebody,andonecolouroftheirgarments;andall
theyshallattainthis,whoshallbearthenamesofthese
virgins.
127AndIsaid,Sir,whythenwerethosestonescast
awaywhichwererejected,seeingtheyalsowerecarried
throughthegate,anddeliveredbythehandsofthese
virginsintothebuildingofthistower?
128Seeing,saidhe,thoutakestcaretoinquirediligently
intoallthings,hearalsoconcerningthosestoneswhich
wererejected.AllthesereceivedthenameoftheSonof
God,andwiththatthepowerofthesevirgins.
129Havingthereforereceivedthesespirits,theywere
perfected,andbroughtintothenumberoftheservantsof
God;andtheybegantobeonebody,andtohaveone
garment,fortheywere3enduedwiththesame
righteousness,whichtheyalikeexercised.
130Butafterthattheybeheldthosewomenwhichthou
sawestclothedwithablackgarment,withtheir
shouldersatlibertyandtheirhairloose;theyfixedtheir
desiresuponthem,beingtemptedwiththeirbeauty;and
wereclothedwiththeirpower,andcastofftheclothing
ofthevirgins:
131ThereforeweretheycastofffromthehouseofGod,
anddeliveredtothosewomen.Buttheythatwerenot
corruptedwiththeirbeauty,remainedinthehouseof
God.This,saidhe,isthesignificationofthosestones
whichwererejected.
132¶AndIsaid,Sir,whatifanyofthesemenshall
repent,andcastawaytheirdesireofthosewomen,and
beconverted,andreturntothesevirgins,andputon
againtheirvirtue;shalltheynotenterintothehouseof
God?
133Theyshallenter,saidhe,iftheyshalllayasideall
theworksofthosewomen,andshallresumethepower
ofthesevirgins,andshallwalkintheirworks.
134Andforthiscausethereisastopinthebuilding,
thatiftheyshallrepent,theymaybeaddedtothe
buildingofthistower;butiftheyshallnotrepent,that
othersmaybebuiltintheirplaces,andsotheymaybe
utterlycastaway.
135ForallthesethingsIgavethanksuntotheLord,that
beingmovedwithmercytowardsallthoseuponwhom
hisnameiscalled,hesenttoustheangelofrepentance
topresideoveruswhohavesinnedagainsthim;andthat
hehasrefreshedourspiritswhichwerealmostgone,and
whohadnohopeofsalvation,butarenowrefreshedto
therenewaloflife.
136ThenIsaid,Shewmenow,Sir,whythistoweris
notbuiltupontheground,butuponarock,anduponthe
gate?Hereplied,thouartfoolish,andwithout
understanding,thereforethouaskeththis.
137AndIsaid,Sir,Imustneedsaskallthingsofyou,
becauseIunderstandnothingatall.Forallyouranswers

105. aregreatandexcellent;andwhichamancanhardly
understand.
138Hear,saidhe:ThenameoftheSonofGodisgreat
andwithoutbounds,andthewholeworldissupported
byit.Iftherefore,saidI,everycreatureofGodbe
sustainedbyhisSon,whyshouldhenotsupportthose
alsowhohavebeeninvitedbyhim,andwhocarryhis
name,andwalkinhiscommandments?
139Seestthounot,saidhe,thathedothsupportthem,
whowithalltheirheartbearhis'name?Hethereforeis
theirfoundation,andgladlysupportsthosewhodonot
denyhisname,butwillinglybearit.
140¶AndIsaid:Sir,tellmethenamesofthesevirgins;
andofthosewomenthatwereclothedwiththeblack
garment.
141Hear,saidhe,thenamesofthosevirginswhichare
themorepowerful,andstandatthecornersofthegate.
Thesearetheirnames:
142ThefirstiscalledFaith;thesecondContinence;the
third,Power;thefourth,Patience;therestwhichstand
beneaththeseare,Simplicity,Innocence,Chastity,
Cheerfulness,Truth,Understanding,Concord,Charity.
143Whosoeverthereforebearthesenames,andthe
namesoftheSonofGod,shallenterintothekingdomof
God.
144Hearnow,saidhe,thenamesofthosewomen,
whichwereclothedwiththeblackgarment.Ofthese,
fouraretheprincipal:thefirstisPerfidiousness;the
second,Incontinence;thethird,Infidelity;thefourth,
Pleasure.
145Andtherestwhichfollowarecalledthus,Sadness,
Malice,Lust,Anger,Lying,Foolishness,Pride,and
Hatred.TheservantofGod,whichcarriesthesespirits,
shallseeindeedthekingdomofGod,butheshallnot
enterintoit.
146But,Sir,whatarethosestoneswhichweretakenout
ofthedeepandfittedintothebuilding?Theten,saidhe,
whichwereplacedatthefoundation,arethefirstage;
thefollowingfive-and-twenty,thesecond,ofrighteous
men.
147Thenextthirty-five,aretheprophetsandministers
oftheLord.Andtheforty,aretheApostlesanddoctors
ofthepreachingoftheSonofGod.
148AndIsaid,Sir,whydidthevirginsputeventhose
stonesintothebuildingaftertheywerecarriedthrough
thegate?Andhesaid,Becausethesefirstcarriedthose
spirits,andtheydepartednotonefromtheone,neither
themenfromthespirits,northespiritsfromthemen:
149Butthespiritswerejoinedtothosemeneventothe
dayoftheirdeath;whoiftheyhadnothadthesespirits
withthem,theycouldnothavebeenusefultothe
buildingofthistower.
150AndIsaid,Sir,shewmethisfarther.Heanswered,
Whatdostthouask?Whydidthesestonescomeoutof
thedeep,andwereplacedintothebuildingofthistower,
seeingthattheylongagocarriedthoseholyspirits.
151Itwasnecessary,saidhe,forthemtoascendby
water,thattheymightbeatrest.Fortheycouldnot
otherwiseenterintothekingdomofGod,butbylaying
asidethemortalityoftheirformerlife.
152Theythereforebeingdead,wereneverthelesssealed
withthesealoftheSonofGod,andsoenteredintothe
kingdomofGod.
153ForbeforeamanreceivesthenameoftheSonof
God,heisordaineduntodeath;butwhenhereceives
thatseal,heisfreedfromdeath,andassigneduntolife.
154Nowthatsealisthewaterofbaptism,intowhich
mengodownundertheobligationuntodeath,butcome
upappointeduntolife.
155Whereforetothosealsowasthissealpreached,and
theymadeuseofit,thattheymightenterthekingdomof
God.
156AndIsaid,Whythen,sir,didthesefortystonesalso
ascendwiththemoutofthedeep,havingalready
receivedthatseal?
157Heanswered,BecausetheseApostlesandteachers,
whopreachedthenameoftheSonofGod,dyingafter
theyhadreceivedhisfaithandpower,preachedtothem
whoweredeadbefore;andtheygavethissealtothem.
158Theywentdownthereforeintothewaterwiththem,
andagaincameup.Butthesewentdownwhilstthey
werealive,andcameupagainalive:whereasthosewho
werebeforedead,wentdowndead,butcameupalive;
159Throughthesethereforetheyreceivedlife,and
knewtheSonofGod:forwhichcausetheycameup
withthem,andwerefittocomeintothebuildingofthe
tower;andwerenotcut,butputinentire;becausethey
diedinrighteousness,andingreatpurity;onlythisseal
waswantingtothem.
160Thusyouhavetheexplicationofthesethings.
161¶Ianswered:Sir,tellmenowwhatconcernsthose
mountains,whyaretheysodifferent;someofoneform,
andsomeofanother.
162Hear,saidhe;Thesetwelvemountainswhichthou
seest,aretwelvenations,whichmakeupthewhole
world.WhereforetheSonofGodispreachedtothem,
bythosewhomhesentuntothem.
163Butwhy,saidI,aretheydifferent,andeveryoneof
afigure?Hereplied,Hearken.Thosetwelvenations
whichpossessthewholeworld,aretwelvepeople.
164Andasthouhastbeheldthesemountainsdifferent,
soarethey.Iwillthereforeopentotheethemeaning
andactionsofeverymountain.
165Butfirst,sir,saidI,shewmethis;Seeingthese
mountainsaresodifferent,howhavetheyagreedinto
thebuildingofthistower;andbeenbroughttoone
colour;andarenolessbrightthanthosethatcameoutof
thedeep?
166Because,repliedhe,allthenationswhichareunder
heaven,haveheardandbelievedinthesameonename
oftheSonofGodbywhomtheyarecalled.
167Whereforehavingreceivedhisseal,theyhaveall
beenmadepartakersofthesame1understandingand2
knowledge;andtheirfaithandcharityhavebeenthe
same;andtheyhavecarriedthespiritsofthesevirgins
togetherwithhisname.
168Andthereforethebuildingofthistowerappearedto
beofthesamecolour,anddidshinelikethebrightness
ofthesun.

106. 169Butafterthattheyhadthusagreedinonemindthere
begantobeonebodyofthemall;howbeitsomeofthem
pollutedthemselves,andwerecastofffromthekindof
therighteous,andagainreturnedtotheirformerstate,
andbecameevenworsethantheywerebefore.
170¶How,saidI,sir,weretheyworsewhoknewthe
Lord?Heanswered:IfhewhoknowsnottheLordliveth
wickedly,thepunishmentofhiswickednessattendshim.
171ButhewhohasknowntheLord,oughttoabstain
altogetherfromallwickedness,andmoreandmoretobe
theservantofrighteousness.
172Anddoesnothethenseemtotheetosinmorewho
oughttofollowgoodness,ifheshallpreferthepartof
sin;thanhewhooffendswithoutknowingthepowerof
God?
173Whereforetheseareindeedordaineduntodeath;but
theywhohaveknowntheLord,andhaveseenhis
wonderfulworks,iftheyshalllivewickedly,theyshall
bedoublypunished,andshalldieforever.
174Asthereforethouhastseenthatafterthestones
werecastoutofthetower,whichhadbeenrejected;they
weredeliveredtowickedandcruelspirits;andthou
beheldestthetowersocleansed,asifithadallbeen
madeofonestone:
175SothechurchofGod,whenitshallbepurified:(the
wickedandcounterfeits,themischievousanddoubtful,
andallthathavebehavedthemselveswickedlyinit,and
committeddiverskindsofsin,beingcastout)shall
becomeonebody,andthereshallbeoneunderstanding,
oneopinion,onefaith,andthesamecharity.
176AndthenshalltheSonofGodrejoiceamongthem,
andshallreceivehispeoplewithapurewill.
177AndIsaid;Sir,allthesethingsaregreatand
honourable;butnowshewuntometheeffectandforce
ofeverymountain:thateverysoulwhichtrustethinthe
Lord,whenitshallhearthesethingsmayhonourhis
great,andwonderful,andholyname.
178Hear,saidhe,thevarietyofthesemountains,thatis,
ofthetwelvenations.
179¶Theywhohavebelievedofthefirstmountain,
whichisblack,arethosewhohaverevoltedfromthe
faith;andspokenwickedthingsagainsttheLord;and
betrayedtheservantsofGod.
180Thesearecondemnedtodeath,thereisno
repentanceforthem:andthereforetheyareblack,
becausetheirkindiswicked.
181Ofthesecondmountainwhichwassmooth,arethe
hypocrites,whohavebelieved,andtheteachersof
naughtiness:andthesearenexttotheforegoing,which
havenotinthemthefruitofrighteousness.
182Forastheirmountainisbarrenandwithoutfruit;so
alsosuchkindofmenhaveindeedthenameof
Christians,butareemptyoffaith;noristhereanyfruit
ofthetruthinthem.
183Neverthelessthereisroomlefttothemfor
repentance,iftheyshallsuddenlypursueit:butifthey
shalldelay,theyalsoshallbepartakersofdeathwiththe
foregoingkind.
184Isaid,Sir,whyisthereroomlefttothosefor
repentance,andnottotheforegoingkind,seeingtheir
sinsarewellnighthesame?
185Thereistherefore,saidhetotheseareturnuntolife
byrepentance,becausetheyhavenotblasphemed
againsttheirLord,norbetrayedtheservantsofGod:but
bytheirdesireofgainhavedeceivedmen,leadingthem
accordingtothelustsofsinners;whereforetheyshall
sufferforthisthing.
186Howbeitthereisstillleftthemroomforrepentance,
becausetheyhavenotspokenanythingwickedly
againsttheLord.
187¶Theywhoareofthethirdmountainwhichhad
thornsandbrambles,arethosewhobelieved,butwere
someofthemrich,otherstakenupwithmanyaffairs:
thebramblesaretheirriches:thethorns,thoseaffairsin
whichtheywereengaged.
188Nowtheywhoareentangledinmuchbusiness,and
indiversityofaffairs,joinnotthemselvestotheservants
ofGod,butwander,beingcalledawaybythoseaffairs
withwhichtheyarechoked.
189Andsotheywhicharerich,withdifficultyyield
themselvestotheconversationoftheservantsofGod;
fearinglestanythingshouldbeaskedofthem.These
thereforeshallhardlyenterintothekingdomofGod.
190Forasmenwalkwithdifficultybare-footover
thorns,evensothesekindofmenshallscarcelyenter
intothekingdomofGod.
191Neverthelessthereisat.fordedtoalltheseareturn
untorepentance;ifthattheyshallquicklyreturntoit;
thatbecauseintheirformerdaystheyhaveneglectedto
work,inthetimethatistocometheymaydosomegood.
192Ifthereforehavingrepentedtheyshalldotheworks
ofrighteousness,theyshalllive;butiftheyshall
continueintheirevilcourses,theyshallbedeliveredto
thosewomenthatwilltakeawaytheirlife.
193¶Asforthefourthmountain,whichhadmanyherbs,
theupperpartofwhichisgreen,buttherootsdry,and
someofwhichbeingtouchedwiththeheatofthesun
arewithered;
194Itdenotesthedoubtful,whohavebelieved,and
someotherswhocarrytheLordintheirtongues,but
havehimnotintheirheart:thereforetheirgrassisdry,
andwithoutroot;becausetheyliveonlyinwords,but
theirworksaredead.
195Thesethereforeareneitherdeadnorliving,and
withalaredoubtful.Forthedoubtfulareneithergreen
nordry;thatis,neitherdeadnoralive.
196Forastheherbsdryawayatthesightofthesun;so
thedoubtfulassoonastheyhearofpersecution,andfear
inconveniences,returntotheiridols,andagainserve
them,andareashamedtobearthenameoftheirLord.
197Thiskindofmenthenisneitherdeadnoralive;
neverthelessthesealsomaylive,iftheyshallpresently
repent;butifnot,theyshallbedeliveredtothosewomen,
whoshalltakeawaytheirlife.
198¶Asconcerningthefifthmountainthatiscraggy,
andyethasgreengrass:theyareofthiskindwhohave
believed,andarefaithfulindeed,butbelievewith

107. difficulty;andarebold,andself-conceited;thatwould
bethoughttoknowallthings,butreallyknownothing.
199Wherefore,byreasonofthisconfidence,knowledge
isdepartedfromthem;andarashpresumptionisentered
intothem.
200Buttheycarrythemselveshigh,andasprudentmen;
andthoughtheyarefools,yetwouldseemtobeteachers.
201Nowbyreasonofthisfollymanyofthem,whilst
theymagnifythemselves,arebecomevainandempty.
Forboldnessandvainconfidenceisaveryevilspirit.
202Whereforemanyofthesearecastaway;butothers
acknowledgingtheirerror,haverepented,andsubmitted
themselvestothosewhoareknowing.
203Andtoalltherestofthiskindthereisrepentance
allowed;forasmuchastheywerenotsomuchwickedas
foolish,asvoidofunderstanding.
204Ifthesethereforeshallrepent,theyshallliveunto
God;butifnot,theyshalldwellwiththosewomen,who
shallexercisetheirwickednessuponthem.
205¶Forwhatconcernsthesixthmountainhaving
greaterandlesserclefts,theyaresuchashavebelieved;
butthoseinwhichwerelessercleftsaretheywhohave
hadcontroversiesamongthemselves;andbyreasonof
theirquarrelslanguishinthefaith;
206Neverthelessmanyofthesehaverepented,andso
willtherestwhentheyshallhearmycommands;for
theircontroversiesarebutsmall,andtheywilleasily
returnuntorepentance.
207Butthosewhohavethegreaterclefts,willbeasstiff
stones,mindfulofgrudgesandoffences,andfullof
angeramongthemselves.Thesethereforearecastfrom
thetower,andrefusedtobeputintoitsbuilding;forthis
kindofmenshallhardlylive.
208OurGodandLord,whorulethoverallthings,and
haspoweroverallhiscreatures,willnotrememberour
offences,butiseasilyappeasedbythosewhoconfess
theirsins:butmanbeinglanguid,mortal,infirm,and
fullofsins,perseveresinhisangeragainstman;asifit
wereinhispowertosaveordestroyhim.
209ButI,astheangelwhoamsetoveryourrepentance,
admonishyou,thatwhosoeveramongyouhasanysuch
purposeheshouldlayitaside,andreturnunto
repentance;andtheLordwillhealyourformersins,if
youshallpurgeyourselvesfromthisevilspirit;butif
youshallnotdoit,yeshallbedeliveredtohimunto
death.
210¶Asfortheseventhmountaininwhichthegrass
wasgreenandflourishing,andthewholemountain
faithful;andallkindofcattlefeduponthegrassofit,
andthemorethegrasswaseatensomuchthemoreit
flourished:
211Theyaresuchasbelieved,andwerealwaysgood
andupright;andwithoutanydifferencesamong
themselves,butstillrejoicedintheservantsofGod,
havingputonthespiritofthesevirgins;andbeen
alwaysforwardtoshewmercytoallmen,readilygiving
toallmenoftheirlabourswithoutupbraiding,and
withoutdeliberation.
212WhereforetheLordseeingtheirsimplicityand
innocence,hasincreasedthemintheworksoftheir
hands,andgiventhemgraceinalltheirworks.
213ButI,whoamtheangelappointedoveryour
repentance,exhortyou,thatasmanyasareofthiskind
wouldcontinueinthesamepurpose,thatyourseedmay
notberootedoutforever.
214FortheLordhathtriedyou,andwrittenyouintoour
number;andallyourseedshalldwellwiththeSonof
God;foryeareallofhisspirit.
215¶Asconcerningtheeighthmountaininwhichwere
agreatmanysprings,bywhicheverykindofallthe
creaturesofGodwaswatered;theyaresuchashave
believedtheApostleswhichtheLordsentintoallthe
worldtopreach;
216Andsomeofthembeingteachershavepreached
andtaughtpurelyandsincerely,andhavenotintheleast
yieldedtoanyevildesires,buthaveconstantlywalked
inrighteousnessandtruth.
217Thesethereforehavetheirconversationsamongthe
angels.
218¶Again;asforwhatconcernstheninthmountain
whichisdesert,andfullofserpents;theyaresuchas
havebelieved,buthadmanystains:
219Thesearesuchministersasdischargetheirministry
amiss;ravishingawaythegoodsofthewidowsand
fatherless;andservethemselves,notothers,outofthose
thingswhichtheyhavereceived.
220These,iftheycontinueinthiscovetousness,have
deliveredthemselvesuntodeath,norshalltherebeany
hopeoflifeforthem.Butiftheyshallbeconverted,and
shalldischargetheirministrysincerely,theymaylive.
221Asforthosewhichwerefoundrough,theyaresuch
ashavedeniedthenameoftheLord,andnotreturned
againtotheLord,buthavebecomesavageandwild;not
applyingthemselvestotheservantsofGod;butbeing
separatedfromthem,haveforalittlecarelessnesslost
theirlives.
222Forasavinethatisforsakeninahedge,andnever
dressed,perishesandischokedbytheweeds,andin
timebecomeswild,andceasestobeusefultoitslord;so
thiskindofmendespairingofthemselves,andbeing
soured,havebeguntobeunprofitabletotheirLord.
223Howbeittothesethereis,afterall,repentance
allowed,iftheyshallnotbefoundfromtheirheartsto
havedeniedChrist;butifanyoftheseshallbefoundto
havedeniedhimfromhisheart,Icannottellwhether
suchaonecanattainuntolife.
224Isaythereforethatifanyonehathdenied,heshould
inthesedaysreturnuntorepentance;foritcannotbethat
anyonewhonowdeniestheLord,canafterwardsattain
untosalvation:neverthelessrepentanceisproposedunto
themwhohaveformerlydenied.
225Buthewhowillrepentmusthastenonhis
repentance,beforethebuildingofthistowerisfinished:
otherwiseheshallbedeliveredbythosewomenunto
death.
226Buttheythataremaimedarethedeceitful;and
thosewhomixwithoneanother,thesearetheserpents
thatyousawmingledinthatmountain.

108. 227Forasthepoisonofserpentsisdeadlyuntomen;so
thewordsofsuchpersonsinfectanddestroymen.They
arethereforemaimedintheirfaith,byreasonofthat
kindoflifewhichtheylead.
228Howbeitsomeofthem,havingrepented,havebeen
saved,andsoshallothersofthesamekindbealsosaved,
iftheyshallrepent;butifnot,theyshalldiebythose
womenwhosepowerandforcetheypossess.
229¶Forwhatconcernsthetenthmountain,inwhich
werethetreescoveringthecattle,theyaresuchashave
believed,andsomeofthemhavebeenbishops,thatis,
governorsofthechurches.
230Others,aresuchstonesashavenotfeignedly,but
withacheerfulmindentertainedtheservantsofGod.
231Thensuchashavebeensetoverinferiorministries;
andhaveprotectedthepoorandthewidows;andhave
alwayskeptachasteconversation:thereforetheyalso
areprotectedbytheLord.
232Whosoevershalldoonthiswise,arehonoredwith
theLord;andtheirplaceisamongtheangels,ifthey
shallcontinuetoobeytheLordevenuntotheend.
233¶Astotheeleventhmountaininwhichweretrees
loadedwithseveralsortsoffruits,theyaresuchashave
believed,andsuffereddeath,forthenameoftheLord;
andhaveenduredwithareadymind,andhavegivenup
theirliveswithalltheirhearts.
234AndIsaid,Whythen,sir,haveallthesefruitindeed,
butyetsomefairerthanothers?
235Hearken,saidhe:Whosoeverhavesufferedforthe
nameoftheLordareesteemedhonourablebytheLord;
andalltheiroffencesareblottedout,becausetheyhave
suffereddeathforthenameoftheSonofGod.
236Hearnow,whytheirfruitsaredifferent,andsome
ofthemexcelothers,theywhobeingbroughtbefore
magistrates,andbeingasked,deniednottheLord,but
sufferedwithareadymind;thesearemorehonourable
withtheLord.Thefruitsthereforethatarethemostfair
arethese.
237Buttheywhowerefearfulanddoubtful,andhave
deliberatedwiththemselveswhethertheyshouldconfess
ordenyChrist,andyethavesuffered;theirfruitsare
smaller,becausethatthisthoughtcameintotheirhearts.
238Foritisawickedandevilthoughtforaservantto
deliberatewhetherheshoulddenyhismaster.Takeheed
thereforeyewhohavesuchthoughts,thatthismind
continuenotinyou,andyedieuntoGod.
239Butyewhosufferdeathforhisnamesake,oughtto
honourtheLord,thathehasesteemedyouworthyto
bearhisname;andthatyoushouldbedeliveredfromall
yoursins.
240Andwhythereforedoyounotratheresteem
yourselveshappy?Yeathinkverilythatifanyone
amongyousuffer,heperformsagreatwork?Forthe
Lordgivethyoulife,andyeunderstanditnot.Foryour
offencesdidoppressyou;andifyehadnotsufferedfor
hisnamesake,yehadnowbeendeaduntotheLord,
241WhereforeIspeakthisuntoyouwhodeliberate
whetheryeshouldconfessordenyhim;confessthatye
havetheLordforyourGod;lestatanytimedenying
him,yebedeliverednotintobonds.
242Forallnationspunishtheirservantswhichdeny
theirmasters;whatthinkyouthattheLordwilldounto
you,whohasthepowerofallthings?
243Removethereforeoutofheartsthesedoubts,thatye
mayliveforeveruntoGod.
244Asforthetwelfthmountain,whichwaswhite,they
aresuchashavebelievedlikesincerechildren,into
whosethoughtstherenevercameanymalice,norhave
theyeverknownwhatsinwas,buthavealways
continuedintheirintegrity.
245Whereforethiskindofmenshallwithoutalldoubt
inheritthekingdomofGod;becausetheyhaveneverin
anythingdefiledthecommandmentsofGod,buthave
continuedwithsincerityinthesameconditionallthe
daysoftheirlife.
246Whosoevertherefore,saidhe,shallcontinueas
childrenwithoutmalice;shallbemorehonourablethan
allthoseofwhomIhaveyetspoken:forallsuch
childrenarehonouredbytheLord,andesteemedthe
firstofall.
247Happythereforeareyewhoshallremoveallmalice
fromyou,andputoninnocence;becauseyeshallfirst
seetheLord.
248Andafterhehadthusendedhisexplicationofall
themountains,Isaiduntohim,Sir,showmenowalso
whatconcernsthestonesthatwerebroughtoutofthe
plain,andputintothetowerintheroomofthosethat
wererejected:
249Asalsoconcerningthoseroundstoneswhichwere
addedintothebuildingofthetower:andalsoofthose
whostillcontinuedround.
250¶Hearnow,sayshe,concerningthosestoneswhich
werebroughtoutoftheplainintothebuildingofthe
tower,andplacedintheroomofthosethatwererejected;
theyaretherootsofthatwhitemountain.
251Whereforebecausethosewhohavebelievedofthat
mountainwereveryinnocent;thelordofthistower
commandedthattheywhichwereoftherootsofthis
mountainshouldbeplacedintothebuilding.
252Forheknewthatiftheywereputintothisbuilding
theywouldcontinuebright;norwouldanyofthemany
morebemadeblack.
253Butifhehadaddedonthismannerfromtherestof
themountains,hewouldalmosthaveneededagainto
visitthetowerandtocleanseit.
254Nowallthesewhitestonesaretheyoungmenwho
havebelieved,orshallbelieve;fortheyareallofthe
samekind.Happyisthiskind,becauseitisinnocent.
255Hearnowalsoconcerningthoseroundandbright
stones:alltheseareofthiswhitemountain.Buttheyare
thereforefoundround,becausetheirricheshavealittle
darkenedthemfromthetruthanddazzledtheireyes:
256HowbeittheyhaveneverdepartedfromtheLord,
norhasanywickedwordproceededoutoftheirmouths;
butallrighteousness,andvirtue,andtruth.
257WhenthereforetheLordsawtheirmind,andthat
theymightadornthetruth;hecommandedthatthey
shouldcontinuegood,andthattheirrichesshouldbe
paredaway:

109. 258Forhewouldnothavethemtakenwhollyaway,to
theendtheymightdosomegoodwiththatwhichwas
left,andliveuntoGod;becausetheyalsoareofagood
kind.
259Thereforewastherealittlecutofffromthem,and
sotheywereputintothebuildingofthistower.
260¶Asfortherestwhichcontinuedstillround,and
werenotfoundfitforthebuildingofthistower,because
theyhavenotyetreceivedtheseal;theywerecarried
backtotheirplace,becausetheywerefoundveryround.
261Butthispresentworldmustbecutawayfromthem,
andthevanitiesoftheirriches;andthentheywillbefit
forthekingdomofGod.Fortheymustenterintothe
kingdomofGod,becauseGodhasblessedthisinnocent
kind.
262Ofthiskindthereforenoneshallfallaway;for
thoughanyofthembeingtemptedbythedevilshould
offend,heshallsoonreturntohisLordGod.
263Itheangelofrepentanceesteemyouhappy,
whosoeverareinnocentaslittlechildren,becauseyour
portionisgoodandhonourablewiththeLord.
264AndIsayuntoallyouwhohavereceivedthisseal;
keepsimplicity,andremembernottheoffenceswhich
arecommittedagainstyou,norcontinueinmalice,orin
bitterness,throughthememoryofoffences.
265Butbecomeonespirit,andprovideremediesfor
theseevilrents,andremovethemfromyou;thatthelord
ofthesheepmayrejoiceatit;forhewillrejoice,ifhe
shallfindallwhole.
266Butifanyofthesesheepshallbefoundscattered
away,Woshallbetotheshepherds;butandifthe
shepherdsthemselvesshallbescattered;whatwillthey
answertothelordofthesheepfold?Willtheysaythat
theyweretroubledbythesheep?Buttheyshallnotbe
believed.
267Foritisanincrediblethingthattheshepherdshould
sufferbyhisflock;andheshallbethemorepunished
forhislie.
268NowIamtheshepherd;andespeciallymustgivean
accountofyou.
269¶Whereforetakecareofyourselveswhilstthe
towerisyetbuilding.TheLorddwellsinthosethatlove
peace;forpeaceisbeloved;butheisfarofffromthe
contentious,andthosewhoarefullofmalice.
270Whereforerestoreuntohimthespiritentire,asye
receivedit.Forifthoushaltgiveuntoafulleragarment
newandwhole,thouwiltexpecttoreceiveitwhole
again;ifthereforethefullershallrestoreituntotheetorn,
wouldestthoureceiveit?
271Wouldstthounotpresentlybeangry;andreproach
him,saying;Igavemygarmenttotheewhole;whyhast
thourentit,andmadeituselesstome?Nowitisofno
usetome,byreasonoftherentwhichthouhastmadein
it.Wouldstthounotsayallthistoafuller,fortherent
whichhemadeinthygarment?
272Ifthereforethouwouldstbeconcernedforthy
garment,andcomplainthatthouhadstnotreceivedit
whole;whatthinkestthouthattheLordwilldo,who
gavehisSpirittotheeentire,andthouhastrenderedhim
altogetherunprofitable,sothathecanbeofnouseunto
hisLord?Forbeingcorruptedbythee,heisnolonger
profitabletohim.
273WillnotthereforetheLorddothesameconcerning
hisSpirit,byreasonofthydeed?Undoubtedly,saidI,he
willdothesametoallthosewhomheshallfindto
continueintheremembranceofinjuries.
274Treadnotthenunderfoothesaid,hismercy;but
ratherhonourhim,becauseheissopatientwithrespect
toyouroffences,andnotlikeoneofyou;butrepent,for
thatwillbeprofitableforyou.
275¶Allthesethingswhichareabovewritten,Ithe
shepherd,theangelofrepentance,haveshownand
spokentotheservantsofGod.
276Ifthereforeyeshallbelieveandhearkentothese
words,andshallwalkinthem,andshallcorrectyour
ways,yeshalllive.Butifyeshallcontinueinmalice,
andintheremembranceofinjuries,nosuchsinnersshall
liveuntoGod.
277AllthesethingswhichweretobespokenbymeI
havethusdelivereduntoyou.Thentheshepherdsaid
untome,Hastthouaskedallthingsofme?Ianswered,
Sir,Ihave.
278Why,then,saidhe,hastthounotaskedconcerning
thespacesofthesestonesthatwereputinthebuilding,
thatImayexplainthatalsountothee?Ianswered,Sir,I
forgotit.Hear,then,saidhe,concerningthesealso.
279Theyarethosewhohavenowheardthese
commands,andhaverepentedwithalltheirhearts;
280AndwhentheLordsawthattheirrepentancewas
goodandpure,andthattheycouldcontinueinit,he
commandedtheirformersinstobeblottedout.Forthese
spacesweretheirsins,andtheyarethereforemadeeven
thattheymightnotappear.
SIMILITUDE10
1AfterthatIhadwrittenthisbook,theangelwhichhad
deliveredmetothatshepherd,cameintothehouse
whereIwasandsatuponthebed,andthatshepherd
stoodathisrighthand.
2Thenhecalledmeandsaiduntome;Ideliveredthee
andthyhousetothisshepherd,thatthoumightestbe
protectedbyhim.Isaid,Yes,Lord.
3Iftherefore,saidhe,thouwiltbeprotectedfromall
vexationsandfromallcruelty,andhavesuccessin
everygoodwordandwork;andhaveallvirtueand
righteousness;walkinthosecommandswhichhehas
giventhee,andthoushalthavedominionoverallsin.
4Forifthoukeepestthosecommands,allthelustand
pleasureofthispresentworldshallbesubjecttothee;
andsuccessshallfollowtheeineverygoodundertaking.
5Takethereforehisgravityandmodestytowardsthee,
andsayuntoall,thatheisingreathonourandrenown
withGod,andisaprinceofgreatauthorityandpowerful
inhisoffice.
6Tohimonlyisthepowerofrepentancecommitted
throughoutthewholeworld.Doeshenotseemtotheeto
beofgreatauthority?
7Butyedespisehisgoodness,andthemodestywhich
hechewstowardsyou.

110. 8¶Isaiduntohim;Sir,askhimsincethetimethathe
cameintomyhousewhetherIhavedoneanything
disorderly,orhaveoffendedhiminanything?
9Iknow,saidhe,thatthouhastdonenothingdisorderly,
neitherwiltthouhereafterdoanysuchthing;and
thereforeIspeakthesethingswiththeethatthoumayest
persevere;forhehasgivenmeagoodaccount
concerningthee,
10Butthoushaltspeakthesethingstoothers,thatthey
whoeitherhaverepented,orshallrepent,maybelike-
mindedwiththee;andhemaygivemeasgoodan
accountofthemalso,andImaydothesameuntothe
Lord.
11Ianswered;Sir,Ideclaretoallmenthewonderful
worksofGod;andIhopethatallwholovethemand
havebeforesinned,whentheyshallhearthesethings,
willrepent,andrecoverlife.
12Continuetherefore,saidhe,inthisministry,and
fulfilit.Andwhosoevershalldoaccordingtothe
commandsofthisshepherd,heshalllive;andshallhave
greathonourbothhereandwiththeLord.
13Buttheythatshallnotkeephiscommands,fleefrom
theirlife,andareadversariestoit.Andtheythatfollow
nothiscommands,shalldeliverthemselvesuntodeath,
andshallbeeveryoneguiltyofhisownblood.
14ButIsayuntothee,keepthesecommandments,and
thoushaltfindacureforallthysins.
15¶Moreover,Ihavesentthesevirginstodwellwith
thee;forIhaveseenthattheyareverykindtothee.
Thoushaltthereforehavethemforthyhelpers,thatthou
mayestthebetterkeepthecommandswhichhehath
giventhee;forthesecommandscannotbekeptwithout
thesevirgins.
16AndIseehowtheyarewillingtobewiththee;andI
willalsocommandthemthattheyshallnotalldepart
fromthyhouse.
17Onlydothoupurifythyhouse,fortheywillreadily
dwellinacleanhouse.Fortheyarecleanandchaste,
andindustrious;andallofthemhavegracewiththe
Lord.
18Iftherefore,thoushalthavethyhousepure,theywill
abidewiththee.Butifitshallbeneversolittlepolluted,
theywillimmediatelydepartfromthyhouse:forthese
virginscannotendureanymannerofpollution.
19Isaiduntohim;Sir,IhopethatIshallsopleasethem,
thattheyshallalwaysdelighttodwellinmyhouse.And
ashetowhomyouhavecommittedme,makesno
complaintofme;soneithershalltheycomplain.
20Thenhesaidtothatshepherd:Iseethattheservant
ofGodwillliveandkeepthesecommandments,and
placethesevirginsinapurehabitation.
21Whenhehadsaidthis,hedeliveredmeagaintothat
shepherd,andcalledthevirgins,andsaiduntothem;
forasmuchasIseethatyewillreadilydwellinthis
man'shouse,Icommendhimandhishousetoyou,that
yemaynotatalldepartfromhishouse.Andthey
willinglyheardthesewords.
22¶Thenhesaiduntome,Goonmanfullyinthy
ministry;declaretoallmenthegreatthingsofGod,and
thoushaltfindgraceinthisministry.
23Andwhosoevershallwalkinthesecommands,shall
live,andbehappyinhislife.Buthethatshallneglect
them,shallnotlive,andshallbeunhappyinhislife.
24Sayuntoallthatwhosoevercandowell,ceasenotto
exercisethemselvesingoodworks,foritisprofitable
untothem.ForIwouldthatallmenshouldbedelivered
fromtheinconveniencestheylieunder.
25Forhethatwants,andsuffersinconveniencesinhis
dailylife,isingreattormentandnecessity.Whosoever
thereforedeliverssuchasoulfromnecessity,getsgreat
joyuntohimself.
26Forhethatisgrievedwithsuchinconveniencesis
equallytormented,asifhewereinchains.Andmany
upontheaccountofsuchcalamities,beingnotableto
bearthem,havechoseneventodestroythemselves.
27Hethereforethatknowsthecalamityofsuchaman,
anddoesnotfreehimfromit,commitsagreatsin,and
isguiltyofhisblood.
28Whereforeexerciseyourselvesingoodworks,as
manyashavereceivedabilityfromtheLord;lestwhilst
yedelaytodothem,thebuildingofthetowerbe
finished;becauseforyoursakesthebuildingisstopped.
29Exceptthereforeyeshallmakehastetodowell,the
towershallbefinished,andyeshallbeshutoutofit.
30Andafterhehadthusspokenwithme,heroseup
fromthebedanddeparted,takingtheshepherdand
virginswithhim.
31Howbeithesaiduntomethathewouldsendbackthe
shepherdandvirginsuntomyhouse.Amen.

112. LETTEROFHERODTOPILATETHE
GOVERNOR.
HerodtoPontiusPilatetheGovernorofJerusalem:
Peace.
Iamingreatanxiety.Iwritethesethingsuntothee,that
whenthouhastheardthemthoumayestbegrievedfor
me.ForasmydaughterHerodias,whoisdeartome,
wasplayinguponapoolofwaterwhichhadiceuponit,
itbrokeunderher,andallherbodywentdown,andher
headwascutoffandremainedonthesurfaceoftheice.
Andbehold,hermotherisholdingherheaduponher
kneesinherlap,andmywholehouseisingreatsorrow.
ForI,whenIheardofthemanJesus,wishedtocometo
thee,thatImightseehimalone,andhearhisword,
whetheritwaslikethatofthesonsofmen.Anditis
certainthatbecauseofthemanyevilthingswhichwere
donebymetoJohntheBaptist,andbecauseImocked
theChrist,beholdIreceivetherewardofrighteousness,
forIhaveshedmuchbloodofothers’childrenuponthe
earth.ThereforethejudgmentsofGodarerighteous;for
everymanreceivesaccordingtohisthought.Butsince
thouwastworthytoseethatGod-man,thereforeit
becomethyoutoprayforme.
MysonAzboniusalsoisintheagonyofthehourof
death.
AndItooaminafflictionandgreattrial,becauseIhave
thedropsy;andamingreatdistress,becauseI
persecutedtheintroducerofbaptismbywater,which
wasJohn.Therefore,mybrother,thejudgmentsofGod
arerighteous.
Andmywife,again,throughallhergriefforher
daughter,isbecomeblindinherlefteye,becausewe
desiredtoblindtheEyeofrighteousness.Thereisno
peacetothedoersofevil,saiththeLord.Foralready
greatafflictioncomethuponthepriestsanduponthe
writersofthelaw;becausetheydelivereduntotheethe
JustOne.Forthisistheconsummationoftheworld,that
theyconsentedthattheGentilesshouldbecomeheirs.
Forthechildrenoflightshallbecastout,fortheyhave
notobservedthethingswhichwerepreachedconcerning
theLord,andconcerninghisSon.Thereforegirdupthy
loins,andreceiverighteousness,thouwiththywife
rememberingJesusnightandday;andthekingdomshall
belongtoyouGentiles,forwethe(chosen)peoplehave
mockedtheRighteousOne.
Nowifthereisplaceforourrequest,OPilate,because
wewereatonetimeinpower,burymyhousehold
carefully;foritisrightthatweshouldbeburiedbythee,
ratherthanbythepriests,whom,afteralittletime,as
theScripturessay,atthecomingofJesusChrist,
vengeanceshallovertake.
Faretheewell,withProclathywife.
Isendtheetheearringsofmydaughterandmyownring,
thattheymaybeuntotheeamemorialofmydecease.
Foralreadydowormsbegintoissuefrommybody,and
lo,Iamreceivingtemporaljudgment,andIamafraidof
thejudgmenttocome.Forinbothwestandbeforethe
worksofthelivingGod;butthisjudgment,whichis
temporal,isforatime,whilethattocomeisjudgment
forever.
EndoftheLettertoPilatetheGovernor.
LETTEROFPILATETOHEROD.
PilatetoHerodtheTetrarch:Peace.
Knowandsee,thatinthedaywhenthoudidstdeliver
Jesusuntome,Itookpityonmyself,andtestifiedby
washingmyhands(thatIwasinnocent),concerninghim
whorosefromthegraveafterthreedays,andhad
performedthypleasureinhim,forthoudidstdesireme
tobeassociatedwiththeeinhiscrucifixion.ButInow
learnfromtheexecutionersandfromthesoldierswho
watchedhissepulchrethatherosefromthedead.AndI
haveespeciallyconfirmedwhatwastoldme,thathe
appearedbodilyinGalilee,tothesameform,andwith
thesamevoice,andwiththesamedoctrine,andwiththe
sanedisciples,nothavingchangedinanything,but
preachingwithboldnesshisresurrection,andan
everlastingkingdom.
Andbehold,heavenandearthrejoice;andbehold,
Proclamywifeisbelievinginthevisionswhich
appeareduntoher,whenthousentestthatIshould
deliverJesustothepeopleofIsrael,becauseoftheill-
willtheyhad.
NowwhenProcla,mywife,heardthatJesuswasrisen,
andhadappearedinGalilee,shetookwithherLonginus
thecenturionandtwelvesoldiers,thesamethathad
watchedatthesepulchre,andwenttogreetthefaceof
Christ,asiftoagreatspectacle,andsawhimwithhis
disciples.
Nowwhiletheywerestanding,andwondering,and
gazingathim,helookedatthem,andsaidtothem,
Whatisit?Doyebelieveinme?Procla,knowthatin
thecovenantwhichGodgavetothefathers,itissaid
thateverybodywhichhadperishedshouldliveby
meansofmydeath,whichyehaveseen.Andnow,ye
seethatIlive,whomyecrucified.AndIsufferedmany
things,tillthatIwaslaidinthesepulchre.Butnow,hear
me,andbelieveinmyFather—Godwhoisinme.ForI
loosedthecordsofdeath,andbrakethegatesofSheol;
andmycomingshallbehereafter.
AndwhenProclamywifeandtheRomansheardthese
things,theycameandtoldme,weeping;fortheyalso
wereagainsthim,whentheydevisedtheevilswhich
theyhaddoneuntohim.Sothat,Ialsowasonthecouch
ofmybedinaffliction,andputonagarmentof

113. mourning,andtookuntomefiftyRomanswithmywife
andwentintoGalilee.
AndwhenIwasgoinginthewayItestifiedthesethings;
thatHeroddidthesethingsbyme,thathetookcounsel
withme,andconstrainedmetoarmmyhandsagainst
him,andtojudgehimthatjudgethall,andtoscourge
theJustOne,Lordofthejust.Andwhenwedrewnigh
tohim,OHerod,agreatvoicewasheardfromheaven,
anddreadfulthunder,andtheearthtrembled,andgave
forthasweetsmell,likeuntowhichwasneverperceived
eveninthetempleofJerusalem.NowwhileIstoodin
theway,ourLordsawmeashestoodandtalkedwith
hisdisciples.ButIprayedinmyheart,forIknewthatit
washewhomyedelivereduntome,thathewasLordof
createdthingsandCreatorofall.Butwe,whenwesaw
him,allofusfelluponourfacesbeforehisfeet.AndI
saidwithaloudvoice,Ihavesinned,OLord,inthatI
satandjudgedthee,whoavengestallintruth.Andlo,I
knowthatthouartGod,theSonofGod,andIbeheld
thyhumanityandnotthydivinity.ButHerod,withthe
childrenofIsrael,constrainedmetodoeviluntothee.
Havepity,therefore,uponme,OGodofIsrael!
Andmywife,ingreatanguish,said,Godofheavenand
ofearth,GodofIsrael,rewardmenotaccordingtothe
deedsofPontiusPilate,noraccordingtothewillofthe
childrenofIsrael,noraccordingtothethoughtofthe
sonsofthepriests;butremembermyhusbandinthy
glory!
NowourLorddrewnearandraisedupmeandmywife,
andtheRomans;andIlookedathimandsawtherewere
onhimthescarsofhiscross.Andhesaid,Thatwhich
alltherighteousfathershopedtoreceive,andsawnot—
inthytimetheLordofTime,theSonofMan,theSonof
theMostHigh,whoisforever,arosefromthedead,and
isglorifiedonhighbyallthathecreated,and
establishedforeverandever.
1.Justinus,oneofthewritersthatwereinthedaysof
AugustusandTiberiusandGains,wroteinhisthird
discourse:NowMarytheGalilæan,whobaretheChrist
thatwascrucifiedinJerusalem,hadnotbeenwitha
husband.AndJosephdidnotabandonher;butJoseph
continuedinsanctitywithoutawife,heandhisfivesons
byaformerwife;andMarycontinuedwithouta
husband.
2.TheodoruswrotetoPilatetheGovernor:Whowasthe
man,againstwhomtherewasacomplaintbeforethee,
thathewascrucifiedbythemenofPalestine?Ifthe
manydemandedthisrighteously,whydidstthounot
consenttotheirrighteousness?Andiftheydemanded
thisunrighteously,howdidstthoutransgressthelawand
commandwhatwasfarfromrighteousness?
Pilatesenttohim:—BecausehewroughtsignsIdidnot
wishtocrucifyhim:andsincehisaccuserssaid,He
callethhimselfaking,Icrucifiedhim.
3.Josephussaith:Agrippa,theking,wasclothedina
robewovenwithsilver,andsawthespectacleinthe
theatreofCæsarea.Whenthepeoplesawthathis
raimentflashed,theysaidtohim,Hithertowefeared
theeasaman:henceforththouartexaltedabovethe
natureofmortals.Andhesawanangelstandingover
him,andhesmotehimasuntodeath.
EndoftheLetterofPilatetoHerod.
THEEPISTLEOFPONTIUSPILATE,Whichhe
WrotetotheRomanEmperorConcerningourLord
JesusChrist.
PontiusPilatetoTiberiusCæsar—Greeting:
UponJesusChrist,whomIfullymadeknowntotheein
mylast,abitterpunishmenthathatlengthbeeninflicted
bythewillofthepeople,althoughIwasunwillingand
apprehensive.Ingoodtruth,noageeverhadorwill
haveamansogoodandstrict.Butthepeoplemadea
wonderfuleffort,andalltheirscribes,chiefsandelders
agreedtocrucifythisambassadoroftruth,theirown
prophets,liketheSibylswithus,advisingthecontrary;
andwhenhewashangedsupernaturalsignsappeared,
andinthejudgmentofphilosophersmenacedthewhole
worldwithruin.Hisdisciplesflourish,notbelyingtheir
masterbytheirbehaviorandcontinenceoflife;nay,in
hisnametheyaremostbeneficent.1HadInotfeareda
seditionmightariseamongthepeople,whowerealmost
furious,perhapsthismanwouldhaveyetbeenliving
withus.Although,beingrathercompelledbyfidelityto
thydignity,thanledbymyowninclination,Ididnot
strivewithallmymighttopreventthesaleandsuffering
ofrighteousblood,guiltlessofeveryaccusation,
unjustly,indeed,throughthemaliciousnessofmen,and
yet,astheScripturesinterpret,totheirowndestruction.
Farewell.The5thoftheCalendsofApril.
THEREPORTOFPILATETHEGOVERNOR,
ConcerningourLordJesusChrist;whichwasSent
toAugustusCæsar,inRome.
Inthosedays,whenourLordJesusChristwascrucified
underPontiusPilate,thegovernorofPalestineand
Phoenicia,thethingshererecordedcametopassin
Jerusalem,andweredonebytheJewsagainsttheLord.
PilatethereforesentthesametoCæsarinRome,along
withhisprivatereport,writingthus:
Tothemostpotent,august,divineandawfulAugustus
Cæsar,Pilate,theadministratoroftheEasternProvince:
Ihavereceivedinformation,mostexcellentone,in
consequenceofwhichIamseizedwithfearand
trembling.ForinthisprovincewhichIadminister,one
ofwhosecitiesiscalledJerusalem,thewholemultitude
ofJewsdelivereduntomeacertainmancalledJesus,

114. andbroughtmanyaccusationsagainsthim,whichthey
wereunabletoestablishbyconsistentevidence.But
theychargedhimwithoneheresyinparticular,namely,
ThatJesussaidtheSabbathwasnotarest,nortobe
observedbythem.Forheperformedmanycuresonthat
day,andmadetheblindsee,andthelamewalk,raised
thedead,cleansedlepers,healedtheparalyticwhowere
whollyunabletomovetheirbodyorbracetheirnerves,
butcouldonlyspeakanddiscourse,andhegavethem
powertowalkandrun,removingtheirinfirmitybyhis
wordalone.Thereisanotherverymightydeedwhichis
strangetothegodswehave:heraisedupamanwhohad
beenfourdaysdead,summoninghimbyhiswordalone,
whenthedeadmanhadbeguntodecay,andhisbody
wascorruptedbythewormswhichhadbeenbred,and
hadthestenchofadog;but,seeinghimlyinginthe
tombhecommandedhimtorun,nordidthedeadmanat
alldelay,butasabridegroomoutofhischamber,sodid
hegoforthfromhistomb,filledwithabundantperfume.
Moreover,evensuchaswerestrangers,andclearly
demoniacs,whohadtheirdwellingindeserts,and
devouredtheirownflesh,andwanderedaboutlikecattle
andcreepingthings,heturnedintoinhabitersofcities,
andbyawordrenderedthemrational,andprepared
themtobecomewiseandpowerful,andillustrious,
takingtheirfoodwithalltheenemiesoftheunclean
spiritswhichweredestructiveinthem,andwhichhe
castintothedepthofthesea.
And,again,therewasanotherwhohadawitheredhand,
andnotonlythehandbutratherthehalfofthebodyof
themanwaslikeastone,andhehadneithertheshapeof
amannorthesymmetryofabody:evenhimHehealed
withawordandrenderedwhole.Andawomanalso,
whohadanissueofbloodforalongtime,andwhose
veinsandarterieswereexhausted,andwhodidnotbear
ahumanbody,beinglikeonedead,anddailyspeechless,
sothatallthephysiciansofthedistrictwereunableto
cureher,forthereremaineduntohernotahopeoflife;
butasJesuspassedbyshemysteriouslyreceived
strengthbyhisshadowfallingonher,frombehindshe
touchedthehemofhisgarment,andimmediately,in
thatveryhour,strengthfilledherexhaustedlimbs,and
asifshehadneversufferedanything,shebegantorun
alongtowardsCapernaum,herowncity,sothatshe
reacheditinasixdays’journey.
AndIhavemadeknownthesethingswhichIhave
recentlybeeninformedof,andwhichJesusdidonthe
Sabbath.Andhedidothermiraclesgreaterthanthese,so
thatIhaveobservedgreaterworksofwonderdoneby
himthanbythegodswhomweworship.
ButHerodandArchelausandPhilip,Annasand
Caiaphas,withallthepeople,deliveredhimtome,
makingagreattumultagainstmeinorderthatImight
tryhim.Therefore,Icommandedhimtobecrucified,
whenIhadfirstscourgedhim,thoughIfoundnocause
inhimforevilaccusationsordealings.
Nowwhenhewascrucified,therewasdarknessoverall
theworld,andthesunwasobscuredforhalfaday,and
thestarsappeared,butnolustrewasseeninthem;and
themoonlostitsbrightness,asthoughtingedwithblood;
andtheworldofthedepartedwasswallowedup;sothat
theverysanctuaryofthetemple,astheycallit,didnot
appeartotheJewsthemselvesattheirfall,butthey
perceivedachasmintheearth,andtherollingof
successivethunders.Andamidthisterrorthedead
appearedrisingagain,astheJewsthemselvesbore
witness,andsaidthatitwasAbraham,andIsaac,and
Jacob,andthetwelvepatriarchs,andMoses,andJob,
whohaddiedbefore,astheysay,somethreethousand
fivehundredyears.AndtherewereverymanywhomI
myselfsawappearinginthebody,andtheymade
lamentationovertheJews,becauseofthetransgression
whichwascommittedbythem,andbecauseofthe
destructionoftheJewsandoftheirlaw.
Andtheterroroftheearthquakecontinuedfromthe
sixthhourofthepreparationuntiltheninthhour;and
whenitwaseveningonthefirstdayoftheweek,there
cameasoundfromheaven,andtheheavenbecame
seventimesmoreluminousthanonallotherdays.And
atthethirdhourofthenightthesunappearedmore
luminousthanithadevershone,lightingupthewhole
hemisphere.Andaslightning-flashessuddenlycome
forthinastorm,sotherewereseenmen,loftyinstature,
andsurpassinginglory,acountlesshost,cryingout,and
theirvoicewasheardasthatofexceedinglyloud
thunder,Jesusthatwascrucifiedisrisenagain:comeup
fromHadesyethatwereenslavedinthesubterraneous
recessesofHades.Andthechasmintheearthwasasif
ithadnobottom;butitwassothattheveryfoundations
oftheearthappeared,withthosethatshoutedinheaven,
andwalkedinthebodyamongthedeadthatwereraised.
AndHethatraisedupallthedeadandboundHadessaid,
SaytomydisciplesHegoethbeforeyouintoGalilee,
thereshallyeseeHim.
Andallthatnightthelightceasednotshining.And
manyoftheJewsdiedinthechasmoftheearth,being
swallowedup,sothatonthemorrowmostofthosewho
hadbeenagainstJesuswerenottobefound.Otherssaw
theapparitionofmenrisingagainwhomnoneofushad
everseen.OnesynagogueoftheJewswasaloneleftin
Jerusalemitself,fortheyalldisappearedinthatruin.
Thereforebeingastoundedbythatterror,andbeing
possessedwiththemostdreadfultrembling,Ihave
writtenwhatIsawatthattimeandsentittothine
excellency;andIhaveinsertedwhatwasdoneagainst
JesusbytheJews,andsentittothydivinity,mylord.
THEREPORTOFPONTIUSPILATE,Governorof
Judea;WhichwassenttoTiberiusCæsarinRome.
Tothemostpotent,august,dreadful,anddivine
Augustus,PontiusPilate,administratoroftheEastern
Province.

115. Ihaveundertakentocommunicatetothygoodnessby
thismywriting,thoughpossessedwithmuchfearand
trembling,mostexcellentking,thepresentstateof
affairs,astheresulthathshown.ForasIadministered
thisprovince,mylord,accordingtothecommandofthy
serenity,whichisoneoftheeasterncitiescalled
Jerusalem,whereinthetempleofthenationoftheJews
iserected,allthemultitudeoftheJews,beingassembled,
delivereduptomeacertainmancalledJesus,bringing
manyandendlessaccusationsagainsthim;butthey
couldnotconvicthiminanything.Buttheyhadone
heresyagainsthim,thathesaidthesabbathwasnottheir
properrest.
Nowthatmanwroughtmanycuresandgoodworks:he
causedtheblindtosee,hecleansedlepers,heraisedthe
dead,hehealedparalytics,whocouldnotmoveatall,
buthadonlyvoice,andalltheirbonesintheirplaces;
andhegavethemstrengthtowalkandrun,enjoiningit
byhiswordalone.Andhedidanotheryetmoremighty
work,whichhadbeenstrangeevenamongourgods,he
raisedfromthedeadoneLazarus,whohadbeendead
fourdays,commandingbyawordalonethatthedead
manshouldberaised,whenhisbodywasalready
corruptedbywormswhichbredinhiswounds.Andhe
commandedthefetidbody,whichlayinthegrave,to
run,andasbridegroomfromhischambersohewent
forthfromhisgrave,fullofsweetperfume.Andsome
thatweregrievouslyafflictedbydemons,andhadtheir
dwellingsindesertplaces,anddevouredthefleshof
theirownlimbs,andwentupanddownamongcreeping
thingsandwildbeasts,hecausedtodwellincitiesin
theirownhouses,andbyawordmadethemreasonable,
andcausedtobecomewiseandhonorablethosethat
werevexedbyuncleanspirits,andthedemonsthatwere
inthemhesentoutintoaherdofswineintotheseaand
drownedthem.Again,anotherwhohadawitheredhand,
andlivedinsuffering,andhadnoteventhehalfofhis
bodysound,hemadewholebyawordalone.Anda
womanwhohadanissueofbloodforalongtime,so
thatbecauseofthedischargeallthejointsofherbones
wereseenandshonethroughlikeglass,forallthe
physicianshaddismissedherwithouthope,andhadnot
cleansedher,fortherewasinhernohopeofhealthatall;
butonce,asJesuswaspassingbyshetouchedfrom
behindthehemofhisgarments,andinthatveryhour
thestrengthofherbodywasrestored,andshewasmade
whole,asifshehadnoaffliction,andbegantorunfast
towardsherowncityofPaneas.Andthesethings
happenedthus:buttheJewsreportedthatJesusdidthese
thingsonthesabbath.AndIsawthatgreatermarvels
hadbeenwroughtbyhimthanbythegodswhomwe
worship.HimthenHerodandArchelausandPhilip,and
AnnasandCaiaphas,withallthepeople,deliveredupto
me,toputhimonhistrial.Andbecausemanyraiseda
tumultagainstme,Icommandedthatheshouldbe
crucified.
Nowwhenhewascrucifieddarknesscameoverallthe
world;thesunwasaltogetherhidden,andthesky
appeareddarkwhileitwasyetday,sothatthestarswere
seen,thoughstilltheyhadtheirlustreobscured,
wherefore,Isupposeyourexcellencyisnotunawarethat
inalltheworldtheylightedtheirlampsfromthesixth
houruntilevening.Andthemoon,whichwaslikeblood,
didnotshineallnightlong,althoughitwasatthefull,
andthestarsandOrionmadelamentationovertheJews,
becauseofthetransgressioncommittedbythem.
Andonthefirstdayoftheweek,aboutthethirdhourof
thenight,thesunappearedasitnevershonebefore,and
thewholeheavenbecamebright.Andaslightnings
comeinastorm,socertainmenofloftystature,in
beautifularray,andofindescribableglory,appearedin
theair,andacountlesshostofangels,cryingoutand
saying,GlorytoGodinthehighest,andonearthpeace,
goodwillamongmen:ComeupfromHades,yewhoare
inbondageinthedepthsofHades.Andattheirvoiceall
themountainsandhillsweremoved,andtherockswere
rent,andgreatchasmsweremadeintheearth,sothat
theveryplacesoftheabysswerevisible.
Andamidtheterrordeadmenwereseenrisingagain,so
thattheJewswhosawitsaid,WebeheldAbrahamand
Isaac,andJacob,andthetwelvepatriarchs,whodied
sometwothousandfivehundredyearsbefore,andwe
beheldNoahclearlyinthebody.Andallthemultitude
walkedaboutandsanghymnstoGodwithaloudvoice,
saying,TheLordourGod,whohathrisenfromthedead,
hathmadealiveallthedead,andHadeshehathspoiled
andslain.
Therefore,mylordking,allthatnightthelightceased
not.ButmanyoftheJewsdied,andweresunkand
swallowedupinthechasmsthatnight,sothatnoteven
theirbodiesweretobeseen.NowImean,thatthoseof
theJewssufferedwhospakeagainstJesus.Andbutone
synagogueremainedinJerusalem,forallthe
synagogueswhichhadbeenagainstJesuswere
overwhelmed.
Throughthatterror,therefore,beingamazedandbeing
seizedwithgreattrembling,inthatveryhour,Iordered
whathadbeendonebythemalltobewritten,andIhave
sentittothymightiness.
THETRIALANDCONDEMNATIONOFPILATE.
NowwhentheletterscametothecityoftheRomans,
andwerereadtoCæsarwithnofewstandingthere,they
wereallterrified,because,throughthetransgressionof
Pilate,thedarknessandtheearthquakehadhappenedto
alltheworld.AndCæsar,beingfilledwithanger,sent
soldiersandcommandedthatPilateshouldbebroughtas
aprisoner.
AndwhenhewasbroughttothecityoftheRomans,and
Cæsarheardthathewascome,hesatinthetempleof

116. thegods,aboveallthesenate,andwithallthearmy,and
withallthemultitudeofhispower,andcommandedthat
Pilateshouldstandintheentrance.AndCæsarsaidto
him,Mostimpiousone,whenthousawestsogreatsigns
donebythatman,whydidstthoudaretodothus?By
daringtodoanevildeedthouhastruinedalltheworld.
AndPilatesaid,KingandAutocrat,Iamnotguiltyof
thesethings,butitisthemultitudeoftheJewswhoare
precipitateandguilty.AndCæsarsaid,Andwhoare
they?Pilatesaith,Herod,Archelaus,Philip,Annasand
Caiaphas,andallthemultitudeoftheJews.Cæsarsaith,
Forwhatcausedidstthouexecutetheirpurpose?And
Pilatesaid,Theirnationisseditiousandinsubordinate,
andnotsubmissivetothypower.AndCæsarsaid,When
theydeliveredhimtotheethououghtesttohavemade
himsecureandsenthimtome,andnotconsentedto
themtocrucifysuchaman,whowasjustandwrought
suchgreatandgoodmiracles,asthousaidstinthyreport.
1ForbysuchmiraclesJesuswasmanifestedtobethe
Christ,theKingoftheJews.
AndwhenCæsarsaidthisandhimselfnamedthename
ofChrist,allthemultitudeofthegodsfelldown
together,andbecamelikedustwhereCæsarsatwiththe
senate.AndallthepeoplethatstoodnearCæsarwere
filledwithtremblingbecauseoftheutteranceofthe
wordandthefalloftheirgods,andbeingseizedwith
feartheyallwentaway,everymantohishouse,
wonderingatwhathadhappened.AndCæsar
commandedPilatetobesafelykept,thathemightknow
thetruthaboutJesus.
AndonthemorrowwhenCæsarsatinthecapitolwith
allthesenate,heundertooktoquestionPilateagain.And
Cæsarsaid,Saythetruth,mostimpiousone,forthrough
thyimpiousdeedwhichthoudidstcommitagainstJesus,
evenherethedoingofthyevilworksweremanifested,
inthatthegodswerebroughttoruin.Saythen,whois
hethatwascrucified,forhisnamehathdestroyedallthe
gods?Pilatesaid,Andverilyhisrecordsaretrue;for
evenImyselfwasconvincedbyhisworksthathewas
greaterthanallthegodswhomwevenerate.AndCæsar
said,Forwhatcausethendidstthouperpetrateagainst
himsuchdaringanddoing,notbeingignorantofhim,or
assuredlydesigningsomemischieftomygovernment?
AndPilatesaid,Ididitbecauseofthetransgressionand
seditionofthelawlessandungodlyJews.
AndCæsarwasfilledwithanger,andheldacouncil
withallhissenateandofficers,andorderedadecreeto
bewrittenagainsttheJewsthus:—
ToLicianuswhoholdeththefirstplaceintheEast
Country.Greeting:
Ihavebeeninformedoftheaudacityperpetratedvery
recentlybytheJewsinhabitingJerusalemandthecities
roundabout,andtheirlawlessdoing,howthey
compelledPilatetocrucifyacertaingodcalledJesus,
throughwhichgreattransgressionoftheirstheworld
wasdarkenedanddrawnintoruin.Determinetherefore,
withabodyofsoldiers,togotothemthereatonceand
proclaimtheirsubjectiontobondagebythisdecree.By
obeyingandproceedingagainstthem,andscattering
themabroadinallnations,enslavethem,andbydriving
theirnationfromallJudeaassoonaspossibleshow,
whereverthishathnotyetappeared,thattheyarefullof
evil.
AndwhenthisdecreecameintotheEastCountry,
Licianusobeyed,throughfearofthedecree,andlaid
wasteallthenationoftheJews,andcausedthosethat
wereleftinJudea,togointoslaverywiththemthatwere
scatteredamongtheGentiles,thatitmightbeknownby
CæsarthatthesethingshadbeendonebyLicianus
againsttheJewsintheEastCountry,andtopleasehim.
AndagainCæsarresolvedtohavePilatequestioned,and
commandedacaptain,Albiusbyname,tocutoffPilate's
head,saying,Ashelaidhandsuponthejustman,thatis
calledChrist,healsoshallfallinlikemanner,andfind
nodeliverance.
AndwhenPilatecametotheplaceheprayedinsilence,
saying,OLord,destroynotmewiththewicked
Hebrews,forIshouldnothavelaidhandsuponthee,but
forthenationoflawlessJews,becausetheyprovoked
seditionagainstmssbutthouknowestthatIdiditin
ignorance.Destroymenot,therefore,forthismysin,
norbemindfuloftheevilthatisinme,OLord,andin
thyservantProclawhostandethwithmeinthisthehour
ofmydeath,whomthoutaughtesttoprophecythatthou
mustbenailedtothecross.Donotpunishhertooinmy
sin,butforgiveus,andnumberusintheportionofthy
justones.Andbehold,whenPilatehadfinishedhis
prayer,therecameavoicefromheaven,saying,All
generationsandthefamiliesoftheGentilesshallcall
theeblessed,becauseundertheewerefulfilledallthese
thingsthatwerespokenbytheprophetsconcerningme;
andthouthyselfmustappearasmywitnessatmy
secondcoming,whenIshalljudgethetwelvetribesof
Israel,andthemthathavenotconfessedmyname.And
thePrefectcutofftheheadofPilate,andbeholdan
angeloftheLordreceivedit.AndwhenhiswifeProcla
sawtheangelcomingandreceivinghishead,shealso,
beingfilledwithjoy,forthwithgaveuptheghost,and
wasburiedwithherhusband.
THEDEATHOFPILATE,WHOCONDEMNED
JESUS.
NowwhereasTiberiusCæsaremperoroftheRomans
wassufferingfromagrievoussickness,andhearingthat
therewasatJerusalemacertainphysician,Jesusby
name,whohealedalldiseasesbyhiswordalone;not
knowingthattheJewsandPilatehadputhimtodeath,
hethusbadeoneofhisattendants,Volusianusbyname,
saying,Goasquicklyasthoucanstacrossthesea,and
tellPilate,myservantandfriend,tosendmethis

117. physiciantorestoremetomyoriginalhealth.And
Volusianus,havingheardtheorderoftheemperor,
immediatelydeparted,andcametoPilate,asitwas
commandedhim.AndhetoldthesamePilatewhathad
beencommittedtohimbyTiberiusCæsar,saying,
TiberiusCæsar,emperoroftheRomans,thyLord,
havingheardthatinthiscitythereisaphysicianwho
healethdiseasesbyhiswordalone,earnestlyentreateth
theetosendhimtohimtohealhisdisease.AndPilate
wasgreatlyterrifiedonhearingthis,knowingthat
throughenvyhehadcausedhimtobeslain.Pilate
answeredthemessenger,sayingthus,Thismanwasa
malefactor,andamanwhodrewafterhimselfallthe
people;so,aftercounseltakenofthewisemenofthe
city,Icausedhimtobecrucified.Andasthemessenger
returnedtohislodgingshemetacertainwomannamed
Veronica,whohadbeenacquaintedwithJesus,andhe
said,Owoman,therewasacertainphysicianinthiscity,
whohealedthesickbyhiswordalone,whyhavethe
Jewsslainhim?Andshebegantoweep,saying,Ah,me,
mylord,itwasmyGodandmyLordwhomPilate
throughenvydeliveredup,condemned,andcommanded
tobecrucified.Thenhe,grievinggreatly,said,Iam
exceedinglysorrythatIcannotfulfilthatforwhichmy
lordhathsentme.
Veronicasaidtohim,WhenmyLordwentabout
preaching,andIwasveryunwillinglydeprivedofhis
presence,Idesiredtohavehispicturepaintedforme,
thatwhileIwasdeprivedofhispresence,atleastthe
figureofhislikenessmightgivemeconsolation.And
whenIwastakingthecanvastothepaintertobepainted,
myLordmetmeandaskedwhitherIwasgoing.And
whenIhadmadeknowntohimthecauseofmyjourney,
Heaskedmeforthecanvas,andgaveitbacktome
printedwiththelikenessofhisvenerableface.Therefore,
ifthylordwilldevoutlylookuponthesightofthis,he
willstraightwayenjoythebenefitofhealth.
Isalikenessofthiskindtobeprocuredwithgoldor
silver?heasked.No,saidshe,butwithapious
sentimentofdevotion.Therefore,Iwillgowiththee,
andcarrythelikenesstoCæsartolookupon,andwill
return.
SoVolusianuscamewithVeronicatoRome,andsaidto
Tiberiustheemperor,Jesus,whomthouhastlong
desired,PilateandtheJewshavesurrenderedtoan
unjustdeath,andthroughenvyfastenedtothewoodof
thecross.Therefore,acertainmatronhathcomewith
mebringingthelikenessofthesameJesus,andifthou
wiltdevoutlygazeuponit,thouwiltpresentlyobtainthe
benefitofthyhealth.SoCæsarcausedthewaytobe
spreadwithclothsofsilk,andorderedtheportraittobe
presentedtohim;andassoonashehadlookeduponit
heregainedhisoriginalhealth.
ThenPontiusPilatewasapprehendedbycommandof
CæsarandbroughttoRome.Cæsar,hearingthatPilate
hadcometoRome,wasfilledwithexceedingwrath
againsthim,andcausedhimtobebroughttohim.Now
PilatebroughtwithhimtheseamlesscoatofJesus,and
woreitwhenbeforetheemperor.Assoonasthe
emperorsawhimhelaidasideallhiswrath,and
forthwithrosetohim,andwasunabletospeakharshly
tohiminanything:andhewhoinhisabsenceseemedso
terribleandfiercenowinhispresenceisfound
comparativelygentle.
Andwhenhehaddismissedhim,hesoonbecame
terriblyinflamedagainsthim,declaringhimself
wretched,becausehehadnotexpressedtohimtheanger
ofhisbosom.Andimmediatelyhehadhimrecalled,
swearingandprotestingthathewasachildofdeath,and
unfittedtoliveuponearth.Andwhenhesawhimhe
instantlygreetedhim,andlaidasideallthefuryofhis
mind.
Allwereastonished,andhewasastonishedhimself,that
hewassoenragedagainstPilatewhileabsent,andcould
saynothingtohimsharplywhilehewaspresent.At
length,byDivinesuggestion,orperhapsbythe
persuasionofsomeChristian,hehadhimstrippedofthe
coat,andsoonresumedagainsthimhisoriginalfuryof
mind.Andwhentheemperorwaswonderingverymuch
aboutthis,theytoldhimithadbeenthecoatoftheLord
Jesus.Thentheemperorcommandedhimtobekeptin
prisontillheshouldtakecounselwiththewisemen
whatoughttobedonewithhim.Andafterafewdays
sentencewasgivenagainstPilatethatheshouldbe
condemnedtothemostignominiousdeath.WhenPilate
heardthisheslewhimselfwithhisowndagger,andby
suchadeathputanendtohislife.
WhenPilate'sdeathwasmadeknownCæsarsaid,Truly
hehasdiedamostignominiousdeath,whoseownhand
hasnotsparedhim.Hewasthereforefastenedtoagreat
blockofstoneandsunkintheriverTiber.Butwicked
anduncleanspirits,rejoicinginhiswickedandunclean
body,allmovedaboutinthewater,andcausedintheair
dreadfullightningandtempests,thunderandhail,sothat
allwereseizedwithhorriblefear.Onwhichaccountthe
RomansdraggedhimoutoftheriverTiber,borehim
awayinderisiontoVienne,andsunkhimintheriver
Rhone.ForViennemeans,asitwere,WayofGehenna,
becauseitwasthenaplaceofcursing.Andevilspirits
werethereanddidthesamethings.
Thosemen,therefore,notenduringtobesoharassedby
demons,removedthevesselofcursingfromthemand
sentittobeburiedintheterritoryofLosania.Butwhen
theyweretroubledexceedinglybytheaforesaid
vexations,theyputitawayfromthemandsunkitina
certainpoolsurroundedbymountains,whereevenyet,
accordingtotheaccountofsome,sundrydiabolical
contrivancesaresaidtoissueforth.

118. TheLostGospel
AccordingtoPeter
1ButoftheJewsnonewashedhishands,neitherHerodnoranyone
ofhisjudges.Andwhentheyhadrefusedtowashthem,Pilaterose
up.AndthenHerodthekingcommandeththattheLordbetaken
sayingtothem,WhatthingssoeverIcommandedyoutodountohim,
do.
2AndtherewasstandingthereJosephthefriendofPilateandofthe
Lord;and,knowingthattheywereabouttocrucifyhim,hecameto
PilateandaskedthebodyoftheLordforburial.AndPilatesentto
Herodandaskedhisbody.AndHerodsaid,BrotherPilate,evenifno
onehasaskedforhim,wepurposedtoburyhim,especiallyasthe
sabbathdrawethon:foritiswritteninthelaw,thatthesunsetnot
upononethathathbeenputtodeath.
3Andhedeliveredhimtothepeopleonthedaybeforethe
unleavenedbread,theirfeast.AndtheytooktheLordandpushed
himastheyran,andsaid,LetusdragawaytheSonofGod,having
obtainedpoweroverhim.Andtheyclothedhimwithpurple,andset
himontheseatofjudgment,saying,Judgerighteously,Okingof
Israel.Andoneofthembroughtacrownofthornsandputitonthe
headoftheLord.Andothersstoodandspatinhiseyes,andothers
smotehischeeks:othersprickedhimwithareed;andsomescourged
him,saying,WiththishonorletushonortheSonofGod.
4Andtheybroughttwomalefactors,andtheycrucifiedtheLord
betweenthem.Butheheldhispeace,asthoughhavingnopain.And
whentheyhadraisedthecross,theywrotethetitle:Thisistheking
ofIsrael.Andhavingsethisgarmentsbeforehimtheypartedthem
amongthem,andcastlotsforthem.Andoneofthosemalefactors
reproachedthem,saying,Wefortheevilsthatwehavedonehave
sufferedthus,butthisman,whohathbecometheSaviourofmen,
whatwronghathhedonetoyou?Andthey,beingangeredathim,
commandedthathislegsshouldnotbebroken,thathemightdiein
torment.
5Anditwasnoon,anddarknesscameoverallJudæa:andtheywere
troubledanddistressed,lestthesunhadset,whilsthewasyetalive:
foritiswrittenforthem,thatthesunsetnotonhimthathathbeen
puttodeath.Andoneofthemsaid,Givehimtodrinkgallwith
vinegar.Andtheymixedandgavehimtodrink,andfulfilledall
things,andaccomplishedtheirsinsagainsttheirownhead.And
manywentaboutwithlamps,supposingthatitwasnight,andfell
down.AndtheLordcriedout,saying,Mypower,mypower,thou
hastforsakenme.Andwhenhehadsaidithewastakenup.Andin
thathourthevailofthetempleofJerusalemwasrentintwain.
6AndthentheydrewoutthenailsfromthehandsoftheLord,and
laidhimupontheearth,andthewholeearthquaked,andgreatfear
arose.Thenthesunshone,anditwasfoundtheninthhour:andthe
Jewsrejoiced,andgavehisbodytoJosephthathemightburyit,
sincehehadseenwhatgoodthingshehaddone.Andhetookthe
Lord,andhim,androlledhiminalinencloth,andbroughthimto
hisowntomb,whichwascalledtheGardenofJoseph.
7ThentheJewsandtheeldersandthepriests,perceivingwhatevil
theyhaddonetothemselves,begantolamentandtosay,Woefor
oursins:thejudgmenthathdrawnnigh,andtheendofJerusalem.
AndIwithmycompanionswasgrieved;andbeingwoundedinmind
wehidourselves:forwewerebeingsoughtforbythemas
malefactors,andaswishingtosetfiretothetemple.Anduponall
thesethingswefastedandsatmourningandweepingnightandday
untilthesabbath.
8ButthescribesandPhariseesandeldersbeinggatheredtogether
onewithanother,whentheyheardthatallthepeoplemurmuredand
beattheirbreastssaying,Ifbyhisdeaththesemostmightysigns
havecometopass,seehowrighteousheis,—theelderswereafraid
andcametoPilatebeseechinghimandsaying,Giveussoldiers,that
wemayguardhissepulchreforthreedays,lesthisdisciplescome
andstealhimaway,andthepeoplesupposethatheisrisenfromthe
deadanddousevil.AndPilategavethemPetroniusthecenturion
withsoldierstoguardthetomb.Andwiththemcameeldersand
scribestothesepulchre,andhavingrolledagreatstonetogetherwith
thecenturionandthesoldiers,theyalltogetherwhoweretheresetit
atthedoorofthesepulchre;andtheyaffixedsevenseals,andthey
pitchedatentthereandguardedit.Andearlyinthemorningasthe
sabbathwasdrawingon,therecameamultitudefromJerusalemand
theregionroundabout,thattheymightseethesepulchrethatwas
sealed.
9AndinthenightinwhichtheLord'sdaywasdrawingon,asthe
soldierskeptguardtwobytwoinawatch,therewasagreatvoicein
theheaven;andtheysawtheheavensopened,andtwomendescend
fromthencewithgreatlightandapproachthetomb.Andthatstone
whichwasputatthedoorrolledofitselfandmadewayinpart;and
thetombwasopened,andboththeyoungmenenteredin.
10Whenthereforethosesoldierssawit,theyawakenedthecenturion
andtheelders;fortheytoowerehardbykeepingguard.Andasthey
declaredwhatthingstheyhadseen,againtheyseethreemencome
forthfromthetomb,andtwoofthemsupportingone,andacross
followingthem:andofthetwotheheadreacheduntotheheaven,but
theheadofhimwhowasleadbythemoverpassedtheheavens.And
theyheardavoicefromtheheavens,saying,Thouhastpreachedto
themthatsleep.Andaresponsewasheardfromthecross,Yea.
11Theythereforeconsideredonewithanotherwhethertogoaway
andshewthesethingstoPilate.Andwhiletheyyetthoughtthereon,
theheavensagainareseentoopen,andacertainmantodescendand
enterintothesepulchre.Whenthecenturionandtheythatwerewith
himsawthesethings,theyhastenedinthenighttoPilate,leavingthe
tombwhichtheywerewatching,anddeclaredallthingswhichthey
hadseen,beinggreatlydistressedandsaying,TrulyhewastheSon
ofGod.Pilateansweredandsaid,Iampurefromthebloodofthe
SonofGod:butitwasyewhodeterminedthis.Thentheyalldrew
nearandbesoughthimandentreatedhimtocommandthecenturion
andthesoldierstosaynothingofthethingswhichtheyhadseen:For
itisbetter,saythey,forustobeguiltyofthegreatestsinbeforeGod,
andnottofallintothehandsofthepeopleoftheJewsandtobe
stoned.Pilatethereforecommandedthecenturionandthesoldiersto
saynothing.
12AndatdawnupontheLord'sdayMaryMagdalene,adiscipleof
theLord,fearingbecauseoftheJews,sincetheywereburningwith
wrath,hadnotdoneattheLord'ssepulchrethethingswhichwomen
arewonttodoforthosethatdieandforthosethatarebelovedby
them—shetookherfriendswithherandcametothesepulchrewhere
hewaslaid.AndtheyfearedlesttheJewsshouldseethem,andthey
said,Althoughonthatdayonwhichhewascrucifiedwecouldnot
weepandlament,yetnowletusdothesethingsathissepulchre.But
whoshallrollawayforusthestonethatwaslaidatthedoorofthe
sepulchre,thatwemayenterinandsitbyhimanddothethingsthat
aredue?Forthestonewasgreat,andwefearlestsomeoneseeus.
Andifwecannot,yetifwebutsetatthedoorthethingswhichwe
bringasamemorialofhim,wewillweepandlament,untilwecome
untoourhome.
13Andtheywentandfoundthetombopened,andcomingnearthey
lookedinthere;andtheyseethereacertainyoungmansittinginthe
midstofthetomb,beautifulandclothedinarobeexceedingbright;
whosaidtothem,Whereforeareyecome?Whomseekye?Himthat
wascrucified?Heisrisenandgone.Butifyebelievenot,lookinand
seetheplacewherehelay,thatheisnothere;forheisrisenand
gonethither,whencehewassent.Thenthewomenfearedandfled.
14Nowitwasthelastdayoftheunleavenedbread,andmanywere
goingforth,returningtotheirhomes,asthefeastwasended.Butwe,
thetwelvedisciplesoftheLord,weptandweregrieved:andeach
one,beinggrievedforthatwhichwascometopass,departedtohis
home.ButISimonPeterandAndrewmybrothertookournetsand
wenttothesea;andtherewaswithusLevithesonofAlphæus,
whomtheLord...